Red Rocks and Longay Marine Protected Area: business and regulatory impact assessment

Objective

The purpose of the MPA network is to safeguard important species, habitats and geology across Scotland's marine environment. Maintaining or improving biological diversity by having an ecologically coherent MPA network that meets a range of obligations such as:

• The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010
• The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009
• The Convention on Biological Diversity
• The World Summit on Sustainable Development
• The OSPAR convention
• UK Marine Strategy
• Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

The Red Rocks and Longay site has been identified for designation as an MPA due to the confirmed presence of biodiversity features detailed above. The proposed management measures are also based on this scientific evidence base combined with fishing activity data.

Evidence in this BRIA is drawn from the work of statutory nature conservation body NatureScot (previously known as Scottish Natural Heritage). This has been updated as required. It brings together the science-led arguments for management and the projected potential social and economic consequences of such action. This BRIA examines the socio-economic effects of designating the Red Rocks and Longay

MPA and introducing management measures. The appraisal period for assessing the socio-economic impacts covers the period from 2022 to 2042, although benefits will be delivered for longer if effective management measures remain in force. As with any socio-economic assessment related to environmental designations, the findings should be considered as estimates. Where uncertainty exists, such as for fisheries, they are deliberately presented as worst-case scenarios to build in necessary caution.