Community-led marine management
In Scotland, marine protected areas are largely established, managed and enforced through top-down, government led initiatives. This top down management alone has its limitations, particularly when it comes to addressing local community needs and encouraging sustainable, long-term stewardship.
Coastal communities often witness first hand the deterioration of marine and coastal ecosystems. They have a vital stake in marine issues and should be supported to lead in the conservation of their own local areas, driving bespoke and localised solutions to issues like biodiversity loss rather than a broad brush approach.
However, the possibilities for communities to lead on the management and protection of their local marine areas are often limited. There are also huge barriers to community-led marine management initiatives, such as a lack of funding and capacity, and our governance structures being really centralised.
CCN and partner organisations are currently working to explore what community-led marine protection could look like and how we can realise it in Scotland.
Some case studies of community-led management and co-management of marine areas by CCN members are below:
Lamlash Bay No Take Zone and MPA
Lamlash Bay No Take Zone (NTZ) was the first Community-led Marine Reserve of its kind in Scotland when established in 2008 after years of campaigning by COAST. Their work continues today with engagement, research and monitoring around the NTZ, as well as a host of other activities.
Image by COAST
Fair Isle Demonstration & Research MPA
Fair Isle is a small island within the Shetland islands which is home to Scotland’s first and only Demonstration and Research MPA. The local community seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of a community led partnership approach in achieving long term sustainable marine management.
Berwickshire Marine Reserve
Established in 1984, the Berwickshire Marine Reserve (BMR) remains the first and only marine reserve in Scotland. They work with local users to promote safe and enjoyable recreational use and sustainable fisheries for the benefit of everyone.
