Marine Life Begins to Return to Protected Scottish Waters

Early signs of recovery have been recorded on a protected area of seabed in Scotland that was severely damaged by illegal fishing activity, offering hope that marine ecosystems can recover when given effective protection.

Conservationists say the findings from the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area (MPA) near Ullapool demonstrate the resilience of nature when destructive fishing methods such as trawling and dredging are kept away from vulnerable habitats.

The discovery comes as environmental groups renew calls for stronger protection across Scotland’s coastal waters.

Illegal Dredging Left Lasting Damage

Dredging is widely regarded by conservationists as one of the most destructive forms of commercial fishing. The practice involves dragging heavy equipment across the seabed to collect scallops buried beneath the sediment.

This method can devastate delicate marine habitats by destroying seabed structures and the wildlife that depends on them.

The Wester Ross Marine Protected Area, established in 2016, covers around 231 square miles (600 square kilometres) of coastal waters, including Loch Broom, Gruinard Bay and Loch Ewe.

Its seabed, shaped by retreating glaciers following the last Ice Age, provides an important habitat for flame shells and maerl beds. These unique underwater environments support a wide variety of marine life, including sea cucumbers, scallops, sea urchins and many other species.

However, in 2019 an illegal scallop dredger dragged its gear through part of the protected area near the island of Eilean Dubh. Divers later documented extensive damage to the seabed.

Encouraging Signs of Marine Recovery

Scientists estimate it could take at least a decade for the damaged habitat to recover fully. However, recent surveys using remotely operated underwater drones have revealed promising progress.

Large numbers of sea cucumbers, which can bury themselves beneath the sand to avoid fishing gear, have returned to the recovery area.

Researchers have also recorded the presence of cat sharks, cushion sea stars, crabs and returning algae, although the more complex marine habitats that existed before the damage are still years away from fully re-establishing themselves.

Nearby sections of the marine protected area that have never been disturbed continue to support rich, three-dimensional underwater ecosystems filled with diverse marine life.

Healthy Seabeds Support Fish Populations

Phil Taylor, director of Open Seas, said these undisturbed habitats play a vital role as nursery grounds for young fish, particularly cod.

“Cod, of course, is one of the species we all want to see recovered in these areas. Cod once were here in such abundance that they were caught commercially and landed into the harbours all around the coastline,” he said.

“They don’t really exist in those kinds of abundance any more so we all need to band together and figure out how we can recover it.”

Healthy seabeds provide shelter and food for juvenile fish, helping strengthen marine biodiversity and support more resilient fish populations.

Campaigners Call for Stronger Marine Protection

The findings have added momentum to calls from the Our Seas coalition of scientists, conservation groups, campaigners and some fishermen for stronger safeguards across Scotland’s inshore waters.

Campaigners are urging the Scottish Government to introduce fishing restrictions covering at least 30% of Scotland’s inshore waters and are presenting a petition to the Scottish Parliament.

Although more than 240 Marine Protected Areas have been designated around Scotland, conservation groups argue that many still allow fishing practices capable of damaging sensitive habitats.

Joe Richards, Scotland Project Manager at the Blue Marine Foundation, said:

“The Scottish public is tired of waiting. More than 16,500 people have added their names to a simple call – stop delaying and start protecting Scotland’s coastal seas.

“Our coastal waters are becoming devoid of life and we are losing fishing boats and coastal jobs as a result.”

An assessment by Environmental Standards Scotland also criticised progress in protecting and restoring the seabed, stating that ministers have been “non-compliant and ineffective” in delivering marine environmental regulations and highlighting a “persistent gap between ambition and delivery.”

The report added that progress has been “slow, inadequate and falling short of key targets.”

Scottish Government and Fishing Industry Respond

Scottish Marine Minister Jim Fairlie said:

“Scottish ministers take the protection and restoration of the marine environment seriously, and I am happy to meet with representatives to receive their petition and hear their concerns.

“I appreciate that there will be differing views about how best to manage the incredible natural resources we have and I and my colleagues across government will work with all partners to ensure that we are responsible custodians of our seas.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation argues that protecting marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities should go hand in hand.

Chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said:

“Everyone wants healthy seas, abundant marine life and thriving coastal communities.”

She added that proposals to ban trawling and dredging in 30% of inshore waters “is based on an arbitrary target rather than scientific evidence, and takes little account of the diversity of Scotland’s coastline, seabed habitats, fisheries and fishing communities.”

Macdonald also said existing fisheries are already heavily regulated and that future management measures should remain “proportionate”.

Greenpeace Plans Further Direct Action

Environmental organisation Greenpeace has also announced plans to increase protection for offshore Marine Protected Areas by placing large boulders on sections of the seabed.

The barriers are intended to prevent bottom-trawling vessels from accessing sensitive habitats, as fishing boats typically avoid areas where large rocks could damage nets and fishing gear.

The organisation has previously used similar methods in the southern North Sea, the English Channel and off England’s south-west coast.

Protecting Marine Habitats for Future Generations

At Natural World Fund, we recognise that healthy oceans depend on well-managed marine habitats where wildlife has the opportunity to recover and thrive. Protecting sensitive seabeds from damaging activities supports biodiversity, strengthens fish populations and helps build more resilient marine ecosystems. By supporting marine conservation, scientific research and sustainable management, we can help safeguard our seas for both wildlife and future generations.

If you care about restoring native wildlife, support the work of Natural World Fund today.