The Scottish Government has proposed three new zones off the Western Isles to provide designated areas of protection to minke whale and basking sharks.
The new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) would also protect Risso’s dolphins and a wide range of biodiversity and geological features.
A fourth MPA is earmarked for the Aberdeenshire coast.
Fishing and other activities face potential restrictions in a MPA.
A consultation has been launched over the proposals
The largest of the four proposed areas is the Sea of the Hebrides to protect basking shark, minke whale and fronts.
Fronts are created by cool nutrient-
The proposed protected features for a zone off north east Lewis include Risso’s dolphins and sandeels.
Shiant East Bank in the middle of the Minch hosts sponge habitats and sea fans, a variety of coral.
Southern Trench, Aberdeenshire: The proposed protected features include minke whale.
Plan for new marine protection zones off the Hebrides to protect whales and dolphins
9 June 2019