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Lamlash Bay - Community Marine Conservation Area Update

Lamlash bay, Isle of Arran is a popular destination for dinghy and cruising sailors in the Clyde, offering great scenery and a sheltered bay with visitor moorings.   Whilst sailors only tend to see the above water scenery, the underwater habitat is equally stunning.  Divers undertaking survey work discovered beautiful maerl (1) seaweed beds, which are important nursery grounds for young fish and shellfish.  Concerns over damage to the seabed from scallop dredging and fishing activities prompted the local community to get together and discuss proposals to help protect marine wildlife in Lamlash Bay and the Clyde.

In January 2008 the first community Marine Conservation Area in Scotland, in Lamlash Bay, was announced by the Scottish Government and consultation for this proposal closed on 5th June 2008.  The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) initiated proposals for the marine reserve, which over the last two years has been developed by the Lamlash Bay Working Group, comprising community representatives from COAST, the fishing industry and conservationists.  The proposals are intended to protect local shellfish populations and the maerl beds, thereby maintaining and improving marine biodiversity.   The proposed Community Marine Conservation Area will include:

1.  a marine reserve where there will a ban on all fishing activity (see map)
2. a fisheries management area in the remainder of the bay

Scientific monitoring, especially for scallops will also be carried out.

“the proposals strike a balance between fishing and marine conservation” -   Richard Lochhead, Environment Secretary.

Do your bit in Protecting Marine Biodiversity:  When sailing in the beautiful waters around Arran or when visiting Lamlash Bay by boat please be aware of these proposals, respect the Marine Reserve and do not fish in the No-Take Zone.  Offenders face prosecution and a fine.

For further information on the proposals and consultation visit:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/18144031/0

(1)Maerl is a free living form of some calcified red sea weeds that can form deep beds and reefs.  It provides an important nursery ground for young fish and shellfish, offering food and protection from predators.  Maerl can support over 600 species, including Queen Scallops which are found in greater numbers on maerl than in other habitats.