Marine Protected Areas in the Seas around Scotland

This guidance sets what HMPAs are for and describes the processes that we follow when advising the Scottish Government on designating HMPAs. Advice is also provided on the management of HMPAs, including duties on public authorities, managing impacts through marine planning and licensing, and the use of Marine Conservation Orders where it is necessary to restrict, prohibit or regulate activities that significantly hinder the ‘preservation objectives’ for an HMPA. 

This guidance is intended to be of use to a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations who may interact with a HMPA and need to know what this designation means for them.