Special Protected Areas (SPAs)
Key Findings
SPAs are designations specifically for protecting bird species, be they an endangered or unique population (NatureScot 2023). SPAs (and SACs) are part of the European ‘Natura 2000’ network of protected areas (Scottish Government, n.d.). In the UK, these sites are protected by the ‘Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994’ (JNCC, 2024), and are most often also classified as SSSIs (Scottish Government, n.d.)
162 SPAs can be found in Scotland, both onshore and offshore (NatureScot, 2023), including the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA in the East Grampian area (NatureScot, 2020).
Fig. 1: SPA in North East Scotland NMPi
Notes
Linked Information Sheets
Seafood Landings by Value into the North East of Scotland - Employment in the fishing industry offshore- Employment in the fishing industry onshore- Markets for Seafood - Fraserburgh Harbour, Peterhead Harbour - Aberdeen Harbour - Small Harbours north of Aberdeen - Small Harbours South of Aberdeen – Status of key commercial species – Numbers of fishing vessels – Training - Employment - Mackerel line catch value
Key sources of Information
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Status
First Draft (this is for demonstration only at this time and has not been reviewed)
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