Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
Key Findings
Areas home to unique wildlife or environmental features may be designated an SSSI, due to their importance for scientific research (Cottam, 2019). For landowners, this designation gives them a legal responsibility to manage the land effectively. Natural England (2013) explains this responsibility as maintaining “favourable conditions” of the site, meaning it is illegal to either intentionally or accidentally allow the site to be degraded or damaged. As such, alterations made to the site require consent, which in Scotland is decided by NatureScot (2024).
We have 1440 SSSIs in Scotland (Scottish Government, n.d.), such as the Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary SSSI in the East Grampian Area (NatureScot, 1984).
Fig. 1: SSSI 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
Cottam (2019) SSSI Definition: What is it and what does it mean for conservation and development?
Natural England (2013) Sites of Special Scientific Interest and historical monuments
NatureScot (2024) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) – Consents
Scottish Government (n.d.) Sites of Special Scientific Interest
NatureScot (1984) Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary SSSI
Reviewed on/by
Status
First Draft (this is for demonstration only at this time and has not been reviewed)
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