Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
Key Findings
SACs are designations for protecting any habitat or species listed in the Habitats Directive (NatureScot, 2024), a list of thousands of species and hundreds of habitat types that are important to maintain (European Commission, n.d.). The Habitats Directive does not include bird species, as they have a separate protected designation – SPAs (Scottish Government, n.d.). The Habitats Directive list relevant to Scotland can be viewed here: https://www.nature.scot/doc/habitats-and-species-habitats-directive-which-occur-scotland-and-which-special-areas-conservation
SACs (and SPAs) 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). In Scotland there are 243 SACs, onshore and offshore, with some even crossing the border to England (Nature Scot, 2024). An example in the East Grampian region is the Sands of Forvie SAC (NatureScot, 2005).
Fig. 1: Special Areas of Conservation 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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