Latest news with #MPAs
The Independent
5 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Marine conservation group claims damage to seabeds is a ‘national scandal'
Marine campaigners have accused Scottish ministers of continuing to allow 'destructive' fishing practices to be carried out in protected areas – claiming this not only breaches international obligations but is a 'national scandal'. The conservation charity Open Seas made the comments as it published its Ocean Witness report, a major survey of seabeds within Scotland's marine protected areas (MPAs). The report – published in the run-up to the global UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June – is based on more than 300 seabed surveys that were carried out during a five-month period, with the work done in collaboration with Greenpeace UK. It found that while habitats like maerl beds – which are formed by special seaweeds in shallow seabeds – and seagrass meadows are 'crucial parts of our biodiversity', it claimed in some areas these 'remain unprotected from destructive fishing practices'. Open Seas – which successfully took the Scottish Government to court in 2023 – said while MPAs had been brought in 'to safeguard Scotland's most vulnerable marine ecosystems', it added that 'numerous MPAs lack effective management measures'. As a result, it claimed this allowed 'harmful fishing practices', such as bottom trawling and scallop dredging to persist within their boundaries. 'This ongoing damage not only undermines the intended conservation goals but also threatens the very habitats these MPAs were established to protect,' the report stated. Open Seas said its surveys 'uncovered clear evidence that in many cases these so-called 'protected' areas are merely lines on a map with little real world impact on marine conservation'. One of the examples given was the Papa Westray MPA, which is located at the north end of the island of Papa Westray in Orkney. The group said that despite the area being designated as an MPA 'there are still no restrictions against trawling and dredging within or even near the area'. This, the report said, made it 'yet another example of a protected area that exists in name and not in practice'. The Open Seas research found that marine habitats in areas such as Papa Westray as well as Loch Creran in Argyll and Bute and the Sound of Jura on the west of Scotland are 'actively degraded'. Open Seas accused the Scottish Government of failing to meet international targets under the UN convention on biological diversity and the global biodiversity framework. The campaigning charity also claimed Scottish ministers have 'broken their own promises to protect the most sensitive and important' marine habitats. Open Seas director Phil Taylor said: 'Scotland's marine protections are failing by design. 'Despite public statements and legal commitments, the Scottish Government is allowing destructive fishing inside supposedly protected areas. 'These failures are not only national scandals – they breach Scotland's international obligations to halt biodiversity loss and restore the health of our seas. 'We have heard repeated promises to deliver for our seas and the coastal communities who rely on them from Scottish ministers – sadly those promises have been broken just as regularly.' Mr Taylor continued: 'These are not just technical oversights – they are policy choices that carry environmental, legal and reputational risks. 'Scotland likes to be seen as a leader on the environment. But, as this report shows, we are still dragging our heels while the seabed is being dragged into decline. That must change, starting now.' Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: 'The lessons learnt in Scotland must be applied in all UK waters – allowing destructive industrial fishing practices like bottom trawling in marine protected areas is causing damage to fragile marine ecosystems and results in severe ecosystem degradation which is bad for everyone.' However, he said the research had also shown that 'where areas are meaningfully protected, marine life can recover and flourish' – adding that this 'should give us hope for the oceans'. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Management measures for the most vulnerable sites in the MPA network were implemented in 2016. 'Putting in place the remaining fisheries management measures for MPAs and further measures for the 11 Priority Marine Features most at risk from bottom trawling outside MPAs remains a top priority for this Government. 'Fisheries management measures will be implemented in 2025 for Offshore MPAs and as soon as possible for Inshore sites following the completion of the required statutory assessments and public consultation.'
Edinburgh Reporter
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Coastal Perspectives in the Marine World: From Scotland to Bangladesh
Lothians MSP, Foysol Choudhury recently visited 'Finding the Balance; Perspectives on Marine Protection', a presentation by the University of Edinburgh and SRUC postgraduate students. He reflects here on the partnership and how it affects everyone in the world. He is chair of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh, where there are 'similar climate induced struggles'. 'The Public Participation in Policy class at The University of Edinburgh has partnered with the Scottish Wildlife Trust to carry out a project to engage the Scottish public in discussions about inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with a group of postgraduate students presenting their research at the Scottish Parliament. 'The students conducted a series of interviews with aims to explore people's relationships with the sea, gaining insights into public knowledge and views on inshore MPAs, and ultimately translate these perspectives into policy recommendations. Their presentation was quite compelling and focused on people's true connections to the sea and its use. 'It is crucial to shine a spotlight on Scotland's marine environment and the deep connection its people share with the sea, as it plays a vital role in the economy and the lives of many coastal communities. With consultations and legislation like the National Marine Plan 2 under review, gaining diverse stakeholder perspectives is essential, particularly about inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to fully understand how these measures will affect coastal communities and their way of life. Research has revealed a significant gap in marine protection governance between policymakers and the public. This disconnect comes from limited access to reliable information, distrust in decision- making processes, and unequal power dynamics. 'Small-scale fishers feel excluded from policy discussions, perpetuating the perception that these policies favour more powerful interests. Yet, the strong public enthusiasm for marine protection offers a unique opportunity to bridge these gaps through more inclusive and participatory governance. 'The health of our marine environment and the impacts of the climate crisis are interconnected challenges that transcend borders, affecting coastal communities worldwide, from Scotland to Bangladesh. 'As the chair of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Bangladesh, I recognise the importance of addressing these challenges. Bangladesh, with its extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal, faces some of the most severe impacts of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, intensifying cyclones, and coastal erosion have placed immense pressure on the livelihoods of millions who depend on the marine environment. 'Despite contributing only a fraction to global emissions, Bangladesh ranks among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, with projections indicating that up to 18 million people could be displaced by rising seas by 2050. Coastal communities, particularly small-scale fishers, are at the forefront of this crisis, grappling with the loss of arable land, declining fish stocks, and frequent natural disasters. 'By fostering local participation, incorporating traditional knowledge, and ensuring equitable power- sharing in marine governance, Bangladesh can strengthen its resilience against climate-induced challenges. 'The parallels between Scotland's and Bangladesh's marine struggles highlight the universal need for inclusive and transparent governance. By learning from each other's experiences, both nations can work towards protecting their marine environments while empowering the communities that depend on them.' Like this: Like Related
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia expected to receive first Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Italy by end of 2026
TURIN: Malaysia is expected to receive its first Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Italian aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo by the end of 2026, with the second aircraft scheduled for delivery three months later, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said both aircraft are part of a procurement deal worth nearly RM900 million, finalised in 2023 to strengthen the country's defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. "As a maritime nation, Malaysia must have assets like these aircraft to carry out patrols. They will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems. "More importantly, the aircraft will be fitted with anti-submarine systems, enabling them to respond to related activities," he said during a working visit to Leonardo's facility here on Monday. Also present were Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Goriman Khan, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud and Leonardo Aeronautics Division managing director Stefano Bortoli. Khaled said the aircraft, whose airframe is built in Toulouse, France, will be outfitted with advanced systems including anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities before delivery to Malaysia. He described the procurement as a strategic investment to enhance the armed forces' readiness in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in the increasingly complex South China Sea. "We know the South China Sea presents its own unique challenges, with rising tensions and conflicts, so these acquisitions will greatly aid the country. "As of now, project progress has exceeded 60 per cent and remains on schedule. We are satisfied with the ongoing work carried out by Leonardo," he said. The MPA procurement is part of the RMAF acquisition plan outlined under its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP 55), which envisions the acquisition of six MPAs in phases. The MPAs to be received by the RMAF are designated as P-72M and are based on the widely used commercial ATR 72-600 aircraft, which is especially common in Southeast Asia. The P-72M's primary roles include anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare missions. Its secondary roles include search and rescue operations, surveillance of Malaysia's maritime zones, joint operations with armed forces units, and inter-agency enforcement with other government and security bodies.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
First maritime patrol aircraft from Italy to arrive by end-2026
Khaled (right) being briefed on the MPA project progress by Bortoli during his working visit to Turin on May 12. – BERNAMApic TURIN (Italy): Malaysia is expected to receive its first maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from Italian aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo by the end of next year with the second scheduled for delivery three months later, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the aircraft are part of a procurement deal worth nearly RM900mil finalised in 2023 to strengthen the country's defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. "As a maritime nation, Malaysia must have assets like these aircraft to carry out patrols. They will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems. "More importantly, the aircraft will be fitted with anti-submarine systems, enabling them to respond to related activities,' he said during a working visit to Leonardo's facility here on Monday (May 12). Also present were Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Goriman Khan, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud and Leonardo Aeronautics Division managing director Stefano Bortoli. ALSO READ: Defence Minister arrives in Italy for two-day official visit Khaled said the aircraft, with an airframe built in Toulouse, France, will be outfitted with advanced systems before delivery to Malaysia. He described the procurement as a strategic investment to enhance the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) readiness in addressing regional security challenges, particularly the increasingly complex issues in the South China Sea. "We know the South China Sea presents its own unique challenges, with rising tensions and conflicts, so these acquisitions will greatly aid the country. "As of now, project progress has exceeded 60% and remains on schedule. We are satisfied with the ongoing work carried out by Leonardo,' he said. The procurement is part of RMAF's acquisition plan outlined under its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP 55), which envisions the acquisition of six MPAs in phases. The MPAs to be received by the RMAF are designated as P-72M and based on the commercial ATR 72-600 aircraft, which is widely used in South-East Asia, The P-72M's primary roles include anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare missions. Its secondary roles include search and rescue operations, surveillance of Malaysia's maritime zones, joint operations with MAF units, and inter-agency enforcement with other government and security bodies. – Bernama
The Star
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Defence Minister arrives in Italy for two-day official visit
TURIN: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has arrived here Sunday (May 11) for a two-day official working visit to Turin. Arriving at the Malpensa Airport in Milan with a delegation from his ministry, Mohamed Khaled was welcomed by Malaysian Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam; Defence Attaché in Rome, Capt Mohd Kindil Md Akim; and Consul and Trade Commissioner in Milan, Ravidran Manogaran. Also present in the official working visit are Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan and Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud. Mohamed Khaled is scheduled to conduct an industrial visit to the facilities of aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo, besides inspecting the development of the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) construction in Turin. The acquisition of the MPA is part of the RMAF's procurement strategy outlined in its Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP 55), under which six MPAs are planned to be procured in phases. The phased acquisition of the MPA is being carried out through allocations under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), 13MP and 14MP, with approval for the aircraft procurement as a critical requirement granted under Rolling Plan 4, involving the first-phase purchase of two MPAs worth RM899mil. Mohamed Khaled is also scheduled to depart for Berlin, Germany, on Monday to attend the 2025 United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial forum. - Bernama
