Marine joy

Lesley Riddoch’s article (Perspective, 6 February) raised questions about devolution, designation and site management. Devolution is welcome, which is why we pushed for a Marine (Scotland) Act and for it to enable delivery of local marine plans.

However, decisions regarding nationally and internationally important places require a national perspective, combined with effective community engagement. The Mingulay coldwater coral reefs, supporting more than 400 species, are unique in UK, and possibly EU, inshore waters.

In the Sound of Barra the beds of maerl, a fragile coral-like seaweed providing nursery grounds for commercial species, are the UK’s largest.

Although out of sight, they are no less important than terrestrial counterparts. For Scotland not to recognise these places would be akin to ignoring the Glen Affric pine forests or Forsinard flow country.

Their sustainable management and protection will help to secure a sustainable future for fragile coastal communities.

They are by no means “no-take zones” and designation will not affect the many activities compatible with the conservation of these precious habitats. Marine protected areas are an essential tool, along with others, to regenerate our seas and the communities that rely on them.

Calum Duncan

Marine Conservation Society

Chester Street

Edinburgh