Tiny, remote Rockall given special conservation status to protect coral

ALMOST 4,000 square miles of seabed beneath the stormy waters surrounding the tiny island of Rockall, more than 300 miles from the Scottish coast, are to be given special protected status to conserve a rare species of cold water coral.

And the status of Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is also to be given to a 45 mile long rocky ridge on the seabed, 180 miles north of Lewis, that was formed by icebergs at the end of the last Ice Age.

Rockall is the most remote island in UK waters, and has previously been the subject of international dispute, with Iceland, Denmark and Ireland also claiming the outpost in the past.

The Scottish government and fishing groups welcomed the new protection for the waters around the outcrop, saying it will help protect wildlife in the remote area.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The Scottish Government has strengthened its commitment to protecting precious wildlife habitats.

"Wildlife tourism annually brings in a net value of 65 million to Scotland's economy and creates the equivalent of 2,760 full-time jobs. As one of Europe's leading year-round wildlife destinations with a reputation for natural heritage, Scotland has a great deal to offer."

Scottish Fishermen's Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong

said: "Protection of the marine environment lies close to the hearts of Scottish fishermen, because a healthy ecosystem leads to productive seas.

"It is vital that a sensible balance is achieved between marine protection and ensuring fishermen can continue to sustainably harvest a wonderful and renewable food resource.

"The Scottish fishing industry was involved in the consultation process for these two new SACs and it is essential that such co-operation continues, so as to minimise any impact on the traditional and sustainable activities of the fishing industry, while at the same time ensuring the protection of our valuable marine environment."

The Scottish Government confirmed that the SAC designation had been awarded to both the North-west Rockall Bank and the Wyville Thomson Ridge. A spokeswoman said: "The North-west Rockall Bank is being designated to protect the stony reef and biogenic reef featuring the rare cold water coral Lophelia pertusa.

"The new SAC is 330km west of St Kilda and covers 4,365 square kilometres of seabed, roughly the size of the Scottish Borders."

She added: "These sites provide important habitats for a multitude of species and have been submitted, as part of a UK package, to the European Commission for inclusion in the European Natural 2000 network.

"The sites were selected using the best scientific evidence, and have undergone a rigorous and transparent assessment.

"They will bring protection to vulnerable habitats and the marine life that thrives on them."