Award of Consultation Analysis for Highly Protected Marine Areas (MS-P-0240)

The Scottish Ministers invites a tender from a suitable contractor for consultation analysis. The overall aim of the contract is provide robust and timely analysis and reporting on the responses to the consultation, to inform future policy.The Scottish Government’s vision for the marine environment is for clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse seas, managed to meet the long term needs of nature and people. Through the Bute House Agreement, Scottish Ministers have committed to designate at least 10% of Scotland’s seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) by 2026. These sites will provide high levels of protection by placing strict limits on some human activities, such as fishing and aquaculture, while allowing some non-damaging activities to take place at carefully managed levels.HPMAs in Scottish waters will allow for the protection and recovery of marine ecosystems, contributing to halting biodiversity loss and aiding our efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. They will build upon our existing network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), representing a significant increase in the overall level of protection afforded to Scotland’s seas.The purpose of the HPMA consultation is to gain insight from stakeholders with an interest in the marine environment. The consultation is aimed at organisations, NGO and individuals.