Information

The Hebridean Partnership concept has evolved from the thoughts and actions of local people. Many of these people have first hand knowledge of local waters and the problems that they face. In addition to having this local input, several are or have been islanders and many live in rural areas.

 Membership encompasses most of the commercial sectors including fishermen and those employed in aquaculture. Membership includes schools, Community Councils and organisations. In recent years there has been an increase from the science fraternity and from the tourist industry.

 We believe that information, actual and unbiased information is central to any community activity or proposal. Members of the Partnership have travelled to different parts of the area giving talks and answering questions about the benefits of Marine Protected Areas, No take Zones and Marine National Parks.

 Around the world these Marine Protected Areas work. Both for the environment, animals and humans, both in the commercial exploitation industries and the more social and recreational sectors. Try a web search for yourself and get the information first hand?

 Currently there is very little actual protection given to our seas and coastal zones. Most existing legislation stops at Mean High Water Springs or Mean High Water depending on whether you live in Scotland or England and Wales. The EC Habitats Directive gives the best current protection to specific areas through Natura 2000 sites. Unfortunately in Scotland there appears to be a reluctance to engage within the “spirit” of the Habitats Directive, a lack of will to enforce the current legislation.

 Scotland does however have the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, Section 31 of which caters for the marine environment to be included under its powers. The Scottish Act differs slightly to other National Parks around the world in its Aims; Not only does it protect the environment but it allows for sustainable development, and this includes fishing, aquaculture and agriculture.

 An anti-lobby to the Coastal and Marine National Park idea has become established. Predominantly headed by those with singular vested commercial interests. Early propaganda from these industries gave the impression of Park…No Jobs! This concept could not be further from the truth, remember the section within the Act, laid down by Statute: which allows for “sustainable development”.

 Rumours travel fast in small communities and as with “Chinese Whispers” the message alters at some of the transfers. Many people are simply afraid of change and have joined the ban-wagon. Unfortunately this and the way in which some within the industries operate has lead to others feeling intimidated, and they feel that it is difficult to state their views openly. One of the local newspapers also publishes two fishing and two aquaculture publications; many of the “Headers” within the paper are negative to the Park idea.

 Members of the Hebridean Partnership offer their services free of charge and are willing to give talks and answer questions. More importantly, we listen to your views and some of these views become incorporated within our own ideas, this is how the Partnership has evolved.

 If you have information or would like to get more of the facts please contact us, for details, follow the link on the “Contacts” page. The Partnership is a non-profit making organisation, all members are voluntary. We operate on a small budget, raised through membership and private donations. If you would like to join, please fill out a Membership Form and send it to us, details on the “Contacts” page.