Part 5Marine protection and enhancement: the Scottish marine protection area
Demonstration and Research MPAs
I171Demonstration and Research MPAs: additional requirements relating to designation
1
An area may be designated by a designation order as a Demonstration and Research MPA if the Scottish Ministers consider it desirable to do so for any of the following purposes—
a
demonstration of sustainable methods of marine management or exploitation,
b
research into such matters.
2
The order must state—
a
whether it is for the purpose of demonstration or research, or both,
b
the method or methods of marine management or exploitation to be demonstrated or researched.
3
In considering whether to designate an area, the Scottish Ministers may—
a
have regard in particular to the views of any relevant delegate as to the desirability of demonstrating or researching sustainable methods of marine management or exploitation in the area,
b
have regard to any social or economic consequences of designation.
4
For the purposes of subsection (3)(a), a “relevant delegate” means any delegate designated in a direction under section 12(1)(b) to exercise functions in relation to a regional marine plan for the Scottish marine region in which any part of the proposed Demonstration and Research MPA lies.
I272Demonstration and Research MPAs: further provision
1
A designation order designating an area as a Demonstration and Research MPA—
a
must identify the area's boundaries,
b
may provide for a boundary to be determined by, or by reference to, mean high water spring tide.
2
A Demonstration and Research MPA may include (in addition to an area of sea referred to in section 67(1)) an area of seashore lying above mean high water spring tide if—
a
the area of seashore adjoins the area of sea, and
b
the inclusion of the area of seashore is necessary to further or support the purpose for which the area of sea is designated.