1. I am delighted that I came in at that point, Presiding Officer.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking regarding the consideration of protection for flapper skate. (S5O-05090)

I am pleased to announce the urgent designation of the Red Rocks and Longay marine protected area, which is located in the inner sound of Skye, to protect flapper skate. That action is complemented by an urgent marine conservation order, and both orders will take effect on 17 March 2021. The MPA, which will cover approximately 6 square kilometres, will provide strict interim protection for a nationally important nursery area and will support conservation of this critically endangered species.

Our proposal for permanent protection of the location will be the subject of a public consultation during 2022.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Do we have James Dornan?

Yes, I hope so.

Can the Minister explain why it is important that we take that action urgently? What is the scientific basis for the designation?

Protection of the site is vital to support the conservation of this critically endangered species, which is protected internationally. Historically, flapper skate were abundant in the north-east Atlantic, but their range has reduced significantly. This is the first skate egg habitat of this scale to be found in Scotland and little is known about flapper skate breeding. We have therefore taken the precautionary approach of providing interim protection from all activities that could affect the area while we develop proposals for permanent protection.

Does the Minister agree with the Our Seas coalition, which is concerned that the Scottish Government’s claim that 30 per cent of our seas are protected is misleading because many of those supposed protected areas do not actually have protective measures in place?

As the member knows, the Scottish Government is firmly committed to our marine protected areas, including the site that we are discussing. A hundred sites have fisheries management measures, of which 26 are specifically for nature conservation purposes. The Scottish Government is committed to the effect that the marine protected areas have and to the need for them in order to protect the species that we all treasure across the country.