WILDLIFE campaigners are “delighted” today after the Scottish Government announced four new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been designated.

Another 12 sites have also been given Special Protection Area status, in an effort to further protect Scotland’s vulnerable marine birds.

Some 230 sites now have marine protection measures, covering 37% of Scottish seas.

Campaigners from Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) welcomed the news, which includes the protection areas submitted in 2011 to help populations of minke whales and Risso’s dolphins.

The National:

The WDC had previously handed more than 36,000 signatures to the Environment Minister calling for further protection in the areas.

The new MPAs are in north-east Lewis, sea of the Hebrides, Shiant East Bank and the Southern Trench.

In a statement the WDC’s policy manager, Sarah Dolman, said: “WDC are delighted that the Scottish Government has designated these whale and dolphin Marine Protected Areas.

“We would like to congratulate the Scottish Natural Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon, MSP, for taking this important step.

“This year, like no other, we have become aware of how important and treasured wildlife is and these MPAs, with high levels of protection and wider investment to enable and document marine species recovery, will help us to understand and fully protect these gentle giants.

“In return, these will be wonderful places for us to visit and enjoy whales and dolphins from a distance.”

Announcing the new MPAs earlier, Gougeon said it our “duty” to protect and enhance our marine environment.

She went on: “Not only are our seas fundamental to our way of life, they provide habitats for a hugely diverse range of marine wildlife and it is vital that we ensure appropriate protection for them.

“Scotland’s waters are home to many unique species and these designations ensure our MPA network is fully representative of our marine diversity, exceeding the proposed international target to achieve 30% of global MPA coverage by 2030.”