Isle of Arran

The Lamlash Bay no-take zone on the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, is one of only a handful of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the British Isles where all forms of fishing are banned. The no-take zone was designated in 2008, following 13 years of campaigning by local community group the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), and sits within the larger South Arran Nature Conservation MPA. Together they contribute to the mere 4% of Scotland’s exclusive economic zone that is closed to damaging fishing methods like dredging and trawling.  

Just over one square mile in size, Lamlash Bay protects fragile maerl beds. These slow-growing coralline algae can take over 100 years to form and serve as important carbon stores. They are also extremely sensitive to damage and disruption.  

Research by the University of York, supported by Blue Marine, has documented the recovery of marine life as a result of protection, including shellfish species important to the local fishing fleet.  

This research is demonstrating the power of well-managed marine reserves, and their value to both marine life and fisheries. Our results are providing strong evidence to the Scottish government in support of highly or fully protected marine areas, in turn validating Blue Marine’s mission to see similar reserves established around the UK.