Question reference: S5W-35346
- Asked by: John Finnie, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 19 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Ben Macpherson on 4 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether evidence showing that habitats of most importance to porpoises are most likely to be affected by acoustic deterrent devices has been factored into the licensing regime for such devices.
Answer
In accordance with regulation 44 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, in certain circumstances licences may be granted by the appropriate authority to undertake activities which would normally constitute an offence against a European Protected Species.
A licence can only be granted provided that it meets three tests, including that the action authorised must not be detrimental to the maintenance of the population of the species concerned at favourable conservation status. Any application for a European Protected Species licence would be assessed against these tests, bearing in mind also the impact of any determination on the welfare of farmed fish.