COAST celebrates the 8th anniversary of the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone

COAST was the driving force behind the creation of Scotland’s first No Take Zone (NTZ) in 2008.

A NTZ is an area of sea and seabed from which no marine life can be removed by any method.  Scientific evidence has shown that NTZs are one of the most effective ways to ensure marine regeneration.

The Lamlash Bay NTZ is approximately a one square mile area at the north end of Lamlash Bay on the isle of Arran set up to protect Maerl beds and to promote natural regeneration of all marine life. Following 13 years of campaigning by COAST, it was designated by the Scottish Government on 20 September 2008.

In 2013, COAST and the community of Arran and the Clyde celebrated five years of the NTZ being in place.  Surveys taken show that after five years, the seabed is now 40 per cent more complex and healthier than the area outside the NTZ.  There are higher densities of scallops, crabs and lobsters, both older and larger, being recorded and increased numbers of juvenile cod and haddock. The NTZ has benefited the local economy by attracting visitors and divers to Arran.  In time, commercial fishermen will gain with bigger and better catches in the neighbouring overspill areas.

On this 20th September a jolly bunch of COAST staff, volunteers, supporters and visiting researchers gathered in Creelers Restaurant for a celebration dinner to mark the 8th anniversary of the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone.