Review of troubled marine plan
20 November 2012 Last updated at 11:55 Fishermen and conservationists have clashed over the planned designation for the Sound of Barra An independent review will examine the scientific case for a proposed special area of conservation (SAC) in the Sound of Barra in the Western Isles. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said the designation was needed to protect rare and fragile marine life, a move supported by Conservationists. But fishermen and Rory MacNeil, chief of Clan MacNeil of Barra, fear SAC status will restrict fishing. The Scottish government said the review would guide its decision on the plan. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has backed the idea of making the Sound of Barra a special area of conservation (SAC), describing it as one of "Scotland's wildlife jewels". It said the area's sandbanks, reefs and harbour seal habitats need greater protection. There are 40 existing marine SACs in Scotland. Parliament...
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