Community of Arran Seabed Trust

That the Parliament welcomes the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) being recognised as "highly commended" in the Coast and Waters Category at the Nature of Scotland Awards in November 2023; recognises what it sees as the hard work of COAST in conserving, restoring and researching Arran's diverse marine environment over the past three decades; understands that the Lamlash Bay No Take Zone (NTZ) was the first community-led marine reserve of its kind in Scotland when established in 2008, following 13 years of campaigning by COAST; further understands that no fish or shellfish can be taken from the waters or seabed of the NTZ, and that damaging towed bottom trawl and dredge fishing are limited or restricted within the wider South Arran Marine Protected Area (MPA); believes that the fisheries management measures around Arran are facilitating recovery; understands that survey data shows a general increase in marine life and complexity of seabed habitats in the NTZ and the density of marine life in the MPA almost doubling, and thanks COAST for what it sees as the active role that it continues to play in the recovery of marine biodiversity around the Isle of Arran, engaging with the local community and championing meaningful action to protect Arran’s sea life for generations to come.