Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be designated by Scottish Ministers under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. The boundaries of the Possible Demonstration and Research MPAs provided in this dataset represent the recommendation within the 12 nautical mile Territorial Sea limit. The following URL provides a link to further information on the Possible Demonstration and Research MPAs: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork/DandRMPAsFor information regarding the wider MPA network in Scotland’s seas and protected areas management see: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork,www.snh.gov.uk/mpasand www.jncc.defra.gov.uk/scottishmpas
