The Scottish Government has proposed significant restrictions on fishing in nearly two-fifths of its waters to enhance marine biodiversity protection, with plans for zoned or full bans on fishing equipment at 20 designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The consultation, which runs until October 14, includes full bans at five sites, justified as essential for conservation. Gillian Martin, the SNP's net zero secretary, emphasized the need for immediate action to bolster marine ecosystems amidst biodiversity and climate crises, while the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation expressed concerns over potential exclusions of fishermen from large sea areas. This initiative follows the government's previous attempt to establish Highly Protected Marine Areas, which was scrapped due to backlash from coastal communities and the seafood industry. In a separate context, environmental NGOs in the Maldives are advocating against the introduction of longline fishing for bigeye and yellowfin tuna, citing severe ecological threats and risks to existing sustainable fishing practices. They warn that allowing longline fishing could destabilize marine ecosystems and harm local fisheries reliant on traditional methods.