Loch Creran
| Loch Creran MPA | |
|---|---|
Marine Scotland |
Loch Creran is a
A828 road. The village of Barcaldine
lies on the south shore of the loch.
The loch narrows and becomes shallower at both Eriska and Creagan, meaning that tidal currents are accelerated through these points. This provides aeration and nutrition to the beds of
seapen.[3][4] In 2014 the entire loch (an area of 1,200 hectares (12 km2)) was declared a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area, to protect its flame shell beds and quaternary geological features.[1] Within the MPA the use of fishing gear that may damage the seabed is prohibited, although rod and line fishing and creeling is permitted.[5] The MPA is designated a Category IV protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature,[6] and is also protected as a Special Area of Conservation.[7]
At the head of Loch Creran lies the
otters.[10] The River Creran
flows into Loch Creran by this reserve.
References
- ^ a b "Loch Creran MPA(NC)". NatureScot. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ Council, Argyll and Bute (11 January 2011). "Loch Creran Guide". Argyll and Bute Council.
- ^ "Loch Creran Marine Protected Area Site Summary". Scottish Government. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "Horse mussel beds". NatureScot. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- Queen’s Printer for Scotland. 16 December 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
- ^ "Loch Creran in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". Protected Planet. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
- ^ "Loch Creran SAC". NatureScot. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserves". NatureScot. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "Glen Creran Woods SSSI". NatureScot. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "Glen Creran Woods SAC". NatureScot. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
| Historic Marine Protected Areas | |
|---|---|
| Nature Conservation MPAs |
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| Demonstration and Research MPA | |
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