Priority Marine Features (PMFs) in Scotland's seas
Priority Marine Features (PMFs) are habitats and species which we consider to be marine nature conservation priorities in Scottish waters.
Scotland's coasts and seas are among the most biologically productive in the world, supporting an estimated 8,000 species of plants and animals (and up to 40,000 species if microscopic organisms are included!). New species are still being discovered, particularly in deeper waters to the north and west, and measures to protect this extraordinary biodiversity asset have been evolving rapidly over the last 30 years.
The aim of the Priority Marine Features work is to produce a focused list of marine habitats and species to help target future conservation work in Scotland.
Priority marine features
Find out more about the recommended list of Priority Marine Features in Scotland's seas.