Authorisation of things prohibited by this Order5

1

The Scottish Ministers may, following written application to them, issue a permit authorising any activity mentioned in paragraph (2) which would, apart from any such permit, be unlawful under this Order.

2

The activities mentioned in this paragraph are—

a

the deposit (by any means) of a camera and any associated apparatus on the seabed for the purpose of scientific research;

b

the removal by any means of—

i

anything from the seabed; or

ii

any part of the seabed,

for the purpose of scientific research; and

c

the deployment and use of pelagic trawls.

3

The Scottish Ministers must not determine an application by issuing a permit unless they are satisfied that there is no significant risk of the activity hindering the achievement of the stated conservation objectives for the South Arran MPA in relation to maerl beds.