Marine heritage

Underwater heritage is as important to identify, investigate and protect as our heritage on land.

What is a Marine Protected Area?

Learn about Scotland's underwater heritage, which can include wrecks, harbours and remains of human settlements.
Search for a Historic Marine Protected Area

Search for Scotland's marine heritage, either on a map or by keyword.
Designation process: Historic Marine Protected Areas

How we designate Marine Protected Areas, from nomination to consultation.
Propose a site as a Marine Protected Area

Find out how to propose a new Marine Protected Area, or request a review of an existing area.
Historic Marine Protected Area records

Learn more about each Historic Marine Protected Area, including maps, preservation objectives, and advice.
Conserving our marine heritage: How to help

Anyone can help to record and conserve our underwater heritage.
Scapa Flow

Find out about Scapa Flow in Orkney and how we're protecting the wrecks of the German High Seas Fleet.