The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has WELCOMED the government’s announcement that the catchment and estuary of the Ythan river in north east Scotland is to be designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

SEPA and its predecessor body, the North East River Purification Board, strongly recommended designation to the government in 1997 and 1993 respectively, on the basis of extensive scientific research which linked enhanced levels of nitrates in the river with the agricultural use of inorganic fertilisers and animal manures.

The major environmental impact of nitrate enhancement is ‘eutrophication’ - excessive growth of algae and blanket weed - which adversely affects the food sources of fish and wading birds in the area.

Professor David Mackay, Director of SEPA’s North Region, said:

"I am delighted that the Ythan is to be designated, because this will afford the river and its estuary the protection it deserves. We now have several years to complete an overall plan for which preparation has been underway for some time. SEPA feels that this offers enormous benefits to farmers, the community and the environment, and gives us all a truly sustainable way forward."