| Turbot Bank MPA | |
|---|---|
 The location and extent of the Turbot Bank MPA, shown in red | |
| Location | North Sea,Scotland |
| Coordinates | 57°23′N0°53′W / 57.383°N 0.883°W /57.383; -0.883 |
| Area | 251 km2 (97 sq mi)[1] |
| Designation | Scottish Government |
| Established | 2014 |
| Operator | Marine Scotland |
TheTurbot Bank is a shelf bank and mound feature of the seabed of theNorth Sea that lies off the east coast ofScotland, about 44 kilometres (27 mi) east ofPeterhead. The depth of water above the bank varies from 60 m below sea level on top of the bank down to 80 m at its margins.[2] It has been designated as aNature Conservation Marine Protected Area since 2014.[1]
It is an important habitat forsand eels, small fish of various species that are eaten by seabirds such asAtlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) andblack-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), as well as fish such asplaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and marine mammals such asdolphins. The bank is particularly associated withRaitt's sand eel (Ammodytes marinus), which live buried in the sand of the bank for months at a time.[2]
| Historic Marine Protected Areas | |
|---|---|
| Nature Conservation MPAs |
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| Demonstration and Research MPA | |
