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The Feature Activity Sensitivity Tool (FeAST) is a web-based application which allows users to investigate the sensitivity of marine features (habitats, species, geology and landforms) in Scotland's seas, to pressures arising from human activities. FeAST has been devised as a tool to be used in a variety of ways by anyone with an interest in potential impacts on marine features, for example:

• Conservation advisers and consultants
• Developers, planners and regulators
• People who work in marine industries (e.g. offshore development, marine renewables, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, seaweed harvesting, marine tourism and recreation)

FeAST has been used to underpin assessments in Scotland’s Marine Assessment 2020, supports the advice NatureScot provide and provides a transparent and consistent evidence base on sensitivity of habitats and species in Scotland.

The aim is that information on the sensitivity of all Scottish marine features of conservation importance will be incorporated into FeAST, with the evidence base updated periodically. To achieve that aim, there is work underway to ensure that FeAST includes all relevant marine features in Scottish waters, for example mobile species, all Priority Marine Features and Annex I habitats. FeAST provides sensitivity information at a feature level (e.g. horse mussel beds) and draws on evidence from a variety of sources including MarESA.

Further offshore feature information within designated sites can be found in JNCC Site Information Centres.

Sensitivity assessments that are supporting the planned consultation on Marine Protected Areas and Priority Marine Feature management measures for fishing activity can be found on NatureScot webpage as an interim measure and will be uploaded to FeAST as soon as possible.

There are ongoing updates to sensitivity assessments and improvements to the tool:

• In January 2026, the search tool (top right of window) has been updated with increased functionality.
• In Summer 2025, the tool was updated to increase usability and accessibility.

We would like to gather some feedback from our users about the functionality of FeAST. If you are able, please could you complete the following form. Any suggestions are welcome, this will help us continue to improve FeAST.

To find sensitivity assessments in FeAST, there are three different ‘Search by’ options.

• Search by Feature
• Search by Activity
• Search by Pressure

All ‘Search by’ options allow you to select the specific features, activities, and pressures that you are interested in via a series of selection pages. At the top of the selection pages, there is a banner indicating the stages of selection prior to results and indicates which selection stage you are on. You can go back a stage by clicking the selection page that you would like to return to.

On the results page, you will find options to download a report, which will export the assessments as a csv or xlsx. Or, if you are logged in, you have the option to save your search to revisit in the future.

If you would like further guidance on how to use FeAST, please see our help page for the full user manual, instructional video, and contact us form.