currents and others sheltered, and the range of depths found in the firth contributes to the great diversity of its habitats. Another contributor to diversity is that the firth is an area of overlap - some species are close to their northern limits, others are close to their southern limits. This has led to it being an area of great scientific interest, and to the establishment of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in 2005. The SAC is focussed on the rocky reef habitats. Species of particular interest are the sea fan Swiftia pallida and its associated anemone Amphianthus dohrnii The whole of the Firth of Lorn became a Marine Protected Area in 2014. Economic activities Fishing in the Firth of Lorn is mainly inshore, harvesting shellfish and crustaceans. Mobile fishing includes trawling and dredging for prawns and scallops. Static fishing includes setting creels, pots or nets for prawns, lobsters, crawfish and crabs. There is also commercial diving for shellfish. There is one salmon farm within the SAC, on the east coast of Lunga. Dredging is of particular environmental concern on account of its potential to damage non-target species. One study carried out within the Firth of Lorn SAC has documented this impact. Marine tourism is important to the area, and includes scuba diving, sea angling, wildlife watching, sailing, and commercial boat tours. Cruise ships are increasingly to be seen in the area. Large cargo ships and oil tankers use the route through the Sound of Mull and the Firth of Lorn. There are numerous ferry routes in the firth. The firth is the main south-western approach to the Caledonian Canal. Historically, an important activity was slate quarrying on the islands on the south-east side of the firth. This led to the islands being known as the Slate Islands. At its peak in the 19th-century slate was exported all over the world. Most production ceased in 1914, and the last quarry closed in 1960. In popular culture The Firth of Lorne featured as the location for the boat chase near the end of the second James Bond film From Russia with Love, released in 1963. Also the islands of Easdale, Seil and Cuan sound all feature in Florence + the machines video, Queen of peace and long and lost. References External links Firth of Lorn SAC Lorne Lorne Lorne European seas