It found that creating a SAC at East Mingulay will protect a very rare coral reef in the area, as well as safeguarding other species.
Meanwhile, in response to decline in the seal population, a new seal conservation area is to be created using provisions under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 across the Western Isles. Existing protection for Orkney, Shetland, the Moray Firth and Firth of Tay will continue.
"An investigation into the reasons for common seal population decline will be taken forward," confirmed environment minister Roseanna Cunningham.
