Action to restore seabird populations.
Actions to protect some of Scotland's most vulnerable marine
species are being consulted on by the Scottish Government.
Climate change, invasive non-native species such as brown rat,
food shortages and other pressures are contributing to the
dramatic declines seen in seabird numbers. Almost two thirds
of Scotland's seabird species have declined over the last 20
years, with eight including the Arctic tern, kittiwake and
black-headed gull declining by more than 50%.
The draft Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan has been
developed to protect Scotland's seabird species for future
generations.
Developed in partnership with NatureScot, Joint Nature
Conservation Committee, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
and British Trust for Ornithology, the plan sets out over 50
actions including:
- Enhancing food availability by improving conditions for prey
- Providing safe nesting areas by eradicating non-native
invasive predators
- Increasing survival prospects by minimising bycatch
- Key research and monitoring of Scottish Seabirds
- Promoting awareness and international engagement by working
in partnership with local and international communities, marine
and coastal sectors, and environmental organisations.
Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary said:
“Launching the consultation on the Scottish Seabird Conservation
Action Plan marks a vital step forward in protecting some of our
most iconic and vulnerable marine species.
“It's important that we all play our part in protecting seabirds
which is why this action plan is for everyone with an interest in
our marine and coastal environment. I'm confident that with
concerted effort and shared responsibility, we can stop
the declines we are seeing in our seabird populations and
increase their resilience to a changing climate thereby securing
their future.
“As top predators, seabirds are indicators of the health of
marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance
within marine food webs. Seabirds also have a significant role in
the economy supporting a thriving tourism industry that is vital
to local economies, particularly in rural and island communities.
“I encourage everyone with a stake in Scotland's natural
environment to respond to the consultation. Your views are
important. Together, we can ensure that Scotland remains an
international stronghold for seabirds, now and in the
future.”
NatureScot Chair, Colin Galbraith, said:
“Scotland provides vital breeding and foraging
grounds for internationally important and much-loved
populations of seabirds. As the latest research has shown, our
seabirds are in trouble. This new Action Plan is essential to
both protect seabirds and safeguard the wider marine environment.
The work we do now and in the near future must stop the declines
we've seen over the last 20 years – and help tackle broader
nature and climate emergencies.
“There is nothing quite like watching a gannet dive, a
cormorant spread its wings or a puffin with a beak full
of sandeels. We all need to help protect nature,
playing our part where we can, including having a say about how
we protect the wildlife we cherish.”
Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre said:
"Scotland's seabird colonies are a world-renowned natural
treasure, offering a spectacular wildlife experience for
communities and visitors alike. However, many of these iconic
species are in steep decline.
“We welcome the Scottish Government's consultation on the Seabird
Conservation Action Plan and look forward to collaborating on
priority actions. Central to this effort is raising awareness and
inspiring everyone to protect and care for our seabirds to secure
their future".
Background
https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836911197/
https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/scottish-seabird-conservation-action-plan/
Scottish Biodiversity
Strategy to 2045 - gov.scot
