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Food supply

Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan Aims to Reverse Decline of Iconic Species

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Scotland's coastline and waters are of global importance to seabirds, almost two-thirds of the country's species have declined over the last 20 years. The Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan, published in partnership with NatureScot, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and British Trust for Ornithology, sets out a range of steps to protect Scotland's seabirds. The plan includes measures such as eradicating non-native invasive predators, restoring seagrass meadows and kelp forests, and tackling marine litter to improve food supplies for seabirds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan aims to stop the decline of Scotland's seabird species, improve resilience to environmental factors, and protect these iconic animals.
  • The plan includes measures to enhance food availability, provide safe nesting areas, conduct key research and monitoring, and work in partnership with local and international communities.
  • The action plan was developed in partnership with NatureScot, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and British Trust for Ornithology.
  • Scottish seabird populations are in decline, with many species experiencing worrying trends and requiring urgent, transformative action.
  • The plan's ambition and actions are crucial to saving Scotland's seabird populations, but it is essential that they are delivered with urgency and fully embedded across Government.

Statistics:

  • Almost two-thirds of Scotland's seabird species have declined over the last 20 years.
  • Seabirds play a crucial role in maintaining balance within marine food webs and have a significant role in the economy, supporting a thriving tourism industry.
  • Scotland is a crucial area for internationally important populations of seabirds to breed and forage.

Sources:

  • Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan (gov.scot]
  • Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin ([Source not explicitly given in the text]
  • NatureScot Chair Colin Galbraith ([Source not explicitly given in the text]
  • Scottish Seabird Centre CEO Harry Huyton ([Source not explicitly given in the text]

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