Our Response to the Scottish Seabird Action Plan Consultation

In December 2024, the draft Seabird Action Plan was launched at the Scottish Seabird Centre by Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy.

The Action Plan could not be more important or urgent, however, improvements are needed to the plan if it is to deliver the action we need.

• You can read our response to the consultation on the draft Seabird Action Plan and what we want to see included HERE.

Background

Climate change, invasive non-native species such as brown rat, food shortages, disease 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. 

Created 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.