Support for the UK and Scottish governments’ decision to close sandeel fishing

NGOs across the UK (and EU) support the UK and Scottish governments’ decision to close sandeel fishing in all Scottish waters and the English North Sea in an urgent move to build resilience for globally important seabird populations and wider marine biodiversity.

30 April 2024

Sandeels are a vital food source for Scotland's internationally important seabird colonies.

This is why the Scottish Seabird Centre have joined with NGOs across the UK (and EU) in a joint statement to express their support for the UK and Scottish governments' decision to close sandeel fishing in all Scottish waters and the English North Sea.

Urgent action is required to preserve marine ecosystems in the face of the twin climate and biodiversity crises; and so, this is a positive step towards helping protect Scotland's seabirds.

The full statement can be read here.

Header and Listing Images © Jamie McDermaid

Notes to Editors

The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award-winning marine conservation and education charity whose purpose is to inspire and educate people about the Scottish marine environment and motivate them to care for it by supporting conservation projects. The charity’s work is supported by its visitor experience. The Centre contains a wide variety of exhibits and interactives that enable people to experience and learn about the spectacular wildlife that Scotland’s marine environment supports. They have led a range of high-profile conservation and education projects including the SOS Puffin initiative in the Firth of Forth.