Scotland is a
country proud of its rich natural heritage; it is home to iconic terrestrial
species, wonderful birds, amazing marine life and is one of the most important
places in the world for seabirds.
Many are shocked to learn
that some of Scotland’s seabird colonies are
on a trajectory toward extinction. That is why we need you to
step up and act now by emailing Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural
Affairs & the Environment, demanding that the Scottish Government create
Marine Protected Areas that protect seabirds at sea.
The
Marine (Scotland) Act (2010) gives the Scottish Government powers to designate
Marine Protected Areas for “Scottish Specialities”. It is staggering that the
Government has chosen not to include seabirds in its selection criteria.
The
plight of several Scottish seabird colonies is grave – kittiwakes have declined
82% since 2000 on the Orkney mainland and are now extinct as a breeding species
at Mull Head; the Arctic skua population decreased 73% between 1986 and 2011
and the guillemot colony at Troup Head has declined by 66% in the past decade.
Despite
this evidence that populations are declining, the Government has been taken
little action to stop it. This must change now.
We
need to ensure this opportunity to protect seabirds is not missed; we need the
network of MPAs to be selected based on the best scientific evidence available;
we need MPAs have a positive effect on Scotland’s wildlife and coastal
communities and we need you to help make it happen.
Please email the Cabinet
Secretary demanding that Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network protects
Scotland’s iconic seabird species.
Details on how to do
this:
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