Berwickshire's seabird colonies to get extra protection
SEABIRD colonies on the Berwickshire coast could receive additional protection if Scottish Natural Heritage proposals to extend coastal wildlife sites 4km out to sea, go ahead.
A public consultation on behalf of the Scottish Government was launched this week, on the proposal to extend 31 existing land-based Special Protection Areas, including St Abbs Head to Fast Castle, up to 4km out to sea. Research has shown that the sea in front of land and cliffs used by breeding seabirds is essential to their survival. Birds such as puffins, gannets and guillemots use the water close to their nests for a variety of purposes, including feeding, preening and display during breeding.
Special Protection Area status covers the spectacular sea cliffs and the coastal strip stretching over 10km along the Berwickshire coast north of St Abbs, home to 20,000 breeding seabirds including three per cent of the British breeding population of guillemots and important populations of kittiwake, razorbill and shag.
But while the Berwickshire based rangers welcome an extension to the Special Protection Area to help safeguard the seabirds they say it is only a small step.
"For most of their lives, the seabirds are way out on the open ocean and efforts must continue to make sure the North Sea is kept free from pollution and that the stocks of fish on which the seabirds feed are allowed to recover," said Kevin Rideout, property manager at St Abbs Head.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Seabird populations around the country have been declining in recent years. This is thought to be the result of a number of factors - food supply, pollution, development, weather events such as severe storms and possibly even climate change.
"The proposal to extend these sites out to sea will address local issues that could have an impact on seabird colonies, such as new developments in coastal waters.
"I am pleased that SNH do not foresee any additional restrictions on fishing or access as a result of these proposals."
The consultation is open to all those who have an interest in the marine area around the Borders coast from St Abbs north, including fishermen, divers, recreational boat users and wildlife tour operators, local and national organisations such as local authorities, nearby landowners, local and national industry bodies including seafood producers, local communities and the general public.
Comments received during the consultation process will be collated by SNH and reported to Scottish Ministers who will then consider the comments before deciding whether to approve the extensions. The web-based consultation will run for 12 weeks to September 22.
More information and how to comment can be found at http://www.snh.org.uk/about/directives/ab-dir15a.asp; email SPA_consultation_information@snh.gov.uk, or ring Fiona Menzies at SNH on 01463 725019.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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