Wildlife management
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Development of a novel physiology tag to measure oxygen consumption in free-ranging seabirds: research
This project took initial steps to develop a new type of tag that can measure energy expenditure of seabirds. To do this, the project adapted a Near-infrared spectroscopy system for humans, that can measure muscle oxygen saturation, and deployed the new tags on European shags.
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Feasibility of extending SeabORD to the entire breeding season: study
SeabORD is a method that can assess displacement and barrier effects from offshore renewables on seabirds, but is currently limited to four species during the chick-rearing season. This review examined ways to improve the SeabORD model including extending to the entire breeding season.
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Fish and fisheries research to inform ScotMER evidence gaps and future strategic research in the UK: review
This study undertook a literature review and consultation with key stakeholders to establish current knowledge for evidence gaps identified in the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries evidence map. This report includes research recommendations to help fill remaining strategic priority gaps.
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Offshore wind developments assessment - seabird collision risk, displacement and barrier effects: study
This project developed a new framework to enable the assessment of collision, displacement and barrier effects on seabirds from offshore renewable developments to be integrated into a single overall assessment of combined impacts.
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Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance
This project developed ‘Good Practice Guidance for Assessing Fisheries Displacement’ through a detailed literature review and consultation with the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries Receptor Group (FFSRG), commercial fisheries industry, offshore energy and regulatory sectors.
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Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance - literature review
This project developed ‘Good Practice Guidance for Assessing Fisheries Displacement’ through a detailed literature review and consultation with the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries Receptor Group (FFSRG), commercial fisheries industry, offshore energy and regulatory sectors.
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Develop best practice recommendations for combining seabird study data collected from different platforms: study
This study developed best practice guidance to combine seabird survey data collected from different platforms based on a literature review, expert knowledge and a bespoke model development including sensitivity analysis. This can be used in environmental assessments for planning and licensing.
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Improving Our Understanding of Seabird Behaviour at Sea
This project collated tracking data from five seabird species thought to be vulnerable to offshore wind farms. These data were analysed to understand whether seabird distribution data, usually undertaken in daytime, good weather conditions, were representative of behaviour in other conditions.
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Impact of climate change on seabird species off the east coast of Scotland and potential implications for environmental assessments: study
This study investigated the potential impacts of climate change on seabird distribution, abundance and demography off the east coast of Scotland, and examined integration of these climate models into standard population forecast models used in assessments for offshore wind developments.
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Biodiversity strategy: consultation
Biodiversity is vital for us all and it is in crisis, globally and in Scotland, so we need to change the way we use natural resources. We are seeking views on how we should tackle the biodiversity crisis through a new biodiversity strategy which will drive this transformation.
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Scottish Natural Capital Accounts 2022
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
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Wildlife crime in Scotland: 2020 annual report
The ninth wildlife crime annual report, with new data from the financial year 2019 to 2020.
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Snaring: review - February 2022
Report on snaring legislation, as per the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (WANE).
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A Blue Economy Vision for Scotland
Sets out our long-term ambition for Scotland’s blue economy to 2045. It demonstrates how much we value our marine environment and its significance. This is captured in six outcomes sitting across a range of environmental, social and economic ambitions.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Rodenticides on Arable Farms 2020
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on arable farms in Scotland in 2020
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Sustainable and regenerative farming - next steps: statement
Information about how we will support farming and food production in Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
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Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.
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Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill: strategic environmental assessment
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.
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Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.
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Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill: fairer Scotland duty
Fairer Scotland duty (FSA) for the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.
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Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.
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Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID): customer satisfaction survey 2021
The RPID customer satisfaction survey was held throughout August and the first week of September and all RPID Single Application Form customers were included. The survey was entirely online and 2147 (14%) of customers completed the survey.
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Scotland's Climate Assembly - recommendations for action: SG response
Scotland's Climate Assembly published their full report on 23 June 2021. It included 81 recommendations for the Scottish Government, who had six months to respond. This response sets out the existing and proposed actions that government will take in order to address their recommendations.
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Trichinella: Advice for hunters selling feral pig or wild boar meat
This leaflet offers advice to hunters on the risks of selling untested feral pig or boar meat, and how to test meat for Trichinella to ensure the meat is safe for consumption.
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Use of dogs to control foxes and other wild mammals: consultation
A consultation on proposals to strengthen the law relating to the use of dogs to hunt and flush foxes and other wild mammals in Scotland.
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Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: annual report 2020 to 2021
Annual report of the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) showing activity for the year 2020 to 2021.
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Climate change - Net Zero Nation: public engagement strategy
Sets out our overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland in the transition to a net zero nation which is prepared for the effects of our changing climate.
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Exotic pets - Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: interim report
An interim report produced by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission on exotic pets in Scotland.
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Land use strategy 2016-2021: second annual progress report
Second annual progress report on the land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. It covers the period of March 2020 to March 2021.
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Ascribing sentience to animals and case study of the evidence for sentience in cephalopods: Scottish Animal Welfare Commission report
Scottish Animal Welfare Commission report on the principles for ascribing sentience to animals and case study of the evidence for sentience in cephalopods.
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Land use - getting the best from our land: strategy 2021 to 2026
Scotland's Third Land Use Strategy sets out our vision, objectives and policies to achieve sustainable land use. The strategy covers the next five years and aims to provide a more holistic understanding of our land, the demands we place upon it and the benefits we get from our land.
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Wildlife crime in Scotland: 2019 annual report
The eighth wildlife crime annual report, with new data from the financial year 2018 to 2019.
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Climate Change Plan 2018-2032 - update: strategic environmental assessment - draft
Draft strategic environmental assessment of the update to the Climate Change Plan 2018 to 2032. The appendices are available as a supporting file on this page.
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Moorland grouse - Flubendazole use for parasitic worm control: preliminary environmental assessment
A report assessing the potential impact on the wider environment of the use of flubendazole in medicated grit.
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Grouse Moor Management Group recommendations: Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government's response to the independent Grouse Moor Management Group’s report (the ‘Werritty Review’).
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Driven grouse moors - socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts: summary report
A summary report of findings from research into socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors and the employment rights of gamekeepers
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Use of Fixed Penalty Notices for wildlife offences in Scotland: consultation analysis
Report analysing responses to the 2019 to 2020 targeted stakeholder consultation on the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for wildlife offences.
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Deer management review
Independent recommendations published.
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Bird of prey crimes 2014-2018: maps
Maps showing the distribution of incidents of confirmed bird of prey poisoning reported to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) from January 2014 to December 2018.
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Wildlife crime in Scotland: 2018 annual report
The seventh wildlife crime annual report, with new data from the financial year 2017 to 2018.
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Grouse moor management
Licensing option under consideration.
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Wildlife crime penalties: consultation
We are seeking views on strengthening wildlife legislation by increasing the maximum available penalties.
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Protected areas for mobile marine species: consultation on proposals to designate four new Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters
An overview of the consultation on proposals to designate four new Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters, including short summaries of the available documentation.
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Future of fisheries management in Scotland: national discussion paper
Seeks to start an in-depth nationwide discussion with stakeholders to help inform and develop Scotland’s Future Fisheries Management Strategy.
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Beavers given protected status
Mitigation measures introduced for farms.
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Beavers in Scotland: consultation analysis
The purpose of this consultation was to give stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback on the policy decision to reintroduce beavers to Scotland.
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Plans to maximise venison in domestic and international markets
Strategic vision outlines sector growth to 2030.
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Search for salmon
New research to improve monitoring of wild salmon stocks.
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Supporting Scottish salmon
New initiative to improve health of wild salmon.
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DNA breakthrough for wildlife crime
Recovery of human DNA to help solve bird of prey offences.
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Beavers in Scotland: consultation on the strategic environmental assessment
A consultation on the policy to reintroduce beavers to Scotland and the strategic environmental assessment of this policy.
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Annual wildlife crime report
Offence numbers down on previous year.
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Wildlife Crime Penalties Review Group: report
Report from the review group commissioned by Scottish Government to examine whether the penalties for wildlife crimes were adequate and a deterrent.
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