Wildlife management
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Draft Environment Strategy
The draft Environment Strategy sets out a holistic framework for delivering Scotland’s role in tackling the global crises of nature loss, climate change and pollution. It brings together our existing policy response to tackling these crises and builds on these by outlining new priorities and proposals.
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Draft Environment Strategy: consultation
This consultation seeks your views on the draft Environment Strategy. The draft Strategy sets out a holistic framework for delivering Scotland’s role in tackling the global crises of nature loss, climate change and pollution.
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Sustainable and regenerative agriculture: code of practice
Guidance tool that highlights the types of activities that can be adopted on a farm or croft, that will contribute to the development of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in Scotland.
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Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill - deer management: final business and regulatory impact assessment
Final business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill in relation to deer management.
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Wild salmon strategy implementation plan: annual progress report 2024
The second annual progress report under the Scottish wild salmon strategy implementation plan covering progress in 2024.
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Scottish biodiversity strategy: report to Parliament 2020 to 2024
This report outlines and summarises progress against actions undertaken during the period 2020-2024 to address the seven outcomes and associated key steps set out in the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity.
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Ecosystem Restoration Code: engagement paper
Engagement paper for the Scottish Government-NatureScot partnership project to develop an Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) for Scotland. The paper summarises key evidence on the operation and scope of potential nature / biodiversity markets in Scotland.
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Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 - section 8 control scheme: Loch Choire Estate
Control scheme made by NatureScot under section 8 of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 which has been confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
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Climate change - public engagement strategy: mid-point review
The climate change public engagement strategy committed to a review at the mid-point of delivery. The review provides a summary of activities delivered since the publication of the strategy, reflects on the approach being taken and recommends improvements to achieve objectives in future delivery.
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Scottish wild bird high pathogenicity: avian influenza response plan
Sets out the approach that the Scottish Government and its agencies will take to respond to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in Scotland.
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Environment strategy: transformative changes for sustainability
Independent report by Professor Valerie Nelson on behalf of the Scottish Government to inform the development of the forthcoming Scottish Government environment strategy.
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Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: islands and communities impact assessment
Islands and communities impact assessment for the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.
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Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment for the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.
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Pesticide usage in Scotland: Rodenticide use by Local Authorities 2023
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use by local authorities in domestic, industrial and agricultural settings in Scotland during 2023.
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Publication of Wildlife Crime in Scotland 2023
An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland
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The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill - Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA)
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill
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Restoring Scotland’s natural environment
New targets to enhance nature and protect biodiversity.
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Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 - proposed amendments: consultation analysis
Responses to a stakeholder consultation on proposed amendments to the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 to be undertaken via secondary legislation. The proposed amendments included changes to; male deer close seasons, ammunition weights and night shooting.
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New deal for agriculture
Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.
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Flood Resilience Strategy: case studies
Examples of diverse initiatives around Scotland that are in some way contributing to our flood resilience.
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Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045
This is the final updated version of our biodiversity strategy which sets out our clear ambition for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045.
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Biodiversity: delivery plan 2024 to 2030
The first in a series of rolling delivery plans which form part of our strategic framework for biodiversity, in conjunction with the Scottish biodiversity strategy. It includes actions needed to ensure we are on track to achieving the vision and outcomes in the strategy.
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Seabirds: strategic ornithological compensatory measures: review
A review of potential strategic ornithological compensatory measures, assessing their practical and ecological feasibility in the Scottish context
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Biodiversity - strategic framework: consultation analysis
A summary and analysis of responses received to our public consultation on Scotland’s strategic framework for biodiversity 'Tackling the nature emergency', which ran from September to December 2023.
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Conservation of Atlantic salmon - gene banking: principles and considerations
This report examines the procedures, considerations, risks and opportunities of gene banking for Atlantic salmon conservation and restoration in Scotland. Presented is a brief overview of live gene banking and a detailed focus on cryobanking to preserve gametic material through freezing and storage.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: children's version
Children's version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. This version can be used to support learning and sets out the actions the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
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Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the Scottish Government consultation on 'managing deer for climate and nature'.
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Climate change - draft Scottish national adaptation plan 3 2024 - 2029: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to consultation on the draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) 2024 to 2029.
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Scotland's Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024
Fifth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It covers the period of March 2023 to March 2024.
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Record high peatland restoration
Improving climate change resilience.
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Atlantic salmon - determining run timing proportions: report
Recently, a number of genetic markers associated with run timing was published. This Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science report describes the development and calibration of a panel of twelve of these markers into a tool that could be used to determine run timing proportions in Scottish Atlantic salmon populations.
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Juvenile Atlantic salmon - mapping the early running component: report
This Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science report describes the application of a genetic tool to estimate the early running component of juvenile Atlantic salmon. The proportions were mapped to visualise within and between-river patterns. These maps can be used to inform and help river managers achieve their conservation aims.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.
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Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill
Supporting sustainable farming and crofting.
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Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill passed
Legislation to improve protection for wildlife.
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Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation
We are consulting on legislative proposals which would enable Scottish Ministers to introduce a registration process for marine nature restoration projects, and apply Marine Conservation Orders to habitats and species undergoing restoration and standalone European marine sites.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Rodenticides on Arable Farms
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on arable farms in Scotland in 2022.
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Goose management policy review 2022
Update on progress in delivering goose management policies. this sets out proposals to refresh policies for delivery of goose management over the next 5 to 10 years and highlights emerging issues that will require actions in the medium to longer term.
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Climate change - national adaptation plan 2024 to 2029: consultation - easy read
The impacts of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This is an easy-read version of the consultation on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation
We are consulting on proposals to modernise the legislation which governs deer management in Scotland and ensure it is fit for purpose in the context of the biodiversity and climate crises, alongside a small number of proposals concerned with farmed and kept deer.
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Green land investment in rural Scotland: social and economic impacts
Outlines the findings of research into the range of potential social and economic impacts relating to new forms of green land investment in rural Scotland.
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Natural capital: economic benefits assessment
Outlines new economic analysis that quantifies the likely economic impacts, measured as output and jobs created, from hypothetical cross-sector regional and national programmes of natural capital investment in Scotland.
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Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill - use of snares and powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors: consultation analysis
Findings from our consultation on the use of snares and powers of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) inspectors.
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Understanding seabird behaviour at sea part 2: improved estimates of collision risk model parameters
Report detailing research using GPS tags to track Scottish seabirds at sea.
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Animal welfare - Scottish Government activity: Scottish Animal Welfare Commission review
Review of Scottish Government activity affecting the welfare of animals, as sentient beings, by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC).
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Out to Play - caring for our outdoor spaces
Guidance to make the most of the outdoor spaces your early learning and childcare settings use and caring for the environment through embedding Learning for Sustainability. This guidance supports practitioners to provide high quality outdoor play experiences.
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Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: use of snares and powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors - consultation
This consultation is seeking views on topics the use of snares and cable restraints in Scotland and the powers of Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals. It will inform the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill.
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Environment - guiding principles consultation: statutory guidance – Parliamentary statement and analysis report
As required by section 18(4) of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 the Scottish Government has provided a parliamentary statement and an analysis report on the consultation on Scotland’s Guiding Principles on the Environment: Statutory Guidance.
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Sea fisheries - future catching policy: consultation analysis
Analysis of public consultation on Future Catching Policy (FCP).
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Salmon fishing - proposed river gradings for 2024 season: consultation
We are seeking views on the proposed river gradings for the 2024 salmon fishing season, which have been calculated from the annual assessment of the conservation status of wild Atlantic salmon in rivers across Scotland.
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Biodiversity duty report 2018 to 2020
Report detailing how the Scottish Government furthered the conservation of biodiversity when exercising its functions, during the period 2018 to 2020 inclusive.
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Taskforce report on SSPCA powers: Scottish Government response
Scottish Government response to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) powers review - report by the Scottish SPCA taskforce.
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Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: powers review - report
Report to the Minister for Environment and Land Reform on the review of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) powers by the independent taskforce.
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New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation
We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations in Scotland. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks.
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New National Parks - nomination process and draft appraisal framework: consultation
We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks in Scotland.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Wildlife crime in Scotland: annual report 2021
The tenth wildlife crime annual report, with new data from the financial year 2020 to 2021.
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Wildlife management: consultation analysis
This report presents the key themes to emerge from our consultation on wildlife management in Scotland 2022.
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Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Estimates the costs, benefits and risks of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill. It also considers how the Bill adheres to the five principles of better regulation: transparency, accountability, proportionality, consistency and targeted where appropriate.
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Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing screening
Analysis of the potential impacts of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill on young children and young people up to the age of 18. It identifies whether a child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) is required.
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Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Results of the equalities impact assessment (EQIA) undertaken for the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill.
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Environment Strategy for Scotland: second progress report
The second annual report to Parliament on progress in developing the Environment Strategy for Scotland, as required under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.
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Pesticide Usage in Scotland: Rodenticides on Grassland and Fodder Farms 2021
This report presents the results of a survey of rodenticide use on grassland and fodder farms in Scotland in 2021.
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Science of salmon stocking: report
The Science of Stocking report "scientific considerations in stocking policy development for river managers Scottish marine and freshwater science Vol 14 No 3" brings together the science behind the various considerations needed to be taken prior to and following stocking, with a view to aiding design of salmon management strategies that balance risks and benefits within a broad policy framework.
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Wild salmon strategy: implementation plan 2023 to 2028
Plan setting out the actions to be taken over a five year period to 2028, to achieve the vision as outlined in the Scottish wild salmon strategy published in January 2022.
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Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers
The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: policy framework
Sets out our proposed definition and aims of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and what this could mean for different activities taking place in Scottish waters. Also describes how we will account for socio-economic factors alongside ecological considerations and proposed new legal powers.
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Wildlife management: consultation
We are consulting on proposals relating to: introducing a licensing scheme for grouse shooting; increased regulation for muirburn (the burning of vegetation to maintain moorland); banning the use of glue traps; and increased regulation of other wildlife traps.
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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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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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Grouse moor management
Licensing option under consideration.
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Beavers given protected status
Mitigation measures introduced for farms.
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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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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.