Scottish seabird conservation action plan: island communities impact assessment

2. Step Two – Gathering data and identifying stakeholders

2.1 What data is currently available?

Between 2015 and 2021, the ‘Seabirds Count’, the fourth census of Britain and Ireland’s internationally important breeding seabirds, was conducted by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The results, published in November 2023, showed that over the last 20 years, there has been a decline in almost two-thirds of these breeding seabirds in Scotland. The Arctic tern, kittiwake, black-headed gull and five more species have declined by more than 50%. Arctic Skuas, which breed in the north of Scotland, have seen a decline of 66% and are now the UK’s rarest breeding seabird. The Birds of Conservation Concern 5 report also highlights the pressures facing these seabird populations, such as climate change, and more recently, highly pathogenic avian influenza. In addition to UK marine bird indicator (Marine Strategy part one: UK updated assessment and Good Environmental Status, 2019) reported that breeding seabirds continue to not achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in both the Celtic and Greater North Sea. In addition, the Scottish Biodiversity Indicator (1986 to 2023), published in April 2025, and which is based on breeding numbers for 11 species, found that breeding numbers were 48% of the 1986 level.

As individual actions are taken forward, specific analysis regarding island-specific realities will be conducted as and when required. At this stage, no new policy is being implemented.

2.2 Who are our stakeholders?

The action plan has been developed by a focused working group (including representation from the Scottish Government, NatureScot, JNCC, RSPB and the British Trust for Ornithology), drawing on feedback from sectoral interests (for example, marine renewables, fishing sector, aquaculture and ports and harbours), eNGOs and academia. This included a stakeholder workshop[CC2] in February 2020 which provided an early opportunity for attendees to have sight of the developing plan and provide comments on the approach and suggestions for proposed actions. Attendees included the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and the Shetland Oil Terminal Environmental Advisory Group. This has been followed by meetings in recent months with the fishing sector (Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups chairs, SFF), offshore renewables sector (through ECOWind, etc), aquaculture sector (Salmon Scotland and British Trout Association), eNGOs (e.g., Scottish Environment Link) and academia taking advantage of existing policy communication channels and bilateral meetings. Stakeholders welcomed early engagement on progress of the action plan development.

As individual actions are taken forward, these will be assessed for any potential impacts on island communities. This will involve directly engaging with our stakeholders, allowing for island-specific realities to be considered whilst working to deliver the vision for a thriving and resilient seabird population in Scotland.

2.3 How does any existing data differ between islands?

Data methods used to inform the Seabirds Count does not substantially differ across islands or mainland colonies - there are standard approaches to seabird monitoring outlined in the Seabird Monitoring Handbook. These methodologies were followed across all respective islands to inform the Seabirds Count. Some methods may have been adapted slightly to take account of logistics such as accessibility i.e. boats surveys verses land surveys, but counts are standardised (i.e. pairs or individuals) for all species irrespective of survey method.

The action plan, as a standalone document, will not impact island communities more significantly than those on the mainland. It will bring together in one place actions that are already ongoing, alongside suggestions for a set of future actions, that will help to achieve the vision for thriving seabird populations which the Scottish Government has set out. Individual actions that may trigger an ICIA either have been or will be subject to an ICIA at the level of the action. For example, [BH3] [EP4] [EP5] the Scottish Government has made a long-term commitment to ensuring the sustainable management of the marine environment by balancing the competing interests of use and protection of the sea. This commitment includes implementing appropriate fisheries measures in MPAs (including Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for seabirds). The Scottish Government is currently engaging with fishers and developing inshore MPA fisheries management measures. A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to consider options is also in preparation.

The action plan continues the work to meet the long-term ambition for Scotland’s blue economy by 2045, particularly in relation to the Natural Capital and Net Zero/Climate Change outcome. These work to protect nature, ensure Scotland’s marine ecosystems are healthy and functioning, and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation.