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Coastal Birds (and the law) Ian Thomson Head of Investigations, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Coastal Birds (and the law) Ian Thomson Head of Investigations, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Coastal Birds (and the law) Ian Thomson Head of Investigations, RSPB Scotland Putting together this presentation was a pleasant change, but also an interesting challenge! Scotlands coasts are internationally important for .... Breeding
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Scotland’s coasts are internationally important for ....
Breeding seabirds
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+ feeding & roosting wildfowl, waders, grebes and divers
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The Law: All wild birds are protected.... ...but some are more protected than others!
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It is illegal to:
intentionally (or recklessly) kill, take or injure any wild bird
(but some exceptions!) 1) Legally huntable species – some ducks and geese, some waders
- Below HWMOST
- Season: 1 Sep to 20 Feb
- No lead shot
- Local rules & bye-laws
- Workshop later!
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2) Species covered by an SNH “General Licence” Allows an “authorised person” to kill certain species under specific circumstances, eg:
- public health & safety
- protection of food (eg at a
fishmarket)
- conservation of wild birds
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3) Specific instances covered by an “individual licence” Needs to be applied for. Allows an “authorised person” to kill/take certain species under specific circumstances, not included under the general licence eg: limited cull to protect a fishery (sawbills or cormorants) Guga hunt on Sula Sgeir
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It is illegal to intentionally or recklessly:
take, damage or destroy any egg or nest (note - licensed exceptions eg removal of gull eggs) Cliff and beach-nesting species
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It is illegal to:
intentionally (or recklessly) disturb any bird or nest of a bird included in Schedule 1 of the WCA
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A case study
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Not usually as clear-cut as this...!! The big issues affecting coastal birds include: Global warming/sea level rise Overfishing Intertidal habitat loss Perhaps outwith remit for this SGP event! But, in my experience, another significant issue that impacts
- n the day-to-day lives of birds living at the coast is...
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Disturbance!!!
Dogs off lead People walking through roosts Bird photographers Motorbikes/horses Microlites....
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Jet skis/boats Drones? Law often unclear
- n these issues...
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Lots of bits of coast have statutory protection - many of these for their bird interest Wildlife law is complex and enforcement is challenging Mitigation can help resolve conflicts, eg signage to protect breeding birds etc Ask advice – police, SNH, RSPB!
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But, at least you can get away from raptor persecution at the beach...
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