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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


  1. Coastal Birds (and the law) Ian Thomson Head of Investigations, RSPB Scotland

  2. Putting together this presentation was a pleasant change, but also an interesting challenge!

  3. Scotland’s coasts are internationally important for .... Breeding seabirds

  4. + feeding & roosting wildfowl, waders, grebes and divers

  5. The Law: All wild birds are protected.... ...but some are more protected than others!

  6. 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! •

  7. 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 •

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. It is illegal to: intentionally (or recklessly) disturb any bird or nest of a bird included in Schedule 1 of the WCA

  11. A case study

  12. 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 on the day-to-day lives of birds living at the coast is...

  13. Disturbance!!! Dogs off lead People walking through roosts Bird photographers Motorbikes/horses Microlites....

  14. Jet skis/boats Drones? Law often unclear on these issues...

  15. 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!

  16. But, at least you can get away from raptor persecution at the beach...

  17. Thank you Ian Thomson RSPB Scotland Investigations Unit 0131-317- 4100 ian.thomson@rspb.org.uk @Ian_M_Thomson

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