Saving Scotland’s seabirds ... one boat at a time
Over the last 20 years, half of our UK seabird populations have drastically declined. Iconic species such as puffins, razorbills and fulmars are currently facing many threats, including avian flu and dwindling food stocks as a result of over-fishing and warming sea temperatures. Seabirds are also contending with a lesser-known terrestrial threat with grave implications: invasive non-native predators.
Seabirds are particularly vulnerable to invasive non-native predators, such as rats, stoats, mice and hedgehogs, all of which can accidentally be transported as stowaways by boat to an island seabird colony. These predators feed on seabird eggs, chicks and sometimes even adult birds, which has devastating impacts on seabird populations in addition to the many pressures they are already facing.
Biosecurity ensures that islands are safe from invasive species for seabirds. Without biosecurity, our seabirds are at risk. The National Trust for Scotland is proud to be working alongside Biosecurity for Scotland – and in partnership with RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and the Northern Lighthouse Board – to better protect seabird populations across Scotland. But we need your help too.
We are encouraging boat operators around Scotland to increase biosecurity on their vessels to protect islands from invasive species. The Predator Free Certification (PFC) is a new and voluntary accreditation available to boat operators as recognition that they have implemented biosecurity measures onboard their vessels and in their day-to-day operations. Accredited operators can access free online training, are provided with materials to ensure their boat is biosecure, and will also receive a certificate and promotional materials to show that they are doing their bit to protect seabirds.
You can join the fleet and find out more by contacting biosecurityforlife@rspb.org.uk
The Biosecurity for Scotland project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund and managed by NatureScot.
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