Scottish seabird conservation: action plan
Feedback updated 7 Aug 2025
We asked
The Scottish Government consulted on a draft Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan (Seabird CAP) from 11 December 2024 to 5 March 2025. Covering 22 seabird species, the draft plan outlines a vision with aims and objectives for supporting thriving seabird populations in Scotland. It focuses on three core action themes:
- Ensuring plentiful food supplies
- Restoring and improving habitats
- Maximising resilience and survival
The consultation asked four questions covering support for the implementation of the action plan, the key pressures acting on seabird populations, and questions relating to identification of the key actions required to address the vision, aims and objectives and monitoring success of the plan.
You said
A total of 5,371 responses, comprising of 107 substantive responses and 5,264 responses to a RSPB campaign. Of the substantive responses, 81% were submitted by individuals and 19% by organisations.
The responses covered a range of issues, including comments on the pressures facing seabirds and the need to take action on these, with a focus on climate change; offshore wind energy; and fishing. Recurring comments raised included the need for stronger action with clearer commitments; greater collaboration between stakeholders; the importance of monitoring the progress and success of the action plan; and the addition of black-headed gull and common gull.
Overall, the analysis demonstrated that there was overwhelming support (94%) for implementation of the action plan.
An independent analysis of the consultation responses is available on the Scottish Government website. Submitted responses have also been published where permission has been given.
We did
Following consideration of all the responses and representations received, the Scottish Government has updated and published the Seabird Conservation Action Plan. In doing so, this recognises that the urgency for action to support seabird recovery and resilience to our changing world has never been greater, and acknowledges our commitments in relation to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the UK Marine Strategy.
Following a review of existing data and the revised conservation status of black-headed gull and common gull, both species have been added to the action plan.
We have acknowledged concerns regarding the areas for action and the evidence used to identify pressures and have made some changes to the action plan to reflect these views. We have also more clearly emphasised the significant progress already being made across pressures, working collaboratively with sectoral and conservation interests.
We will establish a Delivery Partnership to oversee timely delivery, monitoring and reporting on progress and ongoing review of the plan, and which will operate within the governance framework of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
Overview
The recent seabird census and the ‘Birds of Conservation Concern 5’ report highlight that many of Scotland’s internationally important seabird populations are in trouble, and being impacted by a range of pressures, including climate change, and more recently highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Seabirds are vital to the marine ecosystem, and their decline signals broader environmental issues that affect livelihoods, food, and recreation. Co-ordinated action is therefore required to address seabird declines in Scotland.
Read the consultation paper and associated vulnerability report. The consultation paper and vulnerability report contain full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.
Useful information about responding to this consultation
As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the consultation at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.
Once you have submitted your response, you can enter your email address to get a pdf copy of your answers sent to you.
On the 'About You' page at the end of this consultation, organisations will have the opportunity to tell us more about their work and/or how their response was informed.
After the consultation has closed there will be a few months delay before any responses are published. This is because we must check any responses to be published abide by our Terms of Use.
A analysis report will usually be published some months after the consultation has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).
Why your views matter
While the Scottish Government can play an important role in instigating, facilitating opportunities and, where appropriate, implementing some of these actions, we cannot do this alone. Action requires a collective effort, partnership working and new, innovative, ambitious initiatives that we all have a role in.
This plan is a significant step forward in meeting this ambition. It sets out where action is already being taken to address declines and identifies where more is required.
This consultation therefore seeks your views on a range of actions that have been identified, and which will pave the way for future collaborative effort for seabird populations in Scotland.
Interests
- Main hub
- Marine and Fisheries
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