Puffins and kittiwakes in Caithness can be helped by proposed sandeel measures, says Green MSP Ariane Burgess
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Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess says new measures proposed by the Scottish Government can help tackle a decline in puffins and kittiwakes in Caithness.
The government is to consult on new measures to protect sandeels, a vital food source for puffins, kittiwakes and other Scottish seabirds.
Ms Burgess pointed out that puffins and kittiwakes around the North Caithness Cliffs – a special protection area – declined by 55 per cent between 2000 and 2018, and more recently have faced the threat of bird flu.
She said Scottish fishers had already stopped industrial sandeel fishing, and called on stricter rules on the practice by overseas vessels in Scottish waters.
UK vessels have not received a quota for fishing sandeels since 2021, and the majority of sandeels fished in UK waters are caught by Danish commercial fishing vessels. They are used for fish farm feed, other animal feed and fertiliser.
Puffins and kittiwakes rely on sandeels to feed their chicks, and they starve if there are not enough in the local waters.
Ms Burgess asked the Scottish Government “whether it will be implementing management measures for the sandeel fishery in Scottish waters for the protection of the marine environment”.
After receiving a response, Ms Burgess said: “Our oceans are under threat like never before, and so is the wildlife that depends on them. Our seabirds need our help.
“Scotland’s fishers have already stopped industrial sandeel fishing, so it’s fair and right that others follow suit if we are to protect our vital marine life.
“Scotland is legally obliged to manage its seas and its fisheries to 'good environmental status', in line with the ecosystem objective and sustainability objectives in the UK Fisheries Act. This is why Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy does not support fishing for sandeel in our waters, and why I welcome the consultation on extended management measures for sandeel fisheries.”
