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Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Importance of Marine Conservation

  • Submitted by: Beatrice Wishart, Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-20823

That the Parliament acknowledges that Scotland is internationally important for seabird populations, and includes, according to the last assessments, 60% of the world's great skuas, almost half, 48%, of the world's northern gannets, with one of the biggest colonies on Earth being found at the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth; believes that the country has international and domestic obligations to protect and enhance these species; understands with concern that 70% of Scotland's national populations are reported to be in decline according to the latest seabird census, and that urgent action is needed to address the range of threats facing seabirds, including unintentional bycatch of seabirds and other marine life in fishing gear; welcomes the publication of the 2025 Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan but notes with concern the subsequent decision to delay a planned consultation on fishery management measures for inshore marine protected areas; considers that many people in Scotland, including coastal communities, care deeply about the fate of puffins, gannets, terns, fulmars and other seabird species, along with their essential food species such as sandeels and with other well-loved marine species such as orcas, and expresses the hope that an inclusive consultation can be held within 100 days of the commencement of the next parliamentary session and that this results in the delivery of fisheries management measures that are co-designed with the fishing industry with the aim of sustainable fisheries and strengthened protections for seabirds and other marine life.