widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Seabirds struggle

Guillimots at Sumburgh Head in June this year - Photo: Hans J Marter/ShetNews

THE COLDEST spring in more than 50 years has taken a toll on Scotland’s seabirds, according to RSPB Scotland.

The wildlife charity said that adult birds have arrived late for the breeding season and in poor condition.

Colony counts on RSPB Scotland reserves across the country from Orkney and Shetland in the north to the Firth of Clyde reveal that species like kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills are showing some of the steepest declines.

Seabird counts on some sites around Orkney indicate an 87 per cent reduction in the number of kittiwakes compared with counts conducted on the same sites as part of the last seabird census in 2000. 

Razorbills are down 57 per cent from a total of 2,228 in 2000 to just 966 in 2013 and guillemots have declined by 46 percent during the same period.

RSPB area manager for Shetland Pete Ellis said local figures were similarly depressing.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“It looks pretty bad, there seem to be hardly any sandeels around, the food supply is the main problem,” he said.

Allan Whyte, RSPB Scotland marine policy officer, added: “There is every sign that this will be another difficult year for some of our most recognisable seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.

“Difficult weather conditions compound the problem of long-term declines caused by food shortages, climate change and poor management of human activities in the marine environment.

“These results should send a clear message to the Scottish Government that they must designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for seabirds, and the sandeels they feed on, to give them a fighting chance.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.