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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th September 2024
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Plan launched to protect North-East Atlantic seabirds
“There is sound scientific evidence that the documented declines in many of our marine birds are the result of human activities” – Matt Parsons.
Actions will be taken to reduce the impact of human activities.

An international action plan has been launched to stop the decline of North-East Atlantic seabird populations.

The Regional Action Plan for Marine Birds (RAP-Bird) has been agreed by OSPAR, the mechanism by which 15 governments and the European Union co-operate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic.

OSPAR's Quality Status Report 2023 revealed that the majority of seabirds are struggling, with widespread declines in both population and breeding productivity.

While climate change was identified as having the largest impact, the report found that other human activities including fishing, shipping, and renewable energy production also had significant impacts.

The aims of the new action plan include reducing the number of birds incidentally caught by the fishing industry, tackling the impact of offshore wind developments, and protecting breeding colonies from invasive predatory mammals.

Monitoring highly pathogenic avian influenza also forms part of the action plan. OSPAR will act as a forum for sharing best practice in monitoring the virus and responding to outbreaks. Other emerging diseases worldwide that could significantly impact wild birds will also be monitored.

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) has acted on behalf of the UK government during the development of the RAP-Bird and the organisation will be leading or co-leading four of the nine actions.

JNCC's Matt Parsons, who helped put together the RAP-Bird and will lead on flyways-scale conservation, said: “There is sound scientific evidence that the documented declines in many of our marine birds are the result of human activities.

“The good news is that through international collaboration - such as this ambitious OSPAR action plan – we can join forces across the region to apply our knowledge to improve the fortunes of these iconic species and the ecosystems they rely on.”

The full action plan can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.