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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.