MSP’S CONCERNS FOR SCOTLAND’S COASTLINE (Jim Hume)

MSP’S CONCERNS FOR SCOTLAND’S COASTLINE

July 19, 2007 12:00 AM

Contact Jim Hume 0131 348 6703

South of Scotland MSP and Shadow Environment Minister, Jim Hume, today expressed concern at the RSPB's initial findings that seabirds are having another poor breeding season.

Jim Hume said:-

"This is a worrying report from the RSPB not only because of what it means for the future of our diverse coastline which supports 45% of the EU's seabird population, but also because of what it tells us about the possible effects of climate change on all our native species and the subsequent knock on effects to our ecosystems.

"More research will doubtless need to be carried out, but I'm told by the RSPB that climate change seems to be disrupting food availability. Essentially what seems to be happening is that rising sea temperature is causing plankton regime shifts which in turn affects fish like the sandeel, a major food in a seabird's diet.

The MSP continued:-

"Some areas have had a terrible year particularly Orkney and parts of Shetland. East coast reserves such as Fowlsheugh and Troup Head, and southern colonies such as the Mull of Galloway have faired slightly better, but are in overall terms down on previous figures.

"This is perhaps another indication of the difficulties faced by our native species in adapting to changes in climate, but obviously we shall have to await the RSPB's final report at the end of the summer.

"It's also another reason why we need a Scottish Marine Bill, one of the core ideas of the 2007 Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto. This will allow Scotland to have total control over the management of our coastline which is at the moment managed through a mix of devolved and reserved powers."