Special Protection Areas National Workshop 8 & 9 March 2016

Why do we need SPAs? The Wild Birds Directive requires member states to identify SPAs for: rare or vulnerable bird species (as listed in Annex I of the Directive); and regularly occurring migratory bird species. And to do so in the geographical sea and land area where the Directive applies.

Current protection A total of 106 species of bird use our marine environment. Other than black guillemot, for which we now have MPAs, all of these species are covered by the requirements of the Wild Birds Directive. Currently we have 45 marine SPAs, of which 31 are marine extensions to seabird colony SPAs

Why do we need new SPAs  The new proposals are primarily identified as being important foraging areas for many of our breeding seabirds and many migratory birds that return each year.  In addition they are identified for inshore wintering waterfowl, seabird aggregations, and migratory species.

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How were the proposals developed Sources to identify Areas of Search Ornithological literature and survey data Combination of aerial surveys, boat-based surveys and shore-based counts European Seabird at Sea (ESAS) database Tracking data and statistical models

How were proposals developed Areas of Search refined to a suite of proposals identified by SNH and JNCC using the ‘UK SPA Site Selection Guidelines’. These provide the basis for identifying the “most suitable territories in number and size” as required by the Birds Directive.

Possible management scenarios The main possible requirements relate to additional assessment and monitoring to ensure integrity of site is not affected by development, as set out in the Conservation Objectives In the small number of cases further mitigation measures may be required, in particular for new or proposed developments or activities in certain areas.

Socioeconomics and SPAs  Ministers and Member States cannot take account of socioeconomics for identification or classification of SPAs  Using socioeconomics in SPA considerations is a potential breach of EU Law, which can lead to Infraction.  However it is Scottish Government policy to inform Ministers of impacts to aid in their decision-making.  Project Advisory Group took place last year to inform the impact assessment.

Potential benefits In addition to maintaining healthy ecosystems and protecting valuable biodiversity and geodiversity species and habitats, Protected Areas such as SPAs provide benefits to ecosystem services that we rely on for a healthy and productive sea.

When does protection begin? SPAs, like all Natura designations, given policy protection under Scottish Planning Policy and National Marine Plan when Ministers announce their intention to consult on the proposals

Day 1 of workshop Focus on how the sites were developed in more detail: –Explain different marine bird survey work undertaken to identify sites –Explore in detail the approaches used to establish site boundaries. Geographically based breakout sessions Groups on boards – check which group you should be in

Day 2 of workshop Recap of Day 1 Opportunity to refine and enhance management advice particularly where this can facilitate stakeholders understanding of the conservation requirements. Focus on: –Conservation Objectives –Management Options Summary of workshop Sectorally based breakout sessions Groups on boards – check which group you should be in as different from Day 1

dSPA Case Studies for both days East Mainland Coast, Shetland Moray Firth North Orkney Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex Pentland Firth and Scapa Flow West Coast of Outer Hebrides

Role of the workshop Scientifically led workshop considering the case for classifications Address questions raised during pre-consultation discussions with regards to identification of proposals Feedback on initial draft management advice Opportunity to hear views of other marine interests

Thank you