A group of offshore renewable energy developers has contributed more than £1.6 million to a new initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of seabird populations in Scotland. The funding, coordinated through the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF), is set to support conservation projects across vulnerable coastal and island habitats.
The newly established Seabird Resilience Fund is backed by developers including Bellrock, Broadshore, CampionWind, MarramWind, Morven, Muir Mhor, Ossian, Thistle Wind Partners and Stromar. The fund will be used to address threats to seabirds such as invasive species, habitat loss and the effects of climate change.
Between 1986 and 2023, populations of several seabird species experienced notable declines. However, recent short-term data suggests potential signs of recovery in certain species, including the black-legged kittiwake, European shag and common guillemot.
“Funding on this scale comes at a crucial time,” said Cathy Tilbrook, Head of Sustainable Coasts and Seas at NatureScot, which hosts the SMEEF. “The challenge is significant but there are small signs of hope, with some populations stabilizing. We want to support that trend and deliver innovative projects to help seabirds to recover and thrive.”
Initial projects will begin in the 2025 breeding season and include biosecurity surveys targeting invasive species on Scottish islands. These islands are home to some of the world’s most important seabird colonies. Scotland holds around 60% of the global breeding population of great skua, 46% of northern gannet, and 16% of Manx shearwater.
The fund’s backers state the initiative is part of a broader effort to align renewable energy development with biodiversity conservation.
“We are delighted to contribute to this fund – our seas are a vital resource for us all,” said Andrew Blyth, Development Director on behalf of the Ossian Offshore Wind Farm. “Scotland provides important breeding grounds for internationally significant populations of seabirds, an important indicator of marine health. We want to contribute to a healthy and resilient marine environment where nature can thrive alongside sustainable development such as clean energy.”
A broader call for applications to the Seabird Resilience Fund is expected later this year following further planning work during the summer.
