Chamber and committees

It is the clear view of the Scottish Government that on independence Scotland would remain part of the EU as it is at present, fulfilling the responsibilities which membership brings, and maintaining its political, economic and social links to Europe. A Scotland at the heart of European activity enables us to benefit from the opportunities membership brings and ensure Scotland has a full role in the development of EU affairs including its terms under the Common Agricultural policy.

47 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and a further 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) provide protection for seabirds. 31 seabird colony Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have marine extensions. These extensions encompass areas used for maintenance activities by seabirds nesting at the colonies and include some areas used for foraging.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) are currently assessing if additional foraging areas meet the selection guidelines for SPAs. SNH and JNCC have also been identifying MPA proposals for black guillemot and for the protection of sandeels as the sandeel is a prey species for several species of seabirds.

Socio-economic assessments as part of an overall sustainability appraisal will identify what activities currently take place in potential nature conservation MPAs, and estimate the potential economic and social consequences arising from any potential interactions. This will include a qualitative assessment of the potential benefits of those proposed MPAs taking into account the possible effect on ecotourism in Scotland. This will be made available for the public consultation in 2013.

The Scottish Government does not currently intend to undertake new primary quantitative research into the monetary valuation of benefits of MPAs in advance of the public consultation. Instead the socio-economic assessments will be based on the existing evidence base. Quantified analysis of benefits of hypothetical networks of MPAs was undertaken as part of gathering the evidence base for the UK Marine Bill. Evidence from studies such as these will form part of the wider evidence base that will be considered as part of the socio-economic assessments for the sustainability appraisal.

Between 1 September 2012 and 14 November 2012 the Scottish Government has received 737 emails and letters from members of the public regarding the inclusion of seabirds in the marine protected area network.

Yes. Scotland supports a number of very large seabird breeding colonies and a large proportion of the international breeding populations of several species, notably gannet, Manx shearwater and great skua.

The sustainability appraisal is concerned with the broader environmental, social and economic impacts on Scotland of the proposals for designating new nature conservation MPAs. This Appraisal will draw on a wide and varied evidence base. In cases where existing evidence from the rest of the UK or further afield is relevant to the Scottish context, it may form part of the wider evidence base considered as part of the sustainability appraisal.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-11140 on 20 November 2012. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

The overall trend outlined in the SNH report is very concerning even if some colonies in Scotland are not experiencing the general declines observed in this report.

The factors that are causing seabird declines are complex and may be a result of changes in food availability, climate change and the effects of non-native species.

We are taking action to increase protection for our important seabird populations.

A significant programme is underway to develop a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) that includes seabirds. MPA proposals being developed that directly help seabirds include areas for black guillemot and for the protection of the sandeel, a key food source that supports many seabird species.

Forty seven special protection areas (SPAs) and a further 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) also provide protection for seabirds. Thirty one seabird colony SPAs have marine extensions. These extensions encompass areas used for maintenance activities by seabirds nesting at the colonies and include some areas used space for foraging.

SNH and JNCC are also currently assessing if data on the concentration of other seabird species meet the selection guidelines for SPAs.

Other measures being taken that assist in the conservation of seabirds include the control of non-native species, surveys of seabirds at sea and continued monitoring of sites. (seabirds are long-lived and we are only beginning to understand what drives their population numbers) and seaward extensions to SPAs.

The Scottish Government defines sustainable economic growth as building a dynamic and growing economy that will provide prosperity and opportunities for all, while ensuring that future generations can enjoy a better quality of life too. This definition was set out in the Government Economic Strategy which was first published in 2007 and refreshed in 2011.

This is supported by our Purpose Framework presented in the Government Economic Strategy, which identifies the key drivers of sustainable economic growth – Productivity, Participation, and Population – alongside our desired characteristics of growth – Solidarity, Cohesion, and Sustainability. This Framework demonstrates how these drivers and characteristics of growth are linked to deliver balanced sustainable growth alongside important social, regional and inter-generational equity objectives.

More information can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ges.

The Scottish Government remains committed to sustainable development as defined in the 2005 UK shared framework, One future, different paths. The key principles identified in the framework are reflected in our Government Economic Strategy and other key policy documents, including the Energy Efficiency Action Plan and Zero Waste Plan. These principles also form a key part of the National Performance Framework which includes indicators on waste, transport, energy and Scotland’s carbon footprint to support the national outcomes and our strategic objectives. The fundamental principle of sustainable development is that it integrates economic, social and environmental objectives. This principle is reflected in both the Scottish Government’s definition of sustainable economic growth and in the five guiding principles set out in the UK shared framework for sustainable development.