RSPB Scotland has hailed today's launch of a consultation by Scottish Government to bring sandeel fishing in Scottish waters to an end as a momentous day for our struggling seabird populations, and marine environment. The conservation charity is launching an e-action where people can add their voice in support of this in the coming days.
Scottish Government is seeking to fully prohibit industrial sandeel fishing in Scottish waters in line with their longstanding position to not support it. Sandeels are an important part of healthy marine life and this activity has been harming wildlife for decades, with RSPB Scotland and some fishing communities calling for its end. These small fish are a vital food source for many of our internationally important seabirds especially during the breeding season when they are foraging for food for their chicks, and their removal exacerbates the other human created pressures our seabirds face.
