Chamber and committees

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

<>Our definition of sustainable economic growth is wider than just aggregate GDP growth. The Government economic strategy identifies the key drivers of sustainable economic growth – Productivity, Participation, and Population, alongside our desired characteristics of growth – Solidarity, Cohesion, and Sustainability. We continue to monitor performance against these drivers and characteristics of growth through the Purpose Targets on Scotland Performs. These provide a much broader measure of economic growth, incorporating important social, regional and inter-generational equity objectives alongside measures of aggregate GDP. More information can be found at: www.scotlandperforms.com.

The Government Economic Strategy sets out our approach to supporting sustainable economic growth in Scotland, with an update of the strategy published in September 2011. We engaged widely in the development of the update of strategy with key partners from across the business, public and third sectors and continue to work with all of Scottish society to deliver on these ambitions.

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.

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.