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Massive offshore wind expansion must not threaten Scotland's seabirds
Seabird populations will suffer if offshore wind does not work with nature – join us in speaking out
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Today we’re sounding the alarm for seabirds
The Scottish Government has announced plans for a massive expansion of offshore wind – quadrupling targets from 10GW to 40GW by 2040.
But there is almost nothing in these plans to protect Scotland’s seabirds from the impacts it will bring.
Scotland’s iconic seabirds are already in freefall with around 70% of species in decline. Climate change, unsustainable fishing and invasive species are among the threats they face.
Switching to renewable energy will be an important part of halting these losses, but not if large numbers of seabirds are killed by turbines in the process.
RSPB Scotland cannot stand by while offshore wind ramps up with inadequate safeguarding of some of our most precious and important wildlife.
We oppose this rapid expansion of offshore wind without two urgent actions:
- Seabird recovery at the heart of offshore wind – through sensitive planning, urgent funding and measures to support seabird recovery and resilience
- The refusal of Berwick Bank – a huge windfarm planned in vital seabird feeding grounds off the East Lothian coast. This single project is undermining less impactful developments and could fast track species like Kittiwakes towards extinction
RSPB Scotland supports offshore wind where developments are designed and sited carefully to minimise their impact on marine wildlife.
Measures to support seabird recovery and resilience are paramount. We urge the Scottish Government and developers to get behind this nature-friendly approach to offshore wind.
Andrew Tait, Senior Marine Conservation Planner at RSPB Scotland, said:
“Scotland is the UK’s seabird stronghold, home to Puffins, Kittiwakes, Great Skuas, and the largest colony of Northern Gannets in the world at the Bass Rock. We have a responsibility to protect our internationally important seabird populations.
“Offshore wind must work with nature, not against it. We’re urging the Scottish Government to ensure future offshore wind developments are sited sensitively to minimise harm to seabirds, with a significant proportion of the finance raised going towards serious investment in building seabird recovery and resilience.
“The question is: does the Scottish Government want to preside over the biggest decline in seabird populations in generations, or is it serious about its pledge to put nature at the heart of climate action?”
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You can help
We have put together a suggested template email to send to Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy:
Dear Cabinet Secretary,
I am writing to you as I am extremely concerned about the rapid expansion of offshore wind in Scotland without guaranteed measures to address the impacts on our struggling seabird populations – or help their recovery and resilience.
Scotland is globally important for seabirds, but they are facing multiple threats including climate change, unsustainable fishing, invasive species, and avian flu.
Around 70% of species are in decline, including Puffins, Gannets, and Arctic Terns.
And now unsuitable offshore wind developments threaten to fast-track species towards extinction.
Berwick Bank would be particularly devastating for seabirds, with the potential to kill thousands and displace thousands more. It is also undermining other less impactful developments.
While I understand the role offshore wind must play in tackling climate change, it must work with nature. It is vital we build seabird resilience so these precious species can recover.
Can you reassure me that new offshore wind developments will not progress until harm to seabirds is minimised and measures to guarantee the recovery of Scotland’s seabird populations are secured?
Thank you.
Who to contact
You can email the Cabinet Secretary at: CabSecforCAE@gov.scot
Please feel free to forward your responses to us at: campaigns.scotland@rspb.org.uk
There’s more you can do
Add your voice to this action with The Scottish Seabird Centre to call for the Scottish Government to say no to Berwick Bank.
Take part in two key public consultations currently being held by the Scottish Government.