Solway Firth wildfowling ban call to be rejected
RSPB Scotland had asked the Scottish Government to restrict wildfowling on the Solway Firth, home to two major reserves, RSPB Mersehead and The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s Caerlaverock Estate.
The RSPB said a ban would help to limit disturbance to migratory barnacle geese populations, which have been denuded by the recent avian influenza outbreak.
Scottish ministers rejected the ban, however, a decision welcomed by BASC Scotland. Its director Dr Colin Shedden said: “We welcome the decision by the Scottish
Government to resist RSPB Scotland’s calls to temporarily ban shooting on the Solway.
“The RSPB’s claim that shooting causes damaging disturbance has not been substantiated with evidence. It is good to see ministers and officials following the science.”
RSPB Scotland has urged ministers to reconsider. A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “We are aware of the serious impact of avian influenza on the barnacle goose population on the Solway. We will keep matters under review and consider any relevant evidence.”