Sea Eagle Management Scheme £400,000 boost
A Scottish Government announcement that sheep producers who have lost livestock to sea-eagles will continue to receive support for 2024 has been given a cautious welcome.
The move follows complaints by farmers that the Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS) contracts for this year had not been received.
Up to £400,000 has been allocated to SEMS to help farmers explore di¡erent management techniques and trial new prevention measures.
The scheme, which is currently being reviewed, supports sheep producers a¡ected by white-tailed sea eagles on their land, is typically confirmed with applicants at the start of each year.
Land managers in receipt of financial support through longterm Management Agreements as part of the scheme have been assured payments will continue this year.
White-tailed sea eagles are a protected species that prey on sheep, particularly in western parts of Scotland. Farmers can receive between £500 up to £5000 to help manage the e¡ects of the species as part of SEMS.
Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “This funding is vital in balancing our e¡orts to protect Scotland’s natural environment with the needs of rural communities.
“I’ve spoken to many farmers who have experienced these disruptive attacks. They have expressed their frustrations and I fully understand both the mental and financial toll that eagle attacks are having on them and their businesses.
“I hope this news provides some much needed reassurance for farmers. I know that the support will help them to continue to find ways to mitigate against the e¡ects of sea eagles on flocks.”
NFU Scotland is lobbying the Scottish Government for the budget to be increased significantly to support impacted farmers and croers with appropriate support to help mitigate the damage caused by the birds.
David Colthart, chair of
Argyll and Lochaber Sea Eagle Stakeholder group: said: “I thank the Scottish Farmer for highlighting the Sea Eagle Management scheme funding issues on its front page.
“In recent days, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy has spoken privately with cabinet secretary Mairi Gougeon on the matter and agriculture minister Jim Fairlie has been in contact with myself.
“It’s very good news that Scottish Government o¦cials have finally allowed NatureScot to issue contracts to more than
200 farmers and croers that have been impacted by White Tailed
Eagle predation on their livestock. With eagles already actively predicating lambs in lambing parks, the funding for mitigation measures and management will be a relief.
“It was disappointing that it took till lambing was in full swing to get confirmation that scheme commitments would be funded but as the current scheme is currently being reviewed for 2025, it has highlighted the importance of making appropriate changes to the scheme to reflect the increased costs to businesses of WTE predation and the need for the timely release of contracts ahead of lambing starting in the future.”
Charitable organisations argue the birds bring in millions of pounds into the local economies through tourism.
A spokesperson for NatureScot said the organisation is ‘committed to continuing to run SEMS’.