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NatureScot’s Site Condition Monitoring Programme measures the health of the notified features across all of Scotland’s protected areas, including European sites. The Programme also identifies underlying causes for unfavourable condition of features in order to inform management actions. Gamebirds are mentioned in around 0.2% of these assessments and gamebird releases have not been identified as the cause of any features on protected sites being in unfavourable condition.

Details of the monitoring programme are available on the NatureScot website: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/site-condition-monitoring .

As set out in the response to S5W-33328, there is little evidence to show that released gamebirds are causing damage to European sites in Scotland. However we will consider, with NatureScot, whether any additional monitoring or research into the impact of gamebird releases around protected sites may be required in the future.

As set out in the response to S5W-27518 answered on 28 February 2020, hedgehogs are listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which makes it illegal to kill or capture them using specified methods.

One of the principles in Scottish Planning Policy is that the planning system should seek benefits for biodiversity from new development where possible, including the restoration of degraded habitats and the avoidance of further fragmentation or isolation of habitats.

Scottish public bodies, including planning authorities, have a duty under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 to further the conservation of biodiversity. This duty must be reflected in development plans and development management decisions.

While there is some evidence of a decline in hedgehog numbers, the available information is not sufficient to suggest that the species is in danger of extinction in Scotland. Steps being taken to halt the decline of hedgehogs in our towns and cities include the promotion of greenspace and green networks, for example through the Green Infrastructure Strategic Intervention managed by NatureScot.

The Scottish Government has no plans to change the legal protection for hedgehogs or their breeding sites.

Further support for the fleet and wider seafood sector is something I am presently considering, but I need the funding to do so. That is why I was so disappointed with the £8 million, one year, UK Government settlement for grant funding over 2020-2021. This falls way short of the £62 million multi-year settlement we made a clear case for, based on the EMFF replacement fund of over 4 billion. Whether its further hardship funding or supporting recovery within the Seafood sector, this funding is needed more so than ever before, and rest assured we will continue to press the UK Government hard for a fair share of funding.

a) It is a legal requirement for keepers of 50 or more birds (not necessarily of the same species) to register their birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. This information is regularly communicated to bird keepers and continues to be a key part of our avian influenza communications. Keepers with fewer than 50 birds are encouraged to register voluntarily.

b)The Scottish Government works closely with Defra, Welsh Government and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to promote and encourage poultry keepers to comply with the measures in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and requirements of the GB Poultry Register. Local Authorities have the responsibility of enforcing the legislative requirements of the AIPZ and the GB Poultry Register.

The new steering group will primarily focus on the priority workstreams outlined in the Scottish Government’s response to S5W-32898.

Progress has been made in relation to previous commitments on cleaner fish, including the introduction last week of mandatory controls over the harvesting of wild wrasse for managing sea lice in the salmon farming industry. In addition, in May 2018 the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation organised an international workshop on best practice in the production and use of cleaner-fish, and The Code of Good Practice for Finfish Aquaculture has been updated to outline best practice for husbandry.

We will continue to develop work streams as considered necessary by the Farmed Fish Health Framework Steering Group going forward.

The Scottish Government takes the issue of mortality very seriously. As a member of the Farmed Fish Health Framework (FHFF), the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation has committed to undertaking analysis of mortality and considering a standardised approach to recording.

After an initial delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic the 12 month project is due to start by the end of March 2021 with early results being available in autumn 2021.

Since March 2020, Marine Scotland Compliance has received a number of reports, involving 6 vessels, in relation to suspected illegal scallop dredging in MPAs or other closed areas.

Marine Scotland Compliance fully investigates all reports of suspected illegal fishing, including suspected illegal scallop dredging, to the extent that the evidence allows and appropriate action is taken where necessary.

Of the vessels involved, two have Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) equipment fitted and the others do not.

As a result of the impact of Covid-19, emergency hardship support of up to £21,370 per vessel paid to the owner, or up to £42,740 to businesses operating more than one vessel was made available to over 12 metre vessels landing shellfish. A list of successful business awarded funding is available here: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/competition/transparency/public.

Badgers, and their setts, are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which prohibits killing or injuring a badger as well as disturbance or destruction of their habitats.

Earlier this year the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protection and Powers) Act was passed by the Parliament, which affords badgers additional protection by increasing the penalties for the most serious crimes to a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

NatureScot provides advice to planners, developers, farmers and landowners on issues involving badgers, to help ensure that Scotland’s badger populations continue to thrive whilst mitigating any negative effects.