Seòmar agus comataidhean

The research programme led by the Forestry Commission’s research agency, Forest Research, includes:

surveys to determine the Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) distribution and intensity in Scotland and whether the pathogen is also infecting non-pine species;

analysis and recording of samples from private sector DNB surveys in Scotland;

annual DNB surveys of forest tree nurseries in Scotland, including monitoring to determine the presence or otherwise of the second causal agent of DNB - Dothistroma pini (which is present in some parts of Europe but has not yet been found in the UK);

work on determining the mating type and genotype distribution of DNB in Scotland;

investigating spore dispersal mechanisms (this is being studied in England);

investigating potential host resistance and the use of alternative species/origins;

determining the effectiveness of silvicultural and chemical control techniques for DNB, and

proposed further work on climatic links.

Given the global nature of this disease, it is also important to share research findings between countries. Forest Research is chairing the EU COST Action “DIAROD” which is building on the work of the International Dothistroma Alliance and aims to synthesize knowledge, encourage collaborative research in key areas, determine future research priorities and use the resulting information to develop management strategies applicable to this evolving disease and other future disease threats.

Along with the Research Councils, Defra the Forestry Commission, and the Scottish Government is currently engaged in discussions about developing a Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative, under the auspices of Living with Environmental Change (LWEC), aimed at increasing UK research capacity and capability in relation to tree health and its associated plant biosecurity issues.

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) is already having an adverse economic impact as a result of degradation in timber value, and this will increase with continued spread of the disease. In addition there are wider consequences (also affecting non-market outputs) that include reduced carbon sequestration, and the loss of amenity, recreation, and biodiversity value. Loss of biodiversity value would be especially concerning if the disease were to spread in native Caledonian pinewoods. The speed of change in the behaviour of this disease, coupled with uncertainties about the efficacy of some of the potential management options makes it very difficult to quantify economic impacts. However, these impacts are likely to be greatest in areas such as the north and north east of Scotland, where pine currently represents almost half of the woodland area. Along with the industry, Forestry Commission Scotland is establishing a Scottish Timber Markets Impact Group, whose remit will include assessing the implications of tree health issues for the production and marketing of timber from Scottish forests.

The information requested is not held centrally.

A number of work streams are being progressed by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Scottish Natural Heritage to identify locations at sea of importance to species covered by the requirement to classify Special Protection Areas under the EU Wild Birds Directive.

The Scottish Government expects to receive recommendations for wintering waterfowl, red throated divers, terns, and shags during 2013, with the aim of completing classification of these proposals by end of 2015.

For other seabirds and migratory species areas of search are being identified using the European Seabirds at Sea database. The JNCC will undertake further research to corroborate these findings with supporting evidence from other sources. The identification of Special Protection Area proposals from this work stream should be completed by 2015 with classification as soon as possible thereafter.

The £18 million Marine Renewables Commercialisation Fund will support the development and deployment of the first commercial scale wave and tidal array projects in Scottish waters.

Issues with (a) potential and (b) mitigation of impacts of marine renewables devices on biodiversity are well understood by Marine Scotland, who ensure that the development of wave, tidal and offshore wind energy sectors is achieved in a sustainable manner in the seas around Scotland. In addressing the various issues and challenges of developing offshore renewables in relation to impacts on biodiversity, Marine Scotland has initiated a number of projects and commissioned research to provide solutions and support to partner organisations and industry on potential interactions with natura species; including seabirds, marine mammals and migratory fish. This will include; addressing flight characteristics and habitats, collision risk modelling, baseline data, population modelling and effects of displacement.

The A90 cycle path from Edinburgh to the start of the Forth Road Bridge is classified as a local road and not a trunk road and, as such, Transport Scotland provides no direct funding for this route. All local roads in Scotland are the responsibility of the local authority, in this case, the City of Edinburgh Council.

Last year the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC), awarding it a total of £121,000 for upgrading and design works on the A90 cycle path. This financial year, CEC will receive £565,000 funding for cycling, walking and safer streets projects directly from Transport Scotland. Local authorities are encouraged to work with Sustrans whose grant award of £7,160,000 this year can be used to match local authority funding for large cycling projects, such as the A90 cycle path.

The Bridge Operating Company Contract for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) and the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) will include the connecting roads from M90 Junction 3 Halbeath in the north through to Junction 1A on the M9 at Kirkliston in the south. Transport Scotland will continue to be responsible for the management of these roads although the day-to-day maintenance will be carried out by the appointed bridge operating company.

The FRC scheme has been carefully designed to incorporate new sections of footpaths, cycleways and safe crossing points to maintain and enhance existing routes.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-08163 on 9 July 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.

Scotland’s marine Atlas identified a number of pressures on marine habitats and species, including changes in the physical and chemical qualities of the water, disturbance of the seabed, underwater noise, recreational disturbance, and coastal development. A number of initiatives are underway which will help to address these issues.

The National Marine Plan will include objectives and policies to contribute to managing and minimising the impact of pressures identified in the Atlas, including steering damaging uses away from sensitive areas. It will also include ecosystem objectives and policies to support general ecosystem health and functioning and to further conservation measures. Environmental protection will be incorporated into decision making.

Targets and indicators are currently under development to achieve Good Environmental Status by 2020 under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and a programme of measures to achieve these targets must be in place by 2016. Marine planning provides one of several mechanisms to implement the measures once in place.

The Marine Nature Conservation Strategy for Scotland outlines objectives and measures to meet strategic aims for conservation. It focuses on a three pillar approach - species measures, site protection measures, and other initiatives that make a contribution to nature conservation, and which can be incorporated in decision making. Marine planning is one example.

We will undertake a consultation on a draft marine litter strategy in the autumn.

It is envisaged that the strategy will build on existing measures for monitoring levels of marine and coastal litter which will assist with progress towards achieving the targets of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.