Will the Minister provide an update on what the Welsh Government is doing to protect the Atlantic puffin?
Atlantic Puffin are found across the coast of Wales, with the largest populations found predominantly off the coast of Pembrokeshire. The Skomer and Skokholm Special Protected Area (SPA) includes puffins as a protected feature. Additional protection extends to colonies found in the Skerries Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and indirect protection from other sites where management of other species benefits puffins. These protections coupled with enhanced management of some fishing and recreational activities has led to an increase in foraging opportunities and potential breeding habitats.
Consequently, the State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR, 2020) concludes puffin populations in Wales have risen by 163%, predominantly with increases found within the Skomer and Skokholm SPA. In addition, the last indicative feature condition assessment (NRW, 2018) for the Skomer and Skokholm SPA assessed puffins as in a ‘favourable condition’ with a high confidence.