Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the seabird conservation strategy, including timescales for publication and funding mechanisms?
My officials are finalising the consultation responses to the proposed strategy which closed earlier this year. In parallel, I can confirm all vulnerability assessments have been completed, and my officials are now preparing a suite of recommendations. It is anticipated these will be published alongside the strategy as one complete package before the end of the year.
There are a range of well-established funding mechanisms including the Nature Networks Fund and Marine Protected Areas Management Grant Scheme. Interested parties have been urged to consider these routes ahead of publication of the recommendations.