Fersiwn Gymraeg ar gael yma
by Emily WilliamsSenior Marine Policy Officer, RSPB Cymru
Wales is globally important for seabirds. Over half the world’s population of Manx Shearwater nest underground in burrows on Welsh islands.
Meanwhile, the third largest gannetry in the world can be found off the Pembrokeshire coast on Grassholm (Ynys Gwales).
Razorbills and Guillemots nest on towering cliffs, whilst the largest Arctic Tern colony in the UK can be found on the lower-lying Skerries (Ynysoedd y Moelrhoniaid) off Anglesey (Ynys Môn).
All of these seabirds and other wildlife depend on healthy seas.
Seabirds are a key indicator of the overall health of marine ecosystems, but populations around the UK have fallen drastically in recent decades, including some in Wales. Sadly, threats to seabirds are increasing, driven by climate change and human activities at sea.
Delivering conservation action for seabirds whilst they are at sea is challenging – it’s far better to reduce the threats they face. Therefore, carefully planning how human activities at sea take place, and where they take place, is vital.
Planning systems in the marine environment have failed to keep pace with the evolution and scale of development – in particular, offshore wind. In the Celtic Sea, the Crown Estate is working towards 4GW of floating offshore wind by 2035 and this could extend to 20GW by 2045. This will require vast areas of the marine environment in Wales and the South-West of England. The Celtic Sea (Y Môr Celtaidd) is one of the UK’s most important areas for seabirds. Breeding, wintering or migrating, they utilise this sea area in their millions. Offshore wind can affect seabirds in many ways, including through direct collision, affecting food availability, and making seabirds move into other seas.
The role of offshore wind in decarbonising our energy systems is undeniable, however this needs to happen in a carefully planned way. To ensure that floating wind becomes part of the solution and not more of the problem, we need to ensure the right technologies are in the right place, with enough space for nature.
As Welsh seas become more crowded, we must ensure that we create a robust, strategic and spatial marine planning system that works for all. We need the introduction of a marine development plan which:
Development plans form the basis of our planning system on land and ensure that strategic decisions are made in a front loaded, spatial and holistic manner. This system urgently needs to be reflected in the marine realm.
A development plan is a statutory document which guides development, within a defined geographical area, by setting out both a spatial planning context and a set of detailed planning policies which decision makers can use to determine individual applications. This spatial and detailed strategic policy content does not exist in the marine context. As we see the activities in the sea both diversify and intensify, the need for such a development plan for our marine areas is brought to the forefront.
The Welsh Government has announced its intention to “provide greater spatial prescription for the protection of our seas and to promote sustainable development”. This is a major step forward in the right direction and we stand ready to work with Government and other stakeholders to help take this forward.
You too can take action for seabirds.
Send the Welsh Government a post card and let's help #SaveWelshSeabirds!