Strengthened protections for Isles of Scilly seabirds
Natural England has announced plans to extend the Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area (SPA) by almost 13,000 hectares.
Natural England has announced plans to extend the Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area (SPA) by almost 13,000 hectares.
The Isles of Scilly SPA currently supports over 8,000 pairs of seabirds, and 13 different species, including: European storm petrel, lesser black-backed gull and Manx shearwaters.
The proposed boundary extension will incorporate sea areas used for feeding, resting, preening and other social interactions.
Interim Chief Executive of Natural England Marian Spain said:
Extending the Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area would bring huge benefits for some of our most important seabird colonies.
We look forward to hearing what people think and, hopefully working with everybody who lives, works in and visits the Scillies to make these plans become a reality and make this coastline a key addition to the UK’s marine protection network.
The consultation will run from 26 February 2019 until 21 May 2019.