Calls to increase protection for seabirds on the Isles of Scilly

Seabirds on the Isles of Scilly may soon get extra protection as Natural England considers extending its special protection zone further into the sea.

Vickie Heaney says the birds are a huge draw to the islands. A survey by theIsles of Scilly Wildlife Trustin 2017 found 70% of visitors said the natural environment was a key reason why they came to the area.

How important are the Isles of Scilly for seabirds?

The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust says the islands are regionally, nationally and internationally important for breeding seabirds both in terms of number of birds and diversity of species. They have:

• Over 8,000 pairs of 13 species of breeding seabird supported: Manx shearwater, Fulmar, Storm petrel, Shag, Cormorant, Great black-backed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Herring gull, Kittiwake, Common tern, Puffin, Razorbill and Guillemot

• Breeding seabirds distributed across 50+ sites throughout the archipelago

• Internationally important numbers of Lesser black-backed gull and Storm petrel

• Nationally important numbers of Great black-backed gull and Shag

• Regionally important numbers of Puffin, Razorbill, Manx shearwater, Fulmar and Common tern

• One of only two sites in England where Manx shearwater and Storm petrel are currently known to breed (the other is Lundy)

• Watch "Scilly Seabirds"

The current Special Protection Area for the Isle of Scilly gives the breeding bird species protection while on land. Now Natural England is proposing extending it into the marine environment. The 13,000 hectare extension will ensure the seabirds are also protected while feeding, preening, resting and socialising at sea. It will also benefit other marine life.

A formal consultation on the move runs until 21 May.