* Scotland's nature agency will publish their wildlife licence data "on a regular basis"
* NatureScot say they are "keen to ensure openness and transparency" * The Scottish government has committed to a review of species licensing 'very soon' Recently I revealed details of some shocking lethal control licences approved by NatureScot, in particular licences affecting five species of protected gulls in Scotland, all of them red or amber listed, of conservation concern. There was a massive outcry from readers of my blog and supporters of our campaign. The sheer scale of the killing, sanctioned by the Scottish government's nature agency, was deeply disturbing and raised so many questions. But these secret statistics are normally hidden from public view and generally only available if officially requested. So, I contacted the CEO of NatureScot and asked if the agency would follow the example of Natural England who, following pressure from our campaign, now publish annual licensing data, specifically complete details of their bird control licences, so that the public can scrutinise each licence and raise questions where necessary. I suggested to NatureScot that publishing the data would show a commitment to be transparent and open about the licences it issues, a move that would surely be welcomed by the public. Good news... data will be released NatureScot were quick to engage with me and I received these encouraging words from them "We agree on the benefits of publishing this information and are keen to ensure openness and transparency of our licensing functions." They went on to say "We are currently in the process of formatting licence information which will be published on our website on a regular basis and we hope to have this available in the next few weeks. We are also presently developing our licensing system so this will be fully on line and capable of providing reports on a regular and consistent basis." I had to fight hard for the same promise from Natural England, so let's hope that this all comes together more easily and that the data will be comprehensive and detailed. I believe that when these agencies know that people like us are looking at the figures then they are bound to be more cautious and considered when making decisions affecting our wild birds. Review of licences imminent In addition, NatureScot also told me that "the Scottish Government have also committed to a Review of Species Licensing which we expect to see initiated very soon and we will of course play a significant role in taking this work forward." In response to this, I reiterated that many people are really very troubled by the mass destruction of gulls and added that I hope this particular policy will be reconsidered in the light of the fragile conservation status of these species. Each of us has a duty to examine the data While these are small steps, they are significant. Honestly, while I'd love to see an end to all 'lethal control' of wildlife, I know this isn't going to happen any time soon, because many human beings are too selfish to consider other species; but we can be empowered to raise questions and campaign to stop decisions that are suspect. That is where increased transparency can help, we'll all be able to scrutinise the licence statistics and each of us has a duty to examine the data and flag our concerns. I'll keep you all informed of further developments.....
11 Comments
Frank Courtney
16/3/2023 06:31:45 pm
Well done Jason. I think the tone of the responses you received is significant. I agree that there is a long way to go, but this looks like it might be going in the right direction. Of course a worry continues to be that any change is not going nearly fast enough, but it certainly seems much more positive than the early replies you had in England. Thanks for keeping at it. Regards Frank
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Simon George Spratt
16/3/2023 07:10:26 pm
Don’t hold your breath, Jason!! You KNOW you can’t trust a Tory!! I’m sorry to say that the Scottish National Party is as much a Conservative Party as the stupid lot of idiots in Westminster!!
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Berengaria FitzHamon-Davis
17/3/2023 09:56:14 am
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Jen
16/3/2023 07:10:34 pm
Hi just to say how appalled I was to read all about this issue. I sent the details of the petition to a couple of newspapers...and friends.
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Prem Sangita
16/3/2023 07:20:14 pm
Isn't it about time, men in particular, learned to honour the right of all species to live, & to thrive. We're all born naked, owning nothing. Men especially, are out of control, living through the brain more than from the Heart, or so it seems. Eating to live is one thing, wholesale slaughter & War, is another...Love Planet Earth, while we're still graced with Life. I find this Heartless lack of Compassion, this focus on profit for self before gratitude for Life, painful to behold.
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18/3/2023 07:48:41 am
I'd say that man are mostly living through their penis than their brain! It always seems to be a power game.
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Nic
16/3/2023 10:12:03 pm
Is there more information as to which gull species are being killed and why ?
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17/3/2023 09:50:15 am
All I can say, Jason, is a very big THANK YOU for what you have done, are doing + will continue to do ! xxx
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Simone
17/3/2023 10:44:56 am
Heartbreaking. I was astounded and deeply disturbed to hear of such unfathomable cruelty.
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Elaine Baker
17/3/2023 12:38:14 pm
Agree with a number of contributors. Prem has got so much right. Maybe the one change I would make is the thought that men 'live through their brain.' Sadly my experiences lead me to believe that men actually 'live through their opposite end.'
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