Freedom of Information Request - Scientific Evidence - Gannets on Sula Sgeir
Date: 29 August 2025
Our ref: SIR181187/A5358339
Information Request – Scientific Evidence - Gannets on Sula Sgeir
Your Request
Can you provide me with a link to, or copy of, the 2024 post-bird flu scientific evidence to which Mr Kernahan refers please? Who commissioned the survey? For what purpose and, in particular, who performed the survey?
Our Response
We have responded to each part of your request in turn.
- Can you provide me with a link to, or copy of, the 2024 post-bird flu scientific evidence to which Mr Kernahan refers please?
| Year | SPA citation -2001 | 2004 | 2013 | 2017* | 2023* | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOS | 10,400 | 9,230 | 11,230 | 12,271 | 9,495 | 10,200 |
*Additional surveys that were carried out using non-standardised methodology.
Please note that the decline from 12,271 in 2017 to 9,495 in 2023 will be the result of mortality in relation to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 2022. There was no harvest of gannet chicks at Sula Sgeir in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A copy of the Digital Aerial Survey of Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) Colonies off NW Scotland in 2024 is attached along with this letter. We have redacted some personal data in the report. Releasing the personal data in response to an information request would breach the Data Protection Act 2018. We are therefore withholding the information under EIRs Regulation 11(2) (Personal data).
We have also attached a summary of the Population Viability Analysis (PVA).
2. Who commissioned the survey?
NatureScot commissioned the survey.
3. For what purpose and in particular who performed the survey?
The main aim of the survey was to assess the status of the different colonies, and the changes the breeding populations have undergone since the previous standardized surveys conducted in 2013 and 2004. The survey was carried out by APEM Ltd.
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
