Sea Eagle Management Scheme
Farmers and crofters experiencing sea eagle impacts on their livestock are invited to join this scheme, which offers support for adapting livestock management and for trialling prevention measures.
Following Government advice we are putting in place measures which will allow us to continue running the SEMS whilst protecting clients and staff. We will not be arranging any face to face visits but we can provide advice over the phone and by e-mail. If you need to contact us please e-mail the SEMS mailbox ([email protected]) as normal and someone will get back to you.
The Sea Eagle Management Scheme extends support for livestock farmers and crofters who suffer impacts across the sea eagle breeding range.
The scheme was launched in 2015 as one of the actions listed in the Joint Statement of Intent from NFU Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage on – Sea Eagles and Sheep Farming in Scotland agreed in 2014.
Following discussion with stakeholders, the Sea Eagle Management Scheme has been revised for 2020 onwards with information on the revised Scheme and relevant documents.
Applications to the Scheme for support in 2021 should be submitted by 31 August 2020.
To support farmers and crofters, scheme advisers will:
- investigate what sea eagle activity is occurring near to the farm
- help to gather evidence of sea eagle impacts and record any livestock losses due to sea eagles or other causes
- advise on measures to mitigate against sea eagle impacts
- arrange to lend equipment, where appropriate, to use to deter sea eagles or otherwise mitigate impacts
- recommend support for longer-term management agreed with and carried out by, the livestock manager
Land managers who carry out prevention measures as part of livestock management may receive financial support through long-term Management Agreements.
Management of the scheme
Local stakeholder groups set up across the sea eagle range manage the scheme, which we administer on their behalf.
Two stakeholder groups have initially been set up in Argyll and Lochaber and Skye and Lochalsh. Other groups may be established where demand arises.
Local stakeholder groups are represented on a National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Group, which comprises:
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- National Farmers Union of Scotland
- RSPB Scotland
- Forest and Land Scotland
- Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate
- Scottish Crofting Federation
- Scotland's Rural College
How to take part
Are you affected by sea eagle impacts? To take part in the scheme, fill out and return to us a Register of Interest form.
You can email your completed form to: [email protected]
Or post it to:
Scottish Natural Heritage
Cameron House
Albany Street
Oban
Argyll
PA34 4AE
Alternatively, contact your local Scottish Natural Heritage area office.
Our staff will arrange for someone to respond on behalf of the local stakeholder group.
Flock management log
You should record details of your flock management and lamb losses using our log template. Include any evidence of livestock predation. This will help your local stakeholder group to monitor sea eagle related incidents.
Read our Sea Eagle Management Scheme flock management log
White-tailed Eagle Action Plan
Scottish Natural Heritage is working with partners on the National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Group to deliver the National White-tailed eagle Management Plan.
Find out more
Sea Eagle Management Scheme - information and registration documents
White-tailed Eagle Management Plan documents
