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.
The deadline for applications to the Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS) has been extended to Friday 18th September 2020.
Whilst we have continued to provide advice remotely during lockdown, in line with the Scottish Government Routemap, we are taking forward a phased restart to our fieldwork. Some of this fieldwork will help inform Farmers and Crofters applications to the Scheme.
This extension will also allow affected Farmers and Crofters additional time to discuss proposals with the Sea Eagle Management Team and develop applications to the Scheme.
The Scheme has recently been revised and we would encourage Farmers and Crofters affected by Sea Eagle predation to get in touch if they would like more information on the changes or to discuss management measures that can potentially be supported.
Please email the SEMS mailbox ([email protected]) or phone 01292 294049 for further information.
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 NatureScot 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:
- NatureScot
- 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:
NatureScot
Cameron House
Albany Street
Oban
Argyll
PA34 4AE
Alternatively, contact your local NatureScot 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
NatureScot 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
Shared Approach to Wildlife Management
Wildlife Management - A Shared Approach Concordat
