Sea Eagle Management Scheme

NatureScot runs the Sea Eagle Management Scheme on behalf of the National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Panel, which comprises representatives from:

• NatureScot
• National Farmers Union of Scotland
• RSPB Scotland
• Forestry and Land Scotland
• Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate
• Scottish Crofting Federation
• Scotland's Rural College
• Scottish Raptor Study Group
• National Sheep Association Scotland

There are also two local stakeholder groups established in Argyll & Lochaber and Skye & Lochalsh who are represented on the National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Panel.

If you have issues with sea eagles and wish to find out more about the scheme please see the information below.

Sea Eagle Management Scheme

The Sea Eagle Management Scheme extends support for livestock farmers and crofters who experience sea eagle predation impacts.  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.

To support farmers and crofters, scheme advisers will:

• investigate what sea eagle activity is occurring near to the farm
• 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.

Following discussion with stakeholders, the SEMS was revised in 2020 with additional supporting information on the revised scheme and relevant documents.

We would encourage farmers and crofters affected by sea eagle predation to get in touch if they would like more information on the scheme or to discuss management measures that can potentially be supported. Please email the SEMS mailbox or phone 07919 044652 for further information.

Existing scheme management agreements conclude in December 2023; however, NatureScot are committed to running the SEMS beyond this date.

While budget constraints mean there may be some changes to the detail of the scheme, the intention is to provide continued support to farmers and crofters, especially for those experiencing the greatest impacts.

Please note that the deadline for applications for support in 2024 is Monday 31st July 2023. Existing scheme participants do not need to reapply.

More information on the work of the scheme can be found in the 2022 Annual Report and 2021 Annual Report and associated prey remains analysis report.

There is also more information on Enhanced Shepherding, a new collaborative measure being trialled and supported under the revised scheme.  Please email the SEMS mailbox or phone 07919 044652 for further information.

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:

Alternatively, contact your local NatureScot area office.

Our staff will arrange for someone to respond to your enquiry.

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 Panel to deliver the White-tailed eagle Action Plan. 

The National Sea Eagle Stakeholder Panel have reviewed the 2017-2020 White-tailed Eagle Action Plan and published the Action Plan Extension for 2021-2024.  The review document and the Action Plan Extension have been added to the links below.  These documents look at what has been achieved through the previous Action Plan and set out the work that is proposed in the 2021-2024 period of the Action Plan.

Find out more

• Sea Eagle Management Scheme - information and registration documents
• Sea Eagle Management Scheme - 2022 Annual Report
• Sea Eagle Management Scheme - 2021 Annual Report 
• White-tailed Eagle - prey remains analysis report
• White-tailed Eagle Action Plan documents
• Shared Approach to Wildlife Management
• Wildlife Management - A Shared Approach Concordat