The Common Scoter is a nationally threatened species in the UK (the only species of waterfowl to be red-listed) because of its small and declining breeding population. The UK Government has therefore prepared a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the species with Scottish Natural Heritage as the official Government Contact Point and RSPB and WWT as Joint Lead Partners. Around 100 pairs of Common Scoter breed in northern Scotland, mainly in the Flow Country and on a small number of large lochs in the Inverness glens. Surveys by WWT, RSPB, and SNH in the mid-1990s suggested that the breeding population may still be in decline.
Implementation of the Common Scoter BAP is overseen by a Steering Group comprising governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations, local authorities and landowners. WWT chairs this Steering Group.
The focus for WWT's work on Common Scoters is ensuring that the UK Common Scoter BAP targets are met. These are:
- In Scotland, increase the breeding population to at least 100 pairs by 2008.
- In Scotland, maintain at least the existing breeding range.
- Regain Common Scoter as a breeding species in Northern Ireland.
- Maintain the current range and distribution of moulting Common Scoters.
- Maintain the current range and distribution of wintering Common Scoters.
For more information on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan visit
http://www.ukbap.org.uk/