Chamber
Plenary, 22 Mar 2006
22 Mar 2006 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Scotland's Species
I thank the minister for giving us an advance copy of her statement. The commitment to protecting our biodiversity is very welcome and the Scottish National Party lends its support to that. I am interested in how the consultation will pan out.
The evidence that we already have makes me concerned about the influence of human beings in altering biodiversity. We note the introduction of non-native species of coarse fish, for example. It is easy to upset the great biodiversity that Scotland has by introducing foreign versions of native fish such as the Arctic char.
How have breaches of the current law on the status of native species been handled? How is that developing? How will the framework prioritise the risks and threats, so that we can apply sanctions against people? It is often people who alter our biodiversity. How will we deal with that in the near future?
The evidence that we already have makes me concerned about the influence of human beings in altering biodiversity. We note the introduction of non-native species of coarse fish, for example. It is easy to upset the great biodiversity that Scotland has by introducing foreign versions of native fish such as the Arctic char.
How have breaches of the current law on the status of native species been handled? How is that developing? How will the framework prioritise the risks and threats, so that we can apply sanctions against people? It is often people who alter our biodiversity. How will we deal with that in the near future?
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
NPA
The next item of business is a statement by Rhona Brankin on Scotland's species. The minister will take questions at the end of her statement. There should b...
The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Rhona Brankin):
Lab
I add my condolences to those of my colleagues and say that my thoughts are with Fergus Ewing. I, too, will remember Margaret Ewing.I am grateful that time h...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I will allow up to 20 minutes for the minister to take questions on the issues that her statement raised, after which we will move on to the next item of bus...
Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
I thank the minister for giving us an advance copy of her statement. The commitment to protecting our biodiversity is very welcome and the Scottish National ...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
The acoustics in the room are extremely good and I have heard even a whispered conversation from the back, so members should be a little cautious.
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I thank Rob Gibson for referring to invasive non-native species. Scotland faces a big challenge because of species such as the American mink, the rhododendro...
Mr Ted Brocklebank (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
On behalf of the Conservative group, I welcome the minister's statement. All who care for Scotland's wildlife accept SNH's view that intervention or direct m...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
Clearly, we need to ensure that we strike the right balance, but I am conscious of the raptors issue, which is one reason why the hen harrier has been identi...
Maureen Macmillan (Highlands and Islands) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the minister's statement and the good that will be done for biodiversity, but I have a question about the reintroduction of formerly native species...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman):
Lab
Before I call the minister to reply, I remind members that this is questions, not stories. If members keep their questions sharp, I will be able to call all ...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I am aware of the story that appeared in the Press and Journal today. The return of sea eagles to large areas of Scotland, including the east coast, is poten...
Mr Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green):
Green
I thank the minister for providing members with a copy of her statement in advance. Perhaps one of the biggest threats that our species in Scotland face in t...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
The new Scottish climate change programme is due to be launched soon. A range of different criteria was considered when SNH was drawing up its list, and many...
Bruce Crawford (Mid Scotland and Fife) (SNP):
SNP
I welcome the minister's statement today. I also share the sentiments that were outlined in the press release that she issued on Monday. She said:"People car...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I am conscious that there might appear to be several different lists and that we must bring clarity to the situation. The list that SNH has produced is an at...
Nora Radcliffe (Gordon) (LD):
LD
I welcome this excellent initiative and the opportunity that the consultation gives to address the complexities of how, when and for what there should be hum...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
As I said in my statement, there will be an uplift of funding to SNH. Conserving biodiversity is a core function of SNH and Scottish ministers provide SNH wi...
Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
In her statement, the minister said that 42 per cent of European bird species are found in Scotland. That includes the unique and rich population of ground-n...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
I do not have any specific information on mink eradication programme funding with me. However, I am more than happy to send that information to Mr McGrigor.
Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab):
Lab
I declare an interest as a member of the RSPB committee for Scotland.Is one aim of the framework, which I welcome, to meet international obligations? Is ther...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
The framework is set in the context of a variety of different imperatives. After all, we have to meet not only international obligations but other obligation...
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton (Lothians) (Con):
Con
Is the minister aware of the many reports of capercaillies flying into deer fences, often with fatal consequences? Will she reassure us that that species has...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
The capercaillie, which is a very important species, is under huge threat, and the member will be aware that some estates and the Forestry Commission Scotlan...