Rum Special Protection Area (SPA) Proposed Additional Marine Feature to the Rum SPA NO

Rum Special Protection Area (SPA) Proposed additional marine feature to the Rum SPA NO. UK9001341

SPA Site Selection Document: The Scientific case for additional feature on the site

Document version control

Version and Amendments made and author Issued to date and date Version 1 Formal advice submitted to Marine Scotland on Marine draft SPA. Nigel Buxton & Greg Mudge. Scotland 10/07/14 Version 2 Updated to reflect change in site status from draft Marine to proposed and addition of SPA reference Scotland number in preparation for possible formal 30/06/15 consultation. Shona Glen, Tim Walsh & Emma Philip Version 3 Creation of new site selection document. Emma Susie Whiting Philip 17/05/16 Version 4 Document updated to address requirements of Greg revised format agreed by Marine Scotland. Mudge Glen Tyler & Emma Philip 21/06/16 Version 5 Quality assured Emma Greg Mudge Philip 22/06/16 Version 6 Final draft for approval Andrew Emma Philip Bachell 22/06/16 Version 7 Final version for submission to Marine Scotland Marine Scotland, 24/06/16

Contents

1. Introduction ...... 1 2. Site Summary ...... 2 3. Bird survey information ...... 4 4. Assessment against the UK SPA Selection Guidelines ...... 4 5. Site status and boundary ...... 6 6. Information on qualifying species ...... 6 7. References ...... 9 Annex 1. Rum SPA ...... 10 Annex 2. Citation ...... 11

1. Introduction

This document provides Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) advice on the proposed addition of red-throated diver to the marine waters of Rum Special Protection Area (SPA). It summarises the evaluation of the species of interest according to the SPA site selection guidelines (JNCC, 1999).

The existing Rum terrestrial SPA supports a breeding population of European importance of red-throated divers (Gavia stellata). The current SPA has a marine extension, covering a distance of 4kilometres (km) from the coast, to protect inshore gathering areas of Manx shearwaters from their breeding colony on Rum. The current proposal is to add red-throated diver as a qualifying feature to this existing marine extension to represent the foraging areas used by red-throated divers breeding at this site. The protection of these inshore waters will make a key contribution to the maintenance of these species in their natural range in UK marine waters and form part of a coherent network of sites at a European level.

The importance of the marine environment for birds which spend all or part of their lives around our coasts is well recognised, particularly in Scotland. A total of 106 species of bird are thought to use UK marine waters of which 45 occur in numbers greater than fifty each year and are dependent on the marine environment for a large part of their lifecycle. All of these 45 species except one (black guillemot1) are considered rare or vulnerable bird species (Annex 1), or regularly occurring migratory species by the Birds Directive (EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (amended) - 2009/147/EC). This means that all Member States are obliged to take account of the requirements of Article 4.1 of the Birds Directive for each of these 44 species.

Article 4.1 states that “Member States shall classify in particular the most suitable territories in number and size as special protection areas for the conservation of these species, taking into account their protection requirements in the geographical sea and land area where this Directive applies”. EU guidance on the establishment of SPAs in the marine environment (2007) sets out the groups of marine birds for which SPAs should be considered in the marine environment. This includes sites for wintering waterfowl and shags and feeding areas for breeding divers, including those used by birds from existing terrestrial SPAs to ensure they have continued access to key food sources.

In the UK, whilst some coastal SPAs include marine waters below the Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) there are only four entirely marine SPAs classified; Outer Thames Estuary SPA (England), Liverpool Bay/Bae Lerpwl SPA (England/Wales) and Bae Caerfyrddin/Carmarthen Bay SPA (Wales) and Belfast Lough - Open Water SPA (Northern Ireland). In Scotland, 31 marine extensions to seabird colony SPAs have also been classified. The existing suite of sites is not considered sufficient to

1 Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas were designated in August 2014 for black guillemot.

1 meet the requirements of Article 4.1 because it currently does not include suitable territories at sea for all of the species that the UK has a responsibility for.

The addition of red-throated diver to Rum SPA is being proposed as part of a suite of marine sites that aim to fulfil the requirements for SPAs in the marine environment for rare or vulnerable birds and regularly occurring migratory birds in the UK. As required by Article 4 of the Directive, the classification of this site will enable the application of special conservation measures concerning the habitat of Annex 1 and regularly occurring migratory birds in order to ensure their survival and reproduction in their area of distribution.

Full details of the site survey methodologies, data and analysis used to inform the addition of red-throated diver to Rum SPA are provided in Black et al (2014). All scientific work received full external independent peer review at key stages.

2. Site Summary

The existing marine extension to Rum SPA surrounds the Isle of Rum and includes areas of the Sound of Canna and the Sound of Rum, and includes waters around the eastern end of Canna and western side of Eigg.

The area included within the pSPA supports a population of European importance of the following Annex 1 species

 Red-throated diver (Gavia stellata)

The area of the SPA is 467.16km2.

The Small Isles, including Rum, having been strongly influenced by past glaciation show a mixture of steep cliffs, sandy bays and raised beaches (Figure 1). Immediately offshore of Rum the sediments are a mixture of mud and sand with water depth generally less than 40metres (m) (Barne et al 1997). However, close round the island with the exception of the north-east, depth increases rapidly up to 80m and maximum tidal currents generally range between 0.5 and 1.0 m/sec.

The breeding range of red-throated divers in the UK is restricted to Scotland, with the coastal waters adjacent to many nesting localities being of particular importance for feeding. The birds on Rum (13 pairs in 2010; 1% of the Great Britain population) and those in the surrounding areas (at least 5 pairs) form a large concentration in the Inner Hebrides towards the southern edge of the Scottish range.

Red-throated divers breed on freshwater lochs on blanket bog and moorland. Although red-throated divers nest on inland lochs, they fly to forage in nearby inshore waters. Foraging dives are usually less than 10m deep, mostly in shallow coastal waters within 9km of the nest location while breeding.

Their main prey items are a range of fish species including cod (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupea harengus) and a number of small species such as gobies (Gobidae).

In some areas (including Rum) sandeels (Hyperlopus lanceolatus and Ammodytes sp) form an important part of the diet.

Figure 1. The location of Rum in relation to the other Small Isles and the west coast of Scotland

3. Bird survey information Feeding areas of breeding red-throated divers2

The breeding distribution of red-throated divers in the UK is limited to Scotland and is largely restricted to the north and west of the country, with major strongholds in Shetland, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides (Gibbons et al 1993, Dillon et al 2009).

Four main survey areas were chosen at which to undertake detailed data collection. These were selected to focus on the most important breeding areas, representing the geographical spread of breeding areas, and be practical in terms of field work logistics. The selected study areas were Unst, Yell and Fetlar (northern Shetland); Shetland Mainland; Isle of Hoy (Orkney); and North Uist (Outer Hebrides).

A full national survey of red-throated diver was undertaken in 2006 (Dillon et al 2009) which provides data on breeding populations. Models were then developed to map predicted foraging distributions within maximum foraging flight range of breeding sites (Black et al, 2015). These models used observed correlations between environmental variables and diver distribution, as recorded in boat-based transect surveys and by visual or radio tracking of individual birds in four areas between 2003 and 2007, to predict areas that divers are likely to use in un-surveyed areas of sea. The data underpinning the models did not include any locations in Rum.

To provide population estimates for red-throated divers within identified important areas, the number of breeding sites within foraging range was used as an estimate of number of pairs potentially using the area.

4. Assessment against the UK SPA Selection Guidelines

The UK SPA Selection Guidelines establish a two stage process for SPA identification (JNCC, 1999).

Stage 1

To qualify under Stage 1 the area needs to meet one or more of the following four guidelines:

1.1. The area is used regularly by 1% or more of the Great Britain population of a species listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive in any season. 1.2. The area is used regularly by 1% or more of the biogeographical population of a regularly occurring migratory species (other than those listed in Annex I) in any season.

2 Full details of the methodologies, data and analysis used are provided in the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Report 541: Black et al 2014 and the JNCC generic document ‘Red-throated diver marine SPA identification: Data collection and analysis’ JNCC Report received full external independent peer review. 4

1.3. The area is used regularly by over 20,000 waterbirds (waterbirds as defined by the Ramsar Convention) or 20,000 seabirds in any season. 1.4. The area meets the requirements of one or more of the Stage 2 guidelines in any season, where the application of Stage 1 guidelines 1.1-1.3 for a species does not identify an adequate suite of most suitable areas for the conservation of that species.

Stage 2

Those areas that meet one or more of the Stage 1 guidelines undergo further consideration using one or more of the ecological judgements set out in Stage 2. There are seven Stage 2 judgements. These judgments are used to facilitate the selection of the most suitable areas from the areas identified at Stage 1 to produce a network of marine SPAs in Scotland. The Stage 2 judgements are:

2.1 Population size and density 2.2 Species range 2.3 Breeding success 2.4 History of occupancy 2.5 Multi-species area 2.6 Naturalness 2.7 Severe weather refuges

Confirmation of assessment against Stage 1 of the UK SPA Selection Guidelines

Red-throated diver is already a qualifying feature of the terrestrial SPA, so formal assessment of its qualification in this marine extension is not required. The addition of red-throated diver to the marine extension will more fully provide protection for the foraging areas used by the divers from Rum SPA and neighbouring islands (within 10km).

Red-throated diver is an Annex 1 species and was present in numbers at or above 1% of the GB population. This species met Stage 1.1 of the SPA guidelines.

Table 1. Assessment against Stage 1 of the UK SPA Selection Guidelines

Species and Annex 1 Population % of GB Stage 1 season or size in site population guideline migratory (pairs) 3 Red-throated diver Annex 1 18 1.4 1.1 (breeding)

3 The population estimates are based on the mean maximum population estimates provided Black et al 2014. 5

Confirmation of assessment against Stage 2 of the UK SPA Selection Guidelines

One or more of the Stage 2 guidelines are used to identify the most suitable areas for classifying as SPA from those areas that meet the Stage 1 guidelines. The focus for considering which areas were most suitable concentrated on three of the seven judgements; population size and density, species range and multi-species areas.

The addition of red-throated diver to Rum SPA is being proposed because the surrounding marine waters support a concentration of foraging red-throated diver during the breeding season in the UK. The site is in the south of the range in the UK and is an important component of the species breeding range.

Further details on the selection process and the final suite of sites being proposed is provided in the SNH supplementary document ‘Site selection of the marine SPA suite’ (SNH, 2016).

Table 2: Summary of assessment against Stage 2 of the UK SPA Selection Guidelines.

Stage 2 Red-throated diver (b) judgement Population size More than 1% of the GB population Species range One of the most significant concentrations of birds in the southern part of their range in UK. Multi-species Existing feature of terrestrial SPA. Multispecies area interest with Manx shearwater in the marine extension. History of Further detail provided in section 6. occupancy

5. Site status and boundary

The name for this site is the “Rum SPA”.

The boundary is the boundary of the existing Rum SPA and includes all the inshore waters of Rum out to 4km, coincident with that for Manx shearwaters. The site extends to 467.16 km2 of which the marine extension is 357.85 km2.

6. Information on qualifying species

Red-throated diver The breeding range of red-throated divers in the UK is restricted to Scotland, with the coastal waters adjacent to many nesting localities being of particular importance for feeding (Figure 2). The birds on Rum (13 pairs in 2010; 1% of the Great Britain

6 population) and those in the surrounding areas (at least 5 pairs) form a large concentration in the Inner Hebrides towards the southern edge of the Scottish range. Nesting territories tend to be traditional and are occupied repeatedly with birds habitually using the marine areas within 10km of the nest site for foraging. Nesting territories are reported present on surrounding islands every year SNH Rum annual monitoring reports with between 8 and 15 pairs located between 1996 and 2013. Hence, feeding within the pSPA can be assumed and there is high confidence in regularity of use of the site for foraging by breeding red-throated divers.

Population size and density The Rum population of 11-13 pairs of breeding red-throated divers is a greater concentration than in many parts of the breeding range outside Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. Eighteen pairs are 8.1% of the population in the Inner Hebrides (Dillon et al 2009).

Distribution within the site Red-throated diver are present around most of the coastal waters of Rum, Eigg and Canna that fall within the existing SPA boundary (Figure 2).

Species range The birds in this area, along with those on the west coast of the Outer Hebrides, are among the southern–most representatives in the British range of this species.

History of occupancy This area has long been associated with breeding red-throated divers. The species has been recorded as a breeding species throughout the island throughout the ownerships of both the Nature Conservancy Council and SNH and in all three breeding atlas periods (Sharrock 1976, Gibbons et al 1993, Balmer et al 2013).

Figure 2. The area around Rum suitable for feeding by red-throated divers.

7. References

Balmer D., Gillings S., Caffrey B., Swann, R., Downie, I. & Fuller, R. 2013. Bird Atlas 2007-11: The breeding and Wintering Birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO

Barne, J. H., Robson, C. F., Kaznowska, S. S., Doody, J. P. Davidson, N. C. & Buck, A. L. eds 1997. Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Regions 15 & 16 North – west Scotland: the Western Isles and west Highland. Peterborough, Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (Coastal Directories Series.).

Black, J., Dean B.J., Webb A., Lewis, M., Okill D. & Reid J.B. 2014. Identification of important marine areas in the UK for red-throated divers (Gavia stellata) during the breeding season. JNCC Report No 541. JNCC, Peterborough.

Dillon, I. A., Smith, T. D., Williams, S. J., Haysom, S. & Avery, M. A. 2009. Status of Red-throated divers Gavia stellata in Britain in 2006. Bird Study 56 (2). 147-157.

Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. & Chapman, R.A. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. London. T. & A. D. Poyser.

JNCC. 1999. The Birds Directive. Selection Guidelines for Special Protection Areas. Peterborough, JNCC. 6pp.

JNCC generic documents: Red-throated diver marine SPA identification: Data collection and analysis

Musgrove, A., Aebischer,, N Eaton, M., Hearn, R., Newton, S Noble S., Parsons, M., Risely, K. & Stroud, D. 2013. Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom. British Birds 106; 64-100.

Sharrock, J. T. R. 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhampsted, T. & A. D. Poyser.

SNH 2016. ‘Site selection of the marine SPA suite’. Supplementary document.

Annex 1. Rum SPA

Annex 2. Citation

Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of wild birds (this is the codified version of Directive 79/409/EEC as amended)

CITATION FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA (SPA)

RUM (UK9001341)

(INCLUDING MARINE EXTENSION)

Site Description: Rum SPA includes the Inner Hebridean Island of Rum, which has a largely rocky coast with cliffs rising to 210m, and adjacent coastal waters. There are a few exposed beaches and a more sheltered shingle and boulder beach with intertidal mudflats in the inlet of Loch Scresort. Submaritime grasslands and heaths are widely distributed along the coast, notably on cliff tops and above exposed beaches on the west coast. The interior consists almost entirely of mountain and moorland with numerous streams and small lochs. Vestigial saltmarsh is restricted to small areas on gravelly silt deposits and there is a small sand-dune system backed by machair grading into alluvial marsh on the flood plain of the Kilmory River. The island is largely treeless with fragments of natural woodland and scrub only in a few rocky gullies, though there are additional areas of planted woodland.

The boundary of the Special Protection Area overlaps with Rum SSSI and the seaward extension extends approximately 4 km into the marine environment to include the seabed, water column and surface. Immediately offshore of Rum the sediments are a mixture of mud and sand with water depth generally less than 40 m although round much of the island this increases rapidly up to 80m. Maximum tidal currents generally vary between 0.5 and 1.0 m/sec.

A number of fish species spawn off the north-west coast of Scotland with the seas around the Small Isles particularly important as nursery areas for saithe and cod. Many of these species will form the food resource for marine waterbirds.

Qualifying interest (N.B. All figures relate to numbers at the time of classification): Rum qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting a population of European importance of the Annex 1 species red-throated diver Gavia stellata (13 pairs in 2010, 1% of Great Britain population), and at least a total of 18 pairs able to feed in the marine area, and golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos (4 pairs, 1% of the Great Britain population).

The site also qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting populations of European importance of the migratory species Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus (61,000 pairs, 23% of the world biogeographic population). 11

Rum further qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting in excess of 20,000 individual seabirds. It regularly supports 130,000 seabirds including nationally important populations of the following species: black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (1,500 pairs, 0.3% of the Great Britain population), common guillemot Uria aalge (4,000 individuals, 0.4% of Great Britain population), and Manx shearwater (61,000 pairs).

Area: 467.16 km2 (46,716.21 ha) Location: 56o 59.825’ N 6o 21.134’ W National Grid Reference: NM 370980 OS 1:50,000 sheet - 39

st th Classified on 31 August 1982, with marine extension classified on 25 September 2009 and red-throated diver added to the marine extension on [date]

Scottish Natural Heritage 16 June 2016