Following today’s announcement of coastguard cuts by the UK Shipping Minister, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is calling on the UK’s governments to take better account of wildlife when considering maritime safety.

Scottish Wildlife Trust living seas officer, Alex Kinninmonth, said:

“Threats to maritime safety are also threats to the environment and to wildlife.

“Today’s announcement in the Commons is mixed news for Scotland. We welcome the retention of both the Shetland and Stornoway coastguard stations but believe that closing the Clyde and Forth stations is misguided.  The closure of these stations makes it more important than ever that emergency towing vessels are retained.

“A saving to the UK Government of about £4 million per year by scrapping two emergency tugs in Scottish waters could put at risk the £163 million and associated jobs which coastal wildlife tourism brings to Scotland every year. Scotland and the UK have legally binding international commitments to protect wildlife and the marine environment. Cutting emergency cover would leave Scotland at risk of another Braer, Torrey Canyon or worse.”