25 April 2025
by Adam JamesBoat operators across Scotland are being encouraged to join a new initiative that could make a big difference for some of the country’s most iconic and vulnerable wildlife—its seabirds. The Predator Free Certification (PFC), launched by Biosecurity for Scotland, is a free and voluntary accreditation scheme designed to help prevent the introduction of invasive predators to Scotland’s seabird islands.
These remote and often uninhabited islands provide vital nesting grounds for species like Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Arctic Terns, and Kittiwakes. However, these birds are facing a worrying decline. According to the most recent seabird census, almost half of seabird species in the UK have declined over the past two decades. In Scotland alone, Kittiwake numbers have dropped by 57%, Arctic Terns by 54%, and even the much-loved Puffins have seen a 32% decline since 2000.
One of the key threats? Invasive land predators such as rats, mice, stoats, mink, feral cats, and hedgehogs, which often arrive on islands as stowaways on boats. These animals can devastate seabird populations by eating eggs, chicks, and even adult birds — predation that these seabirds are poorly equipped to defend against.
While issues like climate change, overfishing, marine development, and bird flu also contribute to seabird declines, biosecurity is one area where direct, practical action can make a real difference. That’s where the PFC scheme comes in.
The certification acknowledges boat operators who take simple but effective biosecurity measures, including:
- Placing wax blocks onboard to detect rodent activity
- Using rat guards on mooring ropes
- Educating passengers about biosecurity threats and best practices
- Cooperating with inspections by Biosecurity for Scotland’s trained conservation detection dog
In return, participants receive free online training, all the necessary equipment, a certificate, a vessel sticker, and a digital badge to display on websites and promotional materials.
Sophie Smith, Coordinator at Biosecurity for Scotland, emphasised the importance of the initiative:
“Many of our seabird sites are popular tourist destinations and see a large number of boats either landing or sailing nearby during the summer season. Boats are a primary pathway for invasive species—especially rodents — to reach these islands. Raising awareness and encouraging biosecurity among visitors and operators is key.”
The scheme is open to anyone operating commercial vessels around seabird islands, including tour boats, ferries, fishing vessels, and charter boats. Even boats that don’t land on islands can pose a risk, as invasive predators like brown rats are capable swimmers—some can cover distances of over 1km.
With seabird populations under pressure from so many fronts, the PFC scheme represents a tangible and collaborative step toward protecting some of Scotland’s most cherished island species.
To learn more or to sign up for accreditation, visit Biosecurity for Scotland's website:
Biosecurity for Scotland is a partnership project of RSPB, Nature Scot, The National Trust for Scotland and The Northern Lighthouse Board.
This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.