Written question WQ86439

The Welsh marine environment is home to globally significant populations of seabirds, and I am committed to protecting their numbers. This year there have been unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza in seabirds across the UK. We have been working with UK and Devolved Governments alongside stakeholders to share knowledge and best practice, and where possible seek opportunities to enhance resilience of our Welsh seabirds.

Supporting this is the introduction of a Seabird Conservation Strategy for Wales, which will set out evidence-based action to address pressures and threats to our seabird populations. In addition, the UK and Devolved Governments recently published the UK Bycatch Mitigation Initiative (BMI), which is the first step towards tackling accidental bycatch of marine wildlife across the UK including seabirds. The BMI sets out key actions which can be adopted under key themes such as improving understanding, identifying high risk areas and direct interventions to reduce accidental bycatch of marine wildlife.