Celebrating 70 Years of the Isle of May as a National Nature Reserve

That the Parliament celebrates 70 years of the Isle of May as a National Nature Reserve (NNR); understands that the island, which is located off the coast of the East Neuk of Fife and is known as the “Jewel of the Forth”, was designated a NNR in June 1956 to protect its special species and habitats; notes that it has been owned and managed by NatureScot and its predecessor bodies since 1989; believes that the reserve is significant for its thousands of breeding seabirds in the summer and internationally important grey seal nurseries in the autumn; notes that it is one of four strategic seabird research sites in the UK, and that such research has been carried out on the island since 1966, which has been followed by seal research since 1982; recognises that this long-term work and the study of wildlife populations and trends help to understand the effects of climate change on the diet and distribution of seabirds and seals and considers it valuable in influencing the management of habitats; believes that the Sandeel (Prohibition of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024 has played a crucial role in the protection of puffins, other seabirds  nesting on the island and marine ecosystems, and applauds the hard work of staff at NatureScot to preserve and protect this special place for everyone to enjoy and for future generations.