McArthur questions minister on Goose Management Scheme

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has sought clarification about the steps being taken to manage geese numbers in the islands.  In particular, he sought an update from environment minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP on the government’s latest thinking on both the use of decoys and the potential sale of goose meat.

Mr McArthur said:“There is now general agreement that the increased numbers of greylag geese in Orkney is presenting serious problems. The indigenous goose population has grown rapidly over recent years and now causes widespread damage to land and crops across Orkney.

“A scheme to carefully reduce the number of geese in Orkney was put in place last year, following meetings I arranged with the minister. Delays in implementation, however, mean that this will be the first full year of the adaptive management scheme.  It is important, therefore, that refinements to the scheme are made, based on the lessons already learned.

“One issue raised with me, for example, is the need to allow decoys to be used, so that shooting can take place safely and away from populated areas. In addition, calls have been made to permit some of the goose meat to be sold, and again this needs to be looked at seriously by the minister and his officials.

“This is a sensitive issue, but hopefully the scheme now in place will allow Orkney’s goose population to be managed at more sustainable levels.”