Birds
Updated 13 June 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/birds
All species of wild birds are protected.
Offences under The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (COHSR) are from 12 to 200 nautical miles.
Offences under section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) (WCA) are from 0 to 12 nautical miles.
1. Offences
| Offences | COHSR | WCA |
|---|---|---|
| Kill or injure | X | X |
| Take | X | |
| Capture | X | |
| Possess or keep | X | X (including eggs) |
| Damage or destroy place of shelter or protection | X | |
| Take or destroy eggs or nest while in use | X | X |
| Disturb | X | X (while using nest – Schedule 1) |
| Transport, expose, sell, exchange, advertise for sale | X | |
| Use prohibited or unauthorised method to capture or kill | X | X |
2. Further information
Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
3. Contact information
3.1 Marine Conservation Team
0300 123 1032