Development of an operational plan for mink eradication in the Outer Hebrides

Description

NatureScot plan to commission the development of an Operational Plan for mink eradication in the Outer Hebrides. A strategic review in 2024 carried out by Lambin X. (University of Aberdeen) and Martin A.R. (Independent) concluded that the current project is unsustainable and the current level of activity will not deliver eradication. It also concluded that the removal of all mink from the Outer Hebrides archipelago is feasible, albeit challenging. In the long term, eradication is not only far better value for money than the alternative of control in perpetuity, but it offers far more effective protection for native wildlife. To achieve eradication requires a step change – a new project – and this is what we want to develop over the coming year. We can draw upon the experience since 2001, and pull in expertise from other projects, to design a new approach and a funding plan. Full details are in the Statement of Requirements document attached to this Notice. Lot 1: Nature Scot plan to commission the development of an Operational Plan for mink eradication in the Outer Hebrides. A strategic review in 2024 carried out by Lambin X. (University of Aberdeen) and Martin A.R. (Independent) concluded that the current project is unsustainable and the current level of activity will not deliver eradication. It also concluded that the removal of all mink from the Outer Hebrides archipelago is feasible, albeit challenging. In the long term, eradication is not only far better value for money than the alternative of control in perpetuity, but it offers far more effective protection for native wildlife. To achieve eradication requires a step change – a new project – and this is what we want to develop over the coming year. We can draw upon the experience since 2001, and pull in expertise from other projects, to design a new approach and a funding plan. Full details are in the Statement of Requirements document attached to this Notice.