The Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

Prohibition of certain methods of capturing or killing wild birds

42.—(1) Subject to regulation 55, a person is guilty of an offence if that person uses for the purpose of capturing or killing any wild bird—

(a) any of the means listed in paragraph (2);

(b) any other means of capturing or killing which is indiscriminate or capable of causing the local disappearance of any species of wild bird; or

(c) any means of capturing or killing from a mechanically propelled vehicle, including a ship or an aircraft, while in immediate pursuit of a wild bird with a view to capturing or killing that bird.

(2) The prohibited means of capturing or killing wild birds are—

(a) snares, limes or hooks;

(b) using blind or mutilated birds as live decoys;

(c) sound recordings;

(d) electrical or electronic devices capable of killing or stunning;

(e) artificial light sources;

(f) mirrors or other dazzling devices;

(g) devices for illuminating targets;

(h) sighting devices for night shooting comprising an electronic image magnifier or image converter;

(i) explosives;

(j) nets or traps;

(k) poisoned or anaesthetic bait; and

(l) automatic or semi-automatic weapons with a magazine capable of holding more than two rounds of ammunition.