Management of Marine Natura 2000 Sites as Exemplified by Seabirds Wintering in the Baltic Sea: The Case of Poland

Marchowski, Dominik; Ławicki, Łukasz; Kaliciuk, Jacek

doi:10.3390/d14121081

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 27 publications

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“…Another significant point to consider is the need to increase efforts in seabird conservation and implement effective measures to reduce bycatch [55]. The adoption of innovative technological solutions and bird-friendly fishing practices can contribute to the reduction in incidental captures and minimize the impact of fishing activities on seabird populations [56].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework

Marchowski

2023

Diversity

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This paper presents a methodology for indirectly estimating the scale of seabird bycatch using existing data. The study focuses on five key species of ducks that winter in the Polish waters of the Baltic Sea and are highly susceptible to bycatch: Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Common Scoter, Greater Scaup, and Tufted Duck. The evaluation units used are divided into the Bornholm (BS) and Gotland Subdivisions (GS) within the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone (PEEZ). The analysis acknowledges the lack of bycatch data for certain areas known to have high concentrations of diving birds and fishing activity. The population sizes of waterbirds were assessed using ship-based surveys and a distance sampling approach. Fishing effort data from the five winter seasons between 2015/2016 and 2019/2020 were analyzed. Bycatch rates were estimated based on surveys conducted in previous seasons, and threshold values for bycatch were established using the concept of “small numbers” defined in EU directives. The results show that within the GS of the PEEZ, the estimated average abundance of all diving waterbirds was 174,800 individuals, with an average annual bycatch of 7921 birds (4.5% of the total). The Velvet Scoter was the most abundant species, followed by the Long-tailed Duck. In the BS, the estimated average abundance of diving waterbirds was 624,600 individuals, with an average annual bycatch of 5056 birds (0.8% of the total). The Long-tailed Duck was the most numerous species, followed by the Velvet Scoter. Acceptable bycatch thresholds were exceeded for all species in both subdivisions despite a much smaller scale of bycatch in the BS. The findings highlight the need for effective management and conservation measures to address the high mortality of seabirds due to bycatch. The methodology presented in this study offers a valuable approach for estimating bycatch scale and can support efforts to minimize the impact on seabird populations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework

Marchowski

2023

Diversity

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Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework

Marchowski¹

2023

Preprint

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This paper presents a methodology for indirectly estimating the scale of seabird bycatch using existing data, eliminating the need for regular monitoring. The study focuses on five species of ducks that winter in the Polish waters of the Baltic Sea and are highly susceptible to bycatch: Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Common Scoter, Greater Scaup, and Tufted Duck. The evaluation units used are divided into the Bornholm and Gotland Groups within the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone (PEEZ). The analysis acknowledges the lack of data for certain areas known to have high concentrations of diving birds and fishing activity. The population sizes of waterbirds were assessed using ship-based surveys and a distance sampling approach. Fishing effort data from the winter seasons between 2015/2016 and 2019/2020 were analyzed. Bycatch rates were estimated based on surveys conducted in previous seasons, and threshold values for bycatch were established using the concept of "small numbers" defined in EU directives. The results show that within the Gotland subdivision of the PEEZ, the estimated average abundance of all diving waterbirds was 207,114 individuals, with an average bycatch of 7,921 birds (3.8% of the total). The Velvet Scoter was the most abundant species, followed by the Long-tailed Duck. Benthivorous ducks constituted the majority of the bird population in the area. In the Bornholm subdivision, the estimated average abundance of diving waterbirds was 600,845 individuals, with an average bycatch of 5,056 birds (0.8% of the total). The Long-tailed Duck was the most numerous species, followed by the Velvet Scoter. Benthivorous ducks also dominated in this area. The findings highlight the need for effective management and conservation measures to address the high mortality of seabirds due to bycatch. The methodology presented in this study offers a valuable approach for estimating bycatch scale and can support efforts to minimize the impact on seabird populations in the Baltic Sea.

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Management of Marine Natura 2000 Sites as Exemplified by Seabirds Wintering in the Baltic Sea: The Case of Poland

Cited by 2 publications

References 27 publications

Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework

Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework

Advances in Scale Assessment of Seabird Bycatch: A New Methodological Framework

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