SIMARINE-NATURA
Title: Preparatory inventory and activities for the designation of marine IBAs and SPAs for Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii in Slovenia
Summary: The Slovenian sea is home to a significant portion (11.4 % or around 2000 individuals in non-breeding period) of the biogeographical population of Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii). Other seabirds, such as the Mediterranean shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan) and Mediterranean gull (Larus melanocephalus) can also be found here in populations of up to 1000 individuals, or 1% or more of their biogeographical population. Because of this, the area deserves special conservation attention. The area’s lack of any legal conservation status, however, poses a major threat to the favourable conservation status of significant part of the Mediterranean shag population.
According to the relevant EU and BirdLife guidelines, knowledge of the distribution, population densities, flight routes and seasonal dynamics of Mediterranean Shag, is required in order to identify a new marine IBA/SPA. However, throughout the designation of a new IBA/SPA, the overall conservation status of the species in Slovenian sea must also be improved. This project aims to significantly improve knowledge of the distribution, population densities, flight routes and seasonal dynamics of Mediterranean shag in the Slovenian sea, in order to identify a new marine IBA.
It also aims to improve protection of the local population of Mediterranean shag from accidental oil spills by preparing expert guidelines. The project will establish a coordinated management approach among the many stakeholders in the busy Gulf of Triest, where there is a high possibility of uncontrolled activities that could significantly harm the Mediterranean shag population and its habitat. It will also seek to raise public awareness about the conservation status of Mediterranean shag and other important marine species in the future marine IBA/SPA.
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