Oradores

Defining Natura 2000 in the Baltic region, the Sambah experience

Managing animal units is essential in biological conservation and requires spatial and temporal identification of such units. The optimal conservation unit are populations. However, since even neighbouring populations often have different conservation status and face different levels of anthropogenic pressure, detailed knowledge of population structure, seasonal range and overlap with animals from neighbouring populations is required to manage each unit separately. Previous studies on genetic structure and morphologic separation suggests three distinct populations of harbour porpoises with limited geographic overlap in the North Sea (NS), the Belt Sea (BS) and the Baltic Proper (BP) region. In this study, we aim to identify a management unit for the BS population of harbour porpoises. We use Argos satellite data and genetics from biopsies of tagged harbour porpoises as well as acoustic data from 40 passive acoustic data loggers to determine management areas with the least overlap between populations and thus the least error when abundance and population status is estimated. Discriminant analysis of the satellite tracking data from the BS and NS populations showed that the best fit of the management unit border during the summer months was an east–west line from Denmark to Sweden at latitude 56.95°N. For the border between BS and BP, satellite tracking data indicate a sharp decline in population density at 13.5°E, with 90% of the locations being west of this line. This was supported by the acoustic data with the average daily detection rate being 27.5 times higher west of 13.5°E as compared to east of 13.5°E. By using this novel multidisciplinary approach, we defined a management unit for the BS harbour porpoise population. We recommend that these boundaries are used for future monitoring efforts of this population under the EU directives. The boundaries may also be used for conservation efforts during the summer months, while seasonal movements of harbour porpoises should be considered during winter.

Debate to discuss key questions (examples):

• Identifying threats and pressures (risk assessment)
• Stakeholder dialogue and engagement
• National approach to setting conservation objectives

Defining management units for cetaceans by combining genetics, morphology, acoustics and satellite tracking

Swedish waters are inhabited by three redlisted harbour porpoise populations: the Baltic Proper (Critically Endangered), the Belt Sea (Vulnerable) and the Skagerrak-North Sea (Vulnerable) populations. Despite obligations of the EU Habitats Directive on designation of special areas of conservation (SACs) and establishment of a system of strict protection, Sweden has hitherto taken very limited action to fulfil these. To develop a spatial basis for a national conservation strategy, we identified and ranked six important areas on a 3-grade scale based on (1) recent results from a 2-year static acoustic survey on harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea (the SAMBAH project), and (2) published information on spatial distribution of wild harbour porpoises equipped with satellite transmitters in Danish waters. Special consideration was taken to the spatial distribution during the breeding season and, where applicable, year-round distribution of satellite tagged adult females. Virtually all important areas of the remaining ~450 Baltic Proper animals were shown to be within Swedish waters, especially during the breeding season. This gives Sweden the outmost responsibility for the survival of the critically endangered population. To identify potential conflicts with anthropogenic activities, we carried out overlay analyses with anthropogenic activities, such as selected commercial fisheries, offshore windfarms, shipping, and military activities. Existing marine protected areas (however mainly not for harbour porpoises) were added as a baseline. Finally, based on current scientific knowledge on negative impacts and mitigation measures, area-specific recommendations were given and the outcomes were presented and discussed at multi-sectoral workshops. The results serve as a basis for ongoing designation of SACs and development of site-specific and cost-efficient conservation measures of harbour porpoises in cooperation between scientists, managing authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

Incorporating fisheries in Natura 2000 sites Management Plans

This presentation will explain the UK experience of developing fisheries measures for Marine Protected Areas. It will outline the ‘Revised Approach’ to commercial fisheries in English inshore waters which was introduced in 2013 in order to ensure that potentially damaging commercial fisheries activities in marine Natura 2000 sites and nationally designated Marine Conservation Zones were assessed and appropriate management measures put in place. The talk will go on to describe the risk matrix which was used to classify gear-feature interaction based on risk, and how this was developed through an implementation group including key stakeholder groups. It will cover progress made with implementing management measures and the challenges involved. Progress with developing offshore management measures in accordance with Article 11 of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy and future plans will also be discussed.

Natura 2000 and the European Common Fisheries Policy

The marine ecosystem has been grossly transformed by man – the sea has been domesticated into a halieutic landscape. This underpins the need for fully understanding spatial and temporal impacts of fisheries on ecosystem goods and services for the marine implementation of the Natura2000 framework as outlined in a paper in 2011 (Fock 2011), and progress since then is reviewed. In terms of management, defining conservation measures implies a close link between the Birds and Habitats Directives and the European Common Fisheries Policy. Member states are currently proposing national measures in form of Joint Recommendations under the CFP covering needs of stakeholder participation, however mainly based on national conservation assessment procedures. It is evident, that despite progress in analyzing spatial properties of fisheries, common methodologies for solve other aspects conservation methodologies are still lacking. This applies (1) to a missing consistent framework to integrate scientific advice and management in the management process ; (2) to a missing common methodology to prioritize conservation objectives on ecosystem level, in particular for transboundary protected areas; (3) and to still lacking operational tools to assess and evaluate fisheries impacts to define management measures is yet not operational. Ways to overcome these shortcomings are discussed (e.g. EU BENTHIS project).

Cetáceos da Madeira II, defining important areas for cetaceans

The first cetaceans systematic surveys in Madeira archipelago inshore waters, carried out by the Madeira Whale Museum (MWM) (Project CetaceosMadeira I), pointed out for a high cetacean diversity with the bottlenose dolphin amount the most sighted species. It also showed that the bottlenose dolphin had a year round presence in the archipelago, with apparent preference for specific areas and with some animals resighed over the study period, suggesting the presence of resident groups. These data suggested that Madeira archipelago inshore waters might be an important area in the Atlantic offshore waters for this species, which is in the annex II of the Habitat Directive (HD). In accordance with that Directive, member states have the obligation to identify and designate areas of importance for species of annex II such as the bottlenose dolphin. In 2009, the MWM started Project CetaceosMadeira II in order to confirm the importance of Madeira archipelago inshore waters for this species and identify critical area(s) to be proposed as SAC(s) to integrate Natura 2000 network. Dedicated visual systematic and non-systematic ship surveys were carried out between 2010 and 2012 to collect sightings and photo-id data on bottlenose dolphins and other cetacean species. Data from previous years, both from systematic (2007-2009) and non-systematic surveys (2001-2009), were used to yield more robust results with smaller confidence limits. Abundance was estimated using design-based distance sampling methods and the distribution of the density of individuals and groups was modelled using Generalised Additive Models (GAMs). Additionally, habitat use was modelled with GAMs using a combined dataset covering the period between 2001 and 2012 from dedicated shipboard visual surveys and from observers on board fishing and whale-watching vessels. The results showed that Madeira inshore waters are important for the bottlenose dolphin with its density being among the highest known for European open waters (0.11 animals/km2). However the archipelago’s small coastal area (study area = 4 409 km2) results in modest absolute abundance values (482 animals; CI95% 365-607; CV = 13.5%) when compared with continental coastal areas. The animals’ coastal distribution (mainly between -100 and -2000m) is uneven, with animals concentrating mostly in the area east of Madeira and southwest of Porto Santo. The habitat use modelled distributions showed that the bottlenose dolphin use Madeira coastal waters differently with, for example, resting and socialising happening mainly on the east of Madeira, calving on discrete areas east, north and south of Madeira and feeding in shallower waters. The results of photo-id data analysis (mark-recapture analysis; social network analysis) shows that we are dealing with an open population combining transient (87%), migrant (9%) and resident animals (4%); and that 27% of observed groups on average had calves, year round, with two peaks one in spring and the other in autumn (>50% groups with calves). Based on these results and bottlenose dolphin relevant data published, it was carried out the exercise of validating the importance of Madeira inshore waters for this species according to the criteria set in Annex III of the HD. As expected, it was confirmed that these waters should be proposed as an SCI (Site of Community Importance). The geographical limits of the proposed SCI (SCIp) took in consideration the spatial data about the species distribution and habitat use in Madeira and the experience from other European countries in setting SCIs for highly mobile species such as the bottlenose dolphin. The Madeira SCIp for bottlenose dolphin encompasses the Madeira, Porto Santo and Desertas Islands inshore waters from the coast up to the -2500m depth contour. The establishment of this SCI in the coastal waters of the archipelago of Madeira will be an important contribution for interconnectivity and ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 marine areas network in the Atlantic, with regard to high mobile species such as the bottlenose dolphin, other cetacean species and sea turtles. This interconnectivity is expressed not only by linking important offshore areas for the bottlenose dolphin (Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands) but also by linking continental (European and African) areas to these offshore areas.

Trophic relationships and interactions with fisheries in the Portuguese Continental shelf ecosystem

The Portuguese continental shelf ecosystem was described in this study for the first time using the Ecopath mass-balance approach in order to characterise its structure and functioning. The model includes 33 functional groups, corresponding to pelagic, demersal and benthic domains of the ecosystem. A brief presentation of the model is made, focusing on seabirds and marine mammals trophic interactions within the ecosystem and their relationship with fisheries.

Competition for small pelagic fish: fisheries, cetaceans and seabirds

There is a potential for biological interaction through competition for food resources among marine mammals, seabirds and pelagic fisheries for the same prey species. The project aims to evaluate the degree of this type of interaction between the Portuguese purse seine fishery and the main target species of this project. This information will then be used in the management measures to be taken for conservation and fishery regulation. This talk will present the problem, how it intends to achieve its objective and current progress.

The recent designation of marine SPA in the mainland coast of Portugal

Recently, Portugal designated several marine SPA for seabirds along the mainland coast of Portugal. This occurred under the framework of the LIFE Project MARPRO, but the process fed on data from several previous projects, namely Marine IBA LIFE project and FAME Interreg project. We used a time series of data on seabird distribution in inshore and offshore waters starting in 2004. On this talk I will present how we identified, delimitated and designated this new Natura 2000 sites.

Fisheries interactions in southern Portugal

The demand for fishery resources to feed the world´s continuously growing human population is high, placing increasing pressure on the oceans finite fish resources. Competition for the same finite food resource in the marine environment attracts fishing operations and marine top predators (e.g. marine mammals and birds) to the same location and with less food to share, the chance of encounters, or operational interactions also inevitably increases. Operational interactions between marine mammals or marine birds and fisheries can take a number of forms, being the negative the ones of most concern. These can be of two main forms: By-catch when individuals get caught or injured by the fishing gear or depredation when the individual interferes with the human fishing operation, resulting in reduced catch rates, or damage of the catch and/or gear. In this talk, results on ongoing research under the framework of the LIFE+ MarPro project in southern Portugal on monitoring fisheries interactions with protected species (with the main focus on cetaceans) and implementation of mitigation measures will be presented.

10 years of seabird monitoring in Portugal Mainland waters and their implication for the marine SPA designation

Under the framework of several projects, SPEA together with several partners has being developing yearly counts of seabirds along the Portuguese Mainland waters. Between December 2004 and September 2012, ship-board surveys off the coast of Portugal and western Andalusia were conducted broadly between 34°N and 42°N, and 6°W and 14°W. Most of the survey effort was carried out between March and November each year, with fewer surveys from December through February. Standard European Seabirds at Sea protocols for data collection were used on board of 4 similar research vessels. All seabirds in contact with water within 300 m of the survey transect were counted on one side of the ship. All flying seabirds were counted using the ‘snap-shot method’, and bird observations were summed over 5 min periods. Seabird data was modeled for the entire continental Exclusive Economic Zone using enviromental variables to predict occurence probabilities for each species. Such information was crucial to identify the hotspots for seabirds in Portuguese waters during the different phases of their life-cycle.
Ana Almeida will talk on behalf of Nuno Oliveira

Fisheries impacts on birds

Adapted to the marine environment, seabirds spend most of their lives feeding at sea or by the coast. They can be found from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Unfortunately, seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds in the world.Seabirds forage in highly productive areas of the ocean, which are also targeted by commercial fishing vessels. This overlap can cause them to be accidentally caught on hooks, or entangled in nets. Based on recent literature, it is estimated that every year across Europe more than 200,000 seabirds die as bycatch in fishing gears.The BirdLife Partnership has been identifying solutions, often relatively cheap to apply, and promoting these to be adopted including within the EU. This presentation will focus on the work that the BirdLife partnership has been undertaking to identify and trial mitigation solutions on seabird bycatch, including the work of the Seabird Bycatch Task Force in Lithuania and in Spain.

10 years of seabird monitoring in Portugal Mainland waters and their implication for the marine SPA designation

Under the framework of several projects, SPEA together with several partners has being developing yearly counts of seabirds along the Portuguese Mainland waters. Between December 2004 and September 2012, ship-board surveys off the coast of Portugal and western Andalusia were conducted broadly between 34°N and 42°N, and 6°W and 14°W. Most of the survey effort was carried out between March and November each year, with fewer surveys from December through February. Standard European Seabirds at Sea protocols for data collection were used on board of 4 similar research vessels. All seabirds in contact with water within 300 m of the survey transect were counted on one side of the ship. All flying seabirds were counted using the ‘snap-shot method’, and bird observations were summed over 5 min periods. Seabird data was modeled for the entire continental Exclusive Economic Zone using enviromental variables to predict occurence probabilities for each species. Such information was crucial to identify the hotspots for seabirds in Portuguese waters during the different phases of their life-cycle.
Ana Almeida will talk on behalf of Nuno Oliveira

Marine Natura 2000 Progress in Portugal - Current status and (future) needs

The area based commitments on the marine environment at global, regional and national levels. How are the Natura 2000 marine areas (Special Protection Areas and Sites of Community Importance / Special Areas for Conservation) helping Portugal to achieve the agreed targets. The cases of Madeira, Azores and mainland. The latest developments at mainland.

Natura 2000 in the marine environment - present state of implementation

The implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network of protected areas in the marine environment is a key contribution to the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the related CBD Aichi targets. A well planned and managed network of marine Natura 2000 areas should afford adequate protection to important ecosystems, enhance important economic services they deliver, improve the conservation status of most threatened marine species, and contribute to sustainable use of marine resources. While the extension of Natura 2000 in the marine has long been delayed, it has gained momentum over the last few years. As of today more than 3.000 marine sites have been designated under the Habitats or Birds directives, covering more than 300.000 km² of territorial and EEZ waters. However considerable efforts are still required, especially in certain marine regions, to build a representative network and make it work. In addition to ongoing efforts to improve knowledge that will fill the site designation gaps, increasing focus is put on sound management of the sites, in the light of the State of Nature findings, with a priority in tackling fishing pressures. To that effect integration in fisheries and maritime policies and securing adequate funding is of key importance. The new Common Fisheries Policy promotes the ecosystem-based approach in managing marine resources and, along with the associated EMFF, offers good opportunities for supporting the protection, restoration and monitoring of Marine Protected Areas. Cooperation at marine biogeographical level will further support management actions. Equally important is to strengthen links with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and promote synergies in implementation that will be mutually beneficial with a view to achieving FCS and GES in marine waters.

Defining management units for cetaceans by combining genetics, morphology, acoustics and satellite tracking

Swedish waters are inhabited by three redlisted harbour porpoise populations: the Baltic Proper (Critically Endangered), the Belt Sea (Vulnerable) and the Skagerrak-North Sea (Vulnerable) populations. Despite obligations of the EU Habitats Directive on designation of special areas of conservation (SACs) and establishment of a system of strict protection, Sweden has hitherto taken very limited action to fulfil these. To develop a spatial basis for a national conservation strategy, we identified and ranked six important areas on a 3-grade scale based on (1) recent results from a 2-year static acoustic survey on harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea (the SAMBAH project), and (2) published information on spatial distribution of wild harbour porpoises equipped with satellite transmitters in Danish waters. Special consideration was taken to the spatial distribution during the breeding season and, where applicable, year-round distribution of satellite tagged adult females. Virtually all important areas of the remaining ~450 Baltic Proper animals were shown to be within Swedish waters, especially during the breeding season. This gives Sweden the outmost responsibility for the survival of the critically endangered population. To identify potential conflicts with anthropogenic activities, we carried out overlay analyses with anthropogenic activities, such as selected commercial fisheries, offshore windfarms, shipping, and military activities. Existing marine protected areas (however mainly not for harbour porpoises) were added as a baseline. Finally, based on current scientific knowledge on negative impacts and mitigation measures, area-specific recommendations were given and the outcomes were presented and discussed at multi-sectoral workshops. The results serve as a basis for ongoing designation of SACs and development of site-specific and cost-efficient conservation measures of harbour porpoises in cooperation between scientists, managing authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

Status of the harbour porpoise in the Galician coast - knowledge and perspectives

In this work we have compiled the information for the harbour porpoise in the waters of Galicia, the knowledge status of the species, its relationship with the existing protected areas and the future perspective of its conservation.

Proposal of marine SCIs in Continental Portugal

The identification of Natura 2000 sites that incorporate cetaceans is not an easy process, nor does it follow rules clearly defined by national or international bodies. In the various EU Member States the criteria used are very variable and most often just based on the collection of systematic data on the ecology of the species and therefore highly dependent on expert opinion. The Portuguese reality differs significantly from the reality of the more northern seas, a fact that increases the difficulty of this process. Portugal is obliged to designate Natura 2000 sites to protect the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and has added responsibilities, along with Spain, having the main cores of a new subspecies of Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena meridionalis).

Cetacean and Seabird bycatch: To mitigate, or not to mitigate, that is the question.

Competition for the same resources attracts fishermen and marine top predators (e.g. marine mammals and seabirds) to the same location resulting in operational interactions between them. Operational interactions between marine mammals or seabirds and fisheries can assume several forms, being the negative the ones that contribute to an increment of the risk of by-catch and mortality of protected species. In Portugal, a country with a large fishing fleet composed by thousands of artisanal vessels, assessment of problems between fisheries and protected species as started in 2010, in order to ensure the implementation of the Council Regulation (EC) nº 812/2004. Research on the subject includes evaluation of by-catch rates, identification of the causes behind the risk of by-catch, promotion of good fishing practices, fishermen awareness and implementation of mitigation measures, carried out under the framework of the LIFE+ MarPro project. However, mitigation of by-catch is a broad and complex problem that demands a detailed analysis of advantages and disadvantages related with the implementation of possible measures.