Abstract
BirdLife International has so far developed Action Plans for 37 bird species. The plans, although not legally binding, have been approved by the Ornis Committee (EU DG Environment) and most of them have also been endorsed by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention. Three of the species covered by the SAPs are Mediterranean seabirds: Audouin´s gull (Larus audouinii) , Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) and Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii) . The documents, which have been produced through a participatory process involving tens of experts across the range of the taxa, provide information on the biology, ecology and threats, but the most important feature is the list of specific objectives and actions which are ranked according to their priority and urgency. Alongside actions addressing species-specific conservation needs, such as site protection and management, a number of activities aimed at the conservation of these species are common and refer to wide policies such as land-use planning, fishery, tourist development and pollution control. The documents represent the most up-to-date and scientifically-based source of information for planning and implementing conservation activities across the Mediterranean, to be implemented by both governmental and non governmental organisations.
Highlights
THE CONSERVATIONSTRATEGY OF BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONALBirdLife International Strategy is based on 4 pillars: species, sites, habitat and people.The ‘Species’ pillar has been developed through the identification of the priority species at a global level (Collar et al, 1994, BirdLife International, 2000), and at a European level (Tucker and Heath, 1994)
‘Habitat’ work covers a wide range of activities from actions upon the EU policies (Agriculture, Rural development, Forestry, etc.) to activities at a national level or demonstration projects based on conservation strategies, as in the publication “Habitat for birds in Europe”
Three of the species covered by the SAPs are Mediterranean seabirds: Audouin’s gull (Larus audouinii) [Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC) 1], Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) and Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii)
Summary
BirdLife International Strategy is based on 4 pillars: species, sites, habitat and people. Islands the accidental bycatch seems to affect Puffinus less than Calonectris Some fishing methods such as gill nets and fish traps, when located permanently close to the sea shore, are responsible for killing significant numbers of Mediterranean shags, as has been reported in SPECIES ACTION PLANS FOR MEDITERRANEAN SEABIRDS 49. The breeding period of Audouin’s gull overlaps with the tourist season on the Mediterranean coasts, and the increasing disturbance which this causes may represent a major future hazard for the species (Mayol, 1986; Thibault and Guyot, 1989) and for other syntopic seabirds. Awareness campaigns targeting specific groups and the general public develop national action plans for the species as a tool for proper implementation of their conservation. Local communities, as well as decisionmakers, fishermen and tourists need to be made aware of the need to protect these species and their habitat through specific awareness and educational campaigns since all too often lack of knowledge is the reason for incorrect behaviour or activities
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