Background
The Slovenian sea is home to a significant portion (11.4 % or around 2 000 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 1 000 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.
Objectives
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.
Expected results: The expected outcomes of the project include:
- An expert proposal for a new marine IBA in the Slovenian sea;
- Designation of a new marine SPA in Slovenia, on the basis of knowledge acquired during the project;
- Expert guidelines for protocol in cases of accidental oil spills;
- Integration of IBA and Natura 2000 targets into the management practices of stakeholders;
- Greater public awareness of the importance of the Slovenian sea to Mediterranean shag conservation.
Coordinator: DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia (Društvo za opazovanje in proučevanje ptic Slovenije)
Partners: Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia; Javni zavod Krajinski park Strunjan, Slovenia
Duration: 01-SEP-2011 to 31-MAY-2016
Total budget: 474,458.00 €
EU contribution: 284,675.00 €
