Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Watch Overview of data from 2009 to 2013

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Watch Overview of data from 2009 to 2013"

Transcription

1 Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Watch Overview of data from 2009 to 2013 Jean Luc Solandt and Estelle Chassin Edited by David Jay Highlights The location and persistence of hotspots is reaffirmed for the Isle of Man, West Scotland and southwest England. Peak sightings continue to be made in June for Southwest England and the Isle of Man, and August for Western Scotland. Continuing increase in average size of sharks observed, potentially indicating population recovery. One sighting of 918 individuals in 2012 off Tiree, western Scotland, in August Offshore wind farm project abandoned due to basking shark presence on site. Introduction The Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Project was started in 1987 to raise awareness of the species and its major threats, to record and publicise hotspots of basking shark sightings in UK waters, and to provide conservation recommendations to national and international authorities. Since then MCS has succeeded in raising awareness of the species through the media, digital channels and through public talks. MCS is joint lead partner of the Biodiversity Action Plan for the basking shark and was instrumental in securing its listing on the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Convention on Migratory Species. Recently, MCS has compiled its basking shark data together with that of the Wildlife Trust and Shark Trust, and worked with scientists at the University of Exeter to publish an analysis of over 20 years of basking shark data ( ) in UK waters (Witt et al. 2012). Their analysis revealed: There are three main surface-feeding basking shark summer hotspot areas around the UK that remained consistent between years. These are in Southwest England (Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly), the Isle of Man, and Western Scotland, particularly the Sea of the Hebrides. The length of the summer basking shark season for surface sightings is strongly affected by the North Atlantic Oscillation (the annual change in air pressure difference between the Azores and the Arctic). A more extreme pressure difference leads to more settled, hotter summers when the highest number of shark sightings is recorded. This is partly because of more reliable presence of plankton at the surface, and partly because weather conditions provide better visibility and encourage more people to spend time on the water. There appears to be an increase in the average size of sharks over the period which may indicate a recovery of the shark population in UK waters, as more sharks are left to mature and grow in the absence of hunting. The purpose of the latest report (of which this is a summary) is to analyse and present data from (following the first study) sourced from Basking Shark Watch and shark recording schemes, and add to the earlier findings.

2 Number of Sightings Number of sharks BASKING SHARK WATCH REPORTS Number of reports Number of Sightings Number of Sharks Number of reports, and total number of sharks, per year in the UK. The highest annual number of Basking Shark Watch sightings received since 1987 was over 2000 reports submitted in 2006, the year which saw sightings schemes developed by the Wildlife Trusts, the launch of the Manx Basking Shark Watch project and the recruitment of a Basking Shark Watch officer at MCS. Following this there was an average of 1060 basking shark reports per year between 2007 and 2013, with the lowest number of reports being 637 in 2011 (dominated by Isle of Man sightings), and the highest 1621 reports in Sharks Per Sighting The number of sharks per sighting has remained reasonably consistent, at just under 3, throughout the whole period Often, however, the years in which the lowest numbers of separate shark sightings were reported also saw highest number of sharks reported in each sighting. 1

3 GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF SIGHTINGS Basking shark hotspots Distribution of 2013 sightings Distribution of sightings The geographic distribution of basking shark sightings from was very consistent with observation from the analysis. This shows clear hotspots in Southwest England, the Isle of Man and Western Scotland (shown in these maps from the latest year and the whole 28 year period). It has been shown that these areas all provide high concentrations of plankton (microscopic marine animals, the basking shark s primary food) at surface level, due to the nature of the prevailing water currents at the site. Periodically there is a surge in reports from other areas (such as the southern Moray Firth in 2013) where an unusual abundance of sharks is reported. Historically there have been similar spikes in sightings from the Hurd Deep in the English Channel and the west of Pembrokeshire. Typically these areas are already known to be hotspots for other species such as commercial fish stocks or sightings of whales and dolphins. 2

4 Hotspot Sightings West Scotland, 25.6 Isle of Man, 26.9 Southwest England, 41.1 Southwest England Isle of Man West Scotland East Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Ireland SE England NE England France Regional distribution of sightings. Of the three hotspot areas the largest number of reports over the period came from Southwest England, with Western Scotland and the Isle of Man providing slightly fewer, but comparable numbers to each other. It is worth bearing in mind that the number of reports is dependent not just on the number of sharks but also on the level of human activity at the coast and visibility conditions - more reports are likely to come from more populous areas, or those frequented by tourists, with clearer weather. Hotspot Characteristics Sightings in Cornwall show some distinct patterns, including high levels around the Lands End peninsula and to the west of The Lizard. There is also a cluster of sightings offshore to the north of Lands End which coincides with the Cape Bank reef complex. Since 1987 the number of sightings in Cornwall has risen steadily while the number from Devon (which was lower initially) has dropped further this may in some part be due to publicity efforts intensifying in Cornwall over the period whilst not being pursued in Devon. Hotspot sightings to the west of Scotland are concentrated in the Clyde Sea (Northeast of Ayr and around the Isle of Arran), to the north and west of Mull (and around Tiree and Coll), and around the small Isles of the Inner Hebrides and Hyskeir lighthouse. Many sightings have been recorded in areas currently being evaluated for designations as Marine Protected Areas, especially the site around Rum and Canna. A survey in 2012 to the southwest of the Island of Tiree recorded 918 basking sharks in a single survey the largest single sighting in the whole database. Shark sightings around the Isle of Man are much more abundant to the west of the island due to the prevailing onshore winds. The density of sightings per kilometre of coast for this region is the greatest for the entire UK over the period However the number of sightings in this hotspot fell each year from 847 in 2009 to 129 in 2012, although it rose again slightly to 160 in

5 Number of sightings SEASONALITY OF SIGHTINGS Seasonal Overview Isle of Man West Scotland Southwest England Other Regions 0 Average number of sightings reports per month, The timing of the basking shark season was similar in both Southwest England and the Isle of Man. This typically started in April (in Southwest England) or May (in the Isle of Man) and rose sharply to a peak in June, with sightings then gradually tailing off and usually ending in October or November. There was, however, a second smaller peak in shark sightings in Southwest England waters in August. Overall the season for the Isle of Man was shorter, running from May to September rather than April to October or November. Sightings in Scotland showed a distinctly different pattern, starting in May and rising more gradually to peak in August, then falling off rapidly to end in October or November. SHOAL SIZE Relative occurrence of difference shoal sizes, Shoal size Range Number of sightings % ,01 1 to ,47 6 to ,02 11 to ,45 21 to ,57 51 to , to , to ,02 > ,01 4

6 Proportion of total sharks Although recorded shoal sizes ranged from 1 to over 900, almost 90% of sightings were of five animals or fewer. Congregations of between 100 and 300 individuals were reported in all the key hotspot locations, as well as southern Ireland and north Wales, but the only sightings of shoals of were in Southwest England. Just one sighting of over 500 animals was recorded, with 918 individual sharks counted in the waters to the southwest of Tiree in August The sighting was reported during Environmental Impact Assessment boat surveys (carried out on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage) relating to the proposed construction of an offshore wind farm at the site. The proposal was subsequently dropped, with the shark observations being cited as part of the reason for the decision. SHARK SIZE There has been a small but significant change in the relative sizes of observed sharks since Sightings of larger sharks (longer than 6 metres) have been on the increase since 2005 whilst there has been a decrease in the proportion of smaller sharks (less than 4 metres) over the whole 28 year period. Witt et al (2012) suggest that this is may be an indication of population recovery from historical over-exploitation. The reduced numbers brought about by continuous hunting will initially increase with the birth and survival of more young sharks, which over time will mature and grow (without being hunted and killed) leading to more larger animals being observed <2m 2-4m 4-6m 6-8m >8m Basking shark size distribution in 2006, 2013 vs OTHER OBSERVATIONS Between 2001 and 2011 there were 24 sightings specifically mentioning courting or mating behaviour. This is variously described as parallel swimming (nose to tail), sharks circling each other with evidence of copulation, and vigorous subsurface twisting and circling. Sharks of 2m or under were rarely observed, but when seen they were often with other sharks in loose groups, and frequently swimming very close to adults. From there were 63 reports of sharks suffering ship strike or entanglement in fishing gear. Entanglement in static fishing gear, such as pot lines and gill nets, are most frequently recorded, but there were reports of one shark caught at a depth of 150 metres in the Shetland Islands and another at nearly 250 metres in the seas to the West of Ireland. Basking sharks are more 5

7 likely to survive such incidents than most other fish, with 6 reports of sharks surviving being caught and then released. There were also several reports of free swimming sharks with obvious marks from nets or rope on their bodies. Conservation Implications The study confirms the importance of Cornish sites for the UK basking shark population. In particular there are high levels of sightings in and around the European Marine Sites (EMS) of Lands End, Cape Bank, Lizard and Fal and Helford. These EMS are not currently designated for the protection of sharks or any other any mobile species, however the report suggests that seasonal protection measures could be considered in these areas, including: (1) Restrictions on boat speed by recreational and commercial vessels. (2) Agreement with fishers to restrict by-catch by limiting set nets in surface waters. (3) Reporting by-catch of sharks to local authorities. (4) Developing Codes of Conduct to assist the implementation of these recommendations. These new findings also confirm the importance of the inner south eastern Minch around Coll and Tiree for basking sharks. This area is already designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), but sharks are not currently listed among the key species. Given its status, however, seasonal management measures such as those listed above would seem to be appropriate. Taking the extra step of amending the listing to include basking sharks could also enhance the tourism potential for the area by making it the UK s first basking shark MPA. Enhanced understanding of basking shark presence has recently contributed to a potentially damaging offshore wind farm project being abandoned. The planned Argyll Array, to the West of Tiree, could have led to serious environmental disruption on and around the site. An Environmental Impact Assessment boat survey recorded a sighting of 918 sharks in August In December 2013 Scottish Power announced that they would be dropping the project, citing the presence of basking sharks as one of the reasons, along with logistic difficulties at the site. Acknowledgments Original report prepared by Dr Jean-Luc Solandt and Estelle Chassin of the Marine Conservation Society. Thanks go to all the collaborators, especially: RSPB Tiree, Manx Basking Shark Watch, Seawatch Foundation, Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the Wildlife Trust, Seawatch SouthWest, the Shark Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Biscay Dolphin Watch, Colin Speedie, Dr Matthew Witt (University of Exeter Cornwall Campus),Stephen Frampton and David Jay. Reference Witt MJ, Hardy T, Johnson L, McClellan CM, Pikesley SK, Ranger S, Richardson PB, Solandt JL, Speedie C, Williams R, Godley BJ (2012). Basking sharks in the northeast Atlantic: spatio-temporal trends from sightings in UK waters. Marine Ecology Progress Series 459: accessible here 6

The Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Watch annual report

The Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Watch annual report The Marine Conservation Society Basking Shark Watch 2009 annual report Jean-Luc Solandt (MCS Biodiversity Policy Officer) Natalie Ricks (MCS volunteer) photo: Lucy Verma 2004 Marine Conservation Society

More information

JELLYFISH IN UK COASTAL WATERS

JELLYFISH IN UK COASTAL WATERS JELLYFISH IN UK COASTAL WATERS Analysis of a Citizen Science database Stephen Pikesley Postgraduate Researcher S.K.Pikesley@exeter.ac.uk Outline Species in UK waters & lifecycle Previous studies Data:

More information

DUGONGS IN ABU DHABI

DUGONGS IN ABU DHABI DUGONGS IN ABU DHABI 01 Worldwide there are approximately 100,000 dugongs, almost 90% live in Australian waters. The Arabian Gulf and Red Sea host an estimated 7,300 dugongs. This is the second largest

More information

DISTRIBUTION, AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF THE COMMON DOLPHIN DELPHINUS DELPHIS IN THE BAY OF BISCAY

DISTRIBUTION, AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF THE COMMON DOLPHIN DELPHINUS DELPHIS IN THE BAY OF BISCAY DISTRIBUTION, AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF THE COMMON DOLPHIN DELPHINUS DELPHIS IN THE BAY OF BISCAY T. M. Brereton 1, A. D. Williams 2, & R. Williams 3 1Biscay Dolphin Research Programme, c/o 20 Mill Street,

More information

Possible new marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in Wales

Possible new marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in Wales Possible new marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in Wales Photo credit - PGH Evans / Seawatch Foundation // February 2015 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk This leaflet provides

More information

as a Platform for Data Collection

as a Platform for Data Collection Whale Watching as a Platform for Data Collection Jooke Robbins, Ph.D. Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies Provincetown, MA USA PCCS Research challenges Many poorly understood species and habitats Funding

More information

COMPILED BY: JEREMIAH PLASS-JOHNSON

COMPILED BY: JEREMIAH PLASS-JOHNSON TINIAN MARINE SANCTUARY PRELIMINARY REPORT FISHERIES RESEARCH PROGRAM, PROJECT B REEF FISH STOCK STATUS, JOB MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT OF MARINE SANCTUARIES COMPILED BY: JEREMIAH PLASS-JOHNSON INTRODUCTION

More information

Farr wind farm: A review of displacement disturbance on dunlin arising from operational turbines

Farr wind farm: A review of displacement disturbance on dunlin arising from operational turbines Farr wind farm: A review of displacement disturbance on dunlin arising from operational turbines 2002-2015. Alan H Fielding and Paul F Haworth September 2015 Haworth Conservation Haworth Conservation Ltd

More information

Northampton Washlands: Frequently Asked Questions

Northampton Washlands: Frequently Asked Questions Northampton Washlands: Frequently Asked Questions Site Significance 1 Why is the site important for wildlife? 2 Why are over wintering birds of such high conservation importance? 3 What are the issues

More information

STATUS OF SEABIRDS ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND DURING THE 2009 BREEDING SEASON

STATUS OF SEABIRDS ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND DURING THE 2009 BREEDING SEASON STATUS OF SEABIRDS ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND DURING THE 29 BREEDING SEASON P.M. Warzybok and R.W. Bradley Marine Ecology Division PRBO Conservation Science 382 Cypress Drive #11 Petaluma, CA, 94954

More information

A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. Ian Walker Marine Environment Marine Scotland Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

A world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. Ian Walker Marine Environment Marine Scotland Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Ian Walker Marine Environment Marine Scotland Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Cc: Jim McKie, Marine Scotland Michael Coyle, Marine Management Organisation Stephen Brooker, Marine Management Organisation

More information

Dartford Warbler Surveys

Dartford Warbler Surveys Dartford Warbler Surveys Title Dartford Warbler national surveys in the UK (SCARABBS) Description and Summary of Results The 2006 survey was run by the RSPB with help from BTO and in conjunction with the

More information

Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation

Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation June 2015 Edited and produced on behalf of the Scottish Squirrel Group Introduction This Strategy updates the 2004 Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation

More information

Thanks for invitation to attend this workshop. Michael asked if I would talk about puffins in the UK particularly the studies I ve been involved in

Thanks for invitation to attend this workshop. Michael asked if I would talk about puffins in the UK particularly the studies I ve been involved in Thanks for invitation to attend this workshop. Michael asked if I would talk about puffins in the UK particularly the studies I ve been involved in with Mike Harris on the IOM. Pretty big topic going to

More information

Spring-Summer Issue 66. The Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association s website has a new look. Check us out.

Spring-Summer Issue 66. The Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association s website has a new look. Check us out. Spring-Summer 2015 www.gehwa.org Issue 66 The Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association s website has a new look. Check us out. National Park Foundation 2014 Impact Grant In 2014 the National Park Foundation,

More information

The use of k values to convert counts of individual Razorbills Alca torda to breeding pairs

The use of k values to convert counts of individual Razorbills Alca torda to breeding pairs The use of k values to convert counts of individual Razorbills Alca torda to breeding pairs Mike P. Harris *, Mark A. Newell and Sarah Wanless *Correspondence author. Email: mph@ceh.ac.uk Centre for Ecology

More information

Marine mammal monitoring

Marine mammal monitoring Marine mammal monitoring Overseas territories REMMOA campaigns : survey of marine mammals and other pelagic megafauna by aerial observation West Indies French Guiana / Indian Ocean / French Polynesia /

More information

Are pine martens the answer to grey squirrel control?

Are pine martens the answer to grey squirrel control? Are pine martens the answer to grey squirrel control? Journalists seem to think so.. The Vincent Wildlife Trust Founded in 1975 by Hon. Vincent Weir A charity engaged in mammal research, surveys, monitoring

More information

Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary for Endorsed Projects FY08 (October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008)

Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary for Endorsed Projects FY08 (October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008) Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary for Endorsed Projects FY08 (October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008) Project Title: SDJV#16, Ducks Unlimited Canada s Common Eider Initiative (year five of a

More information

Wintering Corn Buntings

Wintering Corn Buntings Wintering Corn Buntings Title Wintering Corn Bunting 1992/93 Description and Summary of Results The Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra is one of a number of farmland birds which showed a marked decline in

More information

Summaries of Sub-regional Trends in Density Indices PROCEEDINGS 1

Summaries of Sub-regional Trends in Density Indices PROCEEDINGS 1 Trends Observed for Selected Marine Bird Species during 1993- Winter Aerial Surveys, Conducted by the PSAMP Bird Component (WDFW) in the Inner Marine Waters of Washington State David R. Nysewander, Joseph

More information

Delivering Living Landscapes Citizen Science Survey

Delivering Living Landscapes Citizen Science Survey Duration Survey: August 2015 Theme of Survey: Garden wildlife survey Species Recorded: Hedgehog House martin nests Red admiral Promotion: Survey overview A6 cards distributed in two Living Landscape areas

More information

RSPB CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION SCIENCE

RSPB CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION SCIENCE No.15 Renewable energy and conservation science RSPB CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION SCIENCE David J Slater (rspb-images.com) Where science comes to life RSPB CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION SCIENCE While the RSPB is

More information

Scottish marine Special Protection Area network assessment

Scottish marine Special Protection Area network assessment Scottish marine Special Protection Area network assessment September 2018 Document version control Version Date Author Reason / Comments 1 12/04/2018 Emma Philip, Kate Thompson First draft 2 26/04/2018

More information

ECOLOGY CALENDAR recltd.co.uk

ECOLOGY CALENDAR recltd.co.uk ECOLOGY CALENDAR 2017 Alconbury Croydon Edinburgh Glasgow Leeds London Manchester Northern Ireland Plymouth Stansted Winchester ECO CALENDAR KEY Part of the Concept Life Sciences Group, REC is a multi-disciplinary,

More information

WWT/JNCC/SNH Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme survey results 2005/06

WWT/JNCC/SNH Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme survey results 2005/06 1. Abundance WWT/JNCC/SNH Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme survey results 2005/06 Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus The fifth international census of Whooper Swans wintering in Britain, Ireland and Iceland was

More information

COOK STRAIT WHALE SURVEY REPORT ON FIELD RESULTS 2013

COOK STRAIT WHALE SURVEY REPORT ON FIELD RESULTS 2013 Compiled by Nadine Bott Project Leader, Cook Strait Whale Survey Department of Conservation email: nbott@doc.govt.nz ph: 021 781610 COOK STRAIT WHALE SURVEY REPORT ON FIELD RESULTS 2013 INTRODUCTION This

More information

Marine Knowledge Infrastructure

Marine Knowledge Infrastructure Marine Knowledge Infrastructure Who are you? What is your name? (Family name then forenames) This will not be published. Hall, Stephen what is your contact e-mail? sph@noc.soton.ac.uk You can either reply

More information

Guidance note: Distribution of breeding birds in relation to upland wind farms

Guidance note: Distribution of breeding birds in relation to upland wind farms Guidance note: Distribution of breeding birds in relation to upland wind farms December 2009 Summary Impacts of wind farms on bird populations can occur through collisions, habitat loss, avoidance/barrier

More information

HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES: MONARCH POPULATION TRENDS WEST OF THE GREAT DIVIDE SHAWNA STEVENS AND DENNIS FREY. Biological Sciences Department

HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES: MONARCH POPULATION TRENDS WEST OF THE GREAT DIVIDE SHAWNA STEVENS AND DENNIS FREY. Biological Sciences Department HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES: MONARCH POPULATION TRENDS WEST OF THE GREAT DIVIDE SHAWNA STEVENS AND DENNIS FREY Biological Sciences Department California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, California

More information

STATUS OF SEABIRDS ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND DURING THE 2010 BREEDING SEASON

STATUS OF SEABIRDS ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND DURING THE 2010 BREEDING SEASON STATUS OF SEABIRDS ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND DURING THE 2010 BREEDING SEASON P.M. Warzybok and R.W. Bradley Marine Ecology Division PRBO Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive #11 Petaluma, CA, 94954

More information

PROCESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATIONS OF WHALE SHARKS USING THE INTERACTIVE INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (I 3 S).

PROCESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATIONS OF WHALE SHARKS USING THE INTERACTIVE INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (I 3 S). PROCESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATIONS OF WHALE SHARKS USING THE INTERACTIVE INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (I 3 S). DRAFT DATA COLLECTION PROTOCOL, VERSION 1.1 (12/3/07) Simon J. Pierce Lead Scientist

More information

Antipodean wandering albatross census and population study 2017

Antipodean wandering albatross census and population study 2017 Antipodean wandering albatross census and population study 2017 Graeme Elliott and Kath Walker March 2017 Antipodean wandering albatross 2017 2 ABSTRACT Antipodean wandering albatrosses have been monitored

More information

Winter Atlas 1981/ /84

Winter Atlas 1981/ /84 Winter Atlas 1981/82-1983/84 Title Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1981/82-1983/84. Description and Summary of Results The publication of The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland

More information

The North East Cetacean Project. Dr Martin S. Kitching North East Regional Officer MARINElife

The North East Cetacean Project. Dr Martin S. Kitching North East Regional Officer MARINElife The North East Cetacean Project Dr Martin S. Kitching North East Regional Officer MARINElife Background to the NECP Regular pelagic trips into the North Sea since 1998 (NTBC trips since 1987) White-beaked

More information

Cetaceans and Sea Turtles: improved knowledge on distribution and abundance

Cetaceans and Sea Turtles: improved knowledge on distribution and abundance Cetaceans and Sea Turtles: improved knowledge on distribution and abundance Draško Holcer, PhD Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Veli Lošinj, Croatia Bojan Lazar, PhD Institute for

More information

Bats and the Law An overview for planning, building and maintenance works

Bats and the Law An overview for planning, building and maintenance works Bats and the Law An overview for planning, building and maintenance works Bats and their roosts are legally protected. In most cases works can take place as long as you plan ahead and follow certain rules.

More information

Farr windfarm: A review of displacement disturbance on golden plover arising from operational turbines between

Farr windfarm: A review of displacement disturbance on golden plover arising from operational turbines between Farr windfarm: A review of displacement disturbance on golden plover arising from operational turbines between 2005-2009. Alan H Fielding and Paul F Haworth August 2010 Haworth Conservation Haworth Conservation

More information

Herd composition and dispersion in the Whooper Swan

Herd composition and dispersion in the Whooper Swan Herd composition and dispersion in the Whooper Swan By Raymond Hewson INTRODUCTION FROM A LOCAL STUDY of the Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus at Loch Park, Banffshire, it became apparent that, within the herd

More information

Project Title: Migration patterns, habitat use, and harvest characteristics of long-tailed ducks wintering on Lake Michigan.

Project Title: Migration patterns, habitat use, and harvest characteristics of long-tailed ducks wintering on Lake Michigan. Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary FY 2016 (October 1, 2015 to Sept 30, 2016) Project Title: Migration patterns, habitat use, and harvest characteristics of long-tailed ducks wintering on Lake

More information

Digital Aerial Baseline Surveys of Marine Wildlife

Digital Aerial Baseline Surveys of Marine Wildlife Digital Aerial Baseline Surveys of Marine Wildlife In Support of New York State Offshore Wind Energy Seasonal PAC Webinar #8 Spring 2018 Dial-in number: 352-327-3264 Access code: 173655 Introduction Greg

More information

Mt. Mansfield Amphibian Monitoring. Update. For the Vermont Monitoring Cooperative

Mt. Mansfield Amphibian Monitoring. Update. For the Vermont Monitoring Cooperative Mt. Mansfield Amphibian Monitoring Update 2010 (Covering 1993-2010) For the Vermont Monitoring Cooperative Erin Talmage and James S. Andrews Amphibian Monitoring on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont 1993-2010 Background

More information

LOCH LEVEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (NNR) Proposed Local Access Guidance

LOCH LEVEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (NNR) Proposed Local Access Guidance LOCH LEVEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (NNR) Proposed Local Access Guidance Summary This paper briefly outlines the rationale behind the proposed local access guidance for Loch Leven NNR. Introduction SNH

More information

Wildlife distributions and habitat use on the mid-atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

Wildlife distributions and habitat use on the mid-atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Wildlife distributions and habitat use on the mid-atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Jonathan Fiely-BRI Kate Williams Biodiversity Research Institute 27 Oct. 2015 Funding Organizations: U.S. Dept. of Energy

More information

Note: Some squares have continued to be monitored each year since the 2013 survey.

Note: Some squares have continued to be monitored each year since the 2013 survey. Woodcock 2013 Title Woodcock Survey 2013 Description and Summary of Results During much of the 20 th Century the Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola bred widely throughout Britain, with notable absences

More information

NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY REPORT ON PEAK DISTRICT BIRD OF PREY INITIATIVE

NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY REPORT ON PEAK DISTRICT BIRD OF PREY INITIATIVE NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY REPORT ON PEAK DISTRICT BIRD OF PREY INITIATIVE 2012-2015 Background In 2011, following concerns about declining populations of several birds of prey, reported instances of known

More information

North East England: Offshore wind market opportunities

North East England: Offshore wind market opportunities North East England: Offshore wind market opportunities 1 UK overview The UK offshore wind programme is the largest in the world, and is expected to form around half of the European market in the next 10

More information

Two Bays Whale Project Summary David Donnelly, Sue Mason, Mikala Peters and Jen McFee

Two Bays Whale Project Summary David Donnelly, Sue Mason, Mikala Peters and Jen McFee Two Bays Whale Project Summary 2018 David Donnelly, Sue Mason, Mikala Peters and Jen McFee Project Background The Two Bays Whale Project is a citizen science initiative created through collaboration between

More information

ICES Special Request Advice Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea Ecoregions Published 10 March 2016 Version 2; 13 May 2016

ICES Special Request Advice Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea Ecoregions Published 10 March 2016 Version 2; 13 May 2016 ICES Special Request Advice Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea Ecoregions Published 10 March 2016 Version 2; 13 May 2016 3.4.1 * Norway/Russia request for evaluation of harvest control rules for Northeast Arctic

More information

Developing Sustainable Dolphin-watching in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland

Developing Sustainable Dolphin-watching in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland Developing Sustainable Dolphin-watching in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland A submission to the European Destinations of Excellence Competition: Tourism and Protected Areas Prepared by Dr Simon Berrow Project

More information

Woodlark Title Woodlark 2006.

Woodlark Title Woodlark 2006. Woodlark 2006 Title Woodlark 2006. Description and Summary of Results The Woodlark Lullula arborea is a rare breeding species and partial migrant in Britain, where it is mainly confined to southern England.

More information

Block Offer 2014 Awards Questions and Answers... 1

Block Offer 2014 Awards Questions and Answers... 1 Block Offer 2014 Awards Questions and Answers December, 2014 Contents Block Offer 2014 Awards Questions and Answers... 1 What is a Block Offer?... 2 When did Block Offer 2014 open?... 2 How are bids assessed?...

More information

Status and Movements of the North Pacific Humpback Whale Population

Status and Movements of the North Pacific Humpback Whale Population Status and Movements of the North Pacific Humpback Whale Population 1 Some Basics Feed in high latitude, cool waters (Summer) Breed and calve in low latitude, warm waters (Winter) Migration is over 2500

More information

SPECIES ACTION PLAN. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum 1 INTRODUCTION 2 CURRENT STATUS 3 CURRENT FACTORS AFFECTING 4 CURRENT ACTION

SPECIES ACTION PLAN. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum 1 INTRODUCTION 2 CURRENT STATUS 3 CURRENT FACTORS AFFECTING 4 CURRENT ACTION GREATER HORSESHOE BAT Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Hampshire Biodiversity Partnership 1 INTRODUCTION The greater horseshoe bat has been identified by the UK Biodiversity steering group report as a species

More information

Marine Mammal Response on the Texas Coast

Marine Mammal Response on the Texas Coast Marine Mammal Response on the Texas Coast SUBTITLE NMFS Permit 14450 Role of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Response, Rehabilitation and Research Oil spill response, assessment and restoration:

More information

Bat Species of the Years 2016 and Noctule (Nyctalus noctula)

Bat Species of the Years 2016 and Noctule (Nyctalus noctula) Bat Species of the Years 2016 and 2017 Noctule (Nyctalus noctula) Facts compiled for BatLife Europe by Eeva-Maria Kyheröinen, Javier Juste, Kit Stoner and Guido Reiter Biology and distribution The Noctule

More information

Winter Skylarks 1997/98

Winter Skylarks 1997/98 Winter Skylarks 1997/98 Title Winter Skylarks 1997/98 Description and Summary of Results Numbers of breeding Skylarks Alauda arvensis declined by 58% in lowland British farmland between 1975 and 1994 but

More information

Little Ringed Plover 2007

Little Ringed Plover 2007 Little Ringed Plover 2007 Title Breeding Plover Survey 2007 (Little Ringed Plover) (Note: In the breeding season of 2007, the BTO ran a UK-wide survey covering both Little Ringed Charadrius dubius and

More information

Adjusted revenues for the 3 rd quarter recorded a slight rise of 2.6% compared to the previous quarter (consolidated revenues up 4.

Adjusted revenues for the 3 rd quarter recorded a slight rise of 2.6% compared to the previous quarter (consolidated revenues up 4. Press release BOURBON Financial information 3 rd quarter and 2018 Marseilles, November 8, 2018 Adjusted revenues for the 3 rd quarter recorded a slight rise of 2.6% compared to the previous quarter (consolidated

More information

IXIA S PUBLIC ART SURVEY 2013 SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS. Published February 2014

IXIA S PUBLIC ART SURVEY 2013 SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS. Published February 2014 IXIA S PUBLIC ART SURVEY 2013 SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS Published February 2014 ABOUT IXIA ixia is England s public art think tank. We promote and influence the development and implementation of public

More information

Which DCF data for what?

Which DCF data for what? JRC IPSC Maritime Affairs 1 Which DCF data for what? European fisheries data - from the national institutions to the management and public. Hans-Joachim Rätz hans-joachim.raetz@jrc.ec.europa.eu JRC IPSC

More information

Great Yellow Bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) ) in Ireland

Great Yellow Bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) ) in Ireland Great Yellow Bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) ) in Ireland 2010 STATUS World distribution Palaearctic region Conservation status s Bombus distinguendus is showing a general decline across central Europe.

More information

DIGITAL ECONOMY BUSINESS SURVEY 2017

DIGITAL ECONOMY BUSINESS SURVEY 2017 hie.co.uk DIGITAL ECONOMY BUSINESS SURVEY 2017 Executive Summary Highlands and Islands: March 2018 INTRODUCTION In 2017, the Scottish Government, in partnership with HIE, Scottish Enterprise and Skills

More information

Protecting the Endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel

Protecting the Endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel MICUSP Version 1.0 - NRE.G1.21.1 - Natural Resources - First year Graduate - Female - Native Speaker - Research Paper 1 Abstract Protecting the Endangered Mount Graham Red Squirrel The Mount Graham red

More information

The South West Makes Waves In Scotland

The South West Makes Waves In Scotland 10 June 2013 The South West Makes Waves In Scotland The South West s marine renewable industry was recently showcased at All Energy, the UK s largest renewable energy trade show held in Aberdeen. Twelve

More information

HERON AND EGRET MONITORING RESULTS AT WEST MARIN ISLAND: 2003 NESTING SEASON

HERON AND EGRET MONITORING RESULTS AT WEST MARIN ISLAND: 2003 NESTING SEASON HERON AND EGRET MONITORING RESULTS AT WEST MARIN ISLAND: 2003 NESTING SEASON A Report to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge John P. Kelly a and Binny Fischer Cypress Grove Research Center, Audubon

More information

Humpback whale breaks migration record

Humpback whale breaks migration record Reading Practice Humpback whale breaks migration record A whale surprises researchers with her journey. A lone humpback whale travelled more than 9,800 kilometres from breeding areas in Brazil to those

More information

BIRD READING ASSIGNMENT

BIRD READING ASSIGNMENT Ocean Connectors BIRD READING ASSIGNMENT To do before the field trip, in class or at home 1. Students will read Wetland Neighbors. The reading is available on the next page and online at http://oceanconnectors.org/resources.

More information

THE CEMEX AND RSPB BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

THE CEMEX AND RSPB BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP THE CEMEX AND RSPB BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP Helping to Build A Greater Britain A FEW WORDS... Jesus Gonzalez, President of CEMEX UK says: We are delighted that we are continuing our partnership with the

More information

Key recent science for UK raptor conservation

Key recent science for UK raptor conservation Key recent science for UK raptor conservation Staffan Roos 1 & Jeremy Wilson 1, 2 1 Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB Scotland 2 School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling

More information

Final Prospectus and Terms of Reference for an Independent Review of the New England Fishery Management Council 2/27/18

Final Prospectus and Terms of Reference for an Independent Review of the New England Fishery Management Council 2/27/18 Final Prospectus and Terms of Reference for an Independent Review of the New England Fishery Management Council 2/27/18 The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC, Council) has initiated an independent

More information

AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATE OF MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES MALTA REPORT

AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATE OF MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES MALTA REPORT AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATE OF MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES MALTA REPORT Malta Environment & Planning Authority May 2007 AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATE OF MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE

More information

Working with wildlife A DAY IN THE LIFE

Working with wildlife A DAY IN THE LIFE EPA ACTIVITY WORKSHEET STUDENT PAGE 1 7 Theme Student Sheet. This is the story of a scientist and their work on a day to day basis. Objectives To give students an insight into the work of scientists and

More information

Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)

Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) Dormice are closely associated with ancient semi-natural woodlands, although they also occur in scrub and ancient hedges. They are largely confined to southern England

More information

Alca torda. Report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive Period Annex I International action plan. No No

Alca torda. Report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive Period Annex I International action plan. No No Period 2008-2012 European Environment Agency European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity Annex I International action plan No No Razorbill,, is a species of colonial seabird found in unvegetated or sparsely

More information

2. Survey Methodology

2. Survey Methodology Analysis of Butterfly Survey Data and Methodology from San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan (1982 2000). 2. Survey Methodology Travis Longcore University of Southern California GIS Research Laboratory

More information

Departure of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus fledglings from Bardsey, Gwynedd, Wales, 1998 to 2013

Departure of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus fledglings from Bardsey, Gwynedd, Wales, 1998 to 2013 Departure of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus fledglings from Bardsey, Gwynedd, Wales, 1998 to 2013 Mike Archer 1*, Peter Hope Jones 2 and Steven D. Stansfield 2 *Correspondence author. Email: mikearcher@care4free.net

More information

SoN 2015: Landmark report shows European biodiversity going lost at unacceptable rates: intensive agriculture main culprit

SoN 2015: Landmark report shows European biodiversity going lost at unacceptable rates: intensive agriculture main culprit Brussels, 20 May 2015 SoN 2015: Landmark report shows European biodiversity going lost at unacceptable rates: intensive agriculture main culprit Landmark report shows European biodiversity going lost at

More information

Insight Department: Wildlife Tourism

Insight Department: Wildlife Tourism Insight Department: Wildlife Tourism June 2017 Welcome ATTRACTION VISITS (000S) NIGHTS (000S) SPEND ( M) NIGHTS PER TRIP SPEND PER TRIP ( ) SPEND PER NIGHT ( ) Visiting a wildlife attraction\ nature reserve

More information

EEB 4260 Ornithology. Lecture Notes: Migration

EEB 4260 Ornithology. Lecture Notes: Migration EEB 4260 Ornithology Lecture Notes: Migration Class Business Reading for this lecture Required. Gill: Chapter 10 (pgs. 273-295) Optional. Proctor and Lynch: pages 266-273 1. Introduction A) EARLY IDEAS

More information

Brian Skerry: Below the Surface

Brian Skerry: Below the Surface JANUARY 22, 2018 INTERMEDIATE Brian Skerry: Below the Surface Featuring BRIAN SKERRY Brian Skerry A school of bluefin tuna swim inside a massive purse seine fishing net in the Mediterranean Sea off the

More information

Estimated Using Photo-Identificatio CHERDSUKJAI, PHAOTHEP; KITTIWATTANA KONGKIAT.

Estimated Using Photo-Identificatio CHERDSUKJAI, PHAOTHEP; KITTIWATTANA KONGKIAT. The Population Sizes of Indo-Pacifi Title(Sousa chinensis) Around Sukon and Estimated Using Photo-Identificatio Author(s) CHERDSUKJAI, PHAOTHEP; KITTIWATTANA KONGKIAT PROCEEDINGS of the Design Symposium

More information

Rook Title Rook 1996

Rook Title Rook 1996 Rook 1996 Title Rook 1996 Description and Summary of Results The Rook Corvus frugilegus is an abundant and widespread resident bird in the UK. Largely because of its preference for feeding on agricultural

More information

Soft Engineering Case Study: Wallasea Island

Soft Engineering Case Study: Wallasea Island Soft Engineering Case Study: Wallasea Island Situation By the British Geographer Wallasea Island is on the south side of the Crouch Estuary in Essex and also linked to the Roach Estuary. These estuaries

More information

Advice June, revised September 2010

Advice June, revised September 2010 .. Advice June, revised September ECOREGION STOCK Celtic Sea and West of Scotland Sole in Division VIIa (Irish Sea) Advice summary for Management Objective (s) Landings in Transition to an MSY approach

More information

Before and After in Belize: Testing a Marine Reserve 2012 FIELD REPORT

Before and After in Belize: Testing a Marine Reserve 2012 FIELD REPORT Before and After in Belize: Testing a Marine Reserve 2012 FIELD REPORT Background Information Lead PI: John A. Cigliano Project scientists: Dr. John A. Cigliano and Dr. Richard Kliman Report completed

More information

Project Barn Owl. Title Project Barn Owl

Project Barn Owl. Title Project Barn Owl Project Barn Owl Title Project Barn Owl 1995-1997 Description and Summary of Results Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries the Barn Owl Tyto alba was regarded as being the most common owl over much

More information

General Secretariat Delegations Problem of necrophagous birds in Spain because of shortage of natural food: a serious threat to biodiversity

General Secretariat Delegations Problem of necrophagous birds in Spain because of shortage of natural food: a serious threat to biodiversity COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 24 October 2007 (25.10) (OR. en,es) 14301/07 ENV 555 NOTE from : to : Subject : General Secretariat Delegations Problem of necrophagous birds in Spain because of

More information

BirdLife International Marine Programme Marine Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (Marine IBAs)

BirdLife International Marine Programme Marine Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (Marine IBAs) Photo: Pep Arcos BirdLife International Marine Programme Marine Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (Marine IBAs) Marguerite Tarzia- Marine Conservation Officer, BirdLife Europe marguerite.tarzia@birdlife.org

More information

Pilot effort to develop 2-season banding protocols to monitor black duck vital rates. Proposed by: Black Duck Joint Venture February 2009

Pilot effort to develop 2-season banding protocols to monitor black duck vital rates. Proposed by: Black Duck Joint Venture February 2009 Pilot effort to develop 2-season banding protocols to monitor black duck vital rates. Proposed by: Black Duck Joint Venture February 2009 Prepared by: Patrick Devers, Guthrie Zimmerman, and Scott Boomer

More information

NATIONAL POLICY ON OILED BIRDS AND OILED SPECIES AT RISK

NATIONAL POLICY ON OILED BIRDS AND OILED SPECIES AT RISK NATIONAL POLICY ON OILED BIRDS AND OILED SPECIES AT RISK January 2000 Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service Environnement Canada Service canadien de la faune Canada National Policy on Oiled Birds

More information

Short-eared Owl. Title Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owl. Title Short-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Title Short-eared Owl 2006-2007 Description and Summary of Results Knowledge of the population size and trends of breeding Short-eared Owls Asio flammeus in Britain is poor and, although

More information

Common Name: HUMPBACK WHALE. Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae Borowski. Other Commonly Used Names: humpback

Common Name: HUMPBACK WHALE. Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae Borowski. Other Commonly Used Names: humpback Common Name: HUMPBACK WHALE Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae Borowski Other Commonly Used Names: humpback Previously Used Names: Balaena novaeangliae Family: Balaenopteridae Rarity Ranks: G4/SNRN

More information

Farr wind farm: A review of displacement disturbance on golden plover arising from operational turbines

Farr wind farm: A review of displacement disturbance on golden plover arising from operational turbines Farr wind farm: A review of displacement disturbance on golden plover arising from operational turbines 2005-2015. Alan H Fielding and Paul F Haworth September 2015 Haworth Conservation Haworth Conservation

More information

Written Comment: Sydney Basin and Orpheus Graben Areas

Written Comment: Sydney Basin and Orpheus Graben Areas December 23, 2015 Written Comment: Sydney Basin and Orpheus Graben Areas Based on the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment 202 Brownlow Ave. Suite A305, Cambridge 1 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5 (902) 425-4774

More information

Report on the Black Headed Gull Ringing Project

Report on the Black Headed Gull Ringing Project Report on the Black Headed Gull Ringing Project 2003-2007 The Cotswold Water Park Ringing Group was formed in the spring of 2003 in order to coordinate the study of birds in the CWP using ringing. One

More information

You Are What You Eat. Description. Objectives. Essential Questions. Background Information

You Are What You Eat. Description. Objectives. Essential Questions. Background Information Timeframe 1-2 Fifty minute class periods Target Audience Grades 4th- 6th Suggested Materials Pictures of different whale species Tape or clothes pin Multi-colored beads Calorie Score Card Whale Feeding

More information

2012 Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades

2012 Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades Wading Bird Nesting in the Everglades Large scale Restoration Needed to Recover Wading Bird Populations Introduction The annual South Florida Wading Bird Report 1 provides an overview of wading bird nesting

More information

Cornwall Marine Network

Cornwall Marine Network Cornwall Marine Network Presentation to: Maritime UK & UK Marine Cluster colleagues by Paul Wickes MBE CEO Cornwall Marine Sector 6 Key Economic Clusters Cornwall Marine and Maritime Sector: Falmouth /

More information

Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary for Endorsed Projects FY 2010 (October 1, 2009 to Sept 30, 2010)

Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary for Endorsed Projects FY 2010 (October 1, 2009 to Sept 30, 2010) Sea Duck Joint Venture Annual Project Summary for Endorsed Projects FY 2010 (October 1, 2009 to Sept 30, 2010) Project Title: No. 2 Identification of Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Migration Corridor for Sea

More information