LIFE Nature project Marine Protected Areas in the Eastern Baltic Sea, Reference number LIFE 05 NAT/LV/000100

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1 LIFE Nature project Marine Protected Areas in the Eastern Baltic Sea, Reference number LIFE 05 NAT/LV/ Final Inventory Report on action: Action A.3 Waterbird inventory Rapporteur: Partner P13, action leader: Mindaugas Dagys with contributions from Antra Stīpniece, Andres Kalamees, Andres Kuresoo and Leho Luigujõe Reporting period: 1 August, June, 2008 Description of activities Overall, the Waterbird inventory action (A.3) was carried out successfully all the planned project areas were covered, although the coverage somewhat varied between the areas, depending mostly on weather conditions. Due to adverse weather periods in the first season and some logistics issues, the surveys were extended for another wintering period (2007/2008), compared to the period planned in the project application. Because of this, data analysis and interpretation have been slightly delayed. Although the collection of data has already been finished, the analysis of the collected waterbird inventory data and delineation of the most important sites continues, but will be finished in the next few months. Activity 1 Coastal surveys Estonia In Estonia, coastal surveys were carried out in the eastern part of the project site 4EST (West Saaremaa) as a special investigation in order to obtain more detailed data for the preparation of management plan and harbour impact monitoring. 1 2 counts per month were carried out from December 2005 to June 2008, 44 counts in total. Latvia All project areas were surveyed from coast, weather permitting, as a part of waterbird mid-winter counts in January of 2006, 2007 and Coastal counts were also used for counting moulting Goldeneyes in June July 2006 and 2007 in the project sites 8LAT and 10LAT. Lithuania In Lithuania, coastal counts were carried out regularly in both project areas (12LIT and 13LIT) from mid-november to April, starting in January 2006 and ending in April The counts were usually carried out 1 2 times per month, depending on the weather conditions and the sea state. In total, more than 30 coastal counts were carried out in Lithuanian project sites during the project period. A special modification of coastal counts the Little Gull count from two fixed observation points (one in each project area) were carried out in Lithuania in July August of 2006 and In total, more than 400 hours of observations of Little Gull migration were made.

2 Activity 2 Ship surveys Estonia Ship-based transect counts in Estonia were implemented in close cooperation with Latvian ornithologists in the project area 6EST (Irbe Strait). The survey was carried out onboard of the Latvian military ship by an international Latvian Estonian team of observers. In total, six counts in different seasons were carried out in the Estonian part of the Irbe Strait: April 2006, July 2006, March 2007, 5 August 2007, 30 November 1 December 2007 and January Similar survey transects were used in different years and seasons (Annex I, Figure 1). The only additional ship-based survey in Estonia was made in the project area 2EST (West Gulf of Finland) on 15 November Latvia In total, 8 ship counts, using Latvian Navy ships A90 Varonis and K08, were performed throughout the duration of the project: Season Survey dates Spring April 1 May 2006 Summer July 1 August 2006 Autumn October and 5 8 November 2006 Winter 2006/ January 2007 Spring March 3 April 2007 Summer August 2007 Autumn November 2 December 2007 Winter 2007/ January 2008 The total length of all the surveyed transects amounted to 4882 km. All planned 8 surveys (twice each season) were carried out. It may be mentioned, that the second winter count was slightly delayed. Also, the coverage in autumn and winter months had to be reduced due to severe weather conditions. Only the sites 7LAT and 8LAT, located in the more sheltered Riga Gulf, received the full set of counts planned. Lithuania In Lithuania, ship surveys were used to count waterbirds outside the coastal are up to the extent of the territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles off the coast). Ship surveys were initially delayed due to co-financing issues by the Lithuanian Army. However, eventually these issues were resolved and regular surveys were initiated in the spring of In total, eight ship surveys were successfully carried out in Lithuanian project areas 12LIT and 13LIT during the project period: Dates Ship Sites Survey type Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Little Gull Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Wintering Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Little Gull Vejas 12LIT, 13LIT Little Gull Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Wintering Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Wintering Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Wintering Romaste 12LIT, 13LIT Wintering Each survey covered approximately 215 km of transects along the identical survey route (with the exception of the survey on the ship Vejas, which followed a specific expedition route of the Marine Research Centre), thus totalling some 1700 km of survey transects in the project sites (Annex III, Figure 1).

3 Activity 3 Aerial surveys Lithuania No aerial surveys were performed in Lithuania both Lithuanian project sites (12LIT and 13LIT) were completely covered by ship surveys and coastal surveys. Latvia Although the main methods used for waterbird surveys in Latvia were ship counts and coastal counts, waterbird observers accompanied specialists of the Latvian Marine Board during their pollution control flights on 28 occasions in order to collect additional information on bird presence/distribution (in February May and October December 2006, and February April 2007). In addition, 2 special aerial total counts (on 3 July 2006 and 20 January 2007) were performed in coastal waters at the altitude most suitable for bird counts. Estonia Aerial surveys were the preferred method of waterbird inventory in Estonia. In total, 13 aerial surveys were performed in Estonia in six with Cessna 172, six with L-410 and one with P-68: Date Aircraft Survey type Season/Action Study areas Cessna 172 Total Winter 1EST, 2EST Cessna 172 Total Winter/ 3 6EST Steller s Eider P-68 Transect Spring/Swans 2 3EST Cessna 172 Total Swans 1 2EST Cessna 172 Transect Moult 3EST, 5EST L-410 Transect Autumn 2 3EST L-410 Transect Winter 2 3EST L-410 Transect Winter 4EST L-410 Transect Winter/ Steller s Eider 2EST, 4EST L-410 Transect Spring 2 3EST L-410 Transect Spring/ 3 4EST Steller s Eider Cessna 172 Transect Spring 3EST, 5EST Cessna 172 Total Spring/Swans 3 6EST Each study area (1 6EST) was covered 5 times on average, with maximum 9 times (3EST) and minimum 2 times (1EST, 6EST; Annex I, Figure 4). Coverage of winter and spring seasons in was substantially better than summer/moult and autumn. Special actions on target species (swans, Steller s Eider) were performed as planned. These actions were supported by coastal surveys (point and transect counts from coast using telescopes). All main Estonian observers (Andres Kuresoo, Leho Luigujõe, Aivar Leito) are well trained, with excellent aerial count experience (all have performed flights/ flight hours).

4 Activity 4 Breeding waterbird counts on small islands Breeding waterbird counts were carried out in Estonia only in the breeding seasons of 2006 and In total, 262 small islands were investigated in five project areas as detailed in the table below: Project area Number of islands investigated 1EST East Gulf of Finland 14 3EST Väinameri 36 4EST West Saaremaa 44 5EST South Saaremaa 160 6EST Irbe Strait 8 Surveyed islands are shown in Annex I, Figures 5 9. Methodology of inventories Four main types of methodology (with some modifications) were applied for the waterbird inventory during this project. The set of methods used in the three Baltic countries slightly differed. 1. Coastal surveys Waterbird counts from the coast were conducted by walking/ driving along the coastline and observing birds up to a distance of 2 3 km, depending on weather conditions and the state of the sea. Binoculars and telescopes (magnification ) were used to observe birds. The aim of the survey total count of waterbirds in a stretch/sector of inshore waters. Slightly different approaches of observation point selection were adopted in different countries. For example, in Lithuania, the inshore waters were divided into 1 km-long stretch along the coast, i.e. observation points were spaced evenly along the coastline at 1 km intervals. In total, 75 observation points were used in Lithuania 25 observation points in 12LIT and 50 observation points in 13LIT (Annex III, Figure 1). Elsewhere, e.g. in Estonia, survey sectors, extending up to 2 km offshore, were observed from fixed watching points on the coastline (e.g. see Annex I, Figure 10). A special modification of the coastal survey was used in Lithuania for the observation of migrating Little Gulls in July August. Only two observation points were used (Annex III, Figure 1), one in each project site, but observations were carried out for 6 hours every day for the duration of three weeks from late July to mid-august. Thus, a passage of Little Gulls and terns was observed. 2. Ship surveys Ship surveys were mostly used for waterbird counting in Lithuania and Latvia. Estonian part of the Irbe Strait was surveyed by a joint Latvian Estonian team of observers on a Latvian ship. The only additional ship survey in Estonia was carried out in project area 2EST. In ship surveys, waterbirds are counted in a 300 m wide transect along the course of the ship, sailing at a constant speed along a predefined route, form a stable sheltered platform no less than 5 above the sea level in good weather conditions. A constant GPS track of the ship route is recorded into a log and data of bird observations are later georeferenced according to the time-stamp. Observed numbers of birds are later recalculated into observed bird densities and various statistical and GIS techniques are used to intrapolate bird densities for the entire study area and to estimate the total numbers of birds present and their distribution. 3. Aerial surveys Aerial surveys were mostly used in Estonia, because the Estonian coastline is very ragged and ship navigation around numerous islands is problematic. Two different types of aerial surveys were used total survey and transect survey. Total survey

5 was used to count waterbirds concentrating close to the coast or in shallow waters (ducks, geese, swans etc, Annex I, Figures 2, 4), while transect survey was used for covering offshore areas and dispersed waterbird species (divers, eiders, Longtailed Ducks, scoters etc., Annex I, Figures 3, 4). Aerial total survey Single-engine and high-wing aircraft (Cessna 172); Flight speed 170 km/h at m altitude (depending on target species, visibility); 2 3 trained observers, one covering each side of the aircraft, with all observations recorded continuously on dictaphone; Positioning I: using GIS-based count areas (Annex I, Figures 2, 4); Positioning II: GPS positions are recorded at least every 5 seconds (computer logs flight track); in years more accurate positioning (Pos II) was used as a rule (Annex I, Figures 3, 4); The time of each bird sighting were recorded, ideally to the nearest second, but within 10 seconds accuracy, using a GPS attached to the window of the plane; During surveys, two observers, one covering each side of the aircraft, record all observations continuously on dictaphone (digital voice recorder), giving information on count areas, species, number, behaviour and time. Aerial transect survey Twin-engine and high-wing aircraft (L-410, Cessna 172, Partenavia P-68); Line-transect methodology with sub-bands (A m, B m; 0 50 m dead angle, underneath the aircraft that the seated observers cannot cover) Transects 3 km apart; Flight altitude during surveys was standardised at 100 m at a cruising speed of 160 km/h (Cessna 172), 175 km/h (Partenavia P-68) and 190 km/h (L-410); Use of an inclinometer to measure declination from the horizon; 2 3 trained observers, one covering each side of the aircraft, with all observations recorded continuously on dictaphone (digital voice recorder); giving information on time, species, number, behaviour and transect band. Positioning II: GPS positions are recorded at least every 5 seconds (computer logs flight track) (Annex I, Figures 3, 4); The time of each bird sighting were recorded, ideally to the nearest second, but within 10 seconds accuracy, using a GPS attached to the window of the plane. Aerial waterbird surveys in Estonia were conducted using aircraft L-410 of Estonian Border Guard Aviation Group, Cessna 172 (AS Pakker Avio) and Partenavia P-68 (Military Parachute Club). L-410 and Partenavia P-68 are twinengine and Cessna 172 one-engine aircraft. All are high winged planes, which is very important for good all round visibility for observers. Performance of L-410 is good, but not ideal for waterbird surveys. Main problems are the minimum flight altitude of 100 m (internationally recommended altitude is 80 m), which influence the spotting and identification of some difficult waterbirds (divers, grebes) and high noise level (disturbance of shy species e.g. Common Scoter from long distance and probable underestimation of the species numbers). L-410 provides high security level (plane is operated by 2 pilots and 1 flight operator, aircraft is equipped with modern safety equipment). Cessna 172 is perfect aircraft for most of the tasks, except offshore flights (prohibited with single-engine planes). The Italian Partenavia P-68 is an excellent aircraft for the offshore bird counting probably the best available in EU countries and wider. However, only a single flight was performed in May 2007 and, unfortunately, the P-68 was not available since June 2007 (legal problems, low security level etc).

6 4. Breeding waterbird counts on small islands This type of survey was carried out in Estonia only. Small islands were visited by boat. Each surveyed island was visited only once between the middle of May and the middle of June in breeding seasons. Single-visit survey methodology was chosen, because one visit disturbs birds less, is workable in practice and gives results of adequate quality. However, the possible drawback is that later breeders (e.g. Velvet Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser) may be underestimated. During the survey, all nests and pairs of waterbirds were counted. Total counts were carried out on smaller islands, while coastal transects were used on larger islands. Survey data are stored in the database, GIS layers of these surveys have been produced. Inventory results ESTONIA (see Annex I) As mentioned previously, some of the waterbird inventory data is still being processed, therefore information on wintering and staging waterbirds here is provided not for all project areas. Information on the results of the breeding waterbird survey in Estonia is summarised for all project areas together, following the description of wintering and staging waterbird aggregations in individual project sites. 1EST East Gulf of Finland Information on wintering and staging waterbirds in this project area is still being analysed. 2EST West Gulf of Finland (ship survey only) The most numerous staging species in the project area 2EST on 15 November 2007 was the Long-tailed Duck (11447 individuals were counted). Similarly to the project area 6 EST, waterbirds use almost the entire area with suitable depths within the project area 2EST, and bird aggregations also extend outside the project area (Annex I, Figure 11). 3EST Väinameri 3EST Väinameri is one of the most important staging areas of waterbirds in the Baltic Sea with million birds performing regular stop-overs during spring migration. During the moulting period (in summer) and in autumn, the numbers are smaller ( million birds). In winter, Väinameri is usually frozen, but during very mild winters it may host up to waterbirds (main species include Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Mute Swan). 25 species of waterbirds occur in numbers of international importance here, of which seven species regularly exceed individuals Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Coot. The area is of particular importance for the Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) (50% from flyway population), Pintail (Anas acuta) (48%), Greylag Goose (Anser anser) (48%), Scaup (Aythya marila) (35%), Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) (21%), Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) (17%), Pochard (Aythya farina) (11%). The Lesser White-fronted Goose species of global concervation concern occurs in the area in significant numbers (30 50 individuals). Main findings of the project: Large spring staging areas were discovered for the offshore species Scaup, Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck (Annex I, Figures 12 13, 15); Recent increase was documented for the following waterbird species Barnacle Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Cormorant (Annex I, Table 1);

7 Recent decrease was documented for the following waterbird species Tundra Swan, Common Eider (Annex I, Table 1); Present MPA borders fit better with coastal species staging areas (Annex I, Figure 17), but do not fit well with offshore species, such as Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck (Annex I, Figures 14, 16). 4EST West Saaremaa 4EST West Saaremaa is an important staging area for waterbirds in the Baltic Sea with million birds performing regular stop-overs during spring and autumn migrations. During the moulting period (in summer) the numbers are not well known. In winter, West Saaremaa is one of the most important wintering areas in the Eastern Baltic. It may host up to 0.1 million waterbirds (most numerous species are Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Goosander, Common Scoter, Steller s Eider). Eleven species of waterbirds occur in numbers of international importance, of which three species regularly exceed individuals Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Goldeneye. The area is of particular importance for the species of global concervation concern the Steller s Eider (20% of the flyway population overwinter and spend the spring in 4EST; Annex I, Figures 18 19). Main findings of the project: Spring staging areas of the Common Scoter and Long-tailed Duck were discovered outside the borders of the 4EST (Annex I, Figure 21); Recent increase was documented for the following wintering waterbird species Goosander, Smew (Annex I, Table 2); Recent decrease was documented for the Common Eider and Tundra Swan (Annex I, Figure 22 and Table 2); The number of the threatened species the Steller s Eider have been increasing during the last few years in Estonia (Annex I, Figure 20). Special investigations were carried out in the eastern part of the project area 4EST 44 coastal counts were performed in this area throughout the project. Results of these investigations were used for the preparation of management plan for this area and for the monitoring of impacts of a harbour situated in this area. 45 waterbird species were recorded, including 14 species included in the Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. Number (Annex I, Table 3), trend, spatial (Annex I, Figures 23 24) and seasonal distribution (Annex I, Figures 25 26) of staging waterbirds were investigated. As the results show, the Küdema Bay holds significant proportion of the globally threatened Steller s Eider (Polysticta stelleri) population and is important as a feeding and staging area particularly during the winter season. The area is also important as a stop-over, staging and wintering site for Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and Smew (Mergus albellus) holding more than 1% of their flyway populations. 5EST South Saaremaa Information on wintering and staging waterbirds in this project area is still being analysed. 6EST Irbe Strait Ship surveys revealed that the most numerous staging species in the area 6 EST are Long-tailed Duck (30942 individuals counted in Spring 2007), Velvet Scoter (16317 individuals in spring 2007) and Common Scoter (8435 individuals in spring 2006) (Annex I, Tables 4, 5). Main staging areas in this site vary in different seasons (Annex I, Figures 27, 28). The area of the existing Natura 2000 site is justified, since different species use different parts of this large marine site in different seasons. High numbers of different waterbird species also extend beyond the boundaries of the current project area and the Natura 2000 site, which clearly

8 indicates the need for extended off-shore surveys in the future. Therefore, possible changes of the existing borders are not justified at present. Breeding waterbird counts on small islands In total, 262 small islands were investigated during two breeding seasons in five project sites. 32 project target species were observed breeding on the investigated islands, including 9 species of included in the Annex I of the EU Bird Directive (Annex I, Table 6). New breeding sites and colonies of waterbird species included in the Annex I of the EU Birds Directive were discovered in investigated areas (e.g. in 5EST). The importance of the project areas for certain species is expressed through the proportion of the breeding pairs in the area in question to the Estonian total population (Annex I, Table 7): at least 1% of the Estonian total breeding population is exceeded by 24 species. Most important species and areas in this respect are Barnacle Goose in 4EST (22%), Sandwich Tern (50%) and Barnacle Goose (63%) in 5EST, Cormorant (36%) and Caspian Tern (29%) in 6EST. All initial plans of the breeding waterbird survey have been implemented successfully and valuable results have been obtained. These results prove that the most important breeding sites for the project target species are within the Natura 2000 areas and defining them as SPAs is fully justified. LATVIA (see Annex II) 7LAT Ainaži Tūja Project area was chosen because of high diver (Gavia sp.) EU Birds Directive Annex I species concentrations recorded by previous researchers (Durinck et al. 1994, Skov et al. 2000). Spring surveys, particularly the survey in 2007, carried out in late March, showed diver distributions and densities similar to the previous knowledge (Annex II, Figure 1). During other periods, and especially in mid-winter, other project areas contained higher numbers of divers. Unexpected was the presence of high numbers of other EU Birds Directive Annex I species the Little Gull (Larus minutus). High numbers of this species were present during the spring migration period (Annex II, Figure 1). Maximal densities (birds/km²) of target species, registered during ship-based surveys in 7LAT Ainaži Tūja: Species Winter Spring Summer Autumn Gavia sp Clangula hyemalis Melanitta fusca Larus minutus Alca torda LAT West Coast of Gulf of Riga In the coastal zone of this project area numbers of moulting Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) continue to exceed the 1% criterion in the stretch Kaltene- Engure with the largest flocks observed near Valgalciems village. High densities of Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) and Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) are present in the offshore zone of this project area (Annex II, Figure 2). Different parts of the area sheltered the highest concentrations of waterbirds in different seasons and years. High concentrations of divers (Gavia sp.) were present in April 2006 in the northern part of the project area (Annex II, Figure 3).

9 Maximal densities (birds/km²) of target species, registered during ship-based surveys in 8LAT West Coast of Gulf of Riga: Species Winter Spring Summer Autumn Gavia sp Clangula hyemalis Melanitta fusca Larus minutus Alca torda LAT Irbe Strait Latvian part of the Irbe Strait proved to be important for divers (Gavia sp.), Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca), Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) and Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) during spring and winter. Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) occurred in high densities (up to 60 birds/km²) in spring in the western part of the project area (Annex II, Figures 4, 5). It was also present during the only autumn count in this area, but the detectability of this species could have been affected by poor weather conditions. Maximal densities (birds/km²) of target species, registered during ship-based surveys in 9LAT Irbe Strait: Species Winter Spring Summer Autumn Gavia sp Clangula hyemalis Melanitta fusca Melanitta nigra Larus minutus Alca torda Cepphus grylle LAT Akmeņrags Pāvilosta This project area was chosen because of previously identified high numbers of moulting Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) and migrating Little Gull (Larus minutus). Surveys during the project proved that number of Goldeneyes in the coastal zone of this area in June August still exceed 1% of the flyway population of this species. The ship-based counts showed that Little Gulls in summer are present in high densities up to and beyond the 20 m isobath, and that borders of the present IBA need to be extended (Annex II, Figure 6). Ship-based counts also proved regular presence of divers (Gavia sp.) (EU Birds Directive Annex I species) in winter spring seasons. Maximal densities (birds/km²) of target species, registered during ship-based surveys in 10LAT Akmeņrags Pāvilosta: Species Winter Spring Summer Autumn Gavia sp n.a. Clangula hyemalis n.a. Melanitta fusca n.a. Larus minutus n.a. Alca torda n.a. Cepphus grylle n.a. 11LAT Nida Pērkone From previous land-based counts this project area was known to shelter high numbers of Little Gull (Larus minutus) in summer autumn and Goosander (Mergus merganser) during severe winters. Results of our counts confirmed that the site is valuable for these species: in January 2008 >2% of the Goosander

10 flyway population were present at the site, and during summer ship-based counts high densities of Little Gulls were registered. Divers (Gavia sp.) are regularly present at this site (Annex II, Figure 7). Maximal densities (birds/km²) of target species, registered during ship-based surveys in 11LAT Nida Pērkone: Species Winter Spring Summer Autumn Gavia sp n.a. Clangula hyemalis n.a. Melanitta fusca n.a. Larus minutus n.a. Alca torda 66.8 n.a. Cepphus grylle 16.4 n.a. LITHUANIA (see Annex III) 12LIT Palanga This area is well-known for the most southern major wintering aggregations of the Steller s Eider species of global conservation concern. Numbers of this species wintering in this area have declined dramatically over the last decade from more than 2000 wintering individuals, down to less than 200 birds. Coastal surveys during the project revealed, that this trend seems to have stopped (up to 200 birds have been counted during the surveys), but no reverse trend has been observed either, as was the case in Estonia. Steller s Eider remained faithful to their usual wintering site approximately 10 km long coastal stretch south from Palanga (Annex III, Figure 2). Other numerous species, observed during the coastal counts included Goldeneyes (up to 1400 birds observed; Annex III, Figure 3), Long-tailed Ducks (up to 3200; Annex III, Figure 4) and Great Crested Grebes (up to 800; Annex III, Figure 5). With the exception of Goldeneye, numbers of birds observed were rather low compared with previous results of coastal counts. This may be the result of warm winters that prevailed during the project. For example, very few Goosanders were observed in both project areas 12LIT and 13LIT most likely because the Curonian Lagoon remained ice-free during that period and Goosanders were not forced to move into the marine waters from the lagoon. Quite unexpected result of ship surveys was observation of rather large aggregations of benthophagous seaduck species Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter (the latter only very rarely observed during the coastal surveys in this area) outside the present SPA, at depths exceeding 30 m (Annex III, Figures 5,6). It is also worth noting, that Razorbills were rather abundant in deeper waters (>20 m deep) of the project area 12LIT (Annex III, Figure 8). Ship surveys of Little Gulls in summer did not reveal any major concentrations of this species outside the present SPA in the project area 12LIT. Well-defined aggregation of this species was observed just outside the Klaipeda harbour area outside either of the Lithuanian project areas (Annex III, Figure 9). Numbers of Little Gulls using the present SPA will be estimated after the analysis of the Little Gull costal observation data is complete in the next few months. 13LIT Neringa The key species of this area has always been the Velvet Scoter. Surveys carried out during the project confirmed this up to birds were observed during the coastal counts alone. The species was observed along the entire Curonian Spit coastline, although overall was slightly les numerous in the northern part, particularly in autumn (Annex III, Figures 10 12). Densities of Velvet Scoters, observed during the ship surveys in offshore waters were not very high (probably due to mild weather during the project), but clearly indicated, that birds are abundant far outside the present SPA, and that the extension of SPA borders is

11 necessary to safeguard the protection of wintering Velvet Scoters (Annex III, Figure 13). Great Crested Grebes, of which up to 580 individuals were observed during the coastal counts, were present in the entire coastal area of the site, but were evidently less common in the southern part (Annex III, Figure 14). Only several Great Crested Grebes were observed outside the present SPA during the ship surveys. Divers were most abundant in the central part of the coastal area of the project site 13LIT (Annex III, Figure 15), and were also observes in rather high densities in the adjacent offshore waters during the ship surveys (Annex III, Figure 15). Razorbills were abundant in the offshore waters outside the present SPA, with the observed densities of up to 100 birds/km² (Annex III, Figure 17). Ship surveys of Little Gulls showed, that this species is not numerous in offshore waters, but that it occurs in great densities (up to 2690 birs/km²) in the present SPA (Annex III, Figure 18). Numbers of Little Gulls using the present SPA will be estimated after the analysis of the Little Gull costal observation data is complete in the next few months, and these results are combined with the ship survey results. Deliverables and products of the action See Annexes I, II and III