Wintering seaducks in Britian and Ireland: Populations, threats, conservation and research priorities

• Published in: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
• Main Authors: Kirby, J. S., Evans, R. J., Fox, A. D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1993
• Subjects: velvet scoter
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3270030205; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Faqc.3270030205; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/aqc.3270030205

Abstract This paper provides a detailed review of the status and distribution of wintering seaducks (Scaup, Eider, Long‐tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter and Red‐breasted Merganser) in Britain and Ireland. It is based on a literature review plus analysis of National Waterfowl Counts (NWC) and other data. A summary of current knowledge of wintering seaducks is provided together with information on threats to populations, conservation goals and research needs. Each species is examined in turn, with the emphasis on aspects of the population, habitat use, current distribution, trends and history. Important areas for individual species are highlighted. Overall, seaduck populations have changed considerably, those for Eider and Red‐breasted Merganser having expanded greatly, whilst those for Scaup, Common and Velvet Scoter have declined during historical and/or recent times. The trend for Long‐tailed Ducks is unclear. British population estimates are considered to be out of date and need to be revised. The premier areas for seaduck communities are highlighted, thus providing basic information for conservation action and future monitoring. Seaduck populations are threatened in a number of ways and the main factors are discussed. Oil pollution and the actions of commercial fisheries are the most important current threats. Conservation goals are suggested. These include an urgent need to develop appropriate domestic legislation to facilitate the protection of seaduck populations. Such legislation is currently almost entirely lacking. Some priorities for research, particularly for better population monitoring of seaducks in British and Irish waters, are provided. These include: alterations to the NWC scheme to allow the collation of opportunistic counts, made when the conditions are amenable for censusing seaducks; extension of the scheme into areas not currently surveyed (e.g. most parts of Ireland); and the establishment of intensive survey programmes to monitor seaducks in the key areas of Britain and Ireland. ...