Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.
Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission Technical Report
no. 329, 2014.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation
@techreport{,
title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},
author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
number = {329},
pages = {347},
abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },
keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.
Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission Technical Report
no. 329, 2014.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation
@techreport{,
title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},
author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
number = {329},
pages = {347},
abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },
keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.
Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission Technical Report
no. 329, 2014.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation
@techreport{,
title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},
author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
number = {329},
pages = {347},
abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },
keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.
Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission Technical Report
no. 329, 2014.
Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation
@techreport{,
title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},
author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
number = {329},
pages = {347},
abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },
keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.
analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and
quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the
provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates
of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.
A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and
conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the
legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires
were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine
the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire
was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.
Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea
were developed.
New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information
from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea
was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea
cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation
of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal
states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative
fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews
were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in
different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical
information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on
cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The
virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated
a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.
Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant
caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the
estimates.
Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,
including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using
the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent
modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey
was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in
the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an
international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,
angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive
estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates
for the Black Sea.
Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical
review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was
completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft
strategy was developed, which is presented in this report.
RESULTS
s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,
particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to
cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the
coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required
research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional
legislative instruments.
For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting
Black Sea cetaceans. Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black
Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black
Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.
Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic
and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region.
More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of
Black Sea cetaceans. Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual
estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing
gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although
spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem.
The
Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad
approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches
include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further
identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding
of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and
effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.
4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the
three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on
conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent
action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets.