Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas and black guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
Position paper for 4th MPA Workshop, Heriot Watt 14-15 March 2012
Purpose of document
1.
Black guillemot is the only bird species included on the MPA search feature list for
Scottish territorial waters. Currently the only protected area measure for black
guillemot is the existence of a small number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI).
2.
The purpose of this document is to summarise the approach being used to select
MPA search locations for black guillemot, and to establish the degree to which
existing protected areas such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) can provide the coverage necessary to address
the site protection requirements for this species. The paper also considers the
overlap with MPA search locations identified for other features.
3.
MPA search locations for black guillemot are assessed against the OSPAR
principles, and where appropriate gaps identified. In addition, the degree to which
protection is provided by the existing protected area network is assessed, and the
nature and extent of additional measures that may be needed to address such
gaps are identified.
4.
A summary of MPA search locations is provided in the report.
Summary
5.
Black guillemot is considered here as a MPA search feature. The rationale for
selecting sites is developed, and the focus is directed towards selecting sites
based on the existing protected area network, especially SPAs with marine
extensions, but also where appropriate, SPAs without marine extensions and
SSSIs.
6.
MPAs will contribute to black guillemot conservation through identification of sites
with large aggregations (at a GB scale), given that such sites are likely to be used
all-year round by some or all individuals, for breeding feeding and maintenance
behaviours.
7.
Data used is based on the Seabird 2000 dataset, with reference made to figures
within the earlier Seabird Colony Register.
8.
A minimum of four search locations are suggested, with a maximum of six, involving
duplication of search locations in the North and West MPA regions given the
importance of these regions and to maximise connectivity. In the North MPA
region Fetlar SPA in Shetland and a possible site in Orkney (Papa Westray, or
Rousay SPA or Hoy SPA). In the West MPA region, Monach Isles SPA and
Rum/Canna SPAs. In the East MPA region, East Caithness Cliffs SPA and in
South-west MPA region, Sanda SSSI.
9.
In OSPAR Regions, there are three search locations in OSPAR Region III, The
Celtic Sea (Monach Isles, Rum & Canna and Sanda & Sheep Islands).
OSPAR Region II, the Greater North Sea Region, there are also three search
locations: Fetlar, Papa Westray & East Caithness Cliffs.
10. Three of these locations overlap with MPA search locations for other MPA search
features (Fetlar, Rum/Canna and Sanda).
1
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
11. The seaward boundary will lie at most 2km from shore as this distance would appear
to contain the majority of foraging activity based on limited survey and research
findings. The 2km distance coincides with most but not all SPA marine
extensions.
12. Management should maintain populations and where necessary, enhance resilience
to change.
Map showing MPA search locations identified for black guillemot
2
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Background
13. Black guillemot is a member of the auk family, in the genus Cepphus and is closely
related to pigeon guillemots and spectacled guillemots. It is widespread globally
with an estimated population of 400-800,000 mature individuals1.
Image downloaded from http://www.planetofbirds.com/charadriiformes-alcidae-black-guillemot-cepphusgrylle
14. In the UK and Ireland it is largely restricted to Scotland with smaller numbers
elsewhere, especially including the island of Ireland.
The latest population
estimate and breeding range is considered to be about 43,000 mature individuals
with over 37,000 in Scotland1.
15. It is almost entirely confined to inshore waters and unlike other members of the auk
family, is largely sedentary, although juvenile black guillemot are known to
disperse after fledging with median distance moved being about 10km in Britain
and Ireland (reference needed). Birds may aggregate into larger flocks after the
breeding season (during which birds are flightless), and may then disperse to
sheltered coastal locations, not necessarily close to their breeding location. There
is some evidence that birds from islands and locations lacking shelter from winter
storms move further into areas where such shelter can be found (BirdLife
International (2012)).
16. Feeding is undertaken in sheltered waters, generally less than 50m deep and birds
will take a wide variety of prey (mostly from the benthos), including small fish such
as sandeels (Ammodytes spp.) and butterfish (Pholis spp.) and invertebrates.
Some birds may travel long distances along the coast (in excess of 13km) but
rarely venture far from shore with maximum distance from the shore being about
5km (BirdLife International (2012)).
17. There is some information which suggests close association with sub-littoral kelp
beds, which may highlight the importance of this habitat for this species (BirdLife
International (2012))
18. Nesting takes place in rock cavities and crevices along cliffed coastlines. Birds
attend colonies in early spring and may spend some time on the water, close to
breeding sites as well as on land, near prospective nest sites. Unusually (for
1
Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al. 2004 Seabird populations of Britain & Ireland).
3
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
auks), black guillemots lay two eggs. This ability does allow fairly rapid response
to population change (such as oil spills from the Esso Bernicia and Braer).
19. There is some evidence of population declines in parts of Scotland (especially the
west and south west) with increases elsewhere (especially in Shetland). However,
issues such as census methods and timing can have a considerable influence on
pre-breeding counts (the standard census method), and some of the apparent
trends may be survey artefacts. However, issues such as predation by introduced
mammals (mink and brown rats), are real concerns and such causes of change
probably highlight very real threats to the black guillemot population (Mitchell,
2004)
Distribution in Scottish, GB and Irish waters
20. The distribution of black guillemot in
Britain and Ireland is given below2.
The distribution in Scotland is largely
northern and western with the
majority of breeding individuals in
the Northern isles
21. The most recent data source giving
contemporaneous data is that from
the Seabird 2000 dataset. The great
majority of the British & Irish
coastline was surveyed and results
published (Mitchell et al. 2004)2.
22. The GB, Irish and Isle of Man
population is given as 42,683
individuals.
Of this total 37,505
(~88%) individuals were recorded in
Scotland; 7 in England; 602 in the
Isle of Man and 4,541(~11%) in AllIreland (Northern Ireland held 1,174
individuals).
23. The GB population of 37,540
individuals is about 5%-15% of the
estimated world population.
24. In Scotland, the break down by
OSPAR3 & MPA region is given in the table below:
2
Map taken from Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al. 2004 Seabird Populations of Britain & Ireland).
3
For black guillemot, the relevant OSPAR Regions are Greater North Sea (comprises East and North
MPA Regions) and Celtic Seas (comprises West and South-West MPA Regions).
4
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
OSPAR
Region
Population Count
Percentage
in MPA
Region
Celtic Sea
1,145 individuals
3.1%
Celtic Sea
13,165 individuals
35.1%
22,068 individuals
58.8%
1,127 individuals
3.0%
MPA
Region
South-west
Region
West
Region
North
Region
East
Region
Percentage in
OSPAR
Region
38.2%
Greater
North Sea
Greater
North Sea
61.8%
25. No black guillemots were recorded in the Far-west MPA region (which includes
Rockall).
26. The majority of birds are found in the north (~60%) and west (~35%). The
population in the East MPA region is dominated by the population along the
Caithness coastline.
27. There has been very little change overall in GB since the Seabird Colony Register
(published in 1985), as numbers in Scotland have increased by 1%. However, this
masks apparent declines in the south and west set against substantial increases
in Shetland. Issues surrounding counts are discussed later, so considerable
caution has to be exercised with the data. However it is possible that there are
real, underlying drivers of change (such as non-native species) in different parts of
Scotland and this is also considered further, later in this document.
Role of Marine Protected Areas for black guillemot
28. Marine Scotland’s Marine Nature Conservation Strategy adopts a three-pillar
approach to conservation in the marine environment. These are: species
protection; site protection and wider seas measures.
29. Black guillemots are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) against
taking, injuring or killing, though as they are not species listed on Schedule 1 they
are not protected from disturbance during the breeding season. Black guillemot is
not deliberately persecuted in Scottish waters, though there may be an incidental
take through entanglement in nets and some individuals have been found in creels
(Ewins 1988, Okill 2002).
30. Within territorial waters, the role of MPAs will be to give protection to significant
aggregations of black guillemot, which cannot be achieved through existing
protected area mechanisms. While SSSIs can (and have been) identified for black
guillemot (see later), the geographical limits to SSSI selection stop at mean low
water spring tides, and essential areas for foraging cannot be protected through
the existing SSSI mechanism.
31. Most seabirds breeding in Scotland are given protection under the EU Birds
Directive as they are either Annex 1 species or they are considered to be
migratory. Black guillemots in the UK and Ireland are not considered to be
migratory and have therefore not been including as a species for which Special
Protection Areas (SPAs) have been identified and classified.
32. It is for this reason that it is considered appropriate to identify Marine Protected
Areas for black guillemot.
5
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Areas appropriate to safeguard mobile species in the MPA process.
33. In relation to mobile species, the MPA Selection Guidelines consider that Nature
Conservation MPAs are appropriate for contributing to the protection of the
following:
a. significant aggregations of communities of important marine species in
Scottish waters;
b. essential areas for key life cycle stages of important mobile species that
persist in time, including habitats known to be important for reproduction and
nursery stages; and,
c. areas contributing to the maintenance of ecosystem functioning in Scottish
waters.
34. This approach is intrinsically linked to the concept of ‘critical habitats’, areas upon
which species are strongly dependent, or areas where species show high fidelity
(essential for day-to-day well-being and survival and to maintain healthy
populations).
35. For black guillemot these three broader categories can be more clearly articulated
according to a number of different types of areas as follows (reflecting our
understanding of the ecology of the species):

Significant aggregations of communities of important marine species in
Scottish waters
a. Places used regularly for feeding, breeding and socialising.
b. Locations where associated and supporting activities (e.g. courtship, resting,
playing, communication) take place.
c. Locations with regular seasonal concentrations.
36. Within territorial waters, the perceived MPA role in relation to black guillemot is to
provide protection to significant aggregations and to essential areas for key life
cycle stages. The MPA designation will ensure specific conservation objectives
are met and that an assessment is carried out for activities likely to impact upon
black guillemots. This will offer heightened and appropriate protection in those
areas where black guillemots are potentially most sensitive.
Network considerations for black guillemots
37. MPA search locations should cover the range of geographical variation in Great
Britain’s sea areas (in practice this means that sites will lie within Scotland given
the very small English & Welsh black guillemot population). Black guillemot are
largely sedentary and although juvenile dispersal is probably responsible for most
emigration, which can be over very long distances (Ewins 1988), most black
guillemot (as with many other seabirds) exhibit a degree of natal fidelity when
selecting breeding locations. Frederiksen & Petersen (2000) showed that most
breeding black guillemot in Iceland did not disperse and settle to breed more than
about 10km from their natal colony. Selection of search locations across the
range will ensure good representation across the geographical extent of this
species’ range in Scotland. This will require replication of sites across the
breeding range, including possibly multiple sites within each of the MPA (and
OSPAR) regions (apart from the far west, where black guillemot do not occur in
any significant numbers as JNCC data suggests that black guillemot is virtually
absent from the Far West area).
38. MPA search locations should be distributed so as to maximise connectivity in a
species that is relatively sedentary. This may mean that when considering
6
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
replication of sites, selecting sites that enhance connectivity should be preferred.
Given that relatively few black guillemot juveniles move further than about 50km
from their natal colony (Okill 2002), having a spread of protected areas managed
appropriately across the geographical range of the species is likely to be essential.
This does not imply that sites need to be spaced very 50km or so, but where there
may be several possible locations within an OSPAR Region, replication and
representation of sites that are spread across the latitudinal gradient should be
preferred as opposed to any clustering that might arise from other consideration
(such as size and/or viability). Connectivity may be especially important in the
south west where Scottish populations will link with the Irish population.
39. Search locations should be as large (with respect to numbers not area covered) as
possible because large sites with high numbers are likely to show less inter-count
and inter-annual variability arising from statistical count error; and because larger
areas will engender greater resilience as well as encompassing the full range of
habitat selection.
40. To ensure viability, search locations should contain more than 1% of the GB
population (see discussion in following section for more detail).
Process for identifying MPA search locations for black guillemot
41. The development of the network for black guillemot has focussed on the contribution
of existing protected areas as initial assessment work indicated this would give
sufficient representation and replication of sites.
42. The order in which existing protected areas were considered includes:

The contribution of existing Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified for black
guillemot.

Identification of MPA search locations that may coincide with SPAs with
marine extensions and the contribution these could make. SPAs with terns
are also included as these may also require marine additions to existing SPAs

Identification of MPA search locations that coincide with MPA search locations
identified for other MPA search features and the contribution these could
make.
43. It should be noted that existing protected areas will lack elements vital to overall
protection of black guillemot. For SPAs with marine extensions, black guillemot
cannot be a qualifying species. There are differences in habitat use and
behaviour that mean that for black guillemot to be protected within an SPA
classified for other seabirds, the SPA would have to be overlain with a new MPA.
For SSSI and SPAs without marine extension there may be no marine element
and this will require definition if adequate protection is to be given to foraging
areas (see later). This would also require the designation of a new MPA.
44. In general search locations should hold in excess of 1% of the GB population
(rounded to 376 individuals)4. Selection of search locations in excess of 1% of the
GB population will ensure such sites are much more likely to be viable though
viability depends on a number of factors, which can be considered after the
threshold of 1%. These include:
a. Known trends: in most cases there will only be two data points - Seabird
Colony Register, (counts undertaken 1985) and Seabird 2000, (counts
undertaken ~2000) so trends will be hard to identify;
4
Variability in the data (due to count conditions and the number of non-breeding birds present also
needs to be addressed).
7
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
b. Favourable management: NNRs are other sites under management might be
preferred;
c. Absence of known predatory non-native species, such as cats and brown
rats;
d. Harmful activities in the marine environment; and
e. Productivity (there is no known data, so it will not be possible to use this
factor in practice).
45. Search locations, should, where possible provide linkage to the remaining GB and
All-Ireland distribution of black guillemot. Hence this may require site(s) at the
edge of Scottish range, e.g. within the SW MPA region, though these may occur in
areas where numbers are lower than the stronghold North and West MPA regions.
Assessment and marine regions
46. The analysis described below has been undertaken on the basis of MPA Regions.
There are four MPA regions that contain black guillemot as already highlighted.
These four regions are contained within the larger OSPAR regions. OSPAR
Region II (The Greater North Sea) is equivalent (for black guillemot) to North MPA
region and East MPA region. OSPAR Region III Celtic Seas is equivalent (for
black guillemot) to West MPA Region and South-west MPA region.
47. The analyses and conclusions vis a vis MPA search locations is not affected by
using the two regional basis for assessments, as the arguments for replication,
representation and connectivity are applied at the scale of the species’ distribution
in Scotland.
Evidence base
s2k
48. Data. Data for analyses
Black Guillemot Count Data - SCR vs S2000
is the Seabird 2000
dataset
for
black
2500
guillemot. There is no
contemporaneous,
comparable data. It is
2000
assumed that the data
for individual sites is
representative
(see
1500
Annex 2) even though
it is based in almost all
1000
cases on a single
count.
Consistency
over
time
was
500
investigated
using
comparable
Seabird
Colony Register data
0
for a sample of 50 sites
0
500
1000
1500
2000
that range in size from
1 individual to over
scr85
2,000 individuals. The
s2kSeabird 2000 data (Celtic)
results of the analysis
s2kSeabird 2000 data (Greater_North_Sea)
(see
figure,
right)
shows that site numbers are remarkably consistent between the two surveys,
though unsurprisingly, count variance appears to increase with count size.
49. The SSSI network. There are four SSSIs designated for black guillemot in Scotland.
These are shown in the table below. This does not include any SSSI underpinning
8
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
any SPA as the relevant SSSI do not include black guillemot as a species for
which the site is designated.
50. The SSSI network contains 4.3% of the GB population of black guillemot. Two sites
fall below nominal 1% thresholds for SSSI designation.
51. The group of SSSI for black guillemot cannot be construed as a coherent network of
sites, both in terms of the proportion within a ‘network’ nor in terms of the
geographical distribution. Furthermore there are no marine extensions (as there
are for some seabird SPAs) and some form of marine boundary would be needed
to ensure adequate protection for this species.
52.
Number
(max)
Number
(min)
Importance
Notes
North MPA Region
Mousa
Holm of Papa Westray
166
211
166
211
0.44%
0.56%
SPA (no extension)
SPA (no extension)
West MPA Region
Monach Isles
819
819
2.2%
SPA (no extension)
South West MPA Region
Sanda Island
406
406
1.1%
Site name
53. The SPA Network An analysis of the Seabird 2000 data for presence of black
guillemot within the boundaries of SPAs was undertaken. The detail of this is given
in Annex 1 but it should be borne in mind that the numbers counted are at best an
approximation of numbers present as breeding birds with the SPA boundary.
Reasons for this are given in Annex 2.
54. A total of 34 SPAs were identified that host black guillemot. Not all of these are
seabird SPAs but include sites with other classified features but which extend to the
coastline (usually to HWMS). The table below, indicates for each SPA, the
approximate size of the population (based on Seabird 2000 counts); the existence or
otherwise of a seaward extension; and any associated notes. The table is broken
down into separate MPA regions (though two SPAs are bisected by an MPA region
– Cape Wrath and North Caithness Cliffs).
55. About 6,997-7,218 individuals are hosted by these 34 SPAs which represents ~1719% of the GB population, though this includes a few sites where numbers are so
small (<50 individuals) that they might not be considered to be ‘viable’ in terms of
population persistence in the long term.
56. There are no SPAs in SW region which host black guillemot, though. The great
majority are hosted by the North MPA region & West MPA region.
57. SPAs hosting notable concentrations of black guillemot are: East Caithness Cliffs
(Caithness); Fetlar (Shetland); Otterswick & Graveland (Shetland); Papa Westray
(Orkney); Monach Isles (Western Isles); and Rum, Canna & Sanday combined
(Inner Hebrides).
9
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
This Table lists all SPAs for seabirds within the overall range of breeding black guillemot in Scotland and
assesses numbers of breeding individuals as per Seabird 2000 data.
Site name
Ailsa Craig
Oronsay & South Colonsay
North Colonsay & Western
Cliffs
Coll
Treshnish Isles
Rum
Canna & Sanday
Mingulay & Bernaray
Monach Isles
Shiants
North Rona & Sula Sgeir
Priest Island
Handa
Cape Wrath
North Caithness Cliffs
Hoy
Copinsay
Marwick Head
Rousay
West Westray
Papa Westray
Calf of Eday
Pentland Firth Islands
Fair Isle
Sumburgh Head
Mousa
Noss
Papa Stour
Foula
North Roe & Tingon
Otterswick & Graveland
Fetlar
Hermaness & Saxavord
East Caithness Cliffs
Number
(max)
Number
(min)
Percentage
GB
Seabird
extension
Seaward
boundary
24
55
24
55
0.06%
0.15%
Yes
No
2km
-
74
17
14
645
204
43
819
19
7
131
1
91
200
302
91
15
232
108
408
109
158
191
40
166
112
234
79
300
526
950
186
446
74
17
14
645
204
43
819
19
7
131
1
91
200
302
91
17
305
143
408
109
158
191
46
166
112
246
92
320
536
1000
186
446
0.20%
0.05%
0.04%
1.72%
0.54%
0.11%
2.18%
0.05%
0.02%
0.35%
0.00%
0.24%
0.53%
0.80%
0.24%
0.04%
0.72%
0.33%
1.09%
0.29%
0.42%
0.51%
0.11%
0.44%
0.30%
0.64%
0.23%
0.83%
1.41%
2.60%
0.50%
1.19%
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
1km
4km
1km
2km
2Km
2Km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
1km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
2km
MPA search location proposals
58. MPA East Region & OSPAR Region II The distribution of black guillemot in this area
is almost wholly confined to the north (eastern) corner of Caithness & Sutherland.
While there are a few individuals further south (along the coast of Moray and
Aberdeenshire, the most abundant population is along the Caithness Cliffs
(particularly within the East Caithness Cliffs SPA). The East Caithness Cliffs SPA is
underpinned by three SSSI, with ~100% overlap over the terrestrial component of
10
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
the SPA. The SPA has a 2km marine extension. The approximate number of birds
within the SPA/SSSIs is 446 (Seabird 2000), which is ~1.2% of the GB breeding
population.
59. The only area of overlap with an MPA search location identified for other features is
with Sinclair Bay, and even here the overlap is minimal (though the area may be
used by foraging black guillemot).
60. Recommendation It is recommended that an MPA search location is considered
in this area, which will coincide with the SPA/SSSI boundaries of the East Caithness
Cliffs SPA (with its marine extension).
Inset shows general
location of East
Caithness Cliffs SPA
East Caithness Cliffs SPA with marine extension
61. MPA North Region & OSPAR Region II The North MPA region holds the biggest
proportion of the population (nearly 60%). The bulk of the population is found around
the coastlines of Orkney and Shetland, though there are significant numbers along
the North Caithness coastline (along the coast to Cape Wrath from Duncansby
Head). Replication of search locations within North MPA Region is proposed here,
to reflect the geographical range and importance of North MPA Region for black
guillemot
62. There are a number of SPAs that hold significant numbers of black guillemot in
North MPA Region.
63. Fetlar SPA and marine extension holds about 950-1,000 black guillemot. It is
worth noting that this SPA overlaps with the Fetlar to Haroldswick search location.
This (larger) area will in all likelihood, contain a large black guillemot breeding
population as the site includes marine habitat that is not included in the Fetlar SPA &
marine extension. Fetlar as a whole showed an increase of 15% in black guillemot
numbers since Seabird Colony Register though this is probably within expected
count variability.
64. In addition, there are a number of SPAs within Orkney that contain significant
numbers of back guillemot. The largest site is Papa Westray SPA (holding just over
1.1% of GB population counted during Seabird 2000). Papa Westray is composed
of two separate SPAs, both for breeding terns, though any additional marine area to
these SPAs has not yet been identified. Rousay SPA and Hoy SPA also contain
‘nationally significant’ numbers (0.7% and 0.8% respectively) and both have marine
extensions. None of these Orkney sites overlaps with an MPA search location
identified for other features. North Hill, Papa Westray and part of Hoy are nature
reserves managed by the RSPB.
11
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
65. Recommendation. It is recommended that Fetlar SPA is selected as a search
location along with a site in Orkney, with marginal preference for Papa Westray
SPA or either Rousay SPA or Hoy SPA. Counts in all three locations showed a
decline since Seabird Colony Register [-27%, -17% and -7% respectively] though
given variability in counts (see Annex 2) this is probably within expected count
variability.
Fetlar SPA and marine extension
Rousay and marine extension
Papa Westray (North Hill & Holm)
Hoy and marine extension
66. MPA West Region & OSPAR Region III. The West MPA region holds a large
number of black guillemot though numbers are more scattered and generally at
lower densities than in North MPA region. Although the region holds fewer black
guillemots than the North MPA region, they occupy a wide geographical range, and
it is proposed that additional/alternative search locations are identified.
67. In the Western Isles, there are significant numbers of black guillemot on the Monach
Isles SPA (about 820, about 2.2%) which is also a SSSI and (currently) a NNR.
There are no other significant concentrations of black guillemot on the Western Isles
that overlap with protected areas apart from Mingulay & Berneray (SPAs) that hold
about 40-50 black guillemot. The Monach Isles SPA currently has no marine
extension as the SPA is classified for breeding terns, among other breeding species.
68. In the inner Hebrides the island SPAs of Rum and Canna & Sanday host a large
population of black guillemot (approximately 850, or about 2.25% of the GB
population). Rum has a 4km extension and Canna and Sanday have a 1km marine
extensions (see later). Perhaps importantly, these SPAs overlap with the Small Isles
search location identified for other features and Rum is managed as a NNR. Within
the MPA search location, there are a further 433 in the other small isles (Eigg &
12
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Muck), though neither has an appropriate SSSI and/or SPA classification (however,
the MPA search area includes waters off the west coast of Eigg and ends just to the
north of Muck).
69. Further south the Tiree & Coll SPAs includes a small population of black guillemot
(about 90 individuals, well below 1%). The west coast sealochs may hold very small
numbers but these will generally be in single figures and are unlikely to contribute to
the MPA network significantly. The Treshnish Isles has been put forward as a
third-party proposal for seabirds but hold very small numbers and cannot be
regarded as offering significant site protection to black guillemot.
70. Recommendation The principal sites for black guillemot in the West MPA region
are likely the Monach Isles SPA (also SSSI for black guillemot and NNR) though
not a search location for any other MPA search feature, and the Small Isles of Rum
and Canna & Sanday SPAs (part of the Small Isles search location). It is proposed
that selection of both sites will provide sufficient representation in the West MPA
region, reflecting the geographical variation from an exposed Atlantic locale, to more
sheltered inshore areas with contrasting oceanographical conditions and
management activities. Trend data for these locations show that numbers have
been more or less stable between Seabird Colony Register and Seabird 2000.
Monach isles SPA
Rum, Canna & Sanday SPA
71. South West MPA Region and OSPAR Region III Numbers of black guillemot in the
South West MPA area are lower than elsewhere (apart from Far West Area), though
populations form an important ‘link’ with the Northern Irish/Eire population. The only
area that has significant numbers of black guillemot are the two small islands to the
south of the Mull of Kintyre (Sanda & Sheep Islands). Both are designated as SSSI
(Sanda Islands SSSI) for black guillemot. These islands host about 400 black
guillemot which is just in excess of 1%. These islands are enclosed within the MPA
search location known as the Clyde Sill. There are small numbers of black guillemot
on Arran and in some of the Clyde sea lochs though the overlap with the MPA
search location in this area is not good. There are no other areas that hold
significant numbers of black guillemot in this region.
72. Recommendation It is recommended that Sanda Islands SSSI is selected as a
MPA search location for black guillemot for the significant numbers that occur here
and the connectivity that it provides with the Irish population. However, further
discussion with Northern Ireland concerning their Marine Protected Area
programme, may affect the need (and therefore likelihood) of proceeding with this
search location. There is no marine extension, as this is the only site that is only
SSSI . Sanda/Sheep Islands saw an increase in numbers counted .between Seabird
Colony Register and Seabird 2000.
13
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Inset shows location of Sanda
Islands with Ailsa Craig to east
Issues and opportunities
73. SPA Boundaries. Most SPA landward boundaries will encompass the area within
which black guillemot occupy nest locations. Black guillemot are almost exclusively
cliff nesters utilising crevices, holes under rocks and other concealed locations. In
some areas such locations may limit the size of the local population.
74. SPA Protection. While SPAs may host black guillemot, the conservation objectives
do not provide any protection for the species, except incidentally where a plan or
project that affects, a species for which the site is classified (e.g. some other coastal
seabird)also affects black guillemot This begs the question as to what mechanism
can be used to provide adequate protection and this question is left open to further
discussion. The conservation objectives may not provide little protection for the
inshore foraging habitat used by black guillemot (which is mainly over the benthos).
Defining seaward boundaries for black guillemot
75. There is limited evidence from the literature on how far black guillemot travel out to
sea, and therefore at what distance any seaward boundary should be set. Ideally, a
research programme, across the range should be undertaken, probably using
tracking technology to see how birds use the inshore environment. This can be
enhanced by developing appropriate parametric or non-parametric models based on
significant habitat and environmental associations (as has been undertaken for a
number of species, such as red-throated divers – Dean et al. unpublished JNCC
report,). However, the timescales that are required for the MPA selection process
do not permit the ‘luxury’ of a prolonged research programme (though some work
under FAME5 may take place in summer of 2012).
76. Bearing this in mind, the only viable option is to use what information exists in the
literature to develop an approach to boundary setting that has some empirical basis.
The principal source of data on black guillemot foraging ranges has been taken from
the Bird life International database on seabird foraging ranges ((see
http://seabird.wikispaces.com/Black+Guillemot).
There are a number of key
conclusions from this analysis.
77. In the Bay of Fundy birds generally foraged within about 1km of the shore.
78. Black guillemot forage close inshore, generally in waters less than 30m but up to
50m in some places. The mean of all studies on distance flown is 4.96km, though
this encompasses a widely varying range of mean (and median) values.
5
Future of the Atlantic Marine Environment
14
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
79. Black guillemot may, under some situations, fly long distances to feed in waters
adjacent to a coastline some distance from the nest site e.g. birds on islands may fly
to the nearby mainland. In some studies this leads to a bimodal distribution in
foraging distances.
80. In the GB and Ireland the few studies undertaken suggest that most birds forage
close to breeding sites but that longer distances are flown (as above). There are
two Scottish (BirdLife International wiki) studies cited: an at sea survey data along
the coast on Caithness, during which black guillemot were always found within 5km
of the coast, and radio tracking study from Orkney. In contrast, to the Caithness
data, the radio tracking data from Orkney gave a bimodal median distribution of
travel of 1km and 6.5km, though the median distance offshore was only 300m.
Finally work at an Irish colony showed that birds generally foraged within 1km of the
colony, though they did fly to the mainland coast occasionally, a distance of about
7km.
81. Elsewhere a set of studies from Canada, Finland, Denmark and Iceland found that
black guillemot foraged at ~1.5km, 1.5-4km 0.5-4km and 2-4km from nest sites (Bird
Life International wiki).
82. We can use simple parametric models to approximate the way birds distribute
themselves in the inshore region. Assuming that the distance birds fly can be
approximated by an exponential distribution (most birds will fly short distances), then
we can use the summary statistics for the data that is available (referred to above) to
indicate the distance offshore that most feeding birds are likely to occur within.
83. It is also inevitable that boundary setting will need to ignore birds that fly over long
distances, because such movements are likely to be dependent on local
circumstances and any generalization will be impossible.
84. On the basis of the Papa Westray data, the median distance birds occur offshore is
300m (0.3km), virtually all birds (>99%) using the inshore area adjacent to the
breeding coastline might be expected to occur within a maximum of 2km offshore.
The Caithness data suggests that all birds are likely to be found within 5km of the
coast: using an exponential model, this would suggest that ~95% of birds will be
found within 2km of the coastline
Black guillemot - cumulative distance from coast
Caithness coast
1.200
1.200
1.000
1.000
0.800
0.800
distance
distance
Black guillemot - cumulative distance from coast
Papa Westray
0.600
0.600
0.400
0.400
0.200
0.200
0.000
0.000
0
1
2
3
4
CDF
.
5
6
7
8
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CDF
85. Analysis of black guillemot within SPAs highlighted the fact that for most SPAs, the
existing seaward extensions coincide with the distance from the coast that black
guillemot forage out to. The figures above illustrate the cumulative distribution
function for distance offshore based on the exponential model for Papa Westray
(left) and Caithness (right) data.
15
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
86. It is not possible to model the Rockabill data as ‘most’ is not defined in any
meaningful way, but it’s worth noting that even under a model that uses the
Caithness data, over 78% of birds will be found within 1km of the coast.
87. Conclusions and recommendation: It is suggested that a seaward boundary of at
least 1km will encompass the majority of feeding birds that forage along coastline
adjacent to the breeding coast. A boundary out to 2km will encompass >95% of
birds. There is an important caveat here in that the sample size is small, and it does
not address birds that fly much longer distances to nearby coastlines (e.g. for birds
nesting on islands). Given this a potential site boundary of at least 1km offshore and
possibly 2km offshore will be adequate to protect black guillemot. For some of the
SPAs identified that coincide with possible search locations for black guillemot, a
marine extension already exists, which (in most cases) is 2km. This suggests that
existing marine extensions for seabird SPAs will be sufficient to encompass black
guillemots foraging in the breeding season. The data from other breeding locations
is generally consistent with such a distance.
88. “Winter foraging”: The previous analysis deals largely with breeding birds and all
the data applies to birds during the period May to June. However, the Caithness
survey data was all-year round so the conclusions are likely to hold true for wintering
birds. While it is known that black guillemot do (probably) forage further in winter as
they are less tied to their central place (the nest site), the use of a 1-2km offshore
boundary is still likely to give protection to a significant proportion of the resident
population.
It is known that some birds undergo localised dispersal for moult
purposes, but these are short-term movements.
89. Depth considerations: Since black guillemot do not forage in waters greater than
50m and most birds forage within a depth range up to 30m boundary setting could
be constrained locally to depths <50m and/or coincident with offshore kelp forests, a
preferred foraging habitat. In this case boundaries might be set closer to shore than
2km.
Development and approach to management
90. Key pressures that are adversely affecting black guillemot include:
a. Marine environment: Loss or damage of foraging habitat, e.g. sub-tidal kelp
forests; entanglement in fishing nets; oil pollution; and potentially inshore
marine renewables (such as tidal turbines – Furness & Wade 2012)
b. Breeding habitat. The most significant threat is likely to originate from
invasive non-native species (INNS), especially mink and other mustelids.
While otter predation is common throughout the range, it does not appear to
drive declines, whereas predation by American mink, which are smaller and
therefore able to access a wider range of nest sites may be limiting black
guillemot populations, where they occur.
Disturbance and onshore
development may be local problems, but not on the scale of INNS.
91. Management should aim to maintain and to improve resilience (e.g. through
appropriate biosecurity measures, habitat management and preparatory work such
as oil spill contingency plans).
16
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Next steps
92. Further data validation may be helpful. Given that data on which proposed MPA
search locations are being selected are now over 10 years old, further survey work
would help to underpin the case for particular sites.
93. Further work on how black guillemots use inshore marine areas would also be
helpful, e.g. through a dedicated radio telemetry project. Indeed work is planned
for 2012, and SNH funding is being sought for this.
References
BirdLife International (2012) Species fact sheet: Cepphus grylle. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 04/03/2012. Recommended citation for fact sheets for more than
one species: BirdLife International (2012) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded
from http://www.birdlife.org on 04/03/2012.
BirdLife International http://seabird.wikispaces.com/Black+Guillemot
Dean, B.J., Webb, A., Lewis M., Okill, D. and Reid, J.B. Identification of important marine
areas in the UK for red-throated divers (Gavia stellata) during the breeding season.
Unpublished JNCC report.
Ewins, P. J. (1985) Colony attendance and censusing of Black Guillemots Cepphus grylle in
Shetland. Bird Study 32: 176-185
Ewins P. (1988) An analysis of ringing recoveries of Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle in
Britain and Ireland. Ringing & Migration 9: 95-102
Frederiksen M., & Petersen, A. (2000) The importance of natal dispersal in a colonial
seabird, the Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle Ibis pages 48–57, January 2000
Furness & Wade (2012) Vulnerability of Scottish Seabirds to Tidal Turbines and Wave
Energy Devices. Unpublished report to Scottish Natural heritage.
Mitchell, P. I., Newton, S. F., Ratcliffe, N. and Dunn, T. E. 2004. Seabird Populations of
Britain and Ireland. T and A D Poyser; London.
Okill, D. (2002). Black Guillemot. In Wernham, C.V., Toms, M.P., Marchant, J.H., Clark, J.A.
Siriwardena, G.M. & Baillie, S.R. (eds) The Migration Atlas: Movements of the Birds of
Britain and Ireland: 405–406. T. & A.D. Poyser, London.
17
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Annex 1
Approach taken and data sources
The principal data source is the Seabird 2000 dataset. Black guillemot are rarely counted in
UK except during periodic seabird census events. The next is not due for another few years
and the previous survey would have been under seabird Colony Register (published in the
late 1980s) so much of that information will be very dated. There are some periodic counts
undertaken by Martin Heubeck in Shetland and I suspect a few other counts as well, but we
are faced with a paucity of data, much of it based on single counts. Mindful of this the
approach taken was as follows.

Data from Seabird 2000 gives numbers (usually individuals at sea or on land) for a
defined section of coast. In some cases a single co-ordinate is given for a small
island, but in most cases a start and end point is noted along with a unique section
identifier.

The start and ends points were mapped in GeoView and SPA boundaries overlaid for
each of the 50 or so SPAs that have at least some section of coast associated with
the site (an association is simply defined as the boundary extending to the coast,
usually HWMS or LWMS).

A series of maps were
produced for each SPA. This
was necessary because start
and end points do not coincide
with start and end points of
protected areas [This is some
thing that needs to be
addressed in any future national
seabird survey].

The number of black guillemot
in each section included within
the SPA boundary (with or
without a marine extension)
was totalled. Where sections
crossed SPA boundaries and
assessment was made of the
likely number in the SPA and
outside the SPA. Where there
was uncertainty a maximum
and
minimum
total
was
calculated. This is why the
tables contain maximum and
minimum figures.

An example map for West
Westray is shown here. Note
that sections 617 and 626 both
cross the SPA boundary.
18
Black Guillemot and Marine Protected Areas
Annex 2 Data Uncertainties and Variability
We need to be aware of this and not treat the information as absolute but indicative of
general locations where black guillemot are likely to occur in significant numbers. This has a
number of consequences:
We should be careful about using numerical thresholds to define sites. As you know the 1%
criterion is commonly used to define protected areas for birds and for many species this
works well, but only where we have reliable data over a number of years. Neither of these
conditions applies to black guillemot. This is not to say we cannot use the 1% threshold, but
it would be disingenuous to state the site x holds (say) 1% of the UK population when in
reality this may range from 0.8% - 1.2% based on inter-count variability for large ‘sites’6
when only one count is made (as assessed by Pete Ewins on Mousa (Ewins, 1985).
This suggests that we should favour ‘sites’ that hold large numbers (generally >> 1%) over
smaller sites, and that an aggregation of contiguous count sections/sites will provide a more
robust indication of overall site importance (because large sites have lower count variability).
Variability between years is similarly likely to complicate the picture, though as a long lived
species with a sedentary distribution, such variability should be limited.
However, as Ewins (1985) has
highlighted, the proportion of nonbreeders
at
any
site
varies
considerably (57% for one island
compared to less than 11% at
another) which means that intercount variability can be very high.
90
80
70
60
50
Low count
During Seabird 2000 a small number
of paired counts were made.
A
simple plot of these counts shows
that there is a reasonably good
correlation between the highest and
lowest count in each pair (see right),
but that a second count could vary by
as much as 50%-100%. For example
a count of 50 birds on one occasion
may mean a count of 25 birds on
another occasion or as many as 100
birds on another occasion.
Paired counts
40
30
20
10
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-10
High count
Another problem is that many counts were undertaken outwith the ideal census time (prebreeding) and at times of day when count variability is likely to be high. Counts were
sometimes made of birds on land, though more generally they were of birds on water.
Despite the above, we can use the Seabird 2000 dataset to identify locations where there
are high concentrations of black guillemots, and specifically to identify locations where such
concentrations overlap with existing protected areas and/or MPA search locations. This is
the approach that has been taken so far
6
In this context a site is usually a discrete entity such as an island or a defined protected area (SSI or
SPA). In Seabird 2000 such sites are often made up from a number of count sections, though for
island sites this was rarely the case.
19