MSF(69/2012)
Marine Protected Areas – Cetaceans and Basking Shark
Purpose of document
1.
This paper discusses progress and options in identifying possible MPA search
locations for cetaceans and basking shark to support possible discussions at
the 4th national MPA stakeholder workshop in March 2012.
Background
2.
Three species of cetaceans are included on the MPA search feature list for
Scottish territorial waters - Risso’s dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and minke
whale - along with Basking Shark. All of these species are Priority Marine
Features and benefit from a high level of species protection (See Annex F).
3.
The 3rd national MPA stakeholder workshop in October 2011 resulted in a MPA
search location for both basking sharks and minke whales. This was named
the Skye to Mull search location (see Annex A) and is based on available effortcorrected sightings data for these species.
4.
The Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines highlight that MPAs are appropriate for
contributing to the conservation of biodiversity, including through protecting
‘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’.
Issues
5.
The Marine Conservation Zone project in England has opted out of pursuing
site protection measures for these species at an earlier stage. They have stated
they would only take forward MCZ proposals where there is clear conservation
benefit for the species. Scotland appears to have a greater distribution of these
species and possibly a better evidence base.
6.
SNH has been developing an approach to identify search locations for basking
shark and the 3 cetacean species (Annexes G and H) and have outlined
additional work considered necessary. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Society has submitted a number of third party MPA proposals for the cetacean
species which will also be considered in the context of the selection guidelines.
7.
In advance of a finalised approach, there is uncertainty that any location
identified on the basis of presence of cetacean species will be consistent with
the approach outlined in the guidelines or that it will have sufficient data and
evidence to underpin a successful application of the selection guidelines in
2012. The evidence on key habitat locations for basking shark appears
stronger.
Options for Way Forward
8.
There are 3 options for the way forward;
1. Identify search locations on the basis on the draft SNH approach for
discussion at workshop 4, recognising that reliance on effort corrected
sightings data may be necessary.
2. Recognise that the detailed approach has not yet been finalised (and that it
may be challenging to identify search locations for key life cycle stages for
these mobile species based on sightings data) and instead discuss the
possible approach at workshop 4, including critical habitat criteria (Annex H)
and what we know about the presence of these species. Then complete the
data gathering, modelling, and evidence building to identify search locations
and subsequently applying the guidelines. This may mean these species
could be gaps in the MPA network at the end of 2012.
3. In light of their protected species status allow our knowledge of temporal and
spatial presence to be accounted for via the Priority Marine Features list and
the marine planning system, instead of proceeding at this stage with the
identification of possible search locations and ultimately possible MPAs. This
would complement existing species protection and give provisions under 2 of
the 3 pillars of the marine conservation strategy.
Recommendations
1. That you note the current issues relating to these mobile species and
information contained in the annexes.
2. Offer your views on which option at paragraph 8 is the most suitable way
forward for these species, noting that basking shark evidence is better at this
stage.
3. Offer views on how the existing Skye to Mull search location and the third
party proposals should be handled in light of your views on point 2.
4. Offer views on the draft critical habitat criteria in the table at Annex H in terms
of the proposed approach outlined in the MPA guidelines.
ANNEXES
A. Map of the existing Skye to Mull mobile species search location
B. Risso’s Dolphin distribution
C. White-beaked dolphin distribution
D. Minke Whale distribution
E. Basking shark distribution
F. Existing mobile species protection
G. Possible role of MPAs for mobile species
H. Possible criteria for identifying critical
Annex A - Initial MPA search locations identified for minke whale showing revised
Skye to Mull search location following discussion at workshop 3.
ANNEX B – RISSO’S DOLPHIN
Figure 2: Distribution of Risso’s dolphins in north-west Europe (Reid et al., 2003)
Scottish waters are a stronghold for Risso’s dolphin in a UK context. They are most
common to the west of Scotland from the west coast to the edge of the continental
shelf but also recorded from the outer Moray Firth, the Aberdeenshire coast and the
Shetland Islands. In the North-East Atlantic the Shetland Islands are considered to
be the northerly limit of their distribution.
Whilst this species is generally considered to be a shelf-edge and deep-water
species, around the UK it appears to be most abundant in shelf waters. In terms of
seasonal distribution, Risso’s dolphins are present throughout the year with peaks in
relative abundance/sightings between June and September. In early summer, they
are more likely to be found in deeper waters further from the coast, whilst later on
they are more likely to be found in coastal waters.
There are no population estimates for the North-East Atlantic, UK or Scotland.
ANNEX C –WHITE BEAKED DOLPHIN
Figure 3: Distribution of white-beaked dolphins in north-west Europe (Reid et al., 2003)
White-beaked dolphins are distributed widely throughout Scottish shelf waters and
Scottish waters are considered the main stronghold for white-beaked dolphins in
both the UK and Europe. There are two main areas where white-beaked dolphin
abundance is relatively higher: in the western North Sea, particularly off the
Aberdeenshire coast and off the west coast in The Minch and to the north and west
of Lewis.
Seasonal distribution seems to vary between the west and east coast with the former
being used year round and the latter predominantly being used between June and
October. There is some evidence of a contracting range, with possibly a more
northerly distribution on the west coast linked to climate change, specifically to
changes in water temperature.
Population estimates indicate ~22,700 white-beaked dolphins in the North Sea
and European Atlantic continental shelf waters from SCANS II in 2005.
ANNEX D – MINKE WHALE
Figure 4: Distribution of common minke whales in north-west Europe (Reid et al., 2003)
Minke whales are widely distributed throughout Scottish shelf waters. There are two
broad swathes of relatively high abundance which occur down the east coast from
the outer Moray Firth south to England and off the west coast of Scotland in The
Minch, The Little Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides. The relative abundance of
minke whales within these two broad areas appears to be higher than elsewhere in
the UK or North-west Europe.
Minke whales are largely seen between May and September. The presence of
minke whales in Scottish shelf waters during the summer months is representative of
their occurrence on high-latitude feeding grounds and represents a critical stage in
their lifecycle since animals have to build up sufficient energy reserves (stored as
blubber) during the feeding season to enable them to migrate to winter breeding
grounds. The 1994 SCANS survey estimated a total of ~8,500 minke whales in the
North Sea, Celtic Sea and Skagerrak but this area did not include most of the west
coast of Scotland.
The 2005 SCANS survey estimated a total of ~18,600 minke whales in the North
Sea and European Atlantic continental shelf waters.
ANNEX E – BASKING SHARK
Figure 2: Basking shark distribution (from FAO website)
Basking sharks are found globally in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans,
predominantly in coastal waters and over the continental shelf of temperate waters
(Compagno, 2001).
Around the UK, basking sharks are sighted all around the
coast but predominantly around the south west peninsula of England and around
the west coast of Scotland (MCS website; Bloomfield and Soldant, 2007).
Annex F – Existing mobile species protection
1.
In 2011 Marine Scotland published its marine nature conservation strategy.
This document sets out a three pillar approach to marine nature conservation
comprising: protected species, protected sites and wider seas policies and
measures.
2.
The main mechanism providing protection to cetaceans comes from their listing
as European Protected Species (EPS). All species of cetaceans are listed as
EPS under Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive. This means it is an offence to
deliberately or recklessly:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Capture, injure or kill any wild animal of a European protected species.
Harass such an animal or group of animals.
Disturb such an animal while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young.
Obstruct access to a breeding site or resting place, or otherwise deny the
animal use of the breeding site or resting place.
Disturb such an animal while it is occupying a structure or place used for
shelter or protection.
Disturb such an animal in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are,
likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species
to which it belongs.
Disturb such an animal in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are,
likely to impair its ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise
care for its young.
Take or destroy the eggs of such an animal.
3.
In addition to the protection afforded to all EPS, it is an offence to deliberately
or recklessly disturb any dolphin, porpoise or whale.
4.
Basking sharks are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981 (as amended) and as such are protected against killing, taking or injuring
as well as the intentional or reckless disturbance or harassment in territorial
waters. European Council Regulation 2555/2001 also provides protection with a
zero total allowable catch in European waters. Furthermore basking sharks are
also listed as vulnerable worldwide and endangered in north- east Atlantic
(International Union for Conservation Nature 2004 Red list).
Annex G - Possible Role of MPAs for mobile species
1.
The Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines highlight that MPAs are appropriate for
contributing to the conservation of biodiversity, including through protecting
‘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’.
2.
MPAs are a tool designed to provide spatial habitat protection. In order to
consider the appropriateness of MPAs for these species you first have identify
types of habitats that might be critical to cetaceans and basking sharks. A draft
Scottish Natural Heritage report identifies a number of different types of habitats
that could be described as critical habitats for mobile species.
3.
The draft report goes on to recommend a subset that could provide a
focus for the identification of MPA search locations.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
places used regularly for feeding, breeding, calving/spawning and/or
raising young and socialising;
locations where associated and supporting activities (e.g. courtship,
resting, playing, communication) take place;
(additional) locations with (regular) seasonal concentrations;
movement corridors, including migration routes and resting areas,
connecting important areas (such as the above);
static areas/(benthic) habitats of critical importance to (preferred) prey
(e.g. sandeels require specific sand/gravel bed habitats and bottom
current speeds);
areas where important ecosystem processes occur that support high
(primary) productivity of (pelagic) prey species (e.g. thermal fronts);
areas where there are topographic structures that enhance productivity
and/or foraging opportunities (e.g. sub-surface hotspots of primary
productivity generated by internal wave mixing over bumpy topography
such as banks or troughs (Scott et al, 2008); tidal races generated by
surrounding topography.
It would be helpful for the Marine Strategy Forum to comment on whether
these criteria, as per the species assessment at Annex H would be deliver on
the statement in bold above at paragraph 1.
ANNEX H – Possible criteria for mobile species critical habitats
Possible Identifier
Places used regularly for
feeding, breeding,
calving/spawning and/or
raising young and
socialising.
Risso’s Dolphin
Consider locations where
adults are regular seen with
calves as potential critical
habitat.
White-beaked Dolphin
Consider locations where
adults are regular seen
with calves as potential
critical habitat.
Minke Whale
N/a
Basking Shark
Consider locations where
aggregations occur, high
level of surface feeding,
functional links to
zooplankton
Locations with (regular)
seasonal
concentrations.
Consistent presence (whether
or not it is seasonal) should be
the minimum requirement for
identification of MPA search
locations.
Movement corridors,
including migration routes
and resting areas,
connecting important
areas.
Areas containing habitats
of critical importance to
prey
Evidence very limited and so
not recommended as potential
critical habitat.
Consistent presence
(whether or not is
seasonal) should be the
minimum requirement for
identification of MPA
search locations.
N/a
Consistent presence
(whether or not is
seasonal) should be the
minimum requirement
for identification of MPA
search locations.
N/a
Consistent presence
(whether or not is
seasonal) should be the
minimum requirement for
identification of MPA
search locations.
N/a
Not considered as potential
critical habitat relevant to
MPAs because prey species
are highly mobile.
Not considered as potential
critical habitat because of
variability in formation of front
location.
.
N/a
Consider habitats of
sandeels, sprat (and
herring?) as potential
critical habitat.
tbc
N/a
Associated with slope
habitats. Consider areas of
slope habitat as potential
critical habitat.
Consider areas with shelf
banks and mounds and
shelf deeps as potential
critical habitat.
Areas where important
ecosystem processes
occur that support high
productivity of prey
species (e.g. thermal
fronts).
Areas where there are
topographic structures
that enhance productivity
and/or foraging
opportunities
Consider locations where
surface thermal fronts are
predictable and persistent
as potential critical
habitat.
Consider areas with
shelf banks and mounds
and shelf deeps as
potential critical habitat.
Fronts of mixed water
supporting high
productivity
of prey zooplankton
Calanus
sp linked to basking shark
feeding behaviour
tbc