Auswahl der wissenschaftlichen Literatur zum Thema „Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea“

At least a quarter of the world's cetaceans were recently confirmed as endangered and the situation may be worse as the status of many others remains unclear. Climate change is affecting the oceans and a number of studies have recently highlighted its potential impact on cetacean species - for example, there are important linkages between sea ice and krill, the primary prey for baleen whales in Antarctica. This paper provides a synthesis of new information available on this theme and considers its implications for the future conservation and management of cetacean populations and species.The more mobile (or otherwise adaptable) cetaceans may be able to respond to climate related changes, although the extent of this adaptability is largely unknown. However, there is broad agreement that certain species and populations are likely to be especially vulnerable to climate related changes, including those with a limited habitat range, or those for which sea ice provides an important habitat for the cetacean population and/or that of their prey. International conservation bodies, such as the Convention for Migratory Species and the International Whaling Commission, are striving to address these issues. The challenges presented by climate change require an innovative, large scale, long term and multinational response from scientists, conservation managers and decision makers. This response that should encompass a precautionary approach, including addressing the detrimental effects of other factors negatively impacting populations and species.

Black Sea cetaceans are isolated and nominated as endemic subspecies listed in the IUCN Red List of Endangered species: the harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphin as Endangered (EN) and the common dolphin as Vulnerable (VU). Studies of their distribution and abundance are scarce but obligatory for assessment of their conservation status. Being highly mobile apex predators entails large variations in spatial and temporal distribution. Two vessel line–transect distance sampling surveys were conducted in 2017 in the Bulgarian shelf with the aim to estimate the density, abundance and distribution during spring and autumn. Results have revealed a shift from the coastal to offshore shelf of harbour porpoises with marked southern movement. Density of porpoises varied from 1.423 ind./km2 (CV = 25.4%) in spring to 0.576 ind./km2 (CV = 43.43%) in autumn. The density of common dolphins was also decreasing, from 0.391 ind./km2 (CV = 36.84%) to 0.088 ind./km2 (CV = 42.13%), which was more significant in offshore (0.031 ind./km2, CV = 58.04%) than in the coastal shelf (0.138 ind./km2, CV = 48.59%). Bottlenose dolphins had almost constant density in both seasons in the coastal shelf: 0.211 ind./km2 (CV = 52.15%) and 0.187 ind./km2 (CV = 52.13%) but a very low density in the offshore shelf in autumn: 0.042 ind./km2 (CV = 71.07%). The importance of existing NATURA 2000 sites for the harbour porpoise (BG0000621 Shabla-Ezerets, BG0000573 Kompleks Kaliaka, BG0001001 Ropotamo and BG0001007 Strandzha) and bottlenose dolphin (BG0000621 Shabla-Ezerets, BG0000573 Kompleks Kaliaka, BG0001501 Emona and BG0001001 Ropotamo) were confirmed.

Cetacean strandings are valuable sources of data about their life history, health status, population trends, and impact of threats. We examined the strandings along the Bulgarian coast of the Black Sea for a period of 13 years from 2010 to 2022. A total of 1528 cetacean strandings of all three species inhabiting the basin were recorded: 1031 harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena, 199 bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, 97 common dolphins Delphinus delphis, 19 delphinids and 182 unidentified. The highest numbers were observed in 2016 and 2022. Monthly peaks for harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphin were in July and August and for common dolphin in May. An unusually high mortality of porpoise neonates was recorded in 2015 and 2016. The overall sex ratio showed a slightly higher share of males at 120:100. This bias was the most pronounced for males of common dolphins. Spatial distribution varied interspecifically but was predominantly along the southern coast. Bycatch signs were detected in 80 animals including during the turbot fishing ban period, suggesting the existence of illegal fishing operations. All of this highlights the need for better reinforcement and control to ensure both the conservation of endangered cetaceans and the sustainability of fisheries. Improvement in data collection is needed to improve the quality of information.

Based on the results of winter monitoring of bats conducted in 2020–2022 in key wintering sites—limestone mines located within the continental part of the Back Sea area and the steppe area of Ukraine (Mykolayiv and Odesa ob-lasts)—we have recorded 7 species of bats: Myotis daubentonii, M. dasycneme, M. aurascens, M. mystacinus, Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus, and Eptesicus serotinus. Compared to results of monitoring conducted between 2008 and 2011, the number of bats that winter in the mentioned mines has doubled, from 702 to 1421 spe¬cimens. One individual of M. aurascens, which was ringed in the mine KVL-K in 2008–2011, was recorded there for the sec-ond time. The ring number is VТ 03492, Kyiv, Ukraine. Five species of bats were recorded in each of the three moni-tored sites. The results of the two monitoring sessions appear to be almost identical both by species composition and abundance. The dominating species in the inspected sites and, apparently, generally for winter aggregations of the same type in the region is M. daubentonii. The species share in the total sample was 77%. In Kovalivka (KVL-K) and Illyinka (ILN-K) mines, the co-dominance of two species—M. daubentonii and M. aurascens—was observed (23.3% and 26.8%, respectively). The species M. mystacinus was recorded only in the Kovalivsky mines (9.6%), whereas P. auritus was found only in the Nova Odesa mines (0.1%). The Nova Odesa mines play a key role in pre-serving the rare M. dasycneme in Ukraine harbouring the most abundant and widely known accumulation of this species. All investigated caves are particularly important for the preservation of bat populations in the region and their support during critical stages of their life. Granting the Kuyalnik Estuary the status of nature reserve will con-tribute to the conservation of habitats important for bats. Monitoring of key habitats for conservation of bat species is an important task for the implementation of EUROBATS agreement, which was signed by Ukraine. The obtained data are especially crucial considering the invasion of the russian federation to Ukraine since it is unclear when there will be a chance to continue the monitoring of bats in these key wintering sites and what is their current condition.

ABSTRACT Prevention of oil spills and effective action in the case of a spill are crucial to protecting and maintaining the environment. Up-to-date, reliable, and easily accessible research and information are extremely important and help to ensure a united front of preparation and to facilitate remedial action should a spill occur. The better the information available, the better the chance for prevention and, in the event of a spill, efficient and effective cleanup. The Interspill 2004 conference in Trondheim, Norway, hosted a U.S.-Russian Workshop on Oil Spill Prevention and Response. The workshop, which focused on dispersants, was the culmination of agreements signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and Russian Minister of Energy Igor Yusufov to discuss energy issues of interest to both countries and to implement the oil spill prevention and response agreement developed between the United States and Russia. To assist the participants and in concert with the workshop, the Black Sea and Caspian Sea Environmental Information Center (http://pims.ed.ornl.gov) posted relevant material from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Coast Guard. Although this web site offers information on region- and country-specific initiatives, its usefulness is far-reaching—the Center's information on oil spill prevention and response, research and development, and communications and related technologies have worldwide applications. Indeed, more than a hundred organizations from all over the world have registered, and interested organizations are encouraged to do the same to promote their technologies, services, or research activities. The site is being accessed at roughly 1,000 hits per day from 115 countries all over world. During July 2004, there were more than 40,000 hits on the web site. The oil industry strongly supports the information center and has representatives participate in all of its workshops. The Center is intended to be used as a tool to provide a comprehensive source of information:It publishes results and lists participants of several workshops.It hosts online “real-time” meetings that allow participants to plan structured meetings at an optimal time across different time zones.It provides information on oil spill prevention, cleanup, monitoring, and related commercial technologies and offers on-line discussions of these issues.It provides information about the laws, regulations, and standards of various countries relating to the environmental condition of the sea.It posts relevant published scientific papers.It publishes lists of participants working on Black Sea and Caspian Sea environmental issues.It is home to a growing database of historical pollution-testing data from research institutes in the region.

On the west coast of the Black sea excavations of ancient cities have been conducted for more than a century and a half. Among them, a special place is considered to be the Dorian colony of Kallatis, founded by immigrants from Heraclea of Pontius, most likely in the VI century BC. Currently on its territory there is a Romanian city of Mangalia. In 1959, during the excavations of the ancient mound on the Hellenistic burial ground, an ungraded burial in a stone sarcophagus was discovered. It was a backbone of an adult with a gilded bronze wreath. Near his hands there was an ancient Greek papyrus. For his conservation a Soviet restorer M. Alexander was invited, he managed to preserve the rarity. At the request of the Romanian side, he took the papyrus for restoration to Moscow, where his traces were lost. In 2001, Romanian archaeologists began searching for the papyrus. After three years of work in museums and libraries, they were able to locate the rest of the scroll. It turned out that they are stored in the Center of restoration Grabar in Moscow. As a result of the negotiations, thanks to the good will of the Russian side, it was possible to reach an agreement on the return of a unique discovery for Romania to its historical homeland.

The Convention on Migratory Species’ Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU) represents a unique international agreement dedicated to the preservation of migratory raptors belonging to the orders Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes. At the Third Meeting of Signatories to the Raptors MOU (MOS3), held in Dubai from 3 to 6 July 2023, significant progress was made towards advancing commitments for the conservation of these majestic birds. The primary outcomes of MOS3 are summarized below. Revised MOU mandate: An evaluation of the MOU’s implementation conducted in 2020 underscored the need to better align and enhance the clarity of the commitments contained in the MOU’s Text and in its Annexes (one of which being the MOU’s Action Plan). Consequently, several amendments to these documents were made. Notably, the Activities of the MOU’s Action Plan were comprehensively rewritten, with each now being accompanied by clear targets and means of verification. Updated list of species: The MOU now encompasses 94 distinct species of migratory bird of prey. Notably, the Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius) is now recognized as a separate entity from the Black Kite (M. migrans). In addition, the MOU’s revision includes the new order Accipitriformes. Revised species categorization: Species listed under the Raptors MOU are categorized into one of three categories based on their extinction risk. At MOS3, individual species’ categories were updated according to the latest IUCN Red List assessment. The update resulted in an increased number of species classified under Category 1 (globally threatened or Near Threatened species) and Category 2 (species considered to have an unfavourable conservation status at a regional level), reflecting a deteriorating conservation status for 13 species. Conversely, only three species saw their conservation status improve and move to a lower category. Expanded list of internationally important sites for raptors: The MOU previously included a “Provisional list of Important Bird Areas that are known to be significant congregatory sites for birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia”. Now named “List of Internationally Important Sites for Migratory Birds of Prey”, the list has been broadened to incorporate sites listed as Important Bird Areas due to their importance for at least one species listed in Annex 1 of the MOU or because are “bottleneck” locations for migrating raptors. Additionally, those sites proposed by Signatories as meeting the same criteria have been included. Furthermore, for States current and former Members of the European Union the list includes sites designated as Special Protection Areas under the European Council’s Birds Directive. This network of important sites now represents the most extensive collective effort for raptor conservation in Africa and Eurasia, with the potential to significantly contribute to their preservation. Renewed membership of the Technical Advisory Group to the Raptors MOU (TAG): The purpose of the TAG is to serve and assist Signatories in the effective implementation of the Raptors MOU. A renewed TAG membership was elected at MOS3, increasing the number of serving women from one to four. First Raptor Conservation Status Assessment Report: Under the coordination of BirdLife International, the TAG has produced an assessment report of the conservation status of the raptor species covered by the MOU. This report paints a disconcerting picture of the rapidly declining conservation status of the 94 listed species, with 54% presenting declining global populations and 34% now facing elevated extinction risk. The most threatened group are Vultures (93% of spp. included in Category 1), followed by Eagles (50%) and Falcons (26%). The rate of extinction of migratory raptor listed in the MOU is outpacing that of all birds and even all raptors in general. The report emphasizes that the principal threats to these birds are habitat loss and degradation, illegal killing and taking, and electrocution and collision with energy infrastructure. Notably, the impact of electrocution and collision may be underestimated, as one-third of satellite-tagged raptors (excluding vultures) fall victim to these hazards. In light of these alarming findings, it is evident that a coordinated, collaborative effort involving researchers, conservationists, governments and other stakeholdersis imperative to mitigate the decline of migratory raptors. The Raptors MOU stands as a crucial technical framework that can facilitate and guide these essential conservation endeavors. The development of International Single Species Action Plans for Black Harrier (Circus maurus), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle (Circaetus beaudouini), Pallas’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), Steller’s Sea Eagle (H. pelagicus) and Tawny Eagle (A. rapax) is considered a priority.

The “ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative” (ASI) is a pilot programme aimed at establishing an integrated and coordinated monitoring system for cetaceans across the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic (hereafter “ACCOBAMS”) area. Conducted in coordination with Mediterranean coastal countries, it supports the implementation of European and regional policies, in particular the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Ecosystem Approach process. In summer 2018, a synoptic survey was conducted across the Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area, combining visual monitoring from aircrafts with visual and passive acoustic monitoring from vessels. Species density and abundance were estimated through design-based approach in a line-transect sampling framework. Based on data arising from the aerial survey only, uncorrected design-based abundance was obtained for striped (N=426,744, CV=0.13), common (N=65,359, CV=0.4), bottlenose (N=63,333, CV=0.17), and Risso´s dolphins (N=26,006, CV=0.3), Cuvier’s beaked whales (N=2,929, CV=0.4) and long-finned pilot whales (N=5,540 CV=0.4). A merged category of either striped or common dolphins resulted in 212,483 individuals (CV=0.26). Fin whales abundance of 1,749 animals (CV=0.3) was corrected for both availability and perception biases and resulted in 3,282 (CV=0.31). The ASI survey offers an overall picture of the distribution and abundance of cetaceans throughout the Mediterranean basin, providing robust estimates to be considered as a baseline for future regional systematic monitoring programmes. The ASI survey is the first step towards establishing a long-term monitoring program across the entire ACCOBAMS area, and, as such, it sets the basis for further future basin-wide monitoring efforts using systematic, shared, coordinated and comparable methods. The information gathered will further enhance knowledge on cetacean status, facilitating the development of informed conservation and mitigation measures, as well as supporting the implementation of international obligations. Furthermore, the outcomes of this survey will support both place- and threat-based conservation efforts in the ACCOBAMS area, through the identification of Important Marine Mammal Areas and Cetacean Critical Habitats. Here the results of the ASI survey are presented and discussed alongside proposed management and conservation actions aimed at ensuring the persistence of cetacean populations in the region.

AbstractAmong the taxonomic family of porpoises (Phocoenidae), mating behavior in nature has been described in detail only for the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). We review this species’ unusual mating habits based on a study in San Francisco Bay, California, USA, and present new data from across its range in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, Black Sea, and managed care. Results confirm the male’s unique laterality oriented solely to the female’s left side as contact occurred both in nature and managed care. The male’s high-energy sexual approach to the female led to splashy aerial behavior at the surface in nature. Drone footage provided observations of subsurface mating behavior, including evidence of male–male sexual interactions and a male calf interacting sexually with its mother. Harbor porpoise reproductive anatomy is also presented, with new comparative information on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). The harbor porpoise’s lateralized behavior and anatomy (i.e., long asymmetric penis, large testes size, convoluted asymmetric female reproductive tract) may have coevolved. We note gaps in knowledge, suitable platforms for future investigations (drones, bridges, boats, and coastal cliffs), and what is known about mating behavior in other porpoise species, including hybridization. We conclude with conservation implications for porpoises and encourage researchers to recognize and report mating behavior as baseline data valuable for establishing marine conservation areas.