Monitor the population and protect
colonies
1
Species management option b3 encouragement and
increase
- By
annual survey of each of the standard sections
of cliff establish the mean number of individual birds on the
breeding ledges.
- By
detailed survey of "study plot" colonies at South
Stream, High Cliff and
Bull Hole monitor the population of these
areas (c.10% of the
island total) and relate to the whole island counts.
- Monitor
breeding success at ledges in several colonies to provide
basic details of population
dynamics.
- Prevent
disturbance of colonies by humans - by wardening
and information
- Try to
prevent disturbance of the colonies by boating and diving - in
liason with Marine Reserve staff and managers.
- Monitor
the effects of other species on the colonies - where possible eg
Ravens, GBB and Herring gulls, and Fulmars (occupying ledges).
- In the
event of oil pollution incidents liase closely with CC4, DART and
others to ensure, so far as is possible, that the affects are
minimised.
- In the
event of any pollution or natural disaster monitor the numbers of
birds affected around the reserve.
2
Study and research option c2 specialist facility
- Promote
studies of juvenile recruitment to Specialist Facility the colonies
and, in association with such studies establish adult survival
rates. This work is already in progress under the supervision of
Sheffield University.
- Promote
regular (about every 10 years) research into the breeding biology
to understand further the reasons for population fluctuations.
3
Education and interpretation option d3 active
publicity
- Promote
by the use of Active displays, leaflets and Publicity
the reserve guide for greater understanding of the species breeding
biology.
- Ensure
as far as possible that the public are aware that the species is
very vulnerable to disturbance particularly early in the
season.
- Describe
in displays and leaflets how oil, and other pollutants, can affect
the colonies.
