Monitor population and breeding success and
seek to maintain/increase breeding numbers
1
Habitat management option a3 active management
- In
response to research results actively promote improvements to
breeding habitat wherever possible eg. removal of Bracken, see
Bracken - page xx.
2
Species management option b3 encouragement and
increase
- Monitor
population by regular counts in April and early May at North Haven
and, on peak attendance days, of the whole island using established
methods. See Puffin File.
- Monitor
annually at a small fixed location SE of the Isthmus the number of
burrows, the number occupied by puffins and their breeding success.
This work to be done wholly by observation. Check the efficiency of
this system whenever more detailed studies allow a comparison.
- Monitor
adult survival by colour ringing and
observation of breeding adults (by the EGI under contract with the
JNCC).
- Protect
from disturbance by humans - see also Public Access below -
by wardening and information
- In the
event of oil pollution liase closely with the NCC, DWT and other
authorities and ensure, so far as possible, that affects on the
birds are minimised.
3
Study and research option c2 specialist facility
-
Encourage research on the breeding biology at regular intervals to
further understand the population dynamics.
- Promote
studies which identify adverse pressure on Puffin populations eg
burrow availability, competition with Manx Shearwaters, predation
by GBB Gulls and Buzzards, boating disturbance to rafts of birds
near to colonies etc.
4
Education and interpretation option d3 active
publicity
- By
displays, species leaflets and general information in the island
guide promote a greater understanding of Puffins.
-
Encourage, by wardening and information, visitors to observe
puffins quietly and at a sensible distance
- Allow
island residents and overnight guests access to Puffin hides on the
Isthmus near the wardens house, at his discretion and under his
direction.
5
General access and recreation option e3 partially open
- Allow
day visitors to observe the colonies only from the footpaths.
- So far
as possible, and in liason with the MNR staff encourage good
boating behaviour near to rafts of Puffins off the shores of the
reserve.
