Gannet Numbers to Plummet

Romeo

Romeo

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The EU ruling about discarded fish is great news for fish, and ultimately good I am sure for wildlife in general. However a short term consequence is probably going to be a reduction in numbers of Gannets, one of the few seabirds that has been doing pretty well over the last few years.

A few words on it from Univ of Plymouth:

http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=39926
 
Gannets are very good at fishing for themselves. You should watch them. Herring gulls though, will miss the dumped fish, although huge numbers of them have already found plenty of food sources ashore.
 
NormanS said:
Gannets are very good at fishing for themselves. You should watch them.
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Given that I live 3 miles from the largest single rock gannetry in the world it is pretty hard not to watch them.

Their numbers have increased massively while large scale discarding has been encouraged. Now it is being discouraged, their numbers are likely to decrease just as dramatically, although watch for it being explained as a result of an urgent need for marine conservation zones, rather than as a result of a more sensible approach to fishing.

Although, when the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea, gannets have a much much bigger range than a gull, and so have been able to benefit from more trawlers than the gulls.
 
Romeo said:
The EU ruling about discarded fish is great news for fish, and ultimately good I am sure for wildlife in general. However a short term consequence is probably going to be a reduction in numbers of Gannets, one of the few seabirds that has been doing pretty well over the last few years.
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Nature is very efficient at sorting population numbers, apart from the human species, the correct balance will soon be restored. Gannets took advantage of an inbalance in the food chain.
 
RSPB have exploited this item to claim that there must be more Marine Protected Areas so the gannets can be left in peace to relearn to catch live fish without fishermen taking their catches.

Another post suggests that all the RSPB should be sent to Ailsa Craig. Given that MOD firing ranges are widely known as wildlife havens, Ailsa Craig could then be used for live firings.....
 
Grumpybear said:
RSPB have exploited this item to claim that there must be more Marine Protected Areas so the gannets can be left in peace to relearn to catch live fish without fishermen taking their catches.

Another post suggests that all the RSPB should be sent to Ailsa Craig. Given that MOD firing ranges are widely known as wildlife havens, Ailsa Craig could then be used for live firings.....
Click to expand...


Personally I like the idea of MCZs but to be concerned that gannet numbers will be reduced because of reduction in discards is utter carp. To moan that numbers of gannets will reduce because there are fewer free fish for the birds is as absurd as to claim that mullet numbers will drop because we have reduced pouring raw sewage into the sea.

Let's generally get a grip that we, as humans, now have to manage the natural environment to the benefit of both creatures and ourselves.
 
ChrisE said:
Personally I like the idea of MCZs but to be concerned that gannet numbers will be reduced because of reduction in discards is utter carp. To moan that numbers of gannets will reduce because there are fewer free fish for the birds is as absurd as to claim that mullet numbers will drop because we have reduced pouring raw sewage into the sea.

Let's generally get a grip that we, as humans, now have to manage the natural environment to the benefit of both creatures and ourselves.
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Nothing to do with reason. Like the other Eco industries, the RSPB are grasping at any straw that might harvest unthinking emotional public and media support to pressurise ministers into maximising the number of MCZs irrespective of any scientific case for doing so. Their careers are at risk, much more important than the mere environment.
 
Grumpybear said:
RSPB have exploited this item to claim that there must be more Marine Protected Areas so the gannets can be left in peace to relearn to catch live fish without fishermen taking their catches.

Another post suggests that all the RSPB should be sent to Ailsa Craig. Given that MOD firing ranges are widely known as wildlife havens, Ailsa Craig could then be used for live firings.....
Click to expand...

I bag the first shot.
 
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