Distribution pattern of seabird species in the Republic of Cyprus

Abstract

For the first time, a systematic national survey of marine waters used by seabirds in the Republic of Cyprus has been implemented. The aim was to learn about the distribution pattern of seabirds in Cyprus throughout the whole year. The European Seabirds At Sea methodology was used for the spatio-temporal presence, abundance and behaviors of seabirds. The study was divided into two parts, first on all the species identified during the study and then on two species breeding in Cyprus: Gulosus aristotelis and Larus michahellis. Distribution patterns have been correlated with different parameters: oceanographic and human activities. The study highlights a general distribution of seabirds related to specific ecology (including breeding phenology), but also for breeding species a significant correlation with the location of colonies and the human activities. On the other hand, no significant impact of the oceanographic parameters was highlighted. We assume that this outcome may be due to the extreme oligotrophic marine ecosystem of the Levantine Sea. Our study also suggests a better protection of local breeding colonies and further research including innovative telemetry tools to address the movement of seabirds and their interactions with fishing vessels and fish farms in the easternmost part of the Mediterranean Sea.