Some species of seabirds are attracted by the concentration of fish in aquaculture crops cages. To avoid the predation on the fish farms production there are often surface networks or other systems known as' anti-bird '. However, these measures would not only avoid catching fish cultivation but often kill a large number of birds.

Today, there has not been quantified the seabirds mortality associated with this activity and which are the species most affected by this process. For example, shags are one of the major groups of birds affected and is not known how these activities cause mortality to species like the European or Common shag (Phalacrocorax Aristotelis), listed in the Red Data Book of Birds of Spain and in the National Catalog of Threatened Species.

This problem not only adversely affect bird populations, but also means a problem for the aquaculture sector which expects to find measures to avoid loss of production with minimal impact. The CRAM Foundation thinks that is essential to work with the aquaculture industry to make this project successful. With this aim, we have a cooperative agreement with the network of aquaculture research and development of the Generalitat of Catalonia (Xarxa de Referencia de Recerca, Desenvolupament i Innovació en Aqüicultura de la Generalitat de Catalunya - Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)).
 
The aquaculture industry is experiencing an astonishing growth throughout the world and, as there are pointing IUCN experts, it is necessary to find solutions to maintain the economic viability of the sector, ensuring food safety and animal welfare and responding as well to environmental challenges effectively with research promoting.

The study of the impact of aquaculture on seabirds and their dissemination, will facilitate the implementation of new measures to minimize the mortality of these birds that are threatened by other processes such as habitat destruction, pollution and bycatch fisheries. Moreover, achieving a greater understanding of the processes that affect the endangered species facilitates the design and implementation of recovery plans for these endangered species.

By implementing this project specific recommendations will be generated and will enable stakeholders to implement a more sustainable aquaculture.

This project is planned within the framework of actions for the biodiversity conservation in the IUCN Spanish Committee and will be funded by Obra Social Caja Madrid.

Project Countdown 2010 Preserving the iberian diversity [in spanish]

Project in collaboration with:

Shags

Shag