European Shag

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 2020: 188-392 pairs (2007: 180–250 pairs) 

Distribution pattern

Breeds in dispersed colonies in the Northern part of the Black Sea coast – in three squares between Cape Kaliakra and Cape Shabla, about 25 km along the coast.

Population estimation for the period 2013 – 2020: In 2013, a new colony was found on the islands of Saint Ivan and Saint Peter, which by 2018 numbered 117 pairs. The population on the North Black Sea coastline has also visibly increased with a new colony on the abandoned quay east of the Shabla lighthouse, but after the renovation of the quay in 2018, it no longer exists.

Population size in Special Protection Areas of Natura 2000: 188-392 pairs (100% of the population). The entire breeding population of the species is on the territory of the Natura 2000 network, in two Special Protection Areas – “Kaliakra” (185 – 275 pairs) аnd “Bakarlaka” (3 – 117 pairs).

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Marine species. Breeds in niches and caves on rocks along the seacoast, as well as on islands in the sea. Sometimes builds its nests on structures of anthropogenic origin – abandoned quays, ships, oilrigs, etc. Colonial species that usually nests in groups, very rarely in single nests. Builds its nests on vertical coastal sea rocks, up to 20 m above the water, on rock ledges and terraces both in the open and in abrasion caves up to about 30 m. Foraging habitats include the coastal strip (muddy and sandy sea shallows) up to 1 km out in the sea.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Threats

Entanglement in fishing gear (nets and fishing weirs). Collecting eggs for food (St. John and Peter Islands). Extreme climatic events due to global climate change. Disturbance of the colonies.

Vladimir Mladenov, Ralitsa Georgieva, Mikhail Iliev