As part of the Project LIFE Marine IBAs maritime censuses are undertaken to for observe and identify marine birds in the Portuguese maritime area, in order to identify the most important areas for marine birds and to compare them with fishing intensity and oceanographic data.
The maritime censuses consist of one or two ornithologists aboard oceanographic research vessels and/or fishing boats: some of the institutes/partners collaborating in the censuses are:
In addition to the research vessels, sea excursions are also made on boats of maritime tourism companies, transport companies, the Portuguese Navy, the Natural Park of Madeira and privately owned boats. During the sea excursions, observations are taken of all the species seen within 300m of the boat. To standardize the methods of observation, the ESAS (European Seabirds At Sea) system is used. This is currently used throughout Europe and consists of
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This system was specifically developed for
the identification of marine birds, but all species of Cetaceans,
turtles and fish observed on the transects are also recorded.
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For the protection and comfort of observers a wooden observation box was made and is usually placed onboard the vessel. In exceptional situations observations are made from the bridge of the vessel.
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After the sea excursions it is necessary to compile and analyse the data. The data provided identifies the areas most used by the birds and their behaviour. |
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