scholarly journals Genetic diversity of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in the eastern Baltic region

Biologija ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalius Butkauskas ◽  
Kristina Chaika ◽  
Saulius Švažas ◽  
Gennady Grishanov ◽  
Algimantas Paulauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Haplotype Network ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Baltic Region ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Continental Part ◽  
Kaliningrad Region ◽  
Great Cormorants ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Eastern Baltic

A rapid expansion of the continental subspecies of the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) has been recorded in Europe since the 1980s. Evaluation of genetic variability of the  Great Cormorant using molecular markers is necessary for investigation of the mechanisms of formation of the newly established breeding populations in the  eastern Baltic region (in the Kaliningrad region of Russia and in Lithuania). The  samples for molecular investigation were collected in the largest breeding colonies of Great Cormorants located on the coast of the Curonian Lagoon of the Baltic Sea and in their smaller, later formed breeding colonies located in the continental part of Lithuania. After sequencing and alignment of partial fragments of mtDNA control region, 21 different haplotypes, including 8 new haplotypes never identified before, and 13 haplotypes described earlier were found. They were distributed with different frequency in different sampling sites. The haplotype network constructed using 342 bp D-loop sequences identified during the  current study and all available sequences of Great Cormorants deposited in GenBank by previous investigators revealed haplotypes attributed to subspecies P. c. sinensis being distinguished from haplotypes of subspecies P. c. carbo in the separate part of haplotype network. The newly described haplotypes did not form a phylogenetically uniform group indicating possible colonization of the Kaliningrad region and the continental part of Lithuania by individuals descending from the  largest breeding colonies spread at the  coast zone of the  Baltic Sea. A  high level of genetic population diversity in different breeding colonies recorded in the Kaliningrad region and in eastern Lithuania confirms the formation of a highly variable and well-adapted population of the Great Cormorant participating in the process of colonization of new breeding areas in the Baltic region.

Associations of Sphagnum rubellum Wils. on the bogs of the south-east part of Baltic region

2003 ◽  
pp. 50-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. A. Smagin ◽  
M. G. Napreenko
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Karelian Isthmus ◽  
Baltic Region ◽  
The South ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Kaliningrad Region ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Typical Habitat ◽  
New Syntaxa

The paper characterizes the 3 associations comprising plant communities with Sphagnum rubellum in the south-eastern part of the Baltic region. The new syntaxa differ from each other both in their floristic characters and the pronounced affinity to definite regional mire types and particular habitats. The ass. Drosero-Sphagnetum rubelli is typical of the relatively most thorough ranges. It is observed from the Kaliningrad region to the Karelian Isthmus and, according to the published reference, occurs even throughout the whole area around the Baltic Sea. Its most typical habitat is that of margins of mire lakes and pools. The ass. Eriophoro-Sphagnetum rubelli occurs in central plateaus of convex plateau-like bogs, typical of the areas adjacent to the Baltic Sea coast. It occupies extended flat mire ecotopes with the water level 0.2–0.25 m deep. The ass. Empetro-Sphagnetum rubelli is characteristic of the retrogressive complex in the convex bogs of the East-Baltic Province. It is mostly observed along the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Its stands are rather dynamic and unstable in both space and time. The presence of communities comprised by these 3 associations is an important vegetation character of the series of regional mire types. Assuming an association level of the respective syntaxa seems rational for the purposes of adequate reflection of plant cover diversity.

Do cormorant colonies affect local fish communities in the Baltic Sea?

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1047-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Örjan Östman ◽  
Mikaela Bergenius ◽  
Maria Kristina Boström ◽  
Sven-Gunnar Lunneryd
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Colony Size ◽  
Fish Communities ◽  
Perca Fluviatilis ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Perch Perca Fluviatilis ◽  
The Baltic

The effects that cormorants have on fish communities have been debated, yet few studies have used the necessary controls and replications to make valid and general assessments. Using both a paired design and time series analysis, we studied associations between colony size of the great cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo sinesis ) in the Baltic Sea and local fish community composition. Overall, colony size showed few associations with local fish communities. Most evident was a negative association between colony size and perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) abundances in some areas. But for other species, results were nonsignificant or variable among areas. The Baltic Sea cormorant population has increased over the last decades, and our results suggest that management actions to reduce local cormorant colonies may have a positive effect on local perch abundance. Otherwise, our results predict colony reductions to either have variable or weak effects on adjacent local fish communities.

scholarly journals The Meaning of Eagles in the Baltic Region. A Case Study from the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Klaipėda, Lithuania (13th–14th Century)

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 59-78
Author(s):  
Freydis Ehrlich ◽  
Giedrė Piličiauskienė ◽  
Miglė Urbonaitė-Ubė ◽  
Eve Rannamäe
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Baltic Region ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
14Th Century ◽  
Grey Partridge ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
The Middle Ages

 In this paper, we examine archaeological bird remains from Klaipėda Castle (Ger. Memel), western Lithuania. The castle was built in 1252, and during the Middle Ages, it was the northernmost castle of the Teutonic Order in Prussia. The castle together with its adjacent town were subjected to wars and changing political situations over the centuries, but nevertheless represented a socially higher status. The studied bird remains were found during the excavations in 2016 and have been dated by context to the Middle Ages – from the end of the 13th to the beginning of the 14th century. Our aim is to introduce and discuss the bird remains with an emphasis on two species – the white-tailed sea-eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Most of all, we are interested in their role in expressing people’s social status, use in material culture, and significance as a food source. Our analysis showed that in Klaipėda, the eagles were probably used for raw material and possibly for feathers, but not for hawking and food. Alternatively, they could have been killed for scavenging. Other species identified in the assemblage such as chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), grey partridge (Perdix perdix), geese (Anser sp.), ducks (Anatinae), and great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) were mainly interpreted as food waste. This article presents the first concentrated study on bird remains from Klaipėda and is one of the first discussions about the meaning of eagles in the Baltic region.

scholarly journals Fish consumption by great cormorants in Norwegian coastal waters—a human-wildlife conflict for wrasses, but not gadids

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Dehnhard ◽  
Magdalene Langset ◽  
Asgeir Aglen ◽  
Svein-Håkon Lorentsen ◽  
Tycho Anker-Nilssen
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Gadus Morhua ◽  
Fish Stock ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
The North ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo Sinensis ◽  
Great Cormorants ◽  
The Baltic

Abstract Piscivorous wildlife is often perceived as competitors by humans. Great cormorants of the continental subspecies (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) in the Baltic and North Sea increase, while local cod (Gadus morhua) stocks decline. In contrast, numbers of the Atlantic subspecies (Phalacrocorax carbo carbo), breeding along the Norwegian and Barents Seas, have been relatively stable. We investigated the diet of both great cormorant subspecies in breeding colonies along the Norwegian Coast from Lofoten to the Skagerrak and estimated the biomass of fish consumed annually by great cormorants in Norwegian waters. The birds’ consumption was compared with estimated fish stock sizes and fishery catches. Cod and saithe (Pollachius virens) dominated the diet in the Norwegian Sea and wrasses in the North Sea and Skagerrak. Estimated total fish consumption of cod and saithe by great cormorants was <1.7% of estimated fish stocks and <9% of that of human catches and therefore considered minor. Cormorant consumption of wrasses amounted to 110% of human catches. The practice of using wrasses as cleaner fish in the salmon farming industry leads to a conflict with cormorants, and we urge for a better understanding and management of wrasse populations, taking ecosystem functioning and natural predation into account.

INVESTIGATIONS OF THE BALTIC SEA COASTAL ZONE ABOVE-WATER PART TOPOGRAPHY DYNAMICS BY MEANS OF TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER (SVETLOGORSK CITY, KALININGRAD REGION)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolay Lugovoy ◽  
Nikolay Lugovoy ◽  
Askar Ilyasov ◽  
Askar Ilyasov ◽  
Elena Pronina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Coastal Zone ◽  
Coastal Erosion ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Terrestrial Laser Scanner ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Coastal Dynamics ◽  
Kaliningrad Region ◽  
The Baltic

The paper describes application of the terrestrial laser scanner for investigation of coastal dynamics of the Svetlogorskaya Bay, Baltic Sea. Methods of investigation and results of surveys repeated over the two consecutive years for quantification of coastal erosion and slope processes within the coastal zone are presented.

ACCUMULATION OF PLASTIC FRAGMENTS AND MICROPLASTICS ON THE BEACHES IN THE SOUTH-EAST BALTIC SEA

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilia Khatmullina ◽  
Lilia Khatmullina ◽  
Elena Esiukova ◽  
Elena Esiukova
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Size Range ◽  
Anthropogenic Pollution ◽  
The South ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Quantitative Distribution ◽  
Sediment Sampling ◽  
Beach Sediments ◽  
Kaliningrad Region ◽  
The Baltic

The sediment sampling from different areas of the beaches in the south-eastern part of the Baltic Sea (in Kaliningrad region) was executed for the purpose of studying the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microplastics particles (range 0.5-5 mm). Preference is given to those beaches that are exposed to maximum anthropogenic pollution. From June, 2015 to January, 2016, there were 14 expeditions along the coastline of the Baltic Sea (in Kaliningrad region) to collect experimental materials. The majority of samples were collected on the most recent flotsam deposited at “wracklines”, in the supralittoral zone. The primary examination of those samples revealed the presence of abundant microplastic particles of the required size range (0.5-5 mm). Quantitative distribution of microplastics in beach sediments was obtained in milligrams per gram of sediment and milligrams per m2: on average 0.05-2.89 (mg per gram of sediment) and 370-7330 (mg per m2), accordingly.

The integrative potential of science and research cooperation for suturing the Baltic Sea region in the 21st century

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-32
Author(s):  
Kazimierz Musiał
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Baltic Region ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Research Cooperation ◽  
Baltic Sea Region ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Science And Research

The aim of the article is to demonstrate how science and researchcooperation may help to reintegrate the Baltic region in the 21st century withthe participation of Russia. This is done through the analysis of documentsand strategies of Baltic Sea regionalism in the context of the regional knowledgeregime. Attention is paid to different positionalities of the regional actorsand their narratives. The theoretical framework is secured by an analysis ofcritical junctures drawing on case studies from the years 1989-91 and 2014 andthe subsequent reconfiguration of the power / knowledge nexus. The analysisshows that this reconfiguration actively contributes to creating and changingthe content and context of the Baltic Sea regionalism as based on new symbolic,economic, and political capitals. The conclusion points to the potentialof Russia’s involvement in the co-creation of the regional knowledge regimeand defines the conditions and methods of possible cooperation.

scholarly journals Nesting of Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) on man-made structures in Ukraine

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. I. Sidorenko ◽  
V. D. Siokhin
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Breeding Territory ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Maintenance Work ◽  
Great Cormorants

In Ukraine the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo Linnaeus, 1758) uses a rather wide range of habitats for nesting: islands, trees and shrubs, reedbeds and a variety of man-made structures. In general, the strategy of nesting on man-made structures is uncommon both in Ukraine and Europe, and Cormorantsdo this only in the absence of other sites suitable for nesting. Special research onCormorant colonies on technogenic constructions was carried out during the field expeditions by the Research Institute of Biodiversity of Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems of Ukraine in 2002–2003 and 2012–2016. Besides this, we used retrospective and current data from the literature and Internet resources. Most of the field work was carried out by making surveys by boat and on foot. As a result, we found 8 Cormorant colonies on technogenic constructions in Ukraine: gas platforms in the Sea of Azov (near the village Strilkove, Henichesk district of Kherson region); sunken ships – targets for bombing training near the Arabat Spit (these are also known as «ship islands»); electricity pylons of the high-voltage Enerhodar Dnipro Power Line where it crosses the Kakhovka Reservoir; the dock in Yahorlyk Bayk, used in the past as a target for bombing training bombing; artificial island-platforms on Lake Chernine (Kinburn Peninsula); an artificial island on the Sasyk Lagoon (Odessa region); artificial islands, made as navigation markers on the Kremenchuk and Kiev reservoirs. The study found that in most cases the accompanying species was the CaspianGull (Larus cachinnans Pallas, 1811), which actively destroys the Cormorants’ nests and eats their eggs and chicks. The number of nests in the colonies varied greatly (5–30 nests on the navigation marker islands and ca. 2 000–2 300 on the «ship-islands» and gas platforms). This is due, primarily, to the area of the breeding territory. The research found that fierce territorial competition was observed in most of the colonies both with Caspian Gulls and between Cormorants. In addition, we observed anthropogenic interference in the colonies by fishermen and workers conducting routine maintenance work (as happened in the case of electricity pylons and gas platforms). The benefit of this study is that it is the first research in Ukraine conducted at national level onthis type of nesting by Cormorants. Moreover, the study examines the history of emergence of these nesting territories and population dynamics of the Great Cormorant from the time of initial settlement of the breeding sites till the present.

scholarly journals Flock-fishing deep-diving piscivores (Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Common Merganser Mergus merganser) at Lake Vombsjön, southern Sweden, and those that exploit them

Ornis Svecica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Källander
Keyword(s):  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Southern Sweden ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
Herring Gulls ◽  
Deep Diving ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Ardea Cinerea ◽  
Mergus Merganser ◽  
Podiceps Cristatus ◽  
Great Cormorants

Lake Vombsjön in southern Sweden is visited by large numbers of Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus (>2000), Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (sometimes >1000) and Common Mergansers Mergus merganser (up to 2000) in late autumn and early winter. Different species exploit them. Great Crested Grebes are used especially by commensal Common Gulls Larus canus; the gulls take advantage of fish that flee towards the surface. Common Gulls also use cormorants and mergansers in the same way but also try to kleptoparasitize them. Both Herring Gulls Larus argentatus and Great Black-backed Gulls Larus marinus kleptoparasitize these two species, while Red Kites Milvus milvus, Grey Herons Ardea cinerea and Carrion Crows Corvus corone use them commensally. White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla seem to use both methods to obtain fish. On 50% of one hundred visits during November to March, eagles were seen flying low over the fishing flocks. They would fly a metre or so above the flocks and then accelerate and attack a bird holding a fish. The bird would then either try to escape by a rush or by diving, dropping the fish which the eagle seized. Interestingly, the flock-fishing birds showed no fear reactions towards the eagles but appeared to regard them similarly to large gulls.

scholarly journals Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) predation on pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) in shallow eutrophic lakes in Poland

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Traczuk ◽  
Andrzej Kapusta
Keyword(s):  
Length Distribution ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Fish Populations ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
Sander Lucioperca ◽  
Eutrophic Lakes ◽  
Breeding Colony ◽  
Great Cormorants

AbstractIncreases in the population abundance of the piscivorous great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) has led to conflicts with fisheries. Cormorants are blamed for decreased fish catches in many lakes in Poland. The aim of this paper is to describe to role of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in the diet of cormorants nesting in a colony on the island in Lake Warnołty. Since the breeding colony is located in the vicinity of Lake OEniardwy, the largest lake in Poland, the cormorants use the resources in this lake. In 2009-2016, 18,432 regurgitated fish were collected, of which 593 were pikeperch. The share of pikeperch among fish collected in 2009-2012 did not exceed 2%, but from 2013 this increased substantially to maximum of 38.2% in 2015. The smallest pikeperch had a standard length of 8.4 cm, and the largest 42.5 cm. Pikeperch mean length differed by year, and the length distribution was close to normal. The sizes of the regurgitated pikeperch indicate that cormorants prey almost exclusively on juvenile specimens. The results of the present study indicate that cormorant predation has a significant impact on pikeperch populations in lakes in the vicinity of the colony, and the great cormorants are possibly a significant factor in the effectiveness of pikeperch management. When planning for the management of fish populations in lakes subjected to cormorant predation pressure, it should be borne in mind that predation by this piscivorous bird species impacts the abundance and size-age structure of fish populations.

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