Sub-action A.2.1

The benthic habitats covered by already designated MPA consists of very heterogeneous mosaic and it is expected that habitat distribution in potential areas will be similarly heterogenous. Therefore, developmentof an adequate monitoring approach that is both cost-effective and sufficiently informative has proven to be very challenging. The previous activities of LIAE have helped to shape approach but have not resulted in readily applicable monitoring solutions. By this action more cost-effective network (spatial distribution) of monitoring pionts for each of the protected areas and newly designed areas will be individually calculated using geostatistical methods.

Sub-action A.2.2.

Benthic habitats plays important role in fish spawning, nursery, feeding and growth to maturity. Climate change and eutrophication can cause the loss of important habitats. Very often the available knowledge is restricted only to well-studied and commercially important fish species. For several marine species, included in HELCOM Red-list such as lumpsucker Cyclopterus lumpus, four-bearded rockling Enchelyopus cimbrius, eelpout Zoarces viviparus and turbot Scophthalmus maximus the available information on species distribution and benthic habitat role in potential MPAs is very limited and unclear. This information is also necessary to identify the essential fish habitats. The aim of this sub-action ir to develop combined monitoring method strategy to assess the fish community structure in different benthic habitats and to evaluate habitat role in supporting fish populations.

Sub-action A.2.3.

In order to follow up for changes in the composition, number and distribution of bird species in marine waters during various seasons as well as to identify and predict the trends of these changes, it is important to keep records of birds using the same methodology. In 2017 methodology of avio-counts in the State was developed. Currently regular training and calibration of experts is needed to ensure that data obtained during the actual records are of high quality and usable for different interpretations. Through this sub-action, experts will be callibrated to implement avio-counting of sea birds from aircraft to determine and monitor bird species in marine waters.

Sub-action A.2.4.

Nature Conservation Agency has developed software of Species Atlas, where volunteers can record observations of invasive alien species. To ensure public monitoring of invasive species of marine coastline and waters, througt this sub-action, methodology of public monitoring will be developed to ensure best possible gathering of information volunteers can provide. With the help of volunteers and results of the public monitoring, a distribution map of invasive species will be created and used for management plan of limiting invasive species.

 

Results in the Mid-term of the Project:

Sub-action A.2.1

Monitoring strategies for Natura 2000 sites in the Baltic Sea region were investigated to identify the commonly used and accepted methods. Drop video for spatial observations and scuba diving for sampling are used in all countries, including Latvia, while the network of sampling points is individually tailored for each MPA, depending on environmental conditions, and mostly on conservation objectives. So far the monitoring plan was based on the initial video observation network, however recent data of side scan sonar observations are available for new territories, but also for eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga MPAs. Common plan for establishing the monitoring point network was developed, including the initial assessment of territories, descriptions of habitats, species and natural values, inspection of substrate and possible external drivers, setting of conservation objectives and developing of sampling networks according to ecological quality indicators used.

Sub-action A.2.2.

Existing fish and fisheries bycatch-related monitoring programs on national and international level were screened and all available data were prepared and compiled into databases the Project uses. Suggestions were developed for newly designed Latvian coastal electronic logbooks to promote bycatch registration of birds and mammals. Current monitoring strategies for demersal fish studies in offshore areas are based on the deployment of active fishing gears (demersal trawls) and therefore are limited to specific habitats to minimise risks of gear damage or even complete loss. A new combined fish monitoring method complemented with Nordic coastal gillnets was developed for the Project's purposes for use in the offshore fish surveys (action A.3). Monitoring stations were randomly selected based on the following criteria: benthic habitat type, depth and distance between nearest stations to ensure that vessel speed will allow coverage of five stations per day.

Sub-action A.2.3.

Sub-action A.2.3 was implemented in two phases. Firstly, successful online training was performed on 13th November 2021 where four potential experts with previous experience in bird-watching and monitoring on land were introduced with the methodology, the necessary equipment on the aircraft, the data entry system as well as the GPS preparation for the recording of routes and recognition of bird species. After theoretical lessons three out of four potential experts decided to continue the learning and calibration process. Each of three experts took part in a ten hour flight under the guidance of an experienced ornithologist. Flights were made in three days from 13th to 15th of May 2022 in very good weather conditions above the West part of Gulf of Riga in a sea area that is previously known as a place where different kinds of bird species can be observed. The practical training was successful and all three new experts confirmed that new knowledge will be used to participate in the annual wintering waterfowl monitoring program and summer feather-throwing birds monitoring for the Project implementation.

Sub-action A.2.4.

While LIFE REEF project proposal was in confirmation process, Nature Conservation Agency decided to start creation of Manager of Invasive Species through a basic budget where all invasive species (marine and terrestrial) of Latvia would be included. Development process was finished through the LIFE-IP LatViaNature project and the system was published on the 6th of May 2021. LIFE REEF Project in the implementation process of Manager of Invasive Species ensured preparation of descriptions about invasive alien species Eriocheir sinensis, Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Neogobius melanostomus. Regular testing of the Manager of Invasive Species in nature, recognition and approval of registered marine invasive species, collection of found individuals and delivery to the laboratory of LIAE is ensured by the Project staff.