Expert warns of risks to rare migratory birds due to fuel oil spill

With the onset of warmth, the Black Sea fuel oil spill area will noticeably increase the number of migratory birds that may be affected by oil products. More than 200 species stop there on their way from the South to the Northern territories. However, only waterfowl and near-water species can get into the fuel oil slicks, said Izvestia in the FGBU "VNII Ecology".

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Such species make up a small part of all migratory species. The probability of harm will depend on the peculiarities of the biology of specific species of birds. For example, the majority of ducks wintering in the region because of the warm winter and lack of ice spent this season in bays and plavnyas and did not look for food near the coast, which saved them, said the leading researcher of the laboratory of biodiversity FGBU "VNII Ecology" Anton Ivanov.

In spring, the number of waterfowl species may increase, as those that wintered further south will arrive, the specialist noted.

"These birds are closely associated with the sea coast. They may go to the shoreline or fish in coastal waters. Fish resources are basic for them and they move for them. This is the reason why they are concentrated in the region. In addition, the red-necked grebe and the crested cormorant, which are listed in the Red Book, are threatened. The Greater Grebe is very numerous and has a wide range. Of course, the death of a certain percentage of it is a serious damage, but we do not foresee a critical situation. But other species are much less numerous," Ivanov said.

Read more in the exclusive material "Izvestia":

Baklan crisis: rare migratory birds may suffer due to fuel oil spillage