The NORAVES II project aims to improve knowledge about the trophic ecology of seabirds and their interaction with fishing activity in the North Atlantic Marine Demarcation, with special attention to the Galician-Western Cantabrian Migratory Corridor SPA. In this context, it comprehensively addresses one of the main seabird conservation problems: accidental mortality in fishing gear (bycatch). To this end, it combines scientific research, fieldwork, collaboration with the fishing sector and dissemination and training actions.

NORAVES II is structured into several complementary lines of work. First, the spatial distribution and use of the marine habitat by different bird species will be analysed through censuses, colony monitoring and the use of remote tagging technologies (GPS-GSM). These data will allow us to identify key areas for feeding, migration and reproduction.

Secondly, the project will delve into the trophic ecology of seabirds, assessing their diet and their relationship with the availability of fishery resources, including the role of discards. This analysis will allow a better understanding of the dependence of birds on fishing activity.

Another fundamental line will be the study of the interaction between birds and fisheries, through scientific shipments, collection of bycatch data and analysis of risk factors. Based on this information, the real impact of accidental mortality will be estimated and risk maps will be drawn up.

On this basis, the project will test mitigation measures in direct collaboration with the fisheries sector, evaluating their effectiveness under real working conditions. At the same time, protocols for recording and monitoring accidental catches will be developed.

NORAVES II also incorporates an important social component, promoting the training of marine professionals, the active participation of the fishing sector and cooperation between public and private entities. It also integrates the gender perspective in a transversal way, analysing the role of women in the sector and encouraging their participation.

Finally, the project includes communication and dissemination actions aimed at society as a whole, as well as the preparation of management and conservation proposals that contribute to national and European plans and strategies in the field of marine biodiversity.

Overall, NORAVES II aims to generate applied knowledge and practical tools that contribute to the conservation of seabirds and the sustainability of fishing activity, favouring an integrated management of the marine environment.

The following entities act as collaborating entities: National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds, Provincial Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds of Pontevedra, GALP Ría de Vigo A Guarda, GALP Costa da Morte, GALP Ría de Pontevedra, Escuela Oficial Naútico-Pesquera de Ribeira and IES Johan Carballeira.