Implementation of the first adaptive management plan for a European migratory waterbird population: The case of the Svalbard pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus

• Published in: Ambio Vol. 46; no. Suppl 2; pp. S275 - S289
• Main Authors: Madsen, Jesper, Williams, James Henty, Johnson, Fred A., Tombre, Ingunn M., Dereliev, Sergey, Kuijken, Eckhart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.03.2017; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adaptive management; Agricultural management; Agriculture; Animal Migration; Animal populations; Animals; Anser; Anser brachyrhynchus; Aquatic birds; Atmospheric Sciences; Biodiversity; Bird migration; Conservation; Conservation of Natural Resources; Conservation status; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecosystem; Environment; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Management; Europe; experts; Geese; Geese - physiology; Hunting; migratory behavior; Migratory birds; monitoring; nongovernmental organizations; Norway; Physical Geography; Population; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Population number; population size; Population status; stakeholders; Svalbard; Tundra; water birds; Waterfowl; Wildfowl; Wildlife conservation; Europe; ANE, Europe; Africa; PNE, Norway, Svalbard; Norway; Human–wildlife conflict; Stakeholder involvement; Tundra degradation; Adaptive harvest management; Structured decision-making; Population target
• ISSN: 0044-7447; 1654-7209; 1654-7209
• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0888-0

An International Species Management Plan for the Svalbard population of the pink-footed goose was adopted under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds in 2012, the first case of adaptive management of a migratory waterbird population in Europe. An international working group (including statutory agencies, NGO representatives and experts) agreed on objectives and actions to maintain the population in favourable conservation status, while accounting for biodiversity, economic and recreational interests. Agreements include setting a population target to reduce agricultural conflicts and avoid tundra degradation, and using hunting in some range states to maintain stable population size. As part of the adaptive management procedures, adjustment to harvest is made annually subject to population status. This has required streamlining of monitoring and assessment activities. Three years after implementation, indicators suggest the attainment of management results. Dialogue, consensus-building and engagement among stakeholders represent the major process achievements.