GR114
Uses, Threats, Management
The main threat to nesting seabirds on the uninhabited islets surrounding Skyros is the predation of eggs and chicks by rats, as well as Yellow-legged Gulls. The quality of seabird breeding habitats is also affected by livestock breeding and hunting, while the presence of tourist and fishing boats in the vicinity of seabird colonies may cause disturbance. Another threat arises from a 9 MW wind farm proposed to be constructed on the islet
hosting the largest colonies of Cory’s and Yelkouan Shearwaters in the IBA, which if realised would cause the degradation or even destruction of the species’ nesting habitat. Additionally, the presence of wind turbines could lead to injuries and casualties inflicted from collisions, while their artificial lighting could disorientate the shearwaters returning to their colony at night. The wider marine area surrounding Skyros comprises important fishing grounds. Numerous fishing vessels travel through the area on their way from the North Aegean Sea towards the main fishing port of Kymi, on the eastern coast of Evvoia. Trawling activities occasionally take place in coastal waters causing degradation of the marine environment and Posidonia beds. Interactions between fisheries and seabirds, particularly shearwaters which occur in the area in large concentrations, may lead to accidental seabird bycatch. The main shipping route towards the Black Sea passes east of Skyros, thus the site is placed at a considerable risk of oil and chemical pollution. Due to their importance for seabirds and the Eleonora’s Falcon, most uninhabited islets of Skyros have been the subject of specific management actions within the framework of two LIFE-Nature projects (LIFE07 NAT/GR/000285 and LIFE09 NAT/GR/000323) aiming at improving breeding habitats for these species. Management measures include rat eradications, Yellow-legged Gull population control, removal of livestock from small uninhabited islets, construction of artificial nesting sites and recovery of islet vegetation. 99