Project News
26th of July, 2017 - DANGER OF BOTULISM AT ULCINJ SALINE (photo: M. HOŠEK)
On the left side of the picture: Quality of the water caused by a lack of its circulation, on the right side is the dry part of the Ulcinj saline
Thanks to the efforts of the National Parks of Montenegro administration, the sea water has been pumped into the Ulcinj saline for more than two months. Unfortunately, the bad state of the dikes in the saline do not allow management of water circulation in the area. Therefore, the water has been stagnant and its quality is descending. Last week, we recorded a die-off of seagulls (incl. young individuals). It might be caused by botulism that usually starts by a lack of oxygen in the water. To dispel the doubts, the water analysis should be done.
On the left side of the picture: Quality of the water caused by a lack of its circulation, on the right side is the dry part of the Ulcinj saline
Thanks to the efforts of the National Parks of Montenegro administration, the sea water has been pumped into the Ulcinj saline for more than two months. Unfortunately, the bad state of the dikes in the saline do not allow management of water circulation in the area. Therefore, the water has been stagnant and its quality is descending. Last week, we recorded a die-off of seagulls (incl. young individuals). It might be caused by botulism that usually starts by a lack of oxygen in the water. To dispel the doubts, the water analysis should be done.
20th of July, 2017 - ARTEMIA (BRINE SHRIPM) AT ULCINJ SALINE (photo: D.Tome)
Picture: On the left side of the picture is Amphipod, on the right side is Isopod – red line = 1 cm (photo D.Tome)
According to the previous reports, Artemia sp. (brine shrimp) was very important and abundant water invertebrate in Ulcinj saline. In 2017 during our extensive search, we were not able to find a single Artemia, however we found many Amphipods and Isopod crabs. We believe, that these are the keystone species directly or indirectly feeding all the birds in the area. Considering that also in the past only small part of the saline had extremely hypersaline conditions (favourite environment for Artemia) and the fact that Artemia was confirmed only in Reservoir 2, we suspect, that Artemia was never widespread and never very important part of this ecosystem.
Picture: On the left side of the picture is Amphipod, on the right side is Isopod – red line = 1 cm (photo D.Tome)
According to the previous reports, Artemia sp. (brine shrimp) was very important and abundant water invertebrate in Ulcinj saline. In 2017 during our extensive search, we were not able to find a single Artemia, however we found many Amphipods and Isopod crabs. We believe, that these are the keystone species directly or indirectly feeding all the birds in the area. Considering that also in the past only small part of the saline had extremely hypersaline conditions (favourite environment for Artemia) and the fact that Artemia was confirmed only in Reservoir 2, we suspect, that Artemia was never widespread and never very important part of this ecosystem.
27th of June, 2017 - LITTLE TERNS AT ULCINJ SALINE (photo: D.Tome)
Little terns are one of the most frequent breeding birds at the Ulcinj Saline. Unfortunately, after the salt production was stopped some years ago, they lack suitable place for nesting (sandy or even a bit muddy islands out of the reach of predators). Therefore they started nesting in the middle of the dry basins. Unfortunately, as we found out during our observations, the breeding success is very low here.
Little terns are one of the most frequent breeding birds at the Ulcinj Saline. Unfortunately, after the salt production was stopped some years ago, they lack suitable place for nesting (sandy or even a bit muddy islands out of the reach of predators). Therefore they started nesting in the middle of the dry basins. Unfortunately, as we found out during our observations, the breeding success is very low here.
22nd of May, 2017 - NATIONAL PARKS OF MONTENEGRO STARTED TO PUMP SEA WATER TO ULCINJ SALINE
National Parks of Montenegro, to whom the management of the area was entrusted by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, started to pump sea water to the Saline. It is a good sign. Pumping of sea water into the Saline is a necessary measure that substitutes the salt production and thus helps to maintain this very rare ecosystem together with its specific habitat types and species.
National Parks of Montenegro, to whom the management of the area was entrusted by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, started to pump sea water to the Saline. It is a good sign. Pumping of sea water into the Saline is a necessary measure that substitutes the salt production and thus helps to maintain this very rare ecosystem together with its specific habitat types and species.
19th of May, 2017 - DATA ANALYSIS OF BIRDS WINTERING IN ULCINJ SALINE
Picture: Common redshank (Tringa totanus), during the winter one of the most common waders in Ulcinj saline.(photo: D.Tome)
Analysing the data of birds wintering in Ulcinj saline received from CZIP and Natural History Museum of Montenegro (thanks to all!) revealed dramatic changes in species assemblage after the end of salt production in the area. Number of ducks increased, while number of waders decreased significantly. We suspect that the main reason is the change in management activities in the area, which resulted in change of water levels.
Picture: Common redshank (Tringa totanus), during the winter one of the most common waders in Ulcinj saline.(photo: D.Tome)
Analysing the data of birds wintering in Ulcinj saline received from CZIP and Natural History Museum of Montenegro (thanks to all!) revealed dramatic changes in species assemblage after the end of salt production in the area. Number of ducks increased, while number of waders decreased significantly. We suspect that the main reason is the change in management activities in the area, which resulted in change of water levels.
16th of May, 2017 - INVITATION FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION SEMINAR ON FUTURE USE OPTIONS AND BENEFITS OF ULCINJ SALINA AREA
We are delighted to invite you to the stakeholder consultation seminar on Ulcinj Salina to held on 7th of June 2017, 10:00 – 14:00 at Ulcinj Municipality (Bul. Skenderbeu pn, 85360 Ulcinj). The aim of the event is to discuss and explore options for use of benefits that the Ulcinj Salina and its natural resources can provide to people in the context of sustainable development.
The seminar will bring together key stakeholders involved in planning, conservation and local development. The participants will have an opportunity to present and discuss their views on sustainable future for the area of the Ulcinj Salina. The results of the seminar will be considered and critically reviewed in the process of amending the Protection Study for Ulcinj Salina. Outcomes of this seminar will help in identification of the main ecosystem services potentially provided by the area and how these could be utilised in the future without jeopardizing key natural assets.Click here to download the full invitation
We are delighted to invite you to the stakeholder consultation seminar on Ulcinj Salina to held on 7th of June 2017, 10:00 – 14:00 at Ulcinj Municipality (Bul. Skenderbeu pn, 85360 Ulcinj). The aim of the event is to discuss and explore options for use of benefits that the Ulcinj Salina and its natural resources can provide to people in the context of sustainable development.
The seminar will bring together key stakeholders involved in planning, conservation and local development. The participants will have an opportunity to present and discuss their views on sustainable future for the area of the Ulcinj Salina. The results of the seminar will be considered and critically reviewed in the process of amending the Protection Study for Ulcinj Salina. Outcomes of this seminar will help in identification of the main ecosystem services potentially provided by the area and how these could be utilised in the future without jeopardizing key natural assets.Click here to download the full invitation
5th of May, 2017 - COUNTING POPULATION OF FLAMINGOS AT ULCINJ SALINA
Picture: Flock of flamingos in Ulcinj salina (photo: D.Tome)
When in the flock, flamingos are often very densely packed, what makes them very difficult to count - of course if a birdwatcher wants to do the counting without flushing them away. During our field work in Ulcinj salina in the second half of the April 2017, we found out, that there were at least 750 flamingos in the area. It is always a joy to see so many so big birds together.
Picture: Flock of flamingos in Ulcinj salina (photo: D.Tome)
When in the flock, flamingos are often very densely packed, what makes them very difficult to count - of course if a birdwatcher wants to do the counting without flushing them away. During our field work in Ulcinj salina in the second half of the April 2017, we found out, that there were at least 750 flamingos in the area. It is always a joy to see so many so big birds together.
