title: Implementation of the first adaptive management plan for a European migratory waterbird population: The case of the Svalbard pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410, Rønde, Denmark. jm@bios.au.dk.
authors.forename: Jesper
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Madsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410, Rønde, Denmark.
authors.forename: James Henty
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 7920 NW 71 Street, Gainsville, FL, 32653, USA.
authors.forename: Fred A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Arctic Ecology Department, The Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway.
authors.forename: Ingunn M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Tombre
authors.affiliation: UNEP/AEWA Secretariat, African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement, UN Campus, Platz Der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113, Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: Sergey
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dereliev
authors.affiliation: , Lindeveld 4, 8730, Beernem, Belgium.
authors.forename: Eckhart
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kuijken
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D005060:Europe; D005777:Geese / Q000502:physiology*; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D013538:Svalbard
keywords: Adaptive harvest management; Human–wildlife conflict; Population target; Stakeholder involvement; Structured decision-making; Tundra degradation