Iberian guillemot

Common Name: Iberian guillemot

Scientific Name: Uria aalge

Iberian population (synonyms: Uria aalge albionis, Uria aalge ibericus)

Description: Iberian guillemot (Uria aalge ibericus) is a pursuit-diving species, reaching maximum depths of 200 m, and foraging mainly during daylight. Adults feed largely on schooling pelagic fish species during the breeding season, and apparently in winter too. Birds primarily forage over continental shelf areas. During the breeding season they can travel up to 200 km from the colony, although mean foraging range is ca. 25 km. It is only found in the bay of Biscay and Iberian Coast, well isolated from other breeding common guillemot populations, the closest being found in Brittany. At the time of listing, breeding birds were found on the coast of NW Spain and Berlengas islets off the central Portuguese coast. The number of individuals has been quoted as about 100 individuals, or a maximum of 40 pairs.

OSPAR Regions where it occurs: IV

OSPAR Regions where under threat and/or in decline: IV

What is the latest status of the feature?

The status assessment describes the latest changes in distribution, abundance and range of the feature, as well as any changes in the threats and pressures impacting the feature. The status assessments are updated regularly and inform OSPAR’s consideration of the effectiveness of the measures and actions that have been adopted and implemented by Contracting Parties.

Why is this feature included on the OSPAR List?
What protective measures and actions has OSPAR committed to taking?
What actions have been implemented by OSPAR?