The press service of the Kronotsky Reserve said that the water area of Eastern Kamchatka is an important habitat for marine mammals. Many of them are included in the Red Books of the Kamchatka Territory and Russia.
Experts emphasize that in order to preserve the populations of pinnipeds and cetaceans, it is not necessary to protect the entire range of the species. It is sufficient to identify important areas for animals - places of hunting, rest and reproduction. By protecting these areas, a positive effect can be achieved for the conservation of the entire population.
Seals, sea otters, porpoises constantly live in the waters of the Shipunsky Peninsula. There are also humpback whales, killer whales, fin whales and minke whales.
In the summer, an expedition took place in these places, the purpose of which was to collect data on the significance of the area for marine mammals. Based on the results of the studies, scientists confirmed the importance of the peninsula water area for sea otters, pinnipeds and cetaceans.
"Here, animals implement behaviors that are critical for their survival. First of all, these are hunting, rest and reproduction. The data confirm the importance of giving this site the status of a reserve. It is also necessary to continue regular monitoring of the state of marine mammal populations in this area," the report says.
The press service noted that in the coming years, it is planned to create the Vostochno-Kamchatsky nature reserve in the coastal waters of the Shipunsky Peninsula.
In June, specialists conducted a count of the Red Data Book seals and sea otters. The scientists watched the animals from the boat with binoculars so as not to disturb them. In addition, specialists photographed the coastal areas occupied by pinnipeds for further counting of their numbers and mapped them using a GPS navigator. Sea lions were counted at already known haulouts using a quadcopter. Along the way, scientists recorded the reactions of all three species to the presence of people.
"As a result of scientific field work on year-round active haulouts of sea lions near the Shipunsky Peninsula, 272 individuals were recorded: 68 in Zheleznaya Bay and 204 on Shipunsky Stone. Marked individuals born on Kozlov's Stone in the water area of the Kronotsky Reserve were found at both haulouts," - told the press office.
The number of sea otters in the waters of the Shipunsky Peninsula was 521 individuals, including 48 females with cubs. This is almost half of the total number of sea otters recorded in 2022 off the coast of Eastern Kamchatka. Scientists suggest that animals are attracted by deep bays, where a favorable environment is formed for various types of invertebrates that sea otters feed on. The bays are also resting places for sea animals.
Also, during the June survey in the area of the Shipunsky Peninsula, several antura haulouts were found, the total number of animals was 77 individuals.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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