Polysticta stelleri (Pallas 1769), Steller’s eider (Anatidae)

Compiled by: Christof Herrmann, Henrik Skov & Wlodzimierz Meissner

1. Description of the Habitat/Autecology of the species

The wintering habitat of the steller’s eider in the Baltic Sea is the littoral zone in the western and eastern Gotland Basins and the Baltic Proper.

2. Distribution, past and present

Steller’s Eider breeds along the north coast of Russia, mainly in the area from Taimyr and eastwards, and also in Alaska. Most Eiders winter in the Bering Sea, but a small proportion of the population winters in the Baltic Sea and off the northern coast of Norway. The total European wintering population is small (15,000 ind.). In the Baltic Sea, the winter population amounts about 7,000 individuals. The most important area is the west coast of Saaremaa (Estonia) with 2,500-6,000 ind., followed by the sea area off Palanga (Lithuania; 400-600 birds). Other important areas are Hiiumaa (Estonia) and Åland (Finland).

3. Importance (Sub-regional, Baltic-wide, Global)

45% of the European winter population winter in the Baltic, and hence the west coast of Saaremaa is of global importance to the species.

4. Status of threat/decline

The world population has decreased by 50 % throughout its range, while the European winter population is considered as stable. However, the Baltic winter population has declined since 1992.

5. Threat/decline factors

By-catch in gill nets is believed to play an important role for the decline in the Baltic Sea (Pihl, 1997).

6. Options for improvements

Regulations of gill net fisheries in key areas, especially within SPAs to meet requirements for a favourable conservation status of the species.

Notes

Recommendations for EU Wild Birds Directive Annex 1

7. References

Pihl, S. (Ed.) 1997. European Species Action Plan for Steller’s Eider (Polysticta stelleri). European Union Action Plans for 8 Priority Species. European Union.