Mortality and injuries of Olrog’s Gull (Larus atlanticus) individuals associated with sport fishing activities in Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, Buenos Aires Province

Abstract

The Olrog’s Gull (Larus atlanticus) is an endemic species of the Atlantic coasts of southern South America and is considered vulnerable to extinction. Olrog’s Gull individuals of different age classes die in Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, Buenos Aires Province, while interacting with sport fisheries. Due to its restricted distributional range and their scarce populations, a slight increase in mortality rates may easily affect populations of this species by altering survival rates of all or particular age classes. The evaluation of this impact and the proposal of mitigation measures (also comprising an educational component) are essential for the conservation of this species in non-breeding grounds.