FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the European Union) has announced that it has just published the AEWA guidelines relating to the sustainable harvesting of migratory water birds. The acronym AEWA extension indicates the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, that is to say an independent international treaty that aims to preserve the migratory water birds listed in Annex 2 of the Agreement.
According to what can be read in the official report, the sustainable harvesting of aquatic migration it must take its cue from some biological data, including estimated total withdrawals, reports on population estimates and coordinated data on pre-nuptial migration. Demographic estimates and monitoring of culled animalsIt could also provide a better understanding of populations and the impact of the levy. Also, species like the seaduck or the geese of North West Europe (relatively data-rich) could provide a useful experience to be extended to other regions and other species as well.
Il involvement of hunters it is considered essential, even if there is a need for a close relationship of trust and a fruitful collaboration. The sustainability and ethical acceptance of the hunting activity would be better if a specific one was adopted Code of Conduct, relying in particular on the sharing of experiences. Finally, the creation of protected sites could be useful to meet the needs of the aquatic species taken.