Las aves marinas del sistema fluvio-marino del Río de la Plata y su relación con actividades humanas

The Río de la Plata fluvial-marine system (RPFMS) is a complex, dynamic and highly productive environment in which seabirds are particularly relevant. This system, of great ecological, meteorological and oceanographic importance for the region, favours the development of human activities with the associated conservation problems. In this paper we characterise the seabird assemblages and their relationship with the human activities occurring in the area from an environmental perspective. Within the seabird assemblage (ca. 74 species) of the SFMRP, gulls and terns are the most representative and dominant groups. The RPFMS also contains a good representation of Procellariiformes that mainly use the offshore waters. The main human activities developed in the area, including urban and industrial development, commercial and recreational fisheries, and hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, cause fragmentation and degradation of the landscape, overexploitation of resources, and pollution (e.g., chemical, light and noise pollution, among others). The environmental problems highlighted, mainly affect the movements, feeding, and health condition of seabirds using the RPFMS. Seven conservation units were identified as an approach to organise and facilitate the development and implementation of management tools. We highlight the need of reinforcing the collaboration between the different stakeholders and sectors involved in the area to mitigate the impacts on the biodiversity of seabird. Furthermore, we recommend the establishment of seabirds assemblage assessment and monitoring programmes and to develop and implement management plans for the identified conservation units.