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The article focuses on the outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu or avian flu, in protected areas in Germany, specifically the National Park Hamburgisches Wattenmeer and Helgoland. It describes the occurrence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype of the virus, its impact on various bird species, and the measures taken to control the spread of the disease. It also mentions the collection of bird carcasses and the prohibition of access to certain areas for future outbreaks.

The article "Editorial" in the magazine "Seabirds" reports on the discussion about the establishment of another national park in the Baltic Sea in Schleswig-Holstein. In March 2023, a consultation process was initiated, in which all interest groups were heard. Most groups were against a national park, while the nature conservation group felt underrepresented. In November 2023, a report on the consultation process was published, and in March 2024, a political decision on the national park will be made in the state parliament. The article emphasizes the urgent need for changes in Baltic Sea protection due to the HELCOM report of 2023, which highlights the poor water quality and the poor condition of important organism groups in the Baltic Sea. It also points out the increasing number of dead harbor porpoises, which are attributed to infections and parasites. The article concludes by stating that a Baltic Sea national park is the best way to protect the Baltic Sea. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Dear nature, climate, and human protectors" in the magazine "Seabirds" deals with the prioritization of climate change in society. Although climate change poses an obvious threat to animal and plant species as well as to humans, the importance of the issue is decreasing in political surveys and concerns of the population. Rising cost of living, expensive housing, and fear of foreign influence dominate the public debate. The article emphasizes the necessity of no longer neglecting climate change and presents a media project that aims to document the effects of climate change on the Norderoog Hallig. The project is supported by the Ministry for Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment, and Nature. [Extracted from the article]

The Red-throated Diver has been chosen as the Seabird of the Year 2024 because it lives in the open sea area during the winter and feeds on fatty fish species. The planned expansion of offshore wind power poses a significant threat to the species as it avoids wind farm areas. Therefore, the Jordsand Association calls for a responsible expansion of renewable energy sources. It is also pointed out that gillnet fishing on the Baltic Sea coast poses another threat to the Red-throated Diver and other fish-eating seabird species. Germany is urged to take a leading role in international marine conservation. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Editorial" in the magazine "Seabirds" reports on developments in nature conservation. It is mentioned that the German government has appointed Sebastian Unger as the first marine commissioner and that the 15th World Nature Conference has decided to protect at least 30 percent of the world's land and sea areas by 2030. The EU Biodiversity Strategy has also set this goal for Europe. It also reports on the planned development of a Baltic Sea National Park in Schleswig-Holstein, which has faced criticism from water sports enthusiasts. Nature conservation associations in Schleswig-Holstein welcome the national park and emphasize the need for improved protection of the Baltic Sea. It also highlights the problems in fishing, particularly the threat to porpoises and sea ducks from gillnets. The author of the article emphasizes the opportunities of a Baltic Sea National Park and hopes for a positive development in this consultation process. [Extracted from the article]