Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Employees of the Komsomolsk Oil Refinery (part of Rosneft) and scientists from the Zapovednoye Priamurye Nature Reserve held a roundtable discussion on the conservation of the Steller's sea eagle population, a predator listed in the Russian Red Book. Leading Russian ornithologists from Lomonosov Moscow State University and Amur State Pedagogical University, as well as specialists from the regional environmental prosecutor's office, among others, participated in the event.
With Rosneft's support, the multi-year "Under a Strong Wing" project to study and protect Steller's sea eagles in Khabarovsk Krai is being successfully implemented. The joint effort between the Komsomolsk Oil Refinery and the Zapovednoye Priamurye Nature Reserve aims to study this important indicator species of the Amur River basin ecosystem.
The project included field expeditions to the Udyl Nature Reserve, as well as remote observations of birds using photo and video equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, laboratory studies of fish samples, which eagles feed on, and raptor feathers were conducted for the first time.
Valuable data on the birds' lives has been collected, allowing ornithologists to conclude that, despite the overall decline in the global Steller's sea eagle population, the bird population in the Lower Amur region is showing signs of stability. The shores of the protected Lake Udyl remain the most favorable breeding habitat for the birds, where approximately 150 nests have been found.
During the discussion, experts noted the project's potential, as scientists still have many unanswered questions about the lives of Steller's sea eagles. Ornithologists also emphasized the critical importance of the project's findings for updating Russia's Red Data Book and developing conservation recommendations for businesses operating in the Amur River basin and on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Furthermore, these materials will complement educational programs for schoolchildren and students.
Preserving the environment for future generations is a key focus of Rosneft's strategy. The Company and its subsidiaries are implementing a number of comprehensive programs to preserve biodiversity and natural resources in the regions where they operate, striving to ensure environmentally friendly production and minimize environmental impact. Significant attention is paid to ornithological projects. With the support of the Company's subsidiaries, research is being conducted and measures are being developed across the country to preserve and protect rare bird species, including Steller's sea eagles, wild geese, ivory gulls, and other birds.
Reference:
The Steller's sea eagle is one of the largest birds on the planet, nesting only in the Russian Far East. The global population numbers 5,000–7,000 individuals, of which approximately 1,200 live in the Khabarovsk Krai.
The species is listed in all existing Red Data Books as rare and highly vulnerable. The decline in the eagle population is largely due to human factors, but there are other factors as well: slow reproduction rates and changes in the hydrological regime of rivers.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft January 30, 2026
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