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Rosneft-Supported Ornithologists Confirmed Stability of Steller’s Sea Eagle Population in Khabarovsk Territory
11 November 2025
Scientists from the Zapovednoye Priamurye Nature Reserve and environmentalists from the RN-Komsomolsk Oil Refinery (Rosneft subsidiary) have summarised the results of the fieldwork stage of the Under the Strong Wing project, which is aimed at studying and conserving the Steller’s sea eagle. Ornithologists have reported that the population of this red-listed bird in the Udyl Nature Reserve is doing well and is stable.
During the expedition, the scientists explored the area around Lake Udyl in the Ulchsky District of the Khabarovsk Territory. Ornithologists surveyed the coastal areas of Karasevy Lake Bay, where the nesting density is highest, using unmanned aerial vehicles. The Komsomolsk Refinery supplied all the technical equipment required for the fieldwork.
Ornithologists assessed the birds’ food supply, took samples of their biomaterials and collected data from camera traps. This resulted in a large amount of data being gathered. Examination of the observed nests revealed that they were all inhabited. Researchers captured the key stages of the nesting period for bird families, including their arrival from wintering grounds, mating rituals, egg incubation and the appearance of chicks.
A comparative analysis of the monitoring results and observations from previous years confirms that the population size in the reserve has remained stable. Thanks to its rich food supply and remoteness from populated areas and tourist routes, Lake Udyl remains an ideal habitat for the Steller’s sea eagle. Following an assessment of the quality of the feed base and the health of the birds, scientists will supplement their conclusions based on the results of laboratory biochemical studies.
The results of the large-scale studies conducted as part of the Under the Strong Wing project between 2023 and 2025 are scheduled to be presented at a roundtable event in December. Employees of Zapovednoye Priamurye and environmentalists from the Komsomolsk Refinery are planning to meet with ornithologists from other Russian regions to discuss ways of protecting Steller’s sea eagles and conducting further scientific research.
Educational activities continue to be an important part of the Under Strong Wings project. Volunteers from an environmental initiative are delivering interactive, themed lectures and quizzes to schoolchildren in the Khabarovsk Territory. These will include new information about the bird that is on the red list.
Preserving the environment for future generations is one of the key areas of Rosneft’s development strategy. The Company and its subsidiaries are implementing a number of comprehensive programmes to preserve biodiversity and natural resources in the regions of operations. They are also striving to ensure environmentally friendly production processes and minimise their environmental impact. Ornithological projects are given special attention. Thanks to the support of its subsidiaries in various regions across the country, Rosneft is conducting research and developing measures to preserve and protect rare bird species such as Steller’s sea eagles, wild geese and white gulls, etc.
For reference:
The Steller’s sea eagle is the largest member of the eagle family. The average body length is 110 cm and the wingspan up to 250 cm. Individuals can weigh up to 9 kg. It nests only in the Russian Far East along sea and river coasts. There are around 1,200 birds of prey of this species living in the Khabarovsk Territory. The species is listed as rare and endangered in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation.
Since 2023, the Komsomolsk Refinery has been implementing the Under the Strong Wing project to study and preserve the Steller’s sea eagle in conjunction with the Zapovednoye Priamurye Nature Reserve.
Enterprise volunteers cleared rubbish from the rare bird’s habitats. The Komsomolsk Refinery funded a series of expeditions to the Gorin and Amur rivers and Lake Udyl. These expeditions helped to pinpoint the locations of the eagles’ nests and enabled the population to be monitored remotely in its natural habitat. This information is extremely valuable for the successful implementation of environmental initiatives.
The Under Strong Wing project won an award at the regional Ecoleader competition, which was organised by the Khabarovsk Territory’s Ministry of Natural Resources.
Department of Information and Advertising
Rosneft
November 11, 2025