Identification and protection of a seabird cafe in the NE Atlantic

• Main Authors: 3rd World Seabird Conference 2021, Davies, Tammy
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Underline Science Inc. 2021
• Subjects: Animal Science; Ornithology; Emerging Technologies; North Atlantic; North East Atlantic; Northeast Atlantic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.48448/q4bp-dn54; https://underline.io/lecture/34623-identification-and-protection-of-a-seabird-cafe-in-the-ne-atlantic

Abstract: Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally, and many seabird populations are experiencing severe declines. This is true in the Atlantic ocean where many seabird populations have undergone widespread breeding failures, highlighting the need for conservation action in this region. Identifying sites suitable for protection is one approach for seabird conservation. While breeding colonies are generally well protected across European countries, there remains a gap for important non-breeding and foraging sites. We analysed all available seabird tracking data for the Northeast Atlantic (www.seabirdtracking.org). This totaled 2,188 tracked individuals from 23 species, from 105 colonies across 11 countries in both the North and South Atlantic. We followed standardized methods of identifying marine hotspots based on tracking data and information on population abundance, in collaboration with more than 60 from researchers and data holders. We identified a seabird diversity and abundance hotspot in the middle of the North Atlantic, which was previously unknown. This area is an important pelagic foraging ground for at least 22 seabird species, including 7 globally or regionally threatened species. The area is particular important for migratory seabird species, with the highest concentrations occurring during the winter period (October-March) with up to 5 million individuals using the area. The spring summer period (April-September) saw the highest number of species using the area (n=21) and also saw large numbers of birds (up to 3.3 million), many as a stopover during trans-equatorial migrations. Protection of this 'seabird cafe' comes under the remit of the Regional Seas Convention for the North East Atlantic (OSPAR), who are considering the site as a marine protected area. Protection of this site would require collaboration between all OSPAR parties, as well as competent authorities operating in the region. Authors: Tammy Davies¹, Ana Carneiro¹, Maria Dias¹ ¹BirdLife International