Distribution of marine birds on the mid- and north-Atlantic U. S. outer continental shelf. Technical progress report, September 1978-August 1979

• Main Authors: Powers, K.D., Pittman, G.L., Burrell, G.C.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; 59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES; BIRDS; DIET; POPULATION DYNAMICS; ATLANTIC OCEAN; COASTAL REGIONS; CONTINENTAL SHELF; DATA ANALYSIS; DATA COMPILATION; FOOD; PREDATOR-PREY INTERACTIONS; SEASONAL VARIATIONS; SPECIES DIVERSITY; TABLES; UPWELLING; USA; ANIMALS; CONTINENTAL MARGIN; DATA; DATA FORMS; INFORMATION; NORTH AMERICA; NUMERICAL DATA; SEAS; SURFACE WATERS; VARIATIONS; VERTEBRATES; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6046434; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6046434; https://doi.org/10.2172/6046434

The scope of the project was not changed since the last annual report, but the study area was extended south to Cape Hatteras. The objectives were to determine spatial and temporal distributions of marine birds in mid- and north-Atlantic U.S. continental shelf waters; to identify marine bird food habits and distribution of prey items; and (3) to develop a marine bird data retrieval bank. Data from 1978-79 indicated that Georges Bank and its adjacent waters support an abundant and diverse bird population throughout the year. Species composition changed seasonally but diversity usually remained high. In contrast, the mid-Atlantic Bight demonstrated only a seasonal importance to birds. In all areas surveyed greatest bird densities were found at upwellings and in association with fishing activities. A stomach contents analysis of specimens collected in August 1978 indicated that Cory's, Greater and Sooty Shearwaters were feeding on squid and fish. Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls were utilizing fish, insects, birds, and crustaceans. All MBO seabird data collected prior to July 1979 have been keypunched. No data retrieval programs were developed.