Avian radioecology on a nuclear power station site. Final report. Occurrence and effects of chronic, low-level oil contamination in a population of sooty terns (Sterna fuscata)

• Main Author: Robertson, M.J.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; 63 RADIATION; THERMAL; AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.; BIRDS; CONTAMINATION; WATER POLLUTION; BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS; INJURIES; MASSACHUSETTS; NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS; OIL SPILLS; PETROLEUM; SAMPLING; ANIMALS; ENERGY SOURCES; FOSSIL FUELS; FUELS; NORTH AMERICA; NORTH ATLANTIC REGION; NUCLEAR FACILITIES; POLLUTION; POWER PLANTS; THERMAL POWER PLANTS; USA; VERTEBRATES; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6646751; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6646751; https://doi.org/10.2172/6646751

Records from 45,219 Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata) captured for banding and examined for presence of oil on plumage were assessed for occurrence and effects of chronic, low-level oil contamination. Occurrence of oiled plumage averaged 2.6% for all years between 1962 and 1977, and ranged from 0.2% to 12.0% within years. Incidence of oiling increased significantly from the 1960's to the 1970's, and was far higher in 1970 than any other year. Oil was most frequently found on posterior, ventral plumage suggesting contact is made when Sooty Terns dip to the sea surface when foraging. A paired comparison shows that return rates were not significantly different between birds with and without detectable oil on plumage. Weights of oiled birds did not differ from controls, and no demonstrable effect of oiling on nesting was found. Sooty Terns are less susceptible to oil pollution than most other seabirds. Food is caught at or above the surface by contact dipping, and landing on the water is rare. (The report contains nothing about radioecology).