The extent of chronic marine oil pollution in southeastern Newfoundland waters assessed through beached bird surveys 1984-1999.

摘要: The Grand Banks south of Newfoundland provide year-round feeding habitat for tens millions seabirds numerous species, an abundance and diversity unparalleled in the North Atlantic. Dense ship traffic routes traverse this productive environment as vessels travel Great Circle Route between Europe America. Oiled have washed up on beaches many decades. Most oil their feathers is heavy fuel mixed with lubricants, mixture found bilges large vessels. Beached bird surveys conducted 1984 1999 indicate that chronic pollution along southeast coast among highest world. Sixty two percent all dead birds over 16-year period had feathers; 74% during last five years. Auks, especially Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia), are most affected. mean number oiled per kilometer was 0.77 thus higher than other regions world a comparable time (0.02–0.33). Oiling rates correlated weather patterns degree regional murre hunt, illegal dumping may occur year round, point out it critical to assess possible environmental anthropogenic factors influencing clean before inferring trends oiling time. 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.