Oiling of live gulls as a tool to monitor acute oil spill effects on seabirds

摘要: Oiling of seabirds is a serious ecological threat to marine ecosystems worldwide (Wells 2001). Because they spend much their lives at sea, are particularly prone oil pollution exposure, with shortand longterm population consequences (Peterson et al. 2003). In seabirds, the degree exposure dependent upon and behavioural traits related habitat use that may differ among species, populations, age classes sexes (Day 1997, Votier 2005, MartinezAbrain 2006). Due high vulnerability have been used as bio-indicators for many decades (Furness & Monaghan 1987, Burger Gochfeld 2004). The most important monitoring method draws from beached bird survey schemes, thought provide evidence assess geographical temporal patterns in chronic sea (e.g. Seys 2002, OSPAR Commission 2005). Here we present novel non-intrusive approach can be useful effects on based oiling rates live free-ranging gulls. few attempts date systematically recording birds evaluate changes Common Terns Sterna hirundo Black Skimmers Rhynchops niger (Duffy 1977, 1979, Erwing 1986). To feasibility this method, established scheme record gulls coastal area affected by Prestige spill disaster Galicia (northwest Spain). started November 2002 and, result, thousands birds, mostly wintering auks (Alcidae) Great Britain Ireland, died following months, other seabird populations were negatively (Velando We found pattern visible was coupled occurrence dead impaired oiled beaches.