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Calvert AM, Gutowsky SE, Fifield DA, Burgess NM, Bryant R, Fraser GS, Gjerdrum C, Hedd A, Jones PL, Mauck RA, McFarlane Tranquilla L, Montevecchi WA, Pollet IL, Ronconi RA, Rock JC, Russell J, Wilhelm SI, Wong SNP, Robertson GJ. Inter-colony variation in predation, mercury burden and adult survival in a declining seabird. Sci Total Environ 2024; 911:168549. [PMID: 37981162 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Migratory species with disjunct and localized breeding distributions, including many colonial marine birds, pose challenges for management and conservation as their dynamics are shaped by both broad oceanographic changes and specific factors affecting individual breeding colonies. We compare six colonies of the declining Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous, across their core range in Atlantic Canada using standard capture-mark-recapture methods to estimate annual survival of individually marked populations of breeding adults. Over the period analysed (5-20 years per colony; 2003-2022), mean annual survival varied among colonies (0.81-0.88) and annually (process error σ ranging from 0.01 to 0.09), though annual fluctuations were not synchronous across colonies. Two colonies with limited natural predation showed higher survival, and there was a decline in survival with increasing colony-specific total mercury burden. Our work shows that colony-specific pressures and regional contaminant burdens are potentially important contributors to current population declines, and highlights the importance of monitoring demographic rates at multiple sites for species that congregate at key life-history stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Calvert
- Landscape Science & Technology Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - David A Fifield
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | - Neil M Burgess
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change, Canada, Mount Pearl, NL
| | - Rachel Bryant
- Alder Institute, Tors Cove, NL, Canada; Department of Philosophy and Religion, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Gail S Fraser
- Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carina Gjerdrum
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - April Hedd
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | | | | | | | - William A Montevecchi
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Ingrid L Pollet
- Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Robert A Ronconi
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Jennifer C Rock
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | | | - Sabina I Wilhelm
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | - Sarah N P Wong
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada.
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Clark BL, Carneiro APB, Pearmain EJ, Rouyer MM, Clay TA, Cowger W, Phillips RA, Manica A, Hazin C, Eriksen M, González-Solís J, Adams J, Albores-Barajas YV, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Alho MS, Araujo DT, Arcos JM, Arnould JPY, Barbosa NJP, Barbraud C, Beard AM, Beck J, Bell EA, Bennet DG, Berlincourt M, Biscoito M, Bjørnstad OK, Bolton M, Booth Jones KA, Borg JJ, Bourgeois K, Bretagnolle V, Bried J, Briskie JV, Brooke MDL, Brownlie KC, Bugoni L, Calabrese L, Campioni L, Carey MJ, Carle RD, Carlile N, Carreiro AR, Catry P, Catry T, Cecere JG, Ceia FR, Cherel Y, Choi CY, Cianchetti-Benedetti M, Clarke RH, Cleeland JB, Colodro V, Congdon BC, Danielsen J, De Pascalis F, Deakin Z, Dehnhard N, Dell'Omo G, Delord K, Descamps S, Dilley BJ, Dinis HA, Dubos J, Dunphy BJ, Emmerson LM, Fagundes AI, Fayet AL, Felis JJ, Fischer JH, Freeman AND, Fromant A, Gaibani G, García D, Gjerdrum C, Gomes ISGC, Forero MG, Granadeiro JP, Grecian WJ, Grémillet D, Guilford T, Hallgrimsson GT, Halpin LR, Hansen ES, Hedd A, Helberg M, Helgason HH, Henry LM, Hereward HFR, Hernandez-Montero M, Hindell MA, Hodum PJ, Imperio S, Jaeger A, Jessopp M, Jodice PGR, Jones CG, Jones CW, Jónsson JE, Kane A, Kapelj S, Kim Y, Kirk H, Kolbeinsson Y, Kraemer PL, Krüger L, Lago P, Landers TJ, Lavers JL, Le Corre M, Leal A, Louzao M, Madeiros J, Magalhães M, Mallory ML, Masello JF, Massa B, Matsumoto S, McDuie F, McFarlane Tranquilla L, Medrano F, Metzger BJ, Militão T, Montevecchi WA, Montone RC, Navarro-Herrero L, Neves VC, Nicholls DG, Nicoll MAC, Norris K, Oppel S, Oro D, Owen E, Padget O, Paiva VH, Pala D, Pereira JM, Péron C, Petry MV, de Pina A, Pina ATM, Pinet P, Pistorius PA, Pollet IL, Porter BJ, Poupart TA, Powell CDL, Proaño CB, Pujol-Casado J, Quillfeldt P, Quinn JL, Raine AF, Raine H, Ramírez I, Ramos JA, Ramos R, Ravache A, Rayner MJ, Reid TA, Robertson GJ, Rocamora GJ, Rollinson DP, Ronconi RA, Rotger A, Rubolini D, Ruhomaun K, Ruiz A, Russell JC, Ryan PG, Saldanha S, Sanz-Aguilar A, Sardà-Serra M, Satgé YG, Sato K, Schäfer WC, Schoombie S, Shaffer SA, Shah N, Shoji A, Shutler D, Sigurðsson IA, Silva MC, Small AE, Soldatini C, Strøm H, Surman CA, Takahashi A, Tatayah VRV, Taylor GA, Thomas RJ, Thompson DR, Thompson PM, Thórarinsson TL, Vicente-Sastre D, Vidal E, Wakefield ED, Waugh SM, Weimerskirch H, Wittmer HU, Yamamoto T, Yoda K, Zavalaga CB, Zino FJ, Dias MP. Global assessment of marine plastic exposure risk for oceanic birds. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3665. [PMID: 37402727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38900-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is distributed patchily around the world's oceans. Likewise, marine organisms that are vulnerable to plastic ingestion or entanglement have uneven distributions. Understanding where wildlife encounters plastic is crucial for targeting research and mitigation. Oceanic seabirds, particularly petrels, frequently ingest plastic, are highly threatened, and cover vast distances during foraging and migration. However, the spatial overlap between petrels and plastics is poorly understood. Here we combine marine plastic density estimates with individual movement data for 7137 birds of 77 petrel species to estimate relative exposure risk. We identify high exposure risk areas in the Mediterranean and Black seas, and the northeast Pacific, northwest Pacific, South Atlantic and southwest Indian oceans. Plastic exposure risk varies greatly among species and populations, and between breeding and non-breeding seasons. Exposure risk is disproportionately high for Threatened species. Outside the Mediterranean and Black seas, exposure risk is highest in the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the USA, Japan, and the UK. Birds generally had higher plastic exposure risk outside the EEZ of the country where they breed. We identify conservation and research priorities, and highlight that international collaboration is key to addressing the impacts of marine plastic on wide-ranging species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth J Pearmain
- BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Thomas A Clay
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- People and Nature, Environmental Defense Fund, Monterey, CA, USA
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Win Cowger
- University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Richard A Phillips
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Manica
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carolina Hazin
- BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK
- The Nature Conservancy, London, UK
| | | | - Jacob González-Solís
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josh Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz Field Station, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Yuri V Albores-Barajas
- Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur - UABCS, La Paz, Mexico
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto
- Carrera de Biologia Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- ProDelphinus, Lima, Peru
- University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Cornwall Campus, Exeter, UK
| | - Maria Saldanha Alho
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Ispa - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - Christophe Barbraud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Annalea M Beard
- St. Helena Government, Jamestown, St. Helena, UK
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jessie Beck
- Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Della G Bennet
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Manuel Biscoito
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Museu de História Natural do Funchal, Funchal, Portugal
| | | | - Mark Bolton
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - John J Borg
- National Museum of Natural History, Mdina, Malta
| | - Karen Bourgeois
- 3 Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vincent Bretagnolle
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Joël Bried
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
| | - James V Briskie
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - M de L Brooke
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Leandro Bugoni
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Licia Calabrese
- Island Conservation Society, Mahé, Seychelles
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Anse Royale, Seychelles
| | - Letizia Campioni
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Ispa - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mark J Carey
- Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University, Wodonga, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan D Carle
- Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Carlile
- Science, Economics and Insights Division, Department of Planning and Environment, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ana R Carreiro
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Fornelo e Vairão, Portugal
| | - Paulo Catry
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Ispa - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Catry
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacopo G Cecere
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Filipe R Ceia
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Chang-Yong Choi
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Bioresources, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Rohan H Clarke
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jaimie B Cleeland
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, TAS, Australia
| | | | - Bradley C Congdon
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | | | - Federico De Pascalis
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Zoe Deakin
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nina Dehnhard
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Karine Delord
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - Ben J Dilley
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jerome Dubos
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, Saint-Denis, Réunion, France
| | - Brendon J Dunphy
- Institute of Marine Sciences/School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Annette L Fayet
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jonathan J Felis
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz Field Station, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- United States Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Johannes H Fischer
- Island Conservation Society, Mahé, Seychelles
- Aquatic Unit, Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Aymeric Fromant
- Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - David García
- Iniciativa de Recerca de la Biodiversitat de les Illes (IRBI), Pina, Spain
| | - Carina Gjerdrum
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Manuela G Forero
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - José P Granadeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - David Grémillet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tim Guilford
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Luke R Halpin
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Halpin Wildlife Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - April Hedd
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NC, Canada
| | - Morten Helberg
- Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
- BirdLife Norway, Sandgata 30 B, 7012, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | - Hannah F R Hereward
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- British Trust for Ornithology Cymru, Thoday Building, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Wales, UK
| | | | - Mark A Hindell
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | | | - Simona Imperio
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, Saint-Denis, Réunion, France
| | - Mark Jessopp
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patrick G R Jodice
- U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Carl G Jones
- Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Vacoas, Mauritius
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Trinity, Jersey
| | - Christopher W Jones
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jón Einar Jónsson
- University of Iceland's Research Center at Snæfellsnes, Stykkishólmur, Iceland
| | - Adam Kane
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Yuna Kim
- Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Philipp L Kraemer
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lucas Krüger
- Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Instituto Milénio Biodiversidad de Ecosistemas Antárticos y Subantárticos (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulo Lago
- SEO/BirdLife, Barcelona, Spain
- BirdLife Malta, Ta' Xbiex, Malta
| | - Todd J Landers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Council, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Esperance, WA, Australia
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, Saint-Denis, Réunion, France
| | - Andreia Leal
- Associação Projecto Vitó, São Filipe, Cabo Verde
| | | | - Jeremy Madeiros
- Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Bermuda Government, Flatts, Bermuda
| | - Maria Magalhães
- Regional Directorate for Marine Policies, Azores Government, Horta, Azores, Portugal
| | | | - Juan F Masello
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bruno Massa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Fiona McDuie
- San Jose State University Research Foundation, San Jose, CA, USA
| | | | - Fernando Medrano
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Militão
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Leia Navarro-Herrero
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica C Neves
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
- IMAR Instituto do Mar, Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Oro
- CEAB-CSIC, Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Blanes, Spain
| | - Ellie Owen
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Inverness, UK
- The National Trust for Scotland, Balnain House, Huntly Street, Inverness, UK
| | - Oliver Padget
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vítor H Paiva
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Pala
- Parco naturale Regionale di Porto Conte, Alghero, Italy
| | - Jorge M Pereira
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Clara Péron
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (UMR BOREA) - Muséum national d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Paris, France
| | - Maria V Petry
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, São Leopoldo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patrick Pinet
- Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, Réunion, France
| | - Pierre A Pistorius
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Carolina B Proaño
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Júlia Pujol-Casado
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - John L Quinn
- School of BEES, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andre F Raine
- Archipelago Research and Conservation, Kalaheo, HI, USA
| | - Helen Raine
- Archipelago Research and Conservation, Kalaheo, HI, USA
| | - Iván Ramírez
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jaime A Ramos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raül Ramos
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Ravache
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Université de La Nouvelle-Calédonie, Ifremer), Centre IRD Nouméa, Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
| | | | | | | | - Gerard J Rocamora
- Island Conservation Society, Mahé, Seychelles
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Anse Royale, Seychelles
| | - Dominic P Rollinson
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert A Ronconi
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Andreu Rotger
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit (GEDA), IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRSA-CNR), Brugherio, Italy
| | - Kevin Ruhomaun
- National Parks and Parks Conservation Service, Reduit, Mauritius
| | | | - James C Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter G Ryan
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Saldanha
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Sanz-Aguilar
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit (GEDA), IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
- University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Mariona Sardà-Serra
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yvan G Satgé
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Katsufumi Sato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa City, Japan
| | - Wiebke C Schäfer
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schoombie
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Scott A Shaffer
- Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mónica C Silva
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Evolutionary Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Cecilia Soldatini
- CICESE - Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada - Unidad La Paz, La Paz, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David R Thompson
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Diego Vicente-Sastre
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Vidal
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD, UR, UNC, CNRS, IFREMER), Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
- UMR IMBE (IRD, AMU, CNRS, UAPV), Nouméa, France
| | | | | | - Henri Weimerskirch
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Heiko U Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Ken Yoda
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | - Maria P Dias
- BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK
- cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Evolutionary Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Mauck RA, Pratte I, Hedd A, Pollet IL, Jones PL, Montevecchi WA, Ronconi RA, Gjerdrum C, Adrianowyscz S, McMahon C, Acker H, Taylor LU, McMahon J, Dearborn DC, Robertson GJ, McFarlane Tranquilla LA. Female and male Leach's Storm Petrels ( Hydrobates leucorhous) pursue different foraging strategies during the incubation period. Ibis (Lond 1859) 2023; 165:161-178. [PMID: 36589762 PMCID: PMC9798729 DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction in procellariiform birds is characterized by a single egg clutch, slow development, a long breeding season and obligate biparental care. Female Leach's Storm Petrels Hydrobates leucorhous, nearly monomorphic members of this order, produce eggs that are between 20 and 25% of adult body weight. We tested whether female foraging behaviour differs from male foraging behaviour during the ~ 44-day incubation period across seven breeding colonies in the Northwest Atlantic. Over six breeding seasons, we used a combination of Global Positioning System and Global Location Sensor devices to measure characteristics of individual foraging trips during the incubation period. Females travelled significantly greater distances and went farther from the breeding colony than did males on individual foraging trips. For both sexes, the longer the foraging trip, the greater the distance. Independent of trip duration, females travelled farther, and spent a greater proportion of their foraging trips prospecting widely as defined by behavioural categories derived from a Hidden Markov Model. For both sexes, trip duration decreased with date. Sex differences in these foraging metrics were apparently not a consequence of morphological differences or spatial segregation. Our data are consistent with the idea that female foraging strategies differed from male foraging strategies during incubation in ways that would be expected if females were still compensating for egg formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabeau Pratte
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change Canada45 Alderney DriveDartmouthNSB2Y 2N6Canada
| | - April Hedd
- Wildlife Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaMount PearlNLA1N 4T3Canada
| | | | | | | | - Robert A. Ronconi
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change Canada45 Alderney DriveDartmouthNSB2Y 2N6Canada
| | - Carina Gjerdrum
- Canadian Wildlife ServiceEnvironment and Climate Change Canada45 Alderney DriveDartmouthNSB2Y 2N6Canada
| | | | | | - Haley Acker
- Biology Department, Kenyon CollegeGambierOH42022USA
| | | | | | | | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaMount PearlNLA1N 4T3Canada
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4
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Lamarre J, Cheema SK, Robertson GJ, Wilson DR. Foraging on anthropogenic food predicts problem-solving skills in a seabird. Sci Total Environ 2022; 850:157732. [PMID: 35931163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Species and populations with greater cognitive performance are more successful at adapting to changing habitats. Accordingly, urban species and populations often outperform their rural counterparts on problem-solving tests. Paradoxically, urban foraging also might be detrimental to the development and integrity of animals' brains because anthropogenic foods often lack essential nutrients such as the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are important for cognitive performance in mammals and possibly birds. We tested whether urbanization or consumption of EPA and DHA are associated with problem-solving abilities in ring-billed gulls, a seabird that historically exploited marine environments rich in omega-3 fatty acids but now also thrives in urban centres. Using incubating adults nesting across a range of rural to urban colonies with equal access to the ocean, we tested whether urban gulls preferentially consumed anthropogenic food while rural nesters relied on marine organisms. As we expected individual variation in foraging habits within nesting location, we characterized each captured gulls' diet using stable isotope and fatty acid analyses of their red blood cells. To test their problem-solving abilities, we presented the sampled birds with a horizontal rendition of the string-pull test, a foraging puzzle often used in animal cognitive studies. The isotopic and fatty acid profiles of urban nesters indicated a diet comprising primarily anthropogenic food, whereas the profiles of rural nesters indicated a high reliance on marine organisms. Despite the gulls' degree of access to urban foraging habitat not predicting solving success, birds with biochemical profiles reflecting anthropogenic food (less DHA and a higher carbon-13 ratio in their red blood cells) had a greater probability of solving the string-pull test. These results suggest that experience foraging on anthropogenic food is the main explanatory factor leading to successful problem-solving, while regular consumption of omega-3s during incubation appears inconsequential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Lamarre
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada.
| | - Sukhinder Kaur Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, Canada
| | - David R Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada
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5
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Patterson A, Gilchrist HG, Robertson GJ, Hedd A, Fifield DA, Elliott KH. Behavioural flexibility in an Arctic seabird using two distinct marine habitats to survive the energetic constraints of winter. Mov Ecol 2022; 10:45. [PMID: 36329536 PMCID: PMC9635182 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeothermic marine animals in Polar Regions face an energetic bottleneck in winter. The challenges of short days and cold temperatures are exacerbated for flying seabirds with small body size and limited fat stores. We use biologging approaches to examine how habitat, weather, and moon illumination influence behaviour and energetics of a marine bird species, thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia). METHODS We used temperature-depth-light recorders to examine strategies murres use to survive winter in the Northwest Atlantic, where contrasting currents create two distinct marine habitats: cold (-0.1 ± 1.2 °C), shallower water along the Labrador Shelf and warmer (3.1 ± 0.3 °C), deep water in the Labrador Basin. RESULTS In the cold shelf water, murres used a high-energy strategy, with more flying and less diving each day, resulting in high daily energy expenditure and also high apparent energy intake; this strategy was most evident in early winter when day lengths were shortest. By contrast, murres in warmer basin water employed a low-energy strategy, with less time flying and more time diving under low light conditions (nautical twilight and night). In warmer basin water, murres increased diving at night when the moon was more illuminated, likely taking advantage of diel vertically migrating prey. In warmer basin water, murres dove more at night and foraging efficiency increased under negative North Atlantic Oscillation (calmer ocean conditions). CONCLUSIONS The proximity of two distinct marine habitats in this region allows individuals from a single species to use dual (low-energy/high-energy) strategies to overcome winter energy bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Patterson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A OH3, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - April Hedd
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - David A Fifield
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
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6
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McIntyre JA, O'Driscoll NJ, Spooner I, Robertson GJ, Smol JP, Mallory ML. Scavenging gulls are biovectors of mercury from industrial wastes in Nova Scotia, Canada. Chemosphere 2022; 304:135279. [PMID: 35691403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds are important biovectors of contaminants, like mercury, moving them from marine to terrestrial environments around breeding colonies. This transfer of materials can have marked impacts on receiving environments and biota. Less is known about biotransport of contaminants by generalist seabirds that exploit anthropogenic wastes compared to other seabird species. In this study, we measured total mercury (THg) in O-horizon soils at four herring gull (Larus smithsoniansus) breeding colonies in southern Nova Scotia, Canada. At colonies with dry substrate, THg was significantly higher in soils collected from gull colonies compared to nearby reference soils with no nesting gulls. Further, THg was distinct in soils among study colonies and was likely influenced by biotransport from other nesting seabird species, most notably Leach's storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous). Our research suggests gulls that scavenge on anthropogenic wastes at local industrial sites are biovectors moving THg acquired at these sites to their colonies and may increase the spatial footprint of contaminants from these industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie A McIntyre
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Earth & Environmental Science, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Ian Spooner
- Earth & Environmental Science, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - John P Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
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7
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Duda MP, Cyr F, Robertson GJ, Michelutti N, Meyer-Jacob C, Hedd A, Montevecchi WA, Kimpe LE, Blais JM, Smol JP. Climate oscillations drive millennial-scale changes in seabird colony size. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:4292-4307. [PMID: 35320599 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Seabird population size is intimately linked to the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the oceans. Yet, the overall effects of long-term changes in ocean dynamics on seabird colonies are difficult to quantify. Here, we used dated lake sediments to reconstruct ~10,000-years of seabird dynamics in the Northwest Atlantic to determine the influences of Holocene-scale climatic oscillations on colony size. On Baccalieu Island (Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada)-where the world's largest colony of Leach's storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous Vieillot 1818) currently breeds-our data track seabird colony growth in response to warming during the Holocene Thermal Maximum (ca. 9000 to 6000 BP). From ca. 5200 BP to the onset of the Little Ice Age (ca. 550 BP), changes in colony size were correlated to variations in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). By contrasting the seabird trends from Baccalieu Island to millennial-scale changes of storm-petrel populations from Grand Colombier Island (an island in the Northwest Atlantic that is subjected a to different ocean climate), we infer that changes in NAO influenced the ocean circulation, which translated into, among many things, changes in pycnocline depth across the Northwest Atlantic basin where the storm-petrels feed. We hypothesize that the depth of the pycnocline is likely a strong bottom-up control on surface-feeding storm-petrels through its influence on prey accessibility. Since the Little Ice Age (LIA), the effects of ocean dynamics on seabird colony size have been altered by anthropogenic impacts. Subsequently, the colony on Baccalieu Island grew at an unprecedented rate to become the world's largest resulting from favorable conditions linked to climate warming, increased vegetation (thereby nesting habitat), and attraction of recruits from other colonies that are now in decline. We show that although ocean dynamics were an important driver of seabird colony dynamics, its recent influence has been modified by human interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Duda
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frédéric Cyr
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Neal Michelutti
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carsten Meyer-Jacob
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - April Hedd
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - William A Montevecchi
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Linda E Kimpe
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jules M Blais
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - John P Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Gutowsky SE, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML, McLellan NR, Gilliland SG, Paquet J, d'Entremont AA, Ronconi RA. Increased abundance and range expansion of harlequin ducks Histrionicus histrionicus wintering in Eastern Canada. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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9
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Jardine AM, Provencher JF, Pratte I, Holland ER, Baak JE, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML. Annual plastic ingestion and isotopic niche patterns of two sympatric gull species at Newfoundland, Canada. Mar Pollut Bull 2021; 173:112991. [PMID: 34571381 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of plastic pollution by pelagic seabirds is well-documented globally, but increasingly, researchers are investigating plastic ingestion in generalist predators and scavengers like gulls. We studied the gut contents of two sympatric gull species, American herring gulls (Larus smithsoniansus) and great black-backed gulls (L. marinus), collected year-round as part of "kill-to-scare" measures at the regional sanitary landfill in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, to compare ingested anthropogenic debris, trophic position and diet breadth through the year. Although great black-backed gulls fed at a higher trophic level, frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion was similar to American herring gulls, and varied little through the year. Diet breadth (isotopic niche size) was similar between species, but American herring gulls fed at a lower trophic level during winter, perhaps indicating a change in their reliance on anthropogenic food subsidies throughout their annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Jardine
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Raven Road, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Isabeau Pratte
- Canadian Wildlife Service, 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4N6, Canada
| | - Erika R Holland
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Julia E Baak
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4N 3J2, Canada.
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10
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Peck LE, English MD, Robertson GJ, Craik SR, Mallory ML. Migration chronology and movements of adult American black ducks
Anas rubripes
wintering in Nova Scotia, Canada. Wildlife Biology 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wlb3.01000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew D. English
- Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service, Atlantic Region Dartmouth NS Canada
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada – Science and Technology Mt. Pearl NF Canada
| | - Shawn R. Craik
- Dépt des Sciences, Univ. Sainte‐Anne Church Point NS Canada
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11
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Duda MP, Hargan KE, Michelutti N, Blais JM, Grooms C, Gilchrist HG, Mallory ML, Robertson GJ, Smol JP. Reconstructing Long-Term Changes in Avian Populations Using Lake Sediments: Opening a Window Onto the Past. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.698175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of long-term monitoring data for many wildlife populations is a limiting factor in establishing meaningful and achievable conservation goals. Even for well-monitored species, time series are often very short relative to the timescales required to understand a population’s baseline conditions before the contemporary period of increased human impacts. To fill in this critical information gap, techniques have been developed to use sedimentary archives to provide insights into long-term population dynamics over timescales of decades to millennia. Lake and pond sediments receiving animal inputs (e.g., feces, feathers) typically preserve a record of ecological and environmental information that reflects past changes in population size and dynamics. With a focus on bird-related studies, we review the development and use of several paleolimnological proxies to reconstruct past colony sizes, including trace metals, isotopes, lipid biomolecules, diatoms, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, invertebrate sub-fossils, pigments, and others. We summarize how animal-influenced sediments, cored from around the world, have been successfully used in addressing some of the most challenging questions in conservation biology, namely: How dynamic are populations on long-term timescales? How may populations respond to climate change? How have populations responded to human intrusion? Finally, we conclude with an assessment of the current state of the field, challenges to overcome, and future potential for research.
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12
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Lefort KJ, Major HL, Bond AL, Diamond AW, Jones IL, Montevecchi WA, Provencher JF, Robertson GJ. Long-term stability in the volume of Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) eggs in the western North Atlantic. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the eastern North Atlantic, declines in the volume of Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica (Linnaeus, 1758)) eggs have been associated with shifts in the marine ecosystem, such as changes in the abundance of forage fishes and increasing sea-surface temperatures. In the western North Atlantic, where similar shifts in oceanographic conditions and changes in the abundance of forage fishes have presumably occurred, trends in the volume of Atlantic Puffin eggs remain unknown. In this study, we investigate Atlantic Puffin egg volume in the western North Atlantic. We compiled 140 years (1877–2016) of egg volume measurements (n = 1805) and used general additive mixed-effects models to investigate temporal trends and regional variation. Our findings indicate that Atlantic Puffin egg volume differs regionally but has remained unchanged temporally in the western North Atlantic since at least the 1980s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Lefort
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Heather L. Major
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Alexander L. Bond
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, and Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Antony W. Diamond
- Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Ian L. Jones
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - William A. Montevecchi
- Departments of Psychology, Biology, and Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
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13
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Bertram DF, Wilson L, Charleton K, Hedd A, Robertson GJ, Smith JL, Morgan KH, Song XJ. Modelling entanglement rates to estimate mortality of marine birds in British Columbia commercial salmon gillnet fisheries. Mar Environ Res 2021; 166:105268. [PMID: 33626460 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Incidental mortality of marine birds in fisheries is an international conservation concern, including in Canada where globally significant populations of vulnerable diving species overlap with coastal gillnet fisheries. In British Columbia (BC), commercial salmon gillnet fishing effort was historically very high (>200,000 days fished annually in the early 1950's), and although this fishery has declined, over 6,400 days were fished annually in the 2006-2016 decade. Observations of seabird bycatch within the commercial fishery, however, are limited in both scope (comprising <2% of cumulative effort 2001-2016) and in time (being available only from 1995 onwards and only for a small number of areas). Using onboard fishery observer data from commercial, test and experimental fisheries (1995-2016), we developed two models to estimate the number of marine birds captured per set in sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and chum (O. keta) salmon gillnet fisheries employing a Generalized Linear Mixed Modeling (GLMM) approach in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, with observer data post-stratified by fisheries management area and year. Using estimates of total commercial fishing effort (estimated number of sets, 2001-2016) we applied the models to extrapolate annual take for the main bird species (or groups) of interest. Multinomial probability estimates of species composition were calculated based upon a sample of 852 birds identified to species that were associated with sockeye or chum fisheries, enabling estimates (with CIs) of potential numbers of the mostly commonly observed species (common murres (Uria aalge), rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), and marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus)) entangled annually in commercial sockeye and chum salmon gillnet fisheries throughout BC. Conservative estimates of annual losses to entanglement were greatest for common murres (2,846, 95% CI: 2,628-3,047), followed by rhinoceros auklets (641, CI: 549-770) and marbled murrelets (228 CI: 156-346). Populations of all three of these alcids species are currently in decline in BC and entanglement mortality is a conservation concern. Gillnet mortality has been identified as a longstanding threat to marbled murrelet populations, which are recognized as Threatened in the Canada and the United States of America (USA). In addition, 622 (CI: 458-827) birds from 12 other species were estimated to be entangled annually. We conclude that cumulative mortality from incidental take in salmon gillnet fisheries is one of the largest sources of human-induced mortality for marine birds in BC waters, a conservation concern impacting both breeders and visiting migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas F Bertram
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, PO Box 6000, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada.
| | - Laurie Wilson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 5421 Robertson Rd. RR1, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada
| | | | - April Hedd
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Joanna L Smith
- Nature United, 366 Adelaide St. East, Suite 331, Toronto, ON, M5A 3X9, Canada
| | - Ken H Morgan
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, PO Box 6000, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada
| | - Xiao J Song
- 319A Evergreen Dr, Port Moody, BC, V5E 2A4, Canada
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14
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Lamarre J, Cheema SK, Robertson GJ, Wilson DR. Omega-3 fatty acids accelerate fledging in an avian marine predator: a potential role of cognition. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb.235929. [PMID: 33462136 PMCID: PMC7929930 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.235929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) during development improves cognition in mammals, but the effect remains untested in other taxa. In aquatic ecosystems, n-3 LCPUFAs are produced by phytoplankton and bioaccumulate in the food web. Alarmingly, the warming and acidification of aquatic systems caused by climate change impair n-3 LCPUFA production, with an anticipated decrease of 80% by the year 2100. We tested whether n-3 LCPUFA consumption affects the physiology, morphology, behaviour and cognition of the chicks of a top marine predator, the ring-billed gull. Using a colony with little access to n-3 LCPUFAs, we supplemented siblings from 22 fenced nests with contrasting treatments from hatching until fledging; one sibling received n-3 LCPUFA-rich fish oil and the other, a control sucrose solution without n-3 LCPUFAs. Halfway through the nestling period, half the chicks receiving fish oil were switched to the sucrose solution to test whether n-3 LCPUFA intake remains crucial past the main growth phase (chronic versus transient treatments). Upon fledging, n-3 LCPUFAs were elevated in the blood and brains of chicks receiving the chronic treatment, but were comparable to control levels among those receiving the transient treatment. Across the entire sample, chicks with elevated n-3 LCPUFAs in their tissues fledged earlier despite their morphology and activity levels being unrelated to fledging age. Fledging required chicks to escape fences encircling their nest. We therefore interpret fledging age as a possible indicator of cognition, with chicks with improved cognition fledging earlier. These results provide insight into whether declining dietary n-3 LCPUFAs will compromise top predators' problem-solving skills, and thus their ability to survive in a rapidly changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Lamarre
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada, A1B 3X9
| | - Sukhinder Kaur Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada, A1B 3X9
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada, A1N 4T3
| | - David R Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada, A1B 3X9
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Albert C, Helgason HH, Brault-Favrou M, Robertson GJ, Descamps S, Amélineau F, Danielsen J, Dietz R, Elliott K, Erikstad KE, Eulaers I, Ezhov A, Fitzsimmons MG, Gavrilo M, Golubova E, Grémillet D, Hatch S, Huffeldt NP, Jakubas D, Kitaysky A, Kolbeinsson Y, Krasnov Y, Lorentsen SH, Lorentzen E, Mallory ML, Merkel B, Merkel FR, Montevecchi W, Mosbech A, Olsen B, Orben RA, Patterson A, Provencher J, Plumejeaud C, Pratte I, Reiertsen TK, Renner H, Rojek N, Romano M, Strøm H, Systad GH, Takahashi A, Thiebot JB, Thórarinsson TL, Will AP, Wojczulanis-Jakubas K, Bustamante P, Fort J. Seasonal variation of mercury contamination in Arctic seabirds: A pan-Arctic assessment. Sci Total Environ 2021; 750:142201. [PMID: 33182207 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a natural trace element found in high concentrations in top predators, including Arctic seabirds. Most current knowledge about Hg concentrations in Arctic seabirds relates to exposure during the summer breeding period when researchers can easily access seabirds at colonies. However, the few studies focused on winter have shown higher Hg concentrations during the non-breeding period than breeding period in several tissues. Hence, improving knowledge about Hg exposure during the non-breeding period is crucial to understanding the threats and risks encountered by these species year-round. We used feathers of nine migratory alcid species occurring at high latitudes to study bird Hg exposure during both the breeding and non-breeding periods. Overall, Hg concentrations during the non-breeding period were ~3 times higher than during the breeding period. In addition, spatial differences were apparent within and between the Atlantic and Pacific regions. While Hg concentrations during the non-breeding period were ~9 times and ~3 times higher than during the breeding period for the West and East Atlantic respectively, Hg concentrations in the Pacific during the non-breeding period were only ~1.7 times higher than during the breeding period. In addition, individual Hg concentrations during the non-breeding period for most of the seabird colonies were above 5 μg g-1 dry weight (dw), which is considered to be the threshold at which deleterious effects are observed, suggesting that some breeding populations might be vulnerable to non-breeding Hg exposure. Since wintering area locations, and migration routes may influence seasonal Hg concentrations, it is crucial to improve our knowledge about spatial ecotoxicology to fully understand the risks associated with Hg contamination in Arctic seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Albert
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - Hálfdán Helgi Helgason
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Framcentre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Sébastien Descamps
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Framcentre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Françoise Amélineau
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE) UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - Jóhannis Danielsen
- The Faroese Marine Research Institute, Nóatún 1, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kyle Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Kjell Einar Erikstad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, PO Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Alexey Ezhov
- Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, 17 Vladimirskaya street, 183010 Murmansk, Russia
| | - Michelle G Fitzsimmons
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Maria Gavrilo
- Association Maritime Heritage, RU - 199106, Icebreaker "Krassin", The Lieutenant Schmidt emb., 23 Line, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; National Park Russian Arctic, RU-168000, Sovetskikh kosmonavtov ave., 57, Archangelsk, Russia
| | - Elena Golubova
- Laboratory of Ornithology, Institute of Biological Problems of the North, RU-685000 Magadan, Portovaya Str., 18, Russia
| | - David Grémillet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE) UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, Montpellier, France; FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, UCT, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372-CNRS, La Rochelle Université, France
| | - Scott Hatch
- Institute for Seabird Research and Conservation, Anchorage 99516-3185, AK, USA
| | - Nicholas P Huffeldt
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Dariusz Jakubas
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Dept. of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Wita Stwosza 59, PL-80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alexander Kitaysky
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Yann Kolbeinsson
- Northeast Iceland Nature Research Centre, Hafnarstétt 3, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
| | - Yuri Krasnov
- Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, 17 Vladimirskaya street, 183010 Murmansk, Russia
| | - Svein-Håkon Lorentsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, NO-7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erlend Lorentzen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Framcentre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville B4P 2R6, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Merkel
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Framcentre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Flemming Ravn Merkel
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - William Montevecchi
- Psychology Department, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland A1M 2Y8, Canada
| | - Anders Mosbech
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bergur Olsen
- The Faroese Marine Research Institute, Nóatún 1, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Rachael A Orben
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Allison Patterson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Jennifer Provencher
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Place Vincent Massey, 351 St. Joseph Blvd, Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Christine Plumejeaud
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Isabeau Pratte
- Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville B4P 2R6, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tone Kristin Reiertsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, PO Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Heather Renner
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge, Homer, AK, USA
| | - Nora Rojek
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge, Homer, AK, USA
| | - Marc Romano
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge, Homer, AK, USA
| | - Hallvard Strøm
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Framcentre, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Geir Helge Systad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Thormøhlensgate 55, N0-5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Akinori Takahashi
- National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan
| | - Jean-Baptiste Thiebot
- National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan
| | | | - Alexis P Will
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Katarzyna Wojczulanis-Jakubas
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Dept. of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Wita Stwosza 59, PL-80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, FR-17000 La Rochelle, France.
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Craik SR, Titman RD, Calvert AM, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML, Gutowsky SE. Host traits and lifetime fitness costs of being parasitized in red-breasted mergansers. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The addition of eggs to a nest by a conspecific is known for approximately 250 bird species. Understanding the evolution of conspecific brood parasitism (CBP) requires assessment of fitness consequences to the egg recipient (host). We addressed host traits and the effects of CBP on future reproduction (i.e., annual survival) and hatching success of hosts by following the nesting of 206 red-breasted mergansers ( Mergus serrator) for a colony in which an average of 41% of nests was parasitized annually. Each host was tracked for ≥2 seasons and up to seven seasons. The proportion of a host’s nesting attempts that was parasitized averaged 43% and varied considerably across individuals (range 0%–100%). Probability of parasitism, however, was not repeatable across a host’s nests. Rather, rates of CBP throughout a host’s lifetime increased with earlier dates of nest initiation. CBP had no effect on annual survival of a host. Hatching success throughout a host’s lifetime declined with a greater number of foreign eggs added to the individual’s nests. This study revealed that there may be measurable costs of CBP to lifetime reproductive success in red-breasted mergansers, although our observations suggest that costs to hosts are limited to the most heavily parasitized clutches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn R. Craik
- Département des sciences, Université Sainte-Anne, Pointe-de-l’Église, NS B0W 2L0, Canada
| | - Rodger D. Titman
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anna M. Calvert
- Landscape Science and Technology Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
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Duda MP, Allen-Mahé S, Barbraud C, Blais JM, Boudreau A, Bryant R, Delord K, Grooms C, Kimpe LE, Letournel B, Lim JE, Lormée H, Michelutti N, Robertson GJ, Urtizbéréa F, Wilhelm SI, Smol JP. Linking 19th century European settlement to the disruption of a seabird's natural population dynamics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:32484-32492. [PMID: 33288699 PMCID: PMC7768677 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016811117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent estimates indicate that ∼70% of the world's seabird populations have declined since the 1950s due to human activities. However, for almost all bird populations, there is insufficient long-term monitoring to understand baseline (i.e., preindustrial) conditions, which are required to distinguish natural versus anthropogenically driven changes. Here, we address this lack of long-term monitoring data with multiproxy paleolimnological approaches to examine the long-term population dynamics of a major colony of Leach's Storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) on Grand Colombier Island in the St. Pierre and Miquelon archipelago-an overseas French territory in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. By reconstructing the last ∼5,800 y of storm-petrel dynamics, we demonstrate that this colony underwent substantial natural fluctuations until the start of the 19th century, when population cycles were disrupted, coinciding with the establishment and expansion of a European settlement. Our paleoenvironmental data, coupled with on-the-ground population surveys, indicate that the current colony is only ∼16% of the potential carrying capacity, reinforcing concerning trends of globally declining seabird populations. As seabirds are sentinel species of marine ecosystem health, such declines provide a call to action for global conservation. In response, we emphasize the need for enlarged protected areas and the rehabilitation of disturbed islands to protect ecologically critical seabird populations. Furthermore, long-term data, such as those provided by paleoecological approaches, are required to better understand shifting baselines in conservation to truly recognize current rates of ecological loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Duda
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
| | - Sylvie Allen-Mahé
- Maison de la Nature et de l'Environnement, Place des Ardilliers, BP8333 Miquelon, Langlade, St. Pierre et Miquelon, France
| | - Christophe Barbraud
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Jules M Blais
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Amaël Boudreau
- Association SPM Frag'îles, 97500 St. Pierre et Miquelon, France
| | | | - Karine Delord
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Christopher Grooms
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Linda E Kimpe
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Bruno Letournel
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Service Départemental de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, 97500 Saint Pierre et Miquelon, France
| | - Joeline E Lim
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Hervé Lormée
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Direction de la Recherche et de l'Appui Scientifique-Unité Avifaune Migratrice, Station de Chizé, Carrefour de la Canauderie 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Neal Michelutti
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada and Climate Change, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Frank Urtizbéréa
- Direction Territoriale de l'Alimentation et de la Mer, Service Agriculture, Eau et Biodiversité, Quai de l'Alysse, BP4217, 97500 Saint Pierre et Miquelon, France
| | - Sabina I Wilhelm
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada and Climate Change, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - John P Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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Wight J, Varin MP, Robertson GJ, Huot Y, Lang AS. Microbiology in the Field: Construction and Validation of a Portable Incubator for Real-Time Quantification of Coliforms and Other Bacteria. Front Public Health 2020; 8:607997. [PMID: 33324604 PMCID: PMC7723852 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.607997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Performing microbiological assays on environmental samples in field settings poses logistical challenges with respect to the availability of suitable equipment or the ability to get samples to the laboratory in a timely fashion. For example, the viability of some bacteria can decrease greatly between sampling and arrival to the laboratory for processing. We developed and constructed rugged, reliable, and cost-effective portable incubators that were used by 10 independent field teams to perform microbiological assays on surface water samples from lakes across Canada. Rigorous testing and validation of our incubators ensured that incubation conditions were consistent within and across all 10 field teams and 2 sampling years. Samples from all sites were processed in duplicate and bacterial counts were highly repeatable within and across sampling teams. Bacterial counts were also found to be statistically equivalent to counts obtained with standard laboratory techniques using a conventional incubator. Using this method, thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs) and Escherichia coli were quantified from 432 lakes, allowing comparison to both historical datasets that relied on TTCs and those following current guidelines that use E. coli counts. We found higher loads at the shoreline than the middle of lakes and different patterns between ecozones. E. coli was not frequently detected, but many lakes exceeded Canadian guideline values for activities such as swimming and some even exceeded the guideline value for secondary recreational activities such as boating. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest bacteriological water quality assessment of freshwater lakes to date in terms of both spatial scale and the number of lakes sampled. Our incubator design can be easily adapted for a wide variety of researcher goals and represents a robust platform for field studies and other applications, including those in remote or low-resources settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Wight
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Marie-Pierre Varin
- Département de Géomatique Appliquée, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | - Yannick Huot
- Département de Géomatique Appliquée, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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Ramey AM, Reeves AB, Drexler JZ, Ackerman JT, De La Cruz S, Lang AS, Leyson C, Link P, Prosser DJ, Robertson GJ, Wight J, Youk S, Spackman E, Pantin-Jackwood M, Poulson RL, Stallknecht DE. Influenza A viruses remain infectious for more than seven months in northern wetlands of North America. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201680. [PMID: 32901574 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this investigation, we used a combination of field- and laboratory-based approaches to assess if influenza A viruses (IAVs) shed by ducks could remain viable for extended periods in surface water within three wetland complexes of North America. In a field experiment, replicate filtered surface water samples inoculated with duck swabs were tested for IAVs upon collection and again after an overwintering period of approximately 6-7 months. Numerous IAVs were molecularly detected and isolated from these samples, including replicates maintained at wetland field sites in Alaska and Minnesota for 181-229 days. In a parallel laboratory experiment, we attempted to culture IAVs from filtered surface water samples inoculated with duck swabs from Minnesota each month during September 2018-April 2019 and found monthly declines in viral viability. In an experimental challenge study, we found that IAVs maintained in filtered surface water within wetlands of Alaska and Minnesota for 214 and 226 days, respectively, were infectious in a mallard model. Collectively, our results support surface waters of northern wetlands as a biologically important medium in which IAVs may be both transmitted and maintained, potentially serving as an environmental reservoir for infectious IAVs during the overwintering period of migratory birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Ramey
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Andrew B Reeves
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Judith Z Drexler
- US Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, USA
| | - Susan De La Cruz
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, 350 N Akron Road, Building 19, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Avenue, St John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Christina Leyson
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, US National Poultry Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul Link
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2000 Quail Drive, Room 436, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Diann J Prosser
- US Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Jordan Wight
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Avenue, St John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Sungsu Youk
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, US National Poultry Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Erica Spackman
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, US National Poultry Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Pantin-Jackwood
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research Unit, US National Poultry Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - David E Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Colston-Nepali L, Provencher JF, Mallory ML, Franckowiak RP, Sun Z, Robertson GJ, Friesen VL. Using genomic tools to inform management of the Atlantic northern fulmar. CONSERV GENET 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-020-01309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Anderson CM, Gilchrist HG, Ronconi RA, Shlepr KR, Clark DE, Fifield DA, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML. Both short and long distance migrants use energy-minimizing migration strategies in North American herring gulls. Mov Ecol 2020; 8:26. [PMID: 32549986 PMCID: PMC7294659 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-020-00207-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have proposed that birds migrating short distances migrate at an overall slower pace, minimizing energy expenditure, while birds migrating long distances minimize time spent on migration to cope with seasonal changes in environmental conditions. METHODS We evaluated variability in the migration strategies of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus), a generalist species with flexible foraging and flight behaviour. We tracked one population of long distance migrants and three populations of short distance migrants, and compared the directness of their migration routes, their overall migration speed, their travel speed, and their use of stopovers. RESULTS Our research revealed that Herring Gulls breeding in the eastern Arctic migrate long distances to spend the winter in the Gulf of Mexico, traveling more than four times farther than gulls from Atlantic Canada during autumn migration. While all populations used indirect routes, the long distance migrants were the least direct. We found that regardless of the distance the population traveled, Herring Gulls migrated at a slower overall migration speed than predicted by Optimal Migration Theory, but the long distance migrants had higher speeds on travel days. While long distance migrants used more stopover days overall, relative to the distance travelled all four populations used a similar number of stopover days. CONCLUSIONS When taken in context with other studies, we expect that the migration strategies of flexible generalist species like Herring Gulls may be more influenced by habitat and food resources than migration distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Anderson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
| | - H. Grant Gilchrist
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Robert A. Ronconi
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6 Canada
| | - Katherine R. Shlepr
- Atlantic Lab for Avian Research, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, 10 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
| | - Daniel E. Clark
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA 01007 USA
| | - David A. Fifield
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3 Canada
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3 Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
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Hauber ME, Bond AL, Kouwenberg AL, Robertson GJ, Hansen ES, Holford M, Dainson M, Luro A, Dale J. The chemical basis of a signal of individual identity: shell pigment concentrations track the unique appearance of Common Murre eggs. J R Soc Interface 2020; 16:20190115. [PMID: 30966949 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In group-living species with parental care, the accurate recognition of one's own young is critical to fitness. Because discriminating offspring within a large colonial group may be challenging, progeny of colonial breeders often display familial or individual identity signals to elicit and receive parental provisions from their own parents. For instance, the common murre (or common guillemot: Uria aalge) is a colonially breeding seabird that does not build a nest and lays and incubates an egg with an individually unique appearance. How the shell's physical and chemical properties generate this individual variability in coloration and maculation has not been studied in detail. Here, we quantified two characteristics of the avian-visible appearance of murre eggshells collected from the wild: background coloration spectra and maculation density. As predicted by the individual identity hypothesis, there was no statistical relationship between avian-perceivable shell background coloration and maculation density within the same eggs. In turn, variation in both sets of traits was statistically related to some of their physico-chemical properties, including shell thickness and concentrations of the eggshell pigments biliverdin and protoporphyrin IX. These results illustrate how individually unique eggshell appearances, suitable for identity signalling, can be generated by a small number of structural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Hauber
- 1 Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, IL , USA.,2 American Museum of Natural History , New York, NY , USA
| | - Alexander L Bond
- 3 Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum , Tring, Hertfordshire , UK
| | | | - Gregory J Robertson
- 5 Environment and Climate Change Canada , Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador , Canada
| | - Erpur S Hansen
- 6 South Iceland Nature Research Centre , Vestmannaeyjar , Iceland
| | - Mande Holford
- 2 American Museum of Natural History , New York, NY , USA.,7 Department of Chemistry, Hunter College and Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York, NY , USA
| | - Miri Dainson
- 1 Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, IL , USA
| | - Alec Luro
- 1 Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, IL , USA
| | - James Dale
- 8 School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University , Auckland , New Zealand
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24
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Regular PM, Robertson GJ, Lewis KP, Babyn J, Healey B, Mowbray F. SimSurvey: An R package for comparing the design and analysis of surveys by simulating spatially-correlated populations. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232822. [PMID: 32392233 PMCID: PMC7213729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations often show complex spatial and temporal dynamics, creating challenges in designing and implementing effective surveys. Inappropriate sampling designs can potentially lead to both under-sampling (reducing precision) and over-sampling (through the extensive and potentially expensive sampling of correlated metrics). These issues can be difficult to identify and avoid in sample surveys of fish populations as they tend to be costly and comprised of multiple levels of sampling. Population estimates are therefore affected by each level of sampling as well as the pathway taken to analyze such data. Though simulations are a useful tool for exploring the efficacy of specific sampling strategies and statistical methods, there are a limited number of tools that facilitate the simulation testing of a range of sampling and analytical pathways for multi-stage survey data. Here we introduce the R package SimSurvey, which has been designed to simplify the process of simulating surveys of age-structured and spatially-distributed populations. The package allows the user to simulate age-structured populations that vary in space and time and explore the efficacy of a range of built-in or user-defined sampling protocols to reproduce the population parameters of the known population. SimSurvey also includes a function for estimating the stratified mean and variance of the population from the simulated survey data. We demonstrate the use of this package using a case study and show that it can reveal unexpected sources of bias and be used to explore design-based solutions to such problems. In summary, SimSurvey can serve as a convenient, accessible and flexible platform for simulating a wide range of sampling strategies for fish stocks and other populations that show complex structuring. Various statistical approaches can then be applied to the results to test the efficacy of different analytical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Regular
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Center, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Center, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Keith P. Lewis
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Center, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jonathan Babyn
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Center, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Brian Healey
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Center, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Fran Mowbray
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Center, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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25
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Duda MP, Robertson GJ, Lim JE, Kissinger JA, Eickmeyer DC, Grooms C, Kimpe LE, Montevecchi WA, Michelutti N, Blais JM, Smol JP. Striking centennial-scale changes in the population size of a threatened seabird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192234. [PMID: 31964297 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animal populations are under stress and declining. For numerous marine bird species, only recent or sparse monitoring data are available, lacking the appropriate temporal perspective needed to consider natural, long-term population dynamics when developing conservation strategies. Here, we use a combination of established palaeoenvironmental approaches to examine the centennial-scale dynamics of the world's largest colony (representing approx. 50% of the global population) of the declining and vulnerable Leach's Storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous). By reconstructing the last approximately 1700 years of the colony's population trends, we corroborate recent surveys indicating rapid declines since the 1980s. More surprisingly, however, was that the colony size was smaller and has changed strikingly in the past, even prior to the introduction of human stressors. Our results challenge notions that very large colonies are generally stable in the absence of anthropogenic pressures and speak to an increasingly pressing need to better understand inter-colony movement and recruitment when inferring range- and species-wide trends. While the recently documented decline in storm-petrels clearly warrants conservation concern, we show that colony size was consistently much lower in the past and changed markedly in the absence of major anthropogenic activity. In response, we emphasize the need for enlarged protected area networks to maintain natural population cycles, coupled with continued research to identify the driver(s) of the current global seabird decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Duda
- Department of Biology, Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Joeline E Lim
- Department of Biology, Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Jennifer A Kissinger
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - David C Eickmeyer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Christopher Grooms
- Department of Biology, Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Linda E Kimpe
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - William A Montevecchi
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3X9.,Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3X9.,Department of Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3X9
| | - Neal Michelutti
- Department of Biology, Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Jules M Blais
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - John P Smol
- Department of Biology, Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
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English MD, Robertson GJ, O’Driscoll NJ, Klapstein SJ, Peck LE, Mallory ML. Variation in isotopic niche, digestive tract morphology, and mercury concentrations in two sympatric waterfowl species wintering in Atlantic Canada. Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2019-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sympatric communities of organisms may exploit different ecological niches to avoid intra- and interspecific competition. We examined the isotopic niches of American black ducks ( Anas rubripes) and mallards ( A. platyrhynchos) wintering in coastal and urban areas of Atlantic Canada and compared isotopic niche with digestive tract morphologies and blood mercury (Hg) concentrations. Isotopic niche width (for δ13C and δ15N) varied between the three groups of ducks studied, with coastally foraging black ducks exhibiting the widest isotopic niche, followed by coastal mallards, while urban feeding black ducks had a narrow isotopic niche. These niche differences had physical and chemical consequences: coastal black ducks had longer digestive tracts, a larger range in gizzard sizes, and higher and more variable Hg concentrations than urban black ducks and coastal mallards. This plasticity in ecological niche may reduce competition among and within species, and subsequently explain why winter numbers of black ducks and mallards have increased in Atlantic Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Nelson J. O’Driscoll
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Sara J. Klapstein
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Liam E. Peck
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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27
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Descamps S, Ramírez F, Benjaminsen S, Anker-Nilssen T, Barrett RT, Burr Z, Christensen-Dalsgaard S, Erikstad KE, Irons DB, Lorentsen SH, Mallory ML, Robertson GJ, Reiertsen TK, Strøm H, Varpe Ø, Lavergne S. Diverging phenological responses of Arctic seabirds to an earlier spring. Glob Chang Biol 2019; 25:4081-4091. [PMID: 31368188 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The timing of annual events such as reproduction is a critical component of how free-living organisms respond to ongoing climate change. This may be especially true in the Arctic, which is disproportionally impacted by climate warming. Here, we show that Arctic seabirds responded to climate change by moving the start of their reproduction earlier, coincident with an advancing onset of spring and that their response is phylogenetically and spatially structured. The phylogenetic signal is likely driven by seabird foraging behavior. Surface-feeding species advanced their reproduction in the last 35 years while diving species showed remarkably stable breeding timing. The earlier reproduction for Arctic surface-feeding birds was significant in the Pacific only, where spring advancement was most pronounced. In both the Atlantic and Pacific, seabirds with a long breeding season showed a greater response to the advancement of spring than seabirds with a short breeding season. Our results emphasize that spatial variation, phylogeny, and life history are important considerations in seabird phenological response to climate change and highlight the key role played by the species' foraging behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Ramírez
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Robert T Barrett
- Department of Natural Sciences, Tromsø University Museum, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Zofia Burr
- The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway
| | | | - Kjell-Einar Erikstad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - David B Irons
- Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Øystein Varpe
- The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway
- Akvaplan-niva, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sébastien Lavergne
- Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine (LECA), CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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Canuti M, Kroyer ANK, Ojkic D, Whitney HG, Robertson GJ, Lang AS. Discovery and Characterization of Novel RNA Viruses in Aquatic North American Wild Birds. Viruses 2019; 11:E768. [PMID: 31438486 PMCID: PMC6784231 DOI: 10.3390/v11090768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds are recognized viral reservoirs but our understanding about avian viral diversity is limited. We describe here three novel RNA viruses that we identified in oropharyngeal/cloacal swabs collected from wild birds. The complete genome of a novel gull metapneumovirus (GuMPV B29) was determined. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that this virus could represent a novel avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) sub-group, intermediate between AMPV-C and the subgroup of the other AMPVs. This virus was detected in an American herring (1/24, 4.2%) and great black-backed (4/26, 15.4%) gulls. A novel gull coronavirus (GuCoV B29) was detected in great black-backed (3/26, 11.5%) and American herring (2/24, 8.3%) gulls. Phylogenetic analyses of GuCoV B29 suggested that this virus could represent a novel species within the genus Gammacoronavirus, close to other recently identified potential novel avian coronaviral species. One GuMPV-GuCoV co-infection was detected. A novel duck calicivirus (DuCV-2 B6) was identified in mallards (2/5, 40%) and American black ducks (7/26, 26.9%). This virus, of which we identified two different types, was fully sequenced and was genetically closest to other caliciviruses identified in Anatidae, but more distant to other caliciviruses from birds in the genus Anas. These discoveries increase our knowledge about avian virus diversity and host distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Canuti
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave., St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Ashley N K Kroyer
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave., St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Davor Ojkic
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon St., Guelph, ON N1H 6R8, Canada
| | - Hugh G Whitney
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave., St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Ave., St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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29
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Munro HJ, Ogden NH, Mechai S, Lindsay LR, Robertson GJ, Whitney H, Lang AS. Genetic diversity of Borrelia garinii from Ixodes uriae collected in seabird colonies of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101255. [PMID: 31280947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of Borrelia garinii in seabird ticks, Ixodes uriae, associated with different species of colonial seabirds has been studied since the early 1990s. Research on the population structure of this bacterium in ticks from seabird colonies in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean has revealed admixture between marine and terrestrial tick populations. We studied B. garinii genetic diversity and population structure in I. uriae collected from seabird colonies in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We applied a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme to B. garinii found in ticks from four species of seabirds. The B. garinii strains found in this seabird colony ecosystem were diverse. Some were very similar to strains from Asia and Europe, including some obtained from human clinical samples, while others formed a divergent group specific to this region of the Atlantic Ocean. Our findings highlight the genetic complexity of B. garinii circulating in seabird ticks and their avian hosts but also demonstrate surprisingly close connections between B. garinii in this ecosystem and terrestrial sources in Eurasia. Genetic similarities among B. garinii from seabird ticks and humans indicate the possibility that B. garinii circulating within seabird tick-avian host transmission cycles could directly, or indirectly via connectivity with terrestrial transmission cycles, have consequences for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Munro
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Nicholas H Ogden
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada; Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - Samir Mechai
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada; Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - L Robbin Lindsay
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1N 4T3, Canada.
| | - Hugh Whitney
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada.
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30
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Canuti M, Munro HJ, Robertson GJ, Kroyer ANK, Roul S, Ojkic D, Whitney HG, Lang AS. New Insight Into Avian Papillomavirus Ecology and Evolution From Characterization of Novel Wild Bird Papillomaviruses. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:701. [PMID: 31031718 PMCID: PMC6473165 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses in the family Papillomaviridae have circular dsDNA genomes of approximately 5.7–8.6 kb that are packaged within non-enveloped, icosahedral capsids. The known papillomavirus (PV) representatives infect vertebrates, and there are currently more than 130 recognized PV species in more than 50 genera. We identified 12 novel avian papillomavirus (APV) types in wild birds that could represent five distinct species and two genera. Viruses were detected in paired oropharyngeal/cloacal swabs collected from six bird species, increasing the number of avian species known to harbor PVs by 40%. A new duck PV (DuPV-3) was found in mallard and American black duck (27.6% estimated prevalence) that was monophyletic with other known DuPVs. A single viral type was identified in Atlantic puffin (PuPV-1, 9.8% estimated prevalence), while a higher genetic diversity was found in other Charadriiformes. Specifically, three types [gull PV-1 (GuPV-1), -2, and -3] were identified in two gull species (estimated prevalence of 17% and 2.6% in American herring and great black-backed gull, respectively), and seven types [kittiwake PV-1 (KiPV-1) through -7] were found in black-legged kittiwake (81.3% estimated prevalence). Significantly higher DuPV-3 circulation was observed in spring compared to fall and in adults compared to juveniles. The studied host species’ tendencies to be in crowded environments likely affect infection rates and their migratory behaviors could explain the high viral diversity, illustrating how host behavior can influence viral ecology and distribution. For DuPV-3, GuPV-1, PuPV-1, and KiPV-2, we obtained the complete genomic sequences, which showed the same organization as other known APVs. Phylogenetic analyses showed evidence for virus–host co-divergence at the host taxonomic levels of family, order, and inter-order, but we also observed that host-specificity constraints are relaxed among highly related hosts as we found cross-species transmission within ducks and within gulls. Furthermore, the phylogeny of viruses infecting the Charadriiformes did not match the host phylogeny and gull viruses formed distinct monophyletic clades with kittiwake viruses, possibly reflecting past host-switching events. Considering the vast PV genotype diversity in other hosts and the large number of bird species, many more APVs likely remain to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Canuti
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Hannah J Munro
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | - Ashley N K Kroyer
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Sheena Roul
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Davor Ojkic
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Hugh G Whitney
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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31
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Anderson CM, Gilchrist HG, Ronconi RA, Shlepr KR, Clark DE, Weseloh DVC, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML. Correction to: Winter home range and habitat selection differs among breeding populations of herring gulls in eastern North America. Mov Ecol 2019; 7:13. [PMID: 31044077 PMCID: PMC6460776 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-019-0157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40462-019-0152-x.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Anderson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
| | - H. Grant Gilchrist
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Robert A. Ronconi
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6 Canada
| | - Katherine R. Shlepr
- Atlantic Lab for Avian Research, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, 10 Bailey Drive, P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
| | - Daniel E. Clark
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA 01007 USA
| | - D. V. Chip Weseloh
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Ave, Toronto, ON M3H 5T4 Canada
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3 Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
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32
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English MD, Robertson GJ, Peck LE, Pirie-Hay D, Roul S, Mallory ML. Body condition of American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) wintering in Atlantic Canada using carcass composition and a scaled mass index. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Body condition is commonly used in ecology to assess the physiological health of an organism or population and can be used to predict individual survival or breeding success. Waterfowl have been the focus of much research on body condition, and we studied body condition via carcass composition and using a scaled mass index (SMI) in American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes Brewster, 1902) wintering in coastal, agricultural, and urban areas of Atlantic Canada. Carcass composition varied between sexes and body mass decreased through winter as fat reserves depleted. Carcass composition was compared with American Black Ducks wintering in the United States, and American Black Ducks wintering in Atlantic Canada were structurally smaller yet proportionally fatter than those wintering in the United States, likely as a mechanism to survive Atlantic Canada’s harsher winters. SMI did not differ between coastal, agricultural, or urban American Black Ducks, indicating that despite known differences in the diets of the Black Ducks from these three areas, they can maintain similar body conditions capable of surviving the winter. We show that the SMI is a nondestructive alternative to study body condition in waterfowl. Our research highlights the adaptability and hardiness of American Black Ducks at the northern limit of their winter range.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Liam E. Peck
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Donald Pirie-Hay
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Sheena Roul
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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Mallory ML, Provencher JF, Robertson GJ, Braune BM, Holland ER, Klapstein S, Stevens K, O'Driscoll NJ. Mercury concentrations in blood, brain and muscle tissues of coastal and pelagic birds from northeastern Canada. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2018; 157:424-430. [PMID: 29655158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element which has increased in marine environments for more than a century, due largely to anthropogenic activities, and biomagnifies in food chains to harmful levels in some top predators like waterfowl and seabirds. We analysed total mercury (THg) concentrations in blood, brain and muscle tissue from healthy specimens of 13 coastal and pelagic bird species from eastern and northern Canada to provide a baseline on current concentrations, especially for brain concentrations which are highly underrepresented in the literature. We also examined within and among tissues relationships of THg concentrations within individuals. THg concentrations were generally higher in pelagic species and scavenging gulls, when compared to coastal waterfowl. Brain and muscle tissue had similar concentrations of THg in the birds examined, but both of these tissues had lower concentrations that those found in blood. Our results, and that of a previous study, suggest that body condition has a large influence on blood THg concentrations and should be considered when using blood as a sampling medium. Many of the species we examined had tissue THg above levels known to cause deleterious, sublethal effects in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6; Canada Fulbright Chair in Arctic Studies, University of Washington, Box 353650, Seattle, WA 98195-3560, USA.
| | | | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Birgit M Braune
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Erika R Holland
- Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | - Sara Klapstein
- Earth and Environmental Science, Acadia University, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | - Kelly Stevens
- Earth and Environmental Science, Acadia University, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Earth and Environmental Science, Acadia University, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
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Hedd A, Pollet IL, Mauck RA, Burke CM, Mallory ML, McFarlane Tranquilla LA, Montevecchi WA, Robertson GJ, Ronconi RA, Shutler D, Wilhelm SI, Burgess NM. Foraging areas, offshore habitat use, and colony overlap by incubating Leach's storm-petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa in the Northwest Atlantic. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194389. [PMID: 29742124 PMCID: PMC5942770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their importance in marine food webs, much has yet to be learned about the spatial ecology of small seabirds. This includes the Leach’s storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa, a species that is declining throughout its Northwest Atlantic breeding range. In 2013 and 2014, we used global location sensors to track foraging movements of incubating storm-petrels from 7 eastern Canadian breeding colonies. We determined and compared the foraging trip and at-sea habitat characteristics, analysed spatial overlap among colonies, and determined whether colony foraging ranges intersected with offshore oil and gas operations. Individuals tracked during the incubation period made 4.0 ± 1.4 day foraging trips, travelling to highly pelagic waters over and beyond continental slopes which ranged, on average, 400 to 830 km from colonies. Cumulative travel distances ranged from ~900 to 2,100 km among colonies. While colony size did not influence foraging trip characteristics or the size of areas used at sea, foraging distances tended to be shorter for individuals breeding at the southern end of the range. Core areas did not overlap considerably among colonies, and individuals from all sites except Kent Island in the Bay of Fundy foraged over waters with median depths > 1,950 m and average chlorophyll a concentrations ≤ 0.6 mg/m3. Sea surface temperatures within colony core areas varied considerably (11–23°C), coincident with the birds’ use of cold waters of the Labrador Current or warmer waters of the Gulf Stream Current. Offshore oil and gas operations intersected with the foraging ranges of 5 of 7 colonies. Three of these, including Baccalieu Island, Newfoundland, which supports the species’ largest population, have experienced substantial declines in the last few decades. Future work should prioritize modelling efforts to incorporate information on relative predation risk at colonies, spatially explicit risks at-sea on the breeding and wintering grounds, effects of climate and marine ecosystem change, as well as lethal and sub-lethal effects of environmental contaminants, to better understand drivers of Leach’s storm-petrel populations trends in Atlantic Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Hedd
- Psychology Department, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Robert A. Mauck
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | | | | | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | | | - Dave Shutler
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Sabina I. Wilhelm
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
| | - Neil M. Burgess
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, NL, Canada
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Fayet AL, Freeman R, Anker-Nilssen T, Diamond A, Erikstad KE, Fifield D, Fitzsimmons MG, Hansen ES, Harris MP, Jessopp M, Kouwenberg AL, Kress S, Mowat S, Perrins CM, Petersen A, Petersen IK, Reiertsen TK, Robertson GJ, Shannon P, Sigurðsson IA, Shoji A, Wanless S, Guilford T. Ocean-wide Drivers of Migration Strategies and Their Influence on Population Breeding Performance in a Declining Seabird. Curr Biol 2017; 27:3871-3878.e3. [PMID: 29199078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Which factors shape animals' migration movements across large geographical scales, how different migratory strategies emerge between populations, and how these may affect population dynamics are central questions in the field of animal migration [1] that only large-scale studies of migration patterns across a species' range can answer [2]. To address these questions, we track the migration of 270 Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica, a red-listed, declining seabird, across their entire breeding range. We investigate the role of demographic, geographical, and environmental variables in driving spatial and behavioral differences on an ocean-basin scale by measuring puffins' among-colony differences in migratory routes and day-to-day behavior (estimated with individual daily activity budgets and energy expenditure). We show that competition and local winter resource availability are important drivers of migratory movements, with birds from larger colonies or with poorer local winter conditions migrating further and visiting less-productive waters; this in turn led to differences in flight activity and energy expenditure. Other behavioral differences emerge with latitude, with foraging effort and energy expenditure increasing when birds winter further north in colder waters. Importantly, these ocean-wide migration patterns can ultimately be linked with breeding performance: colony productivity is negatively associated with wintering latitude, population size, and migration distance, which demonstrates the cost of competition and migration on future breeding and the link between non-breeding and breeding periods. Our results help us to understand the drivers of animal migration and have important implications for population dynamics and the conservation of migratory species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette L Fayet
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Robin Freeman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Tycho Anker-Nilssen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, PO Box 5685 Torgard, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Antony Diamond
- Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research, University of New Brunswick, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Kjell E Erikstad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, PO Box 6606 Langnes, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dave Fifield
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | | | - Erpur S Hansen
- South Iceland Nature Research Centre, Strandvegur 50, 900 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
| | - Mike P Harris
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Mark Jessopp
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Haulbowline Road, Ringaskiddy, County Cork P43 C573, Ireland
| | - Amy-Lee Kouwenberg
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Steve Kress
- National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration Program, 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, ME 04551, USA
| | - Stephen Mowat
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Chris M Perrins
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | - Ib K Petersen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus Uiversity, Grenaavej 14, 8410 Roende, Denmark
| | - Tone K Reiertsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, PO Box 6606 Langnes, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Paula Shannon
- National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration Program, 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, ME 04551, USA
| | - Ingvar A Sigurðsson
- South Iceland Nature Research Centre, Strandvegur 50, 900 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
| | - Akiko Shoji
- Department of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1, Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan
| | - Sarah Wanless
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Tim Guilford
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
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Mallory CD, Gilchrist HG, Robertson GJ, Provencher JF, Braune BM, Forbes MR, Mallory ML. Hepatic trace element concentrations of breeding female common eiders across a latitudinal gradient in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Mar Pollut Bull 2017; 124:252-257. [PMID: 28739104 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined hepatic concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) in 10 breeding female common eiders (Somateria mollissima) from each of three colonies across 20° of latitude. Levels of many elements were elevated in eiders, although generally below levels of toxicological concern. We found significant differences in concentrations of As, Rb, Hg, Mn and Se among colonies, but not in a consistent pattern with latitude, and Hg:Se molar ratios did not vary among colonies. Furthermore, overlap in element concentrations from birds at different colonies meant that we could not reliably differentiate birds from different colonies based on a suite of their hepatic trace element concentrations. We encourage other researchers to assess baseline trace element levels on this important, harvested species, as a means of tracking contamination of nearshore benthic environments in the circumpolar Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor D Mallory
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador A1N 4T3, Canada
| | | | - Birgit M Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Mark R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R6, Canada
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Storey AE, Ryan MG, Fitzsimmons MG, Kouwenberg AL, Takahashi LS, Robertson GJ, Wilhelm SI, McKay DW, Herzberg GR, Mowbray FK, MacMillan L, Walsh CJ. Balancing personal maintenance with parental investment in a chick-rearing seabird: physiological indicators change with foraging conditions. Conserv Physiol 2017; 5:cox055. [PMID: 28979786 PMCID: PMC5622326 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Seabird parents use a conservative breeding strategy that favours long-term survival over intensive parental investment, particularly under harsh conditions. Here, we examine whether variation in several physiological indicators reflects the balance between parental investment and survival in common murres (Uria aalge) under a wide range of foraging conditions. Blood samples were taken from adults during mid-chick rearing from 2007 to 2014 and analysed for corticosterone (CORT, stress hormone), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BUTY, lipid metabolism reflecting ongoing mass loss), and haematocrit (reflecting blood oxygen capacity). These measures, plus body mass, were related to three levels of food availability (good, intermediate, and poor years) for capelin, the main forage fish for murres in this colony. Adult body mass and chick-feeding rates were higher in good years than in poor years and heavier murres were more likely to fledge a chick than lighter birds. Contrary to prediction, BUTY levels were higher in good years than in intermediate and poor years. Murres lose body mass just after their chicks hatch and these results for BUTY suggest that mass loss may be delayed in good years. CORT levels were higher in intermediate years than in good or poor years. Higher CORT levels in intermediate years may reflect the necessity of increasing foraging effort, whereas extra effort is not needed in good years and it is unlikely to increase foraging success in poor years. Haematocrit levels were higher in poor years than in good years, a difference that may reflect either their poorer condition or increased diving requirements when food is less available. Our long-term data set provided insight into how decisions about resource allocation under different foraging conditions are relating to physiological indicators, a relationship that is relevant to understanding how seabirds may respond to changes in marine ecosystems as ocean temperatures continue to rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Storey
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
- Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Morag G Ryan
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Michelle G Fitzsimmons
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Amy-Lee Kouwenberg
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Linda S Takahashi
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Graduate Program, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce St., Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Sabina I Wilhelm
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce St., Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Donald W McKay
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3V6
| | - Gene R Herzberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Frances K Mowbray
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 5667, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1C 5×1
| | - Luke MacMillan
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
| | - Carolyn J Walsh
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 3×9
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Steenweg RJ, Crossin GT, Kyser TK, Merkel FR, Gilchrist HG, Hennin HL, Robertson GJ, Provencher JF, Mills Flemming J, Love OP. Stable isotopes can be used to infer the overwintering locations of prebreeding marine birds in the Canadian Arctic. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:8742-8752. [PMID: 29177032 PMCID: PMC5689493 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although assessments of winter carryover effects on fitness‐related breeding parameters are vital for determining the links between environmental variation and fitness, direct methods of determining overwintering distributions (e.g., electronic tracking) can be expensive, limiting the number of individuals studied. Alternatively, stable isotope analysis in specific tissues can be used as an indirect means of determining individual overwintering areas of residency. Although increasingly used to infer the overwintering distributions of terrestrial birds, stable isotopes have been used less often to infer overwintering areas of marine birds. Using Arctic‐breeding common eiders, we test the effectiveness of an integrated stable isotope approach (13‐carbon, 15‐nitrogen, and 2‐hydrogen) to infer overwintering locations. Knowing the overwinter destinations of eiders from tracking studies at our study colony at East Bay Island, Nunavut, we sampled claw and blood tissues at two known overwintering locations, Nuuk, Greenland, and Newfoundland, Canada. These two locations yielded distinct tissue‐specific isotopic profiles. We then compared the isotope profiles of tissues collected from eiders upon their arrival at our breeding colony, and used a k‐means cluster analysis approach to match arriving eiders to an overwintering group. Samples from the claws of eiders were most effective for determining overwinter origin, due to this tissue's slow growth rate relative to the 40‐day turnover rate of blood. Despite taking an integrative approach using multiple isotopes, k‐means cluster analysis was most effective when using 13‐carbon alone to assign eiders to an overwintering group. Our research demonstrates that it is possible to use stable isotope analysis to assign an overwintering location to a marine bird. There are few examples of the effective use of this technique on a marine bird at this scale; we provide a framework for applying this technique to detect changes in the migration phenology of birds' responses to rapid changes in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glenn T Crossin
- Department of Biology Dalhousie University Halifax NS Canada
| | - T Kurt Kyser
- Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering Queen's University Kingston ON Canada
| | - Flemming R Merkel
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Nuuk Greenland.,Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Roskilde Denmark
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- Environment and Climate Change Canada National Wildlife Research Centre Carleton University Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Holly L Hennin
- Department of Biological Sciences Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada Wildlife Research Division Mount Pearl NL Canada
| | | | | | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
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Descamps S, Anker-Nilssen T, Barrett RT, Irons DB, Merkel F, Robertson GJ, Yoccoz NG, Mallory ML, Montevecchi WA, Boertmann D, Artukhin Y, Christensen-Dalsgaard S, Erikstad KE, Gilchrist HG, Labansen AL, Lorentsen SH, Mosbech A, Olsen B, Petersen A, Rail JF, Renner HM, Strøm H, Systad GH, Wilhelm SI, Zelenskaya L. Circumpolar dynamics of a marine top-predator track ocean warming rates. Glob Chang Biol 2017; 23:3770-3780. [PMID: 28387042 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Global warming is a nonlinear process, and temperature may increase in a stepwise manner. Periods of abrupt warming can trigger persistent changes in the state of ecosystems, also called regime shifts. The responses of organisms to abrupt warming and associated regime shifts can be unlike responses to periods of slow or moderate change. Understanding of nonlinearity in the biological responses to climate warming is needed to assess the consequences of ongoing climate change. Here, we demonstrate that the population dynamics of a long-lived, wide-ranging marine predator are associated with changes in the rate of ocean warming. Data from 556 colonies of black-legged kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla distributed throughout its breeding range revealed that an abrupt warming of sea-surface temperature in the 1990s coincided with steep kittiwake population decline. Periods of moderate warming in sea temperatures did not seem to affect kittiwake dynamics. The rapid warming observed in the 1990s may have driven large-scale, circumpolar marine ecosystem shifts that strongly affected kittiwakes through bottom-up effects. Our study sheds light on the nonlinear response of a circumpolar seabird to large-scale changes in oceanographic conditions and indicates that marine top predators may be more sensitive to the rate of ocean warming rather than to warming itself.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert T Barrett
- Department of Natural Sciences, Tromsø University Museum, Tromsø, Norway
| | - David B Irons
- Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Flemming Merkel
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
- Department Bioscience, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Nigel G Yoccoz
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - William A Montevecchi
- Departments of Psychology and Biology and Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - David Boertmann
- Department Bioscience, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yuri Artukhin
- Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Far-Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlosk-Kamchatsky, Russia
| | - Signe Christensen-Dalsgaard
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biology, Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kjell-Einar Erikstad
- Fram Centre, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- National Wildlife Research Center, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Anders Mosbech
- Department Bioscience, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bergur Olsen
- Faroe Marine Research Institute, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | | | - Heather M Renner
- Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Homer, AK, USA
| | | | - Geir H Systad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Larisa Zelenskaya
- Institute for Biological Problems of the North, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Magadan, Russia
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English MD, Robertson GJ, Peck LE, Mallory ML. Agricultural food resources and the foraging ecologies of American black ducks (Anas rubripes) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) at the northern limits of their winter ranges. Urban Ecosyst 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-017-0683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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LeBlanc NM, Stewart DT, Pálsson S, Elderkin MF, Mittelhauser G, Mockford S, Paquet J, Robertson GJ, Summers RW, Tudor L, Mallory ML. Population structure of Purple Sandpipers ( Calidris maritima) as revealed by mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3225-3242. [PMID: 28480021 PMCID: PMC5415539 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) is a medium‐sized shorebird that breeds in the Arctic and winters along northern Atlantic coastlines. Migration routes and affiliations between breeding grounds and wintering grounds are incompletely understood. Some populations appear to be declining, and future management policies for this species will benefit from understanding their migration patterns. This study used two mitochondrial DNA markers and 10 microsatellite loci to analyze current population structure and historical demographic trends. Samples were obtained from breeding locations in Nunavut (Canada), Iceland, and Svalbard (Norway) and from wintering locations along the coast of Maine (USA), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland (Canada), and Scotland (UK). Mitochondrial haplotypes displayed low genetic diversity, and a shallow phylogeny indicating recent divergence. With the exception of the two Canadian breeding populations from Nunavut, there was significant genetic differentiation among samples from all breeding locations; however, none of the breeding populations was a monophyletic group. We also found differentiation between both Iceland and Svalbard breeding populations and North American wintering populations. This pattern of divergence is consistent with a previously proposed migratory pathway between Canadian breeding locations and wintering grounds in the United Kingdom, but argues against migration between breeding grounds in Iceland and Svalbard and wintering grounds in North America. Breeding birds from Svalbard also showed a genetic signature intermediate between Canadian breeders and Icelandic breeders. Our results extend current knowledge of Purple Sandpiper population genetic structure and present new information regarding migration routes to wintering grounds in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Snaebjörn Pálsson
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Iceland Reykjavík Iceland
| | - Mark F Elderkin
- Department of Natural Resources Government of Nova Scotia Kentville NS Canada
| | | | | | - Julie Paquet
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada Sackville NB Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada Mount Pearl NL Canada
| | - Ron W Summers
- Lismore, 7 Mill Crescent North Kessock Ross-shire UK
| | - Lindsay Tudor
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Bangor ME USA
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology Acadia University Wolfville NS Canada
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Tigano A, Shultz AJ, Edwards SV, Robertson GJ, Friesen VL. Outlier analyses to test for local adaptation to breeding grounds in a migratory arctic seabird. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2370-2381. [PMID: 28405300 PMCID: PMC5383466 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating the extent (or the existence) of local adaptation is crucial to understanding how populations adapt. When experiments or fitness measurements are difficult or impossible to perform in natural populations, genomic techniques allow us to investigate local adaptation through the comparison of allele frequencies and outlier loci along environmental clines. The thick‐billed murre (Uria lomvia) is a highly philopatric colonial arctic seabird that occupies a significant environmental gradient, shows marked phenotypic differences among colonies, and has large effective population sizes. To test whether thick‐billed murres from five colonies along the eastern Canadian Arctic coast show genomic signatures of local adaptation to their breeding grounds, we analyzed geographic variation in genome‐wide markers mapped to a newly assembled thick‐billed murre reference genome. We used outlier analyses to detect loci putatively under selection, and clustering analyses to investigate patterns of differentiation based on 2220 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 137 outlier SNPs. We found no evidence of population structure among colonies using all loci but found population structure based on outliers only, where birds from the two northernmost colonies (Minarets and Prince Leopold) grouped with birds from the southernmost colony (Gannet), and birds from Coats and Akpatok were distinct from all other colonies. Although results from our analyses did not support local adaptation along the latitudinal cline of breeding colonies, outlier loci grouped birds from different colonies according to their non‐breeding distributions, suggesting that outliers may be informative about adaptation and/or demographic connectivity associated with their migration patterns or nonbreeding grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tigano
- Department of Biology Queen's University Kingston ON Canada
| | - Allison J Shultz
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology Harvard University Cambridge MA USA
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology Harvard University Cambridge MA USA
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Lang AS, Lebarbenchon C, Ramey AM, Robertson GJ, Waldenström J, Wille M. Assessing the Role of Seabirds in the Ecology of Influenza A Viruses. Avian Dis 2016; 60:378-86. [DOI: 10.1637/11135-050815-regr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, Reunion Island
| | - Andrew M. Ramey
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
| | - Gregory J. Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce St., Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Jonas Waldenström
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Michelle Wille
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
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English MD, Robertson GJ, Mallory ML. Trace element and stable isotope analysis of fourteen species of marine invertebrates from the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Mar Pollut Bull 2015; 101:466-472. [PMID: 26490410 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Bay of Fundy, Canada, is a macrotidal bay with a highly productive intertidal zone, hosting a large abundance and diversity of marine invertebrates. We analysed trace element concentrations and stable isotopic values of δ(15)N and δ(13)C in 14 species of benthic marine invertebrates from the Bay of Fundy's intertidal zone to investigate bioaccumulation or biodilution of trace elements in the lower level of this marine food web. Barnacles (Balanus balanus) consistently had significantly greater concentrations of trace elements compared to the other species studied, but otherwise we found low concentrations of non-essential trace elements. In the range of trophic levels that we studied, we found limited evidence of bioaccumulation or biodilution of trace elements across species, likely due to the species examined occupying similar trophic levels in different food chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D English
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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English MD, Robertson GJ, Avery-Gomm S, Pirie-Hay D, Roul S, Ryan PC, Wilhelm SI, Mallory ML. Plastic and metal ingestion in three species of coastal waterfowl wintering in Atlantic Canada. Mar Pollut Bull 2015; 98:349-353. [PMID: 26045198 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Relatively little attention has been paid to the occurrence of anthropogenic debris found in coastal species, especially waterfowl. We examined the incidence of ingested plastic and metal in three waterfowl species wintering in Atlantic Canada: American black ducks (Anas rubripes) and mallards (A. platyrhynchos), two species that use marine and freshwater coastal habitats for foraging in the winter, and common eider (Somateria mollissima), a coastal marine species that feeds on intertidal and subtidal benthic organisms. Plastic was found in the stomachs of 46.1% (6/13) of mallards and 6.9% (6/87) of black ducks, the first report of ingested anthropogenic debris in these species, while 2.1% (1/48) of eider stomachs contained plastic. Metal was found in the stomachs of 30.8% (4/13) of mallards, 2.3% (2/87) of black ducks, and in 2.1% (1/48) of eiders. Our results indicate that species using coastal marine and freshwater environments are exposed to and ingest anthropogenic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D English
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Stephanie Avery-Gomm
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Donald Pirie-Hay
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Sheena Roul
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Pierre C Ryan
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Sabina I Wilhelm
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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Bond AL, Robertson GJ, Lavers JL, Hobson KA, Ryan PC. Trace element concentrations in harvested auks from Newfoundland: Toxicological risk of a traditional hunt. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2015; 115:1-6. [PMID: 25666730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Common (Uria aalge) and Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) are apex predators in the North Atlantic Ocean, and are also subject to a traditional hunt in Newfoundland and Labrador during the winter months, along with small numbers of illegally harvested Razorbills (Alca torda). Because of their high trophic position, auks are at risk from high contaminant burdens that bioaccumulate and biomagnify, and could therefore pose a toxicological risk to human consumers. We analysed trace element concentrations from breast muscle of 51 auks collected off Newfoundland in the 2011-2012 hunting season. There were few differences in contaminant concentrations among species. In total, 14 (27%) exceeded Health Canada or international guidelines for arsenic, lead, or cadmium; none exceeded guidelines for mercury. Cadmium concentrations >0.05μg/g have persisted in Newfoundland murres for the last 25 years. We urge the integration of this consumptive harvest for high-trophic marine predators into periodic human health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Bond
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5E2; Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 3H5.
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Keith A Hobson
- Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 3H5
| | - Pierre C Ryan
- Canadian Wildlife Service, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1N 4T3
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Fife DT, Robertson GJ, Shutler D, Braune BM, Mallory ML. Trace elements and ingested plastic debris in wintering dovekies (Alle alle). Mar Pollut Bull 2015; 91:368-371. [PMID: 25499966 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We provide the first report on winter concentrations of 32 trace metals from dovekies (Alle alle), a small, Arctic seabird that has a seasonal shift in diet from small zooplankton in the breeding season to larger zooplankton and small fish in the non-breeding season. Concentrations of selected trace elements, as well as stable carbon (δ(13)C) and nitrogen (δ(15)N) isotope concentrations for a sample of 25 dovekies, were similar between adult males and females, and there was evidence that dovekies feeding at higher trophic levels had higher hepatic Hg. We also found plastic debris in nine of 65 (14%) gizzards examined. Our study helps provide a more complete picture of the foraging ecology and contaminant profile of dovekies, an important species in Arctic marine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle T Fife
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - Dave Shutler
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Birgit M Braune
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Raven Road, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
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48
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Regular PM, Hedd A, Montevecchi WA, Robertson GJ, Storey AE, Walsh CJ. Why timing is everything: Energetic costs and reproductive consequences of resource mismatch for a chick-rearing seabird. Ecosphere 2014. [DOI: 10.1890/es14-00182.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Robertson GJ, Gilliland SG, Ryan PC, Dussureault J, Power K, Turner BC. Mortality of Common Eider, Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus, 1758), and other water birds during two inshore oiling events in southeastern Newfoundland, 2005 and 2006. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.22621/cfn.v128i3.1601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the waters off Newfoundland harbour millions of wintering marine birds, chronic marine oil pollution has been repeatedly reported. Unusually high numbers (hundreds) of oiled birds were noted following two events in March 2005 and April 2006 in southeastern Newfoundland. Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima [Linnaeus, 1758]) were the main victims in the first event, with at least 1400 affected, based on retrieval of carcasses and aerial surveys. The April 2006 event affected 19 species; Common Eiders were again the most numerous with a minimum of 337 birds oiled. Among the Common Eiders affected in both events, most were the northern type, including the borealis (C. L. Brehm, 1824) subspecies and presumed intergrades between borealis and dresseri Sharpe, 1871. Coupled with the legal harvest, these oiling events may have had an effect on the wintering Common Eider population. Alcids, other sea ducks, loons and gulls were also oiled, but in low numbers (< 100); thus, their populations were not likely affected by these events.
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Fort J, Robertson GJ, Grémillet D, Traisnel G, Bustamante P. Spatial ecotoxicology: migratory Arctic seabirds are exposed to mercury contamination while overwintering in the northwest Atlantic. Environ Sci Technol 2014; 48:11560-7. [PMID: 25171766 DOI: 10.1021/es504045g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Arctic organisms are exposed to various levels of pollutants, among which mercury (Hg) has raised important environmental concerns. Previous studies examining Hg levels, trends, and effects on Arctic marine top predators have focused on the Arctic region. However, many of these top predators, such as seabirds, migrate to spend a large part of their life cycle far from the Arctic in areas where their exposure to contaminants is largely unknown. By combining biotelemetry and Hg and stable isotope analyses, we studied the seasonal Hg contamination of little auks (Alle alle, the most abundant Arctic seabird) in relation to their distribution and marine foraging habitat, as well as its potential impacts on bird reproduction. We show that little auks were ∼ 3.5 times more contaminated when outside the breeding season, and that Hg that accumulated during this nonbreeding non-Arctic period was related to egg size the following season, with females having more Hg laying smaller eggs. Our results highlight that ecotoxicological studies should be expanded to yield a comprehensive understanding of contamination risks and associated threats to top predators over their entire annual cycle. Furthermore, we show that an important nonbreeding area located in the northwest Atlantic was associated with greater Hg contamination and demonstrate the utility of bird-borne miniaturized technology for evaluating the contamination of marine systems on large spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Fort
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés, UMR 7266 CNRS-Université La Rochelle , 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
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