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Multispecies tracking reveals a major seabird hotspot in the North Atlantic.

Authors :
Davies, Tammy E.
Carneiro, Ana P.B.
Tarzia, Marguerite
Wakefield, Ewan
Hennicke, Janos C.
Frederiksen, Morten
Hansen, Erpur Snær
Campos, Bruna
Hazin, Carolina
Lascelles, Ben
Anker‐Nilssen, Tycho
Arnardóttir, Hólmfríður
Barrett, Robert T.
Biscoito, Manuel
Bollache, Loïc
Boulinier, Thierry
Catry, Paulo
Ceia, Filipe R.
Chastel, Olivier
Christensen‐Dalsgaard, Signe
Source :
Conservation Letters; Sep2021, Vol. 14 Issue 5, p1-14, 14p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The conservation of migratory marine species, including pelagic seabirds, is challenging because their movements span vast distances frequently beyond national jurisdictions. Here, we aim to identify important aggregations of seabirds in the North Atlantic to inform ongoing regional conservation efforts. Using tracking, phenology, and population data, we mapped the abundance and diversity of 21 seabird species. This revealed a major hotspot associated with a discrete area of the subpolar frontal zone, used annually by 2.9–5 million seabirds from ≥56 colonies in the Atlantic: the first time this magnitude of seabird concentrations has been documented in the high seas. The hotspot is temporally stable and amenable to site‐based conservation and is under consideration as a marine protected area by the OSPAR Commission. Protection could help mitigate current and future threats facing species in the area. Overall, our approach provides an exemplar data‐driven pathway for future conservation efforts on the high seas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1755263X
Volume :
14
Issue :
5
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Conservation Letters
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
153312497
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12824