Status of the ivory gull in the Norwegian and Russian Arctic

The ivory gull is a High Arctic seabird that is often associated with sea ice. Due to its remote breeding locations and nomadic wintering habits, little detailed information on the ecology of this species exists.

Recent surveys have shown a dramatic decline in the breeding population in Canada and there are indications of population decreases in Svalbard and the Russian Arctic as well. Because this species forages in association with sea ice, it may be sensitive to changes in sea ice cover taking place via global warming. Additionally, as a predator that eats significant quanities of marine lipids, the ivory gull might also be vulnerable to toxic contamination. This project aims to assess the population status of this species in Svalbard and the Russian Arctic by surveying breeding colonies, monitoring population parameters and exploring distribution via satellite telemetry.The project is a collaboration between NPI and the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) in St. Petersburg.

The project is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Environment, NPI, the Governor of Svalbard and the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT).

Prosjektleder: Hallvard Strøm
Prosjektdeltakere: Cecilie Miljeteig

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