Winter ecology of Brünnich’s and common guillemots
One of the largest knowledge gaps with respect to arctic seabirds is their winter ecology. In order to be able to evaluate possible conflicts with increasing human activities in the Arctic, it is essential to have good knowledge of where seabirds spend the winter. In this study we will focus on common (Uria aalge) and Brünnich’s guillemots (Uria lomvia) breeding on Bjørnøya (Bear Isl.) and the west coast of Spitsbergen.
We will equip birds with geolocation tags that give daily positions, as well as information on sea temperature and dive depth of the birds. This three year project will run from 2007-2010.
This work is a collaborative effort between NPI and CNRS-DEPE-IPHC, and is financially assisted by The Total Corporate Foundation for Biodiversity and the Sea.
Prosjektleder: Dr. Harald Steen, Hallvard Strøm & Dr. Geir W. Gabrielsen