SEAGHOSTS – The global spatial ecology and conservation of the world’s smallest and elusive seabirds, the storm petrel (Hydrobatidae & Oceanitidae), across the Mediterranean and the North East Atlantic Ocean
Biodiversa +
SEAGHOSTS aims to build on knowledge of the spatial and trophic ecology of storm petrel species(Hydrobatidae and Oceanitidae) and their breeding populations in Europe. Specifically, it aims to assess the main threats to storm petrels on their breeding grounds in the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic and on their presumed wintering grounds in the South Atlantic. These threats include climate change, renewable energy infrastructure, aquaculture and pollution, including exposure to plastics.
Storm-petrels are excellent sentinels of the marine ecosystem because: (a) are highly pelagic, covering great distances to feed and migrate, (b) feed on low trophic level prey, so they respond earlier than larger seabirds to environmental changes, (c) are long-lived, and (d) are extremely sensitive to anthropogenic threats.
Line of action:
Knowledge generation and managementStatus:
En ejecuciónExecution date:
2024End date:
2027- To examine the spatial distribution and trophic ecology of storm-petrels breeding throughout Europe;
- To understand the annual distribution, migratory connectivity and at-sea behavior of petrel populations inhabiting European seas;
- Establish Conservation Units for petrels breeding in Europe through an integrative taxonomy;
- To assess the overlap between the spatiotemporal distribution and abundance of petrels and the cumulative effects of human activities at sea;
- Develop a set of practical tools to improve research and conservation of petrels at colonies.
SEAGHOSTS – The global spatial ecology and conservation of the world’s smallest and elusive seabirds, the storm petrel (Hydrobatidae & Oceanitidae), across the Mediterranean and the North East Atlantic Ocean
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