Scientists' model predicts seabird feeding habits

A computer model which predicts the foraging habits of seabirds could be a vital tool in the quest to protect wildlife along the British coastline.

Experts from Plymouth University say the technique can also be used to predict the at-sea distributions of species which are too small to be tracked at present.

And they say it could prove a vital tool for policy makers as they bid to determine where to set up marine protected areas (MPAs) around our shores.

The model was developed by former Plymouth student James Grecian, who carried out the study as part of his PhD research into the ecology of seabirds.

Supervised by Stephen Votier, a Lecturer in Marine Ecology at the University, and working with other researchers from Plymouth, Exeter, Leeds and France, a model was constructed to predict the movements of gannets, using information gathered from tracking studies.

The resulting study, published in the international scientific journal Biological Conservation, said: “Seabirds are well monitored and protected at their breeding grounds but spend most of their life at sea, where they are less well monitored and afforded little protection.

“We have developed a technique to project colony-specific foraging distributions of the Northern gannet at colonies in the UK, Ireland and France.

“While there are limitations to estimating at-sea distributions of seabirds, implemented appropriately, we propose they could prove useful in identifying potential Marine Protected Areas for seabirds.”

Having tagged the species in the past, the team used this data to develop a model which predicted the birds’ behaviour, distribution and feeding habits.

They built and tested their model using data from 25 gannet colonies around the UK, Ireland and France.

As well as details of foraging sites, the model also included the birds' behaviour near the colony, and where they gather in large 'rafts' on the sea surface to rest and socialise.

Votier said: “This is a very simple concept, but when we checked the data from the model against tracking studies and at-sea surveys, they matched up suggesting this method works well.

“Therefore it could be applied to the large number of smaller seabirds that it is incredibly difficult to study using tags, such as storm petrels, terns and puffins.

“We believe this research really could be really helpful to inform policy on marine protected areas."

Grecian, who is now carrying out further research at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, said: “Gannets are crucial for UK conservation as around 70% of the global northern gannet population breed in the UK and Ireland.

“Our approach offers one timely method to highlight important ocean habitats for seabird conservation.

“The UK holds internationally important colonies, and a network of MPAs is required to mitigate the threats facing them.

“The number of seabirds is declining, and MPAs could limit the pressure – from activities such as offshore development and fishing – that is placed on them.

“We know they work elsewhere in the world – they are already used in America, South East Asia and Australia to protect fish stocks – but the UK is currently lagging behind.”