|
|||||
|
|
Seabirds as indicators of aquatic ecosystem conditions: A case for gathering multiple proxies of seabird health |
|
| Authors: | Mark L Mallory Stacey A Robinson Mark R Forbes |
| Institution: | a Canadian Wildlife Service, Box 1714, Iqaluit, NU, Canada X0A 0H0 b Biology Department, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1S 5B6 c Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0H3 |
| Abstract: | The use of seabirds as sentinels of the condition of aquatic ecosystems has been well-established. Large environmental perturbations to aquatic food webs (e.g., chemical contamination, overfishing, particulate pollution) have all been detected or monitored by tracking seabirds at colonies. However, seabirds may elicit more subtle, sublethal responses that can also be used to track ecosystem health, or the health of seabird populations. In this article, we advocate for field researchers to plan a priori to collect a broader suite of samples when handling seabirds, and to reach out for collaboration with specialists (e.g., parasitologists, wildlife veterinarians). Collectively, such efforts will greatly improve our ability to establish baseline physiological and chemical levels for seabirds, against which we can detect future changes in aquatic ecosystems. |
| Keywords: | Seabird Aquatic ecosystem Biomonitoring Physiology |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ | |