The latest seabird statistics from the Seabird Monitoring Programme have now been published, covering the period from 1986 until 2019.
Since 1986, 25 species of seabird that breed at colonies in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have been monitored annually by the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP). This work is co-ordinated by JNCC, in partnership with 18 other organisations and hundreds of volunteers. Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2019 Report presents the latest trends in breeding seabird numbers and productivity, along with information on survival rates and diet. Information on the likely causes of change, based on recent research, is also provided.
The provision of statistics on breeding abundance and productivity trends for seabird species is important in the fulfilment of the UK legal obligation to safeguard seabird populations. Seabirds play an important part in UK recreation and culture, and can provide cost-effective indicators of marine environmental change. A significant proportion of the world’s population of a number of seabird species occur in the UK. These include Manx shearwater (80% of world population), northern gannet (56%), European shag (34%), great skua (60%), lesser black-backed gull (38%) and razorbill (20%).
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Posted On: 21/05/2021