Prey requirements of the world’s seabirds

Seabirds are the most threatened group of birds. Fisheries targeting their prey is one of their main threats. Meanwhile, scientific knowledge on seabirds´ prey requirements is generally lacking. The 358 seabird species on earth have developed contrasting strategies to cope with limited prey. The bird with the largest wingspan, the wandering albatross, can forage up to 1200 km from the colony.

The emperor penguin cannot travel far due to its flightlessness but can dive to 565 m depth.

Globally, most seabird taxa decline in numbers, but a few diving specialists actually increase – which suggests that locomotion styles may inform conservation priorities.

In this project, I will combine functional morphology and movement ecology to investigate the species-specific prey requirements of the world’s seabirds.

First, I will quantify the three-dimensional foraging space – i.e. home range and foraging efficiency – for 132 seabird species for which there is available tracking data.

Second, I will develop an empirical method for revealing prey capture rates, by combining seabird tracking with a sailing drone studying their prey. Third, I will estimate the prey requirements of the global seabird population using bio-energetic modelling. Fourth, I will perform a risk analysis by overlaying seabirds’ prey requirements with fisheries management data.

All in all, the project will create fundamental knowledge on seabird ecology with implications for global and regional ocean policies.