Page 20 - Livre_MOW2018_FR

18 / THE MYSTERIOUS OCEAN

The CIESM has just decided to extend its field of
research to sea birds for the first time. This is an
alternative method to measure the impact of the
sea on biodiversity (without just studying its intrin-
sic biodiversity).
These birds are mostly migratory species and we
are unsure of the numbers, routes or the charac-
teristics of their migration, i.e. their habitats, the
threats they encounter and different elements
which affect their journeys.
The focus has been placed on a priority: having a
better understanding of key factors which regu-
Balearic shearwater
(Puffinus mauretanicus) late bird colonies, notably their reproduction and
nesting.
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
The initial research revealed the importance of
measuring the impact of falling fish stocks on the
survival of these birds, and the consequences of
climate change on their migration and nesting.
Several hypotheses have been put forward, such
as the implementation of platforms as an alterna-
tive solution to habitat degradation or protected
feeding zones.

New technologies (radar, GPS, etc.) are carefully
used to collect data which also reflects the health
The great cormorant of the oceans traversed by these birds. Like fish,
(Phalacrocorax carbo) they are highly affected by pollution, overfishing
LEAST CONCERN and bycatch, and even more so by microplastics.
Over 300,000 birds might be affected each year.

These debates have also underlined the need for
regional collaboration and shared methodologies
to be able to compare data from the different
countries or zones in question. Depending on
these results, new species will be defined to be
studied and protected.