Photo: Acacia Johnson
SEABIRD POPULATION & HEALTH: ARCTIC SEABIRD MONITORING During the Arctic 2024 season, Seabird Watch researchers from Oxford Brookes University and University College Cork monitored remote seabird colonies in Svalbard. Using drone surveys and a network of time-lapse cameras, the team tracked behavioral changes, High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and recovery in affected populations. The project fills key knowledge gaps in Arctic marine ecosystems and enables more effective management of hard-to-access regions. Researchers also studied the impact of invasive species, including cats and rats, on breeding colonies while testing low-cost intervention solutions. Data collected by Seabird Watch directly contributes to undergraduate education, with student projects using real-time research to test hypotheses about seabird population health. This approach gives students hands-on experience in conservation research while advancing the scientific understanding of Arctic marine ecosystems. Education and outreach are key pillars of Seabird Watch’s work, and Arctic expeditions offer unique opportunities to engage travelers and share important research.
Visit SeabirdWatch.org
Sustainability Report 2024: Our Commitment to Conservation & Community | 17
Powered by FlippingBook