SEABIRDS is a European project that investigates the interactive relationships between seabirds and human activities linked to the sea, in particular fishing and the use of other trophic resources of anthropogenic origin, such as landfils. The study focuses on the analysis of the ecology of movement, trophic relationships and life history of seabirds that develop in the Alboran Sea and the Gulf of Cadiz, regions under high anthropic pressure.
The main objectives are:
- Evaluate, characterize and quantify the degree of interaction of seabirds with fisheries operating in the Alboran Sea and Gulf of Cadiz.
- Assess the impact of interaction with fisheries on seabird life strategies.
- Study trophic ecology in the context of interaction with fisheries and landfills and assess the importance of the use of food resources provided by activities of anthropogenic origin (fisheries and landfills)
- Develop a map of the location and intensity of the interactions with fisheries in the area of the Alboran Sea and the Gulf of Cadiz and the use of landfills in the areas near the breeding colonies.
This project will use remote monitoring devices to record movement and feeding behaviour of individuals of three species of seabirds: The yellow-footed gull (Larus michaellis), the Audouin gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) and the cinderella (Calonectric diomedea), which use the areas mentioned as feeding zones.
The results of this project will contribute to a greater understanding of the fishing footprint on marine ecosystems, and the relevance of landfill use. Highly relevant information will be generated for the management and conservation of these species and the habitats they occupy, with a particular focus on the Andalusian coast.