Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2003/00812

Long-term impact of a major oil spill on a seabird population.

Principal Investigator:: Professor B Hatchwell, University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor T Birkhead, University of Sheffield, School of Biosciences
Grant held at:: University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences

Abstract:: Oil spills frequently cause the death of large numbers of seabirds and incidents such as the Erika spill in the Bay of Biscay in December 1999 have been estimated to kill a very substantial proportion of vulnerable populations. However, because most deaths occur at sea of birds of unknown origin the true impact of such incidents on the dynamics of seabird populations is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of oil pollution on the population dynamics of the common guillemot Uria aalge on Skomer Island, Wales. The Bay of Biscay is a major wintering area for guillemots, and birds from Skomer were among those killed by the Erika. Using analyses of resighting data from a long-term study of this population, our aims are: firstly, to investigate the long-term impact of the Erika spill on the Skomer population and to assess the relative impact of anthropogenic factors and natural events on population size. Secondly, to determine whether density-dependent processes influence the rate of recovery of guillemot populations from major mortality incidents. Finally, to determine how age, sex and cohort influence the recruitment, survival and reproductive success of this long-lived seabird.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £30,869

Total - T&S	Total - Staff	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs
£717	£19,205	£2,112	£8,834

If you need further help, please read the user guide.