Seabird diversity hotspot linked to ocean productivity in the Canary current large marine ecosystem

Grecian, W. J. et al. (2016) Seabird diversity hotspot linked to ocean productivity in the Canary current large marine ecosystem. Biology Letters, 12(8), 20160024. (doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0024)

Abstract

Upwelling regions are highly productive habitats targeted by wide-ranging marine predators and industrial fisheries. In this study, we track the migratory movements of eight seabird species from across the Atlantic; quantify overlap with the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) and determine the habitat characteristics that drive this association. Our results indicate the CCLME is a biodiversity hotspot for migratory seabirds; all tracked species and more than 70% of individuals used this upwelling region. Relative species richness peaked in areas where sea surface temperature averaged between 15 and 20°C, and correlated positively with chlorophyll a, revealing the optimum conditions driving bottom-up trophic effects for seabirds. Marine vertebrates are not confined by international boundaries, making conservation challenging. However, by linking diversity to ocean productivity, our research reveals the significance of the CCLME for seabird populations from across the Atlantic, making it a priority for conservation action.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding for this work was provided by the Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy, EU INTERREG project CHARM III, NERC (NE/G001014/1), MINECO CGL2013-42585- P, Defra’s Darwin, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Ligue Pour la Protection des Oiseaux within the EUINTERREG Project FAME (2009-1/089; 2010-2012).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Grecian, Dr James and Matthiopoulos, Professor Jason and Furness, Professor Robert
• Authors: Grecian, W. J., Witt, M. J., Attrill, M. J., Bearhop, S., Becker, P. H., Egevang, C., Furness, R. W., Godley, B. J., González-Solís, J., Grémillet, D., Kopp, M., Lescroël, A., Matthiopoulos, J., Patrick, S. C., Peter, H.-U., Phillips, R. A., Stenhouse, I. J., and Votier, S. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Biology Letters
• Publisher: The Royal Society Publishing
• ISSN: 1744-9561
• ISSN (Online): 1744-957X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Biology Letters 12(8): 20160024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License