Sea birds: populations, migration and protection
About this expertise
In short- Monitoring & populations
- Migration & behaviour
- Effects of human activities
- Innovative methods
- International collaboration
Sea birds like the Sandwich tern, common guillemot or razorbill are indispensable for healthy marine ecosystems. They reflect the state of the environment and respond sensitively to human activities. WUR has been studying sea birds in the North Sea, Wadden Sea, the Caribbean and the Arctic Circle for decades. We advise on their protection.
Our researchers track migration routes and foraging behaviour with transmitters and cameras. This identifies where birds find food and how breeding success is related to changes in the sea. For example, we do GPS research on Sandwich terns on Texel and study arctic sea birds that travel thousands of kilometres.
We study mortality and disturbance caused by wind farms, oil and plastic pollution and other human interventions. We analyse the effects of sand replenishment on bird populations and chart cumulative risks.
WUR tracks populations with ship and aircraft counts, colour and GPS rings, cameras and drones. We use innovative techniques such as eDNA, satellite tracking systems, AI image recognition and citizen science databases.
Sea birds migrate across oceans and borders. We therefore work with Caribbean partners, European networks and researchers in the polar regions. Over 150,000 sightings in the Caribbean have been compiled in the Caribbean Pelagic Seabird Map.
Our long-term data reveal trends and help assess protective measures. By pooling knowledge, we support international policy and nature conservation.
Get inspired
Related products and services (3)
Get in touch with our expert
Are you involved in nature conservation, policy, offshore energy or marine monitoring? Contact our expert for collaboration, advice or more information.
ir. SCV (Steve) Geelhoed
Researchers Sea Birds