Seabirds are majestic as they soar over the oceans, but while it may seem that pelagic birds are untouchable, they actually face many grave threats. As a group, more than one-third of all seabird species are considered threatened or endangered, and because of their isolation it can be more difficult to help them overcome the hazards threatening them. Birders can take quite a few steps on land, however, once they realize what the most damaging threats to these birds are.

Seabird Threats

Birds in pelagic habitats, including albatrosses, puffins, petrels, frigatebirds and other types of seabirds, face a wide range of threats that can cause great suffering and enormous population declines. The most prominent threats to seabirds include:

• Litter: Discarded trash, whether it is waste from a city neighborhood, picnic trash from a beach party or litter from a wilderness campground, can eventually end up in the ocean after it is blown around or passes down other waterways. Floating trash can be very tempting for foraging seabirds, but because it is indigestible material, plastic clogs the birds' digestive tracts and can cause starvation. Sharp pieces can also cause internal lacerations, and chunks can cause choking. Balloons are a particular hazard because they resemble jellyfish or other prey.

• Fishing: Not only can discarded fishing line cause severe injuries for tangled birds, but many oceanic fishing practices can be hazardous to seabirds. Thousands of birds tangle in nets or longlines each year and are either injured or drown. Overfishing of productive areas also depletes food sources available for seabirds, destroying their foraging success and causing malnutrition and starvation.

• Invasive Predators: Seabirds may stay at sea for months at a time, but they are particularly vulnerable when they come to land for nesting. Invasive predators on islands or coastlines where seabirds nest can decimate colonies by preying on adults and chicks, eating eggs, damaging nesting habitat or destroying nest burrows. Feral cats, rats, mice, goats, sheep, rabbits and ticks are some of the worst offenders for creating invasive pest problems that threaten seabirds.

• Pollution: Oil spills – while obviously damaging – are only one type of pollution hazardous to seabirds. Other fuel spills as well as runoff waste of excess fertilizers, herbicides or other chemicals can contaminate water supplies and threaten seabirds. The toxins may come into contact with the birds directly and cause adverse reactions, or can build up in the birds' food chain for long term noxious effects.

• Exploitation: While exploitation of seabirds has waned since the late 1800s and early 1900s, some species are still harvested for meat, eggs or feathers. Harvesting of accumulated feces in nesting areas for use as fertilizer can also destroy nesting colonies and decrease breeding success. Many countries now have laws to prevent the exploitation of native wildlife, but when laws are not adequately enforced, birds still suffer today.

• Tourism: Disreputable tour companies may visit restricted areas that can stress birds, and even licensed tour operators may have trouble with unwary tourists who disturb the birds by not obeying visitor guidelines. Too many tours may cause undue stress to nesting birds or could impact local habitats to the detriment of the birds.

• Climate Change: As the climate warms and cools, ocean currents and water compositions change, altering pelagic birds' food sources. Seabirds may have to travel further from nesting areas for adequate food, and greater competition can arise for remaining food sources. If water levels change drastically, nesting areas can be impacted, and severe storms or other natural disasters can have grave impacts on nesting colonies, particularly for species that may nest in only a few areas.

How You Can Help

Once the threats to seabirds are identified, every birder can take steps to help. Even small changes can add up to big positive impacts when many birders work to help seabirds.

• Pick up trash and litter, and organize service projects that include litter cleanups on beaches or along waterways. Carry a bag on birding walks so you can always pick up trash.

• If you eat fish, choose fish that is caught responsibly. If you fish yourself, cut up fishing line before disposing of it so it cannot present a tangle hazard for birds.

• Support conservation programs to eradicate invasive predators on isolated islands, and always obey restrictions to protect beach bird habitats or other seabird nesting areas.

• Minimize chemical use on lawns and gardens, and opt for organic, biodegradable options whenever possible. Dispose of excess chemicals properly, including vehicle oil.

• If you choose a birding tour that visits seabird nesting islands, obey all guidelines for where to visit and how to treat the habitat. Never stress birds in any way, and stick with reputable companies and tour operators.

• Encourage elected officials to support and enforce laws against wildlife exploitation, and advocate supporting avitourism and eco-friendly practices. Avoid visiting areas that do not monitor environmental laws, and instead give your travel dollars to responsible destinations.

• Support seabird rehabilitation groups and bird conservation groups such as the Waterbird Society that focus on helping seabirds and promoting pelagic conservation.

• Be a green birder and take steps to reduce your birding carbon footprint, such as recycling, reducing energy consumption and otherwise minimizing your personal impact on the environment.

Seabirds are amazing creatures, but they are also highly susceptible to a wide variety of threats. Understanding those threats is the best way birders can begin to help seabirds all over the world.

Photo – Discarded Plastic © Trevor Leyenhorst