Marine Bird Mass Mortality Events as an Indicator of the Impacts of Ocean Warming

19 Jul Marine Bird Mass Mortality Events as an Indicator of the Impacts of Ocean Warming

Data from our Beach Watch surveys help show the impact of warming oceans on seabird populations. A just-released study, led by the University of Washington and published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, used data collected by community scientists from California to Alaska to understand how persistent marine heatwaves relate to seabird mortality. The results link persistently warmer ocean conditions to extraordinary seabird die-offs, showing Murres, Puffins, Auklets and Shearwaters suffered more than others.