Ecological impacts of plastic ingestion by Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic seabirds

Type of content
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Science
Degree name
Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies
Publisher
University of Canterbury
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
English
Date
2018
Authors
Rees, Olivia
Abstract

Antarctica, and the Southern Ocean, is considered to be the last ‘untouched wilderness’ on Earth. Yet marine species there are in decline and this is largely due to anthropogenic impacts. Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has had a devastating impact on marine habitats and wildlife, and has now been observed in the Southern Ocean. This review aims to answer the question: What are the impacts of oceanic plastic pollutants on Procellariiformes and how does this impact the Southern Ocean region? Procellariiformes (Albatross, Shearwater and Petrel Species) are considered to be some of the most threatened species, and this is largely due to by-catch, entanglement and ingestion of marine debris. Plastic ingestion is the biggest threat, causing increased mortality of seabirds in this region. While the impacts to individual birds are well observed, the wider ecological impacts are less obvious. Understanding these wider impacts may give insight into how these birds are coping at a population level and provide knowledge to help guide management strategies and conservation.

Description
Citation
Keywords
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
All Rights Reserved