Main objective
The main goal of this topic is to explore the effect of marine litter on Cory’s Shearwater, Band-rumped Storm-petrel and Europoean Shag that breed in Berlengas archipelago. Using direct observations of nest and stomach contents and of entangled birds, we intend to assess their effect on breeding and demographic parameters. The intern/student is welcome to choose one or more target species to work on.
Available data
Over 10 years’ time series of data on population size and breeding success/productivity for all 3 species are available to be analysed. A programme to collect data on marine litter presence and quantification started in 2021 (only for European Shag) and 2022 (for Cory’s Shearwater and Band-rumped Storm-petrel). The student will have the opportunity to take part of data collection and fieldwork. Also, the entire dataset will be made available for analysis. This topic is developed within the project LIFE SeaBil.
Proposed tasks
- Analysis of available data
- Join the monthly fieldwork sessions (7 days each session)
- Collect data on breeding parameters and marine litter effect (nest and stomach contents)
- Submit the work in a peer-reviewed journal
Framework of the topic
- Is the topic part of an ongoing project/study? Yes – funded project
- Is there any financial support? Yes: fieldwork/material
Supervisor/tutor
Nuno Oliveira, Departamento de Conservação Marinha | nuno.oliveira@spea.pt
