Modelled drift patterns of fish larvae link coastal morphology to seabird colony distribution

Hanno Sandvik (), Robert T. Barrett, Kjell Einar Erikstad, Mari S. Myksvoll, Frode Vikebø, Nigel G. Yoccoz, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Svein-Håkon Lorentsen, Tone K. Reiertsen, Jofrid Skarðhamar, Mette Skern-Mauritzen and Geir Helge Systad
Additional contact information
Hanno Sandvik: Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Robert T. Barrett: Tromsø University Museum
Kjell Einar Erikstad: Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Mari S. Myksvoll: Institute of Marine Research and Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
Frode Vikebø: Institute of Marine Research and Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
Nigel G. Yoccoz: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, FRAM—High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment
Tycho Anker-Nilssen: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Svein-Håkon Lorentsen: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Tone K. Reiertsen: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, FRAM—High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment
Jofrid Skarðhamar: Institute of Marine Research and Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
Mette Skern-Mauritzen: Institute of Marine Research and Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
Geir Helge Systad: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, FRAM—High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Colonial breeding is an evolutionary puzzle, as the benefits of breeding in high densities are still not fully explained. Although the dynamics of existing colonies are increasingly understood, few studies have addressed the initial formation of colonies, and empirical tests are rare. Using a high-resolution larval drift model, we here document that the distribution of seabird colonies along the Norwegian coast can be explained by variations in the availability and predictability of fish larvae. The modelled variability in concentration of fish larvae is, in turn, predicted by the topography of the continental shelf and coastline. The advection of fish larvae along the coast translates small-scale topographic characteristics into a macroecological pattern, viz. the spatial distribution of top-predator breeding sites. Our findings provide empirical corroboration of the hypothesis that seabird colonies are founded in locations that minimize travel distances between breeding and foraging locations, thereby enabling optimal foraging by central-place foragers.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11599

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