Changes in fisheries discard rates and seabird communities

Stephen C. Votier (), Robert W. Furness (), Stuart Bearhop, Jonathan E. Crane, Richard W. G. Caldow, Paulo Catry, Kenny Ensor, Keith C. Hamer, Anne V. Hudson, Ellen Kalmbach, Nicholas I. Klomp, Simone Pfeiffer, Richard A. Phillips, Isabel Prieto and David R. Thompson
Additional contact information
Stephen C. Votier: University of Glasgow
Robert W. Furness: University of Glasgow
Stuart Bearhop: University of Glasgow
Jonathan E. Crane: University of Glasgow
Richard W. G. Caldow: Winfrith Technology Centre
Paulo Catry: Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia, ISPA
Kenny Ensor: University of Glasgow
Keith C. Hamer: University of Leeds
Anne V. Hudson: University of Glasgow
Ellen Kalmbach: University of Groningen
Nicholas I. Klomp: Charles Sturt University
Simone Pfeiffer: University of Glasgow
Richard A. Phillips: British Antarctic Survey, High Cross
Isabel Prieto: University of Glasgow
David R. Thompson: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd

Nature, 2004, vol. 427, issue 6976, 727-730

Abstract: Abstract It is clear that discards from commercial fisheries are a key food resource for many seabird species around the world1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. But predicting the response of seabird communities to changes in discard rates is problematic and requires historical data to elucidate the confounding effects of other, more ‘natural’ ecological processes. In the North Sea, declining stocks, changes in technical measures, changes in population structure9 and the establishment of a recovery programme for cod (Gadus morhua10) will alter the amount of fish discarded. This region also supports internationally important populations of seabirds11, some of which feed extensively, but facultatively, on discards, in particular on undersized haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus)1,2,3. Here we use long-term data sets from the northern North Sea to show that there is a direct link between discard availability and discard use by a generalist predator and scavenger—the great skua (Stercorarius skua). Reduced rates of discarding, particularly when coupled with reduced availability of small shoaling pelagic fish such as sandeel (Ammodytes marinus), result in an increase in predation by great skuas on other birds. This switching of prey by a facultative scavenger presents a potentially serious threat to some seabird communities.

Date: 2004
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DOI: 10.1038/nature02315

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