ASsessing Threats to SEaBird Foraging Habitat

Led by Sarah Converse, University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. Collaborators include Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, University of Puget Sound, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Salish Sea is home to 172 different sea birds, including rhinoceros auklets and pigeon guillemots. Both are sentinel species for the Salish Sea however, we know very little about what they require for foraging habitat or what factors might impact their foraging conditions in the Salish Sea. This study will help us understand where and when they feed so that we can better protect them from potential threats including climate change, fishing bycatch, shipping disturbance, and oil spills.