Distribution of marine birds on the mid- and North-Atlantic US outer continental shelf. Technical progress report, January 1978-July 1980

Technical Report · Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5101773· OSTI ID:5101773

Powers, K D; Pittman, G L; Fitch, S J

The species composition, distribution, and abundance of marine birds on continental shelf waters from Cape Hatteras to the Bay of Fundy were examined using ships-of-opportunity. Northern Fulmar, Cory's Shearwater, Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Gannet, Red Phalarope, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, and Black-legged Kittiwake were the most abundant and common species. These species were ecologically dominant within the bird community in numbers and biomass. Georges Bank and Gulf of Marine regions generally had greatest estimates of standing stock and biomass; whereas, in the Middle Atlantic region these estimates were consistently lowest. Species diversity throughout the study area was greatest in spring and least in fall. Oceanic fronts at the continental shelf break and at Nantucket Shoals influenced the distribution of Wilson's Storm-Petrels and Red Phalaropes. Fishing activities were particularly important to Larus gull distribution. Fishes, squids, and crustaceans were the most important groups of prey items in diets of nine bird species. An oiled bird or pollution index was developed. According to the index, frequency of oiled birds was greatest in winter and spring, and gulls made up the majority of species with oiled plumages.

• Research Organization: Manomet Bird Observatory, MA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AS02-78EV04706
• OSTI ID: 5101773
• Report Number(s): DOE/EV/04706-7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BASELINE ECOLOGY
BIRDS
SPECIES DIVERSITY
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
COASTAL REGIONS
CONTINENTAL SHELF
DIET
DISTRIBUTION
FISHES
MARINE SURVEYS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
ANIMALS
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)