Conservation Efforts

Restoration of seabird colonies takes years of persistent work, since so many factors influencing success are beyond the control of researchers. For example, young puffins must find ample food and clean waters while avoiding predators. Unfortunately, climate change, oil spills, depleted fish stocks from commercial fishing, entanglement in fishing nets and predation by gulls decrease the number of surviving birds. Considering these odds, the establishment of new seabird colonies and protection of existing, productive colonies through placement of seasonal seabird stewards on the most important sites is especially important.