Tourists often look to residents to select destinations; they perceive residents' insights of persistent, recurrent, and geographically bounded environmental hazards as a reliable, trustworthy, and authentic source of information, to the extent of influencing their travel decisions. Residents’ insights are instinctively rooted at the collective learning that is developed in past discourse, which is amplified in the absence of official communication guidelines around environmental hazards. Hence, exploring residents’ discourse dynamics offers great value in understanding their potential to influence a destination’s image. This study aims to explore residents’ discourse on a hallmark case study: Florida’s 2017-2019 Harmful Algae Bloom known as Florida Red Tide. Florida Red Tide’s discourse was analyzed by performing a combination of social network analysis and text analysis (qualitative and quantitative) on geotagged Twitter posts from Florida during the persistent localized environmental hazard. Results indicate that discourse on Florida Red Tide is tangled with social and political realities beyond the hazard impacts. Discourse evolves around specific destinations that continually suffer from the persistent and localized event of Red Tide, while the most involved counties in the conversation are in South Florida. Discourse on Florida Red Tide is fragmented and occasional, with the highest engagement during the 2018 period of the bloom. Residents’ insights contain speculative components along with scientific facts, revealing an injection of risk from such discourse to the destination’s image. Our findings contribute to the literature on environmental hazards and tourism, by providing novel insights of the complexity inherent in the socio-ecological systems in which the tourism phenomenon exists. Furthermore, our findings offer insights for destination management organizations on the importance of cooperation with other institutions to raise awareness and create communication strategies for residents on persistent localized environmental stressors, aligned to support a positive destination image.

Social media discourse’s effects on persistent localized environmental hazards in tourist destination selection: An exploratory assessment

**Abstract:**

Presently, inter-annual variability in sea ice dynamics is increasing in Arctic regions. Sea ice dynamics, such as the timing of ice-melt and sea ice extent, highly influence trophic dynamics in marine Arctic systems, leading to changes in the abundance and distribution of fish and invertebrates. Thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) - a pursuit diving seabird that preys upon pelagic fish, benthic fish, and invertebrates - are thus expected to be negatively impacted by shifts in marine Arctic community structure. As such foraging behaviour, including the decision to balance self-feeding and chick-provisioning, will be influenced by environmental conditions, and mediated by either adult or chick body condition. In a low ice year, associated with reduced food availability, adults may choose to maximize self-feeding to maintain adult condition, while reducing chick provisioning at the cost of chick condition. Alternatively, adults may maintain or increase chick-provisioning to maximize chick condition, while reducing self-feeding at the cost of adult condition. To investigate the impact of environmental conditions on resource allocation decisions in this system we fitted adult murres with GPS accelerometers during the incubation and chick-rearing periods at Coats Island, Nunavut, Canada in 2018 and 2019. To assess the success of foraging trips for adult energetic condition we blood sampled murres before/after GPS deployments to measure energetic hormones (corticosterone), metabolites (non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and triglycerides), and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N). To assess the success of foraging trips for chick energetic condition, we conducted feeding watches to identify prey types and chick-provisioning rates. By determining how variation in environmental conditions impacts resource allocation decisions, we can predict how breeding success and ultimately fitness will be impacted in rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems.

**Authors:**

Alyssa Eby¹, Allison Patterson², Kyle Elliott², H. Grant Gilchrist³, Oliver Love¹

¹University of Windsor, ²McGill University, ³Environment and Climate Change Canada

Resource allocation of a deep-diving Arctic seabird, the thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia), in response to sea-ice variation during the chick-rearing period

**Abstract:**

Industrialization is responsible of the release of tons of toxic compounds in the environment, which became imbedded into food webs worldwide, and numerous studies have reported effects on legacy persistent organic pollutants (chlorinated POPs, ex: DDT, PCB) on wildlife. In contrast, the effects of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received less attention. PFAS cover more than 4,700 substances and are surface-active agents used in many products (non-stick cookware, fire-fighting foams, waterproof clothing). Transported over long distances, these highly persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants are now ubiquitous. As apex predators, seabirds are relevant bioindicators for PFAS contamination of the marine environment and there is a need to monitor PFAS across a large range of habitats, to better understand the global distribution of these substances. Among PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been banned under the Stockholm Convention on POPs. However, the vast majority of PFAS are not regulated yet and some are increasingly detected in seabirds. PFAS exposure is known to be associated with several toxicological effects in humans and laboratory models but the consequences of PFAS exposure for wildlife remain overall poorly investigated. In this talk, we will present studies conducted in Svalbard, Antarctica and continental France and which give new insight into the effects of PFAS exposure on seabirds. Specifically, we show that, PFAS can affect several key physiological mechanisms (thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, prolactin, basal metabolic rate, oxidative stress). Compared to legacy chlorinated POPs, PFAS often act in the opposite way on physiology and behavior. Finally, we will present the very first data on the effect of PFAS contamination on seabird sperm quality and discuss the possible mechanisms involved. Further research on the occurrence and effects of PFAS is needed to provide evidence-based information for policy and regulatory decisions relevant to seabird conservation.

**Authors:**

Olivier Chastel¹, Pierre Blévin², Ségolène Humann Guilleminot³, Fabrice Helfenstein¹, Sabrina Tartu¹, Frédéric Angelier¹, Manrico Sebastiano¹, David Costantini⁴, Scott Shaffer⁵, Paco Bustamante⁶, Pierre Labadie¹, Hélène Budzinski¹, Dorte Herzke⁷, Børge Moe⁸, Jan Ove Bustnes⁹, Geir Wing Gabrielsen¹⁰

¹CNRS, ²Akvaplan niva AS, ³Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchatel, ⁴uséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, ⁵San José State University, ⁶University La Rochelle, ⁷NILU, ⁸NINA, ⁹NIA, ¹⁰NPI

Contaminants of growing concern: Poly- and Perfluoroalkylated Substances (PFAS) and their physiological consequences in seabirds

**Abstract:**

In the past few decades much has been learned about the effects of oil on marine ecosystems. Specifically, the Exxon-Valdez oil spill in Alaska in 1989, the Treasure oil spill in South Africa in 2000, and most recently the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, have led to an increase in studies that have examined the effects of oil on marine ecosystems, from invertebrates to birds. Currently in the Canadian Arctic there are low levels of shipping and oil exploration-related activities as compared to many other regions globally. While current levels of shipping and other oil-related activities may be low, there are natural oil and gas seeps in the region that expose seabird to oil-related contaminants. Importantly, there are several new biochemical/molecular techniques being used in effects studies in relation to oil. We present data on oil-related contaminants in two Arctic seabird species (the think-billed murre and the black guillemot) in relation to toxicogenomic and metabolomics tools that can identify sub-lethal effects from oil exposure. This information serves as baseline information for the region, as well as a tool that can be applied throughout these species' ranges to understand how oil pollution may affect the physiology of individuals.

**Authors:**

Jennifer Provencher¹, Mark Mallory², Bruce Pauli³, Phil Thomas³, Doug Crump³, Sarma Sailendra³, Yasmeen Zahaby³

¹ECCC, ²Acadia University, ³Environment and Climate Change Canada

Using toxicogenomic tools to detect effects of oil-related contaminants in seabirds

**Abstract:**

Climate change and wide-scale environmental shifts are modifying oceanic patterns, sea ice phenology and abundance, ultimately with implications on food web dynamics. These changes alter the abundance and distribution of primary producers such as ice algae and phytoplankton, with cascading effects at higher trophic levels. Mercury (Hg) is an endocrine disrupting compound that biomagnifies in animals as a result of prey choice. As such, uptake is affected by altered food web dynamics and environmental conditions, which adds an important risk-based dimension in studies of foraging ecology. Multidimensional niche dynamics (δ13C, δ15N, THg; total mercury) were determined among female common eiders (Somateria mollissima) from 10 breeding colonies in areas within North America, Europe, and Russia. Results showed high variation in colony niche dynamics, indicated by niche size and ranges in δ13C, δ15N and THg values in relation to sea-ice presence and colony migratory status. Colonies with higher sea-ice cover during the pre-incubation period had higher median colony δ13C, δ15N and THg. Individuals at migratory colonies had relatively higher THg and δ15N, as well as lower δ13C, suggesting a greater Hg exposure, higher trophic position, and a greater reliance on phytoplankton-based prey. We concluded that variation in multidimensional niche dynamics exists amongst eider colonies which influenced THg concentrations. Further exploration of spatial ecotoxicology and niche dynamics at individual colonies is important to examine the relationships between anthropogenic pressures, foraging behaviour, and the related risks of contaminant exposure at even low concentrations which cumulatively may contribute to negative effects on population stability. Overall, multidimensional niche analysis that incorporates multiple isotopic and contaminant metrics presents an opportunity to help identify populations at risk to rapidly altered food web dynamics.

**Authors:**

Reyd Smith¹, David Yurkowski², Kyle Parkinson¹, Jérôme Fort³, Holly Hennin⁴, H. Grant Gilchrist⁴, Oliver Love¹

¹University of Windsor, ²Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ³Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), ⁴Environment and Climate Change Canada

Environmental and life-history factors influence multidimensional niche metrics (δ13C, δ15N, Hg)

**Abstract:**

The struggle to maximize fitness is often one of energy balance and imbalance. Stress, whether explored through oxidative damage, elevated glucocorticoids, or a state of allostatic overload, may be defined as a state in which demands to repair damage and maintain homeostasis exceed the resources available. Reproduction may thus also be a stressful experience, albeit one that yields direct fitness benefits. When stress is increased survival may be compromised. A decrease in survival may be adaptive (a trade-off or cost of reproduction) but sometimes it is simply a cost, lost fitness opportunities. Telomeres are an integrative biomarker of somatic state in vertebrates that can be measured non-lethally. Telomere length is a DNA marker shown to predict lifespan and mortality in a variety of taxa, including long-lived seabirds. Here I will present what is known about the developing field of telomeric ecology in the context of seabirds and marine conservation. I will address three topics: A) Telomere length predicts survival and quality within individuals and family groups. The strength of this biomarker is that it integrates the information from many others. Telomere length shortens in response to oxidative stress, elevated glucocorticoids, and contaminants. B) Telomere length in an individual may reflect life history or foraging strategy. New results indicate that offspring telomere phenotype is affected by post-natal parental care, and thus may mediate telomere heritability. Despite being a DNA marker, telomere length is inherited in both a genetic and epigenetically-determined fashion. C) Telomere length and dynamics can act as a snapshot of a seabird population and may provide indications of population trends. Linking individual physiology to population trends at the colony level may assist conservation by identifying populations of concern.

**Authors:**

Rebecca Young¹

¹North Dakota State University

Telomere length as a biomarker of individual state: heritability, reflection of environment, and link to population trends

**Abstract:**

Among the many threats that seabirds are facing, exposure to infectious diseases is one of growing concern. Climate change, higher connectivity among remote areas and introduced species can increase the risk of disease emergence in populations of susceptible individuals, especially in species breeding in dense aggregations. In addition to understanding factors affecting the dynamics of transmission of infectious agents among and within seabird colonies, a better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying their immune system may be of critical relevance for their conservation. Because of the importance of exposure to disease agents during the breeding season in colonial species, we predicted that seabird species exhibiting extremely long lifespan and chick-rearing period may have developed a particularly long persistence of maternal antibodies to protect young offspring. After detecting such a long persistence in the Cory's shearwater using a transgenerational vaccination experiment, we implemented a comparative approach in other seabird species and an investigation of the physiological mechanism underlying the heterogeneity in the catabolism rate of IgY antibodies. The results of the comparative study suggest that at least Procellariforms appear to have evolved a mechanism for a long persistence of maternal antibodies after hatching. Based on these results, we have been investigating whether vaccination of female albatrosses could be used to protect recurrently their nestlings against avian cholera, an infectious disease causing massive die-offs of yellow-nosed albatross offspring on Amsterdam Island. The results have direct potential conservation implications as the local yellow-nosed albatross population is threatened by the epizooties on Amsterdam Island, and the very small endemic Amsterdam albatross population is at risk of exposure to the disease agent. The study illustrates how detailed understanding of physiological mechanisms may be of great relevance for conservation.

**Authors:**

Thierry Boulinier¹, Raul Ramos², Ana Sanz-Aguilar³, Sarah Burthe⁴, Henri Weimerskirch⁵, Maud Poibleau⁶, Hanna Granroth-Wilding⁷, Paolo Catry⁸, Hubert Gantelet⁹, Audrey Jaeger¹⁰, Pablo Tortosa¹⁰, Karine Delord⁵, Eric Thilbault⁹, Vincent Bourret¹¹, Jean-Marc Thiebot¹², Petra Quillfeldt¹³, Vincent Staszewski¹⁴, Jacob Gonzalez-Solis², Francis Daunt⁴, Emma Cunningham¹⁵, Torkild Tveraa¹⁶, Christophe Barbraud⁵, Jeremy Tornos¹, Romain Garnier¹⁷, Amandine Gamble¹⁸

¹CEFE CNRS, ²University of Barcelona, ³IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), ⁴CEH, ⁵CEBC CNRS, ⁶University of Antwerp, ⁷University of Helsinki, ⁸ISPA, ⁹Ceva Biovac, ¹⁰Université La Réunion, ¹¹N/A, ¹²National Institute of Polar Research, ¹³University of Giessen, ¹⁴Boehringer Ingelheim, ¹⁵Universzity of Edinburgh, ¹⁶NINA, ¹⁷Georgetown University, ¹⁸University of California, Los Angeles

From immuno-ecology to conservation: how deciphering physiological mechanisms can help conservation

**Abstract:**

Procellariform seabirds (petrels, shearwaters) are the world's most threatened bird group, particularly in New Zealand, where 90% of our seabirds are at risk. As could be expected, reversing this trend is of significant conservation interest for New Zealand. Key to achieving this is understanding the effects of environmental conditions on breeding seabirds, with more agile monitoring methods desperately needed. To this end, mechanistic and integrative monitoring approaches are providing high resolution information with much quicker turnaround times c.f. annual demographic studies. By incorporating endocrinology, haematology, Hidden Markov modelling (HMM), and stable isotope analyses, resource managers are able to identify colonies that are potentially vulnerable in the absence of overt and established monitoring signals i.e. chick rearing failure. For example, establishing new colonies via translocation of seabird chicks is currently used for many species, but colony location is critical i.e. establishing colonies far from feeding grounds is counterproductive. Using GPS tracked common diving petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix) breeding in the Hauraki Gulf we hypothesised that 1) there were physiological limits as to how far from feeding grounds colonies could be established; and 2) due to distance from feeding grounds, inner Gulf colonies would show higher stress (CORT), and spend more time commuting rather than foraging. However, CORT profiles were more affected by breeding stage (highest in chick rearing) than colony location. Moreover, HMM analyses and stable isotopes showed inner Gulf birds foraged locally but spent more effort chasing higher trophic prey (fish/cephalopods). Such ecophysiological insights demonstrate that, providing sufficient fish cephalopod prey exist, planned translocations of diving petrels further into the Gulf can occur, thus offering a new tool to arrest the decline of this species within the region.

**Authors:**

Brendon Dunphy¹, Shae Vickers², Edin Whitehead¹, Jingjing Zhang¹, Todd Landers³, Sarah Bury⁴, Matt Rayner⁵

¹The University of Auckland, ²The Ministry of Primary Industries, ³Auckland Council, ⁴National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, ⁵Auckland War Memorial museum

Conservation physiology of seabirds: integrative assessments to guide colony translocations.

**Abstract:**

Arctic seabirds evolved physiological and morphological adaptation to cold that increases heat production and reduces heat loss. Yet such adaptation might expose them to increased mortality risk from heat stress in a rapidly warming Arctic. When ambient air temperature exceeds the upper critical limit of the thermoneutral zone of an individual, evaporative water loss must increase to dissipate heat and to avoid lethally high body temperatures. At the same time, endogenous heat production also increases as more active forms of evaporative water loss (i.e. gular fluttering) are employed to dissipate heat. If environmental temperatures remain elevated above thermoneutrality, the cycle of increased water loss and heat production can quickly lead to dehydration and hyperthermia. In the present study, we used temperature-controlled respirometry and biotelemetry to link the thermal sensitivity of energy expenditure, water loss and body temperature with behavioural responses to environmental temperature in 50 little auks (Alle alle) from East Greenland. These measurements performed across a wide temperature range (5 to 32°C) allowed us to examine how the magnitude and frequency of heat stress events impact the most abundant seabird in the Arctic. Little auks showed a remarkable capacity to cope with air temperatures 25°C above current maximum temperatures when at rest. Yet individuals may need to reduce activity levels to avoid hyperthermia on warmer days, which could reduce foraging effort, parental care, social activities and predator avoidance. Our study highlights a need to understand the ecological consequences of thermoregulatory constraints on the behaviour and survival of cold-adapted seabirds. Little auks are ecosystem engineers that facilitate an enormous transfer of nutrients from marine to terrestrial ecosystems. Hence, physiological constraints on the behaviour of little auks may have flow on effects for entire marine and terrestrial food webs in the Arctic.

**Authors:**

Julian Beaman¹, Craig White¹, Manon Clairbaux², Samuel Perret², Jérôme Fort³, David Grémillet²

¹Monash University, ²CNRS ? Université de Montpellier ? Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier ? EPHE, ³CNRS ? Université de La Rochelle

Does physiological adaptation to cold predispose little auks (Alle alle) to increased risk of hyperthermia in a warming Arctic?

**Abstract:**

Bycatch in industrial fisheries is the most pervasive at-sea threat to seabirds globally, for which an array of mitigation measures have been developed. However, seabird interactions with accessory gear, deployed by crew to improve catches or for self-consumption, remains poorly understood. We quantified seabird bycatch in a novel accessory gear deployed by pelagic longline (PLL) fishers off southern Brazil, termed 'buoy hooks' (BH), which consists of short (2-4 m) branchlines clipped straight to bullet buoys, targeting sharks and dolphinfish. This practice was first recorded in 2013, in only two vessels and six trips, by on-board observers voluntarily taken by fishermen. BHs were deployed in 23 (49%) of 47 observed sets, comprising 36,737 and 1,598 hooks for PLL and BH, respectively. Catch rates (number/1000 hooks) of seabirds (BPUE) and target species (CPUE) were compared between gear types. In total, 24 albatrosses or petrels were caught in the PLL (BPUE=0.65) and 28 in BH (BPUE=17.52). Considering only dead birds, BPUE was 0.33 and 6.26 for PLL and BH, respectively. CPUE of target species was 8.66 for PLL (mostly blue shark, tuna and swordfish) and 14.89 for BH (blue shark and dolphinfish). Given the high BPUE in BH, explained by its very shallow fishing depth, even sporadic use across the fleet represents a menace to threatened albatrosses and petrels in this region. Even though the high BPUE recorded was observed in a low number of hooks, we recommend monitoring the use of this accessory gear across the fleet and its potential impacts on seabirds.

**Authors:**

Augusto Silva-Costa¹, Gabriel Canani¹, Tatiana Neves², Dimas Gianuca³

¹Projeto Albatroz/Albatross Task Force Brazil, ²Projeto Albatroz, ³Birdlife International Marine Program

Seabird bycatch in a novel, and unregulated, accessory fishing gear deployed by pelagic longline fishers off southern Brazil.

**Abstract:**

Seabird bycatch is an important global conservation issue and very often cited as one of the causes leading to the population declines of different seabird species. Significant gaps still exist in our knowledge of seabird bycatch patterns, namely in artisanal fisheries. Studies to better understand bycatch impact by this type of fleet should focus on smaller areas and include higher observation effort. Although bycatch has been recently recorded in artisanal coastal fisheries operating in the Portuguese mainland coastal waters, little is known about its magnitude and main effects for seabird populations. Here, we present a comprehensive study in Ilhas Berlengas Special Protection Area (SPA) and surrounding waters to properly quantify seabird bycatch. Three mitigation measures were tested: high contrast panels in gillnets, black hooks in longlines and a scary-bird device in purse seines. The efficacy, acceptance and economic viability were tested for each mitigation measure. Sixty five individuals of 7 different seabird species were caught during the 295 observed fishing trips between 2015 and 2018. Gillnet and purse seine bycatch events occurred outside the SPA limits, while demersal longline bycatch events occurred mainly within the SPA. Bycatch occurred mainly in the demersal longlines set at a longer distance from coast (>500m), near the surface (≤2m), with longer soaking times (>24h) and during the summer. It was not possible to evaluate the efficacy of two of the mitigation measures implemented, as no bycatch events were recorded during control and experimental trials. Nevertheless, the scary bird measure presented promising results, causing birds to interact less with the vessel The scary bird has proved to be a low-cost and easy to implement mitigation measure, being also well accepted by purse seine fishermen. The measure presented promising results, causing birds to interact less with the vessel, thus reducing the likelihood of being caught.

**Authors:**

Nuno Oliveira¹, Ana Almeida¹, Emanuel Constantino¹, André Ferreira¹, Iván Gutiérrez¹, Ana Santos¹, Elisabete Silva¹, Joana Andrade¹, Hany Alonso¹

¹SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves

Contribution to reduce bycatch in a top priority area for seabird conservation in Portugal

**Abstract:**

The seabird bycatch rate has increased in the last decades due to the constant pressure on the resources, coupled with poor sustainable management, the rapid development of fisheries technologies and the lack of regulatory accompaniment. Incidental mortality in fisheries is one of the top threats to seabirds globally, making this group of birds the most endangered worldwide. Various technical contributions have been made to reduce incidental mortality. However, the fact that the problem continues, shows the need to delve into other factors, such as the social dimension and the importance of approaching it from other fields of knowledge. The objectives of the study were: 1) to compile the current regulations associated, directly or indirectly, with seabirds and their conservation, both at a national and international scale and 2) to analyze through word clouds technique the most representative terms present in the regulations. A total of eight national laws and ten international treaties were compiled. The frequency of occurrence of words at the national scale was: national, enforcement, authority, fishing, federal, environmental, council and fishing. Regarding international treaties, the most frequent words were: convention, authority, conformity, zone, sea, measures, law and ships. The fact that words such as fauna, biodiversity, conservation or birds are not among the most commonly used terms in treaties and laws on the subject, highlights the approaches of these documents and the paradigms that underpin them. On the other hand, there is a marked presence of words such as authority, fishing and ships. By comparing the content of both bodies of documentation, as a preliminary result, it is observed a predominance of words associated with geopolitical issues and fishing as an economic activity rather than a comprehensive approach of cross-border fisheries management focused, as well, on the conservation of marine mega fauna.

**Authors:**

Agustina Iwan¹, Sofía Copello¹, Soledad Arqueros², Laura Zulaica³

¹Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (UNMDP, CONICET), ²Instituto de Investigaciones Gino Germani (FSOC-UBA, CONICET), ³Instituto del Hábitat y del Ambiente (FAUD-UNMDP, CONICET)

Underline digital video library

Social media discourse’s effects on persistent localized environmental hazards in tourist destination selection: An exploratory assessment

Resource allocation of a deep-diving Arctic seabird, the thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia), in response to sea-ice variation during the chick-rearing period

Contaminants of growing concern: Poly- and Perfluoroalkylated Substances (PFAS) and their physiological consequences in seabirds

Using toxicogenomic tools to detect effects of oil-related contaminants in seabirds

Environmental and life-history factors influence multidimensional niche metrics (δ13C, δ15N, Hg)

Telomere length as a biomarker of individual state: heritability, reflection of environment, and link to population trends

From immuno-ecology to conservation: how deciphering physiological mechanisms can help conservation

Conservation physiology of seabirds: integrative assessments to guide colony translocations.

Does physiological adaptation to cold predispose little auks (Alle alle) to increased risk of hyperthermia in a warming Arctic?

Seabird bycatch in a novel, and unregulated, accessory fishing gear deployed by pelagic longline fishers off southern Brazil.

Contribution to reduce bycatch in a top priority area for seabird conservation in Portugal

Seabird bycatch in Argentina: a text mining analysis of the national and international regulations tools

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