{"id":14832,"date":"2025-10-01T13:14:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T11:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seapop.no\/?p=14832"},"modified":"2025-10-02T09:30:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T07:30:19","slug":"can-new-technologies-improve-seabird-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seapop.no\/en\/2025\/10\/can-new-technologies-improve-seabird-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"Can new technologies improve seabird monitoring?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
Well-established methods for monitoring seabird populations have provided solid data sampling for a long time, but they have certain shortfalls. Researchers from several countries have collaborated on outlining the possibilities and limitations of new technologies in seabird monitoring, and their recently published article presents recommendations for monitoring programmes that consider applying them.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This text was first published as an Editor\u2019s Choice article from ICES Journal of Marine Science<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

The limitations of traditional methods<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, seabird monitoring has largely involved direct visual observations of e.g. abundance and breeding success. Although often performed according to detailed national guidelines, such observations may have limited replicability. The reliance on direct observations by human observers has also meant that less visible species, e.g. those nesting in burrows and at more remote locations, have been poorly covered by monitoring programmes. However, recent technological developments provide many opportunities for improved monitoring of seabird populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cameras, loggers and biotelemetry can improve monitoring<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Among the most promising technologies are UAV-based and fixed cameras, which provide respectively unrivalled spatial coverage and detailed time series, acoustic data loggers and thermal imaging, which both facilitate monitoring of less visible species, and biotelemetry, which allows individuals to be followed across life stages. Together, these technologies could greatly improve monitoring of both abundance and life history parameters such as breeding success and survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparations are needed<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As a result of a workshop at the Seabird Group Conference<\/em> in 2024, several researchers from SEAPOP have contributed to a paper outlining the opportunities and challenges that these developments present. The authors offer a set of recommendations for managers of seabird population monitoring programmes. A central theme is that implementation of new technologies requires careful planning and a long-term strategy for implementation and data-quality assurance. Only mature technologies should be included in long-running programmes, and attention should be given to ensuring inter-calibration with existing traditional approaches, where relevant. Because new technologies often produce large amounts of data, e.g. images, which require substantial post-processing, agencies should ensure that data flows, processing algorithms and storage capacity are in place before technologies are implemented. Equally importantly, agencies should engage with current fieldworkers to benefit from their experience and encourage them to remain involved in data collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May provide critical data<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There is an ever-increasing evidence need for understanding the impacts of the renewable sector, as well of those arising from emerging threats such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, on seabird populations. The use of new technologies will be important, therefore, in providing critical data on changes in seabird numbers and demography as they respond to such pressures and may provide key insights into the underlying mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the article:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n