The Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Seabird Species Composition and Abundance

Abstract

Seabirds are highly mobile animals that are being impacted by climate change and other anthropogenic factors. Protection and conservation of seabirds is needed as populations are declining globally. However, given their wide ranges it is difficult to determine sites of protection and the efficacy of marine protected areas, which are locations that limit human activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between seabird abundance and species composition relative to the protection of two marine lagoons on San Juan Island, Washington. Additionally, prey abundance and species composition were tested relative to protection at the same two marine lagoons. Data was collected by performing abundance and species surveys of each lagoon. Core samples of the sediment surrounding the lagoons were also processed to collect data on abundance and groups of invertebrate prey. The marine lagoon with a designated protection status yielded a higher abundance and species diversity than that of the unprotected lagoon. There were no significant findings in the prey survey. Future studies are recommended to enhance data and further determine the ability of marine protected areas to provide seabirds with proper refuge.