Mass seabird deaths signal trouble for Arctic ecosystems

Coordinating an international approach to conservation is an important role that the Arctic Council plays, according to Strøm. Through its Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group, the Circumpolar Seabird Expert Group (CBird) facilitates seabird conservation, management and research among circumpolar countries. One of its aims is to improve communication between seabird scientists, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, managers and the public inside and outside the Arctic.

Strøm is currently working with scientists, managers and Indigenous Peoples in Canada, Greenland, Iceland and Norway on a coordinated multinational approach to harvest management of thick-billed murres within the framework of the Arctic Council.

"Hunting thick-billed murres is an important cultural activity. As murre populations are declining, we are working together on how to regulate the hunt so that we both protect the murres and at the same time have a sustainable harvest. This is one consequence of declining populations that we have to adapt to."

In terms of the outlook for this year, Strøm is curious how the recent mass seabird deaths may impact the breeding season in the Arctic.

"Are the birds back? Or will we have lost a massive amount during this winter? It will be very interesting to see in Svalbard this June," said Strøm.

Strøm will travel to Svalbard in June to conduct field work on the seabirds.

"Another thing to keep an eye on is bird flu. We have had an outbreak again in Western Europe including Norway this winter and spring. So it might be that we get outbreaks in Svalbard this coming summer as well."

Strøm points out that amidst all the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic and beyond, seabirds are trying to adapt.

"Seabirds are long lived. They are used to a tough environment. They can adjust, and that is the first thing they will do."

The problem is that the changes are becoming so numerous, occurring so rapidly and creating different challenges in different places along migration routes, that it's becoming harder for seabirds to adapt.

This is another reason to take a flyway approach to management, according to Strøm. Coordinating conservation across migration routes rather than relying only on national measures may help secure the best outcomes for the seabirds.