PLASTIC THREAT TO OUR SEABIRDS

A new report has highlighted the threat marine plastic pollution poses to seabirds across Northwest Europe. Researchers examined 10,274 nests across the UK, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and the Faroe Islands, finding that 12% of nests contained plastic debris. Atlantic Puffins were found to be most affected by the issue, with 67% of the species’ nests including plastic. The four-year study was led by scientists at North Highland College Environmental Research Institute, part of the University of the Highland and Islands. The team asked observers who were visiting seabird colonies for other monitoring activities to help gather data as a cost effective and environmentally friendly way to conduct the study. www.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112706