Provincial seabird colonies a focus of international research

1998 is turning out to be a bumper year for seabird research, and the province's protected seabird colonies are proving to be the ultimate natural laboratories, according to Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

"The natural wonders of Newfoundland and Labrador continue to attract increasing attention from travellers, international media and researchers," the minister says. "Two weeks ago we received 100 tourists from France who made the trip simply to see our icebergs and whales, and now our seabird colonies are drawing significant research attention in record numbers."

Kelly notes that Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the world's seabird colony hotspots, with some of the largest and most diverse colonies to be found on the planet.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has shown considerable foresight in protecting these priceless elements of our natural heritage, with the result that seabird scientists come here from throughout the world to study our wide varieties of species," the minister says.

Access to the seabird colonies is carefully monitored, Kelly says, adding that 12 research permits have been awarded, and at least 16 researchers will visit and work on the seabird islands this summer.

"The researchers support local economies by purchasing supplies, guide services and obtaining transportation, while government benefits by having the most up-to-date information which helps us make optimum seabird reserve management decisions," she says.

The studies cover a wide range of topics, from feeding and nesting behaviour, to the impact of seabird parasites. A study by researchers Dr. Anne Storey and Sabina Wilhelm on Great Island at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is assessing whether hormones are related to how much care male murres (also known as turrs) give to their young. Interestingly, Dr. Storey and researcher Carolyn Walsh have also been investigating hormones and paternal behaviour in human fathers.

The Parks and Natural Areas Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation administers the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act which provides strong protection for natural features identified under the legislation. Currently, there are six seabird colonies protected under the act as Seabird Ecological Reserves: Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Funk Island Ecological Reserve, Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve, Hare Bay Islands Ecological Reserve, and Labrador's Gannet Islands Ecological Reserve.

"A wonderful aspect of our seabird colonies is that they not only appeal to researchers, but are highly accessible to thousands of travellers who visit them via regulated tour boat operators," Kelly says. "Seabird colonies are gaining equal billing with our stellar iceberg and whale experiences, and the annual seabird research will help ensure their long-term protection for future visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador."

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