Geolocator‐tracking seabird migration and moult reveal large‐scale, temperature‐driven isoscapes in the NE Atlantic. (8th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Atkins, Kelly; Bearhop, Stuart; Bodey, Thomas W.; Grecian, W. James; Hamer, Keith; Pereira, Jorge M.; Meinertzhagen, Hannah; Mitchell, Chris; Morgan, Greg; Morgan, Lisa; Newton, Jason; Sherley, Richard B.; Votier, Stephen C.
• Is Part Of: Rapid communications in mass spectrometry. Volume 37:Number 9(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-03-08
• Subjects: Mass spectrometry -- Periodicals; 543.65
• DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-4198

Abstract

Abstract : Rationale: By combining precision satellite‐tracking with blood sampling, seabirds can be used to validate marine carbon and nitrogen isoscapes, but it is unclear whether a comparable approach using low‐precision light‐level geolocators (GLS) and feather sampling can be similarly effective. Methods: Here we used GLS to identify wintering areas of northern gannets ( Morus bassanus ) and sampled winter grown feathers (confirmed from image analysis of non‐breeding birds) to test for spatial gradients in δ 13 C and δ 15 N in the NE Atlantic. Results: By matching winter‐grown feathers with the non‐breeding location of tracked birds we found latitudinal gradients in δ 13 C and δ 15 N in neritic waters. Moreover, isotopic patterns were best explained by sea surface temperature. Similar isotope gradients were found in fish muscle sampled at local ports. Conclusions: Our study reveals the potential of using seabird GLS and feathers to reconstruct large‐scale isotopic patterns.