Publications

Publications

BTO create and publish a variety of important articles, papers, journals and other publications, independently and with our partners, for organisations, government and the private sector. Some of our publications (books, guides and atlases) are also available to buy in our online shop.

Annual report of the Seabird Monitoring Programme

Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2023

This report presents the latest seabird population trends in breeding abundance and productivity using data from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP). 

The report documents changes in the abundance and productivity of breeding seabird species in Britain and Ireland from 1986 to 2023, and provides a detailed account of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons.

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Annual report of the Seabird Monitoring Programme

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Reconciling policy with ecological requirements in biodiversity monitoring

Author: Cook, A.S.C.P., Parsons, M., Mitchell I. & Robinson R.A.

Published: 2011

Research by the BTO and the JNCC shows that the regions used by policy makers in monitoring and protecting the UK’s internationally important seabird populations are not necessarily meaningful on an ecological level. Consequently, the effects of man’s marine activities, such as fishing, dredging and shipping, on seabirds could be overlooked. The research used data collected at seabird colonies in the UK and Ireland since 1986 to identify monitoring regions that better reflect the areas of coast and sea used by 11 species. The number of areas determined varied between species, from two for Northern Gannet, a highly mobile species, to seven for the more sedentary Great Cormorant. Current regions used for monitoring are mostly based on features such as seabed habitat and tidal fronts. This research suggests that knowledge of seabird ecology is crucial for better understanding population changes in these charismatic species. As top predators, seabirds are key indicators of the health of marine ecosystems. A similar approach placing ecology at the heart of monitoring could perhaps benefit other marine predators, for example dolphins and seals.

01.01.11

Papers

Evidence of spread of emerging infectious disease, finch trichomonosis, by migrating birds

Author: Lawson, B., Robinson, R.A., Neimanis, A., Handeland, K., Isomursu, M., Agren, E.O., Hamnes, I.S., Tyler, K.M., Chantrey, J., Hughes, L.A., Pennycott, T.W., Simpson, V.R., John, S.K., Peck, K.M., Toms, M.P., Bennett, M., Kirkwood, J.K. & Cunningham, A.A.

Published: 2011

Since its emergence in 2005, the parasitic disease trichomonosis has caused epidemic mortality and significant population declines in British Greenfinches and Chaffinches. This began in western England and Wales, but spread to eastern England, and more recently, southern Fennoscandia. An international team of experts, including BTO scientists, has used molecular, epidemiological and ringing data, to show that the parasitic strain is identical in all cases, and that migration, primarily of Chaffinches, has been responsible for its spread. This is the first documented case of a protozoal parasitic infection being transmitted in this way.

01.01.11

Papers

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