Citation: Sandvik, H., T. K. Reiertsen, K. E. Erikstad, T. Anker-Nilssen, R. T. Barrett, S.‑H. Lorentsen, G. H. Systad, and M. S. Myksvoll (2014) The decline of Norwegian kittiwake populations: modelling the role of ocean warming. Climate Research, 60, 91–102.
doi: 10.3354/cr01227 [what’s a doi?].
Key words: Global warming, non-breeding distribution, population dynamics, population viability analysis, Rissa tridactyla, sea surface temperature.
Abstract:
The black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) is a pelagic seabird whose
population has recently declined in most parts of the North Atlantic, and which is
red-listed in most bordering countries. In order to investigate a possible cause for
this decline, we analysed the population dynamics of five kittiwake colonies along the
Norwegian coast, ranging from 62° to 71° N, over the last 20–35 years.
By quantifying the importance of sea surface temperatures (SST) in relevant areas of
the North Atlantic, we tested the importance of climatic conditions throughout the
populations’ annual cycles. We found no synchrony among colonies; however, SSTs
affected population dynamics, explaining between 6% and 37% (average 18%) of the
variation in annual population growth rate. While dynamics of the southerly colonies
were mainly affected by winter conditions in the Grand Banks area, dynamics of the
northernmost colonies were dominated by autumn conditions off Svalbard. Negative slopes
indicated stronger population decline under warmer ocean conditions. Population
dynamics were affected both via adult survival and offspring recruitment, as evidenced
by the presence of unlagged effects as well as effects lagged by the age at recruitment.
Finally, we performed population viability analyses taking into account the projected
warming trends for the future. The median time to extinction of the Norwegian colonies
was 52–181 years without considering covariates; 45–94 years when considering
the effects of SST but ignoring future warming; and 10–48 years when ocean warming,
based on a "business as usual" scenario, was taken into account.
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