Climate-driven increases in Arctic shipping threatens fragile seabird habitat

A new study from Wildlife Conservation Society Canada warns that increased shipping through the Arctic - driven by longer ice-free seasons - could have serious consequences for one of the world’s most isolated and least studied seabird colonies.

The study, published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, provides new insights into the migration routes of Cape Parry Thick-Billed Murres, a population of only 1,350 seabirds - uncovering previously unknown nursery and moulting areas along the migration route where the birds, often referred to as “the penguins of the north”, are particularly vulnerable.

“Murres are essentially sitting ducks at these sites, as chicks and moulting adults are unable to fly away from threats,” says co-author Dr Stephen Insley. “With a changing climate creating longer and longer ice-free seasons, and more ships passing through, a surge in fatal bird strikes on this already small population is a real concern.”

Bird strikes are only part of the threat. Increased shipping brings with it the spectre of oil spills, invasive pathogens in ballast water, and noise pollution - all with the potential to disrupt fragile Arctic ecosystems.

Dr. Insley says targeted, seasonal protections could make a difference. “The most effective option is to restrict shipping in these areas during peak vulnerability. At the very least, mandatory slowdowns to 10 knots would reduce risk - not just for seabirds, but also for marine mammals like bowhead whales.”