Study led by Thurso-based scientists shows marine plastic threat to seabirds
Research led by scientists from Thurso's Environmental Research Institute has highlighted the threat posed to seabirds across north-west Europe by marine plastic pollution.
In a four-year study the researchers examined 10,274 nests in the UK, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and the Faroe Islands and found that 12 per cent of nests contained plastic debris. Puffins were found to be most affected, with 67 per cent of their nests including plastic.
The team asked observers who were visiting seabird colonies for other monitoring activities to help gather data as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of working. Information was collected from 14 seabird species in 84 colonies between 2016 and 2020.
The Environmental Research Institute is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Dr Neil James, a post-doctoral research associate, was one of the scientists involved in the project.
He said: "Marine plastic pollution is an increasing global environmental issue which poses a threat to marine biodiversity. Seabirds are particularly affected because of the risk of entanglement or ingestion.
"Our study found that a significant number of nests included plastic debris, with some species more likely to incorporate it than others.
"As well as providing important information about our seabird populations, this type of study can also reveal valuable insights into the prevalence of plastic in the marine environment."
The results of the study have been published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.