The Baltic Seabird research project was set up in
1997 and is in its current form studying Commmon Murre, Razorbills,
Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls and Great Cormorants. These
seabirds nest on the island of Stora Karlsö in the Baltic Sea,
Sweden.
By using seabird research in conjunction with other
research projects, a clearer picture can be made of the Baltic Sea's
ecosystem, resulting in new knowledge that could help us look after
this vulnerable sea.
Seabirds are found at the top of the food chain and
changes in the environment are often reflected in their behaviour.
Human activities such as fishing, eutrophication, disposal of toxic
substances and global warming are things that may have an effect
on the lives of the seabirds in the Baltic Sea. Studying changes
in the birds' behaviour may give a better idea of what is happening
beneath the surface of the sea.