Seabirds associated with oil production platforms in the North Sea

Abstract

 The results of a three‐year study of birds associated with three oil platforms in the North Sea are presented. The attendance patterns of birds at platforms and the proportions of different species at these platforms varied throughout the year. Herring Gulls, probably of Scandinavian origin, formed a high proportion of the species present at most platforms during the non‐breeding season. Other species which formed more than a quarter of birds present at some time during the year were Fulmar, Common Gull, Great Black‐backed Gull and Kittiwake. Great Skua, Black‐headed Gull, Lesser Black‐backed Gull and Glaucous Gull were less common. The patterns of attendance reflected both patterns of numbers at sea and known migration periods. The platforms attract birds, and may provide food, roosting sites and shelter in severe weather. The numbers of birds associated with oil platforms form a low proportion of the North Sea populations of the species concerned, and while pollution incidents from platforms would affect these birds first, the numbers at risk are considered insignificant.