Seabirds ingesting an increasing amount of plastic

23 May 2024
bird gizzard with pieces of plastic

White-chinned Petrel found with 122 pieces of plastic in its gizzard.
Photo: Abigail Campbell

23 May 2024
seabirds flying
Seabirds often follow long-line fishing boats, where they are susceptible to being caught as bycatch. White-chinned Petrels are the most frequently by-caught seabird in the Southern Ocean, giving access to many carcasses to examine for plastic.
Photo: Peter Ryan

For her research report, Conservation Biology Master's student, Abigail Campbell (2023/24) tackled the issue of changes in the amount of plastic floating at sea. 

She wrote a synopsis of her study for the Cape Bird Club's "Conservation Corner". Visit their website to read about how White-chinned Petrels helped her gain insight into this environmental challenge.