Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica), representing one of five pelagic diving species within the scope of the project, are being instrumented with GLS loggers at 20 SEATRACK localities.
The Atlantic puffin has been a SEATRACK species since the start of the programme in 2014. Since 2019 SEATRACK is also deploying GLS loggers on puffin chicks at three locations (Hornøya, Anda and Isfjorden).
Puffins are abundant in the North Atlantic but rapid declines across its European range in recent years have caused the IUCN to classify the species as “vulnerable” on its 2015 red list. Although puffins are the most numerous seabirds along the coast of the Norwegian mainland they are classified as vulnerable on the Norwegian red list due to a population decline.
The Atlantic Puffin is a member of the auk family and widespread in the North Atlantic Ocean where the largest populations can be found in in Iceland and Norway. It has a black crown and back, pale grey cheeks and white underparts. Its broad, boldly marked red and black beak and orange legs contrast with its plumage. It molts while at sea in the winter and some of the bright-colored facial characteristics are lost.
Outside the breeding season puffins do not come on land. They are piscivores and great divers, mainly preying on a variety of smaller fish including capelin, sand-lance, herring, small gadoids and hake.
Featured image: Tycho Anker-Nilssen.
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