Emaciated gannet chicks at the Cape St. Mary's seabird colony on Canada’s east coast.
Photo Credit: Alick Tsui

Gannett decline may be linked to warmer sea

Unusual behaviour among a colony of seabirds on Canada’s eastern shores may have something to do with sea temperatures that are three degrees higher than usual.

Northern gannets normally stay with their young, but now are abandoning them at an alarming rate, leaving them without food to survive. Scientists think the birds are having trouble finding food.

They normally eat mackerel and other fish that may have moved into deeper waters to find cooler temperatures. The eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador had a record-breaking heat wave this summer.

Categories: Environment & Animal Life
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