The distribution of Manx ShearwatersPuffinus puffinusin north-west European waters

Abstract

Seabirds in north-west European waters were surveyed offshore throughout the year from 1979 to 1993. During the breeding season the distribution of Manx Shearwaters centred around the main colonies of Rhum, Skomer and Skokholm. Densities were low in the North Sea, where birds were mainly restricted to waters off the north-east coasts of England and Scotland, in particular the Moray Firth, the Firth of Forth and Flamborough Head. Manx Shearwaters can forage at long distances from the colonies, but highest densities were observed in the Irish Sea, south-west Wales, south-west Ireland and the inshore waters of West Scotland during the chick-rearing period when parent birds visit the colony more frequently. The area of the Irish Sea front was important, particularly in the autumn, and feeding occurred here in preference to other areas of the Irish Sea. From November to February Manx Shearwaters were virtually absent from north-west European waters.