Skip to main content

Previous

Working in science communication: a conversation with Duncan Yellowlees

IMAGES OF BIOLOGY

The shag’s dark tale

For centuries, seabirds have been used as indicator species to help fishermen spot nearby fish stock or to guide them towards land. Today, they give us an insight into what is happening in our seas.

Seabirds can be affected by climate change both directly, through an increase in extreme weather conditions, and indirectly, via changes in the marine ecosystem that affect their food supply. It is hard to monitor fish populations directly, but the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) offers a unique glimpse into changes in fish distribution and abundance.

Your organisation does not have access to this article.

Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise

Subscribe

Previous

Working in science communication: a conversation with Duncan Yellowlees

Related articles: