Long-lasting industrial pollutants are threatening the ivory gull, a small Arctic bird, Norwegian scientists report. The Norwegian Polar Institute found record levels of PCBs and the pesticide DDT in ivory gull eggs collected off northern Norway and Russia. Arctic levels of many persistent pollutants — which accumulate in the environment and in the body fat of birds, fish, and mammals — have declined in recent years. But Canada’s ivory gull population has reportedly dropped by 80 percent, triggering the Norwegian survey. A Polar Institute scientist explained the ivory gulls’ heavy toxic burden by noting that, as predators and scavengers, they are high on the food chain. In another threat, the birds’ habitat is shrinking along with Arctic sea ice.
PCBs and DDT Threaten Arctic Gull
More From E360
-
Energy
Why U.S. Geothermal May Advance, Despite Political Headwinds
-
Food & Agriculture
In War Zones, a Race to Save Key Seeds Needed to Feed the World
-
Climate
Lightning Strikes the Arctic: What Will It Mean for the Far North?
-
RIVERS
A Win for Farmers and Tribes Brings New Hope to the Klamath
-
Solutions
Deconstructing Buildings: The Quest for New Life for Old Wood
-
NATURAL DEFENSES
How Restored Wetlands Can Protect Europe from Russian Invasion
-
Solutions
Birds vs. Wind Turbines: New Research Aims to Prevent Deaths
-
FORESTS
Cambodian Forest Defenders at Risk for Exposing Illegal Logging
-
OPINION
The ‘Green’ Aviation Fuel That Would Increase Carbon Emissions
-
CONSERVATION
Out of the Wild: How A.I. Is Transforming Conservation Science
-
Energy
China’s Mega Dam Project Poses Big Risks for Asia’s Grand Canyon
-
Solutions
How Natural Solutions Can Help Islands Survive Sea Level Rise