The Effects of Oil Pollution on Seabirds on the German North Sea Coast from 1983 to 1990

During a monitoring project running from 1983 to 1990 oiled seabirds were counted and collected on a selected number of sampling routes (25 km) along the German North Sea coast. The aim of this study was to obtain information about which species were involved and on the regional differences in the extent of chronic oil pollution in the German Bight.All dead seabirds collected were examined; oil remaining in their feathers was analysed in the laboratories of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).The bird species affected most heavily by chronic oil pollution were auks, Eiders and Kittiwakes. A total of 9,542 dead birds were found on the coastal stretches sampled. 2,734 birds were oiled externally. Thus the oiling rate averaged 28 %. The results of the beached birds surveys in Germany from 1984 to 1990 are compared with the results of Dutch and Danish investigations. In addition information on the main sources of oil pollution are given.