Carry-over effects, contaminants and maternal effects in an arctic seabird
1 Purpose. This follow-up study of FOTS 23877 is linked to SEATRACK (FOTS 23259) and is a cooperative research project between France and Norway aims at investigating the consequences of carry over effects and contaminants exposure on maternal effects in black-legged kittiwakes breeding in Svalbard. For the 2021 season, we aim to: 1) Relate individual variations in migratory migration strategies and foraging behavior (via geolocators and GPS tracking, Research Program SEATRACK) to contaminants (poly-and per-fluorinated compounds) and hormones maternal transfer to the eggs; 2) Explore relationships between contaminants and maternal hormones found in the eggs; 3) Assess the consequences of maternal hormones disruption on offspring’s physiology and fitness. To do so, we will take advantage of the experimental clutch removal study conducted in 2020 (FOTS 23877); where we had one low investment group (clutch removed) and one high investment group (clutch kept). The purpose of the 2020-study was assed carry-over effects on the subsequent post breeding migratory behavior of the adults by comparing the two groups. In the 2021-study, we will assess whether the carry-over effects extend even further, to affect pre-laying foraging movements and behaviour of the females, maternal transfer of hormones and contaminants and subsequent effects on offspring physiology and migratory movements.
2 Distress. Catching and handling (gls-logger retrieval, GPS deployment and retrieval, measurements, blood sampling) is gentle/efficient and lasts a maximum of 10-15 mins/bird. The gls-logger (1.9 gram) will be carried on a leg ring for two years +. GPS loggers will be attached to the central tail feathers and carried for a maximum of 1 week. We regard distress to be low to moderate.
3 Expected benefit. It is a critical task to study the pollutants that are long-range transported and deposited in Polar Regions and the potential effect on Arctic wildlife, especially the marine top-predators. A benefit to the society is that our study can provide important information to international processes and conventions, as a few of the fluorinated substances are regulated by international conventions while the vast majority is not. The study is scientific novel and will provide new knowledge about i) reproductive investment on subsequent migration/carry over effects and ii) the consequences of carry over effects on maternal hormones and PFASs transfer in kittiwake eggs.
4 Number of animals, and what kind. A maximum of 56 adults, 28 eggs and 28 chicks
5 How to adhere to 3R. This is a minimum number of animals to answer the research questions. We are studying how arctic seabirds are affected by persistent organic pollutants which are long-range transported to the Polar Regions. Therefore, laboratory studies or non-animal models cannot be used to answer the questions in this project. We have long experience in the field methods which we have practiced and refined over 25 years. The miniaturized gls-and GPS logger, easily carried on a leg ring or on the central tail feather, is also example of ‘refinement'.
2 Distress. Catching and handling (gls-logger retrieval, GPS deployment and retrieval, measurements, blood sampling) is gentle/efficient and lasts a maximum of 10-15 mins/bird. The gls-logger (1.9 gram) will be carried on a leg ring for two years +. GPS loggers will be attached to the central tail feathers and carried for a maximum of 1 week. We regard distress to be low to moderate.
3 Expected benefit. It is a critical task to study the pollutants that are long-range transported and deposited in Polar Regions and the potential effect on Arctic wildlife, especially the marine top-predators. A benefit to the society is that our study can provide important information to international processes and conventions, as a few of the fluorinated substances are regulated by international conventions while the vast majority is not. The study is scientific novel and will provide new knowledge about i) reproductive investment on subsequent migration/carry over effects and ii) the consequences of carry over effects on maternal hormones and PFASs transfer in kittiwake eggs.
4 Number of animals, and what kind. A maximum of 56 adults, 28 eggs and 28 chicks
5 How to adhere to 3R. This is a minimum number of animals to answer the research questions. We are studying how arctic seabirds are affected by persistent organic pollutants which are long-range transported to the Polar Regions. Therefore, laboratory studies or non-animal models cannot be used to answer the questions in this project. We have long experience in the field methods which we have practiced and refined over 25 years. The miniaturized gls-and GPS logger, easily carried on a leg ring or on the central tail feather, is also example of ‘refinement'.