Abstract
We provide information on the seabirds occurring year-round in waters of the French Guiana Exclusive Economic Zone, based on data obtained from three boat-based campaigns: a campaign by the Groupe d’Étude et de Protection des Oiseaux de Guyane was conducted for four days every two months from July 2011 to June 2012; a campaign by Cohabys was performed for five days per month from January to May 2018; and a campaign by Ocean Science & Logistic consisted of four 10-day surveys conducted in June, July, September, and October 2018. Overall, 30 seabird species within 1110 groups of birds were sighted along 6686 km of surveys conducted during favorable weather conditions (Beaufort < 5). Seabirds of the family Laridae were the most frequently observed, followed by those of the family Procellariidae. In waters over the continental slope, the most frequently observed species were Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus; Brown Noddy Anous stolidus; Wilson’s Oceanites oceanicus and Leach’s Hydrobates leucorhous Storm Petrels; Great Ardenna gravis, Manx Puffinus puffinus, and Audubon’s Puffinus lherminieri Shearwaters; and Masked Booby Sula dactylatra. In waters over the shelf, the most common species were Common Tern Sterna hirundo, Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla, and Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus. In the coastal area, the most common species were Laughing Gull, Royal Tern, and Cayenne Tern T. acuflavidus eurygnathus. The Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens was sighted in all habitats. Monthly presence/absence and associations of species were also analyzed. Our results underline the high species diversity of seabirds within the waters of French Guiana as well as the diverse uses of available habitats. Indeed, the region is not only a major nesting area, but also a major foraging area for wintering, summering, and migrating species. We recommend strengthening seabird conservation measures and, in particular, increasing the extent of Marine Protected Areas.
DOI
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.50.1.1463
Creative Commons License
Recommended Citation
Pusineri, Claire; Martinez, Ludivine; Montgolfier, Benjamin De; Geraldes, Dinis; Lenrume, Paul; Bordin, Amandine; Safi, Morjane; Suardi, Alessandra; Wyss, Virginie; Leclerc, Brendan; and Rufray, Vincent
(2022)
"Composition of the Seabird Community Off French Guiana,"
Marine Ornithology: Vol. 50
:
Iss.
1
, Article 17.
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.50.1.1463
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/marine_ornithology/vol50/iss1/17