Project Details
Projekt
Blue petrels in Antarctic waters
Applicant
Professorin Petra Quillfeldt, Ph.D.
Subject Area
Oceanography
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 562122027
Blue petrels are truly polar birds, which forage and overwinter in Antarctic waters. This project seeks to answer crucial questions regarding Blue petrels' trophic levels, dietary composition, foraging ranges, and exposure to mercury pollution in relation to their distribution and ecological niches. This study aims to investigate the year-round foraging behaviour of Blue petrels at their largest, yet still unstudied colony, at Diego Ramírez, and compare with two other sites. We will use advanced tracking technology, alongside diet analyses employing metagenomics and stable isotope techniques. Miniaturized GPS and GLS (light-based geolocation) loggers will be attached to Blue petrels to track their movements. GPS loggers will be used to track detailed foraging trips during the breeding season, while GLS loggers will be used to track their non-breeding movements, including migration and moulting locations. Stable isotope analyses of feathers will be used to determine the trophic positions and foraging habitats of Blue petrels when away from the colonies. DNA metagenomics will be used to analyse fecal samples and regurgitates to determine the diet composition, providing a detailed understanding of the prey and potential dietary shifts throughout the year. Together, these data will allow not only a deeper understanding of the ecology of this iconic seabird species, but also contribute to understanding its role in food webs and facilitate co-operations within the SPP1158. The project also highlights the importance of blue petrels as bioindicators of marine pollution and their role in connecting Subantarctic and Antarctic pelagic ecosystems.
DFG Programme
Infrastructure Priority Programmes
