Nest-site fidelity of Arctic terns Sterna paradisaea in a managed environment exposed to benign human activity

Human activity near seabird colonies is often equated with disturbance. Coping with human disturbance is a critical task in the management of seabird colonies where human access is an issue. Nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal were characterised in an Arctic tern population exposed to a high level of benign human activity from resident conservation staff and public visitors. The annual return rate of nesting birds was 90% over the 10-year study period. Nest-site fidelity was high with most birds returning to the same 2 x 2 m square in subsequent years, in particular to nest sites that were against walls and exposed to a high level of human activity at close range. This indicates that human activity was not a deterrent to nesting by Arctic terns. Breeding dispersal to other nearby colonies was low, except when related to colony abandonment. The data suggest that benign human activity from resident staff and public visitors can be a positive benefit, both within and across years, to Arctic tern colonies. Managed public access could be considered an effective management tool for Arctic tern conservation, as well as seabird colonies more widely.