Fifteenth census of seabird populations in the sanctuaries of the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1998-1999

For the first time since the tradition began in 1925, the quinquennial census of seabirds in the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries of the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence was divided between two years in 1998-1999. Trends between 1993 and 1998-1999 were variable across species and sanctuaries. In particular, following the large decreases in both species noted in 1993, the 1998-1999 survey showed that Black-legged Kittiwakes had declined further, while the number of Herring Gulls had stabilized. Alcids were all doing well except for the Atlantic Puffin which showed severe yet unexplained drops at all major colonies. Law enforcement efforts appear reflected in seabird population trends, as well-patrolled sanctuaries such as St. Mary's Islands seem to do well, whereas many species at the Baie des Loups and (I) over cap le a la Brume sanctuaries are far from their historical levels. In addition to a better law enforcement program, research is needed in order to identify other conservation problems that some species may be facing. .