Pacific ‘Warm Blob’ Causes Massive Common Murre Die-Off

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What Are Common Murres?

The common murre, also known as the common guillemot (Uria aalge), is a large seabird belonging to the auk family. It is found across low-Arctic and boreal waters in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific, with a circumpolar distribution. These birds spend most of their lives at sea, coming ashore only to breed on rocky cliffs or islands.

Although common murres are strong and fast fliers, they lack agility in flight. Underwater, they are highly adept, using their wings to “fly” through the water. They typically dive to depths of 30–60 meters (100–195 feet), with some dives reaching as deep as 180 meters (590 feet).

Key Findings:

  1. Event:
    • The 2014-2016 marine heatwave, known as “the blob,” caused significant disruptions in ocean ecosystems.
    • Nearly 4 million murres (half their global population) died over three years, marking the largest wildlife mortality event in modern history.
  2. Impact on Common Murres:
    • Surveys of murre colonies (2008–2022) revealed catastrophic population declines:
      • Gulf of Alaska colonies: 50% decline in size.
      • Eastern Bering Sea colonies: 75% decline.
    • No signs of recovery in these populations have been observed.
  3. Murres’ Characteristics:
    • Seabirds resembling flying penguins.
    • Dive/swim to catch small fish and nest in large colonies on islands or coastal cliffs.
    • Despite their resilience, they are highly vulnerable to changing ocean conditions.

Study Contributions:

  • Citizen Science Program:
    • Coastal residents trained to survey beaches and document dead birds.
    • Data from this program supported the study led by federal scientists.
  • Study Contributors:
    • Led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in collaboration with partners.
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7 thoughts on “Pacific ‘Warm Blob’ Causes Massive Common Murre Die-Off”

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