An unusual number of common Guillemots, a seabird cousin to penguins, have been found on French Atlantic shores recently, environmental groups are warning. Scientists are trying to understand the reasons behind the phenomenon.

La Rochelle

An unprecedented number of dead common Guillemots, seabirds related to penguins, have been discovered along the Atlantic shores of France, prompting concern from environmental groups. These organizations are raising alarms about the unusual increase in mortalities of these birds, which are native to the region. Scientists are currently investigating to determine the causes behind this worrying trend, aiming to understand why these seabirds are dying in such alarming numbers.



Unusual numbers of dead seabirds found on French shores

Environmental groups are warning that an unusual number of common guillemots, a seabird cousin to penguins, have washed up on the Atlantic shores of France recently, most of them dead. Antoine Prevel is a volunteer with Sea Shepherd, an international nonprofit marine conservation organization. ANTOINE PREVEL, Sea Shepherd Volunteer Translator, Marine Conservation Organization We patrol these beaches every day of the week, and we find guillemots nearly every day. It depends on the weather conditions. According to the French League for Birds, over 500 birds have been found dead along the French Atlantic coast since the start of the year, with no exact explanation. In La Rochelle, scientists are trying to understand the reasons behind the phenomenon. Jerome Ford is the head of research at CNRS National Research Institute. JEROME FORD, CNRS National Research Institute Guillemot birds are a species that will not survive if they don't feed for two or three days. They have no energy reserves, so they need to feed almost constantly. So when there's a storm or strong winds such as recently, these birds will find it hard to feed properly, while also having to use more energy and will die of exhaustion. The recent beachings happened after storms or strong winds. Ford says climate change, which brings more frequent and intense storms that exhaust the birds, is one explanation. But he said there were several other possible explanations, including microplastics and chemical contamination, which could contribute to weakening the seabirds. Another factor could be that the fish that they prey on have become rare, and have relocated closer to the shores due to climate change and overfishing.

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