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Northern Gannets and Plastic Pollution in Helgoland, Germany
Northern gannet colony in Helgoland, Germany
Northern gannet parent and chick in Helgoland, Germany

Nesting in Plastic

Year

Sponsored by

Location

2022

National Geographic Grant

National Geographic Germany, Nature TTL, Rupp PR, Terra Mater Magazine​

Northern Gannets and Plastic Pollution in Helgoland, Germany
Northern gannet colony in Helgoland, Germany
Northern gannet parent and chick in Helgoland, Germany

The remote island Helgoland is the only habitat for northern gannets in Germany. Since 1991, it has been a refuge for up to 8,000 breeding pairs, which return to the cliffs every year to raise a single chick. However, marine plastic pollution has been an increasing problem. Confusing the plastic at sea for algae, the birds integrate ribbons from fishing nets into their nests. This results in approximately 14 birds perishing on the cliffs daily due to entanglement and strangulation. It is estimated that today 98% of gannet nests contain plastic waste. This story depicts the contrast between the beauty and tragedy of these seabirds, while investigating scientific research and potential solutions for the critical marine plastic problem.

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