Publication
This publication, Sentinels of the Ocean, follows on from the Atlas of Seabirds of Portugal (Meirinho et al. 2014) and constitutes a thematic and methodological update of the latter, supplemented with new content. This work compiles the latest information on the distribution, abundance and environmental status of seabird populations using Portuguese waters, incorporating data obtained through individual tracking using electronic devices (e.g. GPS), as well as long-term monitoring time series. This publication is available for download free of charge in two versions: high resolution (143 MB) and low resolution (38 MB).
To quote this publication, please use the following reference:
Oliveira N, Nascimento T, Paiva VH, Alonso H, Costa M, Dias MP, Ramos JA, Lacerda I, de la Cruz A, Gouveia C, Campioni L, Almeida A, Pipa T, Pereira J & Andrade J (2026). Sentinels of the Ocean - Distribution and environmental status of seabirds and coastal waders of Portugal. Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves - SPEA BirdLife, CE3C, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Lisboa.
Meirinho A, Barros N, Oliveira N, Catry P, Lecoq M, Paiva V, Geraldes P, Granadeiro JP, Ramírez I & Andrade J (2014). Atlas das Aves Marinhas de Portugal. Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves. Glossary:
A set of data collected consistently over time, used to analyse trends. Glossary:
Monitoring the movements of individuals using tracking devices. Glossary:
A concept defined under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), referring to the condition of the elements of the marine environment, including birds. It aims to assess whether ecosystems are healthy, balanced and capable of supporting ecological functions and human uses in a sustainable manner. The ultimate goal is for the components and ecosystems to achieve Good Environmental Status. Glossary:
A small device attached to birds to study their movements at a finer scale (usually during the breeding season). These devices use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain information on position, latitude, longitude and altitude at any point on Earth, using a network of orbiting satellites.