Events

Contaminants in birds that frequent the St. Lawrence

Speaker: Raphaël Lavoie (ECCC)

Tuesday, April 12 at 11 a.m. 

Online. 

Abstract: 

Waterfowl that inhabit the St. Lawrence River are at particular risk of exposure to contaminants from anthropogenic sources. Given their aquatic lifestyle and diet, often being in the upper reaches of the food chain, seabirds can accumulate high concentrations of contaminants that may be toxic. Several examples of contaminants of concern include hydrocarbons, mercury, flame retardants, pesticides, plastics and many others. Birds are good models for answering many questions about ecosystem health. Birds integrate environmental signals over a wide spatial and temporal scale, are sensitive to changes in their habitat, and are good bioindicators of the target system. Some bird species are consumed by hunters and aboriginal communities and may therefore represent a risk to human health. This presentation will provide an overview of contaminants of interest in birds passing through the St. Lawrence River.