Lessons from Gulls: Creating a Collaborative Seabird Colony Monitoring Program

In a world where environmental conservation and research are becoming increasingly crucial, Claire Labuda, a Hollings scholar majoring in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology at Colorado State University, shares her experience in creating a collaborative research program for seabird colony monitoring. Her internship under the NOAA Office for Coastal Management focused on developing a disturbance monitoring program for Black-legged Kittiwake colonies at Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Kittiwakes serve as vital indicator species, reflecting the health of nearshore fish populations that hold significant economic and sustenance value for coastal communities. Claire’s research protocol aimed to quantify human and predator disturbance levels at three colonies within the reserve. By analyzing this data alongside reproductive success and breeding behavior, she sought to understand the factors contributing to differences between colonies and the role of human impact.

Collaboration played a pivotal role in Claire’s project, as she worked with experts from the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Forest Service to refine her protocol. Additionally, she integrated community outreach initiatives to engage local residents in citizen science opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in the research program.

The data collected by Claire will serve as a crucial baseline for ongoing monitoring efforts at the reserve, tracking the impacts of increased industrialization and changing environmental patterns on seabird colonies. By involving the community in conservation practices, Claire’s work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also fosters a sense of stewardship among local residents.

Claire’s internship experience highlights the importance of hands-on research, collaboration, and community engagement in environmental conservation efforts. Her dedication to creating a sustainable monitoring program for seabird colonies sets a valuable example for aspiring conservation biologists and researchers.

#SeabirdConservation #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalResearch #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI

References:
– NOAA Office of Education. (2025). Lessons from gulls: My experience creating a collaborative research program for seabird colony monitoring. [https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/hollings-scholarship/stories/lessons-from-gulls-my-experience-creating-collaborative-research-program-for-seabird]
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