Arctic birders combat impact of climate change and avian flu on delicate ecosystem
VARDØ, Norway (AP) — In one of the top Arctic birding destinations in the world, environmental and health challenges are threatening some of the seabirds that are part of Norway's unique coastal ecosystem.
The population of kittiwakes has decreased by 80% since the 1990s along the Scandinavian country's coast. The small seagull species, among others, is under siege from climate change, predation, local fisheries and the bird flu.
So the town of Vardø, on the remote Vardøya Island in the Barents Sea, has stepped up to help the migrating visitors.
Three years ago, local fisherman Jan Vidar Hansen built a 'seagull hotel' out of crates for kittiwakes and other seabirds to nest in safely. The hotel has the added bonus of limiting the spread of unwelcome smells, dirty nests and droppings that have become a nuisance for the island's human population.
'The first year there was 55 nests. Last year it was 74, and this year we have 76,' Vidar Hansen said. He hopes the local council will agree to build a bigger seagull hotel in the future.
Seabirds have long been an important part of the identity of Vardø — so much so that the local museum has an exhibition dedicated to them. The town is known for its birding tourism as much as its radar station, which provides critical data to the U.S. Strategic Command thanks to its location nearly 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Russia's military hub on the Kola Peninsula.
The Gulf Stream
Norway's northern coast is an ecologically diverse area due to its topography as well as the Gulf Stream, which brings warmer water up from the Gulf of Mexico and then mixes with the cold Arctic air and water. This warmer water keeps the Barents Sea free from ice even though it's north of the Arctic Circle, and brings tons of fish larvae and other biomass up the Norwegian coast.
But the Gulf Stream is affected by climate change and is now bringing water that is too warm into the Barents Sea, changing the rich composition of the species there. It affects congregations of seabirds, marine mammals and, of course, many fish species.
Fish that need colder water are being pushed further north, while others that require the mix of warmer and Arctic water — like the small schooling fish called capelin — are seeing their migration patterns disturbed.
Capelin, for instance, are a major part of the diet for surface-feeding seabirds like kittiwakes, according to Tone Kristin Reiertsen, a researcher with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.
When capelin either swim deeper into the sea to get to colder water, or migrate further north, seabirds cannot get to them, she said. That in turn impacts the success of seabirds' breeding because they depend on capelin to bring to their chicks.
Boris Belchev, a bird guide and ranger on the nearby Hornøya Island, says it's a frightening domino effect.
"I was seeing birds that usually eat fish on the tundra start eating berries because they don't have their normal food,' he said.
With fewer seabirds surviving, those who remain are easy targets for predators like white-tailed eagles, Reiertsen said. Plus, fisheries situated close to the coastal cliff nesting sites can disturb the dynamics of the colonies.
And then there's the threat of bird flu. In 2023, a large outbreak killed some 25,000 kittiwakes alone along the northern Norwegian coast, Reiertsen said.
'It felt like an apocalypse," she said.
Empty nests
Vidar Hansen's seagull hotel in Vardø is one of seven such kittiwake hotels along the Norwegian coast, Reiertsen said.
'It's not an easy task to get the kittiwakes to move in to these hotels,' she said with a laugh.
But it's working. The small seagulls in recent years have migrated deeper into Vardø's center in search of protection from predators. There were roughly 300 kittiwakes nesting in various buildings in the town and now the population there is roughly 1,300, she added.
Before the Vardø hotel, there were "many empty nests around the whole city,' Vidar Hansen said.
Reiertsen said kittiwakes and other seabirds are crucial to the region's ecology. Their droppings bring important nutrients into the sea, and further decreases in their population could be dangerous to the entire ecosystem.
She said officials need to change their mindset from monitoring the problem to figuring out how to fix it. A potential idea, she added, could be limiting or prohibiting fisheries and boat traffic near nesting colonies.
'We don't have much time,' she said. 'We have to act quickly.'
Economic drivers
The seabirds are also key to Vardø's economy.
Just a short boat ride away from Vardø lies Hornøya Island, a birdwatchers' paradise. Thousands of visitors flock to the uninhabited Hornøya, which is home to some 100,000 seabirds nesting there during breeding season, including much-loved Atlantic puffins, common guillemots and razorbills.
But the island's seabird population has also declined dramatically in recent years. There haven't been any recorded common guillemot chicks there since 2018, Belchev said.
'Last summer, I was shocked. 'What's going on here? Where are all the birds?'' he said.
If Norway's government closes the island to the public, or birds stop nesting there and the birdwatchers stop coming, it could have a huge impact on Vardøya Island.
'Every small business in the town, it's depending on the tourists to come and visit the island and stay in the town and shop and use the gas station and use the small restaurants,' Belchev said. __
Dazio reported from Berlin. Tommi Ojala in Vardø, Norway, contributed to this report.
__
The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNET
4 hours ago
- CNET
I Asked AI to Help Me Travel More Sustainably. Here's What Happened
Growing up, we didn't travel much, especially not internationally. Even as a child, though, I knew I wanted to travel when I got older and could do things for myself. The kid who would wistfully spin and spin and spin a toy globe in my room is now an adult who can book trips as much as my schedule and budget will allow. There is a caveat, though. Growing up also means that I'm now cognizant of the environmental cost of traveling. Defying gravity is incredible and all, but it puts a damper on that dream vacation knowing that my trip is contributing to climate change and that the aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of all global carbon dioxide emissions. In a world where we're all thinking a little more about our carbon footprints, yet are also dreaming about that next far-away adventure we see on our phone screens, I wondered: Can tech -- and more specifically, AI -- help us travel more sustainably? To find out, I did what any curious digital native would do: I put this idea to the test. I turned to AI chatbots, specifically two of the biggest names in artificial intelligence: ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. My mission was to plan two very different vacations that would minimize my environmental guilt while still delivering on adventure, food and cultural enrichment. Here's how it went. For more AI Tips, explore these AI essentials you need to know and how to use AI to get better at playing guitar. A quick note: While AI can help you plan more sustainable trips, the tools themselves aren't exactly eco-neutral. Behind every chatbot response is a data center running thousands of servers, machines that require vast amounts of electricity and cooling water to operate. In fact, research suggests that generative AI tools like ChatGPT can use several liters of water per conversation, depending on the complexity of your queries. That water is typically used to cool the servers during processing. Microsoft, for instance, has reported a 34% year-over-year increase in water consumption, partially due to its AI investments. So while AI could be used to explore eco-friendly travel itineraries, it also has a lasting environmental impact of its own. Like with all tech, sustainable use comes down to moderation and transparency. The setup: Two trips, one goal For the experiment, I designed two different travel scenarios and let the chatbots plan the itineraries from there. Trip 1: A week and a half in Seoul, South Korea, flying from Tampa, Florida (where I live). My goals include hiking, art, food and seeing all the major historical monuments, with a budget of $2,000 to $3,000. ChatGPT asked me to specify some travel details, then created an itinerary from there. Macy Meyer/CNET Trip 2: A wild card. I gave the AI chatbots full creative control to plan the most sustainable tropical vacation possible. In both cases, I used ChatGPT and Copilot side by side to compare results. The Seoul search: Sustainability in the capital city I started with the Seoul trip. I was actually supposed to move to Korea post-grad to teach English as a foreign language, but that didn't work out, thanks to COVID-19. I still haven't made it to Korea, so it's at the tippy-top of my bucket list. Both bots quickly recognized South Korea as a fascinating mix of ancient tradition and high-tech innovation. When I asked how to make my trip eco-friendly, they took two different approaches. ChatGPT gave me a detailed itinerary, including direct flight suggestions, budget breakdowns, eco-lodging in walkable neighborhoods like Insadong and Hongdae and sustainable food recommendations, such as local markets and temple cuisine. It also factored in transit cards and local carbon offset programs. Copilot gave me more surface-level results. It recommended looking into eco-certified hotels or guesthouses, but didn't recommend specific ones, and most of the itinerary it produced was essentially "just walk around this place." I did like that the results all linked out to other sources and websites, though, so I could do a deeper dive when researching its recommendations. Day 1 and 2 of the Copilot-generated itinerary for Korea. Macy Meyer/CNET Copilot also went about $1,000 over budget with its recommendations and didn't suggest specific flights to take to Seoul. That said, Copilot did shine when it came to sourcing carbon offset programs and comparing airline emissions. Its integration with Microsoft's web tools helped it pull in more current data. The tropical wild card: AI goes off the grid Now for the fun part. I asked each AI platform to plan the most sustainable tropical trip it could dream up. My only parameters were that I wanted a warm and tropical climate, nature and an eco-conscious budget. Copilot recommended Palawan, Philippines -- the "last frontier" of the Philippines -- and laid out a 10-day trip. I loved the itinerary. I mean, it's like a dream vacation, so how could I not? But again, the results were pretty brief and lacked specificity. For instance, Copilot said things like "when booking, check for airlines that highlight sustainability" or "familiarize yourself with waste-reduction programs," when that's what I was hoping the chatbot would be able to do for me. Copilot created a 10-day itinerary for the Philippines. Macy Meyer/CNET ChatGPT was again more detailed. It chose Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula -- a place I'd honestly never heard of, but I'm glad I know about now -- and outlined an eight-day experience. The suggested itinerary also included information about eco-lodges, permaculture farm tours and sea turtle conservation, and suggested packing reef-safe sunscreen and DEET-free bug spray. ChatGPT generated a trip for Costa Rica. Macy Meyer/CNET I fact-checked the suggestions from both chatbots, and nearly everything checked out. Most of the lodges ChatGPT listed are genuinely sustainable, utilizing solar power, composting toilets and no single-use plastics. The activities Copilot suggested all support local economies, communities and conservation. Both itineraries were invested in ecotourism, which I appreciated. This brings me to an important reminder: You can't take anything at face value. AI chatbots have a history of "hallucinating" wrong answers, meaning they generate false or misleading information and present it as fact. Any search or answer must be fact-checked. What AI gets right and wrong about sustainable travel Planning with AI has its perks: It saves time, simplifies the research and pulls in suggestions I never would've thought of (looking at you, Osa Peninsula). But AI isn't perfect. The chatbots occasionally recommended hotels that looked eco-friendly, but weren't certified. Neither platform could consistently tell if a business was truly sustainable or just good at marketing, and neither can book anything for you like a real travel agent can. Also, AI doesn't know you. It doesn't know that you prefer local buses to private tours, or that your idea of a dream vacation involves zero plans and a hammock. You'll still need to tweak your itinerary to suit your actual personality, not your browser history. For sustainable travel planning, both ChatGPT and Copilot were helpful tools to jumpstart the trip-planning process. Neither platform can replace a good travel advisor or first-hand knowledge, but they're decent enough assistants for brainstorming, budgeting and discovering new ideas. See also: Chatbots Are Ready to Help in Language Learning. Here's My Experience Would I use AI to plan my next trip? Maybe, but with caveats. I'd consider using ChatGPT and Copilot again, especially at the early planning stage when I'm besieged with options for travel destinations, but I definitely feel like I could get the same results from a well-traveled friend, travel agent or travel books like Lonely Planet. If I did opt to use AI chatbots again in the future, I'd still double-check sustainability claims, compare prices manually and use traditional sites to book things. AI is a tool, not a travel agent. While AI can help, the most sustainable travel choices -- taking fewer flights, supporting local businesses, packing smart and minimizing waste -- still fall on us.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Here's the most important thing to know about taking a cruise this fall
Cruising this fall? Here's the number one thing you need to know about planning your trip. Whether you're dreaming of kayaking beneath Norwegian fjords or ziplining through rainforest canopies in St. Lucia, the key to a seamless cruise experience often comes down to one strategic move: booking your shore excursions well in advance. Not only does early planning secure you a spot on the excursions that excite you most, but it also adds a layer of security and peace of mind that last-minute bookings simply can't match. The mistake I made with my fall cruise booking For the last three years, my sister and I have been dreaming of going on Viking's Empires of the Mediterranean cruise, a dreamy 10-day voyage from Venice to Athens. We've been planning the trip in our heads (and over the phone) for several years, and we officially signed up for the trip a few months ago. This weekend, we finally went in to book our shore excursions, only to find that many of them were already sold out. Are you kidding? Our trip is three months out! It never occurred to us that other travelers would be booking this far in advance and we actually thought we were way ahead of the curve. Free vs. upgraded shore excursions Viking is a very reputable cruise company so they would never leave their guests hanging, unable to book a shore excursion. In fact, their Viking Inclusive Value package guarantees you'll get a free shore excursion at every stop in addition to included meals and free wine and beer at lunches and dinners. It's a great deal, so we will still be able to get on a free shore excursion at each port, but many of the prime tour times are already booked up and some of the best upgraded shore excursions (which are available for an additional cost) are already sold out. Cruise excursions fill up fast Cruise excursions often fill up fast—especially those that blend limited capacity with high demand, like snorkeling over Belize's barrier reef or joining a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ephesus. In my case, it's a visit to Croatia's Krka National Park, which has gone viral on social media for its astounding collection of 17 waterfalls. I was able to score the last spot on a hike in Santorini (a bucket-list destination for me), but there was no room for my sister, which is a bummer. Viking still has plenty of spots available on other excursions in Santorini, but my sister and I would have loved to do the hike together so shame on us for waiting so long to book. When to book shore excursions on a cruise Cruise lines typically open up their excursion bookings a few months before departure, and the most sought-after experiences are usually the first to go. By locking in your activities early, you're more likely to get that once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour in Alaska or wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard rather than settling for a less inspiring backup option. Because the booking opening date varies from company to company and cruise to cruise, confirm as soon as you book your cruise how soon you will be able to book excursions. Then, schedule a calender event (either on a digital calender or via a reminder in your paper notebook) so you don't forget to sign up. Why book shore excursions directly through your cruise operator Beyond availability, booking through your cruise line offers a major logistical advantage: guaranteed return to your ship. Cruise-operated tours are designed to align with the ship's schedule, meaning they won't leave without you if your group is delayed. Independent operators, while often appealing for their competitive prices or niche offerings, can't offer the same assurance. Missing the ship's departure isn't just stressful—it can be costly and potentially derail the rest of your voyage. There's also the matter of quality and vetting. Cruise lines have a vested interest in partnering with reputable, well-reviewed tour operators that prioritize safety, professionalism, and enriching experiences. While some independent tours are exceptional, others can be hit or miss—especially in ports with limited regulation. Booking early through your cruise line helps you avoid that gamble. Why you should prioritize booking cruise shore excursions Think of shore excursions as more than a way to fill time off the ship; they're an extension of your journey, deepening your understanding of each destination. Whether it's watching artisans handcraft pottery in a small Greek village or trekking through a Patagonian glacier field, these moments often become the heart of your travel story. And the best stories usually begin with thoughtful planning. To make the most of your trip, spend time researching each port ahead of time - even if you haven't even officially booked your departure yetThen, schedule a calendar event (either on a digital calendar or via a reminder in your paper notebook) so you don't forget to sign up.. Cruise forums, destination blogs, and even the cruise line's own excursion descriptions can offer valuable insight into what's worth prioritizing. Consider your interests, energy levels, and appetite for adventure—then reserve your excursions as soon as they open up. Planning ahead doesn't just save you from the stress of last-minute decisions; it elevates your entire cruise experience. From the serenity of a pre-dawn kayak paddle to the exhilaration of climbing an ancient fortress wall, booking early ensures you won't just see the world—you'll experience it fully, one unforgettable shore at a time. Solve the daily Crossword


Skift
a day ago
- Skift
Extreme Heat in Greece Triggers Safety Warnings for Tourists, Forces Partial Shut Down of Acropolis
The increasing frequency of heat events is raising fresh questions about climate resilience in Mediterranean tourism markets, especially as the peak season now coincides with dangerous weather extremes. Greece has partially shut down the Acropolis in Athens and is urging tourists to stay indoors as an extreme heatwave sweeps across the country. Greece's Ministry of Culture has closed the ancient citadel during the hottest hours everyday since Tuesday. It is the most visited attraction in the country. 'The Acropolis Archaeological Site will remain closed from Friday to Sunday, between 12:00 and 17:00 due to high temperatures, for the safety of employees and visitors,' the ministry said in a statement. Temperatures in parts of the country are expected to peak at 43°C (109°F), according to Greece's Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to stay cool, avoid crowds, use air conditioning or fans, wear breathable clothing, and drink water regularly. Tourism Sector Faces Heat Pressure Greece, which welcomes millions of visitors annually during the summer months, is no stranger to extreme heat. But climate change is intensifying those patterns. The country has experienced longer and more intense heatwaves in recent years, as well as deadly floods and destructive wildfires. Last month, Western Europe was gripped by another searing heatwave that triggered evacuations, injuries, and travel disruption across France, Spain, and Greece. Thousands were displaced by wildfires, while tourism businesses and public agencies scrambled to respond. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.