Please Return Completed Forms to Nina O Hanlon at Or

Several seabird species are known to incorporate plastic into their nests, however to date the majority of this evidence is anecdotal. To take advantage of nationwide visits to UK seabird colonies in 2018, as part of the ‘Seabirds Count’ national breeding seabird census 2015 – 2019, we are asking people to record the proportion of seabird nests that contain plastic. In the table below(for each species and individual colony) we would like you to record a) the number of active nests you are certain contain plastic; b) the number of active nests you are certain did not contain plastic; and c) the total number of active nests checked – during the incubation period. If you would like to record more information on the amount and type of plasticseen in nests then please get in touch () and we can provide you with more information on how to record this extra information. In addition, any photographs of nests containing plastic would be much appreciated so that we can estimate the most frequent types and colours of plastic that are incorporated. This information will allow us to find out where marine plastic pollution might be having the greatest impact on our seabird species, and which species are most affected. Thanks in advance!

Recorders name:
Recorders email / address:
Species / Date / Colony /
site name / Grid Reference / Number of nests containing plastic / Number of nests not containing plastic / Total number of nests checked / How nests were examined
i.e. from shore, from boat
Species / Date / Colony /
site name / Grid Reference / Number of nests containing plastic / Number of nests not containing plastic / Total number of nests checked / How nests were examined
i.e. from shore, from boat

Please return completed forms to Nina O’Hanlon at or

Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - UHI, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7EE