Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

New approach of penguin biology in relation to environmental changes  (ANTAVIA (which means antennas in latin))

Outline
It is now well documented that the dynamics of penguin populations may be used as an indicator of the impact of climatic changes on marine resources. Long-term monitoring of individual birds is therefore necessary to determine their Life-History traits, such as survival and breeding performance in relation to environmental changes. However, from the early studies, e.g. by David Ainley on Adélie penguins, it has been recognized that the usual way of monitoring individual penguins by using flipper bands may introduce some bias which have been later shown to be partly explained by the extra drag on the flipper. In a more recent work on King penguins at Crozet, flipper-banded birds produced only half the number of chicks than those without. Moreover, unbanded chicks were twice as likely to survive. It is extremely difficult to assess to which extent all previous information on penguin biology should be reconsidered as the flipper effects might depend upon the nature of flippers, the penguin species and/or conditions at sea and ashore. However, new technology may now take over, which involves the electronic identification of individuals tagged with microchips, automatic weighing and/or antennas buried in the ground to avoid any disturbance. Combined with biologging, it will enable to investigate the foraging strategy at sea of birds tracked for years without the possible long-term effect of flipper bands.Still, only a few set-ups are installed and many research teams do not yet have the expertise or the resources to develop this new approach. The main goals of this proposed activity are therefore 1) to promote the development of automatic set-ups to monitor penguin populations 2) to exchange information in order to install set-ups which enable proper comparisons between species or for same species on different sites 3) to provide assistance to research groups which do not have yet the expertise or resources, for example by inviting students on appropriate study sites 4) provide information to a large audience, through internet, on the relationship between the dynamics of penguin populations and environmental variations such as the extent of sea ice.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
New technology introduced in the long-term monitoring of Antarctic fauna while minimizing human disturbance (ethical considerations) and the bias in collecting detailed information on the impact of environmental changes on fauna. Because microchip technology may enable to monitor at the population level, there will be a huge increase in our knowledge of how penguins are affected by variations in climate and resources and/or in our ability to use them as proper indicators of these changes.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Collaboration between those SCAR nations already using new technology in penguin monitoring (France-UK-Japan-Australia) and research teams from other nations that have expressed interest in this new approach, e.g. South American SCAR Nations, this being not limitative.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
New automatic set-ups to monitor Adélie penguin populations installed near the French Dumont d’Urville Station and at the US Cape Crozier field site.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 10/07 – 03/08      10/08– 03/09      10/09- 03/10

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Usual logistic support to access the stations during the austral summers.The resources can usefully be shared with other projects

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The monitoring work will continue indefinitely beyond the IPY time frame. The objective is to obtain the long-term data sets that are requested to determine the impact of future climate changes on penguin populations.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Y This project has been endorsed by the French IPY committee.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


The establishment of an automatic set-up for Adélie Penguins in Dumont d’Urville is in the continuity of programs supported by the French Polar Institute but the main objectives of this proposed action, i.e. exchange and collaborations between SCAR nations, dissemination of expertise, outreach aspects evolve from IPY project.

How will the project be organised and managed?
A scientific committee chaired by XX (to be confirmed) will meet at least once a year with experts in new technology. The SC will be in charge of coordinating the international effort and of insuring data delivery and education outreach

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
An already existing web site on the tracking of Antarctic penguins can be used and connected to other sites according to the goals of the SC

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data repositories will be maintained and made available

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Mainly through grant applications to national agencies but it is anticipated that it may also involve international funding agencies an in some cases will come from private sources.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

DR Yvon LE MAHO
CNRS


67087
France

Tel: 33 (0) 3 88 10 69 33
Mobile: 33 (0) 6 12 92 94 28
Fax: 33 (0) 3 88 10 69 44
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation