PROJECTS
Background Research
Prior to the mid-1980s, published information on this population was primarily limited to general accounts on distribution in the breeding (Boyd), staging (Salmonsen; Gardarsson) and wintering (Ruttledge) areas.Michael O'Briain's three-year doctoral study (1989) in the mid 1980s was the focus of a range of activities including primary research in the breeding and wintering grounds and an increased awareness in the population stimulated through the establishment of the original IBGRG. This period also saw the initiation of national censuses (X). Published information on this period included (X, Y and Z).
Much of the recent scientific programme is led by WWT through a co-funded contract since 2001 with the NIEA and NPW.
Recent Research
The two major studies in the 1990s were a pioneering satellite telemetry study by Gudmundsson et al. (XX) in Iceland and Greenland, and a summary of the distribution of this population in Iceland (Gardarsson & Gudmundsson).During the 1990s a number of PhD projects were undertaken at the species? main Irish staging area (Strangford Lough). These included studies by Mathers (xx), Campton (xx), Stone (xx).
The current phase of research activity has fallen into X main categories and has been undertaken mostly by IBGRG members (individuals or organisations). Some of this work is on-going and results are as yet unpublished. Click on the research themes below for further information.
- Population monitoring
- Ringing/resightings programme
- Satellite telemetry
- Feeding Ecology
- Staging Ecology
- Breeding Biology
