Demography of marine birds in the Northeast Atlantic: Informed parameter values for population modelling

Abstract Matrix models are often used to assess and predict the impact of human activities on wild populations. These models require input values of demographic parameters, that is survival and fecundity. However, empirical estimates of these parameters are often not available, particularly for survival. We built matrix population models for 25 species of marine birds in the north-east Atlantic. These models were based on long-term monitoring data on abundance and breeding productivity, collated for an environmental status assessment under the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the North-East Atlantic. We started with literature-based values of age-specific survival and tuned these values to fit the observed population growth rate. This database presents tuned values of age-specific survival for 25 species in four regions of the north-east Atlantic, a total of 54 regional populations. In addition, we report modelled generation time as well as the level of breeding productivity required to maintain a stable population for the same populations. Practical implication. Our tuned values of age-specific survival should be used as starting values in future modelling exercises. They represent means over relatively large scales and long timespans and may need adjusting to local conditions.