Marine Birds

Abstract

Mexico’s marine ornithofauna is species-rich and contributes significantly to the country’s biodiversity. Mexico occupies the fifth place in the number of seabird species and third place in the number of endemic marine bird species; many are associated with islands. On the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone where they feed, and on the islands where they breed, marine birds face various natural and anthropogenic threats that are significantly different from those on the mainland. There is no document summarizing information on Mexican seabird biodiversity and the threats they face at sea or in their colonies. We summarize the information available on breeding sites, abundance, and where possible, population trends, collating this information with the threats. We suggest conservation priorities for seabirds at a national level, urge for the revision of the legal body and policies that impact on marine bird conservation, and advocate for sound and responsible research and conservation protocols for this group.