The Isle of May long-term study (IMLOTS)

This aggregation consists of datasets collected as part of the Isle of May long-term study (IMLOTS) on the ecology of six seabird species breeding on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, off the East coast of Scotland: black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), common guillemot (Uria aalge), razorbill (Alca torda), European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis).

We record survival rates, reproductive success, diet and foraging distribution during the breeding season. We also study distribution in winter through the support of over 150 volunteers, and by deploying data loggers for species that migrate far offshore.

Our study aims to quantify the effect of climate change, fisheries and marine renewable developments on seabirds and their associated ecosystems. This monitoring has been ongoing since 1973, by the same team of scientists, using the same well-documented methods throughout this time. We recommend that these data are used after consultation with the appropriate UKCEH staff.