ABSTRACT
Abstract. Exposure to lead and petroleum has caused deaths of sea ducks, but relatively few contaminants have been shown to cause mortality or be associated with population level effects. This chapter focuses primarily on eld reports of contaminant concentrations in tissues of sea ducks in North America and Europe and results of some pertinent experimental studies. Much of the available interpretive data for contaminants in waterfowl come from studies of freshwater species. Limits of available data present a challenge for managers interested in sea ducks because eld reports have shown that marine birds may carry greater burdens of some pollutants than
freshwater species, particularly metals. It is important, then, to distinguish poisoning due to a particular contaminant as a cause of death in sea ducks versus simple exposure based solely on tissue residues. A comprehensive approach that incorporates information on eld circumstances, any observed clinical signs and lesions, and tissue residues is recommended when evaluating contaminant concentrations in sea ducks.
