Seabirds at sea, may – august 1988 (ship-based observations CvZ/DGW, NIOZ, MV Plancius)

MS Holland was manned during three one-week trips in June, July and August (CvZ/DGW), visiting about the entire Dutch continental shelf. On board RV Aurelia a trip was organized in June to the Frisian Front, NW of Texel (NIOZ) and another four trips, using RV Aurelia, RV Tridens and MV Breeveertien, were organized to visit the Dogger Bank area in July (NIOZ). MV Plancius left Holland in May and birds were observed during its crossing to Britain. Throughout this period, Fulmars were abundant in the Southern North Sea, especially near the Frisian Front and in the Dogger Bank area. Several Manx Shearwaters were observed in July and these scattered records do explain its occurrence at seawatching sites in certain conditions. Gannets were widespread, but always in low numbers.