The effects the expected rise in sea levels will have on the distribution and abundance wading birds in the Ribble Estuary, Lancashire. With particular emphasis on the Redshank (Tringa totanus).

Abstract

Global warming is one of the biggest issues of the 21st century. Global sea levels are expected to
rise over the coming century as a result of global warming. The rise in sea levels is likely to
occur primarily through a combination thermal expansion of the oceans and glacial melt. A
number of predictions regarding the extent of expected sea level rise have been put forth from
various organisations and individuals. These predictions are prone to variation, and in some
cases, contradict and dispel other projections.
In terms of implications for species and ecosystems, the effects of global warming are expected
to be most pronounced in coastal and upland areas. Wading birds living in coastal and estuarine
environments will experience an overall loss of habitat through permanent inundation from the
expected rise in sea levels. This habitat loss will increase inter-specific and intra-specific
competition between species and individuals. Furthermore, a reduced habitat size will decrease
the exposure time of intertidal areas at low tide. Limiting the feeding opportunities of wading
birds.
The Ribble Estuary is a site of international importance for wading birds, and supports an
internationally significant population of Redshank (Tringa totanus). Redshank have shown
susceptibility to habitat inundation in the past, through human induced permanent inundation of
areas of Cardiff Bay (Burton et al, 2006). Given this, it is likely that habitat inundation on the
Ribble Estuary resultant from expected sea level rise will have detrimental implications for the
Redshank population on the estuary.