The use of feathers of Sandwich tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) for the non-destructive monitoring of emerging pollutants in coastal habitats

Seabirds were extensively used as indicators for trace element contamination and bioavailability due to their high position in the aquatic food web, well-known ecology, abundance, and widespread distribution. Nevertheless, seabirds are still disregarded for monitoring emerging pollutants in coastal areas. Consequently, monitoring contamination and bioavailability still rely on analysing abiotic matrices and measures of body burdens in invertebrates or fishes. In the present paper, we summarise how monitoring neonicotinoid pesticides and human and veterinary pharmaceuticals using seabird’s fledgelings could provide valuable information on such contaminants in the environment. Using seabird feathers is an ethically acceptable method for monitoring emerging pollutants, may provide relevant insight into the extent of environmental contamination, and provide a better picture of the potential hazards to men.