Encounter with the Marine birdlife of the Vendée Globe

BIRDS

THE ALBATROSS - classified vulnerable

In the extreme latitudes of the Southern Ocean, albatrosses can become familiar companions to the skippers. These seabirds, such as the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans), listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, are renowned for their wingspan, which can reach up to 3.5 meters. Albatrosses travel thousands of kilometers, skillfully using strong winds to aid their flight and search for food. “A legend says albatrosses are the reincarnations of lost sailors,” recalls Samantha Davies.

Wandering albatrosses are also famous for their monogamous lifestyle. A study led by Ruijiao Sun and Stéphanie Jenouvrier revealed that bold males, who approach females even those already paired, dominate their peers and enjoy higher reproductive success. On the other hand, timid males, who avoid confrontation, face an increased risk of “divorce.” Though rare among this species, such events are correlated with less daring behavior.

the southern fulmar - classified least concern 

The southern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides), a pelagic seabird, is often seen in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, near the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands. With its silvery plumage and fast, acrobatic flight, it primarily feeds on fish, squid, and krill. Capable of covering great distances, the fulmar is also known to follow ships, often attracted by discarded food.

the kep gull - classified least concern

The kelp gull, an opportunistic seabird, is frequently observed along coasts. These birds are known for their scavenging behavior, feeding on fish and marine waste. Their presence serves as an indicator of coastal ecosystem health

the adelie penguin 

The Adelie penguin is easily recognizable by its small stature. A study published in Ecology highlighted their incredible ability to migrate over 12,000 kilometers, the longest migration recorded for this species. Closely tied to sea ice, these penguins adapt to its changes by alternating between swimming and moving across the ice to optimize energy consumption. They primarily feed on krill, small fish, and squid, using the ice to avoid predators and regulate their body temperature.

Preserving our priceless natural heritage

Beyond the competition, the Vendée Globe plays a crucial role in highlighting the marine biodiversity that inhabits the world’s oceans. By navigating through sometimes unexplored waters, skippers have the unique opportunity to observe the diverse fauna thriving in these marine environments. These encounters foster a collective awareness of the fragility of ocean ecosystems.

Indeed, each observation at sea serves as a reminder that these marine habitats face increasing pressures from human activities, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. By sharing their experiences, skippers help raise public awareness about the importance of preserving ocean health and the species that inhabit it, contributing to a global movement for a sustainable and respectful future for marine biodiversity.