Immunomodulation by legacy and emerging pollutants in the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) at Svalbard

First and foremost this project aims to compare the immunotoxic effects of various contaminants on kittiwakes inhabiting Svalbard, with particular focus on emerging contaminants. The effects of pollutants on both the innate and adaptive immune response will be investigated. The longer-term project goal allows for comparison of the kittiwakes at Svalbard with other kittiwakes breeding in the UK. This can help map the health of Svalbard's ecosystem and wildlife, and the overall health in European ecosystems. The collaborative model, which this project will contribute data to, will be an important tool for predicting the ability of an avian host to respond to disease threat. Which is a very valuable tool for future monitoring of the health of different avian species inhabiting both Svalbard and Europe.