Forstyrrelser i grønlandske havfuglekolonier, med speciel fokus på ynglende havterner på Kitsissunnguit (Grønne Ejland), Disko Bugt. Technical Report No. 71

The effect of disturbance, both human and “natural”, in Greenland seabird colonies is very difficult to 
assess. This is partly due to the lack of studies on the topic carried out in Greenland or abroad. It is also 
difficult to make broad generalisations because tolerance to disturbance can vary at the species-, colonyand individual level. These differences in tolerance are driven by factors such as the degree of habituation, 
geographical location and local hunting pressure. With these reservations in mind, the overall intention of 
this report is to list a series of recommendations to reduce disturbances related to tourism and education 
activities in Greenland seabird colonies.
If tourism and education activities at the archipelago of Kitsissunnguit would increase in the future, it is 
recommended that the location should be subdivided into sections where a limited admittance is allowed 
and into “no-go” sections that are closed to the public. It is furthermore recommended that traffic in areas with breeding Arctic terns should only be conducted at designated footpaths where visitors walk in groups, 
in line and under the guidance of a certified guide. Disturbance should be avoided altogether in the 
beginning of the breeding season and boat traffic should not be authorized within 200 meters of the 
shoreline of the islands. If future tourism and education activities are carried out at Kitsissunnguit, it is 
strongly recommended that the effect of these activities are closely monitored and included in a 
monitoring plan for the area.