Within and between breeding-season changes in contaminant occurrence and body condition in the Antarctic breeding south polar skua

The Antarctic ecosystem represents a remote region far from point sources of pollution. Still, marine predators, such as seabirds, are exposed to organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) which may induce adverse health effects. With increasing restrictions and regulations on OHCs, the levels exposure expected decrease over time. We studied south polar skua (Catharacta maccormiciki), top predator seabird, compare OHC concentrations measured in whole blood 2001/2002 2013/2014 Dronning Maud Land. As previous study found organochlorine with sampling day during breeding season, suggesting dietary changes, we investigated if this increase was repeated season. In addition organochlorines, analyzed hydroxy-metabolites, brominated per- polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 2013/2014, well descriptors stable isotopes carbon nitrogen, assess potential changes diet breeding. Lipid normalized individual OHCs were 63%, 87% 105% higher for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE), ∑Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), respectively, compared 2001/2002. South skuas males poorer body condition than 2001/2002, pollutant levels. Poorer cause remobilization stored reserves, continued legacy at overwintering areas explain unexpected Concentrations protein-associated PFAS increased whereas lipid-soluble chlorinated pesticides, PCBs polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs) showed no change. occurrence not correlated isotopes. biomagnification through local food web colony should be further.