Vermeer K. (1992) Population-growth of the Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens in the Strait of Georgia, British-Columbia, Canada. ARDEA 80 (1): 181-185

Glaucous-winged Gulls Larus glaucescens have doubled their nesting population in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, between 1960 and 1986. Human refuse appears to be the main factor responsible for the population increase. The annual rate of increase is relatively low (2.9%) when compared with that of gull populations elsewhere. The reason for this low increase probably results from extensive predation by Bald Eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus on adult gulls and by River Otters Lutra canadensis on both adults and young. Even at its gradual increment rate, Glaucous-winged Gulls are becoming a nuisance in cities, a safety risk at airports, and they may be negatively affecting nesting Black Oystercatchers Haematopus bachmani. Closing of landfills and the incineration rather than storage of garbage is believed to result in either a stabilisation or even a decline in the numbers of gulls in the area.