How did harvesting eggs affect gull, tern, puffin, and murre colonies?

The harvesting of eggs from gull, tern, puffin, and murre colonies has had varied impacts depending on the management practices employed. Because these birds often nest in massive colonies and are capable of replacing a clutch if the first is taken early, they have long served as a food source for humans.1

The consequences of this practice include:

• Unregulated Exploitation: Certain colonies, particularly those of gulls and terns, have historically been raided without regard for the long-term viability of the populations, leading to severe declines.1
• Sustainable Management: In regions such as the Faeroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland, carefully controlled egging has been practiced for long periods, allowing for continued harvest without destroying the colonies.1
• Conservation Intervention: In the late 19th century, the raiding of breeding colonies in North America—driven by both food demand and the millinery trade—nearly extirpated several species. This prompted a shift in public opinion and the intervention of organizations like the Audubon societies, which successfully secured legal protection for these birds.1