Abstract

We evaluated the composition and seasonal variation in the diversity of an aquatic bird assemblage related to a mussel farm in southern Chile. Observations were carried out during spring 2008, and the summer, autumn and winter of 2009. Neotropic cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus, followed by kelp gull Larus dominicanus and imperial cormorant P. atriceps were the dominant species. We identified five dietary groups, of which piscivorous birds had the greatest representation. Finally, we discuss the need to evaluate the potential impacts generated by the intensive mussel farming on various components of the marine ecosystem in southern Chile.