Morten Helberg

Norwegian version of this page Department of Natural Sciences, Practical-Aesthetic, Social and Religious Studies
Norwegian version of this page Position
Assistant Professor
Contact Study place
Halden
Office nr.
FU2-73

Academic interests

General ecology, bird ringing, and especially birds movements in time and space. 

Courses taught

  • Kindergarden teacher education: Science
  • Teacher education: Science

Background

My Cand. Scient degree are from the University of Tromsø, with theme evolutionary ecology, and focused on effects from organochlorines at reproduction in the worlds largest gull, the Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus.

The last years I have connected to the University of Oslo with different seabird projects. Among others I coordinate the SEAPOP (SEAbird POPulations, www.seapop.no) and the SEATRACK (SEAbird TRACKing, www.seapop.no/en/seatrack/) projects in Vest-Agder, and also gather field data for the Urban Fiord project lead by the Norwegian Environment Agency. Here we study organochlorine levels in Herring Gull Larus argentatus and Common Eider Somateria molissima. Since 2010 I have lead an ongoing project that focus on gulls that we find in urban areas, URBPOP (URBan POPulations). Several thousand gulls of many species has been ringed by voulenteers all over Norway, with colorrings that can be read on distance. Me and my collaborators uses this method to study and get comparative data on Oystercatchers Hamentopus ostralegus, Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and Coots Fulica atra, and Swans. What is especially interesting is that we can follow the same individual birds over long time, as we get many sightings for each bird. Most of the sighting data come from volunteer reporters, that report their sightings at the web page www.ringmerking.no. This is a interesting way of getting knowledge from nature that is well suited for use in different ecology and science education.

Projects

Tags: Ecology, Science education

Publications

  • Clark, Bethany L.; Carneiro, Ana P. B.; Pearmain, Elizabeth J.; Rouyer, Marie-Morgane; Clay, Thomas A. & Cowger, Win [Show all 56 contributors for this article] (2023). Global assessment of marine plastic exposure risk for oceanic birds. Nature Communications. ISSN 2041-1723. 14(1). doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-38900-z. Full text in Research Archive
  • Brides, Kane; Thorstensen, Sverrir; Einarsson, Ólafur; Boiko, Dmitrijs; Petersen, Ævar & Auhage, Svenja N.V. [Show all 21 contributors for this article] (2023). Interchange of individuals between two Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus populations, and its effect on population size estimates. Ringing & Migration. ISSN 0307-8698. doi: 10.1080/03078698.2022.2161004.
  • Keilen, Ellen Kristine; Borgå, Katrine; Thorstensen, Helene Skjeie; Hylland, Ketil; Helberg, Morten & Warner, Nicholas Alexander [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Differences in Trophic Level, Contaminant Load, and DNA Damage in an Urban and a Remote Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) Breeding Colony in Coastal Norway. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ISSN 0730-7268. 41(10), p. 2466–2478. doi: 10.1002/etc.5441. Full text in Research Archive
  • Fauchald, Per; Tarroux, Arnaud; Amelineau, Francoise; Bråthen, Vegard Sandøy; Descamps, Sebastien & Ekker, Morten [Show all 40 contributors for this article] (2021). Year-round distribution of Northeast Atlantic seabird populations: applications for population management and marine spatial planning. Marine Ecology Progress Series. ISSN 0171-8630. 676, p. 255–276. doi: 10.3354/meps13854. Full text in Research Archive
  • Amelineau, Francoise; Merkel, Benjamin; Tarroux, Arnaud; Descamps, Sebastien; Anker-Nilssen, Tycho & Bjørnstad, Oskar Kenneth [Show all 41 contributors for this article] (2021). Six pelagic seabird species of the North Atlantic engage in a fly-and-forage strategy during their migratory movements. Marine Ecology Progress Series. ISSN 0171-8630. 676, p. 127–144. doi: 10.3354/meps13872. Full text in Research Archive
  • Dupuis, Benjamin; Amelineau, Francoise; Tarroux, Arnaud; Bjørnstad, Oskar; Bråthen, Vegard Sandøy & Danielsen, Jóhannis [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2021). Light-level geolocators reveal spatial variations in interactions between northern fulmars and fisheries. Marine Ecology Progress Series. ISSN 0171-8630. 676, p. 159–172. doi: 10.3354/meps13673. Full text in Research Archive
  • Knudtzon, Nina C; Thorstensen, Helene; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine & Enge, Ellen Katrin [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Maternal transfer and occurrence of siloxanes, chlorinated paraffins, metals, PFAS and legacy POPs in herring gulls (Larus argentatus) of different urban influence. Environment International. ISSN 0160-4120. 152. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106478. Full text in Research Archive
  • Dietz, Rune; Fort, Jérôme; Sonne, Christian; Albert, Céline; Bustnes, Jan Ove & Christensen, Thomas Kjær [Show all 40 contributors for this article] (2021). A risk assessment of the effects of mercury on Baltic Sea, Greater North Sea and North Atlantic wildlife, fish and bivalves. Environment International. ISSN 0160-4120. 146. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106178. Full text in Research Archive
  • Bustnes, Jan Ove; Bårdsen, Bård-Jørgen & Helberg, Morten (2020). Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus fuscus) were studied over 10 breeding seasons (2005-2014) to assess factors influencing nesting distribution among 7 subcolonies with two distinct habitats (open-rocky or vegetated) in an archipelago on the Norwegian Coast. The study was divided into an early (2005-2008) and late period (2009-2014), depending on a predatory event in 2008, where one subcolony suffered a complete reproductive failure. In the early period, three open-rocky subcolonies in the . Waterbirds (De Leon Springs, Fla.). ISSN 1524-4695. 43(2), p. 163–173. doi: 10.1675/063.043.0204.
  • Thorstensen, Helene; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine (2020). Common Eider and Herring Gull as Contaminant Indicators of Different Ecological Niches of an Urban Fjord System. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. ISSN 1551-3777. 17, p. 422–433. doi: 10.1002/ieam.4340. Full text in Research Archive
  • Nilsson, Anna; Slagsvold, Tore; Røstad, Ole Wiggo; Knudsen, Endre; Jerstad, Kurt & Cadahia, Luis [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Territory location and quality, together with climate, affect the timing of breeding in the white-throated dipper. Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 9, p. 1–11. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-43792-5. Full text in Research Archive
  • Bustnes, Jan Ove; Moe, Børge; Helberg, Morten & Phillips, Richard A. (2013). Rapid long-distance migration in Norwegian Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus fuscus along their eastern flyway. IBIS. ISSN 0019-1019. 155(2), p. 402–406. doi: 10.1111/ibi.12022.
  • Helberg, Morten; Systad, Geir Helge; Birkeland, Ingve; Lorentzen, Nils H. & Bustnes, Jan Ove (2009). Migration patterns of adult and juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus from northern Norway. Ardea. ISSN 0373-2266. 97(3), p. 281–286.
  • Bustnes, Jan Ove; Fauchald, Per; Tveraa, Torkild; Helberg, Morten & Skåre, Janneche Utne (2008). The potential impact of environmental variation on the concentrations and ecological effects of pollutants in a marine avian top predator. Environment International. ISSN 0160-4120. 34, p. 193–201.
  • Bustnes, JO; Kristiansen, Kai-Ove & Helberg, Morten (2007). Immune status, carotenoid coloration, and wing feather growth in relation to organochlorine pollutants in great black-backed gulls. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. ISSN 0090-4341. 53. doi: 10.1007/s00244-005-0269-3.
  • Bustnes, Jan Ove; Helberg, Morten; Strann, Karl-Birger & Skåre, Janneche Utne (2006). Environmental pollutants in endangered vs. increasing subspecies of the lesser black-backed gull on the Norwegian Coast. Environmental Pollution (1987). ISSN 0269-7491. 144, p. 893–901.
  • Kristiansen, Kai-Ove; Bustnes, JO; Folstad, Ivar & Helberg, Morten (2006). Carotenoid coloration in great black-backed gull Larus marinus reflects individual quality. Journal of Avian Biology. ISSN 0908-8857. 37.
  • Helberg, Morten; Bustnes, Jan Ove; Erikstad, K. E.; Kristiansen, Kai Ove & Skåre, Janneche Utne (2005). Relationships between reproductive performance and organochlorine contaminants in great black-backed gulls (Larus marinus). Environmental Pollution (1987). ISSN 0269-7491. 134(3), p. 475–483.

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  • Braaten, Espen; Eikeseth, Unni; Helberg, Morten; Lesund, Brit Drøivoldsmo & Voll, Liv Oddrun (2021). Solaris naturfag 6. Aschehoug & Co. ISBN 9788203406607. 272 p.
  • Svorkmo-Lundberg, Torkild; Bakken, Vidar; Helberg, Morten; Mork, Kjetil; Røer, Jan Erik & Sæbø, Solve (2006). Norsk VinterfuglAtlas : Fuglenes utbredelse, bestandsstørrelse og økologi vinterstid. Norsk Ornitologisk Forening. ISBN 8278520739. 496 p.
  • Svorkmo-Lundberg, Torkild; Bakken, Vidar; Helberg, Morten; Mork, Kjetil; Røer, Jan Erik & Sæbø, Solve (2006). Norsk VinterfuglAtlas : Fuglenes utbredelse, bestandsstørrelse og økologi vinterstid. Norsk Ornitologisk Forening. ISBN 978-82-7852-073-4. 496 p.

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  • Tarroux, Arnaud; Amelineau, Francoise; Anker-Nilssen, Tycho; Bjørnstad, Oskar; Bringsvor, Ingar Støyle & Bråthen, Vegard Sandøy [Show all 44 contributors for this article] (2021). Year-round exposure of pelagic Arctic-breeding seabirds to fisheries and other anthropogenic stressors in the Northeast Atlantic.
  • Knudtzon, Nina Cathrine; Thorstensen, Helene; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine & Enge, Ellen Katrin [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Maternal Transfer and Occurrence of Siloxanes, Chlorinated Paraffins and Legacy POPs in Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) of Different Urban Influence.
  • Gudmundsson, Sveinn H; Madslien, Knut Ivar Engesæter; Rømo, Grim; Gjerset, Britt; Moldal, Torfinn & Follestad, Arne [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Høypatogen fugleinfluensa påvist i Norge. Norsk Veterinærtidsskrift. ISSN 0332-5741. p. 140–142.
  • Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Knudtzon, Nina Cathrine; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine (2020). Emerging and legacy contaminants in two urban herring gull colonies.
  • Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine (2020). Common eider and herring gull as indicators of contaminants in an urban fjord system.
  • Thorstensen, H. S.; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine (2020). Herring gull and common eider as indicators of contaminants in an urban fjord.
  • Widerøe, Ina Kirsten Sundal; Rasmussen, Adrian Kristinsønn; Aae, Rune; Braaten, Bjørn Espen Pontus; Båtvik, Jan Ingar Iversen & Halstvedt, Camilla Blikstad [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Naturfag i framtidens skole: Inn med teknologi, ut med uteskole? Utdanningsnytt.no.
  • Båtvik, Jan Ingar Iversen & Helberg, Morten (2019). An der Eismeerküste – Norwegens frostiger Norden. [TV]. MareTV.
  • Baggott, Carl David & Helberg, Morten (2018). Breeding ‘Baltic Gulls’ from the Horsvær archipelago in Norway and the occurrence of such birds in Britain. British Birds. ISSN 0007-0335. 111, p. 499–511.
  • Keilen, Ellen Kristine; Borgå, Katrine; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Reiertsen, Tone & Warner, Nicholas Alexander [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Levels and effects of environmental contaminants in herring gull (Larus argentatus) from an urban and a rural colony in Norway.
  • Helberg, Morten (2015). Do climate have an impact on survival in wintering Gulls?
  • Helberg, Morten (2013). Seabird survival in relation to climate change.
  • Helberg, Morten (2012). Is optimal seabird monitoring scale at colonial, regional or global level? An evaluation of the use of mark-sight-resight methods.
  • Breistøl, Arild & Helberg, Morten (2012). Dystre tall for hettemåkebestanden i Norge. Vår Fuglefauna. ISSN 0332-5601. 35(4), p. 150–157.
  • Helberg, Morten (2011). Bymåkene skal under lupen. [Newspaper]. Stavanger Aftenblad.
  • Helberg, Morten (2011). Vil forske på urbane måser. Avisa Tromsø. p. 6–6.
  • Helberg, Morten; Breistøl, Arild & Lorentzen, Nils Helge (2011). Hvordan går det med hettemåkene i Norge? Vår Fuglefauna. ISSN 0332-5601. 34(1), p. 6–11.
  • Ruus, Anders; Grung, Merete; Jartun, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas & Beylich, Bjørnar [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2022. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7609-1. Full text in Research Archive
  • Layton-Matthews, Kate; Buckingham, Lila; Critchley, Emma Jane; Nilsson, Anna Lisa Kristina; Ollus, Victoria Marja Sofia & Ballesteros, Manuel [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2023). Development of a Cumulative Impact Assessment tool for birds in Norwegian Offshore Waters: Trollvind OWF as a case study. Norwegian Institute of Nature Research (NINA). ISSN 978-82-426-50931 .
  • Helberg, Morten; Heggøy, Oddvar; Dahl, Espen; Fredriksson, Øyvind; Gunleifsen, Leif & Gunnersen, Jan Edvinn [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2021). Intensiv overvåking av hubro i Norge i 2021. BirdLife Norge. ISSN 978-82-78-52180-9.
  • Molværsmyr, Sindre; Follestad, Arne & Helberg, Morten (2020). Fuglebevegelser til Norge med risiko for innføring av fugleinfluensa. Med fokus på måker og gjess. Norsk institutt for naturforskning (NINA). ISSN 978-82-426-4712-2.
  • Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Vogelsang, Christian [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2020). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2019. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7290-1. Full text in Research Archive
  • Molværsmyr, Sindre; Ergon, Torbjørn; Nilsson, Anna & Helberg, Morten (2019). Colony formation and breeding success in the rapidly declining Black-headed Gull. Universitetet i Oslo.
  • Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Schlabach, Martin [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2018. Norsk insitutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7145-4. Full text in Research Archive
  • Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Petersen, Karina; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Schlabach, Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2017. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7103-4. Full text in Research Archive
  • Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Petersen, Karina; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Schlabach, Martin [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2016). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2015. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6808-9. Full text in Research Archive
  • Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar; Bæk, Kine; Schlabach, Martin & Helberg, Morten (2015). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2014. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6619-1. Full text in Research Archive
  • Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar; Bæk, Kine; Schlabach, Martin & Helberg, Morten (2014). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6449-4. Full text in Research Archive
  • Helberg, Morten; Johnsen, Trond Vidar & Fauchald, Per (2005). Registrering av sjøfugl fra flytokt. Barentshavet øst, 8.februar 2005. Norsk institutt for naturforskning. ISSN 82-426-1564-0. Full text in Research Archive

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Published July 31, 2018 9:13 AM - Last modified Aug. 9, 2021 8:47 AM