Page "Red-throated Loon" Paragraph 29

The Red-throated Loon is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds ( AEWA ) applies ; in the Americas, it is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Oil spills, habitat degradation, and fishing nets are among the main threats this species faces.

Because it tends to migrate close to shore — generally within of land — it may be detrimentally affected by the construction of near-shore wind farms ; studies indicate a high level of avoidance of wind farm areas, though deaths due to direct strikes with the turbines appear to be uncommon.

High levels of mercury in the environment have led to reproductive failures in some areas, including parts of Sweden.

Studies in Sweden have also shown that they may be adversely impacted by the acidification of lakes, as the fish on which they prey are susceptible to low pH.

On the breeding grounds, Arctic and Red Foxes are major predators of eggs, while Great Skuas, Arctic Skuas and various species of Larus gulls ( including Great Black-backed Gulls and Glaucous Gulls ) are predators of both eggs and young.