In 2005, protected areas for moulting and wintering offshore seabirds were designated in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (i.e. marine waters 12 to 200 nautical miles from land) in the North and Baltic Seas. Both sites, the "Eastern German Bight" and the "Pomeranian Bay", are incorporated in the European Natura 2000 network and, being more than 5,000 square kilometres in total, are among Europe's largest bird protection areas. Compiling published and unpublished data, this book provides profiles on the ecology of 27 bird species protected under European legislation and will be used in developing species-tailored conservation measures. The sensitivities of these seabird species to specific anthropogenic factors in the open sea are assessed, based on an examination of the birds' morphological, behavioural and foraging characteristics. Presenting the current state of expert knowledge in a clear and comprehensible form, this book is an essential foundation for the elaboration of conservation policies and the assessment of the effects of human activities on birds and their habitats in the seas.