Interspecies and spatial trends in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Atlantic and Mediterranean pelagic seabirds

► PAHs in pelagic seabirds show specific inter-species patterns related to trophic ecology. ► Geographic origin shows a minor effect over PAH levels in pelagic seabirds. ► Pelagic seabirds seem to be poor indicators of chronic PAH levels.