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The Canadian Recovery Strategy for the Short-tailed Albatross Phoebastria albatrus and Pink-footed Shearwater Puffinus creatopus* has been finalised and is now posted on line at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=1354.

The goal of the Strategy is to support and augment international efforts to restore and increase populations of Short-tailed Albatrosses sand Pink-footed Shearwaters.  Recovery objectives for the species in Canada are to: minimize or remove threats under Canadian jurisdiction; identify and conserve Canadian marine habitats of importance; promote, support and augment international initiatives contributing to the recovery throughout their range; develop and implement educational activities that support recovery in Canada; and address knowledge gaps concerning threats and Short-tailed Albatross and Pink-footed Shearwater ecology in Canada.  A single action plan for the two species (which occupy similar marine habitats and face similar threats in Canada) is to be completed by July 2009.

ACAP’s Advisory Committee is considering whether the Short-tailed Albatross should be listed within the Agreement (see earlier news items relating to North Pacific albatrosses, including the Short-tailed, posted on 16 and 23 March and 10 April 2008).

The Pink-footed Shearwater (a Chilean breeding endemic) is not listed within ACAP, although it is listed (as is the Short-tailed Albatross) within Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS; www.cms.int).  Appendix I listings are of migratory species categorized as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant proportion of their range.

*Environment Canada 2008.  Recovery Strategy for the Short-tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) and the Pink-footed Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus) in Canada.  Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series.  Ottawa: Environment Canada.  vii + 46 pp.