The completed Mokio Preserve predator-proof fence, photograph by Butch Haase, Moloka'i Land Trust

The American Bird Conservancy and the Moloka‘i Land Trust have announced completion of a 1.7-km -long predator-proof fence at the Mokio Preserve on the Hawaiian island of Molokai this month, well in time for yesterday's World Albatross Day.  “Vulnerable seabirds, including the Laysan (Mōlī) and Black-footed Albatross (Ka‘upu), will have a chance to replenish their populations inside the nearly 100-acre [40-ha] elevated wildlife sanctuary, safe from sea level rise and invasive predators that prey upon their breeding colonies.

 “We've already begun seeing benefits from the newly installed fence, including Wedge-tailed Shearwater (‘Ua'u Kani) chicks this year, compared to previous years when all chicks were lost to mongoose predation.  Through social attraction and active translocation methods, we hope to establish species that are losing their nesting sites due to sea level rise in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, such as Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, Bonin Petrels (Nunulu), and Tristram's Storm-Petrels (Akihikeʻehiʻale).”

Construction of the predator-proof fence began in August 2020.  Even before the fence was completed, several Laysan Albatrosses and one Black-footed Albatross have been documented at the site, responding to a solar-powered system that broadcasts albatross sounds and decoy albatross models.

A Laysan Albatross visits the decoys within the newly fenced area, photograph by Butch Haase, Moloka'i Land Trust

“The conservation fence at Mokio Preserve will cause a cascade of positive ecological impacts.  Increased numbers of nesting seabirds will bring marine-derived nutrients to the land and nearshore areas in the form of guano.  This will in turn provide nutrients to coastal plants which will create more habitat for native insects.”

The Mokio fence is an of upgraded design providing superior saltwater corrosion resistance. “Replacing an old deer fence that enabled the restoration of native vegetation, the new predator-proof fence will facilitate a more comprehensive recovery by keeping out small rodents that wreak havoc on native plants and nests, in addition to the cats and mongoose that prey on seabirds. Gates allow human access for research”.

Another view of the completed fence, photograph by Butch Haase, Moloka'i Land Trust

Access earlier articles in ACAP Latest News on the Mokio Preserve and its predator-proof fence here.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 June 2024

This year's World Albatross Day poster by Geoff Tyler highlights how Marine Protected Areas can help conservation efforts in safeguarding albatrosses

In celebration of World Albatross Day today, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), has chosen to focus on the critical connection between albatrosses and the ocean with the theme, “Marine Protected Areas: Safeguarding our Oceans”.

Concerningly, most species of albatrosses are in decline. Since ACAP entered into force, the annual count of breeding Antipodean Albatrosses has halved. Sadly, this example is not atypical; the populations of over 40% of the 31 species listed by ACAP have decreased over the last 20 years. This year’s theme highlights how Marine Protected Areas can help improve the conservation status of these incredible birds.

ACAP’s Advisory Committee Chair, Dr Mike Double says these statistics are driven by a myriad of impacts such as invasive species, habitat destruction, climate change and disease but fisheries bycatch remains the greatest threat to most ACAP-listed species. And this is where Marine Protected Areas offer hope. 

“Marine Protected Areas may help in turning this grim reality around as they provide levels of protection for the species and ecosystems located within their defined geographical boundaries,” he said.

Currently designated by governments within their own territorial waters, the establishment of MPAs can assist in improving the conservation status of albatrosses through the protection of the immediate surrounds of their breeding localities and key regions across their migratory ranges, and through the management of activities permitted within them, such as fishing. 

This year’s celebration is particularly significant in light of the landmark signature by 84 nations of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ treaty). 

Once ratified, this historic agreement will enable the creation of MPAs in waters commonly known as the High Seas, filling a critical gap in international law and providing a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine life in areas beyond national jurisdictions —an area covering almost two-thirds of the ocean.  

ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle says the time to act has come.

“In the face of a conservation crisis, these birds can’t wait, action is required now, or it will be too late,” she said. “The establishment of Marine Protected Areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction is one more tool that can be used to safeguard these magnificent birds, who so urgently need the world to act.”

World Albatross Day, held annually on 19 June, is a global event promoting conservation efforts for the world’s most iconic seabird - albatrosses. This special day raises awareness about the threats these incredible birds face and encourages conservation actions worldwide. 

For more information on World Albatross Day please visit www.acap.aq.

19 June 2024

 Albatrosses and petrels gather behind a fishing vessel; photograph by Nahuel Chavez

Note: Today is Day Six of “WADWEEK2024”, a series of seven daily posts to ACAP Latest News leading to World Albatross Day on 19 June, in support of this year’s theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”.

From 1 October, a transformative shift will sweep across New Zealand’s pelagic longline fishing fleet. Fisheries New Zealand has unveiled new regulations designed to significantly reduce the accidental capture of seabirds, particularly its many species of albatrosses.

The new regulations are grounded in ACAP's Best Practice Advice, which identifies the most effective methods to reduce seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries. ACAP recommends that fishers simultaneously implement three key measures: branch line weighting, night setting, and bird scaring lines. Alternatively, the use of an assessed hook-shielding device or underwater bait setting device is recommended.

Sebastián Jimenez, Co-convenor of ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group said the announcement from Fisheries New Zealand is warmly welcomed by the Agreement. 

“These regulations are a significant step forward in protecting seabirds from the threats posed by bycatch. By adopting these proven measures, New Zealand is demonstrating global leadership in marine conservation."

These ACAP-endorsed measures, known as 'three out of three,' will replace the current rules, which require only two of the seabird mitigation measures to be implemented. This comprehensive approach ensures that New Zealand’s fishing practices align with the highest standards of seabird conservation.

Fisheries New Zealand’s Director of Fisheries Management, Emma Taylor says the new rules will strengthen protections for some of the nation’s most vulnerable seabirds and have come only months after the installation of electronic monitoring (EM) camera systems on 100% of New Zealand’s fishing fleet. 

"We have systems to monitor the position of all commercial fishing vessels in real time, and fishers are legally required to report their catch and position to us electronically. Alongside this, onboard cameras provide independent verification of fishing activity, including accidental bycatch of protected species.”

ACAP Best Practice Advice for seabird bycatch mitigation, including its Factsheets are available at the website under, Resources, here.

18 June 2024

Geoff Tyler (pictured) designed this year's World Albatross Day poster and the anniversary logo marking twenty years of ACAP

Note: Today is Day Five of “WADWEEK2024”, a series of seven daily posts to ACAP Latest News leading to World Albatross Day on 19 June, in support of this year’s theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”.

South African born Graphic Designer, Geoff Tyler, was the mind behind this year’s poster for World Albatross Day with its theme, Marine Protected Areas: Safeguarding our Oceans. In the lead up to World Albatross Day on Wednesday, we turned our attention to Geoff to find out more about his connection to nature and his belief in how design can support conservation.

Where and what did you study?

I originally studied to be a Microsoft programmer but found coding to be very tedious, I realized that I was a more visual creative in that way. Afterwards, I did some short Desktop publishing courses and then I studied to get my Bachelor of Design at Inscape College Durban.

When and how did you first become involved in ACAP?

In 2018/2019 I was approached by one of your field researchers, Michelle Jones, and was offered a chance to get involved. At the time I was working for a Financial Technology business and found it to be “soul crushing,” so I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

What have you designed for ACAP over the years?

Mostly minor changes to the original logo and designing World Albatross Day logos with translations into other languages. I am thrilled to be able to use more of my skills and ideas now with the updated logos, posters and social media artwork. 

The original World Albatross Day Logo designed by Geoff Tyler

When and why did you become interested in conservation?

I have been fascinated by the natural world since I was a child and even had aspirations of becoming a game ranger here in South Africa. As I got older, my path shifted as technology become more prevalent in our day to day lives but my goal was always the same, to do my part to give back to nature. 

We are blessed in South Africa to have a huge amount of biodiversity and a high density of wildlife, even in our backyards. It just seems that technology and media have become shiny objects that steal our attention, like jingling keys in front of a newborn, and keep us from seeing the reality of the damage being done to our planet. Now more than ever, we need more people to take conservation more seriously. 

How do you think art and design can help conservation efforts?

I personally believe that humanity is meant to be the shepherds of the world, the caretakers of the living ecosystem. 

Art has the power to cut through and affect people at their core, it can invoke emotions and leave a long-lasting personal impact. I believe design can have the same impact and when used correctly, can reach a staggeringly large crowd to convey a powerful message. 

2024's World Albatross Day poster by Geoff illustrating this year's theme, Marine Protected Areas: Safeguarding our Oceans

This year’s World Albatross Day poster is available in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Japanese to mark the fact that the majority of the Short-tailed Albatrosses, one of the featured albatrosses for WAD2024, breeds on Japan’s Torishima. The posters and logos can be downloaded at a high resolution from the ACAP website, here.  

ACAP would like to thank Michelle Risi, Enzo M. Reyes, Ross Wheeler and John Klavitter for the use of their photographs in this year’s poster. 

17 June 2024