--- title: "ACAP Latest News" --- # ACAP Latest News Read about recent developments and findings in procellariiform science and conservation relevant to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels in *ACAP Latest News*. ## Vaccinating Shy Albatrosses against Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza *![Shy albatross H5 bird flu vaccine pilot Albatross Island 4](https://acap.aq/images/Shy_albatross_H5_bird_flu_vaccine_pilot_Albatross_Island_October_2026_image_three._Picture_courtesy_NRE_Tas.jpg)Hazmatted up!  A Shy Albatross receives the H5 bird flu vaccine on Albatross Island, October 2026, photograph from the Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment* The Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment ([NRE Tas](https://nre.tas.gov.au/)) has begun a vaccination programme against Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI bird flu) for the [globally Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*.  The ACAP-listed albatross is an Australian endemic, only breeding on three small offshore islands around Tasmania.  The first doses of the vaccine were administered in the last few days on 18-ha [Albatross Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-18-albatross-island-bass-strait-home-of-australia-s-endemic-shy-albatross), a Tasmanian State Nature Reserve in the Bass Strait. *![Albatross Island Rachael Alderman 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Albatross_Island_Rachael_Alderman_5.jpg)Shy Albatrosses converse on Albatross Island, photograph by Rachael Alderman* The NRE Tas [writes](https://nre.tas.gov.au/about-the-department/news/building-wildlife-resilience-against-bird-flu?): “The species is considered highly vulnerable to H5 bird flu under state and national risk assessments.  While there have been no signs of the disease in breeding colonies to date, the vaccination program will assess how the birds respond to the vaccine and whether it could play a role in protecting the species from the impacts of bird flu. “The shy albatross provides a unique opportunity to assess the benefits and potential impacts of vaccination in a wild bird species.  The birds can be safely approached while nesting, which means seabird biologists can deliver the two vaccine doses needed and monitor individual birds, something that is not possible for many species. “Up to 100 birds on Albatross Island, a small and exposed island in western Bass Strait, will be vaccinated as part of the program.  This is an ambitious target and will depend on weather, access conditions and the ability to safely administer two vaccine doses while minimising disturbance to breeding birds. “The proposal underwent a rigorous assessment process, including approval from the state Animal Ethics Committee.  Vaccinations are being carried out by wildlife veterinarians and biologists under strict permit conditions and biosecurity protocols. Department seabird biologists will closely monitor vaccinated birds using remote cameras and follow-up visits to better understand how the birds respond to the vaccine. “The program is part of Tasmania's broader preparedness efforts for H5 bird flu. Species-specific guidance has also been developed to support planning and response actions. Read about these on our [Bird Flu and Wildlife page](https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-site/Pages/Bird-flu-and-wildlife.aspx).” HPAI has already reached the Australian mainland, with giant petrels*Macronectes* sp. being among the birds affected, with the [first records](https://acap.aq/latest-news/beached-giant-petrels-confirm-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-has-reached-the-australian-mainland?highlight=WyJmbHUiLCJhdXN0cmFsaWEiLCJhdXN0cmFsaWEncyIsImF1c3RyYWxpYXMiXQ==) from June this year, with at least [17 reported by August](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-update-from-offlu-on-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-australia-and-new-zealand).  By 08 October [49 HPAI cases](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data)have been reported from Tasmania. Information from Sheryl Hamilton, Wildlife Biologist, Marine Conservation Program (Wildlife Health and Marine), Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tasmania. **Reference:** [Marine Conservation Program] August 2026.  *[Shy Albatross, H5 Bird Flu Species Plan – Preparedness, Evidence and Management Options Review](https://nre.tas.gov.au/Documents/Shy%20albatross%20H5%20bird%20flu%20species%20review.pdf)*.  [Hobart]: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.  13 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/vaccinating-shy-albatrosses-against-highly-pathogenetic-avian-influenza.md) ## CCSBT/FAO study gives fresh impetus to reduce seabird bycatch in Southern Hemisphere longline fisheries *![Spatially FAO Doc](https://acap.aq/images/Spatially_FAO_Doc.png)Chatham Albatross photograph by Ross Wheeler* A new major collaborative assessment of seabird interactions with pelagic longline fisheries helps address longstanding information gaps and provides fisheries managers and their fleets fresh impetus to help reduce seabird bycatch in the Southern Hemisphere. The [assessment](https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/ce1877en), undertaken by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](https://www.ccsbt.org/en)) with support from the [FAO Common Oceans Program’s Tuna Project](https://www.fao.org/in-action/commonoceans/what-we-do/tuna-fisheries/en), brought together fisheries and seabird data from multiple countries and partners across the Southern Hemisphere. Analysing 10 billion hooks of fishing effort and nearly 10 000 observed seabird captures, the assessment estimates that at least 30 000 seabirds are caught annually as bycatch in the pelagic longline fisheries assessed. The study also estimates the relative impact of this bycatch by considering both the species’ vulnerability to capture and the size of their populations. Hotspots of seabird bycatch risk were identified in parts of the Tasman Sea, southern Indian Ocean and southeast Atlantic. “This has been a major collaborative effort, showing the value of bringing together fisheries data, seabird science and management expertise to support more targeted and effective conservation action. The findings give managers a stronger evidence base to focus mitigation and monitoring efforts to reduce seabird mortality”, said Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division. “The results will further support ongoing efforts by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, governments, industry and other partners to reduce seabird bycatch.” Jonathon Barrington, executive secretary of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), said that fisheries bycatch remains a significant threat to certain species of albatross and petrel. “The scale of the bycatch of birds is still significant, threatening the survivability of some species. Albatrosses and petrels are the most threatened seabird species in the world, with some species Critically Endangered,” Barrington said. Dominic Vallieres, executive secretary of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, welcomed the seabird assessment. “CCSBT Members have made a considerable investment in this work with the aim of supporting management outcomes that give greater consideration to the wider ecosystem,” he said. The CCSBT assessment applied a Spatially Explicit Fisheries Risk Assessment (SEFRA) to quantify seabird bycatch risk associated with pelagic longline fisheries operating south of the equator from 2012 to 2023, integrating observer data from six CCSBT members and Brazil with spatio-temporal seabird density surfaces. The assessment identified particularly high impacts on a number of albatross species, including Gibson's[Antipodean], Amsterdam, Tristan, Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Sooty Albatrosses”. [Above text extracted from the [FAO media release](https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/study-gives-fresh-impetus-to-reduce-seabird-bycatch-in-southern-hemisphere-fisheries/en)]. *![Juvenile black-browed albatross caught on a baited longline hook, off the coast of Brazil. The bird was released by Albatross Task Force instructor Fabiano Peppes.](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_juvenile_seizes_squid_Fabio_Peppes.jpg)A juvenile Black-browed Albatross gets caught on a baited longline hook baited with a squid off the coast of Brazil.  The bird was later released, [photograph](https://www.birdguides.com/news/albatross-task-force-celebrates-conservation-success/) by Fabiano Peppes* The reports short abstract follows: “This report presents a spatially explicit assessment of the risk posed to seabirds by pelagic longline fisheries operating across the southern hemisphere from 2012 to 2023.  It combines observer data from seven national fleets with detailed information on seabird distribution and population dynamics.  The analysis covers approximately ten billion hooks of fishing effort and documents close to ten thousand observed seabird captures.  Using a modelling framework that links fishing effort, seabird density and estimated catchability, the study provides an annual mortality estimate of about thirty thousand seabirds, including mortality that is not directly observed.  The assessment shows that risk is unevenly distributed among species groups.  Great albatrosses and several mollymawk species experience the highest relative impacts, while petrels account for the largest absolute numbers due to their wider distribution and larger populations.  Spatial analyses identify persistent bycatch hotspots in the Tasman Sea, the southern Indian Ocean and the southeast Atlantic.   Mortality is concentrated in three major ocean management areas, with the Atlantic accounting for the largest share. The report highlights uncertainties related to incomplete observer coverage, unreported fishing activity and behavioural changes associated with observer presence.  It concludes that seabird bycatch in southern hemisphere pelagic longline fisheries remains widespread, spatially concentrated and likely underestimated, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and mitigation.” **Reference:** FAO. 2026.  *[Spatially explicit fisheries risk assessment to seabirds from pelagic longline fishing in the southern hemisphere](https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/afa5f148-feaf-4590-aa9e-5716f1018644)*.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  51 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ccsbt-fao-study-gives-fresh-impetus-to-reduce-seabird-bycatch-in-southern-hemisphere-longline-fisheries.md) ## Improving bycatch monitoring in pelagic longline fisheries with cameras ![Catch](https://acap.aq/images/Catch.jpg) Oli Yates, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a co-contributor to a report, for which a [website announcement](https://fcf.com.tw/fcf-national-taiwan-ocean-university-and-rspb-complete-catch-project-analysis-of-1-55-million-hooks-demonstrates-the-value-of-electronic-monitoring-for-sustainable-fisheries-management/) follows: “FCF Co., Ltd. ([FCF](https://fcf.com.tw/)), in collaboration with National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), has successfully completed the CATCH+ (Catch Assessment Through Camera & Hardware) project, a joint initiative designed to enhance understanding of bycatch through the analysis of Electronic Monitoring (EM) data and to support practical fisheries improvement efforts. The project analyzed EM data collected between 2023 and 2025 from six distant-water longline vessels operating in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.  The assessment covered 442 reviewed fishing sets, approximately 1.55 million hooks, and 13 617 manually reviewed EM video events. The findings demonstrate that EM systems can provide valuable information on catch interactions, species identification, and spatial and seasonal distribution patterns.  Results confirmed a potentially higher risk of seabird interactions in waters south of 35°S, with around 70% of interactions occurring in this region, but accounting for only 15% of fishing effort assessed.  RSPB experts further determined that approximately 95% of observed seabirds could be identified to a broader taxonomic group, while around 35% could be identified to species level when sufficient distinguishing features were visible. The project also highlighted that the effectiveness of EM programs depends heavily on factors such as camera placement, image quality, review protocols, and crew compliance.  As a result, CATCH+ identified several priorities for future EM development, including enhanced camera coverage, improved image quality, standardized review procedures, strengthened crew training, and more effective mechanisms to convert monitoring results into corrective actions and continuous improvement. For FCF, the project reinforces the view that Electronic Monitoring is more than a surveillance tool. It serves as a valuable source of evidence and learning, transforming operational data collected at sea into actionable insights for fisheries improvement. FCF plans to apply the lessons learned from CATCH+ to the continued development of its EM programs, including system specifications, review processes, crew engagement, and performance expectations for EM service providers and data reviewers.  These efforts aim to further strengthen fisheries transparency and support the long-term sustainability of global seafood supply chains. The [CATCH+ Executive Summary Report](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bqhe_JHBH-W32N3nnLr9qDP9X-_euYm6/view?usp=sharing), released alongside this announcement, provides a detailed overview of the project’s methodology, key findings, limitations, and recommendations for future implementation.” With thanks Oli Yates, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. **Reference:** Ting-Chun Kuo, Pei-Hsuan Sung, Oli Yates & Chia-Hao Mai2026.*  [CATCH+ Catch Assessment Through Camera & Hardware Using Electronic Monitoring to Strengthen Bycatch Monitoring in Pelagic Longline Fisheries.  Executive Summary Report](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bqhe_JHBH-W32N3nnLr9qDP9X-_euYm6/view)*.  12 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/improving-bycatch-monitoring-in-pelagic-longline-fisheries-with-cameras.md) ## Seabird tracking can help decide on new Marine Protected Areas **![Laurie Smaglick Johnson AlbatrossTristan187](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson_AlbatrossTristan187.jpg)*A [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross near Gough Island in the South Atlantic – one of the species included in the publication,  photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Marie-Morgane Rouyer ([CEFE](https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/en/), University of Montpellier, France) and many authors have published open access in the journal *[Conservation Letters](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1755263x)*on using seabirds tracked at sea in the Atlantic Ocean to advise on expansion of marine protected area coverage.  The data set includes tracking information from 12 ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and a shearwater that occur in the Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Countries have committed to expanding the marine protected area (MPA) network to 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, more than tripling current coverage, and focusing on areas important for biodiversity. For such expansion to translate into effective conservation of marine biodiversity, it must rely on the best available knowledge. Here, we analyze tracking data on > 13,000 individuals (44 species, eight families) to map the distribution of highly mobile seabirds in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas throughout the year. We identify regions important year-round or seasonally. The High Seas are as important as national waters for highly mobile seabirds but are even less protected. Current Atlantic MPAs hold < 14% of tracked species density, but their expansion to 30% of the ocean could protect up to two thirds. We share this new knowledge layer to support national and international efforts and policies to strategically expand the Atlantic MPA network.” With thanks to Sue Tonin. **Reference:** Rouyer, M.-M., *et al*. 2026.  Highly Mobile Seabirds Reveal Areas of Conservation Importance Across the Atlantic Ocean.  *[Conservation Letters](https://doi.org/10.1111/con4.70075)*[19(5). 5: e70075](https://doi.org/10.1111/con4.70075). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-tracking-can-help-decide-on-new-marine-protected-areas.md) ## A campaign is underway to remove feral cats from New Zealand’s Great Barrier Island, home of the threatened Black Petrel *![Black Petrels Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrels_Biz_Bell.jpg)A Black Petrel pair on Great Barrier Island, photograph by ‘Biz’ Bell* New Zealand’s ACAP-listed Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* breeds on only two islands: [Aotea/Great Barrier Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Island) (28 000 ha) and the nearby Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island (3080 ha) on the outer edge of North Island’s Hauraki Gulf.  Little Barrier, an uninhabited [nature reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/little-barrier-island-nature-reserve-hauturu-o-toi/nature-and-conservation/), is now free of introduced predators following the removal of cats and rats.  In contrast, inhabited Great Barrier supports populations of feral cats, feral pigs and rats of two species, which threaten the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) petrel in its main breeding grounds on the upper slopes of [Hirakimatā/Mount Hobson](https://www.gbiet.org/en-articles/en36-hirakimata), the islands highest point at 627 m. *![Cat trappers Great Barrier](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Cat_trappers_Great_Barrier.jpg)Aotea feral cat trappers Lyrik Murray, Phoebe Ngawaka and Reneeah Ngawaka, photograph by RNZ/Layla Bailey-McDowell* Help for the Black Petrel is now underway with the [Tū Mai Taonga](https://www.ngatirehua.iwi.nz/tumaitaonga) conservation project working to remove feral cats from Great Barrier.  To this end the project team has established hundreds of cage traps and cameras.  In the first phase, the team created 90 kilometres of tracks through [Te Paparahi](https://www.tiakitamakimakaurau.nz/discover-tamaki-makaurau/learn-about-your-area/bfa-te-paparahi/), a rugged 3414-hectare forest block at the northern end of the island.  Great Barrier was estimated to have around 2500 feral cats, while data from the northern area suggest that fewer than 15 now remain.  With feral cat numbers reduced in the north, operations have moved south and now cover 18 000 ha (64% of the island). *Bringing Aotea back to life through a te ao Māori lens (seven minutes)* The campaign to remove the feral cats from Great Barrier is combined with a drive to sterilize and microchip the island’s pet/companion cats via a free desexing programme that includes offering free transport to and from the vet in a “cat taxi”.  New Zealand is one of the world's biggest domestic cat owners, with around 40 percent of homes owning at least one cat. The eradication programme on Great Barrier Island follows the addition of feral cats to the [Predator Free 2050](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/predator-free-2050/) target species, with projects around the country beginning to tackle this major threat to native wildlife. *![Feral cat on Great Barrier](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Feral_cat_on_Great_Barrier.jpg)A feral cat on Great Barrier Island, trail camera photograph from Tū Mai Taonga* Read the original RNZ news story [here](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-ao-maori/1549658/bringing-aotea-back-to-life-through-a-te-ao-maori-lens). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-campaign-is-underway-to-remove-feral-cats-from-new-zealands-great-barrier-island-home-of-the-threatened-black-petrel.md) ## “You Go East, I'll Go West” Spatial segregation of White-chinned Petrels in the South Atlantic *![Helen Worthington White chinned Petrel watercolour Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/Helen_Worthington_White-chinned_Petrel_watercolour_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) White-chinned Petrel at sea, watercolour by Helen Worthington of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for ACAP, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Victoria Warwick-Evans ([Ecosystems, British Antarctic Survey,](https://www.bas.ac.uk/team/science-teams/ecosystems/) Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published in the journal[*Royal Society Open Science*](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos)on at-sea tracking of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*from three colonies in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “By-catch in fisheries is the leading cause of population decline in pelagic sea-birds.  The white-chinned petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) is the most by-caught sea-bird species in the Southern Ocean, and many populations are in decline.  To better understand by-catch risk, we tracked white-chinned petrels from three sites across South Georgia throughout the annual cycle.  There was no spatial segregation among colonies in at-sea distributions of failed or non-breeding birds, but birds tracked during chick-rearing from the easternmost site (Cooper Island) and the centre (King Edward Point), travelled both east and west of South Georgia, whereas those tracked from the west (Bird Island) only travelled west.  Consequently, white-chinned petrels from Cooper Island overlapped less with fisheries than those from the other sites.  Habitat models suggest that white-chinned petrels from all sites foraged in areas with similar environmental characteristics and that suitable conditions were present both east and west of South Georgia.  Thus, broad-scale areas of high by-catch risk could be identified from predicted distributions, but overlap at finer scales could be distinguished more clearly from tracking data.  Although the driver of spatial segregation in foraging areas was unclear, it affects by-catch risk and has implications for conservation and management.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Warwick-Evans, V., Pearmain, E. & Phillips, R.A. 2026.  Year-round spatial segregation and fisheries overlap of white-chinned petrels from multiple populations at South Georgia.  [*Royal Society Open Science* 13: 260099](https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.260099). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/you-go-east-ill-go-west-spatial-segregation-of-white-chinned-petrels-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross now available in four languages *![preview atlantic yellow nosed pt](https://acap.aq/images/preview_atlantic_yellow_nosed_pt.jpg) Portuguese version* The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), the 23rd to be produced in the [31-species series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), for the[Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos *is now available in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese.  The species breeds only on Gough Island and the islands of the Tristan da Cunha group in the South Atlantic Ocean.  It occurs regularly in Brazilian waters, making a Portuguese version necessary. *![preview atlantic yellow nosed es](https://acap.aq/images/preview_atlantic_yellow_nosed_es.jpg)Spanish version* The new infographic has been sponsored by the United Kingdom’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB)](https://www.rspb.org.uk/).  The next planned to be produced will be for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata) Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata* that breeds only on Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha group.  A Portuguese version will also be produced. The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and (for some) Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). *![preview atlantic yellow nosed fr](https://acap.aq/images/Spp_Infographics/preview_atlantic_yellow_nosed_fr.jpg)French version* The 23 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in [two poster sizes](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics are all created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Maëlle Connan and Patricia Serafini for their help with their respective home languages, and the RSPB for its sponsorship.. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 October 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-now-available-in-four-languages.md) ## Slow progress to the year 2061? Tracking plastic pollution in the North Sea via the Arctic Fulmar *![Arctic Fulmar plastic](https://acap.aq/images/Arctic_Fulmar_plastic.png) Stomach contents of a beached Arctic Fulmar in 2025 – see details of all 76 beached individuals [here](https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/fulmar-finders-information-netherlands-2025-sns-fulmar-study-repo/)* Once again, Susanne Kühn ([Wageningen Marine Research](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/marine-research.htm), Den Helder, The Netherlands) and colleagues have produced an annual report in their series on plastic pollution in beach-wrecked Arctic Fulmars *Fulmarus glacialis* from The Netherlands. “In 2025, we received 76 fulmars, of which 65 still had an intact stomach.  As the annual numbers vary, we usually combine results in 5- year averages (2021-2025).  From this period, 283 fulmars were available. 92% of them ingested some plastic, on average 23 pieces weighing 0.24g per bird.  48% had more plastic in their stomach than required by the OSPAR/EU Fulmar Threshold Value of 0.1 gram.  The long-term goal is than no more than 10% of these birds exceed this threshold. According to our forecast, this target could be reached in the year of 2061.” *![Arctic Fulmar](https://acap.aq/images/Arctic_Fulmar.jpg)An Arctic Fulmar in the North Sea* Access the project’s previous annual report[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/plastic-ingestion-by-beached-arctic-fulmars-in-the-netherlands?highlight=WyJhcmN0aWMiLCJmdWxtYXIiLCJmdWxtYXJzIl0=), which stated the 10% target would be reached only in 2077. With thanks to Susanne Kühn. **Reference:** Kühn, S., Meijboom, A., Bittner, O. & Van Franeker, J.A. 2026.  *[Fulmar Litter Monitoring in the Netherlands – Update 2025](https://doi.org/10.18174/716740)*.  Den Helder: Wageningen Marine Research Report C045/26 and RWS Centrale Informatievoorziening Report.  Pp. 28. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 October 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/slow-progress-to-the-year-2061-tracking-plastic-pollution-in-the-north-sea-via-the-arctic-fulmar.md) ## Does ingested plastic harm the kidneys of Flesh-footed Shearwaters? *![Flesh footed Shearwater Mike Double](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Mike_Double.JPG)Flesh-footed Shearwater, photograph by Mike Double* Jennifer Lavers ([Gulbali Institute](https://www.csu.edu.au/research/gulbali/home), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-hazardous-materials-plastics)*on plastic pollution and kidney dysfunction in Near Threatened Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes* The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic pollution is increasing rapidly and poses significant risks to wildlife health. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable because floating plastics resemble prey and contain diverse chemicals that can leach into digestive tissues.  We revisited blood data and ingested plastic loads from Sable Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes* fledglings collected in 2014 and compared these with new data from 2025 to assess changes in physiological responses over time.  Fledglings in 2025 exhibited substantially higher plastic burdens (mean ± SD plastic mass in g; 2014: 0.100 ± 0.211, 2025: 12.966 ± 16.670), which were closely associated with disruptions in electrolyte balance, including decreased sodium, chloride, and calcium and increased potassium and carbon dioxide.  These patterns are consistent with impaired renal function.  Glucose concentrations declined with increasing plastic mass, and mediation analysis showed that body mass did not account for this relationship.  The findings indicate that direct effects of plastic exposure, rather than nutritional status, are associated with the observed physiological impairments.  The worsening of key health indicators over the past decade highlights the need for continued long term monitoring and for research into the mechanisms by which plastics contribute to kidney dysfunction and metabolic disruption in marine wildlife.” **Reference:** Lavers, J.L., de Jersey, A.M., Rivers-Auty, J. & Bond, A.L. 2026.  Ingested plastic alters physiological variation independent of body mass in seabird fledglings.  *[Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics 5, 100082](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3051060026000454)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/does-ingested-plastic-harm-the-kidneys-of-flesh-footed-shearwaters.md) ## Blown away. Hurricane Walaka, East Island and its lost albatrosses as a case history *![44773994 10156784460731944 1871729657921929216 n](https://acap.aq/images/44773994_10156784460731944_1871729657921929216_n.jpg) East Island, French Frigate Shoals, before and after Hurricane Walaka* Amy Steel ([Curtin University](https://www.curtin.edu.au/), Beeloo/Bentley, Western Australia, Australia) and Jennifer Lavers have pre-published open access in the journal *[npj biodiversity](https://www.nature.com/npjbiodivers/)*on two case histories on cyclones affecting seabird islands.  One island group, of special interest to ACAP, is the French Frigate Shoals, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, where a cyclone in 2018 resulted in the inundation and loss of East Island, where Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses once bred. The paper’s abstract follows: “Islands are key to global biodiversity, yet extreme weather events cause significant mortality of many island species.  Using field and satellite data, we describe two cases where increasing cyclone activity has significantly reduced habitat availability and resulted in mortality on low-lying tropical islands.  We thus advocate for considering future cyclone activity and subsequent ecological recovery in developing suitable adaptation actions, especially in the context of translocation of endangered populations.” Read more in *ACAP Latest News* about the loss of East Island [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJmcmVuY2giLCJmcmVuY2gncyIsImZyZW5jaHMiLCJmcmlnYXRlIl0=). **Reference:** Steel, A.C. & Lavers, J.L. 2026.  Blown away: cyclone threats to tropical island biodiversity in a changing climate.  *[npj biodiversity](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44185-026-00155-4)*[doi.org/10.1038/s44185-026-00155-4](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44185-026-00155-4). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/blown-away-hurricane-walaka-east-island-and-its-lost-albatrosses-as-a-case-history.md) ## Time to ring the bells! The first Northern Royal Albatross for the new breeding season at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head has been sighted *![Yellow A50](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Yellow_A50.jpg)Yellow A50 is in the foreground with a chick of the 2025/26 season close to fledging behind, photograph by Sharyn Broni,Department of Conservation* Every year around this time, Department of Conservation rangers keep a look out at the mainland colony of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) on New Zealand’s South Island for the first bird to return for the 2026/27 breeding season. This year the first sighting is a bird bearing the colour band Yellow A50.  “A50 is eight years of age and has just arrived back from a winter off the coast of South America and has now returned to search for a mate and begin breeding.”  A50 is a female, identified by its yellow band, according to the [Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354), and has not yet bred, although “she has been looking for a mate over the past three seasons.  Only time will tell if she breeds during the 2026/27 season.  With only one bird back so far, it will be several weeks before all the breeders have arrived from their year off.” To mark the first return, city churches and schools in nearby Dunedin will ring bells at 13h00 NZST on Friday 25 September.  “We’d love lots of bellringers throughout Dunedin and afar to join in and ring their bells to help us celebrate.  Don’t have a bell?  Maybe you could set your phone to ring, sing a song or clap!  We love original ideas and lots of fun!” *John Cooper*, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 September 2026* *Not certain to be ringing his bell at 03h00 SAST in Cape Town! [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/time-to-ring-the-bells-the-first-northern-royal-albatross-for-the-new-breeding-season-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-has-been-sighted.md) ## New Zealand’s Bird of the Year competition puts the Northern Royal Albatross into the top ten ![Chris Robertson Northern Royal Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Chris_Robertson_Northern_Royal_Albatross_2.jpg) *A Northern Royal Albatross pair, photograph by Chris Robertson* The r[esults](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/karure-black-robin-wins-2026-bird-year?fbclid=IwY2xjawUgw8RwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXprNGM1bWFRWndhWDFaV3dzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5sT7On-CXigigo1s_ZIuYs2yuEOweBzL77NY-I55UpbHnYvukO-gvGkhf3I_aem_rAac04GCXwgs8CJBtLevBw) for [BOTY2026 – New Zealand](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/), operated by [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/), are in.  The winner, with 25 601 votes, is the Black Robin *Petroica traversi*.  This [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-robin-petroica-traversi) species, with an adult population of only 350, breeds on two small islands in the Chathams group.  Three seabirds appear in the top ten, chosen from a list of 74 “contestants”.  The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin *Eudyptes chysocome filholi* came in seventh, while the Yellow-eyed Penguin *Megadyptes antipodes*filled the tenth position.  The only ACAP-listed species, and the only procellariiform, in the top tier is the Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi,*slotting in as No. 9 (having been as high as [8th](https://acap.aq/latest-news/boty2026-nz-seven-days-of-voting-down-nine-to-go-the-northern-royal-albatross-is-coming-eighth?highlight=WyJib3R5MjAyNiJd)). Backed by the [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) (as well as by [ACAP](https://acap.aq/latest-news/boty2026-nz-voting-starts-today-please-help-crown-the-northern-royal-albatross?highlight=WyJib3R5MjAyNiJd)), the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) albatross received 12 658 votes.  Two other ACAP-listed species, the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *P. westlandica*, did not fare so well, coming in at 48th and 67th, respectively.  Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni*, a species that has been [regularly reported](https://acap.aq/search?q=Hutton%27s+Shearwater&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) on in *ACAP Latest News*, was 25th. ![BOTY2026 FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/BOTY2026_FINAL.jpeg)*The final results for New Zealand's BOTY2026* “Participation has really soared, says Rebecca Hatch, Forest & Bird's Group Manager.  This year has seen record numbers of votes with 105 000 people.  Roughly one in every 50 Kiwis [New Zealanders} voted in Bird of the Year 2026.  Bird of the Year … helps people discover, connect with, and fall in love with the incredible diversity of New Zealand's wildlife, while shining a light on the real challenges nature is facing.” In several previous New Zealand BOTYs, it has been the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross *D. antipodensis* that has been the best achieving ACAP-listed candidate.  In 2020 it reached its best position, on the podium as [second](https://acap.aq/latest-news/podium-position-the-antipodean-albatross-comes-second-in-new-zealand-s-boty2020?highlight=WyJib3R5IiwiYW50aXBvZGVhbiIsImFudGlwb2RlYW5zIl0=) and behind the Kākāpō *Strigops habroptila* in the top slot. No albatross (or any procellariform seabird for that matter) has won the competition since its inception in 2005.  There is always next year … . *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealands-bird-of-the-year-competition-puts-the-northern-royal-albatross-into-the-top-ten.md) ## ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. ACAP National Contact for South Africa, Azwianewi Makhado, elected Chairperson of the Convention on Migratory Species’ Scientific Council *![Newi Makhado Eagle Owl Award 2](https://acap.aq/images/Newi_Makhado_Eagle-Owl_Award_2.jpg)Newi Makhado holds his bronze Eagle-Owl Award statuette and framed certificate,*[*awarded*](https://mousefreemarion.org/marion-island-ornithologist-newi-makhado-and-mouse-free-marion-project-supporter-michael-riffel-receive-awards-at-the-south-african-bird-fair/)*to him by BirdLife South Africa in 2025 for his contributions to the conservation of South Africa’s seabirds, photograph by John Cooper* [Dr Azwianewi Benedict (Newi) Makhado](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/azwianewi-makhado), South Africa’s [National Contact](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file) for the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, was [elected](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/news_attachments/015_scientific_council_chair_e.pdf) as Chair of the [Scientific Council](https://www.cms.int/meetings/scientific-council) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int)) in August this year.  The Scientific Council, on which Newi represents South Africa as a Scientific Councillor, makes recommendations to the CMS Conference of the Parties on such issues as research on migratory species, specific conservation and management measures in relation to threats to migratory species, the inclusion of migratory species in the Appendices and designation of species for Concerted Actions under the Convention ([click here](https://www.cms.int/convention-bodies/scientific-council)). ![South Africans PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/images/South_Africans_PaCSWG9.jpeg)*South African delegates and observers Thando Cebekhulu, Azwianewi Makhado, Andrea Angel and Makhudu Masotla attending [ACAP meetings](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-15th-meeting-of-its-advisory-committee-hears-working-group-reports-on-day-two?highlight=WyJzd2Frb3BtdW5kIl0=) in Swakopmund, Namibia, May-June 2026, photograph by Barry Baker* Newi also represents South Africa on the [ACAP Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/1457-advisory-committee-members/file) and serves as a member of its Bycatch and Population Status and Conservation Working Groups. Newi is a Specialist Scientist Marine Top Predators in the [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,](https://www.dffe.gov.za/?_ga=2.200959662.1427684033.1789973007-1726682712.1744980822) where he has conducted research on seabirds on South African guano islands, on the sub-Antarctic Marion and Prince Edward Islands and in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica since 2004.  He has made extensive contributions via numerous publications in the scientific literature to the understanding and protection of South Africa’s seabirds, including the threatened ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that breed at Marion Island. In 1999/2000 Newi spent 15 months on the island as part of the M56 Overwintering Team studying the diet of the island’s two fur seals towards his [MSc](https://repository.up.ac.za/items/be6623c7-32ce-49a7-b368-cc2af58a305e) at the University of Pretoria, awarded in 2002.  Newi is an Honorary Research Associate of the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick) at the University of Cape Town, the *alma mater*for his [2009 PhD](https://open.uct.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/7952ba41-c253-4b1b-adad-81251160ce7c/content) that investigated the impact of fur seals on the conservation status of seabirds at the Prince Edward Islands and off western South Africa. In addition to his international roles with ACAP and the CMS, Newi represents South Africa’s at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/en)) and its subsidiary [Scientific Committee](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/science/scientific-committee). The ACAP Secretariat extends its congratulations to Newi Makhado on his election and looks forward to continuing working with him at future sessions of the Meeting of Parties and meetings of its Advisory Committee and associated working groups. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-monthly-missive-acap-national-contact-for-south-africa-azwianewi-makhado-elected-chairperson-of-the-convention-on-migratory-species-scientific-council.md) ## The annual ‘Dark Skies’ programme initiated over Hawaii’s Pacific Missile Range Facility during the shearwater fledging season *![Newells Shearwater US Navy 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_US_Navy_1.jpg)Newell’s Shearwater, photograph by Daniela Casilla, Pacific Missile Range Facility* “Dark Skies” are now the new night-time norm at the [Pacific Missile Range Facility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility) on the western coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai after the U.S Navy installation implemented its annual programme during the shearwater fledging season, which started on 08 September and runs until 15 December. Annual fledging of[Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwaters *Puffinus newelli* and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis*on Kauaʻi marks a critical period for two of Hawaii’s most threatened seabirds.  The Pacific Missile Range Facility Dark Skies programme plays a vital role in protecting these birds by reducing light pollution and ensuring safer passage for fledglings. “Fledgling seabirds leave their mountain burrows for the first time each year to make their way to the ocean, relying on natural light from the moon and stars to navigate.  Bright artificial lighting can disorient the birds, causing them to become grounded, injured or killed.  The Dark Skies program — developed in partnership with federal, state and community organizations — helps reduce light pollution and improve[s] safe passage for fledglings during this vulnerable migration period.  Numbers of fallen seabirds decreased significantly since the program began.” *![Newells Shearwater US Navy 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_US_Navy_2.jpg)A Pacific Missile Range Facility environmental staff member installs a light shield along the Waiapuaʻa Bay walking path in preparation for Dark Skies.  Photograph by Jonell Kaohelauliʻi, U.S. Navy* Protective measures include shielding exterior lighting, reducing nonessential lights during peak fledging periods and increasing community awareness about responsible night-time lighting practices. “The Pacific Missile Range Facility encourages residents and businesses to support islandwide seabird protection efforts by dimming or shielding outdoor lights at night and reporting any downed seabirds to the Save Our Shearwaters or taking the bird to the nearest aid station.” Edited from an[article](https://kauainownews.com/2026/09/16/dark-skies-initiated-over-pacific-missile-range-facility-during-shearwater-fledgling-season/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUclHpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4LMUzroPsODGCsKrx_X6FhLC5Iu28DE7FCeStSyxPdFqtEOdtVr5cHzNwoeg_aem_QISeJEd95cY9E_HfUFItyA) in the *Kaua’i News*dated 16 September 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-annual-dark-skies-programme-initiated-over-hawaiis-pacific-missile-range-facility-during-the-shearwater-fledgling-season.md) ## Recruitment of locally bred Fluttering Shearwaters on two New Zealand translocation sites ![Fluttering Shearwater colony Matiu Somes s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Fluttering_Shearwater_colony_Matiu_Somes_s.jpg)* Fluttering Shearwater translocation site on Matiu/Somes Island* Helen Gummer (Pukerua Bay, New Zealand) and Shane Cotter have published open access in the ornithological journal *[Notornis](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/notornis/)* on breeding details from two translocation colonies of Fluttering Shearwaters *Puffinus gavia.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Pakahā/fluttering shearwater (*Puffinus gavia*) population dynamics and breeding effort were monitored from the 2010-11 to 2024-25 season at two re-establishing colonies in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Wellington region—Te Mana o Kupe ki Aotearoa or Mana Island and Matiu/Somes Island.  More than 200 adult birds were attending both new colonies by the end of 2024.  Of 753 breeding attempts, 582 chicks survived to fledge, giving a combined regional productivity of 77% over 15 seasons.  Over half of all translocated founder birds succeeded in first breeding attempts; younger males (Year 4 and 5) were less successful than older males.  Productivity was compromised on Mana by egg and chick losses to flooding events in some seasons, and on Matiu by gender imbalance (attributed to greater recruitment of female immigrants) and the vulnerability of Matiu fledglings to light pollution from nearby metropolitan areas.  Second-generation pakahā returned to land from 2015 (Mana) and 2020 (Matiu), with 91 locally-bred birds recorded back at the colonies by March 2025.  Locally-bred Year 4 males and females bred successfully.  Over two-thirds of first-time attempts by local birds (Mana) were successful in rearing a fledgling, compared to just over half of all first attempts by returned translocated birds (Matiu).  On Mana, the first pairing of locally-bred pakahā occurred in the eighth breeding season, the first two third-generation birds returned in the 12th season, and locally-bred birds outnumbered translocated founders by the 14th season.  Net colony growth rates for the 5 (Mana) and 4 (Matiu) years after translocated founder bird numbers peaked and began to decline, were 5.8 and 2.8 pakahā/year respectively.  Mana locally-hatched bird survival rate (47%) and return rate to Mana (45%) for the first eight Mana-bred cohorts increased with two additional first-time captures occurring shortly after the study finished.” **Reference:** Gummer, H. & Cotter, S.D. 2026.  Recruitment of locally-bred birds at two newly-established pakahā/fluttering shearwater (*Puffinus gavia*) colonies. [*Notornis*73: 255-264](https://doi.org/10.63172/654312kprawe). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/recruitment-of-locally-bred-fluttering-shearwaters-on-two-new-zealand-translocation-sites.md) ## Translocating Fluttering Shearwaters on two New Zealand islands *![Fluttering Shearwater chick inside artifical burrow s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Fluttering_Shearwater_chick_inside_artifical_burrow_s.jpg) A Fluttering Shearwater chick inside an artificial burrow* Shane Cotter (c/o [Matiu Somes Island Charitable Trust](https://matiusomesisland.nz/), Lower Hutt, New Zealand) and Helen Gummer have published open access  in the ornithological journal *[Notornis](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/notornis/)* on translocation efforts made with [Fluttering Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/fluttering-shearwater-puffinus-gavia) *Puffinus gavia.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabird restoration projects are increasingly being used to re-establish populations of seabirds that have disappeared from their former breeding locations.  Here we describe the outcomes of two such restoration projects involving pakahā/fluttering shearwater (*Puffinus gavia*) at Mana Island/Te Mana o Kupe ki Aotearoa (Mana) and Matiu/Somes Island (Matiu), within central Aotearoa New Zealand.  Monitoring regimes for each island were influenced by differing project philosophy and island accessibility; however, comprehensive studies were possible at both sites because pakahā showed a strong preference for artificial burrows and a tolerance to handling.  Acoustic attraction alone did not lead to colony re-establishment at either location; however, the translocation of chicks combined with acoustic attraction resulted in growing populations at both sites.  By March 2025, 152 of 442 (34%) translocated chicks returned as adults to the Wellington region.  Their fledging and return rates were similar at both locations; however, only Matiu fledglings were found grounded on the mainland, likely due to light pollution around Wellington Harbour.  Matiu attracted more immigrants than Mana (30 compared to 21), with many already banded, showing a predominantly one-way dispersal from Mana to Matiu. With Matiu pakahā monitored almost monthly and over 98% of adults sexed using DNA, it was established that more male returned translocated chicks were first captured in Years 3 and 4 and first bred in Years 5 and 6, while most females returned later, in Years 5 and 6, and commenced breeding in Years 6 and 7. Four of 93 locally-bred birds captured as adults in this study returned in Year 2. At least 27 of 30 immigrants on Matiu were female, indicating strong female-biased dispersal in this species. Since the study period ended, two additional first-time adult captures of translocated chicks, one at each study site, have increased the return rate to the Wellington region to 35%.” **Reference:** Cotter, S.D. & Gummer, H. 2026.  Comparing the outcomes from two translocations of pakahā/fluttering shearwater (*Puffinus gavia*) chicks within the Wellington region.  *[Notornis](https://doi.org/10.63172/079246rdrptf)*[73: 243-254](https://doi.org/10.63172/079246rdrptf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/translocating-fluttering-shearwaters-on-two-new-zealand-islands.md) ## Manxie rescue underway this month as fledglings get downed on the Welsh mainland *![Manxie rescue](https://acap.aq/images/Manxie_rescue.jpg) A team of volunteers who successfully released 24 ‘Manxies’ at Martin's Haven this month* Once more off the coast of Wales, Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* have been fledging from islands such as Skokholm and Skomer.. Some of the young birds do not make it out into the North Atlantic on their trans-equatorial migration, but instead end up grounded on the adjacent mainland – often due to gales and then artificial lighting confusing them. Team of volunteers have been active along the Welsh coast collecting downed birds and returning them to sea, as reported by Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/ManxShearwaterRescue). The latest report by the rescue group follows: “80-90% of Skokholm Manx Shearwaters have fledged after a really busy night thee days ago when loads got away.  An Oxford University study on Manx Shearwater burrows in Skomer North Haven, provisionally suggests that the 2026 breeding success is 0.71.  So 71% of birds that laid an egg were successful in raising a chick to fledging.” *ACAP Latest News* has published on the effects of light pollution on a number of shearwater and petrel species, notably for fledglings. [Click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-volunteer-group-in-wales-rescues-manx-shearwaters-downed-by-gales?highlight=WyJtYW54Il0=)for a 2025 report on downed Manx Shearwaters. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/manxie-rescue-underway-this-month-as-fledglings-get-downed-on-the-welsh-mainland.md) ## Deadline coming up this week for the SCAR Visiting Scholar Scheme ![SCAR scholarship](https://acap.aq/images/SCAR_scholarship.jpeg) “Are you a mid- to late-career stage scientist or academic working in Antarctic research?  This is your chance to apply for the 2026 SCAR [Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research] Visiting Scholar Scheme.  We are providing the opportunity to undertake a short-term visit (1-4 weeks) to one or more institutes in a SCAR member country to provide training and mentoring.  Awards are USD5000. [Applications](https://scar.org/fellowships-awards/visiting-scholars) close 18 September 2026.” [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/deadline-coming-up-this-week-for-the-scar-visiting-scholar-scheme.md) ## Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island have been ingesting more plastic bottle tops in the last five years *![Lavers Fleshies](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Lavers_Fleshies.jpg)Total number of bottle caps/lids and plastic resin pellets (nurdles) ingested by the “top 10” most impacted Sable [Flesh-footed] Shearwater fledglings from each year on Lord Howe Island, from the publication* Jennifer Lavers ([Gulbali Institute](https://www.csu.edu.au/research/gulbali/home), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Earth's Future](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/23284277)* on an increase in plastic ingestion by [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes.* The paper’s abstract follows: “The world is a complex system with rapid changes making it difficult to anticipate further change and mitigate the impacts.  Long‐term ecological studies have contributed disproportionately to our understanding of complex ecosystem responses, including shifts in baseline conditions.  While numerous studies have identified serious health consequences resulting from plastics exposure, plastics research often suffers from contradictory messaging.  To help address this issue, we use a long‐term plastic ingestion data set for Australian shearwaters (2010–2026) to describe patterns in total plastics exposure over time (number and mass of plastic consumed) as well as two commonly ingested items (plastic bottle caps, plastic resin pellets or “nurdles”).  Plastic prevalence within the population (typically 75%–85%) has remained consistent over 16 years; however, there has been a substantial and rapid increase in the mass and number of ingested plastics, including lids and pellets, since 2022.  We demonstrate that, had this project been shorter in duration (e.g., the focus of a graduate research project), the conclusions could have been very different, and potentially incomplete.  Overall, as the study window increases, a more complete picture becomes apparent: a combination of “good” and “bad” years for the birds, variable patterns in “problematic” items such as lids, and an accelerating trend in the quantity of plastics ingested by fledglings, particularly in the last 5 years.  As plastic‐related pressures increase, understanding rapidly changing systems requires thoughtful consideration of the most relevant analyses and metrics which may differ from those used historically.” **Reference:** Lavers, J.L., de Jersey, A.M., Rivers‐Auty, J. & Bond, A.L. 2026.  Abrupt recent increases in plastic ingestion by Sable Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*).  *[Earth's Future](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1029/2026EF008572)*[14, e2026EF008572](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1029/2026EF008572). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flesh-footed-shearwaters-on-lord-howe-island-are-ingesting-more-plastic-bottle-tops-in-the-last-five-years-2.md) ## Stomach anatomy of Flesh-footed Shearwaters is altered by ingested plastic *![Tummmy testing](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Tummmy_testing.jpg)Experimental set-up to measure relaxation and contraction of proventriculus sections from Flesh-footed Shearwater fledglings, from the publication* Ingrid Pollet ([Department of Biology](https://biology.acadiau.ca/home.html), Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-hazardous-materials-plastics)on the effects of ingested plastic on stomachs of [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to marine wildlife, with ingestion documented in hundreds of species worldwide. While physical and chemical consequences of plastic ingestion are well established, its biomechanical impacts remain poorly understood. Here, we examined how plastic ingestion influences the mechanical properties of the proventriculus (stomach) of Sable Shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) fledglings from Lord Howe Island, Australia, a population known for high plastic exposure. We performed tensile tests on *ex vivo* proventriculus tissue samples from 23 individuals with a gradient of ingested plastic (0–55.39 g), and quantified relaxation and contraction following acetylcholine stimulation. We hypothesised that plastic-impacted tissues would exhibit reduced contraction. Instead, proventriculus from birds with low or no plastic relaxed more readily, whereas those with high plastic loads contracted more strongly in response to acetylcholine. Furthermore, proventriculus weight was positively correlated with plastic load (r = 0.94, *p* < 0.0001). These experiments represent a first-of-its-kind approach: ex vivo biomechanical testing of avian tissues in field laboratories from wild populations. Our findings reveal anatomical and mechanical consequences of plastic ingestion, with increased proventriculus mass and force generation consistent with pathological tissue remodelling and a failure to undergo the normal reduction in gastrointestinal mass prior to migration. Chronic plastic exposure may disrupt stomach functions, with downstream effects on digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall fitness.” **Reference:** Pollet, I.L., Connelly, W.M., Feenstra, M.L., de Jersey, A.M., Bond, A.L., Lavers, J.L. & Rivers-Auty, J. 2026.  Plastic ingestion alters stomach anatomy and biomechanics in sable shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*).  [*Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics* 5, 100080](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3051060026000430). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/stomach-anatomy-of-flesh-footed-shearwaters-is-altered-by-ingested-plastic.md) ## BOTY2026-NZ: Seven days of voting down, nine to go, the Northern Royal Albatross is coming eighth ![BOTY2026 9](https://acap.aq/images/BOTY2026_9.jpg)*The current state of play for BOTYT2026-NZ* With only nine days left for voting, the ACAP-listed and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* is now eighth on the leader board for New Zealand’s annual Bird of the Year competition ([BOTY2026-NZ](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/)).  Respectable, maybe, as the highest-scoring procellariform seabird out of 70-odd candidates.  But still a long way off the podium! You can vote for the Northern Royal Albatross, and for its two fellow ACAP-listed species, the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *P. westlandica*, among the package of five candidates required to be chosen [here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/).  Voting closes on 20 September, with the winner to be announced the next day. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/boty2026-nz-seven-days-of-voting-down-nine-to-go-the-northern-royal-albatross-is-coming-eighth.md) ## The current fate of young Black-browed Albatrosses predicts population decline in three generations ![BBA juvs Ventura Biol Conserv](https://acap.aq/images/BBA_juvs_Ventura_Biol_Conserv.jpg) *At-sea distribution of three monitored Black-browed albatross populations (marked by triangles) during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. For each colony, the distribution contours encompass 90% of the kernel utilization distribution, from the publication* Francesco Ventura ([Department of Physical Oceanography](https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/understand/departments-centers-labs/po/), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal*[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* on the population dynamics of immature Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris.* *![Tracked BBA Estelle Smalberger](https://acap.aq/images/Tracked_BBA_Estelle_Smalberger.jpg)**An immature Black-browed Albatross with a tracking device, photograph by Estelle Smalberger* The paper’s abstract follows: “Demographic assessments are essential for effective biological conservation management, allowing early detection of population declines and timely allocation of resources to avoid possible crises.  For species with slow life-history strategies like seabirds, only the breeding adults are monitored routinely.  The dynamics of immatures, often unobservable from fledging to recruitment, are less well understood and typically not accounted for in conservation status assessments. Here, we quantify the importance of changes in the survival and abundance of immatures in shaping the past and forecasted dynamics of a long-lived marine top-predator.  We use integrated population models (IPM) incorporating the dynamics of immatures, based on multi-decadal demographic monitoring of the black-browed albatross (*Thalassarche melanophris*) at three globally important breeding sites. The populations showed differences in breeding and survival rates, highlighting a degree of life history flexibility in response to the environment.  Using a retrospective sensitivity analysis, we consistently identified immature survival as the key contributor to population growth rate.  At all sites, even those with increasing or stable breeding populations, the total population has been declining, largely due to decreases in immature survival.  Although not directly apparent from counts, this decline is already underway and is projected to emerge at the level of the breeding population over the coming three generations.  This contrasts with a model focusing solely on counts of breeding adults, which mostly indicate an overall population increase. Collectively, our findings highlight that conservation assessments must account for the dynamics of subadult stages, or risk providing an inaccurate picture of population status.” With thank to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey, **Reference:** Ventura, F., Che-Castaldo, C., Catry, P., Delord, K., Kuepfer, A., Mohring, B., Oppel, S., Phillips, R.A., Rouby, E., Ummenhofer, C.C., Weimerskirch, H., Wood, A.G., Barbraud, C. & Jenouvrier, S. 2026.  Flying under the radar: the demographic importance of immatures in long-lived seabird populations.  *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320726004143?dgcid=coauthor)*[323, 112102](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320726004143?dgcid=coauthor). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 September 2026 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-current-fate-of-young-black-browed-albatrosses-predicts-population-decline-in-three-generations.md) ## “Seabird deaths plummet in fleet subject to conservation rules, but rise overall” *![Seabird deaths plummet in nZ](https://acap.aq/images/Seabird_deaths_plummet_in_nZ.png)Seabird bycatch in surface longline fleet, March years, from the article* The use of ship-borne cameras coupled with best-practice mitigation measures has reduced seabird mortality in New Zealand’s surface longline fishery, as described in a recent news article. “The number of seabirds caught by the surface longline fleet has fallen to its lowest level in five years, just 18 months after new conservation requirements came into effect.  Across the whole sector, however, bycatch levels rose to their highest since at least 2019 in the year to March. In 2024, Fisheries New Zealand mandated that the surface longline fleet follow international best practice in either fitting hook-shielding devices to their lines to prevent seabirds from being accidentally hooked or adopting three alternative measures: weighted branch lines, setting lines at night and using tori (or bird-scaring) lines.” Read the whole article [here.](https://newsroom.co.nz/2026/08/10/seabird-deaths-plummet-in-fleet-subject-to-conservation-rules-but-rise-overall/) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-deaths-plummet-in-fleet-subject-to-conservation-rules-but-rise-overall.md) ## Albatross and petrel overlap with IATTC pelagic longline fisheries determined by tracking *![IAATC overlap](https://acap.aq/images/IAATC_overlap.jpg)Four representative global utilization distributions (UDs) for (A) non-breeding adult Chatham Albatrosses (B) non-breeding adult Black Petrels, (C) non-breeding adult Wandering Albatrosses and (D) non-breeding adult Salvin’s Albatrosses. The green line outlines the IATTC Convention Area, while the areas north of the northern black dashed line and south of the southern black dashed line represent where two mitigation methods are required by the IATTC.  From the publication* Daniel Crear ([Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission](https://www.iattc.org/), La Jolla, California, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Fisheries Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fisheries-research)* on albatross and petrel overlap with Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) pelagic longline fisheries in the eastern Pacific as determined by tracking. The paper’s abstract follows: “Bycatch in fisheries is a major threat to seabird populations worldwide, including in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). Pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish globally account for tens of thousands of seabird mortalities annually.  However, regional overlap patterns remain poorly quantified.  To quantify spatial overlap with industrial and small-scale coastal longline fisheries in the EPO, we collated tracking data from 1993 to 2022 for albatrosses (12 species) and petrels (4 species) of high conservation concern.  Utilization distributions (UDs) were calculated for each species split into breeding and non-breeding phases and according to age class and tag type, and overlaid with three pelagic longline effort datasets: industrial fisheries logbook data, Global Fishing Watch set-level data, and data on small-scale coastal fisheries.  We also examined overlap of species UDs with the area where seabird bycatch mitigation is mandated by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).  Species with the highest fisheries-overlap, a proxy for exposure risk, included non-breeding adult black (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) and white-chinned petrels (*P. aequinoctialis*), Chatham (*Thalassarche eremita*), Buller’s (*T. bulleri*), Antipodean (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*), and Salvin’s (*T. salvini*) albatrosses, and breeding waved albatrosses (*Phoebastria irrorata*).  The IATTC mitigation area appeared to encompass most core habitat in the EPO for seabird species considered, with the notable exception being more tropically foraging black petrels, which largely occurred outside this area. Within this area, it is critical that mitigation measures follow the best available science, are updated as new science becomes available, and observer coverage is sufficient to monitor seabird bycatch rates and evaluate compliance.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Crear, D.P., Clay, T.A., Carneiro, A.P.B., Fischer, J.H., Debski, I., Anderson, D.J., Awkerman, J.A., Baylis, A.M.M., Bell, E.A., Campioni, L., Catry, P., Clavelle, T., Deppe, L., Elliott, G., Hedd, A., Landers, T.J., Montevecchi, W.A., Nicholls, D.G., Parker, G.C., Phillips, R.A., Ponchon, A., Rexer-Huber, K., Robertson, C.J.R., Rowley, O.C., Shaffer, S.A., Stanworth, A., Thompson, D.R., Walker, K. & Lopez, J. 2026.  Albatross and petrel overlap with pelagic longline fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  *[Fisheries Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783626002146?dgcid=coauthor)* 302, 107861. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-and-petrels-overlap-determined-by-tracking-with-iattc-pelagic-longline-fisheries.md) ## Registration for the 54th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group is now open ![PSG 2027](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2027.png)  The [54th Annual Meeting](https://psg.wildapricot.org/annual-meeting/) of the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) will be held from 15-19 February 2027 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Registration for the 2027 meeting is now [open](https://psg.wildapricot.org/event-6752861). Register by 15 December 2026 and get the early bird rate. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/registration-for-the-54th-annual-meeting-of-the-pacific-seabird-group-is-now-open.md) ## BOTY2026-NZ voting starts today: please help crown the Northern Royal Albatross! *![Northern Royal Lenina Villela](https://acap.aq/images/Northern_Royal_Lenina_Villela.jpg)A crowned Northern Royal Albatross by Lenina Villela of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for the inaugural [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) on 19 June 2020* Voting for New Zealand’s Bird of the Year 2026 ([BOTY](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/), *Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau*in *Te Reo Māori*) starts today at 09h00 NZST.  Since inauguration in 2005, New Zealanders, and the rest of the world, have been invited to choose their favourite bird, this year out of a list of 7l that occur in New Zealand.  *ACAP Latest News* will be voting for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*in the hope that an ACAP-listed species can be crowned the BOTY winner for the first time in 22 years of the competition. *![2025 26 Northrn Royal Albatross pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/2025-26_Northrn_Royal_Albatross_pair.jpg)A breeding pair of Northern Royal Albatrosses at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura in 2025/26*  As in previous years, “champions” have been appointed to encourage votes for their favourite bird.  The [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) has taken the lead for the [Northern Royal Albatross](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/?bird=northern-royal-albatross), with Libby Manning, an [award-winning](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre/photos/the-2026-michelle-mccormack-award-winner-is-our-very-own-libby-manning-this-awar/1434931665346710/) guide and educator at the centre, as [Campaign Manager](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/apply-be-bird-year-2026-campaign-manager?utm_source=Forest%20%26%20Bird%20members%20and%20supporters%20%28new%20ENews%20list%29&utm_campaign=53377fa138-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_BOTY_SixWaysIn_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-53377fa138-1433488813),  Libby [wrote earlier](https://acap.aq/latest-news/its-boty-time-again-in-new-zealand-and-you-will-be-able-to-vote-for-the-endangered-northern-royal-albatross?highlight=WyJib3R5Il0=) to *ACAP Latest News*: “Bird of the Year is an opportunity for people to back their favourite native New Zealand birds.  Voters get to pick from five native species, and while there is no official prize for the winner the competition generally raises quite a lot of media and awareness.  Albatross have never won Bird of the Year before, and this year the Northern Royal Albatross [Toroa ingoingo] is debuting, replacing the Antipodean Albatross.  The competition is open to anybody with a valid email address, and we are hoping to get seabird lovers across the world behind our campaign to raise awareness for albatross ecology, threats, and conservation.”  ![BOTY2026 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/BOTY2026_7.jpeg) This year the candidates have been grouped into six categories or “parties” - Tree Birds, Sea Birds, Shore Birds, Floor Birds, Shy Birds, and High Birds.  A vote for each bird will also count as a vote towards their wider party. Libby adds: “So alongside campaigning for albatross[es] we will also be encouraging people to vote for an 'all sea bird' candidate list”. Two other ACAP-listed species, the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *P. westlandica*, are on the list, as is the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni*, a species that has been regularly featured in *ACAP Latest News*. No procellariiform has ever been New Zealand’s BOTY, and only two species of seabirds have made the top step, the Yellow-eyed Penguin *Megadyptes antipodes* twice ([click here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_of_the_Year)). You can register your vote from [here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/). Voting closes on 30 September, with the winner announced the next day. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/boty2026-nz-voting-starts-today-please-help-crown-the-northern-royal-albatross.md) ## ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, the 23rd in the series ![Atlantic yellow nosed Albatross preview](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Atlantic_yellow-nosed_Albatross_preview.jpg)  The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) released today, the 23rd to be produced in the [31-species series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), is for the[Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos.*  The species breeds only on Gough Island and the islands of the Tristan da Cunhua group in the South Atlantic Ocean.  It is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese (to acknowledge that the species occurs regularly in Brazilian waters).  These language versions are expected to be released soon.  The new infographic has been sponsored by the United Kingdom’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB)](https://www.rspb.org.uk/). It is the 19th albatross infographic to be produced by ACAP, leaving just three albatrosses to be produced in the series, all endemic to New Zealand.  Three ACAP-listed *Procellaria*petrels and two shearwaters also await their infographics. *![Rosana Venturini AYNA and chick after Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Rosana_Venturini_AYNA_and_chick_after_Chris_Jones.jpg)An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross tends its chick on Gough Island, by Rosana Venturini of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2026 and its theme of “*[*Habitat Restoration*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)*”, after a photograph by Chris Jones* The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and (for some) Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The 23 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in [two poster sizes](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. It is intended to produce one more ACAP Species Infographic this year.  It will be for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata) Inaccessible Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*, endemic to Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The ACAP Species Infographics are all created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to Peter Ryan and Antje Steinfurth for their valued help, and to the RSPB for its sponsorship. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 September 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-the-23rd-in-the-series-2.md) ## Australia will withdraw its expeditioners from Macquarie Island *![BBA Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_Melanie_Wells.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross on Macquarie Island, photograph by Melanie Wells* The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water ([DCCEEW](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/)) has decided to temporarily withdraw all 24 people , including field researchers, currently on Macquarie Island “due to the psycho-social risk to expeditioners of a potential H5 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak” ([click here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2026/macquarie-island/?mtm_campaign=antarctic-insider&mtm_keyword=antarctic-insider-august-2026&mtm_source=newsletter&mtm_medium=email&mtm_content=department-to-remove-expeditioners-from-sub-antarctic-island-as-h5-bird-flu-threat-approaches)). The media release continues “Macquarie Island is home to large elephant seal populations close to station buildings.  Thousands of elephant seals are born close to the Macquarie Island research station every spring.  While H5 bird flu has not yet been detected there, expert assessments predict a high likelihood of a significant mortality event during the upcoming breeding season.  Elephant seals have proved particularly susceptible to H5 bird flu, with pup mortality rates of more than 90 per cent discovered in some areas on the sub-Antarctic external Australian territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.  While the risk to humans of H5 bird flu is considered low, we can’t ignore the psychosocial risks of living near potentially large numbers of affected animals.” The [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) aim to mitigate impacts of the withdrawal on “Australia’s international monitoring obligations, wildlife monitoring and infrastructure”.  The removal of the expeditioners is set to take place this month or early next.  No announcement has been made on when the island will be reoccupied after what will be its first time without human presence since 1948. [Concern](https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-could-devastate-macquarie-island-why-are-we-removing-the-scientists-we-need-to-understand-it-290816) about the planned withdrawal has been expressed by at least one science group.  *ACAP Latest News* will continue to report on the withdrawal and what it might mean for research on and the conservation of the [seven ACAP-listed species of albatrosses and petrels](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) that breed on Macquarie Island. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 01 September 2026.* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/australia-will-withdraw-its-expeditioners-from-macquarie-island.md) ## Identifying albatross prey via DNA in regurgitated squid beaks *![squid beak](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/squid_beak.jpg) Sampled sections of the beak used for DNA analysis: **B1**-rostrum tip, **B2**-tanned section from the lateral wall, **B3**-untanned section, from the publication* Lucas Bastos ([Department of Life Sciences](https://www.uc.pt/en/fctuc/dcv/), University of Coimbra, Portugal) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Frontiers in Marine Science](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science)*on using DNA to identify squid beaks regurgitated by albatrosses (and from fish). The paper’s abstract follows: “Cephalopods play a key role in marine ecosystems but are difficult to study directly; hence, beaks recovered from predator stomachs are critical to further understand their distribution and ecology. Cephalopod species have traditionally been identified from beak morphology, a time-consuming method limited by degree of beak digestion, lack of specialist expertise, and limited coverage in reference collections. Here, we provide the first detailed methodology to identify cephalopod species through DNA analysis of their beaks. By extracting, amplifying and sequencing the cytochrome *c* oxidase I (COI) gene, we successfully annotated DNA sequences to species level in 50.5% of samples and 60% of beaks, obtained from predator stomachs and scientific nets. There was no statistically significant effect of beak section (untanned, tanned, rostrum tip), storage condition, or bleach treatment on assignment success (GLMM; all p > 0.05). Although formal statistical comparison was not possible because collection method and storage condition were confounded, success rates appeared to vary by sample origin, with lower success in samples from albatrosses (*Thalassarche* spp.) boluses than either stomachs of toothfish (*Dissostichus* spp.) or scientific nets (27.3%, 59.5% and 55.6%, respectively). Our results show that DNA analysis from cephalopod beaks can enable species-level identification, though expanding genetic databases with sequences from additional taxa and populations is crucial to improve accuracy. This approach enhances the recovery of ecological data from samples that were previously challenging to identify, supporting biodiversity monitoring, food-web research, and assessments of ecosystem change in rapidly shifting oceans.: With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Bastos, L, Havermans, C., Queirós, J.P., Belchier, M., Hollyman, P., Phillips R.A., Cherel, Y. & Xavier, J.C 2026.  Decoding diets: a novel DNA-based approach for identifying cephalopods from beaks. *[Frontiers in Marine Science](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2026.1873859/full)*[13:1873859. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2026.1873859](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2026.1873859/full). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 September 2026. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/identifying-albatross-prey-via-dna-in-regurgitated-squid-beaks.md) ## Field research on ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels on Campbell Island during summer 2025/26 ![pop2025 09 campbell island seabird research 2025 26 final report.pdf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/pop2025-09-campbell-island-seabird-research-2025-26-final-report.pdf.png)  Claudia Mischler and colleagues have produced a report on research on seven species of albatrosses and petrels on Campbell Island during the 2025/26 summer for the the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report’s Executive Summary follows; “This trip was the third year of a follow-up project from initial work completed on Campbell Island in March 2020 and February 2023 to primarily determine population trends for southern royal albatross (*Diomedea epomophora*).  During 2025-26, nests were counted in two study (Col and Moubray) and three index areas (Faye, Paris, Honey) to compare to historical counts.  Additional aims were to resight marked birds, band all breeding pairs in the Col study area, deploy base station transmitters, recover GLS loggers, and set up remote cameras at nests to monitor breeding success.  Other species work included conducting photo point counts for Campbell (*Thalassarche impavida*) and grey-headed albatross (*T. chrysostoma*), deploying remote cameras at grey-headed albatross nests, deploying satellite transmitters and GLS loggers on grey-headed and Campbell albatross, resight marked birds and band up to 100 breeding adults of both species.  Accessible nest sites were searched for light-mantled sooty albatross (*Phoebetria palpebrata*) and remote cameras set up at nests. Opportunistic searches while traveling or within southern royal albatross study and index areas were done for Antipodean albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*), and any unbanded birds were marked.  As much of the 2020 northern giant petrel (*Macronectes halli*) population survey as possible was repeated, and opportunistic counts of white-chinned petrels (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) burrows were carried out. Nest counts for southern royal albatross showed an overall decline of 29.9% since the 1990s and a 23.9% decline since the 2000s.  The Paris index area had the highest percent change of -44.8% since the 1990s, and Col study area had the lowest at -18.7%.  There appears to be a stabilization in nest numbers over the past three years. Deployment of 20 base station transmitters on breeding adult southern royal albatross in the Col study area was attempted but due to technical issues with the hub this was not possible.  Twenty-three previously deployed GLS loggers were retrieved.  For demographics, 46 nests had both birds of the pair marked within the Col study area in addition to the 79 pairs completed in previous seasons, resulting in a total of 240 pairs marked over three seasons.   -six cameras were deployed to monitor breeding success. Based on the Campbell and grey-headed albatross photo point counts, the percent change between 2019/20 and 2025/26 (excluding Courrejolles Peninsula) showed an increase in the total number of Campbell albatross (sitting and loafing birds) of 5.6% and a decline of 30.2% in the total number grey-headed albatross, but over longer time periods, both have been exhibiting concerning declines.    breeding success monitoring of grey-headed and Campbell albatross, five cameras were replaced covering 32 nests. Ten PTT-GPS transmitters and ten PTT transmitters deployed on grey-headed albatross showed most of the individuals dispersed widely across the southwest Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean with many undertaking long-distance movements into pelagic waters.  For light-mantled sooty albatross, a total of six cameras were deployed covering six nests to continue monitoring of breeding success.  Thirteen Antipodean albatross were found on the Moubray Peninsula, of which four were previously banded on Campbell Island in 2023/24 and two in 2024/25. A total of 102 northern giant petrel nests were found across the island compared to 92 nests in 2019/20.” Read about the previous summer’s research [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/field-research-on-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-on-campbell-island-during-2024-25). **Reference:** Mischler, C., Thompson, H., Hamilton K. & Düssler, M. 2026.  *[POP2025-09. Campbell Island Research Project](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202526-csp-reports/campbell-island-seabird-research-202526/)*. Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  49 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 31 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/field-research-on-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-on-campbell-island-during-summer-2025-26.md) ## Field research on White-capped and Gibson's Antipodean Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels on the Auckland Islands in the 2025/26 summer *![canvas](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/canvas.png) White-capped Albatross movements, December 2025–June 2026.  Trackers fitted at South West Cape, Auckland Islands* Graham Parker ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/)) and colleagues have submitted their final report on field work with White-capped Albatross *Thalassarche steadi*, Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni* and White-chinned Petrels*Procellaria aequinoctialis*on Auckland  Island during the 2025/26 breeding season to the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “The white-capped albatross *Thalassarche cauta steadi* is the most bycaught seabird species in New Zealand fisheries and the third most at-risk species in the NZ fisheries risk assessment. There is uncertainty in both demographic and abundance estimate trends. Contrasting trends in abundance estimates show either a steep population decline, a shallow, non-significant population decline, or something in between. This project aimed to address the data gaps for this heavily bycaught species. We aimed to estimate the population size of white-capped albatross on Disappointment Island, monitor adult survival, and describe their at-sea distribution. Secondary objectives were tracking work on Gibson’s albatross and white-chinned petrels. Conditions for landing at Castaways Bay, Disappointment Island, were unworkable. We therefore focused on tracking and demographic work at Auckland and Adams Island. At Southwest Cape, Auckland Island, we deployed tracking devices on white-capped albatrosses and conducted drone surveys of some of the colony areas there. At Adams Island we deployed tracking devices on Gibson’s albatrosses and white-chinned petrels. Secondarily we focused on collecting demographic data for white-chinned petrels in an area where the birds were studied and burrows marked 2013–2018. Tracking devices were deployed on all three focal species in December 2025 in the Auckland Islands. Of the three types of tracking devices on white-capped albatrosses at SW Cape, one collected the first flight altitude data for this species. Tracking devices were also deployed on white-capped albatrosses and white-chinned petrels in November 2026 at Kaikoura. Six out of the eight white-capped albatrosses from Southwest Cape have stayed in Australasian waters, while the other two migrated to waters off southern Africa. White-capped albatrosses caught at sea off Kaikoura showed a similar pattern with three of the four birds staying in NZ waters. GLS from the white-capped albatross study colony on Disappointment Isl 2023–24 provided year-round distributions for seven birds. Of these, four stayed in Australasian waters year-round, foraging in NZ waters, in the Tasman and up into the Great Australian Bight, while three spent time off southern Africa. Gibson’s albatross juveniles equipped on Adams Island in December, foraged primarily in the Tasman and in waters north of the Chatham Rise during the first six months. Trackers fitted on white-chinned petrels in the Auckland Islands and at sea off Kaikoura showed that over the December to May period, birds foraged mainly on the Campbell Plateau and off the South Island East Coast. As the breeding season ended, five of the birds so far have made the migration to their wintering areas in waters off South America. Drone overflight on 10 March 2026, by a DOC team working nearby two months after us, allowed counts of the 988 white-capped albatrosses present on the eastern side of Southwest Cape (819 in the Gulch and 169 along the east-facing slopes of Southwest Cape). These are raw counts of birds present. Image quality was good at upper levels, but lower on the steep colony slopes image quality deteriorated. White-capped albatrosses on lower slopes could be identified, but nesting birds could not be reliably distinguished from those loafing in the colony. Ground-truthing data was not collected at the time of aerial photos, so we did not refine the raw count of birds present into an estimate of active nests on 10 March. When trends for white-capped albatross numbers in their SW Cape breeding colony are modelled, we see that annual breeding pairs peaked in the late 2000s, but after a period of roughly stable abundance, there has been gradual decline since ~2013. The gradual decline over the last decade mirrors the trend seen for the population as a whole. We investigated 335 white-chinned petrels burrows and could accurately determine the contents for 130. Burrow occupancy was 38% (50 occupied buuyrrows out of the 130 known-contents burrows), lower than occupancy rates expected for white-chinned petrels in the Auckland Islands. Of the fifty occupied burrows, seven contained a banded bird and 43 did not. Mark-recapture at the Disappointment Island white-capped albatross study colony was just starting to yield quality adult survival estimates at last visit, so recaptures and banding of new white-capped albatrosses remain priorities so trends in adult survival can be assessed. Access to Disappointment Island requires more vessel-standby days to improve the chances of workable conditions occurring. It is important to develop a quality DEM for Disappointment Island in advance, so that drone image quality is retained on lower parts of albatross slopes. During drone overflight, concurrent ground-truthing is vital to estimate the number of active nests. Aerial photography is useful, but mark-recapture is important to allow more detailed insight into the population health of the species.” **Reference:** Parker, G., Philps, B., Rowley, L., Sagar, R., Simister, K. & Rexer-Huber, K. 2026.  [*Auckland Islands albatross and petrel research 2025–26*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202526-csp-reports/auckland-islands-albatross-and-petrel-research-202526/).  Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  22 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 27 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/field-research-on-white-capped-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-on-the-auckland-islands-in-the-2025-summer-season.md) ## Funding opportunity: the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels - Renewables Environmental Research Initiative (ACAP-RERI) ![wind turbines north sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/wind_turbines_north_sea.jpg) *An offshore wind farm* The Renewables Environmental Research Initiative ([RERI](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/advice/renewable-energy-projects/reri)) is an Australian Government programme to support a more efficient transition to onshore and offshore renewable energy while protecting biodiversity.  As part of this initiative, the Australian Government (through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) is partnering with ACAP to understand better the potential long-term impacts of offshore wind farms on albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species. Wind power is a key source of new electricity generation and part of the renewable energy transition.  Despite significant growth in offshore wind farm developments, there remain substantial knowledge gaps regarding how these developments affect southern hemisphere seabirds, particularly albatrosses and petrels and other procellariiform species.  To mitigate and manage effectively any potential impacts on such species associated with offshore wind farms, robust decision-making grounded in rigorous scientific knowledge and data is needed. The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels - Renewables Environmental Research Initiative ([ACAP-RERI](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships/acap-reri-initiative)) will be delivered by an AUS$2.5 million four-year competitive granting process and will be completed on or before 30 June 2030.  It will deliver a suite of targeted research projects to provide new and better environmental information on albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species most vulnerable to the impacts of offshore wind farms.  The projects will draw on lessons learned from around the world and will inform regulatory guidance, including the assessment and approval of offshore wind farms under Australia's *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999*(Cth) ([EPBC Act](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00485/latest/versions)). To achieve these aims, ACAP-RERI will focus on the following research themes: - Improve understanding of the size, structure and population trends of albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species breeding and/or foraging in Australia's jurisdiction. - Improve understanding of the potential impacts to albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species from offshore wind farms. - Support the management of potential impacts to albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species from offshore wind farms. - Translate findings from the ACAP-RERI into targeted, accessible formats to support evidence-based decision-making. **Notification of Intent (NOI) to apply** Prospective applicants are invited to submit a [Notification of Intent (NOI) form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/hZ2Xx5T65H). An NOI is a brief, preliminary submission that signals intention to submit a full application.  While not a full proposal, the NOI allows us to plan the review process and ensure appropriate expertise is available for assessing applications. While it is encouraged, submission of an NOI is optional: - An NOI is not required in order to apply for a research grant when the official application opens. - Submission of an NOI does not commit an applicant to submitting a full application. - The NOI form will remain open until the formal application process opens. **How to submit:** Complete the [Notification of Intent form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/hZ2Xx5T65H). Further information on the formal application process will be provided in September 2026. For questions about the NOI process or eligibility, please contact the ACAP Secretariat at [acap-reri-info@acapsecretariat.org](mailto:acap-reri-info@acapsecretariat.org). *ACAP Secretariat, 26 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/funding-opportunity-the-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels-renewables-environmental-research-initiative-acap-reri.md) ## South Africa adopts a new National Plan of Action -Seabirds for 2026-2030 ![SA NPOA 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SA_NPOA_2.jpg) South Africa has adopted a new National Plan of Action -Seabirds for the period 2026 to 2030.  The government press release  [https://www.dffe.gov.za/mediarelease/nationalplanofactionforseabirds](https://www.dffe.gov.za/mediarelease/nationalplanofactionforseabirds) follows: “The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has adopted the National Plan of Action II for the Conservation and Management of Seabirds in South African Fisheries (NPOA Seabirds II), setting out the country’s strategy for 2026 - 2030 to reduce incidental seabird mortality further and strengthen monitoring, reporting and adaptive management.  NPOA Seabirds II builds on the 2008 plan through an evidence-based approach informed by updated survey data, fisheries observer records, strandings and tracking studies. According to the department, the plan consolidates current information on conservation status and the known interactions between South African fisheries and all seabird species occurring in South African waters.  It also identifies priority areas where targeted action is required. “It also serves as a compendium of up-to-date information on legislation and policy related to seabird-fisheries interactions and provides useful sector-specific information on current knowledge of interactions and mitigation,” the department said.  The plan’s target of “zero impact on the sustainability of seabird populations by South African fisheries” is highly ambitious but achievable. It establishes clear, measurable objectives to reduce bycatch across gear types, including longline, trawl, purse seine, pole-and-line and gillnet fisheries, while working towards evidence-based mitigation measures tailored to each fishery and vessel class. NPOA Seabirds II explicitly incorporates updated species-level interaction data and conservation assessments to ensure mitigation measures are proportionate to the level of risk. A defining feature of the plan is its formalised cross-sector collaboration.  DFFE Oceans and Coasts and fisheries managers will partner with industry, BirdLife South Africa, the Albatross Task Force, academic institutions and provincial conservation agencies to co-design mitigation trials, deliver skipper and observer training, and share monitoring data via common platforms. “Joint funding mechanisms and shared governance arrangements have been established to enable transparent, adaptive implementation.  This integrated approach is framed as a win-win: reducing seabird mortality while maintaining sustainable, productive fisheries and supporting coastal livelihoods,” the department said. The plan also includes capacity building, targeted public outreach and alignment with international best practices and agreements.  NPOA Seabirds II commits to an iterative review process that will incorporate new evidence and operational feedback.  The plan reflects a science-led, cooperative pathway to protect vulnerable seabird populations without compromising fishing operations.” Find the full text of the new 36-page NPOA-Seabirds [here](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13/sbwg13-information-documents/5202-sbwg13-inf-13/file). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 28 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-africa-adopts-a-new-national-plan-of-action-seabirds-for-2026-2030.md) ## First record of Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza in an ACAP-listed species in New Zealand *![Northern Giant Petrel fledgling Auckland Is Colin ODonnell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/thumbnails/thumb_Northern_Giant_Petrel_fledgling_Auckland_Is_Colin_ODonnell.jpg)A Northern Giant Petrel chick close to fledging on New Zealand’s Auckland Island, photograph by Colin O'Donnell* Highly Pathogenetic Avia Influenza (HPAI) has been [confirmed](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment/1076428/third-case-of-h5-bird-flu-found-in-wellington-region?fbclid=IwY2xjawT1PHlwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWtHVjRVOFdobmVlSTFtWGFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeqZCnnFKx6UomOy3-5e_fxaM9ku-v1lplRT5N14ALvvEQkmjXQTq5Sy6Lz2M_aem_8RkNTML-srsL6eCnZEuNfg) in a Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* from the southeastern corner of New Zealand's North Island. “A third case of H5 bird flu has been detected in a northern giant petrel, in the Wairarapa.  Ministry for Primary Industries says it was found dead on a remote [Cape Palliser](https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/cape-palliser/) beach.  It follows cases found in a kāhu, or swamp harrier, and a brown skua.  It was found by a Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger, who notified the MPI hotline.  Samples received by the MPI Animal Health Laboratory on 14 August were tested and initially found low levels of influenza virus in the bird. It took several rounds of testing to confirm bird flu.” The New Zealand record is the first for an ACAP-listed seabird.  In Australia at least [17 giant petrels](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-update-from-offlu-on-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-australia-and-new-zealand) have been found to be infected with HPAI. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 24 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/first-record-of-highly-pathogenetic-avian-influenza-in-an-acap-listed-species-in-new-zealand.md) ## Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza hits older seabirds hardest in one study: implications for long-lived albatrosses? *![Sandwich Tern Farne Is FJ0A5168 35937297300](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Sandwich_Tern_-_Farne_Is_-FJ0A5168_35937297300.jpg)A pair of Sandwich Terns engage in mutual display on the United Kingdom's Farne Islands* Wouter Courtens ([Research Institute for Nature and Forest](https://www.vlaanderen.be/inbo/en-gb/homepage/), Brussels, Belgium) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/ncomms/)* showing that older Sandwich Terns *Thalasseus sandvicensis*are more likely to succumb to Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI) than are younger birds. The implications for long-lived ACAP albatrosses and petrels warrant study,  as the following texts taken from their publication attest. “We show that HPAI-related mortality during the 2022 outbreak in northwestern European Sandwich terns was age-biased, with older individuals disproportionately affected, while mortality was not biased by sex.  This pattern suggests that HPAI did not act as a random mortality source, but selectively removed individuals that likely contribute substantially to population growth. … Seabirds – including penguins, albatrosses, petrels, gannets, gulls, terns and auks – share life-history traits such as delayed maturity, low annual reproductive output, and colonial breeding, making them particularly vulnerable to adult mass mortality events caused by infectious diseases.  The loss of experienced individuals could reduce the reproductive output, delaying recovery, and increase the risk of long-term population declines. … For seabirds already facing multiple pressures, including climate change, overfishing, predation, and habitat loss, the emergence of HPAI adds an additional source of vulnerability in an increasingly unstable world.” The paper’s abstract follows: “In recent years, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have caused mass mortality events in seabirds worldwide, raising concern for long-lived species with low reproductive rates. Using 28 years of ringing data together with individual-level data from the 2022 mass mortality event in northwestern European Sandwich terns (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), we show that mortality was biased towards older individuals, while no sex bias was observed. HPAI-related mortality increased from approximately 5–10% in young breeders to more than 40% in the oldest individuals. This age-biased loss likely removed the most experienced individuals from the population. Our findings highlight a previously underappreciated mechanism through which HPAI outbreaks may impair the resilience of long-lived avian populations.” **Reference:** Courtens, W., Ballmann, M., Fijn, R. *et al.* 2026.  Avian influenza amplified age-related mortality in a long-lived seabird. *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76726-7)*[1](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76726-7)[7, 8653 doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-76726-7](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76726-7). With thanks to Rob Simmons. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 25 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/highly-pathogenetic-avian-influenza-hits-older-seabirds-hardest-in-oine-study-implications-for-long-lived-albatrosses.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Michelle Risi starts her PhD on giant petrel demography *![Michelle Risi Low Hump with SGP Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/Michelle_Risi_Low_Hump_with_SGP_Chris_Jones.jpeg)Unconcerned: Michelle Risi pauses while reading colour bands next to an incubating Southern Giant Petrel in the Low Hump colony on Gough Island, photograph by Chris Jones* I am sometimes asked “Which is your favourite among the 31 ACAP-listed seabirds?”  My answer might surprise, for it is not the iconic Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* of Marion Island or the equally iconic Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena*of Gough Island, both of which I have studied.  No, my co-favourites are the two giant petrels, the Northern *M. halli* and the Southern *M. giganteus,*which I have also studied on Marion (both species) and Gough (Southern) Islands. With my last island visits now over a decade ago, I am pleased that the data collected from the long-term studies of colour-banded Northerns on Marion and Southerns on Gough that I set up years back will now contribute to a PhD study by ACAP supporter, [Michelle Risi](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/michelle-risi) – who has worked with both species in the field on Marion and Gough.  She is based in the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick) at the University of Cape Town, where I worked for several decades last century. Michelle Risi writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “I hold an MSc in Biology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2015), along with BSc Honours and BSc degrees, both awarded *cum laude*.  Over the past decade, I have dedicated my career to wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on long-term seabird monitoring and the restoration of remote island ecosystems for threatened species.  For the past seven years, I have worked extensively on the demographic datasets for giant petrels from Gough and Marion Islands.  This has included compiling, cleaning and curating long-term monitoring data, as well as standardising records for mark-recapture and breeding success analyses.  My familiarity with these datasets and the colonies they represent provides me with a unique advantage, allowing me to conduct the planned analyses efficiently and produce high-quality outputs for my PhD thesis.” *![Michelle Risi Antarctic Peninsula](https://acap.aq/images/Michelle_Risi_Antarctic_Peninsula.jpeg)Michelle guiding aboard the*Roald Amundsen*along the Antarctic Peninsula in summer 2025/26* A summary of Michelle’s PhD project, entitled “*Understanding the drivers of seabird demography in a changing ocean: insights from long-term studies of giant petrels*”, follows: “Global climate change and human activities are transforming marine ecosystems, yet the impacts on long-lived apex predators remain poorly understood.  Seabirds, such as giant petrels *Macronectes* spp., are key indicators of ocean health, integrating ecological change across broad spatial and temporal scales. Northern (NGP, *M. halli*) and Southern Giant Petrels (SGP, *M. giganteus*) are large, long-lived seabirds with circumpolar distributions in the Southern Hemisphere, breeding mostly at scattered sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands.  Males play critical ecological roles as both predators and scavengers, occupying the top of the marine food web and making them especially sensitive to ecosystem changes.  Females have a more pelagic distribution, ranging as far from their colonies as albatrosses, and consume a diverse diet that includes fish, crustaceans, squid and carrion.  Both sexes commonly scavenge behind fishing vessels and are bycaught in various longline and trawl fisheries across the Southern Ocean.  Giant petrel nestlings are impacted by heat stress, and nesting adults have also been recorded being attacked by House Mice *Mus musculus* on Marion Island, leading to nest abandonment. A previous study of adult survival at Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, showed that sex-specific ecological differences can lead to divergent responses to environmental drivers.  For example, females were more likely to be impacted by changes in pelagic longline effort.  However, that study did not assess how changing oceanographic conditions influence other critical demographic parameters, such as breeding probability and success.  Even less is known about the demographic drivers of populations at other sites.  As scavengers, giant petrels are at risk of secondary poisoning during rodent eradication operations, as they may forage on the carcasses of other scavenging birds.  Gough Island had a failed mouse-eradication attempt in 2021, and a mouse eradication operation is planned for Marion Island in 2029 by the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/).  On Macquarie Island, now free of invasive mammals, the aerial eradication campaign conducted between 2010 and 2011 had a substantial immediate impact on giant petrels, resulting in the deaths of up to 1400 NGPs over two years and an estimated 33% decline in breeding pairs.  Rodent eradication operations are generally undertaken during winter, when most seabirds are foraging at sea, and natural food availability for mice is lowest, thereby maximising bait uptake while reducing potential impacts on non-target species.  It is therefore important to establish a baseline for the number of giant petrels that remain on Marion Island during winter. Long-term demographic datasets are available from seven Southern Ocean island groups: Signy Island in the South Orkney Islands, Bird Island at South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, Gough Island, Marion Island in the Prince Edward Islands, Île de la Possession in the Crozet Archipelago, the Kerguelen Archipelago and Macquarie Island. These datasets include annual counts of breeding birds and fledged chicks, intensive monitoring of individual breeding attempts and, at four sites, capture-mark-recapture records that follow marked birds through their breeding histories.  Together, the sites span broad geographical, oceanographic and management gradients.  Marion Island will serve as the focal system for identifying environmental drivers of breeding success and other demographic parameters, after which the transferability of the results to other giant petrel colonies will be tested. By analysing long-term demographic data from these breeding sites, the study will explore relationships between vital rates (adult and juvenile survival, breeding frequency, and breeding success) and potential oceanographic drivers (e.g. sea surface temperature, marine productivity, wind regimes).  This will provide a step change in our understanding of how these key predators respond to climate variability and other anthropogenic pressures, while also identifying implications for seabird monitoring and conservation management. **Research Questions**: ## 1.  How have breeding population size and breeding success of Northern and Southern Giant Petrels at Marion Island changed over time, and what is the relative importance of local weather and breeding-season oceanographic conditions on breeding success? 2.  How does winter attendance by giant petrels vary on Marion Island, and is attendance associated with previous breeding outcome and subsequent breeding probability or success? 3.  How transferable are the environmental variables identified as the best predictors of giant petrel breeding success at Marion Island to other populations across the Southern Ocean? 4.  How does environmental variability influence survival, recruitment and breeding probability in giant petrels? **Methods and Impact:** Using long-term breeding counts, nest-monitoring records, winter surveys, capture-mark-recapture data and remotely sensed environmental information, the study will investigate demographic variation at both colony and individual levels.  Winter surveys will be used to determine which giant petrels attend Marion Island during the non-breeding period, whether winter attendance is associated with previous breeding outcome and subsequent breeding probability or success, and what proportion of breeding birds may be exposed during the planned winter mouse-eradication operation.  Analyses will test whether environmental relationships identified at Marion Island are transferable to other colonies.  Multi-event capture-mark-recapture analyses will then assess whether selected environmental variables explain variation in survival, recruitment and breeding probability.  The study will identify the factors associated with demographic change and provide evidence to support ACAP monitoring and conservation management.” *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/2023/NGPE_Marion02_Michelle_Risi.jpg)A Northern Giant Petrel on Marion Island eyes the camera, photograph by Michelle Risi* Michelle’s study will be supervised by Associate Professor Susan Cunningham (FitzPatrick Institute), Dr Steffen Oppel (Swiss Ornithological Institute), Professor Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey) and Emeritus Professor Peter Ryan (FitzPatrick Institute). Back in 2019, Michelle proposed to me that there should be a World Albatross Day.  Although I was initially somewhat reluctant, we submitted an [Information Paper](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers/3449-ac11-inf-05-a-proposal-for-a-world-albatross-day/file) proposing the day to the ACAP Advisory Committee’s 11th Meeting, held in Brazil the same year.  With the committee’s approval, ACAP marked the first World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020 under the theme of **“**[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”.  Michelle played a significant role in supporting the first “WAD” years by producing a series of photo posters, as well as entering a cake for the “Great Albicake Bake Off” competition in 2020 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones?highlight=WyJhbGJpY2FrZSJd)).  Surely, now that there have been seven successful World Albatross Days held, it is past time for the two ACAP-listed giant petrels to be recognized as “honorary albatrosses” and included in the celebrations for WAD2027. *![Michelle Risi and Chris Jones on SA Agulhas II 2024 09 05](https://acap.aq/images/Michelle_Risi_and_Chris_Jones_on_SA_Agulhas_II_2024-09-05_.jpg)Husband and wife team, Chris Jones and Michelle Risi, sail from Cape Town for a year on Gough Island aboard the*S.A. Agulhas II* in September 2024* Michelle and her husband [Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/latest-news/hot-birds-how-does-climate-change-affect-breeding-by-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels) have recently started staying with me in my home near the university for a couple of nights every other week to make their commute from their own home a distance away to campus easier.  Our dinner-table conversations often turn to Gough and Marion, their albatrosses and petrels, and stories from our respective times working with these special birds.  It will then be a pleasure to hear from time to time from Michelle how her PhD work is progressing, and I look forward to reading the peer-reviewed publications that will ensue. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 21 August 2026* * A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur e Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-michelle-risi-starts-her-phd-on-giant-petrel-demography.md) ## Feral cats to be removed from New Zealand’s Pitt Island, and its feral pigs controlled *![Antipodean Albatross 2024 Pitt Island Flowerpot Lodge 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_2024_Pitt_Island_Flowerpot_Lodge_1.jpg)**Antipodean Albatross chick on Pitt Island in 2024, photograph from the Flowerpot Lodge* The New Zealand Department of Conservation has [announced](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2026-media-releases/$1.7-million-for-chatham-islands-from-doc-community-fund/?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1dennhb94xl6l&fbclid=IwY2xjawTymqdwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXhDNmxJMFo5QTFxdG43S2JzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeqjIPRJYFQo_xjL_yZ-WS2I9krgEKJjgV7Lh3EG1KBFyUmnYrll-Mw5qogm0_aem_BYVbNq3RUEE9rFpT9Nvh4w) funding towards eradicating feral cats and controlling feral pigs on [Pitt Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-96-a-single-pair-of-antipodean-albatrosses-breeds-on-new-zealand-s-pitt-island) (Rangihaute/ Rangiauria) in the Chatham Islands. The “[Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust](https://www.chathamrestorationtrust.org.nz/) will receive [NZ]$1,169,900 for a project to remove feral cats from Rangihaute Pitt Island.  This will protect at least 14 threatened bird species, including the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shore-plover-thinornis-novaeseelandiae) Shore Plover *Thinornis novaeseelandiae* (tūturuatu/tchūriwat) and restore several critical ecosystems.” “The Chatham Islands Farmers Association will receive [NZ]$543,240 to undertake pig control, reducing the impact on threatened species and critically endangered ecosystems, as well.  This work will begin on Rangihaute Pitt Island before commencing on the main Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island.” A [single pair](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-96-a-single-pair-of-antipodean-albatrosses-breeds-on-new-zealand-s-pitt-island) of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis* breeds on Pitt Island and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-islands-petrel-pterodroma-axillaris) Chatham Islands Petrel *Pterodroma axillaris* breeds in small numbers protected by a fence. *![Seven Pitt Island Cats for desexing](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Seven_Pitt_Island_Cats_for_desexing.jpeg)“The last seven unsterilised pet cats on Pitt Island have been flown to neighbouring Chatham Island to be desexed, a crucial step towards eradicating feral predators.”* Pet cats living on Pitt Island have now all been sterilized ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/Birdsnewzealand/posts/the-last-seven-unsterilised-pet-cats-on-pitt-island-have-been-flown-to-neighbour/1462027652619303/)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/feral-cats-to-be-removed-from-new-zealands-pitt-island-and-its-feral-pigs-controlled.md) ## An update from OFFLU on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Australia and New Zealand ![OFFLU](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/OFFLU.jpeg)A report produced by the [OFFLU](https://offlu.org/) Wildlife Technical Activity and released jointly by the World Organization for Animal Health ([WOAH](https://www.woah.org/en/home/)) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.fao.org/)) updates the occurrence of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Australia and New Zealand.  Notably, 17 infected ACAP-listed giant petrels (*Macronectes* sp.) have been reported from the coast of Australia (overall 231 confirmed cases) on 10 August 2026. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “What was long expected, has now come to pass: high pathogenicity avian influenza H5 (HPAI H5) has been detected for the first time in wild birds in Australia in June 2026 and in New Zealand in July 2026. HPAI H5 has a high burden of disease for poultry and wildlife, as well as a zoonotic risk for humans. Since the emergence of HPAI H5 (specifically, the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage) in Asia in 1996, it has been detected in ever more continental regions. It spread from Europe to North America in 2021, to South America in 2022, and to the Antarctic region (Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands) in 2023. Since its incursion in the Antarctic region, it spread nearly 6,500 km eastwards in two years, from South Georgia in the South Atlantic Ocean in October 2023 to Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean in October 2025. It is likely that HPAI H5 was carried from the Antarctic region to Australia and New Zealand by migratory seabirds. Between 14 June and 31 July 2026, HPAI H5 was detected in 1 Brown Skua (*Stercorarius antarcticus*) and 17 giant petrels (*Macronectes* sp.) on the coast of Australia, and 1 Brown Skua on the coast of New Zealand. These species breed in spring in the Antarctic region, here they are known to have been infected by HPAI H5. In the non-breeding period, these species may disperse widely, including northwards to waters off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. Preliminary phylogenetic analysis shows that the HPAI H5 virus detections in wild birds in Australia are closely related to viruses from Heard Island in the Antarctic region. HPAI H5 has subsequently spilled over from these seabirds to resident bird species in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, HPAI H5 has been detected in 34 Greater Crested Terns (*Thalasseus bergii*) as of 31 July 2026. The Greater Crested Tern is a largely resident species in Australia and occurs widely along the coast and offshore islands, a habitat shared with many other seabird species. In New Zealand, HPAI H5 has been detected in one Swamp Harrier (*Circus approximans*) as of 31 July 2026. The Swamp Harrier is a resident species in New Zealand. In winter it feeds largely on carrion, which is a likely source of infection in avian scavengers. Based on the sequence of events in other continents, HPAI H5 is likely to spread among wild birds and mammals in Australia and New Zealand. The main wildlife groups at risk are seabirds (e.g. gannets, terns and albatrosses), other waterbirds (e.g. ducks, swans and grebes), pinnipeds (e.g. seals and sea lions), and predatory and scavenging birds and mammals (e.g. raptors, corvids, Dingoes (*Canis familiaris dingo*) and quolls). From Australia and New Zealand, HPAI H5 may spread to other parts of Oceania (Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia), most likely via medium- or long-distance movements of wild birds. The potential conservation impact from HPAI-H5-associated wildlife morbidity and mortality in Oceania is enormous. Oceania contains many geographically restricted and threatened wildlife populations. For susceptible species, particularly colony-nesting seabirds and pinnipeds, additional mortality associated with HPAI H5 could compound existing pressures on populations. Although it is not possible to stop the geographical spread of HPAI H5, there are response options to reduce its spread and impact on wildlife, as well as the risk of such HPAI panzootics occurring in the future. Short-term response options include expanding and improving avian influenza surveillance in wildlife, coordination of surveillance across Oceania, removal of infected wildlife carcasses, management of human activities in regions with affected wildlife, vaccination of threatened wildlife species, and avoidance of activities that harm or disturb wildlife and their habitats. In case of HPAI H5 spillover to poultry (which has so far not been reported in Australia or New Zealand), short-term response options include rapidly controlling outbreaks and limiting concurrent infections in poultry populations, thereby reducing opportunities for continued viral evolution and recurrent spillback into local wildlife. Medium- and long-term response options include long-term monitoring of impacted wildlife populations, increasing resilience of susceptible wildlife populations (including by actively reducing other threats and promoting actions to enable recovery of populations) and reducing the risk of HPAI emergence and spillover from poultry in the future. Post scriptum (10 August 2026): Following the drafting of this statement, further cases of HPAI H5 have been detected in wild birds in Australia. These include: a mass mortality event in Greater Crested Terns in South Australia involving over 80 sick or dead individuals. Several detections have been made in Silver Gulls (*Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae*), a widespread resident species in Australia and New Zealand that occurs both on the coast and inland, including wetland habitats and urban environments. A single detection has been made in an Australian Magpie (*Gymnorhina tibicen*), a widespread resident species in Australia, member of the Artamidae family and is omnivorous. As of 10 August 2026, there have been 231 confirmed detections of H5 HPAI in wild birds in Australia (10 in Western Australia, 163 in South Australia, 53 in Victoria, 4 in New South Wales and 1 in Queensland), while there the number of confirmed detections in New Zealand has remained at two.” Read earlier reports on HPAI in*ACAP Latest News* for [mainland Australia](https://acap.aq/latest-news/beached-giant-petrels-confirm-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-has-reached-the-australian-mainland) and [New Zealand](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-update-on-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-new-zealand). Since publication of the OFFLU report, HPAI has been [reported](https://www.facebook.com/nretasmania/posts/-h5-bird-flu-updateh5-bird-flu-has-now-been-detected-in-10-wild-birds-in-tasmani/992754523815174/)from Tasmania (10 cases, including a Brown Skua). With thanks to David Duffy. **Reference:** OFFLU Wildlife Technical Activity 2026.  *[Incursion of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5 into Australia and New Zealand, with potential to impact wildlife populations and to spread further in Oceania](https://offlu.org/publications/incursion-of-hpai-h5-into-australia-and-new-zealand-with-potential-to-impact-wildlife-populations-and-to-spread-further-in-oceania/)*.  OFFLU Wildlife Statement IV.   WOAH/FAO.  33 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 19 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-update-from-offlu-on-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-australia-and-new-zealand.md) ## Ingested plastics reduce recruitment and survival of Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island – a 15-year study *![Flesh footed Shearwater dissection Jennifer Lavers](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_dissection_Jennifer_Lavers.jpg)Plastic fragments in the alimentary system of a Flesh-footed Shearwater, photograph by Jennifer Lavers* Jennifer Lavers ([Gulbali Institute](https://www.csu.edu.au/research/gulbali/home), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[PNAS](https://www.pnas.org/)* on ingested plastics affecting the the[Near threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*at the population level. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastics research lags 30 y behind many other environmental crises, with population-level impacts alluded to but not yet demonstrated for any wild species.    Addressing this “Grand Challenge” requires robust data that span many years of variable exposure. Here, we use 15 y of mark-recapture data to estimate plastics’ impact on the demography of Sable Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*). We found that the ingestion of >1 g of plastic is common and associated with at least an 11% reduction in the probability of birds surviving to return and breed at their natal island, with birds that ingested >5 g of plastic almost never seen again. In a time of unprecedented planetary change and biodiversity collapse, these results provide much- needed insight into plastics’ role in potentially driving species decline.” **Reference:** Lavers, J.L., Worthington, H. & Bond, A.L. 2026.  Ingested plastics reduce recruitment and survival of an Australian seabird.  *[PNAS](https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.2613782123)*[doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.2613782123](https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.2613782123). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 18 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ingested-plastics-reduce-recruitment-and-survival-of-flesh-footed-shearwaters-on-lord-howe-island-a-15-year-study.md) ## The Solomon Sea is a hot spot for juvenile Flesh-footed Shearwaters *![Flesh footed Shearwater 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)Flesh-footed Shearwater at sea, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Jennifer Lavers ([Gulbali Institute](https://www.csu.edu.au/research/gulbali/home), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia) and colleagues have pre-published open access on movements of satellite-tracked fledglings of the[Near threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*in the journal *[Animal Biotelemetry](https://link.springer.com/journal/40317).* The paper’s abstract follows: **“Background**Juvenile survival is a critical yet poorly resolved demographic parameter in long- lived seabirds. Juvenile spatial ecology may differ remarkedly from adults in dispersal extent, habitat use, and migratory routing, as fledglings must independently and rapidly acquire foraging and navigational competency to migrate vast distances. This demographic-specific knowledge gap limits evidence-based marine spatial planning for vulnerable seabird populations. Here, we provide new data on the movement patterns of fledgling Sable Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes*from Lord Howe Island, Australia to evaluate spatial ecology. **Methods**Sable Shearwaters were captured by hand from the colony surface immediately prior to fledgling. Solar-powered GPS loggers were attached to three central tail feathers in 2022 (n = 15) and 2024 (n = 15). All loggers were programmed to collect GPS locations (accuracy 5 m) at one-hour intervals. **Results**Juveniles departed Lord Howe Island rapidly, travelling on average 1,000 (up to > 2,500) kilometres northward within the first two weeks post-fledgling and reaching the Solomon Sea by week 3, where they moved relatively short distances from east to west during the following weeks. **Conclusion**Across years, juvenile Sable Shearwaters showed consistency in migrating northward within the first two weeks of their migration, highlighting the Solomon Sea as a previously unrecognised and potentially critical stopover site for this species. By identifying this important habitat, our results provide a clear spatial focus for future conservation planning and the development of targeted area-based management measures.” **Reference:** Lavers J.L., Gilmour M.E., Jersey A.M., Rivers-Auty, J. & Bond, A.L. 2026.  Post-fledging migration of Sable Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) identifies the Solomon Sea as a potential conservation priority.  [*Animal Biotelemetry*doi.org/10.1186/s40317-026-00487-9](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40317-026-00487-9)*.* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 17 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-solomon-sea-is-a-hot-spot-for-juvenile-flesh-footed-shearwaters.md) ## ACAP Latest News’ favourites from the 2nd Annual Friends of Midway Atoll Art Contest *![Untitled Artwork](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Art_Competition_2026_Pat_Latas.jpg)Artwork by ABUN artist Pat Latas “This art, named ‘Treasures,' depicts, Wisdom, her chick, a ghost crab and a plastic army man figurine. It represents the past, present and future of our marine treasures: the beauty, the resilience, the squandering.  Wisdom is the epitome of resilience, beauty, and wisdom of the sea.  The chick is the present and the future, if it survives.  The crab shares its treasure, an immortal plastic toy which itself represents conflict at all levels: human battling human, human and nature, generosity and greed, the wars waged on Midway and other Pacific islands.  We need to have the wisdom, science, knowledge and perseverance to protect these irreplaceable jewels” Medium: digital using Procreate and traditional art techniques on iPad.* The winners of the 2nd Annual [Friends of Midway Atoll](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends%20of%20midway%20atoll%20national%20wildlife%20refuge) Art Contest have now been released. A total of 61 artworks was submitted in adult and Under 18 categories “each sharing their creative perspective on Midway Atoll.”  *ACAP Latest News* has looked at all the [submissions](https://friendsofmidway.org/2026-art-contest-winners-submissions/?) and chosen four of its favourites to show here. *![Art Competition 2026 Winner Nadia Borg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Art_Competition_2026_Winner_Nadia_Borg.jpg) Nadia Borg - Over 18 Category First Place Winner depicting Short-tailed, Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses “They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I can’t help but wonder at what beauty an albatross beholds on its wild journey between the sky and seas traveling thousands of miles amidst the decades it lives”* **![Art Competition 2026 Kitty Harvill Top 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Art_Competition_2026_Kitty_Harvill_Top_10.jpg)* 'Circle of Life’ by Kitty Harvill is an acrylic painting on a circular canvas 20” (50 cm) in diameter. "I used several reference photos offered by FOMA to create this work. My objective was to show the vibrant life of Kuaihelani, the vast marine life of the ocean, the beauty and myriad colours of a setting sun, the courtship of a Laysan Albatross couple, and a chick representing new and continuing life with the glow of the setting sun on his forehead. The inclusion of the Ilima (*Sida fallax*) surrounding the chick is a nod to this indigenous groundcover and the great efforts of eradicating its competitive invasive species,*Verbesina*, by the FOMA [and Midway Atoll] team”* Kitty Harvill, Co-founder of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), with which ACAP has collaborated to produce albatross and petrel art over seven years, says that she is ”proud and happy” that six ABUN members entered the competition - Deepti Jain, Andrea Siemt, Katja Fletcher, Pat Latas, Sarah Youngren and herself.  Deepti’s contribution won the ‘People's Choice Award’ and Kitty’s painting was placed in the ‘Top 10’.  Both are illustrated here**.** *![Art Competition 2026 Deepti Jain s Peoples Choice winner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Art_Competition_2026_Deepti_Jain_s_Peoples_Choice_winner.jpg)People's Choice winner by ABUN artist, Deepti Jain* *“Life at Atoll celebrates the extraordinary wildlife of Midway Atoll, home to millions of seabirds and many unique marine species. The artwork brings together an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal with a Black-footed Albatross family capturing a small glimpse of the life that unfolds on this remarkable island. I haven't had the opportunity to visit Midway Atoll yet, but it has become one of those places I truly hope to see some day. Standing on its shores and witnessing these remarkable species in their natural home would be a dream come true. Media: Soft pastels and pastel pencils on pastelmat* Selected artwork may be featured on future Friends of Midway Atoll online store items, including shirts, hats, stickers, posters, note cards, and more.  Profits from merchandise sales directly support conservation projects on the atoll. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 14 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-latest-news-favourites-from-the-2nd-annual-friends-of-midway-atoll-art-contest.md) ## The ACAP-listed Grey Petrel population on Australia’s Macquarie Island has been growing since the removal of feral cats in 2001 *![7 grey petrel chick credit Jez Bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/7_grey_petrel_chick_credit_Jez_Bird.JPG)A Grey Petrel chick in its burrow on Macquarie Island, photograph by Jeremy Bird* Jeremy Bird ([School of Biological Sciences](https://science.uq.edu.au/), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Conservation Biology*](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15231739) on the recovery of burrowing petrels, including the ACAP-listed Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*, on Macquarie Island following the successful removal of introduced mammals. The paper’s abstract follows: Eradicating invasive predators from islands can result in substantial recovery of seabirds, but the mechanisms that drive population changes remain poorly understood. Meta-analyses have recently revealed that immigration is surprisingly important to the recovery of philopatric seabirds, but it is not known whether dispersal and philopatry interact predictably to determine rates of population growth and changes of distribution. We used whole-island surveys and long-term monitoring plots to study the abundance, distribution, and trends of 4 burrowing seabird species on Macquarie Island, Australia, to examine the legacy impacts of invasive species and ongoing responses to the world's largest eradication of multiple species of vertebrates. Wekas (*Gallirallus australis*) were eradicated in 1988; cats (*Felis catus*) in 2001; and rabbits (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*), black rats (*Rattus rattus*), and mice (*Mus mus*) in 2011–2014. We compared surveys from 1976–1979 and 2017–2018 and monitoring from the 1990s and 2000s onward. Antarctic prions (*Pachyptila desolata*) and white-headed petrels (*Pterodroma lessonii*) increased ∼1% per year. Blue petrels (*Halobaena caerulea*) and gray petrels (*Procellaria cinerea*) recolonized following extirpation from the main island in the 1900s but remained spatially and numerically rare in 2018. However, they increased rapidly at 14% and 10% per year, respectively, since cat eradication in 2001. Blue and gray petrel recolonization occurred on steep, dry, west-facing slopes close to ridgelines at low elevation (i.e., high-quality petrel habitat). They overlapped <5% with the distribution of Antarctic prion and white-headed petrels which occurred in suboptimal shallow, wet, east-facing slopes at high elevation. We inferred that the speed of population growth of recolonizing species was related to their numerically smaller starting size compared with the established species and was driven by immigration and selection of ideal habitat.” With thanks to Keith Springer. **Reference:** Bird, J.P., Fuller, R.A. & Shaw, J.D. 2024.  Patterns of recovery in extant and extirpated seabirds after the world's largest multipredator eradication.  *[Conservation Biology](https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14239)*[38. e14239](https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14239). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-listed-grey-petrel-population-on-australias-macquarie-island-has-been-growing-since-the-removal-of-feral-cats-in-2001.md) ## Leg-mounted geolocator devices do not affect chick growth or adult return rates in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *![Kaena Point survey Wedgies 2025 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Kaena_Point_survey_Wedgies_2025_3.jpg) Wedge-tailed Shearwater in its burrow at Kaena Point, Oahu, Hawaii* Alyssa Piauwasdy ([Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](https://www.oikonos.org/), Kailua, Hawaiʻi, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Field Ornithology](https://journal.afonet.org/)*on how geolocator devices affect Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Although biologging has transformed seabird ecology, bird-borne devices could alter the behaviors being studied, including parental care. We tested for effects of leg-mounted light-level geolocators (< 1% of body mass) on chick growth and adult return rates in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (‘ua‘u kani, *Ardenna pacifica*) breeding on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i during two consecutive breeding seasons that coincided with contrasting El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) years. Accounting for hatching phenology, we compared three responses of two tagging groups (tagged and non-tagged controls): (1) chick growth rates (mass, wing chord, 10th primary), (2) chick survival to fledging, and (3) adult return rates in the following breeding season. We found a significant effect of year on overall chick growth patterns, but no effect of tagging or sex-specific impacts. Chick survival did not differ between groups in either year. Regardless of the tagging group, all chicks in 2023 grew wing chords more slowly and reached lower peak body mass compared to chicks in 2022. However, growth rates did not differ between tagging groups within either season. Despite these interannual differences in chick growth, geolocator deployments did not impact breeding performance or adult return rates to the colony. These results emphasize the importance of evaluating device effects to avoid misinterpreting interannual variability as a tagging impact, and reinforce the value of even small-scale comparisons of tagged and non-tagged groups.” **Resumen** A pesar de que el bioseguimiento (biologging) ha transformado la ecología de las aves marinas, los dispositivos colocados en las aves podrían alterar los comportamientos objeto de estudio, incluido el cuidado parental. Evaluamos los efectos de los geolocalizadores, montados en la pata (< 1 % de la masa corporal), sobre el crecimiento de los polluelos y las tasas de retorno de los adultos en la pardela del Pacífico (ua‘u kani, *Ardenna pacifica*) en la colonia reproductiva de O‘ahu, Hawái, durante dos temporadas reproductivas consecutivas que coincidieron con años contrastantes del fenómeno El Niño-Oscilación del Sur (ENOS). Considerando la fenología de eclosión, comparamos tres respuestas entre dos grupos de estudio (aves marcadas con geolocalizadores y controles no marcados): 1. Tasas de crecimiento de los polluelos (masa corporal, longitud de la cuerda alar y de la pluma décima primaria). 2. Supervivencia de los polluelos hasta la etapa de volantón. 3. Tasas de retorno de los adultos en la siguiente temporada reproductiva. Encontramos un efecto significativo del año en los patrones generales de crecimiento de los polluelos, pero no se observaron efectos del marcado ni impactos específicos asociados al sexo. La supervivencia de los polluelos no difirió entre los grupos en ninguno de los dos años. Independientemente del grupo marcado, todos los polluelos de 2023 mostraron un crecimiento alar más lento y alcanzaron una masa corporal máxima inferior a la de los de 2022. Sin embargo, las tasas de crecimiento no difirieron entre los grupos de marcado en ninguna de las dos temporadas. A pesar de estas diferencias interanuales en el crecimiento de los polluelos, la colocación de geolocalizadores no afectó el éxito reproductivo ni las tasas de retorno de los adultos a la colonia. Estos resultados enfatizan la importancia de evaluar los efectos de los dispositivos para evitar la malinterpretación de la variabilidad interanual como efecto del marcado y refuerzan el valor de realizar comparaciones, incluso a pequeña escala, entre grupos marcados y no marcados.” **Reference:** Piauwasdy, A., Halpin, L.R., Adams, J., Potemra, J. & Hyrenbach, K.D. 2026.  Geolocator devices did not affect chick growth or adult return rates in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (*Ardenna pacifica*) despite interannual variation in chick development*.  [Journal of Field Ornithology](https://journal.afonet.org/vol97/iss3/art3/?)*[97(3)](https://journal.afonet.org/vol97/iss3/art3/?). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 12 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/leg-mounted-geolocator-devices-do-not-affect-chick-growth-or-adult-return-rates-in-wedge-tailed-shearwaters.md) ## It’s BOTY time again in New Zealand, and you will be able to vote for the Endangered Northern Royal Albatross! *![BOTY2026 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/BOTY2026_3.jpg)This year it’s the Northern Royal Albatross asking for your vote* It’s Bird of the Year ([BOTY](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/election-date-called-new-zealands-wildest-election), *Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau*in *Te Reo Māori*) time again in New Zealand.  For the 22nd year since inauguration in 2005, New Zealanders, and the rest of the world, are invited to choose their favourite bird that occurs in New Zealand.  A total of 75 birds is in the mix this year. ![Gill Winter](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Gill_Winter.jpg)[*Āwheo*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-royal-albatross-centre-celebrates-world-albatross-day-with-another-life-sized-albicake-and-naming-of-the-royal-cam-chick?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIl0=)*, the*[*Royal Cam*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/meet-the-royal-family/)*2025/26 Northern Royal Albatross chick, artwork by Gill Winter, after photographs by Sharon Dunne and Cindy Giesle* Three of them are ACAP-listed species, the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*, the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *P. westlandica*.  Three other procellariforms are on the list, including the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni*, a species [regularly featured](https://acap.aq/search?q=Hutton%27s&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) in *ACAP Latest News*. *![Libby Manning award](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Libby_Manning_award.jpg)Libby Manning, BOTY-NZ2026 Campaign Manager for the Northern Royal Albatross, received the Michelle McCormack Award in June this year* As in previous years, “champions” are being appointed to encourage votes for their favourite bird. The [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) has taken the lead for the Northern Royal Albatross, with Libby Manning, an [award-winning](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre/photos/the-2026-michelle-mccormack-award-winner-is-our-very-own-libby-manning-this-awar/1434931665346710/) guide and educator at the centre, as [Campaign Manager](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/apply-be-bird-year-2026-campaign-manager?utm_source=Forest%20%26%20Bird%20members%20and%20supporters%20%28new%20ENews%20list%29&utm_campaign=53377fa138-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_BOTY_SixWaysIn_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-53377fa138-1433488813).  Libby has written to *ACAP Latest News*: “Bird of the Year is an opportunity for people to back their favourite native New Zealand birds.  Voters get to pick from five native species, and while there is no official prize for the winner the competition generally raises quite a lot of media and awareness.  Albatross have never won Bird of the Year before, and this year the Northern Royal Albatross is debuting, replacing the Antipodean Albatross.  The competition is open to anybody with a valid email address, and we are hoping to get seabird lovers across the world behind our campaign to raise awareness for albatross ecology, threats, and conservation.” *![BOTY2026 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/BOTY2026_1.jpg)The six “parties”* This year the candidates have been grouped into six categories or “parties” - Tree Birds, Sea Birds, Shore Birds, Floor Birds, Shy Birds, and High Birds.  A vote for each bird will also count as a vote towards their wider party. Libby adds: “So alongside campaigning for albatross[es] we will also be encouraging people to vote for an 'all sea bird' candidate list”. No procellariiform has ever been made New Zealand’s BOTY, and only two species of seabirds have made the top step, the Yellow-eyed Penguin *Megadyptes antipodes* twice ([click here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_of_the_Year)). *![BOTY NZ 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/BOTY-NZ_2026.jpg)* Campaigning has already started, with voting taking place from Friday 4 September to Sunday 20 September. With thanks to Libby Manning. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/its-boty-time-again-in-new-zealand-and-you-will-be-able-to-vote-for-the-endangered-northern-royal-albatross.md) ## A Waved Albatross flies 2000 km south and succumbs *![900](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/900.jpg)Far outside its normal range: a dead Waved Albatross from central Chile, photograph by Jorge Viscarra* What seems to be the most southerly record for a Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* ([Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata)) is of a bird found dead on the coast of Chile at 36.7°S on [the Isla de lo Reyes Rocuant Beach](https://whsrn.org/whsrn_sites/playa-isla-de-los-reyes-rocuant/), Bahía de Concepción in the Biobío Region of Chile by Jorge Viscarra on 08 August 2026, as reported on [eBird](https://ebird.org/checklist/S381371766?fbclid=IwY2xjawTmZ0ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6XSWG5gzJXrPrElERwVO8rJEm1wO6WDH9swPjappX34dM033bSgGMvdTPGtw_aem__DVcpMI9pnOxX6XCynjE3g). Waved Albatrosses breed on the equator in The Galapagos (with a few pairs on La Plata Island).  Their normal at-sea range is to the coastal waters of Ecuador and Peru, the “extreme north of Chile” and occasionally northwards to off Colombia and Panama.  A record from close to the city of Concepción in central Chile is thus well outside the species’ normal range, noting that the maritime boundary between Peru and Chile is at 18.3°S, some 2000 km north of the Concepción bird, that was found 4500 km from its most likely breeding locality of Española Island in The Galapagos. Information from the Facebook page [Pelagics. Seabirds birding worldwide](https://www.facebook.com/groups/pelagics.seabirds.) posted by Alvaro Jaramillo. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-waved-albatross-flies-2000-km-south-and-succumbs.md) ## Close up! A colour-banded Northern Royal Albatross is photographed in Chilean waters *![555 Northern Royal Albatross from Forty fours](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/555_Northern_Royal_Albatross_from_Forty-fours.jpg)Colour-banded**Northern Royal Albatross off Chile* A colour-banded Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* ([Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi)) was photographed in Chilean waters on 05 July 2026 by Claudio Véliz.  The bird was marked with plastic band black 535 and metal band R-67933 on 30 January 2022 as an adult of unknown sex by Mike Bell of [Toroa Consulting](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mike-Bell-4) in a study plot on [Motuhara](https://acap.aq/latest-news/recent-seabird-surveys-in-the-chatham-islands?highlight=WyJtb3R1aGFyYSJd) (The Forty Fours), Chatham Islands, New Zealand. *![555 Northern Royal Albatross from Forty fours close up](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/555_Northern_Royal_Albatross_from_Forty-fours_close_up.jpg)Close up of the plastic band; the metal band is just visible on the left leg,* *p**hotographs by Claudio Véliz* With thanks to Dave Boyle and Claudio Véliz for information via[Pelagics. Seabirds birding worldwide](https://www.facebook.com/groups/86878741545/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZahNbu2n9z2IPrVMmanRNe5MhpjEvXeTAnDiCp_a_mBWlzIwntOo9t_X9NYDRO6xD2JORHkQHNCLPn4vuWLu32FmzbF_OPlmNW4dv9b5WA4I_2Hd8DypRrwkosO2ock5wbnuhOiRmwLqYmAiLlONfe5&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/close-up-a-colour-banded-northern-royal-albatross-is-photographed-in-chilean-waters.md) ## Annual Report summarizing the Seabird Monitoring Programme for the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas* is released for 2025/2026 *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatrosses_Steeple_Jason_Alastair_Baylis.jpg) Black-browed Albatrosses breeding on Steeple Jason.  The bird centre front has died from Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza,  photograph by Alastair Baylis* Long-term seabird monitoring programme has been undertaken on several important seabird species breeding in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas* since 1989.  The latest report from the environmental NGO, [Falklands Conservation](https://falklandsconservation.com/), by Amanda Kuepfer and Andrew Stanworth, is for the 2025/2026 season and was released last month. It updates long-term trends and discusses associated threats and conservation actions for nine species, including for the island group’s three ACAP-listed breeding species: Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*, Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* and White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*. **Reference:** Kuepfer A. & Stanworth A. 2026.  *[Islands Seabird Monitoring Programme – Annual Report 2025/2026](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kuepfer-Stanworth-2026-FISMP-2025_26_FINAL-1.pdf)*.  Stanley: Falklands Conservation.  61 pp and 2m 32s [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1064299342703889). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 August 2026* A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur e Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/annual-report-summarizing-the-seabird-monitoring-programme-for-the-falkland-islands-islas-malvinas-is-released-for-2025-2026.md) ## Japan held its annual Seabird Week in June to mark World Albatross Day *![Japan WAD2026 Musical by Gekidan Cinderella](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Japan_WAD2026_Musical_by_Gekidan_Cinderella.jpg) A musical performance about the Short-tailed Albatross was presented by the theatrical company*[*Cinderella*](https://cinderella.studio.site/) Once again Japan stepped up to the mark by celebrating World Albatross Day and its theme for 2026 of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” on 19 June in Tokyo over a two-and-a-half-week period.  Following a now familiar pattern, World Albatross Day & Seabird Week ([WAD&SW](https://albatrossday.org/events/)) for 2026 consisted of an exhibition, public lectures, a musical performance (new for 2026) and an excursion.  This year's event centred on celebrating the recovery of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Diomedea albatrus* from near extinction to reach a total population of more than 10 000 birds. *![Japan 2026 Special exhibition](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Japan_2026_Special_exhibition.jpg)Visitors view Japan’s World Albatross Day exhibition in Tokyo* **Special exhibition** Held in the [Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park](http://www.wildbirdpark.jp/en/) for two and a half weeks, the exhibition featured photographs, arts, educational posters and displays highlighting the history, recovery, and conservation of the Short-tailed Albatross and other seabirds.  The exhibition attracted nearly 700 visitors. *![Japan WAD2026 Hiroshi Hasegawa](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Japan_WAD2026_Hiroshi_Hasegawa.jpg)Dr Hiroshi Hasegawa (seated back right) gives his plenary address on the recovery of the Short-tailed Albatross* **Public lectures** Held as a hybrid event, with over 80 people attended in person and nearly 120 registered online, the lectures commenced with a plenary presentation by Dr Hiroshi Hasegawa, entitled *“75 years since the ‘rediscovery’ of the Short-tailed Albatross the Torishima population has recovered to 10 000 birds”.* The plenary was followed by four talks covering recent conditions and the future conservation of Short-tailed Albatrosses on Torishima, the physiological and ecological effects of global warming on seabirds, the accumulation of harmful chemicals from plastics in seabirds, and environmental education inspired by the history of the Short-tailed Albatross on Torishima. **Musical performance** A musical on the Short-tailed Albatross was performed in front of an audience of 40 by [Gekidan Cinderella](https://cinderella.studio.site/company-e), a theatrical company that works on the theme of dream, hope, adventure, and living with nature.  It has 30 members, including both children and adults. The Cinderella Theatrical Company writes on its website: “Taking up various natural environments such as the sea, forests and sandy beaches, we create "SDGs musicals" that address the problems faced by nature and creatures, and deliver them to the general public ... in an easy-to-understand manner.”  Its performances are held not only in theatres and halls, but also in visitor centres, commercial facilities, zoos, and at eco-events. *![Japan WAD2026 Little Tern observation tour Little Tern Project](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Japan_WAD2026_Little_Tern_observation_tour__Little_Tern_Project.jpg)Participants on the Little Tern excursion* **Little Tern excursion** An excursion to view a [Little Tern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/little-tern-sternula-albifrons) *Sterna albifrons* colony was held at the [Morigasaki Water Reclamation Center](https://www.power-technology.com/marketdata/morigasaki-water-reclamation-center-bess-japan/) rooftop nesting site.  The 35 participants observed five Little Terns in flight and one incubating.  The outing was followed by a visit to the exhibition. Activities supporting WAD2026 in Japan were organized by the WAD&SW Committee, comprising six conservation organizations: the Wild Bird Society of Japan, the Oceanic Wildlife Society, BirdLife International Tokyo, Institute of Boninology, Little Tern Project, and the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology. Permission has been obtained from the parents/guardians for their children to appear in the  photograph of the musical presentation. From information and photographs received. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 August 2026, edited 10 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/japan-held-its-annual-seabird-week-in-june-to-mark-world-albatross-day.md) ## Starting off on the wrong wing: a Black Petrel goes west *![Rua Black Petrel 2026 08 02](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Rua_Black_Petrel_2026-08-02_.jpg)Where is it now?  Rua, the Black Petrel’s journey to Australia as of 02 August 2026* *ACAP Latest News*[regularly reports](https://acap.aq/latest-news/across-the-southern-pacific-fledgling-black-petrels-start-arriving-in-ecuadors-waters-situation-with-black-petrerl-tracking-study-as-of-16-july-2-026-in-may-this-year-vulnerable-black-petrels-or-takoketai-procellaria-parkinsoni-begun-fledging-leaving?highlight=WyJibGFjayIsImJsYWNrcyIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIiwyMDI2XQ==) on the fortunes of the ACAP-listed and globally [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* that only breeds on New Zealand’s Little Barrier and Great Barrier Islands.  [Ongoing research](https://liveocean.org/researchers-explain-latest-data-from-largest-takoketai-black-petrel-study-ever/) by [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/?) shows that fledglings usually head eastwards to waters off Pacific South America, to return some years later to recruit as breeding birds.  The low level of return of banded juveniles is a serious cause of concern. *![Rua Black Petrel Gold Coast](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Rua_Black_Petrel_Gold_Coast.png)Overly fanciful?  Rua taking it easy on Australia’s Gold Coast* But not every Black Petrel fledgling “gets the message” and one satellite-tracked bird, named Rua, has instead headed west to the waters off Queensland, Australia, having according to WMI’s Managing Director, Biz Bell, “a very relaxing time.”  See its track [here](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1020681753909430). Overall, the latest batch of tracked fledglings are currently a bit more spread out in the southern Pacific as Biz reports: “This season, chicks have ranged much further north than ever recorded before.  Some are already foraging off Ecuador and around the Galapagos Islands; others are working their way up and down the Ecuadorian and Peruvian coasts.  A few are still out in the open Pacific, cruising at roughly the same latitude as Guatemala, somewhere between Hawaii and the Pitcairn Island group.” You can follow the tracked birds, including the errant Rua, [here](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 04 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/starting-off-on-the-wrong-wing-a-black-petrel-goes-west.md) ## eBird checklists from citizen scientists used to study seabird distribution in the Southern Ocean *![Flock Paper](https://acap.aq/images/Flock_Paper.jpg) Observation effort and environmental context during the Flock to Marion 2025 expedition. (Top) Overview of eBird contributions, including total sightings, number of checklists, number of taxa after harmonisation, number of observers, proportion of complete checklists, median checklist duration (with 10th and 90th quantiles) and proportion of checklists with counts. (Middle) Ship track overlaid on concurrent oceanographic conditions: Sea-surface temperature, surface current speed and chlorophyll-a concentration averaged over the period 24–30 January 2025. The grey line shows the full ship track, while overlapping yellow segments indicate periods of active observation. (Bottom) Temporal pattern of checklist submission effort (number of active checklists per 5-min interval) showing a strong diurnal pattern (from the publication)* Raphaël Nussbaumer ([Swiss Ornithological Institute](https://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/), Sempach, Switzerland) and colleagues have published in the open access journal *[Diversity and Distributions](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14724642)* on using seabird lists from the mass-participation [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025/) voyage in the southern Indian Ocean to infer species distributions at sea. The paper’s abstract follows: “**Aim** Citizen-science observations are increasingly used to infer species distributions at sea, yet the extent to which observer behaviour and heterogeneous detectability may bias inferences from such pelagic seabird observations, and how explicitly accounting for these processes affects inferred distributional patterns, remains poorly understood. **Location** Southwest Indian Ocean, from mainland South Africa to the Prince Edward Islands. **Methods** We analysed 2563 eBird checklists submitted by 212 observers during a seven-day oceanic cruise (24–31 January 2025) traversing a broad latitudinal gradient (~30° S to ~47° S) spanning warm subtropical waters to sub-Antarctic conditions. This unusually dense, transect-based dataset allowed us to quantify selective reporting, effort-driven temporal bias, and observer- and species-specific detection bias associated with checklist type and observer engagement. We then applied a novel multispecies, transect-based occupancy model to estimate seabird occurrence for 39 species while explicitly accounting for species-, observer- and effort-dependent detection probability. Bias-corrected occupancy patterns were compared with independent tracking-based space-use estimates for 10 species. **Results** Incomplete and short-duration checklists inflated the apparent importance of rare, charismatic species. Observer effort was structured in time, peaking at dawn and during days of high species novelty. Detection probability varied markedly among species and observers, increased with species prevalence and body mass, and rose non-linearly with observation duration, reaching a plateau after approximately 1 h. Bias-corrected occupancy estimates revealed clear community turnover along the transect. Inferred spatial occurrence patterns were strongly correlated with independent tracking-based space-use estimates. **Main Conclusions** Pelagic citizen-science data can yield ecologically realistic distributional inferences when observer bias and detectability are explicitly modelled. Large cruise-based birding events, combined with occupancy modelling, represent a powerful and scalable complement to tracking and structured surveys for studying seabird biogeography across oceanic gradients.” **Reference:** Nussbaumer, R., Kéry, M., Schrimpf, M. & Lee, A.T.K. 2026.  Quantifying bias and detectability in pelagic seabird citizen science: insights from a mass-participation cruise-based dataset.  *[Diversity and Distributions](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.70243)*[32, No. 7: e70243.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.70243) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 03 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ebird-checklists-from-citizen-scientists-used-to-study-seabird-distribution-in-the-southern-ocean.md) ## Research on Antipodean Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels on Antipodes Island, 2025/26 *![CSP Report](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/CSP_Report.png)Antipodean Albatrosses on Antipodes Island, photograph by Edin Whitehead from the report’s title page* Kalinka Rexer-Huber ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/)) and colleagues have submitted their final report on field work with [globally Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea a. antipodensis*and [globally Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels*Procellaria aequinoctialis*on Antipodes Island for the 2025/26 breeding season to the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report’s Executive Summary follows: The Antipodean wandering albatross *Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis* has been in decline since a population crash in 2005–07. Declining numbers appear to have been largely driven by high female mortality, but low chick production—with fewer birds breeding and reduced breeding success—has compounded the problem.  To tease out the causes of falling numbers of Antipodean wandering albatrosses and identify the effectiveness of potential solutions, research includes an annual visit to the breeding grounds on Antipodes Island.  Alongside the albatross research, we conduct a mark-recapture study for white-chinned petrels.  This report describes the results of the annual field programme in the 2025/26 breeding season for both Antipodean albatrosses and white-chinned petrels. *Antipodean wandering albatross.* The core annual study involves mark-recapture in an intensively monitored study area and census of the annual count areas.  This season’s field programme allowed updates to the trend in nesting population size, survival, productivity and recruitment.  There are some signs that rates of decline are slowing; for example, the population of breeding pairs was declining at -4.7% per annum (2008–2013), which has slowed to a -3.3% decline in the last decade 2015–2024. Since 2020, female survival has stabilised at levels approaching male survival rates. Female survival has reached 90.7% (most recent 4-year average) compared to that for males (93.4%), but remains lower than females’ pre-crash average of 95.9%. Breeding success in 2025 was 62%. The average nesting success remains 63% since the 2006 crash, notably lower than the average pre-crash nesting success of 74%. The number of chicks produced (47 fledglings in the last cohort) remains small, even in years with good breeding success, since numbers nesting remain low. Recruitment now draws from the (much smaller) cohorts produced since the crash, so an increase in the size of the breeding population is unlikely in the near future. To better understand fine-scale behaviours around fishing vessels, and albatross flight characteristics around potential offshore wind farms, GPS tracking devices were deployed on 43 adult Antipodean wandering albatross Jan–Feb 2026. There is so far no evidence of the sustained improvement in Antipodean wandering albatross demography required for the population to recover, with tentative improvements recorded here merely slowing the decline. Recommendations include ongoing mark-recapture monitoring of demographic and population-size trends, and research into causes of declines. More-targeted ongoing engagement with fishers is needed to achieve better bycatch mitigation in line with ACAP best practice. *White-chinned petrel.*A mark-recapture study to estimate vital rates, survival in particular, was established in the 2022–23 season. Substantial effort to grow the mark-recapture study this year means there are now 484 banded white-chinned petrels in 302 marked burrows in the two study areas. Eleven white-chinned petrels carried very-high-resolution devices for upTefere to 25 days, providing data suitable for detailed analysis of behaviours around fishing vessels.  For accurate, precise white-chinned petrel survival estimates we recommend at least two more years of recaptures at existing marked burrows, to build on the three years of resighting data obtained to date. To monitor population size over time, we recommend establishing six 25m x 25m blocks to record occupied burrow numbers annually. Finally, we estimate the size of the mixed colony of white-capped and black-browed albatrosses on Bollons Island. **Reference:** Rexer-Huber, K., Darby, J., Walker, K. & Elliott, G. 2026*. *[*Antipodean wandering albatrosses and white-chinned petrels 2026*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202526-annual-plan/pop2025-08-antipodean-wandering-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-2026-final-report.pdf).  Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  28 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 31 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/research-on-antipodean-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-on-antipodes-island-2025-26.md) ## Population studies of southern Buller’s Albatrosses at The Snares, February – March 2026 *![Sagar report cover](https://acap.aq/images/Sagar_report_cover.png)Researchers on The Snares, photograph by Graham Parker from the report’s title page* Paul Sagar ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/)) and colleagues have submitted their final report on field work conducted in 2026 on [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) southern Buller’s Albatrosses *Thalassarche b. bulleri* at the Snares Island group to the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “This report presents the results of demographic studies of southern Buller’s albatrosses *Thalassarche bulleri* *bulleri* breeding at Tini Heke | The Snares from 26 February to 22 March 2026.  A whole-island count of the numbers of breeding pairs on North East Island and Broughton Island was attempted.  This was largely successful, as ~78.5% of the Snares population was counted (South West Promontory and Alert Stack could not be fully counted).  A total of 6,041 occupied nests was estimated in counted areas on North East Island.  A comparison of the estimates from comparable areas showed a decline from 5,812 pairs in 2014 to 5,296 in 2026, a decrease of 9% over the 12 years.  The estimated number of breeding pairs on Broughton Island was 680, similar to the 621 pairs estimated in 2019.  When accounting for unsurveyed areas and applying a correction for vantage-point counts, the Snares southern Buller’s albatross population was estimated at 8,194 breeding pairs in March 2026. Demographic studies at the three study colonies on North East Island have been undertaken annually 1992–2026, with the exceptions of 2018 and 2021. Estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs in 2026, made by recording the contents of each nest mound, increased in all three study colonies compared to 2024, but numbers remain below the levels recorded 2010–2023.  Assuming that the three study colonies are representative of changes across North East Island as a whole, the Buller’s albatrosses breeding population probably peaked in 2005–2006 and has since undergone marked annual variations, with a general decrease since 2010.  To increase coverage, a new study area was established at South Punui, bringing the annually-monitored population to 3.6% of the whole. A total of 422 birds that had been banded previously in the study colonies as breeding adults of unknown age were recaptured. A further 56 breeding birds were banded in the study colonies, presumed to be first-time breeders.  The estimate of adult survival in 2025 was 0.85, one of the lowest recorded during the 34 years of this study.  During 1992–2004 all chicks that survived to near-fledging in the study colonies were banded and their survival to return to the study colonies in subsequent years has been monitored.  This year, 128 of these birds were recaptured, with 7 birds from cohorts banded in 1998 and 2004 recorded as breeding for the first time.  This highlights the long-term monitoring required to obtain reliable estimates of survival of known-age birds across life cycle stages.  In addition, five birds banded as near-fledging chicks in the study colonies in Sep 2013 and 2014 were recorded breeding for the first time. The process of fitting metal-banded birds with alphanumeric darvic bands was continued (darvics were fitted on 346 newly banded or recaptured birds). Furthermore, tracking devices for high-resolution insights into foraging behaviour and flight characteristics were fitted on 28 Buller’s albatrosses.  Seven were also paired with TDRs to record sub-surface behaviour.  Finally, nest cameras to record data on breeding timing, productivity and nest survival rates were maintained, with 11 nest cameras recording for a further year. Key recommendations are to extend the area covered by annual counts (including the area from the hut to the tip of the North Promontory) for more-precise trend estimates; and to record more resightings of banded birds to maximise the quality of key demographic parameter estimates by allowing for longer trips going forward. **Reference:** Sagar, P., Parker, G., Waipoua, T. & Rexer-Huber, K. 2026.  *[Population studies of southern Buller’s albatrosses at Tini Heke | The Snares](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202526-annual-plan/pop2023-02-southern-bullers-population-study-final-report.pdf)*.  Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  26 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/population-studies-of-southern-bullers-albatrosses-at-the-snares-february-march-2026.md) ## The Salvin’s Albatross population on Snares Islands’ Western Chain has decreased to an all-time low ![Kalinka Rexer Huber report](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Kalinka_Rexer-Huber_report.png) *Salvin’s Albatrosses on the Western Chain, Snares Island, photograph by Ursula Ellenberg from the report’s title page* Kalinka-Rexer Huber ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/)) and colleagues have submitted their final report on their most recent survey of globally [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salvins-albatross-thalassarche-salvini) Salvin’s Albatrosses *Thalassarche salvini* on the Western Chain of the Snares Island group to the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “Salvin’s albatross is listed as Nationally Critical and is the second most at-risk species in the New Zealand fisheries risk assessment.  There have been declines in estimated numbers of breeding pairs at the main population on the Bounty Islands.   However, the population on Tini Heke / Snares Western Chain has not been surveyed since 2015. Here we provide an updated estimate of the population size of Salvin’s albatross at Toru Islet, Western Chain.  On 1 Nov 2025 we found 420 active Salvin’s albatross nests (bird with an egg/chick) on Toru Islet. Correcting for nest failures prior to survey, we estimate that there were 710 pairs of Salvin’s albatrosses breeding on Toru Islet in the 2025–26 season. Previous counts were conducted 25 to 45 days before this year’s effort, so for ease of comparison counts in 1996, 2009–11 and 2015 were also corrected for nest failures before the survey. Extrapolating to Rima based on historic proportions, the total Salvin’s albatross population on the Western Chain was estimated at 1,060 annual breeding pairs.  The estimated number of Salvin’s albatrosses breeding on the Western Chain has decreased progressively since the mid-1990s to a current low. Given past counts varied substantially from year to year, we suggest repeating ground counts next season.” **Reference:** Rexer-Huber, K., Ellenberg, U., Mattern, T., Parker, G.C. & Sagar, P.M. 2026.  *[Salvin's albatross population size at the Snares Western Chain](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202526-annual-plan/pop2025-05-salvins-albatross-western-chain-research-2026-final-report.pdf)*. Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  15 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 29 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-salvins-albatross-population-on-snares-islands-western-chain-has-decreased-to-an-all-time-low.md) ## The Sooty Shearwater population on New Zealand’s Kapiti Island is decreasing in the presence of a native rail  ![Kapiti Sooty Shearwaters](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Sooty/Kapiti_Sooty_Shearwaters.jpg)*(a) Kapiti Island (with Weka, shown in blue) and Mana Island (without Weka, shown in yellow) alongside their Tītī (Sooty Shearwater) colonies (black stars). (b) Camera trap screenshots of Weka predating on Tītī chick on Kapiti Island. (c) Cumulative percentage of hatched Tītī chicks predated by Weka on Kapiti Island in 2025 (from the publication)* Hailley Danielson-Owczynsky ([Department of Coastal Systems](https://www.nioz.nl/en/departments/coastal-systems), Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, ‘t Horntje, Netherlands) and colleagues have published open access in the international journal of avian science *[Ibis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919x)* on the declining fortunes of Sooty Shearwaters *Ardenna grisea* on an island with no non-native mammalian predators but facing depredation of chicks by native Weka *Gallirallus australis.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds play key ecological roles but face increasing threats worldwide. Among them, Tītī (Sooty Shearwater) *Ardenna grisea* are among the most abundant and culturally significant species in the Southern Hemisphere but are also threatened. Kapiti Island, Aotearoa (New Zealand), holds a Tītī colony which, despite eradication of non-native mammalian predators, continues to decline. Key drivers are changing oceanic conditions and depredation of chicks by Weka *Gallirallus australis* (a native rail). A neighbouring island, Mana Island, also holds a Tītī population, but no Weka, offering a natural ‘control’ site. Despite the decline of Tītī on Kapiti, and wider Aotearoa, and their ecological and cultural importance, few comprehensive estimates of vital rates exist (i.e. synthesized from multiple disparate data streams to mitigate uncertainty). We fitted data collected from Tītī at both Mana (1991–2025) and Kapiti (2022–2025) Islands to an integrated population model (IPM) to estimate vital rates and population size and to project the Kapiti population under two scenarios: *status quo* and a counterfactual ‘*no Weka*’ scenario informed by productivity estimates from Mana. Adult annual survival was estimated at 0.900 (95% CI 0.875–0.920), immature (i.e. prior returning to the colony as an adult, which peaked at ages 6–7) survival at 0.776 (0.735–0.816), breeding probability at 0.807 (0.723–0.879), breeding success on Kapiti (Weka) at 0.019 (0.005–0.043), breeding success on Mana (no Weka) at 0.420 (0.374–0.468) and adult population size on Kapiti at 237 (147–313). Without effective intervention, projections from 2025 predict a 70% decline in the Kapiti population by 2050 (𝜆 = 0.953; 0.848–1.00). However, counterfactual projections still show ongoing, albeit slower, declines (𝜆 = 0.969; 0.875–1.000), suggesting other pressures in addition to Weka predation. Our findings support future decision-making for conservation management on Kapiti, highlight the need for action beyond the island to address external stressors, and bear relevance to seabird and Weka management throughout Aotearoa to protect the iconic Tītī.” **Reference:** Ossona De Mendez, E., Dunphy, B.J., Cain, K.E., Chambon, J., Cotter, R., Daigle, E., Taylor, G.A. & Fischer, J.H. 2026.  Counter-factual simulation highlights requirements for additional management to avert extinction of a relict Tītī/Sooty Shearwater population.  *[Ibis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ibi.70088?)*[doi.org/10.1111/ibi.70088](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ibi.70088?). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 28 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-sooty-shearwater-population-on-new-zealands-kapiti-island-is-decreasing-in-the-presence-of-a-native-rail.md) ## The Wandering Albatross is the species most contaminated by mercury on a South Atlantic island ![Mills ms Mercury Environmental Pollution](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Mills_ms_Mercury_Environmental_Pollution.jpg) *Graphical abstract from the publication** William Mills ([Department of Geography and Environmental Science](https://www.reading.ac.uk/clearing/?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=hl_clearing2026&utm_medium=ppc&utm_content=geography&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23986587758&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBvx5LEyxnO8m-m01vEyXRmCdSESk9CtKRiojoDPwY3vFhg4YpRhE-QaAs7vEALw_wcB), University of Reading, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Environmental Pollution](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/environmental-pollution)* on mercury levels in the feathers of chicks of eight procellariiform species breeding on Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* in the South Atlantic Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “At the subantarctic islands of South Georgia, albatrosses and petrels occupy a range of trophic niches, from zooplanktivore to top predator. Interspecific variation in mercury (Hg) contamination is therefore expected to be large within this community, as diet is the main exposure pathway. This study compared total Hg (THg) concentrations and stable isotopes of carbon (*δ*13C) and nitrogen (*δ*15N) in feathers of >250 chicks belonging to eight albatross and petrel species at South Georgia during three years (2018-2020). Generally, zooplanktivorous species (Antarctic prion *Pachyptila desolata*, blue petrel *Halobaena caerulea*) and the wandering albatross *Diomedea exulans* (top predator) were least and most contaminated, respectively. However, the order of increasing THg concentrations among giant petrels *Macronectes* spp. and pelagic generalist species varied annually, likely reflecting shifts in diet or distribution given the diversity of alternative foraging habitats. Accounting for species effects, THg was positively associated with *δ*15N in all years, and with *δ*13C in two years, indicating that contamination increased with trophic position and generally, but not always, varied along a foraging habitat or latitudinal gradient. Lastly, pelagic generalists and northern giant petrels *M. halli*, but neither zooplanktivores nor wandering albatrosses, were more contaminated at Kerguelen than South Georgia, potentially reflecting dietary differences, more complex food chains and a reduced role of Antarctic krill *Euphausia superba* in the pelagic foodweb of the southern Indian Ocean. Overall, this study highlights the drivers of variation among species, years and regions in THg concentrations, and the need for further work to predict future trends.” Click [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/less-seal-for-dinner-mercury-concentrations-decreased-in-giant-petrel-chicks-on-bird-island-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJtaWxscyJd) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/mercury-concentrations-in-albatrosses-and-petrels-study-reveals-species-specific-differences-and-potential-increases-in-mercury-levels-over-the-past-decades?highlight=WyJtaWxscyJd) to access two previous papers on mercury in South Atlantic procellariiform seabirds by William Mills. With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Mills, W.F., Bustamante, P. & Phillips, R.A. 2026.  Dynamics of mercury contamination within the albatross and petrel community at South Georgia.  *[Environmental Pollution 406, 128745](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749126011152)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 July 2026* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur e Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-wandering-albatross-is-the-most-contaminated-species-by-mercury-on-a-south-atlantic-island.md) ## The BOU 2027 annual conference has the theme of avian disease ecology - and seabirds will be included ![BOU logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/BOU-logo.png) The British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) will hold is [2027 Annual Conference](https://bou.org.uk/event/avian-disease-ecology-bou2027/) in| Nottingham, UK (and virtually) over 6-8 April 2027.  The theme will be **Avian Disease Ecology: Combining Avian Ecology and Onehealth to Understand and Mitigate Disease**.  “The ongoing avian influenza pandemic has devastated wild bird populations across the globe and exemplifies the urgency of advancing our understanding of disease ecology in wild birds.  In addition to highly infectious viral pathogens like avian influenza, birds face constant exposure to a diverse suite of parasites and pathogens which are increasingly recognised as having considerable impacts on bird behaviour, demography and extinction risk” One of the keynote lectures will be given by [Thierry Boulinier](https://thierryboulinier.com/) (Director of Research, Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, France) with the title “*High pathogenicity avian influenza in seabirds: the benefits of integrative approaches”* Submit your abstract for a talk, poster or Bluesky-only presentation by 31 July 2026 from [here](https://bou.org.uk/event/avian-disease-ecology-bou2027/).  Conference registration will open in November 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 25 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-bou-2027-annual-conference-has-the-theme-of-avian-disease-ecology-anf-seabirds-will-be-included.md) ## Hot Birds! How does climate change affect breeding by albatrosses and giant petrels? *![Chris Jones on Grey headed Albatross Ridge](https://acap.aq/images/People/Chris_Jones_on_Grey-headed_Albatross_Ridge.jpg)Chris Jones takes a rest on Grey-headed Albatross Ridge, Marion Island, photograph by Michelle Risi* [Chris Jones](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/chris-jones-0) is a PhD student at the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick) at South Africa’s University of Cape Town.  Following a decade of seabird research on both sub-Antarctic and tropical oceanic islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans carried out with his wife and fellow PhD student, [Michelle Risi](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/michelle-risi), he has now commenced his doctoral study on how breeding-site climate may affect surface-nesting albatrosses on sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  Below, Chris describes his thesis research to *ACAP Latest News* *![Panting Grey headed albatross chick Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Panting_Grey-headed_albatross_chick_Chris_Jones.jpg)A Grey-headed Albatross chick pants to cool down on Marion Island, photograph by Chris Jones* “Unlike burrowing petrels, which nest underground, these large seabirds incubate their eggs and raise their chicks on the surface, exposed to wind, rain, cold and, increasingly, warmer conditions.  The FitzPatrick Institute’s [Hot Birds Research Project](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/research-maintaining-biodiversity-global-change/hot-birds-climate-change-and-desert-birds), co-led by the institute’s Director, [Associate Professor Susan Cunningham](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/susan-cunningham), is investigating how changing climate at breeding sites may affect these iconic Southern Ocean seabirds.  The project combines long-term seabird monitoring with direct observations, miniature weather stations, black-bulb temperature loggers that represent the heat load experienced by birds, nest-site measurements and fine-scale microclimate modelling.  Together, these approaches will help show how weather affects breeding outcomes, where colonies may be most exposed, and which parts of the Marion Island landscape may provide safer refuges as the climate changes.” *![GHA Ridge Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/GHA_Ridge_Chris_Jones.jpg) Grey-headed Albatross Ridge in midsummer on Marion Island,* *photograph by Chris Jones* Chris continues: “As part of the Hot Birds project, my PhD is focused mainly on albatrosses, particularly the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* which breeds on steep ridges on Marion Island.  Preliminary results suggest that where a chick sits on the slope matters.  Nests higher up the east-facing Grey-headed Albatross Ridge are warmer than those lower down, because the lower tiers are shaded earlier in the day.  Chicks in the upper part of the colony appear less likely to survive when daily maximum air temperatures rise above about 14–16°C, whereas chicks lower down the slope seem less affected, likely because they experience a shadier microclimate.  I will investigate which air temperatures, heat-load conditions and weather patterns are linked to thermoregulatory behaviours such as panting, and whether these conditions predict breeding failure.  I will also test how well microclimate models reproduce field-measured temperature and humidity, map areas of potential climate exposure and refuge across breeding habitats and assess how breeding-site climate exposure could affect the long-term population dynamics of Grey-headed Albatrosses.  A further part of my PhD will examine whether nest-scale microclimate affects breeding outcomes in Marion’s winter-breeding [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*.” Chris’ PhD research is being supervised by Susan Cunningham, [Emeritus Professor Peter Ryan](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/peter-g-ryan) (former Fitztitute Director) and [Dr Shannon Conradie](https://www.wits.ac.za/people/academic-a-z-listing/c/shannonconradiewitsacza/), a Senior Lecturer in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, and long-term member of the Hot Birds Research Project team. *![Avumile Bawuli on Marion](https://acap.aq/images/People/Avumile_Bawuli_on_Marion.jpg)Avumile Bawuli on Marion Island with a black-bulb temperature logger**used to estimate operative temperature - the thermal conditions experienced by a bird - on an empty nest* Also part of the Fitztitute’s Hot Birds Research Project is [Avumile Bawuli](https://za.linkedin.com/in/avumile-bawuli-224117186), who overwintered on Marion Island in 2025/26 and is expected to begin his Master’s degree in 2027.  His work will focus on giant petrels *Macronectes*spp. that breed on Marion Island’s open slopes and coastal plains.  Avumile will investigate how air temperature and the temperature experienced at the nest relate to the body temperature of giant petrel chicks, helping to identify when chicks are able to maintain safe body temperatures and when they may begin to experience heat stress.  He will also investigate chick hydration, testing to what extent warmer conditions increase the risk of dehydration.  A second part of his project will focus on Northern Giant Petrels *M. halli*, comparing current nest-site measurements with data collected in the same colonies in 2003 by John Cooper and Nico de Bruyn (but never published).  This will allow him to ask whether nest-site use has changed over the past two decades, and whether particular nest features, such as shelter from prevailing weather provided by protruding rocks, are linked to breeding success. *![Black ball NGP](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Black_ball_NGP.jpg)A Northern Giant Petrel nest next to a rock on Marion Island showing a black-bulb temperature logger and a reader used to record the body temperature of the chick that has been fitted with a PIT-tag thermometer, photograph by Avumile Bawuli* Together, Chris and Avumile’s research will help explain how changing weather on Marion Island may affect surface-nesting seabirds, from the scale of the bird and nest to the colony and, ultimately, the population. With thanks Susie Cunningham. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/hot-birds-how-does-climate-change-affect-breeding-by-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels.md) ## An update on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in New Zealand ![Avian flu New Zealand](https://acap.aq/images/Avian_flu_New_Zealand.jpg) New Zealand has two confirmed detections of H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5 bird flu), with no further detections of H5 bird flu since 17 July 2026.  There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife and has been no detection in poultry, according to [a situation update](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/bird-flu/about-bird-flu-and-the-risk-to-nz) from the Ministry of Primary Industries. The [first case](https://acap.aq/latest-news/inexorable-spread-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-new-zealand-today) was of a Subantarctic or Brown Skua *Catharacta antarctica* found on 10 July, the [second](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2026-media-releases/bird-flu-work-steps-up-second-case-confirmed/) a Swamp Harrier *Circus approximans*confirmed on 17 July.  No cases from ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, any other procellariiform species, or from New Zealand’s offshore and sub-Antarctic islands have yet been reported. *"This animated video explains how bird flu is spreading, symptoms to look out for, and biosecurity measures that people can take to be ready"* Read about New Zealand’s response by vaccinating six of its threatened species [here](https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/22/world/new-zealand-bird-flu-protecting-native-birds-intl-hnk). *ACAP Latest News* will continue to report on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in relation to its effects on ACAP-listed species. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-update-on-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-new-zealand.md) ## Population growth of the Grey-headed Albatross population breeding on Marion Island, 1984-2021  ![Kim Stevens Grey headed Albatross 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_9.jpg)*A Grey-headed Albatross broods its chick on Marion Island, photograph by Kim Stevens* Doctoral student [Kim Stevens](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/kim-stevens) ([FitzPatrick Institute](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Antarctic Science](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science)*(in 2024*)*on growth of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma*population breeding on Marion Island. The paper’s abstract follows: “Globally, the grey-headed albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* is listed as Endangered due to decreasing populations at its major breeding colonies. We analysed the population trend at Marion Island using annual counts of incubating pairs and fledglings from 1984 to 2021 and three methods: TRends and Indices for Monitoring data (TRIM), a generalized additive model and a state-space model. In contrast to rapid decreases at most other colonies, all three methods indicated a local population increase at an average annual rate of 1.3%. The latter two models indicated a decreasing trend from 1997 to 2002, presumably related to mortality on longlines set for Patagonian toothfish *Dissostichus eleginoides* around the island, which peaked from 1996 to 1998. Grey-headed albatrosses exhibit greater variation in annual counts than other seabird species at Marion Island, possibly linked to interannual variation in breeding success because they are biennial breeders. However, breeding success alone was not significant in any of the models, presumably because it cannot capture the complexities of both population processes and environmental variation. Although all three models predicted the overall trends well, integrated population models, which can account for demographic processes, might be more appropriate to model long-term population trends.” **Reference:** Stevens, K.L., Altwegg, R., Connan, M. & Ryan, P.G. 2024.  Population growth of the grey-headed albatross population on Marion Island inferred using three analysis methods.  *[Antarctic Science](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/population-growth-of-the-greyheaded-albatross-population-on-marion-island-inferred-using-three-analysis-methods/06A54CBB20C950F314DABBE9E6F5362D)*[36: 449-459](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/population-growth-of-the-greyheaded-albatross-population-on-marion-island-inferred-using-three-analysis-methods/06A54CBB20C950F314DABBE9E6F5362D).  John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 July 2026 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/population-growth-of-the-grey-headed-albatross-population-breeding-on-marion-island-1984-2021.md) ## How did Wandering Albatrosses fare on Marion Island in the 2024/25 breeding season? *![SAPRI Marion 2024 25 field researchers](https://acap.aq/images/SAPRI_Marion_2024-25_field_researchers.jpg)Marion Island SAPRI “birders” for 2024/25, Andile Kuzwayo and Jana Rau, photograph from SAPRI* The population demography of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* has been long, studied on South Africa’s Marion Island, with colour-banded birds in study colonies followed annually by a succession of field researchers since the mid 1980s. Information on the 2024/25 breeding season in an [article](https://www.sapri.ac.za/eggshells-fluff-and-feathers/) by field researchers Andile Kuzwayo and Jana Rau on the website of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure ([SAPRI](https://www.sapri.ac.za/)) has revealed an overall 63.2% breeding success (81.7% hatching success, 77.4% fledging success).  The following long quote extracted from the article gives a flavour of the arduous field work conducted. *![Danelle Keys Wanderer pair 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Danelle_Keys_Wanderer_pair_2.jpg)A Wandering Albatross pair on Marion Island; the larger, whiter male is on the newly-built nest, photograph by Danielle Keys* “This breeding success for 2025 is positive, being the second highest success over the last decade.  We hope this positive trend will continue for this Vulnerable species.  Breeding success on the island has fluctuated in the last 10 years, with the lowest breeding success being in 2024 possibly due to the devastating effects of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak.  In January 2026, we went on a quest to locate all the Walbie eggs on the island … and after ~500 km hiked cumulatively, 2776 eggs were found. Monitoring involves visiting roughly 370 nests every 14 days in specific colonies.  For all our species, checks include marking nest locations, and closely monitoring laying, hatching and fledging outcomes, chick and adult health, ring numbers, plastic pollution, and signs of mouse activity.  Ringing is a main task for us, as it allows us to identify and track individual birds over their lifetimes.  Ringing albatrosses and petrels is an unforgettable and special experience.  Not only because you are faced with a snapping bill that can grow to ~19 cm long but also because chicks defend themselves by projectile vomiting fish-oil-rich stomach contents that never quite washes out of clothing … “Marion perfume” anyone? A major threat to all our birds remains invasive house mice, which inflict severe, often fatal wounds on chicks and adults, with some injuries so severe they expose bone.  Mouse eradication is one of the most urgent conservation priorities on the island.” The article also gives information on two other long-term studies conducted on the island: on ACAP-listed Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* and Northern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus*. Read about the 2026/27 seabird researchers who will shortly sail to spend a year on Marion Island to continue the long-term studies on the three ACAP-listed species [here](https://www.sapri.ac.za/sapri-welcomes-its-third-cohort-of-marion-island-overwinterers/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTL6ulleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTdEFnNWdRenRoUmVmeVowc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg2ckK-O-IGHD3auO5l2enS1d0yajWQjwSmQWwm_cC8oABqZs1UVqfdmKICi_aem_NvD8jHDjY02-8LyhOCaczg). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-did-wandering-albatrosses-fare-on-marion-island-in-the-2024-25-breeding-season.md) ## The Pacific Seabird Group calls for proposals for workshops, symposia, special sessions and roundtables for its 2027 Annual Meeting ![PSG 2027 call](https://acap.aq/images/PSG_2027_call.jpg) The Scientific Program Committee of the [Pacific Seabird Group’s 54th Annual Meeting](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-pacific-seabird-group-will-meet-in-vancouver-in-february-2027?highlight=WyJwYWNpZmljIiwicGFjaWZpYydzIiwiJ3BhY2lmaWMiLCJzZWFiaXJkIiwic2VhYmlyZHMiLCInc2VhYmlyZCciLCJzZWFiaXJkJ3MiLCInc2VhYmlyZCIsInNlYWJpcmRzJyIsInNlYWJpcmRlcnMiLCJncm91cCIsImdyb3VwcyIsImdyb3VwZWQiLCJncm91cCdzIiwiZ3JvdXBpbmdzIiwiZ3JvdXAnIiwiZ3JvdXBpbmciLCJncm91cHMnIiwyMDI3XQ==) is now accepting proposals for workshops, symposia, special sessions, and roundtables for the meeting to be held from 15-19 February 2027 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. *Workshops*are hands-on learning exercises where participants engage in a mix of lectures and activities and leave with some new skill or knowledge set. Examples might include navigating software like R, eBird, or Raven; learning emerging ornithological techniques, such as tracking devices, Motus, and passive acoustic monitoring; gaining insights into how to write a successful grant proposal or prepare a paper for publication; and becoming familiar with bird education curricula through hands-on activities and demonstrations. *Symposia and Special Sessions *are opportunities for integrated syntheses of new or timely topics or themes with broad appeal to PSG and its members. Organizers are expected to invite speakers to share new findings and insights and provide diverse perspectives and voices. Invited talks should be focused around a central theme or question and allow for thorough coverage of that theme. A symposium is a coherent set of papers designed and intended to be published, while a special session is a coherent set of papers not necessarily intended to be published. For guidelines and examples of past PSG symposia, click [here](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/psg-publications/symposia/). *Roundtables* are open forum discussions on predetermined seabird-related topics, with one or more moderators. Participants are given equal rights to discuss, share ideas and information, and debate, in an organized and respectful way. Example topics include conservation strategies, emerging threats, and more. Submit workshop, symposium, special session and round-table proposals using this [form](https://forms.gle/YaYU3iRT6AniVvm6A) by Tuesday, 01 September 2026.  For further information, contact the PSG 2027 Scientific Program Chair, Tom Good at [programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org). ![PSG 2027](https://acap.aq/images/PSG_2027.png) The PSG Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for 2027 recipients of the PSG Lifetime Achievement Award and the PSG Special Achievement Award to be honoured at the 2027 Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 July 2026, updated 19 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pacific-seabird-group-calls-for-proposals-for-workshops-symposia-special-sessions-and-roundtables-for-its-2027-annual-meeting.md) ## Across the southern Pacific. Fledgling Black Petrels start arriving in Ecuador’s waters *![Fledgling Black Petrel 2026 tracking 1](https://acap.aq/images/Fledgling_Black_Petrel_2026_tracking_1.jpg)Situation with the Black Petrel tracking study as of 16 July 2026* In May this year [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrels or tākoketai*Procellaria parkinsoni* begun fledging, leaving their burrows on New Zealand’s [Great Barrier Island/Aotea](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/great-barrier-island-aotea/) and [Little Barrier Island/Te Hauturu-o-Toi](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/little-barrier-island-nature-reserve-hauturu-o-toi/) and heading to Pacific waters off the coast of Ecuador ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/what-happens-to-black-petrels-in-their-first-year-at-sea-a-tracking-study-aims-to-find-out?highlight=WyJibGFjayIsImJsYWNrcyIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIiwyMDI2XQ==)).  In the largest Black Petrel [tracking study](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?) undertaken to date, 47 fledglings were fitted with live trackers “to help researchers better understand one of the ocean’s enduring mysteries: why do fewer than 10% of Black Petrel chicks ever return home?” At least two of the tracked young Black Petrels, “’Ono” (six in Te Reo Māori) and “Whitu” (seven in Te Reo Māori) have now made it all the way across the Pacific to Ecuadorian waters, respectively, 16 004 km in 67 days and 20 202 km in 71 days since fledging. *![Fledgling Black Petrel 2026 tracking 1](https://acap.aq/images/Fledgling_Black_Petrel_2026_tracking_2.jpg)Tracks of two of the Black Petrel fledglings* *ACAP Latest News* will continue to report on the tracking study as further information becomes available. Follow the tracker maps [here](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/).  Information from the Facebook page of [Live Ocean.](https://www.facebook.com/itsliveocean) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/across-the-southern-pacific-fledgling-black-petrels-start-arriving-in-ecuadors-waters-situation-with-black-petrerl-tracking-study-as-of-16-july-2-026-in-may-this-year-vulnerable-black-petrels-or-takoketai-procellaria-parkinsoni-begun-fledging-leaving.md) ## Inexorable spread? Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed in New Zealand today *![Avian flu New Zealand](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Avian_flu_New_Zealand.jpg) The first positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in New Zealand has put the country on full alert* A Subantarctic or Brown Skua *Catharacta antarctica* found on Petone Beach, Wellington, has returned a positive test for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 bird flu) – the first record for New Zealand.  The skua was found alive on the beach by a member of the public on 10 July and taken to the Wellington Zoo where it was tested ([click here](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment/723404/seabird-found-on-wellington-beach-tests-positive-for-h5-bird-flu?fbclid=IwY2xjawTEEPVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEesqqpm6qZOYXQg1xSfIcIj6SRDjuWWR5---oEChmmOsEw0l8-iQdmK-CjNf0_aem_u3YFOSTUg8Jcc6bXQw7ZMg) for the news and a press briefing video). The New Zealand Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has stated “This is a coastal detection in an individual ocean-going seabird and there is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or transmission between wild birds in New Zealand. There has been no detection in poultry.  The situation is being closely monitored, but at this stage there is no evidence of any illness beyond this seabird. We’ve had people out on Petone beach checking and found no other issues. We will continue to monitor the beach and surrounding areas.  We ask the community to be alert and follow advice about reporting sick or dead birds. It is vital that people do not touch or handle unwell birds.   The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will continue its wider surveillance and work closely with industry, veterinarians, and wildlife carers.” Arrival of bird flu in New Zealand follows shortly after its [detection](https://acap.aq/latest-news/beached-giant-petrels-confirm-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-has-reached-the-australian-mainland) on the Australian mainland in a skua and in giant petrels Macronectes spp.  It now seems inevitable the disease will affect ACAP-listed seabirds in New Zealand, including the albatrosses and petrels that breed on its many islands. ACAP Latest News will continue to report on the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in relation to its effects on ACAP-listed species. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/inexorable-spread-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-new-zealand-today.md) ## The Royal Albatross Centre celebrated World Albatross Day this year with another life-sized “albicake” and naming of the Royal Cam chick  ![Royal Albatross Centre 2026 albicake](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Royal_Albatross_Centre_2026_albicake.jpg)*Royal Albatross Centre staff with their WAD2026 albicake* In what seems to be becoming an annual event, The [Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) at [Taiaroa Head/Pukekura](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) on New Zealand’s South Island baked a life-sized “albicake” to celebrate World Albatross Day ([WAD2026](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)) and its theme of “Habitat Restoration” last month.  As in [previous years](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-albicakes-a-developing-world-albatross-day-tradition?highlight=WyJyb3lhbCIsInJveWFscyIsIidyb3lhbCIsImNha2UiXQ==), it depicted an [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*.  Life-sized with outspread wings (that’s three metres!) it seems the cake did not last long before being portioned and consumed by visitors and staff alike.  Watch a fun video of the cake being made and eaten [here](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1415408213795066). *![Royalcam chick 2026 Awheo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Royalcam_chick_2026_Awheo.jpg) The 2025/26 Royal Cam chick, “Āwheo”, photograph by Ela Hunt* WAD2026 in the Royal Albatross colony was also marked by naming the 2025/26 [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/meet-the-royal-family/) chick.  “Āwheo means ‘halo’ in Te Reo Māori and was chosen by the Department of Conservation as a fitting name linking to this year’s World Albatross Day theme of “Habitat Restoration”.  For royal albatross, that ‘halo’ is healthy sea and land - clean feeding grounds and safe breeding sites.  Āwheo reminds us to be kaitiaki [guardians] for their home, now and for generations.  It calls us to restore taiao [nature], together.” This season’s Royal Cam chick, identified as a male, hatched on 22 January from an egg laid on 06 November 2025.  Its colour-banded parents first bred in 2022 and have fledged one previous chick following losing an egg ([click here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/meet-the-royal-family/)).  Watch what he is up to via a [24-hour live stream](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam). Baking cakes to mark World Albatross Day commenced with a [competition](https://acap.aq/latest-news/announcing-a-world-albatross-day-competition-the-great-albicake-bake-off?highlight=WyJjYWtlIiwid2FkMjAyMCIsIid3YWQyMDIwJyIsIid3YWQyMDIwIiwid2FkMjAyMCdzIl0=) for the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020.  The tradition is slowly spreading with albicakes appearing on the table at events marking the day on sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic research institutes alike. Let’s hope it spreads further and endures! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-royal-albatross-centre-celebrates-world-albatross-day-with-another-life-sized-albicake-and-naming-of-the-royal-cam-chick.md) ## Plasma proteins change between chicks and adults in the Near Threatened Flesh-footed Shearwater *![Fleshie Jennifer Lavers](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Fleshie_Jennifer_Lavers.jpg)A Flesh-footed Shearwater in the hand, photograph by Jennifer Lavers* Alix de Jersey ([Tasmanian School of Medicine](https://www.utas.edu.au/about/academic-structure/medicine), Hobart, Australia) and colleagues have prepublished open access in the international journal of avian science [*Ibis*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919x)on aspects of the physiology of the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) (and [proposed ACAP listed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-15th-meeting-of-its-advisory-committee-hears-working-group-reports-on-day-two?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiXQ==)) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carnepeis*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Life-stage transitions in seabirds involve substantial shifts in physiological demands, yet the molecular mechanisms underpinning these changes remain poorly resolved. Here we applied untargeted data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) to characterize and compare the plasma proteomes of fledgling and adult Sable Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes*. Fledglings were sampled during the predeparture period, while adults were sampled in the weeks following return from migration at the onset of the breeding season. Proteomic analysis identified 726 plasma proteins, of which 306 (42%) differed significantly between the life stages. Fledglings exhibited enrichment of proteomic pathways associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and glycolytic metabolism consistent with rapid growth, tissue development and metabolic preparation for departure. In contrast, adults showed enrichment of complement and coagulation pathways, and ECM remodelling, reflecting a physiological state associated with tissue and metabolic maintenance. Together, these findings demonstrate that plasma proteomics can resolve coordinated, system-level physiological differences across life stages in wild seabirds. This work provides a molecular framework for understanding developmental and adult physiology and highlights the potential of proteomics to detect subtle physiological shifts relevant to ecology and conservation.” **Reference:** de Jersey, A.M., Bond, A.L., Wilson, R., Zosky, G.R., Rivers-Auty, J. & Lavers, J.L. 2026.  Life-stage variation in Sable Shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) physiology assessed using proteomics.  [*Ibis* doi.org/10.1111/ibi.70080](https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.70080). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plasma-proteins-change-between-chicks-and-adults-in-the-near-threatened-flesh-footed-shearwater.md) ## Beached giant petrels confirm Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has reached the Australian mainland ![HPAI poster Australia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/HPAI_poster_Australia.jpg) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has reached the Australian mainland.  At least four giant petrels *Macronectes* spp. and a Brown or Subantarctic Skua *Catharacta antarctica* found dead on Australian beaches in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales in late June/early July 2026 have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.  These are the first cases of the highly infectious disease being recorded on the Australian mainland – and is leading to great concern in Australia (and in New Zealand), as reflected by the large amount of growing media coverage. *![HPAI Northern Giant Petrel Esperance June 2026 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/HPAI_Northern_Giant_Petrel_Esperance_June_2026_2.avif) One of the first giant petrels tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on the Australian mainland, Wylie Bay beach, Western Australia, 18 June 2026.  Photograph by Lori-Ann Shibish/Esperance Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary (*[*click here*](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/22/h5n1-bird-flu-australia-wild-birds-wa-poultry-farms-locked-down)*)* Cases of HPAI have been recorded from nearly all the seabird islands in the South Atlantic and southern Indian Oceans, including Australia’s Heard Island, as has been [reported regularly](https://acap.aq/search?q=avian+influenza&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) by *ACAP Latest News*.  The disease has not yet been reported from sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Pacific – Australia’s Macquarie, and the five island groups south of New Zealand – or on the New Zealand mainland. *![HPAI Southern Giant Petrel Port Elliott Australia June 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/HPAI_Southern_Giant_Petrel_Port_Elliott_Australia_June_2026.avif) A Southern Giant Petrel*M. giganteus*diagnosed with HPAI, Knights Beach, Port Elliott, South Australia, 14 June 2026, photograph from Wildlife Welfare Organisation ([click here](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/24/bird-flu-case-confirmed-south-australia-western-australia-suspected))* [**Latest:**](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu)  “As of 3pm AEST, 10 July 2026, Australia has 12 confirmed (or presumed) detections of H5 bird flu in wild [sea]birds.  There are six confirmed in Western Australia (WA), five in South Australia (SA) and one in New South Wales (NSW)”. This is a developing story.  *ALN* will continue to report on the seemingly inevitable spread of HPAI around the Southern Ocean. For a still serious account of the situation in Australia with the arrival of HPAI view the [First Dog on the Moon's cartoon](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/jul/06/bird-flu-seriously-can-somebody-tell-this-virus-its-really-not-a-good-time) of 06 July 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/beached-giant-petrels-confirm-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-has-reached-the-australian-mainland.md) ## Macquarie Island marks World Albatross Day with the ceremonial burning of a life-size Wandering Albatross model *![Macca Wanderer model Sarah lena gemma and karina photo karina](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Macca_Wanderer_model_Sarah-lena-_gemma_and_karina__photo_karina.jpg)“Jiff” the Wandering Albatross modelu, held (from left) by Sarah-Lena Reinhold, Gemma Rushton and Karina Sorrel, photograph from Karina Sorrel* To celebrate World Albatross Day on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island this year on 19 June, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service rangers Karina Sorrel and Gemma Rushton, together with Australian Antarctic Division wildlife biologist Sarah-Lena Reinhold, created a life-sized Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*([Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans)). *![Macca Wanderer model midwinter meal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Macca_Wanderer_model_midwinter_meal.jpg)The Wandering Albatross model presides above the table set for midwinter, photograph by Ben Callahan* “This became the centrepiece for an immersive experience in which expeditioners had to find their mate and perform a courtship dance – a very humorous sight.  The albatross, later christened “Jiff” by popular vote, was hung in the station mess, where it doubled as the centrepiece decoration for the Midwinter dinner.  Jiff was then ceremoniously burnt following the midwinter festivities, bringing the celebrations to a close.” *![Macca Wanderer model burning Ben Cullinan](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Macca_Wanderer_model_burning_Ben_Cullinan.jpg) Jiff gets burnt on the “barbie”, photograph by Ben Callahan* “Macquarie Island provides critical breeding habitat for Australia’s extremely small Wandering Albatross population.  This year, there are four Wandering Albatross chicks on the island.  The nests are all located in very remote and spectacular locations in the rugged south‑west corner of the island.  The chicks hatched at the start of the year and will live at their nest alone, including through the sub‑Antarctic winter, until it is time to fledge at the end of the year.  Remote cameras are located at each nest to non-invasively monitor the breeding ecology of the birds.” *![Macca Wandering chick Gemma Rushton 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Macca_Wandering_chick_Gemma_Rushton_1.jpg) All alone: one for the four Wandering Albatross chicks on Macquarie Island this year, photograph by Gemma Rushton* “The successful eradication of rabbits, rats and mice from Macquarie Island (the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project, declared a success in 2014) has helped restore the quality of albatross breeding habitat, most evident through the recovery of tussock vegetation.  The removal of these invasive pests means there is no risk of them having an ongoing impact on breeding birds and chicks. In addition to [Wandering Albatross](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/flying-birds/wandering-albatross/), Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area is home to three other albatross species ([Light-mantled](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/flying-birds/light-mantled-sooty-albatross/), [Black-browed](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/flying-birds/black-browed-albatross/), and [Grey-headed](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/flying-birds/grey-headed-albatross/) Albatross) and many [petrel](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/flying-birds/petrels-and-shearwaters/) species.  The conservation of these species is of Tasmanian, Australian, and international significance.” Information taken from *[This week at Macquarie Island: 26 June 2026](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/stations/macquarie-island/2026/26-june/)*. With thanks to Mandi Livesey, Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/macquarie-island-marks-world-albatross-day-with-the-ceremonial-burning-of-a-life-size-wandering-albatross-model.md) ## Island eradication expert gives a webinar on habitat restoration on World Albatross Day *![Keith Springer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Keith_Springer.webp)New Zealander Keith Springer on a sub-Antarctic island* [Keith Springer](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/), Operations Manager for the *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: the Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project*, gave a talk entitled “Habitat Restoration on Islands in the Southern Ocean” in a webinar organized by [BirdLife Australia](https://birdlife.org.au/) to mark World Albatross Day with its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” on 19 June 2026. With a career that had its early days with New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), [Antarctica New Zealand](https://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/) and the [Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service](https://parks.tas.gov.au/), Keith has considerable experience in island eradication operations.  He led the [successful (and award-winning) operation](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/news/latest-news/2394-the-successful-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-programme-is-reviewed-by-its-manager?highlight=WyJtaXBlcCIsIm1pcGVwJ3MiXQ==) to eradicate European Rabbits, Black Rats and House Mice from Australia’s [Macquarie Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site), was part of the [South Georgia Heritage Trust](http://www.sght.org/)’s Habitat Restoration Project team that [successfully eradicated](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/latest-news/3027-south-georgia-islas-georgias-del-sur-declared-free-of-introduced-rodents-after-a-long-campaign?highlight=WyJyYXRzIiwic291dGgiLCJzb3V0aCciLCJnZW9yZ2lhIiwiZ2VvcmdpYSdzIiwicmF0cyBzb3V0aCIsInJhdHMgc291dGggZ2VvcmdpYSIsInNvdXRoIGdlb3JnaWEiXQ==) Brown Rats and House Mice from South Georgia and has served as an advisor on many other rodent-eradication projects.  These have included being [Operational Advisor and Safety Officer](http://milliondollarmouse.org.nz/2016/03/29/meet-team-keith-springer/) to the successful “[Million Dollar Mouse](http://milliondollarmouse.org.nz)” eradication on [Antipodes Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) and Operations Planner for the [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/?_ga=2.133494926.1872258833.1783430172-1726682712.1744980822) that aimed to eradicate that island’s mice (but unfortunately was not successful). His presentation is now available for free viewing via YouTube. *“Join BirdLife Australia for World Albatross Day and explore how habitat restoration is helping threatened seabird populations recover. This webinar will highlight practical conservation action on breeding islands, from managing invasive vertebrate pests in the Southern Ocean to planning restoration at Gabo Island, Victoria.  Featuring Mr Keith Springer and Dr Yuna Kim, the session will share real-world examples of how healthier nesting habitats can improve breeding success for albatrosses and other seabirds, and why long-term restoration is essential for seabird conservation”* Keith’s presentation was followed by one by [Yuna Kim](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2026/02/11/celebrating-our-women-in-science-part-2/), Birdlife Australia’s Seabird Project Coordinator on plans to restore [Gabo Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabo_Island), a 154-ha island off the coast of eastern Victoria, Australia. *![Cabbage Tree Island Yuna Kim](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Cabbage_Tree_Island_Yuna_Kim.jpg) Yuna Kim on Cabbage Tree Island, New South Wales, Australia, where she studied the [Vulnerable](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3887) White-winged or Gould’s Petrel*Pterodroma leucoptera*for her PhD, awarded in 2015* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/island-eradication-expert-gives-a-webinar-on-habitat-restoration-on-world-albatross-day.md) ## Forty years of conserving seabirds in and around the Pacific Ocean  ![Newells Shearwater 2018.release.Andre Raine.3](https://acap.aq/images/Newells_Shearwater_2018.release.Andre-Raine.3.jpg) *Releasing a rehabilitated Newell’s Shearwater in 2018, photograph by Andre Raine* Craig Harrison (Santa Rosa, California, USA) has published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](https://www.marineornithology.org/)* on work conducted by the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) over four decades to improve the conservation status of seabirds, including [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell's Shearwater *Puffinus newelli,*and by eradicating introduced mammalian predators on seabird islands in the Pacific Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG), founded in 1972, is “dedicated to the study and conservation of Pacific seabirds and their environment.” During its first 40 years, PSG undertook scores of conservation actions, although as an all-volunteer organization, PSG lacked the capacity to implement many programs or projects. It achieved its conservation goals through leadership, raising issues, bringing the best science to decision makers, and serving as a catalyst for others to act. PSG has been especially influential in six areas: (1) eradicating invasive alien animals from seabird colonies; (2) conserving Marbled Murrelets *Brachyramphus marmoratus*; (3) protecting seabird colonies in western Mexico; (4) promoting the wise use of oil spill recovery funds; (5) conserving Newell's Shearwaters *Puffinus newelli*; and (6) protecting many terrestrial and marine environments important to seabirds.” **Reference:** Harrison, C.S. 2026.  Conserving seabirds: actions of the Pacific Seabird Group during its first 40 years.  [*Marine Ornithology*54: 189-214](https://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1694). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/forty-years-of-conserving-seabirds-in-and-around-the-pacific-ocean.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. South Africa’s Mouse-Free Marion Project spreads the word on World Albatross Day with an albicake, posters and a parkrun! *![Park Run 6 cropped](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Park_Run_6_cropped.jpg) MFM Project ambassador Chris Jones powers through a 5-km parkrun in the*[*Harold Porter National Botanical Garden*](https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/)*,**photograph from the*[*Betty’s Bay Parkrun Facebook page*](https://www.facebook.com/BettysBayparkrun) The *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: the Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project*marked World Albatross Day (WAD2026) and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” in South Africa on 19 June with a suite of activities in [Betty’s Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty%27s_Bay).  Three members of the [Mouse-Free Marion Runners](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-mountain-walkers-sponsors-a-hectare-on-its-inaugural-outing/#iLightbox[gallery23717]/0) group drove the 100 km from Cape Town to the coastal village along False Bay’s spectacular [Clarence Drive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Drive) to meet up with long-time MFM Project ambassadors and local residents [Chris Jones](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/chris-jones-0) and [Michelle Risi](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/michelle-risi) on the afternoon of World Albatross Day.  Chris and Michelle have recently registered at the University of Cape Town for PhDs, with Chris studying climate-change impacts on albatrosses breeding on Marion Island and Michelle studying the demography of giant petrels*Macronectes* spp. on several sub-Antarctic islands, including Marion where they are threatened by introduced House Mice.  Back in 2019, Michelle first proposed to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq/)) that it hold a [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), now in its seventh year. *![Stony Point](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Stony_Point.jpeg)Defying the wind.  From left: Chris Jones, Michelle Risi and John Cooper, MFM News Correspondent, at the Stony Point penguin colony – in our MFM activity shirts* The whole African Continent (and its coastal islands) supports no breeding albatrosses, so the first stop to mark “WAD2026” was a visit to the [Stony Point Nature Reserve](https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/stony-point-nature-reserve) where [Critically Endangered African Penguins](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) *Spheniscus demersus* breed on the mainland.  Honorary albatrosses, if you will!  The friendly Cape Nature ranger on site took the required photo with a MFM Project pop-up banner on display.  Following this outing we got out of the wind to sample what is becoming a global phenomenon marking World Albatross Day – an “albicake”! *![Bettys Bay albicake 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Bettys_Bay_albicake_2.jpeg)Michelle Risi decorated her home-baked “albicake” from her own photo of an*[*Endangered Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross*](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos)Thalassarche chlororhynchos*on Gough Island, photograph by John Cooper* We were joined for tea ‘n cake by MFM Runners (and [MFM fund raisers](https://www.givengain.com/champion/jeremy-george-280610)), Jeremy George and Erica Leppan.  A most pleasant way to celebrate the seventh World Albatross Day, first held in 2020. *![Bettys Bay albicake 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Bettys_Bay_albicake_3.jpeg)Michelle, along with husband Chris, cuts her cake for afternoon tea; there were also “albicupcakes”, photograph by John Cooper* Befitting a running group, the next morning we participated in the 348th holding of [Betty’s Bay Parkrun](https://www.parkrun.co.za/bettysbay/).  Held in the [Harold Porter National Botanical Garden](https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/), the 5-km fun run must be one of the most spectacular in the country with its up and down sections among indigenous vegetation, including flowering proteas. *![Park Run 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Park_Run_1.jpeg)“All shout Albatross!” Moments before the parkrun got underway, photograph by Jeremy George* With MFM Project’s pop-up banners on display and after a few introductory words to the 223 assembled runners about the MFM Project (and the obligatory shout of “Albatross!”) the parkrun got underway. *![Park Run 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Park_Run_6.jpeg)Erica Leppan and John Cooper attempt to fly like an albatross in their MFM active shirts on one of the parkrun’s gradual climbs, photograph by Andrea Angel* *![Park Run 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Park_Run_3.jpeg)Some of the MFM Runners celebrate after the parkrun.  From left: Michelle Risi, John Cooper,*[*Emeritus Professor Peter Ryan*](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-professor-peter-ryan-chair-of-the-mouse-free-marion-projects-scientific-and-technical-advisory-group/)*(who chairs the 50-member*[*MFM Scientific and Technical Advisory Group*](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-scientific-and-technical-advisory-group/)*(behind), Andrea Angel, Manager of*[*BirdLife South Africa’s Albatross Task Force*](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/what-we-do/albatross-task-force/)*and Chris Jones, photograph by Jeremy George* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 July 2026*                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-south-africas-mouse-free-marion-project-spreads-the-word-on-world-albatross-day-with-an-albicake-posters-and-a-parkrun.md) ## ACAP releases the final report of its 15th Advisory Committee Meeting in time for World Seabird Day *![World Seabird Day](https://acap.aq/images/World_Seabird_Day.png)World Seabird Day commemorates the extinction of the Great Auk, logo design by the World Seabird Union* ACAP has released the [final report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15) of the 15th Meeting of its Advisory Committee in time for [World Seabird Day](https://worldseabirdunion.org/about/world-seabird-day-july-3rd/), held annually on 03 July.  The Meeting was held in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 1 to 5 June 2026 under the Chair of Michael Double (Australia), supported by Tatiana Neves (Brazil) as Vice-Chair.  Eleven of the 13 Parties to the Agreement attended, along with observers that included Namibia.  The Advisory Committee meeting considered reports from its three working groups. Following on soon after the holding of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration) on 19 June, World Seabird Day covers all the world’s seabirds.  It commemorates the last recorded sighting of the extinct Great Auk *Pinguinus impennis* in 1844.  “The day raises awareness for the conservation of the world’s 350+ seabird species, roughly half of which are experiencing population declines due to overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss”.  The day was inaugurated by the [World Seabird Union](https://worldseabirdunion.org/) in 2017. Versions of the 83-page AC15 report will be available in the ACAP official languages of French and Spanish on this website by 31 July 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-the-final-report-of-its-15th-advisory-committee-meeting-in-time-for-world-seabird-day.md) ## Funding call opens for the BOU Small Ornithological Research Grants and Career Development Bursaries ![BOU logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/BOU-logo.png)  Two funding opportunities have been announced by the [British Ornithologists’ Union](https://bou.org.uk/). **Small Ornithological Research Grants** “The BOU Small Ornithological Research Grants scheme offers awards of up to £2,000 to support small projects on any aspect of ornithology.  The scheme is open to BOU members only.  An exception is made for those from and still residing and working in a [low- or middle-income country](https://us.list-manage.com/A_FY_brpzd5?e=1927d0079a&c2id=5a3ecef0c74e9ae0ccdc90c8262539a1), who can apply without being a member.” Deadline for applications: 30 October 2026 [Click here](https://bou.org.uk/funding/small-research-grants/) for Guidelines and Application Form. **Career Development Bursaries** The BOU Career Development Bursaries aim to support short-term research positions for early-career ornithologists.  Successful proposals combine the development of skills useful for a future career in ornithology with a sound scientific research proposal.  Up to £4,000 will be provided to cover a period of career development lasting 4-12 weeks, during which a scientific research project will be conducted.  Up to a further £2,500 is available for visa and travel costs for applicants from [low- or middle-income countries](https://us.list-manage.com/26QnBAPv4Od?e=1927d0079a&c2id=5a3ecef0c74e9ae0ccdc90c8262539a1) who are currently based at an institute in a low- or middle-income country (see list). The BOU bursary scheme is open to [BOU Early Career Researcher (ECR) members](https://us.list-manage.com/sLHOgVDvZBN?e=1927d0079a&c2id=5a3ecef0c74e9ae0ccdc90c8262539a1) only.  An exception is made for those from and still residing and working in a [low- or middle-income country](https://us.list-manage.com/Hwj3SxL1pWv?e=1927d0079a&c2id=5a3ecef0c74e9ae0ccdc90c8262539a1), who can apply without being a member.” Deadline for applications: 30 October 2026 [Click here](https://bou.org.uk/funding/career-development-bursary/)for Guidelines and Application Form. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/funding-call-opens-for-the-bou-small-ornithological-research-grants-and-career-development-bursaries.md) ## Apply for free virtual registration for the 4th World Seabird Conference, September 2026 ![WSC4 PSG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WSC4_PSG.png) “The [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) is pleased to offer complimentary virtual registration for the 4th World Seabird Conference ([WSC4](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/)) to eligible applicants. Virtual registration provides full access to the conference experience, including: - Live virtual presentations - Pre-recorded talks - On-demand access to all sessions (7–10 September 2026) - A dedicated live-streamed Hybrid Day on Friday, 11 September 2026, featuring poster sessions, networking opportunities, and activities for early-career researchers. Applications will be reviewed by the WSC4 Organising Committee.  Successful applicants will be notified by email in August. Deadline: 30 July 2026.  Apply [here](https://forms.gle/KubMtYzuZRL7Xbto6). Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the global seabird community and take part in WSC4 from wherever you are.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 July 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/apply-for-free-virtual-registration-for-the-4th-world-seabird-conference-september-2026.md) ## The Pacific Seabird Group will meet in Vancouver in February 2027 *![PSG 2027](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2027.png) Logo designed by Bayja Morgan-Banke* These 54th Annual Meeting of the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) will be held from 15-19 February 2027 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. “Over the next few months, we will be updating our Annual Meeting website, including additional accommodations and travel information, a call for abstracts, registration information, field trips, and more.  In the meantime, we do have [room blocks](https://book.passkey.com/event/51274657/owner/4374/home) already available at the hotel venue (Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown, 1128 W Hastings St, V.ancouver, BC V6E 4R5; $259 CAD plus tax)". *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pacific-seabird-group-will-meet-in-vancouver-in-february-2027.md) ## Extreme events affecting Tasmania’s Shy Albatrosses include heat, rainfall and waves *![Sojitra ms](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Sojitra_ms.jpg) “Locations of marine predator breeding colonies (yellow circles) and nearby Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Australia weather stations (purple triangles) used in this study.  Values in parentheses indicate the most recent breeding population estimates for each colony: number of live pups for Australian fur seals, number of burrows for short-tailed shearwaters, and number of breeding pairs for shy albatross”* Milan Sojitra ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.utas.edu.au/imas), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia) and colleagues have published a research article in the journal *[Science Advances](https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv)* on the effects of extreme weather on three Tasmanian marine “sentinel species,” including the endemic Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in both intensity and frequency globally.  For long-lived, slow-reproducing marine predators, repeated or sequential EWE-driven breeding failures can have population-level consequences.  We quantified effects of EWEs on reproductive output and identified temporal windows of vulnerability during breeding in three sentinel species across 14 colonies with varying population trajectories in Tasmania, Australia.  Using long-term breeding datasets and daily weather records, we found that Australian fur seals (*Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus*), short-tailed shearwaters (*Ardenna tenuirostris*), and shy albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*) exhibited species- and colony-specific vulnerabilities.  Storm surges reduced pup production in a low-lying fur seal colony, extreme rainfall lowered shearwater breeding success, and albatross productivity declined with exposure to extreme heat, rainfall, and wave events.  These results highlight the importance of identifying critical extreme weather thresholds and periods of vulnerability to inform ecological forecasting.  Proactive, climate-informed management strategies tailored to specific colonies are needed to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations under accelerating climate change.” **Reference:** Sojitra, M., Corney S., Hemer, M., Bestley, S., Hmilton, S., Thalamann, S. & Lea, M.A. 2026.  Extreme weather effects on marine predator breeding outcomes in a global climate change hotspot.  *[Science Advances](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aea3220)*[12. No. 25](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aea3220). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/extreme-events-affecting-tasmanias-shy-albatrosses-include-heat-rainfall-and-waves.md) ## Presence of the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus detected on Gough Island in the South Atlantic *![Deepti Singh Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross and Gough after Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Deepti_Singh_Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_and_Gough_after_Chris_Jones_and_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg)Two*[*Endangered*](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos)*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses*Thalassarche chlororhynchos*fly past Gough Island, artwork by Deepti Singh of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day 2026; after photographs by Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson* The high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus has now been publicly reported from Gough Island, a [World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740/), in the South Atlantic, following its detection in three Brown Skuas *Catharacta antarctica*found dead on the island in September 2024.  To date, no signs of the disease have been reported from other birds breeding on the island, including the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) and near-endemic Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena*.  The arrival of HPAI on Gough fills in a gap of its spread around the islands of the Southern Ocean, extending from the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*, South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* in the South Atlantic and to Marion Island, Possession Island, Crozets, Kerguelen and Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/bird-flu-confirmed-in-southern-elephant-seals-on-australias-sub-antarctic-heard-island?highlight=WyJoZWFyZCIsImluZmx1ZW56YSJd)).  To date, there have been no reports of the virus from Australia’s Macquarie Island or any of New Zealand’s suite of sub-Antarctic islands farther to the east. *![Steinfurth HPAI skua](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Steinfurth_HPAI_skua.jpg) (a) Map indicating the location for Gough Island in the context of locations with ongoing HPAIV H5N1 outbreaks reported to WAHIS (red dots), (b) Gough Island with the research station located in the southeast of the island (black square) and the island helipad’s (yellow diamond), (c) view of research station and helipad, (d) Tristan skua (*Stercorarius antarcticus hamiltoni*) [from the publication]* Information on the Gough incident comes from Antje Steinfurth ([Centre for Conservation Science](https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-we-do/science), Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Cambridge, UK) and colleagues who published open access earlier this year in the journal [*Emerging Microbes & Infections*](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temi20)*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding the mechanisms underlying the emergence and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is critical for tracking its global dissemination, particularly via migratory seabirds, given their role in transmission over long distances.  Scavenging seabirds, such as skuas, may act as both reservoirs and vectors, and have been linked to multiple outbreaks since 2021.  Here, we report the detection of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in three Tristan skua (*Stercorarius antarcticus hamiltoni*) carcasses on Gough Island in the central South Atlantic Ocean.  To investigate potential incursion routes, we combined genomic analyses with year-round tracking data from global location sensors.  Although migratory movement patterns suggested southern Africa as the most obvious pathway, the strain detected on Gough Island was more closely related to that identified in South Georgia, indicating that infection may have occurred during the pre-laying exodus, when skuas disperse into frontal waters south of the island.  No further cases have been confirmed for Gough, but more systematic monitoring is needed to understand the dynamics of virus infection.  The detection of HPAIV H5N1 in skuas on Gough Island highlights the importance of continued vigilance, proactive and geographically inclusive surveillance strategies, and biosecurity measures globally, alongside efforts to reduce other pressures on globally important seabird populations to help strengthen their resilience.” **Reference:** Steinfurth, A., Lynton-Jenkins, J.G., Cleeland, J., Mollett, B.C., Coombes, H.A., Moores, A., Neal, R., Clifton, B., Falchieri, M., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Golda, S., James, J., Ryan, P.G., González- Solís, J. & Banyard, A.C. 2026.  Investigating high pathogenicity avian influenza virus incursions to remote islands: detection of H5N1 on Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.  [*Emerging Microbes & Infections* 15(1)](https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2026.2627076). With thanks to Chris Jones and Michelle Risi. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 June 2026* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/presence-of-the-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-virus-detected-on-gough-island-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## The Fourth World Seabird Conference is holding a photo contest for attendees *![White Capped Albatross Graham Parker](https://acap.aq/images/White_Capped_Albatross_Graham_Parker.jpg) [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-capped-albatross-thalassarche-steadi) White-capped Albatross*Thalassarche steadi*, Auckland Islands, photograph by Graham Parker* The Fourth [World Seabird Conference](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/) (WSC4), being organized by the World Seabird Union, will be held as a hybrid event in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia over 07-11 September 2026 with the overall theme “*Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate*”. The World Seabird Union is launching its first Seabird Photo Contest as part of WSC4.  The contest is open to all in-person conference attendees and offers a chance to showcase seabird photography from around the world.  Submitted photos in electronic format must feature a seabird as the main subject and include a watermark displaying the photographer’s name. All entries will be displayed on screens throughout the conference so all attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the photos and choose their favourites.  There will be prizes for the top three photos, chosen by an independent judging panel, as well as the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented during the conference dinner on the evening of Thursday the 10th. The deadline for submissions is midnight (UTC) 01 Augus 2026.  Entries will be made available on the WSU website after 10 August 2026.  For more information and to submit your photos, [visit here](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/wsu-seabird-photo-contest/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 25 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-fourth-world-seabird-conference-is-holding-a-photo-contest-for-attendees.md) ## This year the Australian Antarctic Division celebrated World Albatross Day by watching a video on the successful Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Program *![AAD WAD2026 tea 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/AAD_WAD2026_tea_1.jpg)Jonathon Barrington, ACAP Executive Secretary, addresses the Australian Antarctic Division during its World Albatross Day morning tea, photograph from Mandi Livesey* There was not the usual [cake competition and banner display](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-australian-antarctic-division-hosted-its-annual-morning-tea-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day-and-its-2025-theme-effects-of-disease-on-19-june?highlight=WyJhdXN0cmFsaWFuIiwiYXVzdHJhbGlhbnMiLCJhbnRhcmN0aWMiLCJhbnRhcmN0aWMncyIsImJhbm5lciIsIidiYW5uZXIiLCJiYW5uZXInIiwiYmFubmVycyIsImJhbm5lcidzIl0=) by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) on in Kingston, Tasmania this year to celebrate World Albatross Day with its 2026 theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/latest-news/habitat-restoration-is-the-theme-for-the-7th-world-albatross-day-celebrations-today)”.  Instead, staff gathered over morning tea in the AAD’s Kingston headquarters in Tasmania on Monday 22nd to mark the WAD2026 theme by celebrating the [success](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2024/macquarie-islands-astounding-recovery-ten-years-on-from-rats-mice-and-rabbits/) of the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Program ([MIPEP](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/pages/f47bc054-b46d-40f2-85a5-7825525bfb48/files/fs-macquarie-island.pdf)) with a short video made in 2014. “Macquarie Island is a landscape transformed.  Ten years after the island was declared free of rabbits, rats and mice, the vegetation is flourishing.  Scientists and managers are now building on the success of this conservation triumph, to ensure the future of the World Heritage listed island and its wildlife” **![AAD WAD2026 tea 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/AAD_WAD2026_tea_2.jpg)* Australian Antarctic Division staff at World Albatross Day morning tea, photograph from Mandi Livesey* “Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island was so badly ravaged by rabbits, rats and mice that its wildlife populations were fighting for survival.  Rodents were [preying upon] invertebrates and eggs, and hillside erosion – exacerbated by rabbits – was leading to landslides that in one instance, killed hundreds of king penguins at Lusitania Bay.  Acknowledging the seriousness of that threat, in 2007 the Tasmanian and Federal governments funded an ambitious three-year, $25 million campaignto wipe out all three pest species at once. It relied on a targeted strategy of aerial baiting, release of the calicivirus, and dogs to ensure the last of the rabbits and rodents were eradicated.  Dogs and their handlers scoured the island twice over, covering more than 90,000 km until in 2014, no rat, mouse or rabbit had been seen for the required two-year period and the island was declared pest free.” With thanks to Mandi Livesey, Policy and Strategy Branch, Australian Antarctic Division *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/this-year-the-australian-antarctic-division-celebrated-world-albatross-day-by-watching-a-video-on-the-successful-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-program.md) ## Subtropical anticyclones drive Wandering Albatross demography *![Wandering Albatross off Amsterdam 4 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_off_Amsterdam_4_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)A Wandering Albatross in the southern Indian Ocean, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Ruijiao Sun (Biology Department, [Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution](https://www.whoi.edu/), Massachusetts, USA) and colleagues have published in *[Geophysical Research Letters](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007)*onthe relationship between westerly winds from subtropical anticyclones and Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Subtropical anticyclones are semi-permanent atmospheric high-pressure systems located in all five major ocean basins and are associated with large-scale wind and weather patterns.  They shape the physical environments of many species, yet their impacts on wildlife remain effects of the Mascarene High, the Southern Indian Ocean subtropical anticyclone, on a wind-reliant marine top predator.  Using 39 years of population data for wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*) breeding in the Southern Indian Ocean, we explored the mechanisms linking variability in the subtropical anticyclone to demographic rates.  We found that an intensified and poleward-shifted Mascarene High toward Antarctica enhances westerly winds, increasing survival and reproduction probability across all life stages of wandering albatrosses. These findings uncover a direct link between subtropical anticyclones and population dynamics, highlighting subtropical anticyclones as important drivers of the responses of wind-reliant taxa to climate variability and change.” **Reference:** Sun, R., Rouby, E., Barbraud, C., Weimerskirch, H., Delord, K., Krumhardt, K., Ventura, F., Ummenhofer, C.C. &  Jenouvrier, S. 2026.  Mascarene high variability shapes the demography of a wind-reliant marine top predator.  *[Geophysical Research Letters](https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122317)*[53, e2026GL122317](https://doi.org/10.1029/2026GL122317). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/subtropical-anticyclones-drive-wandering-albatross-demography.md) ## A portfolio of posters for World Albatross Day from around the world [*![MFM WAD poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/MFM_WAD_poster.jpeg) Mouse-Free Marion Project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*, South Africa* World Albatross Day held on 19 June with the 2026 theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/latest-news/habitat-restoration-is-the-theme-for-the-7th-world-albatross-day-celebrations-today)” has passed, and the response from around the world to the seventh holding has been most heartening.  Some of the activities and events held to mark the day will be featured here on *ACAP Latest News* over the next few days.  To start off, here is a portfolio of posters for WAD2026 from around the world that have been culled from websites and social media. [*![ABC WAD poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/ABC_WAD_poster.jpg) American Bird Conservancy*](https://abcbirds.org/)*, USA* ![ALSA WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/ALSA_WAD2026_poster.jpg) [*South African National Antarctic Programme*](https://www.sanap.ac.za/)*, South Africa* ![DOC WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/DOC_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*Department of Conservation*](https://www.doc.govt.nz)*, New Zealand* ![NNF WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/NNF_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*Namibian Nature Foundation*](https://nnf.org.na/)*, Namibia* ![ABUN 52 POSTER WAD2026 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/ABUN_52_-_POSTER_-_WAD2026_shrunk.jpg)  [*Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature*](https://abun4nature.org/)*, International* ![Kitty Harvill WAD2026 pster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Kitty_Harvill_WAD2026_pster.jpg)  [*KHarvill ART*](https://www.facebook.com/KittyHarvill/)*, Brazil* ![BirdLife International WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/BirdLife_International_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*BirdLife International*](https://www.birdlife.org/) ![CMS WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/CMS_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*Convention on Migratory Species*](https://www.cms.int/) ![Falkland Islands WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Falkland_Islands_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*Falklands Conservation,*](https://falklandsconservation.com/)*South Atlantic*  ![SAPRI WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/SAPRI_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*South African Polar Research Institute*](https://www.sapri.ac.za/)*, South Africa* ![Picture Georgia Feild](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Picture_Georgia_Feild.jpg)  [*Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels*](http://www.acap.aq) ![The Birding Life WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/The_Birding_Life_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  [*The Birding Life*](https://www.thebirdinglife.com/)*, South Africa* ![Galapagos National Park WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Galapagos_National_Park_WAD2026_poster.jpg)  *[Galapagos National Park](https://galapagos.gob.ec/)**, Ecuador* ![Hawaii Birdwatching WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Hawaii_Birdwatching_WAD2026_poster.jpg) [*Hawaii Birdwatching*](https://www.facebook.com/groups/HIBirdwatchingLT/)*, USA* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 June 2026, posted 23 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-portfolio-of-posters-for-world-albatross-day-from-around-the-world.md) ## Day Six of ‘WADWEEK2026’. Suggestions for themes for future World Albatross Days welcomed *![Picture Deepti Jain](https://acap.aq/images/Picture_Deepti_Jain.jpg)“A New Dawn”.  Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross and Gough Island by Deepti Jain of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), after photographs by Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Tomorrow is the Seventh World Albatross Day to be celebrated by conservationists worldwide.  Each year ACAP has chosen a theme to mark the day.  The inaugural theme in 2020 was “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”.  “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” followed in 2021, then came “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, “[Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025.  This year’s theme is “[Habitat Restoration"](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration). *![Argentinian Side Trawler Leo Tamini](https://acap.aq/images/Argentinian_Side_Trawler_Leo_Tamini.jpg)Bycatch remains an issue: a trawler in the South Atlantic is surrounded by Black-browed Albatrosses*Thalassarche melanophris*, photograph by Leo Tamini* The seven themes covered by World Albatross Day since its inauguration address most of, but not all, the risks that albatrosses and petrels face.  At varying levels of significance for the different ACAP-listed species, threats, real and potential, include light pollution at sea and on land, offshore structures (oil rigs and wind farms) and human disturbance and exploitation. These threats could be considered as themes for future World Albatross Days.  Notably, light pollution affects at least four of the ACAP-listed petrel species, but not, it seems, albatrosses, which in the main breed on uninhabited islands.  Light pollution becoming a theme for a World Albatross Day would imply that the day should also address conservation risks facing petrels and shearwaters.  Bycatch of albatrosses and petrels by fisheries continues, so a theme could revisit this issue, perhaps directed at high-seas fisheries. *![Westland Petrel street lights](https://acap.aq/images/Westland_Petrel_street_lights.jpg) Street lights down ACAP-listed and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrels*Procellaria westlandica*on South Island, New Zealand, leading to them becoming roadkill from passing vehicles* *ACAP Latest News* would be pleased to receive comments on the above suggested themes, or proposals for new ones.  It is wished to announce the theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2027 during the second half of the current year. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/day-six-of-wadweek2026-suggestions-for-themes-for-future-world-albatross-days-welcomed.md) ## Day Five of ‘WADWEEK2026’. Art students in India support World Albatross Day with their paintings *![Yash Upadhyay Age 6 years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Yash_Upadhyay_Age-_6_years.jpeg)Six-year-old Yash Upadhyay holds up his painting of a Chatham Albatross* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels has collaborated with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) every year since 2020 in support of World Albatross Day, held on 19 June.  This year, [ABUN Project #52](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-seventh-art-collaboration-with-abun-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-ends-with-a-collage-poster) has resulted in 64 artworks by 37 artists, that can be viewed in an [ACAP Facebook photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3).  Ten of the artists are young students of [Deepti Jain](https://abun4nature.org/deepti/), who is based in Mumbai, India. Seven of her students are shown here holding their artworks that depict the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, endemic to The Pyramid, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. *![Arya Binu Nambiar Age 13 years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Arya_Binu_Nambiar_Age-_13_years.jpeg)Arya Binu Nambiar, who is 13, with her artwork depicting an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross tending its chick on Gough Island* *![Yuvraj Pravin Pawar Age 11 years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Yuvraj_Pravin_Pawar_Age-11_years.jpeg) Yuvraj Pravin Pawar Age-11 years holds his artwork of* *an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross with two chicks on Gough Island* *ACAP Latest News* got in touch with Deepti to learn more about her art classes and herself.  She writes: “I have been teaching art for over 15 years, helping students develop their artistic skills while encouraging an appreciation for wildlife and nature through art.  I teach both online and offline classes.  Sessions are held twice a week and last approximately one hour each.  There is a total of 20 students in my classes.  The focus is on developing observation skills, artistic techniques, creativity, patience and confidence through a structured yet encouraging learning environment.  Alongside learning artistic techniques, students are encouraged to explore and learn about wildlife species from around the world, using art as a way to connect with conservation and the natural environment. **![Dhir Shah Age 9 years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Dhir_Shah_Age-9_years.jpeg)*Dhir Shah (aged nine) with his depiction of a Chatham Albatross* *![Twesha Chatterjee Age 11years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Twesha_Chatterjee_Age-11years.jpeg)Eleven-year-old Twesha Chatterjee has drawn a flying Chatham Albatross* Deepti continues: “It is very encouraging for the students to know that their artworks may contribute to raising awareness about albatross conservation through World Albatross Day.”  Deepti has submitted [her own art](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-seventh-collaboration-with-abun-is-underway-with-the-first-artworks-produced-for-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-and-chatham-albatrosses) to ACAP over several years of ABUN collaborations, one of which, entitled “A New Dawn”, has been made into a [WAD2026 poster](https://acap.aq/latest-news/day-three-of-wadweek2026-acap-releases-five-artwork-posters-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day). *![Varnika Gottapu Age 10years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Varnika_Gottapu_Age-10years.jpeg)Varnika Gottapu, 10 years of age, with her painting of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross with two chicks – a rare occurrence* *![class photo 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/class_photo_2.jpeg)Students of Deepti Jain Art Classes, with Deepti offering advice* *![Aashvi Kumar age 11 years](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Aashvi_Kumar_age-_11_years.jpeg)Aashvi Kumar, aged 11, has chosen a Chatham Albatross* Note that Deepti has obtained the permission of the students' parents for *ACAP Latest News t*o post their childrens’ photos holding their artworks. With thanks to Deepti Jain and all her students who have produced albatross artworks for WAD2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/day-five-of-wadweek2026-art-students-in-india-support-world-albatross-day-with-their-paintings.md) ## Day Four of ‘WADWEEK2026’. What will be happening on World Albatross Day this Friday? *![Sooty](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Sooty.jpg) Sooty Albatross by Lenina Villela, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement celebrated the first [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June 2020, with the theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”.  Seven years on, the theme for 2026 is “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  *ACAP Latest News* has trawled through its correspondents around the world to find out what might be happening to mark World Albatross Day this year in countries which support breeding populations of albatrosses.  Here are some of the events and activities to look out for in three days’ time. **AUSTRALIA** ![Black browed](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Black-browed.jpg)*Black-browed Albatross by Lenina Villela, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020* [Keith Springer](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/), Operations Manager, [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), will be speaking in a World Albatross Day webinar on Friday 19 June, organized by [BirdLife Australia](https://birdlife.org.au/) with the title “Managing vertebrate pests on seabird breeding colonies in the Southern Ocean”.  The webinar addresses WAD2026's theme of Habitat Restoration.  Yuna Kim (BirdLife Australia's Seabird Project Coordinator) will also be talking, with the title “Gabo Island seabird habitat restoration plan”  Read more and register [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/day-one-of-wadweek2026-birdlife-australia-will-mark-world-albatross-day-with-a-webinar-on-the-theme-of-habitat-restoration).  Thanks to Yuna Kim, Seabird Project Coordinator, BirdLife Australia (who will also be speaking in the webinar). Down in Kingston, Tasmania, staff at the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) will be holding their usual get together for morning tea, this time on Monday 22 June with a group photograph holding their World Albatross Day Banner – no doubt also tucking into cake.  Mandi Livesey, Policy and Strategy Branch, writes that with this year’s theme being Habitat Restoration “we will celebrate the success of the Australian and Tasmanian Government [Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2024/macquarie-islands-astounding-recovery-ten-years-on-from-rats-mice-and-rabbits/)”.  Mandi promises to send photos for a post WAD2026 write up. **JAPAN** *![Short tailed](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Short-tailed.jpg)Short-tailed Albatross by Lenina Villela, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020* According to Yasuko Suzuki, [BirdLife International in Japan](https://www.birdlife.org/birdlife-tokyo/), the country will repeat its annual Seabird Week over 19-25 June celebrating World Albatross Day with photo and poster displays and lectures in the [Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park](http://www.wildbirdpark.jp/en/).  On the morning of 21 June five talks will be given in the park, including on the recovery of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus)*Okinotayuu* orShort-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* population on [Torishima](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/albatross/torishima.html) to 10 000 birds by doyen Hiroshi Hasegawa and [Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/) researcher Naoki Tomita.  There will also be an excursion to view breeding terns, as in previous years.  Read more [here](https://albatrossday.org/events/). **NEW ZEALAND** *![Northern Royal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Northern_Royal.jpg)Northern Royal Albatross by Lenina Villela, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020* As expected, World Albatross Day events in New Zealand will be centred around the mainland colony of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) near Dunedin.  The Department of Conservation will be announcing the results of its [Royal Cam Name the Chick competition](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/namethechick/) on the 19th (with prizes on offer).  [Royal Albatross Centre | Wild Life Tours in Dunedin, NZ](https://albatross.org.nz/) will be once more be offering free tours and its Toroa Café creating another life-size albatross cake in celebration for World Albatross Day.  Information from Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger, Sharyn Broni. **SOUTH AFRICA** *![Wandering](https://acap.aq/images/Wandering.jpg)Wandering**Albatross by Lenina Villela, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020* The Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project, that aims to rid South Africa’s sub-Antarctic island of its albatross-killing mice, has been marking this year’s world Albatross Day with a series of posts to [social media](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064620942284) on the island’s four breeding albatrosses, building up to 19 June.  On Friday and Saturday members of the Mouse-Free Marion Runners Group will be in the coastal village of Betty’s Bay to be photographed with banners in support of WAD2026 next to the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) African Penguins *Spheniscus demersus* that breed on the mainland in the [Stony Point Nature Reserve](https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/stony-point-nature-reserve) (note that no albatrosses breed on the African mainland or coastal islands).  The next morning the group will join the [5-km Park Run](https://www.parkrun.co.za/bettysbay/) in the [local flower reserve](https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/visitor-information/information/).  Expect more photos! World Albatross Day will also be featured at the [South African National Antarctic Programme](https://www.sanap.ac.za/news)’s midwinter celebrations organized by [Antarctic Legacy of South Africa](https://blogs.sun.ac.za/antarcticlegacy/) at Stellenbosch University on the 20th, so a busy weekend. **UNITED KINGDOM** *![Grey headed](https://acap.aq/images/Grey-headed.jpg)Grey-headed Albatross by Le**nina Villela, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020* Antje Steinfurth, Conservation Scientist at the [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds](https://www.rspb.org.uk/), reports that Adam Charlton of the RSPB’s Marine Team has written an article “[Saving albatrosses on the high seas](https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/world-albatross-day)” to mark WAD2026 in *[Notes on Nature](https://www.rspb.org.uk/newsletter-sign-up)* on the NGO’s website.  Adam’s text concentrates on the threats that albatrosses are facing at sea and what is being done to ameliorate them. No news about planned WAD2026 activities is in as yet from the New World.  However, events taking place in the Americas will be covered by ACAP as information come to hand.  It is pleasing to see how the seventh World Albatross Day is being marked around the world – in support of the seabirds it celebrates. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 June 2026, updated 17 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/day-four-of-wadweek2026-what-will-be-happening-on-world-albatross-day-this-friday.md) ## Habitat Restoration is the theme for the 7th World Albatross Day celebrations today *![WAD_2026_Kitty_Harvill_ater_photographs_by_Chris_Jones_and_Michelle_Risi.jpeg](https://acap.aq/images/WAD_2026_Kitty_Harvill_ater_photographs_by_Chris_Jones_and_Michelle_Risi.jpeg)Gough Island is reflected in the eye of an*[*Endangered*](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c)*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross*Thalassarche chlorohynchos*, artwork and poster design by**by Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature co-founder, Kitty Harvill, after photographs by Chris Jones and Michelle Risi* In May 2019 ACAP's [Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/en/documents/advisory-committee) at its Eleventh Meeting ([AC11](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11)) held in Brazil declared that a [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) continues to be faced by its [31 listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), with thousands of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters dying every year as a result of fisheries operations.  Albatrosses are among the most threatened group of birds globally, with 21 of the 22 species currently listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.  Only the abundant Black-browed Albatross *T. melanophris*is currently categorised as [Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris). *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/Picture1.jpg)Two decoys (in front) and a sound system broadcasting calls have attracted a live Laysan Albatross to land within a predator-proof fence in the*[*James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge*](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell)*, photograph by Lindsay Young* *![Mike Bell Chatham feeding shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/Mike_Bell_Chatham_feeding_shrunk.jpg)Attempting to establish a new colony: a translocated Chatham Albatross*Thalassarche eremita*chick gets hand fed a defrosted squid on its artificial nest at Point Gap in the Chatham Islands.  Two adult decoys on bucket nests are visible behind (*[*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/fifth-and-last-season-of-translocated-chatham-albatrosses-successfully-completed-as-last-hand-reared-chick-fledges?highlight=WyJwb2ludCIsInBvaW50cyIsInBvaW50ZWQiLCJwb2ludGUiLCJwb2ludGluZyIsInBvaW50J3MiLCJnYXAiLCJnYXBzIiwiJ2dhcCJd)*)* To increase awareness of this conservation crisis ACAP inaugurated a [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3328-acap-proposes-a-world-albatross-day-to-increase-global-awareness-of-the-conservation-crisis-facing-albatrosses-and-petrels) (WAD), to be held annually from 2020 on 19 June, the date the Agreement was signed in 2001.  This year, the 7th World Albatross Day (WAD2026) will be celebrated by conservationists and wildlife advocates worldwide with the theme “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”, as an opportunity to highlight the conservation crisis faced by these iconic ocean dwellers.  Each year ACAP has chosen a theme to mark the day.  The inaugural theme was “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”. “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” followed in 2021, then came “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, “[Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025. *![ABUN 52 POSTER WAD2026 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/ABUN_52_-_POSTER_-_WAD2026_shrunk.jpg)64 artworks by Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature are all depicted in a*[*collage poster*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-seventh-art-collaboration-with-abun-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-ends-with-a-collage-poster)*by Kitty Harvill* The 2026 theme of Habitat Restoration includes such activities as eradication or control of introduced plants and animals at breeding sites, reducing light pollution, provision of predator-proof fences, establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques and translocations of eggs and chicks, candling and substituting infertile with fertile eggs, supplementary feeding and hydration of chicks, artificial incubation during hatching, and use of artificial nests, fly repellents and sprinkler systems to improve breeding success. Two albatross species are being used to feature the theme for WAD2026, with[posters](https://acap.aq/latest-news/day-three-of-wadweek2026-acap-releases-five-artwork-posters-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day) and [infographics](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-chatham-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish?highlight=WyJjaGF0aGFtIiwiY2hhdGhhbXMiLCJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpYyIsImluZm9ncmFwaGljcyJd) being produced in the ACAP official languages, English, French and Spanish, as well as [64 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3) by 37 artists and [a music video](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-latest-collaboration-with-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-produces-a-new-music-video-the-fifth-since-2020) produced by members of  the Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature international collective ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)).  The featured species are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic; and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*, endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. A new World Albatross Day [logo](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2026-in-three-more-languages?highlight=WzIwMjYsImxvZ28iLCJsb2dvcyIsImxvZ28nIl0=) (in four languages and two formats) has also been produced for 2026. *ACAP Secretariat, 19 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/habitat-restoration-is-the-theme-for-the-7th-world-albatross-day-celebrations-today.md) ## Day Three of ‘WADWEEK2026’. ACAP releases five artwork posters to celebrate World Albatross Day ![Picture Lois Davis](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Picture_Lois_Davis.jpg) For the seventh year running, the Albatross and Petrel Agreement has collaborated with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks in celebration of World Albatross Day on 19 June; this year with the theme “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  This time, ABUN artists were asked to produce works featuring the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, endemic to The Pyramid, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. A total of [64 artworks](https://acap.aq/latest-news/64-artworks-acap-and-abun-complete-their-seventh-collaboration-in-support-of-world-albatross-day) was submitted, from which ABUN Co-founder, Kitty Harvill, has produced a [collage poster](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-seventh-art-collaboration-with-abun-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-ends-with-a-collage-poster) depicting them all, and a [music video](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-latest-collaboration-with-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-produces-a-new-music-video-the-fifth-since-2020) co-produced with John Nicolosi (which also includes photographs that inspired the artists).  Five of these artworks illustrating both species by different artists have been chosen to illustrate posters marking World Albatross Daym as shown above and below. ![Picture Georgia Feild](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Picture_Georgia_Feild.jpg)  ![Picture Anju Rajesh](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Picture_Anju_Rajesh.jpg) ![Picture Peter Shearer](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Picture_Peter_Shearer.jpg) ![Picture Deepti Jain](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Picture_Deepti_Jain.jpg) The posters have been loaded as high-resolution versions to the website [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration/world-albatross-day-2026-art-posters) for free downloading, printing and display.  It is intended to produce versions in French and Spanish. With thanks to Kitty Harvill, the five ABUN poster artists, Lois Davis, Georgia Field, Deepti Jain, Anju Rajesh and Peter Shearer, and Ruth Cooper. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 May 2026, updated 16 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/day-three-of-wadweek2026-acap-releases-five-artwork-posters-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day.md) ## Day Two of ‘WADWEEK2026’. Translocated Black-footed Albatrosses are breeding in Hawaii’s James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge ![Black footed Albatross 2025 26 chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-footed_Albatross_2025-26_chick.jpg) *Black-footed Albatross**E555 is being reared by translocated parents in the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. Two decoys are behind and the chick stands in front of a wooden shelter, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* The theme for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June is [Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration), which covers a suite of activities including creating new breeding colonies by translocation efforts and improving the breeding success of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels. The environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), has been using multiple techniques to create a new breeding locality, safe from predicted sea level rise, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  Chicks of both Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis*Albatrosses have been collected from existing colonies and hand-reared within a predator-proof fence in the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell).  Decoys and sound systems have been used to attract both wild-reared adults and returning hand-reared birds as [regularly reported](https://acap.aq/search?q=James+Campbell+&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) in *ACAP Latest News*.  The very latest information comes in time to mark World Albatross Day this Friday, as reported on Pacific Rim Conservation’s [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation). “Meet E555, the offspring of our superstar translocated ka‘upu (Black-footed Albatross) pair, V666 and V434.  From 2017-2021, we translocated more than 100 ka‘upu chicks from Tern Island and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge.  By late 2025, 35 translocated ka‘upu had returned to JCNWR as adults, and we expect that number to keep rising! In [2023/24], V666 and V434 made history by successfully raising and fledging their first chick, E999 - the first wild ka‘upu to fledge from Oʻahu in more than 400 years! [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-translocated-black-footed-albatross-pair-fledges-a-chick-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-oahu?highlight=WyJqYW1lcyIsImNhbXBiZWxsIl0=)]. Now, their second chick, E555, is growing up fast and looking strong within the safety of a predator-exclusion fence.” It seems a new colony for Black-footed Albatrosses is well on its way, so congratulations to Pacific Rim Conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/day-two-of-wadweek2026-translocated-black-footed-albatrosses-are-breeding-in-hawaiis-james-campbell-national-wildlife-refuge.md) ## Day One of ‘WADWEEK2026’. BirdLife Australia will mark World Albatross Day with a webinar on the theme of Habitat Restoration ![BirdLife Australia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/BirdLife_Australia.jpg) [BirdLife Australia](https://birdlife.org.au/)’s three-part [2026 Seabird Webinar Series](https://birdlife.org.au/events/seabird-webinar-series/) will showcase current seabird research and conservation action, with sessions aligned to major global awareness days, starting with [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June.  The series will feature a range of speakers working on habitat restoration, cross-border conservation and the application of scientific data to seabird protection.  “From restoring breeding habitats on remote islands to tracking seabirds to understand their marine habitats, this series brings together leading conservation practitioners and researchers working to secure a future for seabirds”. Fittingly, on World Albatross Day,the first session will address the WAD2026 theme of [Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration).  “It will share real-world examples of how healthier nesting habitats can improve breeding success for albatrosses and other seabirds, and why long-term restoration is essential for seabird conservation”. *![Keith Springer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Keith_Springer.webp)Keith Springer, Operations Manager, Mouse-Free Marion Project* The World Albatross Day session’s two speakers and their titles are: [Keith Springer](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/), Operations Manager, [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/): “Managing vertebrate pests on seabird breeding colonies in the Southern Ocean”, and [Yuna Kim](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2026/02/11/celebrating-our-women-in-science-part-2/), Seabird Project Coordinator, BirdLife Australia: “[Gabo Island](https://absa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/45-Gabo-Is.pdf) seabird habitat restoration plan”. *![Yuna Kim](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Yuna_Kim.webp) Yuna Kim, Seabird Project Coordinator, BirdLife Australia, holds a White-winged Petrel* Register [here](https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/69e68784-5b2b-44d8-94ce-47335ea11a26@2b431a7b-9a21-4b53-8943-4a10ff69970d); the webinar session is set to last an hour, commencing at 18h00 AEST. The two following sessions will be on “Working across Borders: Connecting People and Seabirds” on World Seabird Day (03 July) and “Using Scientific Data to Protect Seabirds” on World Nature Conservation Day (28 July).  All three sessions are now open for registration. With thanks to Yuna Kim. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/day-one-of-wadweek2026-birdlife-australia-will-mark-world-albatross-day-with-a-webinar-on-the-theme-of-habitat-restoration.md) ## The Gibson’s subspecies population of the Antipodean Albatross on Adams Island is half its former size **![Adams Gibson plots](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Adams_Gibson_plots.png)*Adams Island, showing the Study Area (61 ha); the three census blocks in which counts of breeders have historically been made: Amherst to Astrolabe (A to A; 101 ha), Rhys’s Ridge (67 ha), and Fly Square (25ha); and the fourth census block added in January 2026: Turbott Square (25 ha), from the report* The final report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/about-csp/) project, *POP2025-04 Auckland Islands seabird research: Gibson’s albatross*, by Johannes Chambon ([Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand) and colleagues, is now available.  It shows the population of the subspecies *gibsoni* of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross has halved on Adams Island, Auckland Islands since 2005. *![Antipodean Albatross pair 2 Adams Island Colin ODonnell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_pair_2_Adams_Island_Colin_ODonnell.jpg)A**Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross breeding pair among the megaherb**[Campbell Island Daisy](https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/15/074/pleurophyllum-speciosum.pdf)*[Pleurophyllum speciosum](https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/0/15/074/pleurophyllum-speciosum.pdf) *on Adams Island, photograph by Colin O'Donnell* The report’s summary follows: “Gibson’s albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni*) has been in decline since 2005. Research into the causes of and solutions to the falling numbers of Gibson’s wandering albatross includes an annual visit to the main breeding grounds on Adams Island, and this report describes the results of the field programme in the 2025/2026 breeding season. Breeding success in 2025 was 60%, with 83 chicks produced in the study area, all of which were banded before fledging. Mean adult female survival in 2014-2024 at 93% remains slightly lower than the mean 95% before the 2005 population crash. To increase the proportion of the total breeding population ground-counted annually, a new census block was demarcated and counted in 2026: Turbott Square, within the high-density Fly Basin colony.  This brings the proportion of the total Adams Island breeding population ground-counted annually to 12.4% rather than 10% counted formerly. A total of 5,032 pairs were estimated to be breeding on Adams Island in 2026, comparable to 2025 (4,865 pairs). The total number of Gibson’s albatross breeding pairs remains half the size of the pre-crash nesting population.” **Reference:** Chambon, J., Elliott, G., Walker, K. & Watts, J. 2026.  *[Gibson’s wandering albatross demography and population estimate 2026](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202526-annual-plan/pop2025-04-gibsons-albatross-demography-and-population-estimate-2026-final-report.pdf)*.  Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  16 pp. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-gibsons-subspecies-of-the-antipodean-albatross-on-adams-island-is-half-its-former-size.md) ## Preparations for the 4th World Seabird Conference are well underway ![WSC4 Landscape](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WSC4-Landscape.webp)  The following information comes from Lindsay Young, Chair, World Seabird Union. “We are excited to see so many of you joining us in Hobart, Tasmania, or online from 7–11 September 2026.  On behalf of the [World Seabird Union](https://worldseabirdunion.org/), I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Pacific Seabird Group ([PSG](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/)) for its partnership and support in co-hosting the hybrid component of the 4th World Seabird Conference ([WSC4](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/)).  PSG's commitment to accessibility and global participation has helped ensure that colleagues from around the world can engage with the conference regardless of their ability to travel- we already have more than 30 countries represented in our preliminary registration numbers!  But we'd love to see more of you coming to join us.  Here is some additional information in case you're on the fence: **Key Information** - Early-bird registration closes **12 June 2026** • Attend in person in Hobart, Tasmania, or **participate virtually** • More than 630 abstracts were submitted- we've got an awesome scientific programme • Register [here](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/) • To view the draft programme and preliminary speaker list [here](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/symposium-and-workshop-descriptions/). The conference will feature plenary presentations from an outstanding group of speakers, including Dave Anderson, Karen Baird, John Croxall, Petra Quillfeldt and Graeme Taylor For those unable to travel to Tasmania, WSC4 offers a comprehensive virtual attendance option, allowing participants to engage with conference content and discussions from anywhere in the world. If photography is your passion, don't forget that the WSU Seabird Photo Contest is currently accepting entries until 1 August 2026. We look forward to connecting with you all in Hobart and online this September!” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/preparations-for-the-4th-world-seabird-conference-are-well-underway.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Weeding invasive plants in the Pacific is in support of World Albatross Day’s theme of “Habitat Restoration” for 2026 *![USFWS Matt Brown](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/USFWS-Matt-Brown.png)A Laysan Albatross chick among dense*Verbesina*on Midway Atoll, photograph by US Fish & Wildlife Service, 2023* In May 2000 I spent a week with other attendees on the USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll) after the [Second Albatross and Petrel Conference](https://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/28_2/28_2_8.pdf), held in Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  An abiding memory is of the huge numbers of Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis*, seemingly everywhere over the atoll, including a courting pair (presumably pre-breeders) right below my ground-floor bedroom window (left open for the heat), that shouted at each other all night long.  Another memory was of the late-season thickets of the invasive [Golden Crownbeard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbesina_encelioides) *Verbesina encelioides*, among which the Black-footed *P. nigripes* and Laysan Albatrosses bred on both the atoll’s Eastern and Sand Islands.  Native to the American mainland it is an alien on the Northwestern Hawaiian islands where it occurs, including Midway (where thought introduced in the 1930s) and [Kure](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses?highlight=WyJ2ZXJiZXNpbmEiXQ==) Atolls ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/weeding-out-golden-crownbeard-on-usa-s-midway-atoll-for-its-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses)).  Adult albatrosses can get their wings caught in its branches and the dense vegetation blocks cooling sea breezes, creating oven-like conditions for their chicks, putting them at risk of death from dehydration.  Eradication efforts began in the late 1990s ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/alien-plant-control-improves-breeding-by-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-on-the-usa-s-north-western-hawaiian-islands?highlight=WyJ2ZXJiZXNpbmEiXQ==)), but in 2000 when I visited there were still extensive stands of the plant on Sand Island. Since my visit, use of hand-sprayed herbicides in the mid-2010s and the removal of plants has greatly changed the appearance of the albatross breeding flats, as these two photographs taken on Midway’s Eastern Island 12 years apart testify. *![Verbesina 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Verbesina_4.jpeg)Dense stands of*Verbesina*stretch to the horizon on Midway’s Eastern Island in 2011, photograph by Pete Leary/USFWS* *![Verbesina 2023 Jon Brack](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Verbesina_2023_Jon_Brack.jpg) Photograph taken from the same spot with no*Verbesina*in sight in 2023, by Jon Brack* However, despite earlier claims of eradication being imminent, the abiding seedbank on both Midway islands has required the ongoing removal of emerging seedlings and hidden plants, as [reported last September by the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Reserve (FOMA)](https://friendsofmidway.org/verbesina-history-and-updates/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNHVHUVJtQzFSUVJ3cnBYT3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7BnPpahXLOk7RcdrPi4UVKRB3_ePbJ4GPKIekw0oviEPxN4JP1G-virNb6hQ_aem_6tJnQI2FIvNdpXQIuyREYA). “For over 20 years, with several million dollars invested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), with FOMA's additional support, the effort to eradicate invasive *Verbesina encelioides* and other incipient weeds from Midway Atoll has steadily advanced—and today, we’re closer than ever.  This highly invasive, non-native plant once threatened vital seabird nesting habitat. But thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers, the number of plants found each year continues to decline.  A key breakthrough?  Targeting the persistent seedbank hidden in Midway’s sandy soils—an approach that’s proving eradication is possible.” Watch a short [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/2851755938493726) of [FOMA](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) volunteers pulling out small *Verbesina* plants among Laysan Albatrosses on Midway’s Sand Island, and another[video](https://friendsofmidway.org/verbesina-history-and-updates/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNHVHUVJtQzFSUVJ3cnBYT3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7BnPpahXLOk7RcdrPi4UVKRB3_ePbJ4GPKIekw0oviEPxN4JP1G-virNb6hQ_aem_6tJnQI2FIvNdpXQIuyREYA) hunting for and removing seedlings from among natural vegetation. Eradicating alien plants on islands that support breeding populations of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels fits well within this year’s theme of “[Habitat Restoration”](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration) for World Albatross Day on 19 June.  *ACAP Latest News* will be pleased to hear of other attempts to eradicate invasive plants at localities where ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels breed. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-weeding-invasive-plants-in-the-pacific-is-in-support-of-world-albatross-days-theme-of-habitat-restoration-for-2026.md) ## Helping the Shy Albatross face climate change via habitat restoration *![shy albatross sitting in artificial nest. Matthew Newton WWF Australia.1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/shy-albatross-sitting-in-artificial-nest.-Matthew-Newton-WWF_Australia.1.jpg) Two Shy Albatrosses sit on their artificial nests on [Albatross Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatross_Island_(Tasmania)); the birds behind are natural mud nests they have made, photograph by Matthew Newton, WWF Australia* Here follows a [report](https://www.per.marine.csiro.au/staff/Dirk.Slawinski/outreach/build_your_own/images/HelpingShyAlbatrossCopeWithClimateChange-LegoNesting.pdf) of efforts to improve the breeding success of [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatrosses *Thalassarche cauta* that falls directly within the theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2026. “The Shy albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*) is listed as *Vulnerable*under the *Threatened Species Protection Act 1995*.  It is unique to Tasmania, breeding exclusively on three offshore islands: Albatross Island in western Bass Strait and Pedra Branca and the Mewstone south of Tasmania. The total population is estimated to be around 15 000 annual breeding pairs. Shy albatross populations have been studied since the 1980s by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (Marine Conservation Program) and in partnership with the CSIRO has been working to understanding how shy albatross will be impacted by climate change in the short and long-term. We aim to use this knowledge to identify practical on-ground adaptation options that will help buffer the species against negative effects. Potential adaptation options include building wind breaks, tr uanslocations, building artificial nests, reducing disease and reducing bycatch from fisheries. Each option will vary in its magnitude of benefit and act upon different components of the population demographics (through one or more of chick, juvenile or adult survival, and breeding success). Albatross make nests using mud surrounding the nest area, in which they lay one egg. Higher nests have higher chick survival than low nests.  One of the options we tested to help shy albatross was to supply them with artificial nests made of air-blown concrete. These nests keep the egg and chick out of the mud. In our trial of using more than 100 artificial nests, chick survival was almost three times higher compared to natural nests. Testing these adaptation options is helping both birds and conservation managers to prepare and cope with a warmer world and provides options to keep larger populations of these magnificent birds.” Read more about the artificial albatross nests on Albatross Island [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/follow-up-reveals-artificial-nests-are-improving-breeding-success-of-shy-albatrosses?highlight=WyJiYXNzIiwic3RyYWl0Iiwic3RyYWl0cyJd) and [here](https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/wildlife/wildlife-adaptation-innovation-fund/constructing-artificial-nests-for-shy-albatross/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/helping-the-shy-albatross-face-climate-change-via-habitat-restoration.md) ## ACAP wraps up two weeks of meetings in Namibia with an AI Haiku *![AC5 Group Photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC5_Group_Photo.jpg) Attendees at the 15th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee, Swakop Plaza Hotel, Swakopmund, Namibia, photograph by**Wiesława Misiak* *Wings reach over swells, thirteen nations keep the watch, the albatross glides* The AI-generated “[HAIku](https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2022/04/22/haiku-ai-generated-poetry/)” comes from the closing remarks of the AC15 Chair, Dr Michael Double Following Thursday’s [outing to Walvis Bay](https://acap.aq/latest-news/attendees-at-acaps-advisory-committee-go-on-an-excursion-to-walvis-bay-to-learn-about-bird-scaring-lines)last week, the fifth day of the 15th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) in Swakopmund, Namibia was allocated to adopting the final report.  The Secretariat had spent Thursday completing a draft for comment by the attending delegates and observers and by Friday morning a clean version was available for adoption.  In the event, the whole day was not required, and with the report adopted section by section under the Chair of Dr Michael Double, AC15 was wrapped up by the afternoon tea break.  Once Parties have signed off the final report, it will be posted to this website. *![AC15 Delegates](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC15_Delegates.jpeg) Antonella Carminati Woll (Argentina), Elisa Goya Sueyoshi (Peru),**Helena Moreno Colera**(Spain) and Patricia Pereira Serafini (Brazil) at an AC15 evening reception hosted by Namibia, photograph by John Cooper* During the week, Chief Officers who chair the Advisory Committee and convene the working groups were all re-elected.  Dr, Johannes Fischer (Department of Conservation, New Zealand) joined the existing officers as a Vice-Convenor of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)), following being nominated by the United Kingdom and seconded by Brazil. Where the next meeting of the Advisory Committee should be held is always an important matter to decide before the end of the meeting.  Chile offered to host AC16 in August or September 2027, in Punta Arenas in Southern Patagonia.  The Advisory Committee thanked Chile and warmly welcomed the offer.  Advisor to Chile’s Delegation, Mr Luis Adasme (Instituto de fomento pesquero, [IFOP](https://www.ifop.cl/)), then showed a one-minute video entitled “Punta Arenas & Nature” to whet the attendees’ appetites.  A draft agenda for AC16 was reviewed by the Advisory Committee and will be forwarded to AC members for their consideration in advance of the meeting. *![Afruca contingent at AC15 Makhudu Masotla](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Afruca_contingent_at_AC15_Makhudu_Masotla.jpeg)The Africa contingent at AC15.  Namibia’s**Head of Delegation and meeting host,**[Ms Graça Bauleth D’Almeida](https://sdacnamibia.org/members/),Director: Resources Management, Directorate: Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Research, [Namibia Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform](https://mfmr.gov.na/home)**, is in the centre in a white jacket**,**photograph by Makhudu Masotla* Following the formal adoption of the AC15 report, Michael Double closed the meeting with a vote of thanks to the Namibian hosts, also offering his thanks to his Vice Chair, Tatiana Neves (Brazil), all the Chief Officers, and the Secretariat. *![AC15 closing 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC15_closing_1.png) Another AI effort by the Advisory Committee Chair, Dr Michael Double to accompany his closing remarks* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-wraps-up-two-weeks-of-meetings-in-namibia-with-an-ai-haiku.md) ## Attendees at ACAP’s Advisory Committee go on an excursion to Walvis Bay to learn about bird-scaring lines *![AC15 Walvis Trawl trawl Bird scaring Line](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC15_Walvis_Trawl_trawl_Bird-scaring_Line.jpg)Delegates and observers to the 15th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee hold up a trawl bird scaring line at Walvis Trawl, Walvis Bay, Namibia,**photograph by Makhudu Masotla* On Thursday 04 June delegates and observers attending the 15th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) in Swakopmund, Namibia travelled to the nearby fishing town of Walvis Bay to make site visits to two businesses involved with the fishing industry. ![victory](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/victory.jpg)*Seawork's trawler,*Victory We first met up with Pierre le Roux, Sales and Marketing Manager for [Seawork Fish Processors (Pty) Ltd](https://www.seawork.com.na/) in the fishing harbour who took us aboard one of his demersal hake trawlers, the [*Victory*](https://www.seawork.com.na/fleet.php), which was getting ready for sea.  We visited the ship’s bridge in batches where Pierre explained how twin bird-scaring lines were deployed either side of the trawl and showed us how interactions with the nest or warps by birds (and seals and turtles) were logged. Seawork Fish Processors specializes in the catching, value-adding and marketing of frozen seafood products for the international market.  The main product line is Hake *Merluccius capensis/paradoxus*, with Kingklip or Ling *Genypterus capensis* and Monkfish *Lophius vomerinus*as bycatch. ![AC15 Walvis Trawl longline and trawl bird scaring Lines](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC15_Walvis_Trawl_longline_and_trawl_bird-scaring_Lines.jpg)*Trawl (back) and longline bird-scaring lines.  The orange traffic cones act as drags in the water, keeping the lines taught when deployed, *photograph by Makhudu Masotla** Back on the bus for a short ride to Walvis Trawl Import and Export, where [Titus Shaanika](https://www.facebook.com/NamibiaNatureFoundation/photos/meet-titus-shaanika-our-albatross-task-force-project-leader/4112770462117861/) who was previously Leader, Albatross Task Force, Namibia Nature Foundation, showed us examples of bird-scaring lines for longliners and for trawlers.  We had fun unrolling one as the photos show!  The bird-scaring lines are made by the all-woman Meme Itumbapo Craft cooperative, which collaborates with the Albatross Task Force and Namibia Nature Foundation. *![meme itumbapo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/meme-itumbapo.jpg)The women of Meme Itumbapo making bird-scaring lines, photograph from the Benguela Current Convention* Excursions at ACAP meetings usually take attendees out to sea to spot seabirds, or if an inland meeting, to a game reserve or the like to view wildlife and natural habitats.  This trip was different, but equally enjoyable, and perhaps more valuable as we got to see and handle the actual equipment that contiunues tosave so many seabirds, in Nambian waters, and elsewhere around the world. *![AC15 Walvis Trawl Mandy Livesy and Tatiana Neves dropper trawl BSL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC15_Walvis_Trawl_Mandy_Livesy_and_Tatiana_Neves_dropper_trawl_BSL.jpg)Mandi Livesey (Australia) and Tatiana Neves (Brazil) ham it up with a dropper from a trawl bird-scaring line, photograph by Makhudu Masotla* With thanks to Pierre le Roux, Seawork Fish Processors and Titus Shaanika, Managing Director, [West Pelican Investments](https://www.westpelican.com/). **References:** Da Rocha, N. *et al*. 2021.  Reduction in seabird mortality in Namibian fisheries following the introduction of bycatch regulation.  [*Biological Conservation*253, 108915](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320720309733). Munro, A. 2021.  Namibian fishery reduces seabird deaths by 98%.  [*BirdLife International  07 January 2021*](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2021/01/07/namibian-fishery-reduces-seabird-deaths-by-98/). Paterson, J.R.B. *et al*. 2017.  Seabird mortality in the Namibian demersal longline fishery and recommendations for best practice mitigation measures.  [*Oryx*53: 300-309](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605317000230). Thomson, G.C., Shaanika, T., Matjila, S. & Paterson, J. 2021.  Gliding into a brighter future.  Albatrosses and Namibian fisheries.  [*Conservation Namibia, 09 September 2021*](https://conservationnamibia.com/articles/cn2021-albatrosses-and-fisheries.php). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/attendees-at-acaps-advisory-committee-go-on-an-excursion-to-walvis-bay-to-learn-about-bird-scaring-lines.md) ## What happens to Black Petrels in their first year at sea? A tracking study aims to find out *![Helen Worthington Black Petrel Virginia Nicol](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Helen_Worthington_Black_Petrel_Virginia_Nicol.jpg)Black Petrel, artwork by Helen Worthington for ABUN/ACAP Project #35 “[Petrels in Peril”](https://acap.aq/latest-news/abun-project-35-painting-petrels-in-peril-gets-going-today?highlight=WyJwZXRyZWxzIiwicGV0cmVsIiwicGV0cmVsZXMiLCJwZXRyZWwncyIsInBldHJlbCciLCJwZXRyZWxzJyIsImluIiwiaW5zIiwicGVyaWwiLCJwZXJpbCciLCJwZXJpbHMiXQ==) in 2021, after a photograph by Virginia Nicol* In May young [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrels *Procellaria parkinsoni* begun fledging, leaving their burrows on New Zealand’s Great Barrier Island/Aotea and Little Barrier Island/Te Hauturu-o-Toi and heading Pacific waters off Ecuador. “In the largest Black Petrel [tracking study](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?) ever undertaken, 47 fledglings are being fitted with live trackers to help researchers better understand one of the ocean’s enduring mysteries: why do fewer than 10% of black petrel chicks ever return home?” *![Black Petrel Zufelt off North Cape NZ 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_Zufelt_off_North_Cape_NZ_3.jpg)Black Petrel off Mercury Islands, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* “The Tākoketai black petrel, is a taonga species endemic to New Zealand.  Each year, these ocean voyagers travel thousands of kilometres across the Pacific, yet return to breed on just two small islands in the Hauraki Gulf.  With fewer than 5,000 breeding pairs remaining, they face growing pressures at sea, from fisheries bycatch and climate change to light pollution and changing ocean conditions.  The ultimate goal is to chart a course for recovery and protection of this on the brink species, so that we might see their return to some former nesting sites right around the North Island.” Read more about Black Petrel research and conservation, and follow the tracked birds [here](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?). News from ‘Biz Bell’, [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-happens-to-black-petrels-in-their-first-year-at-sea-a-tracking-study-aims-to-find-out.md) ## ACAP’s 15th Meeting of its Advisory Committee hears Working Group reports on Day Two *![PaCSWG convenors Patricia Serafini Richard Phillips Marco Favero Swakopmund Namibia Barry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/PaCSWG_convenors_-_Patricia_Serafini_Richard_Phillips_Marco_Favero_Swakopmund_Namibia_Barry_Baker.jpg)Patricia Pereira**Serafini, Richard Phillips and Marco Favero, Swakopmund, Namibia, photograph by Barry Baker* On the second day of the 15th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) in Swakopmund, Namibia, the attending delegates and observers heard reports from two working groups and a joint meeting that had met the previous week.  With large agendas and many documents to consider, this article highlights one matter discussed by each meeting thought to be of particular interest to the interested public., The[Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5280-ac15-doc-12-pacswg-report/file) of the Ninth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9)) was given by its Co-convenor Dr Patricia Pereira Serafini (Brazil).  Matters covered included population trends, IUCN Red List review, pollutants and marine debris, High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza, and climate change *![South Africans PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/South_Africans_PaCSWG9.jpeg) South African delegates and observers Thando Cebekhulu, Azwianewi Makhado, Andrea Angel and Makhudu Masotla attending the ACAP meetings in Swakopmund, Namibia, May-June 2026, photograph by Barry Baker* Under agenda item 6.1 **Updates on Management of Land-based Threats**the Population and Conservation Status Working Group considered an update ([PaCSWG9 Inf 05](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9/pacswg9-information-papers/5107-pacswg9-inf-05-an-update-on-the-mouse-free-marion-mfm-project)**)**on the “*Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project”* by Dr Azwianewi Makhado, Marine Top Predators Programme, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, South Africa and Dr Anton Wolfaardt, MFM Project Manager, which aims to eradicate invasive House Mice from Marion Island.  The update reports that field trials on the island have confirmed high bait palatability but have also identified strong seasonal variability in mouse abundance and bait uptake, leading to the ongoing refinement of baiting methods.  The eradication operation is currently planned to take place in 2029. The Advisory Committee recognised the conservation importance of large-scale invasive species eradication programmes, such as on Marion Island.  On behalf of the Advisory Committee, its Chair, Dr Michael Double (Australia), confirmed its support of the MFM Project and wished it well. *![Flesh footed Shearwater Nathhan Piesse.3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Nathhan_Piesse.3.jpg)Flesh-footed Shearwater at sea, photograph by Nathan Piesse* The outcomes of the [Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5284-ac15-doc-11-joint-sbwg13-pacswg9-report/file) of the [Joint Thirteenth Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group and Ninth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-pacswg9-sbwg13-meeting) were presented to the Advisory Committee by SBWG Co-convenors Tatiana Neves (Brazil) and Megan Tierney (UK).  Discussion took place on overlap of birds and at-sea threats, ACAP seabird bycatch mitigation best practice advice and coordination of activities relating to Regional Fisheries Management and Conservation Organisations (RFMCOs). Under Agenda Item 6 **Listing of Species on Annex One** the joint meeting discussed the potential listing of the Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes* on ACAP Annex 1 ([AC15 Doc 18](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5227-ac15-doc-18/file), presented by New Zealand, Australia and France), following its [listing](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-convention-on-migratory-species-adds-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-to-its-appendix-ii-and-approves-concerted-action-for-the-species?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiXQ==) on Appendix II of the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS).  The Advisory Committee agreed to study the CMS listing proposal document and identify any additional information that should be included in a potential proposal for listing the shearwater on the Agreement’s Annex One, to bring forward to ACAP’s meetings in 2027. The Advisory Committee also encouraged research to provide support to ACAP’s taxonomic approach of treating as full species three pairs of ACAP-listed taxa: Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* and Campbell Albatross *T. impavida,*White-capped Albatross *T. steadi* and Shy Albatross *T. cauta*, and Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus* and Yelkouan Shearwater *P. yelkouan*. ![SBWG13 Convenors Swakopmund Namibia Barry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/SBWG13_Convenors_Swakopmund_Namibia_Barry_Baker.jpg)Co-*convenors of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group, Megan Tierney, Igor Debski, Sebastián Jiménez and Dimas Gianuca, Swakopmund, Namibia, photograph by Barry Baker* The afternoon was taken up with a discussion of the [Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5283-ac15-doc-10-sbwg-report/file) of the [13th Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13%20https:/www.acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13) , delivered by its Co-convenor, Dr Sebastián Jiménez (Uruguay).  The working group meeting had taken account of 27 Documents and Information Papers, available online from[here](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13/sbwg13-information-documents).  Subjects covered included ACAP’s best practice advice for mitigating seabird bycatch, artisanal and small-scale fisheries, and bycatch mitigation in demersal longline, pelagic longline, trawl and purse seine fisheries. ![SA NPOA II](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/SA-NPOA_II.png)![Screenshot 2026 06 03 at 06 14 29 SBWG13 Inf 13 South Africa NPOA S II.pdf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Screenshot_2026-06-03_at_06-14-29_SBWG13_Inf_13_South_Africa_NPOA-S_II.pdf.png) Under Agenda Item 11 **Review of Status of Implementation of NPOA-Seabirds**the Working Group congratulated South Africa for its production of an updated National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Seabirds (NPOA Seabirds II) to cover the period 2026 to 2030 ([SBWG13 Inf 13](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13/sbwg13-information-documents/5202-sbwg13-inf-13/file)).  The new plan builds on the country’s first NPOA Seabirds which dealt only with longline fisheries.  It aligns with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation’s International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries, which supports the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.  The new version addresses all types of South African fisheries, including artisanal gill netting and beach seining.  It also includes South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion and Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean with its ambit. The collation and drafting of South Africa’s NPOA Seabirds II were undertaken by Sven Kerwath, Azwianewi Makhado, Makhudu Masotla, Gerhard Cilliers, Andrea Angel, Joannes de Goede, Peter Ryan and Larvika Singh. **References:** Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism [Cooper, J., Petersen, S. & Ryan, P.G.]  2008.  *South African National Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries*.  Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism.  32 pp. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. 2026. *National Plan of Action II for the Conservation and Management of Seabirds in South African Fisheries 2026-2030*.  Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.  36 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 02 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-15th-meeting-of-its-advisory-committee-hears-working-group-reports-on-day-two.md) ## ACAP’s 15th Advisory Committee meeting opens with a welcome from Graça D’Almeida, from the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform *![Graca DAlmeida 2](https://acap.aq/images/Graca_DAlmeida_2.png)Ms Graça Bauleth D’Almeida* The Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) is being held over five days in the [Swakopmund Plaza Hotel](https://www.swakopmund-plaza-hotel.com/), Swakopmund, Namibia.  This is the first time ACAP has met in the country.  Although Namibia is not a Party to the Agreement, it has sent observers to many of its meetings over the years.  AC15 follows on from the previous week’s meetings of its Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9)), the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG13](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13)) and a [joint SBWG13/PaCSWG9 meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-pacswg9-sbwg13-meeting).  Reports of these three meetings will be considered by AC15. Day One of AC15 was opened with an address from [Ms Graça Bauleth D’Almeida](https://sdacnamibia.org/members/),Director: Resources Management, Directorate: Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Research,  [Namibia Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform](https://mfmr.gov.na/home), who also is attending the Advisory Committee meeting as Head of Delegation for Namibia as an observing Range State.  The Directorate is mandated to conduct research to determine the status of the stocks and providing scientific advice on the sustainable management of Namibia's marine ecosystem and promoting public awareness.  In her address she welcomed delegates and observers to the meeting saying “I wish you all a pleasant stay in Swakopmund and hope that you have time to explore the beautiful Namibian scenery and experience the wonderful hospitality by the Namibian people.  It is indeed a great honour for Namibia to host the 15th Advisory Committee and Subsidiary body meetings of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and we look forward to participating in an Observer capacity and contribute to the deliberations of the meeting.” She continued “Namibia continues to translate international commitments into practical conservation actions.   Such examples include the introduction of seabird bycatch mitigation measures into our hake fisheries regulations, which saw a 98% reduction in seabird bycatch in the longline and 95% reduction in the trawl fisheries.  The Namibian hake fishery is one of only two fisheries in Africa certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).  During its first five-year certification period, significant efforts were made to reduce the fisheries’ impact on seabirds.” Ms D’Almeida closed her remarks by saying that Namibia understands the importance of becoming a Party to Agreement, saying "we have made progress towards accession and expect the instrument of depository to be made by the end of this year, if not before the next ACAP annual meeting.” In reply, Dr Michael Double, as Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee, thanked Ms D’Almeida for her welcoming remarks and on behalf of the delegates and observers expressed pleasure that Namibia would become a Party to the Agreement in not too long a time. During the day the meeting considered the [report of the Taxonomy Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5231-ac15-doc-09/file) that conducts its business by correspondence. The working group’s report was presented by its Convenor, Mark Tasker, who is also attending AC15 as the UK’s Member of the Advisory Committee.  Tomorrow the meeting will consider reports on the Population and Conservation Status and Seabird Bycatch Working Groups.  On Wednesday 3 June the meeting, among other matters, will consider the venue and timing for AC16, due to be held in 2027.  On Thursday 4 June the attendees will be taken on an excursion to the nearby fishing town of Walvis Bay.  The meeting will close on Friday 5 June, which will be devoted to adopting the Advisory Committee’s report.  More details of daily discussions are given in the provisional [meeting schedule](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5257-ac15-doc-03/file). AC15 is being attended by 11 of the 13 Parties to the Agreement: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and Uruguay.  In addition, observers are present from Namibia, Chinese Taipei, [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), the [Namibian Nature Foundation](https://nnf.org.na/) and the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation ([SEAFO](http://www.seafo.org/)). The first day of AC15 ended with an evening function with a view of the sun setting into the ocean from the Seaview Restaurant in the [Seaside Hotel & Spa](https://www.seasidehotelandspa.com/). The event was hosted by the Government of Namibia and was enjoyed by all the meeting attendees. *John Cooper, *Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 02 June 2026** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-15th-advisory-committee-meeting-opens-with-a-welcome-from-graca-dalmeida-from-the-namibian-ministry-of-agriculture-fisheries-water-and-land-reform.md) ## ACAP completes its working group meetings in Namibia ![SBWG members Swakopmund Namibia Barry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC6/SBWG_members_Swakopmund_Namibia_Barry_Baker.jpg) *Attendees at the ACAP working group meetings in the Swakopmund Plaza Hotel, photograph by Barry Baker* Last week the Agreement on Albatrosses and petrels held five days of meetings of two of its working groups in the coastal town on Swakopmund, Namibia.  This is the first time ACAP has met in the country.  Although Namibia is not a Party to the Agreement, it has sent a delegate to many of its meetings over the years. *![PaCSWG convenors Patricia Serafini Richard Phillips Marco Favero Swakopmund Namibia Barry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC6/PaCSWG_convenors_-_Patricia_Serafini_Richard_Phillips_Marco_Favero_Swakopmund_Namibia_Barry_Baker.jpg)PaCSWG convenors - Patricia Pereira Serafini, Richard Phillips and Marco Favero, Swakopmund, Namibia, photograph by Barry Baker* On Monday 25 May the Ninth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9)) met under the Convenorship of Mark Favero (Argentina), Richard Phillips (UK) and Patricia Pereira Serafini (Brazil).  The PaCSWG9 meeting was followed by a [joint SBWG13/PaCSWG9 meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-pacswg9-sbwg13-meeting) held on Tuesday 26 May to discuss cross-cutting issues. *![SBWG13 Convenors Swakopmund Namibia Barry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC6/SBWG13_Convenors_Swakopmund_Namibia_Barry_Baker.jpg)SBWG convenors - Megan Tierney, Igor Debski, Sebastián Jiménez and Dimas Gianuca, Swakopmund, Namibia, photograph hy Barry Baker* A meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG13](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13)) held over 27-29 May completed the week.  The three-day meeting was convened by Igor Debski (New Zealand), Dimas Gianuca (BirdLife International), Sebastián Jiménez (Uruguay) and Megan Tierney (UK).  The meeting considered 23[Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13/sbwg13-meeting-documents) and 17 [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13/sbwg13-information-documents).  ![SBWG13_Swakopmund_Namibia_B_Baker.jpeg](https://acap.aq/images/SBWG13_Swakopmund_Namibia_B_Baker.jpeg)*Members attending the Seabird Bycatch Working Group meeting deliberate in Swakopmund, photograph by Barry Baker* The reports of the meetings, and of the [Taxonomy Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5231-ac15-doc-09/file), that conducts its work online under the convenorship of Mark Tasker (UK), will be considered at the Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) during Week Two of the Swakopmund events, being held from Monday 1 to Friday 5 June in the [Swakopmund Plaza Hotel](https://www.swakopmund-plaza-hotel.com/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 01 June 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-completes-its-working-group-meetings-in-namibia.md) ## ACAP’s latest collaboration with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature produces a new music video, the fifth since 2020 *![Deepti Singh Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross and Gough after Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Deepti_Singh_Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_and_Gough_after_Chris_Jones_and_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg) Two Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses fly past Gough Island, by ABUN artist, Deepti Singh, after photographs by Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Since 2020 ACAP has collaborated with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to generate artworks depicting ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels in support of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), held each year on 19 June.  Over the seven years no less than 760 artworks illustrating all 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels have been created, using photographs made available by ACAP supporters to act as inspiration This year ACAP’s theme for “WAD2026” is “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  It features the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, endemic to The Pyramid, Chatham Islands, New Zealand.  ABUN Project #52 commenced on 16 February and ran to 03 May, resulting in 64 artworks illustrating the two chosen albatrosses by 37 artists, including several who produced more than one work. *![ABUN 52 POSTER WAD2026](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/ABUN_52_-_POSTER_-_WAD2026.jpg) Collage poster design for ABUN Project #52 “Habitat Restoration” by Co-founder Kitty Harvill* To help round off the project, [ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-an-appreciation-kitty-harvill-and-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature?highlight=WyJraXR0eSIsMjJd) has produced a [collage poster](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-seventh-art-collaboration-with-abun-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-ends-with-a-collage-poster) depicting all the artworks created to support WAD2026.  The artworks themselves may be viewed and downloaded from a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3) on ACAP’s Facebook page.  Five of them have been chosen to be made into posters that will become available for downloading from this website by World Albatross Day on the 19th of next month. In support of the poster, Kitty has also produced a five and half minute video that depicts the 64 artworks, backed by evocative music entitled “The Peak” by musician John Nicolosi of [Niko Records Studio](http://www.nikorecordsstudio.com/), based in Clarksville, Tennessee, USA. *![John Nicolosi Christoph 39](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/John_Nicolosi_Christoph_39.jpg) John Nicolosi, Niko Records Studio (front) and Christoph Hrdina, ABUN Co-founder, record the music for the ABUN video “Life for the Albatross” for World Albatross Day 2022* Five music videos illustrated with ABUN artworks have been produced by Kitty and John from 2020 to 2023.  They are "[Flight of the Albatross](https://acap.aq/latest-news/flight-of-the-albatross-a-music-video-by-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-on-behalf-of-world-albatross-day-19-june-2020?highlight=WyJuaWNvbG9zaSJd)" for the WAD2020 theme of  Eradicating Island Pests; "[Petrels in Peril](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-s-painting-petrels-in-peril-collaboration-with-abun-ends-with-a-collage-poster-and-a-music-video?highlight=WyJuaWNvbG9zaSJd)" in 2021; "[The Seabird Wanderers of ACAP](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-new-music-video-featuring-all-the-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-is-released-to-mark-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJuaWNvbG9zaSJd)" for the WAD2021 theme of Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries; "[Life for the Albatross"](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-produce-a-third-music-video-for-acap-and-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJuaWNvbG9zaSJd) for the WAD2022 theme of Climate Change; and "[Fidelity](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-fourth-art-collaboration-with-abun-on-a-plastic-pollution-theme-ends-on-a-sombre-note?highlight=WyJuaWNvbG9zaSJd)" for the WAD2023 theme of Plastic Pollution.  No music videos were produced for World Albatross Day in 2024 or 2025. *![Decoys and speaker James Campbell 2020](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Decoys_and_speaker_James_Campbell_2020.jpg) Creating a new colony.  Decoys and a speaker surrounded by a predator-proof fence have attracted two prospecting Laysan Albatrosses in the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell), Oahu, Hawaiian Islands in 2020, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* The WAD2026 theme of Habitat Restoration includes such management activities as eradication or control of introduced plants and animals at breeding sites, provision and maintenance of predator-proof fences, establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques such as use of decoys and sound systems and translocations of eggs and chicks, candling and substituting infertile with fertile eggs, placement of artificial nests, supplementary feeding and hydration of chicks and adults, artificial incubation during hatching, and the use of artificial nests, wind breaks, fly repellents and sprinkler systems to improve breeding success.  You can search for projects among over 850 that utilize such management activities on the [Seabird Restoration Data Base](https://www.seabirddatabase.org/). *![WAD2026 pt horizontal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/WAD2026_pt_horizontal.png) ACAP’s*[*logo*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2026-in-three-more-languages?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDI2IiwibG9nbyIsImxvZ29zIiwibG9nbyciXQ==)*for World Albatross Day is available in landscape and portrait versions in the ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese.  Designed by Namo Niumim, they are available for downloading*[*here*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration/wad2026logos)*.* The WAD2026 theme follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, "[Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025, all of which have been supported by ABUN Projects. With grateful thanks to ABUN Co-founder, Kitty Harvill, John Nicolosi and to all the artists and photographers who have contributed to Project #52. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-latest-collaboration-with-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-produces-a-new-music-video-the-fifth-since-2020.md) ## ACAP’s 2026 Meetings start today in Namibia with a discussion of population trends *![Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_1.jpeg) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses occur regularly in Namibian waters, where they are risk to being caught as bycatch by fisheries, photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Two weeks of meetings of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement commence today in Swakopmund, Namibia.  Day One kicks off with the Ninth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)) under the Convenorship of Mark Favero (Argentina), Patricia Pereira Serafini (Brazil) and Richard Phillips (UK).  The list of the current 33 PaCSWG members and their affiliations can be viewed [here](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/1070-pcswg-membership-list/file). The one-day meeting will consider eight [Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9/pacswg9-meeting-documents) and 19 [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9/pacswg9-information-papers).  Note some of these documents are only publicly available as summaries.  According to the meeting’s [Draft Agenda](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9/pacswg9-meeting-documents/5076-pacswg9-doc-01-draft-agenda), subjects to be discussed include Updates on Species Assessments, Population Status and Trends, and Threats (including management of land-based threats, pollution, climate change and High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza).  The meeting will conclude with a review of the working group’s work programme for the period 2026-2028. The PaCSWG will produce a written report of its deliberations which will tabled for discussion and adoption by the Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) during Week Two of the Swakopmund events, to be held from Monday 1 to Friday 5 June in the [Swakopmund Plaza Hotel](https://www.swakopmund-plaza-hotel.com/). The meeting of PaCSWG9 will be followed by a [joint SBWG13/PaCSWG9 meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-pacswg9-sbwg13-meeting) held on Tuesday 26 May to discuss cross-cutting issues and a three-day meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG13](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13), 27-29 May). More information on the Namibian meetings is available in three [AC15 Meeting Circulars](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-circulars). Terms of Reference for the Population and Conservation Status Working Group can be read from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/2146-pcswg-terms-of-reference). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 25 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-2026-meetings-start-today-in-namibia.md) ## It’s International Day of Biodiversity today  ![IDB2026 Logo C](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IDB2026-Logo-C.jpg) Today is the International Day of Biodiversity ([IDB](https://www.un.org/en/observances/biological-diversity-day)).  Proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness of the value of life on Earth, the day serves as a global reminder of the need to safeguard biodiversity and protect the ecosystems that support human well-being.  The day is coordinated by the Convention on Biological Diversity ([CBD](https://www.cbd.int/)), the international legal instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. ![WAD2026 fr horizontal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026_fr_horizontal.png)  The 2026 edition of the IDB has the [theme](https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day/2026) “Acting locally for global impact, Des actions locales à l’impact mondial, Acción local para un impacto mundial”. This fits well with Albatross and Petrel Agreement’s theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2026 of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”, exemplified by civil society, non-profit organizations and national, regional and local government bodies combining their resources to eradicate alien predators on islands, such as the current projects directed at [New Zealand’s Auckland Island](https://nznaturefund.org/projects/auckland-island/) and [South Africa’s Marion Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/).  A second example related to the WAD2026 theme is of NGOs and non profits working with government authorities to create new breeding colonies of albatrosses and petrels, often protected by predator-proof fences, on [inhabited Hawaiian Islands](https://pacificrimconservation.org/conservation/bird-translocations/) and on Mexico’s [Guadalupe Island](https://www.islas.org.mx/). ![Black foot translocation 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-foot_translocation_6.jpg)*A translocated Black-footed Albatross chick close to fledging gets in some exercise next to a guano-splattered adult decoy on Mexico’s Guadalupe Island, photograph by J.A. Soriano,**Conservación de Islas* These, and other activities related to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels, will be featured at the [15th Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15) and meetings of its [Population & Conservation Status](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg9) and [Seabird Bycatch](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13) Working Groups in Swakopmund, Namibia over the next two weeks. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/its-international-day-of-biodiversity-today.md) ## The rate of climate change poses the greatest threat to procellariiform diversity *![Nature Climate Change](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Nature_Climate_Change.jpg) Global palaeomap showing reconstructed 2-m palaeotemperatures with the posterior distribution of the MRA [most recent common ancestor] geographic coordinates (white points) inferred with the Geo model (from the publication)* Jorge Avaria-Llautureo ([School of Biological Sciences](https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/), University of Reading, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Nature Climate Change*](https://www.nature.com/nclimate/) on more than 20 species of procellariiforms across millions of years of Earth’s climatic history.  Their research combined evolutionary family trees, ancient climate records and ocean temperature data to reveal how these seabirds responded to past periods of warming and cooling.  Rather than shrinking in size as some marine species do, seabirds responded to rapid warming by contracting their ranges and extending their journeys. The paper’s abstract follows: “Many marine ectotherms have responded to local warming through body-size reductions and dispersal to optimal environments. However, whether endothermic marine species, such as seabirds, exhibit similar responses remains unclear owing to gaps in literature that hinder comprehensive global assessments.  Here we show that globally distributed seabirds (albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and storm petrels) facing rapid historical climate change responded with changes in geographic range size rather than body mass.  In addition, under higher rates of climate change, species’ ranges contracted most, forcing these species to disperse longer distances.  These historical inferences align with expected responses to modern climate change, as over 70% of extant species contract their ranges and disperse farther under a climate scenario leading to severe warming by 2100.  These results underscore the urgent need to integrate range dynamics into conservation strategies and reveal that the rate of climate change poses the greatest threat to seabird diversity.” With thanks to the [World Seabird Union](https://www.facebook.com/World.Seabird.Union). **Reference:** Avaria-Llautureo, J., Rivadeneira, M.M., Venditti, C. & Luna-Jorquera, G.  2026.  Seabird range contraction and dispersal under climate change.  *[Nature Climate Change](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-026-02655-4)*[doi.org/10.1038/s41558-026-02655-4](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-026-02655-4). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-rate-of-climate-change-poses-the-greatest-threat-to-procellariiform-diversity.md) ## Identifying seabird bycatch recorded on onboard cameras on New Zealand fishing vessels *![White capped Albatross Laurie Johnson Shary Page Weckwerth](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/White-capped_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Shary_Page_Weckwerth.jpg)White-capped Albatross by Shary Page Weckwerth of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for [World Albatross Day 2020](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests), after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Elizabeth (‘Biz’) Bell ([Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/)) and Mike Bell ([Toroa Consulting](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mike-Bell-4)) have produced a final report for the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) that aimed to assess the extent to which seabirds can be identified from camera footage and to identify barriers to identification, such as in different fishing methods practiced in New Zealand waters. Of 688 birds photographed dead that were assigned to a taxon, 285 were of 11 species of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  Of this total, 126 (44.2%) were identified as [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-capped-albatross-thalassarche-steadi) White-capped Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi*. The report’s summary follows: “To understand the threat posed by incidental fisheries captures, accurate identification of seabirds captured in Aotearoa New Zealand fisheries is necessary.  Historically, at-sea identification has been undertaken by Fisheries Observers with expert verification taking place during review of observer photographs and/or necropsy of bycaught individuals, however with the rollout of cameras on inshore commercial vessels, experts are required to assess and verify records of seabird interactions captured via camera footage to identify species to the lowest possible taxonomic level.  This project aimed to assess the extent to which seabirds can be identified (i.e., taxonomic resolution) from camera footage, and to identify barriers to identification, such as in different fishing methods.  The first set of images and videos were reviewed over three days in February 2025 by two seabird experts. A total of 492 clips were provided for review.  The first 42 events were reviewed independently by both experts to determine accuracy of the video footage and system, as well as consistency with seabird identification, and following this, the remaining footage was split by date, and each timeframe (each alternative day) was reviewed by one expert (with consultation where required). Within these 492 clips, a total of 777 seabirds were recorded.  An additional 15 clips were missing the interaction detail.  Positive identification was confirmed in 97.0% (477) of all clips.  Most birds were identified as being adults (97.8%; 760).  A total of 26 species of seabird were recorded in these interactions.  The larger number of interactions relative to the necropsy programme over the same timeframe reflects the broader coverage of the on board cameras programme. Sometimes fishers presented seabirds to the cameras, which aided in identification.  In addition, location (Fisheries Management Area) and date of capture information were used to assist with the identification of species, especially where visually similar species are expected in different locations.  It is possible that further improvements in species identification may be possible if latitude and longitude of the captures are provided (as well as FMA), as well as if fishers were encouraged to present seabirds to the cameras. Of the 777 seabirds reviewed, 42.2% had been identified to species level by the MPI camera review team, and of these 94.8% were identified correctly.  The MPI camera review team also sorted 54.2% of the seabirds to the correct groups, but many could only be sorted into high level groups which limited the usefulness of the data for detailed analysis. Expert review of the camera imagery confirmed that 41.4% (322 seabirds) aligned to the species or species group that had been assigned by the MPI camera review team. Of the 777 seabirds identified as part of this project, DOC had also provided identifications through the expedited expert identification process for 227 (29.2%) birds.  There was a 76.7% (174/227) agreement to species level between the identification provided by the expert review and those provided by the DOC experts.  For the events where there was disagreement between identification, 10.6% (24/227) was due to differing levels of taxonomic resolution. The project demonstrated that the use of experts with experience in seabird identification can ensure rapid and accurate identification of seabirds from camera footage.” **Reference:** Bell, E. & Bell, M. 2026.  *[Identification of seabirds following review of footage from cameras on Aotearoa New Zealand commercial fishing vessels](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202526-csp-reports/identification-of-seabirds-following--review-of-footage-from-cameras-on--aotearoa-new-zealand--commercial-fishing-vessels/)*.  Wellington: New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report.  No. 373.  17 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/identifying-seabird-bycatch-recorded-on-onboard-cameras-on-new-zealand-fishing-vessels.md) ## A blood biomarker for detecting plastic ingestion in live petrels and shearwaters *![De Jersey ms](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/De_Jersey_ms.jpg) Graphical abstract* Alix de Jersey ([Tasmanian School of Medicine](https://www.utas.edu.au/about/academic-structure/medicine), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Environmental Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/environmental-research)* on using blood to assess plastic load in four species of fledgling shearwaters and petrels. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic ingestion is a well-established threat to wildlife, inducing a series of lethal and sublethal physiological consequences.  Yet, in free-living populations, many of these health consequences remain effectively ‘invisible’ to conventional monitoring, making the development of a minimally invasive biomarker for plastic exposure a longstanding priority. To date, biomarker approaches have focused on detecting exposure (e.g., presence/absence of plastic additives/plasticisers) rather than identifying or classifying biological injury associated with plastic ingestion.  Here, we evaluate whether the proteomic signatures previously identified in de Jersey et al. (2025) can be validated and extended across Procellariiform seabirds as a potential biomarker of plastic ingestion. We analysed blood plasma using data-independent mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) from four species during developmental stages including Sable Shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) fledglings, Wedge-tailed Shearwater (*Ardenna pacifica*) fledglings, Black-winged Petrel (*Pterodroma nigripennis*) fledglings and Providence Petrel (*Pterodroma solandri*) chicks with varying levels of plastic ingestion. Using a pathway-level approach that integrates functionally related proteins rather than relying on single-protein markers, we identified a consistent and conserved proteomic signature associated with plastic ingestion across species, achieving 96% classification accuracy. The proposed biomarker includes elevated evidence of cell lysis, compromised stomach permeability and fibrosis, and a decrease in secreted proteins. The detected physiological patterns are aligned with emerging models of plastic-induced pathology and diseases, such as plasticosis. However, as plasma proteomes shift substantially across life stages and retention time of plastic ingestion in adults is unknown, application of the biomarker to adults will require additional targeted validation to associate plastic ingestion to proteomic response. Our findings establish a foundation for a non-lethal, tool capable of diagnosing plastic exposure across seabird taxa, with potential applications in broader ecological monitoring and conservation programs.” **Reference:** de Jersey, A.M., Lavers, J.L., Bond, A.L., Wilson, R., Shick, J.C., Charlton Shick, C.M., Connelly, W.M., Zosky, G.R., & Rivers-Auty, J. 2026.  A novel blood biomarker for plastic ingestion in fledgling procellariiform seabirds.  [*Environmental Research*303. 124703](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935126010340). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-blood-biomarker-for-plastic-ingestion-in-fledgling-petrels-and-shearwaters.md) ## Identifying bycaught New Zealand seabirds with Cytochrome Oxidase I analysis *![Bullers Albatross. oil on canvas 29 x 34 cm Off Port Fairy Victoria Brett Jarrett](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross._oil_on_canvas_29_x_34_cm_Off_Port_Fairy_Victoria_Brett_Jarrett.jpg) Buller's Albatross, oil on canvas, by Brett Jarrett* Imogen Foote ([School of Biological Sciences](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sbs), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the *[New Zealand Journal of Zoology](https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/11758821)*on identifying seabird bycatch with genetic markers. The paper’s abstract follows: “Fisheries bycatch mortality is a significant threat facing seabirds worldwide.  Yet, understanding which species are most impacted is hindered by uncertainties when identifying bycatch specimens.  Birds can be damaged by fishing gear and closely related seabird taxa can have overlapping traits, presenting challenges for identification based on morphology and plumage.  Here, we have developed a genetic method for identifying seabirds at risk from bycatch in Aotearoa New Zealand across 36 species including albatrosses, storm petrels, petrels, shags, and penguins.  Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) analysis enabled identification of all taxa to the genus level, and 75% to the species level.  All but one species (Salvin's albatross, *Thalassarche salvini*) that could not be successfully identified using COI could be distinguished from their more highly variable mitochondrial control region sequences.  Subspecies of Cape petrel (*Daption capense capense*/*D. c. australe*), Antipodean albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*/*D. a. gibsoni*), and Buller's albatross (*T. bulleri bulleri*/*T. b. platei*) could not be distinguished using either of these loci so will require development of more highly discriminating markers.  Our methodology will be a valuable complement to the current formal identification process of seabird bycatch in South Pacific fisheries, helping to inform future fisheries management and seabird conservation.” **Reference:** Foote, I., Chambers, G.K., Rawlence, N.J. & Ritchie, P.A. 2026.  Using genetic markers to identify seabirds caught in Aotearoa New Zealand fisheries.  *[New Zealand Journal of Zoology](https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/njz2.70020)*[53 e70020. doi.org/10.1002/njz2.70020](https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/njz2.70020). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/identifying-bycaught-new-zealand-seabirds-with-cytochrome-oxidase-i-analysis.md) ## The seventh art collaboration with ABUN in support of World Albatross Day ends with a collage poster *![ABUN 52 POSTER WAD2026](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/ABUN_52_-_POSTER_-_WAD2026.jpg)Collage poster design for ABUN Project #52 “Habitat Restoration” by ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill* The international collective Artists and Biologists for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) has contributed to the conservation of ACAP-listed species every year since 2020 by running an annual project for which contributing artists produce artworks to mark [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June.  Over the seven years no less than 760 artworks illustrating all 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels have been created, using photographs made available by ACAP supporters to act as inspiration. For this year’s project, ABUN’s 52nd, artists were requested to produce works featuring the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, endemic to The Pyramid, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. ABUN's Project #52, which commenced on 16 February and ran to 03 May, has been in support of the World Albatross Day theme for 2026 of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  It has resulted in 64 artworks by 37 artists, including several who produced more than one work.  They will be used by ACAP to support “WAD2026” until the actual day on 19 June – and thereafter. *![Kitty Harvill](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Kitty_Harvill.jpg)Kitty Harvill with “Dreaming of Gough”, her painting in acrylics on canvas of a close-up of the head of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross for ABUN Project #52.  Gough Island where the species breeds, is reflected in the bird’s eye, after a photograph by Chris Jones* To round off the project, [ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-an-appreciation-kitty-harvill-and-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature?highlight=WyJraXR0eSIsMjJd) has produced a collage poster depicting all the artworks created to support WAD2026.  The poster and the artworks themselves may be viewed and downloaded from a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3) on ACAP’s Facebook page.  Five of them have been chosen to be made into posters that will become available for downloading from this website between now and World Albatross Day. *![Laysan Albatross decoy and sound Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_decoy_and_sound_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg)Habitat Restoration in action.  An adult Laysan Albatross (at the rear) has been attracted to visit the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu by the presence of two decoys and a speaker broadcasting calls within a predator-proof fence.  Photograph by Lindsay Young, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)* The WAD2026 theme of Habitat Restoration includes such management activities as eradication or control of introduced plants and animals at breeding sites, provision and maintenance of predator-proof fences, establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques such as use of decoys and sound systems and translocations of eggs and chicks, candling and substituting infertile with fertile eggs, placement of artificial nests, supplementary feeding and hydration of chicks and adults, artificial incubation during hatching, and the use of artificial nests, wind breaks, fly repellents and sprinkler systems to improve breeding success.  You can search for projects among over 850 that utilize such management activities on the [Seabird Restoration Data Base](https://www.seabirddatabase.org/). *![WAD2026 horizontal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/WAD2026_horizontal.png) ACAP’s [logo](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2026-in-three-more-languages?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDI2IiwibG9nbyIsImxvZ29zIiwibG9nbyciXQ==) for World Albatross Day 2026 is available in landscape and portrait versions in the ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese.  Designed by Namo Niumim, they are available for downloading[here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration/wad2026logos)* The WAD2026 theme follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, [Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025, all of which have been supported by ABUN Projects. With grateful thanks to ABUN Co-founder, Kitty Harvill and to all the artists and photographers who have contributed to Project #52. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-seventh-art-collaboration-with-abun-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-ends-with-a-collage-poster.md) ## A public database to monitor high pathogenicity avian influenza in albatrosses and petrels ![HPAI Wanderer chick Rhiannon Gill 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/HPAI_Wanderer_chick_Rhiannon_Gill_6.jpg) *A Wandering Albatross chick that succumbed to**High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza on Marion Island in November 2024, photograph by* *Rhiannon Gill* Ralph Vanstreels ([Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center](https://ohi.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/centers/whc), University of California - Davis, USA) and colleagues have published in the *[Biodiversity Data Journal](https://bdj.pensoft.net/)* on the work of the [ACAP Intersessional Correspondence Group of Experts on Epidemiology, Disease Risk Assessment and Management](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu).  The Group advises the Albatrosses and Petrel Agreement on issues related to the ongoing high pathogenicity H5Nx avian influenza panzootic. ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Picture1.jpg)*Geographic distribution of confirmed HPAI events in procellariiform birds. HPAI events are with coloured symbols by species (shape and colour) and number of individuals affected (size). The total number of confirmed HPAI events recorded for each species is indicated in the legend (n). Dagger symbols (†) indicate species listed in Annex 1 of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). Data updated as of 31 December 2025 (from the publication)* The paper's abstract follows: “High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have rapidly emerged as a major global threat to wildlife, with severe consequences for seabird populations. Albatrosses and petrels (order Procellariiformes) are particularly vulnerable due to their long lifespan, low reproductive rates and strong site fidelity. Since 2021, HPAI viruses have caused unprecedented mortality in seabird communities worldwide and have expanded into the core range of procellariiform species, including sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. In response to the urgent need for timely, species-relevant information, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) established the High Pathogenicity H5Nx Avian Influenza Intersessional Correspondence Group (HPAI-ICG), which developed the ACAP HPAI database — an openly accessible, regularly updated resource that consolidates all known suspected and confirmed HPAI events involving procellariiform birds. The database compiles information from global and national reporting systems, scientific literature, genetic repositories, government communications and direct expert notifications. Events are standardised using transparent case definitions, cross-referenced and validated by subject-matter experts and complemented by additional data on case impacts and viral characteristics. The database provides a critical decision-support tool for governments, researchers, conservation practitioners and tourism operators, contributing to the planning and implementation of HPAI biosafety, surveillance, monitoring and outbreak response activities.” With thanks to Patricia Serafini. **Reference:** Vanstreels, R.E.T., Serafini, P.P., Giacinti J., Younger, J., Huyvaert, K.P., Wille, M., Roberts, L., Gamble, A. & Uhart, M.M. 2026.  A public database to monitor the spread and impacts of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses on albatrosses and petrels**. ***[Biodiversity Data Journal](https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/186836/list/9/)*[14. e186836](https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/186836/list/9/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-public-database-to-monitor-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Recent seabird surveys in the Chatham Islands *![Bullers Albatrosses Ellyn Bousman Lentz Will you be Mine](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatrosses_Ellyn_Bousman_Lentz_Will_you_be_Mine.jpg) “Will you be Mine?”.  Buller's Albatrosses by Ellyn Bousman Lentz, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day 2024* [Mike Bell of Toroa Consulting](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mike-Bell-4) has produced a final report for the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) that gives information on recent population surveys and at-sea tracking of four ACAP-listed species on the offshore “albatross islands” of the Chatham Islands.  The species studied were the Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, Northern Buller’s Albatross *T. bulleri platei*, Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* and the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli.* The three islands surveyed were Rangitutahi (The Sisters), Motuhara (The Forty Fours) and Te Tara Koi Koia (The Pyramid). **Reference:** Bell, M. 2026.  *[Seabird research on the “Albatross Islands” of the Chatham Islands, Aug-Dec 2025](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202526-annual-plan/chatham-islands-seabird-research-2025-final-report.pdf)*.  Chatham Island, New Zealand.  Toroa Consulting.  20 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/recent-seabird-surveys-in-the-chatham-islands.md) ## Age of first breeding has decreased in French Wandering Albatrosses since the 1970s *![Danelle Keys incoming](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Danelle_Keys_incoming.JPG)“Incoming”.  Young Wandering Albatrosses gather in “[gams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gam_(nautical_term))” to display and prospect for partners, photograph on Marion Island by Danielle Keys* Etienne Rouby ([Biology Department](https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/understand/departments-centers-labs/bio/), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts, USA and colleagues have published in the *[Journal of Animal Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652656)*on changes in age of first breeding in [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*on France’s Possession Island. The paper’s abstract follows: 1.  Age at first reproduction is an important life-history trait that marks the beginning of reproductive allocation in long-lived organisms and drives patterns of life-history strategies. Demographic factors and environmental conditions likely affect age at first reproduction through multiple pathways: food resources availability and energy storage from birth to recruitment, competition for breeding sites and mate availability. 2,  Using a unique 35-year dataset of individual-based mark–recapture data from a wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*) population at Crozet (southern Indian Ocean), we investigated how demographic factors and environment influence age at first reproduction. The population experienced major fluctuations, declining by 50% in the 1970s before partially recovering in the 1980s. It was also exposed to important environmental changes, including variations in large-scale climate phenomena and changes in subtropical anticyclone systems like the Mascarene high pressure system. 3.  We used multi-event hidden Markov models to estimate age-specific survival and breeding probabilities for each sex separately. From these models, we estimated the age at first reproduction through absorbing Markov chains while accounting for imperfect detection. We investigated how demographic factors (population density at birth and mate availability at recruitment) and environmental conditions (at birth and recruitment) influenced age at first reproduction through their effects on survival and breeding probabilities. 4.  Age at first reproduction declined across cohorts for both sexes from 1970 to the mid-1980s, then stabilized. Females recruited at 9.0 years in early cohorts versus 7.5 years in later ones; males declined from 10.2 to 9.2 years. Environmental conditions at birth, particularly the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Mascarene high, influenced recruitment timing through delayed effects of natal condition on breeding probability rather than survival. Mate availability strongly facilitated earlier recruitment in both sexes, while natal population density delayed male recruitment specifically. 5.  Recruitment timing in wandering albatrosses is shaped primarily by developmental programming during the natal period rather than by immediate environmental triggers at sexual maturity, with mate availability and population density modulating these early-life effects in sex-specific ways. Given that recruitment is an important life-history event linked to population-level reproductive rates, accurate demographic projections require models accounting for cohort-specific effects under changing environments.” **Reference:** Rouby, E., Van de Walle, J., Plard, F., Delord, K., Aubry, L. M., Barbraud, C., Bonnet, T., Weimerskirch, H. & Jenouvrier, S. 2026.  Drivers of age at first reproduction in the wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*): Demographic factors, environmental conditions and sex-specific responses.  *[Journal of Animal Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1365-2656.70249)*[doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70249](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1365-2656.70249). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/age-of-first-breeding-has-decreased-in-french-wandering-albatrosses-since-the-1970s.md) ## Females have it easier? Wind and waves affect both flapping and speed in giant petrels   *![Mark Price Southrern Gisant Petrel oil Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Mark_Price_Southrern_Gisant_Petrel_oil_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg)Southern Giant Petrel at sea in rough weather, oil painting by Mark Price, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for ACAP’s “[Petrels in Peril](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-s-painting-petrels-in-peril-collaboration-with-abun-ends-with-a-collage-poster-and-a-music-video?highlight=WyJwZXRyZWxzIiwicGV0cmVsIiwicGV0cmVsZXMiLCJwZXRyZWwncyIsInBldHJlbCciLCJwZXRyZWxzJyIsImluIiwiaW5zIiwicGVyaWwiLCJwZXJpbCciLCJwZXJpbHMiXQ==)” project in 2021, after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Madeline Hallet ([School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences](https://www.stonybrook.edu/somas/), Stony Brook University, New York, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Functional Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652435)* on aspects of flight in giant petrels *Macroncetes* spp The paper’s abstract follows: 1. “Wind is a major factor driving seabird movement and energetics, the effects of which are modulated by morphology. Developments in tagging technology now make it possible to test predictions from aerodynamic theory about the effects of wind on flight performance in free-ranging birds. Waves are also thought to have a strong influence on seabird movement but have received less attention. 2. We investigated the interplay between wind, waves, and morphology and tested predictions of flight theory in giant petrels (*Macronectes* spp.), which show greater sexual size dimorphism than any other seabird. We quantified flapping rates as a proxy of energy expenditure using accelerometers deployed on northern giant petrels (*M. halli*; *n* = 45) and southern giant petrels (*M. giganteus*; *n* = 48) breeding at Bird Island, South Georgia in 2022 and 2023. Wind and waves experienced by birds tracked with Global Positioning System (GPS) loggers were integrated with ERA5 reanalysis data to assess how flapping rates and ground speeds, respectively, were influenced by wind and waves. Using generalized additive mixed models, we predicted the spatial distribution of suitable habitat for soaring based on wind and wave conditions. 3. Both wind and waves strongly influenced flight energetics; flapping rates decreased with increasing wind speed and swell height in all species and sexes. Together, wind and waves allowed giant petrels to reduce flapping rates by 76% to 91%. Wind also influenced the speed of travel; ground speed increased with wind speed in tail- and crosswinds, but generally decreased with wind speed in headwinds. 4. Male giant petrels had higher wing loadings, and as predicted by flight theory, required higher air speeds for soaring flight and had higher flapping rates than females. Potential soaring habitat was much more limited for male than for female giant petrels, suggesting that differences in flight energetics between sexes may contribute to sexual segregation in foraging areas. 5. Our results demonstrate how morphology, wind and waves combine to influence the flight energetics of giant petrels. Understanding the interactions among these factors is central to understanding environmental drivers of seabird distribution and to predicting responses to continued climate change.” With thanks to Richard Phillis, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Hallet, M.E., Phillips, R.A., Maywar, I.J. & Thorne, L.H. 2026.  Wind, waves, wing loading and the flight energetics of giant petrels.  *[Functional Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.70352)*[doi/10.1111/1365-2435.70352](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.70352). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/females-have-it-easier-wind-and-waves-affect-both-flapping-and-speed-in-giant-petrels.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Chatham Albatross is now available in French and Spanish ![preview chatham es updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/preview_chatham_es_updated.jpg)  The latest ACAP Infographic, for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, the 22nd to be produced in the series, is now available in the ACAP official languages of French and Spanish, as well as in [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-chatham-albatross-the-22nd-in-the-series).  They have been sponsored by the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) with support from the [Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust](https://www.chathamrestorationtrust.org.nz/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRG29NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOQUxXUXJCcGFwR1ltNkdTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr4hqVpMGseH3OpYcbMGqKobBhPL66s9p6N8JHe-9joZUUhJODAwwvDzJXqW_aem_qKp38nvgezvjl-72Ml7OQw). It is the 18th albatross infographic to be produced, leaving just four albatrosses to go.  The next infographic, now in production, will be for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic.  It is being sponsored by the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  The three remaining albatross species are all endemic to New Zealand. ![preview chatham fr updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/preview_chatham_fr_updated.jpg) The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. *![Flávia F. Barreto Chatham Albatross goauche Hadoram Shirihai Davd Boyle](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Flávia_F._Barreto_Chatham_Albatross_goauche_Hadoram_Shirihai_Davd_Boyle.jpg)A Chatham Albatross flies past The Pyramid, the bird’s sole breeding locality, by Flávia F. Barreto of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2026 and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”, after photographs by Davd Boyle and Hadoram Shirihai* The infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  English and Portuguese language (for a few species only) versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. With grateful thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos and Maëlle Connan for the careful checking of texts in their home languages. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 12 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-chatham-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## Sir David Attenborough turns 100 today! *![DAVID ATTENBOROUGH](https://acap.aq/images/People/DAVID_ATTENBOROUGH.png)Sir David Attenborough* [Sir David Attenborough](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Attenborough) turns 100 today.  [Celebrations](https://www.euronews.com/culture/2026/04/29/who-will-be-playing-at-sir-david-attenboroughs-100th-birthday-party) , including a live special TV show “*[David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002w132)*”, are marking his contributions to natural history, broadcasting and conservation, including in the realm of the Southern Ocean.  His documentaries on sub-Antarctic islands and their albatrosses have surely done more in the cause of their conservation than any other person has ever managed to achieve. To mark his birthday, ACAP has found four short video clips of Sir David with three albatross species, Antipodean, Black-browed and Wandering, for followers of *ACAP Latest News* to enjoy. *“Male albatrosses pair for life”, from Frozen Planet II* *“Nature of Wandering Albatross”, from Saving Planet Earth* *“World's Largest Albatross Colony”, from Blue Planet* *“Endangered Wandering Albatross”, from Saving Planet Earth* ![David Attenborough Albatross Laysan](https://acap.aq/images/People/David-Attenborough-Albatross_Laysan.jpg)*Sir David Attenborough and a Laysan Albatross* *“*On the day of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, this unmissable event honours one of the most influential figures in broadcasting and natural history storytelling.  Broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall in London, this 90-minute special celebrates Sir David’s groundbreaking career, taking audiences on an extraordinary journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of Sir David’s remarkable life and work.  The programme combines some of the most memorable wildlife moments from the BBC’s natural history archive with live music drawn from Sir David’s most iconic television series, alongside reflections from public figures and leading voices in conservation and wildlife film-making. Accompanied throughout by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the programme features iconic music associated with some of television’s most unforgettable sequences from landmark series including Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Frozen Planet. And we hear from those who have worked with and been inspired by Sir David over the years.” *![David Attenborough Albatross Grey headed](https://acap.aq/images/People/David-Attenborough-Albatross_Grey-headed.jpg)Sir David Attenborough with a Grey-headed Albatross, while filming in 1992 for Life in the Freezer, photograph by Ben Osborne* You can sign his online birthcard [here](https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/sign-sir-david-attenboroughs-birthday-card-eoi).  The day before his birthday 139 170 had already done so. Hint: use a UK postcode. The Albatross and Petrel Agreement extends its very best wishes to Sir David on attaining his century. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sir-david-attenborough-turns-100-today.md) ## ACAP will consider listing the Flesh-Shearwater at the 2026 Meeting of its Advisory Committee in Namibia next month *![Flesh footed Shearwater 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Flesh-footed Shearwater at sea, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* On the [agenda](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5248-ac15-doc-02/file) for the Fifteenth Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)), to be held in Swakopmund, Namibia over 1-5 June 2026, will be a consideration of the listing of new species on ACAP’s Annex 1.  Two Meeting Documents have been tabled under Agenda Item 16 for discussion.  The first (Potential listing of Flesh-footed Shearwater on Annex 1**; **[AC15 Doc 18](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5227-ac15-doc-18/file)) will be presented by New Zealand, Australia and France. Its Summary follows: “The Flesh-footed Shearwater has been recognised as a strong candidate for listing on Annex 1 based on criteria used by ACAP.  The Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) adopted a proposal to list Flesh-footed Shearwater on Appendix II of CMS.  A Concerted Action was also adopted.  Listing on Annex 1 of ACAP would further facilitate the anticipated benefits identified in the CMS listing proposal, as ACAP is very active in the development and promotion of best-practice seabird bycatch mitigation advice for relevant fisheries.” Doc. 18 recommends that AC15: 1. Note the listing of Flesh-footed Shearwater on Appendix II of CMS and associated Concerted Action. 2. Consider the CMS listing proposal document and identify any additional information that should be included in a potential proposal for listing Flesh-footed Shearwater on Annex 1 that could be brought to SBWG14/PaCSWG10/AC16 for review. *![COP15](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/COP15.jpg)The CMS [adopted](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-convention-on-migratory-species-to-add-26-gadfly-petrel-taxa-to-its-appendices) the proposed Gadfly Petrel listings* The second document under Agenda Item 16 (Listing of gadfly petrels on CMS Appendices I and II; [AC15 Doc 19](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-meeting-documents/5225-ac15-doc-19/file)), to be presented by New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and Chile, takes note of the recent CMS listing of 26 gadfly petrels in the genera *Pterodrom*a and *Pseudobulweria* on its Appendices.  It recommends that ACAP considers the CMS listing and identifies any further actions that ACAP could take to improve the conservation status of these species. *ACAP Latest News* will report on the outcome of the Agenda 16 discussions after ACAP releases its Report on the 15th Meeting of the Advisory Committee. Read earlier *ACAP Monthly Missives* on ACAP listing of the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-is-a-highly-suitable-candidate-for-acap-listing-according-to-a-proposal-to-be-considered-by-the-convention-on-migratory-species) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-convention-on-migratory-species-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-inclusion-on-its-appendix-ii-acap-listing-to-follow)*.* Read more on its CMS listing [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-convention-on-migratory-species-adds-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-to-its-appendix-ii-and-approves-concerted-action-for-the-species). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-will-consider-listing-the-flesh-shearwater-at-the-2026-meeting-of-its-advisory-committee-in-namibia-next-month.md) ## 64 artworks! ACAP and ABUN complete their seventh collaboration in support of World Albatross Day *![Collage done for ABUN - Chatham Island and Yellow-nosed aalbatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Peter_Shearer_Born_to_Soar_Procreate.jpg)“Borne to Soar” by ABUN artist*[*Peter Shearer*](https://mousefreemarion.org/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words-the-mouse-free-marion-project-is-delighted-to-announce-its-collaboration-with-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature/)*,**a wildlife artist and photographer who resides in Wellington, New Zealand.** Using*[*Procreate*](https://procreate.com/)*, it depicts Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Chatham Albatrosses breeding and flying against a backdrop of two breeding localities, Gough Island in the South Atlantic and The Pyramid in New Zealand* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels is pleased to announce that its collaboration with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for the seventh consecutive year has resulted in 64 artworks by 37 artists in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June, with its 2026 theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  This brings the total number of ABUN artworks in support of albatross conservation since 2020 to 760! This year’s ABUN Project #52 initially ran from 16 February to 19 April, with an extension to accommodate late submissions until 03 May.  All these artworks can be viewed in a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3) on ACAP’s Facebook page. *![ABUN 52 WAD2026 Habitat Restoration Banner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/ABUN_52_-_WAD2026_-_Habitat_Restoration_Banner.jpg)Banner design for Project #52 by Kitty Harvill, with photographs by David Boyle, Chris Jones and Michelle Risi* ABUN artists were requested to produce works featuring two albatross species.  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, endemic to The Pyramid, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. *![Childrens art Alankrita Dhawan 10 AYNA watercolour Alexis Osborne](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Childrens_art_Alankrita_Dhawan_10_AYNA_watercolour_Alexis_Osborne.jpg)Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, watercolour by 10-year-old Alankrita Dhawan, after a photograph by Alexis Osborne* By happy happenstance the overall 700th artwork by ABUN artists since 2020 is of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross entitled “Dreaming of Gough”,painted for Project #52 by ABUN’s Co-founder and long-time supporter of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, Kitty Harvill ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/abun-co-founder-kitty-harvill-creates-the-700th-artwork-in-seven-years-of-collaboration-in-support-of-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJwcm9qZWN0IiwicHJvamVjdHMiLCJwcm9qZWN0J3MiLCJwcm9qZWN0ZWQiLCJwcm9qZWN0aW5nIiwiJ3Byb2plY3QiLCJwcm9qZWN0aW9ucyIsNTIsImFidW4iLCJhYnVuJ3MiXQ==)). Thirty-six artworks feature the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, and 28 the Chatham Albatross. Ten have come from children ranging in age from six to thirteen. *![Kitty Harvill Dreaming of Gough Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross acrylic on canvas photogtaph Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Kitty_Harvill_Dreaming_of_Gough_Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_acrylic_on_canvas_photogtaph_Chris_Jones.jpg)No. 700!  Kitty Harvill’s “Dreaming of Gough” depicts a close-up of the head of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, painted in acrylics on canvas. Gough Island where the species breeds, is reflected in the bird’s eye, after a photograph by Chris Jones*  Between now and World Albatross Day on 19 June, *ACAP Latest News* will feature articles on some of the artists and their works. In addition, four artworks, two for each species, will be chosen to be made into posters that can be freely downloaded from this website.  A poster depicting all 64 artworks and a music video are also planned to wrap up yet another highly successful collaboration. *![Maureen Bennetts Chatham Albatrosses Home Sweet Home Lorna Deppe](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Maureen_Bennetts_Chatham_Albatrosses_Home_Sweet_Home_Lorna_Deppe.jpg)“Home, Sweet Home”.  Chatham Albatrosses on The Pyramid, by Maureen Bennetts, after a photograph by Lorna Deppe* The WAD2026 theme of Habitat Restoration includes such management activities as eradication or control of introduced plants and animals at breeding sites, provision and maintenance of predator-proof fences, establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques and translocations of eggs and chicks, candling and substituting infertile with fertile eggs, placement of artificial nests, supplementary feeding and hydration of chicks and adults, artificial incubation during hatching, and the use of fly repellents and sprinkler systems to improve breeding success. The WAD2026 theme follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, [Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025, all of which have been supported by ABUN Projects. With grateful thanks to ABUN Co-founder, Kitty Harvill and to all the artists who have contributed to Project #52. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 07 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/64-artworks-acap-and-abun-complete-their-seventh-collaboration-in-support-of-world-albatross-day.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. A review of land-based threats to pelagic seabirds in the Atlantic Ocean identifies Gough Island as a high priority for action *![Deepti Jain Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross and Gough after Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Deepti_Jain_Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_and_Gough_after_Chris_Jones_and_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg)An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross flies past Gough Island. **Soft pastels on Pastelmat**by Deepti Jain of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 19 June 2026 and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”, after photographs by Chris Jones and Laurie Smaglick Johnson* In an important review, Ioannis Kalaitzakis ([Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali](https://esp.unimi.it/it), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy) and many colleagues have published in the open access journal *[Conservation Science and Practice](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/25784854)*identifying invasive predators (cats and rodents) as the largest threats faced on land by Atlantic pelagic seabirds.  Gough Island in the South Atlantic, which supports five ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, is given a high priority for action due to its seabird-killing House Mice *Mus musculus*.  The mice are still present after an [unsuccessful eradication effort](https://www.goughisland.com/) in 2021. However, the paper contains some misleading and incorrect errors in relation to the Tristan-Gough group of islands (that it refers to as “Tristan & Gough”).  Most significantly, the publication lists feral cats as a threat requiring removal from the main island of Tristan da Cunha, yet in fact they have not occurred there for half a century  The feral population is believed to have died out around the time the whole domestic cat population of 54 animals was shot by the island’s medical doctor, who reported them as a human health risk from toxoplasmosis in February 1974 (Richardson 1984). I also take issue with the statement “Furthermore, although mice are currently the most impactful alien predator **across** [my emphasis] this archipelago …”.  Mice do not occur on Nightingale or Inaccessible Islands (and never have), there is no evidence they are a problem for birds on Tristan (likely suppressed by the island’s introduced Black Rats *Rattus rattus*) so it is only on Gough that they are an “impactful predator”. The publication is correct in stating that the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata) Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata* is endemic to the island group, but including it in the same sentence with the equally endemic [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* , [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-petrel-pterodroma-incerta) Atlantic Petrel *Pterodroma incerta* of Gough Island, where they are all at risk to mice (as are the other seabird species on the island), is a little misleading.  The Spectacled Petrel breeds only on Inaccessible Island, which has never supported introduced populations of cats or rodents. The Tristan-Gough group is made up of four islands and several islets on which seabirds breed.  These islands fall under differing conservation management regimes, and their seabird (and landbird) species compilations vary.  For example, the main island is the only one with a permanent human population, Inaccessible and Gough are nature reserves with a [combined management plan](https://www.tristandc.com/wildlife/2015-2010Gough%20%26%20Inaccessible%20WHS%20Management%20Plan.pdf), they together form a [World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740), whereas Nightingale, and its two islets on which seabirds breed, has no formal conservation status.  As I have shown, the alien mammal populations vary, with two islands being free of them.  However, the group’s islands and islets do fall under a single management authority, the Tristan da Cunha Conservation Department in terms of the [2006 Tristan da Cunha Conservation Ordinance](https://www.tristandc.com/wildlife/2006%20Tristan%20da%20Cunha%20Conservation%20Ordinance_1.pdf). The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds are exposed to numerous threats throughout their life-cycles, including land-based threats during their breeding season such as invasive species, diseases, or light pollution.  Here we assess the timing, scope, and severity of land-based threats to populations of highly mobile petrels, albatrosses, storm-petrels, and alcids in the Atlantic Ocean, to guide priorities for their conservation across their mostly island-breeding areas.  By combining our own field expertise of these species with a literature review, we built a dataset characterizing 18 threats for 49 species across 38 Large Marine Ecosystems.  We analyze this dataset by highlighting the most impactful threats and the most impacted regions.  Addressing invasive alien species on Tristan da Cunha & Gough and on the islands of the Canary Current are the interventions with the greatest potential to stimulate seabird population recovery across the Atlantic Ocean.  Our results highlight priorities for targeted management actions that can support seabird conservation.” **References:** Kalaitzakis, I., Rodrigues, A.S.L., Dias, M.P., Davies, T.E., Baran, M.A., Bhola, N., Boulinier, T., Bried, J., Campioni, L., Ceia, F.R., De Pascalis, F., Dehnhard, N., Fagundes, A.I., Gilg, O., González-Solís, J., Grémillet, D., Hernández-Montero, M., Krüger, L., Kuepfer, A. … Rouyer, M.-M. 2026.  Assessment of land-based threats to Atlantic pelagic seabirds.  *[Conservation Science and Practice](https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70249)*[8(3). doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70249](https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70249). Richardson, M.E. 1984.  Aspects of the ornithology of the Tristan da Cunha Group and Gough Island.  *[*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=136) *[12: 123-201](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=136). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 04 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-a-review-of-land-based-threats-to-pelagic-seabirds-in-the-atlantic-ocean-identifies-gough-island-as-a-high-priority-for-action.md) ## “Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine”. Two Wedge-tailed Shearwater populations exhibit spatial segregation at sea *![Wedgie at sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_at_sea.jpg) Light-morph Wedge-tailed Shearwater at sea, photograph by**Brian Sullivan* Penny Beaver ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.utas.edu.au/imas), University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published in the open access journal *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758)* on the at-sea distribution of two populations of Australian Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Wedge-tailed shearwaters (*Ardenna pacifica*) are widely distributed across tropical and subtropical oceans, with their breeding range recently extending south.  For populations at their southernmost breeding range, habitat use, spatial segregation, and trophic niche dynamics remain poorly understood.  Here, we investigated the habitat use, spatial segregation, and trophic niche differentiation in two disjunct populations of wedge-tailed shearwaters in eastern Australia, between 2015 and 2019.  Both populations exhibited consistent spatial segregation across all years of the study.  Individuals from the temperate population consistently foraged in waters off southeastern Australia.  Prior to winter migration to the western Pacific Ocean (Philippine Sea), most individuals undertook a pre-staging detour towards the subtropical frontal zone.  In contrast, subtropical conspecifics exploited waters further east and north, with a small proportion undertaking a pre-staging detour only in the first year.  Stable isotope analysis of chick feathers (δ15N and δ13C) revealed trophic and habitat segregation between colonies.  With the subtropical population consistently occupying a smaller trophic niche area and exhibiting lower interannual variation across all years.  Both populations exhibited a high degree of interannual variability in foraging strategies and trophic niches, indicating a capacity for behavioural adaptivity in response to prey availability and oceanic conditions.  This behavoural [*sic*] flexibility may facilitate future range expansion into more southern temperate habitats, which is important given projected climate-driven changes to ocean dynamics in southeastern Australia.” **Reference:** Beaver, P.E., Carlile, N., Sumner, M.D. & Lea, M. 2026.  Spatial segregation and trophic niche divergence in two disjunct populations of Wedge‐tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica* in eastern Australia.  *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.73158)*[16(3) doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73158](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.73158). With apologies to [Bob Dylan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Most_Likely_You_Go_Your_Way_and_I%27ll_Go_Mine). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 06 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/most-likely-you-go-your-way-and-ill-go-mine-two-wedge-tailed-shearwater-populations-exhibit-spatial-segregation-at-sea.md) ## Conservation status of Mexico’s Critically Endangered Townsend’s Shearwater *![Townsends Shearwater Juan Martinez](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Townsends%20Shearwater%20Juan%20Martinez.jpg) A Townsend’s Shearwater fledgling in the hand, photograph by Juan Martinez* Fernando Solís-Carlos ([Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas](https://www.islas.org.mx/), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico) and many colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Oryx](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx)* on the conservation of the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/townsends-shearwater-puffinus-auricularis) Townsend’s Shearwater *Puffinus auricularis.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Mexico ranks third globally in seabird diversity and second in the number of endemic species that breed within its territory, yet 16% of seabird species in the country are categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List, including the Critically Endangered Townsend’s shearwater *Puffinus auricularis*.  Nearly 20 years ago, the breeding population of Townsend’s shearwater, which is endemic to the Revillagigedo Archipelago of Mexico, was inferred to comprise < 100 breeding pairs.  Since then, conservation initiatives have been implemented in the archipelago.  We assessed the current status of Townsend’s shearwater by mapping the distribution of breeding colonies, estimating breeding population size, evaluating reproductive success, describing ongoing threats and modelling population trends under three conservation scenarios.  During 2016–2024, we conducted field surveys on the islands of Socorro and Clarión using acoustic monitoring techniques in historical nesting areas.  We estimated that the breeding population on Socorro comprises < 200 pairs and documented the return of a small breeding population to Clarión after a 30-year absence.  However, reproductive failure persists because of the effects of native predators such as land crabs, snakes and ravens.  The population has exhibited a slow decline driven by interactions between native and invasive species.  Without ongoing restoration efforts and management actions, including the removal of feral cats, the population could face extinction.” **Reference:** Solís-Carlos, F., Ortiz-Alcaraz, A., Aguirre-Muñoz, A., Bedolla-Guzmán, Y., Fabila-Blanco, A., Aztorga-Ornelas, A., Félix-Lizárraga, M., Góngora-Salinas, J., Castillo-Huerta, N., Íñigo-Elías, E., Rojas-Mayoral, B., Macías-López, I., Piña-Vera, E. & Méndez-Sánchez, F.. 2026.  Update on the conservation status of Townsend’s shearwater *Puffinus auricularis*: breeding colonies, reproductive success and population trend.  [*Oryx*doi:10.1017/S0030605325102123](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/update-on-the-conservation-status-of-townsends-shearwater-puffinus-auricularis-breeding-colonies-reproductive-success-and-population-trend/56A2257D699AE8747B39A93E30BB65EB). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 05 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conservation-status-of-mexicos-critically-endangered-townsends-shearwater.md) ## Documents and Information Papers for ACAP’s meetings to be held in Namibia in May/June 2026 are now available online *![Swakopmund Plaza Hotel](https://acap.aq/images/fader/Swakopmund_Plaza_Hotel.png)Swakopmund Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre* The Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) will be held from Monday 1 to Friday 5 June 2026, in the [Swakopmund Plaza Hotel](https://www.swakopmund-plaza-hotel.com/), Swakopmund, Namibia.  It will be preceded in the week before by Meetings of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG9](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group), 25 May) and the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG13](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg13), 27-29 May).  A [joint SBWG13/PaCSWG9 meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-pacswg9-sbwg13-meeting) will be held on 26 May to discuss cross-cutting issues.  A Heads of Delegation meeting will be convened on Sunday 31 May in the evening. Agendas, Meeting Documents and Information Papers for all four meetings are now available online.  Some of these, deemed to be of a particular public interest, will be featured in *[ACAP Latest News](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news)* over the next two weeks.  Note that some documents and papers are only available as summaries. More information on the Namibian meetings is available in three [AC15 Meeting Circulars](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-circulars). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses, 11 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/documents-and-information-papers-for-acaps-meetings-to-be-held-in-namibia-in-may-june-2026-are-now-available-online.md) ## Another mass slaughter of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters by domestic cats on Kauai *![Wedge tailed mass cat kill April 2016 ARC 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_mass_cat_kill_April_2016_ARC_1.jpg)“**A staggering 168 dead birds”, collected together to count and photograph by Archipelago Research and Conservation* “The 'ua'u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica*) breeding season has barely started and already we have a mass slaughter event.  After receiving a report from a member of the public about dead shearwaters near Shipwreck Beach we visited the colony and found a staggering 168 dead birds.  These were all adult birds returning to their burrows to start breeding, and all were killed by cats (as clearly evidenced by the nature of their injuries and the disposition of the bodies).  This is a sadly all too familiar scene here on Kaua'i (and across the Hawaiian Islands).  Cats need to be indoors, where they are safe and not annihilating our native wildlife.  We have reported this massacre to the authorities.” News from the Facebook page of [Archipelago Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064243893672).  View a [2m 20s video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1320067410078813) of the episode that shows rhe characteristic signs of a cat kill. ![Cat with Wedgie Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Cat_with_Wedgie_Hob_Osterlund.jpg)*Trail camera photograph of a cat carrying a Wedge-tailed Shearwater on Kauai, from Hob Osterlund* As well as cats, feral pigs and free-roaming dogs have killed Wedge-tailed Shearwaters on Kauai.  Pigs have also been recorded attacking and eating Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebetria immutabilis* eggs on the island (read [previous reports](https://acap.aq/search?q=Kauai%20cats%20dogs%20pigs&d1=&d2=&w1=before&w2=before) in *ACAP Latest News*). Also [here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/curb-that-cur-yet-more-laysan-albatrosses-are-killed-by-dogs-running-wild-on-kaua-i) on multiple incidents of dogs attacking and killing Laysan Albatross chicks and adults on Kauai..  *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 May 2026, updated 02 May 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/another-mass-slaughter-of-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-by-domestic-cats-on-kauai.md) ## Wake Atoll is now rat free: good news for Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses *![Black footed Albatross pair Wake Atoll Matk Rauzon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-footed_Albatross_pair_Wake_Atoll_Matk_Rauzon.jpg)A Black-footed Albatross pair on Wake Atoll, photograph by Mark Rauzon* The USA’s Wake Atoll in the tropical Pacific has recently been proclaimed as free of introduced rodents, following a [successful eradication exercise](https://www.islandconservation.org/wake-atoll-success/) directed at the Pacific Rat *Rattus exulans. *There are already [signs of seabirds returning](https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/us-again-wins-battle-on-wake-atoll-against-invasive-rats-depleting-the-seabird-populations/), including the ACAP-listed Black-footed *Phoebastria* *nigripes*and Laysan P. *immutabilis* Albatrosses (both Near Threatened): “16 species of nesting native birds are reappearing and increasing in number without invasive rodents devouring their eggs and young. A newly discovered Bonin Petrel (or Nunulu in Hawaiian) colony marks the first documented nesting of this species on Wake Atoll, while the atoll’s globally significant population of Sooty Terns enjoyed a record-breaking breeding season.  Other native seabirds—including Laysan albatross, wedge-tailed and Christmas shearwater, black-footed albatross, red-footed booby, and red-tailed tropicbird—are also showing early signs of increased nesting activity and improved reproductive success”. *![Laysan Albatrosses Wake Atoll Matk Rauzon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatrosses_Wake_Atoll_Matk_Rauzon.jpg)Laysan Albatrosses on Wake Atoll, photograph by Mark Rauzon* Wake Atoll lies towards the edge of the current breeding range of the Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses.  The first definite breeding record for the Laysan was in 1996, following sightings in the 1980s.  A chick fledged in 2001 and there were three failed attempts in 2008.  Another chick, the last recorded, successfully fledged in 2009.  A Laysan Albatross laid an egg in November 2013 below an introduced Ironwood *Casuarina equifolia* tree that was incubated for two weeks before failing.  A second egg found in 2013 was also abandoned. Black-footed Albatrosses visit Wake in small numbers.  Successful breeding has not been reported although eggs have been recorded occasionally since 1996 and up to at least 2003, when three pairs attempted breeding ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-74-wake-atoll-at-the-edge-of-the-breeding-range-of-north-pacific-albatrosses?highlight=WyJ3YWtlIiwid2FraW5nIiwiYXRvbGwiLCJhdG9sbHMiLCJhdG9sbCdzIl0=)), [Wake Atoll](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Island) (739 ha) is made up of three low coral islands: Wake Wilkes and Peale, lying around a central lagoon.  Wake and Wilkes are connected by a causeway.  The atoll is situated within Micronesia in the Northern Pacific Ocean a little north of the Marshall Islands and is an unorganized, unincorporated territory of the USA.  It falls within the [Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Remote_Islands_Marine_National_Monument) declared in 2009. “Feral domestic cats *Felis catus* originally brought to the atoll as pets killed many birds (estimated as 30 000 a year) in the past on Wake but have now been successfully eradicated from all three islands.  A shooting and trapping campaign in the first decade of the century removed 170 animals.  An eradication attempt in 2012 was successful in removing the Asian House Rat *Rattus tanezumi* but not the Pacific Rat *R. exulans*” ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-74-wake-atoll-at-the-edge-of-the-breeding-range-of-north-pacific-albatrosses?highlight=WyJ3YWtlIiwid2FraW5nIiwiYXRvbGwiLCJhdG9sbHMiLCJhdG9sbCdzIl0=)). *Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project - Using research to eradicate the novel rodent species,*Neotoma leucodon The successful effort to eradicate Pacific Rats presumably also removed [the recently discovered](https://www.reabic.net/journals/bir/2024/3/BIR_2024_Piaggio_etal.pdf) White-throated Woodrat *Neotoma albigula*/*leucodon*, although this seems not to have been specifically reported. With thanks to Sue Tonin, Mouse-Free Marion Project. **Selected References:** Griffiths, R., Wegmann, A., Hanson, C., Keitt, B, Howald, G., Brown, D., Tershy, B., Pitt, W., Moran, M., Rex K., White, S., Flint, B. & Torr, N. 2014.  [*The Wake Island rodent eradication: part success, part failure, but wholly instructiv*e](https://doi.org/10.5070/V426110487).  Proceedings of Vertebrate Pest Conference 26: 101–111. Hanson, C., Rex, K., Kappes, P.J. & Siers, S.R. 2020.  *[Feasibility of a successful rat eradication on Wake Atoll following initial partial failure: potential causes, remedial actions, and remaining knowledge gaps](https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=vpc29)*. In: Woods, D.M. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 29th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Paper No. 40, University of California, Davis, 9 pp. Kappes, P.J., Siers, S.R., Rex K. & Hanson, C. 2020.  *[If at first you don’t eradicate: remediating rat eradication failure on Wake Atoll](https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=vpc29)*. In: Woods, D.M. (Ed.).  Proceedings of the 29th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Paper No. 58, University of California, Davis, 6 pp. Piaggio, A.J., Lanners, E., Taylor, D.R., Shiels, A.B., Matocqm, M. & Eisemann, J. 2024.  Discovery of a novel invasive rodent species on Wake Atoll with a desert southwest USA origin.  [*BioInvasions Records* 13: 675-683](https://www.reabic.net/journals/bir/2024/3/BIR_2024_Piaggio_etal.pdf). Rauzon, M.J, Everett, W.T., Boyle, D., Bell, L. & Gilardi, J. 2008.  Eradication of feral cats at Wake Atoll.  [*Atoll Research Bulletin* No. 560.  21 pp](http://www.sil.si.edu/digitalcollections/atollresearchbulletin/issues/00560.pdf). Samaniego, A., Kappes, P., Broome, K., Cranwell, S., Griffiths, R., Harper, G., McClelland, P., Palmer, R., Rocamora, G., Springer, K., Will, D. & Siers, S. 2020.  [Lessons learned from failed island rodent eradications redone successfully: Implications for the second rat eradication attempt on Wake Atoll](https://library.dbca.wa.gov.au/static/FullTextFiles/072496.pdf). Unpublished Final [Report].  85 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wake-atoll-is-now-rat-free-good-news-for-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses.md) ## Interspecific competition among three petrels and shearwaters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai: implications for colony creation ![Newells Shearwater release Kauai Oct 2009 EricVanderWerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_release_Kauai_Oct_%202009_EricVanderWerf.jpg) *Newell’s Shearwater, photograph by Eric VanderWerf* Andre Raine and colleagues ([Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Hawaii, USA) have published in the open-access journal [*Avian Conservation and Ecology*](https://ace-eco.org/) on observations of interspecific competition between [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. The paper’s abstract follows: ““Colony creation projects are a vital tool for the recovery of threatened and endangered seabird populations and have significant conservation value by creating colonies inside highly protected and more easily managed areas.  However, project sites need to be carefully chosen using a wide range of criteria to maximize success.  One of these criteria is the potential for interactions with species already breeding within the site, in particular the possibility of interspecific competition.  We considered three species of Procellariids in Hawaiʻi—two endangered Hawaiian endemics, the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel, *Pterodroma sandwichensis*) and the ʻaʻo (Newell’s Shearwater, *Puffinus newelli*) and one native, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (*Ardenna pacifica*)—to assess the prevalence of interspecific competition.  Colony monitoring was conducted at six management sites on the island of Kauaʻi, one on the coast and five in the mountains.  Cameras were deployed at breeding burrows and any interactions between species recorded.  Interspecific competition was recorded at all sites.  At the coastal site, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters consistently attacked breeding pairs of ʻaʻo and ultimately evicted 55.6% of established breeding pairs and 87.5% of prospectors.  At montane management sites, aggressive interactions were recorded between ʻuaʻu and ʻaʻo at all sites and increased over time in tandem with population increases.  Colony creation is an essential component of seabird conservation worldwide but, as this study shows, the presence of other breeding seabird species needs to be considered in the planning process if these projects are to succeed.  This is particularly true if Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are already present (or could recolonize the site) and/or if the site already has a high density of a breeding species that is of a similar size and utilizes the same breeding habitat and breeding strategy.” *An aggressive interaction between a Hawaiian Petrel and a Newell's Shearwater at the latter’s burrow* **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Driskill, S., McFarlin, M., Brittingham, R., Rothe, J.A. & H. Raine, H. 2026.  Interspecific competition among procellariids: implications for seabird management and colony creation projects.  *[Avian Conservation and Ecology](https://ace-eco.org/vol21/iss1/art1/)*[21. doi.org/10.5751/ACE-02962-210101](https://ace-eco.org/vol21/iss1/art1/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/interspecific-competition-among-three-petrels-and-shearwaters-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai-implications-for-colony-creation.md) ## Mortality of shearwaters following a marine heat wave in Australia *![Lavers marine heat waves Short tailed Shearwaters](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Short_tailed/Lavers_marine_heat_waves_Short-tailed_Shearwaters.jpg) Images of deceased shearwaters on beaches in southeastern Australia, from the publication* Jennifer Lavers ([Adrift Lab](https://adriftlab.org/), Underwood, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15231739)*, reporting that marine heat waves resulted in an estimated 629 000 seabird deaths, notably of two Australian shearwater species, in 2023–2024. The paper’s abstract follows: “Marine heat waves detrimentally affect a range of marine species, including seabirds, and are increasing in frequency and severity.  When thousands of dead seabirds wash up on beaches, the public becomes concerned.   However, the number of dead birds recorded on beaches is only a fraction of the total mortality; most birds perish at sea. As a result, estimates of total mortality are scarce, and this impedes the ability to determine how such mortality events affect populations.  Community science programs can greatly enhance the geographic or temporal scale of studies, which can be critical when mortalities or changes take place over large distances or many months.  Using three community science data repositories, we examined the number and composition of seabirds found dead on beaches in eastern Australia during the 2023–2024 marine heat wave.  Mortality estimation models developed for other sectors were refined using measures of searcher efficiency and carcass persistence for beach-washed birds. Total mortality of sable shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) and short-tailed shearwaters (*Ardenna tenuirostris*) was >13,900 and >608,000, respectively.  The loss of these birds, in total more than 629,000 individuals, highlights the increasingly perilous marine environment in which many marine species now exist.” **Reference:** Lavers, J.J., Fulton, W., Stuckenbrock, S. & Bond, A L. 2026.  Estimating the total mortality of seabirds following a marine heat wave.  *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70273)*[doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70273](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70273)*[.](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70273)* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mortality-of-shearwaters-following-a-marine-heat-wave-in-australia.md) ## Immature Streaked Shearwaters make colony visits to ‘hang out’ with peers *![Streaked Shearwater.pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Streaked_Shearwater.pair.jpg)Streaked Shearwaters in a breeding colony* Helen Pružina ([School of Biological and Environmental Sciences](https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/biological-environmental-sciences/), University of Stirling, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on young [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/streaked-shearwater-calonectris-leucomelas) Streaked Shearwaters *Calonectris leucomelas*socializing ashore during the breeding season. The paper’s abstract follows: “Many seabird species have a long breeding-deferral period, during which individuals mature and spend most of their time at sea, making them particularly difficult to study.  In some species, immatures are known to start visiting colonies before reaching adulthood, presumably to learn the behaviours required to secure a nest and mate for future breeding.  However, immature colony attendance remains undocumented in many species, particularly those that are difficult to observe, such as nocturnal, cavity-nesting species and species in which immatures are indistinguishable from adults.  Here, we studied the attendance patterns and behaviour of Streaked Shearwaters *Calonectris leucomelas* on Awashima Island, Japan, during the chick-rearing period.  We logged the number and duration of visits to the colony and assessed the potential influence of moonlight on these metrics.  We found a weak effect of moonlight on attendance but identified two types of nocturnal visits: one in which birds spent little time above ground and the other in which birds spent hours sitting on the surface.  During the latter, birds often gathered in groups and either rested or engaged in behaviours such as allopreening, fighting, calling, and digging burrows.  These longer visits sharply decreased in numbers well before the end of the chick-rearing period, and we suggest these visits are most likely undertaken by immatures, based on behaviours documented in other shearwater species.  The presence of immature Streaked Shearwaters at the colony during the breeding period has implications for the population ecology of the species and highlights the potential impact of predators and other at-colony risks on an additional age class of Streaked Shearwaters, beyond adults and chicks.” **Reference:** Pružina, H.M., Shoji, A., Shirai, M., Matsumoto, S., Yoda, K. & Fayet, A L. 2026.  Evidence for colony attendance by immature Streaked Shearwaters *Calonectris leucomelas* during the chick-rearing period.  [*Marine Ornithology*54: 79-86](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/54_1/54_1_79-86.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/immature-streaked-shearwaters-make-colony-visits-to-hang-out-with-peers.md) ## Blood mercury in seabirds varies with prey trophic level, body mass and foraging depth *![Mercury graphic abstract](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mercury_graphic_abstract.jpg)Graphical abstract from the publication* Jumpei Okado ([Graduate School of Environmental Studies](https://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/), Nagoya University, Japan) with many coauthors have analysed blood mercury concentrations in more than 11 215 seabirds across 108 species, six of them albatrosses and 32 of other species within the Procellariiformes, publishing open access in the journal *[Science of The Total Environment](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/science-of-the-total-environment)**.* “It provides the first biologically based estimate of mercury distribution in the ocean.  The study shows that mercury levels in seabirds vary with prey trophic level, body weight, and foraging depth.” The paper’s abstract follows: “Mercury (Hg) is a global contaminant that biomagnifies in marine food webs. Seabirds can serve as valuable bioindicators of marine Hg pollution due to their high trophic positions and broad distributions. However, the biological and spatial drivers of variation in seabird Hg levels remain unclear, and few studies have validated whether seabird-derived estimates of the spatial distribution of Hg are consistent with predictions from biogeochemical-ocean models. We conducted a global meta-analysis of total Hg (THg) concentrations in adult seabird blood. Based on our own fieldwork and a literature review, we compiled 478 mean THg values from 108 species representing >11,000 individuals. Blood THg increased in species feeding at higher trophic levels, with larger body mass, and those more likely to consume mesopelagic prey in oceanic waters. Additionally, blood THg might further increase in regions with low chlorophyll-a level, likely due to greater methylmercury uptake in areas with low-productivity. We subsequently developed models to predict global spatial variation in seabird blood THg, either from all species or only epipelagic prey feeders. Only our epipelagic prey feeder-based model showed a weak significant positive correlation with THg in particulate organic matter from biogeochemical-ocean models. However, the low correlation coefficient (*r* = 0.23) indicates potential discrepancies between the two models. We suggest that future studies adopt our integrative approach, combining biological data and large-scale modeling, to improve our understanding of global marine Hg pollution. Together, these findings clarify the biological and environmental drivers of Hg exposure in seabirds and highlight the value of seabirds for global monitoring of marine Hg pollution.” With thanks to the World Seabird Union. **Re****ference:** Okado, J. *et al*. 2026.  Global drivers of variation in blood mercury of seabirds revealed by a meta-analysis.  *[Science of the Total Environment](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725029596?via%3Dihub&fbclid=IwY2xjawRP4tlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGbkxTS2NFUHJlODNCbTVLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtXUc1_n1wYbki5ncLRbt8cpifTPnp8IYexCBtI-RnofaT1wLIEeVdMI97Hp_aem_qH9IQZH3WGHcDZZVjjLWbg)*[1014. doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181317](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725029596?via%3Dihub&fbclid=IwY2xjawRP4tlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGbkxTS2NFUHJlODNCbTVLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtXUc1_n1wYbki5ncLRbt8cpifTPnp8IYexCBtI-RnofaT1wLIEeVdMI97Hp_aem_qH9IQZH3WGHcDZZVjjLWbg). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/blood-mercury-in-seabirds-varies-with-prey-trophic-level-body-mass-and-foraging-depth.md) ## Life-history strategies of Black-browed Albatrosses ![4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/4.jpg) *A breeding Black-browed Albatross on Kerguelen Island, photograph by Deborah Pardo* Bertille Mohring ([School of Environmental Sciences](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), University of Liverpool, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecology Letters](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14610248)* on differing life-history strategies of Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* on Bird Island in the South Atlantic and Kerguelen Island in the southern Indian Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “Individuals face a trade-off between allocating resources to reproduction or self-maintenance, yet the drivers of the existence and strength of such trade-off have been hard to determine.  Environmental conditions are thought to play a crucial role, as long-lived species are predicted to favour more precautionary life-history strategies in variable environments.  However, empirical evidence remains limited.  Using long-term monitoring of two black-browed albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* populations, we investigated variation in life-history strategies under contrasting environmental conditions, through reproductive senescence.  In more variable environments, individuals displayed generally slower life histories (i.e., slow, late-onset senescence) and greater among-individual variation in life-history strategies.  Interestingly, earlier and faster reproductive senescence correlated with higher lifetime reproductive success regardless of environmental variability, suggesting that either faster life histories incur higher fitness or successful reproduction accelerates reproductive senescence.  These findings reveal how environmental variability shapes life-history strategies, highlighting potential responses to increasing environmental variability in a changing world.” With thanks to Karine Delord and Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Mohring, B., Potts, J.R., Wilson, A.J., Réale, D., Phillips, R.A., Weimerskirch, H., Barbraud, C., Bennison, D., Delord, K., Wood, A.G., Peroteau, S., Rouby, E., Ventura, F. & Patrick, S.C. 2026.  Environmental variability shapes life-history trade-offs within and between populations of a long-lived seabird.  *[Ecology Letters](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.70384)*[29(4).  doi.org/10.1111/ele.70384](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.70384). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/life-history-strategies-of-black-browed-albatrosses.md) ## Pink-footed Shearwaters in the Canadian Pacific associate with oceanographic and geographic factors ![Ilana Nimz Pink footed Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Ilana_Nimz_Pink-footed_Shearwater.jpg) *From Chile to Canada. Transequatorial migration of the Pink-footed Shearwater, artwork by Ilana Nimz of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/))* Sonya Pastron (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, [Institute of Ocean Sciences](https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/videos/ios-ism-eng.html), Sidney, British Columbia, Canada) and colleagues have published in the open access online journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/) on the ACAP-listed and [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus*in Canadian waters, showing the species’ at-sea distribution correlates with latitude and the continental shelf break. The paper’s abstract follows: “Anthropogenic activities are threatening global marine ecosystems, with seabirds representing a vulnerable group that has experienced pronounced population declines in recent decades.  The ability to identify important marine areas for vulnerable seabirds is fundamental to conservation initiatives.  The Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* (listed as Endangered in Canada) breeds only in Chile, but during the non-breeding season, it ranges northward to waters off Canada's Pacific coast and the northern Gulf of Alaska.  Using at-sea survey data spanning from 1992 to 2019, we examined the relationship between the species' distribution and environmental variables using a two-step generalized additive model approach.  Cross-validation with out-of-sample testing showed high predictive accuracy for shearwater occurrence (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.94) and moderate performance for relative abundance predictions (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.32, root mean square error = 3.92, mean absolute error = 0.45) at a 4-km² resolution. The results give us confidence in the model's ability to identify areas suitable for Pink-footed Shearwaters.  Distribution was strongly associated with several oceanographic and geographic factors, particularly latitude and distance to the continental shelfbreak.  The findings of this study may help inform marine conservation efforts within Canada's Pacific exclusive economic zone and beyond.” **Reference:** Pastran, S.A., O’Hara, P.D., Morgan, K.H., Fox, C.H., & Gross, W.E. 2026.  Predicting suitable marine habitat for Pink-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna creatopus* in the waters along the Pacific coast of Canada.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/54_1/54_1_109-123.pdf)*[54: 109-123](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/54_1/54_1_109-123.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pink-footed-shearwaters-in-the-canadian-pacific-associate-with-oceanographic-and-geographic-factors.md) ## An ill wind from the west. Mercury levels in accumulated guano reflect changes in seabird abundance in the Southern Ocean *![Mercury](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Mercury.png) The valley peatland study site on Bird Island in the South Atlantic* Chuxian Li ([Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment](https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/aquatic-sciences/), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden) and many colleagues have published in the open access journal [*PNAS*](https://www.pnas.org/) on a study which indicates that contemporary intensified westerly winds may cause steep declines in Southern Ocean seabird populations. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Southern Ocean is home to vast seabird populations and threatened species.  To understand the wider impact of the catastrophic decline in many seabird populations over recent decades, we need knowledge of their long-term population dynamics under natural climate variability.  We do this by studying mercury flux and stable isotope fingerprints in seabird excrement (guano) that has accumulated in peatland archives around the nest sites.  We find that oscillations in peat mercury accumulation reflect guano inputs and therefore seabird abundance.  The peat records suggest that seabirds thrived when the Southern Hemisphere westerly winds were less intense.  From a past to future perspective, our study indicates that contemporary intensified westerly winds may cause further steep declines in Southern Ocean seabird populations.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Li, C. *et al*. 2026.  Southern Ocean seabird population shifts over the Holocene revealed by peat sequestration of mercury from guano.  *[PNAS](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2533681123)*[123 (16) e253368112](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2533681123). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-ill-wind-from-the-west-mercury-levels-in-accumulated-guano-reflect-changes-in-seabird-abundance-in-the-southern-ocean.md) ## Co-occurrence of plastics and plastic additives in albatrosses and a petrel in the South Atlantic ![Graphic abstract](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Graphic_abstract.jpg) *Graphical abstract from the publication* Joana Fragão ([Centre for Functional Ecology](https://cfe.uc.pt/), University of Coimbra, Portugal) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Hazardous Materials*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-hazardous-materials) on microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in seven species of sub-Antarctic seabirds that breed on Bird Island in the South Atlantic, including the ACAP-listed Wandering *Diomedea exulans*, Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris* and Grey-headed Albatross *T. chrysostoma* Albatrosses and the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Despite the remoteness of their breeding sites, subantarctic seabirds are susceptible to anthropogenic pollutants (e.g. microplastics) and other chemical stressors (e.g. plastic additives) that are released from ships and research stations, arrive in ocean currents, are transported in the atmosphere, or are ingested when the birds feed north of the Antarctic Polar Front.  In this study, we investigated the presence and levels of microplastics and several groups of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in adults or chicks of seven seabird species breeding at the subantarctic islands of South Georgia.  A total of 1275 anthropogenic particles were recovered in the gastrointestinal tracts of 76 seabirds, with a frequency of occurrence of 97.4%, a mean value of 16.78 ± 18.79 particles per individual and of 0.03 ± 0.03 particles/g body weight.  Ten percent (n = 130 particles) of the particles were identified chemically using microFTIR spectroscopy, of which 59% were synthetic, 18% were natural, 19% were anthropogenic unknown and 4% were anthropogenic cellulosic.  Of the EDCs, only polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) congeners occurred at levels above the limit of quantification.  Liver samples consistently exhibited the highest concentrations of both contaminant groups.  The highest concentrations of PBDEs were in adult brown skuas (133.96 ng/g) and of MeO-PBDEs were in wandering albatross chicks (6.50 ng/g).  This research provides evidence of plastics and plastic additives in subantarctic seabirds, underscoring the need to strengthen measures aimed at reducing marine pollution.” **Reference:** Fragão, J., Manno, C., Phillips, R.A., Cunha, S.C., Fernandes, J.O., Batista de Carvalho, L.A.E., Marques, M.P.M., Xavier, J.C. & Bessa, F. 2026.  Co-occurrence of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in subantarctic seabirds.  *[Journal of Hazardous Materials 509 doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.14201](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389426009969?via%3Dihub)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/co-occurrence-of-plastics-and-plastic-additives-in-albatrosses-and-a-petrel-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## What controls age of first breeding in Wandering Albatrosses? *![Wandering Albatross Michelle Risi Lea Finke HQ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_Lea_Finke_HQ.jpg)A Wandering Albatross guards its chick on Marion Island, artwork by Lea Finke of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* Etienne Rouby ([Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution,](https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/understand/departments-centers-labs/bio/) Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA) and colleagues have published in the *[Journal of Animal Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652656)*on how demographic factors and environment influence age at first reproduction of Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* The paper’s abstract follows: “1.  Age at first reproduction is an important life-history trait that marks the beginning of reproductive allocation in long-lived organisms and drives patterns of life-history strategies. Demographic factors and environmental conditions likely affect age at first reproduction through multiple pathways: food resources availability and energy storage from birth to recruitment, competition for breeding sites and mate availability. 2.  Using a unique 35-year dataset of individual-based mark–recapture data from a wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*) population at Crozet (southern Indian Ocean), we investigated how demographic factors and environment influence age at first reproduction. The population experienced major fluctuations, declining by 50% in the 1970s before partially recovering in the 1980s. It was also exposed to important environmental changes, including variations in large-scale climate phenomena and changes in subtropical anticyclone systems like the Mascarene high pressure system. 3.  We used multi-event hidden Markov models to estimate age-specific survival and breeding probabilities for each sex separately. From these models, we estimated the age at first reproduction through absorbing Markov chains while accounting for imperfect detection. We investigated how demographic factors (population density at birth and mate availability at recruitment) and environmental conditions (at birth and recruitment) influenced age at first reproduction through their effects on survival and breeding probabilities. 4.  Age at first reproduction declined across cohorts for both sexes from 1970 to the mid-1980s, then stabilized. Females recruited at 9.0 years in early cohorts versus 7.5 years in later ones; males declined from 10.2 to 9.2 years. Environmental conditions at birth, particularly the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Mascarene high, influenced recruitment timing through delayed effects of natal condition on breeding probability rather than survival. Mate availability strongly facilitated earlier recruitment in both sexes, while natal population density delayed male recruitment specifically. 5.  Recruitment timing in wandering albatrosses is shaped primarily by developmental programming during the natal period rather than by immediate environmental triggers at sexual maturity, with mate availability and population density modulating these early-life effects in sex-specific ways. Given that recruitment is an important life-history event linked to population-level reproductive rates, accurate demographic projections require models accounting for cohort-specific effects under changing environments.” With thanks to Karine Delord **Reference:** Rouby, E., Van de Walle, J., Plard, F., Delord, K., Aubry, L.M., Barbraud, C., Bonnet, T., Henri Weimerskirch, H. & Jenouvrier, S. 2026.  Drivers of age at first reproduction in the wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*): demographic factors, environmental conditions and sex-specific responses.  *[Journal of Animal Ecology doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70249](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70249)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-controls-age-of-first-breeding-in-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## Creating an albatross colony with help from a bowling pin and a shaggy carpet *![Laysan Albatross chick decoy Pacific Rom Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_chick_decoy_Pacific_Rom_Conservation.jpg)“One of these chicks is not like the other”, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* Since 2015 the environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), has been working to create a new seabird colony safe from predicted sea level rise on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  By translocating chicks and hand-rearing them, four species have commenced to breed within the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell).  They are the [Black-footed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-translocated-black-footed-albatross-pair-fledges-a-chick-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-oahu?highlight=WyJqYW1lcyIsImNhbXBiZWxsIl0=) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](https://acap.aq/latest-news/laysan-and-black-footed-albatrosses-populations-are-growing-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-oahu-following-active-conservation-efforts?highlight=WyJqYW1lcyIsImNhbXBiZWxsIl0=) *P. immutabilis*Albatrosses, the Bonin Petrel *Pterodroma hypoleuca* and Tristram’s Storm Petrel *Hydrobates tristrami* ([click here](https://pacificrimconservation.org/james-campbell-nwr/)). This year, ACAP’s chosen theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2026 is “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”, which includes the establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques and translocations of eggs and chicks.  At a number of translocation sites, adult decoys have been placed to attract passing adult albatrosses to land ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=decoy&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)), including in the James Campbell NWR.  However, new to *ACAP Latest News* is the use of chick decoys for the same purpose, as Pacific Rim Conservation explains on its [Facebook page:](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pacific%20rim%20conservation) “Our mōlī (Laysan Albatross) chicks are growing up fast and exploring their surroundings. This fuzzy little one found its way over to our chick decoys.  You may already know about our usual social attraction tools (like solar-powered sound systems and adult seabird decoys), but a few years ago we added chick decoys into the mix to help make the colony even more inviting.  Along with tracking nest activity and courtship behavior, our team keeps an eye on how albatross chicks and adults interact with our decoys. The decoy on the right [of the above photograph] was handcrafted by our Executive Director, Dr. Eric VanderWerf, using a plastic bowling pin and some shaggy carpet.  “We love a good conservation craft, and it looks like this chick does too”.” Read past articles in *ACAP Latest News* about translocation efforts in the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=James+Campbell&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/creating-an-albatross-colony-with-help-from-a-bowling-pin-and-a-shaggy-carpet.md) ## Flesh-footed Shearwaters contain more plastic than just about any seabird studied *![Flesh footed Shearwater dissection I. Hutton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_dissection_I._Hutton.jpg)Removing plastic fragments from a Flesh-footed Shearwater chick on Lord Howe Island, photograph by Ian Hutton* Alexander Bond ([Bird Group, The Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/services/collections/zoology/birds.html), Tring, United Kingdom) and Jennifer Lavers have published in the journal *[Environmental Science & Technology](https://pubs.acs.org/journal/esthag?ref=breadcrumb)*on the global significance of plastic pollution impacts on [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed or Sable Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic pollution is a pervasive global threat, yet population-level impacts on wildlife remain poorly resolved for most taxa.  Sable Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) offer a rare opportunity, exhibiting some of the highest documented plastic burdens of any seabird and demonstrating clear physiological and demographic harm even at low exposure levels.  Their case reveals that the widespread assumption of minimal plastic impact is largely founded on a lack of evidence rather than evidence of no effect, driven by the difficulty of detecting mortality and sublethal effects in complex marine systems.  Their shared life history and anatomical traits make their responses to plastics broadly indicative of what many species may experience as global plastic inputs continue to rise.  As international policy efforts stall, these findings highlight the urgency of anticipatory, rather than reactive, research and governance.  Extreme-exposure systems like Sable Shearwaters provide essential early warning signals that must inform rapid conservation and regulatory action.” **Reference:** Bond, A.L. & Lavers, J.J. 2026.  When absence of evidence is not evidence of absence: what an advanced case reveals about plastic impacts on seabirds.  *[Environmental Science & Technology doi.org/10.1021/acs.ujest.5c17272](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.5c17272).* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flesh-footed-shearwaters-contain-more-plastic-than-just-about-any-seabird-studied.md) ## ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the Chatham Albatross, the 22nd in the series [![preview chatham en1](https://acap.aq/images/preview_chatham_en1.jpg)](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) released today, the 22nd to be produced in the [31-species series](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), is for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*.  The species breeds only on [The Pyramid](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-9-the-pyramid-chatham-islands-new-zealand), a spectacular rocky stack off New Zealand’s Chatham Islands.  The new infographic has been sponsored by the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) with support from the [Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust](https://www.chathamrestorationtrust.org.nz/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRG29NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFOQUxXUXJCcGFwR1ltNkdTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr4hqVpMGseH3OpYcbMGqKobBhPL66s9p6N8JHe-9joZUUhJODAwwvDzJXqW_aem_qKp38nvgezvjl-72Ml7OQw). It is the 18th albatross infographic to be produced, leaving just four albatrosses to go.  It is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish.  These two versions are expected to be released soon. *![Anju Rajesh Guardians of the Pyramid The Chatham Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Anju_Rajesh_Guardians_of_the_Pyramid_The_Chatham_Albatross.jpg)"Guardians of the Pyramid: The Chatham Albatross” by Anju Rajesh of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2026 and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”* The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and (for some) Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The 22 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. It is intended to produce one more ACAP Species Infographics in the first half of this year in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June (“[WAD2026](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-announces-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2026-will-be-habitat-restoration)”).  It will be for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic. The ACAP Species Infographics are all created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to Mike Bell, David Boyle, Johannes Fischer, Jess MacKenzie and Chris Robertson for their valued help. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-chatham-albatross-the-22nd-in-the-series.md) ## Shy or bold? Different personalities among Wandering Albatrosses *![Albatrosses by the nest Solglimt first voyage Possession Crozets Harboe Ree 1907 08 Vestfoldarkivet 2](https://acap.aq/images/Albatrosses_by_the_nest_Solglimt_first_voyage__Possession_Crozets_Harboe_Ree_1907_08_Vestfoldarkivet_2.jpg)First photo from the Crozets?  Wandering Albatrosses on Possession Island, summer 1907/08, photograph by Anders Harboe Ree* Joanie Van de Walle ([Département de biologie, chimie et géographie](https://www.uqar.ca/luniversite/departements/departement-de-biologie-chimie-et-geographie/), Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada) and colleagues have published on boldness in [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*open access in the journal [Oikos](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16000706). The paper’s abstract follows: “Population dynamics are shaped by individual differences. With a good understanding of the relationships between individual differences and vital rates, population models can be improved to yield more realistic and detailed demographic projections. Personality is expected to shape individual differences in performance. Yet, an empirical quantification of its impact on population dynamics is currently lacking. Here, we developed and analyzed a three-dimensional hyperstate population model that accounts for three sources of individual differences simultaneously in its structure: age, breeding state and boldness as a measure of personality. We parameterized our model using empirical demographic and boldness data on the wandering albatross *Diomedea exulans* population from Crozet. We quantified the relative importance of boldness through sensitivity analyses and simulations of increased strength of relationship between boldness and three vital rates (survival, breeding probability and breeding success). We showed that sensitivity of population growth rate to changes in vital rates followed the normal distribution of boldness within the population with population growth rate being less sensitive to changes in the vital rates of extreme shy or bold individuals. Our simulations showed that increasing the strength of the relationship between boldness and survival would yield the greatest shift in boldness distribution over time compared to breeding probability and breeding success. However, shifts in boldness distribution appeared constrained by the low heritability (< 0.2) value and the large variance in boldness in this population. Our study provides an important contribution to our understanding of the role of personality in shaping the population dynamics of wild species. In the face of global change, our approach offers a promising avenue to predict the potential for behavioral adaptation. More generally, our approach may help to unravel the complex interplay between individual variations in any (or many) traits and population dynamics.” **Reference:** Van de Walle, J., van Daalen, S., Patrick, S.C., Barbraud, C., Delord, K., Weimerskirch, H., Thorley, J. & Jenouvrier, S. 2026.  Linking differences in personality to demography in the wandering albatross.  *[Oikos](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oik.11765)*[doi.org/10.1002/oik.11765p](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oik.11765). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/shy-or-bold-different-personalities-among-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## To escape the Med - or not. Where do Balearic Shearwaters go on migration? *![Mary Ann Stafford Balearic Shearwater watercolour collage Pep A rcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Mary_Ann_Stafford_Balearic_Shearwater_watercolour_collage_Pep_A_rcos.jpg)Balearic Shearwater by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Mary Ann Stafford, watercolour and collage, after a photograph by Pep Arcos* Marina Ramírez-Bal ([Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance](https://www.azti.es/en/), Pasaia, Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Global Ecology and Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/global-ecology-and-conservation)*on migration of the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*.  Their study shows that core non-breeding areas for the species are in the Bay of Biscay, outside the Mediterranaean and the western Iberian coast, inside it. The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding the migratory patterns of declining species is essential to guide targeted conservation efforts. We studied the migratory dynamics of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*) using geolocator data spanning 88 annual cycles from 53 individuals tracked between 2017 and 2022. Breeding birds were tagged at colonies across their main breeding islands in the Balearic archipelago (Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca). Post-breeding movements revealed distinct migratory routes: all individuals from Ibiza and Mallorca (n = 78) migrated to the Atlantic, whereas 80 % of those from Menorca (n = 10) remained within the Mediterranean. Among Atlantic migrants, 54 % established core non-breeding areas in the Bay of Biscay, 41 % in the Western Iberia, and 5 % in the Gulf of Cadiz. Of the 27 individuals tracked across multiple years, 89 % consistently returned to the same non-breeding area, demonstrating strong site fidelity. Duration of stay in these regions ranged from one to seven months, with earlier arrivals typically remaining longer. Migration timing was influenced by breeding success: failed breeders departed approximately one month earlier than successful ones. These results underscore the importance of long-term monitoring programmes in capturing individual-level migratory patterns. By revealing consistent use of specific non-breeding areas, such programmes help identify sites that are repeatedly important across both space and time. Enabled by biologging technology, these insights are invaluable for the conservation of declining species. Site-based conservation actions focused on key Atlantic areas could deliver tangible benefits during the non-breeding season.” **Reference:** Ramírez-Bal, M., García-Barón, I., García, D., Arcos, J.M., Carrasco, G., Lewin, P., Delord, K. & Louzao, M. 2026.  Individual migratory patterns of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater: A multi-colony and multi-year study in the NE Atlantic.  *[Global Ecology and Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425005918?via%3Dihub)*[65.  e03989](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425005918?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 10 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/to-escape-the-med-or-not-where-do-balearic-shearwaters-go-on-migration.md) ## Short-tailed Shearwaters are reclaiming Australia’s Deen Maar Island after removal of European Rabbits *![Den Maar Island](https://acap.aq/images/Den_Maar_Island.jpg) Succulent vegetation flowering on Deen Maar Island, photograph from the**[Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action](https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/)* Deen Maar, also known as [Lady Julia Percy Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Julia_Percy_Island), is located approximately 20 km south-west of Port Fairy, Victoria in Australia’s Bass Strait. European Rabbits were first introduced in 1868 to the 133-h island to provide a food source for potential shipwreck survivors.  Two years after an eradication exercise, the island, a State Faunal Reserve, has been officially declared rabbit free.  Burrowing seabirds, including Short-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna tenuirostris*(90 000 pairs estimated in 1964, but only 15 000 pairs reported in 1976), Fairy Prions *Pachyptila turtur*, Common Diving Petrels *Pelecanoides urinatrix* and Little Penguins *Eudyptula minor*, are now reported reclaiming sites previously overrun with rabbit warrens and using the empty holes as nest sites. “The project was delivered in phases, including the use of calicivirus, aerial baiting, and monitoring and eradication trips. After the last rabbit was controlled in late October 2023, the project team undertook two years of monitoring, helping to protect the site’s cultural heritage and native ecosystem.” ([click here](https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/deen-maar-island-officially-rabbit-free)).  Calcivirus was administered in chopped carrots and helicopters dispersed cereal bait pellets. News of success comes in the year ACAP has chosen “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” at its theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2026. The Deen Maar Island Rabbit Eradication Project was led by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in partnership with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 08 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sooty-shearwaters-reclaim-australias-deen-maar-island-after-removal-of-european-rabbits.md) ## Wandering Albatross chicks seem not to be scared by feral cats *![feral cats Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/feral_cats_Kerguelen.png) “Albatross chick reaction when facing a Southern Giant Petrel (left) and a cat (right)”, from the publication* Anais Cotton ([Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l’Environnement](https://crbe.cnrs.fr/), Université de Toulouse, France) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Comparative Physiology A](https://link.springer.com/journal/359)* on the responses of Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* chicks to feral cats on France’s Kerguelen Island. The paper’s abstract follows: “In long-standing predator-prey systems, prey typically evolve costly responses to predation risk. How prey respond to novel predators is less investigated. We explored physiological (corticosterone, triglyceride), morphological (body condition) and behavioural (defensive posture) responses of wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*) chicks to a novel predator, the feral cat (*Felis catus*) in Kerguelen archipelago. We implemented a semi-experimental design to increase the variance in cat abundance by regulating cat populations in certain zones of the study colony. The aforementioned chick traits were then monitored and analysed at the zone scale, by comparing nests located within regulated and non-regulated zones, and at the nest scale, by recording cat abundance through intensive camera traps monitoring. This fine-scale approach further enabled us to investigate how chicks responded to southern giant petrels (*Macronectes giganteus*), an opportunistic predator-scavenger that has co-evolved with albatrosses. Cat abundances had no effect on chick traits. In contrast, higher abundances of giant petrel were associated with an elevated rate of corticosterone increase and lower triglyceride levels. In accordance with these results suggesting a more accurate perception of predation risk mediated by giant petrels than by cats, chicks were more prone to display a defensive posture when facing a giant petrel than a cat. We discuss these results in the light of contrasting evolutionary histories and predation patterns between albatrosses and their predators, and we emphasise that studies of predator impacts on prey populations must consider both the direct and indirect effects of all predators, as well as their interactions.” Reaf more about feral cats on [Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/search?q=Kerguelen+cats&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) here. **Reference:** Cotton, A., Barbraud, C., Leclaire, S., Delord, K., Bodin, A., Stier, A., Ribout, C., Parenteau, C.,  Ferdy, J.-B., Bourgoin, C., White, J., Angelier, F.& Blanchard, P*.*2026.   Physiological and behavioural responses of wandering albatross chicks (*Diomedea exulans*) to novel and non-novel predators.  [*Journal of Comparative Physiology A* doi.org/10.1007/s00359-026-01793-6](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00359-026-01793-6). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 09 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wandering-albatross-chicks-seem-not-to-be-scared-by-feral-cats.md) ## Commercial fishing to be allowed within the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary? *![papahanaumokuakea national marine sanctuary map 1000](https://acap.aq/images/papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary-map-1000.jpg)The Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary extends out to 200 nautical miles* Following a Presidential Executive Order issued in April 2025, the [Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council](https://www.wpcouncil.org/) took action last month to [allow fishing](https://www.wpcouncil.org/press-release-wp-council-takes-final-action-on-commercial-fishing-access-in-pacific-marine-national-monuments-25-march-2026/) within the [Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary](https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea/) that surrounds the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  The sanctuary is one of the world's largest marine conservation areas, declared in 2025.  It is also a [UNESCO World Heritage site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1326/). *![Black footed and Laysan Albatrosses Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Black-footed_and_Laysan_Albatrosses_Kure_Atoll_Conservancy.jpg) Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses on Kure Atoll, photograph from the Kure Atoll Conservancy* The atolls that form a chain within the marine sanctuary are breeding sites for the bulk of the global populations of [Black-footed](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)*Phoebastria nigripes* and[Laysan](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)*P. immutabilis*Albatrosses, as well as many other seabirds.  Both albatross species are categorised as Near Threatened. “The recommended fishing areas to open are 3 to 200 nm [nautical miles] in Papahānaumokuākea for bottomfish and pelagic fisheries only.  In Papahānaumokuākea, the 0 to 3 nm closure for all commercial fisheries and longline fishing shoreward of 50 nm would remain prohibited.  Lifting commercial fishing prohibitions would allow fisheries to operate under existing permit, reporting, gear restriction, area closure, catch limit and protected species requirements.” The Council’s decision will now be transmitted to the [National Marine Fisheries Service](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/) for further consideration through the federal process in response to [Executive Order 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness”.](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/restoring-american-seafood-competitiveness/) Read about the establishment of the marine sanctuary [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/from-monument-to-sanctuary-at-the-end-of-a-presidential-term-the-usa-designates-the-papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary?highlight=WyJwYXBhaFx1MDEwMW5hdW1va3VcdTAxMDFrZWEiLCJuYXRpb25hbCIsIm5hdGlvbiIsIm5hdGlvbnMiLCJuYXRpb25hbGx5IiwibmF0aW9uJ3MiLCJuYXRpb25hbGl0aWVzIiwibmF0aW9uYWxzIiwibmF0aW9uYWxpdHkiLCJuYXRpb25zJyIsIm1hcmluZSIsIm1hcmluIiwibWFyaW5lciIsIm1hcmluZXMiLCJtYXJpbmVyJyIsIm1hcmluZXJzIiwic2FuY3R1YXJ5Iiwic2FuY3R1YXJpZXMiLCJzYW5jdHVhcnkncyJd). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 07 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/commercial-fishing-to-be-allowed-within-the-papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary.md) ## A global review shows three ACAP-listed species are subject to intentional take for human consumption *![Waved Albatrosses Laurie Johnson Birgit Bührlé](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatrosses_Laurie_Johnson_Birgit_Bührlé.jpg)A Waved Albatross pair, artwork by Birgit Bührlé of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Jonathan Handley ([BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have reviewed open access in the journal *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* the intentional take of migratory seabirds for human consumption, finding records for 105 species.  For the tubenose order, Procellariiformes, it was found that 22 of 92 reviewed species were subject to take.  Three ACAP-listed species, [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*, [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *Pterodroma westlandica* are recorded as subject to intentional take. The review states that “The [ACAP Working Group on Population and Conservation Status](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group) could be the most appropriate group for considering seabird take recommendations for the three ACAP-listed species with records of take.” The paper’s abstract follows: “Addressing the threat posed by the exploitation of migratory species is challenging because many move across national boundaries. To inform directions to tackle this threat for migratory species in the most threatened group of birds, seabirds, we conducted a global literature review to evaluate the scale and drivers of intentional take of migratory seabirds (318 of 365 species). The review follows the recent recognition that “hunting and trapping” is the fourth biggest threat to seabirds, and that the nature and severity of seabird take are poorly understood. We investigated reported population impacts, any reporting, management or enforcement measures in place, and any health risks associated with consuming seabirds. Across at least 56 countries/territories, 105 migratory species are subject to take, with adults and eggs taken most. The majority of documented take is legal or of unknown legal status and is conducted by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC) for subsistence. Illegal take was primarily associated with poachers and fishers. A minority of records included data on the number of birds taken or the presence of management or enforcement mechanisms. While seldom documented, some seabird populations subject to take are in decline or have been extirpated. Human health risks were typically associated with IPLCs consuming seabirds with heavy metals. Similar ly for other migratory species, key knowledge and governance gaps to understand and manage seabird take include review of species action plans, listing of species on appendices of international agreements, co-management of harvest sites, and improving monitoring to facilitate evidence-based conservation action.” **Reference:** Handley, J.M., Morten, J., Baker, G.B., Küehl-Stenzel, A., Djondo, M.K., Taylor, G.A., Ramirez, I., Frisch-Nwakanma, H., Kümpel, N. F. & Davies, T.E. 2026.  Intentional take of seabirds for human consumption: a global review to inform conservation and policy needs for migratory species.  [*Biological Conservation* 316, doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2026.111740](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320726000480?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 06 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-global-review-shows-three-acap-listed-species-are-subject-to-intentional-take-for-human-consumption.md) ## The Convention on Migratory Species adds the Flesh-footed Shearwater to its Appendix II and approves Concerted Action for the species *![Flesh footed Shearwater Mike Double](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Mike_Double.JPG)Flesh-footed Shearwater in flight, photograph by Mike Double* The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/)) held its Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties ([COP15](https://www.cms.int/cop15)) in Campo Grande, Brazil over 23-29 March 2026.  Australia, France and New Zealand had proposed ([UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.30.2.6](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/2025-11/cms_cop15_doc.30.2.6_listing-proposal-flesh-footed-shearwater_e.pdf)) including the [Near threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes* on [Appendix II](https://www.cms.int/species/appendix-i-ii-cms) of the Convention ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-is-a-highly-suitable-candidate-for-acap-listing-according-to-a-proposal-to-be-considered-by-the-convention-on-migratory-species)). The proposal stated that the species’ “listing on Appendix II will elevate the suitability score of flesh-footed shearwater for inclusion on Annex 1 of ACAP.  A listing on Annex 1 of ACAP would further facilitate the anticipated benefits identified here as ACAP is very active in the development and promotion of best-practice seabird bycatch mitigation advice for relevant fisheries.” During the week’s meeting, the Committee of the Whole (CoW) [recommended](https://enb.iisd.org/conference-parties-convention-migratory-species-wild-animals-cms-cop15-daily-report-27mar2026) the proposal, [supported by ACAP](https://enb.iisd.org/conference-parties-convention-migratory-species-wild-animals-cms-cop15-daily-report-27mar2026), to add the shearwater to Appendix II be adopted by the Conference of Parties. New Zealand then introduced the proposed Concerted Action for the Flesh-footed Shearwater ([UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.31.3.10](https://www.cms.int/document/31310-proposal-concerted-action-flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes-proposed-listing)), emphasizing the need for scaled-up action on the threat posed by bycatch.  ACAP supported the proposal, noting it was [“well-overdue”.](https://enb.iisd.org/conference-parties-convention-migratory-species-wild-animals-cms-cop15-daily-report-28mar2026)  The CoW forwarded both proposals to the COP for adoption. *![COP Appendix II Flesh footed Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/COP_Appendix_II_Flesh-footed_Shearwater.jpg)Approved!* The Conference of Parties met in plenary on the last day of COP15 and accepted both the COW’s proposals, [formally adopting](https://www.cms.int/news/40-migratory-animal-species-receive-new-or-upgraded-protection-close-un-meeting-brazil?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ20JxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkM0JuYzZSYURwUEtQTXExc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoCfIYsD-Ywy0dKrMJ4jKpvk5_hJzEpqcv--EVPDfu-4AlqLSyGVykXGrjGo_aem_izZKU680yjqq0RJ0ptrAKA) the Flesh-footed Shearwater onto Appendix II and approving the proposed Concerted Action for the species. Two shearwaters, the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic *Puffinus mauretanicus* and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed *Ardenna creatopus*, are listed on [Annex 1](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species/307-acap-species-list/file) of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement.  Both are also listed on [Appendix 1](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/uploads/revised-appendices_cop14_e.pdf) of the Convention on Migratory Species, now joined by the Flesh-footed Shearwater.  Two earlier *ACAP Monthly Missives* have considered whether the Flesh-footed Shearwater should be listed by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-is-a-highly-suitable-candidate-for-acap-listing-according-to-a-proposal-to-be-considered-by-the-convention-on-migratory-species)). At COP15, the Federal Government of Germany, depository of the Convention and host of the CMS Secretariat, offered to host COP16 in Bonn in 2029.  COP16 will coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Convention, also known as the Bonn Convention, which was signed in Bonn in June 1979. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 01 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-convention-on-migratory-species-adds-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-to-its-appendix-ii-and-approves-concerted-action-for-the-species.md) ## The Convention on Migratory Species adds 26 gadfly petrel taxa to its Appendices ![COP15](https://acap.aq/images/COP15.jpg) The Governments of New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Cook Islands, Dominican Republic and Fiji jointly submitted a proposal ([UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.30.2.5/Rev.1](https://www.cms.int/document/3025-proposal-inclusion-gadfly-petrels-pterodroma-sp-appendix-i-and-ii-convention)), to list 26 species, subspecies and geographic populations of gadfly petrels in the genera *Pterodroma* and*Pseudobulweria*on either [Appendix I or II](https://www.cms.int/species/appendix-i-ii-cms) to the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties ([COP15](https://www.cms.int/cop15)) of the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/)) that met last week in Campo Grande, Brazil. The proposed petrels include single-island endemics and poorly known taxa.  They are mainly of low-latitude and tropical islands in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.  Four gadfly petrels are already listed on CMS Appendix I.  They are the Bermuda *P. cahow*, Galapagos *P. phaeopygia*, Hawaiian *P. sandwichensis* and Henderson *P. atrata* Petrels. New Zealand introduced the proposal to list the gadfly petrels, noting they are “some of the rarest, most endangered, and poorly understood seabirds in the world.”  Many Parties attending COP15 [expressed strong support](https://enb.iisd.org/conference-parties-convention-migratory-species-wild-animals-cms-cop15-daily-report-26mar2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawQzgWBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5VlphWFhFbUs0d0tFa2czc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn1iYmJqMz3n8rGTkSSKlaTFAjedTz2tb3vt426w-H44teoObhfSWG-GFV5s_aem_K2M5js41HSTO4hNBCy4f4A) in the Committee of the Whole (CoW).  The proposal was then submitted for adoption by the Conference of Parties, which [formally adopted](https://www.cms.int/news/40-migratory-animal-species-receive-new-or-upgraded-protection-close-un-meeting-brazil?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ20JxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkM0JuYzZSYURwUEtQTXExc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoCfIYsD-Ywy0dKrMJ4jKpvk5_hJzEpqcv--EVPDfu-4AlqLSyGVykXGrjGo_aem_izZKU680yjqq0RJ0ptrAKA)all the proposed taxa onto its Appendices on 30 March, the closing day of COP15. ![40 species](https://acap.aq/images/40_species.jpg)The gadfly petrel proposal is available in English, French and Spanish ([click here](https://www.cms.int/document/3025-proposal-inclusion-gadfly-petrels-pterodroma-sp-appendix-i-and-ii-convention)). The Albatross and Petrel Agreement held a [workshop](https://acap.aq/advisory-committee/ac10/ac10-meeting-documents/2882-ac10-doc-14-workshop-on-pterodroma-and-other-small-burrowing-petrels/file) in Wellington, New Zealand in 2017 with the objective of advancing understanding about best approaches for international cooperation in the conservation of *Pterodroma* and other small burrowing petrel species. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 30 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-convention-on-migratory-species-to-add-26-gadfly-petrel-taxa-to-its-appendices.md) ## Ferreted out. Rathlin Island’s Manx Shearwaters come back to breed ![Ratrhlin Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Ratrhlin_Island.jpg)*Photograph by Tom McDonnell, from the [LIFE Raft Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/LIFERathlin/)* In 2021, the [LIFE Raft](https://rathlin360.com/life-raft/) (Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow) project began with the aim to remove feral Ferrets *Mustela furo*and Brown or Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus* to help secure the future of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony on inhabited [1371-ha Rathlin Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathlin_Island), off the north coast of County Antrim. Ferrets were released on the island in the 1980s and rats have been present since the 19th century. “Rathlin is home to over 250 000 seabirds, including internationally important populations of Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots.  Researchers on Rathlin found one ferret was responsible for killing 27 adult birds in just two days” ([click here](https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/rathlin-island-success?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ0NLxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzY3R6Zjh1TDdDNlBIM2JVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqGBC7-DVrbOIubxFfthbg2gcW9JNHD4wLptn-sov0m6866U_q0A2PVzSNUv_aem_m1I4aL4KA2sqapv2uepNow)). “In 2025 following the successful eradication of the ferrets [formally announced in March 2026], which were preying on eggs, chicks, and adult seabirds, Manx Shearwaters were recorded breeding on the island for the first time in over two decades.  “Using night-vision technology, the LIFE Raft team [captured footage](https://www.facebook.com/100067495322482/videos/pcb.1129105872682580/772264715797796) of young birds ready to fledge from their burrows, providing the confirmation of Manx Shearwaters successfully nesting and raising chicks on the island.” *![Manxies Rathlin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manxies_Rathlin.jpg) From the [LIFE Raft Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/LIFERathlin/)* Tthe ferrets were removed by the deployment of 600 kill and live traps. To eliminate the rats over 6500 rodenticide bait stations made of corrugated plastic piping were then placed every 50 m over the whole island, supported by volunteer teams, rope work on cliffs, field cameras, thermal drones, 28 000 wax chew blocks to detect presence and Woody, the rat detection dog.  “No ferrets have been seen on the island since Autumn of 2023 and only two rats have been seen in 2025.  The project is currently following international eradication best practice and will continue our rat eradication efforts this Winter, starting November 2025” ([click here](https://rathlin360.com/first-month-in-role/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ0TLZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEejYtRB5pJG5VRLX5e7Jk_8o6xKBvfEsGyq6hqYC0jg4_vEkxiDjgwMnW9CE0_aem_zoYD9cVc34fcT5oLdI12AQ)). According to ‘Biz’ Bell of [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/), Rathlin is the first island from which ferrets have been eliminated. *![Rathlin Island Manxie fledglings](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Rathlin_Island_Manxie_fledglings.webp) Manx Shearwater fledglings leave their Rathlin burrows at night, from the [LIFE Raft Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/LIFERathlin/)* Watch a [video](https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/rathlin-island-success?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ0NLxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzY3R6Zjh1TDdDNlBIM2JVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqGBC7-DVrbOIubxFfthbg2gcW9JNHD4wLptn-sov0m6866U_q0A2PVzSNUv_aem_m1I4aL4KA2sqapv2uepNow) about the natural history of Rathlin Island, read a [press release](https://rathlin360.com/a-world-first-as-rathlin-island-achieves-historic-ferret-eradication-to-secure-seabird-future/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ0Q6NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4SWhpVkxSVUlWTFdBeW5ic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgF7984s-tpIv83tF68HWqTW44riLNJ8-Jq05-Krtat_S9ocp9DH__aWlHlD_aem_ABJHI-bwBthzocx-scLOsQ) about the end of the ferrets and see an [earlier *ACAP Latest News* article](https://acap.aq/latest-news/manx-shearwaters-return-to-two-united-kingdom-islands-following-action-against-introduced-predator?highlight=WyJyYXRobGluIl0=) on the island’s shearwaters. News of the project’s success comes in a year when ACAP has chosen “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” as its theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 31 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ferreted-out-rathlin-islands-manx-shearwaters-come-back-to-breed.md) ## Spatial segregation and fisheries overlap for Wandering Albatrosses vary by age and breeding site *![Wandering Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke HQ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke_HQ.jpg)Wandering Albatross by Lea Finke of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Victoria Warwick-Evans ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Conservation Biology](https://www.jstor.org/journal/consbiol)* on the overlap between fisheries and [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*from two different colonies in  the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Bycatch in fisheries is one of the most serious threats to pelagic seabirds, causing major population declines.  Mitigation measures can reduce bycatch substantially, but many fisheries fail to apply best practices, and seabird mortality remains high. Seabirds often segregate at sea according to sex and life-history stage, and bycatch risk can vary accordingly.  Few studies have tested whether spatial segregation among colonies in foraging areas affects bycatch risk.  We tracked nonbreeding wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*) from Bird Island and neighboring Prion Island, South Georgia, to investigate whether differences in at-sea distributions and overlap with fisheries explain the contrasting population trends. Tracked individuals at Bird Island were of known status (immature or nonbreeding adults), and at Prion Island, they were most likely older immatures and potentially a few nonbreeding adults.  There was marked spatial segregation between age classes at Bird Island, but the pattern between breeding sites was more complex. The overlap with fisheries was highest in nonbreeding adults from Bird Island, which experienced a faster rate of population decline than at Prion Island, where overlap with fisheries was lower. Overlap was highest with Chinese, South Korean, and Taiwanese squid jiggers, Taiwanese pelagic longliners, and Argentinian and Spanish trawlers. By improving our knowledge of the spatiotemporal overlap of seabirds with fisheries, management initiatives can be directed at the fleets that represent the greatest threats.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Warwick-Evans, V., Pearmain, E.J. & Phillips, R.A. 2026.  Overlap of nonbreeding wandering albatrosses with fisheries and implications for colony-specific population trajectories at South Georgia.  *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70260)*[DOI: 10.1111/cobi.70260.](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70260) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 27 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/spatial-segregation-and-fisheries-overlap-for-wandering-albatrosses-vary-by-age-and-breeding-site.md) ## ACAP releases its World Albatross Day logo for 2026 in three more languages  ![WAD2026 fr horizontal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026_fr_horizontal.png) French, Portuguese and Spanish versions of this year’s World Albatross logo are now available to join the [previously released English version](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-newly-designed-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2026).  All four versions, in landscape and portrait formats, may be freely downloaded for use in promoting “WAD2026” and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” on 19 June from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration/wad2026logos). ![WAD2026 pt vertical](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026_pt_vertical.png) The Portuguese logo has been produced this year to recognize that the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, one of the two albatross species to be featured for WAD2026 with an infographic, posters and artworks, is a regular visitor to the waters of Portuguese-speaking Brazil, which is one of the 13 Parties to the Agreement. ![WAD2026 es horizontal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026_es_horizontal.png) This year’s logo has been produced by by illustrator [Namasri “Namo” Niumim](https://namasri.com/), who resides in Bangkok, Thailand.  Namo is not new to ACAP, as she has produced all the [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) to date. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 26 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2026-in-three-more-languages.md) ## UPDATED. The Convention on Migratory Species approves Concerted Action for the Antipodean Albatross *![Antipodean Albatross Adams Island Colin ODonnell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Adams_Island_Colin_ODonnell.jpg)An Antipodean Albatross breeds next to the megaherb,**Lance-leaf Button Daisy*Pleurophyllum hookeri*,**on Adams Island, Auckland Island, photograph by Colin ODonnell* **UPDATE:** New Zealand introduced a report [(UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.31.2.9](https://www.cms.int/document/3129-report-implementation-concerted-action-antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis)) to the Committee of the Whole (CoW) at the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties ([COP15](https://www.cms.int/cop15)) of the Convention on Migratory Species on implementation of the Concerted Action for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis (*[UNEP/CMS/Concerted Action 13.12](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/cms_cop13_ca.13.12_e.pdf)) that had been submitted by the Governments of Australia, Chile and New Zealand, noting engagement with fisheries and improved understanding with tracking tools (see below).  The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) [supported](https://enb.iisd.org/conference-parties-convention-migratory-species-wild-animals-cms-cop15-daily-report-28mar2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ2GNZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrcHZsM1FTNk9vbllhSFpTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpMNeQQ6wgAZgGfNwnz6PB_MJw029nNu0_vXMeZPf7YZdQw-_Cz28vUqi3XG_aem_RCqBoLiFqxKt-LvLdyYsGA) the proposed Concerted Action.  The CoW then submitted the report to the COP, which [formally approved](https://www.cms.int/news/40-migratory-animal-species-receive-new-or-upgraded-protection-close-un-meeting-brazil?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ20JxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkM0JuYzZSYURwUEtQTXExc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoCfIYsD-Ywy0dKrMJ4jKpvk5_hJzEpqcv--EVPDfu-4AlqLSyGVykXGrjGo_aem_izZKU680yjqq0RJ0ptrAKA) the Concerted Action at its final plenary meeting on 29 March. ************************************** The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/), also known as the Bonn Convention) is considering a report ([UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.31.2.9](https://www.cms.int/document/3129-report-implementation-concerted-action-antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis), also available in French and Spanish) on the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* (listed on CMS Appendix I) at its Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties ([COP15](https://www.cms.int/cop15)), being held this week in Campo Grande, Brazil.  The 16-page report on implementation of the Concerted Action for the albatross*, (*[UNEP/CMS/Concerted Action 13.12](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/cms_cop13_ca.13.12_e.pdf)) adopted at COP13 in 2020, has been submitted by the Governments of Australia, Chile and New Zealand.  Its Summary follows: “This report provides the third implementation update for the Antipodean albatross Concerted Action.  Good progress towards achieving the various fisheries management and research objectives is reported.  In particular, a number of new domestic fisheries management measures have been implemented and intensive satellite tracking has identified key areas of overlap with fishing activity in the high seas.  However, progress in addressing high seas fishery bycatch (the greatest threat) remains limited and population monitoring shows no recovery.  As such, a revised Concerted Action is proposed for the next intersessional period, with a particular focus on addressing high seas fishery bycatch.” *![Antipodean Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke.jpg)Antipodean Albatross, artwork by Lea Finke for the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The report ends with a call for action: “Given the lack of recovery of Antipodean albatross, and the slow progress in addressing the greatest threats (fisheries bycatch in the high seas), we propose an updated Concerted Action is endorsed for the next intersessional period.  The updated Concerted Action will guide and prioritise future actions, in particular towards addressing the threat of fisheries bycatch in the high seas.” "CMS Appendix I comprises migratory species in danger of extinction in the wild throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Parties that are Range States to a migratory species listed on Appendix I endeavour to strictly protect them by prohibiting the taking of such species (including the deliberate killing, capture or disturbance), with a very restricted scope for exceptions; conserving and, where appropriate, restoring their habitats; preventing, removing or mitigating obstacles to their migration; and controlling other factors that might endanger them" ([click here](https://www.cms.int/species/appendix-i-ii-cms)). Access ACAP's report (UNEP/CMS/COP15/Inf.10.3.2) to COP15 [here](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/2026-03/cms_cop15_Inf.10.3.2_acap-report_e.pdf).  In its report ACAP welcomes the third report on the implementation of, and proposal for, a continuation of the Concerted Action for the Antipodean Albatross.  It also  notes the proposal for a Concerted Action for the Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes* that links to the proposal for the listing of this species on Appendix II ([read more here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-is-a-highly-suitable-candidate-for-acap-listing-according-to-a-proposal-to-be-considered-by-the-convention-on-migratory-species)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 25 March 2026, updated 02 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-convention-on-migratory-species-reviews-implementation-of-concerted-action-for-the-antipodean-albatross-at-its-fifteenth-conference-of-parties.md) ## A weighty study: comparing sink rates of hooks for surface longline fisheries *![Hooks NZ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Hooks_NZ.png)Branchline weighting options tested, from left to right: 50 g 16/0 Procella hook, 62 g 16/0 Procella hook, 14/0 weighted swivel hook (53 g total weight), Hookpod and 60 g lumo lead with 22 g 16/0 hook.  Hookpod with 22 g 16/0 hook, 60 g lumo lead, 40 g lumo lead. Note lumo leads were deployed on branchlines with 22 g 16/0 circle hooks (from the publication)* D. Goad and C Schweder-Goad (Vita Maris, New Zealand) have produced a final report for the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) on sink rates of weighted longline hooks. The report’s Summary follows: “The use of line weighting to rapidly sink baited hooks under the protection of a tori line is recognised as an effective mitigation measure to reduce the bycatch of seabirds during the deployment of pelagic longlines. Time depth recorders (TDRs) were used to compare sink profiles of heavy hooks and hook shielding devices to established best practice line weighting configurations. Tests were conducted both from a stationary vessel and during fishing operations. Sink times to depth were slower and more variable under real-world fishing conditions than under controlled conditions. Both 60 g and 50 g heavy hooks sank with similar profiles to the current ACAP best practice line weighting recommendations of 60 g at a metre from the hook or 40 g at half a metre. The size and density of hook shielding devices reduced sink times, particularly under fishing “conditions, indicating that the bulk of devices added to branchlines should be considered.” **Reference:** Goad, D. & Schweder-Goad, C. 2025.  [*Assessment of Weighted Hooks as a Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Option for Surface Longline Fisheries. MIT2024-03. Final Report*.](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202425-annual-plan/mit2024-03-assessment-of-weighted-hooks-final-report.pdf)  Vita Maris.  9 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 April 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-weighty-study-comparing-sink-rates-of-hooks-for-surface-longline-fisheries.md) ## ACAP-listed Westland Petrels overlap with both New Zealand’s longline and trawl fisheries *![WEPE15122012 Raja Stephenson 8250](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/WEPE15122012_Raja_Stephenson-8250.jpg)Westland Petrel, photograph by Raja Stephenson* Te Arawhetu Waipoua (Department of Conservation, New Zealand- and colleagues have produced a final report for the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) on the overlaps between [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) and ACAP-listed Westland Petrels *Procellaria westlandica* and domestic longline and trawl fisheries. The report’s summary follows: “Seabird bycatch in fisheries is a major conservation concern globally, yet fine-scale evaluations of overlap, and thus, indirectly, risk, remain limited for many species.  Tāiko/Westland petrel (*Procellaria westlandica*) are endemic to Aotearoa (New Zealand) and exclusively breed at a single colony near Punakaiki on the West Coast of Te Waipounamu (South Island).  This species is highly vulnerable to bycatch in domestic fisheries, including surface longline, bottom longline, and trawl fisheries.  To quantify tāiko distribution and overlap with domestic fishing effort, we combined four consecutive years of broad-scale adult geolocation (GLS) tracking data (2021-2025; n = 146) with two years of fine-scale GPS tracking (2024-25; n = 37).  We applied two complementary analyses: (i) raster-based overlap, aggregating GLS tracking and fishing data into gridded surfaces to evaluate co-occurrence intensity across space and time, and (ii) point-based spatiotemporal overlap, measuring direct coincidence between individual bird GPS locations and E-logbook recorded fishing events. We then contrasted these approaches with recorded bycatch events (n = 120; 2020-2025). GLS data revealed strong seasonal connectivity between Aotearoa and South America. However, surprisingly, tāiko occurred in Aotearoa waters year-round. Consequently, broad-scale raster-based analyses indicated year-round overlap with domestic fisheries, peaking austral mid-winter in core breeding areas and dominated by deepwater trawl, particularly for hoki (*Macruronus novaezelandiea*), followed by deepwater ling (*Genypterus blacodes*) bottom longline fisheries. Fine-scale point-based analyses showed incubating birds spent an average of 2.1 hours per day within 3 km of fishing vessels, with >98% of co-occurrence time near trawlers.  Contrasting with these co-occurrence patterns, recorded bycatch predominantly originated from deepwater ling bottom longline fisheries (despite high observer coverage in multiple fleets).  Our findings underscore that co-occurrence does not always directly translate to bycatch risk and that fleet specific catchabilities should be considered alongside other fishery- or fleet-specific nuances.  More importantly, our results highlight the current level of tāiko bycatch within the ling bottom longline fishery and thus further targeted efforts to reduce bycatch of this endemic species in this fishery is required. Additionally, the deepwater trawl fishery would benefit from improved data collection, particularly to quantify warp strike risks, to place the current high co occurrence with low recorded bycatch into the necessary context. Our approach combining multiple data sources thus provided robust insights to guide evidence-based bycatch reduction strategies, without the direct need to employ highly complicated modelling exercises.” **Reference:** Waipoua, T., Rutter, J., Simister, K., Bose, S., Taylor, G., Rowley, O., Debski, I. & Fischer, J. 2026.  *[INT2024-08: Westland petrel overlap with domestic fishing effort](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202425-annual-plan/int2024-08-westland-petrel-overlap-with-domestic-fishing-effort-final-report.pdf)*.  Wellington: Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  29 pp. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-listed-westland-petrels-overlap-with-both-new-zealands-longline-and-trawl-fisheries.md) ## A minor mystery: when was it first realized that South Africa's Prince Edward Island was mouse free? **![Albatross Valley PEI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Albatross_Valley_PEI.JPG) *Unbothered by mice, Wandering Albatrosses breed in close proximity *in Prince Edward Island's Albatross Valley, photograph by Briuce Dyer** Unlike Marion Island, its larger neighbour 22 km away, South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Island is free of introduced House Mice (and any other alien mammal).  Anyone (and that includes myself) who has camped there will remember the pleasure of nights undisturbed by the scampering of mice trying to gain access to the tent – and finding no droppings inside the left-out cooking pot the next morning!  The island is free of the obvious mouse runways through the vegetation that are a frequent sight on Marion. The relative abundance (and larger size) of invertebrates, including the tiny spiders that come out to crawl over your legs when seated on a windless day, is a revelation in comparison to its neighbour, which is plagued by the insectivorous mice.  The numbers of Lesser Sheathbills *Chionis minor* that forage for invertebrates among inland mire vegetation and the presence of uneaten grass heads on Prince Edward are also indications of the lack of the mice that are attacking and killing [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* and other procellariiform seabirds on Marion Island. *![1176 MM13679 LH.Lex Hes right and James Gleeson Prince Edward Island S. Indian Ocean](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/1176_MM13679_LH.Lex_Hes_right_and_James_Gleeson_Prince_Edward_Island_S._Indian_Ocean.jpg)James Gleeson (left) and Lex Hes on Prince Edward Island in 1980* But of course, these anecdotal, although repeated, observations are not completely compelling.  Clearer evidence of the absence of mice on Prince Edward Island comes from a research trip made by the late James Gleeson and Lex Hes from 30 May to 5 June 1980.  The pair, from the University of Pretoria’s [Mammal Research Institute](https://www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/), went to the island from Marion to investigate “the presence or absence of mice in relation to insect fauna”.  Unfortunately, mention of their visit is not made in James’ MSc thesis or his published paper on Marion’s mice, nor have I come across a trip report.  However, recently I was put in contact with Lex, James’ assistant, who kindly sent photographs of their visit – and answered my questions.  Lex, from memory, and we are going back nearly half a century, remembers that they hiked around the island setting baited snap and Sherman live mouse traps (and collecting invertebrates) in different localities, including setting snap traps inside the annexation cave at Cave Bay.  He is uncertain quite where traps were set, and how many, but remembers they filled a backpack, so one imagines they had and deployed a fair number.  Return visits after baited traps were left out overnight revealed no mice. *![Dead Wanderer Marion April 2023 Chris Jones 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Dead_Wanderer_Marion_April_2023_Chris_Jones_2.jpg)An adult Wandering Albatross killed by House Mice on Marion Island, April 2023 - Wanderers on Prince Edward breed unbothered by mice, photograph by Chris Jones* The question now arises: when was it first realised that Prince Edward Island was known (or at least thought) to be mouse-free?  Here we need to delve into a little history.  South Africa annexed the island in January 1948, landing to raise a flag outside the annexation cave behind Cave Bay.  For at least a couple of years after that, landings were made from South African Navy frigates, as inscribed on a brass plaque mounted at the cave entrance.  But these would all have been short visits of only a few hours with no overnighting.  To my knowledge the first persons to stay overnight since the sealing era were the six scientists of the South African Biological & Geological Expedition who camped on Prince Edward from 18-22 March 1965.  Brian Huntley, the botanist, wrote in his published diary their belief that they were the first to go ashore in 15 years.  Three members revisited the island in 1966 from 28 March to 1 April.  I have recently contacted two expedition members, Brian Huntley and the ornithologist, Eduard van Zinderen Bakker Jr, to ask about their visits.  Both say they saw no mice or signs thereof on either of their two visits, but neither could recall if they believed Prince Edward to be mouse-free beforehand. **![1163 MM13672 LH.James Gleeson with group of sheathbills Prince Edward Island S. Indian Ocean](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/1163_MM13672_LH.James_Gleeson_with_group_of_sheathbills_Prince_Edward_Island_S._Indian_Ocean.jpg)*James Gleeson with a flock of inland-foraging Lesser Sheathbills on mouse-free Prince Edward Island in 1980, in stark contrast to mouse-infested Marion Island, photograph by Lex Hes* I have approached several of the scientists who overnighted on the island in the 1970s.  All who have replied remember noting the absence of mice.  Alan Burger, who overnighted on Prince Edward Island in 1974 and again in 1977 states “As I recall it was common knowledge that there were no mice on [Prince Edward] and we certainly saw no evidence of mice during our stay[s]”.  Presumably, the 1970s researchers learnt of the absence of mice as news filtered down from members of the 1965/66 Expedition. *![Albatross Valley Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Albatross_Valley_Peter_Ryan.jpg)*A quarter of the global population of the Wandering Albatross breeds on Prince Edward, most of them in *Albatross Valley, photograph by Peter Ryan* The last [overnight visit](https://mousefreemarion.org/mouse-free-prince-edward-island-a-hidden-gem-in-the-sub-antarctic-is-visited-for-the-first-time-in-over-a-decade/) to Prince Edward Island was in December 2023, when 13 scientists spent six nights ashore.  No signs of mice were seen.  Like all previous visits in the last two decades, strict biosecurity protocols were followed, so it seems near certain the island remains mouse free. *![Cave Bay PE Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Cave_Bay_PE_Peter_Ryan.jpg) Cave Bay, Prince Edward Island, with the annexation cave and flagpole visible. No mice were found here during the 1980 trapping, photograph by Peter Ryan* A minor mystery still remains of who first established that Prince Edward Island had no mice.  A question that might never be properly answered, given the passage of time!  Nevertheless, a take-home message from all the visitors is how pristine the island is in comparison to mouse-ravaged Marion Island.  Restoring Marion to match the biodiversity of Prince Edward is the aim of the *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project. *This is an aim that will be applauded by anyone who has had the privilege of visiting and staying overnight on Prince Edward Island. With thanks to Mark Anderson, Alan Burger, Brian Huntley, Kevin Hall, Lex Hes and Eduard van Zinderen Bakker Jr. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 March 2026* **NOTE:**  The above article is an edited version of an [original publication](https://mousefreemarion.org/a-minor-mystery-when-was-it-first-realized-that-prince-edward-island-was-mouse-free/) by the Mouse-Free Marion Project. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-minor-mystery-when-was-it-first-realized-that-prince-edward-island-was-mouse-free.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. The Flesh-footed Shearwater is a “highly suitable candidate” for ACAP listing, according to a proposal to be considered by the Convention on Migratory Species ![COP Appendix II Flesh footed Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/COP_Appendix_II_Flesh-footed_Shearwater.jpg) Australia, France and New Zealand have proposed including the [Near threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater on [Appendix II](https://www.cms.int/species/appendix-i-ii-cms) of the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/), also known as the Bonn Convention).  The proposal will be considered at the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Parties ([COP15](https://www.cms.int/cop15)) which will be held over 23-29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil, with the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life”. “Flesh-footed Shearwaters breed on islands around northern New Zealand, Australia and the French Southern Territories, then migrate north after breeding to the north-west Pacific and, in some cases, as far as the northern Indian Ocean.  Bycatch (especially longline fisheries) is the major threat along the species’ migratory route.  Invasive predators, plastic ingestion, climate change, vessel collisions linked to light attraction, and offshore wind farms are also pressures this species faces.” ([CMS Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/bonnconvention)). Appendix II covers migratory species that have an unfavourable conservation status and that require international agreements for their conservation and management, as well as those that have a conservation status which would significantly benefit from the international cooperation that could be achieved by an international agreement. According to the proposal by the three countries ([UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.30.2.6](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/2025-11/cms_cop15_doc.30.2.6_listing-proposal-flesh-footed-shearwater_e.pdf)) “listing on Appendix II will elevate the suitability score of flesh-footed shearwater for inclusion on Annex 1 of ACAP.  A listing on Annex 1 of ACAP would further facilitate the anticipated benefits identified here as ACAP is very active in the development and promotion of best-practice seabird bycatch mitigation advice for relevant fisheries.” In a supporting document ([UNEP/CMS/COP15/Doc.31.3.10](https://www.cms.int/document/31310-proposal-concerted-action-flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes-proposed-listing)) Australia and New Zealand make a proposal for a [Concerted Action](https://www.cms.int/documents/concerted-actions) for the Flesh-footed Shearwater.  The document states that “It also complements the work of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), a CMS subsidiary agreement” and that the Flesh-footed Shearwater is a “highly suitable candidate for listing on Annex 1 of ACAP.” It continues “There are no other international cooperation initiatives with a focus on flesh-footed shearwater.  The notable related mechanism in place with relevance to flesh-footed shearwater is ACAP, where ACAP Parties cooperate on matters such as development of seabird bycatch mitigation advice, and through conservation and management measures adopted by RFMOs.  However, as flesh-footed shearwaters are not listed on Annex 1 of ACAP, ACAP’s actions do not provide a high level of advocacy for flesh-footed shearwater and may fail to focus efforts on fisheries that may impact flesh-footed shearwater but not ACAP-listed species.  An additional benefit of listing flesh-footed shearwater on Appendix II of CMS is that this will elevate the suitability score of flesh-footed shearwater for inclusion on Annex 1 of ACAP.  Such a listing would further facilitate the anticipated benefits identified here.  Given CMS has more Parties with jurisdiction across the range of flesh-footed shearwater than ACAP, listing on both CMS and ACAP would maximise international cooperation to conserve flesh-footed shearwater.” The *ACAP Monthly Missive* for [December 2025](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-convention-on-migratory-species-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-inclusion-on-its-appendix-ii-acap-listing-to-follow) previously reported on the CMS proposal and considered whether the Flesh-footed Shearwater should be ACAP listed, following discussion at the 2019 Meeting of the Advisory Committee ([AC11](https://acap.aq/en/documents/advisory-committee/ac11)) in Brazil ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVyIiwic2hlYXJ3YXRlcnMiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVyJ3MiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVycyciXQ==)). *ACAP Latest News* will report on the outcome of the proposed listing by the Convention on Migratory Species once it becomes known.  ACAP will hold the Fifteenth Meeting of its Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) from 1-5 June 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia, when it will have an opportunity to consider the outcome of the proposal to list the Flesh-footed Shearwater on CMS Appendix II by three of its Parties. It is to be noted that any opinions expressed in *ACAP Monthly Missives* are not to be taken as those of the ACAP Secretariat or any of the Agreement’s Parties. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-is-a-highly-suitable-candidate-for-acap-listing-according-to-a-proposal-to-be-considered-by-the-convention-on-migratory-species.md) ## ACAP releases its newly designed World Albatross Day logo for 2026 ![WAD2026 vertical](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/WAD2026_vertical.png) For the last six years, since the inauguration of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June 2020, logos marking the event have been produced by graphic designer Geoff Tyler.  Versions have been produced in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish; in some years Japanese, Portuguese and a few other languages have been added. ![WAD2026 horizontal](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/WAD2026_horizontal.png) This year a new design, in horizontal and vertical layouts, has been produced for WAD2026 and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” by illustrator [Namasri “Namo” Niumim](https://namasri.com/), who resides in Bangkok, Thailand.  Namo is not new to ACAP, as she has produced all the [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) to date. French, Portuguese and Spanish versions of the WAD2026 logo will follow soon.  They will be available for downloading from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-newly-designed-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2026.md) ## The Northern Royal Albatrosses at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura are having a record breeding season *![2025 26 Northrn Royal Albatross pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/2025-26_Northrn_Royal_Albatross_pair.jpg)Female Northern Royal Albatross LYL (Lime-Yellow-Lime) stands over her newly laid egg in November 2025, with male partner behind, photograph by Department of Conservation Ranger Scott* Hatching statistics are in for the [intensively managed colony](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-pip-pip-hooray-looking-after-hatching-eggs-and-hatchlings-in-the-northern-royal-albatross-colony-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head) of globally [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura on New Zealand’s South Island. Of the 47 eggs laid in the current 2025/26 breeding season, a record 40 chicks have hatched giving a hatching success of 85.1%.  One chick died when two days old, with the remaining 39 currently transcending to the post-guard stage. *![Royal can chick 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Royal_can_chick_2026.png) The 2025/26 Royal Cam chick at 46 days of age spreads it’s still stubby wings* Watch the pair [WYL and BOK](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-discussion/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQh2PtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNQnNqc094V0wzMUkzWEFHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr8Tvcn3InoyEQhB5ZELCjQazGx0WJcdzQVXAr5OKWee1w26IC6bK2uaoVFH_aem_BTGl5zLVqx9BCkz5SZVJGw) rearing their male chick, which hatched on 22 January, throughout the breeding season via the 24-hour [Royal Cam](https://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross). Information from the New Zealand Department of Conservation [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/docgovtnz). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 17 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-taiaroa-head-pukekura-are-having-a-record-breeding-season.md) ## Albatrosses and petrel assemblages offshore from New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula *![Kitty](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Kitty.jpg) Northern Royal Albatross at sea for World Albatross Day 2020, artwork by Kitty Harvill after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Nicholas Daudt ([Department of Marine Science](https://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience), University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/estuarine-coastal-and-shelf-science)* on seabird assemblages off the east coast of South Island, New Zealand.  Albatrosses and petrels tended to occur offshore (>35 km). The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment is crucial to determining important areas for conservation and monitoring. In rapidly changing oceans, one approach to quantify these relationships is to identify species assemblages. This study used a nine year dataset of seabird observations sampled approximately every two months during a cross-shelf transect to describe assemblages at the Subtropical Frontal Zone, in southeast Aotearoa/New Zealand. During 36 voyages, 47 species and a minimum of 69,025 individual birds were recorded. We used multivariate, model-based ordinations to identify assemblages against spatial (distance from the coast), temporal (season) and environmental (water mass) predictors. The multivariate models suggest that the distance from the coast and seasons explain most of the observed variability. Gulls and shags influenced a coastal assemblage (25 km from the coast), and most albatrosses and petrels were only recorded offshore (35 km). Seasons strongly influenced the assemblages, with 31 of the 39 analysed species classified as migratory or dispersive. Over the nine year dataset, the probability of occurrence of nearly 40% of the analysed species changed, indicating possible changes in the assemblage structure and species’ ranges. This study shows the importance of accounting for seasonality when describing assemblages in regions supporting high proportions of migratory and/or wide-ranging species. The observed changes in the probability of occurrence of several species may be the first evidence for the effects of oceanographic changes recently described for the southwest Pacific Ocean due to above-average warming caused by climate change.” With thanks to the Pacific Seabird Group. **Reference:** Daudt, N.W., Loh, G, Currie, K.I., Schofield, M.R., Smith, R.O., Woehler, E.J., Bugoni, L. & Rayment, W.J. 2025.  Changing species occurrences at the Subtropical Frontal Zone.  *[Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771425002835?via%3Dihub)*[323, 109405. doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2025.109405](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771425002835?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-and-petrel-assemblages-offshore-from-new-zealands-otago-peninsula.md) ## Petrels and shearwaters make up seabird assemblages off Northeast New Zealand *![Black Petrel Kirk Zufelt off North Cape NZ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_Kirk_Zufelt_off_North_Cape_NZ.jpg) A Black Petrel off North Cape, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Nicholas Daudt ([Department of Marine Science](https://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience), University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Marine Systems](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-marine-systems)* giving the first quantitative data on seabird assemblages off northeast Aotearoa/New Zealand.  Total seabird biomass was strongly influenced by the seasonal occurrence of four medium-sized migratory procellariiforms, including the ACAP-listed and globally [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Migratory species may influence structural components of species assemblages, such as biomass and diversity patterns. A total of 10 ship-based, strip-transect seabird surveys were undertaken in all seasons (2019–2024) off the northeast coast of Northland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. Almost all seabird species recorded were migratory or wide-ranging dispersive (23 of 25). Multivariate model-based ordinations revealed that season primarily explained species assemblages, while including environmental variables such as sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-*a* (useful proxies for studying seabird distribution) offered little extra explanatory power at the assemblage level. There was no clear spatial pattern in the assemblages, suggesting that the study area was used uniformly by the species present at the time. The total seabird biomass present was strongly influenced by the seasonal occurrence of four medium-sized, migratory procellariiforms: tāiko (black petrel; *Procellaria parkinsoni*), rako (Buller’s shearwater; *Ardenna bulleri*), ōi (grey-faced petrel; *Pterodroma gouldi*) and toanui (flesh-footed shearwater; *Ardenna carneipes*). The biomass estimates showed an eight-fold increase from winter (243 kg/km) to summer (1885 kg/km). Northland will likely be the first region in Aotearoa/New Zealand to experience the consequences of oceanic warming. The study establishes a baseline against which to measure potential future changes in seabird occurrences. Based on descriptive and modelling approaches, the study demonstrated the role of species’ phenologies in shaping assemblages of seabird species and their impact on total estimated biomass, which may affect ecosystem functioning and energy fluxes.” With thanks to the Pacific Seabird Group. **Reference:** Daud, N.W., Guerra, M., Brough, T., Dwyer, S.L., Zaeschmar, J.R., Schofield, M.R., Smith, R.O., Bugoni, L., Woehler. E.J. & Rayment, W.J. 2026.  Migratory species strongly affect seabird biomass in seasonal assemblages off northeast Aotearoa/New Zealand.  *[Journal of Marine Systems](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924796326000230?via%3Dihub)*[255. doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2026.104201](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924796326000230?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 16 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/petrels-and-shearwaters-make-up-seabird-assemblages-off-northeast-new-zealand.md) ## John Croxall to be the Keynote Speaker at the Fourth World Seabird Conference ![John Croxall](https://acap.aq/images/John_Croxall.png)[John Croxall CBE FRS](https://royalsociety.org/people/john-croxall-11282/) will be the Keynote Speaker at the [Fourth World Seabird Conference](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/),to be held in Hobart, Tasmania over 7-11 September 2026.  John is anEmeritus Professor at the Universities of Durham and Birmingham and Founder and Chair until 2020 of the [BirdLife International Marine Programme](https://www.birdlife.org/marine/). “Formerly Head of Higher Predator Studies and Conservation Biology at [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), where [he] led research into dynamics of Antarctic marine ecosystems, especially the role of seabirds and marine mammals, including pioneering 30-year studies of albatross, penguin and fur seal population and trophodynamics.  [He] used new technology to study foraging behaviour and movements, including multi-species, season and year tracking studies and established global databases to enable collaborative studies and inputs to national, regional and global marine spatial planning.” John was involved with ACAP in the early days serving as Chair of the [First Scientific Meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop1/mop1-scientific-meeting) associated with the [First Meeting of Parties](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop1), held in Hobart in November 2004, for which he was an Advisor to the United Kingdom Delegation. *![John Croxall Bird Island](https://acap.aq/images/John_Croxall_Bird_Island.jpg)John Croxall on Bird Island in the South Atlantic* He was active within the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research ([SCAR](https://scar.org/)), at one stage chairing its then SCAR Bird Biology Subcommittee, as well as within the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/)) during the 1980s and 1990s. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/john-croxall-to-be-the-keynote-speaker-at-the-fourth-world-seabird-conference.md) ## A colour-banded Northern Royal gets spotted in Chilean waters *![D23 Dan Mosher](https://acap.aq/images/D23_Dan_Mosher.jpg)D23 (band readable on expanding) in Chilean waters, photograph by Dan Mosher* Dan Mosher has reported on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/86878741545/user/100052571420950) of photographing an [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* off the coast of Chile.  The bird carried a black plastic band on its left leg engraved with D23. He writes “I recently returned from a cruise [aboard the] *Oosterdam* from San Antonio, Chile to the Antarctica Peninsula to Buenos Aires and back again.  I’m a deck-watcher and enjoy seeing and photographing the pelagic seabirds we encounter along the way.  On the return trip from Puerto Montt Chile going [north] toward San Antonio, we came across a tagged royal albatross that was quite close to the ship.  The tag clearly reads D23”.  He adds in a comment that the date was 21 February 2026. Following enquiries posted to his page, the bird was confirmed to be a Northern Royal Albatross from the Taiaroa Head/Pukekura mainland colony near Dunedin in New Zealand, and that it is a male, hatched in 2023, one of 33 chicks to fledge from the colony that [2022/23] season. Let’s hope it will return to the colony and eventually commence breeding. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 12 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-colour-banded-northern-royal-gets-spotted-in-chilean-waters.md) ## Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza now reported from a seabird on Heard Island *![Heard Island Barbara Wienecke 1s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Heard%20Island%20Barbara%20Wienecke%201s.jpg)Big Ben on Heard Island, photograph by Barbara Wienecke* *ACAP Latest News* has [previously reported](https://acap.aq/search?q=Heard+Island+influenza&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) on the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Southern Elephant Seals on Australia’s Heard Island, following a summer 2025/26 expedition.  New information on the HPAI virus now comes from its detection in a Gentoo Penguin *Pygoscelis papua* on Heard. “Scientists onboard the research vessel RSV *Nuyina* have returned from a second expedition to Australia’s Heard Island in the remote sub-Antarctic and have confirmed that H5 bird flu is spreading among the island’s wildlife.  The virus was detected in samples from Southern Elephant Seals, Antarctic Fur Seals and Gentoo Penguins.  At this stage we don’t know how many Gentoo Penguins are affected or whether other bird species on the island have also contracted the virus, owing to the difficulties associated with monitoring species on remote sub-Antarctic islands.   Expedition scientists have reported that they didn’t observe any signs of mass mortality in mammals or birds while they were on the island.  Data from aerial surveys is [*sic*] currently being analysed by scientists and may reveal a clearer picture about the extent of the outbreak.” The avian flu has yet to be reported from the three ACAP-listed Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris,* Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata* and Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* that breed on Heard Island. Read the full account [here](https://birdlife.org.au/news/update-on-heard-islands-h5-bird-flu-outbreak/?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Pardot&utm_campaign=enews_mar26).  Read the Australian Government’s media release [here](https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/collins/media-releases/h5-bird-flu-heard-island-update). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 March 2026 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-now-reported-from-a-seabird-on-heard-island.md) ## ACAP-listed Black Petrels are hatching on New Zealand’s Aotea Great Barrier Island *![Black Petrel with chick George Hobson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_with_chick_George_Hobson.jpg)An adult Black Petrel with its downy chick, photograph by George Hobson* “High on the slopes of Hirakimata [Mount Hobson] on Aotea Great Barrier Island, something remarkable is happening.  In burrows tucked beneath forest roots and moss, tākoketai [Black Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) chicks are hatching.  These downy youngsters, born in January and February 2026, represent both hope and uncertainty for one of Aotearoa’s most threatened seabirds.”*![Biz Fledgling black petrel May 2019 Credit Biz Bell WMIL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Fledgling_black_petrel_May_2019_Credit_-_Biz_Bell_WMIL.jpg)A [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel*Procellaria parkinsoni*fledgling on Great Barrier Island in May 2019, photograph by ‘Biz’ Bell* “With only around 5000 breeding pairs remaining, the tākoketai is one of our most at-risk seabirds, facing threats from fishing bycatch and habitat loss.  In April, as part of the largest Black Petrel tracking study ever undertaken, satellite trackers will be placed on fledglings before they leave Aotea, revealing where young birds spend their crucial first few months at sea. Read the whole article from [Live Ocean](https://liveocean.org/)’s Impact Director Hannah Prior and Project Manager Elaine Harris [here](https://liveocean.org/hatching-hope-black-petrel-season-on-aotea/?utm_campaign=Swim4TheOcean&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9X1Y1p0EW9C2QgewUBbKJ2NISyIQE4AEkohov7p0mc3cGAbI2ZPYuCWpLiBti06XaqV-aZIfEAczJtpnVDyEtEEcK0FQ&_hsmi=407246520&utm_content=407246520&utm_source=hs_email). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 10 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-listed-black-petrels-are-hatching-on-new-zealands-aotea-great-barrier-island.md) ## ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill creates the 700th artwork in seven years of collaboration in support of World Albatross Day *![Kitty Harvill](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Kitty_Harvill.jpg) No. 700!  Kitty Harvill with “Dreaming of Gough”, her painting of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross in acrylics on canvas, 40 x 50 cm, after a photograph by Chris Jones.  This photograph is by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* For the seventh consecutive year ACAP is working with the international collective, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), to produce artworks featuring albatrosses and petrels in support of World Albatross Day (WAD2026) on 19 June.  The first six ABUN Projects yielded no less than 697 artworks for ACAP’s use in supporting conservation.  A truly impressive number, that most likely has no competitor for any animal group across the whole world. ACAP’s chosen theme for WAD2026 is “[Habitat Restoration"](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration).  Two albatrosses are being featured, the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*.  ABUN Project #52 kicked off on 19 February and runs until 19 April.  So far, 11 artworks have been submitted; they can be viewed in a [Photo Album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3) on ACAP’s Facebook page; read about the first two (Nos. 698 and 699) [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-seventh-collaboration-with-abun-is-underway-with-the-first-artworks-produced-for-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-and-chatham-albatrosses).  The third to be produced, and thus the 700th since 2020, is of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross entitled “Dreaming of Gough”,by happy happenstance painted by ABUN’s Co-founder and long-time supporter of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, [Kitty Harvill](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-an-appreciation-kitty-harvill-and-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature?highlight=WyJraXR0eSIsMjJd). *ACAP Latest News* asked Kitty, who lives in Brazil, to write how her involvement with albatrosses started and how it developed into a six-year collaboration with ACAP. ![Darcy Pattison.Wisdom](https://acap.aq/images/Darcy_Pattison.Wisdom.jpg)  Kitty writes: “It all began with WISDOM, and what worthy endeavour doesn’t?  When the devastating tsunami of 2011 hit Midway Atoll, author Darcy Pattison saw the opportunity to share the story of Wisdom, the Midway Albatross who had miraculously survived the storm along with her chick.  Not wanting to wait for her manuscript to languish on the desks of publishers for months, maybe years, Darcy set out to establish her own publishing company and enlisted me as the illustrator for her story.  Having been friends for years and sharing the same birthday, 28 June (only nine days after World Albatross Day), we had wanted to create a children’s book together for some time and I happily agreed.  ‘[*WISDOM the Midway Albatross: Surviving the Japanese Tsunami and other Disasters for over 60 Years*’](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/wisdom-the-midway-albatross-a-review?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsImRhcmN5Il0=) was successfully published to excellent reviews in 2012.  Fast forward to late 2019.  Darcy and I were contacted by John Cooper, the ACAP Information Officer, who asked us to update the back matter in the book due to the upcoming launch of the first World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020.  I took the opportunity to tell John about Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) that I co-founded in January 2016 and offer that our ABUN artists could create paintings and drawings that could assist in raising awareness for World Albatross Day 2020.  I sensed some hesitancy on his part at first, but ABUN Project #30 launched on 01 January 2020 and produced 324 artworks by 77 artists of all the 22 albatross species listed by ACAP.  Seven posters were created from selected artworks and made available to the public free of charge.  My own painting that year, a watercolour, included all 22 species.  I’ve led an ABUN Project for World Albatross the Day every year since then, except for 2024 and 2025 when our ABUN Administrator, Marion Schön, had the honour to do so.” *![Kitty Harvill JC](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Kitty_Harvill_JC.jpg) “We have become good friends”.  Kitty Harvill and John Cooper aboard the*MSC Musica*on the Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025* Kitty continues: “In January last year, I was invited to be ‘Artist-in-Residence’ on the [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025/?_ga=2.168059810.2023682235.1771126989-1726682712.1744980822) voyage.  I produced eight watercolours before the trip, donated the, upon arrival on the ship and created an 11” x 14” acrylic on linen painting each day, also donated to the important cause of the *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project*.  Albatross conservation has, over the years, become a very important cause for me and it all started with a devastating event.  It is a true ‘Ashes to Beauty’ story and our ABUN paintings keep rising like a Phoenix from those ashes, with now over 700 artworks available to ACAP to support the conservation of the world’s albatrosses and petrels.” **![Kitty Harvill Dreaming of Gough Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross close up of eye photo Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Kitty_Harvill_Dreaming_of_Gough_Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_close_up_of_eye_photo_Chris_Jones.jpg)* An aerial view of Gough Island appears in the albatross’s eye in Kitty Harvill’s painting* With thanks to Kitty Harvill and Marion Schön (in 2024 and 2025) for administering the six projects – and for contributing their own art. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abun-co-founder-kitty-harvill-creates-the-700th-artwork-in-seven-years-of-collaboration-in-support-of-world-albatross-day.md) ## ACAP’s seventh collaboration with ABUN is underway, with the first artworks produced for the Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Chatham Albatrosses *![Deepti Jain Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross charcoal](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Deepti_Jain_Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_charcoal.jpg)"Shelter in the Wind". An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick, artwork by Deepti Jain in charcoal, after a photograph by Michelle Risi taken on Gough Island* Two albatross species are being used to feature the theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” for this year’s World Albatross Day (WAD2026) on 19 June.  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*, endemic to The Pyramid, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. For the seventh consecutive year ACAP is collaborating with the international collective, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), to produce artworks featuring the two-ACAP-listed species in 2026.  ABUN Project #52 got underway on 16 February and will last until 19 April.  Two weeks into the project and eight artworks have been received already, available for viewing in a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322769853209648&type=3) on the ACAP Facebook page, with news of others on the go. The first artwork for the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross has been produced by India’s Deepti Jain and for the Chatham Albatross by Andrea Siemt from Germany. ![Deepti Jain](https://acap.aq/images/Deepti_Jain.jpg) ABUN artist, Deepti Jain is a Mumbai-based wildlife artist from India whose work focuses on portraying threatened species with sensitivity and depth. Working in charcoal, soft pastels, oils and watercolours, she seeks to capture both the physical presence and quiet dignity of her subjects, using art as a means to foster awareness of habitat loss and species vulnerability. She has been associated with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) for the past seven years, contributing regularly to international conservation-focused art initiatives. Through this sustained engagement, she has become part of a global community of artists and biologists dedicated to supporting wildlife protection through visual storytelling. Deepti  writes of her work "Shelter in the Wind" for ABUN Project #52.: "A study in protection. This charcoal artwork captures an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross brooding its chick, a quiet, instinctive act that ensures the next generation survives. Listed as Endangered, this species faces ongoing threats from habitat loss and environmental change. Moments like these, simple, intimate, and powerful, remind us what is at stake. Charcoal allows depth and contrast to emerge gradually, mirroring both the fragility and strength present in the natural world." She is currently working on another albatross artwork for the same initiative. She has previously contributed artworks in support of ACAP, including the creation of a World Albatross Day poster. In addition, she mentors students and encourages their participation in conservation-led art projects; works by her students have also featured by ACAP, further extending conservation awareness through art. *![Chatham Albatross Andrea Siemt after Lorna Deppe](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Chatham_Albatross_Andrea_Siemt_after_Lorna_Deppe.jpg) “Help keep their laughter alive” by Andrea Siemt, water colour, after a photograph of a Chatham Albatross chick by Lorna Deppe* *![Andrea Siemt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Andrea_Siemt.jpeg) Andrea Siemt* Andrea Siemt has previously written to *ACAP Latest News*: “I was born in 1963 and live near Heidelberg in northern Baden-Württemberg.  Drawing and painting, along with photography, are my main hobbies.  About 10 years ago, I discovered ABUN and have since regularly contributed my work in charcoal, watercolour or pastel to animal welfare projects.  My pieces are often very colourful, reflecting my deep love for colour and for the beauty and diversity of nature. “ Andrea is being productive!  She has already submitted her second artwork for Project #52, depicting an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, and reports she is well into creating her third, for a Chatham Albatross once more.  ACAP looks forward to seeing it, and the hopefully many new artworks being produced by other ABUN artists on behalf of albatross conservation – and thanks them all. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 02 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-seventh-collaboration-with-abun-is-underway-with-the-first-artworks-produced-for-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-and-chatham-albatrosses.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE: A portfolio of early Wanderers *![Challenger Photopoint 26 Dec 1873](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Challenger_Photopoint_26_Dec_1873.jpg) One of the very first two photographs known of Wandering Albatrosses (together they form a panorama).  Taken by Frederick Hodgeson on Marion Island on 26 December 1873 during the visit of the HMS*Challenger*.  Photograph courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London* Over a six-year period I managed the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa ([ALSA)](https://blogs.sun.ac.za/antarcticlegacy/) project, which I co-founded at the University of Stellenbosch in 2011.  A major aim was, and still is, of the project is the collection and archiving of historical photographs that reflect aspects of the [South African National Antarctic Programme](https://www.sanap.ac.za/) and its progenitors, going back to South Africa’s annexation of the Prince Edward Islands in early 1948. An outcome of my involvement with ALSA was an interest in early photographs of sub-Antarctic birdlife as pictures came to light in private and museum collections, newspaper articles and in articles in often obscure publications.  In this *ACAP Monthly Missive*, I look at some of the earliest photographs of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* taken on the sub-Antarctic island groups where they breed. Despite the valuable help of colleagues it is quite likely some early photographs have been missed.  This applies especially to Macquarie Island where the first photograph known of live Wandering Albatrosses ashore is from 1956 (see below).  Notification of any earlier photographs from “Macca” will be much appreciated. *![Challenger Photopoint 08 April 2014 JC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Challenger_Photopoint_08_April_2014_JC.jpg) The exact site of the historic 1873 photograph on Marion Island, on the lower slopes of Long Ridge, a short distance inland from the HMS*Challenger *landing site in Blue Petrel Bay, taken on 08 April 2014 on my 31st (and sadly last) visit to Marion Island* **![Moseley book Marion](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Moseley_book_Marion.jpeg)*The 1873 photo was used to make this engraving of a Wandering Albatross that can be found in a book by the botanist on the Challenger Expedition, Henry Nottidge Moseley FRS* *![Wanderer Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_Kerguelen.jpg) A Wandering Albatross on its nest on Kerguelen Island during**January-February 1898, photograph by Robert Hall, published in the journal*Ibis *![Albatrosses by the nest Solglimt first voyage Possession Crozets Harboe Ree 1907 08 Vestfoldarkivet 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Albatrosses_by_the_nest_Solglimt_first_voyage__Possession_Crozets_Harboe_Ree_1907_08_Vestfoldarkivet_2.jpg)* *![Albatrosses by the nest Solglimt first voyage Possession Crozets Harboe Ree 1907 08 Vestfoldarkivet 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Albatrosses_by_the_nest_Solglimt_first_voyage__Possession_Crozets_Harboe_Ree_1907_08_Vestfoldarkivet_1.jpg) Wandering Albatrosses, Possession Island, Crozets, by Anders Harboe-Ree, Captain of the sealer* Solglimt*, seen in the background, November 1907-January 1908 ![Murphy Albatross Island South Georgia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Murphy_Albatross_Island_South_Georgia.jpg) ![Murphy Albatross Island South Georgia 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Murphy_Albatross_Island_South_Georgia_3.JPG)Robert Cushman Murphy photographed these Wandering Albatrosses on Albatross Island, Bay of Isles, South Georgia**(Islas Georgias del Sur)***in**December 1912* ![Carrick Macca Wanderer 1956 Nature](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Carrick_Macca_Wanderer_1956_Nature.png)*From Robert Carrick's publication in* Nature A couple of Wandering Albatrosses were recorded with nests (and one was collected) on Macquarie Island in 1911/13 by Douglas Mawson's party, according to Robert Falla's *BANZARE Report* (p. 121), but it seems no photographs were taken then. The earliest photograph found so far for "Macca" was taken much later. It depicts an adult feeding a chick on 26 July 1956.  It appears in a paper by Robert Carrick and colleagues in the journal *Nature.* The island has been occupied by [ANARE](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/history/exploration-and-expeditions/anare-is-created/) since 1948, so there may well be unpublished pictures taken in the first decade. *![Gillham book Macca](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Gillham_book_Macca.jpeg)A Wandering Albatross on Macquarie Island in the 1959/60 summer, from a book by Mary Gillham* *![Bennet book Macca](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Bennet_book_Macca.jpeg)  An early colour photograph of Wandering Albatrosses ashore on Macquarie Island sometime between 1959 and 1968, from a book by Isobel Bennett* *![Wandering Albatross Heard Island Gavin Johnstone](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Heard_Island_Gavin_Johnstone.jpg) The only known Wandering Albatross, an incubating/brooding male, known to have bred on Heard Island, and the first to be photographed ashore, by Gavin Johnstone in 1980.  It had been banded as a non-breeding adult on Macquarie Island in April 1967.  It was later seen ashore with a female, but not breeding, during January-February 1988* With thanks to Maëlle Connan, John Croxall, Janine Dunlop, Bob Headland, Richard Phillips and Peter Shaughnessy. **References:** Bennett, I. 1971.  *Shores of Macquarie Island*.  Adelaide: Rigby Ltd,  76 pp. Brunton, E.V. 2004.  *The*Challenger*Expedition, 1872 – 1876: A Visual Index – Second Edition*.  London: The Natural History Museum.  243 pp. Carrick, R., Keith, K. & Gwynn, A.M. 1960. Fact and fiction on the breeding of the wandering albatross. *Nature* 188 (No. 4745): 112-114. Falla, R.A. 1937.  Birds.  *British Australian New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition, 1929-31, Reports, Series B*2: 1-304. Gilham, M. 1967.  *Sub-Antarctic Sanctuary; Summertime on Macquarie Island*.  London; Victor Gollancz Ltd.  223 pp. Hall, R. 1900.  Field-notes on the Birds of Kerguelen Island. * Ibis* Seventh Series No. 21: 1-34. Harboe-Ree, C. 2023.  *The Unlucky Viking. A Saga of Sealing & Shipwrecks in the Southern Ocean*.  North Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing.  241 pp. Mathews, E. 2003, *Ambassador to the Penguins.  A Naturalist's Year aboard a Yankee Whaleship*.  Boston: David R. Godine.  353 pp. Moseley, H.N. 1879 (1944).  *Notes by a Naturalist.  An account of observations during the voyage of H.M.S. “Challenger” round the world in the years 1872 – 1876, etc.*  London: T. Werner Laurie Ltd.  540 pp. Murphy, R.C. 1936.  *Oceanic Birds of South America.*New York: McMillan.  Vol 1. Woehler, E.J. 1989.  Resightings and recoveries of banded seabirds at Heard Island 1985-1988. * Corella* 13(2): 38-40. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 27 February 2026 [updated same day]* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-a-portfolio-of-early-wanderers.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project secures a US$10 million pledge from a Swiss foundation *![Alexis Wandering Albatross Headshot](https://acap.aq/images/Alexis_Wandering_Albatross_Headshot.JPG)At risk to the onslaughts of the introduced mice: an adult male Wandering Albatross*Diomedea exulans*([Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans)) on Marion Island, photograph by Alexis Osborne* The *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project* [has announced](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-secures-a-major-transformational-pledge/) that it has secured a pledge of US$10 million from a Swiss-based international foundation towards ridding the island of its albatross-killing House Mice.  This commitment represents the most significant contribution received to date and marks a major milestone in the journey towards restoring Marion Island to its former ecological condition. ![Kim Stevens wounded Grey headed Albatross chick](https://acap.aq/images/Kim_Stevens_wounded_Grey-headed_Albatross_chick.JPG)*This Grey-headed Albatross*Thalassarche chrysostoma*chick has been scalped by House Mice at night on Marion Island; it was not expected to survive, photograph by Kim Stevens* With this pledge, the MFM Project has now secured approximately 60% of its overall funding target, bringing it significantly closer to delivering one of the most ambitious island eradication operations undertaken in the sub-Antarctic, and to safeguarding Marion Island’s globally important seabird populations for generations to come. The MFM Project writes “Beyond its financial significance, the pledge carries considerable symbolic weight.  It signals clear recognition by a major international philanthropic foundation that the MFM Project is robustly designed, responsibly led, well governed, and positioned to deliver meaningful and lasting conservation impacts.  Such endorsement provides powerful validation of the years of careful planning, partnership-building and due diligence that underpin the initiative.  The MFM Project presents a rare conservation opportunity: the ability to address a severe biodiversity threat through a single, decisive, once-off intervention.” By eradicating invasive House Mice from the island, the project aims to secure extraordinary and enduring conservation gains, restoring ecosystem functions and protecting internationally significant seabird colonies, preventing the local extinction of 19 of the 29 bird species breeding on the island. The MFM Project concludes “Few conservation initiatives offer the prospect of achieving outcomes that are both profound and permanent at this scale”. *![Kim Stevens Grey headed Albatross 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_5.jpg) [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatrosses**, seen here during a snowfall on Marion, are also at risk to the island’s mice, photograph by Kim Stevens* The latest pledge follows on from one of US$ one million made late last year by South African entrepreneur [Mark Shuttleworth](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-announces-a-us1-million-donation-by-south-african-computer-entrepreneur-and-philanthropist-mark-shuttleworth/), and more recently R1 million from the [Lewis Foundation](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-lewis-foundation-donates-one-million-rands-to-the-mouse-free-marion-project/). The Mouse-Free Marion Project is a registered non-profit company in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross-killing mice on Marion Island in the Southern Ocean.  The project was initiated by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/).  Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate.  For more information or to support the project please visit [mousefreemarion.org](http://mousefreemarion.org/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 26 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-secures-a-us-10-million-pledge-from-a-swiss-foundation.md) ## New funding will progress the New Island Restoration Programme in the South Atlantic *![MG 8341 BBA pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/_MG_8341_BBA_pair.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross pair on New Island, photograph by Ian Strange* [New Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic) is a nature reserve in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* that supports populations of ACAP-listed Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* and White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* as well as large numbers of Slender-billed Prions *Pachyptila belcheri*.  The [New Island Restoration Programme](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/) is working towards the eradication from the island of four different invasive species: feral cats, Black Rats, House Mice and European Rabbits. *![Whie chinned Petrel New Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Whie-chinned_Petrel_New_Island.jpg) The small population of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels on New Island will benefit once the introduced mammals are gone* New funding from [Darwin Plus](https://darwinplus.org.uk/) now “gives the means to start an ambitious programme of work from 2025 to 2029 to conserve New Island, restore the whole island ecosystem, and make it a safe place for species such as Slender-billed Prions”. Read about the new grant[here](https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/new-funding-will-make-huge-difference-to-wildlife-of-new-island-in-falklands?fbclid=IwY2xjawQC39tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJrZHc1RnZxUHBscEdQZkUwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn4ZmH35NhDQAFeEsFyoQGTHcd9QUMmN_QmOwcMhbSumER5QiJHvoHnEkc8F_aem_agwQgqrYqA8dH26F1kZeEw).  Read more about the island [here](https://www.newislandtrust.com/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 03 March 2026* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-funding-will-progress-the-new-island-restoration-programme-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Protecting Sooty Shearwaters from local extinction on New Zealand’s Kapiti Island *![Sooty Shearwater West Coast Penguin Trust](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Sooty/Sooty_Shearwater_West_Coast_Penguin_Trust.jpg) Sooty Shearwater, photograph by the West Coast Penguin Trust* The [Kapiti Island Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/kapiti-island-nature-reserve/) lies off the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island.  It is open to the public via organized tours and is free of introduced predators (rats were eradicated in 1996).  However, its small population of [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-shearwater-ardenna-grisea) Sooty Shearwaters *Ardeanna grisea* is threatened by the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/weka-gallirallus-australis) (and equally protected) Weka *Gallirallus australis*that preys on its eggs and chicks, leading to a conservation quandary.  Now, Information from the [December 2025 online newsletter](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Wellington-2512.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawP6uvNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzemNVOFloeHBDTVRXUkF5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlfsVd0vNj-GV8sV0mI9HHitR7qmysu3wKYpHdq2qA5LudXgNMrejaAiuRAe_aem_VbIiQnL4vu780dll5yeBiQ) of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and a video show that plans are afoot. *Saving the Titi Colony from Extinction on Kapiti Island* “We are incredibly excited to announce our partnership with @kapitiicecream to support the @docgovtnz's project to Save the Titi Colony from Extinction on Kapiti Island, New Zealand. Titi or Sooty Shearwater are a taonga (treasure) to local iwi and are under threat from another Taonga (and native species), the weka bird.  The Department of Conservation is working on a 3-year project to save the colony which is on the brink of collapse.  This project will identify ways to reduce predation by weka and experiment with novel exclusion methods, supported by robust monitoring of nesting success over several seasons.  At the same time, it explores the indigenous knowledge about each of these species, their history on Kāpiti and how that Mātauranga Māori can guide long term management.” Read an earlier article in *ACAP Latest News* on the conservation problem on Kapiti [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/sooty-shearwaters-on-new-zealand-s-kapiti-island-get-a-weka-proof-fence?highlight=WyJrYXBpdGkiLCJ3ZWthIiwid2VrYXMiXQ==) (and see details of an earlier exclusion fence with escape ramps [here](https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2018/01/18/building-a-weka-proof-fence/)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 04 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/protecting-sooty-shearwaters-from-local-extinction-on-new-zealands-kapiti-island.md) ## Six presentations on albatrosses will be made this week at the Pacific Seabird Group's online Annual Meeting ![PSG 2026 logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2026_logo.jpg)This year’s [Pacific Seabird Group's Annual Meeting](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting) (its 53rd) is being held held online from 23-27 February, with the theme "Seabirds: Connecting Oceans, Islands, and People”. A list by first authors and titles of six oral and poster presentations on ACAP-listed species follows.  Four albatross species are considered, the three North Pacific albatrosses in the genus *Phoebastria*and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* of the sub-Antarctic.  Find their abstracts and all authors by scrolling to the presentation numbers in the [Abstract Booklet](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Abstracts). 9.  Nao Ota. Non-dyadic interactions during courtship communication in Short-tailed Albatrosses 15.  Jingqi Corey Liu.  Offspring telomere length reveals dissociation between parental and offspring quality in a long-lived seabird, the Black-browed Albatross (*Thalassarche melanophrys*) [=*melanophris*] 51.  Rachael Orben.  Using high-resolution satellite imagery to document the population change of two colonies of Short-tailed Albatross 60. Madeline Adams.  Looking at total mercury levels and species identification in Laysan Albatross (*Phoebastria immutabilis*) and Black-Footed Albatross (*Phoebastria nigripes*) eggs from Midway Atoll 64.  Shiori Terretta.  Plastic ingestion of translocated Black-footed Albatross chicks 79.  Caitlin Dudzik, Early bird special: quantifying Tiger Shark predation on albatross fledglings at Kure Atoll Presentations will also be made on northern hemisphere petrels, shearwaters and storm petrels, with emphasis on those that breed on the inhabited Hawaiian islands. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/six-presentations-on-albatrosses-will-be-made-this-week-at-the-pacific-seabird-groups-online-annual-meeting.md) ## Manxies on Rum. How are they doing when faced with offshore wind farms? *![Manx chick Scillies Jaclyn Pearson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_chick_Scillies_Jaclyn_Pearson.jpg)A Manx Shearwater chick outside its burrow, photograph by Jaclyn Pearson* Jason Matthiopoulos ([School of Biodiversity,](https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/) University of Glasgow, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Endangered Species Research](https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr)* on the population dynamics  of Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* on the Scottish island of Rum in relation to planned offshore wind farm developments. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Isle of Rum (Scotland) holds ~30% of the world’s Manx shearwater population. The status and vulnerability of this internationally important and remote population are currently in question, mainly because of variations in field survey methodologies used on Rum across the years. This is particularly urgent in light of proposed offshore wind farm developments in the area. Here, we aimed to reconstruct population and demographic trends and quantify future sensitivities using a Bayesian state-space model. Fitting the model to simulated data of a similar nature and extent as the real data confirmed our ability to retrieve hidden parameters and reconstruct latent population trends in partially observed or wholly unobserved demographic time series. Applying these methods to the real data revealed that the population has been increasing since the 1980s but may now be starting to plateau. We extended the temporal horizon to a 100 yr forecast and ran several counterfactual scenarios relating to anthropogenic impacts on adult mortality and fecundity. These experiments indicated that the population is robust to strong pulse perturbations (e.g. wind farm construction or epidemic outbreaks), but vulnerable to small, sustained perturbations in adult survival (e.g. low-level mortality due to nearby wind farm operation). By integrating different data types collected by varying field methods over mismatched time windows, we have gained valuable insights into the status of this difficult-to-monitor species. Impact assessments for planned offshore wind developments around Rum should focus on collision and displacement costs to provisioning adults borne by wind farm operation (rather than construction).” **Reference:** Matthiopoulos, J., Thompson, K., Watt, L., O’Brien, S. & Furness, R.[W.] 2025.  Reconstructing and forecasting the dynamics of an internationally important population of Manx shearwaters. *[Endangered Species Research](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01399)*[56: 291-303](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01399). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 March 2026 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/manxies-on-rum-how-are-they-doing-when-faced-with-offshore-wind-farms.md) ## Dog attack? A seven-year-old Laysan Albatross is found dead on Kauai *![Dog kill maybe Pilaa Beach Kauai](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Dog_kill_maybe_Pilaa_Beach_Kauai.jpg)A Laysan Albatross lies dead below a warning sign aimed to protect breeding seabirds* *ACAP Latest News* has previously reported on the depredations of Layan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* by stray and unleashed dogs on the Hawaiian island of Kauai in the past ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-laysan-albatross-chick-survives-an-attack-by-dogs-to-breed-successfully-five-years-later?highlight=WyJkb2ciLCJkb2dzIiwiZG9nJ3MiLCJrYXVhaSIsImthdWFpJ3MiXQ==)) but the problem still continues. The latest reported victim of a dog attack is of a seven-year old bird  found at Pila Beach on Kauai's north shore that was banded as a chick in 2019 and thought to be a non-breeder, according to [Hob Osterlund](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund). Jeanine Meyers, who lives in nearby [Princeville](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-11-princeville-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-in-gardens-and-on-golf-courses) on the island, has written on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pilaa%20Beach/142309289135330) about the incident: “I am at the site of a dead albatross report we got this morning [17 February 2026].  I found this beautiful soul right under the Seabird Nesting Area sign which states “Keep dogs on leash at all times.”  This is the reason why!  It only takes a few seconds for a dog to grab it by the neck and shake it, thus snapping the neck and killing the bird.  It is the dog’s instinct, but it’s human responsibility to leash your pet.  Don’t be a donkey, leash your dogs!” Kauai is one the few places where albatrosses breed on an inhabited island, placing them at risk to free-roaming pet dogs, and their chicks to [feral cats](https://acap.aq/latest-news/feral-cats-continue-to-reduce-breeding-success-of-laysan-albatrosses-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai?highlight=WyJkb2ciLCJkb2dzIiwiZG9nJ3MiLCJrYXVhaSIsImthdWFpJ3MiXQ==) and [pigs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/64-laysan-albatross-eggs-destroyed-feral-pigs-wreak-destruction-before-a-predator-proof-fence-in-completed-on-kauai?highlight=WyJwaWciLCJwaWdzIiwia2F1YWkiLCJrYXVhaSdzIl0=), the latter which also take eggs. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 25 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/dog-attack-a-seven-year-old-laysan-albatross-is-found-dead-on-kauai.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project makes a Call for Expressions of Interest: Helicopter Services for an Aerial Baiting Trial during April-May 2027 *![Helicopter at Marion Otto Whitehead](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Helicopter_at_Marion_Otto_Whitehead.png)A helicopter flies past the research station on Marion Island, photograph by Otto Whitehead* The [*Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/) has made a Call for Expressions of Interest: Helicopter Services for an Aerial Baiting Trial on Marion Island during April-May 2027. *![LMSAnibbledPGR shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/LMSAnibbledPGR_shrunk.jpg)This [Light-mantled Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata)*Phoebastria palpebrata*chick was scalped at night by House Mice on Marion Island; it did not survive.  Photograph by Peter Ryan* “Marion Island — a sub-Antarctic island and part of South Africa’s only Special Nature Reserve — is facing a serious and escalating conservation crisis.  House Mice, accidentally introduced in the early 19th century, have in recent years begun preying on the island’s globally important populations of albatrosses and petrels.  This predation is increasing and is considered unsustainable, placing many seabird species at risk of local extinction. The MFM Project has been established to eradicate invasive mice from the island and remove this threat.  The Project is a partnership between [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/).  The full eradication operation will involve a complex, island-wide aerial baiting programme and represents one of the most significant island restoration initiatives currently being undertaken globally. As part of detailed planning and to ensure operational readiness for the main project, an aerial baiting trial (of approximately 1000 hectares) will be conducted on Marion Island in April–May 2027.  The trial is intended to evaluate key elements of the baiting strategy, test operational systems and equipment, and refine logistical coordination under Marion Island’s challenging conditions.  The operation will require the deployment of a single helicopter and a pilot with demonstrated aerial-baiting experience. The MFM Project is therefore inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified helicopter companies with the demonstrated technical experience and expertise and the operational capacity to undertake this trial in a remote, logistically complex, and environmentally demanding setting.” The detailed Expression of Interest (EOI) document provides comprehensive information on Marion Island, the conservation challenge posed by invasive mice, the proposed eradication methodology, and the specific requirements for helicopter services for the aerial baiting trial. Note this EOI relates specifically to the aerial baiting trial, not to the full eradication operation. To request the EOI documentation contact [Anton Wolfaardt](mailto:anton.wolfaardt@birdlife.org.za), MFM Project Manager and [Keith Springer](mailto:keith.springer@birdlife.org.za), MFM Operations Manager. The deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is 27 March 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 17 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-makes-a-call-for-expressions-of-interest-helicopter-services-for-an-aerial-baiting-trial-during-april-may-2027.md) ## Funding to improve the conservation of Laysan Albatrosses on Kauai fits this year’s theme for World Albatross Day *![Laysan Albatross Kilauea Point](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_Kilauea_Point.jpg) A Laysan Albatross rests under a tree in the [Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point), photograph by the Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuge* Recent funding will help improve the conservation of [Laysan Albatrosses](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* and other seabirds on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.  The planned work fits well with this year’s theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”. “The U.S. Navy and [Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refuges](https://www.kauairefuges.org/) signed [in August 2025] a [US]$800k Cooperative Agreement under the Department of War (DOW) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program.  This collaborative effort funds a multi-year project that is mutually beneficial to both the DOW and the [Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex).” *![Ironwood control](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Ironwood_control.jpg) Habitat restoration work is already underway in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge with the removal of large stands of invasive [Ironwood](https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/gsp/doc/Forestry/Little_Skolmen_CFT/CFT_Casuarina_equisetifolia.pdf)*Casuarina equisetifolia*trees within the Laysan Albatross colony, photograph by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service* “The REPI funding will expand Pacific Missile Range Facility’s ([PMRF](https://cnrh.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/PMRF-Barking-Sands/)) mōlī (Laysan albatross) egg swap program to improve fledgling survival and reduce nesting in unsafe locations; implement enhanced control of invasive predators to protect endangered birds; strengthen biosecurity protocols to keep invasive species out of nesting sites; reduce bird aircraft strike hazards on the Mana airfield at PMRF; remove invasive plants and restore native vegetation to create higher-quality nesting habitat; and monitor and repair fence lines at the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex to help protect native birds. This collaborative effort will help ensure that federally listed and protected seabirds and waterbirds can thrive in protected habitats, while also benefiting the DOW by reducing Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) risks to Navy pilots.” Read more [here](https://www.dvidshub.net/news/557657/us-navy-and-friends-kauai-wildlife-refuge-sign-cooperative-agreement-expand-seabird-and-waterbird-habitat-kauai?fbclid=IwY2xjawP6SG5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNWEtzd1MyUFZMRUl5bnk1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgbWAow3T0951o9LmtrnDoTmEq-Iedga64DyPanqNJXu2lHI8C4bvvWWJFEW_aem_zPPNA4tYj4GBJUHdE5q4Yw). Read about placement of matting to deter plant growth against the predator-proof fence at the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/predator-proof-fence-matting-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-is-in-line-with-world-albatross-days-2026-theme-of-habitat-restoration). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 24 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/funding-to-improve-the-conservation-of-laysan-albatrosses-on-kauai-fits-this-years-theme-for-world-albatross-day.md) ## The fifth Island Biology Conference will be held in Japan in November 2026 ![Island Biology Symposium](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Island_Biology_Symposium.png)  [Registration](https://sites.google.com/view/island-biology-2026/registration-key-information) and a [call for symposia](https://sites.google.com/view/island-biology-2026/call-for-symposia) have opened for the fifth International Conference on Island Ecology, Evolution and Conservation ([Island Biology Conference](https://sites.google.com/view/island-biology-2026/home?authuser=0)) to be held in Atami City, Japan from 2-6 November 2026. A mid-conference excursion to Izu Oshima Island as well as organized trips before and after the conference are planned (click [here](https://sites.google.com/view/island-biology-2026/excursions) for details).  The conference will be held on behalf of the [Society of Island Biology](https://islandbiology.com/). “Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biota - inspiring biologists and providing key insights into evolution, biogeography, and ecology.  As a result of the devastating effects of human colonization, island ecosystems face severe threats, and island conservation has become a vital international concern.” “Scientists are generating data on the world's islands at an unprecedented pace and now is an opportune time to bring together island biologists from around the world to synthesize developments in the field.  An international conference consisting of plenary lectures, symposia, contributed talks, and posters will examine a broad range of taxa, regions, and biological disciplines.  This conference is held on islands around the world, at which island biologists can come together, share insights, and develop collaborations that will accelerate the pace and effectiveness of island research and conservation.” Learn more and register [here](https://sites.google.com/view/island-biology-2026/home?authuser=0). Previous International Conferences on Island Ecology, Evolution and Conservationwere held in [Hawaii, USA](https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/islandbiology2014/) in 2014 (1st), [Azores, Portugal](https://islandlab.uac.pt/fotos/noticias/01468827370.pdf) in 2016 (2nd), [Réunion, France](https://hal.science/hal-02633975) in 2019 (3rd) and[Italy](https://www.islandbiology.com/news/ver.php?id=42) in 2023 (4th). Information from Wieteke Holthuijzen, Pacific Seabird Group. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-fifth-island-biology-conference-will-be-held-in-japan-in-november-2026.md) ## Metal(loid) concentrations in Black-browed Albatrosses stranded in Brazil *![Graphical abstract BBA Serafini](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Graphical_abstract_BBA_Serafini.jpg)Graphical abstract, from the publication* Guilherme de Espindola da Silveira ([Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry](https://labcai.paginas.ufsc.br/apresentacao-2/), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)*on metal(loid) concentrations in carcasses of stranded Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris*fromthe southern and southeastern coasts of Brazil, *![Patricia Serafini BBA Isla Islote](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Patricia_Serafini_BBA_Isla_Islote.JPG)A Black-browed Albatross on Islote Albatros, Tierra del Fuego, Chile, photograph by Patricia Serafini* The paper’s abstract follows: “Metal(loid)s occur naturally in the environment; however, anthropogenic activities can release significant amounts into ecosystems, offering risks to biological communities. In response to such exposure, organisms induce the synthesis of metallothioneins (MT), low molecular weight proteins involved in metal detoxification in a wide range of organisms. In this study, we investigated the relationship between hepatic MT levels and concentrations of arsenic, cadmium (Cd), copper, mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum, lead, vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn), alongside biological variables, in black-browed albatrosses (*Thalassarche melanophris*) found stranded in southeastern Brazilian coast. Only Zn presented a positive relationship with hepatic MT levels through both correlation and linear regression analyses. Additionally, Zn was identified via generalized additive models (GAM) as the best predictor of MT variability, supporting the use of MT as biomarkers for Zn exposition in black-browed albatrosses. Other significant predictors of MT levels included hepatic concentrations of Cd, Hg, Mn, and V, as well as body mass, sex, and presence of solid debris in the gastrointestinal tract. GAM indicated complex non-linear relationships between MT levels and Cd, Hg and Zn concentrations. An initial positive association was observed between MT and Zn, reversing once Zn exceed ∼600 mg·kg−1 dw. The opposite was detected for Cd and Hg: initially, as concentration of both metals increases, MT levels tend to decrease, but rise again after reaching an inflexion point. These results suggest that multiple detoxification pathways may act in concert with MT, underscoring the need for integrative approaches to assess metal(loid)s stress in seabirds.” **Reference:** de Espindola da Silveira, G., dos Santos Lima, G., Pacheco Harrison Righetto, B., Lisarb Velasquez Bastolla, ., Mattos, J.J., Menegário, A.A., Celso Dias Bainy, A., Hahn Lüchmann, K., Serafini, P.P. 2026.  Relationships between metal(loid)s, biological variables and hepatic metallothionein levels in black-browed albatrosses (*Thalassarche melanophris*).  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26001657?dgcid=author)*[226, 119378](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26001657?dgcid=author). With thanks to Patricia Serafini. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 19 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/metal-loid-concentrations-in-black-browed-albatrosses-stranded-in-brazil.md) ## Same-sex partnerships in birds: a review *![Laysan Albatross Heart Pair Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_Heart_Pair_Hob_Osterlund.jpg)"Heart". A pair of Laysan Albatrosses, photograph by Hob Osterlund* Natasha Gillies ([Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/earth-ocean-and-ecological-sciences/), University of Liverpool, UK) and Katrina Siddiqi-Davies have reviewed same-sex partnerships in birds, including in Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* in the open access [*Journal of Avian Biology.*](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1600048x) [The paper’s abstract follows:](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1600048x) “Same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB), encompassing actions such as courtship, pair bonding, and parenting between individuals of the same sex, has been observed across numerous taxa, including birds. Yet despite its widespread occurrence, SSB remains poorly understood, often dismissed as maladaptive or the result of errors in sex discrimination. However, instances of same-sex partnerships – persistent pair bonds between same-sex individuals – challenge these assumptions, particularly in birds, whose diverse mating systems and high level of monogamy imposes strong selective pressures on pair formation and maintenance. This review synthesises our current knowledge of same-sex partnerships in birds, addressing their evolutionary origins, adaptive benefits, and broader ecological significance. We argue that the prevalence of same-sex partnerships has likely been underestimated, hindered both by historical biases in interpretation and, especially more recently, logistical challenges in data collection. Drawing on examples from across the avian class, we explore the potential reproductive and social benefits of same-sex partnerships. By reframing these behaviours as potentially adaptive rather than anomalous, we aim to advance understanding of their evolutionary persistence and encourage more systematic research into their occurrence and implications.” **Reference:** Gillies, N. & Siddiqi-Davies, K. 2026.  Same-sex partnerships in birds: a review of the current literature and a call for more data.  *[Journal of Avian Biology](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jav.03452)*[doi.org/10.1002/jav.03452](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jav.03452). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 18 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/same-sex-partnerships-in-birds-a-review.md) ## Feeling lousy. ectoparasite loads in Hawaiian Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *![lice paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/lice_paper.jpg)Graphical abstract from the publication* Mikinley Weaver ([Hawaiʻi Pacific University](https://www.hpu.edu/), Waimanalo, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Parasitology Internatonal](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/parasitology-international) *on lice loads in [Wedge-tailed Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica*from the Hawaiian island of Oahu*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Ectoparasites were collected from 35 live *Ardenna pacifica* Gmelin chicks (wedge-tailed shearwaters) in October and November 2022 using a fumigant and plastic bag collection method.  Additionally, 206 naturally-deceased post-fledging grounded birds were sampled opportunistically over eight years (2015–2023), with fledglings collected during the fledging season (November – December) and adults collected during the breeding season (May – October).  Eight species of Phthiraptera were documented in samples from these birds.  While four species (*Halipeurus mirabilis* Thompson*, Trabeculus hexakon* Waterson*, Austromenopon paululum* (Kellogg & Chapman)*,* and *Naubates harrisoni* Bedford) were present on chicks that had fledged and subsequently “fallen out”, only *H. mirabilis* was present on chicks that had not yet fledged. *Saemundssonia puellula* Timmermann, and *Longimenopon puffinus* Thompson, were only collected from adult fallout birds in the spring.  Of the recorded ectoparasites, four species (*H. mirabilis, T. hexakon, A. paululum,* and *N. harrisoni)* constituted a species assemblage that did not significantly vary from year to year.  Lice abundance and diversity varied across bird age classes (pre-fledging chicks, fledged chicks, adults), but a significant increase in lice abundance during 2015 coincided with a major El Niño event, suggesting that the ectoparasite loads may be affected by external conditions such as air temperature.  There was also a significant increase in lice prevalence between pre-fledging and fledged chicks, which likely coincided with the lice hatching.  These results underscore the consistency of lice assemblages on *A. pacifica,* while highlighting the influence of endogenous (e.g., bird life history) and exogenous (e.g., weather) ecological factors.” **Reference:** Weaver, M.D., Brown, S.M. & Hyrenbach, K.D. 2026.  The traveling insects: ectoparasite records on Hawaiian wedge-tailed shearwaters, *Ardenna pacifica*, with a focus on Phthiraptera,  *[Parasitology International](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383576925001151)*[110, 103142. doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2025.103142](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383576925001151). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 March 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/feeling-lousy-ectoparasite-loads-in-hawaiian-wedge-tailed-shearwaters.md) ## ABUN and ACAP to collaborate once more to produce artworks in support of World Albatross Day *![ABUN 52 WAD2026 Habitat Restoration Banner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/ABUN_52_-_WAD2026_-_Habitat_Restoration_Banner.jpg) Banner design by Kitty Harvill, with photographs by David Boyle, Chris Jones and Michelle Risi* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels is pleased to announce it will collaborate once more for the seventh year running with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June, with its 2026 theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  ABUN Project #52 will run for two months from 16 February to 19 April, with the international collective’s artists being requested to paint or draw in support of WAD2026. *![Chatham Island Albatross The Pyramid 11.11.2016 Credit Dave Boyle 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Chatham_Island_Albatross_The_Pyramid_11.11.2016_Credit_Dave_Boyle_1.jpg)A Chatham Albatross stands over its chick on The Pyramid/Tarakoikoia, New Zealand, photograph by David Boyle* Two albatross species will be used to feature the theme for “WAD2026” with ABUN artworks, as well as by logos, photographic posters and species infographics.  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*, endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. *![AYNA Michelle Risi 3 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/AYNA_Michelle_Risi_3_shrunk.jpg)An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross tends its chick on Gough Island, photograph by Michelle Risi* The WAD2026 theme of Habitat Restoration will include such management activities as eradication or control of introduced plants and animals at breeding sites, provision and maintenance of predator-proof fences, establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques and translocations of eggs and chicks, candling and substituting infertile with fertile eggs, supplementary feeding and hydration of chicks and adults, artificial incubation during hatching, and use of fly repellents and sprinkler systems to improve breeding success. The WAD2026 theme follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, [Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025, all of which have been supported by ABUN Projects. With thanks to ABUN Co-founder, Kitty Harvill. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 16 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abun-and-acap-to-collaborate-once-more-to-produce-artworks-in-support-of-world-albatross-day.md) ## Balearic Shearwaters on migration and the placement of offshore wind farms *![Balearic Shearwater at sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic%20Shearwater%20at%20sea.jpg) Balearic Shearwater at sea, photograph by ‘Pep’ Arcos* Alice Bernard ([Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive](https://www.umontpellier.fr/en/recherche/poles-de-recherche/pole-aeb-presentation/centre-decologie-fonctionnelle-et-evolutive-cefe), Université de Montpellier, France) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* on overlaps between migration routes of [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) (and ACAP-listed) Balearic Shearwaters *Puffinus mauretanicus*and Northern Gannets *Morus bassanus*and offshore wind farms. The paper’s abstract follows: “Studying fine-scale movements of seabirds during migration is logistically challenging, but GPS technologies allow accurate tracking of individuals on their migratory journeys.  Such data provide essential information in the context of offshore wind farm (OWF) developments, notably to anticipate spatial OWF overlap with migratory corridors and main foraging areas used along the routes of vulnerable species.  Using high-precision GPS-GSM tags, we investigated the end of summer, southbound migration of two emblematic seabirds of French waters: Juvenile and adult Northern gannets *Morus bassanus,* and adult Balearic shearwaters *Puffinus mauretanicus.*  Both species travel along the Southwestern European coast, between the Bay of Biscay and Western Africa, or the Mediterranean Sea.   Adult gannets thereby migrate through the EEZ of up to 10 countries, six for juvenile gannet, and four for shearwaters. Combining behavioural segmentation based on hidden Markov models and utilization distribution modelling, we found that between two and 6 % of migration routes overlapped with proposed OWFs, with similar impacts on transit and foraging/resting areas. Studied seabirds were most at risk within Portuguese compared to Spanish waters, as they flew closest to OWFs (<10 km on average).  While massive OWF developments are being planned within Western European coastal areas, our study suggests that offshore developments should be set >22 km away from the coast, to preserve transnational seabird migratory corridors.” **Reference:**   The responsibility of Western European coastal states for the conservation of two emblematic migratory seabirds in the context of offshore wind farms.  *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725007153?via%3Dihub)*[314: 111678  doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111678](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725007153?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/balearic-shearwaters-on-migration-and-the-placement-of-offshore-wind-farms.md) ## Does coordination between parents improve chick growth in Streaked Shearwaters? *![Streaked Shearwater.pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Streaked_Shearwater.pair.jpg)A Streaked Shearwater pair* Daisuke Ochi ([Fisheries Resources Institute](https://www.fra.go.jp/english/shigen/index.html), Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Kanagawa, Japan) and colleagues have published in the *[Journal of Ornithology](https://link.springer.com/journal/10336)*on nest attendance during chick rearing of the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/streaked-shearwater-calonectris-leucomelas) Streaked Shearwater *Calonectris leucomelas.* The paper’s abstract follows: “This study tested a hypothesis regarding behavioral coordination in breeding behavior of Streaked Shearwater *Calonectris leucomelas*: the “chick development hypothesis,” which posits that coordination enhances chick growth via improved provisioning. As an additional supportive hypothesis, we examined whether highly coordinated pairs may exhibit longer nest stay durations, which contributes to the maintenance of coordination. Using an automated recording system, we quantified coordination with the φ−coefficient and assessed its relationship with reproductive performance through provisioning and nest attendance metrics. We found that higher parental coordination was associated with fewer extended nest absences, potentially reducing periods of prolonged chick fasting; however, while provisioning rate significantly enhanced chick growth, coordination itself did not directly affect chick growth rate. Notably, coordinated pairs exhibited significantly longer nest stay durations, supporting the supportive hypothesis. These results clarify that behavioral coordination is associated with both longer parental nest stays and fewer extended absences, demonstrating that its supplementary effects extend beyond direct relationships to chick growth.” **Reference:** Ochi, D., Oka, N. & Watanuki, Y. 2026.  Coordinated discordance: strategic nest attendance for chick rearing in a monogamous seabird.  *[Journal of Ornithology doi.org/10.1007/s10336-025-02352-7](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10336-025-02352-7)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 12 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/does-coordination-between-parents-improve-chick-growth-in-streaked-shearwaters.md) ## Predator-proof fence matting in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is in line with World Albatross Day’s 2026 theme of “Habitat Restoration” *![Fence matting](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Fence_matting.jpg) Refuge Complex team members lay the first stretch of matting along the exterior perimeter of the predator-proof fence in the Kīlauea Point NWR, photograph from the US Fish & Wildlife Service* Biology and habitat maintenance teams have initiated an Invasive Weed Control Program in the [Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai to help manage invasive plants along the perimeter of the [predator-proof fence](https://acap.aq/latest-news/laysan-albatrosses-in-hawaiis-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-are-no-longer-threatened-by-feral-pigs?highlight=WyJwcmVkYXRvci1wcm9vZiIsImtpbGF1ZWEiXQ==) that protects Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* and other breeding seabirds from feral cats and pigs, rodents and stray dogs.  The fence runs along 2.1 miles (3.4 km) of challenging terrain, making management efforts very difficult in a year-long growing climate. “This year, teams are beginning to install matting derived from used industrial conveyor belts to help manage weed growth.  Much more durable than traditional weed matting, this recycled material will resist our harsh climate for many years, helping to keep the predator resistant fence free from vines, grass, trees and other encroachments that can reduce the efficacy of the fence – directly helping to keep our seabird populations safe from introduced mammalian predators including rats, cats, dogs and pigs”. The work reported here fits well with this year’s theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”. Information from *[Wild Times](https://mailchi.mp/kilaueapoint/jan-2026-wild-times?fbclid=IwY2xjawPrXLlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnQlM4cVE4TW05dXkyNWdtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuQCdVIHhbNTf0YbFRxkReNoN7jG_nr9Qpk14HacDsxwRpvc1oK0IGy9PiGb_aem_9ikxjKF0dCC6g57N5XYKEg)*, the January 2026 online newsletter of the Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges*.* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 11 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/predator-proof-fence-matting-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-is-in-line-with-world-albatross-days-2026-theme-of-habitat-restoration.md) ## Same bird? A Waved Albatross has been seen in Californian waters on two occasions *![WavedAlbatrossFlyingOverOceanWaves](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/WavedAlbatrossFlyingOverOceanWaves.jpg) The October 2025 Waved Albatross at sea off California, photograph by**Stan Tekiela* A [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* was photographed and videoed at sea on 05 October 2025 on the Cordell Bank off Sonoma and Marin counties, Northern California from a seabird-watching vessel.  This has been reported as the first record for the species north of Central America ([click here](https://unn.ua/en/news/traveled-almost-5000-kilometers-rare-waved-albatross-from-galapagos-spotted-off-the-coast-of-california)). *Endangered albatross spotted in North Bay waters marks first-ever sighting north of Costa Rica”, video by Mike Carozza* What has been considered likely to be the same individual was identified from a research station at sea roughly 37 km offshore near Point Piedras Blancas, central California on 23 January 2026.  The sighting was approximately 4800 km north of the Galapagos Islands where the species breeds ([click here](https://www.moneycontrol.com/science/rare-galapagos-albatross-makes-3-000-mile-journey-to-california-the-only-2nd-sighting-ever-recorded-article-13808505.html)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 10 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/same-bird-a-waved-albatross-has-been-seen-in-californian-waters-on-two-occasions.md) ## A Southern Giant Petrel is photographed at sea wearing a Global Positioning System device *![Transmitter SGP Christophe Gouraud 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Transmitter_SGP_Christophe_Gouraud_1.png)The Southern Giant Petrel with its prominent back-mounted transmitter* Christophe Gouraud, [Polar Collective Seabird Surveys](https://www.polarcollective.org/open-ocean-seabird-surveys), photographed a flying Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* with a back-mounted device at sea at 44°26S, 61°21W, approximately 300 km off Chubut Province, Argentina in the South Atlantic around 27 December 2025. *![Transmitter SGP Christophe Gouraud 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Transmitter_SGP_Christophe_Gouraud_2.png) Close up of the transmitter with its raised solar panel, photographs by Christophe Gouraud* Following an enquiry by the [SCAR Expert Group on Birds and Marine Mammals](https://scar.org/science/life/eg-bamm), the following information was received from Flavio Quintana. The photographed bird is an “adult male fitted with an AXY-Trek Remote (Technosmart, Italy) on 31 December 2023, at the [Isla Gran Robredo](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-54-isla-gran-robredo-argentina-where-southern-giant-petrels-breed-without-shade) colony, Patagonia, Argentina.  The data are transmitted to a base station located on the island each time the birds visit the colony, both during breeding and non-breeding seasons.” Flavio adds “This is a long-term project related to the spatial ecology of the species’ breeding populations in Argentina.  The project has been led by Flavio Quintana since 1998 and, over the past three years, has been carried out in collaboration with [Fundación Rewilding Argentina](https://rewildingargentina.org/).” The Axy-Trek Remote is a small data logger with GPS, a tri-axial accelerometer and remote data download via UHF up to two kilometres with solar power ([click here](https://www.technosmart.eu/axy-trek-remote/)). Information from Manuela Bassoi, Secretary, SCAR/EGBAMM. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 09 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-southern-giant-petrel-is-photographed-at-sea-wearing-a-global-positioning-system-device.md) ## Biomarkers in Scopoli's Shearwaters from the Eastern Mediterranean *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Calonectris_diomedea_Strofades_colony_-_Georgios_Karris.JPG)A Scopoli’s Shearwater in the study colony,**Strofades Islands, Ionian Sea,**photograph by Georgios Karris* Catherine Tsangaris ([Institute of Oceanography](https://www.hcmr.gr/en/research-institutes/institute-of-oceanography/), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavyssos, Greece) and colleagues have published in the *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)*on biomarkers in [Scopoli's Shearwater](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/scopolis-shearwater-calonectris-diomedea) *Calonectris Diomedea.* The paper’s graphic and text abstracts follow: ![Scopolis graphic Karris](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Scopolis_graphic_Karris.jpg) “Ecotoxicological biomarkers are valuable tools for assessing pollution effects in marine organisms.  This study investigates a set of biomarkers in Scopoli's shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea*) from a colony in the Eastern Mediterranean (Strofades Islands, Ionian Sea) and examines their association with seabird size (body mass and morphometrics), sex, life stage (breeder vs prospector), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in feathers.  The biomarker set included the micronucleus (MN) test as a biomarker of genotoxicity, glutathione-S-transferases (GST) as a biomarker of xenobiotic biotransformation, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as a biomarker of neurotoxicity.  Our results indicate that biomarker values were not influenced by life stage, sex, or size within the sampled seabird range, supporting their suitability for contaminant assessment.  Additionally, GST activity was associated with perfluoroalkane sulfonyl fluorides (PASFs) exposure, suggesting potential induction for PASFs biotransformation.  Neither MN frequency nor AChE activity was influenced by PFASs concentrations in the feathers.  To our knowledge, this is the first study on biomarkers of genotoxicity, biotransformation and neurotoxicity in Scopoli's shearwater.  Our findings provide baseline MN frequencies, GST, and AChE activities in this species at the largest species colony in the Eastern Mediterranean and highlight the need for further research across different colonies to assess geographic variations in contaminant exposure and biomarker responses.” With thanks to George Karris Γεώργιος Καρρής. **Reference:** Tsangaris, C., Patsiou, D., Trypidaki, E., Xirouchakis, S., Zhang, J., Asimakopoulos, A.G. & Karris, G. 2026.  Ecotoxicological biomarkers in Scopoli's shearwaters (*Calonectris diomedea*) from an Eastern Mediterranean colony and associations with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in their feathers.  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin 226. doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119328](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X26001153?via%3Dihub)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 06 February 2026*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/biomarkers-in-scopolis-shearwaters-from-the-eastern-mediterranean.md) ## Conservation of procellariiform seabirds will be featured at next week’s Island Invasives Conference in New Zealand ![IslandInvasives2026logo banner GR](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IslandInvasives2026logo-banner-GR.jpg)  The [Island Invasives 2026 Conference](https://www.islandinvasives.org/) “Charting the Future”, the fourth in the series, will be held at the University of Auckland, New Zealand over 9-13 February 2026.  A selected list by author and title of presentations extracted from the conference [book of abstracts](https://www.islandinvasives.org/ii26-abstract-book_20-10-2025/) follows.  It should be of particular interest to those who follow efforts to conserve procellariiform seabirds on invaded islands. **Oral Papers** Dayana Alva, Sebastián Lozano-Sanllehi, Diego Gonzales-DelCarpio, Cinthia Irigoin-Lovera, Brenda Gordillo, Isabella Díaz-Santibañez, Sara Wang, Michael Polito, Carlos Zavalaga: *Assessing the relationship between house mouse relative abundance and Peruvian diving-petrel hatching success on Isla La Vieja, Peru* Anton Wolfaardt, Keith Springer, Sue Tonin: Saving Marion Island’s seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion Project.  *Advancing toward the eradication of house mice from a globally significant sub-Antarctic island* Sophie Thomas, Andrew Callender, Antje Steinfurth, Araceli Samaniego, Peter McClelland: Andrew Callender, Peter McClelland, Araceli Samaniego, Sophie Thomas: *Building from failure: review, investigations and next steps towards eradicating mice from Gough Island: The attempted eradication of house mice (*Mus musculus*) from Gough Island and its immediate aftermath* Peter McClelland, Tane Davis: *Eradications and biosecurity on the Titi islands southern New Zealand – empowering indigenous owners* [Sooty Shearwater *Ardenna grisea]* Al Glen, Joanna Carpenter, Paul Jacques, Rachael Sagar, Finlay Cox: *Spatial and temporal variability in population parameters of island cats*[Auckland Island] Darryl Birch, Kristine Ward, Darcelle Matassoni: *Eradications on inhabited islands.  Life after the rodent eradication project on Lord Howe Island, Australia* Sheri S. Mann, Patricia C Baiao, Joshua Atwood, Shane Siers, Mary Jo Mazurek, Alex Wegmann, Nick Holmes, Mele Khalsa, Pete McClelland, Clay Chow, Fia Moe, Dilek Sahin, Gregg Howald: *The history of invasive species management and the conservation future of Lehua Island, Hawai’i* Stephen Horn, Finlay Cox, Rachael Sagar, Veronika Frank, Em Oyston, Jennifer Long: *Building momentum: technical advances and planning implications for Maukahuka – pest free Auckland Island* **Posters** Wesley Jolley, Jonathan Plissner, Elizabeth Flint, Jose Luis Herrera, Cielo Figuerola, Carmen Antaky, Pete McClelland, Chris Forster, Morgan Walter, Dan Rapp, Nick Holmes, Alex Wegmann, Jared Underwood: *Midway seabird protection project: Overview and insights from an unsuccessful mouse eradication attempt* Finlay Cox, Rachael Sagar, Katie Ward-Allen, John Quigley, Jennifer Waite, Lyndsay Murray, Lynn Booth, Antoine Filion, Maddie Van De Wetering, Jennifer Rickett, Stephen Horn: *Enabling island predator eradications with a readymade 1080 predator bait for New Zealand* [Auckland Island] Access information on plenary speakers and associated workshops [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/island-invasives-conference-february-2026-new-zealand-abstract-booklet-and-programme-are-now-online?highlight=WyJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwiaW52YXNpdmUiLCJpbnZhc2l2ZXMiLCJpbnZhc2lvbiIsImludmFzaW9ucyIsMjAyNl0=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 02 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conservation-of-procellariiform-seabirds-will-be-featured-at-next-weeks-island-invasives-conference-in-new-zealand.md) ## Counting Short-tailed Albatrosses on a disputed island with satellite images *![Senkaku satellite pic](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Senkaku_satellite_pic.png)(a) Satellite image of Minami-koshima Island of the Senkaku Islands taken on 28 November 2022. (b) Colony on the slope near the cliff of Minami-koshima Island (white dots within the yellow circle: short-tailed albatrosses). (c) Colony on the narrow platform on the cliff at the southern edge of Minami-koshima Island (red triangles point to short-tailed albatross).(d) Coloured rectangles indicate enlarged areas shown in (a) (blue), (b) (orange), and (c) (red), from the publication* Jiro Otsubo (Institute of Environmental Informatics,[IDEA Consultant Inc.](https://www.ideacon.co.jp/en/about/), Yokohama, Japan) and Hiroyoshi Higuchi have published in the open-access journal *[Endangered Species Research](https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr)* on the population of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus*on the disputed [Senkaku/Tiaoyutai/Diaoyu Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJicm90aGVyIiwiYnJvdGhlcnMiLCJzZW5rYWt1Il0=). The paper’s abstract follows: The short-tailed albatross is an endangered seabird widely distributed in the North Pacific, mainly north of 30°N.   breeds only on Torishima Island, the Senkaku Islands, and the Ogasawara Islands in southern Japan in the north-western Pacific.  It has been regarded as a single species, but recent studies have shown that the populations of short-tailed albatross on Torishima Island and the Senkaku Islands are morphologically and genetically different; thus, they should be classified as 2 cryptic species.  Conservation plans for short-tailed albatross should therefore be developed using baseline information of each population, separately.  Most of the information reported to date has come from the Torishima population, whereas little is known about the Senkaku population.  Population size is a key baseline variable to consider when planning appropriate conservation strategies.  Here, we counted the number of short-tailed albatrosses on the Senkaku Islands using satellite images taken on 27 November 2020 and on 28 November 2022, during the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 breeding seasons, respectively.  We estimated a total of 146 and 156 breeding pairs in November 2020 and 2022, respectively.  We highlight the importance of monitoring short-tailed albatrosses on the Senkaku Islands, the reliability of information obtained using satellite images compared to the results of earlier studies, and the challenges or limitations of using satellite images of remote islands, where frequent fieldwork is difficult.” **Reference:** Otsubo, J. & Higuchi, H. 2026.  Estimation of short-tailed albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* population on the Senkaku Islands using satellite images.  *[Endangered Species Research](https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2026/59/esr01462.pdf)*[593. doi.org/10.3354/esr01462](https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2026/59/esr01462.pdf) **See also:** Brothers, N., Bone, C. & Wellbelove, A. 2021.  Albatross population monitoring using satellite imagery, a case study: Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* at the Senkaku Islands. *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1453)*[50: 7-12](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1453). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 04 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/counting-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-a-disputed-island-with-satellite-images.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Pip pip hooray! Looking after hatching eggs and hatchlings in the Northern Royal Albatross colony at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross Sharyn Broni 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Sharyn_Broni_2.jpg) A pipping**Northern Royal Albatross**egg in an artificial incubator (watch [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1392530848441838))* The small Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* colony on New Zealand’s mainland in the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) must be one of the most intensively managed seabird colonies anywhere in the world – at least outside attempts to establish new colonies by introductions.  New Zealanders are good at hands-on management, just read up on their successful (and ongoing) efforts to save the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-robin-petroica-traversi) Black Robin *Petroica traversi*, the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/kakapo-strigops-habroptilus) Kakapo *Strigops* *habroptilus*and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/south-island-takahe-porphyrio-hochstetteri) South Island Takahe *Porphyrio hochstetteri* from looming extinctions.  Three examples, to which we can add the globally [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross. The Department of Conservation rangers at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head utilize a plethora of interventions to maximise breeding success.  Their hands-on approach with the birds extends throughout the whole breeding season.  These activities fit well with this year’s celebration of World Albatross Day (WAD2026) on 19 June and its theme of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)”.  It is therefore intended to feature them in *ACAP Latest News* during the course of the 2025/26 breeding season. To start off, the process followed with hatching eggs and hatchlings in their first week out of the shell is described here by way of captioned pictures.  This must be the most intensive time during the breeding cycle for the rangers and therefore seems  a good place to start. *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross Sharyn Broni dummy egg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Sharyn_Broni_dummy_egg.jpg)To avoid fly strike harming chicks during hatching, which can take four to five days, pipping eggs are collected and placed in artificial incubators, while the apparently unconcerned bird receives a dummy egg.  Phlegmatism comes to mind!* *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross Sharyn Broni fly spray](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Sharyn_Broni_fly_spray.jpg)  At the same time the nest and surrounds are sprayed with a bird-safe insect repellent* *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross Sharyn Broni chick day four](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Sharyn_Broni_chick_day_four.jpg)Successfully out of its shell after three days in the incubator* *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross Sharyn Broni chick return](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Sharyn_Broni_chick_return.jpg)Calm acceptance.  Once hatched, the chick is returned to the nest and the dummy egg is removed (watch [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/790385227422766))* *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross weighing bag](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_weighing_bag.jpg)Department of Conservation rangers then conduct twice-daily health checks and weigh-ins for the first five days after hatching (watch [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/2109705119767168)), followed by daily checks for the next five days, and then weekly weighing after that.  These measurements help confirm that the chick is growing as expected* **![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross spraying bum DOC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_spraying_bum_DOC.jpg)* Upside down!  During weighing the chick can get a squirt of insect repellant.  P**aper towels might be placed under the chicks to absorb moisture from rain* *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross WYL feeds chick seecond time](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_WYL_feeds_chick_seecond_time.jpg)Happy family.  The mate returns from sea to feed its chick (watch [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1575275543788493))* Watch one pair throughout the breeding season via the 24-hour [Royal Cam](https://AllAboutBirds.org/Albatross). Information and photographs by Sharyn Broni and the Department of Conservation from the [Bird Cams](https://www.facebook.com/birdcams) and [Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZbSPPpNsQhzKeo08oRY1ZCa0xl5hgerv-sBgbo1jyN55Gss4jV87Gsn2GDKi8do6e-wwkFOduOrzgzg7TxWkaPpA4MVwxYE64i7TpkBi2rp3XO-nrmMQH9GJOFOKbdZEmxcDktij8_oDQMVN5Sq3iUF7wTq7PrUcyCXGSd-DgSe4mvQG4CBu718BoNR9kGXRR_75x3-dG2jgC5g5EeAtK1x&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) Facebook pages. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-pip-pip-hooray-looking-after-hatching-eggs-and-hatchlings-in-the-northern-royal-albatross-colony-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head.md) ## The Seabird Group offers grants to help research projects on Atlantic seabirds *![Sooty Gough incubating](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooty_Gough_incubating.jpg) An incubating Sooty Albatross on Gough Island in the South Atlantic, photograph by Michelle Risi* The [Seabird Group](https://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/) of the United Kingdom is offering grants of up to UK£500 to individuals to help with costs associated with research projects.  Grants can cover travel, subsistence and equipment, but staff costs are excluded.  Priority will be given to Seabird Group members working on Atlantic seabirds. ![Seabird Group](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Seabird_Group.jpg) Read more and how to apply from [here](https://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/grants).  Enquiries to Nina O'Hanlon at [secretary@seabirdgroup.org.uk](mailto:secretary@seabirdgroup.org.uk). The deadline is 28 February 2026*.* *ohn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 29 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-seabird-group-offers-grants-to-help-research-projects-on-atlantic-seabirds.md) ## 1000 up! A Northern Royal Albatross colony reaches a milestone *![Egg pipping Northern Royal Albatross WYL feeds chick seecond time](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Egg_pipping_Northern_Royal_Albatross_WYL_feeds_chick_seecond_time.jpg)The [*2026/26*Royal Cam](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-royal-cam-gets-a-new-northern-royal-albatross-pair-to-follow?highlight=WyJyb3lhbCIsInJveWFscyIsIidyb3lhbCIsImNhbSIsImNhbXMiLCJjYW0nIl0=) hatchling gets its second feed, photograph from the Department of Conservation* A milestone has been reached for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the [intensively managed colony at Pukekura /Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-pip-pip-hooray-looking-after-hatching-eggs-and-hatchlings-in-the-northern-royal-albatross-colony-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head) on the New Zealand mainland with the hatching of the colony’s 1000th chick The 1000th hatched chick in the current 2025/26 breeding season follows on from the record 38 chicks fledged in the 2024/25 season, overtaking the previous record number of 33. *![Northern Royal Albatross Toroa 500th chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal_Albatross_Toroa_500th_chick.jpg) The 500th chick shortly before fledging* “Last season was a fantastic one for us with great weather and plenty of food available for the parents so we’re hoping for another great season for these newly hatched toroa.  Our success rate with the chicks has just been going up and up.  Interestingly, when the colony first started with one breeding pair in 1938 through until 2007, 500 chicks hatched.  It’s only taken us under 20 years to double that number, so we are getting better at it.” ![Richdale.3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Richdale.3.jpg)*Chick Number One "Sproggins" at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head in 1938, photograph by Lance Richdale ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/historic-film-of-a-northern-royal-albatross-brooding-its-chick-by-seabird-pioneer-lance-richdale-can-now-be-viewed-online?highlight=WyJyaWNoZGFsZSIsInJpY2hkYWxlJ3MiXQ==))* Information from the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2026-media-releases/1000th-toroaalbatross-chick-hatches-at-pukekurataiaroa-head/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPlwf9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpWTV1QVhET1pnYnZtTUpjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpoFY8Pdl1K-ccnXfltY9wk6JnqCatCyEIsftozqONnYD535ESUZfjKuHt-p_aem_RxZ1SEdYNtsMi1742cwt_A). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 03 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/1000-up-a-northern-royal-albatross-colony-reached-a-milestone.md) ## No evidence of sex ratio bias in plastic loads of Flesh-footed Shearwater chicks *![flesh footed shearwater dissection i. hutton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/flesh-footed_shearwater_dissection_i._hutton.jpg)Removing plastic fragments from a Flesh-footed Shearwater stomach, photograph by Ian Hutton* Alex Bond ([Bird Group, Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/services/collections/zoology/birds.html), Tring, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)* on a study of plastic pollution in the [Near Threatened](https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-list/flesh-footed-shearwater/) Flesh-footed or Sable Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*, a [potential candidate species](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-convention-on-migratory-species-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-inclusion-on-its-appendix-ii-acap-listing-to-follow) for ACAP listing.  They found no sex differences in frequency, mass, number, colour or type of ingested plastic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Sex-based differences in plastic ingestion by wildlife are understudied.  Studies from the 1980s of birds shot at sea found no sex differences in plastic ingestion by post-fledging and adult birds, but nest-bound age classes remain unstudied.  We quantified plastic ingestion by 114 Sable Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) fledglings from Lord Howe Island, Australia, in 2023, and compared the frequency of ingestion, number of pieces, mass, and colour and type composition between sexes.  We found no difference in the frequency of plastic ingestion, the mass, number of pieces, colour, or type composition of ingested plastics between female and male fledglings.  There was no evidence of a sex ratio bias in the sampled population. The genetic sex of chicks is not a predictor of ingested plastics, but the potential for a biased sex ratio among chicks and adults could compound ongoing population declines.” **Reference:** Bond, A.L., Reynolds, J., de Jersey, A.M., Grant, M.L., Rivers-Auty, J., Griffin, C. & Lavers, J.L. 2026.  No evidence of sex differences in plastic ingestion by Sable Shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) chicks[.  *Marine Pollution Bulletin*  225.  doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119324](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26001116). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 28 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-evidence-of-sex-ratio-bias-in-plastic-loads-of-flesh-footed-shearwater-chicks.md) ## Midway Atoll’s albatross ground count reveals over 600 000 pairs are breeding in the 2025/26 season – but will the volunteers be replaced by drones and temporal image differencing? *![2025 26 count team](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/2025-26_count_team.jpg)The 2025/26 ground count volunteers on Midway Atoll, photograph by**USFWS volunteer Dan Rapp* Once more, volunteers have conducted exhaustive ground counts of breeding albatrosses in Midway’s Atoll’s Eastern and Sand Islands.  Results for the 2025/26 season are now in.  Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* numbers were down by 5% from the previous season but were still the fourth highest count for the atoll at 589 623 occupied nests.  “It is not uncommon in a given year for population counts on Midway to increase or decrease by 10 to 25%.”  The Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes*count of 28 246 occupied nests is the second highest. The highest number of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *P. albatrus* ever documented in one year at Midway with a total of eight individuals so far was recorded, including the well-known breeding pair George and Geraldine for their ninth breeding season (watch the [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/749105764916760) of them mutually allopreening), along with several of their offspring returning as juveniles. “USFWS staff have confirmed that Wisdom [the world’s oldest-known Laysan Albatross] did not lay an egg this year, though she has been visiting Midway Atoll, including another recent visit.” Alongside the labour-intensive, and potentially disturbing (requiring the wearing of burrow shoes or “[Funny Feet](https://acap.aq/latest-news/counting-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-with-funny-feet)”), annual ground count the drone research project completed its second field season.  “Temporal Image Differencing” by surveying the same areas multiple times allows researchers to compare drone images over time to identify breeding albatrosses from non-breeders, making for more accurate counts of the actual numbers of breeding pairs possible.  Read more about the drone project [here](https://friendsofmidway.org/flying-high-for-conservation-drone-project-wrap-up/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPXP7RleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHNTVCS1BZaGpOQ3ZtcmY0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgbTI0HSsADYI0tyFOXcfoR02QTURlFhTgo85Ha2FNHHli3W6wSPADLDw7Hl_aem_gEhLXnyzOwBFCz7owlZkgQ) with photographs and a [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/2089959078406863). Perhaps future albatross counts on Midway will be undertaken only by drones, rather than by a team of volunteers. You can watch breeding Laysan Albatrosses via a live-streaming camera; access it from [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/watch-and-listen-to-laysan-albatrosses-breeding-on-midway-atoll-via-a-live-streaming-camera?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsImNhbSIsImNhbXMiLCJjYW0nIl0=). Information from the Facebook pages of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) and [Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 27 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/midway-atolls-albatross-ground-count-reveals-over-600-000-pairs-are-breeding-in-the-2025-26-season-but-will-the-volunteers-be-replaced-by-drones-and-temporal-image-differencing.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project’s new poster illustrates the four ACAP-listed petrels that breed on Marion Island *![Marion petrel poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Marion_petrel_poster.jpg)These four petrels that breed on Marion Island are all at risk from predation by mice …* In January 2024, the *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org)*) Project*released an art poster “[Albatrosses on Marion Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/giving-back-the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-a-poster-to-thank-its-many-supporters/)”.  The poster depicted the four Marion Island breeding albatrosses, Grey-headed, Light-mantled, Sooty and Wandering, that are all susceptible to predation by the island’s introduced House Mice.  The paintings of each albatross were taken from an [infographic series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) being produced for all [31 species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) of albatrosses and petrels listed by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. **![albatrosses of marion island MFM poster hi res](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/albatrosses_of_marion_island_MFM_poster_hi_res.jpg)*… as are these four albatrosses Artwork and poster designs by Namasri “Namo” Niumim* The Mouse-Free Marion Project has now released a [second poster](https://mousefreemarion.org/petrels-in-peril-the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-a-second-poster-illustrating-marion-islands-threatened-seabirds/) based on ACAP Species Infographics that feature four more ACAP-listed seabirds that breed on Marion Island and are also at risk of predation by mice.  They are the Grey, Northern Giant, Southern Giant and White-chinned Petrels. The two posters have been produced for the MFM Project by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasri.com/), who resides in Bangkok.  Namo, who works in gouache, graduated from the School of Architecture and Design, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design.  She has illustrated all the [21 ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) produced to date. Both posters can be [downloaded](https://mousefreemarion.org/posters/) from the MFM website and used in support of the conservation of seabirds on Marion Island and elsewhere.  They join a series of 34 MFM Project photographic posters designed *pro bono* by Michelle Risi, which are also available in an[album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.5477649005579443&type=3) on the MFM Project’s Facebook page. With thanks to Namo Niumim. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 05 February 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-projects-new-poster-illustrates-the-four-acap-listed-petrels-that-breed-on-marion-island.md) ## Albatrosses in flight use wind and waves differently in two hemispheres *![Wandering Albatross Drake Passage Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Drake_Passage_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)A Wandering Albatross in the Drake Passage, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Ian Maywar ([School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences](https://www.stonybrook.edu/somas/), Stony Brook University, New York, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Movement Ecology](https://link.springer.com/journal/40462)*on comparing five species of albatrosses' use of wind and waves in the North Pacific and Southern Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “**Background** Albatrosses can commute long distances to feed during the breeding season by avoiding energetically costly flapping flight.  Energy from both wind and waves can be used to sustain soaring and reduce flapping flight, yet most studies of albatross flight have focused solely on the influence of wind. **Methods** To examine how wind and waves allow albatrosses to reduce energetic costs by limiting flapping flight, we analyzed how the flap rates of five albatross species (370 individuals) across two ocean basins varied with wind speed and swell height. **Results** For all study species, soaring using both wind and waves resulted in an 89–93% reduction in the number of flaps per hour and thus more energetically efficient flight.  We found notable differences in the relative importance of wind and waves for albatrosses breeding in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific  The flap rates of Southern Ocean species, black-browed (*Thalassarche melanophris*), grey-headed (*T. chrysostoma*), and wandering (*Diomedea exulans*) albatrosses, were better explained by variability in windspeed whereas those of North Pacific species, black-footed (*Phoebastria nigripes*) and Laysan (*P. immutabilis*) albatrosses, were better explained by variability in swell height. **Conclusions** Our results suggest that Southern Ocean species relied more on dynamic soaring by exploiting winds whereas North Pacific species relied more on wave-slope soaring using swells.  This divergence in behavior is likely the result of differences in the regional winds and swells between the two ocean basins.  Although windspeeds experienced by albatrosses in both oceans were similar, North Pacific species experienced greater swell heights, likely allowing them to extract more wind energy from waves than albatrosses in the Southern Ocean.  Our research highlights the importance of both wind and waves for albatross movement and the need to better understand environmental impacts on physiological drivers of foraging energetics to assess responses of seabirds to a rapidly changing climate.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Maywar, I.J., Phillips, R.A., Orben, R.A., Conners, M..G., Shaffer, S.A. & Thorne, L.H. 2026.  Differential impacts of wind and waves on albatross flight performance in two ocean basins.  *[Movement Ecology](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40462-025-00614-w#citeas)*[14,1.  doi.org/10.1186/s40462-025-00614-w.](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40462-025-00614-w#citeas) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 26 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-in-flight-use-wind-and-waves-differently-in-two-hemispheres.md) ## Good news for pelagic seabirds, such as the Wandering Albatross? The High Seas Treaty has entered into force *![Wandering Albatross Chile Milena A. Maira Marchesse](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Chile_Milena_A._Maira_Marchesse_.jpeg)A Wandering Albatross off Chile by Milena Maira Marchese, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) for ACAP* The Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction ([BBNJ Agreement](https://www.unep.org/unep-and-bbnj) or High Seas Treaty) was adopted by UN Member States on 19 June 2023 and entered into force 120 days later on 17 January 2025, following 60 ratifications.  The treaty covers roughly two-thirds of the ocean that lies outside national waters and Exclusive Economic Zones. “The Treaty opens the door to protecting nearly half our planet with new tools to establish marine protected areas and ensure that the benefits of the high seas are shared equitably, especially with developing countries and small island states.” The BBNJ Treaty allows for creating marine protected areas (MPAs), conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs), sharing marine genetic resources and building capacity for developing nations. Although the signature period closed on 20 September 2025, countries are still able to become parties to the BBNJ Agreement by acceding.  All 13 Parties to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement have signed the High Seas Treaty.  To date, seven of them have become Parties to the treaty by ratification or other means.  For the latest status of signatures and ratifications, visit the [UN Treaty Collection website](https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXI-10&chapter=21&clang=_en). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 23 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/good-news-for-pelagic-seabirds-such-as-the-wandering-albatross-the-high-seas-treaty-has-entered-into-force.md) ## Diving ecology of three ACAP-listed Procellaria petrels puts them at risk without best-practice mitigation *![Procellaria dives](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Procellaria_dives.png) Density plot of maximum dive depths for (A) Westland Petrels, (B) White-chinned Petrels, and (C) Black Petrels. Values on right-hand side of each graph indicate the following: In red sections, the proportion of dives between 0 and 5 m is shown, in orange, the proportion of dives between 0 and 10 m, and yellow, the proportion of dives between 0 and 20 m.  From the publication* Maria Rosa Düssler ([School of Biological Sciences](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sbs), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Animal Conservation](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14691795)* on diving depth and speed in three species of*Procellaria* petrels. Many seabirds are at risk of bycatch including in pelagic and demersal longline fisheries.  Bycatch mitigation methods must be informed by seabird foraging behaviour to be effective. Deep-diving seabirds are especially vulnerable to bycatch and also increase risks for less adept divers by bringing baited hooks back to the surface.  We deployed time-depth recorders paired with geolocation sensors or GPS loggers in Aotearoa New Zealand to quantify the diving ecology of three *Procellaria* petrel species (combined total number of dives = 12,767), all of which are vulnerable to bycatch in longline fisheries.  We present the deepest dives recorded for each species, with Westland Petrels (*Procellaria westlandica*; *n* = 32) reaching 17.3 m, White-chinned Petrels (*P. aequinoctialis*; *n* = 14) reaching 21.7 m, and Black Petrels (*P. parkinsoni*; *n* = 10) reaching 38.5 m, the deepest dive recorded by a *Procellaria* petrel.  All species dived faster than the best practice longline sink rate of 0.5 m/s.  All dived throughout both day and night, but Black Petrels dived more frequently during the day, while Westland Petrels dived more frequently at night.  These results suggest that simultaneous implementation of weighted branch lines, bird-scaring lines, and night setting is necessary to reduce bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries.  This integrated approach effectively protects hooks from deep-diving *Procellaria* petrels and prevents them from retrieving hooks and increasing risk to other seabirds.  These results also bear direct relevance for custom, target-specific mitigation methods in demersal longline fisheries.  Overall, we provide the most in-depth investigation into *Procellaria* petrel diving ecology to date with wide-ranging implications for seabird conservation globally.” **Reference:** Düssler, M.R., Fischer, J.H., Rowley, O., Bell, E., Charteris, M., Elliott, G., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K., Simister, K., Taylor, G., Walker, K., Debski, I. & Wittmer, H.U. 2026.  Diving ecology of *Procellaria* petrels highlights the necessity of combining bird-scaring lines, weighted branch lines, and night setting in pelagic longline fisheries.  [*Animal Conservation* doi.org/10.1111/acv.70057](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acv.70057). With thanks to Igor Debski, Department of Conservation, New Zealand *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 21 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/diving-ecology-of-three-acap-listed-procellaria-petrels-puts-them-at-risk-without-best-practice-mitigation.md) ## The Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit follows ACAP’s Best Practice Advice for longline tuna fisheries [![Seaabird-Safe_Tool.jpeg](https://acap.aq/images/Seaabird-Safe_Tool.jpeg)](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/international-agreements/species/seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit/finder/) [![Seabird-Safe_Toolkit_Seabird_Risk_zone_map.jpeg](https://acap.aq/images/Seabird-Safe_Toolkit_Seabird_Risk_zone_map.jpeg)](https://www.seasketch.org/ssft/app) [![Seabird-Safe_Toolkit_Learn_about_seabird-safe_practices.jpeg](https://acap.aq/images/Seabird-Safe_Toolkit_Learn_about_seabird-safe_practices.jpeg)](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/international-agreements/species/seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit/finder/summary/) The **[Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit](https://www.doc.govt.nz/seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit)** is an interactive website for longline tuna fisheries wanting to make their fishing safer for seabirds.  The toolkit provides the best available guidance on how to avoid catching seabirds and ensure good practice.  The guidance is based on ACAP’s Best Practice Advice. The toolkit can be used to identify where threatened seabirds range, assess the current state of seabird-safe fishing and explore options to improve seabird safety over time.  This will support fisheries to meet the demands of consumers for environmentally sustainable tuna and secure access to high-value markets. The Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit was launched online in November last year with eight leaders across the tuna supply chain and the world's sustainable seafood initiatives explaining in one hour and 27 minute [video](https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e13a0c3f-4e36-454c-845b-94f549e42737@f0cbb24f-a2f6-498f-b536-6eb9a13a357c?vod&attendeeId=2e923cb0-cc81-446c-a058-9b6da86a2ab7) how they will use the toolkit to protect seabirds.  The event was presented in English with simultaneous interpretation into Chinese and Japanese. The toolkit is a New Zealand-led project, developed through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Oceans and Fisheries Working Group and supported by five co-sponsor economies: Chile, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Chinese Taipei and the United States. Read an [earlier article](https://acap.aq/latest-news/saving-seabirds-through-a-seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit?highlight=WyJ0b29sa2l0Il0=) in *ACAP Latest News* on the development of the Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit. With thanks to Igor Debski, Department of Conservation, New Zealand *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 21 January 2026.  Updated 30 March 2026.* **Background and guide to using the toolkit**: **[Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit - A resource for high seas pelagic longline fisheries](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=5093-seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit-a-resource-for-high-seas-pelagic-longline-fisheries&category_slug=seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit&Itemid=506&lang=en)  ** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit-follows-acaps-best-practice-advice-for-longline-tuna-fisheries.md) ## A systematic review of contamination biomarkers in seabirds gets published *![Serafini biomarkers](https://acap.aq/images/Serafini_biomarkers.jpg)Graphical abstract from the publication* Patricia Serafini ([Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry](https://labcai.paginas.ufsc.br/apresentacao-2/), Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil) and colleagues have reviewed contamination biomarkers in seabirds in the *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin).*The paper notes that seabirds are key sentinels for monitoring global marine pollution.  A key gap identified was the limited application of biomarkers in Southern Hemisphere seabird species. The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds are long-lived apex predators that serve as key sentinels of ocean health, integrating contaminant exposure across trophic levels. This systematic review synthesises 275 peer-reviewed studies on biomarkers of aquatic contamination in seabirds, with 124 (45.1%) published in the last decade and the earliest dating back to 1976. Most studies focused on biomarkers associated with organic contaminants (64.0%), metal(loid)s (19.6%), or both (8.0%). Blood was the predominant biological matrix (55.6%), reflecting its suitability for non-lethal monitoring, followed by liver tissue (40.7%), primarily used to assess detoxification pathways. Unlike previous reviews that focused exclusively on molecular biomarkers or synthesised the use of biomarkers across broad aquatic taxa, this study provides the first global, cross-disciplinary synthesis integrating biochemical, cellular, molecular and physiological biomarkers specifically in seabirds. Across the dataset, biomarkers of xenobiotic biotransformation were the most frequently investigated (32.0% of studies), followed by endocrine disruption (20.3%) and oxidative stress (14.9%). A key gap identified was the limited application of biomarkers in the Southern Hemisphere species. Results highlighted the need to incorporate omics approaches, such as transcriptomics and proteomics to improve understanding of sublethal toxicity of aquatic contaminants. Coupling these approaches with non-lethal sampling in ecologically diverse sentinel species and mapping of global contamination hotspots offers a path toward developing sensitive, reproducible indicators of marine environmental health. Collectively, these findings provide an evidence-based framework to guide monitoring programmes and targeted capacity building in underrepresented regions, strengthening transboundary assessment of contaminants impacts and regulatory actions in marine ecosystems.: With thanks to Patricia Serafini. **Reference:** Serafini, P., Dias, V.H.V., D., da Costa, D.M., da Silveira, G. de E., Geraldo, M.E., Deconto, V.S., Bugoni, L., Bainy, A.C.D., Lüchmann, K.H. 2026.  A systematic review of aquatic contamination biomarkers in seabirds and their potential for ocean health monitoring.  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26000214?dgcid=coauthor)*[doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119234](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26000214?dgcid=coauthor). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-systematic-review-of-contamination-biomarkers-in-seabirds-gets-published.md) ## A strange band spotted!  A Laysan Albatross moves from Mexico to Hawaii *![Mexican Laysan Kilauea Point Pacific Rim Conservatiom](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Mexican_Laysan_Kilauea_Point_Pacific_Rim_Conservatiom.jpg)Laysan Albatross orange 6M3 in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge* A Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* was photographed on 16 January in the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai wearing the orange colour band 6M3.  Laysan Albatrosses banded on Kauai usually get blacl colour bands with white lettering, so this bird was clearly unusual.  The bird had been banded as a chick in May 2017 on Islote Morro Prieto, a small islet that is part of Mexico’s [Guadalupe Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats).  The bird had been sighted for the first time in the refuge in April 2024 and then three times in April 2025.  This year it has turned up significantly earlier in the 2025/26 breeding season. Laysan Albatrosses that fledged from a Mexican breeding island being recorded ashore on a Hawaiian island is quite common.  In addition to 6M3, a Guadalupe bird fledged a chick in the 2025/26 season and is now back incubating with the same partner.  In addition, Louise Barnfield writes "We also have a couple of other walkers [= non-breeders] who first showed up a couple of years ago and are back this year, but still just as walkers." Over on Oahu in the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence), three Mexican-fledged birds are reported breeding in the current season along with “several more that hang out regularly”, according to Lyndsay Young. Information from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) of Pacific Rim Conservation, and from Louise Barnfield and Lyndsay Young, with thanks. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 19 January 2026, updated 20 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-strange-band-spotted-a-laysan-albatross-moves-from-mexico-to-hawaii.md) ## Shearwaters and petrels fight it out for nest space on a Hawaiian island *![Raine aggression Wedge tailed and Newells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Raine_aggression_Wedge-tailed_and_Newells.jpg)An adult Hawaiian Petrel fights with a Newell’s Shearwater outside its burrow (from the publication)* André Raine ([Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Kauai, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Avian Conservation & Ecology](https://ace-eco.org/)*on interspecific competition in three procellariid species on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. *An aggressive interaction between a Hawaiian Petrel and a Newell’s Shearwater at the latter’s burrow* The paper’s abstract follows: “Colony creation projects are a vital tool for the recovery of threatened and endangered seabird populations and have significant conservation value by creating colonies inside highly protected and more easily managed areas.  However, project sites need to be carefully chosen using a wide range of criteria to maximize success. One of these criteria is the potential for interactions with species already breeding within the site, in particular the possibility of interspecific competition.  We considered three species of Procellariids in Hawaiʻi - two endangered Hawaiian endemics, the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel, *Pterodroma sandwichensis*) and the ʻaʻo (Newell’s Shearwater, *Puffinus newelli*) and one native, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (*Ardenna pacifica*) - to assess the prevalence of interspecific competition. Colony monitoring was conducted at six management sites on the island of Kauaʻi, one on the coast and five in the mountains.  Cameras were deployed at breeding burrows and any interactions between species recorded.  Interspecific competition was recorded at all sites.  At the coastal site, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters consistently attacked breeding pairs of ʻaʻo and ultimately evicted 55.6% of established breeding pairs and 87.5% of prospectors.  At montane management sites, aggressive interactions were recorded between ʻuaʻu and ʻaʻo at all sites and increased over time in tandem with population increases.  Colony creation is an essential component of seabird conservation worldwide but, as this study shows, the presence of other breeding seabird species needs to be considered in the planning process if these projects are to succeed.  This is particularly true if Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are already present (or could recolonize the site) and/or if the site already has a high density of a breeding species that is of a similar size and utilizes the same breeding habitat and breeding strategy.” **Reference:** Raine[,](https://ace-eco.org/article-author/andre-f-raine/) A.F., Driskill[,](https://ace-eco.org/article-author/scott-driskill/) S., McFarlin[,](https://ace-eco.org/article-author/michael-mcfarlin/) M., Brittingham, R.[,](https://ace-eco.org/article-author/robert-brittingham-v/) Rothe, J.A. & Raine, H. 2026.  Interspecific competition among Procellariids: implications for seabird management and colony creation projects.  *[Avian Conservation & Ecology](https://ace-eco.org/vol21/iss1/art1/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPVaFBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpNTY4UVE4VnljZEY3WHVsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtTz-7LH_ZrL00oWXBf6yGAF12VduCdmMjKf5xcD0Y_AaTNQzrQStnQwx010_aem_9_mITxhL_Z17j4XTS4MVyQ)*[21(1).  doi.org/10.5751/ACE-02962-210101](https://ace-eco.org/vol21/iss1/art1/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPVaFBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpNTY4UVE4VnljZEY3WHVsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtTz-7LH_ZrL00oWXBf6yGAF12VduCdmMjKf5xcD0Y_AaTNQzrQStnQwx010_aem_9_mITxhL_Z17j4XTS4MVyQ). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 16 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/shearwaters-and-petrels-fight-it-out-for-nest-space-on-a-hawaiian-island.md) ## Abstract submissions to the Fourth World Seabird Conference extended a week to 23 January ![WSC4 23 Jan deadline](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/WSC4_23_Jan_deadline.jpg)The Fourth [World Seabird Conference](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/) (WSC4) will be held as a hybrid event in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia over 07-11 September 2026 with the overall theme “*Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate*”. [Abstract submissions](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/call-for-abstracts/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPUYfNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaNzRNQW5XdmcwOWxoTTR6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmClD1_axGyMSaCAa7Xi71ILEICp5Q8VGyjAsZhpAITi5IPVUx-1h0w1qZW8_aem_UUy2eOvqpD8ROKUN3pUbWQ) (and travel award applications which require an abstract submission) for the conference have been extended from today until Friday 23 January 2026. During the conference Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey, UK) and Johannes Fischer (Department of Conservation, Aotearoa New Zealand) will co-convene a symposium entitled “Bridging the implementation gap between seabird and seabird-bycatch mitigation research and fisheries management”.  Read about this and other symposia and workshops of interest to ACAP from [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-symposium-at-the-fourth-world-seabird-conference-in-september-2026-will-address-seabird-bycatch-mitigation?highlight=WyJ3c2M0Il0=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 15 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abstract-submissions-to-the-fourth-world-seabird-conference-extended-a-week-to-23-january.md) ## Avian influenza H5N1 has reached the French sub-Antarctic islands, killing seals and seabirds *![Avian Influenza sampling](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Avian_Influenza_sampling.webp)Sampling sites for avian influenza on Possession and Kerguelen Islands. See the publication for details* Augustin Clessin ([Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive,](https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/) Université Montpellier, France) and colleagues have published open access in *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/ncomms/)* on records of highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in the French sub-Antarctic islands of Possession, Crozets and Kerguelen, including in [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* chicks. The paper’s abstract follows: “Since 2020, the outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus clade 2.3.4.4b has turned into the largest documented panzootic.  Here, we describe its arrival into the Indian Ocean sub-Antarctic archipelagos of Crozet and Kerguelen, where we first detected the virus in October 2024 in dead southern elephant seals. While the panzootic is ongoing, it has already caused unprecedented mortalities of marine mammals and seabirds.  We collected brain swabs from seal and seabird carcasses and obtained 25 novel HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b sequences.  Using phylogeographic analyses, we show that there have been independent introductions of the virus to Crozet and Kerguelen islands, most likely from the distant South Georgia islands in the Southern Atlantic, and not from the more nearby coasts of South Africa. Our results point to a year-long gap in genomic surveillance in the sub-Antarctic region.   Locally, our analyses show that the virus is transmitted between different species. Our serological analyses show that some southern elephant seal had mounted an anti-H5 antibody response.  Through its circumpolar spread to the Indian Ocean, HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b moves closer to Australia, which remains free from infections with this strain, and represents a major threat to the sub-Antarctic wildlife.” **Reference:** Clessin, A., Briand, F.-X., Tornos, J., Lejeune, M., De Pasquale, C., Fischer, R., Souchaud, F., Hirchaud, E., Bralet T., Guinet, C., McMahon, C.R., Grasland, B., Baele, G. & Boulinier, T. 2025.  Circumpolar spread of avian influenza H5N1 to southern Indian Ocean islands.  *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64297-y)*[16, 8463.  doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64297-y.](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64297-y) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 January 2026* **Note:** this paper has been [previously featured](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals?highlight=WyJjbGVzc2luIiwiYnJpYW5kIiwidG9ybm9zIl0=) in *ACAP Latest News*under a different title and a differently-worded abstract as a [preprint](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.25.640068v1.full.pdf). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/avian-influenza-h5n1-has-reached-the-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-seals-and-seabirds.md) ## Counting albatrosses on Midway Atoll with funny feet *![Annual count 2024 25 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Annual_count_2024-25_2.jpg) Ready to count albatrosses on Midway Atoll while wearing burrow shoes in the 2024/25 breeding season* Twelve volunteers flew into Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in early December 2025, landing after dark to avoid bird strikes.  Their task: to undertake the annual ground count of breeding Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Layan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses on the three islands that make up the atoll.  “A bird counter's time and energy working 48 hours a week for a month in December through mid-January contributes to one of the longest and most consistent monitoring seabird data sets in the world”. *Volunteers prep for the 2025/26 Annual Bird Count* USFWS biologist and volunteer Dan Rapp has produced the above video of the bird counters setting up before the actual count begins.  “What are the volunteers wearing on their feet?  The weight of one human foot can easily collapse Bonin Petrel burrows. Using these so-called burrow shoes helps distribute a person's weight evenly. Each burrow shaped entrance or tunnel that appears to run along the surface of the sand is excavated by a nesting Nunulu {[Bonin Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bonin-petrel-pterodroma-hypoleuca) *Pterodroma hypoleuca]* pair who make their nest.  They do this by digging a deep burrow that runs parallel to the surface before the burrow runs deeper to create a safe nest cavity.  The counter must also be constantly aware of where to carefully step next.  Often times stepping next to the lower side of a burrow entrance is usually the safest bet for both birds and counters.” *IMidway Atoll Sand Island Bike Tour January 2025 (33.41)* Information from the [Friends of the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/counting-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-with-funny-feet.md) ## ACAP releases its fourth Species Infographic in Portuguese: this time for the Southern Giant Petrel ![preview southerngiantpetrel pt](https://acap.aq/images/preview_southerngiantpetrel_pt.jpg) The latest ACAP Species Infographic for the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)), the 21st to be produced in the series in the ACAP official languages of [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-southern-giant-petrel-the-21st-and-latest-in-the-31-species-series), [French and Spanish](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-amsterdam-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish-2), has now been released in Portuguese. Portuguese versions of ACAP Species Infographics have previously been produced for three species that visit the waters of Brazil (a Party to the Agreement) where they interact with fisheries.  They are the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena)Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbeneena*, the [Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*. It is intended to produce infographics in Portuguese for a further two species, the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. chlororhynchos*(as part of marking [World Albatross Day 2026](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration) on 19 June) and the [Near Threatened](https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-list/spectacled-petrel/) Spectacled Petrel *P. conspicillata*.  This will complete a planned six-species series of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that are considered to occur regularly offshore from Brazil. The infographic for the Southern Giant Petrel has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/)*.  *It is the fourth to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, following those for the [Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) Northern Giant Petrel *M. halli*, the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel*Procellaria cinerea*and the White-chinned Petrel. * *The other 17 infographics are all for albatrosses. The [ACAP Species Infographic series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. The infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics); French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. With grateful thanks to Patricia Serafini for producing and Eduardo Bicudo for editing the Portuguese text. **Selected References:** Hurtado, R., Saviolli, J.Y. & Vanstreels, R.E.T. (Eds) 2020.  [*Reabilitação de Procellariiformes: (albatrozes, petréis, pardelas)*](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341411694_Reabilitacao_de_Procellariiformes).  Santos, Brazil: Editora Comunnicar.  111 pp. Neves, T., Olmos, F., Peppes, F. & Mohr, L.V. 2006.  Neves, T., Olmos, F., Peppes, F. & Mohr, L.V. 2006.  [National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (NPOA-Seabirds Brazil)](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/IPOAS/national/brazil/NPOA-Seabirds_Brazil.pdf). *Threatened Species Series* No. 2.  Brasilia: Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Renewable Resources.  128 pp.  ICMBio 2018. [*Plano de Ação Nacional para a Conservação dos Albatrozes e Petréis - PLANACAP 2018-2023*](https://www.gov.br/icmbio/pt-br/assuntos/biodiversidade/pan/pan-albatrozes-e-petreis)[*.*](https://www.gov.br/icmbio/pt-br/assuntos/biodiversidade/pan/pan-albatrozes-e-petreis).  Brasilia: Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio/MMA. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 08 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-fourth-species-infographic-in-portuguese-this-time-for-the-southern-giant-petrel.md) ## Wisdom, the septuagenarian Laysan Albatross, is not breeding this season *![Wisdom and mate EX25 Nov 2025 Dan Rapp](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Wisdom_and_mate_EX25_Nov_2025_Dan_Rapp.jpg) Wisdom (Z333, right) with her current mate red EX25 in November 2025, photograph by Dan Rapp* US Fish & Wildlife Service staff based on Midway Atoll have confirmed that Wisdom, the world’s oldest known Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*, now in her mid-seventies, did not lay an egg in the 2025/26 breeding season,  The septuagenarian has been visiting the atoll intermittently during the current season, including a visit in late December, and has met up with her most recent mate, colour banded red EX25 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdom-is-back?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsMjAyNV0=)). “It’s important to note that Laysan albatrosses commonly skip breeding every 2–3 years, so this pause is a normal part of their life history—not a sign that Wisdom’s remarkable parenting story has come to an end” (information from the Facebook page of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZaAXuL0aeP5sbF2cCx35h2nzncH-RMIH8PfTsg_y2Mt3nSh-Pn2hnuJ73bvBuZyzgALMJ_diuczOrPYD8lQS38sFb6Qutu5dqpXMJDt_fpBsxiSmXbjXMsJ_FVO6xnbPztk0odQE9-7-Aoed0-vJ0I1RoLEdHF2NfbGZiWxNQhsISvKSGStvpv0mIixzf6B_7ONYJCiXlzEu-u5tDYi4oF0JpUWy0N9slkcFDtd2IV92Q&__tn__=-UC*F)). Read more about Wisdom in [numerous articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) posted to *ACAP Latest News* over the last decade or so. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 09 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-septuagenarian-laysan-albatross-is-not-breeding-this-season.md) ## The Pacific Seabird Group is accepting applications for 2026 PSG Student Research Grants ![Pacific Seabird Group](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Pacific_Seabird_Group.jpg)  “Student research grants are awarded to aid student-led research and support up-and-coming scholar members of the Pacific Seabird Group.  Due to the generosity of the Former Chairs, the PSG Student Research Grant program will fund 3-5 grants for up to [US]$3000 each. The application deadline is February 6th, 2026 and funds will be awarded at the [PSG’s] [2026 Virtual Annual Meeting](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting). To be eligible, applicants must be members and currently enrolled students (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral), and the **proposed research must involve seabirds of any taxa or geography.** To become a PSG member, click [here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/join-us). Requested funds should support costs directly associated with research including field or lab supplies and equipment, travel to research or lab sites, licensing and permitting fees, and dissemination of results. Applications will be evaluated based on significance and scientific merit of the proposed research, relevance to PSG's mission, and potential impact of the requested funding. For details on eligibility and the application form, please visit the [PSG Student Research Grants website](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/student-research-grant/).” *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 08 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pacific-seabird-group-is-accepting-applications-for-2026-psg-student-research-grants.md) ## The Live Ocean Foundation helps fund 49 trackers for the ACAP-listed Black Petrel *![Maureen Bennetts Black Petrel chick Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Maureen_Bennetts_Black_Petrel_chick_Biz_Bell.JPG) Black Petrel chick by Maureen Bennetts of ABUN for ACAP, after a photograph by Biz Bell* The [Live Ocean Foundation](https://liveocean.org) has worked to help conserve the ACAP-listed and [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni,*endemic to just two islands off New Zealand’s North Island  With only around 5000 breeding pairs remaining, the Black Petrel is considered to be one of New Zealand’s most at-risk seabirds, facing threats from fishing bycatch, predation, light pollution and habitat loss.  The [project](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?utm_campaign=30788101-Black%20Petrel&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8AqRDXhL2ByN2E6i4Uc0FZsvcs5ItL5V8mHwfMlRc2uhuoUxYTKtiMo9CaM2tzGWeCFcbeatZ5sLoeQ1PQ4upUSedYWA&_hsmi=392326695&utm_content=392326695&utm_source=hs_email) wished to raise funds for 20 GPS trackers to follow fledgling Black Petrels on their first migration and uncover why so few return.   “This project aims to reverse the decline of the tākoketai black petrel population through tracking their migration, international collaboration, and advocacy.  By supporting long-term research, developing mitigation strategies, and building partnerships across the Pacific Flyway, Live Ocean and its partners aim to rebuild the population to enable future translocation into historic habitats.” Biz Bell of [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/) writes “The ultimate goal is to chart a course for recovery and protection of this on the brink species, so that we might see their return to some former nesting sites right around the North Island.” By the end of December, thanks to 100+ donors and matched funding from the [BNZ Foundation](https://liveocean.org/funds-raised-for-black-petrel-gps-trackers/), funding for over 49 GPS trackers for Black Petrels had been secured. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 January 2026 (updated)* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-live-ocean-foundation-is-working-to-help-conserve-the-acap-listed-black-petrel-2.md) ## The 4th International Conservation Translocation Conference will be held in Edinburgh, Scotland in September 2026 ![4TH International Conservation Translocation Conference 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/4TH_International_Conservation_Translocation_Conference_2026.png)  “We are pleased to announce that the 4th International Conservation Translocation Conference ([ICTC](https://vet.ed.ac.uk/ictc)) will be held in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Edinburgh, Scotland, on the Monday 7th to Wednesday 9th September 2026. The conference is being organised by NatureScot, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.  It is being hosted by the University of Edinburgh.  The venue will be the John McIntyre Conference Centre, University of Edinburgh, which can hold up to 300 delegates.  Accommodation will be available on site, close to the conference centre. This event follows the successful 3rd International Conservation Translocation Conference held in Perth, Australia, in 2023.  This 4th Conference provides another opportunity for us to share the latest developments in conservation translocation management, research and innovation. We are currently expecting to invite abstracts by early February 2026.  We also expect there to be some pre-conference workshops.” The conference translocation theme fits well with that of “[Habitat Restoration](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2026-habitat-restoration)” chosen by ACAP for Work Albatross Day 2026, to be celebrated on 19 June.  Attempts to create new breeding colonies by translocating albatross eggs and chicks have been made for four species: Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes*, Chatham *Thalassoica eremita*, Laysan *P. immutabilis* and Short-tailed *P. albatrus*with varying success ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=translocation&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)).  Translocation techniques have also been applied to a number of burrowing procellariiform species. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 07 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-4th-international-conservation-translocation-conference-will-be-held-in-edinburgh-scotland-in-september-2026.md) ## Laysan Albatrosses on Kauai are set for a record breeding season *![2025 26 breeding season Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/2025-26_breeding_season_Hob_Osterlund.jpg) Laysan Albatrosses breed on a coastal bluff on Kauai – safe from predicted sea level rise, photograph by Hob Osterlund* By far the largest part of the global breeding population of the Laysan Albatross or mōlī *Phoebastria immutabilis* is to be found on the low-lying atolls of the [Northwestern Hawaiian Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_Hawaiian_Islands).  In addition, smaller numbers breed on the inhabited Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Oahu, considered safe from sea level rise.  Information is to hand that the numbers breeding on Kauai this season are the highest known. Hob Osterlund, [Kaua’i Albatross Network](https://www.facebook.com/KauaiAlbatrossNetwork/) writes on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund) “good news for the Mōlī Class of 2026: this year on Kauaʻi we have a total of 458 nests, which is an all-time high for the years weʻve been counting [the previous high was 400].  Of course this number is tiny compared to the hundreds of thousands at Kuaihihelani (Midway Atoll), but we have three things albatross will need as Kuaihelani gets submerged by sea level rise: elevated bluffs, an absence of mongoose, and people who care”. Laysan Albatrosses within Kauai’s Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge are also doing well, with a total of 194 occupied nests counted for the 2025/26 season, 40 more nests than in the previous season, according to the Facebook page of the [Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZZhWD91Vt4kf2vt3elqPnD657dLAxMB4uklOkHrR0LnZH571d-lrDYCVFo7tE4m7haTGV07GpCpHmDMEOT-qf0b_Q6Dy_FrqxF27RrP4fPpMGL_jjcHbuZVbeuPNElZ3ajdXyV29vwe8OjVOY9UahUQTD8sf4G2hV5336dSyTXjLmkyjbfjp_MBuEwW_N6R1OI&__tn__=-%5dC%2CP-R).  These birds are now protected from feral pigs and other pests by predator-proof fencing ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/laysan-albatrosses-in-hawaiis-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-are-no-longer-threatened-by-feral-pigs?highlight=WyJwaWdzIiwicGlnIiwiZmVuY2UiLCJmZW5jZXMiLCJmZW5jaW5nIiwiZmVuY2VkIiwiZmVuY2UncyIsImthdWFpIiwia2F1YWkncyJd)). Other news from Kauai is that the Kīlauea Point NWR participated in the annual Laysan Albatross egg swap with the Pacific Missile Range Facility ([PMRF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility)). “The project is led by a team of Biologists from PMRF, located on the west side of Kauaʻi, and supported by our partners at [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation), along with the Refuge Biologist and FWS volunteers.  “Due to the potential for airstrikes, mōlī in the PMRF colony are a risk to aircraft and to themselves.  Therefore, their biologists employ multiple approaches as they work to reduce the size of their colony, while making investments in the success of other nesting sites across Kauaʻi.  Through the project, fertile eggs are removed from the PMRF mōlī colony and transported to Kīlauea Point NWR where they replace non-viable eggs within our Refuge’s two colonies*.  Through a process called “candling”, biologists can identify eggs that are non-viable – either because they were not fertilized or are damaged. They can then “swap” the eggs and our adoptive nesters will get to raise ex-PMRF chicks, which will imprint upon the safe colonies at Kīlauea Point NWR and eventually return to our hatching sites, rather than PMRF.” (from *[Wild Times](https://mailchi.mp/kilaueapoint/dec-2025-wild-times?fbclid=IwY2xjawPCDKVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkd1VsTllwcnJXOW5sNm5Tc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHspO5H5m08FdHaZtxNQ7s21UMB3ZgyLb89QTp434t9s_ee1-nOoMHT1MZEqJ_aem_aduGWHEx89rBKeBWbT9Y7w)* of December 2025, the online newsletter of the [Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZZhWD91Vt4kf2vt3elqPnD657dLAxMB4uklOkHrR0LnZH571d-lrDYCVFo7tE4m7haTGV07GpCpHmDMEOT-qf0b_Q6Dy_FrqxF27RrP4fPpMGL_jjcHbuZVbeuPNElZ3ajdXyV29vwe8OjVOY9UahUQTD8sf4G2hV5336dSyTXjLmkyjbfjp_MBuEwW_N6R1OI&__tn__=-%5dC%2CP-R)). *The[Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pacific%20rim%20conservation) of Pacific Rim Conservation reports that 15 eggs were translocated to the Kīlauea Point NWR in the 2025/26 breeding season. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 01 January 2026, updated 04 and 08 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/laysan-albatrosses-on-kauai-are-set-for-a-record-breeding-season.md) ## 41 thousand nests. The albatrosses of Kure Atoll get counted for the 2025/26 breeding season *![Dec 2025 Kure Atoll 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Dec_2025_Kure_Atoll_2.jpg)A Black-footed Albatross pair on Kure Atoll, November 2025* The annual albatross nest count on Kure Atoll (Hōlanikū) in the Northwestern Pacific Islands for the 2025/26 breeding season has been completed, yielding a total of over 41 thousand occupied nests.  Species totals were 38 153 nests for the Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* and 3042 for the Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes*. *![Dec 2025 Kure Atoll 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Dec_2025_Kure_Atoll_3.jpg) A Laysan Albatross pair on Kure Atoll, November 2025* “Each nest represents new life and continued hope for these iconic seabirds!  Mahalo to everyone who helps protect Hōlanikū and the wildlife that call it home.” *![Nov 2025 Short tailed Kure Atoll 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Nov_2025_Short-tailed_Kure_Atoll_2.jpg)* *![Nov 2025 Short tailed Kure SAtoll](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Nov_2025_Short-tailed_Kure_SAtoll.jpg) Two Short-tailed Albatrosses seen on Kure Atoll, November-December 2025* At least three Short-tailed Albatrosses*P. albatrus*were spotted on Kure Atoll during November 2025.  All the posted photographs are of birds in non-adult plumage, although birds in adult plumage have been previously seen on the atoll.  From at least 2010 to 2018 a [female-female pair](https://acap.aq/latest-news/oh-for-a-male-kure-atoll-s-female-female-pair-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-is-back-incubating-for-a-sixth-consecutive-season?highlight=WyJrdXJlIiwia3VyZSdzIiwiZmVtYWxlLWZlbWFsZSJd) (both banded as chicks on Torishima and of known age) laid infertile eggs on Kure Atoll.  Short-tailed Albatross [decoys](https://acap.aq/latest-news/short-tailed-albatross-decoys-get-ready-to-be-shipped-out-to-kure-atoll-but-a-real-one-has-already-shown-up?highlight=WyJrdXJlIiwia3VyZSdzIiwiZGVjb3kiLCJkZWNveXMiXQ==) have been deployed on Kure in the hope of encouraging breeding. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Dec_2025_Kure_Atoll_banded_hybrid.jpg) Metal-banded hybrid Black-footed-Laysan Albatross, Kure Atoll, December 2025* Information and photographs from weekly reports from the field team on the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy) of the [Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://kureatollconservancy.org/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 31 December 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/41-thousand-nests-the-albatrosses-of-kure-atoll-get-counted-for-the-2025-26-breeding-season.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Southern Giant Petrel is now available in French and Spanish ![preview southerngiantpetrel fr wupdatedlogo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/preview_southerngiantpetrel_fr_wupdatedlogo.jpg)  The latest ACAP Infographic, for the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)), the 21st to be produced in the series, is now available in the ACAP official languages of French and Spanish, as well as in [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-southern-giant-petrel-the-21st-and-latest-in-the-31-species-series).  It has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/)*.  *It is the fourth to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, following those for the [Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) Northern Giant Petrel *M. halli*, the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel*Procellaria cinerea*and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*. * *The other 17 infographics are all for albatrosses.  It is also being produced in Portuguese, reflecting it is a regular visitor to Brazilian waters.  ![preview southerngiantpetrel es wupdatedlogo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/preview_southerngiantpetrel_es_wupdatedlogo.jpg) The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. The infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. With grateful thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos and Maëlle Connan for the careful writing and editing texts in their home languages. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 05 January 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-amsterdam-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish-2.md) ## Artificial light and Hawaii’s threatened Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels *![Wedgie fall out Light pollution report](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_fall_out_Light_pollution_report.png)Fall out of 636 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 2024, from the report* A 174-page [report](https://research.hawaii.edu/uhconservation/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2025/12/Dark-Skies-Protection-Advisory-Report-for-Hawaii-Draft-Dec-11-2025-posted-.docx.pdf) from the state of Hawaii’s [Dark Night Skies Protection Advisory Committee](https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1681897) released this month proposes to regulate artificial light use in the state’s inhabited islands, *inter alia* to reduce harmful effects on breeding seabirds. The report lists eight species, all burrowing procellariiforms, that breed on Hawaiian Islands and are considered highly vulnerable to light pollution.  They are: Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*([Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli)) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis*([Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis)) Bonin Petrel *Pterodroma hypoleuca* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bonin-petrel-pterodroma-hypoleuca))Bulwer’s Petrel *Bulweria bulweri* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bulwers-petrel-bulweria-bulwerii))Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica*([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica))Christmas Shearwater *Puffinus nativitatis* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/christmas-shearwater-puffinus-nativitatis))Band-rumped Storm Petrel *Oceanodroma [Hydrobates] castro* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/band-rumped-storm-petrel-hydrobates-castro))Tristram’s Storm Petrel *Oceanodroma [Hydrobates] tristrami* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristrams-storm-petrel-hydrobates-tristrami)) *![Newells Shearwater release 2017 Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Newells_Shearwater_release_2017_Hob_Osterlund.jpg) A downed Newell’s Shearwater gets released on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai in 2017, photograph by Hob Osterlund* The report states: “These seabirds use natural light from the moon and stars to navigate to sea to foraging grounds hundreds to thousands of miles away where they feed and spend the majority of their lives, and then to return to their natal colonies to breed.  Artificial lighting disorients them, causing them to circle lights or collide with structures.  Seabirds are drawn to artificial lighting at night, often resulting in “fallout” events where disoriented birds land in unsafe urban environments.  Exhausted or injured grounded birds are vulnerable to predation especially by cats and mongooses, starvation, and fatal collisions with vehicles.  Young seabirds, particularly during their first journey to sea at fledging, are especially at risk of disorientation, but adult birds may also be impacted by artificial lighting and end up grounded.  This phenomenon is exacerbated by increasing coastal development and poorly directed lighting.” To reduce the impact of artificial light on seabirds, the following strategies are recommended in the report: **Dimming and Shielding Lights.**  Shield exterior lighting to direct light downward and eliminate unnecessary skyward or seaward projections; dim lighting near sensitive areas, especially during peak fallout or migration periods. **Low Blue Content Lighting**.  Use lights with warmer colours and lower colour temperatures (amber or red). **Predator Control**.  Support predator control programmes to manage populations of feral cats and mongooses which prey on grounded seabirds, particularly during breeding and fledging. **Seasonal Adjustments and Community Engagement.**  Encourage “Lights Out” campaigns during fledging periods; implement targeted community education programmes, such as the “Save Our Shearwaters” initiative, to reduce non-essential lighting at night. **Motion Sensors and Timers.**  Install motion-sensor lighting in facilities near nesting and migratory hotspots to minimize unnecessary illumination, use automatic dimmers or timers to reduce light exposure during late-night hours. **Coastal Development Considerations:**  Modify building designs in coastal areas to minimize skyglow and shield lighting during fledging seasons. “By adopting these mitigation strategies, Hawai’i can significantly reduce the adverse effects of artificial lighting on both seabird and migratory bird populations, while also addressing predation threats.  These measures will help preserve vulnerable species and maintain the ecological balance of the islands.” *![Hawaiian Petrel in hand](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Hawaiian_Petrel_in_hand.jpg) Close to fledging: a Hawaiian Petrel in the hand* The report proposes regulations that are situation-dependent, meaning the standards would not be a “one-size fits all” method.  The suggested next steps include tracking low traffic times for areas like parks and beaches to see if timers or dimmed lights would be effective in saving energy.  Committee members say the report is for information and discussion purposes and could be used by state lawmakers to shape future legislation, but no official legislation is being proposed.  The report will now be submitted to the State Legislature. [Access over a hundred previous articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=light+pollution&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) in *ACAP Latest News*on the widespread effects of light pollution on burrowing petrels and shearwaters around the world. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 26 December 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artificial-light-and-hawaiis-threatened-newells-shearwaters-and-hawaiian-petrels.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. The Convention on Migratory Species considers the Flesh-footed Shearwater for inclusion on its Appendix II. ACAP listing to follow? *![Flesh footed Shearwater 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Flesh-footed Shearwater at sea, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/)) have [submitted proposals](https://www.cms.int/news/42-amendments-to-the-appendices-proposed-cop15?fbclid=IwY2xjawO0bCtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6YUVldnlqMTR5ZllMb3hxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsZH7lRGBt4Kg8Cr61KWDe_QFnEa4K_UB9w28h4SGpYkN1PDYaMDqjD3FAqs_aem_nnhwv9AxJXMHt1zX8sabeA) to add 27 species of procellariiform seabirds to CMS appendices.  The proposed amendments to the appendices were reviewed and commented on at the [8th Meeting of the Sessional Committee of the CMS Scientific Council (ScC-SC8)](https://www.cms.int/meeting/eighth-meeting-sessional-committee-scientific-council-scc-sc8), held over 15 to 18 December 2025 in Bonn, Germany, prior to their formal consideration at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS ([COP15](https://www.cms.int/news/press-release-brazil-host-cmscop15)), to be held in Campo Grande, Brazil from 23 to 29 March 2026. The 27 seabirds include the [Near threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*, proposed to be listed on Appendix II by Australia, France and New Zealand, the sole breeding range states for the species.  The Sessional Committee supported the proposal and noted the species is facing various threats, such as climate change and bycatch in fisheries, adding that listing will strengthen cooperation to tackle threats and reduce them. The Flesh-footed Shearwater was [considered for listing by ACAP](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVyIiwic2hlYXJ3YXRlcnMiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVyJ3MiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVycyciXQ==) at its 2019 meeting, but as yet no formal proposal to the Parties has been made.  Some of the 31 species of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters listed by ACAP are [also included](https://www.cms.int/species) in CMS appendices, which preceded their listing by ACAP.  These include the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed Shearwater *A. creatopus*(Appendix I) and the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus)Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus* (Appendix I). According to the CMS, Appendix II lists migratory species which have an unfavourable conservation status, and which require international agreements for their conservation and management.  It also includes species whose conservation status would significantly benefit from the international cooperation that could be achieved by an international agreement.  It thus seems that a pathway is opening for ACAP (which itself is a [CMS instrument)](https://www.cms.int/legalinstrument/acap) to be that “international agreement” and consider listing the Flesh-footed Shearwater, especially since the three countries proposing the species for Appendix II listing are also Parties to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement. *![Flesh footed Shearwater 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Flesh-footed Shearwater in flight, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* In addition, 26 gadfly petrel taxa in the genera *Pseudobulweria* and *Pterodroma*have been proposed for listing by Australia, Brazil, Chile, Cook Islands, Dominican Republic, Fiji and New Zealand.  Nine taxa are proposed for Appendix I and 17 for Appendix II.  The Sessional Committee supported the inclusion of the proposed species, commending New Zealand for its leadership.  [Click here](https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/2025-11/cms_cop15_doc.30.2_proposals-for-amendment-of-appendices_e.pdf) for a full list of the 26 gadfly petrels and to which appendix they are proposed for inclusion. Appendix I comprises migratory species that have been assessed as being in danger of extinction (“facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future”) throughout all or a significant portion of their range. *ACAP Latest News* will report on the outcomes of COP15 and also give links to the supporting documents for each taxon once they become available in the new year. **Selected Publications:** Baker, G.B. & Wise, B.S. 2005.  The impact of pelagic longline fishing on the Flesh-footed Shearwater *Puffinus carneipes*in eastern Australia.  [*Biological Conservation*126: 305-316](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320705002260). Cooper, J. & Baker, G.B. 2008.  Identifying candidate species for inclusion within the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  [*Marine Ornithology* 36 1-8](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=755)[.](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_1/36_1_1-8.pdf) Jamieson, S.E. & Waugh, S.M. 2015.  An assessment of recent population trends of flesh-footed shearwaters (*Puffinus carneipes*) breeding in New Zealand.  [*Notornis* 62: 8-13](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275345587_An_assessment_of_recent_population_trends_of_flesh-footed_shearwaters_Puffinus_carneipes_breeding_in_New_Zealand). Lavers, J.L. 2014.  Population status and threats to Flesh-footed Shearwaters (*Puffinus carneipes*) in South and Western Australia.  [*ICES Journal of Marine Science*: 72: 316-327](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/72/2/316/2801467). Priddel, D., Carlile, N., Fullagar, P., Hutton, I. & O’Neill, L. 2006.  Decline in the distribution and abundance of flesh-footed shearwaters (*Puffinus carneipes*) on Lord Howe Island, Australia.  [*Biological Conservation* 128: 412-424](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320705004192?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 22 December 2025* **NOTE:**  *ACAP Monthly Missives* are more personal than those news articles that are regularly posted in *ACAP Latest News.*  The series offers the opportunity to go behind and beyond factual events and current news, giving opinions on matters related to the conservation of all the members of the tubenose group of birds.  The opinions expressed in *ACAP Monthly Missives* are not to be taken as those of the ACAP Secretariat or any of the Agreement’s Parties. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-convention-on-migratory-species-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-inclusion-on-its-appendix-ii-acap-listing-to-follow.md) ## Female and juvenile Antipodean Albatross interactions with fisheries suggest best-practice bycatch mitigation measures should extend to between 25 and 30°S ![Antipodean Albatross off North Cape NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/Antipodean_Albatross_off_North_Cape__NZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) *Antipodean Albatross off North Cape, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Ho Fung Wong ([Ocean Futures Research Cluster](https://www.unisc.edu.au/about/structure/schools/school-of-science-technology-and-engineering/research-clusters/ocean-futures), University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* on interactions between [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis*satellite tracked from Antipodes Island and fishing vessels in the South Pacific Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “Fisheries bycatch poses a major threat to marine predators and remains a global challenge to sustainable fisheries.  Conservation and management strategies can be informed by identifying zones of overlap between fishing effort and threatened, endangered or protected species, or existing bycatch hotspots.  However, few studies have incorporated ocean data and the age and sex classes of seabirds into these assessments.  Here, we examined the environmental conditions that drive fisheries interaction risk for the endangered Antipodean albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*).  Specifically, we assessed interaction risk by combining satellite-tracking data from 192 individuals across age and sex classes of all life stages with data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel-tracking program.  The integration of satellite-tracking and oceanographic data facilitated assessment of how physical ocean features — such as recurring thermal fronts, turbulent ocean mixing, and swirling eddies — shaped high-risk interaction zones.  Hotspots of interaction risk spanned from 25°S to 40°S and varied seasonally.  Overall, interaction risk was significantly higher during May–August and among juveniles.  Over broad climatological scales, the interaction risk was greatest where thermal fronts occur frequently.  At finer scales, interaction risk was intensified in association with aggregative Lagrangian Coherent Structures.  These findings suggest that Regional Fisheries Management Organisations could take immediate action, such as extending current bycatch mitigation measures to include fishing grounds between 25 and 30°S, to cover the hotspots for juvenile and female seasonally.  Incorporating measures of mesoscale ocean dynamics in delineating zones of interaction risk for species of conservation concern provides a potential step forward for dynamic threat management.” **Reference:** Fung Wong, H., Schoeman, D., Miller, P.I., Bentley, L., Halpin, L., Fischer, J.H., Debski, I., Bose, S., Elliott, G., Walker, K. & Scales, K.L. 2026.  Mesoscale ocean dynamics structure fisheries interaction risk for an endangered seabird.  *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725006111?via%3Dihub&fbclid=IwY2xjawOz3UNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRWHhrcko0SXZNMzBkWWNtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv4fncBJ0AgOU90X3N7lbeI0CSeJRLyV-G_fco7is1BVaDPJQuGZhpzwqRSd_aem_DDXFeA3ALEqUQ1CByd_cPw)*[313.  111574](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725006111?via%3Dihub&fbclid=IwY2xjawOz3UNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRWHhrcko0SXZNMzBkWWNtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv4fncBJ0AgOU90X3N7lbeI0CSeJRLyV-G_fco7is1BVaDPJQuGZhpzwqRSd_aem_DDXFeA3ALEqUQ1CByd_cPw). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 December 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/female-and-juvenile-antipodean-albatross-interactions-with-fisheries-suggest-best-practice-bycatch-mitigation-measures-should-extend-to-between-25-and-30-s.md) ## Back to Heard Island on V2 to test for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in seabirds and fur seals  ![Nuyina Heard Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Nuyina_Heard_Island.jpg)*RSV*Nuyina *at Heard Island in October 2025, photograph by Simon Payne* Australia’s icebreaker, RSV *Nuyina*, has visited Heard Island for the second time this year, this time for a 25-day science and environmental management visit.  The ship spent 10 days at the World Heritage-listed Heard Island in October.  “V1 was a quick visit to lay the foundations for V2 and capture some key data points early in the wildlife season”.  V2 is a 25-day programme, giving more time to collect samples and data. On V1, samples were taken from Southern Elephant Seals *Mirounga leonina* after a large number of dead pups was found on Heard Island’s south coast.  These samples tested positive for the highly contagious H5 bird flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, [click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/bird-flu-confirmed-in-southern-elephant-seals-on-australias-sub-antarctic-heard-island)).  By the time V2 reached the island, the elephant seals would have finished breeding, but fur seals and seabirds would have started.  A key focus for wildlife biologists will be looking at whether H5 bird flu is now impacting other species and assessing the spread of the virus on the island. “During V2 we will assess for any signs and symptoms of H5 bird flu in other species, collect further samples for virus confirmation and assess the population sizes of priority species so the short-term and long-term impacts of the virus can be assessed,” wildlife biologist Dr Julie McInnes said. ![Black browed Albatross Heard Island RK](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_Heard_Island_RK.jpg)*A Black-browed Albatross feeds its chick on Heard Island, photograph by Roger Kirkwood* Heard Island supports breeding populations of ACAP-listed Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris,* Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata* and Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus*. ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-21-heard-island-the-only-sub-antarctic-island-with-an-active-volcano)). Read more on V2 [here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2025/australian-antarctic-program-heads-to-heard-island-and-mcdonald-islands-again-on-v2/?mtm_campaign=antarctic-insider&mtm_keyword=antarctic-insider-december-2025&mtm_source=newsletter&mtm_medium=email&mtm_content=heard-island-revisited). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 23 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/back-to-heard-island-on-v2-to-test-for-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-in-seabirds-and-fur-seals.md) ## Present, absent or just ignorant? Mapping distribution of seabird colonies in East Antarctica  ![Southern Giant Petrel Frazier Islands Jeroen Creuwels](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Southern_Giant_Petrel_Frazier_Islands_Jeroen_Creuwels.jpg)*Southern Giant Petrel breeding on the [Frazier Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-35-frazier-islands-wilkes-land-east-antarctica), East Antarctica, photograph by Jeroen Creuwels* Colin Southwell ([Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), Kingston, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Diversity and Distributions*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14724642)on mapping seabird colonies in Antarctica, including of the ACAP-listed Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*. The paper’s abstract follows: “**Aim** To map presence, absence and ignorance of Antarctic seabird breeding occupancy at the spatial resolution of ice-free habitat sites to identify knowledge gaps and inform management and conservation. **Location** East Antarctica between longitudes 30° E and 150° E. **Methods** We develop a unifying spatial and inferential framework to compile and interpret observations of Antarctic seabird breeding occupancy. The spatial framework allowed consistent geo-referencing of observations at the spatial resolution of habitat sites. The compilation included published papers and datasets, unpublished reports, research station logs and unpublished field notes. Where possible, observations and inferences were validated by the ‘experts’ who originally collected data. The inferential framework categorised levels of uncertainty for inferring occupancy and distinguished knowledge of occupancy from ignorance. **Results** After a century of observations, there are still knowledge gaps in seabird breeding occupancy along large sections of the East Antarctic coastline and across most of continental East Antarctica where breeding habitat is available. The spatial extent of knowledge and ignorance is strongly dependent on the level of certainty used to infer absence. Observations are clustered close to permanently occupied research stations, most of which are located on the coast, and biased in favour of species that are most emblematic of Antarctica or those with a less secure conservation status. The spatial and temporal coverage of observations in recent decades would be insufficient to effectively detect change in most species' breeding occupancy distributions across their range into the future. **Main Conclusions** Our compilation and mapping of occupancy data contributes to practical conservation measures to mitigate impacts of human activities including aviation and fisheries on seabirds in Antarctica, and serves as a foundation to strategically improve future environmental management and conservation. We urge future occupancy monitoring to explicitly report the location of search effort and potential absence in addition to presence and to aim to close spatial knowledge gaps.” Read a popular article on the publication [here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2025/to-see-or-not-to-see-distinguishing-absence-from-ignorance-to-improve-seabird-conservation/?mtm_campaign=antarctic-insider&mtm_keyword=antarctic-insider-december-2025&mtm_source=newsletter&mtm_medium=email&mtm_content=seeing-seabirds). **Reference:** Colin Southwell, Louise Emmerson, Nat Kelly, Dale Maschette, John Arnould, Christophe Barbraud, Jeroen Creuwels, Robyn Delaney, Karine Delord, John Gibson, Ken Green, Mark Hindell, Harold Heatwole, Peter Hodum, Cindy L. Hull, Akiko Kato, Nobuo Kokubun, Anna Lashko, Gary Miller, Ian Norman, Frederique Olivier, Anant Pande, Graham Robertson, Marcus Salton, Akinori Takahashi, Jan van Franeker, Simon Ward, Barbara Wieneke & Eric J. Woehler  2025.  Mapping Antarctic seabird breeding occupancy from a century of observations to inform environmental management and conservation**. ***[Diversity and Distributions](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.70066?af=R)*[31(9).  e70066](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.70066?af=R). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 02 January 2026*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/present-absent-or-just-ignorant-mapping-distribution-of-seabird-colonies-in-east-antarctica.md) ## Call for papers for the journal Fisheries Research on bycatch in the world’s tuna fisheries  ![Fisheries Research](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Fisheries_Research.jpg) The journal *[Fisheries Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fisheries-research)* is calling for papers on bycatch in the world’s tuna fisheries, following a workshop that brought together the five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and other bycatch experts in January 2025. “The worlds tuna fisheries total landings are estimated to be 5.2 million metric tons and worth about $40.8 billion US dollars (in 2018).  Tuna fisheries also generate a substantial amount of bycatch including cetaceans, sharks and rays, sea turtles, as well as sea birds.  As part of the Food and Agricultural Organization’s Common Oceans Project, Scientists and Managers from all five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, and other bycatch experts met in Rome, January 27-29, 2025 for a workshop on bycatch in the world’s tuna fisheries.” The goal of the planned Special Issue is to bring together key papers presented at the [Common Oceans Tuna Project Workshop](https://www.fao.org/in-action/commonoceans/newsroom/news-and-stories/news-detail/reducing-by-catch-in-tuna-fisheries/en) on bycatch in tuna fisheries as well as any papers not presented at the workshop but that related to the focus topics for the special issue.  Contributions will include all aspects of bycatch in global tuna fisheries, including but not limited to the following topics. 1. Data collection and quality - Challenges in data availability and quality. - Advances in data collection methods (e.g., electronic monitoring systems). - Comparing data sources (e.g., fishery observers, logbooks, EMS) and types (e.g., fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent data) - Sampling designs 2. Methodologies and analytical approaches - Approaches and methodologies to model bycatch data. - Designing of experimental studies on bycatch and mitigation measures - Estimates of mortality and population-level effects. 3. Mitigation measures - Approaches and efficiency of mitigation measures, including fishing gear changes - Other approaches such as bycatch handling practices, trade bans, etc. - Efficacy of time-area closures, MPAs, and dynamic spatiotemporal management. 4. Management aspects - Management of bycatch at tuna-RFMOs level - Management from other organizations (e.g., CITES, CMS, etc.) - Multispecies trade-offs related with management measures 5. Socio-economic aspects - Socioeconomic and economic issues related to bycatch mitigation measures. - Role of fisher engagement in implementing mitigation measures 6. Future directions and research needs - Novel methods for data collection and analysis on bycatch species - Defining biological reference points for data-limited bycatch species - Multi-species models and assessments for bycatch species “All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed.  Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, significance, technical quality, and clarity.  “Once accepted, articles will be posted online immediately and published in a journal regular issue within weeks.   will also be simultaneously collected in the online special issue. The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2026.  Read more abiut the planned Special Issue and the submission process [here](https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/320567/bycatch-in-the-world-s-tuna-fisheries). With thanks to Richard Phillips. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 29 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/call-for-papers-for-the-journal-fisheries-research-on-bycatch-in-the-worlds-tuna-fisheries.md) ## N333: the next generation. The 2017 chick of Wisdom, the oldest known Laysan Albatross, is back on Midway incubating *![N333 06 Dec 2025 Daniel Wrapp](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/N333_06_Dec_2025_Daniel_Wrapp.jpg)\Wisdom’s offspring N333 shows its egg and colour band on 06 December 2025, photograph by Dan Rapp* Wisdom the well-known seventy something Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* on Midway Atoll is back for the new breeding season as [recently reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdom-is-back) in *ACAP Latest News*.  The latest information from the Facebook page of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) is that Wisdom’s 2010/11 chick, colour banded red N333 and considered to be a male, was spotted incubating on Midway’s Sand Island on 06 December by USFWS biologist and FOMA volunteer Dan Rapp of N333.  Watch a 27-s [video](https://www.facebook.com/reel/2088483321901572) he then made of N333 preening. N333 was first recorded breeding in the 2021/22 season.  For a complete history, past chicks and new photos, [click here](https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdoms-lineage-prevails/); also see [several articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=N333&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) in *ACAP Latest News* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 18 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/n333-the-next-generation-the-2011-chick-of-wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-is-back-on-midway-incubating.md) ## Highlights from the Royal Cam at Taiaroa Head/Pukekura’s Northern Royal Albatross for the 2024/25 breeding season ![Northern Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal_Albatross_Taiaroa_Head.jpg)*A**Northern Royal Albatross beside its chick at Taiaroa Head* Since January 2016 a 24-hour live-streamed camera (the “[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam)”) operated by the New Zealand Department of Conservation has brought the fortunes of a breeding pair of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) to the interested public.  You can now watch a two-minute video with highlights for the 2024/25 breeding season. *“Join us as we journey across the Pacific Ocean and watch some of the world's largest seabirds raise their tiny chick into a full-sized ocean wanderer.  Here are the Top 5 moments from the Northern Royal Albatross Cam in 2025”* A total of 47 eggs has been laidin the current 2025/26 breeding season.  Of these, two eggs have broken and two deemed infertile, so 43 are viable so far. “Parents take turns incubating their large, single egg for the long incubation period until the chick hatches.  Incubation stints can be quite short at the beginning and the end of the egg’s incubation but often become quite long during the middle as they need to find enough food for themselves and the new chick to come.  If a parent is on the nest for 13 days, we remove the egg to the incubator room for safe keeping as there is a risk of desertion.  The toroa are happy to incubate a dummy egg.  Hydration and supplementary feeding can be provided to toroa who have been on the nest longer than 15 days.” Read more about the 2025/26 Royal Cam pair [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-royal-cam-gets-a-new-northern-royal-albatross-pair-to-follow). Information from the Facebook groups [of the Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) and [Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 19 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/highlights-from-the-royal-cam-at-taiaroa-head-pukekuras-northern-royal-albatross-for-the-2024-25.md) ## Season’s greetings and best wishes for 2026 from the ACAP Secretariat ![Christmas card 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Christmas_card_2025.jpg)  As 2025 ends, the ACAP Secretariat extends its warm seasonal greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all ACAP Officials, their partners, as well as to all ACAP researchers, supporters and followers for their work on and interest in the conservation of albatrosses and petrels. Preparations have begun for next year’s World Albatross Day (the seventh) to be celebrated on 19 June.  The theme for WAD 2026 will be “Habitat Restoration”, as has already been [announced](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-announces-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2026-will-be-habitat-restoration).  As in previous years there will be photo and art posters, artworks from Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) and seven related articles in *ACAP Latest News* for ‘WADWEEK2026’. New ACAP Species Infographics in support of WAD2026 are being produced for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*; the latter sponsored by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  These two infographics will be the 22nd and 23rd in the 31 ACAP-listed species series. The Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) and its working groups will be held from 25 May to 5 June 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia (read more[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-fifteenth-meeting-of-acaps-advisory-committee-will-be-held-in-swakopmund-namibia-in-june-2026)). The ACAP Secretariat based in Hobart, Tasmania is taking a short break over the festive period from today, returning on Monday, 5 January 2026. *The ACAP Secretariat, 24 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seasons-greetings-and-best-wishes-for-2026-from-the-acap-secretariat.md) ## Midway Atoll’s Short-tailed Albatross pair, George and Geraldine, return for a new breeding season ![Dec 2025 George and Geraldine Jon Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Dec_2025_George_and_Geraldine_Jon_Plissner.jpg) *George and Geraldine (in front) on Midway Atoll, December 2025* George and Geraldine, the solitary pair of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus*on Midway Atoll in the North Pacific*,* have returned to their usual Sand Island breeding site this month.  Alongside the pair is their 2019 fledgling. ![Dec 2025 George and Geraldine and 2019 chick Jon Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Dec_2025_George_and_Geraldine_and_2019_chick_Jon_Plissner.jpg) *The pair’s 2019 chick close to its parents, December 2025.  Photographs by USFWS Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Jon Plissner* The two birds have successfully raised and fledged five chicks in the last six breeding seasons, with no success in the last (2024/25) season.  Read more about George and Geraldine [here](https://friendsofmidway.org/a-banner-year-for-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-kuaihelani/) and in [previous articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=Geraldine+George&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) posted to *ACAP Latest News*. Information from the Facebook page of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/midway-atolls-short-tailed-albatross-pair-george-and-geraldine-return-for-a-new-breeding-season.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project releases its final Quarterly Newsletter for 2025 ![AA](https://acap.aq/images/AA.jpg)   The latest issue, No. 16, December 2025, of the *Quarterly Newsletter* of the* Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project* , along with all previous issues, can be downloaded from the MFM website [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/). In this issue: Year in review: reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026 - by The MFM Project Team Saving an island one step at a time - by Roelf Daling, MFM Field Assistant The Mouse-Free Marion Project becomes a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner - by John Cooper, MFM News Correspondent   ![AA2](https://acap.aq/images/AA2.jpeg) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-its-final-quarterly-newsletter-for-2025.md) ## A Laysan Albatross moves from the French Frigate Shoals to Kauai *![Laysan French Fr igate Shoals 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_French_Fr_igate_Shoals_3.jpg)Laysan Albatross FV85 on Kauai, photograph by Hob Osterlund* A Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* with colour band FV85 was recently photographed incubating on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.  The band’s alphanumeric was not from a series known to be used on the island so it was assumed it had come from another breeding locality. ![Laysan French Fr igate Shoals 2](https://acap.aq/images/Laysan_French_Fr_igate_Shoals_2.jpg)  Photographer Hob Osterlund, Founder of the Kauaʻi Albatross Network, contacted the USA’s [Bird Banding Laboratory](https://www.usgs.gov/labs/bird-banding-laboratory) with the bird’s details and heard back with a Certificate of Appreciation “in record time”.  It was metal and colour banded as a chick on 20 June 2009 on Tern Island, French Frigates Shoals in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, some 700 km from Kauai. ![Laysan French Fr igate Shoals 1](https://acap.aq/images/Laysan_French_Fr_igate_Shoals_1.jpg)*The mystery Laysan Albatross on Kauai, photograph by Hob Osterlund* What the albatross was up to and where between 2009 and 2025 is, and is likely to remain, unknown. Information and photographs from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund) of Hob Osterlund – with thanks. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-laysan-albatross-moves-from-the-french-frigate-shoals-to-kauai.md) ## The Live Ocean Foundation is working to help conserve the ACAP-listed Black Petrel *![Maureen Bennetts Black Petrel chick Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/Maureen_Bennetts_Black_Petrel_chick_Biz_Bell.JPG)Black Petrel chick by Maureen Bennetts of ABUN for ACAP, after a photograph by Biz Bell* The [Live Ocean Foundation](https://liveocean.org/) is working to help conserve the ACAP-listed and [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni,*endemic to just two islands off New Zealand’s North Island.  With only around 5000 breeding pairs remaining, the Black Petrel is considered to be one of New Zealand’s most at-risk seabirds, facing threats from fishing bycatch, predation, light pollution and habitat loss.  The [project](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?utm_campaign=30788101-Black%20Petrel&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8AqRDXhL2ByN2E6i4Uc0FZsvcs5ItL5V8mHwfMlRc2uhuoUxYTKtiMo9CaM2tzGWeCFcbeatZ5sLoeQ1PQ4upUSedYWA&_hsmi=392326695&utm_content=392326695&utm_source=hs_email) wishes to raise funds for 20 GPS trackers to follow fledgling Black Petrels on their first migration and uncover why so few return.   “This project aims to reverse the decline of the tākoketai black petrel population through tracking their migration, international collaboration, and advocacy.  By supporting long-term research, developing mitigation strategies, and building partnerships across the Pacific Flyway, Live Ocean and its partners aim to rebuild the population to enable future translocation into historic habitats.” Biz Bell of [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/) writes “The ultimate goal is to chart a course for recovery and protection of this on the brink species, so that we might see their return to some former nesting sites right around the North Island.” You can support the project by making a donation [here](https://liveocean.org/project/tracking-the-takoketai/?form=BlackPetrel&utm_campaign=30788101-Black%20Petrel&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8AqRDXhL2ByN2E6i4Uc0FZsvcs5ItL5V8mHwfMlRc2uhuoUxYTKtiMo9CaM2tzGWeCFcbeatZ5sLoeQ1PQ4upUSedYWA&_hsmi=392326695&utm_content=392326695&utm_source=hs_email). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-live-ocean-foundation-is-working-to-help-conserve-the-acap-listed-black-petrel.md) ## ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the Southern Giant Petrel, the 21st and latest in the 31-species series ![preview southerngiantpetrel eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/preview_southerngiantpetrel_eng.jpg)  The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) released today, the 21st to be produced in the [31-species series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), is for the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)).  It has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/)*.  *It is the fourth to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, following those for the [Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) Northern Giant Petrel *M. halli*, the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel*Procellaria cinerea*and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*. * *The other 17 infographics are all for albatrosses.  It is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish, and in Portuguese, reflecting it is a regular visitor to Brazilian waters.  These versions are expected to be released soon. *![Southern Giant Petrel Marion Schön Bloody Beauty Pastels on Pastelmat Jaimie Cleeland](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Southern_Giant_Petrel_Marion_Schön_Bloody_Beauty_Pastels_on_Pastelmat_Jaimie_Cleeland.JPG) “Bloody Beauty”.  A scavenging Southern Giant Petrel, artwork in pastels by Marion Schön of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for ACAP, after a photograph by Jaimie Cleeland* The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The 21 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. It is intended to produce two more ACAP Species Infographics in the first half of next year in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June (“[WAD2026](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-announces-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2026-will-be-habitat-restoration)”) and its theme of Habitat Restoration.  They will be for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*, endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. The ACAP Species Infographics are all created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to Jonathon Barrington, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer and Richard Phillips for their help. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-southern-giant-petrel-the-21st-and-latest-in-the-31-species-series.md) ## A translocated Sooty Shearwater travels near 1300 km south to breed  ![Sooty translocated feeding](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Sooty/Sooty_translocated_feeding.jpg) *Mike Bell and Dave Bell hand feed a translocated Sooty Shearwater, photograph by Kathryn Richards* The following [account](https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/connect-2/connect/news-and-stories/seabird-discovery-reinforces-link-between-islands/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOlDjdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhbGRUcWlvWDBWbUdpWjMyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmqlklSAJqfIJXAUAycKD__1834U8P2BY_tQNb2khdWZc6zr0gwavll8wHMQ_aem_yKJ1N0VIpMo8FKnsKUn48w) from New Zealand about a translocated Sooty Shearwater *Ardenna grisea* travelling 1265 km to breedis taken *verbatim* from the [Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu](https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/te-runanga-o-ngai-tahu/) website. *************************** An unexpected discovery on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island has revealed some interesting and unexpected behaviours of tītī (also known as sooty shearwaters or muttonbirds). In October, Te Arawhetu Waipoua (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngā Rauru) was assisting the Bioeconomy Science Institute: Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research Group by checking for tītī on Whenua Hou that had been tagged with tracking devices during the 2023 and 2024 breeding seasons. “I was checking the burrows for certain birds with trackers at night-time and there were a bunch of birds on the surface,” Te Arawhetu says. Te Arawhetu picked up one of the banded birds and says that, on checking the ID on the band, she was surprised to discover that it was a Chatham Island bird. “I was under the impression that they have a strong homing instinct so this discovery was unexpected,” she says. Whenua Hou Komiti Chair Tāne Davis says that the find is a significant one which adds to the collective mātauranga (knowledge) about tītī. “We didn’t realise that the manu (birds) interacted between islands of such distance,” Tāne says. “This discovery highlights the separate but related work that Chatham Islands whānau and Kāi Tahu whānau have been doing on our respective islands and reflects the connection between our peoples,” he says. ![Sooty translocated bird map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Sooty/Sooty_translocated_bird_map.jpg) *From the Chatham Islands to Whenua Hou/Codfish Island* The Chatham Islands tītī was banded as a chick in 2021, when birds were translocated from the Nature Reserve Island Rangatira/Hokorereoro to the Point Gap Sanctuary in a project led by the Chatham Islands Taiko Trust.  The aim was to repopulate the edges of the cliff in this predator-fenced sanctuary. Mike Bell, ornithologist and current Trustee on the Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust, was one of those involved with hand-rearing the tītī chicks until they fledged. “The thinking was these chicks would return as adults to the Gap and then breed themselves, so it’s fascinating a bird has been found all the way down at Whenua Hou!” he says. “Our knowledge about seabirds is growing all the time, and supports our understanding of the important role that they play in creating a nutrient cycle between islands and the marine environments that surround them.” The Chathams tītī is about five years old and when found on Whenua Hou, it had apparently paired up with a much older local tītī, which had been banded on Whenua Hou in 2001 as an adult, so is estimated to be at least 28 years old. Liz Tuanui, Chair of the Chatham Islands Taiko Trust, says this is fantastic news. “A bird showing up down there reminds us of the southern pacific seabird ecosystem our islands are part of. “It also shows that although sometimes birds you translocate may not return to the site, you’ve still fostered a bird that’s fledged successfully and gone on to breed elsewhere. In our current seabird environment, every chick that fledges is a success.” The Chatham Islands, Rakiura/Stewart Island and Maukahuka/Auckland Island have been described as a "seabird triangle”. Earlier in 2025, the three islands became part of the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge ([IOCC),](https://www.jointheiocc.org/) a global conservation initiative which aims to restore and rewild 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems by 2030. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-translocated-sooty-shearwater-travels-near-1300-km-south-to-breed.md) ## Migratory dynamics of the Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater ![Ellyn Lentz Balearic Shearwater paper collage Fly like the petrel til Im free Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Ellyn_Lentz_Balearic_Shearwater_paper_collage_Fly_like_the_petrel_til_Im_free_Pep_Arcos.jpeg) *Balearic Shearwater, paper collage by Ellyn Lentz of [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) for ACAP, after a photograph by Pep Arcos* Marina Ramírez-Bal (Marine Research, [Basque Research and Technology Alliance](https://brta.euskadi.eus/en/home/), Pasaia, Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Global Ecology and Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/global-ecology-and-conservation)* on the migratory patterns of the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding the migratory patterns of declining species is essential to guide targeted conservation efforts.  We studied the migratory dynamics of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*) using geolocator data spanning 88 annual cycles from 53 individuals tracked between 2017 and 2022.  Breeding birds were tagged at colonies across their main breeding islands in the Balearic archipelago (Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca).  Post-breeding movements revealed distinct migratory routes: all individuals from Ibiza and Mallorca (n = 78) migrated to the Atlantic, whereas 80 % of those from Menorca (n = 10) remained within the Mediterranean.  Among Atlantic migrants, 54 % established core non-breeding areas in the Bay of Biscay, 41 % in the Western Iberia, and 5 % in the Gulf of Cadiz.  Of the 27 individuals tracked across multiple years, 89 % consistently returned to the same non-breeding area, demonstrating strong site fidelity.  Duration of stay in these regions ranged from one to seven months, with earlier arrivals typically remaining longer.  Migration timing was influenced by breeding success: failed breeders departed approximately one month earlier than successful ones.  These results underscore the importance of long-term monitoring programmes in capturing individual-level migratory patterns.  By revealing consistent use of specific non-breeding areas, such programmes help identify sites that are repeatedly important across both space and time.  Enabled by biologging technology, these insights are invaluable for the conservation of declining species.  Site-based conservation actions focused on key Atlantic areas could deliver tangible benefits during the non-breeding season.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Ramírez-Bal, M., García-Barón, I., García, D., Arcos, J.M., Gemma Carrasco, G., Lewin, P., Delord, K. & Louzao, M. 2025.  Individual migratory patterns of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater: A multi-colony and multi-year study in the NE Atlantic.  *[Global Ecology and Conservation 65 e03989](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425005918)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 09 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/migratory-dynamics-of-the-critically-endangered-balearic-shearwater.md) ## Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed among Black-browed Albatrosses on Beauchêne Island in the South Atlantic ![Beauchene Anton Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Beauchene_Anton_Wolfaardt.jpg) *Beauchêne Island hosts the world’s second largest colony of Black-browed Albatrosses, photograph by Anton Wolfaardt* Evidence of repeated unusual mortality events affecting Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* have been reported from Beauchêne Island, part of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* in the South Atlantic, including more than 40 carcasses observed this 2025/2026 summer and hundreds of skeletons from previous years.  Collected samples have now been [confirmed](https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza) to include the causative agent of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (bird flu).  Mortality on Beauchêne appears to only be affecting albatrosses – no unusual numbers of carcasses were observed among other species that occur on the island, including penguins, cormorants, caracaras and sealions present on the island – and to be concentrated to a few specific parts of the colony. *![Beauchene HPAI 2 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Beauchene_HPAI_2_shrunk.jpg)  Tens of fresh carcasses, like the one depicted here,and hundreds of skeletons of Black-browed Albatrosses were found on Beauchêne Island, photograph by Amandine Gamble* * *A scientific team from Cornell University (USA), Montpellier Université (France), University of Tasmania (Australia) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (UK) on board SY *Le Sourire* collected additional samples for further analysis at Cornell University aimed at characterizing the plausible source(s) of introduction of the virus.  Additional samples were collected from live animals to assess the true extent of the outbreak(s) and consequent immunity levels in the population. *![Beauchene HPAI 3 Megan Tierney shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Beauchene_HPAI_3_Megan_Tierney_shrunk.jpg) Amandine Gamble collects samples from a dead Black-browed Albatross on Beauchêne Island, photograph by Megan Tierney* Beauchêne hosts the World’s second largest colony of Black-browed Albatrosses, with an [estimate of 109 000 pairs](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Census-of-the-Black-browed-Albatross-population-of-the-Falkland-Islands-2000-and-2005.pdf).  The largest colony, on Steeple Jason Island, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*, was [affected by bird flu in 2023/2024](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kuepfer-Stanworth-2024-FISMP-2023_24.pdf), and had a [significant reduction of breeding pairs the following year](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kuepfer-Stanworth-2025-FISMP-2024_25.pdf).  The recurrence of mortality events affecting breeding birds in these key populations raises concern for the species and highlights the urgent need for continued monitoring that is as exhaustive as possible in terms of surveyed species and locations. With thanks to Patricia Serafini. *Amandine Gamble, Member, ACAP High Pathogenicity H5N1 Avian Influenza Intersessional Group, Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA, 08 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-presence-of-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-has-been-confirmed-on-beauchene-island-in-the-south-atlantic-home-of-the-worlds-second-largest-black-browed-albatross-colony.md) ## 407 seabirds reported captured by New Zealand fisheries in 2023/24 ![Wildlife Management International](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Wildlife_Management_International.jpg)  A report to the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/), Department of Conservation in New Zealand by ‘Biz’ Bell and D. Mclaren of [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/) write that 407 seabirds of 23 species were reported captured alive or dead by New Zealand fisheries in 2023/24.  Four ACAP-listed species (three albatrosses and the White-chinned Petrel) were in the top five by numbers. The report’s abstract follows: “The New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) supports a diverse range of seabird species. Much of the commercial fishing activity in the region overlaps with seabird foraging ranges. The accurate identification of bycatch seabirds interacting with New Zealand fisheries is vital for determining the impact of fisheries on these seabird populations. Between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, a total of 407 seabirds were reported as incidental interactions with commercial fishing vessels by on-board New Zealand Government Observers from 104 observed trips on 30 vessels. These 407 seabirds comprised 23 identifiable species with 13 only identified to family or genus level. There were 139 seabirds (34%) classed as live interactions (birds released alive) and 268 (66%) resulted in the death of the seabird. Of the 139 alive events, 124 (89%) were interaction-only (i.e., no photograph taken) and only 15 (11%) were photographed interactions. Of the 268 deceased seabirds, 27 (10%) were interaction-only (i.e., no photograph taken), 101 (38%) were photographed interactions and the remaining 140 (52%) were returned for necropsy. Of the 140 individual seabirds killed by incidental bycatch and returned for necropsy between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, most were returned in the first six months of 2024 (n=88, 63%), with the highest captures during February 2024 (n=27, 19%) and March 2024 (n=22, 16%). The five most prevalent seabird species returned for necropsy were toroa/Salvin’s albatross (Thalassarche salvini) (n=36, 26%), tītī/sooty shearwater (*Ardenna grisea*) (n=31, 22%), karetai kauae mā/white-chinned petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) (n=22, 16%), toroa/New Zealand white-capped albatross (*Thalassarche cauta steadi*) (n=17, 12%), and toroa/southern Buller’s albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri bulleri)* (n=15, 11%). Of the 140 necropsy birds, 131 (94%) were adults, with mostly males (n=77, 55%) returned. The number of breeding birds were 84 individuals (60%), and seven (5%) birds were confirmed as non-breeding. The birds returned for necropsy were killed from a variety of fishing methods, such as trawl (n=94, 67%), longline (n=30, 21%), set net (n=5, 4%) with the remaining 11 birds (8%) still to have their fishing method confirmed. This resulted in 221 injuries recorded with most predominant cause identified as waterlogged (n=57, 41% of all birds returned) of which 53% were represented as albatross. Broken wings were frequently observed (n=32, 23% of all birds returned) and present in 74 (53%) of all albatrosses and 66 (47%) smaller seabird (i.e., petrel, shearwater, prion, etc.) captures. No visible injuries were present in 33 (24%) of returned birds, of which 52% were albatross and 49% were smaller seabirds. In addition to the seabirds that were returned for necropsy, examination of data, photographs or videos from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Central Observer Database (COD) and images provided by Government Observers identified a further 267 seabirds reported as seabird-vessel interactions or photographed (as dead or alive captures) aboard 30 fishing vessels. Of these interactions, 151 (57%) had no associated photographs taken (i.e., interaction-only) and most (n=126, 83%) were released alive or left the vessel unaided. The remaining 116 (43%) seabird interactions were photographed and had corresponding entries in the COD extract.” **Reference:** Bell, E.A. & Mclaren, D. 2025.  *[INT2022-02: Identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand Fisheries: 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202324-csp-reports/identification-of-seabirds-captured-in-new-zealand-fisheries-1-july-2023---30-june-2024/)*.  Unpublished Wildlife Management International Technical Report for the Department of Conservation.  Blenheim: Wildlife Management International Ltd.  33 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 05 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/407-seabirds-reported-captured-by-new-zealand-fisheries-in-2023-24.md) ## BirdLife International’s Seabird Tracking Database gets an update ![Seabird Tracking Database](https://acap.aq/images/Seabird_Tracking_Database.jpg)* *The [BirdLife International Seabird Tracking Database](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/) is the largest collection of seabird tracking data in existence, covering 189 species.  It serves as a central store for seabird tracking data from around the world and aims to help further seabird conservation work and support the tracking community.  Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds, but because of their highly dispersed and mobile ecology, their distribution and behaviour at-sea are not well understood.  Remote tracking data are vital to help understand how seabirds use the oceans and to identify important sites for their conservation. The database contains tracking records for [all 22 albatross species](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/species/albatrosses/) from 52 breeding colonies, with 9685 tracks and 3 750 478 data points submitted by 64 data holders (as at 2022).  Data sets are also kept for ACAP-listed giant *Macronectes*spp., *Procellaria* Petrels and some shearwaters. The database has recently received a series of updates to improve its function, aid data discovery/visualisation, and promote a long-term legacy for uploaded data.  Read about the updates with an  updated instructions page from [here](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/seabird-tracking-database-updates/). Originally called *Tracking Ocean Wanderers*, the database brings together data from a range of seabird species and families.  It has been made possible through the collaboration of seabird scientists from around the world.  The website has been developed to build links between data owners and their data, as well as to provide tools to support data submission and standardising as well as to foster further seabird conservation work. Sign up for the online *Seabird Tracking Database Newsletter* [here](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/news/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 04 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/birdlife-internationals-seabird-tracking-database-gets-an-update.md) ## 12th SCAR Open Science Conference, Oslo, Norway, August 2026: call for abstracts ![SCAR Open Science 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR_Open_Science_2026.png)  “The SCAR [Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research] Open Science Conference is where the Antarctic research community comes together. SCAR and the [Norwegian Polar Institute](https://npolar.no/en/) are thrilled to invite you to join colleagues and friends in Oslo, Norway, for the [12th SCAR Open Science Conference](https://scar2026.org/) & Meetings, taking place 8-19 August 2026 at the Clarion Hotel The Hub in Oslo, Norway.” The parallel session programme will feature 50 [parallel sessions](https://scar2026.org/parallels) across the Physical Sciences, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, along with a selection of cross-disciplinary themes. The Life Science section includes the following session: **S17: Antarctic and Subantarctic Birds: Ecology, Behaviour, and Conservation** *Convenors: Michelle LaRue & Hugo Guímaro* Antarctic and subantarctic [*sic*] birds are key components of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, linking marine and terrestrial environments and responding to environmental variability.  This session welcomes studies that explore the ecology, behaviour, evolution, and conservation of bird species across the Antarctic and subantarctic regions.  We invite contributions spanning broad comparative approaches, such as macroecology, macroevolution, biogeography, and population genetics, as well as research on community-level processes including species assemblages, ecological networks, and trophic interactions.  Work focused on individual species or populations is also encouraged, including studies of physiology, life-history strategies, foraging ecology, movement patterns, and demographic responses.  Given the environmental changes occurring in the Southern Ocean and adjacent regions, we especially encourage submissions addressing the effects of climate change, extreme events, and other environmental drivers on the distribution, behaviour, and resilience of bird communities.  Integrative, interdisciplinary, and long-term perspectives are particularly welcome. The [abstract submission](https://scar2026.org/abstracts) deadline is 28 February 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 03 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/12th-scar-open-science-conference-oslo-norway-august-2026-call-for-abstracts.md) ## From ingested fish stomachs or by direct ingestion? Plastic particles in Cory’s and Scopoli’s Shearwaters ![Screenshot 2025 11 30 at 05 21 49 plastic ingestion by corys and scopolis shearwate wageningen university and research 704698.pdf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Screenshot_2025-11-30_at_05-21-49_plastic_ingestion_by_corys_and_scopolis_shearwate-wageningen_university_and_research_704698.pdf.png)  *Plastic items in the stomach of a Cory’s Shearwater.  The scale at the bottom shows a mm ruler with longer lines indicating cm scale.  Photograph by Jan Van Franeker, from the publication* Jan van Franeker ([Wageningen Marine Research](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/marine-research.htm), Den Helder, the Netherlands) and colleagues have published open access in [*Marine Pollution Bulletin*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin) on plastic ingestion by [Cory’s](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/corys-shearwater-calonectris-borealis) *Calonectris borealis*and [Scopoli’s](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/scopolis-shearwater-calonectris-diomedea) *C. diomedea*Shearwaters.  Plastic ingestion in Mediterranean waters was considerably higher than in the Atlantic area, reflecting the high level of litter pollution within the enclosed Mediterranean basin.  The size of ingested particles was very small and suggests that most litter is not picked up directly but rather appears to be ingested indirectly with their pelagic fish prey.  Recently fledged youngsters had significantly more plastic in the stomach than the post-fledgling age class. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic ingestion by seabirds reflects plastic levels in their marine environment and therefore seabirds are monitored within the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive to track the distribution and trends of plastic pollution. We present plastic ingestion data from 529 individuals of two *Calonectris* species (*C. borealis* and *C. diomedea*) from corpses collected across the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Overall, birds from the Mediterranean ingested more plastics than those from the Atlantic, and fledglings carried higher plastic loads than post-fledglings. In contrast to an earlier proposal to monitor and define plastic ingestion thresholds by the number of particles, we advocate a mass-based system. Plastic mass better reflects environmental contamination and biological harm than particle counts, which can be inflated by fragmentation and are less ecologically relevant than the actual volume ingested. Using the cleanest 10 % of individuals in the most polluted population as a reference, we suggest Threshold values of 0.0098 g for fledglings and 0.0041 g for post-fledglings. According to this definition, between 40 and 88 % of birds exceeded the Threshold, depending on the sampling location. This mass-based Threshold offers an ecologically meaningful metric, and we recommend this approach for plastic pollution monitoring in the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean.” With thanks to Jan van Franeker **Reference:** Van Franeker, J.A., Soldaat, E., Bried, J., Gonzáles-Solís, J., Zino, F., Biscoito, M., Borg, J.J., Tossani, F., Parolini, M. & Kühn, S. 2026.  Plastic ingestion by Cory’s and Scopoli’s shearwaters (*Calonectris*spp.) from the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.  [*Marine Pollution Bulletin* 223. ** **doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119008](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25014845?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 02 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-ingested-fish-stomachs-or-by-direct-ingestion-plastic-particles-in-corys-and-scopolis-shearwaters.md) ## The Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee will be held in Swakopmund, Namibia in June 2026 *![swakopmund digital nomads](https://acap.aq/images/swakopmund-digital-nomads.jpg)Swakopmund is a coastal town situated on the edge of the Namib Desert* The Fifteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC15](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15)) will be held from Monday 1 to Friday 5 June 2026, in Swakopmund, Namibia. Meetings of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group and the Seabird Bycatch Working Group will precede AC15, PaCSWG9 on Monday 25 May, and SBWG13 from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 May.  A joint SBWG13/PaCSWG9 meeting will be held on Tuesday 26 May to discuss cross-cutting issues.  A Heads of Delegation meeting will be convened on Sunday 31 May in the late afternoon/evening. The deadlines for submission and distribution of meeting documents for AC15 and the Working Group meetings are: 23 January 2026  Draft agenda for AC15 (and Working Groups) distributed by the Secretariat 24 February 2026  Inclusion of new items in the meeting agendas 26 March 2026  Revised draft agendas for AC15, and Working Group meetings distributed 26 March 2026  Submission of AC15 Working Papers and Working Group Papers requiring translation (only the abstracts of WG papers will be translated, however, full documents are required by this deadline) 11 April 2026  Submission of AC15 Information Papers and Working Group Information Papers 25 April 2026  Meeting documents distributed in all working languages by the Secretariat (by publication on the ACAP website). The draft agenda for AC15 as reviewed by AC14 is provided in [Attachment 1](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac15/ac15-circulars/5063-ac15-meeting-circular-no-1/file).  Draft agendas for PaCSWG9, SBWG13, and the joint SBWG13/PaCSWG9 meeting will be provided by 23 January 2026. The deadlines for submission of requests for Observer status to attend AC15 and the Working Group meetings are: 24 February 2026  Deadline for submission of written requests for observer status by international bodies and non-international bodies 26 March 2026  International bodies and non-international bodies advised if their request for observer status has been approved. Information on the venue and accommodation will be provided in Meeting Circular No. 2. *ACAP Secretariat, 28 November 2025*  [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-fifteenth-meeting-of-acaps-advisory-committee-will-be-held-in-swakopmund-namibia-in-june-2026.md) ## ACAP announces its theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2026 will be “Habitat Restoration” ![AYNA Michelle Risi 3 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AYNA_Michelle_Risi_3_shrunk.jpg) *An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross tends its chick on Gough Island, photograph by Michelle Risi* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is pleased to announce that “Habitat Restoration” will be its theme for next year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) (WAD2026), the seventh to be held, on 19 June 2026. The WAD2026 theme will include such management activities as eradication or control of introduced plants and animals at breeding sites, provision of predator-proof fences, establishment of new breeding colonies by attraction techniques and translocations of eggs and chicks, candling and substituting infertile with fertile eggs, supplementary feeding and hydration of chicks, artificial incubation during hatching, and use of fly repellents and sprinkler systems to improve breeding success. The 2026 theme follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, [Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024 and “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” in 2025. *![Chatham Island Albatross The Pyramid 11.11.2016 Credit Dave Boyle 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Chatham_Island_Albatross_The_Pyramid_11.11.2016_Credit_Dave_Boyle_1.jpg)A Chatham Albatross stands over its chick on The Pyramid/Tarakoikoia, New Zealand, photograph by David Bowle* *![Pyramid David Boyle 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Pyramid_David_Boyle_4.jpg)The Pyramid, Chatham Islands: sole breeding home of the Chatham Albatross, aerial photograph by David Boyle* Two new albatross species will be used to feature the theme for WAD2026, with posters, infographics, and artworks produced by members of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature collective ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)).  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos?utm_source=Birdlife+Supporters&utm_campaign=0d993e5f91-2025Q2E1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a4fc849385-0d993e5f91-134249258&mc_cid=0d993e5f91&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, endemic to the Tristan da Cunha islands, part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*, endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. *![default](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2026/Gough_Island_aerial_drone_Chris_Jones_1.jpeg) Gough Island, one of the four breeding localities of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, aerial drone photograph by Chris Jones* With thanks to David Boyle, Chris Jones and Michelle Risi for photographs. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 01 December 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-announces-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2026-will-be-habitat-restoration.md) ## Bird flu confirmed in Southern Elephant Seals on Australia’s sub-Antarctic Heard Island *![Heard Island Barbara Wienecke 3](https://acap.aq/images/Heard_Island_Barbara_Wienecke_3.jpg)Heard Island, photograph by Barbara Wienecke* The Australian Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water and the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have [announced](https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/watt/media-releases/joint-media-release-confirmation-h5-bird-flu-sub-antarctic-heard-island) that testing has confirmed the presence of the H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) in samples collected from Southern Elephant Seals *Mirounga leonina* on [Heard Island](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/pages/df7265f3-a6c7-415f-8cb1-5419c95a56e1/files/heard-mcdonald-factsheet.pdf) – a sub-Antarctic Australian external territory. “Samples [were collected](https://acap.aq/latest-news/avian-influenza-suspected-of-reaching-australias-sub-antarctic-heard-island) after Australian Antarctic Program scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals during a recent management voyage to Heard Island.  Testing was conducted by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong after the samples were securely packaged and arrived in Australia on Monday 17 November aboard RSV *Nuyina*.” *![h5 sampling atlas cove rowena hannaford.450x386](https://acap.aq/images/h5_sampling_atlas_cove_rowena_hannaford.450x386.webp)Wildlife ecologists taking samples from deceased animals at Atlas Cove, Heard Island, photograph by Rowena Hannaford* “Testing confirmed the presence of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b virus in these samples.  There were no observations of unusual mortality in other species present on the island, including penguins and other seabirds.  A second voyage to Heard Island, scheduled to arrive late December, will be important to gather further information about wildlife health.” High pathogenicity avian influenza has been spreading around the islands of the Southern Ocean, affecting seabirds as well as elephant seals.  First recorded in the [South Atlantic sub-Antarctic](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-present-in-brown-skua-populations-on-sub-antarctic-island?highlight=WyJpbmZsdWVuemEiLCJiaXJkIiwiYmlyZHMiLCJiaXJkcyciLCJiaXJkaW5nIiwiYmlyZCdzIiwiJ2JpcmQiXQ==), it has more recently been confirmed on the southern Indian Ocean’s [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-confirmed-on-marion-island-but-what-of-nearby-prince-edward-island?highlight=WyJpbmZsdWVuemEiLCJtYXJpb24iLCJtYXJpb24ncyJd) (South Africa) and France’s [Possession, Crozets and Kerguelen Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals?highlight=WyJrZXJndWVsZW4iLCJrZXJndWVsZW4ncyIsMjAyNV0=), and now from Heard. It has not yet been reported from Australia’s Macquarie Island or New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, both to the east of Heard Island. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bird-flu-confirmed-in-southern-elephant-seals-on-australias-sub-antarctic-heard-island.md) ## The Royal Cam gets a new Northern Royal Albatross pair to follow *![2025 26 Royal Cam bird](https://acap.aq/images/2025-26_Royal_Cam_bird.jpg)“My first painting of the 2025-2026 Royal family”, artwork by Gill Winter, *photograph from the Department of Conservation** A new colour-banded pair of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the mainland colony within the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/), South Island, New Zealand has been chosen to be the subject of the popular [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) for the 2025/26 breeding season. *![2025 26 Royal Cam bird WYL](https://acap.aq/images/2025-26_Royal_Cam_bird_WYL.jpg) The Royal Cam female for 2025/26 shows her colour bands while incubating her fertile egg, photograph from the Department of Conservation* “WYL [male, white yellow lime colour band] and BOK [female, blue orange black] who raised a chick at Top Flat Track during 2024 are the new Royal Cam pair.  They are nesting at Plateau this season.  Their fertile egg was laid on the 6th of November and will be incubated for an average of 79 days before hatching.” *![2025 26 Royal Cam candled egg](https://acap.aq/images/2025-26_Royal_Cam_candled_egg.jpg)A candled Northern Royal Albatross egg shows the embryo and blood vessels signifying it is fertile, photograph from the Department of Conservation* “Egg laying is nearly over, and many eggs are now being candled to check for fertility.  Candling is the term used to describe shining a light through the eggshell.  This is best done after 10 days for [albatross] eggs.  Parents take turns incubating their large, single egg for the next 2.5 months until the chick hatches.  Incubation stints can be quite short at the beginning and the end of the egg’s incubation but often become quite long during the middle as they need to find enough food for themselves and the new chick to come.” Information from the Facebook groups [of the Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) and [Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354/). Read about the intensive management procedures followed in the mainland colony [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/rangers-work-for-royal-albatross/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOSglRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0dTFUcE8yWjg3ZkV3R1k4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrFTCupSmixS9jy5Lb3-Qd8x2yYSI4_J9zePnUa1tNa2ID-sFJXGwt3O7Pi2_aem_o4GweGqvmgCJ052QeiRYVA). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 26 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-royal-cam-gets-a-new-northern-royal-albatross-pair-to-follow.md) ## UPDATE: Wisdom is back, and so is her mate ![Wisdom 19 November 2025 Jon Plissner USFWS 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_19_November_2025_Jon_Plissner_USFWS_3.jpg) *Wisdom shows her well-known red colour band Z333, photograph by**Jon Plissner, USFWS* **UPDATE:** "This year’s return marks a slightly earlier arrival for Wisdom compared to recent seasons. Refuge staff are delighted to announce her mate has arrived on November 25!  He is banded as EX25 and does not [yet] have a name. Although Wisdom is not on our [live camera](https://acap.aq/latest-news/watch-and-listen-to-laysan-albatrosses-breeding-on-midway-atoll-via-a-live-streaming-camera?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsMjAyNV0=), we are so excited to see a potential egg in the near future." {[click here](https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdom-returns-the-worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-touches-down-at-kuaihelani-midway-atoll/)}. ![Wisdom and mate EX25 by Chris Forster 25 Nov 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_and_mate_EX25_by_Chris_Forster_25_Nov_2025.jpg)*Wisdom and her mate, EX25, find each other, photograph by Chris Forster, 25 November 2025* ******************************************* ** At approximately 75 years old, Wisdom, the oldest known Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*, has been seen back on Midway Atoll this month as the 2025/26 breeding season gets underway. “Biologists [[Chandler Robbins](https://acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-chandler-robbins-the-ornithologist-who-banded-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross?highlight=WyJjaGFuZGxlciIsImNoYW5kbGVyJ3MiLCJyb2JiaW5zIiwicm9iYmlucyciXQ==)] first banded Wisdom in 1956 on Midway, after she laid an egg, and Laysan albatross typically don’t breed before age 5.  In her extraordinary lifetime, she is estimated to have produced 50-60 eggs, with as many as 30 chicks fledged!  Her arrival this year is slightly earlier than usual, though her mate from last year has not yet been observed by refuge staff.  Last [[2024/25](https://acap.aq/latest-news/latest-news-on-wisdoms-ohana-the-worlds-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-and-her-family?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyJd)] season, Wisdom successfully laid an egg.  Unfortunately, this chick did not fledge, as not all eggs will survive to fledging every year.” Information from the Facebook page of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUZSP0chbkQ_VhefcYKTC_rjauMIZ7hfNWUxrBbt4H0FQcxb4NHIsVJcM2G_bYn8Nlj4WvuuGsr6rx5QEmm6MOLh4iOZN0AnPfaOdVV9af4qT-NCXWWNUVIhq-lMQVJHIvEvu5P9VGuf-Vt3MDxDHUSKrs_BYLJ86Lfpefn28Rx4BumafEySzuRBFAix5XP75M&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) and [here](https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdom-returns-the-worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-touches-down-at-kuaihelani-midway-atoll/). Read more about Wisdom in [numerous articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) posted to *ACAP Latest News* over the last decade or so. You can now follow the 2025/26 breeding season for Laysan Albatrosses on Midway via a live “[albicam](https://acap.aq/latest-news/watch-and-listen-to-laysan-albatrosses-breeding-on-midway-atoll-via-a-live-streaming-camera?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsImNhbSIsImNhbXMiLCJjYW0nIl0=)”. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-is-back.md) ## How high, how far? Best practice guidance for use of drones over colonially-breeding seabirds  ![drone 1](https://acap.aq/images/drone_1.PNG)*Maximum, mean and minimum diagonal flight initiation distances** at a Black-headed Cull colony, from the publication.* **Note: **this publication is not about procellariiforms but it should be of interest to those contemplating using drones over colonies of albatrosses and giant petrels. Estefania Velilla (Marine Conservation Group, [Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences](https://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/?lang=en), University of Groningen, The Netherlands) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[PLoS One](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/)* on results of flying drones over breeding seabirds, finding flight initiation distance varied between gulls, terns, a cormorant and a spoonbill. The paper’s abstract follows: “Drone use has increased sharply worldwide over the past decade, leading to more frequent interactions with wildlife.  The rapid advancement of drones for ecological monitoring and research has further contributed to these encounters, which may disturb animal behavior, such as triggering flight responses in birds.  Therefore, best-practice guidelines are urgently needed to help operators and site managers minimize disturbances.  This study aimed to establish safe operating distances for seven common colonial breeding bird species: black-headed gull (*Chroicocephalus ridibundus*), herring gull (*Larus argentatus*), lesser black-backed gull (*Larus fuscus*), Sandwich tern (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), common tern (*Sterna hirundo*), Eurasian spoonbill (*Platalea leucorodia*), and great cormorant (*Phalacrocorax carbo*).  We assessed the effects of professional and consumer-grade drones flying at altitudes between 5 and 50 meters on the flight responses of these species at breeding sites in the Dutch Wadden Sea.  Of 1492 drone flights, 7.4% caused disturbances, defined as more than 10% of birds becoming airborne.   Flight initiation distance (FID), the distance between a bird and the drone at the moment of flight response, varied by species. Sandwich terns and common terns had the largest FID (>170 m), followed by black-headed gulls (>160 m), herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls (>60 m), while great cormorants and Eurasian spoonbills had the shortest (~5 m).  When selecting drone flight locations, we recommend considering species-specific FID and using the maximum diagonal FID as a guideline. Disturbance decreases with altitude, so flights should be conducted at 50 meters or higher whenever possible. These findings provide concrete guidelines to inform policy and promote the responsible use of drones in wildlife research and management.” **Reference:** Velilla, E., Hijner, N., van Ginkel, A., Zwarts, M., Heusinkveld, J.H.T., Koffijberg, K., Oosterbeek, K., Stahl, J., Duijns, S. & Govers, L.L. 2025.  Best practice guidance for recreational and professional drones near colonial breeding birds.  *[PLoS One](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0332619&fbclid=IwY2xjawOLroRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0TUdnNklEYVdCd1hLTEhOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiOPqCycgx7Vsoma0a7C2rPNHwvcuDj8jtWRaa2mfRLIsbba-iDXuj9RsLsf_aem_7ceQF9t0W6hpdnDdxJh-4Q)*[20(11): e0332619. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332619.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0332619&fbclid=IwY2xjawOLroRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0TUdnNklEYVdCd1hLTEhOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiOPqCycgx7Vsoma0a7C2rPNHwvcuDj8jtWRaa2mfRLIsbba-iDXuj9RsLsf_aem_7ceQF9t0W6hpdnDdxJh-4Q) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 24 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-high-how-far-best-practice-guidance-for-use-of-drones-over-colonially-breeding-seabirds.md) ## Good news for burrowing petrels and shearwaters: feral cats to be added to New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 strategy *![feral cats kill an estimated 100 million birds in new zealand each year](https://acap.aq/images/feral-cats-kill-an-estimated-100-million-birds-in-new-zealand-each-year.jpg) *A feral cat in* New Zealand* The New Zealand Government has officially recognised feral cats as pests and will add them to the [Predator Free 2050](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/predator-free-2050/) list, which currently includes mustelids (Ferrets Stoats, Weasels), rats (Black, Norwegian and Pacific/Polynesian) and Australian Brushtail Possums. “[Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/hon-tama-potaka) said the inclusion of feral cats in the Predator Free 2050 goal means stronger protection for local wildlife, better tools for communities, and less impact on farmers, whānau [extended family groups] and the economy.  Feral cats are now found across Aotearoa New Zealand, from farms to forests, and they put huge pressure on native birds, bats, lizards and insects.  They also spread toxoplasmosis, which harms dolphins, affects people, and costs farmers through lost stock.” The Minister said the addition of feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 target list will: Support national coordination of feral cat control; Allow Predator Free groups access to funding for projects targeting feral cats; Boost research into effective and humane tools and technology; Strengthen efforts to protect threatened species across the country. Read the [media release](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2025-media-releases/feral-cats-to-be-added-to-predator-free-2050/) by the Department of Conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 21 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/good-news-for-burrowing-petrels-and-shearwaters-feral-cats-to-be-added-to-new-zealands-predator-free-2050-strategy.md) ## Manx Shearwaters return to two United Kingdom islands following action against introduced predators ![Manxies Rathlin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manxies_Rathlin.jpg) Removing alien predators from islands often leads to dramatic effects for seabirds with increases in numbers, improved breeding success, returns after going locally extinct, or arriving for the first time.  This is noticeable for the smaller burrowing petrels and shearwaters that are at particular risk to ground predators, as regularly reported for islands around the world in *ACAP Latest News*. Two examples follow for seabird islands in the United Kingdom where [Manx Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/manx-shearwater-puffinus-puffinus) *Puffinus puffinus* are on the road to recovery following campaigns against predators - Ferrets *Mustela furo* and Norway or Brown Rats *Rattus norvegicus* on Rathlin Island off the north coast on Northern Island, and Norway Rats on St Agnes and Gugh in the Isles of Scilly, **Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland** “Manx Shearwaters have been recorded breeding on Rathlin Island for the first time in decades.  This month, [Richard Else] from [LIFE Raft](https://rathlin360.com/life-raft/) spotted the young seabirds at their burrows.  Once abundant on the island, Manx Shearwaters numbers plummeted as this amber-listed [[medium conservation concern](https://birdwatchireland.ie/publications/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland-bocci4-2020-2026/)] species [is] vulnerable to various pressures, and by the late 20th century they *had almost disappeared.  Using night-vision technology, the [LIFE Raft](https://www.facebook.com/LIFERathlin?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXxXCj3hb_TczSMC2U4ILWPZChue3-3yTRAlTgaCVHCX2xHUOQPiSpsOnVzdfL5OwkLHuUF451Zko1AoYtZiQJRgfZ3ofT5Mvv_FiYF-LQZcRU5IksU3IGlnuhgeW-GpWlztT4PWqGINeclR50_7P3HHyrqz3UdqPWiEQKE5eWgOnipnSY-ZCNFnAwv1-GJP14&__tn__=-%5dK-R) team captured [footage](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=772264715797796) of young birds ready to fledge from their burrows, providing the confirmation of Manx Shearwaters successfully nesting and raising chicks on the island.  This sighting is a hopeful sign for these vulnerable birds and with our ongoing work on Rathlin Island, we hope to see the island continue to be a seabird stronghold for future generations.” Information from the [RSPB](https://www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ireland/news/manx-shearwater-sighted-breeding-on-rathlin-island?fbclid=IwY2xjawN-_I9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNcUlaRlptUmtlUXFvS3FYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk-XdyR3Ru_nA_yMB5lPwInFTKt5Ua011JSqRbF-jHSusayn2ipCMVZneox5_aem_pDAlsASkAxXSHwXvdZUYBw) and the [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/RSPBNI) of RSPB Northern Island). **St Agnes and Gugh, Isles of Scilly**  ![Manx chick Scillies Jaclyn Pearson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_chick_Scillies_Jaclyn_Pearson.jpg)*A Manxie chick at is burrow mouth on St Agnes, photograph by Jaclyn Pearson* “The small community of residents on St Agnes and Gugh in the Scilly Isles are now seeing the rewards of the removal of Norway or Brown Rats *Rattus norvegicus*from the island.  Breeding colonies of Manx shearwaters and [[European] storm petrels](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/european-storm-petrel-hydrobates-pelagicus) [*Hydrobates pelagicus*] were completely lost, but the islands were declared rat free in 2016, and in 2024 there were 154 Manx shearwater pairs and 100 storm petrel pairs”, as reported on the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/ScillyWildlife) of the [Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust](https://www.ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk/) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Read *[ALN articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=St+Agnes&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)* on the successful effort to remove rats from St Agnes and Gugh. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/manx-shearwaters-return-to-two-united-kingdom-islands-following-action-against-introduced-predator.md) ## A volunteer group in Wales rescues Manx Shearwaters downed by gales *![Manxie gets rescued](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manxie_gets_rescued.jpg)A Manx Shearwater gets rescued from the sea at Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales* [Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire](https://www.facebook.com/ManxShearwaterRescue/) collects stranded Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* along the Welsh coast to release back to sea according to a [feature article](https://www.rspb.org.uk/wales/news/welsh-communities-rescue-over-one-thousand-seabirds-so-far-this-year?fbclid=IwY2xjawN3IC1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0RU1DUzNBcEpFYmZqUVdkAR6LII00bj-fNxM_saLrga5xoqEmGit8R3pl89ikYIeFsN_WINI2mZWpp3Uptw_aem_mscQN9awLQctyF1e3T9dqA) from the UK’s Royal Society for the Preservation of Birds (RSPB).  The birds are reported to be fledglings making their maiden flights to spend the winter off the coast of Argentina. “Storms can exacerbate the problem, leading to mass strandings.  In such conditions, volunteers can gather up to 200 birds in a day off beaches. This season, over 1000 [1147] birds were rescued and released.  Such events are only going to be made worse by climate change.  In 2025 there have been two mass stranding events, compared with two in the 10 years prior.” *![Manxie logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manxie_logo.jpg) “Manxie” is the logo of**Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire* The volunteer group also rescues birds away from the coast that have been blown inland by gales or affected by light pollution.  On 1 November the group held its first “Manx Shearwater Farewell” on Newgale Beach.  Attendants listened to a poem specially written for the event by Nicola Davies, the Children's Laureate Wales.  Inspired by the [Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust](https://www.huttonsshearwater.org.nz/) in New Zealand, the farewell included releasing feathers.  Watch a 1.30 minute [video clip](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1196501465874478) of the event and look out for the “Manxie Cake” at the end! ![Manxie poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manxie_poster.jpg) You can follow Manx Shearwater Rescue Pembrokeshire via its [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/ManxShearwaterRescue/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-volunteer-group-in-wales-rescues-manx-shearwaters-downed-by-gales.md) ## 58% to 78%! Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are doing well behind a fence in Hawaii ![Wedge tailed chick Kilauea Point Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_chick_Kilauea_Point_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) *Wedge-tailed Shearwater chick in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* Within the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai [Wedge-tailed Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica* now breed inside a predator-proof fence protected from feral pigs.  As a consequence, breeding success has increased markedly since [the last pigs were eradicated](https://acap.aq/latest-news/laysan-albatrosses-in-hawaiis-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-are-no-longer-threatened-by-feral-pigs?highlight=WyJwaWdzIiwicGlnIiwia2F1YWkiLCJrYXVhaSdzIl0=), as reported recently by [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) on its Facebook Page. “Back in July, our team found, grubbed, and marked 600 active ‘Ua‘u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater) nests across the refuge, and a few weeks ago we revisited each one to determine final nest outcomes.   In 2022, prior to the mammalian exclusion fence construction, apparent nest success was 58%. This year, with pigs successfully eradicated, and cat and rodent eradications underway, the overall apparent nest success was 78%!” *![P01[0:0] TT[188] E[080:2272]G[192:0x3c] BV[-1:0] IR[L:L:18] MOE[0:3]](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_feral_pig_4_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) A feral pig within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge feeds on a Wedge-tailed Shearwater in October 2024, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-feral-pig-kills-a-wedge-tailed-shearwater-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai?highlight=WyJwaWciLCJwaWdzIiwid2VkZ2UtdGFpbGVkIiwid2VkZ2UtdGFpbHMiXQ==))* “This marks our fourth year of monitoring Wedgie nesting success at Kīlauea Point.  Over time, this dataset will help us understand how nesting success responds to predator management and how it varies across the refuge’s diverse habitats.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/58-to-78-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-are-doing-well-behind-a-fence-in-hawaii.md) ## Flesh-footed Shearwaters found breeding at a new locality on Phillip Island *![Phillip Island Norfolk Flesh footed Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Phillip_Island_Norfolk_Flesh-footed_Shearwater.jpg) A pair of Flesh-footed Shearwaters, photograph from the**Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden* The [Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden](https://www.facebook.com/NorfolkIslandNP?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUWgxMzRXsV0JTpDZv4vEBC8wig28qg9ujnwMXSr5ChjFw-xabVs3kzgmKLyucB91bFfh2yL6vqSN7UYHwj_kH4iO1URwQqQfha6TMTunwRaG5aIytoCm8Sc0ulPrxxHknMvaUEg7qhfbh6uyYv2DhUaQp7DvO9sAqPvTXTnLw6omrnJUdrVFATvLTvk6pzCQ8&__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R) reports on Facebook that the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Puffinus carnepeis* has expanded its breeding grounds on [Phillip Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Island_(Norfolk_Island)) (190 ha) offshore of Norfolk Island, an External Territory of Australia located in the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and the French Territory of New Caledonia, “Once only found near Red Knoll, about 20 pairs have now been discovered by long-term seabird researchers Nicholas Carlile and Terry O’Dwyer in a new forest patch near the track from Parks Hut to Owen Evans’ camp”, identified by their distinctive calls at night. “From October to May, these birds return to reunite with partners, spruce up burrows, and mate.  Their growing numbers are more than just a rare sighting, as they play a vital role in island regeneration, enriching soil with ocean nutrients through their guano.” The Flesh-footed Shearwater was [identified](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement) at a 2019 ACAP meeting as a species for listing on the Agreement’s ANNEX 1 but as yet no formal proposal has been made to the Parties. The bird has been well studied, especially in relation to ingested plastic, on Lord Howe Island ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Lord+Howe+Flesh-footed&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)).  The species has also been [studied](https://acap.aq/latest-news/seabird-population-monitoring-and-research-into-the-survival-and-dispersal-of-juvenile-flesh-footed-shearwaters-new-zealands-conservation-services-programme-annual-plan-for-2023-24?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJ6ZWFsYW5kIiwiemVhbGFuZCdzIiwiemVhbGFuZHMiLCJ6ZWFsYW5kZXIiLCJ6ZWFsYW5kZXJzIl0=) in New Zealand. It has [been proposed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/what-to-call-the-shearwater-ardenna-carnepeis-flesh-footed-pale-footed-or-sable?highlight=WyJzYWJsZSIsInNoZWFyd2F0ZXIiLCJzaGVhcndhdGVycyIsInNoZWFyd2F0ZXIncyIsInNoZWFyd2F0ZXJzJyJd) that the species be renamed the Sable Shearwater; Pale-footed is also an option. Read about petrels on Phillip Island [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Phillip+Island+Norfolk&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 17 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flesh-footed-shearwaters-found-breeding-at-a-new-locality-on-phillip-island.md) ## Line-weighting options for reducing seabird bycatch on Korean tuna longline vessels  ![Lumo lead](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Lumo_lead.png)*A**Lumo Lead®, photograph from the publication* Sung Il Lee ([Pukyong National University](https://www.pknu.ac.kr/eng), Busan, Republic of Korea) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Ocean & Coastal Management*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/ocean-and-coastal-management)on at-sea trials using Lumo Leads® to reduce seabird bycatch by Korean tuna longliners. The paper’s abstract follows: “Bycatch threatens albatrosses and petrels, prompting all tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations to require bycatch mitigation measures in areas overlapping high seabird densities.  In the Southern Hemisphere, and with one exception of the IATTC, tuna longliners south of 25°S in Indian and Atlantic oceans and south of 30°S in western Pacific Ocean must use at least two of the following three measures: night setting, bird-scaring lines, and branch line weighting.  Adding weights is complex, and carries concerns about negative impacts on target species catch rates and crew safety.  From 2013 to 2016, we tested the effects of Lumo Lead® on seabird bycatch, target catch rates, and safety aboard seven Korean tuna longliners.  Trials involved 358,649 unweighted and 468,476 weighted lines (40–60 g, 0–200 cm from the hook) across 483 sets.  The seabird bycatch rate in weighted branch lines was significantly lower than that in unweighted branch lines (p < 0.001).  There was no difference in catch rate when targeting southern bluefin tuna (*Thunnus maccoyii*) and a slight difference for yellowfin tuna (*T. albacares*).  The catch rate of albacore tuna (*T. alalunga*, ALB) on weighted branch lines was significantly lower (p < 0.001).  No safety incidents were reported during the experiment.  The reduced ALB catch rate may reflect fishermen's inexperience with line weighting, but this requires further investigations.  Results suggest the Lumo leads are a safe, effective seabird mitigation measure for Korean longliners but line weighting alone cannot eliminate bycatch and should be used with bird-scaring lines or night setting.  More broadly, these findings provide lessons for pelagic longline fisheries globally, showing that safe and practical line weighting can be integrated into existing operations to support sustainable fisheries management and seabird conservation.” With thanks to Yuna Kim, Seabird Project Coordinator, BirdLife Australia. **Reference:** Lee, S.I., Kim, Y., Rollinson, D.P., Wanless, R.M., Kitakado. T. & Kim, D.N. 2025.  The experimental trials of line weighting options for reduction of incidental mortality of seabirds in Korean tuna longline vessels.  [*Ocean & Coastal Management*272.  doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.108001](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569125004648).   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/line-weighting-options-for-reducing-seabird-bycatch-on-korean-tuna-longline-vessels.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Copy cat or copy mouse? A Sponsor a Hectare scheme is proposed for New Zealand's Auckland Island ![UPDATE A feral cat feeds on the body of a White capped Albatross chick close to fledging Auckland Island photograph by Stephen Bradley](https://acap.aq/images/UPDATE_A_feral_cat_feeds_on_the_body_of_a_White-capped_Albatross_chick_close_to_fledging_Auckland_Island_photograph_by_Stephen_Bradley.jpg)  *A feral cat feeds on the carcass of a White-capped Albatross*Thalassarche steadi*on Auckland Island, August 2019; photograph by Stephen Bradley, [Department of Conservation o Te Papa Atawhai](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) (read more [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-feral-cat-is-observed-feeding-on-a-white-capped-albatross-chick-on-auckland-island?highlight=WyJmZXJhbCIsImNhdCIsImNhdHMiLCJjYXRzJyIsImF1Y2tsYW5kIiwiYXVja2xhbmRzIiwiJ2F1Y2tsYW5kJyIsImF1Y2tsYW5kJ3MiXQ==))* A fund-raising campaign for the [Maukahuka Restoration Project](https://nznaturefund.org/projects/auckland-island/) has been launched in new Zealand that aims to make sub-Antarctic Auckland Island free of its estimated 1500 feral pigs, 550-690 feral cats and an unknown number of House Mice.  The [launch](https://www.thepost.co.nz/environment/360876631/how-own-slice-auckland-island-and-help-save-its-endangered-wildlife?fbclid=IwY2xjawN7liNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAbazTfXLmziKjRonNLU9BEzb0a2tWrOwd3URqNps8ivUp-eO8JfOQoG4bQk_aem_yaX72xjYnL_rXrr6GTfcqg) took place on 03 November aboard the *Heritage Adventurer* of [Heritage Expeditions](https://www.facebook.com/HeritageExpeditions?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWWqv9oMigSiZe42kkOFNb8cXQUozETXUm1896huO-JkmuRCCOH9SVdW8XRGmTrO7ip2nFa1PIUdMXSmk9DmLBKGJzFRc4wxMSR-A5pUWbCew_CSpA4zrHHReilmMzudhOrnFfRCc5OMXdxBIUzukSpYF0nyQgd3QxusWziHBPUTxOuDRfcrGxS1wpzcDHyBxs&__tn__=-%5dK-R) in the city of Auckland's waterfront.  The restoration project, set to cost NZ$ 80 million, is a partnership between New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) as the operational lead, indigenous tribe [Ngāi Tahu’s Murihiku Regeneration](https://www.murihikuregen.org.nz/), [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/) (providing technical advice), New Zealand Nature Fund ([NZNF](https://www.thepost.co.nz/environment/360876631/how-own-slice-auckland-island-and-help-save-its-endangered-wildlife?fbclid=IwY2xjawN7liNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAbazTfXLmziKjRonNLU9BEzb0a2tWrOwd3URqNps8ivUp-eO8JfOQoG4bQk_aem_yaX72xjYnL_rXrr6GTfcqg)) as the fund-raising partner and Heritage Expeditions (which has spent more than 35 years leading scientific and eco-tourism voyages to [New Zealand’s subantarctic islands](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/experiences/cruises/123959422/cruising-new-zealands-subantarctic-islands-where-the-wild-things-are)). At the ship-based launch [Lou Sanson](https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/126296921/outgoing-conservation-boss-lou-sanson-on-new-zealands-move-away-from-exploiting-nature-the-balance-has-shifted), a NZNF Trustee and a former DOC Director-General, proposed that a scheme be instituted whereby project supporters could “purchase” a symbolic hectare of the 46 000-ha island for NZ$1000, with the aim to raise as much as NZ$44 million.  “Under the plan, donors would receive a certificate recognising their “ownership” of a hectare of Auckland Island, without any legal title.” *![Auckland Island pig 2 Pete McClelland](https://acap.aq/images/Auckland_Island_pig_2_Pete_McClelland.jpg) A feral pig on Aukland Island approaches a breeding White-capped Albatross*Thalassarche steadi*, photograph by Pete McClelland* In a recorded message played at the Auckland Island event, the [New Zealand Conservation Minister Tama Potaka](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/hon-tama-potaka) said the islands are “among the great wildlife sanctuaries of the Southern Hemisphere.  The challenge before us is to restore balance – to let these islands breathe again.  Projects like this show how government, iwi [Māori tribes], philanthropy and enterprise can work together for enduring results.” *![Marion Island hectare map September 2025](https://acap.aq/images/Marion_Island_hectare_map_September_2025.jpg)Marion Island’s “Sponsor a Hectare” scheme.  Each exposed rectangle represents 100 ha funded as at 04 November 2025* The Auckland Island crowd-funding proposal is remarkably similar to the “[Sponsor a Hectare](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsors/)” initiative of the *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project* which aims to eradicate the albatross-killing House Mice on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic island.  This crowd-funding scheme is working to raise 30 million Rands at a cost of R1000 for each of the islands 30 000 hectares; it is currently standing at 42% of target.  It is important to note, that as for the Auckland Island proposal, the Marion Island crowd funder will only raise a part of the total funds required. *![Sponsor a hectare planning](https://acap.aq/images/Sponsor_a_hectare_planning.jpg) John Cooper (second left) proposes Marion Island’s “Sponsor a Hectare” scheme to BirdLife South Africa colleagues back in 2017 (read more [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-projects-sponsor-a-hectare-campaign-has-raised-over-six-million-rands-and-continues-to-raise-awareness-around-the-world/))* When I first proposed the Hectare a Sponsor idea to [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) (which jointly manages the MFM Project with the South African Government’s [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/)) I had in mind the “[Million Dollar Mouse](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/eradicating-mice-from-antipodes-island/)” public campaign that with DOC and other support, funded the eradication of House Mice on New Zealand’s Antipodes Island.  I was particularly taken by the Antipodes Island map that showed progress with fund-raising by crossing out mice. ****![Antipodes](https://acap.aq/images/Antipodes.gif)*X****out that mouse! Progress with the Antipodes Island’s Million Dollar Mouse Project funding* The Auckland Islands are a nature reserve and part of the [New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands World Heritage Site](https://worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/explore-sites/new-zealand-sub-antarctic-islands).  Removal of the remaining introduced mammals will mean that all the New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands will be free of mammalian pests, following successful campaigns on Enderby (cattle, rabbits, mice) Campbell (sheep, cats and rats) and Antipodes (mice).  Goats were previously eliminated from Auckland Island. It seems that civil/government partnerships are the way forward to fund introduced mammal eradications on large islands - as exemplified by Antipodes, Auckland and Marion, as well as earlier on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* where the [Habitat Restoration Project](https://sght.org/habitat-restoration-project/) rid the island of its rodents and the sadly failed attempt by the [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) to eradicate that island’s mice. Slowly but steadily the islands of the Southern Ocean are being rewilded by the eradication of their introduced pests, thus helping save their threatened albatrosses and petrels, and all their biota.  Wearing a different hat as News Correspondent for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, I am grateful that I can do my small part towards this worthy goal. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 12 November 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-copy-cat-or-copy-mouse-a-sponsor-a-hectare-scheme-is-proposed-for-new-zealands-auckland-island.md) ## Ingests four hooks but survives: a juvenile Salvin’s Albatross gets a second chance **![Hooked Salvins Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Hooked_Salvins_Albatross_2.jpg)*Four fishing hooks and fishing line are visible in this X-ray of a Salvin’s Albatross,**photograph by Ruben Aleman, Fundación Juvimar* A juvenile [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salvins-albatross-thalassarche-salvini) Salvin’s Albatross *Thalassarche salvini*, has recovered following surgery after swallowing four large fishing hooks and metres of fishing line off the coast of Ecuador.  “Thanks to a quick-thinking local fisher in Ecuador and a dedicated team of vets and conservationists, the bird underwent life-saving surgery and was safely released back into the wild.” **![Hooked Salvins Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Hooked_Salvins_Albatross_1.jpg)* The hooked Salvin’s Albatross,**photograph by Ruben Aleman, Fundación Juvimar* *![Salvins Albatross ingested gear removal Photo by Ruben Aleman Fundacion Juvimar 768x432](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Salvins-Albatross-ingested-gear-removal_Photo-by-Ruben-Aleman-Fundacion-Juvimar-768x432.png)One of the removed hooks and tangled fishing line,* *photograph by Ruben Aleman, Fundación Juvimar* “The juvenile Salvin's Albatross was found by Juan Alberto Infante, a fisherman from Anconcito, Ecuador, who recognized that the bird was unwell and contacted local authorities.  The albatross was under wildlife rehabilitation care in Puerto López after the ingested hooks and fishing line were successfully removed by Ruben Aleman, a local veterinarian with [Fundación Juvimar](https://www.facebook.com/fundacionjuvimarEC/).  After careful evaluation, it was released in late October on a nearby beach in Manabí province.  Thanks to the timely report from an artisanal fisher, we were able to rescue this Salvin's Albatross that had been grounded for several days in the port of Anconcito, said Giovanny Suárez Espín, Ecuador Seabird Bycatch Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy (ABC).  Through coordination with Ecuador's Ministry of the Environment's local representative (REMACOPSE) and a specialized veterinarian, we successfully removed four fishing hooks from the bird, including one that caused injuries to its esophagus.  The type and size of the hooks suggest they came from the artisanal mahi-mahi [*[Coryphaena hippurus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahi-mahi)*] fishery, which poses a risk to albatrosses.* * *![Salvins Albatross Rehab4 Photo by Ruben Aleman Fundacion Juvimar 768x1024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Salvins-Albatross-Rehab4_-Photo-by-Ruben-Aleman-Fundacion-Juvimar-768x1024.jpeg)The juvenile Salvin’s Albatross in captivity,* *photograph by Ruben Aleman, Fundación Juvimar* Watch a video about the Salvin’s Albatross’ capture, treatment and release [here](https://abcbirds.org/news/salvins-albatross-fishing-hooks/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN8_XhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUTU9qMFd3ZXY0MFlpQ2Y0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi-BxrgLNHrx-XwNQAijKBRq5enBEWN9PvsLy1ulm9wp0SUHnytMedUbQjk8_aem_LosoiltlLiqg1FS8a4MAPA). Information from a [detailed report](https://abcbirds.org/news/salvins-albatross-fishing-hooks/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN8_XhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUTU9qMFd3ZXY0MFlpQ2Y0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi-BxrgLNHrx-XwNQAijKBRq5enBEWN9PvsLy1ulm9wp0SUHnytMedUbQjk8_aem_LosoiltlLiqg1FS8a4MAPA) by the American Bird Conservancy, with additional information from the Facebook Groups of the [American Bird Conservancy](https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBirdConserve) and the [New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/docgovtnz). Read about a Salvin's Albatross rehabilitated in New Zealand by Auckland Zoo [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-young-salvins-albatross-gets-a-second-chance?highlight=WyJzYWx2aW4iLCJzYWx2aW4ncyIsImF1Y2tsYW5kIiwiYXVja2xhbmRzIiwiJ2F1Y2tsYW5kJyIsImF1Y2tsYW5kJ3MiLCJ6b28iLCJ6b28ncyJd). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ingests-four-hooks-but-survives-a-juvenile-salvins-albatross-gets-a-second-chance.md) ## A project to replace the ground counting of albatrosses on Midway Atoll with drones receives matching funds *![Drone Laysan Midway 1](https://acap.aq/images/Drone_Laysan_Midway_1.png)Drone image of Laysan Albatrosses on Midway Atoll during the 2024/25 breeding season* The Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge ([FOMA](https://friendsofmidway.org/)) has received a US$50 000 grant from the [Marisla Foundation](https://online.foundationsource.com/ws/index.jsp?site=marisla) for "Flying High for Conservation", the second year of a three-year effort to revolutionize seabird monitoring using drones on Midway Atoll.  The project, led by researchers Anna Vallery and Dan Link, aims to replace the annual ground-based censuses of Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses (over 600 000 occupied nests were counted last year) with more efficient, less disruptive drone technology. FOMA is adding US$25 000 to the Marisla grant.  “We are asking you, our closest supporters, to help us raise the final funds needed. Every dollar you donate unlocks three more, helping us hit our uus$100 000 goal!” The funds raised will also help support the Hatch Year 2026 Annual Counters.  The 2026 count is considered critical for the Refuge to get accurate figures for the two species of breeding albatrosses, and the drone research can only be ground-truthed if carried out concurrently. *![Drone Midway 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Drone_Midway_1.png)“A drone image helps to refine sector boundaries on Midway Atoll”* Click[here](https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/e17fspyb0tzLsSSmZuGsfA) to become a FOMA member or to make a donation. Read an earlier *ACAP Latest News* [article](https://acap.aq/latest-news/testing-drones-during-the-annual-albatross-count-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJkcm9uZSIsImRyb25lcyIsImRyb25pbmciLCJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyJd) on using drones in Midway. Information and photographs from the [FOMA Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 11 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-project-to-replace-ground-counting-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-with-drones-receives-matching-funds.md) ## Egg laying has commenced for the 2025/26 breeding season of Northern Royal Albatrosses at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head ![Northern Royal Albatross first egg 2025 26](https://acap.aq/images/Northern_Royal_Albatross_first_egg_2025-26.jpg) *Female LYL (Lime-Yellow-Lime) exposes her egg for the photographer, her new partner is behind, photograph from the Royal Albatross Centre* Egg laying has begun for [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the mainland colony within the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/), South Island, New Zealand, as reported on 06 November.  “Northern Royal Albatross only lay one egg every two years, so the start of a new albatross generation is always a momentous occasion at Pukekura.  These hefty eggs will be laid over November and incubated for the next eighty days.  Albatross parents will work together to juggle incubation and foraging until their chicks are old enough to sit on the headland by themselves (approximately 5-6 weeks old).  These chicks will keep them working full-time all the way up to September when they finally fledge and leave the nest.” “The [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/what-to-expect/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN89cRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUTU9qMFd3ZXY0MFlpQ2Y0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtG6LQujvoJnE3Ib6FukA8D31mwNxhvPZKNjdxcRV0VTpjPmCK-AUb-R_6D-_aem__NQRmX5KO8N2qMaa4oEDzg#Nov-Dec) will be moved after all eggs have been laid and a suitable Royal Cam family can be chosen. Cam pair location depends on being in range of the cable, the cam needs to be higher up from the nest and the pair needs to be a reliable and tolerant pair.” Information from the Facebook groups [Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) and [Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 10 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/egg-laying-has-commenced-for-the-2025-26-breeding-season-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head.md) ## A symposium at the Fourth World Seabird Conference in September 2026 will address seabird bycatch mitigation ![WSC4 Landscape](https://acap.aq/images/WSC4-Landscape.webp)  The Fourth [World Seabird Conference](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/) (WSC4) will be held as a hybrid event in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia over 07-11 September 2026 with the overall theme “*Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate*”. During the conference Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey, UK) and Johannes Fischer (Department of Conservation, Aotearoa New Zealand) will co-convene a symposium entitled **Bridging the implementation gap between seabird and seabird-bycatch mitigation research and fisheries management**. The description for [Symposium S05](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/symposium-and-workshop-descriptions/) follows: “Bycatch in commercial fisheries is a major driver of seabird declines globally, particularly for albatrosses and petrels.  A substantial body of evidence is available highlighting seabird declines due to fisheries, underlying drivers and threats, and the effectiveness of bycatch mitigation, but this is rarely able to be resolved in a coordinated manner.  Despite the compelling conservation rationale, seabird-bycatch mitigation requirements around the world, particularly in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, are yet to fully adopt the standards set out in the best-practice advice developed by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).  In addition, the burden of evidence imposed by fisheries managers before they are prepared to improve seabird-bycatch regulations appears be increasing.  To address the challenge of improving the conservation status of seabirds, especially for albatrosses and petrels, researchers need to better target their studies and outputs to drive real-world policy applications.  By 1) showcasing the weight of the current evidence, and 2) highlighting future research opportunities, this symposium seeks to achieve further coherence within the community and bridge the gap between research and fisheries management for seabird conservation.” *![Bird Scaring line Domingo Jimenez](https://acap.aq/images/Bird_Scaring_line_Domingo_Jimenez.PNG)A bird scaring line in action, photograph by Domingo Jimenez* Other symposia and workshops of interest to ACAP include: **Symposium S02:  Seabird tracking data and novel tools to guide marine conservation areas in the High Seas** Conveners: Stephanie Borrelle (BirdLife International), Tammy Davies, (BirdLife International), Lindsay Young (National Geographic Pristine Seas) **Symposium S03-04:  Monitoring and management of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza and other infectious diseases in seabirds** Conveners: Patricia Serafini (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil), Amandine Gamble (Cornell University, USA), Jana Jeglinski (Aarhus University, Denmark), Jude Lane (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, UK) **Symposium S07:  Antarctic seabirds in a rapidly changing climate** Conveners: Yuna Kim (BirdLife Australia), Julie McInnes (Australian Antarctic Division) **Symposium S14:  Global perspectives on seabird restoration** Conveners: Nick Holmes, Alex Wegmann, Juliet Lamb (The Nature Conservancy, USA); Chris Gaskin, Edin Whitehead (The Seabird Trust, Aotearoa NZ); Stephanie Borrelle, Steve Cranwell (BirdLife International) **Workshop W03:  Reducing seabird mortality from fisheries: case studies of the BirdLife partnership from Europe, South America and Southern Africa and how to merge forces globally to progress further** Conveners: Antonio Vulcano (BirdLife International, UK), Yann Rouxel (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, UK) Read the descriptions for these and the other symposia and workshops [here](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/symposium-and-workshop-descriptions/). WSC4 is now open for [early bird registration](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/registration/) (until 01 January 2026) and the [submission of abstracts](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/call-for-abstracts/) (closes 19 January 2026). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 07 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-symposium-at-the-fourth-world-seabird-conference-in-september-2026-will-address-seabird-bycatch-mitigation.md) ## The 2026 SCAR Science-Policy Fellowship Programme is open for applications ![SCAR 2026 960x540](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR_2026-960x540.png) “We are pleased to announce the 2026 SCAR [Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research] [ Ant-ICON](https://scar.org/science/research-programmes/ant-icon) |[ SC-ATS](https://scar.org/science/standing/sc-ats) science-policy fellowship programme for early-mid career researchers (EMCRs).  The aim of the fellowship programme is to provide the opportunity for EMCRs to gain experience in the science-policy interface from participating in Antarctic policy forums through the preparation and potential submission of a science/policy paper based on their research, in collaboration with[ SC-ATS](https://scar.org/policy/sc-ats/). The fellowships are open to early-mid career researchers from all SCAR member countries. Preference will be given to researchers who have not previously participated in these meetings and are actively seeking to contribute. The fellowship programme will fund two fellows in 2026 one to participate in the[ CEP](https://www.ats.aq/e/committee.html)/[ATCM](https://www.ats.aq/e/atcm.html) meetings in Hiroshima, Japan from 11-21 May 2026 (expected start date in January 2026), and one to participate in the[ SC-CAMLR](https://meetings.ccamlr.org/en/meetings/sc-camlr)/[CCAMLR](https://meetings.ccamlr.org/en/meetings/ccamlr) meetings in Hobart, TAS, Australia in October 2026 (expected start date in April/May 2026).  There may also be opportunities to participate in additional online meetings or activities related to these forums.” The application deadline is 23 November 2025. Find more information [here](https://scar.org/scar-news/2026-ant-icon-sc-ats-fellowship-programme-now-open.). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 06 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-2026-scar-science-policy-fellowship-programme-is-open-for-applications.md) ## The “Circular Seabird Economy” gets a review ![Seabird Circular Economy](https://acap.aq/images/Seabird_Circular_Economy.jpg) *“Here’s looking at you”.  Masked Boobies, photograph from*[*Island Conservation*](https://www.facebook.com/preventingextinctions) Holly Jones ([Department of Biological Sciences](https://www.niu.edu/clas/biology/index.shtml), Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, USA) and colleagues have published a review article in the journal [*Nature Reviews Biodiversity*](https://www.nature.com/nrbd/)on the “Circular Seabird Economy” – stated as a natural process where seabirds transfer nutrients from ocean to land and back again, shaping biodiversity and ecosystem health across vast scales. The review article’s abstract follows: “Nearly a third of seabird species are at risk of extinction, rendering them among the most threatened bird taxa globally.  The decline in seabird populations has major ramifications for their associated ecosystems.  An expansive literature covers seabird impacts on their breeding islands, and growing research expands understanding of the circular seabird economy — cross-ecosystem connections of seabirds from oceans to islands, and back to nearshore marine ecosystems, mainly driven by nutrient transfer.  Amid the twin biodiversity and climate crises, maintaining and restoring the circular seabird economy is one way to achieve large-scale, cross-ecosystem impacts with simple and time-tested conservation methods.  This Review summarizes researchers’ understanding of the circular seabird economy and outlines goals for future research.  Historically, research has focused on terrestrial impacts, with emerging research explicitly studying the cross-ecosystem impacts of seabirds.  We identify substantial knowledge gaps, with research needed to understand how the circular seabird economy changes with space, time, across biomes and with island size.  Emerging analytic and monitoring tools will help to propel this research forward.  Many coastal communities, especially Indigenous people, rely on seabirds for their livelihoods and cultural connections, and so taking a people-centred approach incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives is critical moving forward.” **Reference:** Jones, H.P., Appoo, J., Benkwitt, C.E. *et al.* 2025.  The circular seabird economy is critical for oceans, islands and people.  [*Nature Reviews Biodiversity* doi.org/10.1038/s44358-025-00099-w](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44358-025-00099-w). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-circular-seabird-economy-gets-a-review.md) ## Helping conserve Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters via the LIFE PanPuffinus! project ![Life Puffinus](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Life_Puffinus.png)  BirdLife Malta’s EU-funded [LIFE PanPuffinus!](https://lifepanpuffinus.org/) Project, now in its last year, has aimed to protect two endemic and threatened Mediterranean seabirds, the Yelkouan Shearwater *Puffinus yelkouan* and the ACAP-listed and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwater *P. mauretanicus*, through a transboundary collaboration for joint large-scale conservation efforts.  The project has recently released a video: *“Seabird bycatch: How policy and collaboration drive change”* “Seabirds are vital to our marine ecosystems - but bycatch remains a serious threat.  In this video, José Manuel Marques (Director of Marine Environment and Sustainability Services at DGRM, Portugal), Cristina Rosa (Director of Natural Resources Services at the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, DGRM, Portugal) and Adrien Lambrechts (Coordinator of the National Action Plan for the Balearic Shearwater at the French Biodiversity Agency, OFB) share how regulations, action plans, and technology are helping to tackle the challenge of bycatch.  This video was created as part of the LIFE PanPuffinus! project, which is working with fishers across the Mediterranean to trial mitigation measures and collect vital data on bycatch, while also engaging policymakers to reflect on solutions and influence change at a high level.  Through cross-border collaboration between policy makers, scientists, NGOs and fishers, the project is paving the way for lasting solutions to protect seabirds and our marine ecosystems.  LIFE PanPuffinus! is co-funded by the European Union.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/helping-conserve-balearic-and-yelkouan-shearwaters-via-the-life-panpuffinus-project.md) ## Watch – and listen to - Laysan Albatrosses breeding on Midway Atoll via a live-streaming camera ![Midway Cam](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Midway_Cam.jpg) *Illustration from the  Friends of Midway Atoll* The introduction of StarLink has allowed a 24-hour live-streaming camera (“[Midway Cam](https://friendsofmidway.org/experience-kuaihelani-midway-atoll-live/)”) to be placed on [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll) by the [Friends of Midway Atoll](https://friendsofmidway.org/) in early October to follow the breeding fortunes of the island’s Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* and other seabirds.  The first returning Laysan Albatrosses and Black-footed Albatrosses *P. nigripes* have already been spotted on the live cam.  Many Bonin Petrels *Pterodroma hypoleuca* can be seen after dark, as can the introduced – and unwelcome - House Mouse that still persist after a [failed eradication attempt](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-midway-seabird-protection-project-fails-to-eradicate-the-atolls-albatross-killing-house-mice?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1vdXMiLCJtb3VzZSJd) in 2023. “Kuaihelani is the ancient Hawaiian name for Midway Atoll.  You will now be able to enjoy the full breeding cycle of the world’s largest breeding colony of Laysan (Mōlī) and black-footed (ka‘upu) albatross.  Starting in late October or early November, adult albatross will begin returning to Kuaihelani to reunite with their life-long mates.  During this time, courtship will abound with mates reuniting after their absence from the island for several months and soon thereafter copulating and building a nest for their single egg.  Mated pairs will soon settle into the exhausting effort of egg laying, incubation and then feeding their growing chicks until their eventual dispersal (fledging) to sea from late June to early August.  Soon after the mated pairs arrive and begin nesting, single, mostly younger birds arrive and spend months dancing and courting others in hopes of finding their forever mate.  Most of these birds return to the same vicinity where they were raised and will spend their lives breeding in the same neighbourhood as their parents.  You will see Laysan albatross across the viewshed and in the distance you will see scattered black-footed albatross, but you may also see at any time the endangered Laysan duck (koloa pōhaka), white terns (manu-o-Kū), Pacific golden-plovers (kolea), ruddy turnstones (ʻakekeke) and possibly overhead red-tailed tropicbirds (koaʻe ʻula) doing their magnificent aerial mating dance. After the albatross leave the island, we will reset the camera so that you may enjoy the nesting of white terns and other birds until the eventual return of the albatross. And don’t miss the evening spectacle as the Bonin petrels (nunulu) arrive by the thousands to attend to their nest sites in excavated underground burrows for most of the year.” “To view at the highest quality: play the video, click the settings cog icon on the bottom-right of the video, then select quality 1080p”. *![Kaewa Humboldt Current](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Kaewa_Humboldt_Current.png) Kaewa reaches the Humboldt Current, illustration from the Royal Cam Community Discussion group* Over in New Zealand the “[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)” at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) follows a breeding pair of globally [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* each season.  The camera’s 2024/25 chick ["Kaewa"](https://acap.aq/latest-news/taiaroa-heads-royal-cam-chick-fledges-with-a-tracker-and-a-name) has fledged and has been tracked on  a 41-day flight across the Pacific to the Chilean coast of South America via GPS with updates of its position posted to [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354) and to [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-discussion/).   A competition is held each year to name the Royal Cam chick. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 November 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/watch-and-listen-to-laysan-albatrosses-breeding-on-midway-atoll-via-a-live-streaming-camera.md) ## Bird Storm! At-sea light pollution affects shearwaters, fulmars and storm petrels in the North Pacific  ![Bird Storm RV Tiglax near Kasatochi Island in 2003. Jeff Williams USFWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Bird_Storm_RV_Tiglax_near_Kasatochi_Island_in_2003._Jeff_Williams_USFWS.jpg)*A bird storm of Fork-tailed Storm Petrels*Hydrobates furcatus*strikes the R/V Tiĝlax̂ near Kasatochi Island in 2003, photograph by Jeff Williams, USFWS* Kelly Kapsar ([Department of Fisheries and Wildlife](https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15231739)* on seabird-vessel interaction risk, notably from light pollution in Alaskan waters.  Taxa affected included *Ardenna* shearwaters, Northern Fulmars *Fulmarus glacialis*and storm petrels. The paper’s abstract follows: “Alaska's seascape supports globally significant seabird populations, including vulnerable and threatened species, and hosts economically important commercial fisheries and marine transportation corridors.  Seasonal patterns of seabird movements and vessel traffic create a complex landscape of risk, defined as high levels of co-occurrence (overlap) between seabirds and vessels.  Areas of high overlap increase risk of detrimental impacts, such as exposure to artificial light from ships, bycatch, behavioral disturbance, collision, and oil spills.  To investigate this risk landscape, we combined satellite-based automatic identification system (AIS) vessel traffic data (2015–2022) with at-sea, ship-based seabird observation data from the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (2006–2022).  We used these data to analyze seabird–vessel overlap from June through August (summer) and September through November (fall).  Presence of both vessels and birds was highest in summer, presenting a greater overall exposure of seabirds to vessel-related impacts than in fall. This risk in both seasons was associated with vessel traffic corridors, such as Unimak Pass and the Bering Strait.  When only nighttime vessel traffic was considered, risk of disturbance or interaction was higher in fall than in summer north of ∼60° N latitude.  Across seasons, regions of highest risk varied by focal taxonomic group.  *Aethia* auklets were most exposed in the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas, and *Ardenna* shearwaters and northern fulmars (*Fulmarus glacialis*) were most exposed in Unimak Pass.  Overall, our findings provide an essential foundation for management decision-making to reduce risk of vessel-related injury, contamination, disturbance, displacement, and mortality for marine birds and other wildlife.  The heterogeneous distribution of risk across taxa and the persistent spatial concentration of high-risk areas together require targeted, area-based mitigation approaches for effective conservation.” Read a [popular article](https://www.ktoo.org/2025/09/03/new-maps-show-where-alaskas-migrating-seabirds-overlap-with-high-vessel-traffic/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNv1ihleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiuEW2ffWKfsmpTwWCGRroDWlsqy_o2rJRbtRLCAWKzL_xhm7j9bPkFwdTA0_aem_oHI4F5h1CGpLkYKFaaWglQ) on the publication and view the many previous *[ACAP Latest News articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=light+pollution&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)* on light pollution affecting seabirds, both at sea and on land **Reference:** Kapsar, K., Sullender, B.K. & Kuletz, K.A. 2025.  A multiscale seasonal examination of the risk of harm to seabirds from vessels based on co-occurrence in Alaskan waters.  *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70115)*[doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70115](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70115). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bird-storm-at-sea-light-pollution-affects-shearwaters-fulmars-and-storm-petrels-in-the-north-pacific.md) ## Vacancies for two field assistants on sub-Antarctic Marion Island, April 2026 – May 2027  ![We are Hiring 2026 2027 600x750](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/We-are-Hiring-2026_2027-600x750.png)*A quizzical Sooty Albatross on Marion Island* [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) is offering an opportunity for two suitably qualified field staff to spend a year on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  The focus of these positions is to continue monitoring studies designed to support the ongoing planning for a House Mouse eradication operation by *[Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion Project.](https://mousefreemarion.org/)* Position duties will include collecting field data on mice and bait, preparations for an aerial baiting trial scheduled for April-May 2027, continued monitoring of weather parameters and, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, contributing to the collection of baseline data on invertebrates and plants.  The successful applicants will report to the MFM Project Manager. The deadline for applications is 21 November 2025. [Download the full position description and application details from here](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Advert-MFM-RA-2026-2027_.pdf).  Note that preference will be given to South Africans. *![Wandering Albatross Flock 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Flock_9.jpg) A Wandering Albatross close to Marion Island, January 2025, photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* The *[Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*is a registered non-profit company (No. 2020/922433/08) in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross-killing mice on Marion Island in the Southern Ocean.  The project was initiated by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/).  Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate.  For more information or to support the project visit [mousefreemarion.org](http://mousefreemarion.org/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/vacancies-for-two-field-assistants-on-sub-antarctic-marion-island-april-2026-may-2027.md) ## Avian Influenza suspected of reaching Australia’s sub-Antarctic Heard Island ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Picture1.jpg)*“Heard Island and nearby McDonald Island are unoccupied by humans and remain one of the world's least anthropogenically disturbed areas”, photograph with a passing Wandering Albatross by* *Pete Harmsen, CSIRO* Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been, seemingly inexorably, spreading around the islands of the Southern Ocean. First recorded in the [South Atlantic sub-Antarctic](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-present-in-brown-skua-populations-on-sub-antarctic-island?highlight=WyJpbmZsdWVuemEiLCJiaXJkIiwiYmlyZHMiLCJiaXJkcyciLCJiaXJkaW5nIiwiYmlyZCdzIiwiJ2JpcmQiXQ==), it was more recently confirmed on the southern Indian Ocean’s [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-confirmed-on-marion-island-but-what-of-nearby-prince-edward-island?highlight=WyJpbmZsdWVuemEiLCJtYXJpb24iLCJtYXJpb24ncyJd) (South Africa) and France’s [Possession, Crozets and Kerguelen Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals?highlight=WyJrZXJndWVsZW4iLCJrZXJndWVsZW4ncyIsMjAyNV0=). Now an [ongoing expedition to](https://acap.aq/latest-news/first-survey-of-heard-island-in-20-years-to-take-place-this-coming-austral-summer?highlight=WyJoZWFyZCIsMjAyNV0=) Heard Island, 400 km south of Kerguelen, the first in quite a few years, has [recently reported](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-24/bird-flu-suspected-remote-sub-antarctic-heard-island-nuyina/105928676?fbclid=IwY2xjawNoX1pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVSGJWWmRjRkQ4dlpWTFlFAR4jmUWANv8O0e06pLFAMdhWJNafpTRO7kd3ZXaFKYKVGJpQ5_84-U7eedZX8g_aem_LEKS7Qn2cAdp4dtX8iSvMg) suspected cases of HPAI among the island’s Southern Elephant Seals *Mirounga leonina*, after observing  unusual levels of mortality  So far it is not suspected among the island’s penguins and other seabirds.  Samples have been taken for return to the Australian mainland in mid-November to confirm the presence of avian flu by the [CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness](https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/acdp). *![h5 sampling atlas cove rowena hannaford.450x386](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/h5_sampling_atlas_cove_rowena_hannaford.450x386.webp) “Wildlife ecologists taking samples from deceased animals at Atlas Cove, Heard Island”, photograph by Rowena Hannaford* Dr Julie McInnes, a wildlife ecologist at the Australian Antarctic Division, said initial drone and ground surveys of the island did not indicate any unusual levels of mortality.  But when the scientists made their way to the south-east of the island, dead elephants seals, including pups, were discovered.  "We undertook widespread aerial surveys with concurrent ground counts in the region, and samples were also obtained from a number of deceased animals.  The majority of mortalities were detected in elephant seal pups and in a small number of adults.” Read more from the Australian Antarctic Program [here](https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/acdp). Highly pathogenic avian influenza has not yet been reported from Australia’s Macquarie Island or New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, both to the east of Heard Island.  Just a matter of time? *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/avian-influenza-suspected-of-reaching-australias-sub-antarctic-heard-island.md) ## This year’s Global Birdfair donates US$140 000 to help save the Antipodean Albatross ![2025 cheque](https://acap.aq/images/2025_cheque.jpg) *All smiles at the presentation ceremony  Tim Appleton and Penny Robinson, founders and organisers of Global Birdfair, with members of the BirdLife Pacific team in Suva, Fiji* This year’s [Global Birdfair](https://globalbirdfair.org/) was held at Lyndon Top, Rutland, UK over 11-13 July.  The Global Birdfairs commenced in 2022, following a long run of annual [British Birdwatching Fairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Birdwatching_Fair) in Rutland that started in 1989 and ended due to COVID19 in 2020.  The 2025 fair adopted as its conservation project “Safeguarding Ocean Species”, looking once again at the incidental mortality (bycatch) of albatrosses and petrels caused by longline fisheries.  This followed on from the 2000 British Birdwatching Fair, which marked the commencement of BirdLife International’s then Seabird Conservation Programme, with its theme of “Keeping Albatrosses off the Hook”. The 2025 project’s Flagship Species is the globally [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* – identified by ACAP as a Species of Special Concern.  The Safeguarding Ocean Species project is centred on the South Pacific with Suva, Fiji as its base, from where it works on reducing albatross bycatch in fisheries. ![rsw 1160h 620](https://acap.aq/images/rsw_1160h_620.webp) The fair has now announced that it raised US$140 000 towards its chosen project and “wishes the whole [BirdLife] Pacific team continued success in their hard work”.  BirdLife International CEO Martin Harper says: “We are hugely appreciative of the Global Birdfair community for their generous support to birds and BirdLife over so many years. This year’s funds will help us tackle the single greatest threat to our iconic seabirds in the Pacific. Crafted by local women in the Nasinu neighbourhood of Suva, these bird-scaring lines support local livelihoods and ensure safer seas in the southern Pacific.  With this huge funding boost, the programme will expand to more Pacific ports, empowering more women and protecting more albatrosses" ![Making BSLs in Fiji](https://acap.aq/images/Making_BSLs_in_Fiji.jpg)*Manufacturing bird-scaring lines in Fiji* Registration for exhibitors, speakers and new applications for Global Birdfair 2026 opens in mid November. Information from the Facebook pages of the [Global Birdfair](https://www.facebook.com/GlobalBirdfair)and [BirdLife International](https://www.facebook.com/BirdLifeInternational).  Read more [here](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2025/10/21/big-boost-for-antipodean-albatross-thanks-to-us140000-global-birdfair-funding/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNrQNJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMNElkVzNRMXB1Q3M3ZXR6AR5KQm4Verjx1AZcDZlycxAqedyLWfNuZZgOIVV3JF6WHT74jwVDN522exCP9Q_aem_G7ihIQ0QS3g70noWYXXwNw). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 24 October 2025, updated 26 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/this-years-global-birdfair-donates-us-140-000-to-help-save-the-antipodean-albatross.md) ## Island Invasives Conference, February 2026, New Zealand: abstract booklet and programme are now online  ![House Mouse Marion Island Ben Dilley 2015](https://acap.aq/images/House_Mouse_Marion_Island_Ben_Dilley_2015.jpg)*An introduced House Mouse on Marion Island, photograph by Ben Dilley* The [Island Invasives 2026 Conference](https://www.islandinvasives.org/) “Charting the Future”, the fourth in the series, will be held at the University of Auckland, New Zealand over 9-13 February 2026.  The draft [programme](https://www.islandinvasives.org/island-invasives-programme-draft_20-10-2025/) and [book of abstracts](https://www.islandinvasives.org/ii26-abstract-book_20-10-2025/) for over 200 oral and poster presentations are now available for viewing on the conference website.  Information is also available on [field trips](https://www.islandinvasives.org/field-trips/) and [social activities](https://www.islandinvasives.org/social/). Three independently organised workshops will be held on the first two days of the conference, for which brief descriptions are available: **Improving success rates for tropical island rat**eradications (facilitated by [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/)) This workshop will be focused on identifying and evaluating cost effective measures that can augment existing best practice for rodent eradication on tropical islands to improve success rates.  While a synopsis of past eradication attempts will be provided along with a summary of the most likely reasons for past failures, the focus of discussion will be forward looking. **Getting to the root of the problem in pig eradication practice**(facilitated by [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/)) This workshop will be focused on identifying the most resource and labour efficient measures for removing pigs from increasingly large islands.  Two scenarios will be under consideration, the first being islands where pigs are predominantly solitary and the second where pigs move in groups.  The most promising new technologies for pig detection and removal with an eye on scaling up will also be evaluated during the workshop.  The workshop may be a precursor to the development of best practice guidelines for pig eradication. **Challenges in improving mouse eradication success rates**(facilitated by the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) This workshop will consider issues around rodent eradication failures, especially for house mice.  The discussion will focus on what factors to address that can help to improve success rates.  A synopsis of past eradication attempts will be provided along with a summary of the most likely reasons for past failures, using these to discuss what variables can modified in eradication planning for future mouse eradications. The conference plenary speakers will be Imogen Bassett - Island Biosecurity, Keith Broome - Technical Planning, Luciana Luna Mendoza - Tropical Eradications, Jessi Morgan - Community Engagement, Nicola Rata-MacDonald - Indigenous Leadership, David Towns - Island Restoration and David Will - Emerging Technologies.  [Click here](https://www.islandinvasives.org/plenaryspeakers/) to read biographical details for each plenary speaker. The Island Invasives 2026 Organising Committee consists of Professor James Russell, The University of Auckland, Dr Araceli Samaniego, Island Restoration Advisor, Ms Clare Stringer, Department of Conservation, Dr Nick Holmes, The Nature Conservancy, Mr Dick Veitch ONZM, Emeritus Professor Dave Towns ONZM and Emeritus Professor Mick Clout FRSNZ. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/island-invasives-conference-february-2026-new-zealand-abstract-booklet-and-programme-are-now-online.md) ## Automated classification of albatross acoustic behaviour at sea ![Wandering Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke HQ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke_HQ.jpg)*Wandering Albatross at sea by Lea Finke**of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2020**, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Aline da Silva Cerqueira ([Department of Geography](https://www.kcl.ac.uk/geography), King's College London, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Ecological Informatics*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/ecological-informatics)on using bird-borne audio recordings to reveal seabird behaviour and environmental context at sea.  The acoustic datasets used in the study were collected from five Black-browed albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* and five Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* during the brood-guard period. The paper’s abstract follows: “Advancements in acoustic data collection technologies have greatly increased their use in wildlife monitoring, but produce large volumes of data that are challenging to analyse manually.   Recent developments in machine learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have transformed audio data analysis, enabling efficient and accurate sound classification.  This study aimed to develop a method for automatic classification of behaviour (on-water activity, flight, vocalisation and preening) from sounds recorded by free-ranging albatrosses of two species equipped with audio recorders during foraging trips at sea. Using a manually labelled seabird audio dataset, a general-purpose CNN model was created and trained in Google Colab.  The model development followed a structured workflow, including audio data preparation, pre-processing, model architecture and training, and performance evaluation.  The model achieved a global accuracy and precision of 95 % during testing.  Despite high overall accuracy, performance varied across sound categories due to the inherent complexity of distinguishing behaviours, leading to differences in prediction errors.  This study primarily focused on developing and validating an accessible, high-performance workflow for automated acoustic classification, with the goal of enabling future ecological and conservation applications.  It demonstrated that a generic web-based CNN model can effectively classify seabird sounds into different behaviours with high accuracy.  The approach provides a foundation for future ecological and conservation applications, enabling detailed exploration of activities, interactions and environmental context of seabird behaviour using acoustic data.  By leveraging open-source platforms and accessible tools, this work provides a foundation for future advancements in automated acoustic monitoring, making it accessible to a diverse range of researchers.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Cerqueira, A.daS., Freeman, R., Phillips. R.A. & Dawson, T.P. 2025.  Automated classification of albatross acoustic behaviour at sea: a free and open-source classifier for seabird sounds.  [*Ecological Informatics*doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103474](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1574954125004832?via%3Dihub)*.* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 28 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/automated-classification-of-albatross-acoustic-behaviour-at-sea.md) ## A young Salvin’s Albatross gets a second chance  ![Auckland Zoo Salvins Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Auckland_Zoo_Salvins_Albatross_1.jpg)*The juvenile Salvin’s Albatross at Auckland Zoo* A [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salvins-albatross-thalassarche-salvini) Salvin's Albatross *Thalassarche salvini* has been given a second chance at life.  The bird was found “struggling in the surf” on Te Oneroa-a-Tohe/Ninety Mile Beach on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island.  The bird, a juvenile, was collected by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and transported by air to the [Auckland Zoo’s veterinary hospital](https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/visit/vet-hospital).  Initial blood tests revealed a profoundly elevated white blood cell count and treatment was started immediately.  Once stabilised, the albatross was anaesthetised so that X-rays and an endoscopy could be performed. *![Auckland Zoo Salvins Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Auckland_Zoo_Salvins_Albatross_2.jpg) Fish supper!* The Zoo’s senior vet said that during hospitalisation, the heavy mass of an albatross makes them susceptible to developing sores on the soles of their feet – known as pododermatitis.  “Preventing damage of their plumage is also essential, not just for flight but also for their ability to thermoregulate and remain waterproofed.  During rehabilitation, they must be kept on padded flooring, in a large enough space to allow wing extension, and with access to a clean pool.  Albatross do not feed when on land and require assisted feeding.” *![Auckland Zoo Salvins Albatross 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Auckland_Zoo_Salvins_Albatross_5.jpg) Ready for release at sea* After weeks of treatment and care, the juvenile (thought to be six months old) had gained over 1 kg, and was given a clean bill of health.  In early October, members of Auckland Zoo vet team and DOC released the bird, named Tamarāwaho, into deep waters in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. *![Auckland Zoo Salvins Albatross 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Auckland_Zoo_Salvins_Albatross_6.jpg) Back in the water* Information and photographs from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AKLZOONZ) of the Auckland Zoo. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 23 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-young-salvins-albatross-gets-a-second-chance.md) ## The Northern Royal Albatrosses of Pukekura/Taiaroa Head have had a record breeding season *![Northern Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head Junichi Sugushita 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_Taiaroa_Head_Junichi_Sugushita_3.png) A Northern Royal Albatross family at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head, photograph by Junichi Sugushita* The last [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* chick of the 2024/25 breeding season has fledged from [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/).  A total of 38 chicks fledged from the colony, making it the most successful season on record.  The previous record of 33 was from each of the last two seasons.  The colony has grown from one breeding pair in 1937 to more than 80 pairs in [2024/]2025.  Eighteen fledglings were fitted with GPS trackers, showing that some are already most of the way across the Pacific heading towards South America. Department of Conservation (DOC) Coastal Otago Albatross Ranger Sharyn Broni writes: “It’s been a fantastic season at Pukekura.  The weather has been great with slightly cooler temperatures over summer, so there haven’t been overheating or flystrike issues, which is better for both the birds and rangers. “The chicks have also needed less supplementary feeding than in past years, which suggests there was plenty of food available for the parents.  We even found a 2-kg eel next to one nest, which a parent had brought back!  There were several chicks, however, which lost one or both parents and required a lot of support from the rangers to ensure they were a healthy weight prior to fledging. “Unfortunately, one chick took off successfully but was found dead at a local beach several days later.  We don’t know what the cause was.  It’s sad, but it’s natural that not all the chicks will be successful once they leave the colony.” DOC co-manages the albatross colony as part of Te Poari a Pukekura (the Pukekura Co-management Trust) alongside Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Korako Kareta i Trust and Dunedin City Council, with the support of the Otago Peninsula Trust. Information from the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2025-media-releases/toroaalbatross-season-breaks-records/?s=04&fbclid=IwY2xjawNfYZNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETEzaEYwa0N3UEE5NWxsWWlGAR7K_3-erExt4IkVuTQ6zTusImajvuTy-eopEEbAzqcKTQpG2hup7f-PgweP7w_aem_WPxfNChHZ9LRmDSV66eDeA). Read about the 2024/25 Royal Cam chick fledging [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/taiaroa-heads-royal-cam-chick-fledges-with-a-tracker-and-a-name). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 22 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-northern-royal-albatrosses-of-pukekura-taiaroa-head-have-had-a-record-breeding-season.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. News from the Mouse-Free Marion Project: a US$1 million donation and the latest newsletter *![Mark Shuttleworth](https://acap.aq/images/People/Mark_Shuttleworth.png) Mark Shuttleworth in 2019, photograph from Canonical* The *Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (*[*MFM*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*) Project*aims to eradicate Marion Island’s introduced House Mice that have taken to attacking and killing the island’s albatrosses and petrels.  Upon successful completion, the project, jointly managed by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/), will have restored the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, including eight ACAP-listed species, and improve the resilience of the island to a warming climate. TheMFM Project has [recently announced](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-announces-a-us1-million-donation-by-south-african-computer-entrepreneur-and-philanthropist-mark-shuttleworth/) an important donation of US$1 million from [Mark Shuttleworth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Shuttleworth), a South African computer entrepreneur and philanthropist currently based in the United Kingdom.  He initially specialised in [digital certificates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_certificate) and internet security, first developed in his parents’ Cape Town garage while still a student. Mark D. Anderson, [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) CEO and Chair of the Mouse-Free Marion Project’s Management Committee, writes: “A few weeks ago, I had a fascinating discussion with Mark Shuttleworth about the Mouse-Free Marion Project.  He asked insightful and thoughtful questions, reflecting his deep commitment to conservation.  His passion is evident in his support for the protection of Príncipe Island off the west coast of Africa, and now, through his interest in our critical work to eradicate invasive House Mice from Marion Island, where they are causing devastating harm to albatrosses and petrels.” Mark Shuttleworth has [been into space](https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-shuttleworth-sold-575-million-startup-went-to-space-2019-7), the first South African (and African) to do so, for eight days as a tourist in 2002, when he helped conduct scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station.  He travelled to Antarctica in 2004.  He is one of four [Honorary Patrons](https://www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/about/) of BirdLife South Africa, all of whom are passionate about the conservation of South Africa’s natural environment and its birds.  Mark has now continued his philanthropy by supporting the MFM Project, arguably South Africa’s most significant current environmental undertaking, in its effort to “re-wild” 30 000 hectares of South African island territory in the southern Indian Ocean. On hearing the confirmation of one of the MFM Project’s most notable individual donations, Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager said: “Mark Shuttleworth’s remarkable contribution provides a huge boost to our endeavour to restore Marion Island’s ecosystem.  His generosity not only strengthens our capacity to deliver this globally significant conservation effort but also inspires others to support the protection of one of our planet’s most extraordinary wild places”. *![Wandering Albatross Marion Island January 2013 Linda Clokie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering%20Albatross%20Marion%20Island%20January%202013%20Linda%20Clokie.jpg) A breeding female Wandering Albatross on Marion Island, photograph by Linda Clokie* The MFM Project has this month released the 15th Issue of its *Newsletter*, available for downloading from [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/), as are all its previous editions.  As well as the usual Editorial, the latest newsletter carries articles on a year in the life of a [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* breeding on Marion Island, and on the project’s attendance at its second bird fair, in Pretoria, South Africa, following on from the [Global Birdfair](https://mousefreemarion.org/all-the-fun-of-the-global-birdfair-making-and-renewing-contacts-with-supporters-of-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) in the UK earlier in the year. For more information or to support the MFM Project please visit [mousefreemarion.org](http://mousefreemarion.org/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 October 2025*     [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-montlhy-missive-news-from-the-mouse-free-marion-project-a-us-1-million-donation-and-the-latest-newsletter.md) ## Record numbers of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters breeding within a predator-proof fence in Hawaii ![Kaena Point survey Wedgies 2025 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Kaena_Point_survey_Wedgies_2025_3.jpg)*A Wedge-tailed Shearwater chick in the Kaena Point NAR, photograph by Sora Gallo* Record numbers of [Wedge-tailed Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica* have bred within the predator-proof fence in the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu this last breeding season. *![Kaena Point survey Wedgies 2025 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Kaena_Point_survey_Wedgies_2025_1.jpg) Surveying Wedge-tailed Shearwaters within the* *Kaena Point NAR, photograph by**Laura Crago* “Annual surveys began at this site in 1994 with only a handful of nests.  In 2011, a mammalian exclusion fence was built to protect Ka‘ena Point's wildlife.  Our latest survey [presumably of the 2024/25 breeding season] estimates there are 16 394 nests inside the fence.  Nest success was 47%, which is higher than the long-term average. As the size of the colony has increased, so has the effort required to monitor it.  These annual surveys wouldn't be possible without the help of dedicated stewards from conservation organizations across the island.  Finding 30+ people who are willing to spend a day crawling around and peeking/reaching into holes in the ground is no easy feat. The success of this mammalian exclusion fence and on-going management shows what’s possible when science, protection, and community come together.” Information from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) of Pacific Rim Conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 21 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/record-numbers-of-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-breeding-within-a-predator-proof-fence-in-hawaii.md) ## New Marine Protection Sites announced for New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf – home of the ACAP-listed Black Petrel  ![Hauraki Gulf MPA map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Hauraki_Gulf_MPA_map.jpg)*New marine protection sites within the Hauraki Gulf* The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill, recently accepted by the New Zealand Government, aims at protecting and restoring the marine environment of the gulf situated off Auckland on North Island.  A network of 19 new marine protection sites within the gulf includes two new marine reserves and 12 “high protection areas” (HPAs) to protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems. Two islands towards the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier and Little Barrier, between them support the global population of the Vulnerable Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni*.  According to the Department of Conservation’s map (see above), a relatively large HPA abuts the north shore of the 3083-ha [Little Barrier Island Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/little-barrier-island-nature-reserve-hauturu-o-toi/), New Zealand’s first nature reserve, established in 1895.  The island is [now introduced predator free](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel), following the removal of 151 feral cats *Felis catus* from 1977 to 1980 and of Pacific Rats or Kiore *Rattus exulans* in 2004.  Click [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-policies-and-plans/statutory-plans/statutory-plan-publications/conservation-management-plans/te-hauturu-o-toi-little-barrier-island-conservation-management-plan/) to access the 2017 management plan for Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier. *![Black Petrel Kirk Zufelt off North Cape NZ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_Kirk_Zufelt_off_North_Cape_NZ.jpg) A Black Petrel at sea off North Cape, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act will come into force on 25 October 2025. Read more details on the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/revitalising-the-gulf/new-marine-protections-in-the-hauraki-gulf/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 17 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-marine-protection-sites-announced-for-new-zealands-hauraki-gulf-home-of-the-acap-listed-black-petrel.md) ## Arriving unwell: A White-chinned Petrel travels from Kerguelen to Brazil ![Helen Worthington White chinned Petrel watercolour Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Helen_Worthington_White-chinned_Petrel_watercolour_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) *White-chinned Petrel by Helen Worthington of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day 2020, watercolour after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Daphne Goldberg (Instituto Albatroz, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and colleagues have published online in the open access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/) on a Vulnerable White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* that flew over 10 000 km. The paper’s abstract follows: “This study presents the case of a White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* that was tagged as a fledgling in April 2023 in the Kerguelen Islands, southern Indian Ocean, and subsequently rescued on the southeast coast of Brazil in July 2024.  Upon recovery, the petrel displayed symptoms of exhaustion, malnutrition, and anemia, highlighting the substantial energy demands associated with its extensive journey of over 10,000 km.  Rehabilitation efforts were successful, resulting in the bird’s release after a month of intensive care, which involved nutritional support and monitoring of its health parameters.  This case highlights the importance of long-term coastal and marine monitoring programs, which provide valuable data about the health challenges of seabirds, their long-distance movements, and the impacts of human activities on their populations.” **Reference:** Goldberg, D.W., Delord, K., Bezerra, G., Lorenço, J.R., Vieira, B. S.F., Saraiva, L.R., Lesage, C., Barbraud, C., Marques, C.A., Neves, T. & Vanstreels, R.E.T. 2025.  From Kerguelen to Brazil: Insights into the movement and health of a threatened seabird, the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*.  [*Marine Ornithology* 53: 357-360](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_2/53_2_357-360.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 16 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/arriving-unwell-a-white-chinned-petrel-travels-from-kerguelen-to-brazil.md) ## Surveying Buller’s Albatrosses on the Solander Islands from the air ![Bullers Albatross Paul Sagar Shary Page Weckwerth](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Paul_Sagar_Shary_Page_Weckwerth.jpg) *Buller’s Albatross by Shary Page Weckwerth of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Paul Sagar* Peter Frost (Science Support Service, Whanganui, New Zealand) and colleagues have published online in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/) on an aerial survey of Southern Buller’s Albatrosses *Thalassarche b. bulleri* on New Zealand’s Solander Islands. The paper’s abstract follows: “An aerial photographic survey of the Southern Buller's *Albatross Thalassarche bulleri bulleri* population breeding on the Solander Islands / Hautere was undertaken on 09 March 2024, mid-way through the birds' incubation period. Overall, 6,761 individuals were counted: 6,215 (92%) on Great Solander and 546 (8%) on Little Solander. Of these, 4,213 were sitting on nests, 368 were partners to sitting birds, 573 were standing near empty nests, and 145 were apparently loafing. The status of the remaining 1,462 individuals (22% of the total) was uncertain. Assuming that their status was in the same proportions to those of the clearly observed birds, 1,164 were judged to be sitting on nests, giving an overall estimate of 5,377 occupied nests. This is 4% fewer birds at nests than recorded during the last survey in 2016, when 5,620 apparently breeding pairs were reported in a combined aerial survey and ground count of sitting birds. During the 2024 survey, a check of 54 occupied nests along seven short non-random transects found only 33 nests (62%) contained eggs. The remainder (21 nests, 38%) comprised birds sitting on empty nests. The status of these latter birds is unclear. They could be pre-breeders occupying sites prior to nesting for the first time; recent failed breeders that have not yet abandoned their nest; or established breeders forgoing breeding for some reason but still occupying their nest site. Overall, the numbers of apparently occupied nests suggest a decline in the number of nesting Southern Buller's Albatross since 2016. This conclusion is tentative, however, given the many uncertainties surrounding counts and their interpretation. **Reference:** Frost, P.G.H., Baker, G.B., Fischer, J.H., & Sagar, P.M. 2025.  Population survey of Southern Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri bulleri* on the Solander Islands / Hautere, March 2024.  [*Marine Ornithology*53: 361-371](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1666). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 15 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/surveying-bullers-albatrosses-on-the-solander-islands-from-the-air.md) ## Hutton’s Shearwaters and light pollution from dairy farms - a newly reported threat  ![Dairy Farm](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Dairy_Farm.jpg)*A well-lit Kaikoura dairy farm as cows wait to be milked before dawn* What seems to be a previously unidentified threat has been reported for the [globally Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni*, a species endemic to the Kaikoura region of New Zealand’s South Island.  The following text and photographs have been edited from a Facebook post by the [Kaikoura Wildlife Hospital](https://www.facebook.com/kaikourawildlifehospital). “This rare nocturnal seabird is disorientated by artificial lighting (streetlights, residential and commercial lighting) along the flight path from the sea to the only two remaining mountain colonies, resulting in crash landing.  Upon nightfall shearwaters fly inland to the Seaward Kaikōura Range and make their way to sea at dawn. External lighting at milking sheds at dawn results in hundreds of shearwaters crash landing each breeding season, if not thousands.  Most go unnoticed or unreported.  There is also an assumption that being a bird, they will take off again.  Hundreds of shearwaters have been documented circling over milking sheds due to disorientation, with up to 40 shearwaters crash landing at a time.  Once grounded shearwaters are unable to take off without a thermal updraft and require urgent rescue.  Without rescue they succumb to crash landing injuries, cat/dog predation, dehydration, starvation, vehicle strike and cattle trampling.” *![Dairy Farm Huttons Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Dairy_Farm_Huttons_Shearwater.jpg) A Hutton’s Shearwater rescued from a milking shed where it had been mauled by a cat, causing blindness that required euthanasia* “Capping external lighting, using warm colour temperature light bulbs (amber vs white) and utilising motion sensors where possible, are key to reducing crash landing likelihood at milking sheds.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information *Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 14 October 2025**     [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/huttons-shearwaters-and-light-pollution-from-dairy-farms-a-newly-reported-threat.md) ## Control of feral cats on France’s Kerguelen Island continues with new funding *![Kerguelen feral cat](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Kerguelen_feral_cat.jpg)A feral cat on Kerguelen Island, with the remains of a European Rabbit, photograph by Charly Gicqueau* **NOTE:** The English text below has been edited from the original [French text](https://taaf.fr/actualite/lunion-europeenne-mobilisee-pour-la-preservation-de-la-biodiversite-a-kerguelen/), with the help of Google Translate. **The European Union mobilized for the preservation of biodiversity in Kerguelen** The OPACK Project (Optimization of Feral Cat Management Actions in Kerguelen), launched in November 2024, is part of the European Union's [BESTLIFE2030 ((Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas)](https://bestlife2030.org/) grant scheme, a fund dedicated to the protection of biodiversity in overseas territories.  Led by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), this funding reflects the EU's commitment to fragile ecosystems, such as that of the Kerguelen Archipelago.  Thanks to this support, ambitious actions are being implemented to combat the feral cat, one of the main threats to iconic species such as the globally Vulnerable Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*. **The feral cat on Kerguelen** In 1951, two cats originating from the mainland France, were introduced to Port-aux-Français on Kerguelen Island to control rodents.  Two other individuals, coming from Madagascar and South Africa, were later brought in 1956.  Soon, these animals escaped from the base and formed a wild population, now estimated at 7000 individuals on the main island, with a density ranging from 0.4 to 2.4 individuals/km². **A major ecological upheaval** The establishment of a population of feral cats has profoundly altered the ecosystem of Kerguelen, particularly through its impact on bird population dynamics.  Indeed, the cats attack both chicks and adult birds of species that were previously not subject to predation.  A striking example: the breeding success of the Wandering Albatross drops to 12% in the presence of cats, compared to 86% in their absence, resulting in an annual population decline of 2.7 to 4.5% each year and threatening its long-term survival. *![Kergeuelen baiting cat trap with rabbit](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Kergeuelen_baiting_cat_trap_with_rabbit.jpg) Baiting a cat trap with rabbit on Kerguelen* **Actions and Challenges in the Field** Since 2015, Terres australes et antarctiques françaises ([TAAF](https://taaf.fr/)) have been carrying out targeted actions to reduce the impact of feral cats on three breeding sites of the Wandering Albatross on the Courbet Peninsula (Pointe Morne, Pointe Scott and Ratmanoff). Additionally, interventions occasionally take place on certain islands in the Morbihan Gulf to limit the geographic spread of cats and protect small species, such as the White-headed Petrel *Pterodroma lessonii* and Slender-billed Prion *Pachyptila belcheri*, which breed in burrows and are vulnerable to feline predation.  However, the extreme climatic conditions of Kerguelen put both teams and equipment to the test.  After 10 years of effort, the OPACK project (2025) aims to achieve two major objectives: renew trapping equipment and improve cat detection through the use of night vision equipment. **Hope for Many Species** In the long term, these actions are expected to benefit more than 15 species of breeding birds. The challenge is clear: to prevent a collapse of bird populations and to preserve a unique ecosystem. [Click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Kerguelen+feral+cat&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) to read earlier postings to *ACAP Latest News* on Kerguelen’s feral cats. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 13 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/control-of-feral-cats-on-frances-kerguelen-island-continues-with-new-funding.md) ## UPDATED Registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group opens ![PSG 2026 logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2026_logo.jpg) **UPDATE: ** Abstract submission and requests for registration are now open Submit your abstract here! [https://app.](https://app.)oxfordabstracts.com/stages/80103/submitter. (Note: If you don't already have an account with Oxford Abstracts, you will need to create one before submitting your abstract) For the 2026 Annual Meeting, PSG will provide travel awards to cover the cost of meeting registration. Priority will be given to students and scientists from outside the U.S. and Canada; however, anyone for whom the registration cost is a barrier to participation is welcome to apply. To apply for a travel award, you will need to first submit your abstract via Oxford Abstracts and provide the submission number in your application. The application form also requires a justification of financial need (up to 150 words) and a personal statement (up to 300 words).   Submit your travel award application here: [https://docs.google.com/](https://docs.google.com/)forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXpX6t-KrQ-Oh3UtN-d5nBCtlF4o8xORkMyZSptOAQ2_qZxQ/viewform?usp=header   The deadline for both abstract and travel award submissions is 20 November 2025, with acceptance decisions expected by early December.   **************************** **  Registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group to be held over 23-27 February 2026 is now open.  In an effort to reduce carbon footprint and engage a wider variety of scientists from around the world, the conference will be held fully online. The theme for the meeting is “Seabirds: Connecting Oceans, Islands, and People.” Click [here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/annual-meeting) to register: *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 October 2025, updated 17 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/registration-for-the-2026-annual-meeting-of-the-pacific-seabird-group-opens.md) ## Living on the edge. Phoebetria albatrosses are more affected by oceanographic conditions away from their core ranges * * ![Sooty Albatross DEMAY JEREMY](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooty_Albatross_DEMAY_JEREMY.jpg)*Sooty Albatrosses on Amsterdam Island, photograph by Jeremie Demay* Camille Schatz ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/), Villiers-en-Bois, France) and colleagues have published open access in the ornithological journal *[Oikos](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16000706)* on analysing long-term recapture data sets for four populations of Sooty *Phoebetria fusca* and Light-mantled *P. palpebratq*Albatrosses breeding on three French islandsin the southern Indian Ocean*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “The variability in responses to environmental change between populations remains poorly quantified and understood.   This shortcoming has major consequences, as variation and flexibility of life-history traits between populations contribute to the estimation of the adaptive potential, which is necessary for predicting the responses of interconnected populations to environmental change.  Here, we use 20–50 years of capture-mark-recapture data from four populations of two closely related species in the southern Indian Ocean, the sooty albatross *Phoebetria fusca* and the light-mantled sooty albatross *Phoebetria palpebrata*, to analyze their demographic responses to environmental changes across an oceanic basin scale.  We assessed the role of climate and oceanographic conditions as bottom–up forcings and fisheries bycatch as a top–down forcing on survival and three reproductive parameters in each population.  We found expected demographic responses: negative effects of fishing effort on survival and breeding success, positive effects of wind velocity on breeding success, negative effects of warm sea surface temperature anomalies, and positive effects of sea ice concentration.  Furthermore, our results highlight differences between populations, revealing three main outcomes.  First, the two populations situated at the edge of their distribution seemed more affected by variations in oceanographic conditions than counterparts situated within the core of their ranges.  Second, the two northernmost populations experiencing lower wind speed, had their breeding success affected by meridional wind speed. Third, a large-scale climate index had opposite effects on demographic parameters of the two populations situated in the western and eastern parts of the southern Indian Ocean.  This comparison of the variation in demographic responses to environmental conditions at the inter-population level, sheds light on our limited understanding of the processes that account for life-history trait variation between populations and suggests that local environmental conditions and large-scale climate patterns may drive the diversity of local ecological responses across species' ranges.” With thanks to Karine Delord. **Reference:** Schatz, C., Delord, K., Joubert, D., Peretou, S., Sun, R. & Barbraud, C. 2025.  Inter-population variation in demographic responses to environmental changes: insights from four seabird populations.*  [Oikos](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oik.11364)*[doi.org/10.1002/oik.11364](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oik.11364). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/living-on-the-edge-phoebetria-albatrosses-are-more-affected-by-oceanographic-conditions-away-from-their-core-ranges.md) ## Opportunities and challenges for new technologies in seabird population monitoring *![Senkaku Maxar](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Senkaku_Maxar.png) WorldView-3 30-cm resolution satellite image of Minami-kojima and Kita-kojima, Senkaku Islands, western North Pacific Ocean on 27 November 2020, with inset showing primary (P) and secondary (S) nest count areas of Short-tailed Albatrosses*Phoebastria albatrus*; ©2020 Maxar Technologies (read more [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJicm90aGVyIiwiYnJvdGhlcnMiXQ==))* Morten Frederiksen ([Department of Ecoscience](https://ecos.au.dk/en/), Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark) and colleagues have reviewed open access in the [*ICES Journal of Marine Science*](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms)technological advances in monitoring seabird populations. The paper’s abstract follows: “Monitoring of seabird population size and demography has for decades relied on observer-based methods. While such methods have allowed the accumulation of extensive, standardized time series, while typically involving both volunteer and professional observers, they often suffer from uneven coverage across species and locations, as well as limited replicability. Technological advances, in the form of, for example, visual and/or thermal imagery collected either by permanently situated automated cameras or remote-sensing technology, acoustic data loggers, or automated presence/absence biotelemetry systems, show great potential for overcoming the limitations of observer-based methods and extending coverage of monitoring programmes to more difficult circumstances and species. However, there are challenges and risks associated with the introduction of technology-based monitoring such as initial costs, data storage, post-processing of the large amounts of data, and potential alienation of experienced fieldworkers. We review the issues that agencies responsible for seabird monitoring should consider before introducing technology-based monitoring to complement existing methods, and we provide a set of recommendations and potential future research directions.” **Reference:** Frederiksen, M., Layton-Matthews, K., Bennett, S., Funder Castenschiold, J.H., Cruz-Flores, M., Edney, A.J., Fauchald, P., Franklin, K.A., Guímaro, H.R., Hereward, H.F.R., Johnston, D.T., Merkel, B., Molværsmyr, SW., Sauser, C., Snell, K.R.S. & Humphreys, E.M. 2025.  Opportunities and challenges for new technologies in seabird population monitoring.  [*ICES Journal of Marine Science*, 82, doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaf115](https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaf115). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/opportunities-and-challenges-for-new-technologies-in-seabird-population-monitoring.md) ## Long-term changes in petrel populations on Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, inferred from skua diet *![Inaccessible Island by John Cooper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Inaccessible_Island_by_John_Cooper.jpg) The steep slopes of Inaccessible Island, photograph by John Cooper* Peter Ryan ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, South Africa) has published in [*Ostrich Journal of African Ornithology*](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tost20)on the petrel populations of rarely visited Inaccessible Island, part of the Tristan da Cunha group in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Petrels that breed in burrows and return to their colonies after dark are among the mostj poorly studied seabirds. Brown Skuas *Stercorarius antarcticus* (family Stercorariidae) are major predators of burrowing petrels at many seabird breeding islands in the Southern Ocean, so monitoring the diet of skuas can provide insights into petrel population trends. Regurgitated pellets and other prey remains indicate that petrels comprise 94% (monthly range 91–97%) of all prey items in the pellets and other prey remains on Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha. Other seabirds (0.7%), land birds (1.0%), subantarctic fur seals *Arctocephalus tropicalis* (0.5%) and marine animals (3.5%) make up the remainder of the Brown Skua diet. At least 12 species of petrels are eaten, including two species that are not known to breed on Inaccessible Island, but five taxa comprised over 98% of all petrels eaten: *Fregetta* storm petrels (44%), White-faced Storm Petrels *Pelagodroma marina* (23%), Broad-billed Prions *Pachyptila vittata* (21%), Great Shearwaters *Ardenna gravis* (6%) and Common Diving Petrels *Pelecanoides urinatrix* (5%). Pellets containing 2 or 3 avian prey items (15% of pellets) were more likely to contain conspecifics than heterospecifics, indicating either local differences in prey distribution or individual dietary specialisation. The prey composition changed seasonally linked to the phenology of the prey species, with White-faced Storm Petrels more common in the skua diet in spring, and *Fregetta* storm petrels in summer. Fur seals and Great Shearwaters have become more important in the skua diet, reflecting known or suspected increases in the populations of these species on the island, whereas the populations of Common Diving Petrels and Subantarctic Shearwaters *Puffinus elegans* may have decreased. Modal tarsal length of *Fregetta* storm petrels changed from 37 mm in 1987/89 to 39 mm in 2009, suggesting a possible increase of *F. tropica* relative to *F. grallaria* in the skua diet. However, overall there has been little change in the diet of Brown Skuas on this island over the last four decades.” **Reference:** Ryan, P.G. 2024.  Long-term changes in petrel populations on Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, inferred from the diet of Brown Skuas *Stercorarius antarcticus.** **[Ostrich Journal of African Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2269479)*[95: 163-171](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2269479). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/long-term-changes-in-petrel-populations-on-inaccessible-island-tristan-da-cunha-inferred-from-skua-diet.md) ## Applications for Travel Awards to attend the Fourth World Seabird Conference in Hobart, Tasmania in September 2026 now open ![WSC4 travel awards](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WSC4_travel_awards.png) Applications for Travel Awards to attend the [Fourth World Seabird Conference](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-4th-world-seabird-conference-is-now-open-for-registration-and-abstract-submission) in Hobart, Tasmania in September 2026 are now open.  Awards will be available for eligible participants, including early-career researchers and those from underrepresented regions.  Applications must be submitted by 15 January 2026.  Notification of Travel Awards will be on 15 March 2026. “The WSC 4 Travel Awards offer financial assistance to support students, early-career researchers, and seabird conservation practitioners in attending the 4th World Seabird Conference.  These awards are designed to help offset travel, accommodation, and registration costs, making it easier for emerging and underrepresented voices to participate in this global event.” Travel Awards are open to: - Undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students - Early- and post-career scientists - Seabird researchers and conservation practitioners from developing countries “We particularly encourage applications from researchers based in Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.” Most awards will not exceed US$2200. Final amounts are based on: - Estimated travel expenses - Availability of other funding sources - Quality of the submitted abstract Applications to be made online from [here](https://leishman.eventsair.com/4th-world-seabirds-conference-2026/travel-awards/Site/Register). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/applications-for-travel-awards-to-attend-the-fourth-world-seabird-conference-in-hobart-tasmania-in-september-2026-now-open.md) ## Need financial support for your UK undergraduate research? The BOU Summer Placement Scheme could help  ![BOU logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/BOU-logo.png) The [British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) Summer Placement Scheme](https://bou.org.uk/funding/summer-placement-scheme/) provides financial support for undergraduate students, studying at any UK higher education institute, to carry out small summer ornithological research projects which might otherwise be unaffordable. As part of the scheme, the BOU offers a weekly stipend of up to UK£250 for up to eight weeks, plus up to £400 for research expenses.  Three funded placements, each to a maximum of £2400, are available in 2026.  Applicants are expected to work full time on the project for the duration of the placement. The student must submit the application and must be supported by a host organisation who will provide all supervision and access to lab space, field sites, consumables and equipment as necessary for the proposed project.  The BOU does not offer direct supervision, mentorship or facilities as part of this scheme. BOU membership is not a requirement to apply and successful applicants, if not already BOU members, will be gifted a one-year BOU membership.  The scheme is particularly seeking applications from individuals belonging to groups that are currently under-represented within ornithology.  The application deadline is 30 January 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/need-financial-support-for-your-uk-undergraduate-research-the-bou-summer-placement-scheme-is-now-open.md) ## Taiaroa Head’s Royal Cam chick fledges with a tracker - and a name  ![Kaewa 10 September](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Kaewa_10_September.jpg)*Kaewa on 10 September, seven days before fledging, Royal Cam photograph* The [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* chick of the 2024/25 breeding season that has been the subject of the 24-hour live-streaming “[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)” at New Zealand’s mainland [Taiaroa Head/Pukekura colony](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) has fledged.  Named Kaewa, which means to adventure/travel or roam in Te Reo Māori, she has been fitted with a GPS satellite tracking device, along with a plastic band YellowE55and a metalband R-65278 with a cable-tied Geolocation Sensor (GLS) on the opposite leg on 01 August.  Kaewa fledged on 17 September at 232 days of age (and a mass of 7.7 kg, up from 286 g at hatching). ![Kaewa 500 km](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Kaewa_500_km.png) “She’s on her massive round-the-world journey to the coast of South America, where she will live for a few years, before returning home to Pukekura/Taiaroa Head, via the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to breed.  She's 500 km into her travels already, heading in a northeasterly direction toward Rēkohu/Chatham Islands”.  Follow her at-sea movements [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-discussion/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNJrqdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE2aUVDMXhRZHh6M2NDaTNZAR7f1FiKsj3O_uSFenGi0HmAKkIpgHqbtktNmk0lVhvwOQYZLCSD2snqn5F6Hg_aem_x75oHQ1wbPC-2tB5ZHuetA). *A 2024/25 chick fledges on camera following extended hovering in a strong wind on 25 September* A total of 18 GPS trackers, nine on females and nine on males, has been attached to the back feathers of 2024/25 chicks.  On 30 September there were still eight chicks to take flight and fledge from the colony. The Royal Cam live stream will be moved to a new location in November after the 2025/26 season's eggs have been laid by birds that are [now returning](https://acap.aq/latest-news/we-hope-you-have-your-bells-ready-the-first-northern-royal-albatross-has-returned-to-taiaroa-head) to the colony. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/taiaroa-heads-royal-cam-chick-fledges-with-a-tracker-and-a-name.md) ## The 4th World Seabird Conference is now open for registration and abstract submission  ![WSC4 Landscape](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WSC4-Landscape.webp) “The 4th World Seabird Conference ([WSC4](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/)) will take place from **7**to 11 September 2026 in the vibrant coastal city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.  This hybrid event will offer both in-person and virtual participation, ensuring global accessibility and broad engagement across time zones and disciplines. The conference, with the overall theme is “*Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate*”, is now open for [early bird registration](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/registration/) (until 01 January 2026) and the [submission of abstracts](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference-home/call-for-abstracts/). “Researchers, students, and conservation professionals are encouraged to submit their latest work on seabird science and climate change.”  The deadline for submission of abstracts is 16 January 2026. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 01 October 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-4th-world-seabird-conference-is-now-open-for-registration-and-abstract-submission.md) ## Surveying albatrosses and petrels for parasites in the southwestern Atlantic  ![Tristan Albatross 3 Tom McSherry](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Tristan_Albatross_3_Tom_McSherry.jpg)*Only one [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross*Diomedea dabbenena*was analysed for parasites, photograph on Gough Island by Tom McSherry* Patricia Serafini ([Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Contaminação Aquática e Imunoquímica](https://labcai.paginas.ufsc.br/), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil) and colleagues have published early view and open access in the journal *[Parasitology](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology)* on surveying for parasites in southern albatrosses and petrels, including eight ACAP-listed species. The paper’s abstract follows: “Emerging infectious diseases pose threats to wildlife, particularly in geographically isolated populations where hosts may lack prior exposure and immunity.  Seabirds inhabiting remote islands in the southwest Atlantic and Southern Ocean, including threatened albatrosses and petrels, are increasingly affected by infectious pathogens.  However, baseline data on vector-borne infections in these species remain scarce.  This study assessed the presence of vector-borne haemosporidian parasites (*Plasmodium*, *Haemoproteus* and*Leucocytozoon*) and bacterial pathogens (*Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato*, *Anaplasma* and *Ehrlichia*) in albatrosses and petrels, providing insights into disease prevalence and potential threats to these populations.  We analysed blood and tissue samples from 269 individuals of 5 albatross and 12 petrel species, collected over an 11-year period (2013–2023) from South Georgia and multiple sites along the Brazilian coastline.  Molecular assays, including nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), were used for pathogen screening.  Blood smears from birds sampled in South Georgia were also examined for haemoparasites via light microscopy.  We found no molecular or microscopy evidence of infection with haemosporidian parasites, *Borrelia*, *Anaplasma* or *Ehrlichia* in any of the samples.  These findings suggest that vector-borne pathogens are either absent or at low prevalence, possibly because of limited vector presence, natural resistance or historical isolation from infection.  Continuous monitoring is critical given current environmental changes and risks of pathogen introduction via climate-driven shifts in vector distribution.  Our study establishes an essential baseline for future disease surveillance, prevention and mitigation in albatrosses and petrels, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring to detect emerging pathogens in vulnerable seabird populations.” With thanks to Richard Phillips and Patricia Serafini. **Reference:** Pereira Serafini P.*et al*. 2025.  Disease surveillance in albatrosses and petrels from the Southwest Atlantic and Southern Ocean.  *[Parasitology,](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology/article/disease-surveillance-in-albatrosses-and-petrels-from-the-southwest-atlantic-and-southern-ocean/21173431E017EAA734865B0AC5BB27EE)*[1-7. doi.org/10.1017/S0031182025100590](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/parasitology/article/disease-surveillance-in-albatrosses-and-petrels-from-the-southwest-atlantic-and-southern-ocean/21173431E017EAA734865B0AC5BB27EE). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 30 September 2025*       [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/2025-09-30-00-00-00.md) ## Wedge-tailed Shearwaters face an ongoing onslaught by feral cats on Kauai  ![Wedge tailed cat mass kill ARC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_cat_mass_kill_ARC.jpg)*Collected corpses of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters preyed upon by feral cats at Ninini Point, Kauai, photograph from the**Hawaii-based environmental consultancy, Archipelago Research and Conservation (ARC)* At least three mass kills of [Wedge-tailed Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) (ʻuaʻu kani) *Ardenna pacifica* have been recorded on the Hawaiian island of Kauai this breeding season, amounting to a minimum of 180 birds by [feral cats](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/arc-news/0xumyillu30lispqgu1dejq1zc1go5?fbclid=IwY2xjawNEWPlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExRlpiNHpNZWZGSHJvbWJuAR5hEXNDDk4254wDnpTifOSYkgILCuQAiQ6bx6fBuR5TRs96PtOaYhSgktO3Yw_aem_s7TKEXLdsRwRlL9A1xd1Bg) and [unleashed dogs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/its-not-just-cats-nine-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-killed-by-dogs-on-kauai). “Dr André Raine, Science Director for [Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064243893672&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUhX2Iovupqvlnwn_ZSt8i5i56Dw_kCl3vfnq8UhebsIDC30cDeaSPz0kRgBPAkB0OAT-Qi72CJz4RaVyhaLY8WBrGzqNAeBGDOOllav22FpgBkJuZ9Ksb6T1Kx6avKbylB_D5RfVlr654v4Z9Ot-fGZUIJ7LcHeSkQpVEmZ4tflKFLoV9CrL6UEGzkCy29K6A&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R)said that these were not isolated events.  The most recent incident that we investigated - in a ʻuaʻu kani colony at Ninini Point - was one of the worst I have seen, with at least 125 birds killed by cats.  Dead birds were scattered all over the colony, most of them being adults.  When the adults are killed, their chicks then also slowly starve to death.  Unfortunately, these kinds of reports happen on an almost annual basis and at seabird colonies all over the island.” *'Ua'u kani Colony at Ninini Point Devastated by Cats — At Least 125 Birds Killed* “At Ninini Point, conservationists found a total of 106 dead adult birds and a further 19 dead chicks.  They were only able to check a quarter of the colony, so it is highly likely there were many more.  Based on the condition of the bodies, predations had been occurring at the site all season long.  One dead bird was found with its egg still inside its body - showing it had been killed at the start of the breeding season – while in the case of two of the chicks, they had been freshly killed the previous night.  Additional incidents in the last two weeks were recorded at Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail (at least 16 birds) and the road past Spouting Horn (at least 39 birds).” ![Wedge tailed cat mass kill ARC 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_cat_mass_kill_ARC_2.jpg)*Another view of the devastation at Ninini Point, photograph from* *Archipelago Research and Conservation* Dr Raine continued “What is extremely frustrating is that this is an almost annual event on Kauaʻi.  Looking through my reports, we have had annual kills of ʻuaʻu kani at Spouting Horn for the last three years straight and kills at Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail going back as far as 2013.  This year we started with a report from Haena of over nine shearwaters killed by a dog off its leash and as we are nearing the end of the season we are getting multiple reports of mass kills across the island.  It happens every year.” *![Wedge tailed cat mass kill ARC chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_cat_mass_kill_ARC_chick.jpg)Wedge-tailed Shearwaters can breed in shallow burrows, making them easy prey to cats and dogs, photograph from* *Archipelago Research and Conservation* Read the full account from ARC [here](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/arc-news/0xumyillu30lispqgu1dejq1zc1go5?fbclid=IwY2xjawNBsF5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0czZEdjJlaDV2Y1R0dHFjAR6JPu-_b7IzgEGu3fPZVDLuG2j5oF3qBe5NI-14fdzSvjMIDATTem4691qYMg_aem_0F4Yx2m0tJDY3FCtKcBLjg).  You can also view videos and news articles [here](https://www.kitv.com/news/native-seabird-colony-threatened-by-feral-cats/article_25890e94-fa47-4209-b901-7ae33786571e.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawNEVwZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkf6JTbVkRdgR4GXl87h46Uk__a23hUubWod6kmZdo7qcuKX8wgToD1dBUTv_aem_G1VHYjqxSyR4xFwKzFqBrw) and [here](https://kauainownews.com/2025/09/26/three-mass-kills-of-%ca%bbua%ca%bbu-kani-birds-discovered-on-kaua%ca%bbi-amid-fledgling-season/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNET55leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHk-0PO6j5EYmcfWQBHb_U4iv4iWXdbjW59FT16a_TbgcTUqT8NNxcWW4pBq4_aem_z_i-_NT_yFc0F2IUZeuVXQ).  Read the most recent *ACAP Monthly Missive* entitled “Two different animals: pet cats at home, feral cats on islands” giving a personal take on the issue. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 29 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedge-tailed-shearwaters-face-an-ongoing-onslaught-by-feral-cats-on-kauai.md) ## Island populations of the Endangered Hawaiian Petrel differ in breeding phenology  ![Hawaiian Petrel chick Andre Raine](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Hawaiian_Petrel_chick_Andre_Raine.jpg)*Hawaiian Petrel chick, photograph by André Raine* André Raine ([Archipelago Research and Conservation,](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/) Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Bird Conservation International](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international)* on two island populations of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* that start breeding two weeks apart. The paper’s summary follows: “The ʻuaʻu, or Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis*, is an endangered seabird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Genetic, morphometric, and behavioural differences have previously been found between different island populations of the species.  Understanding the breeding phenology of different populations of ʻuaʻu is therefore vital for conservation actions targeting the species.  To assess breeding phenology of ʻuaʻu on the islands of Kauaʻi and Lānaʻi, two main techniques were used over a 12-year period: direct burrow monitoring and burrow cameras.  The breeding phenology of the ʻuaʻu is described based on this data.  On Kauaʻi, breeding birds arrive in the middle of April, undergo an exodus of approximately one month, and return to lay in the beginning of June.  Incubation continues until early August, followed by chick-rearing, which ends on average two weeks before the chick fledges.  Fledging starts in mid-October, peaks in mid-November, and ends in the third week of December.  Lānaʻi birds arrive two weeks earlier and fledge one week earlier than on Kauaʻi. On both islands breeding was asynchronous with a 68-day (Kauaʻi) and 48-day (Lānaʻi) gap between first and last fledging birds.  Considering phenology data across its entire Hawaiian range, ʻuaʻu first arrive on east Maui, then Lānaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi in that order.  These differences in timing presumably reflect and/or reinforce genetic differentiation between subpopulations of the species.  The utility of this information is discussed in terms of directing management actions towards key periods of vulnerability to introduced predators, including peak incubation, chick emergence, and chick exercise periods.  Description of island-specific phenologies is also critical to inform efforts to rescue fledglings disoriented by artificial light, mitigate powerline collisions, and refine existing monitoring and restoration projects.  Future work using acoustic monitoring and data collected at social attraction sites is recommended for assessing the phenology of non-breeders at colonies.” Read a popular account of the publication [here](https://www.cambridge.org/core/blog/2025/08/19/directing-conservation-efforts-for-the-%ca%bbua%ca%bbu-timing-matters/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNBNNdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1Y2FMd2dhUFhjcXhWMndKAR7NfFUFs6D9esOWPalVbshsWZfov93sKyy8p6EWHyu0gZ9-Gu7GVTf0T0wnsg_aem_4xTEMIy68oPhNs91kcmhNw). **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Driskill, S., Sprague, R., Rothe, J., Caceres, G., Schuetz, J., McFarlin, M. & Travers, M.S.  2025.  Differences in breeding phenology between two geographically separated populations of the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis*).  *[Bird Conservation International 35, doi.org/10.1017/S0959270925000024](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/abs/differences-in-breeding-phenology-between-two-geographically-separated-populations-of-the-uau-hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis/E368B3B59B99EA316E4324858C1631E8)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/island-populations-of-the-endangered-hawaiian-petrel-differ-in-breeding-phenology.md) ## We hope you have your bells ready! The first Northern Royal Albatross has returned to Taiaroa Head  ![First return NRA 2025 26](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/First_return_NRA_2025-26.jpg)*“New season’s arrivals stand out from the remaining breeders who are still fledging chicks as they have a pale bill unlike the bright pink bill of a parent who has a chick to feed, and they often have dark feathers on the head which will fade during the summer”, photograph by Sharyn Broni* In what has become an established tradition, bells will be ringing today in Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island to mark the first [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* to return to start the 2025/26 season in the [Taiaroa Head/Pukekura colony](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/).  The colony is the only one on the mainland of New Zealand and is one of the very few in the world where breeding albatrosses can be viewed by the general public without joining a sea-going - and expensive - expedition. “Our first returning albatross for the new breeding season has been sighted! KM (black metal) a 30-year-old male who is a very successful breeder raising 12 chicks since 2003 with the same partner.  KM was seen on the headland by Department of Conservation rangers on 14th September.  KM hasn’t been seen for one year as [it has] been circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere and has now returned to start a brand-new season.”  The bird’s long-time mate is WOK and they fledged a chick in 2024.  KM has an injury on the other leg which means he cannot have the usual colour bands. “Bell ringing will take place at 12:30 pm NZST Thursday 25th September.  The city churches will join us in ringing the bells but as its school holidays in New Zealand, we are unsure how many schools will be able to join us this year, so we’d love lots of other bell-ringers throughout Dunedin and afar to join in and ring their bells as well to help us celebrate!  Don’t have a bell? Maybe you could set your phone to ring, sing a song or clap! We love original ideas and lots of fun!  If you’re in Dunedin join us at the centre for a bell-ringing ceremony.” The Northern Royal Albatross is, when successful, a biennial breeder.  The return of adults for a new breeding season overlaps with the fledging of chicks from the previous season, including the chick that has been followed by a 24-hour live-streaming “[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)” since hatching on 28 January this year.  It fledged on 17 September at 232 days of age (and a mass of 7.7 kg, up from 286 g at hatching), with a successfully working GPS satellite tracker attached.  A total of 18 trackers, nine on females and nine on males, have been attached to the back feathers of 2024/25 chicks, now fledging. Information from an online [Royal Cam Community Discussion](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-discussion/) group, [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354) and from elsewhere. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/we-hope-you-have-your-bells-ready-the-first-northern-royal-albatross-has-returned-to-taiaroa-head.md) ## What about the Critically Endangered Newell’s Shearwaters? Some night-time football games during fledging approved once more on Kauai *![Newells Shearwater downed bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_downed_bird.jpeg) A downed Newell’s Shearwater gets rescued, photograph from [Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064243893672)* * *Night-time football games will be allowed once more on the Hawaiian island of Kauai during the fledging season of the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwater, *Puffinus newelli* from 15 September to 15 December, following the previous season when no night games took place. “During these months, the young nocturnal birds leave their mountain burrows for the first time, journeying to the sea and guided by the stars or moonlight.  Artificial lighting from stadiums, as well as homes, streetlamps and vehicles can disorient them, causing them to crash to the ground.” Some night football games on Kauai will be allowed, following a tiered system to classify bird fallout risk as low, medium, or high.  Four of the seven games scheduled during the current fledgling season can be played at night because they are either low and or medium risk.  Night games are not permitted during high-risk nights. “Low-risk nights typically have favourable weather and moonlight conditions that reduce disorientation risks for fledgling seabirds.  Medium-risk nights may have partial cloud cover or lighting conditions that slightly increase the chance of fallout and downed birds.  High-risk nights occur during low moonlight and overcast skies, significantly increasing the danger of seabirds becoming disoriented by artificial lighting.” “Once a bird is grounded, even if it is rescued, its chances of survival drop significantly.  This is primarily due to human handling, the risk of contracting diseases from the ground, and the fatigue caused by circling artificial lights, which depletes the fat reserves they need for migration.” Read more [here](https://kauainownews.com/2025/09/20/night-football-games-approved-this-fall-under-kaua%ca%bbi-countys-seabird-safe-guidelines/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM_ia1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmlj6E3l5ZzfRfwrjSK-PVF7b8WNxYsO9SU6Il0_C6ErTS663YSLSiLLoiAm_aem_gJVHXrcjsch9jH6afDSBTw) and [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=football+Kauai&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-about-the-critically-endangered-newells-shearwaters-some-night-time-football-games-during-fledging-approved-once-more-on-kauai.md) ## Molecular screening for avian viruses and parasites in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Barau’s Petrels in the Indian Ocean *![Wedge tailed Shearwater Pacific Islands Avian Health Disease Program](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge_tailed_Shearwater_Pacific_Islands_Avian_Health__Disease_Program.jpg)Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, from the Pacific Islands Avian Health & Disease Program* Camille Lebarbenchon ([Université de La Réunion](https://www.univ-reunion.fr/), Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France) and colleagues have published in the open access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on screening two tropical seabirds for viruses and blood parasites The paper’s abstract follows: “We investigated Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica* and Barau's Petrel *Pterodroma baraui* exposure to infectious agents circulating in the western Indian Ocean. Using polymerase chain reaction and serological analyses, we screened for influenza viruses, flaviviruses, coronaviruses, and blood parasites (*Haemoproteus*, *Leucocytozoon*, and *Plasmodium*). No active infections were detected and serological results suggested limited past exposure, with only two Wedge-tailed Shearwaters testing positive for antibodies to the influenza A virus. These findings indicate the limited role of these species as epidemiological reservoirs. However, environmental factors such as tick infestations and isolated breeding habitats highlight the need for continued epidemiological monitoring to support effective conservation strategies.” **Reference:** Lebarbenchon, C., Toty, C., Boucher, S., Jaeger, A. & Le Corre, M. 2025.  Molecular screening of avian viruses and parasites in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica* and Barau’s Petrels *Pterodroma baraui* on Réunion Island.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1645)*[53: 261-264](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1645). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/molecular-screening-for-avian-viruses-and-parasites-in-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-and-baraus-petrels-in-the-indian-ocean.md) ## Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters are not one species, say authors *![Pep](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Pep.jpg) Balearic Shearwater front, Yelkouan Shearwater behind, photograph by**Pep Arcos-SEO/BirdLife* George Sangster ([Naturalis Biodiversity Center](https://www.naturalis.nl/en), Leiden, the Netherlands) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/molecular-phylogenetics-and-evolution)* arguing that differences between the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic *Puffinus mauretanicus* (ACAP listed) and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yelkouan-shearwater-puffinus-yelkouan) Yelkouan or Mediterranean *P. yelkouan* Shearwaters in genetics, colouration, morphometrics and vocalizations do not represent credible evidence that they are conspecific. The paper’s abstract follows: “[Ferrer Obiol et al. (2023)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790325001873#b0060) applied double digest restriction-site associated sequencing (ddRAD-seq) data to delimit species in North Atlantic and Mediterranean *Puffinus* shearwaters. These authors concluded that the Balearic/Yelkouan shearwaters (*P. mauretanicus*/*P. yelkouan*) sister-species pair comprised a single species based on analyses of ddRAD-seq data and a very brief and deficient review of other evidence. While it is clear that reduced representation genomic data are often suitable for the discovery and documentation of species and their relationships, the issue of whether such data are sufficient to *falsify* hypotheses of species taxa has received only limited attention so far. Here, we note that detection of species in phylogenomic analyses based on reduced representation sequencing methods will be problematic if species differences are only found in a small portion of the genome (so-called ‘genomic islands of differentiation’), as has been documented in multiple case studies. This means that genomic differences between some species may only be detected if (i) entire genomes are sequenced, and (ii) a formal search for islands of differentiation is conducted. Valid species may be overlooked in reduced representation approaches, such as ddRAD sequencing. Consequently, an apparent lack of overall phylogenomic divergence (e.g. lack of reciprocal monophyly, low genome-wide *F*ST) should not be used by taxonomists as evidence that such taxa are not valid species. We conclude that the apparent lack of divergence in the ddRAD-seq data of [Ferrer Obiol et al. (2023)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790325001873#b0060) does not represent credible evidence that *P. mauretanicus* and *P. yelkouan* are conspecific. In addition, we s.how that the authors misrepresented other available taxonomic data, failing to properly follow an integrative approach.” Read a [popular account](https://seo.org/pardela-balear-y-pardela-mediterranea-cercanas-pero-distintas/) of the publication in Spanish and read [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/are-the-acap-listed-balearic-shearwater-and-the-yelkouan-shearwater-two-separate-species-a-new-genetic-study-says-not?highlight=WyJvYmlvbCJd)on the Ferrer Obiol *et al.* (2023) publication With thanks to Pep Arcos. **Reference:** Sangster, G., Genovart, M., Guilford, T., Oro, D., Louzao, M., Brooke, M.deL., Arcos, J.M. 2025.  Phylogenomics and the falsification of shearwater species (*Puffinus mauretanicus*, *P. yelkouan*) hypotheses: a comment on [Ferrer Obiol et al. (2023)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790325001873?via%3Dihub#b0060). * **[Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790325001873?via%3Dihub)*[214, 108470](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790325001873?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/balearic-and-yelkouan-shearwaters-are-not-one-species-say-authors.md) ## The New Island Restoration Programme gets new funding from Darwin Plus ![Whie chinned Petrel New Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Whie-chinned_Petrel_New_Island.jpg)  *New Island supports a very small population of White-chinned Petrels that is at risk to feral cats and introduced rodents* The [New Island Restoration](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/) Project has recently been awarded further funding through the Darwin Plus scheme as part of the UK Government’s [Biodiversity Challenge Funds](https://www.biodiversitychallengefunds.org.uk/). “This vital support enables us to move into the next stage of restoring New Island — attempting to remove invasive mammals and safeguard the island’s unique wildlife and ecosystems for generations to come.  Darwin Plus funding is crucial in making ambitious, large-scale conservation projects possible, turning careful planning into real conservation action on the ground.” *![Landsend Bluff Ian Strange s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Landsend%20Bluff%20Ian%20Strange%20s.jpg) Landsend Bluff, New Island, photograph by Ian Strange* The [New Island National Nature Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic) is considered one of the most globally significant wildlife sites in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* and is in major need of restoration.  Four invasive mammal species, feral cats, European Rabbits, Black Rats and House Mice, threaten the site’s fauna and are degrading the island’s fragile habitats. Their removal is required for recovery and long-term climate resilience and protection of its breeding ACAP-listed Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* and White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis,* as well as its many Thin-billed Prions *Pachyptila belcheri*. *![MG 8341 BBA pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/_MG_8341_BBA_pair.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross pair on New Island, photograph by Ian Strange* Read an earlier ACAP news article on the New Island Restoration Project[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-what-is-the-state-of-play-with-planned-predator-eradications-on-two-sub-antarctic-islands?highlight=WyJuZXciLCJuZXdzJyIsIiduZXciLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwicmVzdG9yYXRpb24iLCJyZXN0b3JlIiwicmVzdG9yZWQiLCJyZXN0b3JpbmciLCJyZXN0b3JhdGlvbnMiLCJwcm9ncmFtbWUiLCJwcm9ncmFtbWVzIiwicHJvZ3JhbW1lJ3MiXQ==). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 September 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-new-island-restoration-programme-gets-new-funding-from-darwin-plus.md) ## It’s not just cats. Nine Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are killed by dogs on Kauai ![Wedge tailed dog kill ARC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_dog_kill_ARC.jpg)*Wedge-tailed Shearwater corpses after the dog attack, photograph from**Archipelago Research and Conservation* The Hawaii-based environmental consultancy, [Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064243893672&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUhX2Iovupqvlnwn_ZSt8i5i56Dw_kCl3vfnq8UhebsIDC30cDeaSPz0kRgBPAkB0OAT-Qi72CJz4RaVyhaLY8WBrGzqNAeBGDOOllav22FpgBkJuZ9Ksb6T1Kx6avKbylB_D5RfVlr654v4Z9Ot-fGZUIJ7LcHeSkQpVEmZ4tflKFLoV9CrL6UEGzkCy29K6A&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) (ARC) has recently reported on its Facebook page of a mass killing of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica* by dogs on the inhabited island of Kauai.  “Another mass slaughter of 'ua'u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater) by dogs, this time on the [Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail](https://www.kauai.com/mahaulepu-beach-trail) - at least 8 adults and a chick. Dog owners, please keep your dogs on leash!!” This is not the first report of dogs killing shearwaters on the island.  In 2017 a stray dog killed 32 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters within the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands ([PMRF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility)). The dog was caught and euthanized.  “Wedgies” on Kauai are also at risk to feral pigs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-feral-pig-kills-a-wedge-tailed-shearwater-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai?highlight=WyJwaWdzIiwicGlnIiwia2F1YWkiLCJrYXVhaSdzIl0=)). Free-roaming dogs have also [attacked and killed](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/curb-that-cur-yet-more-laysan-albatrosses-are-killed-by-dogs-running-wild-on-kaua-i) breeding Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* and their chicks on the island on multiple occasions over the years. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 18 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/its-not-just-cats-nine-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-killed-by-dogs-on-kauai.md) ## Once more, ABUN artist Apple Resonance has produced six artworks to mark World Albatross Day ![Apple Resonance Stunned Amsterdam Albatross Dominique Filippi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_Stunned_Amsterdam_Albatross_Dominique_Filippi.jpg) *“Stunned”.  An Amsterdam Albatross chick yawns, after a photograph by Dominique Filippi*  ACAP’s fourth collaboration ([Project #43](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4530-the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more)) with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ABUN4Nature)) for World Albatross Day 2023 (WAD2023)  had the theme of ‘[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)’.  It resulted in [55 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3) being submitted.  [Six works](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artworks-by-apple-resonance-show-the-interactions-between-albatrosses-and-plastic-pollution-in-eye-catching-ways?highlight=WyJhcHBsZSIsIidhcHBsZSIsImFwcGxlcyJd) came from [Apple (Chan) Resonance](https://appleresonance.com/). Originally from Manila, Philippines, she now lives in California, USA. Two years later, Apple has once more produced a portfolio of six artworks to mark WAD2025 on 19 June.  This year’s theme was ‘[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”, supported by two featured albatrosses, the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis#Distribution) Amsterdam *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed *Thalassarche carteri*, that breeds on islands in the southern Indian Ocean.  Apple has contributed two paintings of the Amsterdam Albatross and four of the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, as illustrated here  ![Apple Resonance Shadowed Amsterdam Albatross Anthony Buttet](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_Shadowed_Amsterdam_Albatross_Anthony_Buttet.jpg) “*Shadowed”   an* *Amsterdam Albatross head on, after a photograph by Anthony Buttet*  ![Apple Resonance Hatched IYNA Almsterdam Island after Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_-_Hatched_-_IYNA_Almsterdam_Island_after_Karine_Delord.jpg)*“Hatched”.  An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross with its chick on its webbed feet, after a photograph by Karine Delord*  ![Apple Resonance Nestled IYNA Almsterdam Island after Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_-_Nestled_-_IYNA_Almsterdam_Island_after_Karine_Delord.jpg)**“Nestled”.  An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick on Amsterdam Island, after a photograph by Karine Delord** ![Apple Resonance Riddled IYNA Almsterdam Island after Eleanor Weideman](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_-_Riddled_-_IYNA_Almsterdam_Island_after_Eleanor_Weideman.jpg)*"Riddled”.  An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, after a photograph by Eleanor Weideman* *![Apple Resonance IYNA Becalmed](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_IYNA_Becalmed.jpg) “Becalmed”.*  *An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross preens its chick, after a photograph by Dominique Filippi* ACAP is grateful for Apple Resonance’s support of albatross conservation through her art, as it is for all the contributing ABUN artists over six productive collaborations in support of World Albatross Day. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 17 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/once-more-abun-artist-apple-resonance-has-produced-six-artworks-to-mark-world-albatross-day.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Two different animals: pet cats at home, feral cats on islands *![Newells Shearwater cat kill Andre Raine](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Newells_Shearwater_cat_kill_Andre_Raine.jpg)A feral cat kills a Newell’s Shearwater on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, photograph by André Raine* First a disclaimer.  I have lived with domestic cats nearly all my life.  The current pair have completed a decade; I am approaching my ninth.  So, it can be said we are growing old together, mostly companionably.  An aphorism I occasionally use is “A house is not a home without a cat”.  I guess dog lovers might say much the same about their pets. But not all cats are pets, as are my two and all those who came (and sadly left) before them.  Some can be neglected, abandoned, or left to roam and become lost.  They can then be called strays.  By one definition, a straycat is one which once lived indoors and was socialized to people at some point in its life, but has left or lost its home, or was abandoned, and no longer has regular human contact.  Of course, not all these discarded or wandering moggies have been neutered, so as is normal, they will find a mate and the females will give birth to kittens.  Without human contact from a young age the kittens will not become socialized and will grow to be wild animals.  These are described as feral cats, that will in turn breed, leading to populations that can become of serious conservation concern, especially on islands with breeding seabirds.  As a retired marine ornithologist who has worked on seabird islands my whole career, I have no love for feral cats, as I do for my current pair Annabelle and Oliver at home.  I do not see this as a dichotomy. I started my seabird career in 1971 on 220-ha Dassen Island, off South Africa’s Western Province where I studied the now [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) African Penguin *Spheniscus demersus*, along with a suite of cormorants, two gulls and a pelican.  The island supported feral cats that I showed killed penguin and cornorant chicks and migratory terns.  My control efforts taking potshots with a .22 caliber rifle likely did little to the population and it took many more years before the cats were eradicated by a more concerted hunting effort. * ![Marion Cat Valdon Smith](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Marion_Cat_Valdon_Smith.jpg) A feral cat on Marion Island, photograph by Valdon Smith* Jump forward a decade or so and I became peripherally involved with the successful cat eradication programme on sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  At 32 000 ha and with inhospitable terrain and mostly poor weather, it took some years before the cats were finally removed,  using a variety of techniques,  Indeed, for many years, Marion was the largest island from which feral cats had been eliminated, only recently pipped by now [cat-free](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zMHv9bysTk) Dirk Hartog Island off Western Australia – at 63 000 ha nearly twice as large as South Africa’s Marion Island. One thing Dassen, Marion and Dirk Hartog have in common is that they have no permanent human populations and are managed as nature reserves where introduced mammals are not welcome.  The situation becomes more complex on islands where feral cats coexist with permanent human populations, of whom some inhabitants will be cat lovers and keep them as cherished pets.  For some, their affection for their pets extends to the feral animals and they may place food, such as opened cans of tuna, in localities where stray and wild cats congregate, and may even erect [feeding stations](https://www.alleycat.org/resources/feeding-station-options-gallery/) on poles as advertised for sale online, above the reach of dogs and other predators.  With the bonus of free food, the feral cats will breed copiously; their offspring will be able to disperse to areas where they come into contact with native fauna, including seabirds.  Some advocates support [TNR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trap%E2%80%93neuter%E2%80%93return) (Trap, Neuter, Release/Return) programmes for feral cat communities.  Unfortunately, there seems to be no good evidence these will lead to an overall reduction in the numbers of feral cats present, nor in their depredations of the local fauna. *![Maureen Bennetts Black Petrel chick Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Maureen_Bennetts_Black_Petrel_chick_Biz_Bell.JPG) Black Petrel chick on Great Barrier Island by Maureen Bennetts of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for ACAP, after a photograph by ‘Biz’ Bell* In 2017 while in New Zealand for an ACAP meeting I flew to Great Barrier Island to undertake a three-day hike so as to visit the site of a breeding population of ACAP-listed and [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrels *Procellaria parkinsoni*.  Feral cats are present on the island, and indeed, my host on arrival told me that he put out food for two that regularly came to his back door.  He did not appear to be overly concerned with (or that knowledgeable of?) the environmental damage feral cats are causing over much of New Zealand.  But since then there is the [intention](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-new-zealand-has-ambitious-plans-to-rid-three-inhabited-islands-of-their-introduced-predators?highlight=WyJncmVhdCIsImdyZWF0bHkiLCInZ3JlYXQiLCJiYXJyaWVyIiwiYmFycmllcnMiXQ==) to make 28 000-ha Great Barrier cat (and rat) free.  Here’s hoping! *![Feral cat](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Feral_cat.jpg) The problem: a feral cat gets a handout of cans of tuna* The latest positive news come from “The Big Island” (Hawaii) in the North Pacific, with the Hawaiʻi County Council passing [Bill 51](https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=1105279&page=1&cr=1) that prohibits the feeding of feral and stray animals such as cats, pigs, goats, and chickens on all County-owned or managed properties.  “Bill 51 focuses on public spaces, including County parks, beaches, and facilities where populations of introduced species often congregate due to people feeding them and other inviting conditions”. The bill, assigned as Ordinance No. 25-63, will take effect from 01 January 2026. The new ordinance should give some increased protection to burrow-nesting seabirds on the island, notably the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis*and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*, both endemic to the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. “The issue of feral cat management is especially pressing in Hawai‘i, because outdoor cats are known predators of many imperiled Hawaiian bird species. They have also significantly contributed to the decline of the Nēnē [Hawaiian Goose *Branta sandvicensis* – [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-goose-branta-sandvicensis)] through exposure to toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease that affects a wide variety of species, including the Hawaiian Monk Seal, other wildlife, domestic animals, and people.  Feeding not only supports feral cats but also other invasive animals, including rats and pigs, that damage park infrastructure and pose serious risks to public health.  Cutting off food sources on County lands is essential to reducing feral populations and safeguarding wildlife.” However, there is clearly opposition to the Bill, with for example the [Alley Cat Allies](https://actnow.alleycat.org/page/85848/action/1?locale=en-US) website considering it “cruel”.  It only passed after “[after fierce debate and passionate testimony from the public and council members](https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2025-08-07/hawaii-county-council-passes-bill-to-ban-feeding-feral-animals).”.  One does wonder if it will be properly enforced, as those determined to feed stray and feral cats in public places may well continue to do so, likely surreptitiously.  Threatened endemic seabirds breed on other Hawaiian islands inhabited by people and cats (with Kauai being the main stronghold for the Newell’s Shearwater) – and landowners are not restricted to feeding cats on their private properties. It seems a major mind change is required before Hawaii’s threatened sea and landbirds can be considered safe from feral cats.  A start would be continuing to point out that a feral cat and a pet cat are really two different animals, despite them looking alike and belonging to the same species. Read more on the Hawaii bill [here](https://abcbirds.org/news/hawaii-cat-bill-51-passes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMuw3pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZWE10bTlkTW1oUG9ZVFdrAR4BZQQlRKPLXa47YtlA4tXxioVdbp4p5WgGhyX4h7i721io7PeMeJyOWRN1TA_aem_s_hUzvIwizRaGqv8V4Jd1A). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-two-different-animals-pet-cats-at-home-feral-cats-on-islands.md) ## The U.S. State of the Birds Report for 2025 expresses concerns but has a positive albatross story *![Black foot translocation 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-foot_translocation_4.jpg) International cooperation: a translocated Black-footed Albatross chick on Mexico’s Guadalupe Island* The [2025 U.S. State of the Birds report](https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/) has been produced by a coalition of leading science and conservation organizations including  the American Bird Conservancy, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ducks Unlimited and National Audubon Society.  It reveals continued widespread declines in American bird populations across all mainland and marine habitats, with 229 species requiring urgent conservation action.  Information on seabirds shows that American seabird populations are in steep decline, with Hawaii and Alaska populations down between 55% and 95% in recent decades.  Threats causing declines identified include predation of seabirds and their eggs by invasive nonnative species, bycatch in fisheries, contaminants such as plastics pollution, habitat loss, and infectious diseases. *![Wild breeder James Campbell 2020](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wild_breeder_James_Campbell_2020.jpg) A Laysan Albatross incubates its egg in Hawaii’s James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, photographs from Pacific Rim Conservation* However, the seabird section does report more positive news for two North Pacific albatrosses as shown by the following extract: “One promising strategy for protecting seabird populations from sea-level rise and storm-surge events has been translocation—moving seabird breeding colonies to higher ground. A project in Hawaii—conducted by the nonprofit group Pacific Rim Conservation, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—moved seabirds from low-lying areas in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Tern Island, and French Frigate Shoals to high-island habitat at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu.  The translocation area on the refuge included a mammal predator exclusion fence, so the newly moved seabirds don’t fall victim to non-native predators such as rats and mongoose.  Today there are four translocated species nesting on the refuge—Laysan and Black-footed Albatross, as well as Bonin Petrel and Tristram’s Storm-Petrel. Another seabird translocation project is offering a refuge from rising seas for Black-footed Albatross populations in the eastern Pacific Ocean. A partnership between government agencies and nonprofit groups of the United States and Mexico is moving albatross eggs and chicks from the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to Guadalupe Island off the coast of Mexico. The project began in 2021, and by 2024 the first chicks that fledged from Guadalupe returned to the island as 2- and 3-year-olds—marking early success in the effort to establish an albatross colony on higher breeding grounds. According to the Seabird Restoration Database, there have been 851 seabird translocation and social attraction projects worldwide, with a very high success rate—76% of seabird species showed a positive response to these efforts. About 40% of these projects were conducted in U.S. islands and coastal areas, more than any other country. Given the steep threats facing seabirds, more translocation efforts are needed, and the high success rate shows that these efforts are a sound investment in securing seabird populations for the future.” *ACAP Latest News* has been following the albatross (and other) translocation efforts led by Pacific Rim Conservation; access previous articles from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Pacific+Rim+translocation&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). Download the [full report](https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/state-of-the-birds-sotb-2025-spreads.pdf) and read more [here](https://abcbirds.org/news/2025-state-of-the-birds/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-u-s-state-of-the-birds-report-for-2025-expresses-concerns-but-has-a-positive-albatross-story.md) ## Want to help conserve albatrosses? A new call for volunteers for Kure Atoll ![Kure advert](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Kure_advert.jpg)  “Would you like to be a part of a successful ecosystem recovery project?  Join us on a unique journey to Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary, where wildlife comes first.” The State of Hawai'i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking Habitat Restoration Volunteers for work at Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  The atoll is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and provides important habitat for wildlife, including Laysan *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed *P. nigripes*Albatrosses (both ACAP listed) and Christmas Shearwaters *Puffinus nativitatus.* “DLNR is committed to eradicating non-native and invasive plant species such as Golden Crown-beard *Verbesina encelioides* from the atoll.  Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plants, which are necessary for wildlife habitat and promote dune stability.  This position is a rare opportunity to protect and recover a unique ecosystem while living in a remote wildlife sanctuary.” For more information, check out the full advert from the [Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://kureatollconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/KAC_Application_2025.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 September 2025*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/want-to-help-conserve-albatrosses-a-new-call-for-volunteers-for-kure-atoll.md) ## Plastic ingestion by beached Arctic Fulmars in The Netherlands ![Arctic Fulmar](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/Arctic_Fulmar.jpg) *Arctic Fulmar* Susanne Kühn ([Wageningen Marine Research](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/marine-research.htm), Den Helder, The Netherlands) and colleagues have produced an annual report in their series on plastic pollution in beach-wrecked Arctic Fulmars *Fulmarus glacialis* from The Netherlands. “In 2024, we received 37 birds from Dutch beaches, 32 of which still had an intact stomach. Because the annual number of birds can vary, we mainly look at the past 5-year period (2020–2024).  From that period, 228 fulmars were available, of which 92% had plastic in their stomach. On average, these birds had ingested 24 pieces of plastic with an average weight of 0.24 grams of plastic per bird.  53% of the animals had more plastic in their stomach than the desired threshold value of 0.1 grams.  The EU’s long-term goal is that no more than 10% of birds exceed this threshold. According to our calculations, this goal could be reached in 2077.” **Reference:** Kühn, S., Meijboom, A., Bittner, O. & Van Franeker, J.A. 2025.  [*Fulmar Litter Monitoring in the Netherlands –Update 2024*](https://doi.org/10.18174/692929).  Wageningen Marine Research Report C033/25 and RWS Centrale Informatievoorziening Report.  Den Helder, The Netherlands.  47 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-ingestion-by-beached-arctic-fulmars-in-the-netherlands.md) ## Age of Flesh-footed Shearwaters returning to Lord Howe Island for the first time *![Flesh footed Sheawater Tim Reid](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Sheawater_Tim_Reid.jpg)A Flesh-footed Shearwater on Lord Howe Island, photograph by Tim Reid* Jennifer Lavers ([Gulbali Institute](https://www.csu.edu.au/research/gulbali/home), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia) and Alex Bond have published in the journal [*Emu – Austral Ecology*](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temu20)on age at first return in the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed or [Sable](https://acap.aq/latest-news/what-to-call-the-shearwater-ardenna-carnepeis-flesh-footed-pale-footed-or-sable?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiXQ==)Shearwater *Ardenna carnepeis*. The species has been [suggested for ACAP listing](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiXQ==). The paper’s abstract follows: “Long-term datasets are fundamental to the accurate estimation of demographic parameters for long-lived species. This is particularly the case for declining species where there is an imperative to identify which parameter(s) are driving population dynamics. Using eleven years of banding and recapture data (2015–2025), we provide the first estimate of age at first return for a declining population of Sable Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes* on Lord Howe Island in eastern Australia. Mean age at first return was 6.2 years, which is among the longest pre-breeding period reported for any shearwater. Various factors that may influence shearwater recruitment age, such as climate and population size, are briefly discussed.” **Reference:** Lavers, J.L. & Bond, A.L. 2025.  Age at first return of Sable Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*), [*Emu*doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2025.2553645](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2025.2553645)*.* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,  09 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/age-of-flesh-footed-shearwaters-returning-to-lord-howe-island-for-the-first-time.md) ## South Africa’s ACAP National Contact Point, Newi Makhado receives an award from BirdLife South Africa *![Newi Makhado Eagle Owl Award 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Newi_Makhado_Eagle-Owl_Award_2.jpg)Newi Makhado proudly holds his Eagle-Owl Award statuette and framed certificate, photograph by John Cooper* South Africa’s [ACAP National Contact Point](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file), Dr Azwianewi (Newi) Makhado of the [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,](https://www.dffe.gov.za/) received a prestigious [Eagle-Owl Award](https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/owl-awards/) from BirdLife South Africa at the [South African Bird Fair](https://www.birdlife.org.za/south-african-bird-fair-2025/) in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden  this last weekend.  One of only two Eagle-Owl Awards made for 2025, Newi received the award from BirdLife South Africa’s President, Yvonne Pendleton. Newi Makhado is a Member of the [ACAP Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee) representing South Africa, and of both the [Population and Conservation Status Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group) and [Seabird Bycatch Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group) that report to the Advisory Committee.  Dr Makhado also serves on the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group and Non-target Species Advisory Panel of the [Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/). *![Newi Makhado MFM standi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Newi_Makhado_MFM_standi.jpg) Newi Makhado visits the Mouse-Free Marion Project stand at the 2025 South African Bird Fair on 06 September, photograph by John Cooper* Newi’s award citation follows: “Dr Azwianewi (Newi) Makhado deservedly receives an Eagle-Owl Award in recognition of his significant contributions to seabird conservation and his support of BirdLife South Africa's strategic objectives, particularly through the Seabird Conservation Programme and the 2025 Regional Red List assessment process. Newi is a leading seabird ecologist and a dedicated conservation scientist with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, where he leads the Top Predator programme. In this role, he has made extensive contributions to the understanding and protection of South Africa’s marine top predators, notably seabirds such as penguins, albatrosses and petrels. In 2024 and 2025, together with Rob Crawford, Newi co-authored 11 Red List assessments, applying his in-depth knowledge of long-term monitoring data, particularly for species breeding at the Prince Edward Islands. His technical input ensured that population trends and threats were accurately documented, and that conservation statuses were grounded in the best available evidence. He also provided guidance on broader seabird assessments, demonstrating his commitment to collaborative and rigorous science. Beyond his formal duties, Newi has played a significant role in supporting BirdLife South Africa’s Seabird Conservation Programme. He has facilitated access to data, engaged meaningfully in scientific dialogue and represented South Africa in international policy arenas such as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. His ability to bridge science and policy has advanced regional and global conservation efforts for seabirds. His passion for seabirds is captured in *Birds on the Brink*, where he reflects on decades of grueling yet purposeful fieldwork at Marion Island and on the Antarctic Peninsula. His research has illuminated the complex interactions between fur seals and seabirds, chronicled the alarming declines in Macaroni and Rockhopper penguins, and highlighted the multiple pressures faced by marine predators in changing ecosystems. Since 2023, Newi has voluntarily contributed his time and expertise as a member of the BirdLife South Africa Conservation Advisory Committee, further supporting the organisation’s conservation efforts. Newi’s contributions extend far beyond field surveys: he is a champion of conservation, a mentor to young scientists, and a powerful advocate in international forums. His support of BirdLife South Africa has been instrumental to our work and mission. For these reasons, he is a worthy recipient of an Eagle-Owl Award.” ACAP extends its congratulations to Newi Makhado and looks forward to continuing to work with him both intersessionally and at its meetings. With thanks to Clare Neall, BirdLife South Africa. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-africas-acap-national-contact-point-newi-makhado-receives-an-award-from-birdlife-south-africa.md) ## The 13th Australasian Ornithological Conference takes place in Perth this November ![aoc 2025 logo no date](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/aoc-2025-logo-no-date.webp)  BirdLife Australia and Birds New Zealand will hold the [13th Australasian Ornithological Conference](https://aoc.org.au/) over 18-20 November 2025 in Perth, Western Australia. “The AOC is BirdLife Australia’s primary conference and is the largest biennial gathering of enthusiastic amateur and professional ornithologists from the region.  You’ll have the chance to hear experts in the field of ornithology, as well as mingle with like-minded bird lovers and enthusiasts.  There will be plenty of event plans before and after the conference, including workshops, field trips and social events.  Our exhibitors will also showcase the latest products and services available in the market.” A symposium on Seabird Conservation is being led by Barry Baker of the [Australasian Seabird Group](https://birdlife.org.au/groups/australasian-seabird-group/?srsltid=AfmBOoro0F0sYcrlOitXfa8sguMcGCBHn0CPzfM3momUGUcCMxeScpPw): “Seabirds are one of the most rapidly decreasing groups of birds worldwide.  This Australasian Seabird Group-sponsored symposium is intended to capture the interest of seabird biologists under a broad theme of seabird biology and conservation.  Aggregation of the seabird papers into a symposium will provide synergies for interaction among participants and enhance potential for collaborative approaches.” *![Wedge tailed Shearwater Pacific Islands Avian Health Disease Program](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge_tailed%20Shearwater%20Pacific%20Islands%20Avian%20Health%20%20Disease%20Program.jpg) Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, photograph from the Pacific Islands Avian Health & Disease Program* [Click here](https://aoc.org.au/plenaries/) for information on the plenary speakers.  Details are also available for workshops and excursions (including a full day to Rottnest Island where at [West End](https://www.rottnestisland.com/see-do/wildlife-nature/west-end) there is a colony of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica*). [Registration](https://aoc.org.au/registration/) is open, “early bird” until 26 September. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-13th-australasian-ornithological-conference-takes-place-in-perth-this-november.md) ## 65 Laysan Albatross chicks fledge from the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Reserve in 2025 despite attacks by the (now eradicated) feral pigs  ![2025 season](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/2025_season.jpg)*Breeding Laysan Albatrosses at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Reserve and USFWS volunteer Louise Barnfield completing a weekly survey.  Photographs from Louise Barnfield* Results of the 2024/25 breeding season of Laysan Albatrosses or Mōlī *Phoebastria immutabilis* within the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Reserve](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai are now in.  Out of 154 occupied nests within the reserve, 122 chicks were counted, giving a hatching success of 79.2%.  Predation by feral pigs early in the breeding season reduced fledging success to 53.3% and overall breeding success to 42.2%. The remaining population of feral pigs had been [removed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/laysan-albatrosses-in-hawaiis-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-are-no-longer-threatened-by-feral-pigs?highlight=WyJmZXJhbCIsInBpZ3MiLCJwaWciXQ==) from with the [predator exclusion fence](https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-08/pacifics-largest-predator-exclusion-fence) by May 2025, so it seems likely that the 2025/26 breeding season will show improved figures over the season just past. There was a [record number](https://acap.aq/latest-news/safe-from-sea-level-rise-and-predators-laysan-albatrosses-on-kaui-and-oahu-lay-record-egg-numbers?highlight=WyJmZXJhbCIsInBpZ3MiLCJwaWciXQ==) of 157 pairs of Laysan Albatrosses breeding within the reserve in the 2023/24 season – 20 more than in the previous season.  In the 2022/23 season pigs gained entry and destroyed nearly 70 albatross nests, prior to completion of the fence ([click here](https://www.safinacenter.org/blog/gtl7614jvspegedz7rel9ggoc5lvx5)). Percentages calculated from information in the [August 2025 issue](https://mailchi.mp/kilaueapoint/aug-2025-wild-times?fbclid=IwY2xjawMgB-tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrZ3c0MDQ4T1c2NUlnTGlUAR56rFWo7YkIiri1nA3Ko7B9hDXo4ScK-zQr5tNpVeIedsSDuVA-qZYojPWAYA_aem_S2LcgfZXIypHukdl9DJ0OA) of the [Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZV9cYYxn6qaGz0fU0pk_cxNzPdtAPRyLOZalh55xr72n2bI6jjc2ykxyGXwpzsKJQynnZpdZjtY37iiU0t5MrB-XsBVxvR5lyYHyfKXizx82w_xsyaPSA3ZG1wd0lMraoLmtTloBSoiyHkXD6M3635uUPRpLNC8579dt7fhqqoJSAQma--4MCa71ycHtzS4ioU&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R)’ online newsletter “*Wild Times*”. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/65-laysan-albatross-chicks-fledge-from-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-reserve-in-2025-despite-attacks-by-the-now-eradicated-feral-pigs.md) ## Seabird-fishing vessel interactions off north-west Africa: implications for bycatch of Calonectris shearwaters *![jpe70139 toc 0001 m](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/jpe70139-toc-0001-m.jpg) Infographic from the publication* Leia Navarro-Herrero ([Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals](https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-beeca), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Applied Ecology*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652664).  “This study provides guidance for seabird conservation by identifying high-risk bycatch species and priority fishing fleets where mitigation should be targeted.  It also demonstrates the potential of environmental variables to predict seabird–fishing interactions and underscores the political responsibilities essential for effective management in Northwest African waters.” The paper’s abstract follows: 1. Fisheries have been recognised as a significant global threat to seabird populations through overfishing and bycatch. Yet, seabird–fishing interactions remain understudied in West African waters despite rich seabird biodiversity and intensive fishing activity occurring in the region. 2. Using high-resolution tracking data of seabirds and fishing and nonfishing vessels, we investigated the dynamics of interactions between nine seabird species and industrial fisheries in Northwest African waters. We also assessed the underlying factors (seabird breeding status; fishing vessel density, gear type, length and operational status; and environmental features) influencing seabird–fishing interactions. Furthermore, we pinpointed the relevant political stakeholders in such seabird–fishing interactions by identifying the type of fisheries, vessel nation flags and maritime zones involved. 3. We found that, for each species, more than 70% of individuals encountered vessels within 30 km, with most of these encounters involving nonfishing vessels. However, Cape Verde shearwaters (*Calonectris edwardsii*), to a lesser extent, Cory's shearwaters (*Calonectris borealis*) and Audouin's gulls (*Ichthyaetus audouinii*) frequently approached fishing vessels within 1.5 km, exhibiting clear attending behaviour. Specifically, 66% of Cape Verde shearwaters, 27% of Cory's shearwaters and 50% of Audouin's gulls showed this close-range association with fishing vessels. 4. The probability of a seabird attending a fishing vessel was influenced by specific vessel features and environmental conditions (i.e. large vessels near the coast). Furthermore, we identified a range of flags within national waters, showing that nearly 20% of the interactions involved foreign-flagged fishing vessels from Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America. 5. *Policy implications*. This study provides guidance for seabird conservation by identifying high-risk bycatch species and priority fishing fleets where mitigation should be targeted. It also demonstrates the potential of environmental variables to predict seabird–fishing interactions and underscores the political responsibilities essential for effective management in Northwest African waters. **Reference:** Navarro-Herrero, L., March, D., Militão, T., Saldanha, S., Medrano, F., Vicente-Sastre, D., Ouled-Cheikh, J., Ramos, R., Matos, D., Rodrigues, I., Paiva, V.H., Granadeiro, J.P., Catry, P., Leal, A., Dinis, H.A., & González-Solís, J. 2025.  Seabird-vessel interactions in industrial fisheries of Northwest Africa: Implications for international bycatch management.  *[Journal of Applied Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2664.70139)*[DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.70139](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2664.70139). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 September 2025 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-fishing-vessel-interactions-off-north-west-africa-implications-for-bycatch-of-calonectris-shearwaters.md) ## Tracking at sea and monitoring on land: recent research on Antipodean Albatrosses on Adams Island *![Antipodean Albatross pair 2 Adams Island Colin ODonnell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_pair_2_Adams_Island_Colin_ODonnell.jpg) An Antipodean Albatross pair on Adams Island, photograph by Colin O’Donnell ONZM* [Graeme Elliott ONZM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-and-conservationist-graeme-elliott-is-made-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJncmFlbWUiXQ==) ([Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), Nelson, New Zealand) and colleagues have produced a final report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme)of the New Zealand Department of Conservation that summarizes research conducted on the Gibson’s subspecies of the ACAP-listed and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni*on [Adams Island](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/3_Subantarctic_Adams_Island_and_its_birdlife_Notornis_67_1__153-1.pdf), Auckland Islands during the 2024/25 breeding season. The report’s summary follows: “Gibson’s wandering albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni*) have been in decline since 2005.  Research into the causes of and solutions to the falling numbers of Gibson’s albatross includes an annual visit to the main breeding grounds on Adams Island and this report describes the results of the 2025 breeding season.  Breeding success in 2024 was 46%, the lowest for 8 years, with only 37 chicks produced from the study colony.  The number of pairs nesting in three representative census blocks in 2025 was close to the average of the last ten years, with the poor breeding season in 2024 probably a “blip” rather than the start of a steep decline. Survival of both males and females has improved though confidence intervals around the most recent estimates are so large the level of improvement is not yet clear. Satellite transmitters taped to the back feathers of 29 adult Gibson’s wandering albatross in January 2022 remained attached for an average of 179 days and those attached in January 2024 to 20 adults for 251 days, providing detailed information on patterns of use of the Tasman Sea.  A combined total 10,204 days of tracking was recorded from even numbers of adult males and females, 19 of which were not-breeding and 30 of which were.  One breeding female was almost certainly caught in June 2024 in the mid Tasman Sea by a longliner flagged to Chinese Taipei.  Given the limited number of birds with transmitters and days tracked, this capture suggests an annual mortality rate of adults in fisheries interactions of 3.5% in the two years.  Sixteen Gibson’s wandering albatross chicks about to fledge from Adams Island were fitted with satellite transmitters in late December 2024 and their movements will be followed throughout 2025. In January 2024 and January 2025 aerial photographs were taken using drones of the entire breeding grounds of Gibson’s albatross on Adams Island.  All 4,000ha of albatross nesting habitat was photographed across the two seasons, and 24% was photographed in both years. Orthomosaic images were constructed from the photos and the number of albatrosses on the ground in the orthomosaics were counted.  Ground calibration checks undertaken at the same time as the photographs were used to provide correction factors of the proportion of birds on the ground which had eggs (has-egg rate; mean was 54% in 2024 and 67% in 2025).  Another correction was made for the likely proportion of eggs not yet laid or nests that had failed at the time the photographs were taken.  This lay-fail correction was derived from regular visits to the study area. The two corrections were applied to the number of birds counted from the drone imagery on Adams Island in 2024 and 2025.  To estimate each year’s whole island number of breeding pairs, a growth-rate estimate from blocks counted both years was applied to blocks only counted in one year.  The mean of the two year’s estimates was 4,497 breeding pairs.  This is the first time since 1997 the number of breeding pairs nesting on Adams Island have been comprehensively assessed across the island.  The proportion nesting in annual count blocks in 2024 (9.2%) and 2025 (9.7%) are similar to that recorded in 1997 (10.7%), indicating that the annual count blocks remain representative of whole-island trends in nest numbers.  Compared to the ground counts undertaken in 1997, the drone-based estimates provided better coverage as drones could easily go everywhere but nesting birds couldn’t be distinguished from other birds on the ground from drone imagery.  Therefore, the number of nesting birds is estimated not counted. In contrast, counts undertaken on foot can easily miss birds either obscured by vegetation or in places that are too difficult to walk, but the number of nesting birds is counted not estimated.  It is not possible to objectively judge which method is better, but the drone estimates are easier.” **Reference:** Elliott, G., Walker, K., Rexer-Huber, K, Tinnemans, J., McDonald, A., Rawlence, T. & Parker, G. 2025.  [*Gibson’s Wandering Albatross: Drone-based Population Estimate, Demography and at-sea Distribution*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202425-csp-reports/auckland-islands-seabird-research-202425/).  Report Prepared for New Zealand Department of Conservation.  33 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tracking-at-sea-and-monitoring-on-land-recent-research-on-antipodean-albatrosses-on-adams-island.md) ## A new survey of Black-browed, Grey-headed and Wandering Albatrosses on South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* shows “major declines” *![Bird Island 5 Richard Phillips](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Bird%20Island%205%20Richard%20Phillips.jpg) A breeding Grey-headed Albatross on Bird Island, photograph by Richard Phillips* Elizabeth Mackley ([British Antarctic Survey,](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published in the open access journal [*Endangered Species Research*](https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr) on the most recent survey of three albatross species on South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Marine ecosystems face multiple human threats, and many species are declining. The wandering albatross *Diomedea exulans*, black-browed albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* and grey-headed albatross *T. chrysostoma* are categorised globally as Vulnerable, Least Concern and Endangered, respectively, by the IUCN. The populations at South Georgia are listed by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels as High Priority Populations for conservation, and to determine their current status and trends, we surveyed all breeding sites of wandering albatrosses, and ~30 % and ~73% of black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses, respectively. Comparisons with previous surveys indicated considerable variation in trends among sites and slower rates of decline from 2014/2015 to 2023/2024 than from 2003/2004 to 2014/2015: wandering albatross –0.1 vs. –1.7 % yr–1; black-browed albatross –1.1 vs. –1.8 % yr–1; grey-headed albatross: –4.1 vs. –5.0 % yr–1. Updated population estimates for South Georgia were 1278, 55 119 and 18 475 breeding pairs of wandering, black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses, comprising 13.3, 7.6 and 28.7 % of revised global totals and reflecting major declines of 39, 46 and 66 %, respectively, in just 32 to 40 yr. The main threats are bycatch in fisheries outside South Georgia waters and climate change, including the southerly shift of Antarctic *krill Euphausia superba* for the *Thalassarche*species. There are no current terrestrial threats other than highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) for wandering albatrosses. Addressing bycatch is therefore a clear management priority, which needs to overcome the main barriers of weak governance, reluctance to mandate best-practice bycatch mitigation and poor monitoring and enforcement of compliance.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Mackley, E.K., Poncet, S., Andy Black, A., Black, J., Floyd, K., Hall, R.M., Holmes, E.E., Manthorpe, S.J., Passfield, K., Bennison, A. & Phillips, R.A. 2025.  Endurance or extinction: long-term declines in albatrosses at South Georgia highlight threats from South Atlantic fisheries and climate change.  [*Endangered Species Research* 57: 437-451](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v57/esr01427). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 September 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-survey-of-black-browed-grey-headed-and-wandering-albatrosses-on-south-georgia-islas-georgias-del-sur-shows-major-declines.md) ## Last call for proposals for the 2026 Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting ![PSG 2026 logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2026_logo.jpg) “The Scientific Program Committee of the 2026 Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting is now accepting proposals for workshops, symposia, and round-tables to be held at the virtual meeting scheduled for the week of February 23-27, 2026. In addition, the Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for 2025 recipients of PSG's Lifetime Achievement Award and Special Achievement Award. This meeting will be held fully online and will be themed around "Seabirds: Connecting Oceans, Islands, and People." We are excited to hold a fully online conference for the first time since 2021, and we hope that this meeting will increase access opportunities to all of our membership while reducing the environmental costs of our annual meeting. The deadline for meeting proposals and award nominations is 01 September 2025. Click [here](https://forms.gle/YaYU3iRT6AniVvm6A) to submit your workshop, symposia, and/or round-table proposal. Workshops are hands-on learning exercises where participants engage in a mix of lectures and activities and leave with some new skill or knowledge set. Examples might include navigating software like R, eBird, or Raven; learning emerging ornithological techniques, such as tracking devices, Motus, and passive acoustic monitoring; gaining insights into how to write a successful grant proposal or prepare a paper for publication; and becoming familiar with bird education curricula through hands-on activities and demonstrations.   Symposia are an opportunity for an integrated synthesis of a new or timely topic or theme that will have broad appeal at the conference. Organizers are expected to invite speakers that will share new findings and insights and provide diverse perspectives and voices. The invited talks within a symposium should be focused around a central theme or question and allow for thorough coverage of that topic. Round-tables are open forum discussions on predetermined ornithological topics, with one or more moderators. Participants are given equal rights to discuss, share ideas and information, and debate, in an organized and respectful way. Example topics include conservation strategies, emerging threats, and more. Contact the Scientific Program Chair, Don Lyons ([mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org)[programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org)) for further information. We are also seeking nominations for two awards to be conferred at this year's meeting: [PSG Lifetime Achievement Award](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/about-us/awards/) -  A seabird researcher, educator, or conservationist who has made significant, long-term contributions to seabird science, conservation and education in the Pacific Ocean or the world. [PSG Special Achievement Award](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/about-us/awards/) -  An individual who has performed outstanding, long-term service for the Pacific Seabird Group, or who has achieved an outstanding and significant exemplary accomplishment for the betterment of seabird research, education, and/or conservation, or both. To submit a nomination, please e-mail the Past Chair, Juliet Lamb ([mailto:pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org)[pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:pastchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org)) by 01 September with a written description of why your nominee is deserving of PSG recognition. Please include your contact information and confirm your commitment to writing up an awards essay for the 2024 meeting program and the following *Pacific Seabirds* issue if your nominee is chosen. Make sure your description provides enough information to make your case - not all members of the awards committee will know all nominees personally! Nominees are evaluated on contributions to seabird research, conservation, education/mentoring, leadership and professional growth of PSG, service to PSG, connection to the region or theme of the upcoming meeting, and modeling ethical and professional conduct.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/last-call-for-proposals-for-the-2026-pacific-seabird-group-annual-meeting.md) ## Latest report on a long-term study: the Black Petrels of Great Barrier Island *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Maureen_Bennetts_Black_Petrel_chick_Biz_Bell.JPG) Black Petrel chick by Maureen Bennetts of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), after a photograph by Biz Bell* Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell ([Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/), New Zealand) and colleagues have produced a final report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme)of the New Zealand Department of Conservation that summarizes research conducted on ACAP-listed Black Petrels *Procellaria parkinsoni*on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “This report is part of the ongoing study of the tākoketai/black petrel (*i*) on Aotea/Great Barrier Island that began in the 1995/96 breeding season.  During the 2024/25 breeding season, 486 tākoketai study burrows were intensively monitored within the Mt Hobson/Hirakimata study area on Aotea. Throughout the study colony, there were 313 (64.4%) burrows occupied by breeding pairs, 106 (21.8%)  ccupied by non-breeding birds, and 67 (13.7%) were unoccupied at the time of check. Overall, 212ochicks were produced from the study burrows that are estimated to fledge representing a breeding success rate of 67.7%. This does not include one chick that was banded in April 2025 but subsequently found dead outside the Department of Conservation Okiwi office, later on in June 2025  having presumably crash-landed on its maiden voyage. Nine census grids were monitored within the study area and accounted for 200 of the inspected study burrows. Of these, 121 were occupied by breeding pairs (60.5%) and 78 chicks were produced representing a fledging success rate of 64.4%.  A total of 714 adults and 218 fledgling chicks were captured during the 2024/25 field season of which with 143 adults were banded this season.  Of the 218 fledgling chicks banded during the 2024/25 field season, 213 were banded in study burrows and five chicks were banded in unmarked burrows. There have been nocturnal surveys undertaken throughout the 30-year study period, but only over the past four seasons (2021/22 to 2024/25) has this effort been increased to 6-8 hour (between 9.15 pm to 5.15 am) searches each night. Over 940 nights of ad-hoc surveys undertaken between 1995/96 and 2020/21, 811 adults were recaptured, of which 365 were already banded and 108 were returned chicks. Over 51 nights of intensive surveys between 2021/22 and 2024/25, 516 adults were recaptured, of which 285 were already banded and 106 were returned chicks. At-sea surveys have also been conducted by WMIL over this same period with only 22 banded birds being caught and nine being recaptured chicks (Burgin 2024).  The percentage of banded tākoketai caught out of all captures is higher for intensive night surveys (51.3%) than the ad-hoc surveys (45%). This pattern is also the same for the percentage of returned chicks captured (intensive 19.4%, ad-hoc 13.3%), for the number of banded tākoketai caught per survey (intensive n=5.3, ad-hoc n=2.1) and for returned chicks caught per survey (intensive 2.0 returned chicks/survey, ad-hoc 0.6 returned chicks/survey). There have been a total of 491 returned chicks recaptured at the colony since they were banded prior to fledging. Of these, 138 returned chicks were identified during the 2024/25 breeding season; 34 of which were caught for the first time at the colony. Not all cohorts were represented this season as no re-captures of returned chicks were made from the 1995/96, 2000/01 and 2002/03 cohorts.  Nonetheless, this season saw the highest number of cohorts represented (by at least one individual).  Over the entire study, the majority of the 491 returned chicks were from the 2010 /11 cohort followed by the 2006/07 cohort. Understanding the factors affecting return rates of chicks within the 35-ha study site is vital. It is important to determine whether it is related to low juvenile survival and/or recruitment or if it is simply due to a lack of detection. Understanding juvenile survival and recruitment is necessary for accurate demographic modelling and for species risk assessment modelling. Therefore, it is recommended that efforts to obtain this data is completed with urgency. There was a single feral cat predation event on an unbanded adult tākoketai (not an individual from the study burrows but found in the wider study area) and two rat predation events at the study colony on Hirakimata this season. Introduced species still pose a threat to the tākoketai population and it is imperative pest control measures continue. WMIL recommends that: - Intensive population monitoring using the study burrows on Aotea continues with three visits (i.e., at egg-laying (December); at chick hatching/chick guard in late January/early February and at chick fledging in late April/early May) per season to the colony to track population trends and determine impacts to the birds and colony. - Multiple-night expeditions to focus on recruitment (i.e., nocturnal surveys to capture pre-breeders and returned chicks) to the Aotea study colony continue to determine juvenile survival and recapture probabilities. - Implement a remote/trail camera monitoring network at key-launch sites around the colony to identify potential time-windows of peak population activity outside the routinely monitored timeframes - Sexing of all tākoketai caught during the recruitment expedition and in the study, burrows is completed to determine any sex biases and survival differences between sexes at the colony and within the study burrows. - A focused, consistent and repeatable mark/recapture session (e.g., a 2-hour capture period at known launch sites) is completed over a number of nights to capture as many banded and unbanded birds as possible. Data can then be used to provide another population estimate and compared to estimates obtained from at-sea captures and burrow monitoring. - Transect surveys across the core tākoketai habitat (1000 ha around the summit) are undertaken to provide an updated population estimate for the core breeding area of Aotea. - Syatellite tracking of chicks to, and in, South American waters is undertaken to determine migration routes and foraging areas to estimate risk in these areas. - The possibility of collaborative at-sea capture expeditions in Ecuador is investigated. Discussions between DOC and New Zealand Government with Ecuadorian Government and researchers will have to be conducted to enable this type of collaborative work. At-sea work in Ecuador could determine the level of juvenile tākoketai presence in this area and risk within this area, and this mark/recapture work could provide another population estimate to compare with the New Zealand data. - Further investigation to determine whether particular areas of the colony are more at risk to rainfall events than others (e.g., burrows in flatter areas being more prone to flooding) as a preliminary assessment on climate resilience. - In-depth modelling on the effect of age, age difference in pairs, and experience on breeding success is completed to understand this relationship in tākoketai. - Analysis of, and comparison between, breeding success in public, and non-public, access areas is completed to determine whether human disturbance is a factor at the Aotea colony. - Investigation into possible deterrence methods of all predators, but specifically feral pigs and feral cats, should be continued at Cooper’s Castle. **Reference:** Bell, E.A., Lamb, S. & Ray, S. 2025.  *[Key Demographic Parameters and Population Trends of Tākoketai/Black Petrels (Procellaria parkinsoni) on Aotea/Great Barrier Island: 2024/25](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202425-annual-plan/pop2022-01-takoketai-black-petrel-aotea-gbi-2024-25-season-annual-final-report.pdf)*.  Wildlife Management International Ltd. Technical Report to the Conservation Services Programme.  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  40 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/latest-report-on-a-long-term-study-the-black-petrels-of-great-barrier-island.md) ## Three ACAP supporters submitted artworks to the first Friends of Midway Atoll art contest *![FOMA art competion Ilana Nimz](https://acap.aq/images/FOMA_art_competion_Ilana_Nimz.png) Highlights of life on Midway by Ilana Nimz* The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__tn__=-%5dK*F) (FOMA) held its [first art contest](https://friendsofmidway.org/call-to-art/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMOtTlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtNklnQ0pqYVhmaVdvbjNpAR55IU2h-XS_JDllxZhzCxCmOL0tbWRm15Sx7D5C5lkNH861t05sd1Lntc6pxg_aem_fNDTh5NyLBo0VpHB-zXTpA) during June, announcing the winners last month ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-friends-of-midway-atoll-national-wildlife-refuge-hold-an-art-contest)). All the submitted entries are now available for viewing [here](https://friendsofmidway.org/fomas-1st-annual-art-contest-artwork-submissions/).  Three entrants, [Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific), [Ilana Nimz](https://acap.aq/latest-news/friends-of-hawaiian-islands-national-wildlife-refuge-is-excited-to-celebrate-the-inaugural-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJuaW16Il0=) and [Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-when-artists-and-photographers-meet-featuring-three-supporters-of-world-albatross-day-2025?highlight=WyJwYXJzb25zIl0=), have previously supported the Albatross and Petrel Agreement with their artworks, photographs and writings.  Their submitted artworks, along with descriptions follow. **Ilana Nimz**: “This is a whimsical repeating tile pattern depicting highlights of life on Midway, including rafting Moli [Laysan Albatross], dancing Ka'upu [Black-footed Albatross], endangered ‘ilio holo i ka ua ua [Hawaiian Monk Seal], numerous shorebirds, and the cryptic nunulu [Bonin Petrel]. The lagoon is home to a resident pod of naia [dolphins], and the ponds have thriving Laysan ducks.” *![FOMA art competion George and Geraldine](https://acap.aq/images/FOMA_art_competion_George_and_Geraldine.png) “George and Geraldine” by Holly Parsons* **Holly Parsons:** “The pointillist portrait “George and Geraldine” depicts the beloved pair of Short-tailed Albatross who have chosen to nest on Kuaihelani [Midway Atoll], unlike the rest of their species, who nest in Japan.  Quite the pioneering couple!” *![Isabelle Beaudoin FOMA](https://acap.aq/images/Isabelle_Beaudoin_FOMA.jpg) “The Yawn” by Isabelle Beaudoin* **Isabelle Beaudoin** submitted three artworks in her “Weird Chicks” series drawn from life on Kure Atoll. “*The Yawn*”, depicted here, along with “*Wing Stub Stretch”* and “*The Aeroplane Stretch*”. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/three-acap-supporters-submitted-artworks-to-the-first-friends-of-midway-atoll-art-contest.md) ## Go where you know. Wandering Albatrosses from Bird and Prion Islands in the South Atlantic spatially segregate at sea *![Wandering Albatross Prion Island Anton Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/Wandering_Albatross_Prion_Island_Anton_Wolfaardt.jpg)A breeding Wandering Albatross on Prion Island, photograph by Anton Wolfaardt* Victoria Warwick-Evans ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15231739)* on differences in foraging areas for two South Atlantic Wandering Albatross island populations. The paper’s abstract follows: “Spatial segregation in at-sea distribution is frequently observed in seabirds and can have important implications for conservation and management.  Globally, many albatross and petrel populations are declining due to bycatch in fisheries.  In South Georgia, the decrease in wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*) differs among breeding sites, which could reflect segregation in foraging areas, leading to differing degrees of overlap with particular fishing fleets and hence unequal bycatch risk.  We investigated whether spatial segregation could explain the different rates of population decline of wandering albatrosses at South Georgia.  We tracked wandering albatrosses from 2 breeding sites at South Georgia, Prion Island, and Bird Island, located 50 km apart.  We investigated potential causes of spatial segregation with species distribution models and by comparing wind conditions among sites.  Overlap with fisheries was quantified for each population.  Although overall distributions were from the Antarctic to the subtropics, virtually all wandering albatrosses from Bird Island foraged only to the west of the island group, whereas those from Prion Island foraged to the east and west.  Preferred habitat characteristics were similar at both colonies, and waters to the east and west provided foraging habitat.  Wind conditions when birds departed were also similar at the 2 sites.  Because neither habitat specialization nor wind conditions appeared to be factors in the observed spatial segregation among colonies, this segregation likely reflected a combination of past experience, information exchange, and cultural evolution.  Breeding birds from both sites overlapped most with Chinese squid jiggers, Argentinian trawlers, and South Korean set (demersal) longliners, but the spatial segregation led to a higher overlap with demersal longline, demersal trawl, and pelagic longline fisheries by wandering albatrosses at Bird Island, which could have resulted in the faster population decline.  Ours is one of the first studies to demonstrate how spatial segregation may affect population dynamics, which has important implications for the conservation of this globally threatened species.” **Reference:** Warwick-Evans, V., Pearmain, E.J., Thorne, L. & Phillips, R.A. 2025.  Spatial segregation and bycatch risk as potential drivers of population trends of wandering albatrosses at South Georgia.  *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70126)*[DOI: 10.1111/cobi.70126](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70126). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 August 2025 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/go-where-you-know-wandering-albatrosses-from-bird-and-prion-islands-in-the-south-atlantic-spatially-segregate-at-sea.md) ## The Subtropical Convergence separates Black-browed from Grey-headed Albatrosses in the southern Indian Ocean *![Grey headed 4 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_4_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)Grey-headed Albatross at sea, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Azwianewi (Newi) Makhado ([Oceans and Coasts](https://www.dffe.gov.za/oceans-and-coasts), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the open access journal *[CCAMLR Science](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/publications/ccamlr-science)* on seabird assemblages, abundance, and distribution in the African Sector of the southern Indian Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabird distributions in the Southern Ocean are influenced by the location and accessibility of suitable breeding sites, but also by the environmental factors that influence the distribution and availability of their prey.  For example, oceanic fronts, concentrate prey at their surface and therefore present important foraging areas for many seabirds.  This study investigated the latitudinal distribution and abundance of seabirds in the African sector of the Southern Ocean.  In particular, we investigated the relationship of seabird assemblages and densities to key biophysical environmental parameters (SST, sea surface height, bathymetry) and the main oceanic fronts.  There was a high density of seabirds north of the Subtropical Convergence (STC), which is situated at approximately 39°S, with declining densities farther south.  There was latitudinal segregation between several species, e.g. black-browed albatross (*Thalassarche melanophris*) occurred north of the STC, and grey-headed albatross (*T. chrysostoma*) occurred to south of it.  The Subantarctic Front (SAF) and the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) had less influence on seabird populations than the STC.  Latitude was the greatest predictor of seabird assemblages and densities, reflecting environmental gradients in physical and biological parameters and their influences on prey distributions.  Of the environmental parameters, sea surface temperature and bathymetry were the most important physical features influencing seabird assemblages.  In particular, the density of seabirds north of STC declined with increasing sea surface temperature and had a negative relationship with bathymetry, with most seabirds occurring in shallower waters.  In contrast, seabird density had a positive linear relationship with sea surface height.  Relationships with other environmental parameters, such as wind, salinity and chlorophyll concentration (as a proxy for productivity), were less well-defined.” **Reference:** Makhado, A.B., Dakwa, F.E., Ryan, P.G., Masotla, M,J., Dyer, B.M., Seakamela, S.M., Shabangu, F.W., Somhlaba, S. & Reisinger, R.R. 2025.  Seabird assemblages, abundance, and distribution in the African sector of the southern Indian Ocean.  *[CCAMLR Science](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/system/files/science_journal_papers/5_Makhado%20et%20-%20Seabird%20assemblages.pdf)*[25: 73-98](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/system/files/science_journal_papers/5_Makhado%20et%20-%20Seabird%20assemblages.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-subtropical-convergence-separates-black-browed-from-grey-headed-albatrosses-in-the-southern-indian-ocean.md) ## At-sea observation and tracking data sets reviewed for seabirds in the southern Indian Ocean *![Laurie Smaglick Johnson Flock IYNA Marion Jan 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson_Flock_IYNA_Marion_Jan_2025.jpg)Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross near Marion Island, January 2025, photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Ryan Reisinger ([School of Ocean and Earth Science](https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/faculties-schools-departments/school-of-ocean-and-earth-science), University of Southampton, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published in the open access journal [*CCAMLR Science*](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/publications/ccamlr-science) on data sources for seabird and marine mammal distribution in the southern Indian Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “Numerous seabird and marine mammal species occur, often in high abundance, in the subtropical and subantarctic zones of the southern Indian Ocean.  They breed, moult and rest at French, South African and Australian islands in the region and forage at sea in areas including the Exclusive Economic Zones of these nations, Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction and also the area to which the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources applies.  Information on the at-sea distribution of these species is important for understanding ecosystem patterns and processes in the region, and is a key component of any spatial conservation and management frameworks.  Information on the distribution of marine predators is widely used to define priority areas for conservation and management, with several such initiatives already having been implemented in the extended Southern Ocean.  Seabird and marine mammal distribution has been studied mainly using two methods: animal-borne biotelemetry/biologging and at-sea sighting records.  Here, we give an overview of data on the distribution of marine mammals and seabirds – collected mainly through long-term tracking programmes at French and South African islands – with the aim of identifying data sources that can inform pelagic ecoregionalisation to support spatial conservation and management planning in this region.  We identify priorities for further distribution data collection related to life-history stages, sites and species and we identify broader challenges for understanding marine predator distribution in this region, towards spatial conservation and management planning.” **Reference:** Reisinger, R.R., Makhado, A.B., Delord, K., Bost, C.A., Lea, M.A. & Pistorius, P.A. 2025.  Towards higher predator ecoregionalisation of the pelagic zone in the subantarctic and subtropical Indian Ocean.  [*CCAMLR Science* 25: 117-132](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/system/files/science_journal_papers/7_Reisinger%20et%20al%20-%20Higher%20predator%20ecoregionalisation.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/at-sea-observation-and-tracking-data-sets-reviewed-for-seabirds-in-the-southern-indian-ocean.md) ## Visit New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands: True Young Explorer Scholarships open for the 2025/26 Season *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Pleurophyllum_speciosum_Campbell_Island.JPG) The megaherb Campbell Island Daisy* Pleurophyllum speciosum*on Campbell Island* Applications are now open for [2025/26 True Young Explorer Scholarships](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/blog/young-explorer-scholarships-are-open/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMTdBpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqTW9yaU1wbEtuVTNrVUJrAR6NdVuIYwcOuBpExRU2fvk4e11J77W9CQGe5y193fhGJSFvvuX6QKkmqbXrVQ_aem_vJgU1V1EOFTSM3mscY0fxQ) with new Zealan-based [Heritage Expeditions](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/).  The scholarships represent a reduction in the listed cost to travel to New Zealand and Australia's sub-Antarctic Islands as well as the remote Ross Sea Region of Antarctica.  Holders of scholarships are expected to contribute 30% of the advertised cost of the expedition, payable on confirmation of the scholarship berth. “Every year Heritage Expeditions takes small groups of intrepid travellers on voyages to some of the world’s most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines aboard our purpose-built expedition ships.  Founded in 1984 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, we are still proudly family-owned and operated contributing to conservation through experiential learning, providing funds for research and management, and our ongoing legacy of creating ‘ambassadors’ through our True Young Explorer Scholarships. True Young Explorer Scholarships provide a limited number of younger people (aged 18 - 30 years) with the opportunity to join expeditions to experience our remarkable Subantarctic Islands at a fraction of what it would otherwise cost.  In doing so, our aim is to create a league of ‘ambassadors' inspired to help raise the profile and protect these precious areas, and the unique flora and fauna inhabiting them, for future generations. To secure a scholarship, we are looking for individuals who are as passionate as we are about giving a voice to, and protecting, New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean.  Whether you are studying science, an artist, in media, involved in community organisations, a teacher or ... we want to know how you will share your experience travelling aboard our expeditions on *[Heritage Adventurer](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/about/ships/heritage-adventurer/)* alongside likeminded passengers and an incredibly experienced expedition team of naturalists, biologists and historians on the voyage of a lifetime.” Read more[here](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/blog/young-explorer-scholarships-are-open/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMTdBpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqTW9yaU1wbEtuVTNrVUJrAR6NdVuIYwcOuBpExRU2fvk4e11J77W9CQGe5y193fhGJSFvvuX6QKkmqbXrVQ_aem_vJgU1V1EOFTSM3mscY0fxQ), including how to apply.  Applications close on 22 September 2025. *ACAP Latest News* has featured a 2024/25 scholarship holder.  See *[“In the wake of Scott and Shackleton” - a photo and video essay by Mitchell Roberts](https://acap.aq/latest-news/in-the-wake-of-scott-and-shackleton-a-photo-and-video-essay-by-mitchell-roberts?highlight=WyJzY2hvbGFyc2hpcCIsInNjaG9sYXJzaGlwcyIsMjAyNV0=)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/visit-new-zealands-sub-antarctic-islands-true-young-explorer-scholarships-open-for-the-2025-26-season.md) ## First survey of Heard Island in 20 years to take place this coming austral summer *![Black browed Albatross Heard Island RK](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_Heard_Island_RK.jpg)A Black-browed Albatross feeds its chick on Heard Island, photograph by Roger Kirkwood* During the 2025/26 austral summer, the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) will undertake two voyages to Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) using Australia's icebreaker, RSV *Nuyina* equipped with two helicopters and temporary field huts.  It will be first research visit to Heard Island in more than 20 years.  Surveys of breeding seabirds will include the ACAP-listed Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* and Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus.* “High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has not yet reached Australia, Australian Antarctic Territory nor - to anyone's knowledge - either of Australia’s two sub-Antarctic island groups, Macquarie Island or HIMI.  However, affected animals have been found on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, which are only 450 km from HIMI.  Wildlife ecologist Dr Julie McInnes and her team are heading to Heard Island to survey seabird populations, map breeding colonies, and monitor signs of bird flu, working in collaboration with the seal survey team.” Strict protocols will be in place to safeguard the environment, and all activities will be implemented in accordance with environmental permits. Read more about the Heard Island 2025/26 survey [here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2025/australian-antarctic-program-heads-to-heard-island-for-the-first-time-in-decades/?mtm_campaign=antarctic-insider&mtm_keyword=antarctic-insider-august-2025&mtm_source=newsletter&mtm_medium=email&mtm_content=heading-to-heard-island). * John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/first-survey-of-heard-island-in-20-years-to-take-place-this-coming-austral-summer.md) ## The Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge hold an art contest *![Art Competion Midway Brett Higgins](https://acap.aq/images/Art_Competion_Midway_Brett_Higgins.jpg)People's Choice in the 1st annual Art Contest held by the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.  Artwork by Brett Higgins* The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__tn__=-%5dK*F) (FOMA) held its [first art contest](https://friendsofmidway.org/call-to-art/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMOtTlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtNklnQ0pqYVhmaVdvbjNpAR55IU2h-XS_JDllxZhzCxCmOL0tbWRm15Sx7D5C5lkNH861t05sd1Lntc6pxg_aem_fNDTh5NyLBo0VpHB-zXTpA) during June this year with submissions received up until the end of the month.  Everyone (including those living outside the USA) was welcome to participate.  “The goal of the contest is to solicit creative artwork that captures the cultural, historical, biological, or a mix thereof, essence of Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) to share with our FOMA followers as well as to create merchandise, such as shirts, hats, stickers, posters, and note cards.  Revenue generated from sales will be used to support conservation, outreach, historical research, and/or cultural support on behalf of Kuaihelani." *![Art Competion Midway 1st Ian Gonzalez](https://acap.aq/images/Art_Competion_Midway_1st_Ian_Gonzalez.jpg) 1st Place: Ian Gonzalez* Design entries had to be contestants' original, hand-drawn creations and not be traced or copied from photographs or other artists' works.  No photography or Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer-generated art was accepted.  Judging was on the basis of design, depiction of native species within the lands and waters of Midway Atoll, if wildlife are portrayed, artistic composition, and suitability for reproduction on merchandise. A total of 31 artworks was submitted,  judged by FOMA President [Wayne Sentman](https://friendsofmidway.org/about-us/team/wayne-sentman-2/), FOMA Vice President [Helen Dunlap](https://friendsofmidway.org/about-us/team/helen-dunlap-2/), FOMA volunteer [Keelee Martin,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/keelee-martin-718a58121/) Hawaiian artist and author [Patrick Ching](https://www.patrickching.com/) and Assistant Professor of Hawaiian language [J. Hauʻoli Lorenzo-Elarco](https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/post/cv/lorenzo-elarco-j-hauoli/)  Additionally, followers of the Friends Facebook group could vote for their favourite from 10 short listed artworks in a “People’s Choice Award". ![Art Competion Midway 1st Place by Ian Gonzalez](https://acap.aq/images/Art_Competion_Midway_1st_Place_by_Ian_Gonzalez.jpg) *2nd Place: Yun-Xuan Lin* FOMA writes “We are excited to see all the beautifully created artwork in honour of Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll).  Congratulations again to the winners: 1st Place: Ian Gonzalez; 2nd Place: Yun-Xuan Lin and Peoples' Choice: Brett Higgins.” All received a cash prize.  Applicants are being gifted a one-year Friends of Midway Atoll membership, giving access to FOMA annual meetings and will receive its regular newsletters. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-friends-of-midway-atoll-national-wildlife-refuge-hold-an-art-contest.md) ## Midway’s albatrosses largely survived last month’s tsunami *![Midway Atoll s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Midway_Atoll%20s.jpg) Low-lying Midway Atoll (Sand Island left, Eastern Island right) is at risk to being overwashed by tsunamis* *ACAP Latest News* [reported last month](https://acap.aq/latest-news/what-of-the-albatrosses-a-tsunami-reaches-kure-and-midway-atolls-following-a-russian-earthquake) on the tsunami that reached both Kure and Midway Atills in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands following an earthquake on 29 July 2025.  [News is now in](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdVFzaHBsdWVobDJwcWl1VQEe8Nk6kQdXCKwbiQexNa4aKIpCmwdboaCFYCrH6oEjfRUkUTB0KuNRPK8lVbE_aem_kWejP2cQ4TgRdlpmtEbr6w) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the impact of the tsunami on Midway’s biota, including its Laysan Albatrosses, *Phoebastria immutabilis*, which seem have largely escaped harm.  Nearly all the Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes* chicks had fledged prior to the tsunami. A few days after the tsunami waves hit Midway, the staff conducted post-tsunami assessments of Sand Island and Eastern Island.  The below summary details observations of the tsunami impacts. **Sand Island:** - Limited overwash occurred on Sand Island, the dunes on North Beach were hardly impacted.  There was no evidence of overwash into the vegetation along West Beach, and minimal intrusion into Rusty Bucket area was found. - Beaches that often have been found to shift in extent and shape after storms seemed largely unchanged across Sand Island. **Eastern Island:** - Eastern and Spit presented more significant evidence of overwash leading to impacts to wildlife and habitat with water extending inland up to 150 ft, though the vast majority of shoreline presented intrusion of 50 ft or less. - The heavily vegetated isthmus between Split and Eastern Island did not wash over, sparing the thousands of sooty tern chicks present there at the time. - Water still moved through stands of coastal vegetation with enough energy to dislodge and concentrate groundcover vegetation, primarily alena (*Boerhavia repens*), mauka (upland) of the shrubs and create wrack lines in which albatross and other chicks became buried or entangled. - It is unlikely that any individuals of threatened or endangered birds were killed as a result of the tsunami. This includes Laysan ducks and the newly translocated Laysan finches. - No turtles were found washed ashore, and the refuge's last mom-pup monk seal pair of the season were seen together, still nursing, at their usual spot of the north shore between Eastern & Spit two days following the event. - Nearly all black-footed albatross chicks had already fledged prior to the tsunami. - The scale of the effects on albatross chicks is difficult to assess. **FWS staff freed ~80 entangled or entrapped albatross [presumed Laysan] chicks during the first two days after the tsunami**. - Many areas that over washed had been occupied by sooty tern chicks of varying ages and dozens of red-tailed tropicbird chicks. An unknown number of chicks from these two ground-nesting species were impacted. However, due to the time of year and mobility of chicks, the majority of sooty tern subcolonies were unscathed.  Most overwashed areas, even those closest to the beach, had numerous chicks present again shortly after the event, suggesting that many if not most were able to survive. - A few sooty tern chicks and adults were also freed from entanglement/entrapment, and a handful of smaller tropicbird chicks were found in open areas, displaced from their nests under naupaka vegetation. - Low winds during the second half of July this year delayed fledging for a large percentage of Laysan albatross. As a result, an unusually large number of chicks moved to and were congregated along the shorelines at the time of the wave, unable or unwilling to fly off. This makes it difficult to assess the true impacts of the tsunami on Laysan Albatross. - In summary, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge estimates **that a few hundred albatross chicks** and sooty tern chick, as well as a few dozen tropicbird chicks **were impacted** buy the tsunami.  We do not believe that any population-level impacts occurred for any of the species on Midway Atoll as a result of the tsunami.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/midways-albatrosses-largely-survived-last-months-tsunami.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE UPDATED. BOTY 2025 is now open for voting. Help crown the Endangered Antipodean Albatross! *![Antipodean](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean.jpg) An ACAP-listed Antipodean Albatross, artwork by Lenina Villela of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020* **UPDATE:  VOTING IS NOW OPEN UNTIL 17h00 NZST, SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER: VOTE NOW FOR THE ANTIPODEAN ALBATROSS AS YOUR FIRST CHOICE FROM [HERE](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/).** The winner to be announced on **Monday 29 September.** ********************************************** It will soon be that time again and New Zealanders will be scurrying to vote for their favourite birds as Forest & Bird’s iconic Bird of the Year competition ([BOTY2025](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/)) returns next month.  Operated in a light-hearted way, but with a serious underlying message, the competition aims to highlight the conservation issues facing some of New Zealand’s best known, and some of its least known, birds.  This year, 70 species have been chosen, many of them, but not all, considered to be globally threatened. New Zealand’s BOTY competition has been running since 2005.  In some years it has thrown up intriguing results with hints of skullduggery and claims of foul (fowl?) play surfacing.  As Forest & Bird itself admits on its BOTY page “In 2025, we’re celebrating 20 years of ruffled feathers as everyone’s favourite event on the conservation calendar reflects on two decades of creativity and controversy.” ![Bird of the Year 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Bird_of_the_Year_2025.png) In 2021 the [winner](https://acap.aq/latest-news/no-podium-places-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross-this-year-in-competitions-in-new-zealand-and-spain-gaining-fifth-places-in-both-events?highlight=WyJsb25nLXRhaWxlZCIsImJhdCJd) was not even a bird, but one of New Zealand’s only two non-marine native mammals, the Long-tailed Bat *Chalinolobus tuberculatus* (the other is also a bat).  Proponents argued that its lack of feathers (or presumably its inability to lay eggs) was outweighed by its ability to fly.  I suppose I could add that every albatross has a bat inside it!  Two years later the American late show comedian John Oliver punted the Australasian Crested Grebe, leading to [unprecedented levels of international voting](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/bird-century-winner-announced-puteketeke-pandemonium-prevails) for it and allowing it to win by a mile, thereby arousing much consternation in Aotearoa (the Land of the Long White Cloud).  The 2024 competition was less controversial, with the beleaguered Yellow-eyed Penguin winning for a second time (the first time in 2019). *![Helen Worthington Westland Petrel watercolour Frank Valckenborgh](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Helen_Worthington_Westland_Petrel_watercolour_Frank_Valckenborgh.jpg) An ACAP-listed Westland Petrel, watercolour by ABUN artist Helen Worthington, after a photograph by Frank Valckenborgh* You will be able to cast your preferential ballot  at [birdoftheyear.org.nz](http://birdoftheyear.org.nz/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUkNxSlpQZW1yRkI5TEdjMQEeQrjMvxtxlKByn915vAwqzU9wxYESxG9DxXKVuPhgpB0l1BX2SkKFzzI2xkM_aem_QqQah4SVJzmMTHBP3w5-5A).  Five procellariiform seabirds are included, two of them ACAP-listed species.  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*, the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica*. the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni*, the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cooks-petrel-pterodroma-cookii) Cook’s Petrel *Pterodroma cookii*and the Fairy Prion *Pachyptila turtur* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/fairy-prion-pachyptila-turtur)). *![Albatross feeding chick Keith Springer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Albatross_feeding_chick_Keith_Springer.JPG) An Antipodean Albatross feeds its chick on Antipodes Island, photograph by Keith Springer* The Antipodean Albatross or Toroa already has its Campaign Team in place, with Ahaan Halwai as its Manager, saying “We are a determined group of neurodivergent individuals set on making Toroa bird of the year and prove they are the best bird (as we have always known) and WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL WE HAVE WON!!!!” Read more about the Antipodean Albatross, a regular BOTY combatant, and how it [came second in BOTY2020](https://acap.aq/latest-news/podium-position-the-antipodean-albatross-comes-second-in-new-zealand-s-boty2020?highlight=WyJib3R5Il0=) (its best position to date) from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=BOTY&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=).  The Antipodean Albatross (and all 22 albatross species) were featured by Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for the [inaugural World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) on 19 June 2020 with its theme of “Eradicating Island Pests”.  View its ACAP Species Infographic in three languages from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). So far it seems the Westland Petrel or Tāiko (and the other three contesting procellariiforms) do not have Campaign Teams touting their winning credibility.  No albatross (or any procellariform seabird for that matter) has won the competition since its inception in 2005, so let’s see if 2025 can be a turn around with the globally Endangered Toroa on the top step for once. [Voting](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/voting/) (instructions coming soon) will open on Monday 15 September 2025 and close on Sunday 28 September 2025. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 August 2025, updated 15 September 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-soon-it-will-be-boty-time-again-and-you-can-help-crown-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross.md) ## Southern Buller’s Albatrosses get studied on The Snares Islands in summer 2024/25 *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/Bullers_Albatross_Flávia_F._Barreto_after_Dominique_Filippi.jpg)Southern Buller's Albatrosses on The Snares by Flávia F. Barreto of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for*[*World Albatross Day 2024*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)*, after a photograph by Dominique Filippi* Paul Sagar (Parker Conservation, Karitane, New Zealand) and colleagues have produced a final report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme)of the New Zealand Department of Conservation that details research carried out on [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Southern Buller’s Albatrosses *Thalassarche b. bulleri* on The Snares Islands in the the 2024/25 austral summer. The report’s summary follows: “This report presents a summary of the results of demographic studies at three study colonies of southern Buller’s albatrosses *T**halassarche bulleri bulleri* breeding at Tini Heke | The Snares from 12 to 22 January and 10 to 15 April 2025.  Demographic studies at the three study colonies on North East Island, The Snares, have been undertaken annually 1992–2025, with the exception of 2018 and 2021.  Estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs, made by recording the contents of each nest mound, increased in all three study colonies compared to 2024, but numbers remain below the levels recorded since 2010.  With the assumption that the combined total number of breeding pairs in the three study colonies was representative of North East Island as a whole, then the breeding population probably peaked in 2005–2006 and has since undergone marked annual variations, with a general decrease since 2010. A total of 278 birds that had been banded previously in the study colonies as breeding adults of unknown age were recaptured.  A further 51 breeding birds were banded in the study colonies - these are presumed to be first-time breeders.  The estimate of adult survival in 2024 was 0.85, one of the lowest recorded during the 33 years of this study.  During the period 1992–2004 all chicks that survived to near-fledging in the study colonies were banded and their survival to return to the study colonies in subsequent years has been monitored.  This year, 69 of these birds were recaptured, with birds from cohorts banded from 2000 and 2004 recorded as breeding for the first time.  This demonstrates the long-term monitoring required to obtain reliable estimates of survival of such known-age birds.  In addition, two birds that had been banded as near-fledging in the study colonies during Sep 2013 and Sep 2014 were also recaptured for the first time. Alphanumeric darvic [=plastic] bands were leg mounted on 418 newly banded birds or recaptured birds.  Four of these have since been sighted at sea – three at the Otago Canyons and one off Bruny Island, Tasmania. During January 2025, 20 Druid satellite-transmitting trackers were deployed on breeding Buller’s albatrosses to follow year-round at-sea distributions.  In addition, Global Location Sensing (GLS) light-based geolocators and IgotU Global Positioning System (GPS) data loggers were deployed on eight breeding Buller’s albatrosses to investigate at-sea distribution patterns.  These deployments were short-term, and devices were recovered from six of these birds during the April trip. In April 2024 26 GLS tags were deployed on breeding birds at the Mollymawk Bay study colony; 15 of these were retrieved during April 2025.  A further 10 Druid trackers were deployed on non-breeding Buller’s in April 2025. SD cards and batteries were replaced in 16 nest cameras deployed at breeding colonies on The Snares and set to record one photograph every hour of nesting Buller’s albatrosses during daylight for a further year.” **Reference:** Sagar, P., Rexer-Huber, K., Schultz, H., Simister, K., Thompson, D. & Parker, G. 2025. [*Population studies of southern Buller’s albatrosses at Tini Heke | The Snares Islands 2025. Final report to the Department of Conservation, Conservation Services Programme*.](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202425-annual-plan/pop2023-02-snares-bullers-albatross-final-report.pdf) Karitane: Parker Conservation.  18 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/southern-bullers-albatrosses-get-studied-on-the-snares-islands-in-summer-2024-25.md) ## Antipodean Albatross and White-chinned Petrel research on Antipodes Island, 2024/25 *![3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/3.jpg)An Antipodean Albatross breeding pair on Antipodes Island, photograph by Erica Sommer* Kalinka Rexer-Huber ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand) and colleagues have produced a final report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme)of the New Zealand Department of Conservation that details research carried out on [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea a. antipodensis*and [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* on Antipodes Island during then 2024/25 austral summer. The report’s summary follows: “The Antipodean wandering albatross *Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis* has been in decline since a population crash in 2005–07.  Declining numbers appear to have been largely driven by high female mortality, but low chick production—with fewer birds breeding and reduced breeding success—has compounded the problem.  To tease out the causes of falling numbers of Antipodean wandering albatrosses and identify the effectiveness of potential solutions, research includes an annual visit to the breeding grounds on Antipodes Island.  Alongside this core annual study, we present results from a whole-island survey to estimate the size of the Antipodean albatross population nesting island-wide.  Alongside the albatross research, we are developing a mark-recapture study for white-chinned petrels.  This report describes the results of the annual field programme in the 2024/25 breeding season for both Antipodean albatrosses and white-chinned petrels. Antipodean wandering albatross. The core annual study involves mark-recapture in an intensively monitored study area and census of the annual count areas.  This season’s field programme allowed updates to the trend in nesting population size, survival, productivity and recruitment.  There are some signs that rates of decline are slowing; for example, the population of breeding pairs was declining at -5.2% per annum (2008–2013), which has slowed to a -1.5% decline in the last decade 2014–2023. The number of Antipodean wandering albatrosses breeding has been roughly stable for the past four seasons, and female survival improved 2010–2019 to approach male survival rates.  Female survival has reached 91.2% (most  recent 4-year average), but this is still lower than for males (92.6%) and remains lower than females’ pre-crash average of 95.9%.  Breeding success in 2024 at 68% approached the average pre-crash nesting success of 74%, although the mean 2006–2024 rate remains comparatively low at 63%.  However, the actual number of chicks produced remains small, even in years with good breeding success, since numbers nesting remains low.  Recruitment is starting to draw from the (much smaller) cohorts produced since the crash, so population numbers will soon no longer be supplemented by higher recruitment rates seen over the past decade. The last whole-island count of nesting Antipodean albatross took place 1994–96.  To update the whole-island estimate, we built on last year’s effort which combined ground counts and drone aerial photography producing orthomosaics of 77% of the Antipodean albatross breeding habitat.  This season drones were used to obtain photographs of the entire Antipodean albatross breeding habitat on Antipodes Island.  Orthomosaic images were constructed from the photos and the number of albatrosses counted and corrected for pretend-nesters (apparently-nesting birds with no egg) using data from nest-content checks conducted during drone overflight (has-egg rate).  A second correction used the proportion of eggs not yet laid or nests that had failed at the time the photographs were taken (lay-fail rate), using data from regular visits to the study area.  Just 1% of the 1546-ha Antipodean albatross breeding range was not overflown in 2025. Numbers in these unphotographed 22 ha were estimated by categorising nesting-habitat quality across the island, then extrapolating nest densities by habitat-quality class to the unphotographed areas.  The number nesting island-wide in 2025 estimated from drone counts (3,546±254 breeding pairs) and the 3,383±201 annual breeding pairs in 2024 provide two successive estimates that together account for biennial breeding and resulting year-on-year differences.  This is the first time since 1996 that the number of breeding pairs nesting on Antipodes Island have been comprehensively assessed across the island.  The proportion nesting in annual count blocks in 2024 (14%) and 2025 (14.7%) are similar to that recorded 1994–96 (14.9%), indicating that the annual count blocks remain representative of whole-island trends in nest numbers. Trends in nest numbers and demographic parameters from the c ore annual study indicate that the population has been approximately stable for the last four years.  However, there is so far no evidence of any sustained improvement in Antipodean wandering albatross demography, as required for the population to recover, with tentative improvements recorded here merely slowing the decline.  Recommendations include ongoing mark-recapture monitoring of demographic and population-size trends, and research into causes of declines.  More-targeted ongoing engagement with fishers is also needed to achieve better bycatch mitigation in line with ACAP best practice. White-chinned petrel.  A mark-recapture study to estimate vital rates, survival in particular, was established in the 2022–23 season.  Substantial effort to grow the mark-recapture study this year mean there are now 367 banded white-chinned petrels in 203 marked burrows in the two study areas.  For accurate, precise survival estimates this marked population needs recaptures at existing marked burrows for a minimum of two more years.  The two years of resighting data obtained to date are not yet enough for mark-recapture modelling to produce a useful survival estimate.  However, summary statistics highlighted the importance of quality monitoring data: startlingly low year-on-year return rates recorded last year (24% of birds that had been in the colony the previous season returned) were 76% this year, closer to the return rates expected for annual breeders.  Burrow reoccupancy was also better than the year prior, with 39% of burrows marked last year reoccupied this season, compared to just 27% the year before, although reoccupancy still appears low compared to the 44–68% recorded at Antipodes Island in a 2007–11 study.” *![White chinned Petrels Antipodes Dave Boyle](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/White-chinned%20Petrels%20Antipodes%20Dave%20Boyle.jpg) A White-chinned Petrel breeding pair on Antipodes Island, by Dave Boyle* **Reference:** Rexer-Huber, K., Whitehead, E., Walker, K. & Elliott, G. 2025[.  *Antipodean wandering albatrosses and white-chinned petrels 2025.  Report to Department of Conservation, Conservation Services Programme*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202425-annual-plan/pop2022-10-antipodean-wandering-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-2025-final-report.pdf)*. * Dunedin: Parker Conservation.  28 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/antipodean-albatross-and-white-chinned-petrel-research-on-antipodes-island-2024-25.md) ## Laysan Albatrosses in Hawaii’s Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge are no longer threatened by feral pigs *![Pigs 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Pigs_1.jpg)A feral pig approaches an incubating Laysan Albatross in the**Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge* Feral pigs are a [major predator](https://acap.aq/search?q=Pigs+Kauai&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) of breeding seabirds on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, including within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge where no less than [64 eggs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/64-laysan-albatross-eggs-destroyed-feral-pigs-wreak-destruction-before-a-predator-proof-fence-in-completed-on-kauai?highlight=WyJwaWdzIiwicGlnIiwia2F1YWkiLCJrYXVhaSdzIl0=) of the Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* were reported lost to pigs in 2023 prior to the completion of a predator-proof fence.  The fence was [finally completed](https://www.yahoo.com/news/2-mile-long-fence-kauai-160200864.html) in October 2023, but it appears some feral pigs remained within the enclosed area until recently.  It has now been announced by the environmental NPO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) that the fenced area is now free of pigs, as described with trail camera photographs on its [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation). *![Pigs 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Pigs_3.jpg) The feral pig has displaced the Laysan Albatross and consumes its egg* “Since late 2022, Pacific Rim Conservation has led a targeted effort to eradicate feral pigs within the predator-exclusion fence at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.  By May 2025, this initiative successfully eliminated the threat posed by feral pigs to the native seabird populations within the fence.  These invasive pigs had been directly responsible for the destruction of numerous nests, including those of the Laysan Albatross (mōlī), Hawaiian Goose (nēnē), Wedge-tailed Shearwater (ʻuaʻu kani), and Red and White-tailed Tropicbirds (koaʻe ʻula & koaʻe kea).” *![Pigs 6 Wedge tailed Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Pigs_6_Wedge-tailed_Shearwater.jpg) A feral pig within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge feeds on a Wedge-tailed Shearwater*Ardenna pacifica *in October 2024 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-feral-pig-kills-a-wedge-tailed-shearwater-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai?highlight=WyJwaWciLCJwaWdzIiwid2VkZ2UtdGFpbGVkIiwid2VkZ2UtdGFpbHMiXQ==))* “The removal of this key predator marks a significant victory in the ongoing restoration of the refuge’s ecosystem, promoting the recovery of native seabird species within this vital habitat.  With feral pigs no longer posing a threat to seabird nesting success, efforts can now focus on long-term monitoring and habitat restoration to ensure these species continue to thrive in their natural environment for generations to come.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/laysan-albatrosses-in-hawaiis-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-are-no-longer-threatened-by-feral-pigs.md) ## Tracking Black-browed Albatrosses in relation to fishing vessels in the South Atlantic  *![BBA Edward Wilson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_Edward_Wilson.jpeg) Black-browed Albatrosses in flight in the Southern Ocean, by Edward Adrian Wilson, pencil and watercolour, aboard the*Discovery*, 1901* Jonathan Rutter ([Department of Biology](https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home), University of Oxford, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Applied Ecology*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652664)on tracking Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris*at sea in relation to the presence of fishing vessels in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: 1. “Many pelagic seabird species are threatened by bycatch in fisheries.  Bycatch risk assessments benefit from quantifying the frequency, duration and location of individual seabird interactions with fishing vessels.  However, proximity-based interaction analyses are limited by the availability and spatiotemporal resolution of bird and vessel tracking data. 2. Here, we examined whether patterns in seabird landing and take-off behaviour (immersion) derived from GLS-immersion loggers (0.167 Hz) can detect vessel interactions when tracking data are lacking or incomplete.  We identified close-proximity seabird-vessel interactions by spatiotemporally matching high-resolution GPS data (0.02–1 Hz) from 45 black-browed albatrosses (*Thalassarche melanophris*) to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from trawler vessels.  We used random forest models to investigate whether immersion patterns alone could distinguish these vessel interactions from natural foraging behaviours. 3. We observed multiple seabird-vessel interaction types, with active vessel ‘following’ (with multiple landings) comprising only 59% of discrete interaction events.  Other interaction types included ‘stopping’ (with 1 landing) and ‘passing’ (with 0 landings). 4. Using immersion patterns alone, we could distinguish vessel following in >80% of both foraging timesteps and discrete foraging bouts, with false positive vessel following detections totalling <10% of true positives. 5. We found that GLS-immersion loggers sometimes remain wet following take-off, leading to inflated durations of on-water periods.  However, leaving this error uncorrected only slightly reduced the performance of our random forest models. 6. *Policy implications*.  We demonstrate that seabird immersion patterns alone can detect high-risk seabird-vessel interactions, even in the absence of locational data for both seabirds and vessels.  Our approach could allow for more comprehensive seabird bycatch risk assessments that quantify previously hidden seabird-vessel interactions, such as those involving migratory life history stages and illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels.” Read a [popular account](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/albatrosses-make-distinct-flight-hops-when-following-fishing-vessels/) of the publication. **Reference:** Rutter, J.D., Carneiro, A.P.B., Catry, P., Maurice, L., Padget, O., Davis, K.J. & Guilford, T. 2025.  Immersion patterns alone can predict vessel following by albatrosses.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology* 62: 1831-1843](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.70085). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tracking-black-browed-albatrosses-in-relation-to-fishing-vessels-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Japan marked World Albatross Day this year with a three-week exhibition *![Exhibit venue](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Exhibit_venue.JPG)A view of Japan's World Albatross Day 2025 exhibition in the Nature Centre of the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park* This year World Albatross Day & Seabird Week in Japan featured a rich lineup of interactive, artistic, and educational activities—from a bird‑watching tour and expert lectures to immersive visual exhibits—all aimed at raising awareness and promoting seabird conservation.  The event took place over 14-20 July 2025 at the [Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park](http://www.wildbirdpark.jp/en/), with the exhibition continuing for two additional weeks until 6 July. *![Little tern watching tour](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Little_tern_watching_tour.JPG) Searching for Little Terns on the field outing* On 14 June, a birdwatching tour was held at the [Morisaki Water Reclamation Center](https://www.power-technology.com/marketdata/morigasaki-water-reclamation-center-bess-japan/) rooftop in Tokyo, where an artificial nesting site for Little Terns *Sternula albifrons* has been established.  Organized by the NPO Little Tern Project, the event brought together 50 participants.  They observed the terns as well as Asian House Martins *Delichon dasypus* and Little Ringed Plovers *Charadrius dubius* at the site.  Following the tour, those who wished to continue joined a visit to the exhibition at Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, where Professor Hiroshi Hasegawa provided an in-depth explanation of the displays and of ongoing seabird conservation efforts. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Dr._Hasegawas_talk_during_lecture_series.JPG)Hiroshi Hasegawa lectures on the Short-tailed Albatross* On 15 June, a hybrid lecture event was held with 40 people attending in person, and over 60 participated online.  The programme began with a presentation by Hiroshi on a review of [Vulnerable](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/johnc/Downloads/on%20a%20review%20of%20short-tailed%20albatross%20surveys) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* surveys, followed by five additional talks covering topics such as monitoring of Short-tailed Albatross colonies, decoy-based conservation, Little Tern population surveys, needle-felt art of seabirds and seabird photography.  A Q&A session wrapped up the day, offering attendees the chance to engage with all the speakers. *[*![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Infographics_of_3_north_Pacific_albatrosses.JPG)* Japanese language versions](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-three-infographics-for-three-north-pacific-albatrosses-in-japanese?highlight=WyJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpY3MiLCJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpYyIsImphcGFuZXNlIl0=) of ACAP Infographics for the three North Pacific albatrosses on display were sponsored by the [Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/)* The three-week exhibition featured a wide range of displays, including a life-sized tapestry of the Short-tailed Albatross, photographs of the species taken in Japan, an albatross decoy used for the conservation effort, and seabird-themed artworks, including needle-felt creations.  Visitors could also enjoy a picture story show, view videos on seabird research and fisheries bycatch issues, along with posters introducing seabird conservation efforts from across Japan, with a focus on threaten ed species. During the exhibition period, the venue received an estimated 970 visitors. A similar three-week event was held to mark World Albatross Day on 19 June in Tokyo in 2024 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-japan-holds-a-three-week-long-event?highlight=WyJ3b3JsZCIsIndvcmxkJ3MiLCJ3b3JsZCciLCJhbGJhdHJvc3MiLCJhbGJhdHJvc3NlcyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcydzIiwiJ2FsYmF0cm9zcyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcyciLCJhbGJhdHJvc3NlcyciLCInYWxiYXRyb3NzJyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3NlcyIsImRheSIsImRheXMiLCJkYXkncyIsImRheSciLCJkYXlzJyIsImphcGFuIiwiamFwYW4ncyIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=)). With thanks to the World Albatross Day & Seabird Week Events Committee for the text and photographs. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/japan-marked-world-albatross-day-this-year-with-a-three-week-exhibition.md) ## Field research on ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels on Campbell Island during 2024/25 *![Campbell island seabird research 2024 25](https://acap.aq/images/Campbell-island-seabird-research-2024-25.png)Campbell Island showing key locations referred to for seabird work conducted in 2024/25, from the publication* Claudia Mischler and colleagues have produced a final report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme)of the New Zealand Department of Conservation that summarizes research conducted on seven species of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels on sub-Antarctic Campbell Island during the 2024/25 austral summer, The report’s summary follows: “This trip was the second year of a two-year follow-up project from the work done on Campbell Island in March 2020 and February 2023 to primarily determine population trends for southern royal albatross (*Diomedea epomophora*).  Nests were counted in two study (Col and Moubray) and three index areas (Faye, Paris, Honey) to compare to historical counts. Additional aims were to resight marked birds, band up to 200 pairs in the Col study area, deploy PTT-GPS transmitters, GPS loggers, and GLS loggers, and set up remote cameras on nests to monitor breeding success. Other species work included conducting photo point counts for Campbell (*Thalassarche impavida*) and grey-headed albatross (*T. chrysostoma*), deploying remote cameras on grey-headed albatross nests, and deploying PTT-GPS transmitters on Campbell albatross. Accessible nest sites were searched for light-mantled sooty albatross (*Phoebetria palpebrata*) and remote cameras set up at nests. Opportunistic searches while traveling or within southern royal albatross study and index areas were done for Antipodean albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*), and any unbanded birds were marked. Opportunistic searches and counts were also done for northern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli*) and whitechinned petrels (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*), and PTT-GPS transmitters were deployed on northern giant petrel juveniles. Nest counts for southern royal albatross showed an overall decline of 31.0% since the 1990s  and a 25.2% decline since the 2000s. The Paris index area had the highest percent change of -46.9% since the 1990s, and Col study area had the lowest at -19.6%. A total of 15 PTT-GPS transmitters were deployed on non-breeding adult southern royal albatross in the Col study area and tracks showed that birds moved north, mainly up the east coast of the South Island and east to the Chatham Rise, and east to southern South America, particularly over the Patagonian Shelf east of Argentina. Thirteen GPS loggers were deployed on breeding adults and removed again by the end of the trip, and 16 previously deployed GLS loggers were retrieved. For demographics, 81 nests had both birds of the pair marked within the Col study area which is in addition to the 113 pairs completed in 2023/24 (total of 194 pairs). Twenty-two cameras were serviced from 2023/24 to monitor breeding success, and an additional 12 were deployed. Based on the Campbell and grey-headed albatross photo point counts, the percent change between 2019/20 and 2024/25 showed a decline in the total number of Campbell albatross (sitting and loafing birds) of 11.0% and a decline of 2.4% in the total number grey-headed albatross. For breeding success monitoring of grey-headed albatross, five cameras were serviced covering 24 nests. Ten PTT-GPS transmitters deployed on Campbell albatross showed that most birds headed south towards Antarctica. For light-mantled sooty albatross, a total of 11 cameras were serviced covering 15 nests to continue monitoring of breeding success. Ten Antipodean albatross were found on the Moubray Peninsula, of which three were previously banded on Campbell Island in 2023/24. Ten PTT-GPS transmitters were deployed on northern giant petrel juveniles, showing movements towards South America.” **Reference:** Mischler, C., Moore, P., Thompson, H., Hamilton, K. & Pryde, M. 2025.  [*POP2024-03 Campbell Island Seabird Research Project*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202425-csp-reports/campbell-island-seabird-research-202425/).  [Wellington]: * *Department of Conservation.  53 pp. **John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,*07 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/field-research-on-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-on-campbell-island-during-2024-25.md) ## The shearwaters and other procellariiform seabirds of Rapa Island in French Polynesia *![Rapa Island](https://acap.aq/images/Rapa_Island.png)Rapa Island and surrounding islets, from the publication* Tehani Withers ([SOP MANU](https://manu.pf/), Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal*[Notornis](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/notornis/)* on 11 species of seabirds that breed on Rapa Island in French Polynesia, including seven procellariiforms; among them Christmas *Puffinus nativitatis* and rare, endemic and [Critically Endemic](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rapa-shearwater-puffinus-myrtae) Rapa *P. myrtae* Shearwaters. The paper’s abstract follows: “Rapa Island, located in Eastern Polynesia, hosts 12 species of breeding seabirds, now primarily found on its ten peripheral islets.  These seabirds face various threats, such as invasive mammals that prey on eggs and chicks, as well as invasive plants that encroach upon and degrade their breeding habitats. Major island restoration projects are currently underway on several islets, focusing on the removal of invasive mammals and plants. We present data collected here between 2017 and 2024 and, together with published and unpublished surveys since 1921, compile details on the distribution, population, and breeding seasons of these seabird species.” **Reference:** Withers, T., Bretagnolle, V., Butaud, J.-F., Cibois, A., Cranwell, S., Jacq, F., Laitame, T.. Luta, R., Shirihai, H. & Thibault, J.-C. 2025.  Breeding seabird assemblage of Rapa, Austral Islands, Eastern Polynesia. [Notornis 72: 23-32](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Withers_etal_721_23-32.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 06 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-shearwaters-and-other-procellariiform-seabirds-of-rapa-island-in-french-polynesiaj.md) ## 70 fish and squid species. The varied diet of the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on Amsterdam Island *![Holly Parsons IYNA Amsterdam Island Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Holly_Parsons_IYNA_Amsterdam_Island_Karine_Delord.jpg)An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick* *on the**Falaises d'Entrecasteaux**, Amsterdam Island *by Holly Parsons*of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2025, after a photograph by Karine Delord* Yves Cherel ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/), Villiers-en-Bois, France) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Marine Biology](https://link.springer.com/journal/227)* on the diet of the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*on Amsterdam Island. The paper’s abstract follows: “Little is known about the diet of the Indian yellow-nosed albatross *Thalassarche carteri,* which is one of the few albatrosses that breed both north and south of the Subtropical Front. In this study we aimed to detail its feeding ecology at the subtropical Amsterdam Island that hosts the most important breeding population of the species. Analysis of stomach contents indicated that chicks were fed on fish (84% by fresh mass) and cephalopods (11%), whilst crustaceans and other organisms were minor dietary components. A total of 969 fresh prey items were [sic] identified from the pooled 134 samples. The fish diet of yellow-nosed albatross is diverse (at least 36 taxa) and is dominated by *Cubiceps caeruleus*(40.2% by number of fish prey), *Scomberesox scombroides* (31.2%), and *Phosichthys argenteus* (8.3%). Identification of 2086 accumulated beaks demonstrates a diverse cephalopod diet (34 taxa), which includes mainly oegopsids (30 taxa). The most important squid prey were ommastrephids (44.5% by number of accumulated lower beaks), followed *by Histioteuthis atlantica* (15.9%) and *Ancistrocheirus lesueurii* (8.7%). Feather δ13C values indicate that chicks of six breeding seabirds from Amsterdam/Saint-Paul Islands assimilated food of subtropical origin. Using δ15N as a proxy of trophic position, the seabird assemblage is structured along three trophic levels from the rockhopper penguin *Eudyptes moseleyi* (δ15N = 9.6‰) to the Amsterdam albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* (15.9‰), with the yellow-nosed albatross (14.6‰) being a top predator sharing the same trophic position as the sooty albatross *Phoebetria fusca* (14.5‰). Anthropogenic-related items were found in 30% of food samples, and their occurrence increased from 1993 (22%) to 2001 (76%). The study sets a baseline for future works on diet, isotopic ecology and plastic contamination of the Indian yellow-nosed albatross across years and various conditions.” **Reference:** Cherel, Y., Trouvé, C., Richard, P. & Weimerskirch, H. 2025. Feeding ecology of the Indian yellow-nosed albatross *Thalassarche carteri* at the subtropical Amsterdam Island.  [*Mar**ine Biology* 172, 56. doi.org/10.1007/s00227-025-04608-5](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-025-04608-5). *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 05 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/70-fish-and-squid-species-the-varied-diet-of-the-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-on-amsterdam-island.md) ## Mitigating seabird bycatch by Albacore longline fishing vessels in the south-east Atlantic *![Global Ecology and Conservatiin paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Global_Ecology_and_Conservatiin_paper.jpg)Graphical Abstract from the publication* Hsiang-Wen Huang ([Institute of Marine Affairs and Resource Management](https://imarm.ntou.edu.tw/?Lang=en), National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Global Ecology and Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/global-ecology-and-conservation)*on testing best-practice methods for mitigating seabird bycatch.  They report that on average nearly three seabirds were taken on each of 103 sets in the south-east Atlantic.  Species caught included Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*, White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* and Great Shearwater *Ardenna gravis*.  Night setting emerged as the most effective mitigation measure, although Whie-chinned Petrels were still caught at night. The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabird bycatch—particularly involving albatrosses and petrels—remains a significant conservation concern in pelagic longline fisheries.  This study evaluated the effectiveness of three mitigation measures—bird-scaring lines (BSLs), weighted branch lines, and night setting—in reducing seabird bycatch in the Taiwanese albacore (*Thunnus alalunga*) longline fishery operating in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean.   Observations were conducted aboard a commercial vessel during 103 longline sets in 2013. Four BSL treatments were tested: single and double conventional BSLs and single and double experimental BSLs recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), each combined with either weighted (60 g at 3 m from the hook) or unweighted branch lines.  A total of 298 seabirds were [*sic*] caught during line setting, with an additional 18 birds caught and released alive during hauling and trolling.  Night setting emerged as the most effective mitigation measure, with a bycatch rate of 0.046 birds per 1000 hooks—substantially lower than the 1.101 birds per 1000 hooks recorded during daytime setting. While BSLs effectively deterred seabird attacks within their aerial extent, their efficacy declined when baited hooks remained within the diving range of seabirds beyond this zone.  Weighted branch lines reduced seabird bycatch by 61 %; however, they were also associated with a potential decrease in albacore catch rates.  Our findings highlight that the effectiveness of best practice mitigation—namely, the combined use of BSLs and weighted branch lines—depends on ensuring that baited hooks reach depths beyond seabird diving capabilities before exiting the aerial extent of the BSLs.  Further optimization is needed to balance conservation outcomes with fishery performance. **Reference:** Huang, H.-W., Liao, H.-C., Kuo, T.-C., Chen, S.-C. & Yeh, Y.-M. 2025.  Best practices for mitigating seabird bycatch on Taiwanese albacore longline fishing vessels operating in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean.  *[Global Ecology and Conservation 62, e03752](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425003531?via%3Dihub)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mitigating-seabird-bycatch-by-albacore-longline-fishing-vessels-in-the-south-east-atlantic.md) ## The Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge holds its first art contest *![Laysan Albatrosses FOMA art competition 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatrosses_FOMA_art_competition_2025.jpg) One of the 10 ten: A Laysan Albatross family* “The first annual [Friends of Midway](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) Art Contest judges have already selected the 1st and 2nd place winners, who have been notified.  Now we need YOUR help on voting for the Peoples' Choice Award winner! The Art Contest Committee has gone through the difficult process of selecting the top 10 pieces of art out of an incredible 31 submissions.  We appreciate each and every artist who participated and will be showcasing all artwork publicly (and announcing winners) August 15th. Voting is now open August 1st - 8th, one vote per person - anyone can vote.   The voting poll can be found[here](https://friendsofmidway.org/art-contest-vote). Feel free to share this voting poll with friends and family.  The more voters, the better!” ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Picture1.jpg)*George and Geraldine: Midway's breeding Short-tailed Albatrosses, artwork by Holly Parsons* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 August 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-friends-of-midway-atoll-national-wildlife-refuge-holds-its-first-art-contest.md) ## UPDATED. What of the albatrosses? A tsunami reaches Kure and Midway Atolls following a Russian earthquake *![Tsunami Midway 30 July 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Tsunami_Midway_30_July_2025.jpg) Tsunami signal from Midway Atoll, 30 July 2026*   **UPDATE FROM THE KURE ATOLL CONSERVANCY**: "Updates from the crew stationed on Kure rolled in yesterday. The scene from the pier shows that the high water mark came up the beach but did not inundate the dunes or any of the paths to the interior. The westernmost point of the island is a long sandy spit and there was some overwash there, but overall the impact from the tsunami is minimal". An earthquake registered at 8.8 off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on 29 July has triggered up to four-metre tsunami waves in the North Pacific.  It has been reported as the sixth largest on record.  The low-lying atolls of the North Western Hawaiian Islands and their breeding populations of three species of albatrosses and of other ground-nesting seabirds are particularly at risk to being overrun and flooded by climate change-induced sea level rise,[tsunamis](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-tohoku-tsunami-killed-280-000-albatrosses-and-petrels-on-laysan-and-midway-atolls), and [surges and strong winds](https://acap.aq/latest-news/midway-atoll-and-its-albatrosses-take-a-battering-from-storms-made-worse-by-climate-change?highlight=WyJ0c3VuYW1pIiwidHN1bmFtaXMiLCJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyJd) caused by storms as has happened in the past, leading to the loss, depending on the stage of breeding, of eggs, chicks and adult Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis*Albatrosses. * * *![Short tailed pair Midway Wieteke Holthuijzen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short_tailed_pair_Midway_Wieteke_Holthuijzen.jpg) At risk of flooding: a Short-tailed Albatross* Phoebastria albatrus *pair on Kure Atoll, photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip* At the time of writing, the highest tsunami wave from the 29 July earthquake recorded by the [tidal station](https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tsunami/) at Midway Atoll was 1.8 m.  It seems likely a similar height occurred at Kure Atoll.   Inhabitants on both atolls sheltered above the ground floor in buildings. *ACAP Latest News* will continue to track and report on any effects of the tsunami on the Hawaiian albatross-breeding atolls as information comes to hand from those currently living on Kure and Midway. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-of-the-albatrosses-a-tsunami-reaches-kure-and-midway-atolls-following-a-russian-earthquake.md) ## Flesh-footed Shearwaters add nutrients to Lord Howe Island *![Flesh footed Sheawater Tim Reid](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Sheawater_Tim_Reid.jpg) Flesh-footed Shearwater on Lord Howe Island, photograph by Tim Reid* Megan Grant ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.utas.edu.au/imas), University of Tasmania, Newnham, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758)*on [Near Threatened](https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-list/flesh-footed-shearwater/) Flesh-footed or Sable Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes* adding nutrients via guano to their breeding sites on Lord Howe Island. The abstract follows: “Seabirds are long-range transporters of nutrients, linking their marine feeding grounds with their terrestrial breeding and roosting sites. Seabirds can influence the terrestrial environment in which they reside by depositing nutrient-rich guano, which acts as a natural fertiliser. Here, we determined the nutrient content of Sable Shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) guano and used stable isotope analysis to determine changes in isotope signals and nutrient concentrations through the terrestrial environment across three sites on Lord Howe Island, Australia: active shearwater colony, abandoned shearwater colony and un-colonised area. The concentration of nitrogen in Sable Shearwater guano was like other Procellariiformes, and this was reflected in the palm leaves and invertebrates (slugs) sampled from seabird colonies, which were enriched in δ15N relative to the control site. In contrast, nitrogen stable isotope values in soils were not significantly different among sites, indicating the presence of historic seabird colonies. Guano was rich in phosphorous and potassium, which fertilised soils in the shearwater colony compared to sites without seabirds present. It is expected that the island will experience a reduction in nutrient inputs from guano because the shearwater population is in decline, and this may result in changes to vegetation assemblages in the colonies over time.” **Reference:** Grant, M.L., Reichman, S.Z., Bond, A.L. & Lavers, J.L. 2025.  Seabirds enhance primary producer and consumer isotope signals on a sub-tropical island.  *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.71636)*[15(7) doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71636](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.71636). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flesh-footed-shearwaters-add-nutrients-to-lord-howe-island.md) ## When art meets conservation. ACAP supporter Isabelle Beaudoin sculpts a Black-footed Albatross *![Isabelle Beaudoin Blackfoot model 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Isabelle_Beaudoin_Blackfoot_model_2.jpg) Black-footed Albatross and chick, sculpted by Isabelle Beaudoin* *ACAP Latest News* regularly carries articles that feature the links between art and science in relation to the conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  Subjects covered include paintings and drawings (notably in collaboration with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to mark annual [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June since 2020), public statuary and even cake baking.  Less frequently reported are sculptures. An example of a [Black-footed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* modelled in clay by [ACAP supporter Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific) who recently spent time among albatrosses on [Kure Atoll](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses) (Hōlanikūj) in the North Pacific follows, using her own words. *![Isabelle Beaudoin Blackfoot model 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Isabelle_Beaudoin_Blackfoot_model_6.jpg) Isabelle poses with her sculpture prior to its painting* “Since I’m no longer out in the field every single day (though it will pick up again soon!), [this page](https://www.facebook.com/IBeaudoin1993) will on occasion be given over to other bird-themed content - like art! What do you guys think of my clay Ka’upu (Black-footed Albatross) and chick?  This was my first time ever working with the clay medium, and it was challenging to shape the bird in 3D.  But I’d spent so many hundreds of hours watching Ka’upu from every angle that my eye knew what it was looking for, even if my hands and fingers didn’t always know how to render it.   I’m pretty happy with it though.  I started with a wire ‘skeleton’ or frame, so that the figure would be rigid and could stand; then I covered the wire with clay and shaped it until it looked right. I made a base, a nest bowl and a little baby chick.  I let all this air dry over a couple of weeks, then I painted them all, and glued tiny shells and moss- and grass-like things to the base.  A shoutout to Etasha Golden who provided me with all the materials (from the wire to the clay to the shells) and encouragement to embark on this project!  You can see her in the last [[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/IBeaudoin1993)] photos helping me to set up a photoshoot.  I’ve named these two Derpy and Derpling, after a bird I met and named on the island.  They will live on my desk at the university.” *![Isabelle Beaudoin Blackfoot model 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Isabelle_Beaudoin_Blackfoot_model_7.jpg) Wire skeleton prior to adding the clay* *![Isabelle Beaudoin Blackfoot model 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Isabelle_Beaudoin_Blackfoot_model_4.jpg) The sculpture prior to painting* Isabelle continues “I think about the atoll every single day.  Sometimes when I pause, and detach myself from the hubbub and stress of my life now, I can still hear faint echoes of them all around me. The albatross.   The notes of whinnies, whistles, bill-clacks, screams, moos and coos used to suffuse the air and weave themselves through me.  Day and night.  The longing I feel to be in their presence again is impossible to describe, and is stronger than what I’ve ever felt for humans.  Who knows why that is.  But I have to remember that they aren’t really gone.  They’re still all around me.  In my heart.  In my memories.  In the sky.  In the sea.   In the air. Making art like this makes them feel closer.” *![Isabelle Beaudoin Blackfoot model 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Isabelle_Beaudoin_Blackfoot_model_3.jpg) Close up of the sculpture’s base, photographs by Isabelle Beaudoin* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/when-art-meets-conservation-acap-supporter-isabelle-beaudoin-sculpts-a-black-footed-albatross.md) ## A Northern Giant Petrel photographed with a sublingual oral fistula sparks a request *![Victor Wilkens Northern Giant Petrel 27 01 2025 Flock](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Victor_Wilkens_Northern_Giant_Petrel_27_01_2025_Flock.jpg) A Northern Giant Petrel with a sublingual oral fistula, photograph by Helen Badenhorst, southern Indian Ocean, 27 January 2025* [Dr James Reynolds](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/reynolds-jim) (Assistant Professor in Ornithology and Animal Conservation, Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, UK) has written to *ACAP Latest News* on a long-term citizen science project that he has been running about the incidents and causes of [sublingual oral fistulas](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/ornithology/oral-fistula) in the world's birds.  Since 2016 he has collated records of the condition in nearly 110 species of birds from all continents except Antarctica.  Many of the species in which oral fistulas have been recorded are gulls and terns.  James will be pleased to receive details of the condition in other seabird species. James notes that a Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* was photographed by several participants on the [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025/) voyage in January this year, likely to be the same individual, as depicted on its [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/184051415289185).  He says “I am asking for help from people who routinely interact with free-living birds at close quarters when handling, observing and photographing them.  I am especially appealing to banders, wildlife photographers and birdwatchers to respond but I am happy to hear from anyone with relevant information.  All records of this rare condition are invaluable because they allow us to map the condition's occurrence onto location, and phylogenetic and ecological trait spaces.  The ultimate aim of the research project is to identify the cause(s) of this condition and thereby to ensure that we can protect avian biodiversity, and especially seabirds that face so many threats, against it proliferating.” Records of ACAP-listed and other seabirds exhibiting sublingual oral fistulas can be sent to James at [mailto:j.reynolds.2@bham.ac.uk](mailto:j.reynolds.2@bham.ac.uk)[j.reynolds.2@bham.ac.uk](mailto:j.reynolds.2@bham.ac.uk). **Relevant publications:** Camiña, A. & Guerrero, L.M. 2013.  An Eurasian Griffon *Gyps fulvus* disadvantaged for feeding.  *[Vulture News](https://www.ajol.info/index.php/vulnew/article/view/168908)*[64: 66-68](https://www.ajol.info/index.php/vulnew/article/view/168908). Castro, I. & Taylor, J. 2001.  Survival and reproductive success of Stitchbird (hihi, Notiomystis cincta) suffering from a bill abnormality (oral fistula).  [*Notornis* 48: 241-244](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Notornis_48_4_241.pdf). Hughes, B.J., Martin, G.R., Wearn, C.P. & Reynolds, S.J. 2013.  Sublingual fistula in a Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra) and possible role of ectoparasites in its etiology.  [*Journal of Wildlife Diseases* 49: 455-457](https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-wildlife-diseases/volume-49/issue-2/2012-03-085/Sublingual-Fistula-in-a-Masked-Booby-Sula-dactylatra-and-Possible/10.7589/2012-03-085.short). Reynolds, S.J. 2021.  A call for observations of birds with sublingual oral fistulas in central and eastern Europe, and beyond.  [*Ornis Hungarica* 29: 188-194](https://pure-oai.bham.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/155237486/Reynolds_2021_Ornis_Hungarica.pdf). Reynolds, S.J., Martin, G.R., Wearn, C.P. & Hughes, B.J. 2009.  Sub-lingual oral fistulas in sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscata). [*Journal of Ornithology* 150: 691-696](https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=5b2994a3d1525ed37ddca70eb0f12a653deab9b2). Rintoul, D.A. & Reynolds, S.J. 2019.  Sublingual oral fistula in a Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan).  [*Kansas Ornithological Society Bulletin* 70: 53-56](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343636154_Kansas_Ornithological_Society_SUBLINGUAL_ORAL_FISTULA_IN_A_FRANKLIN'S_GULL_Leucophaeus_pipixcan). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-northern-giant-petrel-photographed-with-a-sublingual-oral-fistula-sparks-a-request.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project releases its 14th Quarterly Newsletter ![14th cover](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/14th_cover.jpg)  The [*Saving Marion Island's Seabirds: the Mouse-Free Marion Project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/) has produced the [14th issue of its Quarterly Newsletter](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/) for July 2025.  In the issue [Keith Springer](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/), MFM Project Operations Manager, provides an update on Marion Island fieldwork and the 2025 annual relief voyage, and Roelf Daling, MFM Project 2025/26 Overwintering Field Assistant, writes about his first month on remote Marion Island. ![Thank you 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Thank-you-1.png) News is also given on June’s [Double your Donation Campaign](https://mousefreemarion.org/game-set-and-matched-junes-double-your-donation-campaign-reaches-its-220-ha-target-in-record-time/) in celebration of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease) on 19 June that reached its 220-ha target in record time. Download the newsletter and all the previous issues from [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-its-14th-quarterly-newsletter.md) ## Collision risk for albatrosses and petrels with offshore wind farms gets reviewed ![offshore wind farm](https://acap.aq/images/offshore_wind_farm.jpeg)*An offshore wind farm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             * Mark Miller ([School of Biological Sciences](https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/biological-sciences), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Applied Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652664)* reviewing collision risk for procellariiform seabirds with offshore wind farms. The paper’s abstract follows: 1. “Offshore wind farms are a key component of the transition to renewable energy generation and are planned globally.  Procellariiformes (albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and storm-petrels) include the most threatened and abundant seabird families, yet their risk of collision with offshore wind turbines remains virtually unquantified because we lack the ecological information necessary to parametrise Collision Risk Models (CRMs) 2. However, Procellariiformes are relatively well-studied in academic literature, presenting the opportunity for systematic review through a collision-risk lens.  Here, we conduct meta-analyses to calculate species-level values for core CRM parameters: flight height, flight speed and nocturnal flight. 3. Our systematic review returned 163 studies, providing excellent species coverage (>1 parameter value for 119 of the 145 Procellariiform species).  We compiled a flight parameter database with the most values for flight speed and nocturnal flight, while values for Procellariiform flight height were scarce and lacked empirical data. 4. Procellariiformes flew at speeds up to 28 ms−1 with species flight speeds generally prescribed by aerodynamic and flight morphology theory. 5. Procellariiform flight activity varied across the diel cycle, with approximately a third of species flying more at night, a third flying more during the daytime and a third with no preference.  Empirical studies characterised low (0–13 m) Procellariiform mean flight heights, but only for 21 species; expert opinion studies gave better coverage (104 species) but were highly uncertain when describing how frequently Procellariiformes may fly in a turbine's rotor swept zone. 6. We make recommendations for how to best parameterise CRMs and identify priorities for further research, such as the importance of ‘instantaneous’ GPS biologger flight speeds, reconsidering how we model nocturnality in CRMs (given the abundance of night-flying Procellariiformes), the merits of parameterising CRMs with site-specific data over generic values and how new technologies can fill data gaps. 7. *Synthesis and applications*. We present a database of mean flight parameter values and uncertainty for Procellariiform species and flight groups.  Flight speed and nocturnal flight parameter values are ready for use in CRMs; but flight height results are too uncertain for useful parameterization.  To fill this key information gap, we recommend mandatory Procellariiform flight height data collection at planned offshore wind farms.” **Reference:** [Miller](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Miller/Mark+G.+R.), M.G.R., [Petrovic](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Petrovic/Sara), S. & [Clarke](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Clarke/Rohan+H.), R.H. 2025.  A global review of Procellariiform flight height, flight speed and nocturnal activity: Implications for offshore wind farm collision risk.  *[Journal of Applied Ecology doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.70088](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.70088)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/collision-risk-for-albatrosses-and-petrels-with-offshore-wind-farms-gets-reviewed.md) ## “In the wake of Scott and Shackleton” - a photo and video essay by Mitchell Roberts *![BullersAlbatross1](https://acap.aq/images/BullersAlbatross1.jpg)Buller’s Albatross*Thalassarche bulleri*at The Snares* [Mitchell Roberts](http://www.mitchellroberts.au) is a photographer and videographer from Toowoomba, Australia who works with conservation groups to share their projects through video.  He also teaches photographers how to get the most out of their camera, from basics through to finding their vision. Mitchell has written to *ACAP Latest News* saying that he has a passion for wildlife nurtured in his early years and built on his love of photography to create visually engaging images. From 2 February to 1 March 2025 he travelled to sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand and to Antarctica on the “[In the wake of Scott and Shackleton : Ross Sea Antarctica](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/destinations/antarctica-travel/ross-sea-antarctica-cruise/)” expedition as a [True Young Explorer of Heritage Expedition's scholarship programme](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/blog/young-explorer-scholarships-are-open/). He says “Travelling to such a remote region of the world was truly mind blowing!  Experiencing the over three-metre wingspan of a Southern Royal Albatross *Diomedea epomophora* gliding right above my head was something I’ll never forget.  Seeing the sheer numbers of petrels flying and catching the winds captured my imagination as they picked up speed in an instant.  All while being surrounded by unique landscapes and wide expansive oceans”. **![Mitchell Roberts](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Mitchell_Roberts.jpg)* Mitchell Roberts* Mitchell has kindly agreed to share some of his photos and videos of the Snares, Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island and Macquarie Island with ACAP. *Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses at Campbell, Enderby and Macquarie Islands* *![GiantNorthernPetrel11](https://acap.aq/images/GiantNorthernPetrel11.jpg) Northern Giant Petrel*Macronectes halli *at Macquarie Island* *Southern Royal Albatrosses at Campbell Island* *![Southern RoyalAlbatross Campbell Island Mitchell Roberts](https://acap.aq/images/Southern_RoyalAlbatross_Campbell_Island_Mitchell_Roberts.jpg) A Southern Royal Albatross flies over Campbell Island* *![LightMantledSootyAlbatross6](https://acap.aq/images/LightMantledSootyAlbatross6.jpg) Light-mantled Sooty Albatross*Phoebetria palpebrata*chick* *![Southern RoyalAlbatross Campbell Island Mitchell 2](https://acap.aq/images/Southern_RoyalAlbatross_Campbell_Island_Mitchell_2.jpg) A Southern Royal Albatross gives a ‘sky call’ on Campbell Island* **![BullersAlbatross2](https://acap.aq/images/BullersAlbatross2.jpg)*  A Buller’s Albatross in flight at The Snares* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/in-the-wake-of-scott-and-shackleton-a-photo-and-video-essay-by-mitchell-roberts.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Albicakes – a developing World Albatross Day tradition *![AAD HPAI cake Jonathon Barrington](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_HPAI_cake_Jonathon_Barrington.jpg)A splendid Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus cake addressing the WAD2025 theme of “Effects of Disease” formed part of the*[*morning tea celebration*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-australian-antarctic-division-hosted-its-annual-morning-tea-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day-and-its-2025-theme-effects-of-disease-on-19-june)*of World Albatross Day by the Australian Antarctic Division on 19 June 2025, photograph by Jonathon Barrington* [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) was first celebrated on 19 June 2020.  To help create awareness [a cake-baking competition](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-judges-have-decided-overall-and-category-winners-in-the-great-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJjYWtlIiwyMDIwLCIyMDIwJ3MiXQ==) was held that proved popular with no less than [72 cakes](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3) entered into the “Great Albicake Bake Off”.  Since then, baking and displaying “albicakes” has continued on 19 June each year, notably by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) and the [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) in New Zealand. *![Gough albicake Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Gough_albicake_Michelle_Risi.jpg)* *![Gough albicake 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Gough_albicake_2.jpg) An albicake of a Tristan Albatross created and photographed by Michelle Risi (front row right) on Gough Island as a member of the 70th South African Overwintering Team* In the hope that baking cakes with an albatross theme on World Albatross Day will develop into a full-blown tradition around the world, to complement the [displaying of banners](https://acap.aq/latest-news/keeping-up-a-six-year-old-tradition-displaying-banners-to-mark-world-albatross-day), here is a portfolio of albicakes produced, and I am sure eaten, for this year’s day and its theme “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”. *![Royal Albatross Centre WAD2025 albicake 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Royal_Albatross_Centre_WAD2025_albicake_2.jpg)* *![Royal Albatross Centre WAD2025 albicake 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Royal_Albatross_Centre_WAD2025_albicake_1.jpg) The Royal Albatross Centre continued its tradition of baking a cake depicting a life-sized Northern Royal Albatross in flight* *![MFM albicake 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/MFM_albicake_3.jpg)* *![MFM albicake 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/MFM_albicake_1.jpg) The*[*Mouse-Free Marion Project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*cheated with a shop-bought chocolate cake in Cape Town.  Left and right, John Cooper and Robyn Adams (MFM Project), centre Andrea Angel (Albatross Task Force), along with John’s Laysan and Wandering Albatross plushies, photograph by Reason Nyengera* *![AAD albicakes 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_albicakes_2.jpg)* *![AAD albicakes](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_albicakes.jpg)* *![AAD HPAI cake](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_HPAI_cake.jpg) More albicakes on display at the Australian Antarctic Division on 19 June 2025, photographs by Jonathon Barrington and Wendy Pyper* The ACAP Secretariat has started to give thought as to what might be the theme for “WAD2026”.  Perhaps there should be a repeat of the Great Albicake Bake Off”?  Watch this space for an announcement in due course! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-albicakes-a-developing-world-albatross-day-tradition.md) ## “North Star on the South Shore”. A new breeding locality for the Laysan Albatross on Kauai ![Hōkūpaa 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Hōkūpaa_1.jpg) *Hōkūpaʻa five days before fledging, photograph by Hob Osterlund* Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* breed in several localities along the northern shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, from the [Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-laysan-albatrosses-of-kauai-have-had-a-good-breeding-year?highlight=WyJiYXJraW5nIiwic2FuZCIsInNhbmRzIl0=) through[Princeville](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-11-princeville-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-in-gardens-and-on-golf-courses), [private lands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-75-north-east-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-on-private-lands-and-a-webcam-has-made-one-pair-and-its-chick-famous-with-two-million-hits) to the [Kilauea Point Nature Reserve](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population).  The following text reporting a new breeding locality on the island is extracted from an article by Hob Osterlund, founder of the [Kauaʻi Albatross Network](https://albatrosskauai.org/wp/), a [Safina Center Conservationist-in-Residence](https://www.safinacenter.org/about-hob) and a long-term supporter of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, that gives information of a new breeding locality on the island's southern shore. “On July 9, 2025, a mōlī (Laysan albatross) chick fledged (flew for the first time) from the hotel grounds of the [Point at Poʻipu](https://www.vrbo.com/en-gb/holiday-rentals/united-states/hawaii/kauai-county/koloa/poipu/the-point-at-poipu?semcid=VRBO-UK.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.VR&semdtl=a114077196539.b1124958768083.g1dsa-1315688850208.e1c.m1CjwKCAjwvuLDBhAOEiwAPtF0Vkf-sBlrhzdmKyGuTCU55loqUvrz-B3a3FoTlmXzcCyZGqtnTOVK7xoCoYoQAvD_BwE.r1.c1.j19180791.k1.d1536350759875.h1.i1262153202272.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14077196539&gclid=CjwKCAjwvuLDBhAOEiwAPtF0Vkf-sBlrhzdmKyGuTCU55loqUvrz-B3a3FoTlmXzcCyZGqtnTOVK7xoCoYoQAvD_BwE&pwaDialog=search-location-dialog-destination_form_field-1) on Kauaʻi.  She was just over five months old.  True to form, others of the roughly 250 chicks on the island had also started fledging.  But something set this particular chick apart. Never in recorded history has there been a successful mōlī nest in Poʻipū, or anywhere on the south shore.  Locals report having seen albatross in flight and in courtship on the ground.  But no one (so far) could remember a chick growing up there. Mōlī likely nested on many islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago for thousands—if not millions—of years. But on the islands where humans arrived with predators such as cats, dogs, rats and pigs, mōlī nesting would have disappeared. Kuaihelani (Midway) Atoll remains the mōlī mother ship—more than one thousand miles northwest of Kauaʻi—where this year there were 620,000 mōlī nests. Itʻs the largest colony of any albatross species in the world." *![Hōkūpaa 2 Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Hōkūpaa_2_Hob_Osterlund.jpg) Hōkūpaʻa near its nest site, photograph by Hob Osterlund* "In modern history, a few intrepid mōlī attempted nesting at Barking Sands and Kīlauea Point. A 1980 article in the [*ʻElepaio Journal of the Hawaiʻi Audubon Society*](https://hiaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elepaio41.1.pdf) described a total of thirty albatross eggs between 1974-1980.  Almost all were predated [*sic*], abandoned or vandalized.  Three chicks did fledge in 1979, but only because of a temporary fence at Kīlauea Point.  Zero chicks fledged from Barking Sands. Since those days, predator protection on Kauaʻi has unevenly improved and the mōlī population has gradually grown. This nesting season Kauaʻi started out with three hundred and ninety-four known nests, not including ninety-three on [Lehua Islet](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-58-lehua-island-hawaii-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses). As of late June, those nearly four hundred nests had produced two hundred and fifty chicks.” In the previous season a Laysan Albatross pair laid an egg at Poʻipu, but it did not hatch, so this season’s carefully protected fledgling, named Hōkūpa’a (Hawaiian for Polaris, the north star) is the first known from Kauai’s south shore." Read the full article, containing two video clips of the chick wing flapping and of the fledgling taking flight by Hob Osterlund, [here](https://www.safinacenter.org/blog/north-star-on-the-south-shore?fbclid=IwY2xjawLliJpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFlVjhHcWhtTlN2Mm9jUEdEAR7KYkJBC-LHK0pH5AEUnxGz8rXxYfC1XAz3fmYxDIsyt0IMVgUxbAj4_m68Qw_aem_nWxA_kEsAmChst2gPlS0lw). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/north-star-on-the-south-shore-a-new-breeding-locality-for-the-laysan-albatross-on-kauai.md) ## Variation in wing and tail moult intensity in White-chinned Petrels killed by fisheries off South Africa *![WCP moult](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_moult.jpg) White-chinned Petrels moulting 4–5 inner primaries at the start of primary moult also replace most of their greater secondary coverts before the start of secondary moult, photographs by Peter Ryan (from the publication)* Oluwadunsin Adekola and Peter Ryan ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, South Africa) have published open access in the *[Journal of Avian Biology](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1600048x)* on flight feather moult in 2431 White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* killed by fisheries off South Africa. The paper’s abstract follows: “The cost of moult is substantial, and the timing and intensity of flight feather moult can influence survival and fitness, especially in large, long-winged species such as many seabirds. We explore variation in wing and tail moult in > 2400 white-chinned petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* killed in fisheries off southern Africa to assess how they integrate moult into their annual cycle and whether wing moult impacts their behaviour at sea. All petrels showed a simple descendent primary moult and one active moult centre, although moult of P2–3 sometimes started before P1. The Underhill–Zucchini moult model estimated that adult primary moult started after breeding on 7 May (± 8 days SD) and lasted 103 days (mean end date 20 August ± 10 days). Adult males started and finished moult 10 days before females. Immature petrels started primary moult earlier than adults, and their moult was probably more protracted as they moulted fewer primaries at once (1.9 ± 1.2) when compared to adults (2.3 ± 1.1), independent of sex. Adult moult was particularly intense in the inner primaries, growing up to six feathers at once, slowing to at most 3–4 outer primaries. The secondary moult started two weeks after the primary moult, once 3–4 primaries had been dropped. Secondary moult typically started with the innermost secondaries, plus inward waves from S1 and S5 in 2.7 ± 1.3 active moult centres (range 1–6), replacing 4.6 ± 2.7 (1–13) secondaries at once. Adults had more intense secondary moult (4.7 ± 2.8 growing feathers) than immatures (3.6 ± 2.3), with no difference between the sexes. However, photographs of non-moulting birds at sea show that 27% of birds do not replace all secondaries each year. The tail moult usually commenced at the start of the secondary moult and was highly variable, with 1–12 rectrices growing at once. Adults had more active centres (3.0 ± 1.4) than immatures (2.3 ± 1.0). Moult symmetry was greater among the primaries (84%) than either the secondaries (46%) or rectrices (68%). Although adult wing moult was intense, there was no marked reduction in flight activity among breeding adults fitted with leg-mounted activity loggers during the moult period. Our findings are largely in accord with previous studies of moult in petrels, but our large sample size reveals considerable variation among individuals, which is surprising given the high cost of moult. Future studies should attempt to investigate the factors determining this variation.” **Reference:** OAdekola, O.E. & Ryan, P.G. 2025.  Variation in wing and tail moult intensity in white-chinned petrels.  *[Journal of Avian Biology](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jav.03327)*[doi.org/10.1111/jav.03327](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jav.03327). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 July 2025 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/variation-in-wing-and-tail-moult-intensity-in-white-chinned-petrels-killed-by-fisheries-off-south-africa.md) ## Drowned at sea. Stable isotopes assign origin of White-Chinned Petrels caught on longlines ![WCP map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_map.png) *Breeding colonies of White-chinned Petrel (open circles) in the south Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Colonies where samples were collected are indicated by a star (from the publication)* Viviane Barquete ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10990755)*on the origins of White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*killed by longline fisheries. The paper’s abstract follows: “Incidental capture (bycatch) of seabirds in longline and trawl fisheries is one of the main threats to many albatrosses and large petrels.  The White-chinned Petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) has a circumpolar distribution and is the seabird species killed most frequently by fisheries in the Southern Ocean.  In an attempt to identify provenance, stable isotope values (δ13 C and δ15 N) in feathers from White-chinned Petrels killed in longline fisheries off Brazil, South Africa and New Zealand were compared with those from petrels breeding at five major colonies (South Georgia, Prince Edward, Crozet, Kerguelen and Antipodes Islands).  Feather δ15 N, and to a lesser extent, δ13 C values in feathers differed among breeding birds sampled at South Georgia, Antipodes Islands and the three Indian Ocean colonies.  Given that adult feathers are moulted primarily in temperate waters, away from heir colonies, this confirms that most adults from these three regions winter in different areas.  Discriminant function analysis of stable isotope values indicated that most petrels killed off Brazil and South Africa were from Atlantic and Indian Ocean populations, respectively.  Birds killed in New Zealand fisheries in summer were assigned to populations from all three oceans, with few assigned to the Antipodes; however, we lacked stable isotope data from the Auckland Islands, which is the most likely source population.  Identifying the origin of bycaught birds is essential for determining which populations are affected by human activities and for prioritising conservation efforts.  This includes targeting of mitigation regulations, monitoring of compliance and bycatch rates, and ensuring cooperation between breeding and non-breeding range states to ensure best practices are adopted in national fisheries and in the high seas.” With thanks to Sandy Bartle. **Reference:** Barquete, V., Cherel, Y. Phillips, R.A., Thompson, D., Chilvers, B.L., Wanless, R.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2025.  Using stable isotopes to assign origin of White-Chinned Petrels killed by longline fisheries.  *[Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70182](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.70182).* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/drowned-at-sea-stable-isotopes-assign-origin-of-white-chinned-petrels-caught-on-longlines.md) ## Removing invasive species from Mexico’s seabird islands recognized as a New World Restoration Flagship *![UN World Restoration Flagship Comprehensive Island Restoration in Mexico Todd Brown](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/UN_World_Restoration_Flagship_Comprehensive_Island_Restoration_in_Mexico_Todd_Brown.jpg)Recording a Laysan Albatross chick, UN World Restoration Flagship Comprehensive Island Restoration in Mexico, photograph by Todd Brown* “The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) have named the first [World Restoration Flagships](https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/mexicos-comprehensive-island-restoration-now-recognized-un-world-restoration-flagship) for this year, tackling pollution, unsustainable exploitation and invasive species in three continents. These initiatives are restoring almost five million hectares of marine ecosystems – an area about the size of Costa Rica, which co-hosts with France the [UN Ocean Conference](https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/un-ocean-conference). The three new flagships comprise restoration initiatives **in more than sixty of Mexico’s islands**, the coral-rich Northern Mozambique Channel, and the Mar Menor in Spain, Europe’s first ecosystem with a legal personhood. Winning initiatives were announced at an event during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, and are now eligible for UN support. Recognized worldwide as vital hotspots for biodiversity, particularly for being home to one third of the world’s seabird species, the Mexican islands had long suffered the negative impacts of invasive species. 26 years ago, Mexico’s National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and the civil society organisation Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas (GECI) launched an ambitious, comprehensive ecological restoration program, in collaboration with partners from government agencies, civil society, academia, and local communities. Efforts include removing 60 populations of invasive species and restoring seabird colonies, as well as forest landscape restoration. Coupled with implementing biosecurity protocols, the comprehensive programme restores the island’s endemic richness and supports local island communities.” “Across Mexico's precious islands, tangible restoration actions and results are breathing new life into vital ecosystems, directly bolstering rich insular and marine biodiversity of global relevance, saving species, and weaving firm threads into the livelihoods of local communities,” said Dr. Marina Robles García, Undersecretary of Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration, Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). “Building on this type of success, Mexico is forging ahead with a robust National Environmental Restoration Program, casting its islands as a shining flagship for the revitalization of our myriad ecosystems. Thanks to restoration efforts, 85 per cent of formerly extirpated seabird colonies have returned to the islands, including species at risk of extinction. The initiative will complete the restoration of over 100,000 hectares by the end of the decade – equivalent to almost a million hectares of continental land in terms of biodiversity value — encompassing almost 100 islands, and protecting over 300 endemic species of mammals, birds, reptiles and birds. An enduring relationship with local communities ensures their involvement in the initiative and their benefits: enhanced resilience facing extreme weather events, sustainable fisheries, and ecotourism.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/removing-invasive-species-from-mexicos-seabird-islands-recognized-as-a-new-world-restoration-flagship.md) ## Global Marine Bycatch Solutions: a funding opportunity is announced ![Bird Scaring line Domingo Jimenez shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird_Scaring_line_Domingo_Jimenez_shrunk.PNG) *A bird-scaring line in action, photograph by Domingo Jimenez* The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction, in collaboration with Ocean Associates, Inc., and with funding from Broadreach, is pleased to announce the [availability of grants](https://www.bycatch.org/news/2025-global-marine-bycatch-solutions-funding-opportunity) for reducing marine bycatch. “The kinds of projects eligible for support are ones that assess bycatch or evaluate potential strategies to reduce it, including field tests of modified fishing gear or operations.  All projects should help build capacity in small-scale fisheries, particularly ones in developing countries.  The rationale for focusing on these fisheries is that they often produce high bycatch of protected, endangered and threatened (PET) species but tend to have limited financial resources for supporting their management, while also lacking the political will to confront the problem.  In contrast, fisheries in developed countries tend to provide more resources for better management and from more developed government infrastructure, such as sufficient regulations and management capacity. Under this funding opportunity, projects that occur in developed countries or large-scale fisheries are unlikely to receive support but might be awarded if they have potentially major application to small-scale fisheries. Projects can focus on any or a mix of these taxa: elasmobranchs, seabirds, marine mammals, sea turtles and other marine animals.  Encouraged are lines of inquiry into the potential to enhance visual detection of fishing gear/operations, demonstrate the potential of electro-magnetic deterrents, evaluate alternative fishing gear (“gear switching”) that might produce less bycatch than gear standardly used in a fishery, or support tests of acoustic and other technologies.  Although projects that assess bycatch where none or only a few sporadic ones have occurred are important and eligible under the current competition, preference will be given to bycatch mitigation projects. Over the long term, in addition to helping the recovery of PET species, the ultimate impact of these grants is to contribute to building local capacity for establishing sustainable bycatch programmes.  US$50 000 will be awarded to one or at most three projects under this grant programme.  The criteria to be used in evaluating proposals will be similar to those used for the Fund for Marine Mammal Bycatch. Solutions which considered the degree of threat to the PET species targeted by the proposed project, how well documented the type of fishing gear as a risk to the targeted by-caught species, whether or not the investigators plan to collaborate with and share their results with government authorities who have jurisdiction over fisheries management and marine mammal bycatch, if the researcher has the overall qualifications and experience in the proposed area and is capable of successfully completing the proposed research, if the project has the potential to positively impact other fisheries or nations in the region, if it uses acceptable scientific methods (e.g. experiment is of sufficient size to yield reliable scientific results), has the necessary controls, and whether or not the proposed work has a high probability of success.  Applications that focus on fisheries that export products to the USA are also a priority. (See NOAA’s List of Foreign Fisheries).” Applicants must use [this application form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lAYRFGSlPGMncOEaKmEdcU28X4QIjFi8Y03RlEyHWNY/edit) and provide the information requested. Applicants requiring assistance should contact the Bycatch Consortium at [mailto:bycatchdotorg@gmail.com](mailto:bycatchdotorg@gmail.com)[bycatchdotorg@gmail.com](mailto:bycatchdotorg@gmail.com). The due date for all application materials is 15 August 2025. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/global-marine-bycatch-solutions-a-funding-opportunity-is-announced.md) ## An update on the Social Attraction Project for the Waved Albatross on Ecuador’s La Plata Island *![Waved Albatross Isla La Plata decoy 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Isla_La_Plata_decoy_1.jpg) A previously banded female Waved Albatross incubates an egg near a decoy, photograph by Enzo Reyes* Dr. Enzo Reyes, Coordinator of the [Social Attraction Project on](https://acap.aq/latest-news/using-social-attraction-to-reinforce-a-small-population-of-the-waved-albatross?highlight=WyJlbnpvIiwicmV5ZXMiLCJyZXkiXQ==) [Isla de La Plata](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-25-la-plata-ecuador-a-poor-person-s-galapagos-for-waved-albatrosses) off the mainland coast of Ecuador, has written to *ACAP Latest News* with an update on the attempt to increase the numbers of [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) Waved Albatrosses *Phoebastria irrorata* breeding on the island. “At least two pairs of Waved Albatrosses are currently incubating eggs within the colony, [the] same individuals previously banded by the project team during last year’s field season.  We have not yet detected any new individuals being attracted by the social attraction system,” *![Waved Albatross Isla La Plata decoys 2 Enzo Reyes](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Isla_La_Plata_decoys_2_Enzo_Reyes.jpg) “One individual was observed resting beside a pair of standing decoys.  It stood up and moved away when researchers approached to read the bird’s colour band.  An encouraging sign that the birds are responding to the presence of the decoys as if they were real conspecifics”, photograph by Enzo Reyes* Dr. Reyes continues: “we remain very optimistic, as the system has only been operational for a few months.  A promising sign is that some albatrosses are starting to interact with the visual decoys.  One individual was observed resting next to two decoys, which suggests the setup is drawing attention.  These early signs indicate that the project is progressing in the right direction, and continued monitoring will be essential to assess the long-term success of the attraction strategy in reestablishing breeding activity in this historic colony.” Social attraction using decoys has been used for several other albatross species, including Short- tailed *P. albatrus*by Japan (Torishima and Mukojima) and the USA (Kure and Midway Atolls), Black-footed *P. nigripes* by Mexico (Isla Guadalupe) and the USA (Oahu, Hawaii) and for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita)Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche impavida* by New Zealand (Chatham Island). What other localities lend themselves to use of decoys and/or sound broadcast systems to establish new or reestablish breeding colonies for albatrosses?  The environmental NGO Pacific Rim Conservation has had a first look at the [Channel Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/breaking-new-ground-new-breeding-sites-assessed-for-establishment-of-laysan-and-black-footed-albatross-colonies?highlight=WyJjaGFubmVsIiwiY2hhbm5lbHMiLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIl0=) (Santa Barbara and San Nicolas) off California, USA for establishing new Black-footed and Laysan *P immutabilis*Albatross colonies.  The inhabited island of Tristan da Cunha where [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* [used to breed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/when-did-the-tristan-albatross-go-extinct-on-the-island-of-tristan-da-cunha?highlight=WyJ0cmlzdGFuIiwidHJpc3RhbidzIiwiZGEiLCJjdW5oYSIsImN1bmhhJ3MiLCJkaW9tZWRlYSIsImRpb21lZGVhZSIsImFzaG9yZSJd) and very occasionally still visit is a possibility.  Only two to three breeding pairs of Tristan Albatrosses linger on the Tristan group’s little visited Inaccessible Island, where placement of decoys might help the species re-establish a colony that was once at least a 100 pairs. *ACAP Latest News*will be pleased to hear of any other existing, tried, planned or possible social attraction projects by use of decoys or other methods for any of the world’s threatened albatrosses. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-update-on-the-social-attracction-project-for-the-waved-albatross-on-ecuadors-la-plata-island.md) ## Detecting arrival of Short-tailed Shearwaters at breeding sites by acoustics **![Short tailed Shearwater off Noth Cape NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Shearwater_off_Noth_Cape_NZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*Short-tailed Shearwater off North Cape,New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Harrison Talarico ([Biological Sciences](https://www.utas.edu.au/natural-sciences/biological-sciences), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Avian Conservation and Ecology](https://ace-eco.org/)* on  detecting the presence of [Short-tailed Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-tenuirostris) *Ardenna tenuirostris*with acoustic recording units. The paper’s reference follows: “The migratory timings of many seabirds are shifting because of climate change, and viable methods to quantify these patterns are required. Using acoustic recording units (ARUs) to detect vocalizations can be effective in monitoring seabird migration. Specifically, ARUs can help detect the arrival dates of seabirds and assess the impact of environmental changes. However, processing large volumes of acoustic data can be challenging, particularly in seabird colonies where overlapping vocalizations and non-target noise are prevalent. Acoustic indices may mitigate some methodological challenges associated with processing acoustic data from colonies as they are fully automated and easy to use for researchers with limited experience in bioacoustics. However, little is known about the efficacy of acoustic indices in quantifying the arrival dates of seabirds. Short-tailed Shearwaters (*Ardenna tenuirostris*) are ecologically and culturally important migratory birds. Their late arrival to breeding areas in Tasmania in recent years created a need for efficient monitoring. This study aimed to explore the use of acoustic indices in identifying the timing of post-migratory return to their colonies in southeastern Tasmania. Five nightly subsamples were taken from recordings over three to four weeks at nine nesting sites, which spanned the period around the normal arrival time of the birds. The samples were manually tagged for vocalizations and other biotic and abiotic sounds. We used two acoustic indices (ACI and NDSI; applied to both raw data and data filtered using a novel wind-filter) to detect change points in number of vocalizations, as a proxy for arrival dates. By using a combination of the NDSI on raw data and ACI on wind-filtered data, we were able to detect the arrival of Short-tailed Shearwaters at seven of the nine study sites.” **Reference:** Talarico, H.R.,  Jordan, G.J., Woehler, E.J., Hamer, R. & Lavers, J.L. 2025. The efficacy of acoustic indices in detecting the post-migration return of Short-tailed Shearwaters (*Ardenna tenuirostris*) to their colonies. [*Avian Conservation and Ecology* 20(1):26. doi.org/10.5751](https://ace-eco.org/vol20/iss1/art26/)*.* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/detecting-arrival-of-short-tailed-shearwaters-at-breeding-sites-by-acoustics.md) ## Bycatch hotspots for Scopoli's Shearwaters in the South Ionian Sea *![Scopolis Shearwater Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Scopolis_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos.jpg) Scopoli's Shearwater, photograph by Pep Arcos* Nikolaos Simantiris ([Department of Environment](https://envi.ionio.gr/en/), Ionian University, Zakynthos, Greece) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Marine Environmental Research*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-environmental-research)on determining bycatch hotspots for turtles and seabirds in the Mediterranean’s South Ionian Sea, including for Scopoli's Shearwater *Calonectris diomedea.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Bycatch, the incidental catch of non-target species, threatens marine megafauna such as sea turtles and sea birds in the Mediterranean region. Identifying bycatch hotspots is essential to guide mitigation measures and target audiences. In the Mediterranean Sea, South Ionian Sea in Greece is a major marine habitat, including critical nesting areas, for sea turtles, and an important breeding and foraging habitat for sea birds. This work combined methodologies to identify bycatch hotspots through a vulnerability assessment and questionnaire surveys utilising both scientific data and local ecological knowledge (LEK). The study determined the major bycatch hotspots for sea turtles and sea birds, evaluated the potential impact on both species, and discussed mitigation measures to reduce the impact of bycatch and effectively protect this economically and ecologically important ecosystem. Our approach and outcomes may well contribute to a science-based and LEK included, adaptive management framework regarding the establishment or revision of Marine Protected Areas in the study area and elsewhere across critical marine habitats for sea turtles and sea birds.” With thanks to George Karris. **Reference:** Simantiris, N., Dimitriadis, C., Xirouchakis, S., Voulgaris, M.-D., Beka, E., Vardaki, M.Z. & Karris, G. 2025.  Combining methods for detection of bycatch hotspot areas of marine megafauna species in and around critical rookeries and foraging areas.  *[Marine Environmental Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113625003563?via%3Dihub)*[210, 107299](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113625003563?via%3Dihub). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bycatch-hotspots-for-scopolis-shearwaters-in-the-south-ionian-sea.md) ## The genetic code of the Wandering Albatross has been set to music to mark World Albatross Day ![Rupert Summerson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Rupert_Summerson.JPG)*Rupert Summerson plays his shakuhachi (Japanese flute) on a hill overlooking Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel with Navarino and Hoste Islands in the distance* Rupert Summerson has offered a contribution to mark World Albatross Day on 19 June this year: *The Wanderer* – music composed from the genetic code of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans)Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*. Rupert writes to *ACAP Latest News* that he and CJ Symon arranged a segment of genetic code, kindly provided by Andrea Polanowski and Leonie Suter at the Australian Antarctic Division, into music, while remaining faithful to the genetic sequence.  “Three of the four letters of the genetic code of all creatures (C, A & G) are musical notes.  We converted T, the fourth letter, into F by simply running up the alphabet counting from A to G until we reached T.  I am playing a 2.0 shakuhachi, the lowest note of which is C.” There are two versions 1. Lisa Roberts has kindly added an animation to the music which you can watch – and listen to here: [https://youtu.be/3rdvtptB6U0?si=puE7_61egMNHbW2T](https://youtu.be/3rdvtptB6U0?si=puE7_61egMNHbW2T) 1. The music-only version can be accessed [here](https://soundcloud.com/a-vast-scale/the-wanderer). Australian Antarctic Program scientists have used DNA technology to help identify threatened albatross species caught unintentionally (as 'bycatch') during longline fishing operations in Australian waters. We’ve identified a combination of DNA ‘markers’ that target species-specific sections of seabird genomes, to enable molecular identification of the majority of dead bycaught seabirds, from poor quality feather samples ([click here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2024/using-dna-to-identify-seabird-bycatch/)). Rupert writes on 19 June: “Today is the day to think about the plight of the albatross.  Knowledge is powerful but action is better. Please consider what you can do to improve the prospects of their survival.” With thanks to Rupert Summerson. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-genetic-code-of-the-wandering-albatross-has-been-set-to-music-to-mark-world-albatross-day.md) ## Changing the guard. Jonathon Barrington takes over from Christine Bogle as ACAP’s fourth Executive Secretary ![Christine Jonathon 1 July 2025 Wavee](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Christine_Jonathon_1_July_2025_Wavee.jpg) *Christine Bogle and Jonathon Barrington, third and fourth Executive Secretaries, in ACAP's offices in Hobart, Tasmania at a farewell function, 02 July 2025, photograph by Thomas Bogle* On 1 July, Jonathon Barrington took over the role of ACAP Executive Secretary from Christine Bogle, the [third person](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-s-new-executive-secretary-a-former-new-zealand-diplomat-takes-over-in-december) to hold the position. Jonathon, the fourth Executive Secretary, is a Tasmanian resident well known to ACAP as Australia’s Representative to sessions of the Meeting of the Parties and meetings of the Advisory Committee over many years. Prior to moving to ACAP, he was a Senior Policy Adviser working in the field of seabird conservation at the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), which he had joined in 2004.  Jonathon is a graduate of the University of Western Australia, University of Tasmania and Australian National University with qualifications in science, fisheries, business and law. “I am delighted to be selected to this important position and am very much looking forward to working with and for the ACAP Parties over the coming triennium in implementing the strategies, programmes and initiatives agreed to at the recent Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties,” said Jonathon Barrington on commencing work at the ACAP Secretariat. On her departure from ACAP, Christine has written to the ACAP community: “It has been a wonderful experience to work with you all over the past six and a half years.  It is heart-warming that we are all dedicated to the same worthy cause – the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.” She continues: “Travelling the world and working in three languages has been a welcome bonus (and please forgive me for many language errors).  I am sure I will continue my peripatetic existence (I shall be staying in Hobart until October, and then returning to Wellington, New Zealand, but I won’t be stopping my international travel, with a visit to South America and Antarctica planned for November).  I hope that I will meet up with some of you again, someday, somewhere.  Wishing you all the best for future endeavours.” The ACAP community in turn offers its thanks and best wishes to Christine and welcomes Jonathon to his new role as the ACAP Executive Secretary. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/changing-the-guard-jonathon-barrington-takes-over-from-christine-bogle-as-acaps-fourth-executive-secretary.md) ## The Pacific Seabird Group’s annual meeting next year will only be online *![PSG 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2026.jpg) Isla Alcatraz, Sonora, Mexico, photograph by Alexandra Edwards* The 2026 Annual Meeting of the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://www.facebook.com/PacificSeabirdGroup) will be held fully online over 23-27 February 2026.  It will have the theme “Seabirds: Connecting Oceans, Islands, and People”. “We are excited to hold a fully online conference for the first time since 2021, and we hope that this meeting will increase access opportunities to all of [*sic*] our membership while reducing the environmental costs of our annual meeting.  A call for symposia and workshops, and for award nominations, is soon forthcoming.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pacific-seabird-groups-annual-meeting-next-year-will-only-be-online.md) ## Reviewing seabird restoration priorities for the U.S. Pacific Islands – the Black-footed Albatross is most in need *![Apple Resonance Illuminate Our Destiny BFA Eric Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Apple_Resonance_Illuminate_Our_Destiny_BFA_Eric_Vanderwerf.jpg)“Illuminate Our Destiny”, this Black-footed Albatross breeding close to a Hawaiian shore is at risk to storm surges and sea level rise, by Apple Resonance of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2023, after a photograph by Eric VanderWerf* The paper’s abstract follows: “The U.S. Pacific Islands (USPIs) comprise a globally significant region for seabirds, with some of the largest and most diverse assemblages of tropical seabird species in the world. To help direct seabird conservation in USPIs, we conducted a survey of 75 regional seabird experts and compared results with our own technical risk assessments based on 14 scoring criteria for all 27 nonfederally listed seabird species with confirmed breeding populations in USPIs. Survey respondents identified 28 factors for ranking priority species for restoration. The 3 most cited were climate change vulnerability (36.0%), restricted distribution (10.5%), and presence of introduced predators (9.4%). They were also largely in agreement with the priority species identified in our technical risk assessment. Combining both assessments, the 5 species identified as being most in need of colony restoration projects were (in descending order) black-footed albatross (*Phoebastria nigripes*), Polynesian storm-petrel (*Nesofregetta fuliginosa*), Tristram's storm-petrel (*Hydrobates tristrami*), Bonin petrel (*Pterodroma hypoleuca*), and Tahiti petrel (*Pseudobulweria rostrata*). Respondents also identified 21 source colonies for translocation and 107 receptor sites for colony restoration. Our collaborative approach presented a unique opportunity to gain a collective insight into the perceived threats for seabirds throughout the region and identified priority species and potential sites for restoration projects. Furthermore, our study highlighted the fact that seabird experts across the region consider climate change and the resultant loss of low-lying seabird islands a primary conservation concern that increases the urgency of colony restoration projects on high islands across the USPIs.” **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Gregg, J., McFarlin, M., Driskill, S., Swift, R. & Raine, H. 2025.  Seabird restoration priorities for the U.S. Pacific Islands.  [Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70084)*[doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70084](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70084)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 July 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/reviewing-seabird-restoration-priorities-for-the-u-s-pacific-islands-the-black-footed-albatross-is-most-in-need.md) ## 12th SCAR Open Science Conference & Meetings, Oslo, Norway, 8–16 August 2026, call for submissions for plenaries and other events  ![SCAR Open ScienceConference 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR_Open_ScienceConference_2026.png) The 12th Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Open Science Conference will be held in Oslo, Norway, from 10-14 August 2026, hosted by the Norwegian Polar Institute. The conference will feature an interdisciplinary programme that includes plenary lectures, parallel sessions, mini-symposia, workshops, panel discussions, posters, and social activities. SCAR and the Norwegian Polar Institute invite you to express your interest  in proposing a - New **parallel session** or convening a session from the [draft list](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=16329cabbc&e=1eca0c9437), - **mini-symposium,** - **workshop,** - **other event.** This is an excellent opportunity to contribute your expertise and insights and engage with the broader Antarctic research community. The deadline for submitting your interest is 31 August 2025. Submission is open to proposals from all fields within Antarctic science, and we encourage innovative, cross-disciplinary sessions. If you wish to suggest a new event, please provide the title, a brief description, and the names of potential convenors or speakers. Note that spaces for events are limited, and selections will be made based on the relevance and potential impact of the proposals.  Please submit your proposals [here](https://form.jotform.com/251524252621347). **Satellite Events & Weekend Workshops (8–9 & 15–16 August 2026)** The weekends before and after the conference (8–9 August and 15–16 August) are available for hosting satellite events and additional workshops.  We encourage the entire Antarctic science community to use this opportunity to bring together their organisations, collaborations and teams. Note that space is limited and will be reviewed first and then allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to submit your expression of interest is 31 January 2026. Please submit your proposals [here](https://form.jotform.com/251563917385365). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/12th-scar-open-science-conference-meetings-oslo-norway-8-16-august-2026-call-for-submissions-for-plenaries-and-other-events.md) ## Keeping up a six-year old tradition. Displaying banners to mark World Albatross Day ![Marion M82 WAD2025 banner Vonica Perold](https://acap.aq/images/Marion_M82_WAD2025_banner_Vonica_Perold.jpg) *Members of Marion Island’s 82nd Overwintering Team with their World Albatross Day 2025 banner, replete with individual messages and the welcome news they have sponsored a hectare to the*[*Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/) The inaugural year for [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-proposes-a-world-albatross-day-to-increase-global-awareness-of-the-conservation-crisis-facing-albatrosses-and-petrels) was 2020.  In order to increase awareness of the day a request was made to seabird researchers and managers to make and display banners marking on (or close to) 19 June on islands where ACAP-listed species breed.  The uptake was excellent with many islands being featured in the North Pacific and Southern Ocean (see the whole collection [here](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3115355551858156&type=3)).  In 2021 a call was made for World Albatross Day banners to be taken to sea on fishing vessels.  In the following years banners continued to be displayed on islands and elsewhere, including this year, the sixth that World Albatross Day has been celebrated, as the photo portfolio depicted here shows. *![Midwinter WAD 2025 ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Midwinter_WAD_2025_.jpg) 50 past and present members of the [South African National Antarctic Programme](https://www.sanap.ac.za/)**and [Antarctic Legacy of South Africa](https://blogs.sun.ac.za/antarcticlegacy)**celebrate World Albatross Day at a Midwinter party in Franschhoek, South Africa on 21 June 2025, photograph by Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa* *![Gough Island G70 WAD2025 Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Gough_Island_G70_WAD2025_Michelle_Risi.jpg) South Africa’s**2024/25 Overwintering Team (G70) on Gough Island with their World Albatross Day banner.  Long-term ACAP supporter (and instigator of World Albatross Day) Michelle Risi (front, left) holds a wooden model of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross made by Kabelo Moabi (G64)* *![AAD WAD2025 banner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_WAD2025_banner.jpg) Staffers and guests at this year’s World Albatross Day morning tea at the Australian Antarctic Division on 19 June.  Dr Christine Bogle, ACAP’s outgoing Executive Secretary, holds the World Albatross Day banner on the left, incoming ACAP Executive Secretary, Jonathon Barrington, holds the other end on the right.  ACAP Advisory Committee Chair, Dr Mike Double, is at the back, sixth from the left (read more about the event [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-australian-antarctic-division-hosted-its-annual-morning-tea-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day-and-its-2025-theme-effects-of-disease-on-19-june)).  Photograph by Wendy Pyper* *![Marion WAD banner 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Marion_WAD_banner_1.jpg) It was windy on Marion Island on World Albatross Day this year as a [video clip](https://www.facebook.com/61556354822894/videos/pcb.122232588572211827/1222968292646190) shows! The White suits and masks are part of the island field researchers'  HPAI avian flu protective kit for sampling* *ACAP Latest News* will be pleased to receive photographs of any more WAD2025 banners out there. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/keeping-up-a-six-year-old-tradition-displaying-banners-to-mark-world-albatross-day.md) ## ACAP’s annual collaboration with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature marking World Albatross Day ends with a compilation poster  ![ABUN 49 Compilation Poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/ABUN_49_Compilation_Poster.jpg) As part of its activities to mark World Albatross Day ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)) and its theme of “Effects of Disease” on 19 June this year, ACAP collaborated, for the sixth year running, with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce [40 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3) depicting the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*.* *From this collection, seven paintings were chosen to illustrate art posters, available for downloading and non-commercial use. As in previous years, to wrap up ABUN Project #49 “Effects of Disease” all the paintings have been combined into a single poster by ABUN’s Marion Schön, who led the collaboration this year, having taken over as Administrator from ABUN Co-founder and long-time ACAP supporter, Kitty Harvill. All the #49 paintings can be viewed in an [album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3) on ACAP’s Facebook page.  The eight WAD2025 posters are also available from the ACAP [album store](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/photos_albums), as are paintings from earlier collaborations with ABUN since the inaugural World Albatross Day in 2020. With thanks to Marion Schön. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-annual-collaboration-with-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-ends-for-the-year-with-a-compilation-poster.md) ## Holly Parson’s “Nestled in a Cliffside Colony” completes ACAP’s art poster series for World Albatross Day 2025 *![WAD2025 Indian Yellow nosed Albatross Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2025_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Holly_Parsons.jpg) “Nestled in a Cliffside Colony” by pointillist artist Holly Parsons* As part of its activities to mark World Albatross Day ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)) and its theme of “Effects of Disease” on 19 June this year, ACAP once more collaborated with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce [40 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3) depicting the two albatross species chosen to be featured.  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the southern Indian Ocean’s [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri. *From the collection, eight paintings were chosen to illustrate art posters.  Seven posters were released during [‘WADWEEK](https://acap.aq/search?q=%E2%80%98WADWEEK%27+2025&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)’ over 17-19 June.  The eighth and last in the series is released here today. Holly Parsons’ painting “Nestled in a Cliffside Colony” is of an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross brooding its downy chick.  It follows a photograph taken by the French marine ornithologist Karine Delord at the falaises d’Entrecasteaux breeding colony on Amsterdam Island.  Holly has used the [pointillism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointillism) technique where small, distinct dots of colour are applied in patterns to form an image, first used by the French neo-impressionist artists [Georges Seurat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Seurat) and [Paul Signac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Signac) in 1886. ![Holly Parsons on Flock 2025](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Holly_Parsons_on_Flock_2025.jpg) *Holly Parsons photographing seabirds to help inspire her art on the [Flock to Marion](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025/) voyage in January 2025* Holly, who lives in Boulder, Colorado, USA, writes to *ACAP Latest News* about herself and her artwork: “I learned to paint using the pointillism style because of jittery hands following a brain injury.  And now I still love all the dots!  I also used some brush strokes for the lush grasses and nest.  Amsterdam Island was on fire when I started this painting.  I was inspired to immortalize the landscape, and I hoped that the albatrosses would be spared. And they were!  This cliffside colony [did not burn](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-wildfire-on-amsterdam-island-is-out-and-its-endangered-albatrosses-have-survived?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImZpcmUiLCJmaXJlcyIsImZpcmluZyIsImZpcmVkIl0=) and all the chicks were saved.”  She adds that she used acrylics on canvas board, and that her painting measures 16 x 20 inches (40.5 x 51 cm). *![Holly Parsons Short tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine after Jonathon Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Holly_Parsons_Short-tailed_Albatrosses_George_and_Geraldine_after_Jonathon_Plissner.jpg) Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine by Holly Parsons for ACAP’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas) on 19 June 2024, after a photograph by Jonathon Plissner.  Geraldine is the darker bird in front on the nest.  Acrylics on canvas board* Holly Parsons, who manages the Facebook group Albatross Lovers, has previously painted for ACAP.  Last year she produced two artworks for WAD2024, [one of which](https://acap.aq/latest-news/keeping-it-in-the-family-george-and-geraldines-latest-chick-gets-its-bands-while-older-sibling-short-tailed-albatrosses-dance-together-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJob2xseSIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=), of George and Geraldine, the well-known pair of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus*, that breeds on Midway Atoll in the North Pacific, also uses the pointillism technique. All eight WAD2025 art posters are available for downloading and for personal and educational display from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease/world-albatross-day-2025-art-posters).  They should not be used for commercial gain. With thanks to Karine Delord for the use of her photograph and Holly Parsons for her painting. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/holly-parsons-nestled-in-a-cliffside-colony-completes-acaps-art-poster-series-for-world-albatross-day-2025.md) ## Postdoctoral opportunity to assess giant petrel energetics, habitat use and trophic ecology  ![Peter Shearer Northern Giant Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Peter_Shearer_Northern_Giant_Petrel.jpg) *Northern Giant Petrel*Macronectes halli*by Peter Shearer, Artist & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for the* *[Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/)**, after his own photograph* “We seek an enthusiastic and quantitative researcher to develop a mechanistic model integrating foraging energetics and movement data to assess how wind and sea ice influence giant petrel diet, habitat use, population trends and predation pressure on avian species.” The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences under the supervision of Principal Investigator, [Lesley Thorne](https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/lesley-thorne.php).  The selected candidate will work with ecologists at Stony Brook University, New York, USA and with [Richard Phillips](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/) at the British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, UK. Read more [here](https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2502361&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York). The application deadline is 17 July. With thanks to Richard Phillips. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/postdoctoral-opportunity-to-assess-giant-petrel-energetics-habitat-use-and-trophic-ecology.md) ## The Australian Antarctic Division hosted its annual morning tea to celebrate World Albatross Day and its 2025 theme “Effects of Disease” on 19 June *![AAD WAD2025 banner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_WAD2025_banner.jpg)  Staffers and guests at this year’s World Albatross Day morning tea at the Australian Antarctic Division on 19 June.  Dr Christine Bogle, ACAP’s outgoing Executive Secretary, holds the World Albatross Day banner on the left, incoming ACAP Executive Secretary, Jonathon Barrington, holds the other end on the right.  ACAP Advisory Committee Chair, Dr Mike Double, is at the back, sixth from the left.  Photograph by Wendy Pyper* In what has become a [tradition](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-australias-antarctic-division-dsiplays-a-banner-and-eats-some-cakes?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDI0IiwiYXVzdHJhbGlhbiIsImF1c3RyYWxpYW5zIiwiZGl2aXNpb24iLCJkaXZpc2lvbnMiLCJkaXZpc2lvbidzIl0=), the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) once more hosted its annual morning tea to celebrate World Albatross Day (WAD2025) on 19 June, marking this year’s theme of “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”. Dr Julie McInnes, Australian Antarctic Division (Commonwealth) and Dr Sam Thalman, Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Tasmania) each gave a short presentation about Australia's conservation efforts concerning the 18 ACAP-listed albatross species that breed and/or forage within Australia's jurisdiction. They highlighted the ongoing efforts of scientists to obtain data on the status of Australia's breeding populations of albatrosses.  This work is highly challenging as each breeding population is located on islands that are logistically difficult to access.  Some populations are on islands near Tasmania, while others are found on Australia's remote sub-Antarctic islands.  While highly important long-term studies have been undertaken for several populations, other locations are only visited rarely.  And so, scientists are very excited about the prospect of returning to Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) in the coming Austral Summer 2025/26, which were last visited in 2004. *![AAD HPAI cake Jonathon Barrington](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_HPAI_cake_Jonathon_Barrington.jpg)One of the theme-based cake offerings at the morning tea, depicting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus - and quite a tasty treat!  Photograph by Jonathon Barrington* The speakers stressed that the threats to albatrosses globally are shifting and changing.  Recognising this year's theme for World Albatross Day, the talks highlighted the existing effects of disease on Australia's albatrosses, particularly on the [globally Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta* breeding population on Albatross Island, and efforts led by Tasmanian scientists to improve the resilience of this population to disease.  As well, the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica was identified as a looming threat to Australia's threatened albatross species, as well as to its seabirds generally.  Of concern was the [recent spread of HPAI](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals?highlight=WyJocGFpIiwia2VyZ3VlbGVuIiwia2VyZ3VlbGVuJ3MiXQ==) to the Kerguelen Islands, a French sub-Antarctic territory, which are less than 500 km away from HIMI.  Accordingly, the Australian Antarctic Division is putting in place biosecurity and health and safety protocols that will allow population monitoring to go ahead during the upcoming visit to HIMI, even if HPAI is found to have spread to this location. *![AAD albicakes](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/AAD_albicakes.jpg)Albatross-themed confectionary on display at the Australian Antarctic Division’s World Albatross Day tea yesterday, photograph by Wendy Pyper* Dr Chistine Bogle, ACAP’s outgoing Executive Secretary attended the morning tea.  This was Christine's last World Albatross Day event in her official capacity, and she was lauded for her leadership in albatross and petrel conservation on behalf of the 13 ACAP Parties over the past six years.  Christine will be handing over her responsibilities to Jonathon Barrington, the incoming ACAP Executive Secretary, on 1 July 2025. *Jonathon Barrington, Incoming Executive Secretary, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-australian-antarctic-division-hosted-its-annual-morning-tea-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day-and-its-2025-theme-effects-of-disease-on-19-june.md) ## WADWEEK #7. It’s World Albatross Day! *![Gough Island G70 WAD2025 Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Gough_Island_G70_WAD2025_Michelle_Risi.jpg)The 2024/25 Overwintering Team (G70) on Gough Island with their World Albatross Day banner.  Michelle Risi (front, left) holds a wooden model of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross made by Kabelo Moabi (G64)* Today, the 19th of June, is World Albatross Day, the sixth to be held.  It is also the seventh and final day of news articles under the heading ‘WADWEEK' that have been posted to *ACAP Latest News*. In May 2019 ACAP's [Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/en/documents/advisory-committee) at its Eleventh Meeting ([AC11](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11)) held in Brazil declared that a [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) continues to be faced by its [31 listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), with thousands of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters dying every year as a result of fisheries operations. To increase awareness of this crisis ACAP inaugurated a [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3328-acap-proposes-a-world-albatross-day-to-increase-global-awareness-of-the-conservation-crisis-facing-albatrosses-and-petrels) (WAD), to be held annually from 2020 on 19 June, the date the Agreement was signed in 2001.  Each year ACAP has chosen a theme to mark the day.  The inaugural theme was “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”.  “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” followed in 2021, then came “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023 and "[Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024.  This year’s theme for ‘WAD2025’ is “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”, which takes especial note of the [arrival](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-confirmed-on-marion-island-but-what-of-nearby-prince-edward-island?highlight=WyJocGFpIiwiY3JvemV0IiwiY3JvemV0cyIsImNyb3pldCdzIl0=)of the Highly Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus on several sub-Antarctic islands in the Southern Ocean. The idea of ACAP holding a World Albatross Day was first proposed by [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones?highlight=WyJtaWNoZWxsZSIsImNocmlzIl0=), a long-term supporter of the Agreement with her photographs of ACAP-listed species on Gough and Marion Islands and WAD banners, posters and ‘albicakes’.  Michelle and her husband, Chis Jones are now conducting research on Gough Island in the South Atlantic.  Fittingly, Michelle is the first to report a World Albatross Day event to ACAP this year, posing with a hand-made banner along with her fellow team members on the island. *![WALD 2025 Jpn 01 Rev](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD-2025-Jpn-01_Rev.png)This year the World Albatross Day logo was produced in Japanese, as well as in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish* As in recent years two albatross species have been utilized to feature the theme with new [infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), [artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3) and [posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease/world-albatross-day-2025-art-posters).  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis#Distribution) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*, that breeds on islands in the southern Indian Ocean.  In addition, [logos](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease/world-albatross-day-2025-logos) and a [media release](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease/world-albatross-day-2025-media-release) have been produced, each in four languages. *![Projerct 49 Poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Projerct_49_Poster.jpg)For the sixth year, ACAP has collaborated with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) on Project #49, resulting in 37 artworks by 24 artists.  Eight works have been chosen to make downloadable art posters* The seventh art poster to be released is illustrated by [Flávia Barreto](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wadweek-5) of Nova Friburgo, Brazil.  Flávia is no stranger to ACAP, having produced artworks for all the World Albatross Days since 2022.  This year she has painted five artworks for Project #49, two of which have been made into posters.  Her second poster, shown here, is of a fledgling Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross seen on Marion Island – where the species does not breed.  ![WAD2025 Indian Yellow nosed Albatross fledgling by Flavia Barreto](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2025_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_fledgling_by_Flavia_Barreto.jpg) From next week, *ACAP Latest News* will report on WAD2025 activities and events held around the world today and over the weekend.  These include an exhibition in Japan, a webinar and a music video in Australia, free entry to an albatross colony in New Zealand, a beach clean-up in Hawaii, a midwinter party in South Africa, another banner on Marion Island, and efforts to raise awareness and funds for the *[Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/news/)* in Australia, South Africa and the USA.  Not to mention a couple of ‘albicakes'!  Do let ACAP know of any other events, along with a few words and photographs, so they may also be featured here. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wadweek-7-its-world-albatross-day.md) ## 'WADWEEK’ #6. ACAP releases three more art posters for Albatross Day on 19 June ![WAD2025 Di Roberts](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2025_Di_Roberts.jpg) For the sixth year running, ACAP has collaborated with the international collective Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks depicting ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels. This year the featured species are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the southern Indian Ocean’s [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* in support of ACAP’s theme “Effects of Disease” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)). ABUN Project #49 ran from 01 April until 31 May, and following a grace period to allow for late submissions, resulted in 37 artworks by 25 artists becoming available for ACAP’s use in support of the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.  Seven of the artworks have been chosen to illustrate WAD2025 posters, the first three of which were released yesterday, with three more today.  The remaining art poster will be released tomorrow on World Albatross Day. *![Di Roberts](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Di_Roberts.jpg)Di Roberts* Di Roberts writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “I live in Bournemouth on the south coast of England in the county of Dorset.  I am a retired art teacher but still teach community groups, mainly senior citizens, but also classes for disabled people.  I specialise in pencil drawing but also love watercolour, pastels, ink drawing, and digital drawing on Procreate on my iPad.  I take commissions, mainly portraiture, mainly in pencil.” Di continues to say that she has been highly influenced by Kitty Harvill, Co-founder of ABUN, producing artwork for it since its inception. “I enjoy the idea that my art might effect change and greater respect for all creatures.  I tend to put the focused animals into groups so that they never feel alone!”  Her painting in pastels and pencil for WAD2025 depicts a clustered group of Amsterdam and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, both of which breed on France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean. ![WAD2025 Amsterdam Albatross with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae gram stain by Georgia F Feild](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2025_Amsterdam_Albatross_with_Erysipelothrix_rhusiopathiae_gram_stain_by_Georgia_F_Feild.jpg) Georgia Feild writes that she is a retired mechanical/electrical systems design engineer who worked on control systems of power plants and aircraft for 40 years while pursuing a career in fine art.  She has had artwork displayed in the USA and internationally, sold under commission and through her studio while teaching art courses to professional artists and college students in the evening and on weekends while carrying full-time employment. After fulfilling her life goals in science and art she is now semi-retired, teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) classes part time at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and sharing creative expression through visual art with disadvantaged children participating in the "Hearts on Fire" programme in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.  “I still exhibit artwork and participates in collaborative projects with ABUN, donating artwork in support of conservation efforts for many imperilled species.” Georgia’s artwork, in watercolour, ink and coloured pencil, cleverly combines an Amsterdam Albatross with a background of *[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae](https://acap.aq/'WADWEEK’%20#6. ACAP releases three more art posters for Albatross Day on 19 June)* bacteria which has been recorded on Amsterdam Island, placing its albatrosses at risk being infected with the disease erysipelas. ![Georgia Feild USA](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Georgia_Feild_USA.jpg)*Georgia Feild*   ![WAD2025 Amsterdam Albatross by Birgit Meyer](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2025_Amsterdam_Albatross_by_Birgit_Meyer.jpg) Birgit Meyer lives in Schwarzenbach am Wald in Bavaria, Germany.  Her striking painting is of an Amsterdam Albatross "head on", inspired by a photograph taken by Anthony Buttet.  Her artwork is in acrylics on Torchon, a type of watercolour paper known for its distinctive, rough and textured surface.  ![Birgit Meyer Germany](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Birgit_Meyer_Germany.jpg)*Birgit Meyer*   All seven art posters marking WAD2025 will be available for downloading and display later this month. With thanks to all the artists who contributed to ABUN Project #49, "Effects of Disease".  Thanks also to Marion Schön of ABUN who motivated the project and also designed its banner artwork. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wadweek-6-acap-releases-three-more-art-posters-for-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## ‘WADWEEK' #5. ACAP releases three art posters for World Albatross Day on 19 June ![Projerct 49 Poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Projerct_49_Poster.jpg) For the sixth year running, ACAP has collaborated with the international collective Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks depicting ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels. This year the featured species are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the southern Indian Ocean’s [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* in support of ACAP’s theme “Effects of Disease” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)). ABUN Project #49 ran from 01 April until 31 May, and following a grace period to allow for late submissions, resulted in 37 artworks by 25 artists becoming available for ACAP’s use in support of the conservation of albatrosses and petrels. ![WAD2025_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatrosses_by_Anju_Panwar_Rajesh.jpg](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2025_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatrosses_by_Anju_Panwar_Rajesh.jpg)  Seven of the artworks have been chosen to illustrate WAD2025 posters, the first three of which are depicted here. The remaining four posters will be released over the next two days. The first, shown above, is by Anju Panwar Rajesh, a freelance wildlife and bird artist who resides in Mumbai, India. Her artwork depicts repeated Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses surrounded by a swirling wave.  It is fittingly entitled "Effects of Disease". *![Anju Rajesh](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Anju_Rajesh.jpg) Anju Panwar Rajesh* The ABUN website [says](https://abun4nature.org/anju/) of Anju: “Her talent for art and love for nature beautifully transforms into story telling paintings in their natural habitats.  Birds fascinate her.  The dedication and passion for wildlife conservation literally runs in her blood”.  Anju paints in a varied array of media, producing landscape, abstract, realistic and low-relief textured artworks. ![WAD2025_Amsterdam_Albatrosses_by_Flávia_Barreto.jpg](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2025_Amsterdam_Albatrosses_by_Flávia_Barreto.jpg) The second poster is by Flávia Barreto, who  is no stranger to ACAP, having produced artworks for all the World Albatross Days since 2022., her paintings have been the subject of *ACAP Latest News* articles for both WAD2022 and WAD2023.  Flávia lives in Nova Friburgo, Brazil and describes herself as an amateur artist and a retired civil servant.  After retirement she decided to dedicate her life to art.  Being a lover of nature and animals, her art and interests have gradually evolved to drawing and painting threatened species ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/flavia-barreto-supports-the-conservation-of-the-short-tailed-albatross-with-her-art-for-world-albatross-day-202?highlight=WyJiYXJyZXRvIl0=)). She paints in watercolour, gouache and acrylics. Her painting is of an Amsterdam Albatross tending its chick, after a photograph by Anthony Buttet. *![Flavia Barreto](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Flavia_Barreto.jpg) Flávia Barreto in a garden setting in Brazil* The third poster is by Andrea Siemt from Germany.  Her colourful Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross preeening its downy chick is after a photograph taken on Amsterdam Island by Dominique Filippi. ![WAD2025_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatrosses_by_Andrea_Siemt.jpg](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2025_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatrosses_by_Andrea_Siemt.jpg)  Andrea Siemt writes to *ACAP Latest News* about herself: "I  live near Heidelberg in northern Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Drawing and painting, along with photography, are my main hobbies.  About nine years ago, I discovered ABUN and have since regularly contributed my work, in charcoal, watercolour, or pastel,  to animal welfare projects".  Andrea has previously painted albatrosses for earlier World Albatross Days. *![Andrea Siemt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Andrea_Siemt.jpg) Andrea Siemt*  All seven art posters marking WAD2025 will be available for downloading and display later this month. With thanks to all the artists who contributed to ABUN Project #49, "Effects of Disease". Thanks also to Marion Schön of ABUN who motivated the project and also designed its banner artwork depicted above. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 June 2025*       [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wadweek-5.md) ## ‘WADWEEK’ No. 3. BirdLife Australia will hold a World Albatross Day webinar on 19 June ![BirdLife Australia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/BirdLife_Australia.jpg)  [BirdLife Australia](https://birdlife.org.au/) will hold a “Birds Meet: World Albatross Day” webinar on 19 June over 19h00-20h00 AEST. “Come celebrate World Albatross Day with Dr. Yuna Kim, BirdLife Australia Seabird Coordinator.  Albatrosses are among the most remarkable seabirds on the planet, known for their vast movements across the world’s oceans.  And did you know Australia has its very own albatross species – the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*? Sadly, Shy Albatross and other seabirds are threatened by H5 bird flu, and as the theme of World Albatross Day 2025 is [Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease), Tanya Loos, BirdLife Australia’s Avian Influenza Response Coordinator will also present to discuss this looming threat, and how we can help conserve these long-lived and simply beautiful birds.” *![Yuna Kim Goulds Petrel Andrew Morrison](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Yuna_Kim_Goulds_Petrel_Andrew_Morrison.webp) Yuna Kim holds a Gould’s Petrel chick, photograph by Andrew Morrison* Dr. Yuna Kim is a seabird ecologist with over 14 years of experience working on Gould’s Petrel *Pterodroma leucoptera* and other threatened seabirds across Australasia and Antarctica. She previously worked with the BirdLife International Marine Programme, tackling seabird bycatch to help protect marine habitats.  Yuna currently leads national seabird conservation projects at BirdLife Australia and serves as the East Asian–Australasian Flyway liaison officer for the Australasian Seabird Group, a special interest group of BirdLife Australia. *![Tanya Loos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Tanya_Loos.webp) Tanya Loos, with Australian Pelicans* Tanya Loos is BirdLife Australia’s Avian Influenza Response Coordinator.  She has been a member of BirdLife Australia for decades and is involved with her local BirdLife branches in Victoria – Ballarat and Castlemaine.  Tanya is a science communicator and biodiversity projects coordinator – and is passionate about working with diverse stakeholders for wildlife (especially bird) health. [Registration](https://birdlife.org.au/events/birds-meet-world-albatross-day-2025/) is now open.  On signing up, confirmation emails will be then sent out with the webinar link. Read an [article](https://birdlife.org.au/news/2025-world-albatross-day/) by Yuna and Tanya entitled “Confronting the silent threat of disease” on the BirdLife Australia website to mark the sixth annual World Albatross Day. With thanks to Yuna Kim, Seabird Project Coordinator, BirdLife Australia. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wadweek-no-4-birdlife-australia-will-hold-a-world-albatross-day-webinar-on-19-june.md) ## 'WADWEEK' No. 4. ACAP makes a Global Call to Protect the Ocean’s Sentinels to mark World Albatross Day  ![WALD 2025 Eng 01 Rev](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD-2025-Eng-01_Rev.png) *Highly threatened by bird flu and industrial fisheries, albatrosses need protection worldwide* On 19 June 2025, conservationists and wildlife advocates worldwide will celebrate World Albatross Day (WAD2025) with its theme “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”, as an opportunity to highlight the conservation crisis faced by these iconic ocean dwellers.  This year’s theme aims to shed light on the alarming impact of diseases, particularly High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza ([HPAI; bird flu](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)), on already vulnerable albatross and petrel populations.  The current outbreak has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of wild birds worldwide, pushing several species closer to extinction.  It is estimated that several species of albatrosses and petrels have been impacted by bird flu worldwide. Celebrated for their remarkable long-distance flights, albatrosses and petrels play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.  As apex predators, these birds feed on fish, squid, and other marine organisms.  By consuming these prey and subsequently excreting waste they contribute to nutrient cycling, returning vital nutrients to the ocean. Additionally, they serve as indicators of ocean health.  A decrease in albatross or petrel populations often signals changes in fish stocks or broader environmental issues, such as climate change or pollution.  Albatrosses are the sentinels of our oceans; if they’re struggling, it’s a sign the whole marine environment is under stress. Albatrosses are among the most threatened group of birds globally, with 15 of the 22 species currently listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.  “Albatrosses are already facing major threats such as industrial fisheries bycatch, invasive predators on breeding islands, chemical and plastic pollution, and climate change,” says Dr. Laura Roberts, State Veterinarian for South Africa’s Western Cape Department of Agriculture. Now, with the current global bird flu outbreak, these magnificent birds are confronting an even worse and unprecedented convergence of threats that is pushing many species closer to extinction.  “We’re witnessing a perfect storm of threats,” says Dr. Marcela Uhart, wildlife health expert with the University of California, Davis, USA.  “The need for coordinated science-driven conservation action has never been more urgent.” *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_dead_Steeple_Jason_Alastair_Baylis.JPG) Bird flu victim?  A dead Black-browed Albatross on its nest, Steeple Jason,* *Falkland Islands, (Islas Malvinas)*,**photograph by Alastair Baylis* *![Black browed Albatross dead Steeple Jason Penguin News](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_dead_Steeple_Jason_Penguin_News.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross chick succumbs to avian flu on Steeple Jason, Falkland Islands, (Islas Malvinas)**, *March 2024, photograph from*[Penguin News](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240412.pdf) Recent outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed in several seabird species, including albatrosses, across both hemispheres.  Estimates suggest that over 10 000 chicks and thousands of adult Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* died in 2023/2024 due to a [bird flu outbreak in the Falkland Islands](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240412.pdf) (Islas Malvinas)* alone.  The disease has spread to the sub-Antarctic region, affecting [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*colonies on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-has-spread-to-wandering-albatrosses-on-subantarctic-islands?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsImluZmx1ZW56YSIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=), South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, [Marion](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-confirmed-on-marion-island-but-what-of-nearby-prince-edward-island?highlight=WyJocGFpIiwibWFyaW9uIiwibWFyaW9uJ3MiXQ==), [Crozet and Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-reaches-the-french-sub-antarctic-putting-wandering-albatrosses-at-risk?highlight=WyJocGFpIiwibWFyaW9uIiwibWFyaW9uJ3MiXQ==) Islands in the Southern Ocean.  Isolated cases of bird flu infection have also been recorded in Procellariiformes (the order that includes albatrosses and petrels) across Europe, Africa and the Americas. *![HPAI Wanderer chick Rhiannon Gill 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/HPAI_Wanderer_chick_Rhiannon_Gill_5.jpg) Tests confirmed HPAI.  Corpse of a Wandering Albatross chick in the Goney Plain long-term monitoring colony, Marion Island, November 2024, photograph by Rhiannon Gill* Even before the emergence of bird flu, other infectious diseases have been affecting seabirds around the world. For instance, “[Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *T. carteri* on Amsterdam Island have been facing recurrent outbreaks of avian cholera, a bacterial disease, since the mid-1980s,” says Dr. Amandine Gamble, infectious disease ecologist at Cornell University, New York, USA. “Bird flu represents an additional threat to these already weakened populations,” Gamble adds.   Other infectious diseases known to affect albatrosses and petrels are caused by, for instance, poxviruses. Albatrosses and petrels, many of which breed in large, dense colonies, are particularly vulnerable to pathogens. “Once bird flu reaches seabird colonies, our ability to reduce mortality is extremely limited,” says Patricia Serafini, an environmental analyst at the National Center for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds (CEMAVE) in Brazil and ACAP Population and Conservation Status Working Group Co-convenor.  “We must do everything we can to prevent further spread while simultaneously addressing other conservation threats for which mitigation tools are already available.” “Consumers can play an important role in albatross conservation”, says Serafini. By choosing seafood not linked to albatross bycatch, individuals can help reduce a major threat to these birds. Supporting brands and fisheries that prioritise seabird-safe practices is a vital step toward protecting these oceanic travellers. People can also help prevent the spread of bird flu and other diseases by respecting travel advisories regarding affected areas and reporting dead birds to local wildlife authorities or health departments. World Albatross Day serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnected threats facing marine life. “Protecting albatrosses and petrels is not just about saving beautiful birds; it means protecting the balance of life in the oceans they call home,” says Patricia Serafini. Join us on 19 June in celebrating World Albatross Day and advocating for the protection of these remarkable ocean sentinels. With thanks to Patricia Serafini, Convenor, ACAP Intersessional Group on Avian Influenza and Diseases. **NOTE:** Access this media release in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease/world-albatross-day-2025-media-release). *ACAP**Intersessional Group on Avian Influenza and Diseases on behalf of the ACAP Secretariat, 16 June 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-the-oceans-sentinels.md) ## Report of the Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties published  ![MoP8 delegates2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/MoP8_delegates2.jpg) *MoP8 delegates on the lawn of the Dunedin Leisure Lodge* The 91-page Report of the Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties)), held at Dunedin, New Zealand, from 19 to 23 May 2025, is now available in [English](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/4994-mop8-report/file). The [French](https://acap.aq/fr/documents/reunion-des-parties/rdp8-1) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/documentos/reunion-de-las-partes/rdp8) translations of the MoP8 report will be published by mid-July. All 13 Parties to the Agreement were represented at the Session: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) and Uruguay. Documents and Information Papers tabled at the meeting are available from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8). *ACAP Secretariat, 12 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/report-of-the-eighth-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-published.md) ## 'WADWEEK' No. 2. ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross to mark World Albatross Day on 19 June ![Final English IYNA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Final_English_IYNA.jpg)  The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), the 20th to be produced in the 31-species series, is for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri. *It has been chosen as one of two “feature species”, along with the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June, with its theme of “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”.  As for all previous infographics it is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish. ![preview indianyelownosed fr](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/preview_indianyelownosed_fr.jpg) The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ![preview indianyelownosed es](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/preview_indianyelownosed_es.jpg) The 20 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics are being created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. The next ACAP Species Infographic to be produced, the 21st in the series, will be for the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*, sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). With thanks to the [Norwegian Environment Agency](https://www.environmentagency.no/) for part-sponsoring the infographic and to Pep Arcos and Karine Delord for their continued help editing Spanish and French translations, respectively. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wadweek-no-2-acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-to-mark-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## House Mice are now killing adult Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island – not just their chicks ***![Risi nibbles](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Risi_nibbles.png) A.****Frame from amotion-activated infrared camera of a House Mouse attacking an adult male Wandering Albatross, inset close-up of the scalp wound.  **B.** An adult male Wandering Albatross brooding its chick with a severe wound to the elbow joint of its wing.  **C.**An adult male brooding its chick, with a wound on its right tibiotarsal joint, bleeding onto the bird’s rump.  **D.** A minor wound was detected on the right elbow of an adult male Wandering Albatross (from the publication)* Michelle Risi ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Biological Conservation*](https://link.springer.com/journal/10530) on their observations of introduced House Mice attacking and killing adult Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* ([Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans)) on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  The publication includes three short videos as electronic supplementary material depicting mouse attacks. The paper’s abstract follows: “Invasive rodents severely impact native species, especially on oceanic islands.  House mice *Mus musculus* are known predators of seabird chicks, and there is growing concern about their attacks on adult birds.  On sub-Antarctic Marion Island, the single largest breeding site for wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*, invasive mice, the sole introduced mammal, pose an escalating threat to this Vulnerable species.  We report the first direct evidence of mice attacking adult wandering albatrosses, and record mouse attacks on adult wandering albatrosses beyond the localised incidents reported in 2023.  Of 2,979 wandering albatross nests counted island-wide in January 2024, 2,295 remained active in April, with 1,102 attended by adults brooding or guarding chicks.  Of these, 11 adults (1%) exhibited mouse-inflicted wounds (including a scalp injury, as well as the more common wing joint wounds), and two fresh adult carcasses were discovered.  Injured adults and carcasses were distributed across all wandering albatross breeding colonies.  Wounds predominantly affected males (10 of 11); one adult succumbed to its injuries within six weeks.  The 11 nests with injured adults had a 45% breeding success rate, below the island-wide average of 61%.  At Cape Davis, where mice were first recorded attacking adults in 2023, breeding success was just 28%.  This expansion in attack range and severity underscores the urgent need to eradicate mice from Marion Island to conserve wandering albatrosses and other threatened biota.” **Reference:** Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Connan, M., Gill, R., Stephen, V., Cunningham, S.J. &·Ryan, P.G. 2025.  Escalating threats: house mouse attacks on adult wandering albatrosses spread across Marion Island.  [*Biological Invasions* 27. 149.  doi.org/10.1007/s10530-025-03610-8](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-025-03610-8#citeas). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/house-mice-are-now-killing-adult-wandering-albatrosses-on-marion-island-not-just-their-chicks.md) ## The Third United Nations Ocean Conference is being held this week in France – straight after World Oceans Day ![World Oceans Day 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/World_Oceans_Day_2025.png)  Following on from [World Oceans Day](https://worldoceanday.org/) on Sunday 8 June, the 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the [2025 UN Ocean Conference](https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025)) co-hosted by France and Costa Rica is being held this week over 9-13 June in Nice, France. The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The Conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. It will build on existing instruments to form successful partnerships towards the swift conclusion and effective implementation of ongoing processes that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. The Conference involves all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14. The Conference will build on the previous UN Ocean Conferences, hosted by Sweden and Fiji in [2017 in New York](https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160215/https:/oceanconference.un.org/about) and by Portugal and Kenya in [2022 in Lisbon](https://www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022).   “The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet and to our future.  The ocean is an important source of the planet’s biodiversity and plays a vital role in the climate system and water cycle. The ocean provides a range of ecosystem services, supplies us with oxygen to breathe, contributes to food security, nutrition and decent jobs and livelihoods, acts as a sink and reservoir of greenhouse gases and protects biodiversity, provides a means for maritime transportation, including for global trade, forms an important part of our natural and cultural heritage and plays an essential role in sustainable development, a sustainable ocean-based economy and poverty eradication” - political declaration of the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 09 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-third-united-nations-ocean-conference-is-being-held-this-week-in-france-straight-after-world-oceans-day.md) ## 'WADWEEK' No. 1. Charting the spread of high-pathogenicity avian influenza from South America to Antarctica *![Kruiken cobi70052 fig 0001 m](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Kruiken_cobi70052-fig-0001-m.jpg) Locations of reported mortalities associated with high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus of the subtype H5 in wild birds and wild mammals in Central America, South America, and neighbouring island groups (from the publication)* World Albatross Day 2025 with its theme of “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” falls on 19 June.  From today until the 19th *ACAP Latest News* intends to post daily articles during “WADWEEK” that address or refer to the theme. Thijs Kuiken ([Department of Viroscience](https://www.erasmusmc.nl/en/research/departments/viroscience), Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and colleagues have reviewed the occurrence and spread of high-pathogenicity avian influenza in South America and in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean open access in the journal *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15231739).* The paper’s abstract follows: “The currently circulating high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the subtype H5 causes variable illness and death in wild and domestic birds and mammals, as well as in humans. This virus evolved from the Goose/Guangdong lineage of the HPAI H5 virus, which emerged in commercial poultry in China in 1996, spilled over into wild birds, and spread through Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America by 2021. Our objective was to summarize the spread and impact of the HPAI H5 virus in wild birds and mammals in South America, evaluate the risk of its spread and potential impact on Antarctic wildlife, and consider actions to manage the current and future HPAI outbreaks in wildlife. We obtained data on HPAI H5 virus detection and reported wildlife deaths from websites, newspaper articles, and scientific publications. The virus arrived in South America in October 2022. Thereafter, it spread widely and rapidly throughout the continent, where it infected at least 83 wild bird species and 11 wild mammal species and is estimated to have killed at least 667,000 wild birds and 52,000 wild mammals. The HPAI H5 virus spread to the Antarctic region by October 2023 and to mainland Antarctica by December 2023. This spread was associated with multiple mortality events in seabirds and marine mammals. The high spatial density of colonies of various Antarctic species of birds and mammals provides conditions for potentially devastating outbreaks with severe conservation implications. Ecosystem-level impacts may follow, and affected populations may take decades to recover. Although little can be done to stop the virus spread in wildlife, it is important to continue targeted surveillance of wildlife populations for HPAI H5 virus incursion and assessment of the spread and impact of disease to inform adaptation of conservation plans and to help policy makers mitigate and prevent future HPAI outbreaks.” With thanks to Patricia Serafin, ACAP Intersessional Group on Avian Influenza and Diseases. **Reference:** Kuiken, T., Vanstreels, R.E.T., Banyard, A., Begeman, L., Breed, A., Dewar, M., Fijn, R., Serafini, P.P., Uhart, M. & Wille, M. 2025.  Emergence, spread, and impact of high pathogenicity avian influenza H5 in wild birds and mammals of South America and Antarctica, October 2022 to March 2024.  [*Conservation Biology* doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70052](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.70052). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 13 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/charting-the-spread-of-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-from-south-america-to-antarctica.md) ## Applications for the 2025 SCAR Life Sciences Group Fellowship Programme open *![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Picture2.jpg) * The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Life Science Group Fellowship Programme is designed to encourage the active involvement of early and mid-career researchers in the work of the [Life Sciences Group](https://scar.org/science/life/lifescience) to mentor potential future SCAR leaders and promote professional development.  This fellowship programme is funded for two years. **Details of the Award** The award is for US$10 000 per year.  Funds can be used as a stipend; to cover the costs of travel to attend workshops, symposia and/or business meetings; or for other purposes as determined in consultation with the Chief Officer of the SG.  Initial appointments are for one year.  First-year fellows can apply for the second year, but a second year is not guaranteed. It is expected that the time commitment of the fellows will average ~3 hours/week.  However, activities and time will vary from week to week.  For example, preparations for meetings will likely require a longer weekly effort and some weeks may not have any work. **Eligibility** The programme is for researchers from SCAR member countries (full or associate). PhD students or those within t10 years of having completed a PhD on the day of the deadline for applications. Prior work with SCAR is not a requirement to apply, but any involvement with SCAR should be included in the application.  Researchers from countries with developing Antarctic programmes (e.g., SCAR Associate Member countries) are encouraged to apply. **Description of Fellowship** The role of the fellow will be to: - Support the administrative work of Chief Officers and improve communication between Science Groups, their subsidiary groups, the SCAR Secretariat and the SCAR Executive Committee. - Participate in Science Group activities and assist Chief Officers in report and meeting preparations. - Solicit, gather, and provide news items and other outreach material about Science Group activities for the SCAR Newsletter and website. - Work with the Chief Officers to develop strategies that will further promote SCAR activities within the international science community. The role of the Life Sciences Group leadership will be to: - Mentor fellows in the work of SCAR, especially the activities of the SG and its subsidiary Expert Groups and Action Groups. - Train potential future leaders of SCAR groups (e.g., Science Groups, Action Groups, Expert groups, etc.). Application review will begin 8 July 2025; for full consideration please submit your application by this date. Read more, including how to apply, [here](https://scar.org/scar-news/2025-life-sciences-fellowship?fbclid=IwY2xjawKw_WtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4Y2xORGltanl0c3IwTVhMAR4aEt9jJzDGKZiiMl_HHCpXnitHSBnpIDRzWrUgW287saRA1-PzvXgI9G3FAQ_aem_Lv2zUR5d0D2fbYAv5-IupA). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 10 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/applications-for-the-2025-scar-life-sciences-group-fellowship-programme-open.md) ## ACAP’s latest collaboration with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature results in 37 artworks in support of World Albatross Day 2025 *![Di Roberts Amsterdana and Indian Yellow nosed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Di_Roberts_Amsterdana_and_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatrosses.jpg) Indian-Yellow nosed and Amsterdam Albatrosses by Di Roberts, in**pastels and pencil* For the sixth year running, ACAP has collaborated with the international collective Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks depicting ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  This year the featured species are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross Diomedea*amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the southern Indian Ocean’s [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* in support of ACAP’s theme “Effects of Disease” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)).  ABUN Project #49 ran from 01 April until 31 May, and following a week’s grace to allow for late submissions, resulted in 37 artworks becoming available for ACAP’s use. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Flavia_Barreto_Amsterdam_Albatross_watercolour_Antony_Buttet.jpg) Watercolour by**Flávia Barreto**of a banded Amsterdam Albatross tending its chick, after a photograph by**Antony Buttet* Within 24 hours of Project #49 commencing the first painting was submitted by Brazilian artist [Silvia Abramant](https://www.facebook.com/silvia.abramant).  Her [watercolour](https://acap.aq/latest-news/brazilian-artist-silvia-abramant-is-the-first-to-paint-for-the-sixth-world-albatross-day-on-19-june?highlight=WyJhYnJhbWFudCJd) depicts an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross tending its chick, inspired by a photograph taken by Dominique Filippi in the Falaises d'Entrecasteaux colony on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean.  The albatrosses breeding at this locality have been deleteriously affected by two diseases, avian cholera caused by *Pasteurella multocida*and erysipelas from *Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae*, influencing the species’ threat classification of Endangered. Since Sylvia’s artwork, 23 more ABUN artists have contributed to Project #49.  Notably, [Flávia Barreto](https://acap.aq/latest-news/flavia-barreto-supports-the-conservation-of-the-short-tailed-albatross-with-her-art-for-world-albatross-day-202?highlight=WyJiYXJyZXRvIl0=), who also resides in Brazil has submitted no less than five paintings, one of them being included below.  Several other artists submitted more than one painting, including Tasmanian [Maureen Bennetts](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-when-artists-and-photographers-meet-featuring-three-supporters-of-world-albatross-day-2025?highlight=WyJtYXVyZWVuIiwiYmVubmV0dHMiLCJiZW5uZXR0Il0=) who sent in two works depicting Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses. *![Apple Resonance IYNA Almsterdam Island after Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Apple_Resonance_IYNA_Almsterdam_Island_after_Karine_Delord.jpg) The last artwork submitted to ABUN Project #49.  An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross stands over its chick on Amsterdam Island by Apple Resonance, after a photograph by Karine Delord* Seven artworks were received from young people in India, aged from nine to 12, encouraged by their art teacher and ABUN member Deepti Jain ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/art-students-in-india-produce-paintings-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-on-19-june?highlight=WyJkZWVwdGkiXQ==)). Deepti, who lives in Mumbai, also contributed her own painting, showing both albatross species. *![Deepti Jain Amsterdan and Indian Yellow nosed Albatrosses after Jeremy Dechartre and Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Deepti_Jain_Amsterdan_and_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatrosses_after_Jeremy_Dechartre_and_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Digital artwork by Deepti Jain of Amsterdam and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, after photographs by Jeremy Dechartre and Kirk Zufelt* With Project #49 now ended the intention is to choose six of the 34  paintings, three for each species, to illustrate art posters in support of World Albatross Day.  The posters will be made freely available on this website for downloading and display between now and 19 June.  Watch this space! You can view all the Project #49 artworks in a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3)on ACAP’s Facebook page. With thanks to Marion Schon and all the contributing ABUN artists. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 06 June 2025, updated 16 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-latest-collaboration-with-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-results-in-34-artworks-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-2025.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project is celebrating World Albatross Day this month with art posters  ![Abun Deepti Jain](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Abun_Deepti_Jain.png) *The [Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/)* is working towards eradicating the sub-Antarctic island’s introduced House Mice that in recent years have taken to attacking and killing threatened albatrosses and petrels.  As part of its ongoing efforts to create awareness and raise funds it will be celebrating World Albatross Day ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)) this month from now until 19 June. ![Marion Island header](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Marion_Island_header.jpg) Last year over November and December the MFM Project collaborated on a Special Project entitled “Conservation Campaign for Marion Island” with the international collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks depicting Marion’s biota and landscapes to help advertise the island’s conservation importance.  Of the [43 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.964126259084730&type=3) submitted by members of ABUN, seven by different artists have been chosen to illustrate posters, to be made freely available for downloading from a photo album on the [MFM Project Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064620942284) up until 19 June. The first poster released is by Deepti Jain and is entitled “Albatross: Skyward Grace”.  It depicts an [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* flying over Marion’s coast with mouse-free Prince Edward Island on the horizon.  Deepti, who resides in India, [describes herself](https://abun4nature.org/deepti/) “as a self- taught and realistic artist who loves to work with soft pastels, charcoal and watercolours to create memorable portraits, vivid landscapes, magnificent wildlife, alluring still life and self-depicting illustrations.  My artworks reflect my passion for wildlife, nature and creativity.” ![495463631 1099347825562572 6643790728059819858 n](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/495463631_1099347825562572_6643790728059819858_n.jpg) In addition to its WAD2025 poster series, the MFM Project is marking World Albatross Day by running a “double your donation” challenge this month.  All donations received in June will be matched through the generosity of two MFM supporters – for as long as matching funds last ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/double-the-impact-of-your-donation-to-the-mouse-free-marion-project-this-month/)). With thanks to Robyn Adams, Mouse-Free Marion Project Communications Officer and Project Assistant. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-is-celebrating-world-albatross-day-this-month-with-art-posters.md) ## Island Invasives Conference, February 2026, New Zealand: plenary speakers announced ![Invasive Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Invasive_Conference.png)  The [Island Invasives 2026 Conference](https://www.islandinvasives.org/) will be held in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand over 9-13 February 2026. “Papers are invited for presentation at the conference, in the form of either a talk or a poster.  Papers may be submitted on any topic relating to invasive alien species on islands, where the term ‘island’ is broadly interpreted in terrestrial, marine and freshwater systems.  The invasive species involved may be flora, fauna or funga.   The goal of the conference is knowledge transfer that enables accelerated uptake of eradication methodologies which will enhance biodiversity and the lives of people on islands around the world. The conference continues its resolute focus on the complete eradication of invasive species of any taxa from islands or island-like bodies.” The following **plenary speakers** have been confirmed: Imogen Bassett - Island Biosecurity Keith Broome - Technical Planning Luciana Luna Mendoza - Tropical Eradications Jessi Morgan - Community Engagement Nicola Rata-MacDonald - Indigenous Leadership David Towns - Island Restoration David Will - Emerging Technologies **Key Submission Dates:** Abstracts due: 27 June 2025 Authors notified: 11 August 2025 Presenter registration deadline: 7 November 2025 Full papers due: 23 January 2026 *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/island-invasives-conference-february-2026-new-zealand-plenary-speakers-announced.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. South Africa launches an updated version of its regional Red Data Book - this time online. And it's a good one! ###  ![Wandering Albatross Michelle Risi Lea Finke HQ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_Lea_Finke_HQ.jpg)*A Wandering Albatross stands over its chick on Marion Island, artwork by Lea Finke of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* ### The [Regional Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-data-book/) released last month by BirdLife South Africa "presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date regional assessments of bird species across southern Africa". "Developed through rigorous scientific research and in collaboration with local and international experts, the Red Data Book provides critical insights into the conservation status of birds in the region. It follows the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List framework, adapted to reflect the unique environmental challenges and species diversity of southern Africa,  offering an evidence-based guide to the risks of extinction faced by avian species in the region." [edited] Bird species that occur regularly within the region considered (which includes surrounding waters and South Africa 's Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean) are assessed with a threatened (Critically Endangered (CE), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V) or Near Threatened (NT) status. Ten threatened/near threatened procellariiform species have been recorded breeding within the region covered,  Nine of these are ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that breed regulalrly at the Prince Edward Islands, as listed here. Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*V Grey-Headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma*E Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. carteri*E Sooty Albatross*Phoebetria fusca*E Light-mantled Albatross*P, palpebrata*V Northern Giant Petrel  *Maconectes halli*NT Southern Giant Petrel *M, giganteus *NT Grey Petrel*Procellaria cinerea*E White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinocialis*V Five of the nine ACAP-listed species have been assessed with the same level of threat as they have internationally. The exceptions are  Light-mantled Albatross (regionally V, globally NT),  Grey Petrel (regionally E, globally NT), Northern Giant Petrel (regionally NT, globally Least Concern) and Southern Giant Petrel (regionally NT, globally Least Concern).  These higher levels of threat for four species reflects mainly their small populations at the Prince Edward Islands in relation to their global populations.  However, in addition the winter-breeding Grey Petrel is at particular risk from the introduced House Mice on Marion Island (but not on nearby Prince Edward Island where mice do not occur). Foe each species covred  in the new regional RDB detailed information is given under the broad heads, NAMES, CURRENT ASSESSMENT STATUS, HISTORIC LISTING INFORMATION, REASON FOR INCLUSION, CATEGORY JUSTIFICATION, BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY, THREATS & CONSERVATION and CONTRIBUTORS & REFERENCES.  For each species a full citation is conveniently given, as in this example written by Kim Stevens (who has studied the species on Marion Island towards her PhD).. Stevens, K.L. 2025. Grey-headed Albatross. In: Lee, A.T.K., Rose, S., Banda, S., Bezeng, S.B., Maphalala, M.I., Maphisa, D.H. & Smit-Robinson, H. (Eds), *The 2025 Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.* BirdLife South Africa: Johannesburg: Available at: [https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-list/grey-headed-albatross/](https://www.birdlife.org.za/red-list/grey-headed-albatross/). ![Albatrosses of Prince Edward Islands Leigh Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Albatrosses_of_Prince_Edward_Islands_Leigh_Wolfaardt.jpg)*"The Albatrosses of the Prince Edward Islands", artwork by Leigh Wolfaardt*  I co-authored the very first South African RDB for birds - a very slim volume - way back in 1976.  New editions by other authors followed in 1984, 2000 and 2015, all in hard copy,  Now online, the fifth edition by [Alan Lee,](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/science-and-innovation/meet-the-team/) BirdLife South Africa's Science and Innovation Programme Manager, and his team of co-editors, reprents a huge advance in the scholarly interpretation of science and conservation. . Get online, check it out for free and take the time to browse.  Reckon it's quite the *tour de forc*e!  *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 June 2025*  I vvco [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-africa-launches-an-online-version-if-its-regional-red-data-book.md) ## ACAP releases species infographics for three North Pacific albatrosses in Japanese in support of World Albatross Day ![shorttailed jp a4poster2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/shorttailed_jp_a4poster2.jpg)  *Short-tailed Albatross* ACAP today releases Japanese versions in its Infographic series for the three ACAP-listed species that breed on Japanese islands in the North Pacific.  They are for the Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes*, Laysan *P. immutabilis* and Short-tailed *P. albatrus* Albatrosses.  ![blackfooted jp a4poster5](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/blackfooted_jp_a4poster5.jpg)*Black-footed Albatross* Thanks are due to Namo Niumim for the design and artwork and to Yasuko Suzuki, BirdLife International and Naoki Tomita, [Yamashina Insitute for Ornithology](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/) for their careful translating and editing of the English texts into Japanese,  The three Japanese infographics have been sponsored by the Yamashina Institute, which will exhibit them at a World Albatross Day event to be held in Japan from 14 June to 6 July. ![laysan jp a4poster2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/laysan_jp_a4poster2.jpg)*Laysan Albatross* Access all the language versions for the ACAP Species Infographics produced to date from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer,A greement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 June 2025*       | | | | --- | --- | |   |   | [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-three-infographics-for-three-north-pacific-albatrosses-in-japanese.md) ## An ACAP delegation visits an albatross colony - for the first time ever ![MoP8 outing Royal Albatriss Cenre Johan de Goede 8 cropped](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/MoP8_outing_Royal_Albatriss_Cenre_Johan_de_Goede_8_cropped.jpg) *A Northern Royal Albatross chick in the Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve* Day Four of a Session of the Meeting of the Parties has the ACAP Secretariat readying the meeting report and resolutions for adoption on the next and final day.  On the same day delegates are traditionally taken on an excursion organized by the host country.  The Eighth Session ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) held in Dunedin, New Zealand last week over five days was no exception with an outing arranged to undertake a guided walk at the well-known (and intensely managed) colony of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/taiaroa-head-nature-reserve/) on the headland of the Otago Peninsula.  The mainland Taiaroa Head colony can be visited by the public who are able to view the breeding albatrosses through a glass window in an observatory operated by the [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/). During the [Second Session of the Meeting of the Parties](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop2) held in New Zealand in 2008, attendees were taken from Christchurch on an excursion to view albatrosses and petrels at sea off [Kaikoura](https://www.albatrossencounter.co.nz/).  Three years later in 2011, the Sixth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee ([AC6](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac6)) was held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when a group of delegates took the opportunity to arrange an outing to the island of [La Plata](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/the-waved-albatross-of-isla-de-la-plata-gets-a-visit-during-acap-meetings-in-ecuador?highlight=WyJsYSIsIidsYSIsInBsYXRhIl0=) where they saw a single [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* brooding its chick  However, MoP8 was the first time an ACAP meeting has made an official visit to see breeding albatrosses.  *![MoP8 outing Royal Albatriss Cenre Johan de Goede 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/MoP8_outing_Royal_Albatriss_Cenre_Johan_de_Goede_3.jpg) The Royal Albatross Centre* Last week’s excursion also included a [visit](https://maorimaps.com/marae/%C5%8Dt%C4%81kou) to a [Marae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marae) (Māori community centre).  For cultural reasons no photographs were taken of the [pōwhiri](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/540d307ee4b0d0f549890359/t/6361a41f6781d164063cc211/1667343392159/P%C5%8Dwhiri+Process+2022.pdf) (traditional welcome ceremony). *![MoP8 outing Marae Johan de Goede](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/MoP8_outing_Marae_Johan_de_Goede.jpg) The [Ōtākou marae](https://maorimaps.com/marae/%C5%8Dt%C4%81kou) on the Otago Peninsula, all photographs by Johan de Goede* Watch a breeding pair and their chick at Taiaroa Head via the live-streaming [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) operated by the Department of Conservation. With grateful thanks to the South African Delegate to MoP8, Johan de Goede, Assistant Director, Small Pelagic Fisheries Management, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for the photographs. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-delegates-visit-an-albatross-colony-for-the-first-time-ever.md) ## Advice needs action: addressing fisheries bycatch at ACAP’s Eighth Meeting of the Parties *![MoP8 meeting Johan de Goede 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/MoP8_meeting_Johan_de_Goede_1.jpg)Representatives of some of the 13 ACAP Parties attending MoP8, photograph by Johan de Goede* The Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), held from 19 to 23 May in Dunedin, New Zealand, concluded with a strong commitment to take urgent action to address the conservation crisis faced by albatross and petrels.  The meeting was chaired by [Danica Stent](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-eighth-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-commences-with-a-maori-welcome) of New Zealand. In her opening address, [Ms Stephanie Rowe](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-structure/senior-leadership-team/), Deputy Director-General of Biodiversity, Heritage, and Visitors of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, applauded the world-leading research and technical guidance ACAP has produced over the last 20 years.  She emphasised, however, that “advice needs action”, and international collaboration is essential to addressing the threat posed by fisheries bycatch.  Ms Rowe wished parties success “to advance ACAP’s mission to reverse the decline of these treasured species”. *![Stephanie Rowe DOC DDG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Stephanie_Rowe_DOC_DDG.jpg) Stephanie Rowe gives her address, photograph by Johan de Goede* In 2019, ACAP's Advisory Committee highlighted a conservation crisis with hundreds of thousands of albatrosses and petrels dying every year as a result of fisheries operations.  The implementation of ACAP’s [Best Practice seabird bycatch mitigation advice](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation) by ACAP Parties, non-Party Range States and, critically, Regional Fisheries Management and Conservation Organisations was identified as essential for the conservation of these majestic seabirds. ACAP has developed a comprehensive range of Best Practice Advice guidelines and fact sheets containing proven mitigation measures that can be implemented by coastal States and distant water fishing nations, and other entities to reduce seabird bycatch.  These are available in multiple languages and can be accessed through the ACAP website. The Meeting of the Parties recognised the need to renew efforts to improve the uptake of ACAP Best Practice Advice.  The Meeting adopted a Resolution declaring that new evidence shows that the conservation crisis facing albatrosses and petrels due to the threat of fisheries bycatch is ongoing.  The Parties agreed to allocate funding in the Advisory Committee Work Programme to implement the Communications Strategy to communicate more effectively the conservation crisis facing albatrosses and petrels, and the solutions available. [Dr Michael Double](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-mike-double/), Vice Chair and the Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee, in his report to the Parties, emphasised the declining overall conservation status of ACAP-listed species.  Key progress of the past triennium included continued development of seabird bycatch mitigation Best Practice Advice, funding of Small Grants and Secondments projects, and provision of advice on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). Parties agreed to increase the Agreement’s budget and member contributions for the 2026-2028 triennium.  Parties recognised that fully and sustainably funding the Advisory Committee Work Programme is integral to addressing the drivers behind the worsening overall conservation status of ACAP species. This meeting also marked the end of Dr Christine Bogle’s term (2019-2025) as Executive Secretary.  Parties paid tribute to Dr Bogle’s unwavering support during her term.  Parties also welcomed Mr Jonathon Barrington (Australia) as the new Executive Secretary-designate. Dr Bogle congratulated Mr Barrington on his appointment, highlighting their long-standing professional relationship and his valuable support. *ACAP Secretariat, 30 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/advice-needs-action-addressing-fisheries-bycatch-at-acaps-eighth-meeting-of-the-parties.md) ## ACAP releases its World Albatross Day logo for 2025, celebrating 21 years of the Agreement ![WALD 2025 Eng 01 Rev](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD-2025-Eng-01_Rev.png)  The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) has chosen “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” as its  theme  for this year's World Albatross Day (WAD2025) to be celebrated on 19 June 2025  Two versions (landscape and portrait) of the WAD2025 logo in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Japanese, have been released today  The 2025 logo also marks 21 years since ACAP came into force on 01 February 2004. Click[here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease/world-albatross-day-2025-logos) to see all the eight versions of the WAD2025 logo. ![WALD 2025 Fr 02 Rev](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD-2025-Fr-02_Rev.png) This year’s theme continues the tradition of featuring specific threats that albatrosses (and ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters) face.  It follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, and [Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024. ![WALD 2025 Esp 01 Rev](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD-2025-Esp-01_Rev.png) Two new albatross species are being used to feature the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day, with [artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3) from Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), [species infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics)and art posters (to be released next month).  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis#Distribution) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*, that breeds on islands in the southern Indian Ocean  The latter species is particularly at risk from *Pasteurella multocida* that causes avian cholera and *Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae* (causing erysipelas) on Amsterdam Island, where its breeding population has been decreasing. ![WALD 2025 Jpn 01 Rev](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD-2025-Jpn-01_Rev.png) The Agreement thanks South African graphic designer and long-time ACAP collaborator, [Geoff Tyler](https://www.instagram.com/infinite_wilderness/), who has  designed ACAP’s World Albatross Day logos since the inaugural WAD in 2020. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 May 2025, updated 03 June 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-2025-celebrating-21-years-of-the-agreement.md) ## The 4th World Seabird Conference “Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate" makes a call for Symposia and Workshops ![WSC4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/WSC4.jpg) *Critically Endangered African Penguins* “The 4th [World Seabird Conference](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference/) will take place in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia from 7-11 September 2026. The theme for the conference is “*Wings of Adaptation: Seabirds in a Changing Climate*”. “The 4th World Seabird Conference will build on the progress and success of previous conferences and once again place seabirds on the global stage. Our goal is to provide a hub for seabird scientists from across the world to gather with colleagues and discuss research, conservation, and innovative technology related to the study of seabirds and their marine environment. The Conference will focus on the biology, ecology, adaptive capacity, and conservation of these globally relevant species in an era of unprecedented global change. WSC 4 will be structured around a series of symposia, contributed sessions, and workshops. It will provide participants with abundant opportunities to network with colleagues worldwide. The World Seabird Conference has been held every five years since 2010, bringing together international seabird scientists, managers, and conservationists to tackle global challenges.    We[invite](https://worldseabirdunion.org/world-seabird-conference/call-for-symposia-and-workshops-wsc4/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKfgfpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzeDJTb2g4OExsM05DVzZEAR4eVzT5TLuAo67mQtI43VztVDUhexvxzXA72gyQv5gffi20mLdQpFhxx4EOxA_aem_4P3omEbwatEw2YJKYEfx4A) scientists and professionals involved in seabird research and management to create symposia centred around the conference theme.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-4th-world-seabird-conference-wings-of-adaptation-seabirds-in-a-changing-climate-makes-a-all-for-symposa-dn-workshops.md) ## A translocated Black-footed Albatross pair fledges a chick on the Hawaiian island of Oahu *![Ohau firs time breeder 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Ohau_firs_time_breeder_3.jpg)The first Black-footed Albatross chick successfully reared by translocated parents begs for a meal on the Hawaiian island of Oahu* With sea-level rise and storm water surges threatening the albatrosses of Hawaii’s low-lying atolls, comes the news that a translocation project run by the environmental NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)  has led to Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* breeding on Oahu in the 2023/24 season, as revealed last week on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation).  This represents a new breeding locality for this ACAP-listed and [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) species. * ![Ohau firs time breeder 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Ohau_firs_time_breeder_1.jpg) Translocated *Black-footed Albatross*V666 broods its chick in the James Campbell National Wildlife Reserve on Oahu* “We are thrilled to announce a huge milestone - in 2024, the first wild Ka'upu (Black-footed albatross) chick fledged from the Main Hawaiian Islands in over 400 years! The ka'upu chick, E999, raised by a pair of translocated ka'upu, V434 and V666, marks a huge success for seabird conservation. Both V434 and V666 were translocated as chicks from Midway Atoll NWR to James Campbell NWR, where they were hand-fed fish slurry by PRC’s Aviculturist Robby Kohley and a specially trained team of staff, interns, and volunteers. After new breeding colonies of vulnerable seabird species that are safe from sea-level rise. By building mammalian exclusion fences, removing invasive predators, and socially attracting and/or translocating birds into these protected areas, we can create safe, higher elevation refugia for ground nesting seabirds.” *![Ohau firs time breeder 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Ohau_firs_time_breeder_2.jpg)  Translocated V666 broods its chick, photographs from Pacific Rim Conservation* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-translocated-black-footed-albatross-pair-fledges-a-chick-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-oahu.md) ## Differences in the at-sea ecology of Light-mantled and Sooty Albatrosses  ![Sooty near 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooty_near_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*Sooty Albatross in flight, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Yves Cherel ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en), Villiers-en-Bois, France) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Endangered Species Research*](https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-home/) on the trophic ecology of Sooty *Phoebetria fusca* and Light-mantled *P. palpebrata*Albatrosses. *![Light mantled Albatross 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Light-mantled_Albatross_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Light-mantled Albatross,* *photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The paper’s abstract follows: “The trophic ecology of the Endangered sooty albatross (SA, 4 populations) was investigated using the concept of isotopic niche as a proxy of the trophic niche, and its isotopic metrics were compared with those of the congeneric Near Threatened light-mantled sooty albatross (LMSA, 4 populations). Three features differentiated SA from LMSA. (1) Feather δ13C and δ15N values of chicks and breeding adults were overall higher in SA than LMSA. This translates to more northern foraging grounds in the former than the latter species, with SA favouring warmer subtropical waters and LMSA colder waters of the Southern Ocean where they feed in part on low trophic level prey (likely Antarctic krill) at high latitudes. (2) Interestingly, Som the Atlantic (Gough Island) differentiate from SA of the Indian Ocean (Marion, Crozet and Amsterdam Islands) by adult birds foraging primarily within the Southern Ocean in a similar way as LMSA from South Georgia, Marion, Crozet and Kerguelen Islands. (3) Calculations of the trophic niche width at the population and individual levels showed that SA from the Indian Ocean are specialist populations, while Gough Island SA and the 4 LMSA populations are generalist populations that include both generalist and specialist individuals. Consequently, both the preferential use of warm waters and the narrow trophic niche width of SA from the southern Indian Ocean imply a higher risk for SA than LMSA of being killed by subtropical tuna longline fisheries and being negatively impacted by environmental changes. Conversely, the preferential use of cold waters together with a large trophic niche width of SA from Gough Island suggest fewer negative interactions with direct and indirect human activities.” **Reference:** Cherel, Y., Jaeger, A., Carravieri, A., Jaquemet, S., Phillips, R.A., Wanless, R.M. & Richard, P. 2025.  Trophic ecology of sooty albatross, segregating mechanisms from the congeneric light-mantled sooty albatross, and conservation implications.  *[Endangered Species Research](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01405)*[57:45-57](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01405). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/differences-in-at-sea-ecology-of-light-mantled-and-sooty-albatrosses.md) ## Balearic Shearwaters are thought to be migrating farther north due to climate change * ![Balearic Shearwater at sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic%20Shearwater%20at%20sea.jpg) Balearic Shearwater at sea* Patrick Lewin ([Department of Biology](https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home), University of Oxford, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences](https://www.pnas.org/)*on shifts in migratory patterns by ACAP-listed and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwaters *Puffinus mauretanicus*. The paper’s abstract follows: “How individual animals respond to climate change is key to whether populations will persist or go extinct.  Yet, few studies investigate how changes in individual behavior underpin these population-level phenomena. Shifts in the distributions of migratory animals can occur through adaptation in migratory behaviors, but there is little understanding of how selection and plasticity contribute to population range shift.  Here, we use long-term geolocator tracking of Balearic shearwaters (*Puffinus mauretanicus*) to investigate how year-to-year changes in individual birds’ migrations underpin a range shift in the post-breeding migration.  We demonstrate a northward shift in the post-breeding range and show that this is brought about by individual plasticity in migratory destination, with individuals migrating further north in response to changes in sea-surface temperature.  Furthermore, we find that when individuals migrate further, they return faster, perhaps minimizing delays in return to the breeding area.   Birds apparently judge the increased distance that they will need to migrate via memory of the migration route, suggesting that spatial cognitive mechanisms may contribute to this plasticity and the resulting range shift.  Our study exemplifies the role that individual behavior plays in populations’ responses to environmental change and highlights some of the behavioral mechanisms that might be key to understanding and predicting species persistence in response to climate change.” **Reference:** Lewin, P.J., Wynn, J., Arcos, J. M., Austin, R.E., Blagrove, J., Bond, S., Carrasco, G., Delord K., Fisher-Reeves, L., Garcia, D., Gillies, N., Guilford, T., Hawkins, I., Jaggers, P., Kirk, C., Louzao, M., Maurice, L., Mcminn, M., Micol, T., Morford, J., Morgan, G., Moss, J., Miquel Riera, E., Rodriguez, A., Siddiqi-Davies, K., Weimerskirch, H., Wynn, R.B. & Padget, O. 2024.  Climate change drives migratory range shift via individual plasticity in shearwaters.  *[Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/publipdf/2024/LPNAS121_2024.pdf)*[121(6), e2312438121](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/publipdf/2024/LPNAS121_2024.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/balearic-shearwaters-are-thought-to-be-migrating-farther-north-due-to-climate-change.md) ## Two colour-banded albatrosses from New Zealand get photographed at sea off Australia **![Red ring gibsoni 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Red_ring_gibsoni_3.jpg)*Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross red 51K, photograph by David Harper* On 10 May 2025 off the shelf break from Port MacDonnell, South Australia, David Harper photographed an Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* with leg band red 51K, as reported on the [Seabirds and Pelagics Australia](https://www.facebook.com/groups/957199944320635/) Facebook page.   *![Red ring gibsoni 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Red_ring_gibsoni_1.jpg) Taking flight. Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross red 51K, photograph by David Harper* New Zealand albatross researcher[Kath Walker ONZM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJrYXRoIiwid2Fsa2VyIiwid2Fsa2VycyJd) commented on the same page. "It’s a young adult female Gibson’s wandering albatross *Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni*, which Graeme [Elliott] and I banded on 7 January 2024 when she nested for the first time in our study area on Adams Island in the Auckland Island group.  She would have been at least 10 years old at the time, and probably more like 12 or 15 years old as her partner was a 24-year-old, recently widowed male, and they normally choose birds roughly their own age.” *![Red ring gibsoni 4 Kath Walker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Red_ring_gibsoni_4_Kath_Walker.jpg) Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross red 51K breeding on Adams Island, photograph by Kath Walker* “I’ve attached a photo of her I took when we banded her – she’d just made all the finishing touches to her nest which is why her bill is so dirty, and her breast too – 2024 was a wet season and nests were muddy.  The male does the basics in getting a nest ready but when the females arrive all ready to lay, they frantically do all the finishing touches to make ‘nice”!  The red dot above her bill is temporary stock marker we put on birds once they’ve laid to remind us we’ve read her band and doesn’t need to be approached closely again. Their nesting attempt in 2024 failed when their big feathered chick died (it was a very poor breeding season – only 46% in the SA [study area] were successful). Having such a late failure left the pair in too poor a condition to try again this year, so when you saw Red-51K, she was on a breeding sabbatical to regain condition.  The shelf break off south Australia is a favourite – presumably rich- place for Gibson’s albatross to forage. Read about two other colour-banded Gibson's Antipodean Albatrosses photographed at sea[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/another-banded-gibsons-antipodean-albatross-is-identified-at-sea?highlight=WyJrYXRoIiwid2Fsa2VyIiwid2Fsa2VycyJd) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-colour-banded-gibsons-albatross-from-adams-island-gets-photographed-at-sea-off-australia?highlight=WyJrYXRoIiwid2Fsa2VyIiwid2Fsa2VycyJd). *![Tracker Bullers 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Tracker_Bullers_1.jpg)* *![Tracker Bullers 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Tracker_Bullers_2.jpg) Southern Buller’s Albatross white A11, photographs by Ian Melbourne* On 17 May 2025, as posted on the same Facebook page, Ian Melbourne photographed a Buller's Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* with a back-mounted tracker, along with leg bands white A11 left  and metal right off Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania.  According to a comment the bird was a Southern Buller’s Albatross of the nominate subspecies from the Snares Islands. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/two-colour-banded-albatrosses-from-new-zealand-get-photographed-at-sea-off-australia.md) ## ACAP’s Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties commences with a Māori welcome *![MoP8 delegates2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/MoP8_delegates2.jpg)Attendees gather for a group photograph on the first day of MoP8* The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) commenced yesterday in Dunedin, New Zealand, with all 13 Parties to the Agreement present.  It will run until this Friday the 23rd.  Following a traditional Māori welcome (*[Mihi Whakatau](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/newstudents/orientation-new-students/mihi-whakatau.html)*), the first order of the day was an opening speech by New Zealand, followed by the appointment of Danica Stent as MoP8 Chair and Dr Mike Double, Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee, as MoP8 Vice-Chair. **![Danica Stent 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Danica_Stent_2.jpeg)* Danica Stent, Chair, MoP8* Danica Stent leads the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s International Policy Team.  She has 15 years of experience working within international environmental governance frameworks.  Her experience includes representing New Zealand and pursuing conservation outcomes in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, the Antarctic Treaty System, and UN Ocean processes.  Before working on international environmental issues, Danica worked in domestic marine protection processes in New Zealand.  [Mike Double](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-mike-double/) leads the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, based at the Australian Antarctic Division i Hobart, Tasmania. *![Mike Double](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Mike_Double.jpg) Mike Double, Vice-Chair MoP8* The day’s proceedings included a report ([MoP8 Doc 08](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-meeting-documents/4896-mop8-doc-08/file)) from the ACAP Secretariat.  To close the first day of the Eighth Session, New Zealand hosted a welcome reception for all the MoP8 attendees in the Dunedin Leisure Lodge, the meeting venue.  The event allowed attendees to network and hear a presentation from [Stephanie Rowe](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-structure/senior-leadership-team/), the Department of Conservation's Deputy Director-General Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors on New Zealand’s seabird conservation work. ![Stephanie Rowe DOC DDG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Stephanie_Rowe_DOC_DDG.jpg) *Stephanie Rowe gives her talk at the evening reception, photograph by Johan de Goede* Access the MoP8 agenda, schedule and meeting documents and information papers from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 20 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-eighth-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-commences-with-a-maori-welcome.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. When artists and photographers meet: featuring three supporters of World Albatross Day, 2025 *![Maureen Bennetts Indan Yellow nosed Albatross acrylics on canvas Flcok 2025 Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Maureen_Bennetts_Indan_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_acrylics_on_canvas_Flcok_2025_Holly_Parsons.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross in flight by Maureen Bennetts of Artists & Biologists Unit for Nature for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2025, after a photograph by Holly Parsons* For the sixth year running, ACAP is collaborating with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)).  For [ABUN Project #49](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1066982812121688&type=3) the collective’s artists have been requested to produce artworks featuring the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*.  The artworks will be in support of ACAP’s theme “Effects of Disease” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)),  The project commenced on 01 April and will run until 31 May. At the time of writing, 25 artworks have been submitted, by 13 artists to Project #49.  Following the trend of previous collaborations with ABUN, more paintings are expected to arrive by the end of the project.  This ACAP Monthly Missive features two of these artworks and Maureen Bennetts, the artist who produced them, along with the two photographers, Karine Delord and Holly Parsons, who took the pictures that inspired Maureen to get out her brushes. *![Maureen Bennetts](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Maureen_Bennetts.jpg) Maureen Bennetts at the*[*Unconformity Art Trail*](https://theunconformity.com.au/)*2023 with her 12-canvas conservation piece illustrating Tasmanian flora and fauna* [Maureen Bennetts](https://www.facebook.com/maureen.bennetts.3) writes to *ACAP Latest News* “I live in Queenstown on the West Coast of Tasmania, Australia.  Working mostly with acrylics, my focus is on wildlife and the natural world.  I came across ABUN some five years ago and was immediately drawn to the concept of artists and biologists working together for the betterment of conservation.  It was a good fit for me, a self-taught amateur artist, wanting to have a voice and help in whatever small way possible.  My journey in life has been intertwined with the natural world and the obvious progression in my own wildlife and nature art led me to ABUN.  I am honoured to be a part of this group.”  Maureen Bennetts has been a [supporter](https://acap.aq/search?q=Maureen+Bennetts&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) of ACAP with her artworks since the inaugural World Albatross Day in 2020. *![Indan Yellow nosed Albatross Flcok 2025 Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Indan_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Flcok_2025_Holly_Parsons.jpg) An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross in flight, photograph by Holly Parsons* [Holly Parsons](https://www.facebook.com/holly.parsons.391) manages the Facebook group [Albatross Lovers](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1269214593277385), described as “a group dedicated to all species of the iconic albatross seabird, as well as the related conservation efforts.  We encourage the sharing of albatross depicted in both art and science to celebrate their beauty and learn about their plight.”  The private group is an important source of information for *ACAP Latest News*.  In January this year Holly participated in the [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025/) voyage on the *MSC Musica* when prints she donated of two of her own artworks were auctioned aboard in support of the [*Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: The Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/). **![Holly Parsons on Flock 2025](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Holly_Parsons_on_Flock_2025.jpg)* Holly Parsons, camera at the ready, aboard the*MSC Musica*in the Southern Ocean* On hearing that one of her photographs taken on the voyage that had been made available to ABUN Project #49, Holly wrote to *ALN*  “It's awesome!! This is the first time someone has done a painting from one of my photos, so I am honoured!” *![Maureen Bennetts Indian Yellow nosed Albatross Amsterdam Isoland Acrylic on canvas Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Maureen_Bennetts_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Amsterdam_Isoland_Acrylic_on_canvas_Karine_Delord.jpg) An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross guards its chick on Amsterdam Island,* *by Maureen Bennetts* [Karine Delord](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/predateurs-marins/karine-delord/?lang=en) is a marine ornithologist who conducts research on penguins and procellariiform seabirds on the French sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean.  She a member of the Marine Predators Team at the [Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en). *![Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Karine_Delord.jpg)  French marine ornithologist, Karine Delord among Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses at the**Falaises d'Entrecasteaux on**Amsterdam Island* Karine has written (in translation) on the CEBC website “My activities are related to research programs on the ecology of birds and marine mammals in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands where I regularly carry out field missions of two to three months.  My activities are organized in four axes: the piloting of data collection campaigns; the design of devices and the collection of demographic, telemetric and population data; the analysis and the valorization of the results within the framework of fundamental research for the conservation of vulnerable species and the management of observatory databases.” ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Karine_Delord_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_5.jpg) *An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross guards its chick in the**Falaises d'Entrecasteaux colony on**Amsterdam Island**, photograph by Karine Delord* Karine has supported ACAP for several years by supplying photographs and by advising on texts and design and by carefully editing French wording for the ongoing [ACAP Species Infographic series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). The Agreement is grateful for the support of Maureen Bennetts, Karine Delord and Holly Parsons, and looks forward to continuing to work with them in future years. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 19 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-when-artists-and-photographers-meet-featuring-three-supporters-of-world-albatross-day-2025.md) ## The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties takes place next week in New Zealand  ![Jess Paxmonger Mack Nothern Bullers Albatross after Mike Bell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Jess_Paxmonger_Mack_Nothern_Bullers_Albatross_after_Mike_Bell.jpg) *"Baby Bullers".**Northern Buller's Albatross chick on the Chatham Islands by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Jess Paxmonger Mack for [World Albatross Day 2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease), i**nk and paper**, after a photograph by Mike Bell* The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) commences this coming Monday 19th in the [Dunedin Leisure Lodge](https://www.dunedinleisurelodge.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand, running until Friday the 23rd.  All [13 Parties](https://acap.aq/about-acap/parties-to-acap) to the Agreement will attend the session ([MoP8 Doc 05 Rev 3](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-meeting-documents/4966-mop8-doc-05/file)).  Chinese Taipei will attend as an APEC Member Economy.  Observer organisations will be represented by IUCN, BirdLife International and  Forest & Bird.. The session’s [26 Meeting Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-meeting-documents), including the [provisional agenda](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-meeting-documents/4882-mop8-doc-01-provisional-agenda/file), and [three Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-information-papers), are freely available for downloading and consultation on this website in all three of ACAP’s official languages, English, French and Spanish. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-eighth-session-of-acaps-meeting-of-the-parties-takes-place-next-week-in-new-zealand.md) ## Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge has been tracking Pink-footed Shearwaters for two decades *![Pink footed Oikonos 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Pink-footed_Oikonos_1.png)* *Pink-footed Shearwater, photograph from Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge* The [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* is an ACAP-listed species endemic to islands off the coast of Chile.  [Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](https://www.oikonos.org/) has been conducting research on the shearwater for near two decades.  The following article is taken from the NGO’s *Oikonos April News* (available by [subscription](https://www.oikonos.org/blog)) “In 2024, in partnership with researcher Dr. Andrea Varela (Universidad de Concepción) and the Canadian Wildlife Service – Environment & Climate Change Canada, we tagged Pink-footed Shearwaters with geolocator devices, small leg-mounted sensors that track their movements across the ocean.  This work is part of a broader, 19-year effort to track these previously little-known shearwaters using tagging technologies. *![Oikonos map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Oikonos_map.gif) Migration patterns of satellite-transmitter tagged Pink-footed Shearwaters tracked from 2006-2015., Graph by USGS Western Ecological Research Center* “Pink-footed Shearwaters range as far north as Alaska during the northern summer, and they nest only on three islands off the coast of Chile—Isla Mocha, Robinson Crusoe, and Santa Clara—during the Southern Hemisphere summer.  These islands are vital to the species' survival.  Our goal is to compare the movements and genetics of birds nesting on Isla Mocha with those from the Juan Fernández Archipelago. This research helps us identify threats unique to ach colony—and ultimately guide conservation efforts across their range.” *Follow the Juan Fernández team on a week of hard work and adventures while working towards the conservation of the archipelago's endemic species and the monitoring of the enigmatic Pink-footed Shearwater* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/oikonos-ecosystem-knowledge-is-tracking-pink-footed-shearwaters.md) ## Art students in India produce paintings in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June *![Yuvraj Pravin Pawar 10 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Yuvraj_Pravin_Pawar_10_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by**Yuvraj Pravin Pawar, 10 years old, colour pencils, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* For the sixth year running, ACAP is collaborating with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)).  For [Project #49](https://acap.aq/latest-news/once-more-acap-collaborates-with-abun-this-time-to-paint-amsterdam-and-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDI1Il0=) the collective’s artists have been requested to produce artworks featuring the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*.  The artworks are in support of ACAP’s theme “Effects of Disease” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)).  The project commenced on 01 April and will run until 31 May. *![Alankrita Dhawan9 years Jeremy Decharte](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Alankrita_Dhawan9_years_Jeremy_Decharte.jpg) Amsterdam Albatross by Alankrita Dhawan ,9 years old, colour pencils, after a photograph by Jeremy Dechartre* ABUN artist [Deepti Jain](https://www.facebook.com/deepti.jain.370515/about) lives in Mumbai, India. She [describes](https://abun4nature.org/deepti/) herself on the ABUN website as a “self- taught and realistic artist who loves to work in oil, soft- pastels, charcoal and watercolours to create memorable portraits, vivid landscapes, magnificent wildlife, alluring still life and self-depicting illustrations.  My artworks reflect my passion for wildlife, nature and creativity.”  In relation to ABUN Project #49 she writes: “I believe that art has the power to inspire change and my incredible students have poured their hearts into creating beautiful artworks.”  Here are seven artworks by her young students produced in support of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June. **![Arya Binu Nambia 12 charcoal Dominique Filippi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Arya_Binu_Nambia_12_charcoal_Dominique_Filippi.jpg)* Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by Arya Binu Nambia, 12 years old, charcoal, after a photograph by Dominique Filippi* *![Arjun Kunal Rane 12 Eleanor Weidemann](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Arjun_Kunal_Rane_12_Eleanor_Weidemann.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by Arjun Kunal Rane, 12 years old, colour pencils, after a photograph by Eleanor Weideman* *![Varnika Gottapu 10 Anthony Buttet](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Varnika_Gottapu_10_Anthony_Buttet.jpg) |Amsterdam Albatross by Varnika Gottapu, 10 years old, colour pencils, after a photograph by Anthony Buttet* *![Ahana Rathi 9 Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Ahana_Rathi_9_Chris_Jones.jpg) Atlantic (left) and Indian (right) Yellow-nosed Albatrosses on Gough Island by Ahana Rathi, 9 years old, colour pencils and acrylics, after a photograph by Chris Jones (read about them [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-visits-gough-island-in-the-south-atlantic))* **![Yuvraj Pravin Pawar 10 years Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Yuvraj_Pravin_Pawar_10_years_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)* Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by**Yuvraj Pravin Pawar, 10 years old, charcoal, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* ACAP's [inaugural World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) in 2020 was marked by a colouring-in competition for children.  Access the artworks produced, along with the winners and runners-up in four age categories from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=colouring-in+competition&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). ACAP is most grateful for the support received from Deepti Jain and her students. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, 14 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/art-students-in-india-produce-paintings-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Amsterdam Albatross is now available in French and Spanish ![preview amsterdam fr4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/preview_amsterdam_fr4.jpg) The latest ACAP Infographic, for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, the 19th to be produced in the series, is now available in the ACAP official languages of French and Spanish, as well as in [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-amsterdam-albatross-the-19th-in-the-series?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsMjAyNV0=). The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. ![preview amsterdam es](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/preview_amsterdam_es.jpg) The infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. With grateful thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos and Karine Delord for their careful checking of texts in their home languages. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 13 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-amsterdam-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## The Scientific name of the Northern Buller’s Albatross is confirmed as correct *![Bullers Albatrosses Rosemary Rock Kevin Parker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatrosses_Rosemary_Rock_Kevin_Parker.webp)Northern Buller’s Albatrosses on Rosemary Rock, photograph by Kevin Parker* Manuel Schweizer ([Naturhistorisches Museum Bern](https://www.nmbe.ch/en), Switzerland) and colleagues have published  in the ornithological journal [*Notornis*](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/notornis/)on the correct scientific name of the Northern Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri platei.* *![Northern Bullers Albatross juvenile holotype](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Northern_Bullers_Albatross_juvenile_holotype.png) The holotype of*Thalassarche bulleri platei*at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin (from the publication)* The paper’s abstract follows: “Buller’s albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* is generally considered to comprise two subspecies: *T. b. bulleri*, which breeds on islands south of the South Island, New Zealand; and *T. b. platei,*which nests on the Three Kings Islands, off the northern tip of of the North Island, and on outlying islets of the Chatham Islands east of New Zealand.  Although the name*platei* has been widely applied to the latter population, some authors have suggested that its type specimen is in fact a juvenile *T. b. bulleri*. As a result, those birds breeding in the Chatham and Three Kings groups have sometimes been considered to represent an unnamed subspecies, or even species, given recent evidence of their genetic differentiation. Because our own morphological examination of the specimen was inconclusive as to which population the type of *platei*belongs, we subjected the individual to molecular testing.  From this, we can confirm that the name *platei*has been correctly applied to the northern population of Buller’s albatross. **Reference:** Schweizer, M., Frahnert, S., Shepherd, L., Miskelly, C., Tennyson, A., Bretagnolle, V., Shirihai, H. & Kirwan G. 2024.  Genetic data confirm that *Diomedea platei*Reichenow, 1898, is the correct name for the population of Buller’s albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*breeding at the Chatham Islands, New Zealand.  [*Notornis* 71: 165-175](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SM-2024-1.pdf). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/te-scientific-name-for-the-northern-bullers-albatross-confirmed-as-correct.md) ## Records of leucism in albatrosses on Midway Atoll, Marion Island and in the South Atlantic *![leucistic albatross chicks 2025 Joe Owen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/leucistic-albatross-chicks-2025_Joe_Owen.png) Leucistic Laysan Albatross chick on Midway Atoll, April 2025* A leucistic Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* chick was recently [photographed](https://friendsofmidway.org/your-sunday-morning-moment-on-kuaihelani-midway-atoll-with-joe-owen/) on Midway Atoll.   Author and photographer Joe Owen writes: “While most albatross chicks are typically grey and black, leucism gives this one its striking, lighter plumage.  This genetic condition reduces pigment, resulting in the pale feathers that make this chick truly unique.  It is possible to tell the difference between leucistic and albinism; in this case, by the normal coloration T melof the chick's eye.” *![leucistic and dark albatross chicks 2025 Joe Owen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/leucistic-and-dark-albatross-chicks-2025_Joe_Owen.png) The leucistic chick next to a normally-coloured one, photographs by USFWS volunteer Joe Owen/Courtesy Friends of Midway Atoll* Read about a leucistic Grey-Headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* chick [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/leucism-and-bent-beak-syndrome-in-grey-headed-and-light-mantled-albatross-chicks?highlight=WyJsZXVjaXNtIl0=), and a definition of [leucism](https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/behaviour/plumage/leucism).  Leucism has also been recorded in a Black-browed Albatross *T. melanophris* at sea in the South Atlantic. *![leucistic Grey headed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/leucistic_Grey-headed_Albatross.jpg)* *![Leucistic Greyhead Chick Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Leucistic_Greyhead_Chick_Chris_Jones.jpg) Leucistic Grey-headed Albatross chick on Marion Island, March 2018, photographs by Chris Jones, from Risi*et al*. (2019)* *![Luecistic Blak browed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Luecistic_Blak-browed_Albatross.png) Leucistic Black-browed Albatross in the South Atlantic, photograph by Sandro de Mello Terroso, from Mancini*et al.*(2010).* **References:** Mancini, P.L., Jiménez, S., Neves, T. & Bugoni, L. 2010.  Records of leucism in albatrosses and petrels (Procellariiformes) in the South Atlantic Ocean.  [*Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia*18: 245-248](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259188241_Records_of_leucism_in_albatrosses_and_petrels_Procellariiformes_in_the_South_Atlantic_Ocean). Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Schoombie, S. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Plumage and bill abnormalities in albatross chicks on Marion Island.  [*Polar Biology *42  1615–1620*,*](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-019-02528-x?wt_mc=Internal.Event.1.SEM.ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst&utm_source=ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst&utm_medium=email&utm_content=AA_en_06082018&ArticleAuthorOnlineFirst_20190709). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/records-of-leucism-in-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-marion-island-and-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Plastic ingestion by Northern Fulmars *![Northern Fulmar graphic](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Northern_Fulmar_graphic.jpg)Graphical abstract, from the publication* Plastic ingestion by procellariiform seabirds has been regularly featured in *ACAP Latest News*, and was ACAP’s theme for [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) in 2023.  In a recently published open-access paper Sterre de Bruin ([Wageningen Marine Research](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/marine-research.htm), Den Helder, the Netherlands) and colleagues discuss plastic ingestion by the Northern Fulmar *Fulmarus glacialis*in the [*Marine Pollution Bulletin*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin).  The authors show that 89% of fulmars in the Newfoundland Banks had ingested plastic items. The paper’s abstract follows: “Incidental studies of plastic ingestion by the northern fulmar (*Fulmarus glacialis*) over a wide geographical range can improve our understanding of the distribution of marine litter in the global oceans and of the processes involved. A sample of 37 stomachs from northern fulmars (*Fulmarus glacialis*) collected in June 2021 near Flemish Cap at the eastern end of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland was analysed for the presence of plastic litter. Overall, 89 % of the birds contained plastic, with on average 6.6 particles, and a mass of 0.093 g per bird. No statistical differences were found in the quantity of plastic between males and females. A proportion of 27 % of all birds contained >0.1 g plastic, exceeding the Fulmar Threshold Value (FTV%) and international target of <10 %. Within an existing model that linked plastic abundance to latitude, the Newfoundland sample represented a clear outlier with a considerably lower FTV% compared to what would be expected. Flemish Cap is situated at the border between the southern tip of the cold and relatively clean Labrador Current coming from the north, and the warm and more polluted waters of the Gulf Stream further south. A logistic model using average annual sea surface temperatures representing North Atlantic current systems was applied and demonstrated a highly significant correlation, with the Newfoundland FTV% fitting much closer to the modelled prediction. This new model improves the understanding of geographical patterns in plastic uptake by fulmars." **Reference:** de Bruin, S., van Franeker, J.A., Meijboom, A., Jensen, J.-K., Jacobsen, B. & Kühn, S. 2025.  Plastics in stomachs of northern fulmars (*Fulmarus glacialis*) collected at Flemish Cap, Grand Banks of Newfoundland.  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25003698?via%3Dihub)*[215, 117894](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25003698?via%3Dihub). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 May 2025 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-ingestion-by-northern-fulmars.md) ## The Pacific Regional Environment Programme publishes a seabird manual *![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells-Shearewater-Lindsay-Young.jpg) Newell’s Shearwater, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, photograph by Lindsay Young* Chris Gaskin ([Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust](https://www.nzseabirdtrust.com/)) and colleagues have authored a seabird survey and monitoring manual for the Pacific region that has been published by the Secretariat of the [Pacific Regional Environment Programme](https://www.sprep.org/).  The manual covers a suite of seabird species, including albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, that breed and occur within the Pacific Ocean, The report’s abbreviated Executive Summary follows: “The Pacific islands region served by the Secretariat of the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) covers 32 million km² within the largest continuous marine habitat on the planet, the Pacific Ocean. Oceania is the collective name for the islands and island nations scattered across this region. The goal of this manual is to encourage and support seabird conservation and research across the region, particularly in areas where this work is just starting out.  We consider all of the proven methods and survey types that are currently in use across the region, to provide readers with the tools required to run successful seabird survey and monitoring programmes.  To further illustrate how successful projects can be undertaken, real world case studies are presented – written by experts currently working in the field.  By utilising the in-depth knowledge, experience and expertise of people who have worked successfully on a species, group of species or an ecosystem, readers can transfer these tried and tested methods to projects starting out elsewhere in Oceania. For ease of use, the manual is presented in five distinct parts: Part 1: OCEANIA SEABIRDS Part 2: SURVEY TOOLS & TYPES Part 3: MONITORING Part 4: MANAGING DATA TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION Part 5: RESOURCES” R**eference:** Gaskin, C.P., Lukies, K.A., Whitehead, E.A. & Raine, A.F. (Eds) 2025.  [*Pacific Seabird Survey & Part 5: RESOURCESManual: Tools to Support Seabird Conservation across Ecosystems in Oceania*](https://library.sprep.org/sites/default/files/2025-03/Pacific-seabird-manual.pdf).  Apia, Samoa:  Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.  172 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pacific-regional-environment-programme-publishes-a-seabird-manual.md) ## Enhanced Marine Protected Area Measures come into force in the South Atlantic ![MPA map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/MPA_map.jpg)[Enhanced Marine Protected Area measures](https://gov.gs/enhanced-marine-protected-area-measures/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKAixdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhb0U3VEtsWXN5bjZNVEFtAR7fMSe03lN_LNO0fmWhGUm049jYclH0VgdUmlYyCXmFSSkKhgxLe1WcnKf4zg_aem_Gd29J12IiIl06RQlRf4wrg) came into force around the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur)* in the South Atlantic on 22 April 2025.  They are expected to give increased protection to ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that breed on the islands and are at risk to longline and trawl fisheries. “The strengthened protections, announced in early 2024 following the conclusion of a five-yearly expert review, include a significant expansion of areas closed to all fishing activity.  The newly designated ‘No Take Zones’ now cover over 470 000 km², representing 38% of the MPA. In addition, a further 31 000 km² of pelagic closed areas mean that krill fishing is now prohibited across more than half a million km² within the MPA. “These enhancements build on [a] robust marine protection framework, where tourism and sustainable fisheries are strictly regulated.  Existing measures include seasonal closures that limit krill and toothfish fishing to winter months to reduce potential interactions with breeding seals and seabirds, as well as a ban on bottom trawl fishing across the entire 1.24 million km² MPA.” *![Wanderer Bird Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_Bird_Island.jpg) Wandering Albatross breeding on Bird Island, photograph by Richard Phillips* “During the five months when highly regulated, licensed fishing is permitted, 40% of the MPA will now be closed to krill fishing.  Additionally, 95% of the MPA will be closed to longline fishing, with prohibitions applying within the general benthic closed area—spanning all depths shallower than 700 m and greater than 2250 m - as well as within a network of research benthic closed areas at fishable depths, designed to safeguard vulnerable habitats and species. “The greatly expanded and interconnected network of No Take Zones not only protects the most biodiverse and potentially vulnerable marine habitats but also includes regions identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs).” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 May 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/enhanced-marine-protected-area-measures-come-into-force-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Latest news on Wisdom’s ‘Ohana, the world’s oldest known Laysan Albatross and her family *![Wisdom chick April 2025 Dan Rapp](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_chick_April_2025_Dan_Rapp.jpg) Wisdom’s 2024/25 chick. April 2025, photograph by Dan Rapp* The following edited [news article](https://friendsofmidway.org/the-wisdom-ohana-family/) written by Ann Bell for the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://friendsofmidway.org/) gives information on the current offspring of Wisdom, the atoll’s Layan Albatross *Phoebetria immutabilis*, who will be [well known](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) to regular readers of *ACAP Latest News*. “Wisdom, a 74+ year old Laysan Albatross, which makes her the world's oldest known banded bird in the wild, has a banded chick and a known grand chick this year.  We are sure she has more grand kids and great grand kids.  However, it is happenstance when humans are able to locate her banded kin in the seemingly never-ending sea of albatross chicks on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial. **Wisdom's Chick** Wisdom's chick is somewhat of a late bloomer this year with its hatching date being towards the end of the season.  Currently, Midway Atoll is blanketed in albatross chicks sitting alone waiting for days on end for a parent to show up with food.  Each parent must expend extra energy searching the surface of the high seas in order to feed themselves and bring back enough squid and floating masses of fish eggs for them to feed to their growing chick.  This is the time of year when chicks seem to slowly loose or gain mass.  Therefore, we are beyond hoping the best for this chick, which would make it Wisdom's youngest of approximately 35 chicks she has reared. **Wisdom's Grand Chick** ![Wisdom Grandchick April 2025 Dan Rapp 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_Grandchick_April_2025_Dan_Rapp_2.png) ![Wisdom Grandchick April 2025 Dan Rapp 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_Grandchick_April_2025_Dan_Rapp_1.png)*Wisdom’s 2024/25 grand chick via her son [N333](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdoms-fledgling-n333-is-incubating-an-egg-once-more?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyJd), April 2025, photographs by Dan Rapp* Wisdom's grand chick appears to be doing well and was totally ‘working it' during its photo shoot by the family's personal photographer Dan Rapp.  Wisdom's grand chick is living the life protected in a very elevated dune line created by naupaka bushes.” *ACAP Latest News* will report on the two breeding attempts as information becomes available. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/latest-news-on-wisdoms-ohana-the-worlds-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-and-her-family.md) ## Mitigating the effect of by-catch on threatened seabirds (and other marine life) *![Bird scaring Line](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird-scaring_Line.png) Bird-scaring line* Mireia Villafáfila (Department of Biology, [Institute of Marine Science](https://investigacionytransferencia.uca.es/our-research-institutes/instituto-de-investigacion-marina/?lang=en), University of Cadiz, Spain) and colleagues have published a literature review open access in the journal *[Animal Conservation](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14691795)* on the effectiveness of regulations and mitigation measures in reducing bycatch of marine vertebrates, including seabirds. The paper’s abstract follows: “The fishing gear deployed by fishermen [*sic*] in seas and oceans throughout the world not only captures target species but also unintentionally ensnares non-target species, a phenomenon known as ‘by-catch’. This unintended capture of marine life can represent significant challenges for the fishing industry, with adverse impacts on both the environment and species such as sea turtles, marine mammals, seabirds and elasmobranchs, which may be injured or even killed.   To address this problem, the fishing industry has implemented regulations and mitigation measures. In this literature review, we have examined 389 papers published between 2010 and 2022 that assess the effectiveness of these measures.  Taking into account the fishing gear with which each group interacts the most, trawls for sea turtles, gillnets for marine mammals and longlines for seabirds and elasmobranchs, it has been demonstrated that ‘TEDs’ (Turtle Excluder Devices) are an effective measure for sea turtles, ‘pingers’ for marine mammals and ‘BSLs’ (Bird Scaring Lines), more commonly known as ‘tori lines’, for seabirds.  The most complex case is that of elasmobranchs, and the most effective measure has yet to be discovered.  This complexity arises from the ongoing targeted jsurveys.  Overall, we encourage the global implementation of these measures by the fishing industry in order to reduce by-catch in an attempt to ensure the future of many endangered species.” **Reference:** Villafáfila, M., Carpio A.J. & Rivas, M.L. 2025.  *[Animal Conservation](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12968)*[28: 172-184](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12968). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mitigating-the-effect-of-by-catch-on-threatened-seabirds-and-other-marine-life.md) ## The wildfire on Amsterdam Island is out and its Endangered albatrosses have survived *![Amsterdam helicopter](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Amsterdam_helicopter.jpg) Water bombing the remaining hotspots on Amsterdam Island, April 2025, photograph by**Elliott Bars, TAAF* *ACAP Latest News* has been[reporting](https://acap.aq/search?q=Amsterdam+fire&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) on the wildfire that burnt much of France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean earlier this year, causing the island to be evacuated of its scientific and support staff as a precautionary measure.  The [recent media release](https://taaf.fr/actualite/ile-amsterdam-installation-dune-mission-technique-sur-la-base-martin-de-vivies/) dated 28 April from Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF) has some more positive news for the island’s threetened albatrosses.  The following information comes via Google Translate. “The *Marion Dufresne*, a supply ship for the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF), has just completed an eight-day stopover on Amsterdam Island, which has been evacuated since 16 January due to a vegetation fire directly threatening the Martin-de-Viviès base.  The restoration of the base's essential facilities (water, energy, fire protectio and telecommunications) and the extinguishing of the three hot spots persisting within the extended perimeter of the base have enabled a mission of 14 technical and military personnel to remain on the island.” The last three hot spots persisting around the Antonelli Crater, two kilometres from the base, were detected and extinguished with the support of a helicopter equipped with a "Bambi Bucket" water-dropping system.  An inspection carried out by two firefighters at the Pointe Bénédicte site where the fire started, however, did not determine the causes of the blaze.  A thermal imaging camera flight over the island revealed that no other hotspots are currently active on the island.  The flight confirmed that the fire had spared the most sensitive habitats for birdlife, including: the plateau des Tourbières, breeding locality of the[Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, a species endemic to the island; and the falaises d’Entrecasteaux, a breeding site of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross e*Thalassarche carteri* and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca*. *![Kitty Harvill Amsterdam Awareness watercolour photo reference Jérémy Dechartre ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Kitty_Harvill_Amsterdam_Awareness_watercolour_photo_reference_Jérémy_Dechartre_-.jpg) “Amsterdam Awareness”, watercolour of an Amsterdam Albatross chick by Kitty Harvill**of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for [World Albatross Day 19 June 2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease),* *after a photograph by Jérémy Dechartre* “The flight over the eastern part of the island, however, confirmed that approximately 90% of the *Phylica arborea* forest, the only native tree in the French Southern Territories National Nature Reserve, were affected by the fire.  On the scientific front, teams from the French Polar Institute (IPEV) winterized and assessed the scientific facilities on the base and at the Pointe Bénédicte site.   The two refuges managed by the IPEV (Del Cano and Entrecasteaux), which were spared by the fire, were also winterized.  All of these operations helped secure the base.  In light of these results, the Prefect, the senior administrator of the TAAF (French Southern and Antarctic Territories), authorized the continued presence on the island of the district chief, the base doctor, and a team of 12 technical and military personnel who will be relieved during the *Marion Dufresne*'s next visit to the area in August.” *ACAP Latest News* will keep a lookout for further news, including whether field biologists will return to the island in August, allowing for monitoring and population censuses of the island’s ACAP-listed albatrosses and other breeding seabirds to be undertaken.  It should also allow continued tracking for signs of any rodents that might have survived last year’s [eradication operation](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-aerial-baiting-of-amsterdam-island-targeting-its-introduced-rodents-has-been-completed?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsInJvZGVudCIsInJvZGVudHMiXQ==). ![preview amsterdam eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/preview_amsterdam_eng.jpg) The Amsterdam and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are the “feature species” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June, with its theme of “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”. Both albatrosses are threatened by diseases on Amsterdam Island. With thanks to Susan Micol. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 May 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-wildfire-on-amsterdam-island-is-out-and-its-endangered-albatrosses-have-survived.md) ## Welcome home V917! A translocated Black-footed Albatross returns to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on the Hawaiian island of Oahu *![P00[846:846] TT[151] E[153:0094]G[000:0x00] BV[120:0] IR[N:F:60] MOE[0:3]](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/V917.jpg) V917 investigates a sun shade lean to used by chicks  in**the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* A Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes* was translocated as a chick from Midway Atoll to the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell) on Oahu in 2020 where it was hand fed  until it fledged bearing colour band V917.  Now the bird has been seen back in the refuge this year as a five-year old. [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pacific%20rim%20conservation) states on its Facebook page  “Ka’upu spend the first 2-6 years at sea before returning to their breeding grounds.  We hope V917 will find a mate and start nesting in the near future!” *![James Campbell Blaxk Foots Eric VenderWerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/James-Campbell_Blaxk_Foots_Eric_VenderWerf.jpg) Returning translocated Black-footed Albatrosses courting in the**James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, p**hotograph by Eric VanderWerf* Black-footed Albatrosses from earlier cohorts out of 100 translocated over the period 2017-2021 from Midway and Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals in the North Western Hawaiian Island chain have been recorded back in the James Campbell NWR ([click here](https://pacificrimconservation.org/species-we-work-with/black-footed-albatross/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdkd6S0ltS2xPTWdFcUJZOQEeo8-GIQnNfRG3w5aKiqiQfLPh3fUwukkM1yx6EyVz51fuy6FL7aWrXLgOQSE_aem_xV3KE0Fdks-IGn0p1avVKQ)), with courting and mutual displays observed.   Read more about the translocation of Black-footed Albatrosses and three other seabird species within  the refuge by Pacific Rim Conserrvation [here](https://pacificrimconservation.org/james-campbell-nwr/). **References**: VanderWerf, E.A., Young, L.C., Kohley, C.R., Dalton, M.E., Fisher, R., Fowlke, L., Donohue, S. & Dittmar, E. 2019.  Establishing Laysan and black-footed albatross breeding colonies using translocation and social attraction.  [Global Ecology and Conservation doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00667](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989419301209). Young, L.C., VanderWerf, E.S., Dittmar, E.M., Kohley, R., Goodale, K., Plentovich, S.M. & MacPherson, L. 2024.  Status of Laysan and Black-Footed Albatrosses on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.  [*Pacific Science* 78: 103-117](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384711087_Status_of_Laysan_and_Black-Footed_Albatrosses_on_O'ahu_Hawai'i). * **John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/welcome-home-v917-a-translocated-black-footed-albatross-returns-to-the-james-campbell-national-wildlife-refuge-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-oahu.md) ## Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses in the Gulf of Mexico ![Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross Alexis Osborne Lea Finke HQ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Alexis_Osborne_Lea_Finke_HQ.jpeg)  *Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross by Lea Finke of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for [World Albatross Day 2020](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests), after a photograph by Alexis Osborne* Chris Haney ([Terra Mar Applied Sciences](https://www.terramarappliedsciences.com/), Washington, DC, USA) and colleagues have reviewed the occurrence of seabirds in the Gulf of Mexico, publishing in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/).  Among the birds covered is the ACAP-listed Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororynchos*, with a summary given of nine published records from the Gulf of Mexico or vicinity.  No albatrosses were seen during the actual at-sea surveys conducted.  The publication also gives information on 17 species of storm petrels, petrels and shearwaters, including a single published record of an ACAP-listed White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*that was collected alive from the surf zone in Texas but died during rehabilitation, The paper’s abstract follows: “The birds in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico have long been poorly studied.  Given statutory obligations to protect migratory birds and endangered species, three broad-scale vessel and aerial programs initiated since 2010 have now surveyed the entire northern Gulf. Vessel coverage alone exceeds 700 d and 74,000 km of observer effort using 300-m strip transects. We supplemented these survey data with earlier, smaller-scale studies, eBird checklists, literature reviews, and other less accessible sources to create snapshot summaries of relative abundance, seasonal occurrence, and regional distribution for 117 taxa of marine and water birds reported from the northern Gulf (113 of which were substantiated with physical evidence). Using taxonomic and functional criteria, we identified 56 taxa characteristic of open shelf, slope, and pelagic waters (federal jurisdiction), 41 taxa with primarily coastal affinities (state and federal jurisdiction), and 20 taxa of sea and diving ducks.  High species richness of marine birds in the northern Gulf is attributed to (1) a temperate-to-tropical gradient facilitating diverse marine environments year-round; (2) varied geographic origins of marine bird species using the Gulf; and (3) a mostly enclosed sea basin acting as a vagrant trap for wide-ranging species.  Our taxonomic list and status updates seek to bridge information gaps for marine birds now subject to accelerated commercial uses of this region's continental shelf, including newly proposed offshore wind energy development.  Other applications include guiding risk and vulnerability assessments of Gulf marine birds, providing core content for seabird observer training, and prioritizing environmental impact reviews and monitoring programs in offshore energy construction and operations plans.” *![Chris Jones 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_10.jpg) An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick on Gough Island, photograph by Chris Jones* [Click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/crossing-the-line-albatrosses-changing-hemispheres?highlight=WyJpbmRpYW4iLCJub3J0aCIsImhlbWlzcGhlcmUiLCJoZW1pc3BoZXJlcyIsImhlbWlzcGhlcmUncyJd) for records of albatrosses, including the Atlantic Yellow-nosed, that have crossed the equator into the northern hemisphere in the Atlantic Ocean.  Records featured in *ACAP Latest News*include birds from [Canada](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/from-the-south-atlantic-to-canadas-interior-an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-turns-up-on-lake-ontario?highlight=WyJ5ZWxsb3ctbm9zZWQiLCJjYW5hZGEiLCJjYW5hZGEncyIsImNhbmFkYXMiXQ==) and the [United Kingdom](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-visits-the-united-kingdom?highlight=WyJ5ZWxsb3ctbm9zZWQiLCJjYW5hZGEiLCJjYW5hZGEncyIsImNhbmFkYXMiXQ==) **Reference:** Haney, J.C., Michael, P.E., Gleason, J., Wilson, R.R., Satgé, Y. G., Hixson, K.M. & Jodice, P.G.R. 2025.  Relative abundance, seasonal occurrence, and distribution of marine birds in the northern Gulf of Mexico.  [*Marine Ornithology* 53: 189-206](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1634). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-in-the-gulf-of-mexico.md) ## ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the Amsterdam Albatross, the 19th in the series ![preview amsterdam eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/preview_amsterdam_eng.jpg)  The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), the 19th to be produced in the 31-species series, is for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*.  Along with the equally [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*it has been chosen as one of the “feature species” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June, with its theme of “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Flavia_Barreto_Connection_watercolour_Amsterdam_Albatrosses_Project_49_Dominique_Filippi.jpg) “Connection”, watercolour of three Amsterdam Albatrosses by Flavia Barreto of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature for [ABUN Project 49,](https://acap.aq/latest-news/once-more-acap-collaborates-with-abun-this-time-to-paint-amsterdam-and-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses?highlight=WzQ5XQ==) after a photograph by Dominique Filippi* As for all previous infographics it is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish. These versions will be released soon. *![Amsterdam Albatrosses Dominique Filippi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatrosses_Dominique_Filippi.jpg) Amsterdam Albatrosses interact in France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean, photograph by Dominique Filippi* The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The 19 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). .Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics are being created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. The ACAP Species Infographic for the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross is now in production. With grateful thanks to Pep Arcos and Karine Delord for their help editing Spanish and French translations, respectively. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-amsterdam-albatross-the-19th-in-the-series.md) ## A White-chinned Petrel scavenges on a dolphin carcass *![Screenshot 2025 04 24 at 08 51 52 53 1 185 187](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Screenshot_2025-04-24_at_08-51-52_53_1_185-187.jpg) (A) Adult White-chinned Petrel near a dead Franciscana Dolphin; (B) detail of the dolphin; (C) detail of possible pecking marks; and (D) detail of exposed flesh, likely the area where the White-chinned Petrel was pecking (from the publication)* Fabio Schunck ([Comitê Brasileiro de Registros Ornitológicos](https://www.cbro.org.br/), São Paulo, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on an unusual observation of a scavenging White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis.* The paper’s abstract follows: “The White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* is an opportunistic forager that often follows fishing boats to feed upon scraps or escaped/discarded fish.  Although its diet in non-breeding areas is not well understood, studies of stomach contents indicate that its diet consists of fish, crustaceans, and squid.  In June 2024, during a pelagic birding trip off the coast of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, a White-chinned Petrel was spotted feeding on the floating carcass of a Franciscana Dolphin *Pontoporia blainvillei*.  This behavior has not been previously documented in the literature, online citizen science platforms, or by personal observation.  We believe this to be an uncommon, opportunistic feeding strategy for this petrel species.” **Reference:** Schunck, F., Souza, R., Donadio, D.N., Correa, L., Bicudo, R., Souza, M.O., Silva, P.G.C., Dias, E., Leal, E. & Barata, F. 2025.  White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* feeding on a dead dolphin.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1633)*[53: 185-187](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1633). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 April 2025* **Personal note:**  My 33-year-old paper gets cited in a journal that I founded and then was editing. Cooper, J., Fourie, A. & Klages, N.T.W. 1992.  The diet of the White chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=280)*[20: 17-24](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=280). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-white-chinned-petrel-scavenges-on-a-dolphin-carcass.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project heads to the island to conduct more research *![WhatsApp Image 2025 04 17 at 14.55.04 81c35a0d 1200x1600](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/WhatsApp-Image-2025-04-17-at-14.55.04_81c35a0d-1200x1600.jpg) The MFM takeover team from left: Otto Whitehead, Keith Springer, Roelf Daling, Josh Kemp and Vonica Perold before sailing to Marion Island on 18 April 2025* Robyn Adams, Mouse-Free Marion Project Communications Officer and Project Assistant writes in the [news section](https://mousefreemarion.org/were-going-back-to-marion-island-the-team-embarks-on-another-relief-voyage-to-the-island/) on the project’s website. “Since 2022, the [Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds: the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) has maintained a research presence on Marion Island.  Each year, field assistants are deployed to conduct critical research that informs the planning of the operation to restore the island’s degraded ecosystem by eradicating invasive mice.  This year is no exception and this month we once again set sail for Marion Island. The annual Marion Island relief voyage in April will see the *S.A.* *Agulhas II*, South Africa’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research and support vessel, travel to the island to relieve the current overwintering personnel and resupply those at the research base with food, fuel and provisions to sustain them for the year they will spend on the island. Each year, the MFM Project deploys new research personnel.  The 2025/26 team is Vonica Perold and Roelf Daling, who will be relieving Monique van Bers after her year-long stint on Marion Island.  Vonica and Roelf will form part of the M82 overwintering team and join the larger MFM Project team participating in the takeover voyage. Accompanying them on the month-long voyage are Keith Springer (MFM Project Operations Manager) and Josh Kemp, who will be overseeing the research activities planned for the takeover period.  After closely examining possible reasons for two recent failed eradications, this research will include new field trials specifically designed to investigate key parameters relating to bait and mice, further refining the approach to eradication planning.  Filmmaker and scientist Otto Whitehead will also be part of the MFM Project team for the voyage, and will assist with the field work, document activities and help raise awareness for the project. During the 2025/2026 period, Vonica and Roelf will continue various monitoring initiatives that have been established to inform the planning of the baiting operation and support long-term monitoring of the ecological outcomes.  Addressing key knowledge gaps through well-designed field trials plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the eradication operation.” [edited]. ![489926667 1071894678307887 8604291958312091395 n](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/489926667_1071894678307887_8604291958312091395_n.jpg) Read more about the 2025 takeover and the new MFM Project field team in the latest issue ([No. 13](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/), April 2025) of the *MFM Quarterly Newsletter*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-heads-to-the-island-to-conduct-more-research.md) ## A cause for concern: White-chinned Petrels overlap year-round with longline and trawl fisheries *![Lea Finke White chinned Petrel watercolour Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Lea_Finke_White-chinned_Petrel_watercolour_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) White-chinned Petrel in flight, watercolour by Lea Finke of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for ACAP, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Kalinka Rexer-Huber ([Department of Zoology](https://www.otago.ac.nz/zoology), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecological Applications](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19395582)* on the overlap of  globally Vulnerable White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*with longline and trawl fisheries in the Southern Oceaan. The paper’s abstract follows: “Although fisheries bycatch is the greatest threat to many migratory marine megafauna, it remains unclear how population exposure to bycatch varies across the global range of threatened species. Such assessments across multiple populations are crucial for understanding variation in impacts and for identifying the management bodies responsible for reducing bycatch.  Here, we combine extensive biologging data from white-chinned petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) populations (representing >98% of their global breeding population) with pelagic and demersal longline and trawl fishing effort to map the global distribution and fisheries-overlap hotspots for the most bycaught seabird in the Southern Hemisphere.  We tracked the year-round movements of 132 adults in 2006–2018 and examined spatial overlap among seven populations comprising three genetically distinct groupings (metapopulations).  Foraging areas during the nonbreeding season were more concentrated than during breeding, with birds from all populations migrating to continental shelf or upwelling zones, but with low spatial overlap among metapopulations.  Fisheries overlap differed more among than within metapopulations, underlining that these should be considered separate management units.  Overlap with pelagic longline fisheries was greatest for Indian Ocean populations, and from the fleets of South Africa, Japan, Taiwan, and Spain, off southern Africa and in the High Seas.  Overlap with demersal longline and trawl fisheries was greatest for Indian and Atlantic Ocean populations, within the Exclusive Economic Zones of South Africa, Namibia, and Argentina, and with the South Korean demersal longline fleet in the High Seas.  The high overlap with South Korean longliners in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is of particular concern as demersal fishing in this region is not covered by any Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO).  We also identified fisheries-overlap hotspots within RFMOs where there are no seabird-bycatch mitigation requirements (1.5%–53.1% of total overlap within the area of competence of each RFMO), or where current mitigation regulations need to be strengthened.  Our recommendations are that management bodies target the high-priority fisheries we have identified for improved bycatch monitoring, mandatory best-practice bycatch mitigation, and close monitoring of compliance, given the conservation concerns for white-chinned petrels and other threatened seabirds.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Rexer-Huber, K.,  Clay, T.A., Catry, P., Debski, I., Parker, G., Ramos R., Robertson, B.C.,  Ryan, P.G., Sagar, P.M., Stanworth, A., Thompson, D.R., Tuck G,N., Weimerskirch, H. & Phillips, R.A. 2025.  Metapopulation distribution shapes year-round overlap with fisheries for a circumpolar seabird.  *[Ecological Applications doi.org/10.1002/eap.70019.](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/eap.70019)* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-cause-for-concern-white-chinned-petrels-overlap-year-round-with-longline-and-trawl-fisheries.md) ## Iceberg A23a gets visited by cruise ships soon after its grounding in the South Atlantic *![LMSA iceberg Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/LMSA_iceberg_Holly_Parsons.jpg) A Light-mantled Albatross shows the impressive above-water height of A23a, photograph by Holly Parsons* [A23a](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A23a), the world’s largest iceberg, [ran aground](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20d1xp6046o?fbclid=IwY2xjawI4AHVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRMZzsoa2wdfnn9wK6ulLCyz41MsKpeleOmTFXaQuydvH80YIfc1MjJyeQ_aem_Kd0YZ2UAo3HJllIRWqHN9w) approximately 80 km to the west of South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* in the South Atlantic on 01 March 2025.  The *c*. 3200 square kilometre tabular berg calved from the [Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filchner%E2%80%93Ronne_Ice_Shelf) in the Weddell Sea in 1986.  Not surprisingly its presence so close to the island quickly attracted the interest of Antarctic cruise ships and their passengers, as described in the following two accounts. *[https://youtube.com/shorts/J4LT_erpqMA?feature=share](https://youtube.com/shorts/J4LT_erpqMA?feature=share)[https://youtube.com/shorts/J4LT_erpqMA?feature=share](https://youtube.com/shorts/J4LT_erpqMA?feature=share) Video of A23a on 15 March 2025 by Cathi Crabtree* Photographer [Eric Guth](https://www.facebook.com/eric.guth.79)  aboard the cruise ship [*National Geographic Endurance*](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/ships/national-geographic-endurance/) writes on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/eric_guth/p/DG4MwiERhnv/iceberg-a23a-currently-our-planets-largest-floating-piece-of-ice-has-been-in-the/?img_index=12) of noticing thousands of seabirds from albatrosses to prions alongside the estimated 187-m deep grounded iceberg, after spending close to two hours in its vicinity on 07 March 2025 “while waves, wind and heavy seas pounded its windward side.  With so much extent below the water’s surface this submerged wall of ice has become a pump for nutrients.  As the prevailing westerlies and associated currents ramp up the underside of the berg they bring nutrients to the surface while at the same time speeding up the melt process which releases limiting minerals like iron into the ocean.  This further fuels the organisms the associated wildlife are feeding on.” **![White chinned Petrel Iiceberg Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/White-chinned_Petrel_Iiceberg_Holly_Parsons.jpg)* A White-chinned Petrel flies along the edge of the grounded iceberg, photograph by Holly Parsons* A week later on 15 March, Holly Parsons of [Albatross Lovers](https://www.facebook.com/groups/albatrosslovers) sailed alongside the iceberg as a passenger on the cruise ship [*Le Boréal*](https://en.ponant.com/le-boreal), taking photographs and noting the presence of Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma*, Light-mantled Albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata* and White-chinned Petrels*, Procellaria equinoctialis*, among prions *Pachyptila* sp. and other seabirds. *![GHA near iceberg Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/feature/GHA_near_iceberg_Holly_Parsons.jpg) A Grey-headed Albatross close to iceberg A23a, photograph by Holly Parsons* With thanks to Holly Parsons. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 April 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/iceberg-a23a-gets-visited-by-cruise-ships-soon-after-its-grounding-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are still breeding on The Pyramid, New Zealand --- *![The Pyramid IYNA Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/The_Pyramid_IYNA_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses breeding on The Pyramid, December 2024* The Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* is a little-studied [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) seabird that has the bulk of its breeding population on France’s Amsterdam Island and South Africa’s Prince Edward Island.  Small numbers also breed on the French Crozet, Kerguelen and St Paul Islands.  All these sub-Antarctic islands fall within the southern Indian Ocean. In 1998 a pair was discovered breeding on The Pyramid in New Zealand’s Chatham Islands in the Pacific Ocean.  It was observed breeding until at least 2003.  In 2007 two pairs were reported to be breeding on The Pyramid.  What seems likely is that these two pairs were still present when Laurie Smaglick Johnson closely circumnavigated the isolated rock on 14 December 2024 aboard the [*Heritage Adventurer*](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/about/ships/heritage-adventurer/), when she took the photographs depicted here. *![The Pyramid Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/The_Pyramid_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg) The Pyramid, with the large cave visible* The Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross is one of two species chosen by ACAP to be featured as part of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June, with its theme of “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)”. *![The Pyramid Chatham Albatrosses Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/The_Pyramid_Chatham_Albatrosses_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg) The Pyramid is also the sole home of the Chatham Albatross* With thanks to Laurie Smaglick Johnson. **References:** Miskelly, C.M., Bester, A.J. & Bell. M. 2006.  Additions to the Chatham Islands’ bird list, with further records of vagrant and colonising bird species.  [*Notornis*53: 215-230](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Notornis_53_2_215.pdf). Szabo, M.J. 2022  [Indian Ocean yellow-nosed mollymawk](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/indian-ocean-yellow-nosed-mollymawk). In: Miskelly, C.M. (Ed.).  New Zealand Birds Online. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-are-still-breeding-on-the-pyramid-new-zealand.md) ## “Charting the Future”. Registration for the Island Invasives 2026 Conference in New Zealand is now open ![Invasives Conference 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Invasives_Conference_2026.png) [Registration](https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/990e1fde-d3c5-4561-8a51-47a254e36fac/regProcessStep1?environment=production-eu&i=WB92aB_-sUy-K9cFYHeflQ&locale=en-US) is now open for the [Island Invasives 2026 Conference](https://www.islandinvasives.org/) to be held in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand over 9-13 February 2026. “Island Invasives 2026 marks the fourth event in the global conference series that began in Auckland in 2001.  Returning to its original home for its 25th anniversary, the conference remains focused on the complete eradication of invasive species from islands and island-like ecosystems.   Experts and practitioners from worldwide will present their work, which will be published in peer-reviewed proceedings, and participate in exciting field trips and networking opportunities. A concession discount is available to mid to low-income countries, and all students. View eligible countries [here](https://bpb-ap-se2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.auckland.ac.nz/dist/4/1051/files/2025/03/Countries-Eligible-for-Discounted-Rate.pdf). We look forward to welcoming you to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland in 2026” The call for submissions of abstracts is still [open](https://acap.aq/latest-news/charting-the-future-submissions-for-the-island-invasives-2026-conference-are-now-open?highlight=WyJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwiaW52YXNpdmUiLCJpbnZhc2l2ZXMiLCJpbnZhc2lvbiIsImludmFzaW9ucyJd). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/charting-the-future-registration-for-the-island-invasives-2026-conference-in-new-zealand-is-now-open.md) ## Employment opportunity: the International Whaling Commission is looking for a Bycatch Coordinator ![IWC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IWC.png)  The [International Whaling Commission](https://iwc.int/en/) is looking for a Bycatch Coordinator within the Secretariat who, in consultation with the Standing Working Group and Expert Panel, will coordinate and implement the programme of work for the [Bycatch Mitigation Initiative](https://iwc.int/management-and-conservation/bycatch).  The Coordinator will provide advice to the Commission, liaise and exchange information with other inter-governmental organisations, and will help governments to address issues relating to bycatch and in particular its mitigation. The successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in a politically sensitive environment.  He/she will have demonstrable professional experience in biological sciences, marine conservation and threats to cetaceans.  He/she will be fluent in English. This post is advertised on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2026, with a possibility of extension subject to confirmation by the Commission. For more information about the vacancy and application details visit [IWC Vacancies](https://iwc.int/vacancies). *Secregtariat, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 17 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/employment-opportunity-the-international-whaling-commission-is-looking-for-a-bycatch-coordinator.md) ## Entangled with an oyster ring. A Laysan Albatross chick gets rescued on Kure Atoll *![Laysan Albatross chick with platsic ring on beak Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_chick_with_platsic_ring_on_beak_Isabelle_Beaudoin.jpg) The Laysan Albatross chick with an oyster band around its upper mandible* [Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific), a seabird biologist currently on Kure Atoll (Hōlanikū ) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, writes a weekly blog on her observations and thoughts for the Facebook page of the [Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWs7zO4LRWEMzRL1NP_SROHrQLBYbHOqH70nwy67waTwabupInNxMUJaLR19U6XPTubvEX2Tvyl3QLjKBS2-JBlUg-LOjtdqjtRznugD1fCYh8-dvPregjE4MYQNJNSwU1OVj9r384TBL_42tXJTnKzZ5NDT7hmUFqsPt3TNTd6YzRey7IFj6NWWHs7db9nc1A&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R).  Her latest article follows on from a [recent report](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-laysan-albatross-chick-is-saved-from-a-mickey-mouse-balloon?highlight=WyJpc2FiZWxsZSJd) in *ACAP Latest News* describing how she saved a Laysan Albatross or mōlī *Phoebastria imuutabilis* chick by removing an ingested balloon.  Now she reports on another Laysan Albatross chick that had manged to get its beak entangled with an [oyster band](https://www.rubberband.com/product/clam-and-oyster-bands/) or ring. Isabelle writes: “Another bird had their lucky break this week.  When Tlell [colleague on Kure] was doing a duck check … she came upon a mōlī chick with a bright green oyster ring wrapped around its upper bill mandible.   These birds are attracted to bright-coloured objects and frequently pick up bright pieces of plastic on the ground to mouth them, sort of like a puppy does to investigate their world.  They often, for example, come up to my sandals and nibble the brightly coloured flagging tape I have on them to distinguish them as mine, and they will come up to nibble at bright yellow buckets that I put down for laundry.  These oyster rings are all over the ground on Hōlanikū, because albatross adults mistake them for food out at sea and bring them back to be fed to chicks.  The chicks then eventually either cough them up as a bolus, or they die, and the oyster ring stays on the ground for more chicks to pick up.  This chick had gotten the ring wedged around its bill, and Tlell was able to get it off the bird.” In 2023 “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” was ACAP‘s theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June. Bothe entangling with and ingestion of plastic items continue to be a problem for the world’s albatrosses. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 16 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/entangled-with-an-oyster-ring-a-laysan-albatross-chick-gets-rescued-on-kure-atoll.md) ## Sailing home by beelines or zigzags. Wandering Albatrosses can fly like sailboats *![Wandering Albatross near South Georgia 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_near_South_Georgia_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Wandering Albatross in flight, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Yusuke Goto ([Graduate School of Environmental Studies](https://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/), Nagoya University, Japan) and colleagues have published online in the journal *[PNAS](https://www.pnas.org/)*on comparing the flying strategies of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*with the sailing strategies of racing yachts in the Southern Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “The way goal-oriented birds adjust their travel direction and route in response to wind significantly affects their travel costs.  This is expected to be particularly pronounced in pelagic seabirds, which utilize a wind-dependent flight style called dynamic soaring.  Dynamic soaring seabirds in situations without a definite goal, e.g. searching for prey, are known to preferentially fly with crosswinds or quartering-tailwinds to increase the speed and search area, and reduce travel costs.  However, little is known about their reaction to wind when heading to a definite goal, such as homing.  Homing tracks of wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*) vary from beelines to zigzags, which are similar to those of sailboats. Here, given that both albatrosses and sailboats travel slower in headwinds and tailwinds, we tested whether the time-minimizing strategies used by yacht racers can be compared to the locomotion patterns of wandering albatrosses.  We predicted that when the goal is located upwind or downwind, albatrosses should deviate their travel directions from the goal on the mesoscale and increase the number of turns on the macroscale.  Both hypotheses were supported by track data from albatrosses and racing yachts in the Southern Ocean confirming that albatrosses qualitatively employ the same strategy as yacht racers.  Nevertheless, albatrosses did not strictly minimize their travel time, likely making their flight robust against wind fluctuations to reduce flight costs.  Our study provides empirical evidence of tacking in albatrosses and demonstrates that man-made movement strategies provide a new perspective on the laws underlying wildlife movement.” **Reference:** Goto, Y., Weimerskirch, H., Fukaya, K., Yoda, K., Naruoko, M. & Sato, K. 2024.  Albatrosses employ orientation and routing strategies similar to yacht racers.  *[PNAS 121 No. 23 e231285112](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GY_2024-3.pdf)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sailing-home-by-beelines-or-zigzags-albatrosses-can-fly-like-sailboats.md) ## Squid diets of Sooty Albatrosses from sub-Tropical Amsterdam and sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands get compared *![Sooty Albatross Dominique Fillipi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooty_Albatross_Dominique_Fillipi.jpg) Sooty Albatross on Amsterdam Island, photograph by Dominique Filippi* Yves Cherel and Colette Trouvé ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en), Villiers-en-Bois, France) have published in the journal *[Deep–Sea Research I](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/deep-sea-research-part-i-oceanographic-research-papers)*on the squid diets of *Phoebetria* albatrosses on two French islands in the southern Indian Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: Using a total of ~7000 accumulated beaks sorted from 92 food samples, the cephalopod diet of sooty albatross *Phoebetria fusca* was determined for the first time at the subtropical Amsterdam Island (3898 beaks from 53 food samples), and it was compared with prey eaten at the subantarctic Crozet Islands (3085 beaks from 39 samples).  At Amsterdam Island, sooty albatross fed on 42 cephalopod taxa that included the dominant *Histioteuthis atlantica* (34.7% by number of beaks) and juvenile *Ommastrephes cylindraceus/Todarodes filippovae*(10.1%). They preyed primarily upon cephalopods that have a wide latitudinal distribution (55.1%), with subtropical species ranking second (25.8%), and Southern Ocean endemics third (19.1%). By contrast, birds from Crozet Islands fed primarily on Southern Ocean endemics (80.7%), followed by subtropical species (14.8%), and taxa with a wide distribution (4.5%).  There, the main prey were adult *Histioteuthis eltaninae* (24.6%), *Batoteuthis skolops* (27.2%) and *Galiteuthis glacialis* (16.2%).  Sympatric sooty and light-mantled sooty *P. palpebrata* albatrosses from Crozet Islands segregated by feeding on different prey indicating different foraging grounds north and south of the archipelago, respectively.  Light-mantled sooty albatross fed almost exclusively on Southern Ocean endemics (98.2%), such as *G. glacialis* (44.4%), Psychroteuthis glacialis (21.4%), *H. eltaninae* (13.4%) and *Moroteuthopsis longimana* (10.2%).  Including cephalopod prey of sooty albatross to the previous investigations on teuthofauna from the southern Indian Ocean added southern subtropical species to Southern Ocean taxa.  Overall, teuthofauna of this vast oceanic zone hosts at least 71 cephalopod species, including two bathyteuthids, 56 oegopsids, two sepiolids, three cirrate and seven incirrate octopods, and the vampyroteuthid *Vampyroteuthis infernalis*.\ **Reference:** Cherel, Y & Trouvé, C. 2024.  .Comparison of cephalopods eaten by sooty albatross Phoebetria fusca breeding in subtropical and subantarctic waters, and teuthofauna of the southern Indian Ocean.  *[Deep–Sea Research I](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/publipdf/2024/CDSRPI206_2024.pdf)*[206 104262](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/wp-content/uploads/publipdf/2024/CDSRPI206_2024.pdf). John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 April 2025 **Personal note:**  It has been three decades since I published (with the late [Norbert Klages](https://acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-norbert-klages-seabird-diet-specialist-1952-2017?highlight=WyJrbGFnZXMiLCJvYml0dWFyeSIsIm9iaXR1YXJpZXMiXQ==)) on the squid diet of *Phoebetria* albatrosses! Cooper, J. & Klages, N.T.W. 1995.  The diets and dietary segregation of sooty albatrosses (Phoebetria spp.) at subantarctic Marion Island.  [Antarctic Science 7: 15-23](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/diets-and-dietary-segregation-of-sooty-albatrosses-phoebetria-spp-at-subantarctic-marion-island/0BE57A913B8BA327354C1A6544D9D0B2). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/squid-diets-of-sooty-from-sub-tropical-amsterdam-and-sub-antarctic-crozet-islands-get-compared.md) ## Cloud cover thwarts accurate counting of Tristan Albatrosses by satellite and confirms need for continued ground monitoring ![N1396 Fig1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/N1396_Fig1.jpg) *(A) Map of Gough Island and relevant features, with an inset map of the 2 study areas (Gonydale and Hummocks) that were cloud-free in the satellite image.  (B) Satellite image (33 cm resolution downsampled to 30 cm resolution) showing GPS coordinates of Tristan albatross nests from ground surveys in 2018, and nests and presumed non-breeders observed in imagery. Three random examples from the satellite image shows an individual nesting Tristan albatross as light pixels in the centre of the panel (from the publication)* Marie Attard ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published in access in the journal *[Endangered Species Research](https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-home/)* on attempting to monitor [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena*using satellite imagery. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Tristan albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* is a Critically Endangered species that breeds exclusively on remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Although the population continues to decline, regular on-the-ground monitoring of Tristan albatross populations is logistically challenging and costly. If this monitoring is reduced in the future, then alternative methods would be necessary to track long-term population trends.  Here, we assessed the viability of using 31 cm resolution satellite imagery to count Tristan albatrosses during the breeding season on Gough Island.  Counts of birds in a satellite image by 2 wildlife remote-sensing specialists were compared with GPS coordinates of active nests recorded in the field.  Birds were detected at 103 (67.8%) of the 152 active nests in the cloud-free regions of the satellite image.   Acquiring suitable imagery is challenging because upland nesting sites are prone to low-lying orographic cloud, with only 1 cloud-free image obtained across 8 seasons of archived and 1 yr of tasked imagery. Our research demonstrates that due to incomplete detection, and the limited availability of suitable imagery resulting from persistent cloud cover over the island, Tristan albatrosses cannot be reliably counted or monitored with available satellite imagery.  Differences in detection probability were not explained by nest attributes or bird plumage colouration. More commercial satellites in orbit may improve chances of obtaining cloud-free imagery across the island in the future, but until then, on-the-ground monitoring is required if we are to obtain accurate population counts and for the UK to meet its commitments to monitor this species.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, Britih Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Attard, M.R.G., Phillips, R.A., Oppel, S., Bowler, E. & Fretwell, P.T. 2025.  Feasibility of using very high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor Tristan albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* on Gough Island.  *[Endangered Species Research 56: 187-199](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01396)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cloud-cover-thwarts-accurate-counting-of-tristan-albatrosses-by-satellite-and-confirms-need-for-continued-ground-monitoring.md) ## Watch a 15-minute video (in French) on the wildfire on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Amsterdam_Island_Thierry_Micol_2.jpg)Amsterdam Island before the fire, photograph by Thierry Micol* *ACAP Latest News* has previously [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/amsterdam-island-gets-an-inspection-after-the-wildfire-and-so-far-the-albatrosses-seem-to-have-been-spared?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImZpcmUiLCJmaXJlcyIsImZpcmluZyIsImZpcmVkIl0=) on the January wildfire that caused the evacuation of the personnel manning France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean.  More information comes from a 15.34-minute video narrated in French and entitled[*"What will remain of this unique island?"*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7F8APPwCSE)*.* “This giant fire has been gaining ground for several hours.  And we're on this French base, without a fire station, on one of the most isolated islands in the world...  Lucas is going to immerse us in this true story today.  That of Amsterdam Island, a French island isolated from the rest of the world, home to a handful of people and a unique flora and fauna... all threatened by a giant fire." [Google Translate] With thanks to Maëlle Connan. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/watch-a-15-minute-video-in-french-on-the-wildfire-on-amsterdam-island-in-the-southern-indian-ocean.md) ## Feather wear? Great Shearwaters cannot be aged by nape colouration *![Great Shearwater RSPB](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Great_Shearwater_RSPB.jpg)Great Shearwaters at sea, illustration from the [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds](https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/great-shearwater)* Ewan Wakefield ([Department of Geography](https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/geography/), Durham University, UK) and colleagues have published in the open access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on plumage variation in Great Shearwaters *Ardenna gravis.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Most petrels (family Procellariidae) exhibit little or no obvious variation in plumage with age or sex, either because plumage performs no sexual function or does so in a way poorly perceptible to humans. This limits the inferences that can be made from visual observations of petrels at sea.  However, it has been suggested that nape coloration of Great Shearwaters *Ardenna gravis* whitens with age.  Here we test this supposition using observations of known-age-class individuals. We necropsied birds bycaught around Gough Island, a major breeding colony in the South Atlantic Ocean, and in Massachusetts Bay, a wintering area off the northeastern coast of the USA, to determine sex and classify nape coloration.  In addition, we classified the nape coloration of adults and fledglings photographed in colonies on Gough Island and Inaccessible Island in the South Atlantic.  Across birds (*n =* 328), ratios of light:intermediate:dark napes did not differ significantly between age classes, and the accuracy of age classification based on putative nape variation was only 52%.  Nape coloration did, however, vary systematically with sex and location: in Massachusetts Bay, light napes were more prevalent in adult females.  Off Gough Island, where only adults were sampled, this disparity did not occur.  We conclude that while nape coloration may vary due to feather wear, it is not a reliable indicator of age.  Rather, it may perform a sexual function, possibly mediating mate choice.  Further study of plumage variation and behavior at the colony would be required to test this hypothesis.” **Reference:** Wakefield, E.D., Robuck, A. R., Powers, K.D., Ronconi, R.A., Ryan, P.G., & Wiley, D.N. 2025.  Nape coloration varies with sex, not age, among Great Shearwaters *Ardenna gravis*.  [*Marine Ornithology* 53: 151-158](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1627). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/feather-wear-great-shearwaters-cannot-be-aged-by-nape-colouration.md) ## Raivavae: a breeding hotspot for petrels and shearwaters in French Polynesia *![Wedge tailed Shearwater Pacific Islands Avian Health Disease Program s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge_tailed%20Shearwater%20Pacific%20Islands%20Avian%20Health%20%20Disease%20Program%20s.jpg)Wedge-tailed Shearwaters*Ardenna pacifica *breed on Raivavae* Vincent Bretagnolle ([Centre d’Études Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/), Beauvoir sur Niort, France) and colleagues have published in the open access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/) on procellariid seabirds breeding n the French Polynesian island of Raivavae, including three species of shearwaters and five species of gadfly petrels. The paper’s abstract follows: “Raivavae is a small island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia that is surrounded by a lagoon with 28 islets.  Its marine avifauna is one of the least known and least studied in French Polynesia.  Overall, seabird surveys in the various Austral Islands have been extremely sparse.  This study addresses this need, using both historical and recent findings.  The results show high species richness, with 10 breeding procellarid [*sic*] species, though none are numerous.  We also update the knowledge on breeding petrels from other Austral Islands (except Rapa) and discuss the consequences of these findings in terms of their conservation on an island with cats *Felis* sp. and rats *Rattus* sp.” **Reference:** Bretagnolle, V., David, Y., Ghestemme, T., Butaud, J.-F., Withers, T., Shirihai, H. & Thibault, J.-C. 2025.  A petrel breeding diversity hotspot: Raivavae Island (Austral Islands, French Polynesia), with a need for conservation action.  [*Marine Ornithology* 53: 163-171](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_1/53_1_163-171.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/raivavae-a-breeding-hotspot-for-petrels-and-shearwaters-in-french-polynesiaa-breeding-hotspot-for-petrels-and-shearwaters-in-french-polynesia.md) ## Brazilian artist Silvia Abramant is the first to paint for the sixth World Albatross Day on 19 June *![IYNA Silvia Abramant Dominique Filippi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/IYNA_Silvia_Abramant_Dominique_Filippi.jpg) An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross tends its chick in the Falaises**d'Entrecasteaux**colony on Amsterdam Island, watercolour by ABUN artist, Silvia Abramant, after a photograph by Dominique Filippi* For the sixth year, ACAP is [collaborating](https://acap.aq/latest-news/once-more-acap-collaborates-with-abun-this-time-to-paint-amsterdam-and-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses) with with the international collective Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June.  This year ACAP’s theme for [WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease) is “Effects of Disease”, featuring the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*.  Both species are at risk from several diseases on Amsterdam Island.  [ABUN Project #49](https://www.facebook.com/groups/739380049529903) commenced on 01 April and will run until 31 May. *![Silvia Abramant](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Silvia_Abramant.jpg) Silvia Abramant in her studio working on a botanical illustration* Most pleasant to report that within 24 hours the first painting had been submitted by Brazilian artist [Silvia Abramant](https://www.facebook.com/silvia.abramant).  This might well be a record!  *ACAP Latest News*got in touch with Silvia to learn more about her and her art.  She writes that she lives in São Paulo, Brazil, has been painting for over 20 years and worked as an art teacher, following professional training at the [Centro Universitário Belas Artes de São Paulo](https://www.facebook.com/belasartes) and taking courses in botanical illustration. She says watercolour is her favourite medium.  “I love drawing the peace of nature and being able to contribute through art and conservation”. *![Albatross Dimas Gianuca Silvia Abramant](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Albatross_Dimas_Gianuca_Silvia_Abramant.jpg) Albatrosses at sunset, artwork by Silvia Abraman for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020, from a photograph by Dimas Gianuca* Silvia is no stranger to painting for ACAP, going back to the inaugural World Albatross Day in 2020, with two of her previous works illustrated here. *![White capped Albatross Laurie Johnson Silvia Abramant](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/White-capped_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Silvia_Abramant.jpg) White-capped Albatross by Silvia Abramant *for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020*, from a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* With the first artwork for ABUN Project #49 arriving the day after launching, ACAP has high hopes of quite a few more artworks arriving in support of albatross conservation over the next two months.  Get your brushes out! With thanks to Silvia Abramant and Marion Schön, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/brazilian-artist-silvia-abramant-is-the-first-to-paint-for-the-sixth-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza confirmed on Marion Island – but what of nearby Prince Edward Island? *![HPAI Wanderer chick Rhiannon Gill 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/HPAI_Wanderer_chick_Rhiannon_Gill_4.jpg) Succumbed to HPAI.  Corpse of a Wandering Albatross chick in the Goney Plain long-term monitoring colony, Marion Island, November 2024, photograph by Rhiannon Gill* *“My worst day was checking areas of Prinsloomeer and the Goney Plain monitoring colony on 20 November 2024 and coming across carcass after carcass.  I counted 53 carcasses of Wandering Albatross chicks and two still alive but ill, both of which later died.  I removed 18 metal bands from corpses of chicks I had banded earlier in the breeding season”- Rhiannon Gill, Marion Island Field Researcher* I feel Rhiannon's pain at finding so many dead chicks in a single day. In the late 1970s/early 1980s I, along with colleagues, set up long-term monitoring colonies for Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* and Northern Giant Petrels *Macronectes halli*on Marion Island.  Since then these study colonies have resulted in many scientific papers being published, as well as quite a few MSc and PhD degrees being awarded.  As well as threats to the study birds from pelagic longline fisheries in the Southern Ocean, they are at [risk from attacks](https://acap.aq/latest-news/twenty-years-on-and-marion-islands-house-mice-are-continuing-to-attack-wandering-albatross-chicks?highlight=WyJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIiwibWFyaW9uIiwibWFyaW9uJ3MiLDIwMjVd) by the island’s introduced House Mice.  Now the birds, as well as other species on the island, face a new threat, from the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza ([**HPAI**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avian_influenza)) virus.  In November last year came the[news](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-is-believed-to-have-reached-sub-antarctic-marion-island?highlight=WyJocGFpIl0=) that the HPAI virus was suspected to be killing Wandering Albatrosses on Marion.  Due to the infrequent visits by ships to the sub-Antarctic island, it has taken until last month to bring samples back to South Africa for analysis. *![HPAI Wanderer chick Rhiannon Gill 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/HPAI_Wanderer_chick_Rhiannon_Gill_6.jpg) Close to fledging: another 2023/25 Wandering Albatross chick that succumbed to the HJPAI virus on Marion Island,**photograph by Rhiannon Gill* The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ([DFFE](https://www.dffe.gov.za)) has now confirmed the presence of the HPAI H5N1virus on Marion Island, affecting at least six seabird species.  Excerpts from the DFFE [media release](https://www.dffe.gov.za/index.php/mediarelease/h5n1_marionisland) follow: “The presence of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus on Marion Island has been confirmed.  Samples collected between September and December 2024 were all shipped back to mainland South Africa, via the *S.A. Agulhas II*, in February 2025.  In March, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing confirmed infection in six bird species, comprising Wandering Albatross, King Penguin *Aptenodytes patagonicus*, Brown (Subantarctic) Skua *Stercorarius*[*Catharacta*] *antarcticus*, Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*, Northern Giant Petrel and Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca*. Among Wandering Albatrosses, chicks were mostly affected, with at least 150 of approximately 1900 chicks from the [2024/25] cohort having died.  Much smaller numbers of affected giant petrels (at least 20 Southern and four Northern) and Sooty Albatrosses (five) have been observed.  The deaths of adult seabirds are of greater concern than chicks, because most species only start to breed at 3 to 10 years of age, and most affected species raise at most one chick per year.” *![Albatross Valley PEI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Albatross_Valley_PEI.JPG) Also at risk to HPAI: Albatross Valley on Prince Edward Island with its densely breeding Wandering Albatrosses, photograph by Bruce Dyer* Visits to nearby Prince Edward Island are limited to one every four years to limit human impacts.  The [last survey](https://mousefreemarion.org/mouse-free-prince-edward-island-a-hidden-gem-in-the-sub-antarctic-is-visited-for-the-first-time-in-over-a-decade/) was undertaken in November 2023, so it is unknown whether HPAI has arrived.  However, it seems likely, given that banded Marion birds, including Wandering Albatrosses, giant petrels and skuas, have been seen on Prince Edward. Having spread around much of the globe since 2021, HPAI (H5N1) has now been detected in seabirds on a number of sub-Antarctic islands, including the French [Crozets](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals?highlight=WyJocGFpIiwiZnJhbmNlIiwiZnJhbmNlJ3MiLCJmcmFuY2VzIl0=), where interchanges of banded Wandering Albatrosses with both Marion and Prince Edward Islands have occurred, allowing the potential spread of the HPAI virus. Together, South Africa’s Marion and Prince Edward Islands support approximately half the world’s population of Wandering Albatrosses.  The presence of this new threat is placing the globally [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) species at increased risk.  At least Prince Edward Island is thankfully free of Marion’s albatross-killing mice. Read a media article about the Marion Island HPAI announcement [here](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-03-24-sa-unveils-biosecurity-plan-after-avian-flu-ravages-marion-island/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=first_thing&mle=MEdjczVNYUpZeFBuZmN2SkdvQUJXRExWVzZZaTBIS3hrV3hlWHdsRnY2MllLQzhXMFRadVlmQW5PNHRhTGRKTndpcU5zZVRKMnk4YjFIWDFERG5qTmpzNC8zT0hBQlBNM1o3MnA4YjFIQ01xMnA0dk9pWkNxbzRuUjdEZFlGb29sVFIwbW5kd0w5WmtkTDhlVSs0amx3PT0%3D). ACAP’s theme for World Albatross Day on 18 June 2025 is “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” With thanks to Rhiannon Gill, Marion Island Field Researcher, [South African Polar Research Infrastructure](https://www.sapri.ac.za/?_ga=2.125897421.1383457741.1743651716-2065418188.1677788414). **References:** Brown, C.R. & Oatley, T.B. 1982.  Bird ringing at Marion and Pr9ince Edward Islands, 1977-1982.  *South African Journal of Antarctic Research*12: 45-48. Cooper, J. & Weimerskirch, H. 2003.  Exchange of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* between the Prince Edward and Crozet Islands: implications for conservation.  [*African Journal of Marine Science* 25: 519-523](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/18142320309504040). Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment 2024.  [*Protocol for the Management of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) for the South African National Antarctic Programme*](https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/sanapprotocol_avianinfluenza_20april2024.pdf). [Cape Town]: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.  25 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 01 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-confirmed-on-marion-island-but-what-of-nearby-prince-edward-island.md) ## A Laysan Albatross chick is saved from a Mickey Mouse balloon *![Mickey Mouse balloon Black footed Albatrss Isabelle Beaudoin 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Mickey_Mouse_balloon_Black-footed_Albatrss_Isabelle_Beaudoin_2.jpg)A Laysan Albatross with a protruding plastic ribbon on Kure Atoll, photograph by Isabelle Beaudoin* [Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific), a seabird biologist currently on Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, writes a weekly post on her observations and thoughts for the Facebook page of the [Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWs7zO4LRWEMzRL1NP_SROHrQLBYbHOqH70nwy67waTwabupInNxMUJaLR19U6XPTubvEX2Tvyl3QLjKBS2-JBlUg-LOjtdqjtRznugD1fCYh8-dvPregjE4MYQNJNSwU1OVj9r384TBL_42tXJTnKzZ5NDT7hmUFqsPt3TNTd6YzRey7IFj6NWWHs7db9nc1A&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R).  In her latest contribution she narrates how she saved a Laysan albatross *Phoebastria imuutabilis* chick from a likely death, as given in full below. ”On a sombre but resolved note, yesterday I came across a mōlī  (Laysan albatross) chick on the camp beach path that had a bright orange ribbon, about 4’ [1.2 m] long, trailing out of its bill.  The chick was alert, alive and well, but I knew in a heartbeat what that ribbon was attached to at its other end.  I very quickly snapped a few documenting photographs, before gently tugging on the ribbon, hoping against hope that what it was attached to was not lodged in the digestive tract.  To my great relief, I felt some give, and on the second tug, out slithered from the chick’s bill a bright orange rubber balloon, about 4 inches [10 cm] long.   The ugly thing now lay on the sand next to the chick, with its long trailing ribbon, at the end of which a loop still existed where it had no doubt been tied to a child’s wrist.  The orange balloon was Mickey-Mouse shaped, and still had black writing that read ‘Tokyo Disney Resort’, along with a black Mickey-Mouse icon.  I paused to remember the moment, disgusted.  I was very glad I’d been able to remove this piece of garbage from the albatross, and that the balloon had not made its way further down into the digestive tract, blocking it." *![Mickey Mouse balloon Black footed Albatrss Isabelle Beaudoin 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Mickey_Mouse_balloon_Black-footed_Albatrss_Isabelle_Beaudoin_1.jpg) The Mickey Mouse balloon and attached ribbon from the Tokyo Disney Resort after removal, photograph by Isabelle Beaudoin* The waters surrounding Japan fall within the at-sea range of the Laysan Albatross but it is impossible to guess quite how far the ballon travelled from the [Tokyo Disney Resort](https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html) before being mistaken as a food item by one of the chick’s parents.  However, it is a reminder of the widespread (and international) problem of plastic pollution and the regular [ingestion of balloons](https://acap.aq/search?q=balloon&d1=&d2=&w1=before&w2=before) and other plastic items by ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  In 2023 “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” was ACAP‘s theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June.  Sad to see the problem still persists. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. 03 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-laysan-albatross-chick-is-saved-from-a-mickey-mouse-balloon.md) ## Once more, ACAP collaborates with ABUN, this time to paint Amsterdam and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses for World Albatross Day ![ABUN 49 bannre](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/ABUN_49_bannre.jpg) *Header design by Marion Schön, after photographs by Laurie Smaglick Johnson and Kirk Zufelt* For the sixth year running, ACAP is pleased to collaborate once more  with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)).  For Project #49 the collective’s artists are being requested to produce artworks featuring the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*.  The artworks will be in support of ACAP’s theme “Effects of Disease” for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2025](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)), the sixth to be held.  The project commenced on 01 April and will run until 31 May.,. Both species are at risk from *Pasteurella multocida* that causes avian cholera and *Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae* (causing erysipela) on Amsterdam Island.  As for [other albatrosses on islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals?highlight=WyJocGFpIl0=) in the Southern Ocean, they are also at risk to the Highly Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. ![th stamp 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/th_stamp_3.jpg) Photographs of the two albatrosses are available to view in an [ABUN Facebook album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1160425499111497&type=3)to guide and inspire the artists.  The two albatross species will also feature in this year’s World Albatross Day with a photography competition, posters and [infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). ![IYNA stamp](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/IYNA_stamp.jpg)  With thanks to Marion Schön, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/once-more-acap-collaborates-with-abun-this-time-to-paint-amsterdam-and-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses.md) ## Weather, not cats, affects brood duration in Wandering Albatrosses *![ece370174 fig 0001 m](https://acap.aq/images/ece370174-fig-0001-m.webp) Overall map of Kerguelen (a) and Courbet Peninsula (b). The red rectangle in panel (b) refers to our study area.  From the publication* Charlotte Bourgoin ([Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement](https://crbe.cnrs.fr/), Université de Toulouse, France) and colleagues have published in the journal *Ecology and Evolution*  on what effects brooding by [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* on Kerguelen. The paper’s abstract follows: “Parental investment increases offspring fitness at the expense of the parent's ability to invest in other offspring. In many animal species, parents guard their offspring after birth. The parental decision over the duration of this period is expected to be triggered by the associated fitness costs and benefits for both offspring and parents. Here, we evaluated the relevance of several intrinsic and environmental variables in determining brooding period duration in the wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*) and questioned whether brooding duration was related to chick subsequent survival and biometry prior to fledging. We used a semi-experimental design to increase the variance in cat abundance, a recent predator of albatross chicks, and predicted that an increased predation risk at the nest scale would trigger longer chick brooding and thus, protection. In addition, we questioned the influence of weather conditions, hatching date, and characteristics of chicks (sex and biometry) and parents (sex and age) on brooding duration. We report no effect of predation risk or parental characteristics on brooding duration. However, the probability for a parent to end brooding decreased with forthcoming unfavorable weather. Our data also revealed reduced brooding duration for late-hatched chicks and a positive association between brooding duration and chick structural size, and between the frequency of shifts between parents and chick structural size. Finally, brooding duration was not associated with chick survival or with chick biometry prior to fledging. We discuss these results in light of pre-existing hypotheses on fitness costs and benefits associated with brooding duration for chicks and parents.” *![Wandering Albatrosses Coubert Peninsula Maite Louzao](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatrosses_Coubert_Peninsula_Maite_Louzao.jpg) Wandering Albatrosses over the Courbet Peninsula, Kerguelen, photograph by Maite Louzao* **Reference:** Bourgoin, C., Barbraud, C., Getti, T, Delord, K., Bodin, A. & Blanchard, P.  2024.  Brooding duration does not depend on cat predation risk but is related to weather and phenology in the wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*).  *[Ecology and Evolution 14 (9).](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.70174)* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/weather-not-cats-affects-brood-duration-in-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## Beached seabirds in Brazil reveal human impacts *![1 s2.0 S0048969725008320 ga1 lrg](https://acap.aq/images/1-s2.0-S0048969725008320-ga1_lrg.jpg) Graphical abstract from the publication* Laura Baes ([Programa de Pós=Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais](https://www.ppgern.ufscar.br/pt-br), Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Science of the Total Environment](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/science-of-the-total-environment)* showing that anthropogenic activities impacted half of beach-cast collected seabirds in southeastern Brazil, with a possible link between starvation and plastic ingestion.  “Within Procellariiformes, most of them are from the family Procellaridae (petrels and shearwaters)”, including ACAP-listed White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* (43) and Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus*(11), and Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* (24). The paper’s abstract follows: “The Southern Atlantic Ocean is home to globally significant seabird populations, and off Brazil little is known about health condition in many species.  Despite major known threats that these birds face (i.e., bycatch in fisheries, climate change, disease and pollution), plastic ingestion has become an emerging risk to seabirds, of which it is not clear how sublethal effects take part in the health of individuals that wash up along the coastline.  Therefore, this study aimed to characterize seabird health of beach-cast seabirds in Brazil to understand how ingested plastic is related to cause of death and other pathologies.  We reviewed complete postmortem examination records of 654 seabirds that beached between 2017 and 2021 in Southeastern Brazil.  We identified a multitude of causes that lead to the beaching and death of wild seabirds, including natural and anthropogenic causes, and we also found that over half of analyzed seabirds were impacted by anthropogenic activity (fisheries, oil, plastic, and trauma). Fisheries foremost among them have been impacting seabirds in interactive ways, through bycatch, trauma, and by mismanaged associated debris.  We found 5 % of birds that ingested plastic had potential debris obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, and a possible relationship between ingested plastic and starvation either as a cause of death or as a pathological condition.  This study highlights that seabird populations that beach in southeastern Brazil are subject to multiple and interacting threats from anthropogenic activities, providing recent data that can serve as baseline for awareness, conservation and public policies in the South Atlantic.” With thanks to Sandy Bartle. **Reference:** Baes, L., Freitas Pessi, C., Roman, L., d, Chupil, H., dos Santos Costa, P.C. & Reigada, C. 2025.  Postmortem examinations show human activity impacts over half of seabirds beach-cast in Brazil.  *[Science of the Total Environment. 973 10](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969725008320)*. *ohn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 April 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/beached-seabirds-in-brazil-reveal-human-impacts.md) ## Head for higher ground. Two Laysan Albatrosses from the French Frigate Shoals turn up on Kauai *![B267](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/B267.jpg) Laysan Albatross B267 on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, March 2025, photograph by Hob Osterlund* It is now well known that the low-lying atolls of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are at risk of losing their large populations of [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* from [sea-level rise and storm surges](https://acap.aq/latest-news/midway-atoll-and-its-albatrosses-take-a-battering-from-storms-made-worse-by-climate-change?highlight=WyJkaXNhcHBlYXJlZCIsImRpc2FwcGVhcmFuY2UiLCJkaXNhcHBlYXJpbmciLCJkaXNhcHBlYXIiLCJkaXNhcHBlYXJzIl0=) thought due to climate change.  In fact, some small islets that supported breeding albatrosses have already disappeared, such as [Whale-Skate Islet](https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/144346/an-island-disappears) in the 1990s and [East Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits) in 2018, both in the [French Frigate Shoals](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/visit/ffs.html).  As a consequence, efforts are being made to establish new colonies by translocating chicks to the high-level inhabited islands, notably on Oahu in the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/kaena/Kaena_pt_brochure.pdf) and the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell).   On both Oahu and Kauai [predator-proof fences](https://acap.aq/search?q=Kauai+predator-proof+fence+Hawaii&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) have been constructed to give these new and existing colonies alike a better chance of successful breeding. In addition, and complementary to these conservation efforts, some individual Laysan Albatrosses are translocating themselves without human intervention from low-lying to the higher-altitude islands towards the east.  Here are accounts of just two of them. Laysan Albatross B267 (white on blue colour band, metal band 1517-69467) was banded as a chick on Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals in June 2004.  After fledging it was first seen again in the James Campbell NWR on Oahu in February 2022.  It was next recorded (as a non-breeder) in March 2025 a couple of times  on private land on the north shore of Kauai, where it was photographed and [videoed](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/505264749297446) next to a chick (not its own) by Hob Osterlund of the Kaua/i Albatross Network. Hob writes about B267 to *ACAP Latest News*: “While it’s possible the bird has nested here and evaded observation, the likelihood is pretty low.  We have spies all over the north shore, with greater diligence with each passing year. More likely he/she has nested elsewhere, especially since was previously spotted on O’ahu.  The video was [made] on private land where I have seen the bird twice in two weeks.  This is why the nesting colonies here [on Kauai] are vital: they have elevation, an absence of mongoose, and people who care--all the critical elements that make up a Noahʻs Ark”. Another Tern Island Laysan Albatross (banded in June 2010 as KJ06 (black on yellow, metal band 2017-08906) has made the switch to higher ground.  First encountered on Oahu in 2021 it has been documented over 10 times either on Oahu or on Kauai (mostly in the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Reserve](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point)).  It was last encountered on Oahu on 12 December 204 and on Kauai on 19 March 2025. Hopefully, both birds will settle down in colonies safe from sea level rise and commence to breed – time will tell! With thanks to Hiob Osterlund, Kaua’i Albatross Network and Anna Vallery, USFWS. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/head-for-higher-ground-two-laysan-albatrosses-from-the-french-frigate-shoals-turnup-on-kauai.md) ## Documents for MoP8 in New Zealand in May are now available in French and Spanish, as well as in English **![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bullers_Albatross_Flávia_F_Barreto_after_Dominique_Filippi.jpg)*![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bullers_Albatross__F._Barreto_after_Dominique_Filippi.jpg)Buller’s Albatross, endemic to New Zealand, by Flávia F. Barreto of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2024, after a photograph by Dominique Filippi* The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) will be held in the [Dunedin Leisure Lodge](https://www.dunedinleisurelodge.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand over 19-23 May 2025.  The session’s Meeting Documents, including a provisional agenda and Information Papers are now freely available for downloading an consultation on this website in all three of ACAP’s official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-information-papers), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/documents/reunion-des-parties/rdp8-1) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/documentos/reunion-de-las-partes/rdp8). *ACAP Secretariat, 27 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/documents-for-mop8-in-new-zealand-in-may-are-now-available-in-french-and-spanish-as-well-as-in-english.md) ## Documents for MoP8 in New Zealand in May now available online *![Bullers Albatross Rosa Venturi after Ross Wheeler](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Rosa_Venturi_after_Ross_Wheeler.jpg) Buller’s Albatross, endemic to New Zealand, by Rosa Venturi**of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature (**[ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)**) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2024,**after a photograph by Ross Wheeler* The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) will be held in the [Dunedin Leisure Lodge](https://www.dunedinleisurelodge.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand over 19-23 May 2025.  The session’s [Meeting Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-meeting-documents), including a provisional agenda, and [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-information-papers) are now freely available for downloading and consultation on this website. *ACAP Secretariat, 26 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/documents-for-mop8-in-new-zealand-in-may-now-available-online.md) ## Relief for Kaikōura’s Hutton Shearwaters as LED streetlights will start to be fitted *![Huttons road kill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons-road-kill.jpg)Victims of bright lights and a vehicle.  A Hutton’s Shearwater is killed on a Kaikōura street* Shearwaters, and especially their fledglings, are particularly at risk of being downed by light pollution, notably from bright streetlighting, when they can be hit by vehicles and be vulnerable predators such as feral and domestic cats and dogs ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=light+pollution+shearwaters&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)).  New Zealand’s [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni* is no exception.  The species breeds naturally in only two colonies high up in the mountains of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges behind the seaside town of Kaikōura on the east coast of South Island, fledglings are [downed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/new-zealand-s-endemic-hutton-s-shearwaters-are-at-risk-from-lights-cats-and-cars?highlight=WyJodXR0b24iLCJodXR0b24ncyIsInJldmlldyIsInJldmlld2VkIiwicmV2aWV3aW5nIiwicmV2aWV3cyIsInJldmlld2VyIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIncyJd) by bright lights in the town. *![Kaikoura at night](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Kaikoura-at-night.png) The problem:* *Kaikōura ablaze at night* *![Huttons sign](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons-sign.jpg) Hutton’s Shearwaters**will get improved protection along Kaikōura streets when the streetlights are changed* Help is now at hand as the work is to begin replacing old-style sodium streetlights with shaded LED ones from next month.  “The new lighting system will improve vision at night for people walking along the road and drivers, by directing light downwards towards the ground, and containing the spill … and it should make it less likely the incoming seabirds will get disoriented and end up in danger on the highway”.  The development follows on from the [district’s international dark sky sanctuary accreditation,](https://darksky.org/places/kaikoura-international-dark-sky-sanctuary/) announced by [Dark Sky International](https://darksky.org/) in September last year. Read more [here](https://kaikouradarksky.nz/). *![Huttons Shearwater fledgling Charitable Trust](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons_Shearwater_fledgling_Charitable_Trust.jpg) Ready to fledge. A Hutton's_Shearwater chick, all photographs from the Hutton’s Shearwater Charitable Trust* Read more[here](https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/20/sh1-lights-to-be-changed-to-protect-kaikouras-birds/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJLqZNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfZi4vQ_7F7KhjRVP9TnVUKwdUf6duUwq6B2wmjcuxADF1wP4bID7hHlVQ_aem_id-zPeISg_FwIL49ybOr2A). See a [recent post](https://acap.aq/latest-news/huttons-shearwaters-how-well-are-they-doing-in-their-translocation-colony) to *ACAP Latest News* on Hutton’s Shearwater conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/relief-for-kaikouras-hutton-shearwaters-as-led-streetlights-get-fitted.md) ## Using social attraction to reinforce a small population of the Waved Albatross *![Enzo Reyes 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Enzo_Reyes_4.jpg) A breeding Waved Albatross on Isla de La Plata, photograph by Enzo Reyes* [Dr Enzo Reyes](https://enzorreyesb.wixsite.com/conservation) is leading a pioneering project that aims to use social attraction techniques to bolster the small population of the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) Waved Albatrosses *Phoebastria irrorata* on [Isla de La Plata](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-25-la-plata-ecuador-a-poor-person-s-galapagos-for-waved-albatrosses), 41 kilometres offshore from the fishing village of [Puerto López](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_L%C3%B3pez) on the mainland of Ecuador.  This initiative, the first of its kind for the species, is a collaborative effort involving Enzo Reyes, the [Machalilla National Park](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machalilla_National_Park), the Ecuadorian NGO [Equilibrio Azul](https://www.equilibrioazul.org) and the [American Bird Conservancy](https://abcbirds.org/).  The project’s primary goal is to prevent the local extinction of the Waved Albatross colony on La Plata, which represents only a very small percentage of the species’ main population which is based on [Isla Española](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-22-isla-espanola-galapagos-islands-home-of-the-waved-albatross) in the Galapagos Islands. *![Enzo Reyes 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Enzo_Reyes_2.JPG) Enzo Reyes and a volunteer band a breeding Waved Albatross in 2023, photograph by Equilibrio Azul* **Enzo Re**yes writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “Our objective is to increase colony attendance and reproductive success over time, ultimately establishing La Plata as an insurance population for the species and improving the species’ threatened conservation status, due a decreasing population and both accidental and deliberate capture.  The project was launched in September 2022 with an initial site reconnaissance and bird census.  In 2023, the team banded all the breeding birds in the colony using metal and colour-coded plastic bands for individual identification.  Banding allows us to track returning individuals and detect any new arrivals to the colony. We are also using different colour bands from those used in the Galápagos Islands, enabling us to monitor our birds separately”. * *![Enzo Reyes 1 ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Enzo_Reyes_1_.jpg)* Decoys deployed next to the speakers near the main albatross landing area, photograph by Enzo Reyes* Enzo continues “In March 2025 the team deployed 20 albatross decoys, with a follow-up expedition planned for the coming weeks to install an acoustic attraction system.  We are setting up social attraction cues now, as the 2025 breeding season is expected to begin soon.  This timing will help maximise the chances of attracting prospecting or passing birds to La Plata.” The project has been formally presented to Ecuador’s ACAP representative and to members of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment’s Marine and Coastal Division. Additionally, a workshop will be conducted in the coming weeks to introduce the project to Machalilla National Park Rangers and provide capacity-building training. **![Enzo Reyes 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Enzo_Reyes_3.jpg)* Machalilla National Park Ranger, Equilibrio Azul member and volunteer with a speaker during a colony visit in September 2022, photograph by Enzo Reyes* The arid 1200-ha island forms part of the 46 000-ha [Machalilla National Park](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machalilla_National_Park), which includes a 14 430-ha Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (Zona Marina Parque Nacional Machalilla, [Site No. 503](https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/503), designated in 1990). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/using-social-attraction-to-reinforce-a-small-population-of-the-waved-albatross.md) ## No luck for Midway Atoll’s Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine this season *![G and G 2025 Joe Owen 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/G_and_G_2025_Joe_Owen_2.jpg) George (on left) and Geraldine, photograph by USFWS Volunteer Joe Owen* Midway Atoll’s well-known Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* George and Geraldine did not hatch their egg this breeding season, according to a report from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) of the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. *![G and G 2025 Joe Owen 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/G_and_G_2025_Joe_Owen_1.jpg)**George (on left) and Geraldine, photograph by USFWS Volunteer Joe Owen* The two birds, the sole breeding pair on Midway, have successfully raised and fledged five chicks in the last six breeding seasons. Read [more](https://acap.aq/search?q=George+Geraldine&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) about George and Geraldine in *ACAP Latest News*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-luck-for-midway-atolls-short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-this-season.md) ## Hutton’s Shearwaters – how well are they doing in their translocation colony? *![huttons shearwater charitable trust](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/huttons_shearwater_charitable_trust.jpg)A Hutton’s Shearwater incubates its egg in an artificial burrow in the**Te Rae o Atiu colony, photograph from the Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust* The [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni* breeds naturally only in two colonies high up in the mountains of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges behind the seaside town of Kaikōura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, where they are risk to [landslides caused by earthquakes](https://acap.aq/latest-news/hutton-s-shearwaters-are-doing-better-than-expected-after-the-kaikoura-earthquake?highlight=WyJodXR0b24iLCJodXR0b24ncyIsInJldmlldyIsInJldmlld2VkIiwicmV2aWV3aW5nIiwicmV2aWV3cyIsInJldmlld2VyIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIncyJd) and feral pigs.  Additionally fledglings are [downed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/new-zealand-s-endemic-hutton-s-shearwaters-are-at-risk-from-lights-cats-and-cars?highlight=WyJodXR0b24iLCJodXR0b24ncyIsInJldmlldyIsInJldmlld2VkIiwicmV2aWV3aW5nIiwicmV2aWV3cyIsInJldmlld2VyIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIncyJd) by bright lights in the town, when they become at risk to cars, cats and dogs alike.  As a consequence, a long-standing effort has been underway over two decades by the [Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust](https://www.huttonsshearwater.org.nz/) to establish a new breeding colony secure within a predator-proof-fence, hand rearing translocated chicks in artificial burrows. *![Huttons 2018 chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons_2018_chick.jpg) *A Hutton’s Shearwater chick close to fledging in the**Te Rae o Atiu colony, photograph from the Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust** With fledged birds now returning each year to breed, the Te Rae o Atiu colony on the Kaikōura Peninsula at a low altitude is moving to a more mature stage, although some underweight chicks continue to receive “sardine smoothies” to supplement their natural diet fed to them by their parents.  In the current 2024/25 breeding season as fledging commences this month, the relocation colony is [reported](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/545080/kaikoura-seabirds-fight-for-survival?fbclid=IwY2xjawJEmVpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVVgf5JnqFaC_CDzCvNKUvtDA851wM3QD2ixd5G9eopHWvP5JhB-I-cR7g_aem_gScoTmnHutxQStGTwHPswQ) as faring well, with “about 90 adult birds returned to the colony, 42 eggs laid and 32 hatching”, of which a record 30 chicks have survived.  The Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust is ambitious: “At the moment it is a very tiny colony, but our plan is that over the next 100 years it grows to a colony of at least 10 000 breeding pairs.” *![Huttons sign](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons-sign.jpg) Slow down for Hutton’s Shearwater fledglings, as a sign along a**Kaikōura* *street requests,**photograph from the Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust* The Te Rae o Atiu colony is a partnership between Tukete Charitable Trust, which owns the land, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, the Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust and the Department of Conservation. Read a [book review](https://acap.aq/latest-news/book-review-seabirds-beyond-the-mountain-crest-an-account-of-hutton-s-shearwater-by-richard-cuthbert?highlight=WyJodXR0b24iLCJodXR0b24ncyIsInJldmlldyIsInJldmlld2VkIiwicmV2aWV3aW5nIiwicmV2aWV3cyIsInJldmlld2VyIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIncyJd) on the Hutton’s Shearwater in its mountain home. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/huttons-shearwaters-how-well-are-they-doing-in-their-translocation-colony.md) ## An abnormally coloured Calonectris shearwater is photographed off Madeira ![Screenshot 2025 03 16 at 17 22 16 53 1 115 117.pdf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Screenshot_2025-03-16_at_17-22-16_53_1_115-117.pdf.png)Calonectris*sp. shearwater with abnormal plumage, off Calheta, Madeira, Portugal, 14 November 2023, photograph by Pedro Nascimento (from the publication)* Pedro Nascimento (On Tales – Unipessoal, Limitada, Funchal, Portugal) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org) on photographing a shearwater *Calonectris* sp. with abnormal plumage. The paper’s abstract follows: “Herein, we report a with aberrant plumage, observed southwest off Madeira Island.  The bird had an unusual amount of white feathering, more than has been reported so far for the genus.  Both upperparts and underparts were predominantly white. Initially, we thought the bird was a leucistic Cory's Shearwater *C. borealis*, but some characteristics could not be ascertained.  Records of such aberrations should be published to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.” Reference: Nascimento, P., Santos, E., Gonçalves, J. & Teixeira, M. 2025.  First aberrant coloured *Calonectris* shearwater recorded in Madeira, Portugal. [ *Marine Ornithology* 53: 115–117](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/53_1/53_1_115-117.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-abnormally-coloured-calonectris-shearwater-is-photographed-off-madeira.md) ## Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus reaches two French sub-Antarctic islands, killing birds and seals *![Wandering Albatrosses courting Marion Island Michelle Risi Maureen Rousseau](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatrosses_courting_Marion_Island_Michelle_Risi_Maureen_Rousseau.jpg) “Wandering Albatrosses courting” by Maureen Rousseau of Artist & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* Augustin Clessin ([Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive,](https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/) Université Montpellier, France) and colleagues have pre-published in [*bioRxiv preprint*](https://www.biorxiv.org/) on records of highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in the French sub-Antarctic islands of Possession, Crozets and Kerguelen, including in  [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* chicks.  The paper follows on from an earlier [reports](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-reaches-the-french-sub-antarctic-putting-wandering-albatrosses-at-risk?highlight=WyJocGFpIl0=) of HPAI on sub-Antarctic islands in *ACAP Latest News*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Since 2020, the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus l; clade 2.3.4.4b has turned into the largest documented panzootic to date, reaching the sub-Antarctic region and Antarctica via the tip of South America in 2023.  Here, we describe its recent arrival into the Indian Ocean sub-Antarctic archipelagos of Crozet and Kerguelen, where we first detected the virus in October 2024 in dead southern elephant seals, king penguins, gentoo penguins, brown skuas and kelp gulls.  While the panzootic is ongoing, it has already caused unprecedented and alarming mortalities of southern elephant seals.  We collected brain swabs from various seal and bird carcasses, subsequently isolated the virus and obtained 25 novel HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b sequences.  Our phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses show that there have been independent introductions of the virus to Crozet and Kerguelen, from the distant South Georgia Islands in the Southern Atlantic, and not from the more nearby coasts of South Africa.  Our results point to a year-long gap in genomic surveillance in the south polar region, obscuring how HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is spreading in the sub-Antarctic and illustrating the difficulties in tracking pathogen dispersal in the region.  Locally, our phylogenetic analyses show that the virus is transmitted between different species.   Moreover, our serological analyses show that some southern elephant seal pups had mounted an anti-H5 antibody response. With the spread to Crozet and Kerguelen, HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b is moving ever closer to Australia and New Zealand, which currently remain free from infections with this strain, and represents a major threat to the sub-Antarctic wildlife.  Our results provide key elements to enable stakeholders to anticipate the arrival and spread of the virus in remote areas of critical wildlife conservation concerns.” Read a popular account of HPAI in Antarctica and on sub-Antarctic islands [here](https://www.science.org/content/article/deadly-avian-flu-strain-spreading-rapidly-antarctica?fbclid=IwY2xjawJCeB9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHa6UWPMX8eFMMcRNqXoBDJJs2OvdQUWP9N21SUsiB0o8iL9rwPzvJXaG6w_aem_zrFS7jPJAo88QHjYpRKi1A). ACAP has chosen “[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2025-effects-of-disease)” as its theme for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June. **Reference:** Clessin, A., Briand, F.-X., Tornos, J., Lejeune, M., De Pasquale, C., Fischer, R., Souchaud, F., Hirchaud, E., Bralet T., Guinet, C., McMahon, C.R., Grasland, B., Baele, G. & Boulinier, T. 2025.  Mass mortality events in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean caused by long-distance circumpolar spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.  [bioRxiv preprint](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.25.640068v1.full.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-virus-reaches-two-french-sub-antarctic-islands-killing-birds-and-seals.md) ## Albatross and petrel art! Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature paint in support of the Mouse-Free Marion Project *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Flávia_F._Barreto_watercolour_good_friends_Alexis_Osborne.jpg) “Good Friends”.  Displaying Wandering Albatrosses, watercolour by Flávia F. Barreto; after a photograph by Alexis Osborne* For the three months of November 2024 to January 2025 [Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds. The Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) collaborated with the collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) in a special project entitled “[Conservation Campaign for Marion Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words-the-mouse-free-marion-project-is-delighted-to-announce-its-collaboration-with-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature/)”.  ABUN artists were invited to create and submit artworks that the Mouse-Free Marion Project may use to create awareness and for fund raising.  Their chosen subjects were inspired by photographs of Marion Island’s biota, notably its ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that are threatened by the island’s introduced House Mice.   A total of 43 artworks was submitted, all viewable [here](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.964126259084730&type=3).  A selected portfolio follows. *![Andea Siemt Grey Petrel Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Andea_Siemt_Grey_Petrel_Ben_Dilley.PNG) Grey Petrel and chick, gouache by Andrea Siemt, after a photograph by Ben Dilley* *![Joyce Hartmann Sooty Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Joyce_Hartmann_Sooty_Albatross.jpg) Sooty Albatrosses by Joyce Hartmann, after a photograph by Danielle Keys and Stefan Schoombie* *![Peter Shearer Drawn and composed Procreate photo by Ben Dilleyjpg](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Peter_Shearer_Drawn_and_composed_Procreate_photo_by_Ben_Dilleyjpg.jpg) White-chinned Petrel, digital art by Peter Shearer, after a photograph by Ben Dilley* *![Lois Davis Grey headed Albatross Kim Stevens](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Lois_Davis_Grey-headed_Albatross_Kim_Stevens.jpg) Grey-headed Albatross by Lois Davis, after a photograph by Kim Stevens* **![Di Roberts Party time no rodents invited polychrome pencils hi res](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Di_Roberts_Party_time_-_no_rodents_invited_polychrome_pencils_hi_res.jpg)*| “Party time - no rodents invited”. Polychrome pencils, by Di Roberts* With thanks to the Mouse-Free Marion Project and Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatross-and-petrel-art-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-paint-in-support-of-the-mouse-free-marion-project.md) ## Amsterdam Island gets an inspection after the wildfire and so far, the albatrosses seem to have been spared ![Amsterdam Floréal Marine Nationale](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Amsterdam_Floréal_Marine-Nationale.jpg) *Amsterdam Island with the French surveillance frigate,* *Floréal, photograph by the**Marine nationale* *ACAP Latest News* has previously [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/sub-antarctic-amsterdam-island-is-evacuated-following-a-fire?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImZpcmUiLCJmaXJlcyIsImZpcmluZyIsImZpcmVkIl0=) on the January wildfire that caused the evacuation of the personnel manning France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean, and the plan to send an inspection team in late February.  With the help of Google Translate, [information](https://taaf.fr/actualite/incendie-sur-lile-amsterdam-point-de-situation/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI_n_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSLp2P0IicejVuD4GyNhe6JuyE4Ws3dZjh4qfnzaS_m43XnNKOi48eNZAw_aem_hmXbAE_3ldnu6L_2vczZjA) is now available on what the inspection found in relation to the island’s seabirds, as summarized below. - The fire is still burning in more than 20 “hotspots”, with nearly 55% of the island now burnt and most of the island's *Phylica arborea* woodland affected. - An expert assessment carried out at the Pointe Bénédicte site, where the first flames were observed, has not yet determined the cause of the fire. - The Entrecasteaux cliffs, a breeding locality for the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri/summary) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche carteri* and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-rockhopper-penguin-eudyptes-moseleyi) Northern Rockhopper Penguins *Eudyptes moseleyi*, have as yet not been burnt. - Only one nest of the endemic and [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis/text) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* was located within the fire's reach. “The laying period for the next [2025/26] breeding season is underway. If the fire stops its spread and does not further impact the breeding area, the impact on the Amsterdam Albatross should remain low” (in translation). *![Vue sur la base Credits TAAF SDIS 1920x1080](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Vue-sur-la-base_Credits_TAAF_SDIS-1920x1080.jpg)  Smoking hotspots on Amsterdam Island, with the Martin-de-Viviès base in the background, photograph by**TAAF-SDIS* A further inspection and necessary repairs to the Martin-de-Viviès base are planned to take place in April.  A decision will then be made as to iwhen the island is to be reoccupied. With thanks to Maëlle Connan. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/amsterdam-island-gets-an-inspection-after-the-wildfire-and-so-far-the-albatrosses-seem-to-have-been-spared.md) ## Alzheimer’s? Plastic ingestion by Flesh-footed Shearwaters can result in multiorgan failure and neurodegeneration  *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/shearwaterffgodman.jpg)Flesh-footed Shearwater, hand-coloured lithograph by [John Gerrard Keulemans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gerrard_Keulemans), from the Monograph of the Petrels (Tubinares) by* *[Frederick DuCane Godman](https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/people-behind-collection/frederick-ducane-godman)* Alix de Jersey ([Tasmanian School of Medicine](https://www.utas.edu.au/health/about-us/tasmanian-school-of-medicine), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Science Advances](https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv)* on the harmful effects of plastic ingestion by [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes* chicks (also [described](https://acap.aq/latest-news/what-to-call-the-shearwater-ardenna-carnepeis-flesh-footed-pale-footed-or-sable?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiXQ==) as the Pale-footed or Sable Shearwater). *![de Jersy FFSh](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/de_Jersy_FFSh.jpg) Four hundred and three pieces of plastic removed from a Flesh-footed Shearwater chick (from the publication)* The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding plastics’ harmful impacts on wildlife would benefit from the application of hypothesis agnostic testing commonly used in medical research to detect declines in population health.  Adopting a data-driven, proteomic approach, we assessed changes in 745 proteins in a free-living nonmodel organism with differing levels of plastic exposure.  Seabird chicks heavily affected by plastic ingestion demonstrated a range of negative health consequences:  Intracellular components that should not be found in the blood were frequently detected, indicative of cell lysis.  Secreted proteins were less abundant, indicating that the stomach, liver, and kidneys are not functioning as normal.  Alarmingly, these signatures included evidence of neurodegeneration in <90-day-old seabird chicks with high levels of ingested plastic.  The proteomic signatures reflect the effects of plastic distal to the site of exposure (i.e., the stomach).  Notably, metrics commonly used to assess condition in wildlife (such as body mass) do not provide an accurate description of health or the impacts of plastic ingestion.” Read popular accounts of the publication [here](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/12/plastic-pollution-leaves-seabirds-chicks-with-brain-damage-similar-to-alzheimers-study-aoe), [here](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/scientists-link-plastic-consumption-to-organ-failure-in-birds/104954898) and [here](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2025/march/plastic-pollution-causing-dementia-like-signs-seabird-chicks.html). **Reference:** de Jersey. A.M., Lavers, J.L., Wilson, R., Zosky, G.R. & Rivers-Auty, J. 2025.  Seabirds in crisis: plastic ingestion induces proteomic signatures of multiorgan failure and neurodegeneration.  *[Science Advances 11(11).](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads0834)* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/alzheimers-plastic-ingestion-by-flesh-footed-shearwaters-can-result-in-multiorgan-failure-and-neurodegeneration.md) ## The 15th International Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference is to be held in Cape Town in October 2025 ![Effects of oil conference Cape Town](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Effects_of_oil_conference_Cape_Town.jpg) The 15th International Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference ([EOW2025](https://eow-conference.org/)) will be held for the first time outside of North America in Cape Town, South Africa over 13-17 October 2025.  The decision to hold the event in South Africa aims to highlight the plight of the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) African Penguin*Spheniscus demersus.  *By holding the conference in the Southern Hemisphere, EOW2025 will also offer an opportunity for many new partners worldwide to participate. This conference will be co-hosted by the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds ([SANCCOB](https://sanccob.co.za/)) and [Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research](https://tristatebird.org/). based in Delaware, USA.  “Born out of the need to bring together those that found themselves responding to the impacts on wildlife following oil spills, EOW will continue to provide a platform for collaboration between international wildlife and industry experts of all specializations, government agencies and other key partners on topics of wildlife protection, treatment and rehabilitation. For information on the conference including submission of abstracts (by 1 April),registration (from 1 May),  event location, social events, workshops, sponsors, hotel bookings, etc. [click here](https://eow-conference.org/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-15th-international-effects-of-oil-on-wildlife-conference-is-to-be-held-in-cape-town-in-october-2025.md) ## “Charting the Future”. Submissions for the Island Invasives 2026 Conference are now open ![Invasive Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Invasive_Conference.png) Papers are invited for presentation at the [Island Invasives 2026 Conference](https://www.islandinvasives.org/), in the form of either a talk or a poster.  The conference is to be held in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand over 9-13 February 2026. It is the fourth conference in the series that commenced in Auckland in 2001. “Papers may be submitted on any topic relating to invasive alien species on islands, where the term ‘island’ is broadly interpreted in terrestrial, marine and freshwater systems.  The invasive species involved may be flora, fauna or funga.  The goal of the conference is knowledge transfer that enables accelerated uptake of eradication methodologies which will enhance biodiversity and the lives of people on islands around the world.  The conference continues its resolute focus on the complete eradication of invasive species of any taxa from islands or island-like bodies.” Click[here](https://uoaevents.eventsair.com/PresentationPortal/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FPresentationPortal%2Fii26%2Fsub) to submit, and please  review the [submission guidelines](http://mail.eventsairmail.com/ls/click?upn=u001.HZSHyKtpzRIoy1MMo5hCkJJUqcdNsonUjlxoLeYNZDWDdT2iTIn7pEgnbwonmLxvT-2B-2FR4PpLPgnLLTnWmkU-2Fdw-3D-3DjaGZ_ZU419CqD4erpN8hgyUQURMjIQ90mc0mJAjtU9BdKOBrL7vae79E2nhmVUP7Wvq82pIYRs3aLlXB6r0yojSr-2B-2BYJEZqlGsjNjoM8HiYYuSiKztv0MLf-2BNansY8mJUuwI-2B-2FRoWxidY8cILTvdwjAGBZJpJxxBRNaWRpCdCoi2YmK8uC6SWjFs0j53WelM0t-2Fb-2FDDq-2BdCAKXBIFDubrE0F-2FUQr6HTk7Xb09LGtUGbRQxYL0Onb1OXYbbXDqSax1emnRCXbI1Uw384gq7KEK0TWKwYxeNOVUM5YrPXrnjJOfWAEo486mdkOqffO1lE34lQ7zj2I6-2FalyQbnfrT85XvPTdA-3D-3D) carefully before submitting your abstract. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/charting-the-future-submissions-for-the-island-invasives-2026-conference-are-now-open.md) ## Assessing bycatch of Black-footed Albatrosses using genetics *![Black footed Albatross Colleen Laird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-footed_Albatross_Colleen_Laird.jpg) Black-footed Albatross by Colleen Laird‎ of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature (*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*) for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020* Jessie Beck ([Alaska Fisheries Science Center](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/alaska-fisheries-science-center), Seattle, Washington, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Biological Conservation*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation) on quantifying bycatch by US Fisheries of [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* using genetic markers. The paper’s highlights (unusually there is no abstract) follow: Characterizing the demographic impact of seabird bycatch is challenging. Black-footed albatross are [*sic*] accidentally caught in fisheries throughout the Pacific Ocean. U.S.fisheries collect seabird bycatch [data] that can be analyzed for population-of-origin. We identify disproportionate bycatch from specific breeding colonies. Genetic assignment using targeted genetic markers can tease apart populations in species with low genetic differentiation. **jReference:** Beck, J.N., Baetscher, D.S., Tobin, C., Edwards, S.V., Yung Wa Sin, S., Fitzgerald, S., Tuttle, V.J., Peschon, J. & Larson, W.A. 2025.  Quantifying impacts of seabird bycatch using genetic assignment: a case study of black-footed albatross in U.S. fisheries.  [*Biological Conservation* 303. 110965](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725000023). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,10 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/assessing-bycatch-of-black-footed-albatrosses-using-genetics.md) ## Low to moderate levels of plastic ingestion by Australian petrels and shearwaters *![Anju Rajesh SAVE MY OCEAN digital](https://acap.aq/images/Anju_Rajesh_SAVE_MY_OCEAN_digital.jpg) “Save my Ocean” by Anju Rajesh of Artists & Biologists Unte for Nature ([ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/groups/739380049529903))  **for World Albatross Day, 2023**with its theme of [Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)* Alix de Jersey ([Tasmanian School of Medicine](https://www.utas.edu.au/health/about-us/tasmanian-school-of-medicine), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)* on plastic ingestion by six species of Australian petrels and shearwaters, with occurrence ranging from 0-75%. The paper’s abstract follows: “While the problem of plastic ingestion by wildlife is well recognised, it also suffers from a “file drawer” problem where small incidentally collected data remains unpublished because on its own, it may represent only a handful of individuals. There is great strength, however, in combining these disparate datasets to make inferences about broader patterns and therefore inform the discussion about the impacts and extent of plastic ingestion by providing data for sparsely sampled taxa. Here we summarise plastic ingestion records collected from seven seabird species in Western Australia and New South Wales, Australia to provide a baseline and updates on exposure of these species to plastics. For most of the species included in our assessment, this is the first data available regarding plastic ingestion in more than two decades. Very low rates of plastic ingestion were observed in Great-winged Petrels *Pterodroma macroptera*, Little Shearwaters *Puffinus assimilis*, and Providence Petrels *Pterodroma solandri* with only the adult and fledgling Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica* and Sable Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes* containing moderate amounts of plastic (>8 % prevalence). Black-winged Petrels *Pterodroma nigripennis* and Masked Boobies *Sula dactylatra* did not contain any ingested plastic. These data were collected and reported using standardised methods to ensure the information can be used as a benchmark against prior and future plastic ingestion studies. Syntheses such as these provide valuable knowledge for regions or species with limited data, and in doing so, begin to reveal patterns of plastic pollution and its relevance to seabird conservation.” **Reference** de Jersey, A,M., Bond, A.L. & Lavers, J.L. 2025. b Strength in numbers: Combining small pockets of opportunistic sampling for Australian seabird plastic ingestion.  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25002322)*[214. 117757](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25002322). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/low-to-moderate-levels-of-plastic-ingestion-by-australian-petrels-and-shearwaters.md) ## Leigh Wolfaardt makes limited edition prints of her artwork "The Albatrosses of the Prince Edward Islands" available in support of the Mouse-Free Marion Project *![Albatrosses of Prince Edward Islands Leigh Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Albatrosses_of_Prince_Edward_Islands_Leigh_Wolfaardt.jpg) Leigh Wolfaardt’s* The Albatrosses of the Prince Edward Islands*, painted in gouache and graphite pencil, is now available for purchase as a limited edition giclée print* [Leigh Wolfaardt](https://leighwolfaardt.com/about/) is a South African artist with a strong interest in islands and their conservation.  The wild and spectacular environments of islands and their wealth of animal life continue to be great sources of inspiration for her art.  She is particularly passionate about seabirds, with a particular love for the majestic albatrosses, icons of the open ocean.  Leigh has now made prints of her *The Albatrosses of the Prince Edward Islands*’ that depicts the islands’ five species available in support of the [Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds. The Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project](https://mousefreemarion.org). Leigh writes to the MFM Project: “I was super delighted with the enthusiastic response that my painting ‘*The Albatrosses of the Prince Edward Islands*’ generated at the live auction that was held onboard the [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025) voyage, organised by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.facebook.com/groups/birdlifesouthafrica/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUC79XJlEV6Gaxs0q7hbJp4O3tOlqve-2vXSUlus79stmtaAUIH_6TYkgI3DycralqFpISYe76qx48wPivw9XKSloZO632IXcNSVdaWWaPyv5v1u1mNWeYT4QuOLkSLDlpAgNmRBH-HtUpVsOUfnqDrkod5sfJO3FXd8jYzKkNc88KWWwrPqQfjCaaw5HQHGS9VCDDm8aQXTAsXn9P-2wZu_AiM4kIxyRoQ0szhxj9Maw&__tn__=-UK-y-R).  My painting was created specifically to generate funds for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, which is aiming to eradicate invasive mice from Marion Island to protect its globally important and remarkable seabirds.  To raise funds for this vital project, my painting has now found a new home, and I am making available limited edition giclée prints of the original artwork.  50% of all proceeds generated from the sale of the prints will be donated to the project.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these prints and supporting the project to rid the island of the devastating effects of the mice on these beautiful birds, visit my website [here](https://leighwolfaardt.com/shop/giclee-fine-art-prints/the-albatrosses-of-the-prince-edward-islands/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3DPHoW8ts1pl7oeaukHSS4Pyli3cFwrH3MwPAiVW3Imkr_yHODLMxGCxc_aem_UXrjeHDsIKaOziUhSBaiMw).” *![Leigh Wolfaardt Southern Giant Petrel and chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Leigh_Wolfaardt_Southern_Giant_Petrel_and_chick.jpg) Southern Giant Petrels are also at risk to mice on Marion Island, artwork by Leigh Wolfaardt* Leigh Wolfaardt is the partner of Anton Wolfaardt, the Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager.  Together they have lived and conducted conservation research on seabirds on South Africa’s Dassen Island, in the Falkland Islands and on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*.  Leigh and Anton now live in a Victorian house150 km from Cape Town in the heritage village of [Stanford](https://www.stanfordinfo.co.za/), set in a tapestry of farmland, fynbos and mountains along the famed [Cape Whale Coast](https://whalecoast.info/) of South Africa. *![Linoprint Wandering Albatross Leigh Anne Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Linoprint_Wandering_Albatross_Leigh_Anne_Wolfaardt.jpg) Wandering Albatrosses displaying and nesting on Prion Island in the South Atlantic, linocut by Leigh Wolfaardt* On a personal note, the ACAP Emeritus Information Officer is proud to have print 1/500, signed for him by Leigh and presented by the MFM Project, hanging in pride of place on the ‘albatross wall’ in his Rondebosch home. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,06 March 2025* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/leigh-wolfaardt-makes-prints-of-her-artwork-the-albatrosses-of-the-prince-edward-islands-available-in-support-the-mouse-free-marion-project.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE Helping save albatrosses from mice with a bicycle *![Wanderer chick after attack 21.06.2023 Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_chick_after_attack_21.06.2023_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg)This wounded Wandering Albatross chick did not survive nocturnal attacks by introduced House Mice on Marion Island, photograph by Michelle Risi, June 2023* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://acap.aq/mousefreemarion.org) is a registered non-profit company in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross- and petrel-killing House Mice on sub-Antarctic Marion Island in the southern Indian Ocean.  The project was initiated by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/).  Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate.  An important part of the current planning stage is to raise the necessary funds for what will be a massive operation on a 30 000-hectare island. *![Screenshot 2025 02 26 at 16 51 47 CTCT 109km Route Map.pdf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Screenshot_2025-02-26_at_16-51-47_CTCT_109km_Route_Map.pdf.png) Round the peninsula: the route for the Cape Town Cycle Tour* On Sunday 9 March, 31 members of the [Mouse-Free Marion Cycling Team](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-cycling-team-aims-to-create-awareness-and-raise-funds/) will set off  in their Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org)) Project cycling jerseys to ride 109 km around the iconic Cape Peninsula.  It will be the 47th running of the [Cape Town Cycle Tour](https://www.capetowncycletour.com/), the world’s largest timed cycling event.  Three members of the [MFM Project Team](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-team/) will e cycling with the others on Sunday, with no less than 36 previous Cape Town Cycle Tours completed between them.  It is planned to separate at the start into ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ groups to ensure everyone can expect an enjoyable ride within their capabilities.  Members of the team come roughly equally from the South African Provinces of Gauteng and the Western Cape and have been training for the event with[social rides and races](https://mousefreemarion.org/pedalling-for-petrels-and-running-for-albatrosses-the-mouse-free-marion-project-keeps-on-the-go/) over the last several months. Not all have yet met each other, so the ride will also be a social event with a planned gathering afterwards. *![Chappies 01 March 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Chappies_01_March_2025.jpg) Last group training ride in the Western Cape before the big event.  Mouse-Free Marion Cycling Team members John Cooper, Erica Leppan, Katta Ludynia and Jeremy George on the decent from Chapman’s Peak into Hout Bay on the Cape Town Cycle Tour route* Wearing MFM ‘colours’, the team’s aim will be to raise awareness for the MFM Project along the always well-spectated route, with occasional stops at scenic points for group photographs.  Equally important, the team members will attempt to raise a total of R109 000 (R1000 for every kilometre cycled), equivalent to [sponsoring](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsors/) 109 hectares, in support of the project.  To this end team members are approaching their friends, colleagues and relatives to sponsor them an amount for each kilometre they ride.  Readers can also sponsor with any multiple of R109 or a lump sum via the team’s [GivenGain](https://www.givengain.com/campaign/mfm-project-947-charity-cycling-team?_ga=2.93704350.2014859590.1740497906-2065418188.1677788414) appeal.  Marion Island’s beleaguered albatrosses will thank you! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 04 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-helping-save-albatrosses-from-mice-with-a-bicycle.md) ## Stakeholder attitudes to adopting mitigation measures in Argentinean trawl fisheries *![Argentinian Side Trawler Leo Tamini 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Argentinian_Side_Trawler_Leo_Tamini_2.JPG) An Argentinian side trawler pulls its net, photograph by Leo Tamini* Agustina Iwan ([Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras](https://www.iimyc.gob.ar/iimyc/es/instituto-de-investigaciones-marinas-y-costeras/), Mar del Plata, Argentina) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Society & Natural Resources*](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/usnr20) on using interviews to identify barriers for the take up of mitigation measures in Argentina’s offshore demersal trawl fleet.  The senior author took up an [ACAP Secondment](https://acap.aq/latest-news/agustina-iwans-acap-secondment-project-applies-a-sociological-approach-to-investigate-solutions-for-seabird-bycatch-in-argentine-commercial-fisheries?highlight=WyJpd2FuIl0=) in 2023 that allowed her to travel and conduct research in Queensland and Tasmania, Australia towards this publication for five months in 2023. ![Agustina](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Agustina.jpg) *Illustration from the publication* The paper’s abstract follows: “Reducing fisheries bycatch is a global challenge, with social factors playing a significant role in the adoption of mitigation measures (MMs). This study investigates these factors within Argentina’s offshore commercial bottom trawl fleet, where research remains limited. Through a qualitative approach, 29 interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to explore perceptions of bycatch and MMs.  Analysis revealed four main barriers to MMs uptake: perceptions of cumbersomeness, ineffectiveness, lack of an adequate control system, and Argentine cultural influences. Participants emphasized the need for improved governance strategies, collaboration among stakeholders, and tailored educational programs to enhance MMs uptake.  Additionally, effective communication, trust-building, and incentives emerged as essential elements for fostering the use of MMs.” With thanks to Agustina Iwan. **Reference:** Iwan, A., Favero, M., Van Putten, I.E., Arqueros Mejica, M.S., Bergseth, B.J., Lau, J.D.  & Copello, S. 2025: Reducing bycatch in offshore commercial fisheries: stakeholder perspectives on mitigation measures.  [*Society & Natural Resources*.1080/08941920.2025.2463060](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08941920.2025.2463060). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/stakeholder-attitudes-to-adopting-mitigation-measures-in-argentinean-trawl-fisheries.md) ## How bright is your beak? South Atlantic and southern Indian Ocean Sooty Albatrosses differ in genetics, morphology and ecological preferences *![Sooty Gough incubating](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty_Gough_incubating.jpg) An incubating Sooty Albatross on Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean with a bright yellow sulcus, photograph by Michelle Risi* Dilini Abeyrama ([University of Lethbridge](https://www.ulethbridge.ca/), Canada) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Conservation Genetics](https://link.springer.com/journal/10592)* on differences in two populations of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatross, suggesting that separate conservation management plans for the two populations be implemented to prevent the loss of evolutionarily significant units. **![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooty_Marion_brood.jpg)* A brooding Sooty Albatross on Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean with a pale yellow sulcus, photograph by Michelle Risi* The paper’s abstract follows: “The southern oceans are home to a large variety of organisms, including many endemic species. High levels of endemism are due in part to non-physical barriers limiting gene flow in marine species. The sooty albatross *Phoebetria fusca* is an endangered seabird breeding on seven island groups in Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We sequenced the mitochondrial control region (55 birds) and genotyped 10 microsatellite markers (88 birds) to examine the population genetics of sooty albatrosses from Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island (Atlantic Ocean), and Marion Island, Île de la Possession (Crozet) and Amsterdam Island (Indian Ocean), which together support > 99% of the global population. We also analysed the bill sulcus colouration and quantified stable isotope composition of body feathers of breeding adults from Gough and Marion Islands. Both genetic markers identified two clusters separating sooty albatrosses breeding in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean basins. Standardized colour analysis also separated populations in the two ocean basins and revealed the sulcus of sooty albatrosses on Gough Island is significantly more yellow than individuals on Marion Island. Stable isotope analysis of body feathers showed significantly higher δ13C values from Marion sooty albatrosses compared to Gough conspecifics, indicating different moulting areas. Sooty albatrosses breeding on islands in the two ocean basins differ from each other in their genetics, morphology and ecological preferences. Accordingly, it is recommended that separate conservation management plans be implemented for sooty albatrosses breeding in each ocean basin to prevent the loss of evolutionarily significant units.” **Reference:** Abeyrama, D.K., Risi, M.M., Connan, M., Ryan, P.G., Jones, C.W., Glass, T., Osborne, A.M., Steinfurth, A., Schofield, A., Pistorius, P., Keys, D. & Cherel, Y. & Burg, T.M. 2025.  Cryptic variation in the sooty albatross *Phoebetria fusca*: genetic and morphological differences between Atlantic and Indian Ocean birds.  *[Conservation Genetics](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-024-01656-0)*[26. 117-128](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-024-01656-0). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 March 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-bright-is-your-beak-south-atlantic-and-southern-indian-ocean-sooty-albatrosses-differ-in-genetics-morphology-and-ecological-preferences.md) ## ACAP announces its first photography competition in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June 2025 *![Jérémy Dechartre Amsterdam Albatross 3a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Jérémy_Dechartre_Amsterdam_Albatross_3a.jpg) An Amsterdam Albatross broods its chick on Amsterdam Island, photograph by Jérémy Dechartre* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has adopted its theme of "[Effects of Disease](https://acap.aq/latest-news/announcing-the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2025-effects-of-disease)" for this year's World Albatross Day on 19 June.  As part of the build up to WAD2025, ACAP will hold its very first photography competition.  The two albatrosses to be featured in the competition are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis#Distribution) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*, that breeds on several islands in the southern Indian Ocean.  Both species are at risk to avian cholera caused by *Pasteurella multocida*on Amsterdam Island. *![Indian Yellow nosed Albatross near Amsterdam Island 5 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_near_Amsterdam_Island_5_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross at sea near Amsterdam Island, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Photographers are encouraged to submit up to two photographs for each species for the competition to the ACAP Emeritus Information Officer at [mailto:john.cooper61@gmail.com](mailto:john.cooper61@gmail.com)[john.cooper61@gmail.com](mailto:john.cooper61@gmail.com) up until 30 April.  Photos should be sent as JPGs of at least 2.5 mb and be accompanied by the photographer’s name, species, locality and date.  A title or a brief description can also be submitted if so wished. During May the submitted photos will be reviewed by three independent judges, who will make their first, second and third choices for each species in two separate categories of pictures taken on land and at sea.  Their scorings will then be totalled via a points system to identify the four winners in each of the two categories for the two species.  These will then be made into four downloadable posters available for personal use that will be released during “WADWEEK”, that comes immediately before World Albatross Day on 19 June. The three persons chosen to judge the competition are [Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific) of Peaks to Petrels Photography, a seabird and habitat restoration ecologist currently working on Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, [Holly Parsons](https://www.facebook.com/groups/albatrosslovers), Administrator of the Albatross Lovers Facebook page, and [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones), Field Biologist with the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s Gough Island Restoration Programme - and currently based on Gough. All photographs are submitted with the understanding ACAP may use them on its website and in its social media postings in the cause of albatross conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-announces-its-first-photography-competition-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2025.md) ## Planned pest eradications on three large New Zealand islands get listed by the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge *![Feral cat on white capped mollymawk Auckland Island. Photo Stephen Bradley 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Feral_cat_on_white_capped_mollymawk_Auckland_Island._Photo_Stephen_Bradley-1.jpg) A feral cat feeds on the body of a White-capped Albatross chick close to fledging on Auckland Island, photograph by Stephen Bradley* The international conservation initiative, Island-Ocean Connection Challenge ([IOCC](https://jointheiocc.org/)), led by [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/), [Re:wild](https://www.rewild.org/), and [UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography](https://scripps.ucsd.edu/), has added three of New Zealand’s most ecologically rich islands into its ambitious effort to restore and rewild 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems by 2030.  The [Department of Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/docgovtnz?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUAKbHod-D7L2z97TkbhjSpRBFVEfd5Znlyc69VENl2J15u5I4DVWvQyr0MR0Jcv8SjIeCXHm4jwCQ-yWetPbuFNKfSUxOuHEk1B0YzpFWHKjafEpTuILIZ80s497I8Yb6YN54UCj79ye9KIHDdB1fhTV0ARBKDZGXV3Rzird3ARTUIb1rPIkmtA-nzy_8ulFl_MAjgbisuqUjAaRsAwoFaAGHwXl0lRvgAQu2m-rW4cO2Ewo4J5WG32_KE3DL0dS0&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) and [Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust](https://www.facebook.com/ChathamRestorationTrust?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUAKbHod-D7L2z97TkbhjSpRBFVEfd5Znlyc69VENl2J15u5I4DVWvQyr0MR0Jcv8SjIeCXHm4jwCQ-yWetPbuFNKfSUxOuHEk1B0YzpFWHKjafEpTuILIZ80s497I8Yb6YN54UCj79ye9KIHDdB1fhTV0ARBKDZGXV3Rzird3ARTUIb1rPIkmtA-nzy_8ulFl_MAjgbisuqUjAaRsAwoFaAGHwXl0lRvgAQu2m-rW4cO2Ewo4J5WG32_KE3DL0dS0&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) have joined the IOCC to boost conservation efforts on sub-Antarctic [Auckland Island](https://jointheiocc.org/projects/maukahuka-auckland-island-new-zealand/), [Stewart Island](https://jointheiocc.org/projects/rakiura-stewart-island-new-zealand/) and the [Chatham Islands](https://jointheiocc.org/projects/chatham-islands-new-zealand/).  The addition of these three projects brings the total number of committed island-ocean ecosystems to 20 ([click here](https://jointheiocc.org/new-zealand-joins-iocc/)). Efforts are now being made to raise the necessary funds for the three restoration efforts.  Read more about the New Zealand island eradication plans [here](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/542550/huge-restoration-and-pest-control-project-planned-for-three-of-nz-s-largest-islands?fbclid=IwY2xjawIlSpxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYlDD_Eb-Sqr-51ux4fJvF69bQAiMuKfXh3XyLZrrKBf6j0FtXCsyEKyvg_aem_-IxzN7tFYfM7yLsYsgywjw). *![Grey headed Albatross 3 Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_Albatross_3_Ben_Dilley.jpg) Scalped!  A Grey-headed Albatross chick after nocturnal attacks by mice on Marion Island, photograph by Ben Dilley* Previously BirdLife South Africa joined the IOCC by listing sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/birdlife-south-africa-joins-the-island-ocean-connection-challenge-to-help-save-albatrosses-and-petrels-at-risk-from-house-mice-on-marion-island/), where the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) is working towards eradicating its albatross- and petrel-killing House Mice. Read more about Marion Island’s listing with the IOCC [here](https://jointheiocc.org/marion-islands-seabirds-under-severe-threat/) and [here](https://jointheiocc.org/projects/marion-island-south-africa/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/planned-pest-eradications-on-three-large-new-zealand-islands-get-listed-by-the-island-ocean-connection-challenge.md) ## What happens to fledgling Black Petrels at sea? *![Biz Black Petrel banding shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Black_Petrel_banding_shrunk.jpg) Biz Bell bands a Black Petrel on Great Barrier Island* The ACAP-listed and globally [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* is a New Zealand endemic that breeds on Great and Little Barrier Islands at the edge of North Island’s Hauraki Gulf.  The breeding colony on the upper slopes of Mount Hobson/Hirakimata on the former island has been studied for many years by the New Zealand-based ecological consultancy [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/), with burrows marked and monitored every breeding season.  Adults and chicks close to fledging are banded for identification but fewer fledglings than might be expected have been returning to the study colony to prospect for burrows as young adults and commence breeding. An illustrated article recently published online by [RZN News](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/542524/the-vanishing-bird-the-missing-black-petrels-of-great-barrier-island) describes the 29-year study and considers what might be happening to the birds in their first few years at sea.  The article states “… on average, more than 70 percent of petrel parents monitored by the survey successfully fledge a chick each year.  But of the thousands of chicks that have been banded over the decades, only about 10 percent of them have ever been found again.  What happens to the rest is still largely a mystery”. *![Black Petrel Kirk Zufelt off North Cape NZ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_Kirk_Zufelt_off_North_Cape_NZ.jpg) Black Petrel at sea off North Cape, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* In the article, the Managing Director of Wildlife Management International [Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell](https://www.wmil.co.nz/about/) is quoted as saying "We've banded over 5500 chicks over the 29 years and we've had less than 500 return.  Is that because we can't search this entire, massive island and they're somewhere else?  Are they dying at sea?  Are they dying on migration?  Are they dying in fishing boats? Are they dying from pollution events, climate change?  It's one of our biggest gaps of knowledge.” Black Petrels are known to be caught on long lines.  Adoption and implementation of ACAP-approved [best-practice mitigation measures](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice) by fisheries throughout the species’ at-sea range is required to reduce the numbers of fledglings assumed to being drowned on hooks. With thanks to Susan Waugh for information. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-happens-to-fledgling-black-petrels-at-sea.md) ## Passing on the problem. Breeding Cory’s Shearwaters regurgitate their plastic loads to their chicks *![Cory Plastic](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Cory_Plastic.jpg) Graphical abstract from the publication* Yasmina Rodríguez ([Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar](https://www.okeanos.uac.pt/), Universidade dos Açores, Horta, Portugal) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Marine Environmental Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-environmental-research)* on plastic ingestion by Cory/s Shearwaters *Calonectris borealis. *They show that breeding birds “clear out” >80% of their ingested plastics by regurgitating them to their chicks. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic ingestion has been extensively studied in seabirds.  However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding how plastic loads behave over time and their residence inside Procellariforms.  This study investigated the temporal dynamics of ingested plastics by adult Cory's shearwaters (*Calonectris borealis*) during the breeding season to shed light on plastic retention times.  We analysed the plastic content in the stomachs of 96 adults collected from 2015 to 2022 in the Azores archipelago (NE Atlantic) across distinct nesting periods: pre-laying, incubation, and chick-rearing. Our results revealed a general decrease in plastic loads over the breeding season, resulting in a marked reduction in the number of plastics before the winter pelagic phase. We found that plastic contents in breeders are mainly influenced by the intergenerational transfer of this contaminant to the offspring, indicating that progenitors highly reduce the concentrations of plastics from the stomachs (>80%) during the chick-rearing period. Understanding temporal patterns and retention time of plastic litter in seabirds is crucial for using them as indicators, with our results supporting fledglings of the studied species as the preferable age for fulfilling such a role in the breeding areas. Cory's shearwater breeders may contain plastics from their far-away wintering foraging grounds at the beginning of the breeding season, which would reflect plastics ingested in their transoceanic migrations or wintering regions beyond their breeding colonies. Moreover, they reset their plastic loads when nesting leading to underestimations if they are used as sentinels of plastic contamination during or after chick-rearing”. **Reference:** Rodríguez, Y., Rodríguez, A., Pereira, J.M. & Pham, C.K. 2025.  Plastics reset in an adult Procellariform seabird species during the breeding season*.  [Marine Environmental Research 204. 106939](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113624006007?fbclid=IwY2xjawIlrUdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSsYCgT0oS2UuAHO9q1CuoSVEEGcA0wMnQjqWlRQ_72DmiEvdZD_3vOOuA_aem_alM5WaPNMT0-RUyif7cYZw#sec5)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/passing-on-the-problem-breeding-corys-shearwaters-regurgitate-their-plastic-loads-to-their-chicks.md) ## Around the world. Identifying a circumnavigation Southern Ocean flyway by tracking albatrosses and petrels *![Flyways](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Flyways.jpg) The six marine flyways identified across four ocean basins from analysis of tracking data for 48 pelagic seabird species breeding at the 64 colonies indicated by the black squares* Joanne Morten ([BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), Cambridge, UK) and many colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Global Ecology and Biogeography](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14668238)* on identifying marine flyways by tracking pelagic seabirds. The paper’s abstract follows: **“Aim** To identify the broad-scale oceanic migration routes (‘marine flyways’) used by multiple pelagic, long-distance migratory seabirds based on a global compilation of tracking data. **Location** Global. **Time Period** 1989–2023. **Major Taxa Studied** Seabirds (Families: Phaethontidae, Hydrobatidae, Diomedeidae, Procellariidae, Laridae and Stercorariidae). **Methods** We collated a comprehensive global tracking dataset that included the migratory routes of 48 pelagic and long-distance migrating seabird species across the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans. We grouped individuals that followed similar routes, independent of species or timings of migration, using a dynamic time warping clustering approach. We visualised the routes of each cluster using a line density analysis and used knowledge of seabird spatial ecology to combine the clusters to identify the broad-scale flyways followed by most pelagic migratory seabirds tracked to-date at an ocean-basin scale. **Results** Six marine flyways were identified across the world's oceans: the Atlantic Ocean Flyway, North Indian Ocean Flyway, East Indian Ocean Flyway, West Pacific Ocean Flyway, Pacific Ocean Flyway and Southern Ocean Flyway. Generally, the flyways were used bidirectionally, and individuals either followed sections of a flyway, a complete flyway, or their movements linked two or more flyways. Transhemispheric figure-of-eight routes in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and a circumnavigation flyway in the Southern Ocean correspond with major wind*-*driven ocean currents. **Main Conclusions** The marine flyways identified demonstrate that pelagic seabirds have similar and repeatable migration routes across ocean-basin scales. Our study highlights the need to account for connectivity in seabird conservation and provides a framework for international cooperation.” **Reference:** Morten, J.A, et al. 2025.  Global marine flyways identified for long‐distance migrating seabirds from tracking data.  *[Global Ecology and Biogeography](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geb.70004)*[34(2). e70004](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geb.70004). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/around-the-world-identifying-a-circumnavigation-southern-ocean-flyway-by-tracking-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Wait for me fellows! Late-breeding Manx Shearwaters play catch up on migration *![Manx Shearwater Brazil Dimas Gianuca](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_Shearwater_Brazil_Dimas_Gianuca.JPG) A Manx Shearwater off the coast of Brazil, photograph by Dimas Gianuca* Katrina Siddiqi-Davies ([Department of Biology](https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home), University of Oxford, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/srep/)*on migrating Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* The paper’s abstract follows: “Long-distance migrants must optimise their timing of breeding to capitalise on resources at both breeding and over-wintering sites. In species with protracted breeding seasons, departing earlier on migration might be advantageous, but is constrained by the ongoing breeding attempt. Here we investigated how breeding timing affects migratory strategies in the Manx shearwater (*Puffinus puffinus*), a trans-hemispheric migratory seabird with large temporal variation in the onset of breeding. Using a geolocator tracking dataset, we found that that later-laying shearwaters had shorter overall breeding periods, yet still departed later for autumn migration. Earlier laying birds had increased migratory duration, stopped with greater frequency and at sites of higher chlorophyll concentration. Meanwhile, later departing birds flew more at night during migratory stints, and night flight generally increased with moon illumination, which could reflect moonlight providing the light conditions required for visually guided flight. Accordingly, birds that experienced higher levels of moon illumination whilst migrating had shorter migration durations. Here we provide an example of migratory behaviour being adjustable with breeding timing, allowing birds to both complete breeding and capitalise on resource availability at the wintering site.” **Reference:** Siddiqi-Davies, K., Wynn, J., Padget, O. *et al.* 2024.  Night flight facilitates late breeding catch-up in a long-distance migratory seabird.  [*Scientific Reports*14. 31792](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82328-4). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 February 202* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wait-for-me-fellows-late-breeding-manx-shearwaters-play-catch-up-in-migration.md) ## Live with albatrosses for up to a year! Volunteer opportunities on Kure Atoll in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands ![Kure advert](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Kure_advert.jpg) The State of Hawai'i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), [Division of Forestry and Wildlife](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/) is seeking Habitat Restoration Volunteers for work in the Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Also known as Hōlanikū, the atoll provides important habitat for wildlife, including the koloa pōhaka (Laysan Duck) and 'llioholoikauaua (Hawaiian Monk Seal).  Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Hōlanikū including kaʻupu (Black-footed Albatross) and ʻaoʻū, (Christmas Shearwater). *![Laysan Albatrosses Kure Atoll Cynthia Vanderlip](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatrosses_Kure_Atoll_Cynthia_Vanderlip.jpg) A pair of Laysan Albatrosses with their egg on Kure Atoll, photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip* DLNR is committed to eradicating non-native and invasive plant species such as Golden Crown-beard *Verbesina encelioides* from the atoll.   Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plants, which are necessary for wildlife habitat and promote dune stability.  This position is a rare opportunity to protect and recover a unique ecosystem while living in a remote wildlife sanctuary. Hōlanikū is an extremely remote work location and transportation to the atoll is limited and infrequent.   Deployment to any remote field station is a serious undertaking. Delays in travel dates due to weather or ship mechanical issues may occur.  Due to Hōlanikū being a remote location and difficult to access, response times for emergencies, including evacuation, may be uncertain.  The ability to live and work in close quarters with a small group of people for an extended period of time is of the utmost importance.  Field teams typically consist of three to five personnel.  The duration of this camp will be discussed during the interview process. To learn more about the work [click here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M5fmxhgIvwy4WGwm3vPKAb5-XSXlXYXB/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawIi4xNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZvvnASwv2kh_RkV27o6A6si5sVddLqZRBC1ndXX_0eQTH75RuIS0SQ3Og_aem_pd0Jhqk2JldGsroAUVQIEQ) for the full job description or visit [http://kureatollconservancy.org/our-work/](http://kureatollconservancy.org/our-work/)[http://kureatollconservancy.org/our-work/](http://kureatollconservancy.org/our-work/). To apply send resume, cover letter and three references or email queries with a request for the full advertisement to Cynthia Vanderlip, Naomi Worcester and Dwight Moss at [mailto:kureatoll@gmail.com](mailto:kureatoll@gmail.com)[kureatoll@gmail.com](mailto:kureatoll@gmail.com). Read a [guest ACAP Monthly Missive](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific) by a Kure volunteer describing the field work she undertakes. With thanks to Cynthis Vanderlip, Kure Atoll Conservancy. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/live-with-albatrosses-for-up-to-a-year-volunteer-opportunities-on-kure-atoll-in-the-northwest-hawaiian-islands.md) ## New Zealand albatrosses are considered heavily reliant on fisheries as a food source *![Bullers Albatross Virginia Nicol The guiding heart](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Virginia_Nicol_The_guiding_heart.jpg)“The guiding heart”, a Buller’s Albatross*Thalassarche bulleri*by Virginia Nicol, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for World Albatross Day 2024* Aimee van der Reis and colleagues ([Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science.html), New Zealand ) have produced a final report for the Department of Conservation’s [Conservation Service Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) that looks at the diets of 10 species of albatrosses that breed within or visit New Zealand in relation to fishery discards. The report’s executive summary follows: “Seabird injury or mortality caused by interactions with New Zealand commercial fishing activities is a major conservation concern with the majority of interactions occurring in the surface longline (SLL) and trawl (TWL) fisheries.  Albatrosses (Diomedeidae) are among the most threatened and the majority of these long-lived, large seabirds have broad geographic ranges.vvv Seabirds are attracted to fishing vessel activity as an additional food source and this puts them at risk of interacting with vessel structures and fishing gear. This includes incidental capture whilst feeding on bait and discards. It is not clear to what extent the diet of albatrosses consists of naturally foraged prey in comparison to fisheries bait/waste associated with fishing activity, and ultimately their reliance on commercial fisheries as a food source. In this dietary study, scat from colony birds and stomach contents from necropsy samples (commercial fishing mortalities) were used to detect taxa consumed by 10 albatross species using DNA metabarcoding.   Scat samples (n=86) were opportunistically collected from four subantarctic islands between January 2019 to April 2024.  Albatross necropsies (n=72) took place from September 2022 to February 2024.  Based on the frequency of occurrence, the diet among all albatross samples consisted largely of fishes (> 50% deep-sea and beyond known albatross diving depths) and to lesser extent cephalopods.   Differences in prey diversity (higher in necropsy samples) were found to be significant between sample type, however, no specific prey species were found to be responsible for this difference.  Observer and fisher reported bait and discard species were predominantly squid and mackerel. Overall, the majority of fish and cephalopod species identified in both colony scat and necropsy samples overlapped extensively with species that were most likely to be made available through SLL and TWL fisheries activities, i.e., discard/species targeted/bait used. These results suggest that albatrosses are heavily reliant on fisheries as a food source whether they were sampled from fishing vessels (i.e., necropsy) or from nesting sites (i.e., scats).” **Reference:** van der Reis, A., Fei Tham, F, & Jeffs, A. 2025. [*Albatross Diet: Composition of Natural Prey versus Fisheries Bait/Waste*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202324-csp-reports/Albatross-diet/).   Auckland: The University of Auckland.  [42 pp.] *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 1x February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-albatrosses-are-considered-heavily-reliant-on-fisheries-as-a-food-source.md) ## Latest aerial survey of Northern Royal Albatrosses in the Chatham Islands yields 4322 occupied nests *[*![Motuhara Forty Fours Bsarry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Motuhara_Forty-Fours_Bsarry_Baker.jpg)*Motuhara](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels)/Forty-Fours from the air, photograph by Barry Baker* Peter Frost (Science Support Service, Whanganui, New Zealand) has reported to the Department of Conservation’s [Conservation Service Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) on the December 2023 aerial survey of [Northern Royal Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *Diomedea sanfordi* on the Chatham Islands.  The report's executive summary follows. "A total of 4322 occupied nests of Northern Royal Albatross | Toroa, *Diomedea sanfordi*, was counted on aerial photographs taken on 9 December 2023 during an aerial survey of three offshore islands in the Chatham Islands group: Motuhara (1853 occupied nests); Rangitautahi (1501); and Te Awanui (968).  The birds were at the early incubation stage of their breeding cycle.  These islands support almost the entire global breeding population of the species. The number of birds assumed to be occupying nests on Motuhara (1853), derived from the analysis of the aerial photographs, was 300 more than those counted on the ground 6 weeks later on 20 January 2024 (a total of 1472 active or recently failed nests). Some birds could have been sitting on eggs at the time of the aerial survey but failed before the ground count was made 6 weeks later and were not identified then as such. The possibility of a small, systematic, positive bias in counting birds as occupying a nest when they were not, must also be considered. The estimate of 4322 occupied toroa nests overall is slightly above the average reported for the corresponding stage during the 2017–2023 breeding seasons (4021 ± 117 nests), but still around 1224 fewer than that reported for 2007– 2010 (5546 ± 159 nests). The slight apparent increase may be due to the higher breeding success reported in recent years (53.7 ± 8.9%) relative to that recorded in 2007–2010 (39.3 ± 6.3%). This may be associated with increases in vegetation cover, at least on Motuhara and Te Awanui. Recommendations include: 1. Regular monitoring of the Northern Royal Albatross population breeding on the Chatham Islands should continue, ideally involving twice yearly aerial surveys, once during the early incubation period, then again immediately prior to the chicks fledging, to enable calculation of breeding success. 2. Close liaison between those conducting periodic ground-based studies on Motuhara and those planning the aerial surveys is needed to ensure, as close as possible, synchrony between the two, so that the population assessments are comparable, and any sources of potential bias identified. 3. Under present circumstances, where it is nearly impossible for the aerial survey data alone to produce absolutely accurate counts of the number of breeding pairs of Northern Royal Albatrosses (i.e., excluding birds sitting on empty nests), it may be more practical to continue reporting the number of occupied nests (which may include a proportion of birds sitting on empty nests) to maintain comparability with earlier aerial surveys, also essentially just of birds occupying nests. Nevertheless, work on trying to identify and reduce sources of bias, inherent in assessing aerial photographs, should continue. 4. The permanent sample plots set up on Motuhara to monitor population trends of both Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Buller’s Mollymawk populations on Motuhara should continue to be maintained and surveyed, along with finding ways to reduce errors in interpretation." *![Northern Royal Albatross Junichi Sugishita Virginia Nicol](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_Junichi_Sugishita_Virginia_Nicol.jpg) A Northern Royal Albatross family by Virginia Nicol‎ of, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN)](https://abun4nature.org/), after a photograph by Junichi Sugishita* **Reference:** Frost, P.G.H. 2024*. [Aerial Survey of Northern Royal Albatross |Toroa (](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202324-csp-reports/aerial-survey-of-northern-royal-albatross-populations-on-the-chatham-islands/)*[Diomedea sanfordi](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202324-csp-reports/aerial-survey-of-northern-royal-albatross-populations-on-the-chatham-islands/)*[) Populations on the Chatham Islands, December 2023](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202324-csp-reports/aerial-survey-of-northern-royal-albatross-populations-on-the-chatham-islands/)*.  Whanganui: Science Support Service.  32 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/latest-aerial-survey-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-in-the-chatham-islands-yields-4322-occupied-nests.md) ## The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties will be held in Dunedin, New Zealand over 19-23 May 2025 *![Dunedin Leisure Lodge](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Dunedin_Leisure_Lodge.jpg) Dunedin Leisure Lodge* The Eighth Session of ACAP's Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) will be held in the [Dunedin Leisure Lodge](https://www.dunedinleisurelodge.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand over 19-23 May 2025.  The meeting’s [Second Circular](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-circulars/4886-mop8-meeting-circular-2/file) gives information and key dates for applications for observer status, registration and submission of documents and information papers. A Heads of Delegation Meeting will take place in the Lodge’s Meeting Room on Sunday 18 May 2025 at 18h00 NZST. *14 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-eighth-session-of-acaps-meeting-of-the-parties-will-be-held-in-dunedin-new-zealand-over-19-23-may-2025.md) ## Less seal for dinner? Mercury concentrations have decreased in giant petrel chicks on Bird Island, South Atlantic *![05 DSC 0157 sm](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/05_DSC_0157_sm.JPG) Giant petrels scavenge from a seal carcass on Bird Island, photograph by Richard Phillips* William Mills ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Environmental Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/environmental-research)* on annual trends in mercury contamination of giant petrels Macronectes spp. in the South Atlantic. “This study demonstrates decreasing Hg contamination of giant petrels during the 2010s at [Bird Island], which corresponded with changes in their trophic niches (i.e., a likely reduction in carrion consumption) and was related to annual indices of fur seal carrion availability (dead pups). The paper’s abstract follows: “Annual variation in prey availability can influence seabird diets and hence their exposure to pollutants, including mercury (Hg).  Among seabirds, those species that scavenge carrion of marine mammals and other top predators may be especially vulnerable to accumulating high Hg concentrations.  In this study, total Hg (THg) concentrations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values were measured in chick feathers of northern giant petrels *Macronectes halli* and southern giant petrels *M. giganteus* at Bird Island, South Georgia (2013–2020).  Both species are opportunistic predator-scavengers which feed mainly on penguins and Antarctic fur seal *Arctocephalus gazella* carrion, and to lesser extents on marine prey and other seabirds.  THg concentrations were not significantly different between northern giant petrels and southern giant petrels (means ± SDs, 2.49 ± 0.92 μg g−1 dw and 2.34 ± 0.85 μg g−1 dw, respectively), but concentrations in both species declined significantly over time, as did δ13C and δ15N values.  Annual feather THg concentrations of giant petrels were positively correlated with the number of dead Antarctic fur seal pups and their mortality rate at Bird Island, but not with population sizes or breeding success of penguins.  Accordingly, these results suggest a shift away from carrion (associated with the decreasing size and productivity of the Antarctic fur seal population) and towards the consumption of prey from lower trophic levels (e.g., Antarctic krill *Euphausia superba*), with a corresponding reduction in dietary Hg exposure.  Future work should investigate the consequences of changing prey availability for diets and pollutant exposure to other marine predators within the South Georgia and Scotia Sea marine ecosystems, given the ongoing environmental changes in the region.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Mills, W.F., Buss, D.L., Bustamante, P., Ramírez, F., Forcada, J., Forero, B.G. & Phillips, R.A. 2025.  Annual trends in mercury contamination are associated with changing trophic niches of giant petrels,  *[Environmental Research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935125002610)*[270,  121010](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935125002610). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/less-seal-for-dinner-mercury-concentrations-decreased-in-giant-petrel-chicks-on-bird-island-south-atlantic.md) ## Announcing the theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2025: “Effects of Disease” ![Amsterdam Albatross Kirk Zufelt Birgit Bührlé hiqual](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Birgit_Bührlé_hiqual.jpg) *Amsterdam Albatross by ABUN artist Birgit Bührlé *for World Albatross Day, 9 June 2020*, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is pleased to announce “Effects of Disease” as its theme for this year’s World Albatross Day (WAD2025), the sixth to be held, on 19 June 2025. This year’s theme continues the tradition of featuring specific threats that albatrosses (and ACAP-listed petrels) face.  It follows on from the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022, “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in 2023, and [Marine Protected Areas](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in 2024. *![Indian Yellow nosed Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by ABUN artist Lea Finke for World Albatross Day, 9 June 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Two new albatross species are being used to feature the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day, with a photographic competition, posters, infographics and artworks produced by Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)).  They are the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis#Distribution) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, endemic to France’s Amsterdam Island, and the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*, that breeds on islands in the southern Indian Ocean  This latter species is particularly at risk from *Pasteurella multocida* that causes avian cholera and *Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae* (causing erysipelas) on Amsterdam Island, where its breeding population has been decreasing.   It is also intended to produce an infographic that depicts the sequential spread of Highly Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus to islands of the Southern Ocean. *![Indian Yellow nosed Albatross Kirk Zufelt Maureen Rousseau hi res](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Maureen_Rousseau_hi-res.jpg) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by ABUN artist Maureen Rousseau *for World Albatross Day, 9 June 2020*, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* WAD2025 will draw on ACAP’s 13-member [Intersessional Group of Experts on Epidemiology, Disease Risk Assessment and Management](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu) (the HPAI Group) to guide it in featuring this year’s disease theme.  To this end, it will work closely with Patricia Pereira Serafini, Co-convenor of the Agreement’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)) and lead member of the HPAI Group. *13 February 2025, updated 17 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/announcing-the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-on-19-june-2025-effects-of-disease.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Seven months researching albatrosses and restoring habitats on Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll) in the North Pacific *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive BFAL at sunset](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_BFAL_at_sunset.jpg) Two Black-footed Albatrosses (ka‘upu) court at sunset on* *Hōlanikū* **Note.**  It has been some time since a guest has written and illustrated an *ACAP Monthly Missive*.  Here is one by [Isabelle Beaudoin](https://www.instagram.com/peakstopetrelsphotography/), an aspiring seabird biologist who is currently on Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  Enjoy! ********************************************* I am on Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll) in the North Pacific as a habitat restoration and seabird conservation technician for seven months during the 2024/25 winter season, as part of a team of five.  I work for the Kure Atoll Conservancy, the State of Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Forestry and Wildlife, and for Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge. Hōlanikū’s main island, Green Island, is 78 hectares of sand and low vegetation, with a decommissioned runway from the US Coast Guard years in the 1960s to 1990s.  It is the oldest atoll in the northwestern Hawaiian Island chain, and the northernmost atoll in the world.  It also must be one of the most isolated field camps on earth.  It falls within the waters covered by the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.  The island is almost totally flat, a land of sky, wind, waves, and birds.  It took the five of us five days to sail here in late October 2024, and all that separates us from the massive, winter Pacific swells and storms is the ring of reef around the atoll and the sand-vegetated dunes around the island.  Green Island is a breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of seabirds, amongst whom are mōlī (Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis*) and ka‘upu (Black-footed Albatrosses *P. nigripes*) – my main area of interest. *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive Laysans and surf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_Laysans_and_surf.jpg)  Laysan Albatrosses (mōlī) ride the wind over the Hōlanikū reef* A budding seabird scientist, I am undertaking an MSc on Procellariiformes at the University of Auckland in New Zealand but have taken a break to wait for my study species’ breeding period to commence.  I was looking for ways to fill that time productively with seabird conservation work which could also be used as career springboard into remote, sub-Antarctic seabird science and fieldwork positions in the future. I saw an advertisement on the Kure Atoll Conservancy Instagram page, loved it immediately, applied, was interviewed, and am now spending seven months in the middle of the ocean.  I have always dreamed of working with albatrosses.  Especially now, having been here for three months, I believe I have found my life’s work in albatross conservation science, and in communicating to the public about their plight. Life on Hōlanikū is essentially being totally immersed in the lives of breeding albatrosses.  When I first arrived here and was getting to grips with the camp and its systems, none of the albatrosses had arrived.  Then a few ka‘upu began appearing, then four, eight, a few dozen, and suddenly there were hundreds lining the shores.  Soon there were also a few mōlī, and before I knew it, tens of thousands of them were filling the open fields, sprouting up like we were farming them, white heads bobbing; heads up to the sky screaming, mooing, dancing; and filling the skies with their graceful shapes. *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive Laysan and rainbow](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_Laysan_and_rainbow.jpg) A mōlī flies in front of a rainbow on Hōlanikū* I was excited and overwhelmed with awe at being able to live and work in this colony of albatrosses, as I still am.  I set about recording every aspect of it that I could, and sharing it via photographs, videos and a blog on the Kure Atoll Conservancy [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy) in order to open human eyes to the beauty, complexity, intelligence and charisma of these birds, which are under acute threat by an unholy trifecta of long-line fishing, plastic pollution and loss of breeding habitat.  I shower with albatross, I hang up my laundry stepping around albatross, I use the latrine next to an albatross.  Albatross dance, court and nest outside my window. I work amongst albatross, I dream of albatross, write about albatross, think about albatross, smell them, hear them, see them.   My idea of heaven on earth. Our purpose in being here is in the first instance to restore Hōlanikū seabird habitat to maximise the island’s potential as a seabird breeding ground.  This comes primarily in the form of invasive plant eradication.  Enemy number one is *Verbesina encelioides,*a plant introduced to Hōlanikū during the Coast Guard years and which can spread like wildfire.  It covers viable albatross breeding habitat by growing in tall, dense stands, creating a hot micro-climate which poses problems particularly to chicks during the hot summer.  It dies back in the winter, leaving the ground exposed to high winds. Its roots additionally do not result in good soil stabilisation, threatening both the integrity of the island itself and disallowing the presence of dense numbers of burrowing seabirds.  In 2002 the Kure Manager Cynthia Vanderlip started to rid the island of invasive plants such as *Verbesina*and in so doing to help the seabird population rebound.  Since then, crews have been coming out on expeditions to conduct habitat restoration as well as seabird monitoring activities. We also target other invasive plant species such as *Cenchrus echinatus, Cassytha filiformis, Flaveria trinervia, Solanum americanum*and Beach Heliotrope*Tournefortia argentea.* *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive large weed](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_large_weed.jpg) I am brandishing a large*Tribulus cistoides*plant.  Although native, they are removed from the runway as their spiky seedheads can puncture albatross feet on the hard surface. Photograph by Nadia Borg* Shoring up the islands upon which these birds breed is crucial in our world of accelerating change, one where albatrosses are plagued with threats everywhere and in all their life-history stages. I have seen many remnants of last year’s fledglings with their ribcages cupping a large handful of plastic. My day normally starts with rising before dawn and bringing my coffee down to the beach and sitting with the ka‘upu by starlight.  My work is variable, but generally consists of treating invasives, transecting one of the 44 restoration areas into which the island is divided, and covering as much ground as possible while still being thorough.  Depending on the day and the weather, I could also be conducting my tracking work on ka‘upu, such as retrieving, programming, and deploying GLS tags. These long-duration leg tags will collect ka‘upu movements for one to two years and fill gaps about at-sea ranges and fishery overlap hotspots during the incubation, breeding and non-breeding periods. My other work ranges from camp maintenance, upkeeping the infrastructure in place for the Critically Endangered koloa maoli (Laysan Duck *Anas laysanensis*) and conducting the annual albatross occupied nest count. Between the five of us, over 164 survey hours, we obtained totals of 37 914 mōlī nests and 3042 ka‘upu nests.** **I then end my day down at the pier with the ka‘upu again, looking out to sea at the sunset. A challenging reality of the work on the atoll are the seabird burrows. During my time on Hōlanikū, tens of thousands of nunulu (Bonin Petrels *Pterodroma hypoleuca*) will breed underground, along with a significant population of ‘ua‘u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica*) and several hundred (we think) ‘akihike‘ehi‘ale (Tristram’s Storm Petrels *Hydrobates tristrami).*  When walking around, one must be on the constant lookout for burrows.  When one is crushed it must be dug out to ensure birds are not left buried.  I have often found myself shoulder deep in sand, digging it out as fast as it slides back in. *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive Bonin Petrels at dusk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_Bonin_Petrels_at_dusk.jpg) Clouds of nunulu darken the skies every night on Hōlanikū* Bushwhacking through thick naupaka, a native bush, whilst being bitten by breeding albatrosses (sometimes we need to get close to them to access a weed, or to dig out a burrow, but we always try to respect their space) and being stung by wasps, can be trying!  We work hard here, we take our jobs as custodians of the island seriously, but we are highly rewarded by the experience.  Although working on Hōlanikū has its challenges, and is not for the faint of heart, conducting the work is a huge privilege.  Few people, in the grand scheme of things, have ever been here, and certainly no one can come here anymore unless in a research or restoration capacity. *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive BFALs dance on beach](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_BFALs_dance_on_beach.jpg) A pair of ka‘upu doing the ‘together-tippy-toes’ move* A highlight so far of the season for me has been in watching the albatrosses interact with one another, and with me. The ka‘upu courtship dance, for example, is truly remarkable in its energy, complexity and duration. My favourite is the ‘together-tippy-toes’ move where, after tucking a head under a wing for the ‘preen’ move, one bird shoots its head up, head pointing straight up towards the sky, chest round and puffed out, and stands on its utmost tip-toes. The other bird, within a split second, matches the first, reaching up on tiptoe with its bill to touch the first’s, their chests bumping together (sometimes they do this move so enthusiastically that the second bird nearly knocks the first one over). The day when the final plumage phase makalena (Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebstria  albatrus*) showed up was memorable too – watching this individual ‘rain-nibbling’ (drinking falling rain) was a gift, and to see its golden head feathers shimmer and shine in the early morning light. *![Isabelle Feb 2035 Missive Short tailed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Isabelle_Feb_2035_Missive_Short-tailed_Albatross.jpg) The final-stage makalena (*Short-tailed Albatross*) in the golden-hour light* I am truly privileged to live and work in the midst of an albatross colony, amongst birds who are not afraid of me, and instead gaze at me with mild curiosity. In the field of seabird conservation, it is important not to lose one’s sense of wonder amidst all the serious work and science. Stopping to appreciate the beauty of what we still have, and treasuring that – a wingtip trailing a wave, a hard tack into the wind, an eye sparkling with morning light, a parent’s soft calls to its newly hatched chick. These moments, these memories, are our fuel in the fight to protect the albatrosses of the world. I am deeply thankful to the Kure Atoll Conservancy and to Oikonos for the chance to do the work I am doing, and to my crewmates.  Sand in my hair, dirt under my fingernails, seabird poop in my pockets, petrel-musk on my clothes, wave-sound in my ears.  There is no better way to live and may we all know such happiness at least once in our lives.  Mahalo and fair winds! *Isabelle Beaudoin, Peaks to Petrels Photography, Kure Atoll, 11 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-seven-months-researching-albatrosses-and-restoring-habitats-on-holaniku-kure-atoll-in-the-north-pacific.md) ## Wisdom the grandmother Laysan Albatross is a mum again  ![26 November 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/26_November_1.jpeg)*Wisdom and her latest mate stand and vocalize over their 2024/25 egg on 27 November 2024,**photograph  by Dan Rapp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer* 70-something [Wisdom](https://friendsofmidway.org/explore/wildlife-plants/birds/albatrosses/laysan-albatross/wisdom-the-albatross/?fbclid=IwY2xjawISegJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTriGnD8yyiMeMG3l9qY5MvQGsov9cwRVY2-BSxu6yjWC3wq6DOM3edftA_aem_vJYLAAUpM86VpV2kWIGMwQ), the world’s oldest known Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutibilis*, is once more a parent of yet another chick on Sand Island in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge as reported by the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/).  Her chick had fully hatched by 30 January 2025 when Wisdom’s latest mate red EX25, was in attendance.  The male and chick were [videoed](https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=615935931025417) by Dan Rapp on 2 February 2025. Wisdom returned to the nest on 6 February after several weeks at sea, to meet and feed her week-old chick for the first time, when she was [videoed](https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1174659117704949) prreening her latest.  Her mate is now foraging at sea. Meanwhile, Wisdom’s 2010/11 son, red N333, has been incubating Wisdom’s next grandchild-to-be elsewhere on the island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdoms-fledgling-n333-is-incubating-an-egg-once-more)). Life goes on! *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 12 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-grandmother-laysan-albatross-is-a-mum-again.md) ## Today is “Reverse the Red Day”: helping the Grey-headed Albatross  ![Reverse the Red logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Reverse_the_Red_logo.png) “[Reverse the Red](https://www.reversethered.org/)” is a global movement that ignites strategic cooperation and action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems and reverse the negative trend of biodiversity loss.  Through a strategic initiative, Reverse the Red brings together a diverse coalition of leading scientists, advocates, and partners committed to using a data-driven and science-based approach to assess, plan, and act for species conservation.  Reverse the Red provides the tools and expertise to empower governments, partners, and local communities to set and reach biodiversity conservation targets and celebrates and amplifies successful achievements for species.” *![Grey headed Albatross Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_Albatross_Trevor_Hardaker.jpg) Grey-headed Albatross, photograph by Trevor Hardaker* Reverse the Red Day, held on 7 February,**is**an annual celebration of all the conservation work our collective community is doing to reverse trends of biodiversity loss - those shown through negative slides on the Red List of Threatened Species.The movement welcomes [Species Pledges](https://www.reversethered.org/reverse-the-red-species-pledge) which are designed to showcase and understand which organisations are committed to strategic recovery actions for species in specific countries.  The UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](https://www.rspb.org.uk/)) is submitting Species Pledges for this year’s Reverse the Red Day for some of its priority species/species groups. One of these is for “Albatrosses at Sea”, including all 15 of the threatened albatross species. It concentrates on the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* as a species that represents the major impact bycatch can have on seabird populations and the collaborative global efforts to tackle the threat. ACAP has now registered via the RSPB as a "critical partner to successful species recovery" for the Grey-headed Albatross, [Click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) to access the ACAP Species Infographic for the Grey-headed Albatross in three languages. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/today-is-reverse-the-red-day-helping-the-grey-headed-albatross.md) ## South Australia’s Flinders Island to have its cats, rats and mice eradicated *![Flinders Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Flinders_Island.png) Flinders Island,* South*Australia* Flinders Island is a 3642-ha privately owned island located some 30 km offshore from the mainland coast of South Australia.  It is is surrounded by the Investigator Group Marine Park protected area.  Previously farmed, it is managed as a natural area allowing tourism.  It is intended to eradicate the island’s introduced feral cats, Black Rats and House Mice, commencing in May this year ([click here](https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/media-releases/joint-media-release-remote-south-australian-island-become-haven-rehabilitation-nationally-endangered-species)).  The rodents are to be eradicated by the aerial dispersion of rodenticide-laced cereal bait by helicopter and the “up to 200” cats by application of [Eradicat baits](https://pestsmart.org.au/toolkit-resource/baiting-of-feral-cats-with-1080/) together with a follow-up phase consisting of intensive ground-based operations to locate and remove all the remaining cats.  Drones with thermal vision will also be used to locate cats. According to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flinders_Island_(South_Australia)), the island supports breeding populations of two burrowing procellariiform seabirds: Short-tailed Shearwater*Ardenna tenuirostris* and White-faced Storm Petrels *Pelagodroma marina.*  It seems possible these populations, if confirmed, will increase following the removal of especially the cats and rats. Once the island has been certified free of its introduced pests it is intended to introduce several species of threatened Australian mammals, including bandicoots and wallabies. The eradication effort is being funded by both the Federal and State governments, with support from the landowner. Read more about the planned eradication [here](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-04/flinders-island-haven-for-threatened-native-animals/104891244?fbclid=IwY2xjawIO_4NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHciNk8Zv7UPWXFqUHVKhDGdo6Cos8pp9xFidZAto8TlrDotuCSif9MfRsQ_aem_q0txeQQSCPK5wmBLsykHYwh) and [here](https://federalfinancialrelations.gov.au/sites/federalfinancialrelations.gov.au/files/2021-07/ERF%20-%20Flinders%20Island%20Safe%20Haven.pdf). With thanks to Keith Springer. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-australias-flinders-island-to-have-its-cats-rats-and-mice-eradicated.md) ## Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025 raises funds to help eradicate the island’s albatross-killing mice *![Flock to Group Cassie Carstens](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Flock_to_Group_Cassie_Carstens.jpg) 1900 birdwatchers gather on the*MSC Musica*in support of the Mouse-Free Marion Project, photograph by Cassie Carstens* The Emeritus ACAP Information Officer spent last week at sea helping fund raise over three and a half million Rands by way of silent and live auctions and by sponsoring hectares for the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://birdlife.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0b7ea6fccfc1f077a17c5faeb&id=fcdb67b4e2&e=78f7f9ce93) that aims to eradicate the island’s introduced House Mice that have turned to attacking and killing albatrosses and burrowing petrels. The following edited [media release](https://mcusercontent.com/0b7ea6fccfc1f077a17c5faeb/files/823f05fb-41fb-dd09-e232-ade9148c9e62/Flock_to_Marion_Again_Media_Release.01.pdf) by [BirdLife South Africa](https://birdlife.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0b7ea6fccfc1f077a17c5faeb&id=e475b6cf11&e=78f7f9ce93) gives an idea of what transpired on the [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.facebook.com/groups/184051415289185) voyage into the Southern Ocean aboard a luxury cruise liner. *![Sooties Miles Cluff](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooties_Miles_Cluff.jpg) Sooty Albatrosses, photograph by Miles Cluff* “A voyage organised by BirdLife South Africa in association with the Mouse-Free Marion Project and hosted by [MSC Cruises](https://birdlife.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0b7ea6fccfc1f077a17c5faeb&id=67c0fcdcc1&e=78f7f9ce93) departed Durban Harbour, South Africa on 24 January, bound for the waters around South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands, with 1900 passionate birders and conservationists aboard, and returned on 31 January.  Primarily a fundraising and awareness campaign, the voyage raised over R9 000 000 [for BirdLife South Africa and for the Mouse-Free Marion Project] through various sources for conservation causes, a staggering sum and testament to the importance of the Mouse-Free Marion Project, and the generosity of our passengers. This voyage offered birders of all ages and experience levels a unique opportunity to appreciate the wide variety of seabirds that live in the Southern Ocean, many of which breed on Prince Edward and Marion Island, located 1900 kilometres from Durban, or roughly halfway to Antarctica. The islands are in a band of latitude long known by sailors as the ’Roaring Forties,’ due to the area’s fierce winds The focus of the trip was to highlight the unfortunate plight that these seabirds face, namely predation by invasive house mice. The voyage also raised funds for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, a conservation campaign dedicated to restoring Marion Island’s ecosystem to a pristine state.  Introduced inadvertently to Marion Island by sealers in the early-1800s, eradicating the invasive mice is the eponymous goal of the Mouse-Free Marion Project. **![Prince Edward Island Ken Findley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Prince_Edward_Island_Ken_Findley.jpg)* Prince Edward Island from outside territorial waters, photograph by Ken Findlay* Stationed around the ship were seabird and marine mammal experts, who facilitated the spotting and identification of seabirds, whales, and other mammals for the enthusiastic and excited passengers, for some of whom this was their first time birding at sea.    Many of our passengers spent hours at a time on the outer decks of the ship, hoping to spot the seabirds that are only found with regularity in these remote waters to which no other commercial vessels usually travel. One would normally have to travel to this remote part of the Southern Ocean aboard the *S.A. Agulhas II,*South Africa’s polar research vessel. Luckily, the MSC *Musica*was more comfortable than a research vessel, with amenities like coffee, tea, and pastry stations found regularly throughout the ship. Among the 1900 passengers aboard the MSC *Musica*were such luminaries of the scientific and ornithological communities as Peter Harrison MBE, who has spent his life studying seabirds and is the first Patron of the Mouse-Free Marion Project, and Professor Peter Ryan, Emeritus Professor of the University of Cape Town and former director of the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, among many other experts on various topics including seabird ecology, island restoration, and sub-Antarctic research. *![Peter Harrison at Flcok auction Mark Anderson 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Peter_Harrison_at_Flcok_auction_Mark_Anderson_1.jpg) Peter Harrison MBE, Mouse-Free Marion Project Patron, lectures on albatrosses aboard the*MSC Musica*, photograph by Mark Anderson* When birders were not gazing with wonder at the many species of seabirds from the decks of the ship, (species seen included Wandering, Sooty, Grey-headed and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, Macaroni and King Penguins, Southern and Northern Giant Petrels, Salvin’s Prion, and Blue and Kerguelen Petrels), they were able to visit the high-tech lecture venues on the MSC*Musica*, and learn from the experts on various topics, such as the ecology of Marion Island, the life cycle of the Wandering Albatross, and the logistics of eradicating mice from Marion Island. ![WanderingnAlbatross Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/WanderingnAlbatross_Trevor_Hardaker.jpg)*Wandering Albatross from the*MSC Musica*, photograph by Trevor Hardaker* A voyage of this popularity and scale is a largely unprecedented undertaking by a conservation organisation; but in fact, this was the fourth trip of its kind hosted by BirdLife South Africa.  Known as “Flocks at Sea”, the first of which took place in 2013, and continued in 2017, and in 2022 with the first “Flock to Marion”, these events have earned a reputation for being unique voyages, which attract attendance by people from all around the world and of all ages.  Thanks to the dedication of our organising committee and the eager support of our passengers, we are very grateful to be able to add another successful trip to that list.” *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flock-to-marion-again-2025-helps-with-eradicating-the-islands-albatross-killing-mice.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Northern Giant Petrel is now available in French and Spanish *![preview northerngiantpetrel fr updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/preview_northerngiantpetrel_fr_updated.jpg)*  The latest ACAP Infographic, for the [Northern Giant Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) *Macronectes halli,* the 18th to be produced iin the series, is now available in the ACAP official languages of French and Spanish, as well as in [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-northern-giant-petrel-the-18th-and-latest-in-the-series). The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series ![preview northerngiantpetrel es updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/preview_northerngiantpetrel_es_updated.jpg) The infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos and Karine Delord for their careful checking of texts in their home languages. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 04 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-northern-giant-petrel-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## Wisdom’s son N333 is incubating an egg once more ![N333 Midway U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Catie Mahon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/N333_Midway_U.S._Fish_and_Wildlife_Service_Volunteer_Catie_Mahon.jpg) *N333, son of Wisdom,**broods its second known hatchling in February 2023**, photograph by Catie Mahon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer* Wisdom’s (the world’s oldest known Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*) first banded chick fledged from Sand Island, Midway Atoll in the 2010/11 season bearing colour band red N333.  As a chick it had survived the [11 March 2011 tsunami](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/941-tsunami-death-toll-for-laysan-and-black-footed-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-increases-to-over-a-hundred-thousand-birds?highlight=WyJ0c3VuYW1pIiwidHN1bmFtaSdzIiwyMDExXQ==) that inundated most of Midway’s Eastern Island, as well as parts of Sand Island.  The bird, thought to be a male due to its larger bill size, was regularly sighted near Wisdom’s nest site over 2018-2021. It was first recorded breeding in the 2021/22 season with mate DH00 some 160 m away from Wisdom's usual nest site among bushes close to the shoreline.  Their chick was found dead in May 2022 at around four months of age.  The next season (2022/23) N333 was back at the same nest site on a pipping egg on 13 February 2023, which hatched the next day, and survived at least until May.  Information on the outcome of the 2022/23 chick and of the 2023/24 season is not currently available. N333 is now incubating its 2024/25 egg at the same nest site, where it was [videoed](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/videos/3373025329498584) by Dan Rapp on 12 December 2024,  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uwdsjvqji0&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0UTgNGT8zL1_MPj3laWgwNGc2IJ3f9UtKwCX8Hj34_mt0AgF8UH7Gpars_aem_B2tddOYU4MWuTsR9nGmJyQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uwdsjvqji0&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0UTgNGT8zL1_MPj3laWgwNGc2IJ3f9UtKwCX8Hj34_mt0AgF8UH7Gpars_aem_B2tddOYU4MWuTsR9nGmJyQ)He is 14 years old and his egg is due to hatch any day - as is Wisdom’s own egg. The first recorded Laysan Albatross chick on Midway this season was seen on 20 January. *![Owen Laysan chick first for 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Owen_Laysan_chick_first_for_2025.jpg) Midway’s first Laysan Albatross hatchling for 2025, photograph by Joe Owen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer* Information from [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/) and [previous articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=N333&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) posted to *ACAP Latest News*. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 03 February 2025* **Note.** The Emeritus ACAP Information Officer spent last week at sea in the Southern Ocean without access to Internet.  Postings to *ACAP Latest News* have resumed. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdoms-fledgling-n333-is-incubating-an-egg-once-more.md) ## UPDATED. Sub-Antarctic Amsterdam Island is evacuated following a fire *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Picture1.jpg) Martin-de-Viviès Station on Amsterdam Island, photograph by**Antoine Lamielle* **UPDATE** Here is the latest news on the fire on Amsterdam, translated from a [TAAF media release](https://taaf.fr/actualite/evolution-de-lincendie-sur-lile-amsterdam-dernieres-informations/) dated 29 January 2025. “The fire on the island of Amsterdam remains active and continues to advance south under favourable weather conditions, marked by dry weather and strong winds.  To date, an estimated 1048 hectares have been burned, or 18% of the island’s area. The teams of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF) and their partners are continuing to mobilize to monitor the evolution of the situation and anticipate the necessary actions. A reconnaissance mission will depart on board the *Floréal*, a surveillance frigate of the French Navy, on 7 February.  Composed of a detachment of four professional SDIS firefighters from Réunion and seven technical staff of the TAAF, including a doctor, the mission will have the following objectives: - assess the development of the fire by identifying persistent hot spots; - establish an inventory of the island’s vital infrastructure, including water, energy, fire safety and communications networks; - to ensure the safety of equipment; - to investigate the causes of the fire. The authorities of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories remain fully committed to the management of this crisis and thank all the actors involved for their support and determination in the face of this exceptional situation." ******************************************************************************  A fire that that started on France’s sub-Antarctic Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean on 15 January has led to all 31 personnel occupying the Martin-de-Viviès scientific station being evacuated the next day “in the face of the flames that were out of control”.  The fire broke out near Pointe-Bénédicte 2.5 km from the station and was quickly spread by strong winds to threaten the buildings.  “The personnel first “tried to fight the fire but the weather conditions were very unfavourable, with strong gusts, so they were overwhelmed”.  The island’s scientists and military personnel were first removed to the French crayfishing boat *Austral* early in the day after the fire commenced and then transferred to France’s polar supply and research vessel, *Marion du Fresne*, the following day, following its diversion from the French Kerguelen Islands to the east.  According to reports, it is not yet known whether any buildings at the Martin-de-Viviès Station escaped the flames. *![Albatros dAmsterdam Romain Buenadicha 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Albatros_dAmsterdam_Romain_Buenadicha_2.jpg) Amsterdam Albatrosses engage in mutual display, photograph by Romain Buenadicha* The evacuation will result in a halt of biological monitoring, including of the island’s ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, one of which, the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis/text)  Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, breeds nowhere else.  Amsterdam Island is the only locality where research on the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri/summary) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* is undertaken.  Checking for the presence of rodents following [an eradication effort in 2024](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-aerial-baiting-of-amsterdam-island-targeting-its-introduced-rodents-has-been-completed?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsInJhdHMiLCJyYXQiLCJyYXQnIiwicmF0J3MiLCIncmF0Il0=) will also have been halted as a result of the evacuation.  Monitoring of greenhouse gas concentrations will also be affected, as will the collection of magnetic and seismological data. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Island_Thierry_Micol_2.jpg) Amsterdam Island from the air, photograph from Thierry Micol* Information from[here](https://ground.news/article/in-the-indian-ocean-the-french-island-amsterdam-entirely-evacuated-after-a-vast-fire) and other sources. With thanks to Susan Micol and Richard Phillips for information. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 January 2025, updated 05 February 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sub-antarctic-amsterdam-island-is-evacuated-following-a-fire.md) ## The Global Birdfair chooses the Endangered Antipodean Albatross to be its flagship species for 2025 *![Image 13 01 2025 at 23.17 52](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Image_13-01-2025_at_23.17_52.jpg)Antipodean Albatross photograph by**David Tipling* This year’s [Global Birdfair](https://globalbirdfair.org/) will be held at Lydon Top, Rutland, UK over 11-13 July.  The Global Birdfairs commenced in 2022, following a long run of annual [British Birdwatching Fairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Birdwatching_Fair) in Rutland that stated in 1989 and ended due to COVID19 in 2020.  The 2025 fair will adopt as its conservation project “Safeguarding Ocean Species” and will look once again at the incidental mortality (bycatch) of albatrosses and petrels caused by longline fisheries.  This follows from the 2000 British Birdwatching Fair, which marked the commencement of BirdLife International’s then Seabird Conservation Programme, with its theme of “Keeping Albatrosses off the Hook”, *![Antipodean Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke.jpg) Antipodean Albatross by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Lea Finke for the [inaugural World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests), 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The Global Birdfair 2025’s edited media release follows: “We are excited to announce the Global Birdfair 2025 Conservation Project, **Safeguarding Ocean Species**.  This important project concentrates on the South Pacific region and gives opportunities to create awareness on a Global scale, alongside BirdLife International’s Seabird and Marine Programme Conservation initiatives.  Global longline fisheries bycatch poses the single greatest threat to many albatross and petrel species, including the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*, this year’s flagship bird. Among other species affected are Flesh-footed *Ardenna carneipes*, Buller’s *A. bulleri*, Sooty *A. grisea* and Short-tailed *A. tenuirostris*Shearwaters, plus other sub-Antarctic visitors to the region: giant petrels *Macronectes* spp., Grey Petrels *Procellaria cinerea*and smaller albatross species. We hope that Safeguarding Ocean Species addresses critical gaps in awareness and compliance as follows: Species: Ensures the adoption of best-practice seabird bycatch migration measures on longline fishing vessels, directly reducing interactions with highly threatened species like the Antipodean Albatross. Ocean Systems: Contributes to more sustainable fisheries and healthier marine ecosystems, creating resilience against climate change and improving the long-term sustainability of ocean resources. Society: Strengthens local livelihoods by employing a local Port-based Outreach officer and coordinator, while empowering women through training and paid opportunities to produce tori lines for vessels. The project is closely aligned with the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).  Additionally, the project supports the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy by advancing sustainable fisheries management and promoting biodiversity conservation as part of a broader vision for resilient Pacific ecosystems. Working together, we all need to address the critical state of the World’s Oceans as habitats.” ![Antipodean Albatross Infographic English medium poster 5mm bleed FINAL shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Infographic_English_medium_poster_5mm_bleed_FINAL_shrunk.jpg)  The globally [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text)  and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross, endemic to New Zealand,  has been identified as a Species of Special Concern by ACAP. The Species Infographic for the bird is freely available foi downloading as posters in three languages [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), Ticket sales for Global Birdfair 2025 open in February. Watch a short video on this year's fair [here](https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1346801566733765) With thanks to Tim Appleton MBE, Global Birdfair Co-organizer. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-global-birdfair-chooses-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross-to-be-its-flagship-species-for-2025.md) ## Testing drones during the annual albatross count on Midway Atoll **![Annual count 2024 25 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Annual_count_2024-25_1.jpg)*The ground count is underway among incubating Laysan Albatrosses on Midway Atoll* The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUfE86PWzvVbW4EV1_1d1wN1Om0VFuBoA0f6kkELEWXoKmsirLY5a4ovVjbC-g6dVuEzcvt-U7qFQVadh86L4tT4xcLLT_4RK3DWhnup8WJ7-YuA87BQKNRpIGtIK77lusQLa8jmSGfoDlwbkspFur9GmDRUqbL8BF4p2JnZmCefddussi6s23kQfzWOShrYraTyg083qqR9wHWM5dF5g0HGcZ7VvoooJy_VJxMz9w3IQ&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) reports on its Facebook page on testing drone technology during the recently completed annual albatross count on Midway Atoll. “The Fish and Wildlife Service is also happy to report a drone team came out this year in an effort to help reduce the cost and time to conduct future counts.  While the drone did an aerial count, the bird counters did a complete on-the-ground count of all nesting albatross species within Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll ). Additionally, ground transects were set up for comparison in different habitat types.  While the analysis is still on-going, the drone has already proved remarkably successful.  Although the drone is not reliable at sighting nesting birds in the non-native ironwood forests on Sand Island it has shown success in the heavy shrub areas.” Supervisory Biologist Jon Plissner was able to observe the drone's amazing avoidance capabilities.  "The day I was out there over hundreds of Manu-o-Kū or White Terns started mobbing the drone, which was apparently the most they [the drone team] observed the entire time.  Also a flock of Cattle Egrets came and started swarming it and you could see the drones hesitating and avoiding individuals as the birds approached within a few meters.  There was no collision, no incidents and no disturbance of birds on the ground whatsoever.  The trials seemed successful but we still would like to get a couple of more years in so that is where the funding the count is going to be critical." *![Annual count 2024 25 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Annual_count_2024-25_7.jpg)The bird counters celebrate after finishing the 2025 count on Midway Atoll’s Eastern Island, photographs from the**Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge* *ACAP Latest News* will report of the 2024/25 season’s ground counts once the final results are released.  It seems to have been good year for Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis*, but less so for Black-footed Albatrosses *P. nigripes*.  “The most exciting news is this year's total for Mōlī nests will be the second highest number recorded since the annual nest count began in 1992!  For Ka'upu or Black-footed Albatross, the news is not as encouraging with the second lowest nest count reported since 2005.” Read an earlier *ACAP Latest News* article on the recent count [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-annual-albatross-count-is-underway-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/testing-drones-during-the-annual-albatross-count-on-midway-atoll.md) ## Recommending ACAP’s best-practice guidelines to reduce incidental mortality of albatrosses and petrels in South Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries *![Tristan Albatross Michelle Risi Virginia Potter Vredeveld](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_Virginia_Potter_Vredeveld.jpg) A Tristan Albatross (a species considered in the publication) pair on Gough Island by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Virginia Potter Vredeveld for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* James Bell ([Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science](https://www.cefas.co.uk/), Lowestoft, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* on assessing incidental mortality risk for four procellariiform species in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Incidental mortality (bycatch) of seabirds in pelagic longline fisheries remains a major threat to many populations.   The design and implementation of technical innovations aimed at reducing seabird bycatch rates have long been a focus of research. However, it has historically been difficult to extrapolate the efficacy of a particular mitigation measure to the scale of seabird populations or oceanic basins. Here, we develop an ecological risk assessment for five populations of threatened albatross and petrel species that forage in the south Atlantic Ocean. Since seabird bycatch rates are likely under-reported to fisheries regulatory bodies, we adopted a risk-based approach to predict differences in bycatch rates between different combinations and specifications of mitigation measures, comparing those currently specified by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) against best practice guidelines recommended by the Seabird Bycatch Working Group of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). We conclude that updating existing mitigation measure specifications for pelagic longlining in the South Atlantic to reflect current best practice guidelines would potentially reduce seabird mortality by 41–86 %, compared to use of any two of the three options by vessels. Simultaneous application of all three mitigation measures recommended as current ACAP best practice was predicted to reduce seabird mortality by 72–93 % and therefore should be considered by ICCAT as the most appropriate management measure for seabirds until further data are available to undertake more rigorous analyses.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Bell, J.B., Fischer, J.H., Carneiro, A.P.B., Griffiths, S., Bielli, A., Jiménez, S., Oppel, S., Phillips, R.A., Wade, H.M., Yates, O. & Reeves, S.A. 2025.  Evaluating the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation measures for pelagic longlines in the South Atlantic.  *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725000187)*[302. 110981](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725000187). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/recommending-acaps-best-practice-guidelines-to-reduce-incidental-mortality-of-albatrosses-and-petrels-in-south-atlantic-pelagic-longline-fisheries.md) ## From monument to sanctuary at the end of a Presidential term: the USA designates the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary ![papahanaumokuakea national marine sanctuary](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary.jpg) The USA’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ([NOAA](https://www.noaa.gov/)) has designated the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, home of the vast majority of the world’s Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Alvatrosses, with the publication of a final rule on 16 January 2025.  Following the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, after the final rule for sanctuary designation is published, sanctuary designation will take effect following 45 days of continuous session of the U.S. Congress.  The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and its expansion out to 200 nautical mile, were established under the Antiquities Act of 1906 through, respectively, Presidential Proclamations in 2006; 2007 and 2016. *![Laysan Albatross Midway Dec 2008 Eric VanderWerf 7174 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_Midway_Dec_2008_Eric_VanderWerf-7174-1.jpg) A Laysan Albatross flies over Midway Atoll, photograph by Eric VanderWerf* “NOAA is designating Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary) to protect nationally significant biological, cultural, and historical resources and to manage this special place as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The sanctuary consists of an area of approximately 582,570 square statute miles (439,910 square nautical miles) of Pacific Ocean waters surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the submerged lands thereunder. NOAA is establishing the terms of designation for the sanctuary and the regulations to implement the national marine sanctuary designation. NOAA has also published a final environmental impact statement (final EIS) in coordination with the State of Hawai'i, final management plan, and Record of Decision” ([click here](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/16/2024-30576/papahnaumokukea-national-marine-sanctuary-final-regulations?fbclid=IwY2xjawH5bShleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcaeAdgzZSqHzfdqHUOzzkKPERtWnZAnWxwvPv8R2YIFgMhq6xFO21iwbg_aem_4cXV7n9lagcjMWjeokuiHg)). *![Wieteke Holthuijzen Midway](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Wieteke_Holthuijzen_Midway.jpg) A brooding Black-footed Albatross on Midway Atoll, photograph by Wieteke Holthuijzen* Copies of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) and management plan described in this rule and the record of decision (ROD) are available [here](https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea/)*.* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**20 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-monument-to-sanctuary-at-the-end-of-a-presidential-term-the-usa-designates-the-papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary.md) ## ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the Northern Giant Petrel, the 18th and latest in the series ![preview northerngiantpetrel eng updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/preview_northerngiantpetrel_eng_updated.jpg)The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) released today, the 18th to be produced in the 31-species series, is for the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* ([Least Concern](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli/summary))*. *It is the third to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, following those for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel*Procellaria cinerea*and the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*. * *The other 15 infographics are all for albatrosses.  It is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish.. These versions will be released soon. ![Andrea Siemt Northern Giant Petrel Schmincke Watercolour Guardi Artistico Torchon CP 300g 2525 cm Liezl Pretorius](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Andrea_Siemt_Northern_Giant_Petrel_Schmincke_Watercolour_Guardi_Artistico_Torchon_CP_300g_2525_cm_Liezl_Pretorius.jpeg) *Northern Giant Petrel chick on Marion Island, watercolour by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Andrea Siemt, after a photograph by Liezl Pretorius* The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and Portuguese language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The 18 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). .Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. Work has now commenced on producing the infographics for the Southern Giant Petrel *M. giganteus*, sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). The ACAP Species Infographics are being created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to Pep Arcos, Jonathon Barrington, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer and Richard Phillips for their help. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-northern-giant-petrel-the-18th-and-latest-in-the-series.md) ## International wildlife artists support the Mouse-Free Marion Project with a special project and an auction *![Jayashree Sadasivan Sooty Albatross digital Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Jayashree_Sadasivan_Sooty_Albatross_digital_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg)Sooty Albatross by ABUN artist Jayashree Sadasivan**for the “**Conservation Campaign for**Marion Island”.  Digital*, *after a photograph by Stefan Schoombie* The [Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project](http://www.mousefreemarion.org/) is a registered non-profit company in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross- and petrel-killing House Mice on Marion Island in the Southern Ocean.  The project was initiated by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.  Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate. To increase awareness, and to raise funds, the project team has been working with artists from around the world in two important ways. **The “****Conservation Campaign for Marion Island” Special Project** ![ABUN Special Project banner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/ABUN_Special_Project_banner.jpg)  For the three months of November 2024 to January 2025 the MFM Project has been collaborating with the collective Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) in a special project entitled “Conservation Campaign for Marion Island”.  ABUN artists are invited to create and submit artworks that the MFM project may use.  Their chosen subjects are inspired by photograph’s of Marion Island’s biota, notably its avifauna that is threatened by the mice  To date, 30 artworks have been submitted; they can all be viewed [here](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.964126259084730&type=3).  The artists’ original art remains their own property. *![Andrea Siemt Grey Petrel Gouache on black ACTION watercolor paper after Ben Dilley 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Andrea_Siemt_Grey_Petrel_Gouache_on_black_ACTION_watercolor_paper_after_Ben_Dilley_2.jpg) Grey Petrel and chick by ABUN artist Andrea Siemt**for the “**Conservation Campaign for Marion Island”.  Gouache on black watercolour paper, after a photograph by Ben Dilley* **Auction aboard the Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025 voyage** *![Hannah Shand Subantarctic Soaring](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Hannah_Shand_Subantarctic_Soaring.jpg) “Subantarctic Soaring” by Hannah Shand; a print will be auctioned* On 24 January 2025, the *MSC Musica* will set sail from Durban, South Africa towards sub-Antarctic Marion and Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean on a week-long cruise with 1850 excited birdwatchers aboard.  On the last night of the voyage the Mouse-Free Marion Project will hold a live auction, with well-known author of seabird guides and [project patron](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-announces-its-first-patron), Peter Harrison MBE as the auctioneer.  The project has received a number of donated artworks, both originals and high-quality prints to auction.  These include artworks by ACAp-illustrator Namo Niumim, who lives in Bangkok, Thailand, Caren Loebel-Fried from Volcano, Hawaii, New Zealanders Angela Newport and Hannah Shand, and Kitty Harvill (ABUN Co-founder) and Holly Parsons who reside in the USA.  South African contributing artists include Elizabeth Poulsom and Leigh Wolfaardt. *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Picture1.jpg) “The Albatrosses of the Prince Edward Islands"  by Leigh Wolfaardt; the original will be auctioned on the Flock voyage* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/international-wildlife-artists-support-the-mouse-free-marion-project-with-a-special-project-and-an-auction.md) ## “Finding Home, a Hawaiian Petrel’s Journey” by Caren Loebel-Fried *![Caren Loebel Fried Finding Home 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Caren_Loebel-Fried_Finding_Home_1.jpg) Finding Home, a Hawaiian Petrel’s Journey* Caren Loebel-Fried is an author and artist who resides in Volcano, Hawaii.  She has written and illustrated eight award-winning storybooks for young people, including [*A Perfect Day for an Albatross*](https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Day-Albatross-Caren-Loebel-Fried/dp/1943645272), published in 2017 by the Cornell Lab Publishing Group, and[reviewed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/review-a-perfect-day-for-an-albatross-by-caren-loebel-fried?highlight=WyJwZXJmZWN0IiwicGVyZmVjdGx5IiwiZGF5IiwiZGF5cyIsImRheSdzIiwiZGF5JyIsImRheXMnIiwiY2FyZW4iXQ==) in *ACAP Latest News*.  Caren’s has conducted fieldwork on Midway Atoll with the albatross census team, which she has co-led, and studied the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis/summary) Hawaiian Petrel or `ua`u *Pterodroma sandwichensis. *Her latest book is [*Finding Home, a Hawaiian Petrel’s Journey*](https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/finding-home-a-hawaiian-petrels-journey/), published by the University of Hawai`i Press in September last year, an outcome of her research into the species. *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Picture1.jpg) Caren Loebel-Fried on Midway Atoll with her preparatory sketch of a Laysan Albatross* The publisher’s synopsis follows: “Eleven-year-old Makani Kealoha Morton adores *‘ua‘u,* Hawaiian petrels. She grew up marveling at the seabird’s magical evening sky-dance and murmurs from their underground burrows. Living over the ocean, gliding thousands of miles on the wind to wherever food was abundant, they returned yearly to their burrows in the Hawaiian Islands. Over thousands of years, their guano helped to make Hawaiʻi fertile and habitable for humans. Yet humans brought predators and environmental changes that caused *ʻuaʻu*numbers to plummet to near extinction. Makani’s biologist mom and her team devise a plan to save the seabirds.  Ten *ʻuaʻu* chicks are raised within a protected place. The chicks leave for the sea one by one - but Makani’s favorite is very late to fledge.  Makani worries: Will this young petrel survive at sea? Will she return to the refuge to raise her own young?  Will the plan to save the *‘ua‘u* work?  By the story’s end, Makani finds her own way to make a difference for the seabirds she loves so dearly. Based on the true story of *ʻuaʻu* and the people working to save them, *Finding Home, a Hawaiian Petrel’s Journey* is filled with Caren Loebel-Fried’s colorful block prints, dynamic drawings, and maps. Following the story, a back section provides scientific facts on the habitat and lifestyle of *‘ua‘u* and their connection to Hawaiian culture and history. The book’s middle-grade content includes place-based learning that incorporates natural science, wildlife conservation biology, literature, and art. Appealing to all ages, this hopeful, empowering story brings awareness to the threats humans have brought upon seabirds and inspires us to find ways we can help them survive and thrive.” Caren learned the art of block printing from her mother.  She hand carves rubber or linoleum blocks and then transfers their images with oil-based ink to hand-made paper, she then colours the prints with pencils and black ink.  The ensuing artworks are then used to illustrate her books.  Caren aims to bring people closer to the natural world in the hope that they will want to help care for it.  Her books and art are doing just that. *![Loebel Fried Uau over a Bioluminscent Sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Loebel-Fried_Uau_over_a_Bioluminscent_Sea.jpg) Caren kindly gifted me a signed copy of her artwork**“*’U’au Over a Bioluminescent Sea*” that appears in her latest book after our day out together in my home city* The book ends with a truly comprehensive 30-page section entitled “The Story Behind the Story” that includes information on the biology, conservation and threats facing the Hawaiian Petrel, references about the bird, information on the other seabird species that breed in Hawaii, glossaries of English and Hawaiian words, and more!  Clearly a boon for older children looking for information for their school essays and reports.  My three-year-old granddaughter is a little too young to have my signed copy of Caren’s book read to her.  I shall need wait a year to do so but look forward to the task. I had the pleasure of meeting Caren and her husband Neil when they visited Cape Town in 2022.  We spent a day together travelling to view the colony of now [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus/summary) African Penguin *Spheniscus demersus* at Stony Point.  There are no penguins in the Hawaiian islands for Caren to study and illustrate so might I suggest the subject for her next book be the [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli/text) and Hawaiian endemic Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli* instead? **Reference:** Loebel-Fried, C. 2025.  [*Finding Home, a Hawaiian Petrel’s Journey*](https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/finding-home-a-hawaiian-petrels-journey/)*.*  Honolulu: University of Hawai`i Press.  111 pp.  Hardback. ISBN-13: 9780824895716.  USD 19.99. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 January 202**5* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/finding-home-a-hawaiian-petrels-journey-by-caren-loebel-fried.md) ## ACAP’s infographic illustrator Namo Niumim donates an original albatross painting to raise funds for the Mouse-Free Marion Project   *![Namo Niumimn Grey headed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Namo_Niumimn_Grey-headed_Albatrosses.png) “Sun Setting on Marion Island”, gouache and coloured pencils, by Namo Niumim* [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasrinstudio.com/), who resides in Bangkok, Thailand, is the illustrator for the [ACAP Species Infographics series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  The series, produced in English, French and Spanish (with some also in Portuguese), is now over halfway through with 17 produced out of 31 ACAP-listed species.  The infographic for the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* is nearing completion.  .ACAP Species Infographics are [freely downloadable](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) from the ACAP website at a resolution suitable for printing and framing for educational purposes or personal use. Namo, who works in gouache, is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. *![Namo Niumim](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Namo_Niumim.png) Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim* At the request of ACAP’s Emeritus Information Officer, Namo has produced and donated an original artwork for an auction to raise funds for the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/).  The project aims to eradicate the island’s introduced House Mice that have taken to attacking and killing breeding seabirds and their chicks, including the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*.  The auction will take place aboard the cruise ship *[MSC Musica](https://www.msccruises.co.za/our-cruises/ships/msc-musica)* at the end of the month.  The ship will sail to the waters of the Prince Edward Islands with 1850 birdwatchers aboard on a voyage entitled [Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025](https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-again-2025/).  Namo writes “My donated artwork shows a couple of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma/summary) Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* sitting calmly while the sun is setting behind them.” *![ENGLISH coloured wanderingbatross eng largeposter preview72ppi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/ENGLISH_coloured_wanderingbatross_eng_largeposter_preview72ppi.jpg) The ACAP Species Infographic for the Wandering Albatross was co-published by ACAP and the Mouse-Free Marion Project* The next ACAP Species Infographic to be illustrated by Namo will be for the Southern Giant Petrel *M. giganteus*, completing the series for all the eight ACAP-listed species that breed on Marion Island.  ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Picture1.jpg)Namo produced this poster of the four albatrosses that breed on the island for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, using artwork from her ACAP infographics.  You can [download](https://mousefreemarion.org/posters/) your own free copy from the MFM Project website (read more about it [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/giving-back-the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-a-poster-to-thank-its-many-supporters/)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-infographic-illustrator-namo-niumim-donates-an-original-albatross-painting-to-raise-funds-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project.md) ## Janice Molloy of the Southern Seabirds Trust made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wildlife conservation *![Janice Molloy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Janice_Molloy.jpg) Janice Molloy, photograph from the**Southern Seabirds Trust* Janice Molloy of Waikanae has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wildlife conservation in King Charles III’s [2025 New Year Honours List](https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/new-year-honours-list-2025#mnzm).  Janice is Convenor of the environmental NGO [Southern Seabirds Trust](http://www.southernseabirds.org/). Her [citation](https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/ny2025-mnzm#molloyja) follows: “Ms Janice Molloy has been supporting fishers and the wider seafood industry in their journey towards seabird-safe fishing for more than 20 years. Ms Molloy was instrumental in bringing together fishing industry leaders, environmental organisations, government agencies, scientists, and recreational fishing interests in 2002, leading to the establishment of the Southern Seabirds Trust.  She has been Convenor of the Trust since its establishment, promoting a collaborative approach to reduce the capture of New Zealand’s seabirds through fishing activities.  Under her guidance, the Trust encourages fishers to take ownership of the problem and find solutions by giving them the knowledge and the practical support they need to address seabird captures.  This has created change in fishing practices, demonstrating that conservation through cooperation can achieve results.  Ms Molloy’s contributions have had direct implications for coastal communities in New Zealand, helped the New Zealand commercial fishing industry improve its environmental performance, and assisted the wider international community in its responsibility for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans and fisheries.” The Southern Seabirds Trust writes on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/SouthernSeabirds/about) that “it is very proud of our Convenor Janice Molloy’s appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.  Janice has been supporting fishers and the wider seafood industry in their journey towards seabird-safe fishing for more than 20 years.” The ACAP Secretariat congratulates Janice on this well-deserved award, which reflects her long-standing commitment to, and promotion of, seabird-safe fisheries. In the same honours list Julian Fitter, co-author of the 2008 book ‘[*Albatross, Their World Their Ways*](https://absa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Cor-Vol33-Pg43-BR-Albatross.pdf)’ has also been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation ([click here](https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/ny2025-mnzm#fitterju)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/janice-molloy-of-the-southern-seabirds-trust-made-a-member-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit-for-services-to-wildlife-conservation.md) ## The annual albatross count is underway on Midway Atoll * * *![Annual count 2024 25 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Annual_count_2024-25_1.jpg)The 2024/25 count is underway behind this incubating Laysan Albatross* In an article entitled “Experiences of a Volunteer Bird Counter” Dan Rapp has written and posted his videos on the [website](https://friendsofmidway.org/experiences-of-a-volunteer-bird-counter-winter-2024-25-by-dan-rapp/) of the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge of the 2024/2025 count.  Dan’s edited text follows: “0n 9 December, bird counters arrived at Kuaihelani.Pihemanu.Midway Atoll as they do every year. They arrived after dark which greatly minimizes albatross disturbance and especially the likelihood their small plane does not strike any of the hundreds of thousands of seabirds in the height of the nesting season on the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.  This year their manual count will be compared and tested against the ability of a drone to document accurately the number of albatross nests throughout three islands within the Atoll.  A bird counter's time and energy working 48 hours a week for a month in December through mid-January contributes to one of the longest and most consistent monitoring seabird data sets in the world.  Precision and focus are critical, and one must have the physical stamina, agility and ability to walk on uneven ground without harming or disturbing nesting albatross or collapsing Nunulu or Bonin Petrel *Pterodroma hypoleuca* nests under a shifting sandy surface. * ![Annual count 2024 25 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Annual_count_2024-25_4.jpg) "The Bird Counters are headed to a sector on Eastern Island at daybreak on their daily sojourn to count albatross nests"* “Each burrow-shaped entrance or tunnel, that appears to run along the surface of the sand, is excavated by a nesting Bonin Petrel pair which makes its nest by digging a deep burrow that runs parallel to the surface before the burrow runs deeper to create a safe nest cavity.  The weight of one human foot can easily collapse one of these burrows unless so-called burrow shoes distribute a person's weight evenly.   The counter must also be constantly aware of where to carefully step next.  Often stepping next to the lower side of a burrow entrance is usually the safest bet for both birds and counters. *![Annual count 2024 25 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Annual_count_2024-25_3.jpg) "Near the fringing reef at Midway Atoll where Ka’upu (Black-footed Albatross) nest along side the Laysan Albatross"* “By general observation it appears there are more Mōlī (Laysan Albatross) this year than the past couple of years.  Time will tell when the cumulative daily numbers are tallied after counters finish walking in a methodical pattern step-by-step, click-by-click in their clumsy homemade shoes on each square foot of three islands within the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.” ![Annual count 2024 25 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Annual_count_2024-25_2.jpg)*Burrow shoes, also known as”clown shoes”, are  worn during the Annual Bird Count* In response to a query posted to the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) of the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge on using drone photography instead of counting by foot, a reply by an experienced Midway counter states “It has been tried.  Winter winds, bushes and trees, resting but not nesting birds, etc, all make for drone challenges.”  Collisions with flying albatrosses could also be an issue when flying drones in daylight hours, which could lead to mortalities, as has occurred in the past with daytime airplane flights in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/risks-from-airplanes-visiting-seabird-islands-three-black-footed-albatrosses-killed-by-one-take-off-on-tern-island-in-the-north-pacific?highlight=WyJ0ZXJuIiwidGVybnMiLCJibGFjay1mb290ZWQiLCJibGFjay1mb290cyIsImJsYWNrLWZvb3QiXQ==)).  Night-time landings are clearly safer for both the birds and the plane’s occupants! **![Midway Atoll s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Midway_Atoll%20s.jpg) A satellite view of Sand (left) and Eastern Islands in the Midway Atoll** The annual counts [commenced in 1992](https://acap.aq/latest-news/counting-moli-and-kaupu-on-midway-atoll-in-clown-shoes?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsImFubnVhbCIsImFubnVhbGx5IiwiJ2FubnVhbCIsImNvdW50IiwiY291bnRzIiwiY291bnRlZCIsImNvdW50aW5nIl0=), so the current count is the 34th. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-annual-albatross-count-is-underway-on-midway-atoll.md) ## ACAP-listed seabirds from Brazilian waters bioaccumulate potentially toxic elements *            ![1 s2.0 S0269749124023261 ga1 lrg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/1-s2.0-S0269749124023261-ga1_lrg.jpg) The publication’s graphical abstract* Guilherme dos Santos Lima ([Environmental Studies Center](https://www.international.unesp.br/), São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Environmental Pollution*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/environmental-pollution)on levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in seabirds from the south-western Atlantic Ocean, including Atlantic Yellow-nosed *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and Black-browed *T. melanophris*Albatrosses and Southern Giant *Macronectes giganteus* and White-chinned *Procellaria aequinoctialis*Petrels. *![Leigh Wolfaardt Southern Giant Petrel and chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Leigh_Wolfaardt_Southern_Giant_Petrel_and_chick.jpg) A Southern Giant Petrel guards its chick, artwork by Leigh Wolfaardt* The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds are particularly susceptible to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) due to the tendency of biomagnification of some elements, thus serving as potential bioindicators for assessing environmental health. In this study, we analyzed As, Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations in liver samples from nine seabird species (51 specimens) collected along the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Results revealed substantial variations in PTE concentrations among species, with taxonomic orders influencing accumulation patterns. The observed PTE concentrations in seabirds suggest potential trends in bioaccumulation, influenced by species-specific behaviors and diets. For instance, As ranged from 0.47 mg kg−1 in *Nannopterum brasilianus* to 70.25 mg kg−1 in *Thalassarche melanophris*, while Cd ranged from 0.01 mg kg−1 in *N. brasilianus* to 232.73 mg kg−1 in *Spheniscus magellanicus*. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) results identified body length and species as the main factors influencing PTE concentrations for most elements. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between Cd and Cu (ρ = 0.68), Cd and Zn (ρ = 0.67) and between Zn and Cu (ρ = 0.56), suggesting that seabirds with higher Cd levels also tend to have higher Cu and Zn concentrations. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated distinct PTE compositions among bird groups. Although significant variations in total concentrations of elements like Zn and Cu were observed among species, the relative contributions of each element to the overall load in the organism showed a convergence in proportions. This underscores the need for further research on homeostatic processes and the potential impacts of environmental PTEs on seabird health.” With thanks to Patricia Serafini. **Reference:** dos Santos Lima, G., Suarez, C.A., Gemeiner, H., Serafini, P.P., Alves de Deus, J.P., Viana, J.L.M. & Menegario, A.A. 2025.  Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in seabirds foraging across a heterogeneous landscape: cross-species bioaccumulation patterns[.  *Environmental Pollution*367. 125609](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749124023261?dgcid=coauthor). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-listed-seabirds-from-brazilian-waters-bioaccumulate-potentially-toxic-elements.md) ## First record of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross testing seropositive for the parasite Toxoplasma gondii [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/first-record-of-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-testing-seropositive-for-the-parasite-toxoplasma-gondii.md) ## Nearly a third of procellariiform seabird carcasses from the coasts of Argentina and Brazil contained plastic ![SCREEN1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/SCREEN1.PNG) Luciana Gallo ([Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos](https://ibiomar.conicet.gov.ar/), Puerto Madryn, Argentina) and colleagues have published in the *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)* on  ingested plastic levels in 192 procellariiform carcasses examined. from the south-western Atlantic Ocean.  Seven of the 17 species examined were ACAP-listed, including a single [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena,*  Among ACAP-listed species Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* (45) was the most abundant species examined, followed by Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* (36) and White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* (22). ![BBA rehab Tatiana Neves 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_rehab_Tatiana_Neves_4.jpg)*A juvenile Black-browed Albatross in Brazilian waters, photograph by Nilson Coelho* The paper’s abstract follows: “Ocean pollution by plastics is a growing concern for marine wildlife conservation, and seabirds are particularly prone to ingest plastics.  We report baseline information on plastic ingestion in 17 procellariiform species along the coast of Brazil and Argentina.  Through a collaborative regional effort we found plastic items in 30.2 % of seabird carcasses examined (*n* = k192), comprised predominantly by mesoplastics (5–25 mm), user plastics, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene.  Considering the most representative source--site cohorts, the frequency of occurrence of plastic items varied significantly between sampling site and source of carcasses.  Ingestion was highest in petrels and shearwaters.  Immature birds ingested the largest number (and total mass) of plastic items followed by chicks and adults.  Long-term programs applying standardized sampling protocols are needed to detect spatiotemporal patterns of plastic ingestion across species, and assess the potential effectiveness of remediation actions.  Further studies are necessary to assess currently unrecognized health effects of plastic ingestion.” ![Plastic procelariformes](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Plastic_procelariformes.jpg)*Plastic loads from studied birds* With thanks to Patricia Serafini. **Reference:** Gallo, L., Serafini, P.P., Vanstreels, R.E.T., Tamini, L.L., Kolesnikovas, C.K.M., Pereira, A., Neves, T., Nascimento, G.D., Rodriguez Pirani, L.S., Picone, A.L., Romano, R.M., Alvarez, , C.K., Chavez, L.N., Dellacasa, R.F. & Uhart, M.M. 2024,  High frequency of plastic ingestion in procellariiform seabirds (albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean.  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin 209(8) 117094](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X24010713)*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 January 2025*     [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/nearly-a-third-of-procellariiform-seabird-carcasses-from-the-coasts-of-argentina-and-brazil-contained-plastic.md) ## A White-capped Albatross gets a second chance after being blown ashore *![White capped Dunedin Wildlife Hospital 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White-capped_Dunedin_Wildlife_Hospital_2.jpg)The White-capped Albatross in captivity, photograph from Dunedin Wildlife Hospital* A [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-capped-albatross-thalassarche-steadi/text) White-capped Albatross *Thalassarche steadi* was successfully rehabilitated by the [Dunedin Wildlife Hospital](https://www.facebook.com/Dunedinwildlifehospital) and released at sea on 25 December last year., as reported on its Facebook page. *![White capped Dunedin Wildlife Hospital 13 Blair McIntyre](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/White-capped_Dunedin_Wildlife_Hospital_13_Blair_McIntyre.jpg) The albatross was found in the garden of a private residence; the torn web of the left foot is visible, photograph by Blair McIntyre* The hospital’s edited account follows: “Our vet team recently admitted a beautiful white capped mollymawk|Toroa to hospital after s/he got caught in some strong winds and ended up in someone’s backyard.  Thank you to [Bird Rescue Dunedin](https://www.facebook.com/BirdRescueDunedin?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUYGRjoPWG3pJfWKCSuD8LZGYJ9GrrP1Ew6Qx9DkxO6Grv9KRe4B3FJwymF5CfminGYSlUdRId4lajgjbeuLtnbXDDDpaNBHCu5vmgUlGBr02L4HD9zZPL7PqebzTVZMq11DpZmt_rV0W47aXnVMiAMZTVXcmeGVdf0HWEeVZc0qyayLIWnN5pkXMEJf-tBFFE&__tn__=-%5dK-R) for being the first responder to rescue this bird and get it to hospital so our expert vet team could check it out.” *![White capped Dunedin Wildlife Hospital 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/White-capped_Dunedin_Wildlife_Hospital_4.jpg) The torn web gets stitched under anaesthetic,**photograph from Dunedin Wildlife Hospital* “Albatross[es] need plenty of room so they can have a runway to take off so this [bird] definitely needed a helping hand.  He was brought to hospital for a check -up as crash landing can result in internal injuries and of course, albatross[es] are also prone to ingesting plastic waste which can cause major health issues so it is always good to check inside their stomach whenever the opportunity arises. *![White capped Dunedin Wildlife Hospital 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/White-capped_Dunedin_Wildlife_Hospital_9.jpg) Released at sea from the tourist vessel*Sootychaser*in Dunedin’s Otago Harbour.  After preening it took to flight, photograph from Port to Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours* Luckily there were no serious injuries, just torn webbing in one foot and some wounded pride.  Blood tests and X-rays indicated all was otherwise well so after some nifty plastic surgery to repair the “paddle” on his foot he was discharged from hospital and released back into the wild.  Thanks to [Port to Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours](https://www.facebook.com/porttoportcruises?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUYGRjoPWG3pJfWKCSuD8LZGYJ9GrrP1Ew6Qx9DkxO6Grv9KRe4B3FJwymF5CfminGYSlUdRId4lajgjbeuLtnbXDDDpaNBHCu5vmgUlGBr02L4HD9zZPL7PqebzTVZMq11DpZmt_rV0W47aXnVMiAMZTVXcmeGVdf0HWEeVZc0qyayLIWnN5pkXMEJf-tBFFE&__tn__=-%5dK-R) for giving our special patient a lift back home.  Awesome outcome for this stunning bird.” ![White capped Dunedin Wildlife Hospital 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/White-capped_Dunedin_Wildlife_Hospital_3.jpg)*Close-up of the White-capped Albatross in captivity, photograph from Dunedin Wildlife Hospital* Read about a White-capped Albatross blown ashore onto Wellington Airport [here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/a-white-capped-albatross-make-an-unscheduled-landing-at-wellington-international-airport?highlight=WyJ3ZWxsaW5ndG9uIiwid2VsbGluZ3RvbidzIiwiYWlycG9ydCIsImFpcnBvcnRzIl0=) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-white-capped-albatross-gets-a-second-chance-after-being-blown-ashore.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. New Zealand has ambitious plans to rid three inhabited islands of their introduced predators *![predator free map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/predator-free_map.jpg) The yellow north-eastern section is the first target of Predator Free Chathams* I have visited Aotearoa New Zealand on seven occasions between 1988 and 2017 from my home in South Africa to attend conferences, workshops and ACAP meetings, and once on sabbatical.  On these trips I have arranged things to find the time to visit no less than 11 of New Zealand’s offshore and sub-Antarctic islands to view seabird colonies and to gain first-hand experience of restoration efforts to remove introduced predators.  In a truly ambitious effort, [Predator Free 2050](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/predator-free-2050/), aims to achieve the New Zealand Government’s goal of eradicating Common Brushtail Possums *Trichosurus vulpecula*, mustelids (Stoats *Mustela erminea*, Ferrets *M. furo* and Weasels *M. nivalis*) and rats (Norway *Rattus norvegicus*, Black or Ship *R. rattus* and Kiore or Polynesian *R. exulans*) by 2050 across the whole country.   Feral cats *Felis catus* are not a target species.  Predator Free 2050 has led to the establishment of many local environmental trusts (with some including feral cats as targets) and the development of innovative trapping equipment and methods, In this ACAP Monthly Missive I highlight activities or plans by trusts to rid three of New Zeaaland’s largest offshore islands, all inhabited, of their introduced predators.  Two of them, Great Barrier and Stewart, I have visited, the third, the Chatham Islands, I have not (but of course would like to). **Great Barrier Island** *![Black Petrels Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrels_Biz_Bell.jpg) A Black Petrel pair in the monitoring colony**on Hirakimatā or**Mount Hobson, Great Barrier Island, photograph by ‘Biz’ Bell* Following my attendance at the 10th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC10](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac10)), held in Wellington September 2017, I flew to Auckland and then by small plane to Great Barrier Island (Aotea) on the edge of the Hauraki Gulf.  Once there I hiked the three-day [Aotea Track](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/great-barrier-island-aotea/things-to-do/tracks/aotea-track/) staying overnight in Department of Conservation field huts to visit the main breeding site of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni/summary) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* on [Mount Hobson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hobson_(Great_Barrier_Island)) (Hirakimatā).  Unfortunately, my visit was outside the summer breeding season, but I took note of the many numbered burrows among the tree roots and the traps set for introduced predators on the upper slopes of Mount Hobson, the island’s highest peak. *![Mount Hobson George Hobson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Mount_Hobson_George_Hobson.jpg)  A view of 627-m Mount Hobson from the Aotea Track, home of the ACAP-listed Black Petrel* Great Barrier Island is fortunately free of free of Possums, Stoats, Weasels and Norway Rats (and European Hedgehogs *Erinaceus europaeus*, feral goats and deer).  It does support feral cats, feral pigs (of which I saw evidence of their rooting), Black Rats, Kiore and House Mice *Mus musculus*.  My host before and after the hike told me he regularly put out food for two feral cats that visited his kitchen door – and did not seem to be that concerned of their likely depredations of the island’s native fauna. *![Great Barrier Island trust](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Great_Barrier_Island_trust.avif) Great Barrier Island inhabitants now support eradicating the island’s introduced predators, photograph from**Tū Mai Taonga* However, it seems things have changed in the seven years since my visit with the attitudes of the *c*. 1000 inhabitants ([click here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKYJCCo5MBA) for a video).  The [Aotea Great Barrier Island Environmental Trust](https://www.gbiet.org/) and the [Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Trust](https://ngatirehua.com/) with support from the Department of Conservation as part of the Predator Free 2050 project are working via a large-scale project called [Tū Mai Taonga](https://www.tumaitaonga.nz/) towards eradicating feral cats and rats from the 28 000-ha Island, to allow the return of native birds that have become locally extinct (click here for a 2022 [project report](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13i__E-Lfl_fd3QbLFU1rC0VOo5wukvyJ/view)).  I would love to hike the Aotea Track again after the cats and rats have gone; but unrealistic really, as I head towards my ninth decade. **Stewart and Ulva Islands** *![ulva island 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/ulva_island_2023.jpg)  Ulva Island from the air* In February 2010 I attended a conference on [Island Invasives: Eradication and Management](https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/10038), held at the University of Auckland.  Once the meeting was over, I flew to Invercargill at the bottom of South Island and then took the ferry across the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island (Rakiura), New Zealand’s third largest island at 174 600 ha.  My purpose was to visit [Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/ulva-island-te-wharawhara/things-to-do/ulva-island-walking-tracks/), a Department of Conservation open sanctuary that is part of the [Rakiura National Park](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/stewart-island-rakiura/rakiura-national-park/).  Although Ulva does not support breeding seabirds I wanted to visit an island that had been cleared of its Norway Rats, as it was in 1997.  As well as appreciating the resurgent bird song, and an inquisitive  [Stewart Island Weka](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/weka) *Gallirallus australis scotti* that run up after my sandwiches (I did not feed it), I noticed the many rodent traps spaced around the island, kept ready in case of reinvasions (Ulva is only 780 m off Stewart Island, well within the reach of swimming Norway Rats). *![Stewart Island weka](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Stewart_Island_weka.jpg) After my lunch!  A Stewart Island Weka, photograph from Wikimedia Commons* Incursions of Ulva by rodents have occurred at least 20 times.  In August 2023 following signs of rats, the rodenticide brodifacoum was aerially dispersed over the island’s 267 hectares.  A previous aerial bait drop occurred in August 2011 in response to a December 2010 rat incursion when a breeding population became established.  The island was [declared rodent free](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/ulva-island-rodent-free-once-more/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHdsElleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcnLur7DoEgQ9nPV7z0ATJjRaq7Jv6qI4_VNDvqPyeNIqwPlekZJwfdNeg_aem_zauyp7GWMC92Qj-ac297Zg) in March 2024 after a [dead rat was found in a trap in February](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/rat-caught-on-ulva-island-incursion-response-in-place/) and a month-long incursion response with detection dogs, trapping and trail cameras.  The island is co-managed with Department of Conservation by the [Ulva Island Charitable Trust](https://www.ulvaisland.org/), which funds an annual bird survey.*“Tiakina Te Wharawhara” - a guide to protecting Ulva Island produced by children of Stewart Island's Halfmoon Bay School in 2020* Keeping Ulva Island rodent free will continue to be a challenge as long as rats are present on Stewart Island.  The Rakiura Community & Environment Trust ([SIRCET](https://www.sircet.org.nz/)) was founded in 2002 to promote projects that benefit the Stewart Island/Rakiura community and its environment.  Its focus is predominantly ecological restoration through control of pests and weeds and planting.  The [Predator Free Rakiura](https://www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz/) trust, according to its website, will tackle predator removal in stages, with each step informing the design of the next.  The first stage is expected to begin in 2025 with a 10 000-ha block at the southern end of the island where the aim will be to remove Possums, feral cats, rats and Hedgehogs.  Stoats, Weasels, Ferrets, House Mice, pigs and goats are not present on Rakiura.  Deer and domestic pet cats are not targets for removal. Although I did not see any procellariiform seabirds ashore on my short visit to Stewart Island, removing Rakiura’s alien predators will surely help its land birds, as it has on Ulva. **Chatham Islands** *![Chatham Chick last five 2016](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Chatham_Chick_last_five_2016.jpg) Chatham Albatross chicks on their plastic bucket nests at the Point Gap translocation site; the birds with yellow bills are adult decoys. Photograph from the**Chatham Island Taiko Trust* [Predator Free Chathams](https://www.chathamrestorationtrust.org.nz/predator-free/) is a community-driven conservation project that aims to eliminate five tintroduced predators (Possums, three species of rats. and feral cats) from the main Chatham Island (71 947 ha), also known as Rēkohu (Moriori) and Wharekauri (te reo Māori).  The project is commencing in the 7621-ha north-east (the yellow area on the above map) with the establishment of a trapping network.  The project notes that “In the Chatham Islands we’re lucky not have some of the other introduced pests that are causing havoc on mainland New Zealand.  For example, mustelids like ferrets, stoats and weasels were never introduced here.  We also don’t have non-predator introduced species like deer and rabbits, which also damage native ecosystems.”  The introduced feral pigs are stated as not being a target for Predator Free Chathams. Procellariiform seabirds that breed on the main Chatham Island and would thus benefit from the actions of Predator Free Chathams include the rare and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/magenta-petrel-pterodroma-magentae/summary) Magenta Petrel or [Taiko](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/chatham-island-taiko/) *Pterodroma magentae*, the conservation target of the [Chatham Taiko Trust](https://www.taiko.org.nz/).  In 2006 the Trust built an 800-m predator proof fence protecting 2.4 ha of forest to create a secure breeding site for Taiko.  Known as Sweetwater, it is now occupied by a small but growing population of the petrel.   The[Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-islands-petrel-pterodroma-axillaris/text) Chatham Islands Petrel *P.**axillarish* also breeds on the main island within the Sweetwater Conservation Covenant.  It also breeds on nearby [Pitt Island](http://www.acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-96-a-single-pair-of-antipodean-albatrosses-breeds-on-new-zealand-s-pitt-island) (Rangiaotea). *![David Crockett Magenta Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/David_Crockett_Magenta_Petrel.jpg) The late*[*David Crockett*](http://www.acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-david-crockett-1937-2023-discoverer-of-the-chatham-island-taiko?highlight=WyJjcm9ja2V0dCJd)*who rediscovered the Magenta Petrel, then thought to be extinct (and whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a 1982 conference)* An [attempt](https://acap.aq/latest-news/fifth-and-last-season-of-translocated-chatham-albatrosses-successfully-completed-as-last-hand-reared-chick-fledges?highlight=WyJwb2ludCIsInBvaW50cyIsInBvaW50ZWQiLCJwb2ludGUiLCJwb2ludGluZyIsInBvaW50J3MiLCJnYXAiLCJnYXBzIiwiJ2dhcCJd) was made to create a new colony of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita) Chatham Albatrosses *Thal assarche eremita* on Main Chatham by translocating nearly 300 chicks over five years over  2014 to 2018 from the species’ sole breeding locality on the [Pyramid](http://www.acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-9-the-pyramid-chatham-islands-new-zealand) to a protected site at Point Gap.  So far, it appears to have been unsuccessful, given the lack of reports of any juveniles returning to the site following their fledging from it. I remain inspired with what New Zealand is trying to do.  It is a part pf the world I have grown to appreciate; I wish it well, and the best of luck, as it works towards becoming a predator-free country. I am grateful to Nigel and Claudia Adams, Biz Bell, Lloyd Davis, Paul Dingwall, Chris Gaskin, David Hemmings, Peter McClelland, Chris Robertson, Dick Veitch and Susan Waugh who facilitated my visits to seabird colonies and islands by variously providing advice, accommodation, transport and guidance during my visits to New Zealand.  Apologies to anyone left out due to a fading memory. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-new-zealand-has-ambitious-plans-to-rid-three-inhabited-islands-of-their-introduced-predators.md) ## ACAP-listed albatrosses will be featured at a seabird conference in Costa Rica next month ![PSG Watebirds Annuial Meeting 2025 logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/PSG_Watebirds_Annuial_Meeting_2025_logo.jpg)The [Pacific Seabird Group](https://www.facebook.com/PacificSeabirdGroup?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUtHFbHtkzZEtIPWTlcffSc_mRZwonxcyFGW8IOvln1fiMaACe3_Ioc9-4pG-Bz3Em3w0vFJPxjlxM35G_Y1pUWLPazs8Go31XhhIedY0Cfom4Bw3DGFSjaC3s5vFD8cf338FWt_p_j8tGjj88r0HYuGlTIJMyDLB7Kwm1P7lDQvy0lbl3x9T8neaWWASim9RezdL_mxe6ROMK3K5nIfsWCJqEGIg9cC4Xi5K_3h31CEPY0mqYtqeNjkqaYbTAqgpU&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) and the [Waterbird Society](https://www.facebook.com/waterbirdsociety?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUtHFbHtkzZEtIPWTlcffSc_mRZwonxcyFGW8IOvln1fiMaACe3_Ioc9-4pG-Bz3Em3w0vFJPxjlxM35G_Y1pUWLPazs8Go31XhhIedY0Cfom4Bw3DGFSjaC3s5vFD8cf338FWt_p_j8tGjj88r0HYuGlTIJMyDLB7Kwm1P7lDQvy0lbl3x9T8neaWWASim9RezdL_mxe6ROMK3K5nIfsWCJqEGIg9cC4Xi5K_3h31CEPY0mqYtqeNjkqaYbTAqgpU&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) will hold a Joint Meeting from 6-9 January 2025 in San Jose, Costa Rica.  The combined meeting represents the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group and the 48th Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society. Detailed information on the meeting, including lists by title of oral and poster presentations is now available [online](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Scientific-Program). Oral papers to be presented include a number on procellariiform seabirds; those on ACAP-listed species as identified by title follow: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN BREEDING PROCELLARIFORMS AND INDUSTRIAL FISHERIES: LAYSAN ALBATROSS AND BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER IN THE NORTHERN MEXICAN PACIFIC Gemma Abaunza, Yuri Vladimir Albores-Barajas, Cecilia Soldatin SPATIAL SEGREGATION AND BYCATCH RISK: A CASE STUDY OF BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES IN THE NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC Haruka Hayashi, Bungo Nishizawa, NaokiTomita, Daisuke Shiode, Daisuke Ochi QUANTIFYING IMPACTS OF SEABIRD BYCATCH USING GENETIC ASSIGNMENT: A CASE STUDY OF BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS IN U.S. FISHERIES Jessie Beck, Diana Baetscher, Claire Tobin, Scott Edwards, Simon Wa Sin, Shannon Fitzgerald, Vanessa Tuttle, John Peschon,j Wesley Larson *![Laysan Lenina Villela](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Laysan_Lenina_Villela.jpg) Laysan Albatross, artwork by Lenina**Villela of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature**for the inaugural World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020* A total of 79 posters will be displayed.  Two have ACAP-listed Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* as their subject; several others cover gadfly petrels, shearwaters and storm petrels. SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL ATTRACTION OF LAYSAN ALBATROSS TO JAMES CAMPBELL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ON OʻAHU, HAWAIʻI Lauren Pederson, Eric VanderWerf, Robby Kohley, Erika Dittmar, Leilani Fowlke, Kelly Goodale EVALUATING REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATERS AND LAYSAN ALBATROSS AT KILAUEA POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE POST FENCE CONSTRUCTION David Hanna, Dylan Blanchard, Lauren Pederson, Yuka Green, Louise Barnfield, Eric VanderWerf, Lindsay Young, Heather Abbey, Bryn Webber View abstracts for the above and for the  other presentations [here](https://cdn.wildapricot.com/422577/resources/Documents/WBS%20PSG%202025/2025%20Abstract%20Book%2020241223.pdf?version=1734996444000&Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOiBbeyJSZXNvdXJjZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY2RuLndpbGRhcHJpY290LmNvbS80MjI1NzcvcmVzb3VyY2VzL0RvY3VtZW50cy9XQlMlMjBQU0clMjAyMDI1LzIwMjUlMjBBYnN0cmFjdCUyMEJvb2slMjAyMDI0MTIyMy5wZGY~dmVyc2lvbj0xNzM0OTk2NDQ0MDAwIiwiQ29uZGl0aW9uIjp7IkRhdGVMZXNzVGhhbiI6eyJBV1M6RXBvY2hUaW1lIjoxNzM1NjQ0OTkwfSwiSXBBZGRyZXNzIjp7IkFXUzpTb3VyY2VJcCI6IjAuMC4wLjAvMCJ9fX1dfQ__&Signature=AL-dR180n33jr7~i2fL9AcHZ2pTm7ajZoq9VJErv9l-ggzTpNGEN0Qhop8Rqx81RAhOnv0deT7nZKIV7k0MANOpmIIuRhqI9F51nblY-s9aFuZEYMxETpGaU8ke2XO5Ru03CCFGkWLgWkeB7YBjihzemhBnrin3aOxDCMRlbmTwFpWvee~bNEq3ElX8ZMEwPun55lC~gxu9~1gsQonRCn52I5WQtVVsYpKZdRZhypi7Kd-TR~SBaHSNXLL-XSZjpHZNvAZDdvM-G7YV-jToT8Zm2C3VfxmJjH5WkFXhnESncbLGKyjeWgOwxzxJRI6mNadtL90EjiidK0zwgI9CB1g__&Key-Pair-Id=K27MGQSHTHAGGF). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-listed-albatrosses-will-be-featured-at-a-seabird-conference-in-costa-rica-next-month.md) ## The Oceania Seabird Symposium will now be held in Auckland, New Zealand in April 2025 *![Oceania seabirds conference 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Oceania_seabirds_conference_2025.jpg) * The [University of Auckland](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.html), Aotearoa New Zealand is now the venue for the [Oceania Seabird Symposium](https://oceaniaseabirds2025.com/) in 2025.  *Oceania Seabirds* will bring the attention of the international and Oceania community to the importance of seabirds within the world’s largest body of water, the Pacific Ocean The symposium  mission is to: - Connect government policy makers, seabird conservation practitioners and scientists, land managers and communities from all Pacific Island countries and territories working with seabirds. - To increase our collective understanding of the value of seabirds to Pacific economies and communities including cultural values. - Highlight conservation and scientific initiatives currently underway or planned, to the benefit of region’s seabirds, their islands, and the seas where they occur and to the people of Oceania. - Provide hands-on training and networking for increasing capacity for monitoring and managing Pacific seabird populations at community and national levels. **![Bullers Shearwater off North Cape NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Bullers-Shearwater-off-North-Cape-NZ-Kirk-Zufelt.jpg)* A [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-shearwater-ardenna-bulleri/refs) Buller's Shearwater*Ardenna bulleri*off Mercury Islands, New Zealand, a target for a symposium field trip, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Six [workshops](https://oceaniaseabirds2025.com/workshops/) are planned, to be led by international experts. Two [f](https://oceaniaseabirds2025.com/workshops/)[ield trips](https://oceaniaseabirds2025.com/108-2/)  are to be held on 17 April.  The call for abstracts is now open with a deadline of 28 February 2025.  Most unusually, there is no registration fee! The symposium was originally planned to be held in New Caledonia in September this year (click here). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-oceania-seabird-symposium-will-now-be-held-in-auckland-new-zealand-in-april-2025.md) ## “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”. Short-tailed Albatrosses visit Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands *![Kure Atoll Short tailed Albatross December 2024 Isabelle Beaudoin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Kure_Atoll_Short-tailed_Albatross_December_2024_Isabelle_Beaudoin.jpg)An**adult Short-tailed Albatross “rain nibbles” on Kure Atoll, 21 December 2024, photograph by**Isabelle Beaudoin* [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) is not the only USA island in the North Pacific Ocean that might in time harbour a colony of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus/details) Short-Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus*, as recently [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/five-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-start-of-a-colony) in *ACAP Latest News*.  Eighty-nine kilometres to the west within the Northwestern Hawaiian Island chain lies [Kure Atoll](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses), which has also been getting visits by Makalena (the Hawaiian name for the bird) in the last couple of months. Isabelle Beaudoin of [Peaks to Petrels Photography](https://www.instagram.com/peakstopetrelsphotography/) who is currently a volunteer on the island for the  [Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://kureatollconservancy.org/) writes of the above photograph: This is probably my favourite photograph that I've ever taken.  I currently live in the middle of a colony of 30 000+ pairs of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses.  Since these guys can turn up whenever, wherever, there is a certain degree of luck (and sharp observation) involved in spotting [a Short-tailed Albatross]. They are visitors to the atoll, and currently do not breed here.  At first, I was disappointed when it started to rain as I watched this magnificent bird.  The flat light wasn't very exciting.  But then I saw it as an opportunity, and quickly set my settings to capture the rain drops in the air, along with the Laysans in the background whilst still keeping the Short-tailed Albatross as the focus, and also trying to capture its great size to compare to the other birds.  Then, just as the sun peeked ever so slightly from behind the clouds, the albatross began engaging in one of my favourite behaviours to watch - what I've dubbed 'rain nibbling'.  This is when they 'nibble' the rain gently straight out of the air to drink it.  Watching this majestic individual, who is likely much older than me, behaving like this in such a setting was really one of the highlights of my season on Kure Atoll so far” [edited]. *![Screenshot 2024 12 23 at 10 20 56 Instagram](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Screenshot_2024-12-23_at_10-20-56_Instagram.png) The adult Short-tailed Albatross on Kure Atoll, 21 December 2024; much larger than the Laysan Albatrosses behind it, photograph by**Isabelle Beaudoin* The Kure Atoll Conservancy reports on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DD21q9CTkQs/) that the adult bird is the third Short-tailed Albatross seen this season, having seen one sub-adult last month and another one earlier in December.  “The sub-adults were both observed only in the Black-foot-Laysan heavy areas, both trying to interact/dance with Black-footed Albatrosses.  The adult however was in a Laysan Albatross heavy area, but showed no interest in the other birds”. Although no Short-tailed Albatrosses currently breed on Hōlanikū {Hawaiian name for Kure Atoll], a female-female pair laid infertile eggs over 2010 to 2018; the placement of decoys in the island earlier this year could help the establishment of breeding once more, hopefully with the laying of fertile eggs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/short-tailed-albatross-decoys-get-ready-to-be-shipped-out-to-kure-atoll-but-a-real-one-has-already-shown-up?highlight=WyJrdXJlIiwia3VyZSdzIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbGVkIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbCIsInNob3J0LXRhaWxzIl0=)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 December 2024* "[Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raindrops_Keep_Fallin%27_on_My_Head)" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1969 film [Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butch_Cassidy_and_the_Sundance_Kid). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/raindrops-keep-fallin-on-my-head-short-tailed-albatrosses-visit-kure-atoll-in-the-northwestern-hawaiian-islands.md) ## The remains of a giant petrel are found on a Turkey shore  ![2024FloodEminGiantPetrel Turkey](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/2024FloodEminGiantPetrel_Turkey.png) Robert Flood ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, South Africa) & Emin Yoğurtcuoğlu have published in the journal *[Dutch Birding](https://www.dutchbirding.nl/)* on the remains of a beach-cast giant petrel *Macronectes* sp. found and photographed in Turkey in 2013. “The bird at Cevlik represents the first record of a giant petrel for Türkiye and the Middle East and the fourth for the Western Palearctic.  How the bird arrived at Cevlik shoreline will remain unknown; it may have arrived on the shore alive and then died, it may have died at sea and been washed up on the shore or it may have been transported by a ship into the eastern Mediterranean and thrown or washed overboard and then washed up on the shore.  Bill colouration and bill measurements indicate probable female Northern Giant Petrel [*M. halli*].” **Reference:** Flood, R. L. & Yoğurtcuoğlu, E. 2024.  Beach-cast giant petrel found at Cevlik, Türkiye, in November 2013.  [*Dutch Birding* 46: 384-387](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387268455_Beach-cast_giant_petrel_found_at_Cevlik_Turkiye_in_November_2013?fbclid=IwY2xjawHZrdNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbl2edAxbUlSCCRtJnK3FmV5_ELz3LKOSyw4AgVHdzMGr-k4bDV8XVzfUw_aem_cBmbfIHLbklEYgRm6n-pkA). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-remains-of-a-giant-petrel-are-found-on-a-turkey-shore.md) ## Five Short-tailed Albatrosses on Midway Atoll: start of a colony? *![Forest Bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Forest_Bird.jpg) “Forest Bird”, a sub-adult Short-tailed Albatross on Sand Island, Midway Atoll, photograph by**Nikki Prescott* The solitary pair of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus/details) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* that breeds on the Midway Atoll’s Sand Island in the North Western Hawaiian Islands are well known.  Affectionally named George and Geraldine, they have fledged [five chicks](https://acap.aq/latest-news/short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-have-fledged-their-fifth-chick-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=) out of six annual breeding attempts since 2018/19.  No chick was produced in the 2021/22 breeding season as the egg did not hatch.  They are now incubating their [seventh egg](https://acap.aq/latest-news/george-and-geraldine-are-back?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=) together. ![George incubating Dec 2024 Jon Plissner 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/George_incubating_Dec_2024_Jon_Plissner_2.jpg)*George incubates the 2024/25 egg, December 2024, photogroph by Jon Plissner* George, the male of the pair, a bird in adult plumage, has been visiting Midway Atoll since November 2006 (when he was known as “Lonesome George”).  He hatched from the colony on Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/en/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=) in 2003 and was banded there as a chick.  Geraldine is still in sub-adult plumage and is thought to be an individual that was banded on Torishima in April 2008.  She was first observed on Midway in early 2012.  The two birds were first seen together on the island in late 2016 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-fledge-the-first-documented-chick-from-midway-atoll-s-sand-island)). *![Two juvenilles](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Two_juvenilles.jpg) Two offspring of George and Geraldine meet up on Midway Atoll, photograph by Jon Plissner* On 26 November, two of George and Geraldine’s colour-banded fledglings were photographed close together back on the island as juveniles “within a few feet from Geraldine, their mother” who was then incubating.  The oldest (from the pair’s 2019/20 breeding season) has previously been seen on Midway, the younger (2020/21 breeding season) was seen for the first time.  In April 2024 the 2022/23 fledgling was seen back on the island, [displaying](https://acap.aq/latest-news/keeping-it-in-the-family-george-and-geraldines-latest-chick-gets-its-bands-while-older-sibling-short-tailed-albatrosses-dance-together-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=) with the 2019/20 bird. A fifth banded Short-tailed Albatross, a sub-adult of the same Torishima cohort as Geraldine, is known as “Forest Bird” and resides elsewhere on the island, “alone a mile away from his own kind”. The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZX5PEW3NI1mn5xf-TA_LkuzBIvHQbRlNvxFTJIa2XiVkb5NQP-2nVDjGE0Oaof6a4h0ydKHArlOLNgi4wbSnDdDWkNMcgEAVj8TjJEPZ9NpBDTyf0z91KNbKxDyaoI90G278OXG4tbMMVhh0cUsxpjNLuReqTSik5QLAw5__x4VXG8zGI2YmRCVgshkWftPziQOU4ZjdbMWW-YJA7arPvM1&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) writes on its Facebook page: “What would improve the chances of Midway hosting a colony of Makalena [Hawaiian name for the Short-tailed Albatross] is if the so-called Forest Bird  … flew on over to the other side of the island.  If you have some creative ideas, please do share”  Perhaps offer Forest Bird a lift in a golf buggy? Previously, a different pair of Short-tailed Albatrosses bred successfully three times in four years on the atoll’s Eastern Island, the last time in 2013/2014.  In November 2014 the male of the pair was found [dead](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-end-of-breeding-by-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJzaG9ydC10YWlsZWQiLCJzaG9ydC10YWlsIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbHMiLCJhbGJhdHJvc3MiLCJhbGJhdHJvc3NlcyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcydzIiwiJ2FsYmF0cm9zcyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcyciLCJhbGJhdHJvc3NlcyciLCInYWxiYXRyb3NzJyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3NlcyIsImVhc3Rlcm4iLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwiZGVhZCIsImRlYWRseSJd) on the island. Information from the Facebook page of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZX5PEW3NI1mn5xf-TA_LkuzBIvHQbRlNvxFTJIa2XiVkb5NQP-2nVDjGE0Oaof6a4h0ydKHArlOLNgi4wbSnDdDWkNMcgEAVj8TjJEPZ9NpBDTyf0z91KNbKxDyaoI90G278OXG4tbMMVhh0cUsxpjNLuReqTSik5QLAw5__x4VXG8zGI2YmRCVgshkWftPziQOU4ZjdbMWW-YJA7arPvM1&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/five-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-start-of-a-colony.md) ## Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses populations are growing on the Hawaiian island of Oahu following active conservation efforts *![Kaena Point Laysans Dec 2022 PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kaena_Point_Laysans_Dec_2022_PRC.jpg) Safe behind a fence and from sea level rise: a Laysan Albatross pair in the**[Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/kaena/Kaena_pt_brochure.pdf) in December 2022**, photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* Lindsay Young ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Pacific Science](https://bioone.org/journals/pacific-science)* giving population details collected from 2004 to 2023 for Laysan *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed *P. nigripes* Albatrosses on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The paper’s abstract follows: “Laysan Albatross (*Phoebastria immutabilis*) fledged the first chick on the island of O‘ahu in 1947, but did not begin regularly breeding until 1992, followed by Black-footed Albatross (*P. nigripes*) who [*sic*] began breeding in 2022.  Laysan Albatross have attempted to breed at nine locations on O‘ahu since 1979 and have established colonies at four sites: Ka‘ena Point, Kuaokala, Kahuku Point, and James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge.  We monitored Laysan Albatross colonies on O‘ahu weekly from 2004 to 2023; all individuals were censused, banded, and identified to gender.   There was a population of 875 adults on O‘ahu in 2023, 490 of which were active breeders. The annual growth rate up to 2015 was 26%, but the growth rate slowed to 20% after human vandalism in 2015 that resulted in the destruction of 17 nests and at least 17 adults.  The advent of predator exclusion fencing at Ka‘ena Point (2011) and Kuaokala (2021) resulted in increased reproductive success (from 0.37 to 0.43) driven by a 25% increase in chick fledging success (from 0.60 before fencing to 0.80 after) which resulted in an estimated additional 69 chicks fledging compared to if the fence had not been constructed.  Black-footed Albatross visits increased to O‘ahu from 3 in 2017 to 317 in 2023, coinciding with the disappearance of East Island in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument which displaced 2,000 breeding pairs.  These new colonies are at higher elevations and will continue to serve as refugia against sea level rise and as such, are conservation priorities. **Reference:** Young, L.C., VanderWerf, E.S., Dittmar, E.M., Kohley, R., Goodale, K., Plentovich, S.M. & MacPherson, L. 2024.  Status of Laysan and Black-Footed Albatrosses on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.  [*Pacific Science* 78: 103-117](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384711087_Status_of_Laysan_and_Black-Footed_Albatrosses_on_O'ahu_Hawai'i). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/laysan-and-black-footed-albatrosses-populations-are-growing-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-oahu-following-active-conservation-efforts.md) ## ACAP releases infographic poster on Avian Flu safety for fishers at sea ![ACAP_Avian_flu_alert_for_fishers_poster.png](https://acap.aq/images/ACAP_Avian_flu_alert_for_fishers_poster.png) The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) has released a new infographic poster designed to help fishers minimise the risk of spreading High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5Nx when operating at sea. The poster provides practical advice to reduce the chances of avian flu transmission, safeguarding both seabirds and human health. ACAP’s infographic outlines key precautions fishers can take onboard, including: - **Using protective gear when handling accidental birds onboard vessels** - **Reporting suspected cases to local authorities** - **Properly disposing of waste and maintaining hygiene onboard** - **Implementing bycatch mitigation measures to reduce the chances of seabirds being caught during fishing operations and hauled on deck** The infographic poster emphasises simple, actionable steps and uses illustrations to ensure the message is clear and accessible to fishers worldwide. The poster is currently available in English, with French and Spanish versions planned for release early next year. Fishers and fisheries organisations are encouraged to download, print, and display the poster onboard vessels. For more information and to download the infographic, visit the ACAP [Avian Flu page](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu). *20 December 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-infographic-poster-on-avian-flu-safety-for-fishers-at-sea.md) ## UPDATE. Laysan Albatross eggs get swapped once more on Kauai *![December 2o24](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/December_2o24.jpg) A Laysan Albatross incubates within the**Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge**in the current 2024/25 breeding season, photograph from the**Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges* **UPDATE:**  The final total for the 2024/25 breeding season was 44 fertile Laysan Albatross eggs given.to birds elsewhere on Kauai that had infertile eggs for a translocation programme that commenced in 2005, according to Brooke Mcfarland, Natural Resources Manager, Pacific Missile Range Facility. As of 12 December, 27 fertile Laysan Albatross or Mōlī *Phoebastria immutabilis* eggs from occupied nests in the [Pacific Missile Range Facility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility) had been successfully swapped with infertile eggs (often laid by female-female pairs) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.  "The Pacific Missile Range Facility on the west side of Kauai [is] where nesting is dangerous for aircraft and albatross.  Eggs there are confiscated, put into an incubator, candled for fertility and adopted out.  Placed on both federal and private lands, the project means more than two dozen additional chicks may fledge from the island in the current breeding season”. Information from the Facbook page of [Hob Osterlund.](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund)  Watch a video of candling an egg in the field to test for viability [here](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/1113317263618062). Egg swaps have been a regular activity on Kauai for some years ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/safe-from-sea-level-rise-and-predators-laysan-albatrosses-on-kaui-and-oahu-lay-record-egg-numbers?highlight=WyJrYXVhaSIsImthdWFpJ3MiLCJzd2FwIiwic3dhcHBlZCJd)). ![Kilauea Point Jan 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kilauea_Point_Jan_2025.jpg)*A Laysan Albatross pair inspects their egg within the**Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge**in the current 2024/25 breeding season, photograph from the Kilauea Point Wildlife Reserve* Within the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/Kilauea-Point-National-Wildlife-Refuge-103130789726921/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVYLz4W8IujiirbDLvQs1S57QeCippfeMgDO32zytnKzFcemElbxlnioCd01JLoQSaTb7TUQro8XX2mcTMpFomjM5Fmp7E-H7iICQgfpp_f-F_7-OmtbDfN044qVwNPGd9XwJG18OaK1W4Hb3XY0OFKk9AvADOYFcd0kYa-CXxlaGw52ljMQ6xo03p6J2Pb0IGsbo-I6HB22AD0Op3ErXgo6VZGLkXLO3JgQjrUUjXIJx8XiGt0A77ieeAkcAPYR99wQaWDiWWZ1in36eacnUNz&__tn__=kC%2CP-y-R) on Kauai, the Facebook page of the Friends of the Kaua'i National Wildlife Refuges [reports](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai) that 151 Laysan Albatross occupied nests have been counted  within two breeding colonies.  These birds now breed behind [predator-proof fencing](https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-08/pacifics-largest-predator-exclusion-fence).  In the previous (2023/24) breeding season the 158 eggs counted constituted  a record number ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/safe-from-sea-level-rise-and-predators-laysan-albatrosses-on-kaui-and-oahu-lay-record-egg-numbers?highlight=WyJrYXVhaSIsImthdWFpJ3MiLCJzd2FwIiwic3dhcHBlZCJd)). A more recent total is given as 153,  An [article](https://www.safinacenter.org/blog/bumper-crop-otross-kauai-albatross-nest-count-up-for-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawHrs_lleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeiuR4aFGFpkmEmZaIYSx8TGoJ3H-mVytn6RAvT7NATErDC2tuzUEb0RPg_aem_SnUdqU5FAkl14cIv5obSgA) by Hob Osterlund adds "We have an estimated 388 nests [for Kauai], a first-place photo finish with [2017/18], when there were 392 nests. Of those, thirty-nine percent (153 nests)  are on US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) federal land at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Sixty-one percent (235 nests) are on private lands. Private land colony sizes vary from as few as one nest to as many as 63 nests".  With thanks to Brooke Mcfarland and Hob Osterlund. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 January 2025, updated 09 January 2025* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/laysan-albatross-eggs-get-swapped-once-more-on-kauai.md) ## High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza reaches the French sub-Antarctic, putting Wandering Albatrosses at risk ![Franck Theron Champs des albatrosWandering albatross at sunset](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Franck_Theron__Champs_des_albatrosWandering_albatross_at_sunset.JPG) *Wandering Albatross at sunset, Champs des albatross, Possession Island, Crozets, photograph by Franck Theron* Following on the [news](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-is-believed-to-have-reached-sub-antarctic-marion-island) that High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza ([HPAI](https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/)) virus is suspected to have reached South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island in the southern Indian Ocean (with samples requiring analysis in South Africa for confirmation), a French press release of 3 November states that  HPAI has reached the Crozets and Kerguelen Island to the east of Marion. The press release (issued by [Terres australes et antarctiques françaises](https://taaf.fr/), in French) states that the HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b has been identified in samples taken in October from Possession Island in the Crozets.  Samples from the east coast of the Courbet Peninsula on Kerguelen collected in November are to be analysed this month.  Species affected are reported to be Southern Elephant Seals *Mirounga leonina* (several hundred, mainly juveniles), King Penguins *Aptenodytes patagonicus* (several dozens), Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* and Sub-Antarctic Skuas *Catharacta antarctica*. "Since the beginning of the epizootic, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands have implemented, with the support of the French Polar Institute (IPEV), reinforced measures for the protection of personnel and biosecurity in the two districts, in particular: access to the colonies limited to epidemiological monitoring operations and operations related to the security of the bases, wearing of personal protective equipment and reinforced protocols for disinfecting equipment" [translation by Google Translate]. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_fledgling_Marion_Island_December_2008.jpg) Close to fledging.  A Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island. December 2008, photograph by John Cooper* The TAAF press release adds that the virus has not as yet been reported from Amsterdam Island or from Terre Adelie on the Antarctic Continent  To date, there have been no public reports of HPAI cases on Australian and New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.  Prior to the Marion Island report, HPAI has resulted in the deaths of birds, including Wandering Albatrosses, on Bird Island in the South Atlantic ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-has-spread-to-wandering-albatrosses-on-subantarctic-islands?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsImluZmx1ZW56YSIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=)). Read the TAAF press release [here](https://taaf.fr/actualite/les-mortalites-constatees-dans-la-faune-sauvage-a-crozet-sont-imputables-a-linfluenza-aviaire-hautement-pathogene-iahp/). With thanks to Karine Delord. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**17 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-reaches-the-french-sub-antarctic-putting-wandering-albatrosses-at-risk.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project produces the twelfth issue of its Quarterly Newsletter  ![MFM NL 12 Dec 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/MFM_NL_12_Dec_2024.jpg) Issue No. 12 of the Mouse-Free Marion Project’s Quarterly Newsletter for December 2024 is available to [download](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project-Quarterly-Newsletter_Issue-12_December_2024.pdf) and read. “In this issue: We look back at the MFM Project's highlights, successes and challenges of 2024 An Ode to Marion Island: three overwintering personnel share their favourite memories and cherished photographs from the island. What will the Mouse-Free Marion Project be doing aboard the Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025 voyage?  We break down all our planned activities and events.” All 11 previous issues of the MFM’s *Quarterly Newsletter* are [available online](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**18 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-produces-the-twelfth-issue-of-its-quarterly-newsletter.md) ## A Grey-headed Albatross gets to Sri Lanka! A first equator crossing for the species? *![Sri Lanka Grey head](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Sri_Lanka_Grey-head.jpg) The juvenile Grey-headed Albatross that reached Olaithoduvai, Sri Lanka, photographed by Lahiru Walpita, from the journal cover* Lahiru Walpita and Moditha Kodikara Arachchi have published in the correspondence section of the journal [*Indian Birds*](https://indianbirds.in/) on the sighting of a juvenile Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* off the coast of Sri Lanka on 22 July 2024.  The bird approached as close as 50 m from the shore at the Olaithoduvai fishing village from where it was photographed. As the article suggests, this seems to be the first definite record of this Southern Ocean albatross north of the equator ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/crossing-the-line-albatrosses-changing-hemispheres?highlight=WyJncmV5LWhlYWRlZCIsImdyZXktaGVhZHMiLCJub3J0aGVybiIsIm5vcnRoZXJucyIsImhlbWlzcGhlcmUiLCJoZW1pc3BoZXJlcyIsImhlbWlzcGhlcmUncyJd)). **Reference:** Walpita, L. & Arachchi, M.K. 2024.  The Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* from Sri Lanka.  [*Indian Birds* 20: 140-141](https://indianbirds.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IB_20_5_Walpita_Arachchi_GreyheadedAlbatross.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-grey-headed-albatross-gets-to-sri-lanka-a-first-equator-crossing-for-the-species.md) ## Seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2025 from the ACAP Secretariat ![2024 ACAP Seasons Greetings](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/2024_ACAP_Seasons_Greetings.jpg) As 2024 draws to a close, the ACAP Secretariat would like to extend warm seasonal greetings to all.  We thank our dedicated partners, researchers, and supporters for their tireless efforts in their work on the conservation of ACAP’s listed albatrosses and petrels. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting these magnificent seabirds.  Preparations have begun for next year’s World Albatross Day, marked on 19 June. We look forward to revealing the theme for next year’s event, and celebrating once again with the wonderful and dedicated albatross-admiring community across the globe.  The Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP8](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8)) is also a key fixture for 2025. The meeting, hosted by New Zealand, is being held in Dunedin from 19 to 23 May next year. We will be taking a short break over the festive period, returning to regular posting on *ACAP Latest News* and our social media channels from Monday 13 January 2024. Stay up to date on all things ACAP through* ACAP Latest News* and by following us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/). Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful year ahead! *The ACAP Secretariat, 23 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seasonal-greetings-and-best-wishes-for-2025-from-the-acap-secretariat.md) ## Memorandum of Understanding renewed between ACAP and the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation ![SEAFO Logo rectangular](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SEAFO_Logo-rectangular.png) The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (SEAFO) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Initially signed in 2018, the MoU aims to facilitate cooperation between SEAFO and ACAP to minimise the incidental bycatch of albatrosses and petrels within the [SEAFO Convention Area](http://www.seafo.org/About/Convention-Area). ​ Key areas of cooperation include data collection and analysis, information exchange, education and awareness programs, bycatch mitigation measures, training programs, and reciprocal participation in relevant meetings.  "The renewal of this MoU highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to protect seabirds in international waters," said ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle. SEAFO’s Executive Secretary, Lizette Voges also welcomed the renewal of the MoU, stating: “We are looking forward to another 6 years with ACAP and specifically ACAP’s involvement in revising our Seabird CM [conservation measures]”. The MoU, signed on November 27, 2024, will remain in effect for 6 years and is available to [view and download](https://acap.aq/documents/mous) at the ACAP website. *13 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/memorandum-of-understanding-renewed-between-acap-and-the-south-east-atlantic-fisheries-organisation.md) ## New paper examines New Zealand albatrosses and petrels documented in Ecuadorian waters ![Bullers Albatross Enzo M R Reyes](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Enzo_M_R_Reyes.jpeg)*A Buller’s Albatross floating on the water; photograph by Enzo M.R. Reyes* Enzo M.R. Reyes (Marine Bycatch and Threats Team, [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), National Office, Aotearoa New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the journal *Notornis* on the movement of *Thalassarche* albatrosses and *Procellaria* petrels between New Zealand and Ecuador. The paper’s abstract follows,  "Albatrosses and petrels are among the most endangered seabird species worldwide. They face threats such as plastic ingestion, bycatch in fisheries, invasive predators at breeding sites, light pollution, and climate change. Many seabird species from Aotearoa New Zealand migrate to the eastern Pacific waters during the non-breeding season, following the abundant food availability of the Humboldt current. In this article, we compile observations of *Thalassarche* and *Procellaria* petrels in Ecuadorian waters from five information sources such as incidental tourist vessel observations, incidental fishermen observations, beach patrols, seawatching and GLS loggers. We provide strong evidence of the presence of Salvin’s albatross and White-chinned petrel in Ecuador, two species previously considered hypothetical for the country’s official bird list. Additionally, we present photographic evidence of a live Southern Buller’s albatross in Ecuador and document further observations of the black petrel, including its interactions with local fisheries. These records emphasize the importance of enhancing monitoring efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the ecology and conservation of Ecuador’s seabirds. They also highlight the necessity and advantages of collaboration between New Zealand and Ecuador concerning highly mobile bird species." ![Rplot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Rplot.png) *Figure 3. b) from the paper. Salvin’s albatross track during October 2018 to October 2019 from New Zealand Hauriri Bounty Islands colonies in the subantarctic islands to South America and reaching Ecuadorian waters.* The paper is [available to download](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/where-do-some-aotearoa-new-zealand-seabirds-gorecords-of-thalassarche-albatrosses-and-procellariapetrels-in-ecuadorian-waters/) at the Ornithological Society for New Zealand's website. **Reference:** Reyes, E.M.R., Giovanardi, S., Suarez-Espin. G., Haase, B., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G., Sagar, P. & Fischer, J.H. 2024. Where do some Aotearoa New Zealand seabirds go? Records of *Thalassarche* albatrosses and *Procellaria* petrels in Ecuadorian waters. *Notornis* 71(3): 69–75. *11 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-paper-examines-new-zealand-albatrosses-and-petrels-documented-in-ecuadorian-waters.md) ## Adaptive foraging behaviour may shield Wandering Albatrosses from climate impacts  ![Natasha Gillies Paper Plastic Behaviour in WAs](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Natasha_Gillies_Paper_Plastic_Behaviour_in_WAs.png)*Figure 1 from the paper: Foraging tracks of wandering albatrosses*Diomedea exulans*tracked during the study. Possession Island indicated with a black triangle. Grey tracks show individual bird movements; shaded polygons indicate 90% (lightest), 75% (mid), and 50% (darkest) utilisation distributions for all females (yellow polygons) and males (blue polygons). Pink dotted line shows approximate location of Antarctic Polar Front (Orsi and Harris 2019). Map and GPS tracks displayed in a Lambert azimuthal equal-area projection, centred on Possession Island.* Natasha Gillies ([School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), Liverpool, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *Ecology and Evolution* on how Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* breeding in the southern Indian Ocean adapt their foraging behaviour to climatic variations. The paper’s abstract follows: “Climate change has marked effects on global weather patterns and oceanic systems, impacting animal behaviour and fitness in potentially profound ways. Despite this, we lack detailed information about species' responses to climatic variation. Using an 11-year tracking dataset of over 300 individual birds, we explore the consequences of variation in the southern annular mode (SAM) and southern oscillation index (SOI) for individual behaviour and fitness in wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* breeding in the Southern Indian Ocean. Our results reveal distinct responses between males and females to climatic variation that align with the impacts of each climatic index on the distinct foraging ranges of each sex. In positive SAM phases, linked to poorer foraging conditions in female ranges and better conditions in male ranges, females exhibited behaviour consistent with reduced foraging success: that is, fewer prey capture attempts and more movement between feeding patches. Males, on the other hand, showed no behavioural change. During positive SOI phases, associated with good foraging conditions in both male and female foraging ranges, both sexes showed evidence of more successful foraging, with birds engaging in more search behaviour, and taking shorter trips with fewer prey capture attempts, together indicating increased food intake per unit time. We found limited evidence for a role of individual variation, as measured through differences in personality, suggesting that plastic responses to climate are sufficiently important so as to obscure inter-individual variation. Supporting this was the finding that individual breeding success was unaffected by climatic variation, suggesting that plastic foraging behaviour allows albatrosses to mitigate climate impacts and maintain reproductive output.” **Reference** Gillies, N., Thorley, J., Weimerskirch, H., Jenouvrier, S., Barbraud, C., Delord, K. & Patrick, S.C. 2024.  Plastic behaviour buffers climate variability in the Wandering Albatross.  *Ecology and Evolution* 14: e70631. [https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70631](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70631)[https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70631](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70631) *16 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/adaptive-foraging-behaviour-may-shield-wandering-albatrosses-from-climate-impacts.md) ## White-chinned Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters get surveyed on two South Atlantic islands *![Whitechin Top Island Kalinka Rexer Huber](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Whitechin_Top_Island_Kalinka_Rexer-Huber.jpg) A White-chinned Petrel among tussac on Top Island, photograph by Kalinka Rexer-Huber* Amanda Kuepfer ([Falklands Conservation](https://falklandsconservation.com/)) and colleagues have published a report of a survey of [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) and ACAP-listed White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* and of Sooty Shearwaters *Ardenna grisea* on two islands, [Kidney](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-80-kidney-island-supports-white-chinned-petrels-and-shearwaters) and [Top](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-81-top-and-bottom-islands-where-white-chinned-petrels-breed-among-tussac-grass), within the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*. The research was undertaken to “fulfil international commitments under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) to monitor and manage ACAP breeding sites.” The survey results from the summary follow: “**Kidney Island 2023/2024** - Sooty shearwater population size = 131,000 (95% CI: 95,000 – 176,000) breeding pairs.  This estimate is not notably different from 2016 (123,000; 95% CI: 87,000 – 167,000 breeding pairs), and gives no strong indication of an important increase or decrease in breeding pairs at this site. - White-chinned petrel population size = 331 (95% CI: 52 – 1043) breeding pairs.  This represents a baseline estimate using a model-based approach. **Top Island 2023/2024** - Sooty shearwater population size = 12,000 (95% CI: 7,000 – 19,000) breeding pairs.  This represents a baseline estimate. - White-chinned petrel population size = 199 (95% CI: 33 – 594) breeding pairs. This represents a baseline estimate”. The summary ends with management recommendations: “Sooty shearwaters were found in greater numbers in areas with dense tussac over peat, while white-chinned petrels were most numerous in areas of tussac peat with higher moisture content.  Additionally, like most burrowing seabirds, these species are susceptible to invasive mammals and other non-native species due to predation and habitat loss.  Effective site management for sooty shearwater and white-chinned petrels should focus on preserving healthy tussac habitat, maintaining suitable peat condition for burrowing, and ensuring the continued absence of invasive mammals.  Biosecurity efforts should further aim to minimise the risk of introducing invasive plants, invertebrates and pathogens.  Additional monitoring efforts to further refine population estimates and track habitat availability could be considered.” Read an earlier article in *ACAP Latest News* on the surveys [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/burrowing-seabird-surveys-to-help-inform-conservation-efforts-for-important-white-chinned-petrel-populations-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJ0b3AiLCJ0b3BzIiwidG9wcGVkIiwiaXNsYW5kIiwiaXNsYW5kcyIsImlzbGFuZCdzIiwiaXNsYW5kcyciLCJpc2xhbmRlcnMiLCJpc2xhbmRlciIsIidpc2xhbmQnIiwiaXNsYW5kJyJd). **Reference:** Kuepfer, A., Lee, B. & Stanworth, A. 2024.  *[Burrowing Seabird Survey 2023/2024: Population Estimates of Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrels on Kidney Island and Top Island, Falkland Islands](https://falklandsconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kuepfer-et-al.-2024_Burrowing-Seabird-Survey_Final.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawG8RvRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTqb-TVQGbsh3AC-Cx5HCVPN81XdyBh98_sTe4zjNo75zKSDfnZOy4yuCw_aem_S-UqwAZtNjFntFsV_lEq-Q).  *Stanley: Falklands Conservation.  50 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 December 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-and-sooty-shearwaters-get-surveyed-on-two-south-atlantic-islands.md) ## Plastic pollution in Northern Fulmars has decreased over the last 20 years *![Arctic Fulmar](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/Arctic_Fulmar.jpg) Northern Fulmar at sea* Susanne Kühn and Jan van Franeker ([Wageningen Marine Research](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/marine-research.htm), Den Helder, the Netherlands) have written to *ACAP Latest News* on the findings of their [lab](https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/marine-research/research-themes/marine-nature-and-biodiversity/plastics-fulmars.htm)’s long-standing work on plastic pollution in Northern Fulmars *Fulmarus glacialis* during 2023: “In 2023 a total of 32 corpses could be recovered, of which 26 contained an intact stomach.  In addition we report on 6 birds found in 2021 and 2022 (5 with stomach) that arrived in our lab too late for inclusion in our earlier reports.  In order to avoid unstable annual variations, we always describe the ‘current situation’ in our monitoring analyses as the average over the past five years.  From 2019 to 2023 we studied a total of 231 stomachs of which 94% contained plastics, and 53% contained more than 0.1 g of plastic.  The international policy target is that this latter percentage has to be reduced to under 10%.  The average fulmar stomach currently contains 24 plastic particles, weighing 0.27 g.  Measured over the past 10 years, we cannot document a significant decline in ingested plastic mass.  However, the longer term trend 2002-2023 of annual proportions of birds exceeding the 0.1g level, does show a significant decline (p=0.027) predicting that the 10% policy target might be reached around the year 2087.” *A belly full of plastic* *“More than 9 our of 10 beachwashed Northern Fulmars has plastic in the stomach.  Usually it concerns smaller quantities of some tenths of grams of plastic.  However, some birds have so much plastic in the stomach that at opening of the corpse the litter is immediately evident. This short video illustrates the exceptional [record] of a fulmar found during 2022 in the Netherlands”.* In 2023, ACAP adopted the theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” to mark World Albatross Day on 19 June. With thanks to Susanne Kühn and Jan van Franeker, Wageningen Marine Research. **References:** Kühn, S., Meijboom, A., Bittner, O. & Van Franeker, J.A. 2024.  *[Fulmar Litter Monitoring in the Netherlands – Update 2023](https://doi.org/10.18174/661642)*.  Wageningen Marine Research Report C042/24 and RWS Centrale Informatievoorziening Report BM 24.15.  Den Helder, The Netherlands. 54 pp. Van Franeker, J.A., Kühn, S., Meijboom, A. & Bittner, O. 2024.  *[Fulmar Finders Information - Netherlands 2023](https://doi.org/10.18174/674692)*.  Den Helder, The Netherlands:Wageningen Marine Research.  48 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-pollution-in-northern-fulmars-has-decreased-over-the-last-20-years.md) ## Cannibalism by Northern Giant Petrels on Possession Island *** ![Cannibalism paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Cannibalism_paper.jpg)*** *"Feeding sequence of a Northern Giant Petrel on the carcass of a conspecific chick at the colony of Petit Caporal, Possession Island, on 3 December 2021.   (a) Adults seen near the carrion at the beginning of our observation.  Ringed adult in the background showed agonistic behavior toward the closest adult. (b) Closest adult, with a monel ring on the left leg, approaching the chick with wings spread.  (c) Same adult dragging the carrion to feed on it.  (d) The adult tears off some flesh, showing the typical behavior of a scavenging giant petrel. (e) Carrion of the Northern Giant Petrel chick. The bill tip of the chick shows the typical red color of the Northern Giant Petrels.  Photo credits: Florent Sabatier". {Figure 1 from the publication)* Alexandre Vong ([Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/cebc/), Villiers en Bois, France) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecology](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19399170)* on instances of cannibalism observed in Northern Giant Petrels *Macronectes halli*. Their short paper concludes: “We showed here with multiple records that cannibalism is clearly part of the feeding behavior of northern [giant] petrels and partly explains the occurrence of breeding failures at Possession Island.  Further research is needed to fully understand the role of cannibalism in the feeding repertoire of giant petrels and to identify the drivers underlying this behavior.” With thanks to Karine Delord. **Reference:** Vong, A., Delord, K., Croizé, N., Lesage, C., Zubiri, L.L., Sabatier, F. & Barbraud, C, 2024.  Cannibalism in northern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli*) at Possession Island, Southern Indian Ocean. * *[*Ecology* doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4491](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4491). *06 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cannibalism-by-northern-giant-petrels-on-possession-island.md) ## It's all in the genes: identifying seabird bycatch using DNA ![visual abstract final.1600x900](https://acap.aq/images/visual_abstract_final.1600x900.jpg)*This graphical abstract shows how DNA sequencing can help discriminate between seabird species caught as bycatch, compared to visual methods of identification. Different parts of seabirds' genomes have sequences that are specific to each species, which can be targeted with the right DNA markers. Graphical abstract illustrated by Stacey McCormack [Visual Knowledge Pty Ltd] and supplied by *Andrea Polanowski ** Andrea Polanowski ([Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758)* on the use of DNA in identifying seabird bycatch. The paper’s abstract follows: “Incidental mortality in fisheries is a major driver of population declines for albatrosses and petrels globally. However, accurate identification of species can be difficult due to the poor condition of bycaught birds and/or visual similarities between closely related species. We assessed three genetic markers for their ability to distinguish the 36 albatross and petrel species listed in Annex 1 to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and in Australia's Threat Abatement Plan (TAP) for the bycatch of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations. We generated 275 new sequences, from 29 species, to improve the coverage of reference databases for these listed species. The combined use of the selected Cytochrome b and Control Region markers enabled the identification of 31 of 36 listed seabirds to species level and four to sister species. One petrel species could not be evaluated as no reference sequences were available. We tested these markers on 59 feathers from bycaught seabirds and compared these to onboard visual identification. We successfully assigned all procellariiforms to species (*n* = 58), whereas only two seabirds were correctly identified to species visually onboard, highlighting the difficulty of visual species assignment and the need for alternative methods. We assessed the utility of our two chosen markers for the assignment of all procellariiform species, with 74% of species with reference sequences identified to species or sister species level. However, a precautionary approach is needed for application beyond our listed species due to unvalidated reference sequences. The approach described here provides a streamlined framework for the molecular identification of seabird bycatch. This approach is recommended for use in fisheries within and outside Australian waters to improve the resolution of bycatch reporting and to corroborate logbook entries, observer reports and audits of images captured by electronic monitoring systems as well as help inform conservation efforts.” **Reference:** Polanowski, A.M., MacDonald, A.J., Double, M.C., Barrington, J.H.S., Burg, T.M., Wienecke, B. & McInnes, J.C. 2024. The development of DNA markers to resolve uncertainties of seabird bycatch identification from longline fisheries in Australian waters.  [*Ecolology and Evolution* 14: e70568](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.70568). *05 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/its-all-in-the-genes-identifying-seabird-bycatch-using-dna.md) ## ACAP and CCAMLR renew partnership to protect seabirds ![Christine Bogle David Agnew signing MoU with CCAMLR](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Christine_Bogle_David_Agnew_signing_MoU_with_CCAMLR.jpg)*Pictured left to right: CCAMLR Executive Secretary, David Agnew, and ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, signing the renwal of  the Momorandum of Understanding between the two organisations* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) have reaffirmed their commitment to seabird conservation by renewing their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for another three years. This collaboration underscores the shared goals of both organisations to mitigate seabird bycatch and promote marine biodiversity conservation. The renewal was discussed during the 43rd CCAMLR Meeting under Agenda Item 11, Cooperation with Other Organisations. ACAP expressed gratitude to the CCAMLR Executive Secretary for recommending the extension and highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation at CCAMLR meetings and through collaborative efforts. ACAP has been an active contributor to CCAMLR’s deliberations, particularly in the Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing (WG-IMAF) and the Scientific Committee. Much of this input focuses on best practices for seabird bycatch mitigation. In addition, ACAP provides updates on relevant developments, including guidance related to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza pandemic.  ACAP encouraged CCAMLR Members to engage with its work by attending upcoming meetings and sharing relevant research. ACAP’s next triennial Meeting of the Parties will take place in May 2025 in Dunedin, New Zealand, followed by Working Group meetings in 2026. The renewed MoU, availble on the [ACAP website](http://acap.aq/documents/mous), reflects the ongoing partnership between ACAP and CCAMLR and highlights their mutual dedication to safeguarding seabirds and marine ecosystems.  *2 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-and-ccamlr-renew-partnership-to-protect-seabirds.md) ## Watch the lives of a Northern Royal Albatross family with Season 10 of the “Royal Cam” *![Royal Cam Season 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Royal_Cam_Season_10.jpg)The male RLK incubating on the Signal Station Trig nest, photograph from the New Zealand Department of Conservation* Season 10 of “[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)” has started in the mainland colony of [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) [Northern Royal Albatrosses](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa) *Diomedia sanfordi* at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head.  A new breeding pair has now been chosen to become the star of what has become a popular [24-hour streaming service](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.doc.govt.nz%2Fnature%2Fnative-animals%2Fbirds%2Fbirds-a-z%2Falbatrosses%2Froyal-albatross-toroa%2Froyal-cam%2Fnamethechick%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0_Ns0PcAlXhEbwWd7VBZyhQ6GG3JMYbgvvquFF-pwmETjLJBjhNtHPcZk_aem_0N_U876g0Sd75evDqg7pSg&h=AT0g_c_Hw5uPo8gICboZykT-BAzkpnL0Vb5NfsVEZspTRBA3i-2-Qkof5PNVxmjiIfg8HcZkmE7UmSNKRThWFNPzjX1c8e1GUU2ElR9gSI-KmUMkFXQI6q9hAnbU8V-ayYe7&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT0WT5ceN4ia6J7opwYinMR19lrdHYoD4PHwpuctWcb0Y5WaiiQza1zJJiqGWR6isFrCyetwGyImA6ACtXViTYRICEcL9-0dAoLXe9_ItHRmNeMzKitcOzslBWen6pIQZMLHEMOVmXFcfV-0vf30L6JbxWpRzjj9TbtfjJlPEskpSbHUwUcQKjQXd6Pfm3sb7osTv091WaBdYBknXrHWb3kwhe8QBMRJHbB3uG7R77DzyQFOKvnn). The new pair are RLK (colour bands Red, Lime, Black), a 12-year-old male and GLG (Green, Lime Green), a14-year-old female.  This biennially-breeding pair first bred in 2019/20, but their egg failed.  They then successfully raised female chicks during the 2020/21 and 2022/23 breeding seasons.  In the current season GLG laid her egg on 11 November; it was candled and found to be fertile.  RLK and GLG will take turns to incubate the egg for 2.5 months before they have a new chick. *“Royal Albatross Cam - The new season begins, the parents are RLK and GLG”* Information from the [Albatross Lovers Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/albatrosslovers). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 December 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/watch-the-lives-of-a-northern-royal-albatross-family-with-season-10-of-the-royal-cam.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Humour can help us live in the time of ecogrief and the global ecocide Being a conservationist in the modern world is not always easy. Some of us can suffer from "[ecological grief](https://theconversation.com/many-people-are-feeling-ecological-grief-how-can-we-help-those-whose-work-puts-them-at-risk-228793)" - a deep emotional respose to the loss of the natural world due to climate change or environmental destruction. It can include feelings of despair, hopelessness, anxiety, and sadness. We live in a world where we are surrounded by examples of "[ecocide](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/08/ecocide-environmental-harm-international-crime/)", defined by a panel of international lawyers as  “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts”. I guess that I am fortunate in that my current conservation activities and interests are directed towards the protection of uninhabited islands on which seabirds breed, especially those that support ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels in the Southern Ocean.  My roles as News Correspondent for the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) and as ACAP's Emeritus Information Officer have both given me the opportunity to follow, and to write about, the fortunes of many seabird islands from which introduced mammals, especially rodents and feral cats, have been eradicated, leading to the recovery of their ecosystems.  Most recently I [wrote](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-australian-seabird-island-is-well-on-the-road-to-recovery-following-the-eradication-of-its-alien-rodents) in *ACAP Latest News* of the truly remarkable changes that have occurred on Australia's Lord Howe Island after the removal of its alien rats and mice.  Such good-news stories are heartening to me and help combat the ecologcally bad news we are faced with on a daily basis.  They will have served their purpose if they do the same for my readers. ![Lord Howe cartoon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Lord_Howe_cartoon.jpg) Humour can help us get through personal, and increasingly global, bad times. The cartoon depicted here is entitled "[Here’s an actual good news story! (unless you are a rodent](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2024/nov/29/heres-an-actual-good-news-story-unless-you-are-a-rodent?utm_term=674966b848c036790bdd83ad1a3351dc&utm_campaign=FirstDogOnTheMoon&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=firstdog_email))" by Tasmanian-based cartoonist First Dog on the Moon tells the story of Lord Howe Island's recovery after its "derodentification" far better than my words ever could. So I will just stop here and hope it helps you get through your day, as it did me! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 December 2024*       [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-humour-can-help-live-in-the-time-of-global-ecocide.md) ## Wisdom is back and breeding with a new mate! ![26 November 1](https://acap.aq/images/26_November_1.jpeg)*“**Wisdom and her mate talk to their newly laid egg"* *ACAP Latest News* has reported many times over the years on the fortunes of Wisdom, the 70-something Laysan Albatross *Phoebastrai immutabilis* – and the world’s oldest known wild bird – on her home of Midway Atoll ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)). She is now [reported](https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdom-was-sighted-near-her-usual-nest-site-on-kuaihelani-midway-atoll-on-november-25-2024-the-next-day-she-lays-an-egg/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG02xlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeVW3lFe8fXhu02OQigiVjXlwYOFhKI9Fck09_HwYFXEtU9UVvPfJJCjDg_aem_nkPriNVZQTZZXlIqevTXrQ) by the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge as being back on Midway’s Sand Island, sighted near her usual nest site on 26 November, with a new mate incubating an egg for the new 2024/2025 season. “The oldest known banded bird in the wild, a Mōlī or Laysan albatross known as Wisdom and who is at least 74 years old, has once again mystified biologists.  Being able to reproduce and develop an egg, much less survive at sea and rear at least 30 chicks during her 74+ years defies logic and is truly remarkable.  She is more than a symbol of hope and resilience, she also helps scientists better understand how to fully support such long lived and majestic seabirds.  Enjoy the affectionate moments as Wisdom (band number Z333) and her mate welcome their offspring into the world.  All images were captured by photographer and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Volunteer Dan Rapp and were made possible to share with [the] world because of the members and donors of the Friends of Midway Atoll.” *![26 November 4](https://acap.aq/images/26_November_4.jpeg) “**Wisdom's mate positions himself in preparation for the first incubation of their newly laid egg.  Soon after Wisdom departs out to sea to rest, feed and recuperate”* “Wisdom's journey over more than seven decades continues to inspire thousands of people around the world with hope for the thriving success of not just her species, but countless other species thanks to the driven workers, volunteers, and agencies devoted to bringing balance to natural places around our planet [[Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.facebook.com/@PacificIslandsFWS)]”. **A personal note:**  As a septuagenarian myself and having visited Midway Atoll back in 2000 as part of the [Second International Conference on the Biology and Conservation of Albatrosses and other Petrels](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/28_2/28_2_8.pdf) held in Honolulu, I feel a special affinity for Wisdom.  After all, I always wear on my wrist a replica of her red colour band Z333! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**29 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-is-back-and-breeding-with-a-new-mate.md) ## ‘SmartTraps’ are set to help protect a remnant White-chinned Petrel colony in the South Atlantic *![Smart traps 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Smart_traps_1.jpg) Traps equipped with**[SmartTrap](https://www.econode.nz/) technology await deployment next to a White-chinned Petrel artificial burrow on New Island* [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* breed in very small numbers on New Island in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* as [recently reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-are-set-to-attempt-breeding-once-more-on-new-island) in *ACAP Latest News*.  Prior to an attempt by the New Island Restoration Project ([NIRP](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/)) to eradicate the island’s rodents and feral cats, efforts have been made to protect the colony by installing [artificial burrows](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artificial-burrows-for-beleaguered-white-chinned-petrels-to-be-installed-on-new-island-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJuZXciLCJuZXdzJyIsIiduZXciLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwid2hpdGUtY2hpbm5lZCIsIndoaXRlLWNoaW4iLCJ3aGl0ZS1jaGlucyJd).  Further on-site protection now comes from the use of [SmartTrap](https://www.econode.nz/) technology (a biosecurity wireless monitoring system), as the NIRP reports on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/NIRestoration). *![Smart traps 23](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Smart_traps_23.jpg) Sending a message: part of the ‘SmartTrap’ set up on New Island* “We've just installed brand-new ‘smart traps’ at the White-chinned Petrel colony here on New Island.  These traps are a game-changer in our mission to protect this small and vulnerable colony, which is on the brink of local extinction and is threatened by predation from invasive mammals. Equipped with advanced technology from [Econode New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/econodenz?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUvbY51rFnC1bm6vbsnJjpUB5hQ9H1PTNd9ZuWBzjK3NxM-GZwvKdxKoQrHDJX9R4HrH92RZbKrHUkitzHq71LKH1jSZw7LSiwNWatN3pyI3whLUnBogSvhHgoKeuWaKEt0t5Yjl2UqQmAfkPbVimqxIpoaJoRLIowVKJrhDkvWyORKcDg9744qHYmwBquKmLuzPSJEVOoVGetMBwHqKlzAS99ymMT3tSjbEDT9V8Spmw&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R), these traps send instant notifications when triggered, allowing us to respond quickly and efficiently.  This will improve the chances of White-chinned Petrels successfully raising chicks through to fledging. A huge thank you to [Biodiversity Challenge Funds](https://www.facebook.com/BiodiversityChallengeFunds?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUvbY51rFnC1bm6vbsnJjpUB5hQ9H1PTNd9ZuWBzjK3NxM-GZwvKdxKoQrHDJX9R4HrH92RZbKrHUkitzHq71LKH1jSZw7LSiwNWatN3pyI3whLUnBogSvhHgoKeuWaKEt0t5Yjl2UqQmAfkPbVimqxIpoaJoRLIowVKJrhDkvWyORKcDg9744qHYmwBquKmLuzPSJEVOoVGetMBwHqKlzAS99ymMT3tSjbEDT9V8Spmw&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) for funding the purchase of this equipment and supporting our efforts to conserve New Island's unique biodiversity.” *![P02[1:6] TT[666] E[119:0410]G[080:0x19] BV[61:5] IR[N:L:25] MOE[0:3] AL:[0:0]](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Smart_traps_5.jpg) After dark: a White-chinned Petrel at the mouth of its artificial burrow on New Island* **Reference:** Reid, T., Lecoq, M, & Catry, P. 2007.  The White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* population of the Falkland Islands.  [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_57-60.pdf)[35: 57-60](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_57-60.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**28 November 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/smarttraps-are-set-to-protect-a-remnant-white-chinned-petrel-colony-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## An Australian seabird island is well on the road to recovery following the eradication of its alien rodents  ![Lord Howe Ian Hutton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Lord_Howe_Ian_Hutton.jpg)*A view of Lord Howe Island, photograph by Ian Hutton* Lord Howe Island is a [World Heritage natural property](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/186/) situated some 600 km off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, in the Tasman Sea.  In 2019 the [Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project](https://lhirodenteradicationproject.org/) saw the end of the island's introdiced rodents ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-australias-lord-howe-island-is-declared-free-of-introduced-rats-and-mice-following-a-successful-eradication-operation-in-2019?highlight=WyJsb3JkIiwiaG93ZSJd)).  Now five years on the island is blossoming with rediscoveries and recoveries of birds (such as the [Black-winged Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-winged-petrel-pterodroma-nigripennis/text) *Pterodroma nigripennis* and [Providence Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/providence-petrel-pterodroma-solandri) *P. solandri*), invertebrates and plants, many endemic to the island, as described and illustrated in a recent online [article](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-23/lord-howe-island-cloud-forest-rare-ecosystem-species-return/104407260?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0tsW5QNaTM0vBT5cOONTNPUCS0rteyw2AQ3Umk4POJeEXkeHJKtbAnJM8_aem__mS1BJaXy2bDkOcZ6-17ew). *27 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-australian-seabird-island-is-well-on-the-road-to-recovery-following-the-eradication-of-its-alien-rodents.md) ## Extreme weather challenges albatrosses foraging success ![Strong winds reduce foraging success in albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Strong_winds_reduce_foraging_success_in_albatrosses.jpeg)*The graphical abstract from the paper. * Jamie Darby ([School of Environmental Sciences](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), University of Liverpool, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Current Biology](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/current-biology) *on the impact of extreme weather on the foraging success of albatrosses. The paper’s abstract follows: “Knowledge of how animals respond to weather and changes in their physical environment is increasingly important, given the higher frequency of extreme weather recorded in recent years and its forecasted increase globally.[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224013721#bib1),[2](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224013721#bib2) Even species considered to be highly adapted to extremes of weather, as albatrosses are to strong winds,[3](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224013721#bib3),[4](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224013721#bib4),[5](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224013721#bib5) may be disadvantaged by shifts in those extremes. Tracked albatrosses were shown recently to avoid storms and the strongest associated winds.[6](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982224013721#bib6) The drivers of this response are so far unknown, though we hypothesize that turbulent storm conditions restrict foraging success, possibly by reducing the detectability or accessibility of food, and albatrosses divert toward more profitable conditions where possible. We tested the impact of the physical environment—wind speed, rainfall, water clarity, and time of day—on feeding activity and success of two species of albatrosses with contrasting foraging strategies. We tracked 33 wandering and 48 black-browed albatrosses from Bird Island (South Georgia) with GPS and immersion loggers, and 19 and 7 individuals, respectively, with stomach-temperature loggers to record ingestions, providing an in-depth picture of foraging behavior. Reduced foraging profitability (probability of prey capture and overall mass) was associated with stormy conditions, specifically strong winds and heavy rain in surface-seizing wandering albatrosses, and the probability of prey capture was reduced in strong winds in black-browed albatrosses. We show that even highly wind-adapted species may frequently encounter conditions that make foraging difficult, giving context to storm avoidance in albatrosses.” **Reference:** Darby, J., Phillips, R.A., Weimerskirch, H., Wakefield, E.D., Xavier, J.X., Pereira, J.M., Patrick, S.C. Strong winds reduce foraging success in albatrosses, *Current Biology*, 2024, ISSN 0960-9822, [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.018](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.018) A video abstract has also been produced for this paper and can be viewed at the link to the paper above. *26 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/extreme-weather-challenges-albatrosses-foraging-success.md) ## At risk? Matching Sooty Albatross at-sea tracking data with fishing vessel presence reveals low interaction rates *![Sooty Albatross Michelle Risi Shary Page Weckwerth MEDQUAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Sooty_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_Shary_Page_Weckwerth_MEDQUAL.jpg) Sooty Albatross by Shary Page Weckwerth for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* Aymeric Fromant ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/cebc/), Villiers en Bois, France) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/)*on tracking [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) Sooty Albatrosses*Phoebetria fusca* in the southern Indian Ocean in relation to the presence of fishing vessels. The paper’s abstract follows: “Recent developments in assessing species-specific seabird bycatch risks have demonstrated that fine-scale approaches are essential tools to quantify interactions with fishing vessels and to understand attraction and attendance behaviours.  Matching boat movement with bird tracking data specifically allows us to investigate seabird–fisheries interactions for cryptic species for which on-board information is critically lacking.  The sooty albatross *Phoebetria fusca* overlaps with fisheries throughout its range and is known to be vulnerable to incidental bycatch.  Combining radar detectors, GPS and behavioural data from individuals from the Crozet Islands and boat locations during the incubation period, we investigated interactions of sooty albatrosses with fisheries in the southern Indian Ocean.    Individuals foraged mostly in sub-tropical international waters, where they only encountered a small number of boats, all reporting to the Automatic Identification System (AIS). The low interaction rate during this period may suggest that sooty albatrosses are not strongly attracted to fishing vessels, and that attraction rates may vary between populations.  However, this result should be interpreted with caution due to the low sample size and fishing effort during the study period, as these observations may conceal a higher bycatch risk during intense fishing effort and/or energetically demanding periods. The conservation status of this species requires further data to be collected throughout the annual cycle to provide an accurate assessment of the threat.” With thanks to Karine Delord. **Reference:** Fromant, A., Collet, J., Vansteenberghe, C., Musseau, R., Filippi, D., Delord, K. & Barbraud, C. 2024.  Fine-scale behaviour and population estimates of endangered sooty albatross suggest low exposure (while not excluding high sensitivity) to bycatch.  *[Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v749/p181-192/)*[749: 181–192](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v749/p181-192/). *25 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/at-risk-matching-sooty-albatross-at-sea-tracking-data-with-fishing-vessel-presence-reveals-low-interaction-rates.md) ## Rescued: an albatross far from home *![SANCCOB BBA 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/SANCCOB_BBA_1.jpg) The rescued juvenile Black-browed Albatross gains strength in SANCCOB’s pool, photograph by David Roberts* [Andrea Angel](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/meet-the-team/), Albatross Task Force Manager in South Africa, writes in the [November 2024 issue](https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/enewsletter/#story17) of BirdLife South Africa’s online newsletter. “Having spent close to 20 years working for the protection of albatrosses and petrels, I am elated every time I see them at sea and mourn each one I collect dead from a fishing vessel. Yet it is thanks to the Albatross Task Force’s ([ATF](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/what-we-do/albatross-task-force/)’s) work with the fishers and to the relationships we’ve built up over the years that Markus, a fisher, could call me to help him with a live albatross that had been brought in by one of the vessels.  It was fortunate that the vessel docked in Cape Town, where help was on hand. The juvenile [Black-browed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) [*Thalassarche melanophris*], its bill still mostly black, was not ringed so we couldn’t tell where it came from, but we know from tracking records that most of them come all the way from South Georgia [Islas Georgias del Sur*].  One bird was recorded as having flown more than 4500 km across the Atlantic in just four days! The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds ([SANCCOB](https://sanccob.co.za/)) took the bird in and informed us that although it was wet, dehydrated and tired, it had no life-threatening injuries. It was X-rayed to check for any internal injuries or lodged hooks, re-hydrated and brought back to strength in SANCCOB’s large pool.  A few days later, and with the help of a recreational fishing vessel, it was released back into the ocean where it quickly found its bearings and flew off. *![SANCCOB BBA 2 Fernando de Sousa](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/SANCCOB_BBA_2_Fernando_de_Sousa.jpg)  Released safely back to the ocean with the help of a recreational fisher, photograph by Fernando de Sousa* Juvenile Black-browed Albatrosses come to forage in our waters during their first 3–4 years, before they start their annual trips to a breeding colony to court a mate.  Yet only when they are between eight and13 years of age do they breed for the first time!  As host to these amazing birds, South Africa needs to ensure that none are killed in our waters, because every time an adult albatross dies, a chick on its home island dies with it.  And it can take the lone mate years to find another partner. Despite evidence of how much work we still need to do, I am confident that the ATF is preventing thousands of albatrosses like this young Black-browed from getting killed when interacting with our fisheries.  To me, albatrosses embody freedom, wisdom and untamed wildness.  They rule the skies over the open oceans and remote islands, and I feel privileged to be part of keeping them safe.” *22 November 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/rescued-an-albatross-far-from-home.md) ## A feral pig kills a Wedge-tailed Shearwater on the Hawaiian island of Kauai *![P01[0:0] TT[4820] E[081:2130]G[192:0x3c] BV[0:0] IR[L:L:18] MOE[0:3] ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_feral_pig_1_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) A feral pig attacks a Wedge-tailed Shearwater, trail cam photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* News from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) of Pacific Rim Conservation. “This series highlights a tragic reality for Hawai'i's ground-nesting seabirds.  Invasive mammalian predators like cats, dogs, rats, and pigs kill and eat our native seabirds that evolved without such predators. These images, captured at [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/KilaueaPointNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUjzG4CS3Wj5mO1bl34Z0uufJdws7qPbA6f_KgWquXPehGZZ-FEyYe9DVCmVyinCcX0t6Z6jzgDAVenwfpEk6yqtC8NXpS6_ztPN-PPEIv53ONZo3Wefp9WvKNGg4THV6a50A0dQz4eNecx8dOhtVcIcosaFIJ2fTCOXvpVnh1SlB1AkbLQ2ld-4X75h3pN_K8&__tn__=-%5dK-R) on Kaua'i, show a feral pig killing an 'Ua'u kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica*.).  Eradication efforts are underway at KPNWR to remove all pigs from inside the [newly constructed mammalian exclusion fence](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wedgies-are-doing-well-in-the-hawaiian-main-islands-as-another-predator-proof-fence-is-completed?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwiZmVuY2UiLCJmZW5jZXMiLCJmZW5jaW5nIiwiZmVuY2VkIiwiZmVuY2UncyJd).  We are working alongside our partners at USFWS to ensure this is a safe seabird nesting area for many years to come.” *22 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-feral-pig-kills-a-wedge-tailed-shearwater-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai.md) ## At-sea tracking of Northern Royal Albatross fledglings from Taiaroa Head/Pukekura *![tracking NRAs](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/tracking_NRAs.jpg) At-sea tracking of Northern Royal Albatross fledglings from Taiaroa Head/Pukekura* *Update from NZ DOC Royal Cam Ranger Sharyn Broni (Nov 20):* Today's GPS tag update of juvenile toroa [Northern Royal Albatroses *Diomedea sanfordi*] from Pukekura tagged 25th of September and 5th of October 2024.  They fledged between the 27th of September to the 14th of October 2024. Thanks to the generous donations on the Otago Peninsula Trusts give-a-little page we can share the tracking of 10 juveniles including the orphaned Top of Bluff Track. The orphan is now well over 4000 km from Pukekura in the mid Southern Pacific Ocean. The starting point was at Pukekura, Dunedin, New Zealand and they have travelled across the south Pacific Ocean to the waters of South America.  They will not make landfall until they return to Pukekura in 4 to 10 years’ time.  The five males and five females were 230 to 264 days old at fledging.  The distance across Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa | Pacific Ocean, is over 9000 km. Taken from the [Albatross Lovers Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1269214593277385). *20 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/at-sea-tracking-of-northern-royal-albatross-fledglings-from-taiaroa-head-pukekura.md) ## White-chinned Petrels are set to attempt breeding once more on New Island *![WCP trail com Falkalnds Conservation 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_trail_com_Falkalnds_Conservation_1.jpg)A White-chinned Petrel at its burrow entrance on New Island, trail cam photograph by Falklands Conservation* White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* ([Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text)) are once again attempting to breed on [New Island](http://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0QVdsBSu6t3OhZOcb7OtSS3j8L41GA3nYJfBZXPwvEAK4q5gE2o1BigOw_aem_MBrtoRLsBhXzZKYzkPoPGg) in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*.  Historically, the population on New Island ranged between 30-50 pairs, but numbers have dropped to just five or six pairs in recent years, with no confirmed breeding success.  This (2024/2025) season at least five occupied burrows have been confirmed. “Hopefully we can bring them back from the brink of local extinction on New Island with careful management, and ultimately by removing the invasive mammals which eat their eggs and chicks and threaten their survival.” Read about artificial burrows for White-chinned Petrels on the island by the New Island Restoration Project ([NIRP](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/))  [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artificial-burrows-for-beleaguered-white-chinned-petrels-to-be-installed-on-new-island-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJuZXciLCJuZXdzJyIsIiduZXciLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwid2hpdGUtY2hpbm5lZCIsIndoaXRlLWNoaW4iLCJ3aGl0ZS1jaGlucyJd). News from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FalklandsConservation) of Falklands Conservation. **Reference:** Reid, T., Lecoq, M, & Catry, P. 2007.  The White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* population of the Falkland Islands.  [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_57-60.pdf)[35: 57-60](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_57-60.pdf). *19 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-are-set-to-attempt-breeding-once-more-on-new-island.md) ## The Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project has another success as its first Newell’s Shearwater fledges  ![Nihoku Newells fledges Pacific Rim Conseervation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Nihoku_Newells_fledges_Pacific_Rim_Conseervation.jpg)*Out of its burrow and ready to go. The first Newell’s Shearwater fledges from within the Nihoku fence.  Trail camara photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* In October this year the “first ever wild” Newell's Shearwater *Puffinus newelli* or ‘A‘o  chick fledged from the Nihoku exclosure on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, according to the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) of the environmental non-profit organisation Pacific Rim Conservation. “From 2016-2020, 87 NESH were translocated to the predator-free Nihoku exclosure at [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/KilaueaPointNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVvGvZ-czC41Ez_OXSnXmNozkK5y4NfTk9dUdYtFAECEfrlm93cTH5_wkzFIC_0F9MlbbweTazryQCERpaF-mxhXiFz1C8pFxnlYdoGzs5Zfpioar1lOzD5KDRQtWHmK2Agr7amE8hJSyr8HuJ6peH1MScOVdh27Pwf4Eb-F1CBwTHnoZ5ASS-LMZQTeWHpvYg&__tn__=-%5dK-R).  Late last season, a translocated male and socially attracted female NESH paired up and were observed sharing an artificial burrow during several burrow checks.  This season was the pair's first nesting attempt, and we are so excited that they were successful in raising and fledging a healthy chick!  This ‘A‘o fledgling represents a major milestone for the project - establishing Nihoku as a breeding site for this listed species”. The [Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project](https://www.nihoku.org/) aims to create a new breeding site safe from introduced predators for two threatened seabirds on the Hawaiian island on Kauai.  The construction of a predator-fence within the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge allowed for the translocation and hand-feeding to fledging of chicks of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwater.  Successful breeding by the petrel at Nihoku with fence [has already taken place](https://acap.aq/latest-news/relocated-hawaiian-petrels-commence-breeding-at-nihoku-on-kauai-behind-a-predator-proof-fence?highlight=WyJoYXdhaWlhbiIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIiwibmlob2t1Il0=). [View photos](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-first-newells-shearwater-chick-to-hatch-within-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai?highlight=WyJuaWhva3UiXQ==) of the downy chick and [access previous articles](https://acap.aq/search?q=Nihoku&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) in *ACAP Latest News* about the erection of the predator-proof fence and the translocation and hand-rearing of the two threatened burrowing procellariiforms from here. **Reference:** Young, L.C., Kohley, C.R., VanderWerf, E.A., Fowlke, L., Casillas, D., Dalton, M., Knight, M., Pesque, A., Dittmar, E.M., Raine, A.F. & Vynne, M. 2023.  Successful translocation of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels to create a new, predator free breeding colony.  [*Frontiers in Conservation Science* 4. doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1177789](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1177789/full). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-nihoku-ecosystem-restoration-project-has-another-success-as-its-first-newells-shearwater-fledges.md) ## High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza is believed to have reached sub-Antarctic Marion Island ![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_fledgling_Marion_Island_December_2008.jpg) *Ready to fledge: a healthy Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island in December 2008, photograph by John Cooper* A [Media Statement](https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/forestry-fisheries-and-environment-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza) by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced  that the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is suspected to have reached Marion Island, one of South Africa’s two sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean, and is possibly responsible for causing mortalities in at least three breeding seabird species. After an initial suspected case in a Brown or Subantarctic Skua *Catharacta antarctica* in mid-September 2024, another five suspected cases were found in early November 2024, involving three Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* chicks and two Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* adults. “The situation is being closely monitored by the 11-field personnel overwintering on the island, who have been trained to recognise possible HPAI signs in birds and seals, and in the necessary monitoring and mitigation methods.  They will be taking all precautions to ensure they do not spread the virus, and they are collecting information to assist with decisions about the appropriate response.  The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the management authority for the Prince Edward Islands, has developed a Protocol for the Management of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Seabirds together with the Western Cape Veterinary Services, marine ornithologists, marine mammal biologists, disease experts and colleagues overseas with similar experience, and will continue to work to monitor and hopefully limit the spread of the virus on the island,” At least 58 Wandering Albatrosses, along with other seabird species, succumbed to avian flu on Bird Island in the South Atlantic during the 2023/24 austral summer (click [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-present-in-brown-skua-populations-on-sub-antarctic-island?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsImZsdSIsImJpcmQiLCJiaXJkcyIsImJpcmRzJyIsImJpcmRpbmciLCJiaXJkJ3MiLCInYmlyZCIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZHMiLCJpc2xhbmQncyIsImlzbGFuZHMnIiwiaXNsYW5kZXJzIiwiaXNsYW5kZXIiLCInaXNsYW5kJyIsImlzbGFuZCciXQ==) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-has-spread-to-wandering-albatrosses-on-subantarctic-islands?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsImluZmx1ZW56YSIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=) and references below).  The new field observations from Marion Island, once confirmed, expand the spread of the virus a year later to ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels breeding in the southern Indian Ocean. **References:** Banyard, A.C., Bennison, A., Byrne, A.M.P. *et al.* 2024.  Detection and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic Region.* [Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51490-8)*[15, 7433.  doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51490-8](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51490-8). Bennison, A., Adlard, S., Banyard, A. C., Blockley, F., Blyth, M., Browne, E., … Phillips, R.A. 2024.  A case study of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 at Bird Island, South Georgia: the first documented outbreak in the subantarctic region.  *Bird Study*, 1–12. [https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2024.2396563](https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2024.2396563)[https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2024.2396563](https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2024.2396563). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-is-believed-to-have-reached-sub-antarctic-marion-island.md) ## Short-tailed Shearwaters are being wrecked in large numbers in Australia *![Short tailed Shearwater wreck](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Shearwater_wreck.jpg) Beached Short-tailed Shearwaters, photograph from the**research group**[Adrift Lab](https://adriftlab.org/)* Reports in the[mainstream](https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/why-so-many-dead-seabirds-are-washing-up-on-australian-beaches-20241105-p5ko3v.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGg_UVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbTF7XFodNUCS_DrL5W9peAU01SK3pHm7JZpcQsiwyN43z2PmgxnZdK5EA_aem_AGYKZ-D15xXDb196h-4t-Q) and [social](https://www.facebook.com/adriftlab) media are showing that [Short-tailed Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-tenuirostris) *Ardenna tenuirostris* have been dying at sea and their corpses washing ashore in very large numbers on the coast of New South Wales and Victoria, with reports also coming from Tasmania.  Some birds are making it ashore alive, but in an emaciated condition, signaling a shortage of their prey. Ongoing discussions centre on how “normal” the wreck is, with a view expressed that it is caused by ocean warming affecting food supply and is not directly related to migration or to an individual bad weather event. *![Short tailed Shearwater wreck alive](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Shearwater_wreck_alive.jpg) This Short-tailed Shearwater has been beached while still alive,* *photograph from Adrift Lab* “Authorities on the alert for the deadly [H5N1 strain of bird flu](https://www.smh.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5k8hz) have tested the dead shearwaters, also known as muttonbirds, in NSW and Victoria for avian influenza, but have so far found no sign.”  Notably, Australia has so far remained free of the virus. Read more about the wreck [here](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/09/thousands-of-dead-seabirds-are-washing-up-on-australias-beaches-researchers-want-to-know-why). *14 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/short-tailed-shearwaters-are-being-wrecked-in-large-numbers-in-australia.md) ## BirdLife's Seabird Tracking Database celebrates 20 years of conservation impact  ![Chatham Albatross Ross Wheeler web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Chatham_Albatross_Ross_Wheeler_web.jpg)A Chatham Albatross; photo by Ross Wheeler BirdLife’s Seabird Tracking Database (SBTD), a pioneering online data resource, is celebrating 20 years of collaboration for marine conservation. From identifying critical habitats for seabirds, to being instrumental in mapping seabird interactions with fisheries, the Seabird Tracking Database has been central to the success of many marine conservation initiatives.  To mark this significant milestone, a new study highlighting the achievements of the SBTD has been published open access in the journal, *Biological Conservation*.  Ana Carneiro, lead author of the paper and Marine Science Manager at BirdLife International said: “The Seabird Tracking Database is a testament to the remarkable global collaboration among seabird scientists. Thanks to their willingness to share data, the STDB has not only deepened our scientific understanding of seabird ecology but has also driven tangible conservation outcomes, helping to protect threatened seabird populations worldwide.” With its approximately 43 million location records and 55,000 tracks from 168 seabird species in 55 countries, the SBTD has been an instrumental resource for scientists, researchers and policymakers in their efforts to conserving one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates in the world. However, gaps remain, particularly in tracking non-breeding adults and juveniles, and from underrepresented regions like the Pacific archipelagos, south of the Indian Ocean, and along species-rich coastlines. Addressing these gaps is the next phase for the SBTD which aims to expand species coverage and strengthen collaboration with other databases and initiatives.  As seabirds face mounting challenges, including emerging threats such as offshore wind farms and the expansion of mesopelagic fishing, the STDB remains a vital tool in the conservation of seabirds. Read [BirdLife’s blog post](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/the-birdlife-seabird-tracking-database-20-years-of-collaboration-for-marine-conservation/) on this significant milestone, or find the open access paper, [The BirdLife Seabird Tracking Database: 20 years of collaboration for marine conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724003756?via%3Dihub), in the journal, Biological Conservation. *11 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/birdlife-seabird-tracking-database-celebrates-20-years-of-conservation-impact.md) ## Mapping hotspots for seabirds in the southern Indian Ocean: a long-term French study *![Amsterdam Albatross Kirk Zufelt Birgit Bührlé with photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Birgit_Bührlé_with_photo.jpg) Amsterdam Albatross at sea: a southern Indian Ocean specialty.  Artwork by Birgit Bührlé and photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Adrien Chaigne ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/cebc/), Villiers en Bois, France) and colleagues have published a technical report that analyses four decades (1978-2020) of at-sea surveys of 71  species of seabirds in the Southern Indian Ocean. The report’s executive summary follows: “Seabirds are conspicuous and important marine predators. They mostly forage on a diversity of zooplankton (copepods, euphausiids, amphipods) and nekton (squid and fish) prey. Because of their position in the trophic web, high energy requirements, mobility and longevity, these top marine predators can be used as indicators of the spatial variability of marine ecosystem functions and dynamics. We present here distribution maps of resident and migratory seabirds observed in two regions of the Southern Indian Ocean. The present *Atlas* focuses on seabird's distribution in the Southern Indian Ocean using a unique long-term dataset (1978-2020) of at-sea observations made repeatedly over two time periods separated by 10 years to examine spatial and seasonal variation in seabird abundance and occurrence at a large spatial scale. Cruises encompassed a 30° latitudinal gradient through tropical, subtropical, subantarctic and Antarctic waters of the Southern Indian Ocean, allowing to explore the distribution of 71 seabird species (or pooled species). This is the first comprehensive summary of information on how some species or communities of seabirds of the Southern Indian Ocean use the habitats of this immense area. The present Atlas aims (1) to summarize the information on the occurrence and abundance of subantarctic and Antarctic seabirds over the period 1978-2020, according to season (austral summer versus austral winter) in two distinct geographical areas in the Southern Indian Ocean (western and eastern areas), and (2) to quantify the species diversity using diverse metrics. The produced maps provide insights on biogeographic affinities, habitat associations, and "hotspots" of biodiversity and potential predator-prey dynamics. Identifying hotspots is potentially valuable in the design of offshore marine protected area networks. Within the study regions, we found apparent hotspots in subantarctic and Antarctic waters, especially in the vicinity of subantarctic islands. We observed strong seasonal changes in the distribution and abundance of seabirds, which alters the relative importance of these hotspots. The value of hotspots for the protection of these far-ranging pelagic species deserves further study.” With thanks to Karine Delord. **Reference:** Chaigne, A., Delord, K., Mansoux, B., Bost, C.-A., Weimerskirch, H. & Barbraud, C. 2024.  *[Seabird Distribution in the Southern Indian Ocean: Four Decades of at sea Surveys.](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385588393_SEABIRD_DISTRIBUTION_IN_THE_SOUTHERN_INDIAN_OCEAN_FOUR_DECADES_OF_AT_SEA_SURVEY_Seabird_distribution_in_the_Southern_Indian_Ocean_four_decades_of_at_sea_surveys)* CEBC-CNRS Marine Top Predators Team.  203 pp. *13 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mapping-hotspots-for-seabirds-in-the-southern-indian-a-long-term-french-study.md) ## Eradication is not the end of it: signs of a mouse on St Agnes show the need for continued biosecurity *![Agnes](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Agnes.png) Ground bait station sites on St Agnes and connected Gugh Islands during the rodent eradication operation* [St Agnes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Agnes,_Isles_of_Scilly) is one five inhabited islands in the United Kingdom’s Isles of Scilly.  Following the eradication of Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus* by a ground-baiting campaign a decade ago, both Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* and European Storm Petrels *Hydrobates pelagicus* have been recorded breeding, signalling a successful operation ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/manx-shearwaters-joined-by-european-storm-petrels-on-the-isles-of-scilly-two-years-after-the-eradication-of-rats?highlight=WyJzdCIsImFnbmVzIl0=)).  But this is not the end of the story.  It is necessary to put and keep in place best-practice biosecurity measures at points of entry that will greatly reduce the risk of reintroductions – and continue to keep a look out for signs of rodents elsewhere on the island.  A recent [repor](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rgv70gygpo)t from St Agnes nicely illustrates the problem as repeated here. **![Manx chick Scillies Jaclyn Pearson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Manx_chick_Scillies_Jaclyn_Pearson.jpg)* Manx Shearwater chick at its burrow entrance on St Agnes, photograph by Jaclyn Pearson* “Conservationists on an island 28 miles off the UK mainland are concerned after signs there may may be a mouse there, potentially putting a colony of seabirds at risk.  Mice and rats have been eradicated from St Agnes in the Isles of Scilly, as part of measures to protect its nationally significant population of storm petrels.  The [Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust](https://www.ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk/) said “probable” signs of a mouse including droppings and urine had been spotted, and suspects the creature was brought in within some animal feed. The trust has been running a successful program with the RSPB and others to get rid of rodents on the islands for the past decade, which has led to the petrel population "bouncing back.  Tony Whitehead, from the RSPB, said it had a "very well worked out response" which involved putting rodent poison in traps across the island and "then keep checking the traps". He said if "mice do get a hold on the island" they would be likely to eat the eggs of birds like storms petrels and Manx shearwaters, putting populations at risk. Mr Whitehead said a member of the community had spotted the mouse droppings last Thursday. The residents of the island have been brilliant and hugely supportive.  The wildlife trust said signs had been put up across St Agnes to warn parents of young children and dog owners about traps.” Read earlier  articles in *[ACAP Latest News](https://acap.aq/search?q=st+Agnes&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)* on the rat eradication operation on the Isles of Scilly. With thanks to Anton Wolfaardt, Mouse-Free Marion Project. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/eradication-is-not-the-end-of-it-signs-of-a-mouse-of-st-agnes-show-the-need-for-continued-biosecurity.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the White-chinned Petrel is now available in three more languages ![preview whitechinnedpetrel es](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/preview_whitechinnedpetrel_es.jpg)  The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them. They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. To date, 17 species infographics (out of the 31 ACAP-listed species) have been produced, the latest being for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis,*[recently released in English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-white-chinned-petrel-the-17th-and-latest-in-the-series?highlight=WyJ3aGl0ZS1jaGlubmVkIiwid2hpdGUtY2hpbiIsIndoaXRlLWNoaW5zIiwiaW5mb2dyYXBoaWMiLCJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpY3MiXQ==). ![preview whitechinnedpetrel fr](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/preview_whitechinnedpetrel_fr.jpg)  Versions for the White-chinned Petrel are now available in the other two ACAP official languages, French and Spanish, and also in Portuguese.  The last version reflects that the species visits the waters of Brazil (a Party to the Agreement).  Previously, Portuguese versions have been was produced for the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena)Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbeneena* and for the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*.  A few more ACAP-listed species that regularly visit Brazilian waters will also have infographics produced in Portuguese. ![preview whitechinnedpetrel pt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/preview_whitechinnedpetrel_pt.jpg)  The infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Karine Delord and Patricia Serafini for their careful checking of texts in their home languages. *12 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-white-chinned-petrel-is-now-available-in-three-more-languages.md) ## News of a long-term study of ACAP-listed Black Petrels *![When 3 people are needed to get a BP out of a burrow Credit Biz Bell WMIL Elizabeth Bell 752x564](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/When-3-people-are-needed-to-get-a-BP-out-of-a-burrow-Credit-Biz-Bell-WMIL-Elizabeth-Bell-752x564.png) “"When three-people-are-needed-to-get-a-Black Petrel-out-of-a-burrow”, photograph from the article by Eliza**beth Bell* Elizabeth Bell ([Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/) Ltd, Blenheim, New Zealand has written on the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) and ACAP-listed Black Petrels *Procellaria parkinsoni* that breed on Aotea/Great Barrier Island in the online oublication, *[Pacific Seabirds](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/psg-publications/pacific-seabirds/).* She writes “WMIL has been working at the main colony around the summit Hirakimata/Mt Hobson, monitoring 482 study burrows within the 35-ha study site each breeding season.  This work can involve incredible gymnastics, putting one arm down into a burrow while trying not to slide down banks, lying over and under trees or rocks and being very tolerant of painful bites and scratches.” *![Black Petrels Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrels_Biz_Bell.jpg) A Black Petrel pair, photograph by Elizabeth Bell* “During the 2023/24 breeding season, 63.5% of the study burrows were occupied by breeding pairs, 12% occupied by non-breeding birds, and 24.5% were unoccupied during our visits (with over 50% of those unoccupied burrows showing no evidence of activity at all, i.e., blocked up, no feathers, scent of guano, etc.).  Overall, 222 chicks were produced from the study burrows representing a fledgling success rate of 72.5%.” Read more about the study in her illustrated article. **Reference:** Bell, E.  2024.  Tākoketai/Black Petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Aotearoa New Zealand.  *[Pacific Seabirds 51(2).](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/news/takoketai-black-petrels-procellaria-parkinsoni-on-aotea-great-barrier-island-aotearoa-new-zealand/)* *07 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/news-of-a-long-term-study-of-acap-listed-black-petrels.md) ## ‘Floating’ seabirds, the bane of demographic modelers and managers *![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells-Shearewater-Lindsay-Young.jpg) The [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwater*Puffinus newelli*, one of the species featured in the publication, photograph by Lindsay Young* David Ainley ([HT Harvey & Associates](https://www.harveyecology.com/), Los Gatos, California, USA) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on ‘floating’ adult seabirds that are able to breed but choose not to.  “Floaters are individuals in a population that are physiologically mature and able to breed but do not because they lack suitable breeding habitat, lack mates, or are dissuaded by the presence of predators.” The paper’s abstract follows: “'Floating' portions of seabird populations (mature but non-breeding individuals) are generally ignored in seabird research and management despite frequent evidence of their existence, especially in cavity-nesting species for whom nest habitat is often limiting. Here we demonstrate, using a few among an appreciable number of cases, that often more adults contribute to regional populations than colony-based censuses reveal, and that these birds are able to breed but do not. Once given the chance through the creation of nesting habitat, either by natural or human-caused processes, these populations reveal themselves by occupying the newly created habitats to become breeders. We include a brief discussion of the degree to which natal philopatry contributes to relatively sudden colony establishment. Not recognizing the existence of floating populations due to exclusively colony-based management, which is often politically necessary (e.g., Wildlife Refuge management), hinders conservation because it ignores the source and role of potential immigrants. Instead, management tends to emphasize supposed natal philopatry. Floaters will exploit mortality-caused vacancies in a breeding population, masking temporal variation in adult mortality, falsely indicating colony-size stability as a measure of the ‘health' or resilience of a colony/habitat. In addition, the most successful efforts at establishing new colonies or restoring others by ‘social attraction' are those in which a floating population is present, although unrecognized until it is revealed by the social attraction ‘experiment.' Success comes when the artificially established breeding aggregation becomes an attractant to ‘floaters.' Thus, recruitment of these floaters (especially on a predator-free colony or island) accelerates the limited growth provided by the return of hand-raised translocated nestlings. A lack of appreciation for the presence of floaters also limits the validity of assessments of the impact of bird wrecks and the ability of populations." **Reference:** Ainley, D.G., Divoky, G.J., Baird, P. & Spencer, G.C. 2024.  ‘Floating populations’ of seabirds: the bane of demographic modelers and managers.  *[Marine Ornithology 52: 379-386](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1589)*. *06 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/floating-seabirds-the-bane-of-demographic-modelers-and-managers.md) ## Senior International Advisor sought by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation ![NZDOC logo square](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/NZDOC_logo_rectangular.png) New Zealand’s Department of Conservation is seeking a Senior International Advisor to join its International Team.   The position advertisement states: - Support conservation through providing advice on the international context for conservation, and international agreements and collaboration - Help our seabirds to thrive and protect them from threats throughout their ranges - Develop your career alongside international treaty negotiation experts Work with New Zealand's international partners to advance New Zealand's interests through the development of conservation policy and collaboration, whilst developing experience in international negotiations. As a Senior International Advisor you'll have an important role in contributing to the advancement of conservation outcomes in Aotearoa, the Pacific region and across the globe. You'll be developing advice on the development on New Zealand's international conservation policy and commitments, and representing New Zealand in international fora, as required. In this role you will have a particular focus on developing advice on, and delivering, New Zealand's international seabird strategy to address fisheries threats to seabirds. Working as part of a wider interagency team, you'll collaborate on the development and implementation of an ambitious international strategy focused on: influencing international policy and commitments; implementing international agreements and demonstrating leadership; and collaborating, sharing, and building conservation knowledge. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to wider international engagement, including DOC's role in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.  You'll work closely with our key partners to support the delivery of the Government's international conservation obligations and priorities.” Further information on the role and how to apply can be found on the [Department of Conservation’s website](https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=18174&in_jnCounter=226098834). Please contact Kate at [mailto:ktriplow@doc.govt.nz](mailto:ktriplow@doc.govt.nz)[ktriplow@doc.govt.nz](mailto:ktriplow@doc.govt.nz) with any enquiries about the position. Applications close at 11:59pm, Sunday 10 November 2024. *30 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/senior-international-advisor-sought-by-new-zealands-department-of-conservation.md) ## Honey bees are threatening Hawaiian Petrels and Newell’s Shearwaters by taking over their burrows *![Hawaiian Petrel bees](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Hawaiian_Petrel_bees.jpg) This Hawaiian Petrel (with a wing visible) was found entombed in a bee hive in its burrow in the Upper Limahuli Preserve, Kauai, photograph by C. Nagle* André Raine ([Archipelago Research & Conservation](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Hanapēpē, Kauai, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Human–Wildlife Interactions](https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/)* on the impacts of feral honey bees on breeding [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwaters *Puffinus newellii.* The paper’s abstract follows “The ʻaʻo (*Puffinus newellii*; Newell’s shearwater) and ʻuaʻu (*Pterodroma sandwichensis;* Hawaiian petrel) are both endangered seabirds endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago. For the last decade, multiple colonies on the islands of Kauaʻi and Lānaʻi have been the focus of intensive management (particularly predator control) and monitoring programs. Management has been effective at reducing the number of introduced mammalian predators recorded within colonies with a resultant increase in reproductive success rates for both seabird species.  However, in recent years a new threat has emerged—feral honey bees (*Apis mellifera*; bees)—which were deliberately introduced to the Hawaiian Islands starting in 1857 for beekeeping.  Between 2011 and 2021, 17 bee swarms were recorded at seabird burrows on both islands combined, consisting of 14 Hawaiian petrel burrows and 3 Newell’s shearwater burrows.  Ten (58.8%) of these incidents resulted in the bees taking over the burrow and building a hive inside.  Of the 10 takeovers, all resulted in a failed breeding season in that year, and 6 resulted in a seabird mortality (including 2 instances where both adults of a breeding pair were killed).  Furthermore, for burrows where bee takeovers occurred, only 30.0% of pairs reinitiated breeding in the following year, despite the hive being removed as soon as it was discovered.  An analysis of microhabitat data revealed that bee swarms were more likely at burrows located at the base of cliff walls.  We discuss management strategies that can be implemented, including reactive methods such as bee vacuums and proactive methods such as bee swarm traps using pheromones, to mitigate species conservation threats.  Addressing this issue is critical, as climate change may increase the likelihood of these events occurring in the future”. **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Driskill, S., Rossiter, S., Rothe, J., Pias, K.. Sprague, R. & Dutcher, A. 2023.  The impact of feral honey bees on endangered seabirds in the Hawaiian islands.  *[Human–Wildlife Interactions 17( 2) doi.org/10.26077/939d-5fe9](https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol17/iss2/13/)*/. *28 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/honey-bees-are-threatening-hawaiian-petrels-and-newells-shearwaters-by-taking-over-their-burrows.md) ## A crowning achievement? Mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatrosses fledges 33 chicks in a “fantastic breeding season” *![Northern Royal Lenina Villela](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Northern_Royal_Lenina_Villela.jpg)Northern Royal Albatross by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Lenina Villela‎ for ACAP* Thirty-three chicks of the 2023/24 breeding season have left the mainland colony of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi*at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) near Dunedin, North Island, New Zealand, according to a Department of Conservation [media release](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/great-albatross-season-equals-record-numbers/). “Coastal Otago ranger Sharyn Broni said it was a fantastic breeding season, equalling last year for the most chicks successfully fledged in a season.”  Last year, when 33 chicks also fledged, was the then best breeding season; the previous highest number of chicks fledging was 30 in the 2020/2021 season.  The colony has grown from one breeding pair in 1937 to more than 60 pairs in 2024. ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/best-season-yet-taiaroa-heads-northern-royal-albatross-colony-fledges-33-chicks?highlight=WyJub3J0aGVybiIsIm5vcnRoZXJucyIsInJveWFsIiwicm95YWxzIiwiJ3JveWFsIiwyMDIzLCJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIl0=)).  [One chick died](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-ten-day-old-northern-royal-albatross-chick-succumbs-to-ingested-plastic-2?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsInBsYXN0aWNzIiwicGxhc3RpY2l0eSIsIidwbGFzdGljIiwicGxhc3RpY2l6ZXJzIiwyMDI0LCIyMDI0J3MiXQ==) due to ingesting plastic regurgitated to it by a parent. *![Northern Royal Albatross close to fledging](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_close_to_fledging.jpg) The 2023/2024 [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) chick (named Kiwa) fledged on 23 September with a GLS (and colour band) fitted, photograph from Department of Conservation* “We’re also researching where the fledging toroa go with two types of trackers.  Global Location Sensors (GLS) were fitted to 20 fledglings, to record location data for three years. GLS tags record ambient light level to determine the birds’ approximate location. The data [are] stored so we will recover [them] from the tags when the birds return to the colony in four to ten years.  Global Positioning System tracking tags were fitted to another 10 fledglings, thanks to crowdfunding by the Royal Albatross Centre. These trackers are solar powered and give us accurate, real-time updates of the bird’s position for about a year.  Some of this year’s fledglings have almost made it to South America already.” *![Taiaroa tracking 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Taiaroa_tracking_3.jpg) Recently fledged Northern Royal Albatrosses are now being tracked across the Pacific Ocean to South America* Read more [here](https://predatorfreenz.org/research/native-wildlife/laundry-baskets-and-dummy-eggs-caring-for-albatross/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGJQI1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXjmBJEeQn7Oe0DJ2TED3ZWXKHz_553d6axYdFNS8Rm_Ll9z64AJNi-IvQ_aem_M_RI-jEQEqJC1IHwHAndzw). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01**November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-crowning-achievement-mainland-colony-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-fledges-chicks-in-a-fantastic-breeding-season.md) ## Albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters get featured at the 16th International Seabird Group Conference in Portugal ![16th Seabird Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/16th_Seabird_Conference.jpg)  The [16th International Seabird Group Conference](https://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/conference-2024) was held at the University of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal over 2-6 September 2024. Several talks and posters on albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters were presented at the conference.  ACAP-listed species covered included the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snowy-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*. *![Catarina Vitorino Balearic Shearwater Mixed media Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Catarina_Vitorino_Balearic_Shearwater_Mixed_media_Pep_Arcos.jpg) Balearic Shearwater, mixed media by ABUN artist Catarina Vitorino for ACAP, after a photograph by Pep Arcos* A paper in the Fisheries Session entitled :Trends, threats, knowledge gaps, and global political responsibility for the conservation of priority populations of albatrosses and large petrels” was presented by Richard Phillips of the British Antarctic Survey, co-authored by Paulo Catry, Maria Dias, Steffen Oppel, David Anderson, Christophe Barbraud, Karine Delord, Graeme Elliott, David Nicholls, Kath Walker, Ross Wanless, Henri Weimerskirch and Martin Beal considered Priority Populations identified by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement. The presentation’s abstract follows: “The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) identified eight Priority Populations (PPs) of albatrosses and large petrels, each representing >10% of the global species total, and declining rapidly (>3% p.a.) mainly because of bycatch in fisheries. We assessed their trends, threats, knowledge gaps and key management needs. In all cases, recent count data indicated ongoing steep declines.  Bycatch was the major driver, although invasive predators or disease [were] also important for two PPs.  The key management action on land is therefore eradication of house mice on Gough Island.  As bycatch is the paramount threat, we used tracking data to determine global political responsibility for fisheries and other marine threats by identifying jurisdictions where most time is spent, year-round.  Six PPs spent more time in the High Seas than any [Exclusive] Economic Zone (EEZ), with one or more PPs spending >5% of time in the waters of four tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), three non-tuna RFMOs, and [the] Commission for the Conservation of Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).  Other than the breeding range states, one or more PPs spent >5% of time in the EEZs of Chile, Australia, Namibia, South Africa and Peru.  Our results highlight the urgent conservation actions required for these flagship populations, emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts to minimise bycatch in EEZs and the High Seas, and provide compelling justification for states to prioritise management efforts in their own jurisdiction and to coordinate advocacy at international level.” Abstracts of all the presentations are available online in the 245-page [Conference Proceedings](https://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/conference-2024). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-petrels-and-shearwaters-get-featured-at-the-16th-international-seabird-group-conference-in-portugal.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Featuring Patricia Pereira Serafini, ACAP Chief Officer and PhD candidate *![Coimbra Seabird Conference 2024 Patricia Serafini](https://acap.aq/images/Coimbra_Seabird_Conference_2024_Patricia_Serafini.jpg)  Patricia Serafini presents her [talk](https://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/conference-2024) “Biochemical and molecular biomarkers in Manx Shearwaters*Puffinus puffinus*and associations to marine pollution” at the [16th International Seabird Conference](https://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/conference-2024) in Coimbra, Portugal in September 2024* Patricia Pereira Serafini is a Brazilian wildlife veterinarian specializing in ecology and conservation, particularly focusing on albatrosses, petrels and other seabirds.  She is also Co-convenor of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)). Patricia is an environmental analyst at the National Center for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds ([CEMAVE](https://www.researchgate.net/lab/CEMAVE-National-Center-for-Wild-Bird-Research-and-Conservation-Priscilla-Amaral)/ICMBio/Ministry of Environment), in Brazil.  Her expertise lies in a [One Health](https://www.who.int/health-topics/one-health#tab=tab_1) approach to the conservation crisis facing pelagic seabirds, and her research involves population monitoring, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecotoxicology and epidemiology.  Currently she is on a study visit to the United Kingdom and has spent the last few months based at the [Department of Biology](https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home), University of Oxford, with fieldwork conducted on [Manx Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/manx-shearwater-puffinus-puffinus) *Puffinus puffinus* on the three United Kingdom islands of [Skomer](https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-to-do/pembrokeshires-islands/skomer/), Wales, Lighthouse (Copeland Bird Observatory), Northern Ireland, and [Rum](https://www.isleofrum.com/), Scotland. *![Manx Shearwatwr Skomer nightwork 2024 Patricia Serafini](https://acap.aq/images/Manx_Shearwatwr_Skomer_nightwork_2024_Patricia_Serafini.jpg)  Manx Shearwater at night in the biggest colony in the world on the island of Skomer. Wales, UK, photograph during field work by Patricia Serafini* Patricia is currently undertaking PhD research at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina ([UFSC](https://ufsc.br/)) in southern Brazil, investigating the health impact of ocean pollution on albatrosses and petrels, using mostly a molecular approach.  She writes: “My PhD research focuses on assessing how environmental impacts affect pelagic seabirds at biochemical and molecular levels. Through research collaborations with the University of Oxford and the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), our work bridges important research institutions across continents.  The study addresses a critical gap in our understanding of ocean pollution's impact on pelagic seabirds.  Although plastic ingestion and pollutants are frequently detected in albatrosses and petrels, the mere presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate immediate threats to their health and survival.  Population-level impacts from chronic pollution may take years to become detectable, highlighting the importance of understanding sublethal effects. “Using Manx Shearwaters as a model procellariiform species, so far we have analysed 155 liver samples from seabirds stranded along Brazilian beaches.  The study revealed significant associations between specific pollutants and sub-lethal responses: Organochlorine pesticides (particularly Mirex and Drins) showed significant associations with biotransformation enzymatic activity Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) demonstrated notable impacts on classical ecotoxicological molecular biomarkers Higher levels of certain pollutants appear to suppress rather than stimulate biotransformation gene transcription HCB showed potential endocrine-disrupting effects at a molecular level Interestingly, no consistent correlation was found between plastic ingestion and the selected ecotoxicological biomarkers for Manx Shearwaters.” More information is available in the [published first chapte](https://acap.aq/latest-news/organic-and-plastic-pollution-in-manx-shearwaters)r of Patricia’s thesis. Patricia continues: “My research is now advancing into an exciting new phase focusing on two ACAP-listed species, the [Wandering Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) *Diomedea exulans*and [Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*.  Through a collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade ([ICMBio](https://www.gov.br/icmbio/pt-br)) and Instituto Tecnológico Vale ([ITV](https://www.itv.org/en/home/)), high-quality, chromosome-level genome sequencing and liver transcriptome data have been obtained for both species.  Our current work focuses on completing the genome/transcriptome assembly and annotation for these remarkable seabirds.  This groundbreaking genetic work aims to understand better these magnificent seabirds’ phenotypic plasticity, responses to xenobiotics and immunity under anthropogenic pressure.  The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.” *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/Picture1.jpg) All smiles at the 11th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee, May 2019.  From left Tatiana Neves, Advisory Committee Vice Chair, John Cooper, ACAP Emeritus Information Officer and Patricia Serafini* Patricia concludes that her PhD research demonstrates the value of seabirds as indicators of marine pollution and will provide new tools for detecting sublethal impacts before they manifest at population levels.  These early indicators could prove crucial for informing timely management decisions to protect these remarkable species. *![Black browed Albatross Infographic web version Portuguese](https://acap.aq/images/Black-browed_Albatross_Infographic_web_version_Portuguese.jpg) The Black-browed Albatross is a regular visitor to the waters of Brazil* On a more personal note I have met Patricia at several ACAP meetings, the last in 2019 in her home country when she most ably co-hosted the [11th Meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11) of the ACAP Advisory Committee.  She has also willingly and efficiently provided Portuguese texts for an ongoing series of [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) for the six ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that regularly visit Brazilian waters.  It remains a pleasure to continue to work with her! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-featuring-patricia-pereira-serafini-acap-chief-officer-and-phd-candidate.md) ## Organic and plastic pollution in Manx Shearwaters *![Manx flowers Chris Perrins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_flowers_Chris_Perrins.jpg) A Manx Shearwater among flowers on Skomer, photograph by Chris Perrins* Patricia Serafini ([Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Contaminação Aquática e Imunoquímica](https://labcai.paginas.ufsc.br/), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)*on organic pollutants and plastic ingestion with [Manx Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/manx-shearwater-puffinus-puffinus) *Puffinus puffinus*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Anthropogenic pollution poses a threat to marine conservation by causing chronic toxic effects. Seabirds have contact throughout their lives with pollutants like plastic, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and [organochlorine pesticides](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/organochlorine-pesticides) such as [hexachlorocyclohexanes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hexachlorocyclohexane) (HCHs).  We assessed 155 Manx shearwaters (*Puffinus puffinus*) stranded along the Brazilian coast, analyzing associations between organic pollutants, plastic [ingestion](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/ingestion), biomarkers (transcript levels of [aryl hydrocarbon receptor](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/aromatic-hydrocarbon-receptor), *cytochrome P450-1A-5* [[CYP1A5](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/cytochrome-p450)], *UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase* [*UGT1*], [estrogen receptor](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/estrogen-receptor)*alpha-1* [*ESR1*], and *heat shock protein-70* genes) and [enzymes activity](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/enzyme-activity) (ethoxy-resorufin O-deethylase and [glutathione](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/glutathione) *S*-transferase [GST]).  Plastic debris was found in 29 % of the birds. The transcription of *UGT1* and *CYP1A5* was significantly associated with [hexachlorobenzene](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hexachlorobenzene) (HCB) and PCBs levels.  *ESR1* was associated with HCB and [Mirex](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/mirex), and GST was associated with Drins and [Mirex](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mirex).  While organic pollutants affected shearwaters more than plastic [ingestion](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/ingestion), reducing plastic availability remains relevant as [xenobiotics](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/xenobiotic-agent) are also potentially adsorbed onto plastics.” **Reference:** Patricia P. Serafini, Bárbara P.H. Righetti, Ralph E.T. Vanstreels, Leandro Bugoni, Clei E. Piazza, Daína Lima, Jacó J. Mattos, Cristiane K.M. Kolesnikovas, Alice Pereira, Marcelo Maraschin, Isadora Piccinin, Tim Guilford, Luciana Gallo, Marcela M. Uhart, Rafael A. Lourenço, Afonso C.D. Bainy & Karim H. Lüchmann, 2024.  Biochemical and molecular biomarkers and their association with anthropogenic chemicals in wintering Manx shearwaters (*Puffinus puffinus*).  *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116398)*[203. 116398](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116398). *29 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/organic-and-plastic-pollution-in-manx-shearwaters.md) ## The 11th International Symposium on Avian Influenza is to be held in Canada in June 2025 ![Avian Influenza Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Avian_Influenza_Conference.png)The [11th International Symposium on Avian Influenza](https://harlowagency.swoogo.com/ISAI2025) will take place from 24-26 June 2025 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.  Abstracts are due by 1 November, 2024. “We are looking forward to getting everyone together in one room to share experiences and the latest science.  We are striving for global representation, covering avian influenza in poultry, wild birds, mammals, with topics ranging from working on the front lines of outbreaks to conducting virologic research in the lab.” Topics include: Global reports on avian influenza Diagnostics, vaccination, or other mitigation strategies for poultry and wildlife Notable outbreaks, field and molecular epidemiology, and surveillance in poultry Notable outbreaks, field and molecular epidemiology, and surveillance in wild birds Biosecurity, mitigation, control, and post-epidemic considerations in poultry Mortality estimations, impacts on harvest, conservation considerations, and potential mitigation strategies in wild birds Avian influenza in mammals, pandemic preparedness, and health Transmission pathways or pathobiology, immune responses For more information, see an [informational flyer](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2025-International-Symposium-on-Avian-Influenza-170.pdf). *25 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-11th-international-symposium-on-avian-influenza-is-to-be-held-in-canada-in-june-2025.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project releases its 11th Quarterly Newsletter ![Quarterly Newsletter No. 11 October 2024 cover](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Quarterly_Newsletter_No._11_October_2024_cover.jpg)The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) has released its [11th Quarterly Newsletter](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project-Quarterly-Newsletter_Issue-11_October-2024.pdf) for October 2024, now available online on the project’s website.  All the previous newsletters from No. 1 of April 2002 can also be found [online](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/). The latest issue commences with an editorial by Anton Wolfaardt, the MFM Project Manager.  Articles follow by Monique van Bers, the MFM Project Overwintering Research Assistant on Marion Island on her field work underway.  Liezl Pretorius, MFM Research and Reporting Officer then introduces Abuyiselwe Nguna and Yinhla Shihlomule, the two researchers who are tracking Marion Island’s long-term seabird monitoring colonies.  Species followed include ACAP listed Grey-headed and Wandering Albatrosses, Northern Giant Petrels and Grey Petrels, some of which were first monitored way back in the 1980s. ![MFM Cycling jersey](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/MFM_Cycling_jersey.png)The newsletter ends with the news that the project has formed a [cycling team](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-cycling-team-aims-to-create-awareness-and-raise-funds/), now with 29 members with its own jersey, to help raise awareness and funds via sponsorships. Membership is open from anywhere in the world.  A running shirt is also in production.  Enquiries to [mailto:info@mousefreemarion.org](mailto:info@mousefreemarion.org)[info@mousefreemarion.org](mailto:info@mousefreemarion.org). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 24 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-its-11th-quarterly-newsletter.md) ## UPDATED: George and Geraldine are back - and have an egg! *![Geraldine October 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Geraldine_October_2024.jpg)Geraldine on Sand Island, Midway Atoll in October 2024,**photograph by Chris Forster* **UPDATE: ** George and Geraldine are now reported as sharing incubation stints on an egg so their seventh breeding season is properly underway.  News from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) of the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. *![November 2024 George incubating](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/November_2024_George_incubating.jpg)George incubating* **************************** Everyone’s favourite couple, George and Geraldine, the sole breeding [Short-tailed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus* pair on the USA’s Midway Atoll,have returned to Sand Island. The [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) of the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge has reported this month: “Chris Forster with Government Chugach Solutions sighted and then photographed Geraldine who appeared to be looking around to find her mate George but soon took off.  A few days later both Geraldine and her mate George were spotted by the wildlife cam”. This will be the seventh breeding season for the famous pair, which to date has raised five chicks to fledging – some of which have been seen back on the atoll as juveniles, giving hope for more breeding pairs in time. Access earlier articles in *ACAP Latest News* on previous breeding seasons from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=George+Midway&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 23 October 2024, upfdated 04 November 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/george-and-geraldine-are-back.md) ## New Zealand to host ACAP’s Eighth Meeting of the Parties next May ![University of Otago Dunedin MoP8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/University_of_Otago_Dunedin_MoP8.jpg)*The small city of Dunedin (pictured) on New Zealand's South Island will host the Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservaiton of Albatrosses and Petrels in May 2025; photograph by Nathan Hughes Hamilton* The Eighth Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MoP8) to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels will be held in Dunedin, New Zealand from Monday, 19 May to Friday, 23 May 2025.   The [Dunedin Leisure Lodge](https://www.dunedinleisurelodge.nz/welcome) will serve as the venue for the week-long event, with a Heads of Delegation meeting scheduled for Sunday, 18 May 2025, in the late afternoon.  Dunedin is home to the world's only mainland albatross colony, located only 30km from the city on the Otago Peninsula/Muaūpoko. Visitors are able to witness the magnificent Northern Royal Albatrosses by booking a tour through [The Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/about/). Information on location, key dates, applications for observer status, accommodation and the provisional agenda. may be found in [MoP8 Meeting Circular 1](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop8/mop8-circulars).   The circular is available in [French](https://acap.aq/fr/documents/reunion-des-parties/rdp8-1) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/documentos/reunion-de-las-partes/rdp8) and also includes a provisional agenda for the MoP.   The latest Advisory Committee Report (AC14) is available at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14). *21 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-to-host-acaps-eighth-meeting-of-the-parties-next-may.md) ## No high pathogenicity avian influenza detected in Critically Endangered Waved Albatrosses *![Waved Albatross Laurie Johnson Shari Wallis Williams](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Shari_Wallis_Williams.jpg)Waved Albatross by Shari Williams of [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Gustavo  Jiménez-Uzcátegui ([Charles Darwin Research Station](https://www.darwinfoundation.org/), Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador) and colleagues have published in the open access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on the absence of high pathogenicity avian influenza in [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) Waved Albatrosses *Phoebastria irroratae.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is caused by the Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae species (type A, subtype H5N1), which has been detected in mammals (including humans) and marine birds in the Americas, including the Galápagos Islands. The Waved Albatross Phoebastria irrorata is a marine endemic species of Ecuador. Most of its breeding population nests on Española Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, and it forages at sea in the eastern South Pacific. This marine bird shares its feeding areas with the Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus, Peruvian Booby Sula variegata, Guanay Cormorant Leucocarbo bougainvillii, Humboldt Penguin Spheniscus humboldti, Sanderling Calidris alba, Belcher’s Gull Larus belcheri. These six species nest on the mainland of Ecuador and Peru; all have tested positive for HPAI H5N1, which has been particular concern to researchers. Therefore, we used a real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), to test for HPAI H5N1 in choana-tracheal and cloacal samples from Waved Albatross at the Punta Suárez and Punta Cevallos colonies on Española Island, which have been under investigation for more than two decades. None of the birds tested positive for HPAI H5N1. Despite negative results, it is important to implement preventive and precautionary measures to avoid the spread of this viral disease to the Galápagos Archipelago. Avian influenza can have a high impact on the isolated Galápagos Islands and, therefore, we must deeply understand the possible means of entry of this virus.” **Reference:** Jiménez-Uzcátegui, G., Vélez, A., Vega, P., Buendia, V., Montenegro-Benalcázar, V., Sevilla, C. & Cruz, M. 2024.  No evidence for high pathogenicity avian influenza in Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/52_2/52_2_349-353.pdf)*[52: 349-353](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/52_2/52_2_349-353.pdf). *22 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-detected-in-critically-endangered-waved-albatrosses.md) ## ACAP unveils a new artwork: an Antipodean Albatross linocut by James Allan *![Antipodean Albatross Allan Jones 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Allan_Jones_1.jpg) Antipodean Albatrosses at sea, artwork by James Allan* Inspired by his photographs taken at sea, Australian artist, [James Allan](https://www.facebook.com/james.allan.12139862), has produced a linocut of two flying Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis*.  The species, endemic to New Zealand, is categorized as globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis), and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) in New Zealand, and has been recognized as a Species of Special Concern by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement.  ACAP *ACAP Latest News* reached out to James, who lives in [Adelaide Hills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Hills), South Australia, to learn more about his artwork, and about him. James describes himself as an amateur artist, writing” I was taught lino printing in Grade 6 at school.  My teacher asked me to make prints in the art centre on the school open day. I have been largely self-taught since then, but have attended classes with the  [Ruth Tuck Art School](https://www.ruthtuckartschool.com/) in the last few months.” He describes the process he follows: “I usually draw the design on a piece of linoleum with a pencil and carve it out with a **v**-shaped chisel.  Larger white areas are removed with a **u**-shaped chisel. It helps to create textures to represent different tonal values.  Ink is applied with a rubber roller and paper is placed onto the inked lino and pressure applied.  At the printing school a large metal press is used.  At home I can press the paper with a metal spoon.  It is possible to cut several different lines to represent different colours  I often colour the print by applying a water colour wash., a bit like colouring in a colouring-in book.” James continues: “The design of the two Antipodean Albatrosses was cut into vinyl.  This has slightly different properties to linoleum, being firmer and elastic. It is the largest print I have ever made at 30x40 cm.  A colour version was designed using Photoshop, but will be painted by hand when I do my final run.  The colours will vary from print to print.  The print can also be produced in black and white, and I think it looks very handsome without colour.” *![Antipodean Albatross Allan Jones 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Allan_Jones_5.jpg) Dorsal view.  Inspiration for the linocut, Antipodean Albatross at sea, 07 April 2024, photograph by Frances and James Allan* James, along with his wife Frances, joined a [pelagic tour](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2121292257931530/) out of Port MacDonnell, South Australia run by David Harper. on 7 April 2024, the third they have attended.  “We were excited to see Buller's Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* for the first time.  We met many excellent birders on the trip who were keen to teach us both about the pelagic birds we saw.  During the trip we both took photographed Antipodean Albatrosses quite close to the boat, flying in, circling and feeding on the water.  I was taken by the vermiculation of some of the adult birds and thought it would make a good design.” *![Antipodean Albatross Allan Jones 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Allan_Jones_4.jpg) Ventral view.  Inspiration for the linocut, Antipodean Albatross at sea, 07 April 2024, photograph by Frances and James Allan* He continues “I chose the flying albatross design as it conveyed the enormity of the birds we saw with their outstretched wings.  One albatross is seen from the dorsal aspect, the other ventral.  The waves and clouds are important elements and were also adapted from photos we took.  The final design is a collage of different photographs with a little bit of artistic licence.  I feel that it is always better to design the print than to merely reproduce exact detail from a photograph.  In lino designs you have a limited palate of line and texture, which means you need to learn to be more expressive with what you have.  One of the things that drew me to this medium in the first place, is that lino prints often have a charm for simplicity, expressive marks and clever design.” James ends by saying that he is still learning and regards himself as a beginner but plans a print run of his albatross linocut.  ACAP’s Emeritus Information Officer wants one! *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 18 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-unveils-a-new-artwork-an-antipodean-albatross-linocut-by-james-allan-2.md) ## A new bipartisan proposal to join ACAP is made in the USA to mark World Migratory Bird Day *![USA ACAP bill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/USA_ACAP_bill.jpg)Waved Albatrosses interact.  Courtesy of the American Bird Conservancy* [Congressman Jared Huffman](https://www.facebook.com/RepHuffman?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXdpVWr4MRJfNlebBtX9inA9x65oDGhMGKbQOw9QnUAIle70spBSZsbpaygdE2t7JsUuq488zd29gnFkbdl6Q_vKumZLSWrOmHBsDhetwyN15H7xCYD6ppQN5GKEQub2Z8SJVvLgO2Dy-w0MkkmlU3spWV_exX3uDZ4E5C-BvKA49vmigmVhh-3bpgtcDtzgM0&__tn__=-%5dK-R) (D-[one pager](https://huffman.house.gov/imo/media/doc/the_albatross_and_petrel_conservation_act_of_2024.pdf)CA) and [Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick](https://www.facebook.com/RepBrianFitz?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXdpVWr4MRJfNlebBtX9inA9x65oDGhMGKbQOw9QnUAIle70spBSZsbpaygdE2t7JsUuq488zd29gnFkbdl6Q_vKumZLSWrOmHBsDhetwyN15H7xCYD6ppQN5GKEQub2Z8SJVvLgO2Dy-w0MkkmlU3spWV_exX3uDZ4E5C-BvKA49vmigmVhh-3bpgtcDtzgM0&__tn__=-%5dK-R) (R-PA) introduced the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act and Migratory Bird Protection Act on 11 October 2024, to mark today's [World Migratory Bird Day](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/)**.  **The [joint media release](https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-protections-for-migratory-birds) by the two U.S. Representatives says “These bills will give the United States the tools to build upon existing efforts to protect migratory birds and the most threatened species of seabirds. The media release continues “The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act would implement the International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), protecting some of the most endangered seabirds on the planet from international fishing threats.  Thousands of albatrosses and petrels die each year due to fisheries operations as they come into contact longline fishing equipment during their migration to nest and find food. Although the United States has attended and contributed to ACAP meetings regularly since the Agreement’s signing in 2001, it has not yet joined the 13 member countries that have signed as parties.” According to the [American Bird Conservancy](https://abcbirds.org/news/mbpa-acap-oct-2024) the two bipartisan bills will require implementation and adoption of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels (ACAP) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service and will reinforce protections for migratory birds and threatened seabird species, such as the ACAP-listed Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* ([Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata)) and the Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus*([Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus)). This appears to be the fourth times a bipartisan effort has been made in the USA to become a Party to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, with [three previous attempts](https://acap.aq/search?q=Brian+Fitzpatrick&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) made in 2016, 2019 and 2021. Read more in a "[one-pager](https://huffman.house.gov/imo/media/doc/the_albatross_and_petrel_conservation_act_of_2024.pdf)" and access the full text of the [Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act](https://huffman.house.gov/imo/media/doc/the_agreement_on_the_conservation_of_albatrosses_and_petrels_text.pdf) of 2024  USA residents can support the USA’s Migratory Bird Protection Act and Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act from [here](https://act.abcbirds.org/a/organic-social-acap-mbpa?ms=soc_fb_aa_gen_leadgen_mbpa_acap&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3xf-WXFttoNxVkJ8ANzWYNF3vn0NdQboGOeHkuEJO4Cw4jdO-zgqCL_qk_aem_fZK5GWk9fKKo59bLZpiBew). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-bipartisan-proposal-to-join-acap-is-made-in-the-usa-on-world-migratory-bird-day.md) ## The incubation period of the ACAP-listed Black Petrel *![Joanna Sims DabchickNZ Black Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Joanna_Sims_DabchickNZ_Black_Petrel.jpg) A Black Petrel near its burrow on Great Barrier Island, photograph by Joanna Sims* Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell (Blenheim, New Zealand) has determined the incubation period for 110 eggs of the ACAP-listed Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* as to be a mean of 56.5 days, with a range of 42 to 71 days, based on information collected over 12 breeding seasons. The information was collected as part of a long-term study of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) petrel on [Great Barrier Island/Aotea](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel), and has been published in the journal *[Notornis](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/current-quarterly-publications/)*. **Reference:** Bell, E. A. 2024. When one pair is enough: determining the incubation period for tākoketai | black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*). *[Notornis 71: 57-58](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Shortnote_Bell_712_57-58.pdf)*. *17 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-incubation-period-of-the-acap-listed-black-petrel.md) ## Minimizing fallout due to bright lights by breeding Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels *![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells-Shearewater-Lindsay-Young.jpg) Newell’s Shearwater, photograph by Lindsay Young* André Raine ([Archipelago Research & Conservation](https://www.archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Hanapēpē, Kauai, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Pacific Science*](https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/ps/)on breeding adult Newell’s Shearwaters *Puffinus newelli* ([Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli)) and Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis* ([Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis)) being grounded by lights on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The paper’s abstract follows: “Light attraction is a well-documented phenomenon affecting seabirds worldwide, with most reported incidents involving juvenile birds grounded around urban areas or brightly lit structures at sea immediately after fledging.  However, there is little in the literature regarding the impact of light attraction on breeding adult seabirds on land.  This paper describes a fallout event of adults of two endangered seabird species due to lights at a single facility on the island of Kaua‘i, Hawaii, and the effectiveness of subsequent minimization actions once a new lighting regime was adopted.  From 1–16 September 2015, 131 adult endangered seabirds including 123 ‘a‘o (Newell’s Shearwaters *Puffinus newelli*) and six ‘ua‘u (Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis*) were grounded by lights at the Kōke‘e Air Force Station.  Most birds had brood patches indicating they were breeders.  In response, the facility altered its lighting protocol with a blackout period in effect for the remainder of 2015, and significantly reduced lighting from 2016 onwards.  Intensive seabird monitoring was undertaken annually from 2016 onwards.  Apart from two Newell’s Shearwater adults grounded in 2016 (before the lights were turned out at the start of the seabird season) and one each in 2020 and 2023, no additional grounded birds were found.  This fallout event demonstrates that light attraction can be a significant hazard for adult seabirds if bright lights are present near breeding colonies.  We provide recommendations for best practice light minimization actions for similar scenarios worldwide where discrete facilities or urban infrastructure are adjacent to breeding colonies of nocturnal Procellariid seabirds.” *![Hawaiian Petrel Andre Raine s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Hawaiian_Petrel_Andre_Raine_s.jpg) Hawaiian Petrel in its burrow, photograph by**André Raine* **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Driskill, S., Rothe, J., Rossiter, S., Gregg, J., Anderson, T. & Travers, M.S. 2024.  The impact of light attraction on adult seabirds and the effectiveness of minimization actions. *[Pacific Science](https://muse.jhu.edu/article/934417)*[78: 85-102](https://muse.jhu.edu/article/934417). *15 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/minimizing-fallout-due-to-bright-lights-by-breeding-newells-shearwaters-and-hawaiian-petrels.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. What is the “state of play” with planned predator eradications on two sub-Antarctic islands?  ![UPDATE The sheer western cliffs of Auckland Island photograph by Finlay Cox](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/UPDATE_The_sheer_western_cliffs_of_Auckland_Island_photograph_by_Finlay_Cox.jpg)*The sheer western cliffs of Auckland Island, photograph by Finlay Cox* Eradicating invasive pests on seabird-breeding islands has been undertaken for over 50 years and has become established as one of the most immediate ways of helping restore island ecosystems.  During that time invasive mammals have been eradicated from over 700 islands globally.  A body of knowledge and experience that has been built up has resulted in a high success rate, while generating a well-defined set of practical principles that maximise the likelihood of success of each eradication that follows.  Rat species are prevalent on islands worldwide and have thus been a common target for eradication, but in the past two decades jujhHouse Mice have increasingly been targeted, with mouse eradications also having a high success rate.  Where projects have been unsuccessful, their managers and scientists then engage in reviews to identify and integrate key lessons into future operational planning. The record following eradication projects for the sub-Antarctic islands around the Southern Ocean overall is also a good one.  Australia’s Macquarie Island is free of its cats, rabbits, rats and mice, New Zealand’s Campbell Island of its sheep, cats and rats, and more recently New Zealand’s Antipodes Island of its mice.  Over in the South Atlantic South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* is now free of Reindeer, rats and mice.  France’s Amsterdam Island has recently been the subject of an eradication project to rid it of feral cats, rats and mice, and so far the results seem promising; it earlier had its feral cattle removed.  However, not every eradication project in the sub-Antarctic has been successful: mice remain on France’s St Paul (although its rats were eliminated) and mice have survived the eradication effort on the United Kingdom’s Gough Island in 2021.  And there still remain some important seabird islands in the Southern Ocean with introduced mammals awaiting eradication attempts (although on some of them research on their pests has been undertaken).  These include France’s Crozet Islands and Kerguelen (multiple species), and Steeple Jason (House Mice) in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*. Some islands in the Southern Ocean have fortunately have remained free or largely free of invasive mammals.  These include the UK’s Inaccessible (feral pigs died out) and Nightingale (both part of the Tristan da Cunha group), South Africa’s Prince Edward Island, Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands, and New Zealand’s Bounty and Snares Islands. *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Picture1.jpg) Fatally attacked by Marion Island’s introduced House Mice, this Wandering Albatross chick soon died of its injuries, photograph by Vanessa Stephen, 06 July 2024* For this month’s Missive I reached out to managers and scientists involved with intended eradication efforts on two sub-Antarctic islands, Auckland and New, to ascertain the “state of play”.  I do not consider here South Africa’s Marion Island where House Mice are seriously ravaging its albatrosses and petrels, primarily because progress by the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) with its active website news section and social media postings continues to be regularly featured by *ACAP Latest News*. **Auckland Island** *![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Picture2.jpg) White-Capped Albatross or Toroa* Thalassarche steadi *on Auckland Island, photograph by Jake Osbourne* The information below comes from Veronika Frank and Stephen Horn, National Eradication Manager, New Zealand Department of Conservation. A technical feasibility study for the eradication of pigs, feral cats and mice (feral goats had been previously removed) from the main 46 000-ha Auckland Island in the New Zealand sub-Antarctic was undertaken between 2017 and 2021 leading to a detailed [report](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/our-work/maukahuka-project/maukahuka-technical-feasibility-report.pdf).  Research findings from the study were published in a number of individual papers in a [special issue](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/j46_3) of the New *Zealand Journal of Ecology* the following year. Following a pause in progress due to the COVID-19 epidemic, eradication of the three mammalian invaders is now another step closer thanks to recent Government funding of NZD 3.65 million over two years.  These funds will enable foundational work to ready the eradication project for initiation.  Progress on research and development objectives include: - development of a meat cat bait for use in New Zealand: two successful hand-laid trials completed and an aerial trial currently underway to support registration of this bait; - development of efficient cat-trapping techniques and detectability with camera networks; - successful testing of a feral pig bait and in-field GPS-tagging techniques; and - development of an effective image classifier using artificial intelligence for managing trail cameras. *![Feral cat on white capped mollymawk Auckland Island. Photo Stephen Bradley 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Feral_cat_on_white_capped_mollymawk_Auckland_Island._Photo_Stephen_Bradley-1.jpg) A feral cat feeds on the body of a White-capped Albatross chick close to fledging, Auckland Island, photograph by Stephen Bradley* The objectives of the current “Readiness Phase” include: 1. securing the remaining funding required to initiate the eradication project (NZD 78 million total over eight years) through donations, partnerships and Government investment. 2. establishment of project management, governance, and project delivery structure(s) and recruitment of core team members to progress planning and produce a suite of planning documents such as a Project Plan and Procurement Strategy 3. Complete research and development for required tools, which include: A “[storymap](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bd3f2a996eca4f559051b9dfd8bbcfe4)” with the title “Preventing extinctions and saving entire ecosystems Subantarctic Auckland Island, New Zealand” dated March 2024 sets out in visual terms the project. **New Island** *![Landsend Bluff Ian Strange s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Landsend_Bluff_Ian_Strange_s.jpg) Landsend Bluff on New Island, photograph by Ian Strange* Information below comes from Ross James of the NGO [Falklands Conservation](https://falklandsconservation.com/). The New Island National Nature Reserve is considered one of the most globally significant wildlife sites in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* and is in major need of restoration.  Four invasive mammal species, feral cats, European Rabbits, Black Rats and House Mice, threaten the site’s fauna and are degrading the island’s fragile habitats. Their removal is required for recovery and long-term climate resilience.  The [New Island Restoration](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/) project aims to complete the preparatory technical steps necessary for an ambitious four-species eradication programme and engage the Falkland Islands Government and community to secure support for New Island’s long-term restoration. *Video by Falkland Conservation* “The feasibility report is currently in the process of being externally reviewed and so isn't ready to make public yet, but as with the 2013 report by Derek Brown the findings were that the removal of all four invasive mammal species remains feasible.  Phase 1, which concluded in March enabled us to collate all the technical data required, develop mitigation strategies, identify partners and secure permissions, and we're currently in the fundraising stage to enable Phase 2 (the actual restoration work) to begin.  We've recently [updated](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/) the website to reflect this transition, which includes a stronger message - not if we should do it, but that we are fundraising in order to do it.  We're in a better position than ever before to deliver the restoration of NI, and the island needs it now more than ever.” Read more under the heading “*New Island: completing preparatory steps for restoration against invasive mammal*s” and download progress reports on the Darwin Plus grants scheme website [here](https://darwinplus.org.uk/project/DPLUS169). * ![ MG 8341 BBA pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/_MG_8341_BBA_pair.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross*Thalassarche melanophris*pair on New Island, photograph by Ian Strange* **References:** Brown, D. 2013.  [*New Island Feasibility Study Report for the Potential Eradication of Ship Rats, Mice, Rabbits and Feral Cats from New Island, Falkland Islands*](https://www.newislandtrust.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/NICT-Invasives-Feasibility-Study-November_2013-1.pdf).  Unpublished report for New Island Conservation Trust.  87 pp. Department of Conservation 2021.  *[Technical Feasibility Study Report for Eradication of Pigs, Mice and Cats from Auckland Island](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/our-work/maukahuka-project/maukahuka-technical-feasibility-report.pdf)*.  Invercargill: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.  123 pp. Russell, J.C., Horn, S.R. & Broome, K.G. (Eds) 2022.  Restoration of New Zealand subantarctic islands.  [*New Zealand Journal of Ecology* 46(3).](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/j46_3) With thanks to Veronika Frank, Stephen Horn, Ross James, Mark Tasker and Megan Tierney for information. *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 11 October 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-what-is-the-state-of-play-with-planned-predator-eradications-on-two-sub-antarctic-islands.md) ## Recently published: a paper reporting on the findings from a Mouse Eradication Workshop *![Injured Wanderer Albatross Christopher Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Injured_Wanderer_Albatross_Christopher_Jones.jpeg)The problem: this Wandering Albatross has been attacked by House Mice on Marion Island, photograph by Chris Jones* Keith Springer (Operations Manager, [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), BirdLife South Africa) and colleagues have published their presentation on the findings of an [international workshop](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-discusses-the-2023-mouse-eradication-workshop-at-the-31st-vertebrate-pest-conference/) held in New Zealand to the [31st Vertebrate Pest Conference](https://ucanr.edu/sites/VPC/?_ga=2.8668917.1984285429.1727926815-2065418188.1677788414) in Monterey, California, USA in March 2024. The paper’s abstract follows: “Invasive house mice threaten native biodiversity on many of the world’s islands. Best practice for eradicating house mouse populations from islands currently relies on bait containing the anticoagulant rodenticide brodifacoum.  These baits are typically either broadcast (by hand or by helicopter in natural areas) or placed in bait stations (in human infrastructure or in areas where open broadcast is not permitted).  There have been many successful mouse eradications using these methods, including 29 of 36 attempts of islands being successful (81%) in New Zealand.  Following recent failed mouse eradications on Gough Island (South Atlantic, 2021) and Midway Atoll (North Pacific, 2023), a workshop was convened with 24 people attending (16 in-person, 8 on-line) from 7 countries (Australia, Canada, France, NZ, South Africa, UK, US), to discuss some hypotheses for what may have contributed to these unsuccessful outcomes.   The workshop was held in Palmerston North, New Zealand, between November 27 and 29, 2023.  Discussions over the three days revolved around three hypotheses. We present the key factors hypothesized for why eradications failed on these two islands.  We also outline research and operational needs that were identified in the workshop that can contribute to improved outcomes for future eradications of house mice from targeted islands.” * ![Marion mouse Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Marion_mouse_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) The target: a Marion Island House Mouse, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* With thanks to Keith Springer. The paper has been published online at the open-access repository eScholarship.org, where it can be [read and/or downloaded](https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1wh4b254). The conference proceedings editor advises that “after all papers submitted for the 31st Proceedings have been published on eScholarship.org, we will proceed to publish Volume 31 of the Proceedings in hard copy format.  Because of the relatively small number of papers submitted for the 30th Proceedings (2022) due to the COVID pandemic, the hard copy version will include papers from both the 30th and 31st (2024) Conferences.  We expect it to be available for purchase sometime in the first half of 2025.” **Reference:** Springer, K., Wolfaardt, A., Broome, K., Callender, A., Thomas, S., Griffiths, R., Will, D., Shiels, A. & Le Bouard, F. 2024.  *[Factors contributing to recent house mouse eradication ailures on islands: an initial assessment following a workshop in New Zealand](https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1wh4b254).*  Proceedings of the [31st Vertebrate Pest Conference, March 11-14, 2024, Monterey, California](https://ucanr.edu/sites/VPC/files/392967.pdf).  7 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 0**8 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-assessment-of-the-recent-house-mouse-eradication-failures-on-gough-island-and-midway-atoll-gets-published.md) ## Newell’s Shearwater, a Critically Endangered Hawaiian endemic, successfully attracted to breed on the island of Maui *![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearewater_Lindsay_Young.jpg) Newell’s Shearwater, photograph by Lindsay Young, Pacific Rim Conservation* Gregory Spencer ([H.T. Harvey & Associates Ecological Consultants,](https://www.harveyecology.com/) Los Gatos, California, USA) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/) on the history of the successful establishment of a breeding colony of [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell's Shearwaters *Puffinus newelli* protected from introduced predators. The paper’s abstract follows: “We report the development of a colony of threatened Newell's Shearwater *Puffinus newelli* (NESH) at Makamaka‘ole, West Maui, USA, a successful first undertaking in the Hawaiian Islands. Efforts involved the construction of two predator-proof fenced areas, removal/control of predators, placement of nest boxes, and social attraction using recorded calls and decoys. Initially, one of the management areas was intended for Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* (HAPE) and the other for NESH. Exclosures were completed and mammalian predators were removed in 2013, and social attraction began in 2014. Both species almost immediately began flyovers to inspect speakers and by 2015, they had landed to inspect nest sites. Cameras recorded activity at nests during which individuals showed interest and, in at least one case, competed for the same nest. The first NESH eggs were laid in 2017, by which time HAPE had lost interest. NESH numbers continued to grow, especially after more speakers were added in 2019, when at least one but as many as five NESH chicks fledged. Two main questions arose: 1) What was the source population from which NESH had come, given their near extirpation on Maui? and 2) Why did HAPE, which are abundant in East Maui and on the nearby island of Lāna‘i, eventually lose interest? Better understanding the population and behavioral ecology of these species might well inform planning for similar projects elsewhere in Hawai‘i.” **Reference:** Spencer, G., Craig, M., Yuen, B. & Ainley, D. 2024.  Establishment of an incipient Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli* colony on Maui.  [*Marine Ornithology* 52: 157-164](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1570)*[.](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1570)* *[http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1570](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1570)**10 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/newells-shearwater-a-critically-endangered-hawaiian-endemic-successfully-attracted-to-breed-on-the-island-of-maui.md) ## Three breeding albatrosses get counted on Amsterdam Island ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Amsterdam%20Island%20Thierry%20Micol%20s.jpg) *Amsterdam Island from the air, photograph by Thierry Micol* Célia Lesage ([Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises](https://taaf.fr/), Saint-Pierre, France) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Polar Biology*](https://link.springer.com/journal/300) on a seabird survey conducted on France’s sub-Antarctic Amsterdam Island over 2021/22, prior to the [2024 eradication effort](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-aerial-baiting-of-amsterdam-island-targeting-its-introduced-rodents-has-been-completed) directed at alien rodents.  The island’s three breeding albatrosses were included in the survey with counts of occupied nests (Amsterdam*Diomedea amsterdamensis*65 pairs, Sooty*Phoebetria fusca*515 pairs, Indian Yellow-nosed*Thalassarche carteri*29 671 pairs*.*) The paper’s abstract follows: “An invasive predator eradication campaign is planned for 2024 on Amsterdam Island, one of world’s top priority island for seabird conservation. In order to monitor the effects on seabird colonies post-eradication, a survey of burrow-nesting species and population monitoring of albatrosses, penguins, skuas and terns was organised pre-eradication. Several counting techniques and acoustic methods were used to infer presence/absence of burrow-nesting species and to estimate abundance of other species, as well as genetic methods for species identification. In total 14 breeding (or probably breeding) seabird species were detected on Amsterdam Island, among which eight burrowing petrels including two species never described on the island: the Juan Fernandez petrel *Pterodroma externa* and the sooty sherwater *Ardenna grisea*. Based on these new data, the introduced mammal eradication campaign on Amsterdam, if successful, will likely be extremely beneficial for seabird conservation, and may also favor the colonization of Amsterdam by new seabird species.” *![th stamp 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/th_stamp_2.jpg) Amsterdam Albatross – endemic to Amsterdam Island* Read about the completed eradication here. **Reference:** Lesage, C., Cherel, Y., Delord, K., D’orchymont, Q., Fretin, M., Levy, M., Welch, A. & Barbraud, C. 2024.  Pre-eradication updated seabird survey including new records on Amsterdam Island, southern Indian Ocean.  *[Polar Biology 47**:**1093–1105](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-024-03282-5#Bib1)*. {[PDF here](https://hal.science/hal-04659692v1/file/Ms_petrels_Amsterdam_V7_0track%20%281%29.pdf)] *03 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/three-breeding-albatrosses-get-counted-on-amsterdam-island.md) ## New study measures energy costs of dynamic soaring in albatrosses ![Atlantic Yellow Nosed Tristan Da Cunha Ross Wheeler](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow-Nosed_Tristan_Da_Cunha_Ross_Wheeler.jpg)*An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross in waters off Tristan Da Cunha; photograph by Ross Wheeler* Melinda G. Connors ([School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences](https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/), Stony Brook University, USA) and colleagues have published in the *[Journal of Experimental Biology](https://journals.biologists.com/jeb) *on the energy costs of dynamic soaring on albatrosses. The paper’s abstract follows:  “Estimates of movement costs are essential for understanding energetic and life-history trade-offs. Although overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) derived from accelerometer data is widely used as a proxy for energy expenditure (EE) in free-ranging animals, its utility has not been tested in species that predominately use body rotations or exploit environmental energy for movement. We tested a suite of sensor-derived movement metrics as proxies for EE in two species of albatrosses, which routinely use dynamic soaring to extract energy from the wind to reduce movement costs. Birds were fitted with a combined heart-rate, accelerometer, magnetometer and GPS logger, and relationships between movement metrics and heart rate-derived *V*̇O2, an indirect measure of EE, were analyzed during different flight and activity modes. When birds were exclusively soaring, a metric derived from angular velocity on the yaw axis provided a useful proxy of EE. Thus, body rotations involved in dynamic soaring have clear energetic costs, albeit considerably lower than those of the muscle contractions required for flapping flight. We found that ODBA was not a useful proxy for EE in albatrosses when birds were exclusively soaring. As albatrosses spend much of their foraging trips soaring, ODBA alone was a poor predictor of EE in albatrosses. Despite the lower percentage of time flapping, the number of flaps was a useful metric when comparing EE across foraging trips. Our findings highlight that alternative metrics, beyond ODBA, may be required to estimate energy expenditure from inertial sensors in animals whose movements involve extensive body rotations.” **Reference:** Conners, M.G., Green, J.A., Phillips., R.A., Orben, R.A., Cui, C., Djurić, P.M., Heywood, E., Vyssotski, A.L. & Thorne, L.H. 2024.  Dynamic soaring decouples dynamic body acceleration and energetics in albatrosses. *J. Exp. Biol*. 227 (18): jeb247431. doi: [https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.247431](https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.247431)[https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.247431](https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.247431) *16 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-study-measures-energy-costs-of-dynamic-soaring-in-albatrosses.md) ## FAO launches free e-Learning courses on marine fisheries conservation ![FAO logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/FAO_logo.png) The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (FAO-NFI) and the FAO eLearning Academy, with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), have announced the publication of two certified e-learning courses in Spanish. These courses on other effective area-based conservation measures in marine fisheries, aim to enhance knowledge and support of conservation efforts in marine fisheries globally, and are available free of charge: 1. [Introducción al concepto de otras medidas eficaces de conservación basadas en áreas de la pesca marina](https://elearning.fao.org/course/view.php?id=1162) 2. [Reconocimiento de otras medidas eficaces de conservación basadas en áreas de la pesca marina](https://elearning.fao.org/course/view.php?id=1164) The courses are also available in English: 1. [Introduction to other effective area-based conservation measures in marine fisheries](https://elearning.fao.org/course/view.php?id=1124) 2. [Recognizing other effective area-based conservation measures in marine fisheries](https://elearning.fao.org/course/view.php?id=1125) Explore the full range of the FAO's elearning courses at the [FAO elearning Academy](https://elearning.fao.org) page of their website. *14 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fao-launches-free-e-learning-courses-on-marine-fisheries-conservation.md) ## Assessing climate change impacts on terrestrially breeding marine predators: a trait-based approach ![trait based risk assessment Milan Sojitra 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/trait-based_risk_assessment_Milan_Sojitra_2024.jpg)*Figure 1 from the paper: Map of the study area. The study species were selected from the red-highlighted regions, encompassing the temperate islands of Bass Strait, Tasmania, and southeast Australia, Subantarctic Macquarie Island, and the Antarctic continent. The detailed map of southeast Australia includes several key marine predator breeding colonies. Map lines delineate study areas and do not necessarily depict accepted national boundaries.* Milan Sojitra ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.utas.edu.au/imas), Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal, *[Global Change Biology](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652486), *on a trait-based approach to climate change impacts on marine predators. The paper’s abstract follows:  “Terrestrially breeding marine predators have experienced shifts in species distribution, prey availability, breeding phenology, and population dynamics due to climate change worldwide. These central-place foragers are restricted within proximity of their breeding colonies during the breeding season, making them highly susceptible to any changes in both marine and terrestrial environments. While ecologists have developed risk assessments to evaluate climate risk in various contexts, these often overlook critical breeding biology data. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a trait-based risk assessment framework, focusing on the breeding season and applying it to marine predators breeding in parts of Australian territory and Antarctica. Our objectives were to quantify climate change risk, identify specific threats, and establish an adaptable assessment framework. The assessment considered 25 criteria related to three risk components: vulnerability, exposure, and hazard, while accounting for uncertainty. We employed a scoring system that integrated a systematic literature review and expert elicitation for the hazard criteria. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify key factors contributing to overall risk. We identified shy albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*), southern rockhopper penguins (*Eudyptes chrysocome*), Australian fur seals (*Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus*), and Australian sea lions (*Neophoca cinerea*) with high climate urgency. Species breeding in lower latitudes, as well as certain eared seal, albatross, and penguin species, were particularly at risk. Hazard and exposure explained the most variation in relative risk, outweighing vulnerability. Key climate hazards affecting most species include extreme weather events, changes in habitat suitability, and prey availability. We emphasise the need for further research, focusing on at-risk species, and filling knowledge gaps (less-studied hazards, and/or species) to provide a more accurate and robust climate change risk assessment. Our findings offer valuable insights for conservation efforts, given that monitoring and implementing climate adaptation strategies for land-dependent marine predators is more feasible during their breeding season.” **Reference:** Sojitra, M., Corney, S., Hemer, M., Hamilton, S., McInnes, J., Thalmann, S., & Lea, M.-A. 2024.  Traversing the land-sea interface: A climate change risk assessment of terrestrially breeding marine predators. *Global Change Biology* 30, e17452. [https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17452](https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17452)[https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17452](https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17452) *9 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/assessing-climate-change-impacts-on-terrestrially-breeding-marine-predators-a-trait-based-approach.md) ## Case study published of the first documented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1in the sub-Antarctic region ![Wanderer Bird Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_Bird_Island.jpg)*Wandering Albatrosses (pictured) are one of the species that feature in the paper's case study on the HPAI H5N1 outbreak in the sub-Antarctic region* Ashley Bennison ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Bird Study](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tbis20)*, a case study on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in the sub-Antarctic region.  The paper’s abstract follows: “**Capsule ** HPAI H5N1 was documented for the first time in the subantarctic region on Bird Island, South Georgia, resulting in the mortality of Brown Skuas *Stercorarius antarcticus*, Gentoo Penguins *Pygoscelis papua*, Snowy Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*, and Antarctic Fur Seals *Arctocephalus gazella*. **Aims ** The spread of the HPAI H5N1 subtype has had dramatic impacts on numerous populations of wild birds and mammals. We describe a case study that can inform the management of HPAI for conservation practitioners and researchers globally. **Methods ** We documented the detection, monitoring, and impact of the first known outbreak of H5N1 HPAI in the subantarctic region, at Bird Island in South Georgia (−54.3582, −36.5112) during 2023–2024. Deaths from HPAI were first suspected in September 2023 and later confirmed by genetic analysis. **Results ** In total, 77 Brown Skuas, 38 Gentoo penguins, and 58 Snowy Albatrosses were suspected to have died from HPAI infection, and HPAI was confirmed in 5 dead Antarctic Fur Seals. Total mortality was unknown for all species, as other individuals will have been scavenged before discovery, or died at sea. **Conclusion ** This case study provides lessons for the management, risk, safety considerations, and ethical decisions regarding animal welfare that may help guide research and management responses to HPAI outbreaks elsewhere, particularly in remote areas or in species of conservation concern.” **Reference:** Bennison, A., Adlard, S., Banyard, A. C., Blockley, F., Blyth, M., Browne, E., … Phillips, R. A. (2024). A case study of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 at Bird Island, South Georgia: the first documented outbreak in the subantarctic region. *Bird Study*, 1–12. [https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2024.2396563](https://doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2024.2396563) *7 October 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/case-study-published-of-the-first-documented-outbreak-of-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-h5n1in-the-subantarctic-region.md) ## Conservation through education: ACAP Executive Secretary tours Projeto Albatroz’s new Albatross Centre ![Christine Bogle Projeto Albatroz Visit Brazil August 2024 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Christine_Bogle_Projeto_Albatroz_Visit_Brazil_August_2024-1.jpg)*ACAP Executive Secretary Dr Christine Bogle meets with students visiting Projeto Albatroz's newly opened Marine Environmental Education and Visitation Centre in the coastal city of Cabo Frio* On her recent liaison visit to Brazil, ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle was invited by Tatiana Neves, the CEO and Founder of the conservation NGO, Projeto Albatoz, to tour the organisation’s Marine Environmental Education and Visitation Centre.  The Centre, located in the coastal city of Cabo Frio, aims to share knowledge about albatrosses and petrels, create awareness of the marine environment in which they live and the threats they are facing.  Christine’s visit was the first from an intergovernmental organisation and was a highlight of her time in Brazil. During her visit to the Centre, she met with school students who presented their projects on various conservation issues, including the impact of plastic pollution on albatrosses.  The event was covered by local media outlet InterTV RJ, who were reporting on the importance of seabird conservation, the positive impacts of environmental education, and the significance of global efforts to protect albatrosses and petrels. *ACAP Executive Secretary Dr Christine Bogle and Projeto Albatross CEO Tatiana Neves interviewed by Brazilian media outlet InterTV RJ on her visit to Projeto Albatroz's Marine Environmental Education and Visitation Centre* “It was a pleasure to visit the new Centre established by Projeto Albatroz in Cabo Frio”, said Christine. “It is so important to create awareness of these magnificent seabirds and their marine environment, and the Centre demonstrates Projeto Albatroz’s dedication to conservation efforts.” Tatiana, who is also Vice-chair of ACAP's Advisory Committee, highlighted that while international collaboration has been key to conservation efforts for albatrosses and petrels, it is also important to engage children and young people in conservation issues. "Through environmental education and ocean literacy, we empower young people to be part of the solution to this problem, amplifying the conservation message within their homes, schools and friends, so everyone can protect the oceans with us." During her visit Christine also witnessed the release of two rehabilitated White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*, an ACAP-listed species, further illustrating the tangible impact of conservation efforts. Christine’s visit to Brazil underscores the importance of international cooperation in maintaining a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels, reinforcing the need for continued efforts across national and international boundaries. *2 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conservation-through-education-acap-executive-secretary-tours-projeto-albatrozs-new-albatross-centre.md) ## Solving a human-wildlife conflict by translocating eggs: Laysan Albatrosses on Kauai *![Egg transfer Laysan Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Egg_transfer_Laysan_Hob_Osterlund.jpg)A translocated Laysan Albatross egg gets a new owner, photograph by Hob Osterlund* Eric Vanderwerf ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA) and colleagues have reviewed the results of a foster egg translocation programme for Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* conducted on the Hawaiian island of Kauai in the open access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/). The paper’s abstract follows: “In the 1960s and 1970s, Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* colonized several sites in the Pacific from which they had been extirpated or had not been known to nest previously, including the US Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, USA, where they increased to become a bird aircraft strike hazard (BASH). To reduce their population at PMRF, albatross eggs were destroyed or removed as part of a BASH reduction program until 2005, when an alternate plan was devised by the Navy, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, in which eggs from PMRF were placed in foster nests at other colonies on Kaua‘i where the natural egg was infertile or had died. During 2009-2022, we placed 500 eggs from PMRF in foster nests on Kaua‘i and the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu. The egg viability rate in all colonies was 73% and varied among years. The hatching rate of foster eggs was 53%, fledging rate was 72%, and overall reproductive success was 38%, rates that were slightly lower than in natural eggs at the same sites. This project resulted in 189 fledged Laysan Albatross that otherwise would have died, and it helped solve a human-wildlife conflict. Several useful management techniques and egg translocation methods were developed during this project that can be used in similar projects with other seabirds.” [Click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/female-female-laysan-albatross-pairs-fledge-chicks-from-fostered-eggs?highlight=WyJtYXJpbmUiLCJtYXJpbiIsIm1hcmluZXIiLCJtYXJpbmVzIiwibWFyaW5lciciLCJtYXJpbmVycyIsIm9ybml0aG9sb2d5Iiwib3JuaXRob2xvZ2ljYWwiLCJ2YW5kZXJ3ZXJmIl0=) for a related paper **Reference:** Vanderwerf, E.A., Young, L.C, Kohley, C.R., Behnke, J., Mcfarland, B., Finney, K., Osterlund, H., Murphy, J., Serota, A., Barnfield, L., Green, Y., Rogers, K.S. & Granholm, C. 2024.  Long -term outcomes of a Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* foster egg translocation program.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/52_2/52_2_247-251.pdf)*[52: 247-251](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/52_2/52_2_247-251.pdf). *01 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/solving-a-human-wildlife-conflict-by-translocating-eggs-laysan-albatrosses-on-kauai.md) ## ACAP releases a Species Infographic for the White-chinned Petrel, the 17th and latest in the series  ![preview whitechinnedpetrel eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/preview_whitechinnedpetrel_eng.jpg) The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) released today, the 17th to be produced in the 31-species series, is for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis**. *It is the second to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, following that for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel*P. cinerea**.  *The other 15 infographics are all for albatrosses.  It is also being produced in the official ACAP languages of French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese, to reflect its regular occurrence in the waters off Brazil. These versions will be released soon. The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.  English and Portuguese language versions of all the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap).  *![Screenshot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White-chinned_Petrel_Judith_MacKay_Andy_Ward.jpg)White-chinned Petrel by Judith MacKay of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for ACAP, after a photograph (see below) by Andy Wood* The 17 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. ![White chinned Petrel Andy Wood 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned_Petrel_Andy_Wood_3.jpg)*White-chinned Petrel on Bird Island, South Atlantic, photograph by Andy Wood* Work has now commenced on producing infographics for the Northern *Macronectes halli* and Southern *M. giganteus* Giant Petrels.  Both have been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). The ACAP Species Infographics are being created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to Jonathon Barrington, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer, Graham Parker, Richard Phillips and Peter Ryan for their help. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 October 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-a-species-infographic-for-the-white-chinned-petrel-the-17th-and-latest-in-the-series.md) ## The Albatross and Petrel Agreement will revise its best-practice guidelines for the eradication of introduced mammals on islands ![Light mantled Albatross Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Light-mantled_Albatross_Peter_Ryan.jpg) *This [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) Light-mantled Albatross*Phoebetria palpebrata *chick did not survive night-time attacks by introduced House Mice on Marion Island, photograph by Peter Ryan* The 14th Meeting (AC14) of the international Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq)) was held in Lima, Peru over 12-16 August 2024.  In considering the [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4834-ac14-doc-14/file) of its Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)), which had met the previous week, the committee agreed that the ACAP best-practice [Guidelines for Eradication of Introduced Mammals from Breeding Sites of ACAP-listed Seabirds](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/2179-eradication-guidelines/file), last updated in September 2019, should be reviewed in the light of new insights gained from recent attempts to eradicate House Mice *Mus musculus*from islands, noting particularly the failed eradications of House Mice on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) and Sand Island, [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site).  The Advisory Committee agreed to add this task to its Work Programme for 2023-2025 ([AC 14 Doc. 22](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4758-ac14-doc-22-ac-work-programme-2023-2025/file) and [Annex 5 Task 2.9 of the AC14 report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/4851-ac14-report/file)). *![AC14 Group Photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/AC14_Group_Photo.jpg) Participants of the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee in Lima, Peru.  South Africa’s Member, Dr Azwianewi Makhado, is fourth from the right in the front row, photograph by the ACAP Secretariat* The AC14’s decision to undertake the review was informed by South Africa’s Information Paper ([PaCSWG8 Inf 07)](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8/pacswg8-information-papers/4737-pacswg8-inf-07-mouse-free-marion-mfm-project/file) to the working group reporting on progress with the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-albatross-and-petrel-agreement-renews-its-support-for-south-africas-mouse-free-marion-project-at-its-2024-meetings/)) and a statement in its report (see AC14 6.10) from the United Kingdom to the working group that gave an update on the investigations by the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) into the recent failure to eradicate House Mice from that island. *![Wounded chick Karen Bourgeois Sylvain Dromzee](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Wounded_chick_Karen_Bourgeois__Sylvain_Dromzee.jpg) A severely wounded [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan Albatross* D. dabbenena *chick after overnight attacks by House Mice on Gough Island, photograph by Karen Bourgeois/Sylvain Dromzee* South Africa, the United Kingdom and the USA, along with the PaCSWG and ACAP Science Officer, will participate in the planned review of the eradication guidelines during the intersessional period (AC 14 report Annex 6, Item 2.9).  South Africa will input  through its national member of the PaCSWG, Dr Azwianewi (Newi) Makhado ([Oceans & Coasts, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/OceansandCoasts)).  The MFM Project will support Newi in this endeavour, thus helping ensure the guidelines take particular notice of the issues relating to the eradication of House Mice on islands, especially where they are the sole terrestrial predator and include seabirds in their diet, such as on Gough, Marion and Sand Island, Midway Atoll.  The MFM Project’s ongoing field research on Marion Island, including its plans for an aerial-based bait trial in 2026, will help formulate the guideline’s recommendations for planned and future mouse-eradication projects. **References:** Advisory Committee, Secretariat 2024.  [*Advisory Committee Work Programme 2023-2025*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4758-ac14-doc-22-ac-work-programme-2023-2025/file). Fourteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Lima, Peru, 12-16 August 2024.  AC14 Doc 22.  15 pp. Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 2024.  [*Report of the Fourteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Lima, Peru, 14-16 August 2024*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/4851-ac14-report/file)*.* 92 pp. Phillips, R.A. 2019.  [*Guidelines for Eradication of Introduced Mammals from Breeding Sites of ACAP-listed seabirds*](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/2179-eradication-guidelines/file).  Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  10 pp. Population and Conservation Status Working Group 2024*.  *[*Report of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4834-ac14-doc-14/file).  Fourteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Lima, Peru, 12-16 August 2024.  AC14 Doc 14 Rev 2.  41 pp. Wolfaardt, A. & Makhado, A. 2024.  [*An Update on the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project*](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8/pacswg8-information-papers/4737-pacswg8-inf-07-mouse-free-marion-mfm-project/file).  Eighth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group, Lima, Peru, 9 August 2024.  PaCSWG8 Inf 07.  3 pp. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer. Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-albatross-and-petrel-agreement-will-revise-its-best-practice-guidelines-for-the-eradication-of-introduced-mammals-on-islands.md) ## Island Invasives 2026, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland | Aotearoa New Zealand, 9-13 February 2026  ![Invasives Conference 2026](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Invasives_Conference_2026.png) [**Island Invasives 2026** **Charting the Future**](https://www.islandinvasives.org/) will be the fourth conference in the Island Invasives series that commenced with the title “[*Turning the Tide: the Eradication of Island Invasives*](https://portals.iucn.org/library/efiles/documents/ssc-op-028.pdf)” in Auckland, New Zealand in 2001.  The second and third conferences were held in Auckland in 2010 (“[*Island Invasives: Eradication and Management*](https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/SSC-OP-042.pdf)”) and in Dundee, Scotland ( “[*Island Invasives: Scaling up to meet the Challenge*”)](https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/SSC-OP-062-En.pdf) in 2017, respectively.  The goal of the fourth conference, to be held once more in Auckland, from 9-13 February 2026, is stated to be knowledge transfer that enables accelerated uptake of eradication methods which will enhance biodiversity and the lives of people on islands around the world. ![Lucy Smyth Goney chick2 26 May 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Lucy_Smyth_Goney_chick2_26_May_2022.jpeg) *The problem: this Wandering Albatross chick has been attacked by Marion Island's introduced House Mice, photograph by Lucy Smyth, 22 May 2022,  Read more at what is to be done at [https://mousefreemarion.org/](https://mousefreemarion.org/)* “In February 2026, the conference returns to Auckland to celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The conference continues its resolute focus on the complete eradication of invasive species of any taxa from islands or island-like bodies.  Scholars and practitioners from around the world will convene to present on any aspect of this topic with their work published as peer-reviewed papers in the renowned conference proceeding series.  Sponsors of the conference will have direct access to this global audience to promote their organisation and services.” *![Auckland skyline May 2024 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Auckland_skyline_-_May_2024_2.jpg) Auckland on North Island is New Zealand’s largest city, its CBD is dominated by the Sky Tower* Registration and submissions for **Island Invasives 2026** open on 3 March 2025.  To be on the mailing list for conference news [click here](https://uoaevents.eventsair.com/ii26/mailinglist/Site/Register). *27 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/island-invasives-2026-tamaki-makaurau-auckland-aotearoa-new-zealand-9-13-february-2026.md) ## UPDATED: From Amsterdam Island to New Zealand, a young Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross is identified at sea  ![Tutakaka IYNA juv Aaron Skelton 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Tutakaka_IYNA_juv_Aaron_Skelton_2.jpg)*The colour-banded Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross at ‘The Petrel Station’* **UPDATE:**  Thierry Boulinier, Projecr Manager writes "this individual had been vaccinated against avian cholera as part of the research project carried out by our group at CEFE, CNRS-Université Montpellier, on infectious disease circulation in south polar seabirds (French Polar Institute IPEV project [1151-ECOPATH](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/programmes_soutenus/circulation-of-directly-transmitted-and-tick-borne-infectious-agents-in-sub-antarctic-and-antarctic-colonial-vertebrate-populations-surveillance-understanding-and-management-implications/)."  Karine Delord adds the bird was banded in March 2024,  Karine Delord adds: "juvenile banded in March 2024 by Lucie (volunteer of the Thierry Boulinier IPEV project) and vaccinated against fowl cholera at around 10 days old". A colour-banded Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* was spotted at sea on a ‘pelagic’ seabird-watching tour at ‘[The Petrel Station’](https://www.thepetrelstation.nz/) on the shelf edge, approximately 40 km offshore on the shelf edge off [Tutukaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutukaka), North Island, New Zealand on 22 September 2024.  Photographed by [Aaron Skelton](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1269214593277385/user/100065038142830), the juvenile bird, so identified by only a faint trace of yellow on its upper mandible, was carrying the colour band white EW4 on its right leg. *![Tutukaka IYNA juv Aron Skelton 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Tutukaka_IYNA_juv_Aron_Skelton_3.jpg) Close-up!  Colour bands, and a good camera, allow for individual identification at sea* Following an inquiry, it was confirmed by a French research team that the bird was banded as a chick in the most recent (2023/24) breeding season as part of a long-term monitoring programme on France’s [Amsterdam Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross) in the southern Indian Ocean that is funded by the French Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor ([IPEV](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/)) as part of the project “Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean” ([Project: 109 ORNITHO2E](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/research/monitoring/ornithoeco/?lang=en)), The population on Amsterdam has plummeted in recent decades, notably due to avian cholera. *![Tutakaka IYNA juv Aaron Skelton 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Tutakaka_IYNA_juv_Aaron_Skelton_1.jpg) ![Tukatuka IYNA juv 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Tukatuka_IYNA_juv_4.jpg) White EW4 in flight, all photographs by Aaron Skelton* The Petrel Station Seabird Tours & Research - Tutukaka, New Zealand writes of the record of an [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/thepetrelstation): “These stunning [albatrosses] are extremely scarce off the New Zealand coast with few records in the last 20 odd years.  Back in the 1980's they were the most common albatross species in our area but due to fishing bycatch and disease at their Indian Ocean breeding sites their numbers have plummeted resulting in fewer now reaching the NZ coast.” ![Tutukaka IYNA juv Aron Skelton 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Tutukaka_IYNA_juv_Aron_Skelton_4.jpg)*Ian Sinclair writes of this photograph of the banded bird by Aaron Skelton; "Yes, Indian YNA. tell by the faint yellow on the bill near the base being pointed."* *And Ian will know, his careful field observations on Gough and Prince Edward Islands were instrumental in the yellow-nosed albatross being separated into two species* Read the trip report for the tour on which the colour-banded albatross was seen and photographed [here](https://www.thepetrelstation.nz/trip-reports/22-09-2024). With thanks to Thierry Boulinier,  [CEFE](https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/), CNRS-Université Montpellier, France and [Karine Delord](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/predateurs-marins/karine-delord-2/), Centre d'études biologiques de Chizé, France and Ian Sinclair for information. **Reference:** Brooke, R.K., Sinclair, J.C. & Berruti. A. 1980.  Geographical variation in *Diomedea.chlororhynchos* (Aves: Diomedeidae)  [*Durban Museum Novitates* 12 (15)](https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA0012723X_2215). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 26 September 2024, updated 27 Setember 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-amsterdam-island-to-new-zealand-a-young-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-is-identified-at-sea.md) ## Brazil and ACAP strengthen conservation ties during ACAP liaison visit ![Brazillian Roundtable Meeting August 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Brazillian_Roundtable_Meeting_August_2024.jpg)*From left – right: João Luis Fernandino Ferreira - Specialized Technical Advisor from the Fisheries co-Management Department (DPES), Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change; Bráulio Ferreira de Souza Dias - Director of the Department of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (DCBIO), Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change;Tatiana Neves, Vice-chair of ACAP’s Advisory Committee and CEO and founder of the conservation NGO Projeto Albatroz; ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle; Leandro Magalhães Silva de Sousa - Secretary. Deputy Head of Biodiversity Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Krishna Barros Bonavides - Environmental Analyst from the Department of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (DCBIO), Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change;Inez Varoto Correa - Environmental Analyst from the Office of International Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change; Gabriela Isa Rosendo Vieira Campos  - Environmental Analyst from the Office of International Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change; Pedro Ricardo Alexandre de Albuquerque - Environmental Analyst from the Fisheries co-Management Department (DPES), Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change* The Executive Secretary of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), Dr Christine Bogle, recently visited Brazil as part of a series of liaison visits in South America, following the conclusion of ACAP’s meetings in Peru this August.  In the nation’s capital, Brasília, Christine engaged with key government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Fishing and Aquaculture and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change with the Department of Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (DCBIO), the Fisheries co-Management Department (DPES) and the Department of Oceans and Coastal Management. The meetings included a round table discussion, in which Tatiana Neves, Vice-chair of ACAP’s Advisory Committee (and CEO and founder of the conservation NGO Projeto Albatroz) also participated.  The meetings focused on the outcomes of the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC14](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=330&lang=en)) in Peru, Brazil’s efforts to protect albatrosses and petrels, including its National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, and the conservation and outreach work of the Petrobas sponsored NGO, Projeto Albatroz.  ACAP National Contact Point and Deputy Head of Biodiversity Division at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Leandro Magalhães Silva de Sousa, and Krishna Barros Bonavides from Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change said the ACAP Executive Secretary’s visit represented a significant step for Brazil to show national efforts in the conservation of albatrosses.   “The roundtable discussion provided a valuable opportunity to exchange information and learn about new initiatives among Brazilian stakeholders dedicated to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels. This reaffirmed the government´s commitment to implementing the Agreement in Brazil and underscored the importance seabird conservation efforts.” This year is the 20th anniversary of the Agreement coming into force. During the round table meeting, Christine spoke about this significant milestone for ACAP, outlining the Agreement’s achievements over the twenty-year period as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for ACAP. She also presented meeting participants with ACAP's [20th Anniversary Booklet](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=1021&lang=en)produced to mark the occasion. “Brazil is an active ACAP Party committed to multilateral cooperation to protect albatrosses and petrels, including many that regularly visit Brazil’s coastal waters. I was pleased to meet the officials responsible for these endeavours,” said Dr Bogle. Dr Bogle also visited ACAP Parties, Uruguay and Argentina as part of her schedule of liaison visits in South America in September. *25 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/brazil-and-acap-strengthen-conservation-ties-during-acap-liaison-visit.md) ## Bells ring in Dunedin today as the first Northern Royal Albatrosses return to Pukekura/Taiaroa Head for a new breeding season *![Zach Barford YRK in flight Tue 17 Sept 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Zach_Barford_-_YRK_in_flight_Tue_17_Sept_2024.jpg) YRK in flight over Pukekura/Taiaroa Head, 17 September 2024, photograph by Zach Barford* Today, the bells started ringing in Dunedin at 13h00 NZST on New Zealand’s South Island.  In what has become an annual tradition, the city’s bells sound out from churches and schools to mark the return of a new season’s cohort of the biennial breeding Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the nearby mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland). The first returnee of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) albatross was sighted and photographed in flight around the colony headland on 17 September by colony guide Zach Barford*.* Identified by its yellow, red and black leg-mounted colour bands, “YRK”, a female, is described by The Royal Albatross Centre’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) as a “rather well-known bird which had previously featured as a former [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) parent who raised [chicks] Atawhai in 2020 and Lilibet in 2022, both with her mate OGK [orange, green, black] who sadly went missing in June 2022.   Having hatched in 1994 YRK is currently 30 years old and has successfully raised many chicks so far in her lifetime.” Watch a video of the bell ringing within the centre today [here](https://www.facebook.com/reel/874079924336881).  The [2022 ceremony](https://acap.aq/latest-news/dunedin-s-bells-herald-the-return-of-the-northern-royal-albatrosses-to-taiaroa-head) was also covred by *ACAP Latest New*s. *![Royal Cam chick August 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Royal_Cam_chick_August_2024.jpg) The 2024 Royal Cam chick in August, photograph by**Laura Findlay* Other recent news from the colony is that the chick from the [2024 Royal Cam pair](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-royal-cam-at-taiaroa-heads-northern-royal-albatross-colony-gets-going-again-for-its-ninth-season?highlight=WyJyb3lhbCIsInJveWFscyIsIidyb3lhbCIsImNhbSIsImNhbXMiLCJjYW0nIiwyMDI0LCIyMDI0J3MiXQ==) fledged on 23 September.  It hatched on 23 January 2024 and so left the headland exactly eight months later ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20royal%20albatross%20centre)).  The fledging has not as yet received its name, but you can still vote for one of 10 short-listed names ([click here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/namethechick/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFeT3pleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT82zQ9wCVeERvBZ3tUFnKFDoYbckxhuC--q4UX6nCYROMskGOE20c9xmQ_aem_0N_U876g0Sd75evDqg7pSg)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bells-ring-in-dunedin-today-as-the-first-northern-royal-albatrosses-return-to-pukekura-taiaroa-head-for-a-new-breeding-season.md) ## Detection and spread of avian influenza virus in the Antarctic Region – albatrosses and giant petrels affected  ![ MG 8341 BBA pair](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/_MG_8341_BBA_pair.jpg) *Testing positive: Black-browed Albatrosses breeding on New Island in the South Atlantic, photograph by Ian Strange* Ashley Banyard (Department of Virology, [Animal and Plant Health Agency](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency), Addlestone, Surrey, UK) and many colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/ncomms/)* on the arrival of avian influenza virus on sub-Antarctic islands and on the Antarctic Continent.  ACAP-listed species affected include Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* and the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* The paper’s abstract follows: “Until recent events, the Antarctic was the only major geographical region in which high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) had never previously been detected. Here we report on the detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, respectively.   We initially detected H5N1 HPAIV in samples collected from brown skuas at Bird Island, South Georgia on 8th October 2023. Since this detection, mortalities were observed in several avian and mammalian species at multiple sites across South Georgia.  Subsequent testing confirmed H5N1 HPAIV across several sampling locations in multiple avian species and two seal species.  Simultaneously, we also confirmed H5N1 HPAIV in southern fulmar and black-browed albatross in the Falkland Islands v Genetic assessment of the virus indicates spread from South America, likely through movement of migratory birds.  Critically, genetic assessment of sequences from mammalian species demonstrates no increased risk to human populations above that observed in other instances of mammalian infections globally.  Here we describe the detection, species impact and genetic composition of the virus and propose both introductory routes and potential long-term impact on avian and mammalian species across the Antarctic region.  We also speculate on the threat to specific populations following recent reports in the area.” Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* in the South Atlantic have also succumbed to the influenza, as previously [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-has-spread-to-wandering-albatrosses-on-subantarctic-islands?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsImluZmx1ZW56YSJd) in *ACAP Latest News*. **Reference:** Banyard, A.C., Bennison, A., Byrne, A.M.P. *et al.* 2024.  Detection and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic Region.* [Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51490-8)*[15, 7433.  doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51490-8](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51490-8). 23 September 2024 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/detection-and-spread-of-avian-influenza-virus-in-the-antarctic-region-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-affected.md) ## They do get about: two colour banded great albatrosses are spotted at sea far from home *![Orange banded Northern Royal Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Orange_banded_Northern_Royal_Albatross_2.jpg) Not your usual view, but this Northern Royal Albatross clearly shows in orange leg band, photograph by Michael Mason* Although the use of technology to follow albatrosses and other pelagic seabirds at sea via the use of bird-mounted electronic loggers and transmitters (“[biologging](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/infrastructures/bio-logging/what-is-bio-logging/?lang=en)”) has hugely increased our understanding of quite where seabirds go away from their breeding islands, there is still value and an interest in learning about at-sea movements from recoveries and sightings of birds bearing leg-mounted bands.  The use of alphanumeric colour bands and digital zoom cameras is allowing birds photographed at sea on tourist pelagic tours to be individually identified, and their ‘back stories’ obtained from national banding schemes.  Two recent examples of colour-banded great albatrosses, *Diomedea* photographed at sea follow. *![Orange banded Northern Royal Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Orange_banded_Northern_Royal_Albatross_1.jpg) This 2018/19 cohort Northern Royal Albatross shows its orange leg band in flight, photograph by Trevor Hardaker* **Northern Royal Albatross** One of three [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* seen on a [Zest for Birds pelagic trip](https://www.facebook.com/groups/493212575281206) on 5 September 2024 off the coast of South Africa’s Cape Peninsula was photographed bearing a plain orange plastic band on its left leg and a metal band on its right,  The bird was banded as a chick in the mainland colony on New Zealand’s Pukekura/Taiaroa Head on the tip of the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin.  That colour was used to band the approximately 30 birds that fledged in 2019, which would make the photographed bird five years old. * ![Aplhanumerics for chicks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Aplhanumerics_for_chicks.jpg) Alphanumeric colour bands*[*have been used*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/northern-royal-albatrosses-receive-alphanumeric-colour-bands-for-the-first-time-at-pukekura-tairaoa-head?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwiYWxwaGFudW1lcmljIl0=)*on Northern Royal Albatross chicks at Taiaroa Head from the 2022/23 breeding season, allowing banded birds to be individually recognized from photographs taken at sea, photograph**from the*[*Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand*](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354)*Facebook page.* * * **![W94 Wandering Albatross Xu Shi 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/W94_Wandering_Albatross_Xu_Shi_3.jpg)*An old male Wandering Albatross**White W94 off Tasmania, photograph by Xu Shi* **Wandering Albatross** The [Seabirds and Pelagics Australia Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/957199944320635) has reported a [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*with colour band White W94 photographed on an Eaglehawk pelagic trip off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania on the weekend of 7/8 September 2024. Karine Delord, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, France reports to *ACAP Latest News* that the bird was banded as a chick in the Pointe Basse colony on France’s Possession Island, Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean on 01 October 1981 (making it now 43 years old).  Subsequently identified to be a male, it was regularly observed breeding in its natal colony from 1988 to 2013 with two different partners over the periods 1988 to 2005 and 2010 to 2013.  Since then it has been recorded back on the island during the pre-breeding period but without any subsequent signs of it breeding, with the last sighting being made in 2022. *![W94 Wandering Albatross Xu Shi 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/W94_Wandering_Albatross_Xu_Shi_1.jpg) Another view of White W94, photograph by Xu Shi* Karine Delord writes: “Biologging has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the distribution at sea of large albatrosses breeding in the French Austral Islands, such as on Possession.  Juveniles, immatures and sabbatical adults travel around the Southern Ocean, with the Tasman Sea appearing to be of particular importance as a region to visit.” It seems banded Wandering Albatrosses are quite often identified from Eaglehawk pelagic trips, including four different birds that have been previously reported by [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/search?q=Eaglehawk&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) coming from four different breeding islands: Bird Island in the South Atlantic, Marion and Possession Islands in the southern Indian and Macquarie Island in the southern Pacific.  Quite a cosmopolitan meeting place! With thanks to Karine Delord, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, France and Trevor Hardaker, Zest for Birds. **References:** Delord, K., Barbraud, C., Bost, C.-A, Cherel, Y., Guinet, C. *et al*. 2014.  Atlas of Top Predators from French Southern Territories in the Southern Indian Ocean.  [*CNRS Research Report*](https://hal.science/hal-01312469)*.* 253 pp. Weimerskirch, H., Cherel, Y., Delord, K., Jaeger, A., Patrick, S.C. & Riotte-Lambert, L. 2014.  Lifetime foraging patterns of the wandering albatross: life on the move!  [*Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology* 450: 68-78](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098113003602). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/they-do-get-about-two-colour-banded-great-albatrosses-are-spotted-at-sea-far-from-home.md) ## “Sea ice presents albatrosses but not giant petrels with physical barriers to flight or foraging” – a new tracking study from Bird Island in the South Atlantic  ![Wakefield sea ice tracking](https://acap.aq/images/Wakefield_sea_ice_tracking.jpg) *Seasonality in sea-ice extent and breeding schedules of the study species, and temporal coverage of tracking data (see the paper for a full description)* Ewan Wakefield ([Department of Geography](https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/geography/), Durham University UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal on *[Progress in Oceanography](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/progress-in-oceanography)* on tracking seven species of sub-Antarctic albatrosses and petrels in relation to their use of the Antarctic seasonal sea-ice zone. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Antarctic seasonal sea-ice zone (SIZ) is one of the most extensive and dynamic habitats on Earth. In summer, increased insolation and ice melt cause primary production to peak, sustaining large populations of locally-breeding seabirds. Due to their hypermobility, large Procellariiformes, including albatrosses, breeding in the subantarctic also have the potential to access the SIZ and track macroscale resource waves over the Sothern Ocean but the extent to which they do this is poorly known. Here, we analysed the foraging movements of breeding albatrosses and large petrels (seven species, 1298 individuals) recorded using GPS loggers and satellite-transmitters to quantify their use of sea-ice habitats and test whether they tracked seasonal drivers of primary production. Foraging latitudes of white-chinned petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* and black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris*, grey-headed *T. chrysostoma* and wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* varied sinusoidally over the breeding season, presumably in response to lagged effects of solar irradiance on primary production. Foraging latitudes of northern and southern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli* and *M. giganteus*), and light-mantled albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata*, exhibited no strong seasonal trend, but the latter two species spent ≥ 20 % of their time in the SIZ during incubation and post-brood, prior to or at the time of the spring ice breakup. Southern giant petrels travelled hundreds of km into the pack ice, encountering sea-ice concentrations up to 100 %, whereas light-mantled albatrosses remained almost exclusively in open water near the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ). The remaining species spent up to 15 % of their time in the SIZ, typically from 5-7 weeks after breakup, and avoided the MIZ. This supports hypotheses that sea ice presents albatrosses but not giant petrels with physical barriers to flight or foraging, and that open-water-affiliated species use the SIZ only after primary production stimulated by ice melt transfers to intermediate trophic levels. Given that all seven species used the SIZ, it is likely that the phenology and demography of these and many other subantarctic-breeding seabirds are mechanistically linked to sea-ice dynamics. Declines in Antarctic sea ice predicted under climate change could therefore modulate and exacerbate the already unsustainable anthropogenic impacts being experienced by these populations.” Read a popular account on the publication[here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/antarcticas-sea-ice-could-impact-seabirds-food-supply/). **Reference:** Wakefield, E.D., McClymont , E.L., Carneiro, A,P.B., Croxall, J.P., Gonzalez-Solís, J., Granroth-Wilding, H.M.V., Thorne, L., Evans, V.W., Wood, A.G., Xavier, J.C., Phillips, R.A. 2024.  *[Progress in Oceanography. 103334.](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S007966112400140X#b0980)* *16 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sea-ice-presents-albatrosses-but-not-giant-petrels-with-physical-barriers-to-flight-or-foraging-a-new-tracking-study-from-bird-island-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## UPDATED WITH A VIDEO. The aerial baiting of Amsterdam Island targeting its introduced rodents has been completed *![Eradication Amsterdam 9 Lucie Pichot](https://acap.aq/images/Eradication_Amsterdam_9_Lucie_Pichot.jpg)The bait-spreading bucket is lowered to the ground to be reloaded with cereal bait, photograph by**Lucie Pichot* The project[RECI](https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/projet-reci/) (Restauration des écosystèmes insulaires de l’océan Indien; Restoration of Insular Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean) has announced the completion of the baiting operation to eradicate Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus* and House Mice France’s sub-Antarctic [Amsterdam](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross) *![Helilagon bait bucket](https://acap.aq/images/Helilagon_bait_bucket.jpg) The bait-spreading bucket is suspended below the helicopter on a long cable; photograph by**Lucie Pichot* The first [baiting application](https://acap.aq/latest-news/first-rodenticide-drop-completed-on-amsterdam-island-to-eradicate-alien-rats-and-mice?highlight=WyJyZWNpIl0=) took place over 7-25 June 2024, dropping rodenticide-laced cereal bait over the 5800 ha island, including along the Entrecasteaux cliffs, utilizing a bait-spreading bucket suspended below a single-engine [Airbus](https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/civil-helicopters/h125)A350 B3 helicopter, known as a Squirrel.  The helicopter was operated by a team from the Réunion-based company [Helilagon](https://helilagon.com/).  In addition, rodenticide bait was spread by hand around the [Martin-de-Viviès scientific station](https://data.europeanpolarboard.org/stations/?no_cache=1&tx_infradatabase_stations%5Bcode%5D=CO1105&tx_infradatabase_stations%5Baction%5D=stationinfo&tx_infradatabase_stations%5Bcontroller%5D=Frontend&cHash=2f3e8be809e9871850ac0daf73f9c36b), with the baiting of interiors, inside ceilings and underneath buildings and field huts. To guarantee access to bait for all the island’s rats and mice, including any young rodents not weaned at the time of the first application, a second bait treatment commenced on 5 July and was completed on 23 July.  A second manual treatment of the station buildings was also carried out during this time. *![Eradication Amsterdam 1](https://acap.aq/images/Eradication_Amsterdam_1.jpg) Setting up a camera trap to detect rodents on Amsterdam, photograph by**Lucie Pichot* During and on completion of the eradication operation the RECI team was also involved with: placement of biosecurity bait and monitoring stations, deploying camera traps; controlling alternative food resources; monitoring bait availability by the establishment of quadrats distributed over the island; and dismantling and cleaning up the load sites. *![Second bait drop 1](https://acap.aq/images/Second_bait_drop_1.jpg) The RECI and Helilagon teams gather after the completion of the eradication operation, photograph by**Lucie Pichot* The eradication team and all the TAAF and Helilagon equipment were retrieved on 19 August after four months on the island by the French Antarctic vessel [*Marion Dufresne*](https://www.flotteoceanographique.fr/en/Facilities/Vessels-Deep-water-submersible-vehicles-and-Mobile-equipments/Deep-sea-vessels/Marion-Dufresne) during a five-day visit.  Two field assistants have stayed on the island to set up a biosecurity detection network and to monitor camera traps around the island for signs of any surviving rodents.  Fabrice le Bouard, Restauration des écosystèmes insulaires de l’océan Indien, has informed *MFM News* that so far the signs are promising, with no live rodents being detected on the island in the first couple of weeks after the eradication attempt.  However, as is the standard practice, a two-year period with no signs of rodents is required before Amsterdam can be declared free of its rats and mice. Information from Fabrice le Bouard of RECI and the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/TAAFofficiel) of Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF).  Photographs by Lucie Pichot, TAAF. Co-published by the [Mouse-Free Marion Project.](https://mousefreemarion.org/) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Office, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 September 2024, updated 22 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-aerial-baiting-of-amsterdam-island-targeting-its-introduced-rodents-has-been-completed.md) ## Counting Mōlī and Ka'upu on Midway Atoll in clown shoes *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Susan_Scott_Eastern_Island_Midway_Atoll_1-8-2020.JPG)[Albatross counters](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-numbers-are-in-midway-atoll-s-latest-annual-albatross-nest-count-approaches-half-a-million-breeding-pairs?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsImF0b2xsIiwiYXRvbGxzIiwiYXRvbGwncyIsImNlbnN1cyIsImNlbnN1c2VzIiwiY2Vuc3VzZWQiXQ==) on Midway Atoll’s Eastern Island next to a WWI gun; photograph from Susan Scott* The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://friendsofmidway.org/) (FOMA)  has made an [appeal](https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/63awqVkwVA72kgYvuV5k6Q) on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) in support of the annual volunteer census of incubating [Black-footed](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* (Ka'upu) and [Laysan](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* (Mōlī) Albatrosses on the USA’s Midway Atoll in the North Pacific. *The 2021 albatross bird census activities were captured by photographer Jon Brack in a video.  This crew counted over 500 000 nests occupied by incubating albatrosses* “Since 1992 (33 years and counting), volunteers sign up every year, hoping to be selected to count albatross nests on Pihemanu (Hawaiian name for Midway Atoll meaning "loud din of birds"). These hardy souls work eight hours a day, six days a week, counting more than half a million nests by hand, on foot, one at a time, with two eyeballs and a clicker.  Their commitment contributes to one of the longest-running data sets for Mōlī (Laysan Albatross) and Ka‘upu (Black-footed Albatross) populations.” To prevent caving in Nunulu ([Bonin Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697967) *Pterodroma hypoleuca)* nesting burrows, counters carefully tread the ground wearing burrow shoes. A bird counter helped pioneer the so-called "clown shoe" design.  The burrow shoes distribute their weight to a wider surface that prevent burrows from collapsing. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/counting-moli-and-kaupu-on-midway-atoll-in-clown-shoes.md) ## The next SCAR Open Science Conference will be held in Norway in 2026 ![Open Science Conference 2014](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Open_Science_Conference_2014.jpg) The next SCAR ([Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research)](https://scar.org/) Open Science Conference (the [12th](https://www.npolar.no/en/arrangement/scar2026/?utm_source=SCAR&utm_campaign=e78846d234-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_08_19_02_59_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b964133964-e78846d234-293380261)) will be held in the [Oslo Congress Centre](https://www.oslokongressenter.no/en/), Oslo, Norway over 10-14 August 2026.  The conference will be hosted by the [Norwegian Polar Institute](https://www.npolar.no/en/).  The SCAR Open Science Conference 2026 will comprise a diverse programme featuring plenary lectures, mini-symposia, parallel sessions, panel discussions, posters and various social and excursion opportunities in Oslo and its surroundings.  The SCAR Delegates Meeting takes place over 17 and 18 August 2026 | The 2024 SCAR Open Science Conference with the theme “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope” was held in Pucón, Chile, from 19-23 August 2024.  The conference featured an extensive programme, attracted over 1200 participants and received 1617 abstract submissions.  The meeting was hosted by the Instituto Antártico Chileno ([INACH](https://www.inach.cl/)).  The livestreamed sessions are available to watch on the INACH [YouTube channel](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=25dfd66a9e&e=1eca0c9437). The SCAR Open Science Conferences offer scientists from various disciplines and countries the opportunity to present their work, network and participate more actively in SCAR’s scientific activities. *11 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-next-scar-open-science-conference-will-be-held-in-norway-in-2026.md) ## ACAP's Secondment Programme opens for applications ![ACAP Secondments](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/Small_Grants_and_Secondments/ACAP_Secondments.jpg)*Successful applicants to ACAP's Secondment Programme, clockwise from top left: Four of the fourteen members of the [ACAP HPAI H5Nx Intersessional Group](https://acap.aq/latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-flu-workshop-and-talk-supported-by-acap-enhances-global-efforts-to-protect-albatrosses-and-petrels); photo supplied: ACAP Secondee [Maximiliano Hernandez](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-s-secondment-program-supports-argentinian-and-new-zealand-collaboration-to-reduce-bycatch?highlight=WyJzZWNvbmQiLCJzZWNvbmRtZW50Iiwic2Vjb25kbWVudHMiLCJzZWNvbmRlZCIsInNlY29uZHMiLCJzZWNvbmRseSJd) from Argentina (right); photograph courtesy of Sarah Wilcox: [Naomi Cordeiro](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/dernieres-nouvelles/naomi-cordeiros-acap-secondment-with-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-to-help-expand-the-role-of-detection-dogs-in-conservation-in-the-south-atlantic) with her detection dog, Sammy; photo supplied: 2022 ACAP Secondment Applicant, Cristián Suazo, from Chile; photo supplied: Argentina's [Agustina Iwan](https://acap.aq/latest-news/agustina-iwans-acap-secondment-project-applies-a-sociological-approach-to-investigate-solutions-for-seabird-bycatch-in-argentine-commercial-fisheries); photo supplied: [Javier Quiñones](https://acap.aq/latest-news/conservation-outcomes-enhanced-through-cross-party-collaboration-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-hosts-peruvian-javier-quinones-acap-secondment-with-aim-to-benefit-chatham-bullers-and-salvins-albatrosses-and-black-petrels?highlight=WyJzZWNvbmQiLCJzZWNvbmRtZW50Iiwic2Vjb25kbWVudHMiLCJzZWNvbmRlZCIsInNlY29uZHMiLCJzZWNvbmRseSJd) from Peru; photo supplied* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is pleased to invite applications to its Secondment Programme. The programme aims to build capacity within its Parties and advance tasks outlined in the Advisory Committee and Secretariat Work Programmes (see Annex 5, [AC14 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/4851-ac14-report/file) and[AC14 Doc 24](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4759-ac14-doc-24-secretariat-work-programme-2023-2025/file)). Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties. The proposed secondment should meet the following criteria: 1. The work to be undertaken addresses a task or tasks identified in the Advisory Committee’s or Secretariat’s Work Programme, and/or is deemed to be of high importance to achievement of the Agreement’s objective. 2. The work proposed is international in nature (i.e. the outcomes will be of relevance to more than one country).However, this does not preclude secondments to a host institution within the applicant’s country of residence, provided the international relevance of the capacity building is clear. 3. The funds allocated will not be used for the purpose of paying applicants’ salaries. It is expected that the applicant’s institution will continue to pay the applicant’s salary. However, funds may be used to contract a suitable professional to develop/present a training webinar or online workshop. 4. The task to be undertaken has a capacity building focus.  5. The funds allocated will generally be used for travel, accommodation and per diem costs, but can also be used for online training activities including one-on-one mentoring, enrolment in a training course from a reputable educational institution, organisation of webinars/online workshops, and other relevant activities which enhance ACAP capacity. 6. The applicant has received in-principle agreement from the host or collaborating institution to participate in this work. Applicants are encouraged to contact the [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_contact&view=category&id=31&lang=en-GB), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=13&catid=58&Itemid=120), [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members/20-tatiana-neves), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq) to help identify ACAP priority areas for their proposal.   Secondment Application Forms are available in all Agreement languages from the ACAP website: [news/awards-grants-and-scholarships](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships)[https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships). Completed applications are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_contact&view=category&id=59&lang=en-GB), who will then forward them to the [ACAP Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq).  Applications close on Tuesday, 19 November 2024 AEDT (UTC +11h), and the outcome will be announced by Wednesday, 15 January 2025.  For further details on the application process and to download the application forms, please visit the Awards, Grants & Scholarships page of the** **[ACAP website](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=400&lang=en). *18 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-secondment-programme-opens-for-applications.md) ## Applications open for ACAP’s Small Grants Programme ![ACAP Small Grants ALN 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/Small_Grants_and_Secondments/ACAP_Small_Grants_ALN-2.jpg)*Projects that have been supported by ACAP's Small Grants Programme include (clockwise from top left): [Mitigation measures with curtain systems in demersal trawl](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-information-papers/4705-sbwg12-inf-19-mitigation-measures-with-curtain-systems-in-demersal-trawl); image © ATF Chile: [Update on EM device for compliance with bird scaring lines](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-information-papers/4670-sbwg12-inf-08-update-on-em-device-for-compliance-with-bird-scaring-lines); Sihle Victor Ncongo holding the device he developed: [Bycatch mitigation in longline SSF in Southern Peru](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-information-papers/4681-sbwg12-inf-14-bycatch-mitigation-in-longline-ssf-in-southern-peru); a section of Figure 6 from the paper: [ACAP Small Grant 2023-10 - Manufacture of heavy hook](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-information-papers/4666-sbwg12-inf-02-acap-small-grant-2023-10-manufacture-of-heavy-hook); Nigel Brothers presents on the Procella hook (thumbnail of Figure 1. from the paper) to ACAP's Advisory Committee* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is now accepting applications for its Small Grants Programme. The programme, now in its sixteenth year, provides support for projects aimed at improving the conservation status of albatrosses and petrels.  Project proposals should focus on tasks within the Advisory Committee Work Programme (see Annex 5, [AC14 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/4851-ac14-report/file)) and any research priorities identified by the AC Working Groups (see [AC14 Doc 12 Rev 1: SBWG Report](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&slug=ac14-doc-12&Itemid=330), [AC14 Doc 13 Rev 1: Joint SBWG12-PaCSWG8 Report](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&slug=ac14-doc-13&Itemid=330), and [AC14 Doc 14 Rev 2: PaCSWG Report](https://acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&slug=ac14-doc-14&Itemid=330)). Innovative proposals that make a significant contribution to the Agreement’s objective will also be considered. Past projects have included studies on seabird bycatch reduction, population monitoring, and habitat restoration.  Researchers, conservation organisations, and institutions from ACAP Parties are encouraged to apply. Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties, however, proposals can involve collaboration with institutions or individuals based elsewhere.  Applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=319&lang=en) or the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=120&lang=en) to discuss the development and relevance of their application to ensure it addresses the requirements of the AC Work Programme. Applications close**12 November 2024 AEDT (UTC+11)**.   Applications can be completed in English, French or Spanish and should be forwarded to relevant  [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=496&lang=en), who will then submit them to the [ACAP Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq). Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications by 18 March 2025. Details on the eligibility criteria and the application process are available at the [ACAP website](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships).  *17 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/applications-open-for-acaps-small-grants-programme.md) ## The Albatross and Petrel Agreement renews its support for South Africa’s Mouse-Free Marion Project at its 2024 meetings *![Azwianewi Makhado AC14 lrg1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Azwianewi_Makhado_AC14_lrg1.jpg)The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Azwianewi Makhado represented South Africa at the 2024 ACAP meetings in Peru, reporting on progress with the Mouse-Free Marion Project, photograph by Bree Forrer* The international Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq)) holds annual meetings of its [13 Parties](https://acap.aq/about-acap/parties-to-acap).  This year the ACAP Advisory Committee and two of its three working groups met in Lima, Peru during August.  At the Eighth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG8](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8)), South Africa tabled an [Information Paper](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8/pacswg8-information-papers/4737-pacswg8-inf-07-mouse-free-marion-mfm-project/file) that gave an update on the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org)) Project. Co-authored by [Dr Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) (MFM Project Manager) and Dr Azwianewi (Newi) Makhado ([Oceans & Coasts, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/OceansandCoasts)), the Information Paper was presented at the working group meeting by Newi, who is a PaCSWG and Advisory Committee Member, as well as being South Africa’s [National Contact Point](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file) for ACAP. **![PaCSWG8 Team L R Favero Philips Serafini web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/PaCSWG8_Team_L-R_Favero_Philips_Serafini_web.jpg)* Co-convenors Marco Favero (Argentina), Richard Philips (United Kingdom) and Patricia Serafini (Brazil) in Peru at the Eighth Meeting of ACAP’s**Population and Conservation Status Working Group,**photograph by Bree Forrer* The MFM Project’s Information Paper ([PaCSWG8 Inf 07](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8/pacswg8-information-papers/4737-pacswg8-inf-07-mouse-free-marion-mfm-project/file)) describes progress, challenges, and lessons learned from other aerial baiting campaigns relevant to the planned eradication of introduced House Mice from Marion Island.  This includes information from baiting trials and the recent failure of baiting campaigns on Midway (United States) and Gough (United Kingdom) Islands.  The paper states that further trials will be conducted on Marion to examine the performance of baits and the distribution of mice in different habitats.  Undertaking additional trials and recommended investigations will impact both the project's timelines and budget.  Nevertheless, these adjustments are deemed not only justifiable but essential to better understand and mitigate project risks and optimize the likelihood of achieving a successful outcome in this once-off operation. *![PaCSWG8 Group Shot web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/PaCSWG8_Group_Shot_web.jpg) Attendees at the Eighth Meeting of ACAP’s**Population and Conservation Status Working Group, Lima, Peru, 9 August 2024,**photograph by Bree Forrer* PaCSWG8, in its [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4834-ac14-doc-14/file) to the [14th Meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4834-ac14-doc-14/file) of the ACAP Advisory Committee (AC14) that followed in Peru, welcomed the update and the continued work to complete this important eradication project.  It also encouraged the submission of a report to the next meeting, so important lessons for the planning of eradication attempts are shared globally, including about unsuccessful programmes.  The Advisory Committee Work Programme for 2023 - 2025 ([AC 14 Doc. 22](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4758-ac14-doc-22-ac-work-programme-2023-2025/file)) includes a review and update of ACAP’s [eradication guidelines](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/2179-eradication-guidelines/file) (last updated in 2019), in which South Africa will participate during the intersessional period. The Agreement had previously endorsed the MFM Project at its 2023 meetings held in Edinburgh, Scotland.  The MFM Project is gratified to receive renewed international support from the Parties to the Agreement, noting that it comes from all the nations that support breeding populations of those species of albatrosses and petrels that are known, or are thought, to be impacted by Marion Island’s House Mice. The MFM Project will continue to report on its progress to the annual meetings of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement as it works towards the eradication of the island’s “killer” mice. With thanks to Newi Makhado. Co-published on the [Mouse-Free Marion Project website](https://mousefreemarion.org/). **References:** Advisory Committee, Secretariat 2024.  [*Advisory Committee Work Programme 2023 – 2025*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4758-ac14-doc-22-ac-work-programme-2023-2025/file). Fourteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Lima, Peru, 12 – 16 August 2024.  AC14 Doc 22.  15 pp. Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 2023.  [*Report of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 22-26 May*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file).  68 pp. Phillips, R.A. 2019.  [*Guidelines for Eradication of Introduced Mammals from Breeding Sites of ACAP-listed seabirds*](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/2179-eradication-guidelines/file).  Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  10 pp. Population and Conservation Status Working Group 2023*. *[*Report of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents/4400-ac13-doc-09-pacswg-report/file)**.**  Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2-6 May 2023.  AC13 Doc 09.  43 pp. Population and Conservation Status Working Group 2024*.  *[*Report of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4834-ac14-doc-14/file)**.**  Fourteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Lima, Peru, 12-16 August 2024.  AC14 Doc 14 Rev 2.  41 pp. Wolfaardt, A. & Makhado, A. 2023.  [*The Mouse-Free Marion Project*](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg7/pacswg7-information-papers/4272-pacswg7-inf-05/file).  Seventh Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 18-19 May 2023.  PaCSWG7 Inf 05.  5 pp. Wolfaardt, A. & Makhado, A. 2024.  [*An Update on the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project*](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8/pacswg8-information-papers/4737-pacswg8-inf-07-mouse-free-marion-mfm-project/file).  Eighth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group, Lima, Peru, 9 August 2024.  PaCSWG8 Inf 07.  3 pp. *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 10 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-albatross-and-petrel-agreement-renews-its-support-for-south-africas-mouse-free-marion-project-at-its-2024-meetings.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. What to call the shearwater Ardenna carneipes, Flesh-footed, Pale-footed or Sable? *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/shearwaterffgodman.jpg) Flesh-footed Shearwater, hand-coloured lithograph by* *John Gerard Keulemans, from the*Monograph of the Petrels (Tubinares), 1907-10*, Plate 32, by Frederick du Cane**Godman* Alexander Bond ([Bird Group, The Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/services/collections/zoology/birds.html), Tring, UK) and Jennifer Lavers have written in the journal *[Ibis International Journal of Avian Science](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919x)* suggesting a new name for the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*, noting the bias in equating flesh-coloured with the predominant human skin colour of those that originally assigned the name.  They write: “The default assumption that flesh equates with a whiteness reflects a northern European influence and racism”. The paper’s abstract follows: “Recently, there has been increased focus on the origins and history of common names for organisms, especially birds.  Of particular interest are eponymous common names that reflect our colonial past.  While identification of alternative names can be straightforward for some species, for those that migrate across jurisdictions including the lands of multiple Traditional Owner/Indigenous groups, reaching consensus on a single name that reflects the features of the species and their cultural importance can be substantially more complex.  Using the migratory *Ardenna carneipes* as a case study, we propose a new common name (Sable Shearwater) for the species and discuss the many challenges that others will need to consider when navigating this important yet sensitive space.” A previous *ACAP Monthly Missive * on the sensibilities of retaining eponymous names (e.g. for Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*) also referred to *Ardenna carnepeis*, [saying](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-walter-buller-and-should-bullers-albatross-still-be-named-after-him-the-tricky-issue-of-birds-with-eponymous-names?highlight=WyJidWxsZXIiLCJidWxsZXIncyIsImJ1bGxlcnMiXQ==): “As well as wishing to discard all North American eponymous bird names, the [OAS Committee](https://americanornithology.org/about/english-bird-names-project/english-bird-names-committee-recommendations/) has singled out the name of the [Flesh-footed Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) *Ardenna carneipes* for special opprobrium, writing that “the word *flesh* may imply that all - or at least “normal” - skin resembles that of white people.  To suggest that the default skin tone is that of a white person is inherently an exclusionary standard”.  The committee recommends the epithet “Pale-footed” be used instead.  This is of at least potential interest to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement because at a 2019 meeting New Zealand indicated it was considering the merit of nominating the shearwater for ACAP listing, although since then there seems to have been little progress to develop a proposal ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement)).  [New Zealand Birds Online](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/flesh-footed-shearwater) has Pale-footed Shearwater as an alternative name (along with the Maori name Toanui), so this could be seen as a relatively easy change, and one for ACAP to consider adopting.” If and when ACAP formally considers the shearwater for listing, then it might also wish to consider “Sable Shearwater” as a common name for the species in the English language. **Reference:** Bond, A.L. & Lavers, J.L. 2024.  A feathered past: colonial influences on bird naming practices, and a new common name for *Ardenna carneipes* (Gould 1844).  *[Ibis International Journal of Avian Science doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13356](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ibi.13356)*. *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 05 September 2024, updated 06 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-to-call-the-shearwater-ardenna-carnepeis-flesh-footed-pale-footed-or-sable.md) ## A Mōlī poster and logo support the conservation of the Laysan Albatross - and Hawaii’s indigenous language ![Moli poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Moli_poster.jpeg) Rae Okawa of [Native Hawaii Designs](https://nativehawaiidesigns.com/).has designed what is described as a “tribal mōlī poster” to support the conservation of Kauai’s Mōlī or Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis*, as well as the use the of Hawaii’s indigenous language.  Each symbol depicted on the poster is given its meaning in the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures.  In addition, Rae Okawa has produced a logo to a similar design which aims to raise funds for the [Kaua’i Albatross Network](https://albatrosskauai.org/wp/) from the sale of [clothing and tote bags](https://albatrosskauai.threadless.com/). ![Laysan Albatross Moli](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Laysan_Albatross_Moli.png) The network’s Mission states that “The Kaua‘i Albatross Network is dedicated to helping preserve the vitality of the Laysan Albatross and promoting safe habitat on which this magnificent bird depends.” *![KAN](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/KAN.png) Design by**Rae Okawa* It is intended to write an article for the [*ACAP Monthly Missive*](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives)series on the usage of native languages and names in the conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels and their breeding sites.  The indigenous languages of Hawaii ([*Ōlelo Hawai’i*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_language)*,* an official state language since 1978) and New Zealand (*[te reo Māori](https://d.docs.live.net/6F709F884B94E920/Documents/te%20reo%20Māori)*a national official language since 1987) are prominent in this regard, but there are other examples of the use of local names in Chile’s Juan Fernández Islands, Spain’s Balearic Islands and the United Kingdom’s Tristan da Cunha Islands. With thanks to Hob Osterlund, Kaua‘i Albatross Network and Fellow, [Safina Center](https://www.safinacenter.org/). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 04 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-moli-poster-and-logo-support-the-conservation-of-the-laysan-albatross-and-hawaiis-indigenous-language.md) ## New study explores perspectives on seabird-fisher interactions in Chilean artisanal fisheries ![Fig1 Reciprocal relationship Chilean fishers and seabirds Aug 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Fig1_Reciprocal_relationship_Chilean_fishers_and_seabirds_Aug_2024.png)*Figure 1 from the paper: Hake artisanal fishery occurs in the sub-Antarctic channels of Patagonia, Chile. This area comprises three political-administrative regions: Los Lagos, Aysén and Magallanes. The blue box shows the study area, the red circles display where the interviews were conducted, and the yellow rectangles show fishing grounds where we ran the sampling periods related to the offal consumption survey.* Jaime Ojeda ([School of Environmental Studies](https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/environmental/index.php), University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [People and Nature](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/25758314) on the reciprocal relationship between artisanal hake fishers in Chilean Patagonia and seabirds, highlighting how fishers benefit from seabirds' presence and how seabirds rely on fishers for food through discarded offal. The paper’s abstract follows: “ 1. Reciprocal relationships between fishers and marine life have been documented in Indigenous fishing contexts, but there are few case studies that describe the mechanisms of such relationships, and even fewer that explore other contexts, such as that of artisanal fishers in Latin American countries. 2. We studied the artisanal hake fishery in the sub-Antarctic channels of Chilean Patagonia, a global hotspot for albatross and petrel diversity. We aimed to uncover nature's contributions to hake fishers and, reciprocally, the potential fishers' contributions to marine life with a particular emphasis on seabirds. We adopted a bifocal observational strategy. From a human perspective, ethnographic methods (e.g., semi-structured interviews) are analysed with Nature's Contributions to People and reciprocal contribution frameworks. From the seabirds' view, we assessed offal consumption through experimental and observational methods. We randomly threw offal items into the sea and observed the seabird responses (whether they consumed offal). 3. Hake fishers' relationships with the marine environment are multidimensional, particularly with seabirds. Based on fishers' perceptions, we identified four key contributions of seabirds to humans: they serve as value indicators of fishing distribution and concentration areas, offer companionship and recreation during fishing activities, enhance scenic emotionality through the presence of albatrosses and assist in the function of sea cleaning. In reciprocal contributions, artisanal fishers viewed hake offal as a beneficial food source for the seabirds, especially the liver. Fishers described that fishing in the right way can reduce bycatch and effort. 4. The fishers' main contribution to seabirds is through offering them the offal of hake catches. We observed that seabirds consumed hake liver 99% of the time, while they consumed stomach less frequently (24%). We identified that southern giant petrels and black-browed albatrosses consumed more liver, while kelp gulls ate more stomach. The liver comprises 51.6% fat, essential for high trophic level marine predators such as black-browed albatrosses. 5. Adopting reciprocal contributions and NCP served as a catalyst for understanding fishers' positive actions but also is a promoter to research multiple views of nature–human relationships in fishing settings. Values of nature, like reciprocity, could enrich ecosystem-based management strategies.” Reference: Ojeda, J., Morello, F., Suazo, C. G., Astorga-España, M. S., Salomon, A. K., & Ban, N. C. (2024). [Two lenses for exploring relationships between seabirds and fishers: Unveiling reciprocal contributions](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.10703). People and Nature, 00, 1–16. 2 September 2024 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-study-explores-perspectives-on-seabird-fisher-interactions-in-chilean-artisanal-fisheries.md) ## "What the … this bird is huge!" A great albatross Diomedea is seen off the Irish coast *![Lynch Ireland 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Lynch_Ireland_1.jpg) Sketches of the great albatross seen off Ireland, drawing by John Lynch* Those species of albatrosses whose homes fall within the southern hemisphere are rarely recorded outside of it; the less windy and prey-poor tropical seas being considered-too much of a barrier to their crossing the equator and venturing farther north.  Nevertheless, isolated individuals of several species do get seen at sea from time to time, or even on or over land, in the northern hemisphere ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/crossing-the-line-albatrosses-changing-hemispheres?highlight=WyJ5ZWxsb3ctbm9zZWQiLCJlcXVhdG9yIiwiZXF1YXRpbmciLCJlcXVhdGlvbnMiLCJlcXVhdGVzIiwiZXF1YXRpb24iXQ==) for an*ACAP Latest News*2010 compilation).  In the North Atlantic it is the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* that is most commonly observed, with sometimes multiple sightings of what is most likely the same individual; a [recent record](https://acap.aq/latest-news/far-from-home-a-black-browed-albatross-is-spotted-off-iceland?highlight=WyJpY2VsYW5kIiwiaWNlbGFuZGljIl0=) being of an adult seen off Iceland.  There are also a [few records](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/from-the-south-atlantic-to-canadas-interior-an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-turns-up-on-lake-ontario?highlight=WyJ5ZWxsb3ctbm9zZWQiLCJlcXVhdG9yIiwiZXF1YXRpbmciLCJlcXVhdGlvbnMiLCJlcXVhdGVzIiwiZXF1YXRpb24iXQ==) of Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *T. chlororhynchos*north of the equator in the Atlantic. * *Less common are North Atlantic sightings of a great albatross of the genus *Diomedea*, making the recent report of one seen (and sketched) off the coast of Ireland noteworthy.  The following [account](https://www.birdguides.com/articles/rarity-finders-wandering-albatross-in-co-cork/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE8JZ5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeXsBh8Gsv8GrtwxtLFKzMTh4RB4VBzw9YnpTDyMd__SIK6v0YHbW-4uHA_aem_WhfJJwXxMOScwN2KweXp3A) by John Lynch is from the online news service [*BirdGuides*.](https://www.birdguides.com) **“**The remnants of Hurricane Ernesto were due to hit south-west Ireland on the evening of Wednesday 21 August.  After finishing work, I drove with some anticipation to [Seven Heads](https://explorewestcork.ie/walking/seven-heads-walk), a promontory to the east of Leganagh Point in Co Cork that myself and some local birders have been pioneering as access to other headlands in the area has become difficult. When I was 2 km from the site, a message in the Cork Rare Birds WhatsApp Group announced that Dennis O'Sullivan had an albatross species at 5.23 pm heading west from Ballycotton, which is 57 km to the east. Within 15 minutes I had met local birder Ronan O'Driscoll at the watchpoint. We discussed Dennis's find and the possibility that the bird could potentially pass Seven Heads, so we commenced scanning east towards the [Old Head of Kinsale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Head_of_Kinsale). The wind was blowing from the south-west at a F6 and light conditions were good, with the Old Head lighthouse visible some 12.5 km to the east. There was a light breaking swell over which there was a steady westerly moving passage of [Manx Shearwaters](https://www.birdguides.com/species/redirect/22609) interspersed with [Cory's Shearwaters](https://www.birdguides.com/species/redirect/22580) and some [Northern Fulmars](https://www.birdguides.com/species/redirect/22487). ![Lynch Ireland 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Lynch_Ireland_2.jpg) *Seven Heads seawatch point, with Cotton Rock foreground and the Old Head of Kinsale some 12.5 km to the east, photograph by John Lynch* The minutes passed and at 5.55 pm I was checking through a feeding flock of manxies [Manx Shearwaters] approximately 500 m offshore when a bird rose and banked vertically in front and above the flock presenting its full underside. I thought: 'What the … this bird is huge!'  My first impression was of long, extended gleaming-white underwing, with black-bordered secondaries, primaries and to a lesser extent the inner wing arm and outer wing hand. The hand of the outer wing was swept back and tipped black. I shouted 'albatross' to Ronan, followed by 'it's got a pink bill'. The bill was huge and really stood out. As the light caught the bird I noted how clean the underside and head were. 'I have to get a photo,' I thought, and I reached for the camera hoping the bird would pass in front of us. I couldn't pick the bird up, though. 'OK, focus on getting details,' I thought, as I dropped the camera and reverted back to the 'scope, quickly connecting with the bird as it completed a towering arc and presented its back. I could clearly make out that the head, mantle, rump and tail were white and the white of the mantle extended onto the lesser and median coverts. The rest of the wing, including the greater coverts, primaries and secondaries was black and flecked with white, which was primarily confined to the coverts. The intergrading of the white on the coverts with the dark *Diomedea*areas looked blotchy, spotted and rough. What was now clearly an albatross species was completing slow towering arcs and as I shouted directions to Ronan he connected as it broke the horizon. On reaching the top of an arc I could see the wings were slightly arched and, coupled with the size of the bird, the thought that 'this bird looks like a hang glider' ran through my head! Both Ronan and I watched as the bird completed six or seven towering arcs from the sea surface to above the horizon, slowly making its way in a southerly direction out to sea, until it was finally lost to view. The total observation time was about seven to nine minutes and both of us concurred that in all this time we hadn't see the bird flap once! I sent out a message that read 'albatross sp past Seven Heads 5.55 pm' and called Dennis. Given the distance and time this was not Dennis's bird, which had a dark underwing and he identified *D. dabbenena*as an immature [Black-browed Albatross](https://www.birdguides.com/species/redirect/22446). It was clear Ronan and myself needed to take notes and read reference guides as I suspected this was *one* of the 'great albatrosses' of the genus. We discussed our notes on Thursday morning and concluded that this was an adult male from the [wandering albatross species complex](https://www.birdguides.com/species/redirect/197031).” Without photographs (as in this [example](https://www.hookedonafrica.co.za/adult-male-tristan-albatross-identified-by-our-recent-pelagic-birding-charter/)), or the reading of a individually numbered leg band or morphometric measurements (which requires the bird in the hand), it is not feasible to identify the Irish great albatross to species, but it seems most likely to be either a Tristan *D. dabbenena* from Gough Island, or a Wandering *D. exulans* from South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)1, farther south. 1A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur e Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. **References:** Cuthbert, R.J., Phillips, R.A. & Ryan, P.G. 2003.  Separating the Tristan Albatross and the Wandering Albatross using morphometric measurements.  [*Waterbirds*26: 338-344](https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-26/issue-3/1524-4695(2003)026%5b0338%3aSTTAAT%5d2.0.CO%3b2/Separating-the-Tristan-Albatross-and-the-Wandering-Albatross-Using-Morphometric/10.1675/1524-4695(2003)026%5b0338:STTAAT%5d2.0.CO;2.short). Ryan, P.[G.] 2000.  Separating albatrosses.  Tristan or Wandering?  [*Africa – Birds & Birding* August/September 5(4): 35-39](https://science.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/content_migration/science_uct_ac_za/925/files/ABB05%284%2935-39.pdf). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 03 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/what-the-this-bird-is-huge-a-great-albatross-diomedea-is-seen-off-the-irish-coast.md) ## ** VOTING NOW OPEN! ** Once again New Zealand’s Bird of the Year lists the Endangered Antipodean Albatross as a candidate for your vote *![Antipodean Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke.jpg)Antipodean Albatross by Lea Finke for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* New Zealand’s annual [Bird of the Year](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/) competition for 2024 (“BOTY2024”) commences on Monday 02 September, with voting based on an instant runoff system closing on Sunday 15 September.  The winner will be announced on Monday 16 September.  Once more the Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*is available to be your number one choice.  This ACAP-listed species, endemic to New Zealand, is categorized as globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis), and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross), and has been recognized as a Species of Special Concern by ACAP. *![Hannah Shand Antipodean Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_Antipodean_Albatrosses.jpg) An Antipodean Albatross pair engages in mutual display, artwork by Hannah Shand* “Antipodean albatross or toroa spend most of their lives at sea, only coming on land to raise young every two years.  They have an elaborate courtship that involves a characteristic singing and dancing display, and form enduring pairs that mostly last until one of them dies.   The Antipodean albatross is the party leader species representing all of the amazing albatrosses in Aotearoa. Soaring above the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Aotearoa, the toroa represents perpetuity and strength. With a wingspan measured in metres, the Antipodean albatross shows us the beauty of New Zealand’s native birds.  These magnificent creatures, known for their impressive long-distance journeys criss-crossing the Pacific, face numerous threats from climate change and fishing practices.  By voting for the toroa in Bird of the Year, you are promoting efforts to protect their habitat, and ensure these majestic albatross continue to grace our skies for generations to come.” *![Antipodean Albatross juvenile Kirk Zufelt Maureen Rousseau](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_juvenile_Kirk_Zufelt_Maureen_Rousseau.jpg) Juvenile Antipodean Albatross by**Maureen Rousseau**for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* [Click here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/voting/) to learn how to vote.  For your second to fifth choices  there are available four procellariiform seabirds to choose:  ACAP-listed and Endangered [Westland Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698155) *Procellaria westlandica*, Endangered [Hutton’s Shearwater](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698252) *Puffinus huttoni*, Vulnerable [Cook’s Petrel](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697975) *Pterodroma cookii* and [Fairy Prion](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698124) *Pachyptila turtur.  *No ACAP-listed species (or any procellariiform) has so far won the Bird of the Year competition; [click here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/past-champions/) to  view all the past winners since 2005.  In 2020 , the Antipodean Albatross came [second](https://acap.aq/latest-news/vote-toroa-supports-the-antipodean-albatross-in-this-year-s-bird-of-the-year-competition) in BOTY, then slipped to [fifth](https://acap.aq/latest-news/no-podium-places-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross-this-year-in-competitions-in-new-zealand-and-spain-gaining-fifth-places-in-both-events?highlight=WyJhbnRpcG9kZWFuIiwiYW50aXBvZGVhbnMiLCJiaXJkIiwiYmlyZHMiLCJiaXJkcyciLCJiaXJkaW5nIiwiYmlyZCdzIiwiJ2JpcmQiLCJvZiIsInRoZSIsIid0aGUiLCJ5ZWFyIiwieWVhcnMiLCJ5ZWFyJ3MiLCJ5ZWFybHkiLCJ5ZWFycyciLCIneWVhciIsInllYXInIl0=) in 2021, and did not get close to a podium position in the following two years.  Could 2024 finally be the year for the Toroa – after four years of trying? BOTY 2024 is organized by the New Zealand environmental NGO, [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 30**August 2024, updated 02 September 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/once-again-new-zealands-bird-of-the-year-lists-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross-as-a-candidate-for-your-vote.md) ## ACAP unveils a new artwork: an Antipodean Albatross linocut by James Allan *![Antipodean Albatross Allan Jones 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Allan_Jones_1.jpg)Antipodean Albatrosses at sea, artwork by James Allan* Inspired by his photographs taken at sea, Australian artist, [James Allan](https://www.facebook.com/james.allan.12139862), has produced a linocut of two flying Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis*.  The species, endemic to New Zealand, is categorized as globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis), and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) in New Zealand, and has been recognized as a Species of Special Concern by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement. ACAP *ACAP Latest News* reached out to James, who lives in [Adelaide Hills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide_Hills), South Australia, to learn more about his artwork, and about him. James describes himself as an amateur artist, writing ”I was taught lino printing in Grade 6 at school.  My teacher asked me to make prints in the art centre on the school open day. I have been largely self-taught since then, but have attended classes with the  [Ruth Tuck Art School](https://www.ruthtuckartschool.com/) in the last three months.” He describes the process he follows: “I usually draw the design on a piece of linoleum with a pencil and carve it out with a **v**-shaped chisel.  Larger white areas are removed with a **u**-shaped chisel. It helps to create textures to represent different tonal values.  Ink is applied with a rubber roller and paper is placed onto the inked lino and pressure applied.  At the printing school a large metal press is used.  At home I can press the paper with a metal spoon.  It is possible to cut several different lines to represent different colours  I often colour the print by applying a water colour wash., a bit like colouring in a colouring-in book.” James continues: “The design of the two Antipodean Albatrosses was cut into vinyl.  This has slightly different properties to linoleum, being firmer and elastic. It is the largest print I have ever made at 30x40 cm.  A colour version was designed using Photoshop, but will be painted by hand when I do my final run.  The colours will vary from print to print.  The print can also be produced in black and white, and I think it looks very handsome without colour.” **![Antipodean Albatross Allan Jones 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Allan_Jones_5.jpg)* Inspiration for the linocut, Antipodean Albatross at sea, dorsal view, 07 April 2024, photograph by Frances and James Allan* James, along with his wife Frances, joined a [pelagic tour](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2121292257931530/) out of Port MacDonnell, South Australia run by David Harper. on 7 April 2024, the third they have attended.  “We were excited to see Buller's Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* for the first time.  We met many excellent birders on the trip who were keen to teach us both about the pelagic birds we saw.  During the trip we both took photographed Antipodean Albatrosses quite close to the boat, flying in, circling and feeding on the water.  I was taken by the vermiculation of some of the adult birds and thought it would make a good design.” *![Antipodean Albatross Allan Jones 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Allan_Jones_4.jpg) Inspiration for the linocut, Antipodean Albatross at sea, ventral view, 07 April 2024, photograph by Frances and James Allan* He continues “I chose the flying albatross design as it conveyed the enormity of the birds we saw with their outstretched wings.  One albatross is seen from the dorsal aspect, the other ventral.  The waves and clouds are important elements and were also adapted from photos we took.  The final design is a collage of different photographs with a little bit of artistic licence.  I feel that it is always better to design the print than to merely reproduce exact detail from a photograph.  In lino designs you have a limited palate of line and texture, which means you need to learn to be more expressive with what you have.  One of the things that drew me to this medium in the first place, is that lino prints often have a charm for simplicity, expressive marks and clever design.” James ends by saying that he is still learning and regards himself as a beginner and plans a print run of his albatross linocut come October.  ACAP’s Emeritus Information Officer wants one! *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 29 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-unveils-a-new-artwork-an-antipodean-albatross-linocut-by-james-allan.md) ## The Laysan Albatrosses of Kauai have had a good breeding year *![LAALHairdoLeonardoDiCaprio](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALHairdoLeonardoDiCaprio.jpg)***A Laysan Albatross chick gets close to fledging, photograph by Hob Osterlund** The [Laysan Albatrosses](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) or Mōlī *Phoebastria immutabilis*have just come off a good breeding year on the Hawaiian Island of [Kauai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai), a distinct improvement over the previous season, according to citizen scientist Hob Osterlund of the [Kauai Albatross Network](https://albatrosskauai.org/wp/) and Louise Barnfield who works with the albatrosses that breed within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge ([KPNWR](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population)). **![Laysan Albatross Moli](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_Moli.png) Tribal Mōlī** **logo designed by**Rae Okawa of [Native Hawaii Designs](https://albatrosskauai.threadless.com/)**for the Kauai Albatross Network** Of an island-wide total of 352 occupied nests with eggs, 243 hatched (69.0%) and 201 chicks fledged (57.1%).  Hob reports to *ACAP Latest News* that these success figures are the second best in 10 years, after 57.97% for 2014/15.  Iin the previous 2022/23 season only 121 chicks fledged on Kauai.  Louise writes “This was in large part due to [a devastating feral pig predation event](https://www.safinacenter.org/blog/gtl7614jvspegedz7rel9ggoc5lvx5) that destroyed many eggs on the refuge in a relatively remote area.  Since then, our extensive [predator-proof fence](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-new-predator-proof-fence-will-protect-laysan-albatrosses-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-hawaii?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwiZmVuY2UiLCJmZW5jZXMiLCJmZW5jaW5nIiwiZmVuY2VkIiwiZmVuY2UncyJd) project was completed in time for this season, which has been a tremendous success in reducing predation”.  She continues “Last season was also a bad year for avian pox, with every one of our refuge chicks being affected to some degree, and many quite severely.   I believe it was the same across the island.  Although we cannot be 100% certain of the cause of deaths, I believe a number of our refuge deaths may have been due either directly or indirectly to their infections.  This year we have noticed hardly any avian pox; only a very few refuge chicks had just slight signs of small lesions quite late on in the season”.  The KPNWR colony accounts for roughly 40-45% of all nests on the island each year, the rest breeding mostly on private lands such as in [Princeville](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-11-princeville-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-in-gardens-and-on-golf-courses) and elsewhere along the [north-east shore](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-75-north-east-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-on-private-lands-and-a-webcam-has-made-one-pair-and-its-chick-famous-with-two-million-hits). *![KPNWRfence USFWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/KPNWRfence-USFWS.jpg) The new predator-proof fence within the**Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, photograph from the US Fish & Wildlife Service* The totals given do not include occupied nests within the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands ([PMRF](https://cnrh.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/PMRF-Barking-Sands/)) where all the eggs are removed to reduce the risks of collisions between breeding adults and military aircraft.  However, some fertile PMRF eggs (detected by candling) are used to replace infertile eggs laid elsewhere on the island.  Some of the nests receiving adoptive eggs are occupied by female-female pairs, which usually lay infertile eggs.  These adopted eggs become part of the overall hatch and fledge percentages.  In the latest (2023/24) breeding season a total of 40 eggs was translocated to private lands and the KPNWR.  Of these, 26 hatched and *c.* 21 fledged.  One of the private lands chicks that did not fledge was crushed by a bull that pushed through a hog wire fence, a second succumbed to malnutrition.  In the previous season, 26 adoptive eggs resulted in only nine fledglings.  After a decade-long gap, adoptive eggs from the at PMRF were once again translocated to nests within the KPNWR in 2022/23 (12 eggs, only one fledged due to predation by pigs) and in 2023/24 (23 eggs, 15 hatched, 11-13 fledged). With thanks to Louise Barnfield and Hob Osterlund. *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 27 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-laysan-albatrosses-of-kauai-have-had-a-good-breeding-year.md) ## Report highlights improved efforts in implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in New Zealand fisheries ![Bird Scaring line Domingo Jimenez shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird_Scaring_line_Domingo_Jimenez_shrunk.PNG)*Bird scaring lines in action, photo by Domingo Jimenez* The Conservation Services Programme of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (NZDOC) has released a report on the Protected Species Liaison Programme highlighting improved efforts in the implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in New Zealand's fisheries. The programme, supported by Seafood New Zealand, aims to reduce interactions with protected species by promoting best-practice mitigation across inshore and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fishing vessels.  The [2022/23 report](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202223-csp-reports/protected-species-liaison-programme-202223/), by DOC Technical Advisor, T. Plencner, provides a summary of the outcomes of the programme for the 2022-23 fishing year (1 Oct 2022 – 30 Sept 2023). **Reference:** Plencner, T. 2024. [CSP Liaison Programme Annual Report 2022-23](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202223-csp-reports/protected-species-liaison-programme-202223/). Final Report for MIT2021-01, Department of Conservation. 44 p. *26 August 2026* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/report-highlights-improved-efforts-in-implementation-of-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-measures-in-new-zealand-fisheries.md) ## Northern Royal Albatross chicks at Pukekura/Taiaraoa Head continue to get fed plastic by their parents *![Plastic regurgitation Northern Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Plastic_regurgitation_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Taiaroa_Head_Broni.jpg)Plastic items regurgitated by a Northern Royal Albatross chick at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head.  Recognizable are four bottle caps, a red cigarette lighter, four brown squid beaks and two translucent fish eye lenses, among other plastic fragments, photograph by Sharyn Broni* [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* chicks in the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland), South Island, New Zealand are regularly fed plastic items that their parents have swallowed at sea.  Albatross chicks close to fledging tend to regurgitate undigested hard parts emanating from their natural prey, notably squid beaks, but also any plastic items swallowed, in the form of a bolus. The items depicted here collected in the colony this month are the latest examples. *![Plasric regurgitation Northern Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Plasric_regurgitation_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Taiaroa_Head_Sharyn_Broni.jpg) The same regurgitation before collection, photograph by Colin Facer* Read more cases featured in *ACAP Latest News* of plastics regurgitated by albatross chicks at Pukekura/Taiaroa [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=TAIAROA+PLASTIC&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). [Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) was the theme for the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June 2023. With thanks to the [Albatross Lovers Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/albatrosslovers). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 22 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/northern-royal-albatross-chicks-at-pukekura-taiaraoa-head-continue-to-get-fed-plastic-by-their-parents.md) ## Pacific Seabird Group and Waterbird Society Joint Meeting, Costa Rica, 6-9 January 2025 open for registration and abstract submission  ![PSG WbS Joint Meeing 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/food/PSG_WbS_Joint_Meeing_2025.jpg) The [Pacific Seabird Group](https://www.facebook.com/PacificSeabirdGroup?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUtHFbHtkzZEtIPWTlcffSc_mRZwonxcyFGW8IOvln1fiMaACe3_Ioc9-4pG-Bz3Em3w0vFJPxjlxM35G_Y1pUWLPazs8Go31XhhIedY0Cfom4Bw3DGFSjaC3s5vFD8cf338FWt_p_j8tGjj88r0HYuGlTIJMyDLB7Kwm1P7lDQvy0lbl3x9T8neaWWASim9RezdL_mxe6ROMK3K5nIfsWCJqEGIg9cC4Xi5K_3h31CEPY0mqYtqeNjkqaYbTAqgpU&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) and the [Waterbird Society](https://www.facebook.com/waterbirdsociety?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUtHFbHtkzZEtIPWTlcffSc_mRZwonxcyFGW8IOvln1fiMaACe3_Ioc9-4pG-Bz3Em3w0vFJPxjlxM35G_Y1pUWLPazs8Go31XhhIedY0Cfom4Bw3DGFSjaC3s5vFD8cf338FWt_p_j8tGjj88r0HYuGlTIJMyDLB7Kwm1P7lDQvy0lbl3x9T8neaWWASim9RezdL_mxe6ROMK3K5nIfsWCJqEGIg9cC4Xi5K_3h31CEPY0mqYtqeNjkqaYbTAqgpU&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R) will hold a Joint Meeting from 6-9 January 2025, in San Jose, Costa Rica. [Registration](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Registration?fbclid=IwY2xjawEyzLBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUYg60RVK53Uerucw11iGxqciU7MyCVW4kx2n5AIKUdfPcEEUMyFxfx-hw_aem_Wb4wfqRKKGkkGeHFeEIQHQ), now open, closes on 6 December.  [Abstract submissions](https://psg.wildapricot.org/abstract-submission) are open through to 1 October. *22 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pacific-seabird-group-and-waterbird-society-joint-meeting-costa-rica-6-9-january-2025-open-for-registration-and-abstract-submission.md) ## Ageing seabirds without the need to band them as chicks – a major development? ![Goulds Petrel Yuna Kim 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Goulds_Petrel_Yuna_Kim_1.jpg)*No need to band this bird?  Co-author Yuna Kim holds a Gould’s Petrel chick* “Some seabirds can live for over 70 years, but measuring demographic change isn't easy when juveniles look the same as geriatrics” Lauren Roman ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Molecular Ecology Resources](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17550998)*on ageing unbanded [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697970) White-winged or Gould's Petrels *Pterodroma leucoptera*via a genetic test. The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding the demography of wildlife populations is a key component for ecological research, and where necessary, supporting the conservation and management of long-lived animals. However, many animals lack phenological changes with which to determine individual age; therefore, gathering this fundamental information presents difficulties. More so for species that are rare, highly mobile, migratory and those that reside in inaccessible habitats. Until recently, the primary method to measure demography is through labour intensive mark-recapture approaches, necessitating decades of effort for long-lived species. Gadfly petrels (genus: *Pterodroma*) are one such taxa that are overrepresented with threatened and declining species, and for which numerous aspects of their ecology present challenges for research, monitoring and recovery efforts. To overcome some of these challenges, we developed the first DNA methylation (DNAm) demography technique to estimate the age of petrels, using the epigenetic clock of Gould's petrels (*Pterodroma leucoptera*). We collected reference blood samples from known-aged Gould's petrels at a long-term monitored population on Cabbage Tree Island, Australia. Epigenetic ages were successfully estimated for 121 individuals ranging in age from zero (fledgling) to 30 years of age, showing a mean error of 2.24 ± 0.17 years between the estimated and real age across the population. This is the first development of an epigenetic clock using multiplex PCR sequencing in a bird. This method enables demography to be measured with relative accuracy in a single sampling trip. This technique can provide information for emerging demographic risks that can mask declines in long-lived seabird populations and be applied to other *Pterodroma* populations.” Read a popular article on the study [here](https://phys.org/news/2024-08-age-id-tool-revolutionize-threatened.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawExaxVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSnRQqyELaiK9A4crDJy3SE1Str00b5Y8GOoSfV--RbDt41_UGDyYnmYOA_aem_E21JcvQ1fBX3Tha2m4ZLuA). **Reference:** Roman, L., Mayne, B., Anderson, C., Kim, Y., Dwyer, T. & Carlile, N. 2024.  A novel technique for estimating age and demography of long-lived seabirds (genus *Pterodroma*) using an epigenetic clock for Gould's petrel (*Pterodroma leucoptera*).  *[Molecular Ecology Resources](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1755-0998.14003)*[DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.14003](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1755-0998.14003). *21 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ageing-seabirds-without-the-need-to-band-them-as-chicks-a-major-development.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project releases its 10th Quarterly Newsletter – and there is lots of interest to read! ![Mouse attack Macci Bay 6 Jul 2024 V Stephen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Mouse_attack_Macci_Bay_6_Jul_2024_V_Stephen.jpg) *Fatally attacked by Marion Island’s introduced House Mice, this Wandering Albatross chick soon died of its injuries, photograph by Vanessa Stephen, 06 July 2024* **NOTE:** The following article is [prepublished](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-its-10th-quarterly-newsletter-and-there-is-lots-of-interest-to-read/) from the website of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) with permission. ![Quarterly Newsletter No. 10 July 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Quarterly_Newsletter_No._10_July_2024.jpg) The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org)) Project has released its [10th *Quarterly Newsletter*](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project-Quarterly-Newsletter_Issue_10_July_2024.pdf).  Dated July 2024 with 20 well-illustrated pages, it has been compiled, edited and laid out by the project’s Communications Officer and Project Assistant, [Robyn Adams](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-robyn-adams-communications-officer-and-project-assistant-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/).  The plan to eradicate the introduced House Mice on Marion Island is progressing well.  The MFM Project team is continuing its hard work to secure the necessary funding and approvals and conduct the detailed research and planning to ensure a successful eradication operation. The Editorial summarizes activities undertaken by the project over the last three months.  In May, [Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) (MFM Project Manager) and [Camilla Smyth](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-is-participating-in-the-2023-annual-relief-voyage-to-marion-island-this-month/) (MFM Project Overwintering Research Assistant for 2023/24) returned to South Africa after Anton participated in the 2024 annual relief voyage to Marion Island.  Anton travelled to the island with [Monique van Bers](https://mousefreemarion.org/out-of-office-at-marion-island-the-mfm-project-manager-and-new-mfm-overwintering-team-member-head-to-marion-island-as-part-of-the-annual-relief-voyage/), who has taken over from Camilla as the MFM Project Research Assistant for 2024/25. Back home from the island, Anton made his second running of a mountain marathon trail run, [raising over R 103 000](https://mousefreemarion.org/project-manager-anton-wolfaardt-crowd-funds-over-r-103-000-by-completing-the-rhodes-trail-run/) for the project via a highly successful online appeal.  With this success, the MFM Project is planning several more appeals over the rest of the year and into the next that aim to target runners, hikers, walkers and cyclists. *![Antons Rhodes Trail Run 2024 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Antons_Rhodes_Trail_Run_2024_1.jpg) Anton at the start of the 34th Rhodes Trail Run, holding the official buff of Marion Island’s 80th Overwintering Team of 2023/24 that depicts displaying Wandering Albatrosses, photograph by Leigh Wolfaardt* In the following article “Thirteen Months without a Banana” Camilla describes her 13 months on the island as a “once-in-a-lifetime adventure”, conducting essential field research required to help develop the project’s Operational Plan. **![Camilla Smyth above Rooks Bay Marion Island selfie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Camilla_Smyth_above_Rooks_Bay_Marion_Island_selfie.JPG)* Camilla Smyth *on the cliff top above a Grey-headed Albatross breeding colony, Rook’s Bay, Marion Island*, photograph by herself* Information is then given on BirdLife South Africa’s second [Flock to Marion Island](https://www.facebook.com/groups/184051415289185) voyage in the Southern Ocean, to take place between 24-31 January 2025.  With berths still available, although selling well, you can still join an epic seven-night birding voyage in support of the MFM Project aboard the *MSC Musica* on an adventure into the surrounding waters of South Africa’s Southern Ocean territory, Marion and Prince Edward Islands. The next article recounts a [recent attack](https://mousefreemarion.org/escalation-of-gruesome-house-mice-attacks-on-vulnerable-wandering-albatross-chicks-at-marion-island/) by House Mice on a [globally Vulnerable](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Wandering+Albatross+Birds+Online) Wandering Albatross chick in a Marion Island study colony first set up in the early 1980s.  This sad news, along with accompanying gruesome photographs, formed a press release in late July.  With the help of the London-based Culture Communications Collective ([CCC](https://culturecommscollective.com/)) the story has been taken up by over 125 media outlets in South Africa, the United Kingdom and beyond. An introduction to [Beate Hölscher](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-beate-holscher-mouse-free-marion-project-research-and-reporting-officer/) and [Liezl Pretorius](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-liezl-pretorius-the-mouse-free-marion-projects-new-research-and-reporting-officer/), the MFM Project’s new Research and Reporting Officers wraps up the latest newsletter.  Beate and Liezl have joined the existing MFM Development Officer, [Tarryn Havemann](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-tarryn-havemann-mouse-free-marion-projects-newly-appointed-development-officer/) in focusing on specific aspects of fundraising, while collaborating with the rest of the MFM Project team on various related tasks. [Download](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project-Quarterly-Newsletter_Issue_10_July_2024.pdf) our latest newsletter, read it, pass it on - and please consider supporting the project with a [sponsorship or a donation](https://mousefreemarion.org/donate/).  All nine previous *Quarterly Newsletters*are available for downloading from [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**, 20 August 2024, updated 22 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-its-10th-quarterly-newsletter-and-there-is-lots-of-interest-to-read.md) ## The 11th SCAR Open Science Conference 2024 starts today in Chile ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Picture1.jpg) The [11th SCAR Open Science Conference 2024](https://www.scar2024.org/) with the theme “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope” commenced in Pucón, Chile today and runs until Friday 23 August 2024. "The SCAR Open Science Conferences are the world's premier Antarctic science meetings and are held every two years to draw attention to Antarctic issues. They offer scientists from various disciplines and countries the opportunity to present their work, network and participate more actively in SCAR's scientific activities." The timetable of [presentations](https://www.scar2024.org/oral-presentations/) by author and title and [abstracts](https://www.scar2024.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SCAR2024_Abstracts_web.pdf) are now available on line. An oral presentation by Danielle Keys in Session 19 entitled "**Life History and Foraging Efficiency: Implications for Breeding Success in Wandering Albatrosses on  Marion Island**" will be of interest to followers of *ACAP Latest News*. The conference will be followed by the [XXXVIII SCAR Delegates’ Meeting](https://scar.org/scar-events/xxxviii-scar-delegates-meeting) in Punta Arenas, Chile over 26-28 August 2024. *19 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-11th-scar-open-science-conference-2024-starts-today-in-chile.md) ## Delegates of ACAP’s 14th Advisory Committee Meeting enjoy an historical day out in Lima, Peru ![AC14 Torre Tagle Palace Lima Peru 2024 sml](https://acap.aq/images/AC14_Torre_Tagle_Palace_Lima-Peru_2024_sml.jpg)*Minister Julio Reinoso Calderón (front left) stands at the bottom of the grand internal staircase of Torre Tagle Palace with delegates of the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee.* Delegates of the 14th Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee (AC14) enjoyed a day out in the historical centre of Peru’s capital, Lima yesterday.  AC14 hosts, Peru, organised the excursion for the Thursday, the traditional rest day for delegates, as the draft report for the meeting is compiled by ACAP’s Secretariat. The excursion began with Minister Julio Reinoso Calderón, General Director of Maritime Affairs, welcoming delegates to Restaurante Casa Tambo for lunch and a display of traditional Peruvian dances.  ![AC14 Restaurante Casa Tambo Dancers Lima Peru 2024 sml](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC14/AC14_Restaurante_Casa_Tambo_Dancers__Lima-Peru_2024_sml.jpg)*AC14 delegates enjoyed performances of three Peruvian dances over lunch at Restaurante Casa Rambo in the histoical centre of Lima* The performance was not contained to the professionals, with delegates from South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Chinese Taipei invited by the dancers to take to the floor and join in the revelry. Afterward, Minister Calderón led the delegation through the historical city centre to Torre Tagle Palace, a colonial-era mansion built for the 1st Marquis of Torre Tagle, Jose Bernado de Tagle Bracho. The group were taken on a guided tour of the impressive building which now houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru and the National Directorate of State Ceremonial and Protocol. The delegation expressed gratitude for the memorable day before returning to Miraflores to review and comment on the draft meeting report. The adoption of the meeting report will occur at the close of the meeting today. *16 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/delegates-of-acaps-advisory-committee-meeting-enjoy-an-historical-day-out-in-lima-peru.md) ## "Environmental emergency" highlighted at the opening of ACAP’s 14th Advisory Committee Meeting in Lima, Peru  ![AC14 Group Photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC14/AC14_Group_Photo.jpg)*Participants of the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee (AC14) taking place in Lima, Peru. Ambassador Elvira Velázquez Rivas Plata, General Director of Sovereignty, Limits and Antarctic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru and by Mr. Edward Barriga Rivera, General Director of Research in Demersal and Coastal Resources, Peruvian Marine Research Institute, formally opened the meeting. Standing 4th and 5th from front left are Ambassador Velázquez and Mr Barrigo.* The urgency of the task at hand for those in attendance of the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee (AC14) in Lima, Peru was underlined at the meeting’s opening on Monday. The meeting was formally opened by Ambassador Elvira Velázquez Rivas Plata, General Director of Sovereignty, Limits and Antarctic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru and by Mr. Edward Barriga Rivera, General Director of Research in Demersal and Coastal Resources, Peruvian Marine Research Institute. Ambassador Velázquez welcomed participants in her address, expressing her pleasure in Peru hosting the Advisory Committee meeting and her hope that it would be productive.  “Peru is pleased to host the 14AC meeting and expresses its commitment to achieving and maintaining conservation status for albatrosses and petrels, a task that becomes more urgent in the face of the conservation crises that these species face, as warned by this Advisory Committee in 2019, a situation that is worsening in the context of the triple environmental emergency that the planet is facing and which is exhibited through climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.” Ambassador Velázquez commended the ongoing scientific research, population monitoring, and efforts in capacity building and awareness-raising that ACAP promotes. She also highlighted ACAP's role in shaping international seabird bycatch mitigation measures and its relevance to emerging global biodiversity conservation agreements. Additionally, she expressed gratitude for the support Peru has received in capacity building and network development. Mr. Edward Barriga Rivera, General Director of Research in Demersal and Coastal Resources at the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE), conveyed greetings from IMARPE's Director, Jorge Paz, and reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels. He expressed his best wishes for the success of AC14. Eleven of ACAP’s thirteen Parties are attending the week long meeting which closes on Friday. *14 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/environmental-emergency-highlighted-at-the-opening-of-acaps-14th-advisory-committee-meeting-in-lima-peru.md) ## Introducing the first Newell’s Shearwater chick to hatch within the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the Hawaiian island of Kauai  ![Nihoku Newells Shearwtater PRC 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Nihoku_Newells_Shearwtater_PRC_1.jpg) *T**he first ever Newell’s Shearwater chick to hatch within the Nihoku exclosure* The [Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project](https://www.nihoku.org/) aims to create a new breeding site safe from introduced predators for two threatened seabirds on the Hawaiian island on Kauai.  The construction of a predator-fence within the [Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population) allowed for the translocation and hand-feeding to fledging of chicks of the [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*.  Breeding by the former species [has already taken place](https://acap.aq/latest-news/relocated-hawaiian-petrels-commence-breeding-at-nihoku-on-kauai-behind-a-predator-proof-fence?highlight=WyJoYXdhaWlhbiIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIiwibmlob2t1Il0=).  Now the shearwater has followed by breeding within the fence as announced by the environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/). “Allow us to introduce to you, the first ever Newell’s shearwater chick to hatch within the Nihoku exclosure at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge!  This chick is the offspring of a male that was translocated as a chick in 2018, and an unbanded, socially attracted female.  This chick represents a major milestone for the Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project and we couldn’t be more proud!” *![Nihoku Newells Shearwtater PRC 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Nihoku_Newells_Shearwtater_PRC_2.jpg) T**he first ever Newell’s Shearwater chick to hatch within the Nihoku exclosure* To learn more about Nihoku, visit [www.nihoku.org](http://www.nihoku.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3FT_-eh_U8oYvOxCOoK8xpQzxlzTzGL_r-OlAVw1IqyEJMgvs83GujH-M_aem_mFqbWPdmlMgSqf_pjq2CLA) and check out previous postings to *ACAP Latest News* on the project [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Nihoku&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=).  Information and photographs from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) of the Pacific Rim Conservation **Reference:** Young, L.C., Kohley, C.R., VanderWerf, E.A., Fowlke, L., Casillas, D., Dalton, M., Knight, M., Pesque, A.,  Dittmar, E.M., Raine, A,F. & Vynne, M. 2023. Successful translocation of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels to create a new, predator free breeding colony. [*Frontiers in Conservation Science* 4. doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1177789](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1177789/full). *Jo**hn Cooper,**Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels**,**13 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-first-newells-shearwater-chick-to-hatch-within-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai.md) ## Innovative South African seabird bycatch mitigation compliance device supported by ACAP's Small Grants Programme to be tested in Argentinian fisheries ![SBWG12 EM Device by Sihle Ngcongo to Leo Tamini 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC14/SBWG12_EM_Device_by_Sihle_Ngcongo_to_Leo_Tamini_2024.jpg)*Albatross Task Force Instructor, Leo Tamini (left) and electronic monitoring compliance device inventor, Sihle Ngcongo (right) hold up the device outside the Seabird Bycatch Working Group meeting in Lima, Peru. Tamini plans to test the device in Argentinian Fisheries. * At the recent Eighth Meeting of ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG8), former fisheries observer and founder of Imvelo Blue Environment Consultancy, Sihle Ngcongo, presented an update on the [electronic monitoring (EM) compliance device project](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-information-papers/4670-sbwg12-inf-08-update-on-em-device-for-compliance-with-bird-scaring-lines/file) that received ACAP funding through the 2019 small grants round. The EM device, conceived by Ngcongo, was developed in partnership with BirdLife South Africa with technical assistance from Nelson Miranda of Argonaut Science.  The EM device works by monitoring the mechanical tension of a deployed bird scaring line and transmits real time and tension data wirelessly. This not only enhances the independent monitoring and deployment of this key seabird bycatch mitigation measure but also has the potential to reduce seabird bycatch rates, reduce workloads, and increase safety for both crew and observers at sea. Ngcongo says the idea for the EM device came from a concern for the safety of fisheries observers, particularly at night when it is difficult to know if bird scaring lines have been deployed correctly.  The potential of the device was apparent to Albatross Task Force (ATF) Instructor and Marine Program Coordinator for Aves Argentinas, Leo Tamini, who has taken one of the devices back to Argentina for testing.  “We plan to test the device by integrating it into the activities of our ATF Argentina team during our next trip on an Argentinean freezer trawler. Hopefully, this can happen within this year,” said Tamini. With the EM device having now reached its final production stage making it suitable for manufacture for the market, Ngcongo is cautiously optimistic about its future. “My hope is for the device to be recognized as a cutting-edge innovation that can confirm bird scaring line compliance for the prevention of seabird entanglement and mortalities on longline vessels and trawlers.” Bird scaring lines (BSL) are a best practice mitigation measure for reducing seabird bycatch in fisheries. [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/index.php?Itemid=117&lang=en) for seabird bycatch mitigation along with its bycatch mitigation factsheets in several languages can be found at the ACAP website. A [summary report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-information-papers/4775-ac14-inf-01/file) of ACAP funded projects will be presented to ACAP's Advisory Committee at its Fourteenth Meeting (AC14) commencing in Lima, Peru, on Monday. Updates on ACAP Small Grants and Secondments projects received at the recent meetings of ACAP's Working Groups will be featured in ACAP Latest News over the coming weeks.  *11 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/innovative-south-african-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-compliance-device-supported-by-acaps-small-grants-programme-to-be-tested-in-argentinian-fisheries.md) ## Field research on Campbell Island albatrosses, 2023/24  ![Hannah Shand Southern Royal Albatross Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Hannah_Shand_Southern_Royal_Albatross_Campbell_Island.jpg)*Southern Royal Albatross on Campbell Island, photograph by Hannah Shand* Claudia Mischler and colleagues have produced a final report on research conducted on Campbell Island albatrosses during 2023/24 for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) Technical Working Group of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report’s Summary follows: “This trip was a follow-up project from the work done on Campbell Island in March 2020 and February 2023 to primarily determine population trends for southern royal albatross (*Diomedea epomophora*). Nests were counted in two study (Col and Moubray) and three index areas (Faye, Paris, Honey) to compare to historical counts. Additional aims were to resight marked birds, band up to 200 pairs in the Col study area, deploy PTT and GLS tags, and set up remote cameras on nests to monitor breeding success. Other species work included conducting photo point counts for Campbell (*Thalassarche impavida*) and grey-headed albatross (*T. chrysostoma*) and to deploy remote cameras on grey-headed albatross nests. Accessible nest sites were searched for light-mantled sooty albatross (*Phoebetria palpebrata*), PTT trackers deployed, and remote cameras set up at nests. Opportunistic searches while traveling or within southern royal albatross study and index areas were done for Antipodean albatross *(Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*), and any unbanded birds were marked. Opportunistic searches and counts were also done for northern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli*) and white-chinned petrels (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*). Nest counts for southern royal albatross showed an overall decline of 32.8% since the 1990s and a 26.5% decline since the 2000s. Paris index area had the highest percent change of -46.2% since the 1990s, and Col study area had the lowest at -23.6%. A total of 35 PTT trackers were deployed on southern royal albatross in the Col study area which show birds moving north to the Chatham Rise, west to Tasmania, south towards Antarctica, and to the Patagonian Shelf east of Argentina. Thirty-four GLSs devices were also deployed. For demographics, 113 nests have both birds of the pair marked within the Col study area, and 22 cameras were set up on nests to monitor breeding success. For Campbell and grey-headed albatross photo point counts, the percent change between 2019/20 and 2023/24 showed a decline in the total number of Campbell albatross (sitting and loafing birds) of 16.1% and a decline of 27.6% of grey-headed albatross. For breeding success monitoring of grey-headed albatross, five cameras covering 28 nests were deployed. For light-mantled sooty albatross, ten PTT trackers were deployed on non-breeding birds which show most birds travelling south towards Antarctica. A total of 11 cameras covering 14 nests were set up for breeding success monitoring. For Antipodean albatross, eight birds were found on the Moubray Peninsula, of which three were previously banded as chicks in the 1990s. **Reference:** Mischler, C., Thompson, T., Moore, P., Philp, B. & Wickes, C. 2024.  *[POP2023-04 Campbell Island Seabird Research Projec](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/meetings/2024/twg-14-jun/pop2023-04-campbell-island-seabird-research-draft-report.pdf)*t.  [Wellington]: Department of Conservation.  49 pp. *10 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/field-research-on-campbell-island-albatrosses-2023-24.md) ## Seabird safe rescue techniques, toolbox approaches to seabird bycatch reduction and a novel electronic monitoring device for compliance all under review at ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group meeting ![SBWG12 Day1 2024 Nigel Brothers Demo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC14/SBWG12_Day1_2024_Nigel_Brothers_Demo.jpg)*Nigel Brothers took to the floor to present his paper, "Minimum Weight at the Hook Allowance of 50 g Inclusive of Hook Weight for Pelagic Longlines"* The Twelfth Meeting of ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG12) concluded its second day of deliberations in Lima today. SBWG12 continued its comprehensive review of papers addressing seabird bycatch, including those focused on mitigation measures across various fisheries, seabird safe rescue techniques, toolbox approaches for bycatch reduction, and a novel electronic monitoring device for compliance. Several of the papers presented for SBWG12’s consideration stemmed from research funded by ACAP’s small grants programme including, [SBWG12 Inf 14: Bycatch mitigation in longline SSF in Southern Peru](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-information-papers/4681-sbwg12-inf-14-bycatch-mitigation-in-longline-ssf-in-southern-peru) and [SBWG12 Doc 09: Minimum Weight at Hook for Pelagic LL](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12/sbwg12-meeting-documents/4650-sbwg12-doc-09-minimum-weight-at-hook-for-pelagic-ll). Documents and Information Papers for the ACAP Working Group meetings, as well as for the upcoming Fourteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC14), are available through the [Upcoming Meetings and Events page](https://acap.aq/applewebdata://759C984C-1B7B-4C0F-B544-C04F8240F039/Upcoming%20Meetings%20and%20Events) on the ACAP website. Please note that some documents are password-protected, with only abstracts accessible to the public. SBWG12 concludes on Wednesday 7 August, with the resulting report submitted to AC14 for consideration starting next Monday. *7 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-safe-rescue-techniques-toolbox-approaches-to-seabird-bycatch-reduction-and-a-novel-electronic-monitoring-device-for-compliance-all-under-review-at-the-twelfth-meeting-of-the-agreements-seabird-bycatch-working-group.md) ## Workshop on seabird bycatch-related data and reporting kicks off ACAP’s meetings in Peru ![Seabird Bycatch Workshop AC14 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC14/Seabird_Bycatch_Workshop_AC14_2024.jpg)*Participants of ACAP's Seabird Bycatch Workshop* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) kicked off its two-weeks of meetings today in Lima, Peru, with a workshop aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges related to seabird bycatch data and reporting.  Among the workshop's primary objectives was the review of the current ACAP seabird bycatch-related indicators and associated data reporting. Participants aimed to identify ways to refine these indicators, ensuring they are both practical and useful for reporting. The workshop also explored alternative data sources and approaches to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of bycatch-related reporting to ACAP. The workshop today builds on previous efforts, including recommendations from the Eleventh Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG11](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg11)) and the prioritisation framework developed by ACAP to monitor and report progress on priority conservation actions.  The outcomes of this workshop will be presented to the Twelfth Meeting of ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG12](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg12)), with potential recommendations for further consideration by ACAP’s Advisory Committee. SBWG12 and the Eighth Meeting of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG8](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg8)) are taking place over the week, along with a joint [SBWG/PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-sbwg12-pacswg8-meeting) meeting to discuss cross-cutting issues.  Following the Working Group meetings, the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC14](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14)) will be held from Monday 12 August to Friday 16 August. A Heads of Delegation meeting will be convened on Sunday 11 August. Documents and Information Papers for the ACAP Working Group meetings and AC14 can be found at the links in [Upcoming Meetings and Events](https://acap.aq/news/meetings-and-events) page at the ACAP website. Note, however, that some documents are password-protected so only their abstracts are publicly available.   *5 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/workshop-on-seabird-bycatch-related-data-and-reporting-kicks-off-acaps-meetings-in-peru.md) ## The ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE: Albatross researcher Aleks Terauds is awarded the SCAR Medal for International Scientific Coordination ![Aleks Terauds](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Aleks_Terauds.jpg)  *Aleks Terauds “down south”, photograph from the Australian Antarctic Division* The 2024 Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research ([SCAR](https://scar.org)) Medal for International Scientific Coordination has been awarded to Dr Aleks Terauds of the Australian Antarctic Division where he leads the Marine Conservation and Management Program.  Aleks commenced his research career studying the albatrosses of Macquarie Island, for which he received his PhD in 2002 from the University of Tasmania.  His research into albatrosses and their conservation has resulted in a suite of scientific papers.  Remarkably, he has also produced no less than four popular books, all lavishly illustrated, on Southern Ocean albatrosses and the sub-Antarctic islands where they breed.  Aleks describes his current research as being largely applied, with a strong focus on improving and delivering environmental protection and achieving conservation outcomes in Antarctica, the Southern Ocean and the sub-Antarctic. ![Aleks Terauds Albtrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Aleks_Terauds_Albtrosses.webp) Albatross - Elusive Mariners of the Southern Ocean*by Aleks Terauds and Fiona Stewart* Aleks’ [medal citation](https://scar.org/scar-news/2024-scar-medal-winners?fbclid=IwY2xjawEYYZdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcqNgYIGUC9Pyfd2LthNTxvvVVqf70ASPixjYki4ceOGkwa_WoUFVLWCrQ_aem_c6CAYszlRB4pSF4B0kaPNA) follows: “Dr Aleks Terauds has provided an exemplary personal contribution to advancing SCAR’s objectives regarding international research activities.  As the Chief Officer of the Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System (SCATS) from 2014-2019, his service to the SCAR community produced substantial outcomes for Antarctic biodiversity and the environment, following his role as Chief Officer of Ant-Eco and informing his role as Chief Officer of Ant-ICON. Dr Terauds has coordinated multiple international workshops and was recognised for his extraordinary mentorship with the 2018 APECS International Mentorship Award.  His ability to bridge the divides between science, management and international policy is commendable and brings about meaningful results at local and international scales.” The presentation will be made at the SCAR Medals Award Ceremony at the [SCAR 2024 Open Science Conference](https://scar.org/scar-events/osc2024) “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope” on 23 August 2024. Watch a [video](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-aleks-terauds/) of Aleks Terauds talking about his research. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/IMG_8818.JPG) Aleks Terauds collects soil invertebrate samples in good (but still cold) weather on the top of Edinburgh Peak, the highest point at 910 m on Gough Island in 2013, photograph by John Cooper* On a personal note, I have hiked over much of both Gough and Marion with Aleks, acting as a guide and helping him with his research.  Our hikes included summitting both islands in rare good weather together – good memories!  I also enjoyed being a co-author and editor of one of his popular books, that on the Prince Edward Islands. ![Marion ans Prince Edwards](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Marion_ans_Prince_Edwards.jpg) Marion & Prince Edward.  Africa’s Southern Islands*by Aleks Terauds, John Cooper, Steven Chown and Peter Ryan* **Selected Publications by Aleks Terauds on ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels and their breeding localities** Cleeland, J.B., Alderman R., Bindoff, A., Lea, M.A., McMahon, C.R., Phillips, R.A., Raymond, B., Sumner, M.D., Terauds, A., Wotherspoon, S.J. & Hindell, M.A. 2019.  Factors influencing the habitat use of sympatric albatrosses from Macquarie Island, Australia.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series* 609: 221-237](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12811)*.* Cleeland, J.B., Pardo, D., Raymond, B., Terauds, A., Alderman, R., McMahon, C.R., Phillips, R.A., Lea, M.-A., & Hindell, M.A., 2020.  Introduced species and extreme weather as key drivers of reproductive output in three sympatric albatrosses.  [*Scientific Reports* 10, 8199](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64662-5). Russ, R. & Terauds, A. 2009.  *Galapagos of the Antarctic.  Wild Islands South of New Zealand*.  Christchurch: Heritage Expeditions.  224 pp. Terauds, A. 2002.  [*Population Biology and Ecology of Albatrosses on Macquarie Island: Implications for Conservation Status*](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Population_biology_and_ecology_of_albatrosses_on_Macquarie_Island_implications_for_conservation_status/23241662/1?file=40958909).  Doctor of Philosophy, University of Tasmania.  304 pp. Terauds, A., Cooper, J., Chown, S.L. & Ryan, P. 2010.  *Marion & Prince Edward.  Africa’s Southern Island*s.  Stellenbosch: SUN PReSS.  176 pp. Terauds, A. & Gales, R. 2006.  Provisioning strategies and growth patterns of Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata* on Macquarie Island.  [*Polar Biology* 29: 917-926](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-006-0133-6#citeas). Terauds, A., Gales, R., & Alderman, R. 2005.  Trends in numbers and survival of Black-browed (*Thalassarche melanophrys*) and Grey-headed (*T. chrysostoma*) Albatrosses breeding on Macquarie Island.  [*Emu - Austral Ornithology* 105: 159-167](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU05026). Terauds, A., Gales, R., Baker, G.B. & Alderman R. 2006.  Foraging areas of Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses from Macquarie Island in relation to Marine Protected Areas.  [*Aquatic Conservation –Marine Freshwater Ecosystem*s 16: 133-146](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.709). Terauds, A., Gales, R., Baker, G.B. & Alderman, R. 2006.  Population and survival trends of Wandering Albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*) breeding on Macquarie Island.  [*Emu - Austral Ornithology* 106: 211-218](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU06007). Terauds, A. & Stewart, F. 2005.  *Albatross - Elusive Mariners of the Southern Ocean*.  Sydney: New Holland Publishers.  175 pp. Terauds, A. & Stewart, F. 2008.  *Subantarctic Wilderness Macquarie Island*.  Crows Nest, Australia: Jacana Books.  176 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-albatross-researcher-aleks-terauds-is-awarded-the-scar-medal-for-international-scientific-coordination.md) ## Escalation of gruesome House Mice attacks on Vulnerable Wandering Albatross chicks at Marion Island *![IMG 20240704 091202 Rhi Gill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/IMG_20240704_091202_Rhi_Gill.jpg)* **NOTE:** The following article is republished from the website of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) with permission on [Marine Protected Areas Day](https://mpaday.org/). *![Mouse attack Macci Bay 6 Jul 2024 V Stephen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Mouse_attack_Macci_Bay_6_Jul_2024_V_Stephen.jpg) Devastating wounds on a Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island caused by House Mice, photographs by Rhiannon Gill and *Vanessa Stephen** New shocking findings show the desperate need to restore Marion Island to its former status as a breeding refuge for its threatened seabirds by eradicating the introduced House Mice. On 06 July 2024, researchers working on Marion Island, South Africa’s remote sub-Antarctic territory, discovered a severely wounded chick – the latest victim in an accelerating series of ferocious fatal attacks.  They found the four-month-old Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* chick with bloody wounds on its neck that by the next day had led to its death.  These injuries were characteristic of many that have been inflicted by House Mice accidentally introduced by sealers in the early 1800s, which are now eating the island’s threatened seabirds alive. Marion Island is home to one quarter of all the world’s Wandering Albatrosses and is a critical breeding site for this species, categorized as [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This incident, although far from the first, is one of the worst that has been photographed on Marion Island so far.  It is a visible and distressing reminder of the often-unseen damage that mice have been causing for decades on this remote island.  The island is currently in the middle of the Austral winter, when mouse predation peaks.  This attack is just one of many likely to be recorded in the next two months, as they have been now for many years. The wounded Wandering Albatross chick was photographed by seabird researchers, Rhiannon Gill, [South African Polar Research Infrastructure](https://www.sapri.ac.za/) and Vanessa Stephen[, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, who are spending a year on the island as part of long-term monitoring work on Wandering Albatross colonies. Whilst this may seem a desperate situation, there is hope on the horizon.  The Mouse Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org)) Project is aiming to halt suffering such as this and reverse the ecological damage caused by mice by undertaking one of the world’s largest invasive rodent eradication projects.  This ambitious project is a conservation partnership between the South African government’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ([DFFE](https://www.dffe.gov.za/)) and BirdLife South Africa ([BLSA](https://www.birdlife.org.za/)).  BLSA established the MFM Non-Profit Company to facilitate the implementation of the project.  Fundraising is well underway to support this intervention, but more help is urgently needed. *![M attack next day Macci Bay Jul 2024 V Stephen HiRes](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/M_attack_next_day_Macci_Bay_Jul_2024_V_Stephen_HiRes.jpg) Within a day of the attack, the chick had succumbed to its wounds, with its body scavenged by other seabirds, photograph by Vanessa Stephen* Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager, Dr Anton Wolfaardt, says “These images offer a stark yet vital reminder of what’s at stake.  The threat posed by mice is clear, the imperative to address it from a conservation perspective undeniable.  Action is also necessary on animal welfare grounds, to stop the suffering and deaths of numerous defenceless seabirds, including this Wandering Albatross chick, caused by mice.  “We need to clear 30 000 hectares - the equivalent of over 42 000 football pitches – of mice, and we need your help to do it.  If you want to support either our ‘Sponsor a Hectare’ campaign or if you are able to provide more generous funding towards our work, we can progress what we are doing faster and stop these attacks on seabirds.” Rhiannon and Vanessa found the chick with bloody wounds at Macaroni Bay on the island’s eastern coast, in one of three long-term Wandering Albatross colonies that have been routinely monitored since the early 1980s.  The nature of the wounds aligns with directly observed mouse attacks, and with attacks on chicks photographed at night. The chick was seen the week before the attack, in good health and with both its parents, demonstrating the speed at which mouse predation can result in death.  *![IMG 20240629 132653 Rhi Gill1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/IMG_20240629_132653_Rhi_Gill1.jpg)* *The chick (at back) with its parents days before the mouse attack; photograph by Rhiannon Gill* Wandering Albatrosses generally breed only once every two years and raise a single chick.  Very few researchers have witnessed albatrosses returning to their nest after foraging flights hundreds of kilometres long, to discover a corpse rather than a living and hungry chick.  Those who have, saw parents reaching out again and again to touch or nudge the chick gently with their huge bills, staying at the nest together for a long time.  The loss experienced by these magnificent birds is deeply evident.   Every individual death is significant for the resilience of their global breeding population.  Should we do nothing, experts predict that the mice may cause the local extinction of 19 of Marion Island’s 29 bird species, including the iconic Wandering Albatross. House Mice, inadvertently introduced by sealers to Marion Island in the early 19th century, have been recorded preying on both seabird chicks and adults.  More recently, mouse attacks on adult Wandering Albatrosses, [first recorded in April 2023](https://mousefreemarion.org/house-mice-have-turned-to-killing-adult-great-albatrosses-on-gough-and-marion-islands/), are spreading across the island this winter.  Climate change is favouring mice as the island becomes warmer and drier, the mouse breeding season lengthens, and their summer populations increase. Predation incidents have increased in winter, when mice have fewer alternative foods such as invertebrates and plant seeds. The mouse eradication plan for Marion Island builds on over six decades of practical experience, and scientific research from more than 700 island rodent eradications that have succeeded, and the few that have not.  At 30 000 hectares, the Marion Island mouse eradication will be larger than any previous mouse eradication effort undertaken. A fleet of helicopters guided by Global Positioning Systems and equipped with bait application buckets will spread a specially formulated rodenticide bait across the entire island to ensure that every mouse territory is treated with bait: the only method that has proven successful at eradicating rodents from large islands. However, to pull off this critically important and historic conservation intervention, the Mouse-Free Marion Project requires support in the form of direct donations, or hectares sponsored.  To find out more, make a donation, or to sponsor a hectare, please visit [www.mousefreemarion.org](http://www.mousefreemarion.org) or contact us at [mailto:donations@mousefreemarion.org](mailto:donations@mousefreemarion.org)[donations@mousefreemarion.org](mailto:donations@mousefreemarion.org). With thanks to Rhiannon Gill and Vanessa Stephen *The Mouse-Free Marion Project team, 31 July 2024; republished by*ACAP Latest News *on 01 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/escalation-of-gruesome-house-mice-attacks-on-vulnerable-wandering-albatross-chicks-at-marion-islan.md) ## Still going strong and looking good. A 44-year old banded Wandering Albatross is photographed at sea ![White 426 Wanderer 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/White_426_Wanderer_1.jpg)*Wandering Albatross in flight with band W426 visible on its right leg* On an [Eaglehawk Neck pelagic trip](https://bird-spots.com/2023/06/16/eaglehawk-neck-pelagic-jun-2023/) off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania on 27 May 2024, a colour-banded (White 426) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* was photographed at sea by Jeran Lin and Hsao Hsien Lai. The Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme ([ABBBS](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/science-research/bird-bat-banding)) reported that the bird was banded as a chick at Bauer Bay, [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) in August 1980 and, at was thus nearly 44 years old (calculated from fledging). The bird is a male, and has been a successful breeder, raising 12 chicks. *![White 426 Wanderer 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/White_426_Wanderer_2.jpg) Wandering Albatross W426* The bird is the second-oldest known Wandering Albatross in the ABBBS database.  The oldest record is of a beach-cast bird found at Mceacherns Beach, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia in January 2006.  The bird was banded with FBS19095 in January 1962, 44 years earlier, at the French Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Albatross studies on the Crozet Islands are undertaken in the framework of the project “[Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/programmes_soutenus/seabirds-and-marine-mammals-as-sentinels-of-global-changes-in-the-southern-ocean/)” (Project: 109 ORNITHO2E), supported by the French Polar Institute Paul Emile Victor (IPEV). Information from the [Seabirds and Pelagics Australia](https://www.facebook.com/groups/957199944320635/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=26622354757378468&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZV8iy-4bWFMm023eyL_gDmZJqIrGV1gqzV9G0mqjJyzl8F_ihlnkWXsbdY8CKxphxdGJ3FwVbVrKwpSwUQNIuVZDjWgtbEHMh4AKGQPiaZ7NRhkAMh-lglB4vg-_i1JhLV0GvvMgFpzHRrc3wTHLBwdrn3yHOxOAG9dFOAGhVTKMy2AUPjLzIGO0i0nGOdz_9Fnnroe0c9Qo_AajzDopMkR-LN1zXu9cfJwc1Hq4RF-Ow&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) Facebook page and the [ABBBS](https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/biodiversity/abbbs/abbbs-search.pl).  With thanks to Karine Delord. *31 July 2024,  updated 01 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/still-going-strong-and-looking-good-a-44-year-old-banded-wandering-albatross-is-photographed-at-sea.md) ## Opportunity to comment on bycatch reporting for the Short-tailed Albatross in the Hawaiian longline fishery *![Short tailed Albatross Laurie Johnson Lucimara Wesolowicz.hiquaL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Lucimara_Wesolowicz.hiquaL.jpg) Short-tailed Albatross pair, artwork by Lucimara Wesolowicz‎, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for ACAP* A 60-day period opened on 16 July to comment on bycatch reporting for the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* in the Hawaiian longline fishery. “This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection.  Federal regulations at [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-665/subpart-F/section-665.815](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-665/subpart-F/section-665.815)[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-665/subpart-F/section-665.815](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-665/subpart-F/section-665.815) require that the operator of a vessel with a Hawaii longline limited access permit notify NMFS in the event an endangered short-tailed albatross is hooked or entangled during fishing operations. Following the retrieval of the albatross from the ocean, the vessel operator must record the condition of the bird on a recovery data form. A veterinarian will use the information to provide advice to the vessel operator for caring for the bird. If the albatross is dead, the vessel operator must attach an identification tag to the carcass to assist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biologists in follow-up studies on the specimen. This collection is one of the terms and conditions contained in the Endangered Species Act Section 7 biological opinion issued by USFWS and is intended to maximize the probability of the long-term survival of short-tailed albatross accidentally taken by longline gear.  To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before September 16, 2024.” Read more about the request for comment [here](https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-15628.pdf) and [here](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-07-16/pdf/2024-15626.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/opportunity-to-comment-on-bycatch-reporting-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-in-the-hawaiian-longline-fishery.md) ## Amsterdam to Terrigal. A banded Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross gets photographed in Australian waters *![Terrigal IYNA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Terrigal_IYNA.jpg) The banded**Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross off Terrigal**, photograph by Carey Devey* An [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* with leg band W23 was photographed in “shelf waters” from a [Terrigal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrigal) pelagic tour operating off the central coast of New South Wales, Australia on 19 July. Based on information from the Australian Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme ([ABBBS](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/science-research/bird-bat-banding)), the albatross was banded as an adult in December 2011 in the Entrecasteaux study colony on France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean.  It was visually sexed as a female and has been regularly observed at the colony during the breeding season since 2011. Albatross studies on Amsterdam Island are undertaken in the framework of the project “[Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/programmes_soutenus/seabirds-and-marine-mammals-as-sentinels-of-global-changes-in-the-southern-ocean/)” (Project: 109 ORNITHO2E), supported by the French Polar Institute Paul Emile Victor (IPEV). Information from the [Seabirds and Pelagics Australia](https://www.facebook.com/groups/957199944320635/) Facebook group. With thanks to Karine Delord. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 July 2024, updated 01 August 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/amsterdam-to-terrigal-a-banded-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-gets-photographed-in-australian-waters.md) ## At-sea tracking of Black-browed Albatrosses on the Patagonian Shelf reveals ways highly pathogenic avian influenza could spread ![Black browed Albatross pair New Island Ian Strange s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed%20Albatross%20pair%20New%20Island%20Ian%20Strange%20s.jpg) *A Black-browed Albatross pair, New Island, South Atlantic, photograph by Ian Strange* Javed Riaz ([South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute](https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/), Stanley, Falkland Islands) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Ecography*](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16000587) on utilizing at-sea tracking of three colonial marine predators in the South Atlantic to identify potential pathways for the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The paper’s abstract follows: “Animal movement and population connectivity are key areas of uncertainty in efforts to understand and predict the spread of infectious disease. The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South America poses a significant threat to globally significant populations of colonial breeding marine predators in the South Atlantic. Yet, there is a poor understanding of which species or migratory pathways may facilitate disease spread. Compiling one of the largest available animal tracking datasets in the South Atlantic, we examine connectivity and inter-population mixing for colonial breeding marine predators tagged at the Falkland Islands. We reveal extensive connectivity for three regionally dominant and gregarious species over the Patagonian Shelf. Black-browed albatrosses (BBA), South American fur seals (SAFS) and Magellanic penguins (MAG) used coastal waters along the Atlantic coast of South America (Argentina and Uruguay). These behaviours were recorded at or in close proximity to breeding colonies and haul-out areas with dense aggregations of marine predators. Transit times to and from the Falkland Islands to the continental coast ranged from 0.2–70 days, with 84% of animals making this transit within 4 days - a conservative estimate for HPAI infectious period. Our findings demonstrate BBA, SAFS and MAG connectivity between the Falkland Islands and mainland South America over an expansive spatial network and numerous pathways, which has implications for infectious disease persistence, transmission and spread. This information is vital in supporting HPAI disease surveillance, risk assessment and marine management efforts across the region.” **Reference:** Riaz, J., Orben, R.A., Gamble, A., Catry, P., Granadeiro, J.P., Campioni, L., Tierney, M. & Baylis, A.M.M. 2024.  Coastal connectivity of marine predators over the Patagonian Shelf during the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.  [*Ecocography* doi.org/10.1111/ecog.07415](https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ecog.07415). *30 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/at-sea-tracking-of-black-browed-albatrosses-on-the-patagonian-shelf-reveals-ways-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-could-spread.md) ## Dead or alive: predation on living Magellenic Penguins by Southern Giant Petrels more common than previously thought ![Wagner SGP Paper on predation of Magellanic Penguins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Wagner_SGP_Paper_on_predation_of_Magellanic_Penguins.jpg)*Figure 1 from the paper: Five southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) feed on a dead juvenile Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in the waters off of Punta Tombo, Argentina, site of a large penguin colony. Note how the two birds actively eating the penguin have their wings outstretched, and the bird on the right further has raised and fanned its tail. Note also the plumage variations among the birds, from wholly brown (likely juvenile or immature) to one with a whitish head (an adult). Photograph by Dee Boersma.* Eric L. Wagner ([Center for Ecosystem Sentinels](https://ecosystemsentinels.org), Department of Biology, University of Washington, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal Ecology and Evolution on Southern Giant Petrels’ *Macronectes giganteus* predation of live Magellanic penguins. The paper’s abstract follows,  “Southern giant petrels (*Macronectes giganteus*) are important consumers that range across the oceans throughout the southern hemisphere. In Argentina, previous studies have shown they eat primarily pinnipeds and penguins, which they are assumed to scavenge, although there are occasional anecdotes of them attacking living penguins. Here we describe a predation attempt by a trio of southern giant petrels on a molting adult Magellanic penguin (*Spheniscus magellanicus*) at the large colony at Punta Tombo, Argentina. We relate giant petrel attendance patterns at the colony to the penguins' phenology, showing how giant petrel numbers rise with the increasing prevalence of vulnerable penguins. We suggest that living penguins—both fledglings and adults—may constitute a more seasonally significant proportion of the giant petrel diet than previously assumed, and their capture may represent a specialized predation technique.” **Reference:** Wagner, E. L., Rebstock, G. A., & Boersma, P. D. (2024).  A fearful scourge to the penguin colonies: Southern giant petrel (*Macronectes giganteus*) predation on living Magellanic penguins (*Spheniscus magellanicus*) may be more common than assumed. *Ecology and Evolution*. [https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11258](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11258)[https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11258](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11258). *29 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/dead-or-alive-predation-on-living-magellenic-penguins-by-southern-giant-petrels-more-common-than-previously-thought.md) ## Papers for the Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee have been published online ![Lima Peru Plaza Mayor in Historic Center of Lima Peru Downtown by rjankovsky](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC14/Lima_Peru__Plaza_Mayor_in_Historic_Center_of_Lima_Peru_Downtown_-_by_rjankovsky.jpg)**Plaza Mayor in the Historic Centre of Lima*, Peru; photo by rjankovsky (canva)* Papers for the Fourteenth Meeting of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Advisory Committee (AC14) have now been published on the ACAP website.  Peru is hosting this year’s meeting, which will be held in the nation’s capital, Lima, at the Hotel José Antonio Deluxe, 12 – 16 August 2024. Documents and Information Papers, including a draft agenda ([AC14 Doc 01](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4753-ac14-doc-02/file)) are now available to download at the ACAP website.  Note, however, that some documents are password-protected so only their abstracts are publicly available.  For convenience a meeting document ([AC11Doc 04](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14/ac14-meeting-documents/4774-ac14-doc-04/file)) lists all the papers to be tabled by title and author(s).  The meeting will be chaired by Dr Michael Double from Australia, with Brazil’s Tatiana Neves assisting as Vice-chair. AC14 will follow the Twelfth Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG](https://acap.aq/en/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group)), and Eighth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/en/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)). Documents for these meetings are also now available under Upcoming Meetings and Events on the homepage of the ACAP website. *24 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/papers-for-the-fourteenth-meeting-of-acaps-advisory-committee-have-been-published-online.md) ## Incidental mortality of seabirds in trawl fisheries: a global review *![Phillips Trawl review Biological Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Phillips_Trawl_review_Biological_Conservation.jpg) Availability of data on estimated total seabird bycatch in different trawl fisheries in FAO Major Fishing Areas (from the publication)* Richard Phillips ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have reviewed open access in the journal [*Biological Conservation*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)seabird mortality caused by trawl fisheries around the world.  “Across the Southern Ocean, species estimated to be caught in their thousands were, in order and as a percentage of the total, Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* (23,176 birds, 68 %), Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* (2812 birds, 8 %), Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* (1941 birds, 5 %) …”. The paper’s abstract follows ‘Seabirds are amongst the most threatened taxa in the world, often due to incidental mortality (bycatch) in fisheries. Hundreds of thousands are thought to be killed worldwide in gillnets and longlines each year, but global mortality in trawl fisheries is unknown. Based on our comprehensive review, bycatch totals from cable strikes and net captures were available for only 25 fisheries. Bycatch rates were highly variable, precluding substitution from monitored to unmonitored fisheries to estimate bycatch totals, and total fishing effort was often unknown, which is also a prerequisite for scaling bycatch rates to estimate total birds killed. Ten, seven and one trawl fishery were known to catch of the order of 100s, 1000s and 10,000s of birds, respectively, and total bycatch from all monitored fisheries sums to ∼44,000 birds per year. However, given the scale of cryptic mortality and the many unmonitored or poorly monitored fisheries, the actual global mortality in trawl fisheries will be much higher. The most bycaught species were albatrosses and large petrels (many of which are threatened) in the Southern Hemisphere, and gannets in the Northern Hemisphere. The few long-term studies indicated that mitigation measures (particularly strategic offal management and bird-scaring lines) were effective at reducing bycatch rates. Much improved regulations, and close monitoring of compliance and bycatch rates are essential for ensuring trawl fisheries do not continue to have major impacts on vulnerable seabird populations.” **![Phillips Trawl review Biological Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black-browed_Albatross_trawler1_Graham_Parker.jpg)* Black-browed Albatrosses gather* en masse*behind a trawler in the South Atlantic, photograph by Graham Parker* Read the British Antarctic Survey's [press release](https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/seabirds-threatened-by-trawl-fisheries/) on the scientific paper. With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Phillips, R.A., Fox, E., Crawford, R., Prince, S. & Yates, O. 2024**. **Incidental mortality of seabirds in trawl fisheries: a global review.  *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724002829?via%3Dihub)*[296.  doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110720](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724002829?via%3Dihub). *25 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/incidental-mortality-of-seabirds-in-trawl-fisheries-a-global-review.md) ## An Audubon’s Shearwater lays an egg on Puerto Rico’s Desecheo Island following the eradication of invasive mammals  ![Desecheo Island Audubons Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Desecheo_Island_Audubons_Shearwater.png) *Desecheo Island with inset of a sound broadcast system.  The red arrow points out a visiting Audubon’s Shearwater* Luis Ramos-Vázquez ([USFWS Caribbean Islands NWR Complex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Islands_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex), Boquerón, Puerto Rico, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Caribbean Ornithology](https://jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco)* on attracting [Audubon’s Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/audubons-shearwater-puffinus-lherminieri/text) *Puffinus lherminieri*back to Desecheo Island. The paper’s abstract follows: “Desecheo Island, located in Puerto Rico, is a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  In the past, Desecheo Island was a crucial seabird habitat.  However, introducing invasive mammals led to the disappearance of many seabird species.  In 2010, a collaboration between the USFWS and local partners began to implement a seabird restoration project in Desecheo.  After successfully eradicating invasive mammals, the island was declared rat-free in 2017.  After this, a seabird social attraction project started using different methods such as decoys, mirrors, and sound systems.  An ongoing biosecurity program complements these efforts.  During a visit to the island in 2023, we found an egg at the base of a social attraction speaker.   A few days later, the site was revisited to deploy camera traps and collect feathers. The Smithsonian Feather Identification Laboratory confirmed the feathers to be from an Audubon’s Shearwater (*Puffinus lherminieri*).  This is the first-ever record of an Audubon’s Shearwater nest on Desecheo Island.  This discovery is a significant milestone in the project to restore seabird populations on the island. It also proves the success of the social attraction methods and showcases the benefits of an island free of invasive mammals.  This is a positive step towards the conservation goal of restoring Desecheo Island into a safe haven for seabirds in the Caribbean.” * ![desecheo island audubon shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/desecheo-island-audubon-shearwater.jpg) The social attraction sound system at night on Desecheo Island* Isla Desecheo: un nuevo hogar para Puffinus lherminieri • La isla Desecheo, ubicada en Puerto Rico, es un Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre (National Wildlife Refuge, NWR) gestionado por el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de los Estados Unidos (United States Fish and Wildlife Service, USFWS). En el pasado, esta isla fue un hábitat crucial para las aves marinas. Sin embargo, la introducción de mamíferos invasores provocó la desaparición de muchas especies de aves marinas. En 2010, una colaboración entre el USFWS y socios locales comenzó la implementación de un proyecto de restauración de las poblaciones de aves marinas en Desecheo. En 2017, la isla fue declarada libre de ratas después de erradicar con éxito todos los mamíferos invasores. A partir de ese momento, se inició un proyecto de atracción social de aves marinas utilizando diferentes métodos como señuelos, espejos y sistemas de sonido, complementados con un programa de bioseguridad. Durante una visita a la isla en el 2023, encontramos un huevo en la base de un altavoz que forma parte del sistema de atracción social. Unos días después, se visitó nuevamente el sitio para instalar cámaras trampa y recolectar plumas. El Laboratorio de Identificación de Plumas del Smithsonian confirmó que las plumas pertenecían a un individuo de Puffinus lherminieri. Este es el primer registro de un nido de esta especie en la isla Desecheo y constituye un hito importante en el proyecto para recuperar las poblaciones de aves marinas en la isla. También demuestra el éxito de los métodos de atracción social y muestra los beneficios de una isla libre de mamíferos invasores. Este es un paso positivo hacia el objetivo de conservación de restaurar la isla Desecheo para que vuelva a convertirse en un refugio seguro para las aves marinas en el Caribe.” The abstract is also provided in French. *![Desecheo Island sound systemegg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Desecheo_Island_sound_systemegg.jpg) An Audubon’s Shearwater egg laid directly below the sound system**Photographs from Island Conservation* Read an earlier [*ACAP Latest News* post](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-audubon-s-shearwater-visits-peurto-rico-s-desecheo-island-after-its-introduced-predators-were-eradicated?highlight=WyJkZXNlY2hlbyJd) on shearwater visits to Desecheo and a popular account of the publication [here](https://www.islandconservation.org/restoring-desecheo-social-attraction-success-for-the-audubons-shearwater/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2cPLAjphb6652cNeZCP4CvTTKHAyfskls-KsP9zcfu-9nBFh3U2Y055wA_aem_1qHWAHkvgO-q4zWURgeWEQ). **Reference:** Ramos-Vázquez, L.A., Arocho-Hernández, N., Figuerola-Hernández, C., Herrera-Giraldo, J.L., Ventosa-Febles, E.A., Román, A.M. & Padrón, S. 2024.  Desecheo Island: a new home for Audubon's Shearwaters (*Puffinus lherminieri*).  [*Journal of Caribbean Ornithology*37:35-39](https://jco.birdscaribbean.org/index.php/jco/article/view/1409). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**23 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-audubons-shearwater-lays-an-egg-on-puerto-ricos-desecheo-island-following-the-eradication-of-invasive-mammals.md) ## Themed Section on impact of heatwaves on seabirds published in Marine Ecology Progress Series (MEPS). ![mepsTS HEAT 20211221 500x614 Image Mayumi Arimitsu](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/mepsTS_HEAT_20211221_500x614_Image_-_Mayumi_Arimitsu.png)*Image: Mayumi Arimitsu* A Theme Section, “[How do marine heatwaves impact seabirds?](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v737/)” has been published in Volume 737 of the journal, *Marine Ecology Progress Series* ([MEPS](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/)).  The introduction to the Theme Section follows,  “Extreme heatwaves have had dramatic impacts on marine ecosystems worldwide, and they are increasing in frequency and magnitude. The effect of these periodic heating events on seabirds has been manifested in a variety of biological and behavioural responses, including die-offs, reproductive failures, reduced survival, shifts in phenology of breeding or migration, and shifts in distribution at sea. However, the actual mechanisms by which heating events exert their effects on seabirds are not well understood. For example, how does ocean heating reduce prey availability or quality to cause starvation or breeding failure? How are impacts modulated by the duration and spatial extent of heatwaves? How, and to what degree, can seabirds buffer against heatwave impacts? What are the physiological effects of heating on seabirds and their prey? This Theme Section was inspired by the “heatwave impacts” symposium at the 3rd World Seabird Conference held in October 2021.” The full list of papers published in the Theme Section, many of which are open access,  can be found here,  [https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v737/](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v737/)[https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v737/](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v737/).   Organisers: John F. Piatt, William J. Sydeman, Peter Dann, Bradley C. Congdon  Editors: John F. Piatt, Robert M. Suryan, William J. Sydeman, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Sarah Ann Thompson, Rory P. Wilson, Kyle H. Elliott *19 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/themed-section-on-impact-of-heatwaves-on-seabirds-published-in-marine-ecology-progress-series-meps.md) ## Pacific Seabird Group releases statement on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza ![Pacific Seabird Group](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Pacific_Seabird_Group.jpg) The [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org) (PSG), an organisation committed to the study and conservation of seabirds, has released a statement concerning high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).  The statement stems from a symposium held during PSG's 2024 annual meeting, where the latest findings and developments related to the emergence and spread of HPAI in seabirds were discussed by experts. The symposium focused on the epidemiology, ecology, and evolution of avian influenza in wild bird populations, assessments of mortality and population-level impacts, and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control.  The PSG statement follws below in full:   "**[High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a devastating wildlife disease that impacts seabird populations worldwide and warrants our attention and response](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PSG-Statement-on-HPAI_2_final.pdf) ** The Pacific Seabird Group is releasing this statement in response to the devastating and ongoing worldwide circulation of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses and derived reassortants. The resulting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has caused mass mortalities in wild birds, including seabirds, on all continents except for Oceania. Historically, HPAI has been considered a poultry disease. Today it is also a wildlife conservation issue. This fact has been recognized by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others.  This statement is a call to action for the seabird community, to highlight the following important activities:  - Addressing significant gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology of this disease.  - Establishing a global reporting system on mass mortality events in seabirds associated with HPAI.  - Conducting population monitoring to evaluate the impact of the disease including quantifying mortality rates and assessing population-level impacts.  - Addressing significant gaps in wild bird HPAI surveillance programs (e.g., sampling of sick and dead seabirds).  - Developing emergency response plans *before*mass mortality events occur. These plans should consider human safety, HPAI disease surveillance and mortality monitoring, and management and mitigation measures response. - Improving communication, coordination, and information sharing within the international marine wildlife community, including those focused on both marine birds and marine mammals. This could include using digital capabilities in collecting, processing, and sharing data, information, and knowledge across multisectoral domains. These data can be diverse and include information on best surveillance and response practices to information on virus detection and distribution across space and time.   - Considering the potential impacts of diseases like HPAI when developing or revising conservation and management documents and models.  - Recognizing the links between the drivers of seabird population declines (e.g., habitat loss and fragmentation/degradation, climate change, etc.) and disease emergence.  - Adopting a One Health collaboration/approach for addressing this disease. This approach works at the local, regional, national, and global levels with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes while recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Information on One Health: CDC; IPAC Canada; WHO; G7.   Many of these activities will require financial resources and investments of personnel time. Reallocation of resources from other conservation programs will come at significant costs to the success of those programs.  This statement is motivated by the direct experiences of international seabird managers, biologists, veterinarians, and researchers who participated in a symposium on HPAI in seabirds at the 51st meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group in Seattle, Washington, USA on February 23, 2024. Given our first-hand experience dealing with the ramifications of HPAI in seabirds, we feel compelled to make a statement to bring vital awareness to the issue.  For more information, please see the most recent FAO/CMS Scientific Task Force report on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds: [https://www.cms.int/en/publication/h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-wild-birds-unprecedented-conservation-impacts](https://www.cms.int/en/publication/h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-wild-birds-unprecedented-conservation-impacts)." While PSG’s focus encompasses all seabird species, including albatrosses and petrels, ACAP has been receiving advice from its own HPAI group dedicated to similar efforts with a focus specifically on albatrosses and petrels worldwide. Despite the different scopes, PSG's recommendations align closely with those of ACAP.  ACAP’s HPAI Group, consisting of thirteen experts on epidemiology, disease risk assessment, and management have authored ACAP’s “Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza panzootic” which are available at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file). A number of additional resources can be found on the [Avian Flu](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu) web page of the ACAP website including a recording of the Q&A session and wet lab training workshop for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, that took place at the International Albatross and Petrel Conference held in May 2024. *22 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pacific-seabird-group-releases-statement-on-highly-pathogenicity-avian-influenza.md) ## Study reveals impact of competition on foraging habitat preferences between Sooty and Light-mantled Albatrosses ![Stefan Schoombie Sooty flight shiny](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_flight_shiny.jpg)*An [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fusca in flight. Photograph by Stefan Schoombie* Lily K. Bentley ([Department of Zoology](https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Biogeography](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652699)* on how competition influences habitat preferences and niche segregation among [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatrosses and [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) Light-mantled albatrosses, examining their foraging behaviour when living together and separately. The paper’s abstract follows,  “**Aim** Competition is often proposed to drive niche segregation along multiple axes in speciose communities. Understanding spatial partitioning of foraging areas is particularly important in species that are constrained to a central place. We present a natural experiment examining variation in habitat preferences of congeneric Southern Ocean predators in sympatry and allopatry. Our aim was to ascertain consistency of habitat preferences within species, and to test whether preferences changed in the presence of the congener. **Location** Southern Hemisphere. **Taxon** Multiple colonies of both species within the genus *Phoebetria* (sooty albatrosses). **Methods** The two *Phoebetria* albatrosses breed on islands located from ~37–55°S – sooty albatrosses (*P. fusca*) in the north and light-mantled albatrosses (*P. palpebrata*) in the south – with sympatric overlap at locations ~46–49°S. We analysed GPS and PTT tracks from 87 individuals and multiple remotely sensed environmental variables using GAMs, to determine and compare the key factors influencing habitat preference for each species at each breeding colony. **Results** While foraging habitat preferences are consistent in light-mantled albatrosses, there is divergence of preferences in sooty albatrosses depending on whether they are in sympatry with their congener or in allopatry. **Main Conclusions** This study represents the most comprehensive work on this genus to date and highlights how habitat preferences and behavioural plasticity may influence species distributions under different competitive conditions.” **Reference:** Bentley, L. K., Phillips, R. A., Carpenter-Kling, T., Crawford, R. J. M., Cuthbert, R. J., Delord, K., Dilley, B. J., Makhado, A. B., Miller, P. I., Oppel, S., Pistorius, P. A., Ryan, P. G., Schoombie, S., Weimerskirch, H., & Manica, A. (2024). Habitat preferences of Phoebetria albatrosses in sympatry and allopatry. Journal of Biogeography, 00, 1–13. [https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14966](https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14966)[https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14966](https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14966) *15 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-reveals-impact-of-competition-on-foraging-habitat-preferences-between-sooty-and-light-mantled-albatrosses.md) ## Vulnerable to Near Threatened? Monitoring funds are required to support downlisting the Short-tailed Albatross *![STAL Yamashina](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/STAL_Yamashina.jpg) An adult Short-tailed Albatross in flight, from the Yamashina Institute* Japan’s [Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/) is seeking financial assistance via public donations to continue monitoring the breeding populations of  [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* on the islands of [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano) and [Mukojima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-93-mukojima-ogasawara-islands-a-short-tailed-albatross-translocation-site).  The Institute [writes](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/albatross_e/kifu.html) “It is said that the population of these birds once numbered several million, however they were hunted to near extinction for their feathers.  A survey conducted in 1949 stated that the Short-tailed albatross had most likely gone extinct.  However, a mere 10 birds were found again in 1951 at the Izu Islands, and their numbers have recovered to around 7900 individuals by 2023, due to focused conservation efforts.  We are currently at a stage where the Short-tailed Albatross might be downlisted from the vulnerable to the near threatened category.  We are just a couple of steps away from achieving this goal.  We need your help and support for this final challenge, as we try to help the Short-tailed Albatross population recover to its past numbers.” *![Short tailed Albatrosses by Hiroshi Hasegawa1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Albatrosses_by_Hiroshi_Hasegawa1.jpg) Short-tailed Albatross on Torishima, photograph by Hiroshi Hasegawa* In support of the appeal, Naoki Tomita, Yamashina Institute’s Short-tailed Albatross Project Leader for Torishima writes: “The Short-tailed Albatross resides at the top of the ocean food chain, and is a good representation of the health of the entire global ecosystem. Protecting this species will lead to protecting the environment in which so many other animals, including humans, depend on.  The continuation of the monitoring field surveys, is vital in continuing to protect the species that managed to miraculously survive at these isolated islands.  Together, let’s protect the ocean and the sky filled with albatrosses for the future generations.” *![Torishima Short tail models Rob Suryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Torishima_Short-tail_models_Rob_Suryan.jpg) Two Short-tailed Albatross decoys deployed in the Hatsune-zaki colony site on Torishima, photograph by Rob Suryan* Mukojima Island Project Leader, Teru Yuta of the Yamashina Institute says that “ever since the Short-tailed Albatross conservation team started the project to increase the number of colonies of the Short-tailed albatross, many researchers, government officials, field workers, volunteers, research institutions, local governments and general companies around the globe, have passionately taken part in this project. As a result, the Mukojima Islands have changed from an island without any Short-tailed Albatross individuals, to a place where a few return and breed every year. It is a colony in its earliest stages, in other words ‘an albatross colony egg’. Until this egg hatches, grows up and takes flight…., until the Mukojima Islands becomes an established colony for a great number of albatross, we want to continue our conservation efforts and monitoring surveys. Your support is greatly appreciated.” ![Yamashina](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Yamashina.png)  You can become a monthly supporter of Yamashina Institute’s Short-tailed Albatross Conservation Project and receive a monthly newsletter from [here](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/albatross_e/kifu.html). The Short-tailed Albatross was featured in Japan’s three-week celebration of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-japan-holds-a-three-week-long-event)).  The species has also been featured in the [ACAP Species Infographic series](https://acap.aq/latest-news/nearly-half-way-acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-the-15th-in-the-series?highlight=WyJzaG9ydC10YWlsZWQiLCJzaG9ydC10YWlsIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbHMiLCJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpYyIsImluZm9ncmFwaGljcyJd) in support of WAD2024 – with a version in Japanese still to come. With thanks to Ken Morgan, Short-tailed Albatross Recovery Team. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/vulnerable-to-near-threatened-monitoring-funds-are-required-to-support-downlisting-the-short-tailed-albatross.md) ## First rodenticide drop completed on Amsterdam Island to eradicate alien rats and mice *![Erdaication 8 loading bait Lucie Pichot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Erdaication_8_loading_bait_Lucie_Pichot.jpg) Loading the bait bucket on Amsterdam Island* At the end of May this year *ACAP Latest News* [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/last-days-for-amsterdam-islands-rats-and-mice-the-eradication-project-gets-underway?highlight=WyJwaWNob3QiXQ==) on preparations for the eradication of the introduced Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus* and House Mice *Mus musculus*on France’s [Amsterdam Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross) in the southern Indian Ocean by the aerial dispersal of rodenticide.  The project[RECI](https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/projet-reci/) (Restauration des écosystèmes insulaires de l’océan Indien; Restoration of Insular Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean) now reports that the first aerial bait drop of rodenticide-laced cereal bait pellets by helicopter has been completed: “air dispersing of bait began on June 7 and ended on June 25. Air spreading is the only effective method, adapted to the Amsterdam context, and tested for more than 30 years as part of the operation to eradicate rodents in the world.  In particular, this allows to treat areas that are difficult to access on the island (such as the cliffs of Entrecasteaux).  A second application is planned to guarantee access to bait for all rodents and potential young rodents not weaned on the first application. Weather permitting, it will start in the next few days!” *![Eradication Amsterdam 9 Lucie Pichot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Eradication_Amsterdam_9_Lucie_Pichot.jpg) A close-up of the suspended bait bucket at a field loading station* In addition, rodenticide bait was spread by hand around the Martin-de-Viviès station, with baiting of interiors, ceiling and areas below buildings and field huts.  Monitoring the availability of bait took place in previously established quadrats distributed over the island. **![Eradication Lucie Pichot 12](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Eradication_Lucie_Pichot_12.jpg)* A helicopter flies the bait bucket over the interior of Amsterdam Island* Information from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/TAAFofficiel) of Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF).  Photographs by Lucie Pichot, TAAF. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/first-rodenticide-drop-completed-on-amsterdam-island-to-eradicate-alien-rats-and-mice.md) ## Improved foraging opportunities? A North Atlantic petrel associates with cyclones  ![Cyclone](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Cyclone.jpg)*From the publication* Francesco Ventura (Biology Department, [Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution](https://www.whoi.edu/), Woods Hole, MA, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Current Biology](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/current-biology)* on the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/desertas-petrel-pterodroma-deserta) Desertas Petrel *Pterodroma deserta* moving towards tropical cyclones during foraging trips. The paper’s summary follows: “In late summer and autumn, the passage of intense tropical cyclones can profoundly perturb oceanic and coastal ecosystems. Direct negative effects on individuals and marine communities can be dramatic, especially in the coastal zone, but cyclones can also enhance pelagic primary and secondary production. However, cyclone impacts on open ocean marine life remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate their effects on the foraging movements of a wide-ranging higher predator, the Desertas petrel (*Pterodroma deserta*), in the mid-latitude North Atlantic during hurricane season. Contrary to previously studied pelagic seabirds in tropical and mid-latitude regions, Desertas petrels did not avoid cyclones by altering course, nor did they seek calmer conditions within the cyclone eye. Approximately one-third of petrels tracked from their breeding colony interacted with approaching cyclones. Upon encountering strong winds, the birds reduced ground speed, likely by spending less time in flight. A quarter of birds followed cyclone wakes for days and over thousands of kilometers, a behavior documented here for the first time. Within these wakes, tailwind support was higher than along alternative routes. Furthermore, at the mesoscale (hours–weeks and hundreds of kilometers), sea surface temperature dropped and surface chlorophyll sharply increased, suggesting direct effects on ocean stratification, primary production, and therefore presumably prey abundance and accessibility for surface-feeding petrels. We therefore hypothesize that cyclone wakes provide both predictably favorable wind conditions and foraging opportunities. As such, cyclones may have positive net effects on the demography of many mid-latitude pelagic seabirds and, likely, other marine top-predators.” **Reference:** Ventura, F., Sander, N., Catry, P., Wakefield, E., De Pascalis, F., Richardson, P.L, Granadeiro, J.P., Silva, M.C. & Ummenhofer, C.C. 2024.  Oceanic seabirds chase tropical cyclones.  *[Current Biology doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.022](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982224008066?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2jboDeu1QFoKVvrDK5vROW9k19lS0hEUlWWiRhkTyP-Y_1iRwzz-Hacl0_aem_L41f2aIv_RI8nfWzx1GN0A)*. *1**2 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/improved-foraging-opportunities-a-north-atlantic-petrel-associates-with-cyclones.md) ## World Albatross Day celebrations around the world: Japan holds a three-week-long event *![Japan WADSW 2024 07 07 Hiroshi Hasegawa](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Japan_WADSW__2024-07-07_Hiroshi_Hasegawa.JPG) Organizers and contributing artists gather i**n the Nature Centre of the*[*Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park*](http://www.wildbirdpark.jp/en/)*on 07 Jul**y, the last day of a three-week exhibition held as part of the**World Albatross Day and Seabird Week* *held over**15-21 June.  The Short-tailed Albatross decoy in front of Dr Hiroshi Hasegawa (centre) was previously used on*[*Torishima*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano)*.  Dr Hasegawa photographed the life-sized bird displayed on the banner hehind him.  The downy Short-tailed Albatross chick, a life-sized  *[*needle felt*](https://bearcreekfelting.com/felting-101/)*creation by**Tsugumi**immediately to its left, formed part of the exhibit, as did the decoy* With the fifth World Albatross Day on 19 June having passed, it is pleasing to note the celebration has become a growing global phenomenon, with the day being marked around the world, as evidenced by a [compilation](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-a-photographic-record) of illustrations that had been posted to social media and by organized events, such as those held each year since 2020 by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-australias-antarctic-division-dsiplays-a-banner-and-eats-some-cakes). *![Japan 2024 WADSW exhibit 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Japan_2024_WADSW_exhibit_2.JPG) The venue for the World Albatross exhibit**held in the Nature Centre of the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park* Japan is no exception.  The fourth World Albatross Day and Seabird Week was held in Japan over 15-21 June this year.  It is the second to take place in person, having been held online in 2021 and 2022.  The event began with a call to action by Short-tailed Albatross doyen Dr Hiroshi Hasegawa, who is well known to *A**CAP**L**atest**N**ews* readers, both from his publications and for his stunning photography.  The event was organized by six NGOs in Japan – BirdLife International Tokyo, Institute of Boninology, Little Tern Project, the Oceanic Wildlife Society, the Wild Bird Society of Japan and the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology. **![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Japan_2024_WADSW_talk.JPG)* The audience listens to one of the event’s talks held in the Nature Centre* On 16 June at the Nature Centre of the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park and online, seven talks were given to nearly 120 participants (in-person and on online).  Subjects of the talks included seabirds as the most threatened bird group, fisheries bycatch, an update on Short-tailed Albatross conservation, on the extremely rare Chinese Crested Tern, the role of aquaria in seabird conservation, at-sea observations from ferries, artworks (mainly drawings and photographs, but also needle-felted seabirds), as well as Short-tailed Albatross and Little Tern decoys.  In addition, seabird conservation animation series were shown on repeat.  About 1200 visitors enjoyed the exhibition. *![Japan 2024 WADSW little tern guided tour](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Japan_2024_WADSW_little_tern_guided_tour.JPG) Searching for Little Terns on the field outing* During the week a guided tour to the site of a rooftop colony of Little Terns attracted more than 40 participants, and flying terns and other birds were seen. Read more about Japan’s celebration of WAD2024 in Japanese[here](https://albatrossday.org/events/). *![preview shorttailed eng No Yamashina logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/preview_shorttailed_eng__No_Yamashina_logo.jpg) The*[*ACAP Species Infographic*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics)*for the Short-tailed Albatross, a Japanese version is in production in support of World Albatross Day* With thanks to Yasuko Suzuki, BirdLife International for information. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-japan-holds-a-three-week-long-event.md) ## Releasing the “Container ship stowaway” Laysan Albatross at sea *![Stowaway Laysan Albatross 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Stowaway_Laysan_Albatross_3.jpg) In the “pelagic pool” while in captivity, photograph by**Ariana Gastelum, International Bird Rescue* A “stowaway” Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* was found aboard a container ship sailing towards Long Beach, California on 7 June 2024 and taken to [International Bird Rescue](https://www.birdrescue.org/)’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center.  While in captivity it was anaesthetized and a “dime-sized granuloma mass (typically produced in response to an infection)" removed from its foot. On 2 July with the help of the Los Angeles City Lifeguard Association the bird was released at sea where it was videoed taking to flight. *![Stowaway Laysan Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Stowaway_Laysan_Albatross_2.jpg) The stowaway Laysan Albatross recovers in the “pelagic pool” while in captivity, photograph by**Katrina Plummer* *![Stowaway Laysan Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Stowaway_Laysan_Albatross_1.jpg) Los Angeles Wildlife Center Manager Kylie Clatterbuck and Veterinarian Rebecca Duerr examine the Laysan Albatross’s wing while the bird is under anaesthesia, photograph by Ariana Gastelum, International Bird Rescue* Read more [here](https://www.birdrescue.org/voyage-interrupted-caring-for-a-laysan-albatross-stowaway/) and [here](https://www.birdrescue.org/from-stowaway-to-freedom-laysan-albatrosss-second-chance-in-open-ocean/). This is not the first Laysan Albatross to land on a ship and be rehabilitated.  Read about [earlier examples](https://acap.aq/latest-news/hitching-a-ride-laysan-albatrosses-landing-on-container-ships?highlight=WyJsYXlzYW4iLCJsYXlzYW5zIiwiJ2xheXNhbiIsImNvbnRhaW4iLCJjb250YWluZXIiLCJjb250YWluZWQiLCJjb250YWluaW5nIiwiY29udGFpbnMiLCJjb250YWluZXJzIiwiY29udGFpbmF0ZWQiLCJzaGlwIiwic2hpcHMiLCJzaGlwcGluZyIsInNoaXAncyIsInNoaXBwZWQiXQ==) covered by *ACAP Latest News*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/releasing-the-container-ship-stowaway-laysan-albatross-at-sea.md) ## World Albatross Day celebrations around the world: a photographic record *![WAD2024](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/WAD2024.jpg) Translocated Black-footed Albatrosses were featured by Mexico’s**[Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas](https://www.islas.org.mx/) to celebrate World Albatross Day on 19 June 2024* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement inaugurated World Albatross Day in [2020](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests).  The fifth  “WAD” was marked last month with the theme ‘[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans’](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas).  The day (“WAD2024”) was marked around the world with [banners](https://acap.aq/latest-news/developing-a-tradition-albatross-breeding-islands-display-banners-for-another-year-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day-on-19-june) displayed on seabird islands, activities back at home, such as the Australian Antarctic Division’s regular baking of “[albicakes](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-australias-antarctic-division-dsiplays-a-banner-and-eats-some-cakes)”, and via social media, such as the Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature’s [collage poster](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-releases-poster-of-works-submitted-in-celebration-of-2024s-world-albatross-day), featuring 47 albatross artworks produced in collaboration with ACAP. A photographic record of the other ways WAD2024 was marked and that have caught ACAP’s eye follows. *![Photo by USFWS Volunteer Keelee Martin on behalf of the Friends of Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Photo_by_USFWS_Volunteer_Keelee_Martin_on_behalf_of_the_Friends_of_Midway_Atoll.jpg) The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) marked WAD2024 with a Laysan Albatross flying over the lagoon at Midway Atoll (Kuaihelani), photograph by USFWS Volunteer Keelee Martin* *![Michael Mason Tygerberg Bird Club](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Michael_Mason_Tygerberg_Bird_Club.jpg) In South Africa the [Tygerberg Bird Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/131671550241669) posted a portfolio of albatross faces to its Facebook Group to mark WAD2024, photographs by**Michael Mason* *[*![Eve Howard ceramics](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Eve_Howard_ceramics.jpg)*](https://www.facebook.com/EveHowardCeramics) Eve Howard of[Eve Howard Ceramics](https://www.facebook.com/EveHowardCeramics), in Hobart Tasmania, writes on her Facebook page: “**Happy World Albatross Day, as many of you know I love making albatross and here is one I'm currently creating. I have to say they are easier to make than they are to get through the kiln firing process! The left eye of Horus (the moon) and the right eye of Ra (the sun)"* *[*![NZ Birds 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/NZ_Birds_1.jpg)* Birds New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/Birdsnewzealand) came up with its own take on**Katsushika Hokusai’s**much loved “**[The Great Wave off Kanagawa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa)” for World Albatross Day - Te Rā O Ngā Toroa* *![World Albatross Day Web](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/World_Albatross_Day_Web.jpg) Birds New Zealand also displayed [Owen Davey’s albatross poster](https://acap.aq/latest-news/owen-davey-s-world-albatross-day-poster-is-now-available-for-purchase-with-donations-going-to-albatross-conservation?highlight=WyJvd2VuIl0=) produced for the inaugural World Albatross on 19 June this year* * ![Wandering Albatrosses at sunset TAAF](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Wandering_Albatrosses_at_sunset_TAAF.jpg) France’s**T[erres australes et antarctiques françaises TAAF](https://www.facebook.com/TAAFofficiel)* *marked WAD2024 with six albatross photographs by**J. Abbou, M. Horlie, M. Parisot and R. Harivel.  T**his sunset photograph of three Wandering Albatrosses is one of them*![Students wearing their Albatross Masks c Maria Swain](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Students-wearing-their-Albatross-Masks-c-Maria-Swain.webp) *School children mark World Albatross Day with a banner and albatross masks they made on [Tristan da Cunha](https://atlanticguardians.org/news/celebrating-world-ocean-and-albatross-day-with-our-local-school/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3qXt7QCKkagtgjlbn7fxeeudX-ePLZ65YdLwlwR6J1GVSWASvLi5Yil6I_aem_DGs8tsgJzo7rd_y4uVZizw) in the South Atlantic, photograph by Maria Swain *![Cibsons Albatross juv Laura Findlay](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Cibsons_Albatross_juv_Laura_Findlay.jpg)* Identified as a juvenile Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross in**Auckland Island's Carnley Harbour**; one of five albatross photographs by Laura Findlay posted by [the Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) in New Zealand on 19 June 2024* ![World Albatross Day Te Rā O Ngā Toroa NZ Birds](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/World_Albatross_Day_Te_Rā_O_Ngā_Toroa_NZ_Birds.jpg)*Birds New Zealand also had this poster of a royal albatross taking off for World Abatross Day - that includes the theme for 2024* The last planned post in this short series marking World Albatross Day for 2024 will feature activities that took place in Japan in June and July.  If your celebration is missing, ACAP will be pleased to add it to its files. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-a-photographic-record.md) ## A review of European bycatch identifies the Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater as at risk *![Catarina Vitorino Balearic Shearwater Mixed media Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Catarina_Vitorino_Balearic_Shearwater_Mixed_media_Pep_Arcos.jpg) Balearic Shearwater, mixed media by Catarina Vitorino for ACAP, after a photograph by Pep Arcos* Iván Ramírez ([Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species](https://www.cms.int/), Bonn, Germany) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Animal Conservation](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14691795)*on a review of seabird bycatch in European waters.  Fisheries bycatch is considered the biggest threat to the ACAP-listed and [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus,*endemic to European waters. The paper’s abstract follows: jEuropean species that demands urgent conservation and management action. Here, we present the first European review of seabird bycatch data, considering all fishing gears and data collection methods available in the region. We calculate seabird bycatch numbers per species, family, country and European marine region and assess the reliability of the data available. The cumulative bycatch estimate extracted from this review suggests that about 195,000 seabirds (ranging from around 130,000 to 380,000) are bycaught in European waters annually. The most affected seabird species is the Common Guillemot *Uria aalge* with over 31,000 birds killed per year. The marine region with the highest bycatch estimate is the Northeast Atlantic (over 115,000 seabirds year−1). Gillnet fisheries are responsible for the highest bycatch levels, with over 95,000 seabirds year−1, followed by longline fisheries. The families most affected by bycatch are Anatidae and Alcidae. These numbers are likely an underestimation since we were unable to find bycatch estimates, or to extrapolate estimates from available bycatch data for 12 (out of 34) European coastal states. Our assessment also identified significant data gaps in key areas such as Gran Sol (in the north-east Atlantic), the central and Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Combining systematic data collection with immediate implementation of mitigation measures will be crucial to fill in knowledge gaps, reduce current mortality levels and meet international conservation commitments such as those of the European Union and the Convention on Migratory Species”. Read a popular account of the publication [here.](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/07/03/bycatch-tragedy-we-are-losing-200000-seabirds-annually/?utm_source=BirdLife+Mailing+List+opt-ins&utm_campaign=c30afb7f01-RSSNews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1712035eaf-c30afb7f01-134226190&mc_cid=c30afb7f01&mc_eid=ed7bde3a2c) **Reference:** Ramírez, I., Mitchell, D., Vulcano, A., Rouxel, Y., Marchowski, D., Almeida, A., Arcos, M., Cortes, V., Lange, G., Morkūnas, J., Oliveira, N. & Paiva, V.H. 2024.   Seabird bycatch in European waters.  [*Animal Conservation*  doi.org/10.1111/acv.12948](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12948?af=R). *05 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-review-of-european-bycatch-identifies-the-critically-endangered-balearic-shearwater-as-at-risk.md) ## Today is World Seabird Day *![Great Auk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Great_Auk.jpg) The Great Auk was once widely distributed across islands in the North Atlantic but became extinct due to excessive hunting by humans* Today is World Seabird Day.  Held on 3 July, it marks the date the now extinct [Great Auk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_auk) *Pinguinis impennis*was last seen alive in 1844.  The [World Seabird Union](https://worldseabirdunion.org/), an organization comprised of the world’s seabird societies, announced the first annual World Seabird Day in 2017. “Most seabird species are currently threatened by human activities, such as fisheries, oil pollution and climate change.  Seabird scientists and enthusiasts commemorate this date to raise awareness of the ongoing conservation threats to seabird populations.” **![Wandering Albatross Laurie Johnson April Grossruck](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_April_Grossruck.jpg) ***Wandering Albatross at sea, by April Grossruck of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for World Albatross Day 2020, after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Read a 2022 article marking World Seabird Day that concentrates on the threats albatrosses face from longline fisheries [here](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a987b0eada2b490ca843b531bdfe4f31). *03 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/today-is-world-seabird-day.md) ## The ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE: Is there (or should there be) such a thing as a “Snowy Albatross”? *![Wandering Albatross by John Cooper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_by_John_Cooper.jpg) A 29-year-old male Wandering Albatross guards its chick near Prinsloomeer on South Africa's Marion Island on 17 April 2005; the bird was banded as a chick on 2 November 1976, photograph by John Cooper* The “great albatrosses” in the genus *Diomedea* can be divided into two groups, the two royal albatrosses, endemic to New Zealand and what can be called the “wandering-type group or complex” which is generally considered to be made up of four closely related (and hard to identify at sea) species.  These are the Amsterdam *D. amsterdamensis*, Antipodean *D. antipodensis* (with two subspecies, *antipodensis* and *gibsoni*), the Tristan *D. dabbenena* and the Wandering *D. exulans.* A view exists that the two Antipodean subspecies should be afforded specific status.  *D. a. gibsoni* would then become known as Gibson’s Albatross.  Both these subspecies have also been described as “Antipodean Wandering” and Gibson’s Wandering” in the literature, with the Antipodean *sensu lato* being called the New Zealand Albatross. The Wandering Albatross currently has no recognized subspecies.  Historically, *D. e. chionoptera*has been described as a subspecies of the Wandering Albatross (originally as a full species by Salvin in 1986), but is no longer recognized, making the species monotypic.  The taxon, used to describe the larger and generally whiter Wandering Albatrosses of the sub-Antarctic, became known as the Snowy Albatross. Nowadays, “Snowy” seems to be mainly used on social media groups, often by seabird watchers who frequent “[pelagic trips](https://www.facebook.com/groups/pelagics.seabirds)” in the southern hemisphere.  It is not used as a primary common name by most handbooks, scientific journals, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species/304-wandering-albatross/file)), [BirdLife International](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans/text), IUCN and [New Zealand Birds Online](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/wandering-albatross) (although it is mentioned by some of them as an alternative common name).  However, it is used in some (but not all) recent field guides, by [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowy_albatross), [eBird](https://ebird.org/species/wanalb1?siteLanguage=en_ZA), in Cornell Lab’s online [Birds of the World series](https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/wanalb1/cur/introduction) and by the [IOC World Bird List](https://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/petrels/), thus perpetuating its use among birdwatchers. *![Wandering Albatross Drake Passage Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Drake_Passage_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) A Wandering Albatross in the Drake Passage, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* To avoid too much confusion, I suggest that those who prefer to call the Wanderer a Snowy when writing in social media outlets and for non-scientific print publications, explain at first usage that they are referring to the Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*.  For scientific publications, handbooks and the like I suggest authors stick to using “Wandering” and avoid the term “Snowy”. **Selected Publications:** Bourne, W.R.P. 1989.  The evolution, classification and nomenclature of the great albatrosses. *Le Gerfaut* 79: 105-116. Burg, T.M. & Croxall, J.P. 2004.  Global population structure and taxonomy of the Wandering Albatross species complex.  [Molecular Ecology 13: 2345-2355](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2004.02232.x). Medway, D. 1993.  The identity of the Chocolate Albatross *Diomedea spadicea* Gmelin, 1789 and of the Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* of Linnaeus, 1758.  [Notornis 40: 145-162](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Notornis_40_2_145.pdf). Schodde, R., Tennyson, A.J.D., Groth, J.G., Lai, J.; Scofield, P. & Steinheimer, F.D. 2017.  Settling the name Diomedea exulans Linnaeus, 1758 for the Wandering Albatross by neotypification.  [Zootaxa 4236 (1): 135](https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.4236.1.7). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 July 2024, updated 03 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-is-there-or-should-there-be-such-a-thing-as-a-snowy-albatross.md) ## World Albatross Day celebrations around the world – Australia’s Antarctic Division displays a banner and eats some cakes **![AAD WAD2024 Banner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/AAD_WAD2024_Banner.jpg) Australian Antarctic Division staffers celebrate ‘WAD2024’ outside their Kingston headquarters, reusing their 2021 banner** As in previous years, the Australian Antarctic Division ([AAD](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/)) marked World Albatross Day, this year with its theme of ‘[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans’](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas), on 19 June with speeches, cakes and a group photograph at its Kingston Headquarters in Tasmania. *![AAD albicake](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/AAD_albicake.jpg)* *![AAD WAD2024 Cake 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/AAD_WAD2024_Cake_1.jpg) WAD2024 cakes with a Marine Protected Area theme by Andrea Polanowski (top) and Leonie Suter (below)* No ‘Bake-off’ competition was held this year, [as in the past](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-australian-antarctic-division-supports-world-albatross-day-with-a-new-banner-and-an-albicake-bake-off?highlight=WyJjYWtlIiwid29ybGQiLCJ3b3JsZCdzIiwid29ybGQnIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzZXMiLCJhbGJhdHJvc3MncyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3MiLCJhbGJhdHJvc3MnIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzZXMnIiwiJ2FsYmF0cm9zcyciLCInYWxiYXRyb3NzZXMiLCJkYXkiLCJkYXlzIiwiZGF5J3MiLCJkYXknIiwiZGF5cyciLCJhYWQiLCJhYWQncyJd), but two ‘albicakes’ especially baked for the occasion by Andrea Polanowski and [Leonie Suter](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-leonie-suter/), along with some other treats, were enjoyed. *![Julie McInnes talks](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Julie_McInnes_talks.jpg) Julie McInnes speaks to colleagues at the WAD2024 event* At the event, vertebrate biologist Julie McInnes spoke about World Albatross Day, providing an overview of its importance, mentioning some recent milestones, such as that it was now 10 years since the eradication of all the vertebrate pests on Macquarie Island and 30 years since  albatross monitoring was initiated on the island.  The WAD2024 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) theme was discussed in relation to the [recently expanded](https://acap.aq/latest-news/australias-macquarie-island-marine-park-gets-the-go-ahead-to-triple-in-size?highlight=WyJtYWNxdWFyaWUiLCJtYWNxdWFyaSIsIm1hY3F1YXJpZSdzIiwibWFyaW5lIiwibWFyaW4iLCJtYXJpbmVyIiwibWFyaW5lcyIsIm1hcmluZXInIiwibWFyaW5lcnMiXQ==) Macquarie Island MPA and the [current review](https://acap.aq/latest-news/call-for-increased-protection-of-australias-heard-and-mcdonald-islands-marine-park-as-its-management-plan-comes-up-for-review?highlight=WyJoZWFyZCIsMjAyNCwiMjAyNCdzIl0=) of the Heard and MacDonald Islands MPA.  Julie also talked about the work the AAD is undertaking to collate at-sea tracking data for Macquarie Island seabirds and seals to ascertain how they are utilizing the MPA.  The need for more tracking data was then considered.  Julie is a member representing Australia of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status, and Taxonomy Working Groups. ![Aleks Terauds](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Aleks_Terauds.png) *Aleks Terauds (left) and Kris Carlyon undertook a 10-day hike to the south of Macquarie Island this year to see the changes in the landscape, p**hotograph by Pete Harmsen* [Aleks Terauds](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-aleks-terauds/), AAD spatial ecologist, spoke briefly about his recent visit to Macquarie and the vegetation on the island which he says was “looking incredible”, following its recovery after the eradication of vertebrate pests.  Read  an article [here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2024/macquarie-islands-astounding-recovery-ten-years-on-from-rats-mice-and-rabbits/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3qN05ce7IGb0ikbGUb84EmmmApqcAaZBKuqZHQn7TjGsTei6rFY3rZN7U_aem_x1Fv120cjfDpchR1zngM2g) and watch a video featuring Aleks [here](https://www.facebook.com/AusAntarctic/videos/2769040726597922) about the island’s recovery.  Aleks has also been [interviewed](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-30/macquarie-island-pest-free-following-eradication-program/103908056) for radio. *![Maquarie Island WAD2024 banner form Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Maquarie_Island_WAD2024_banner_form_Melanie_Wells.jpg) Striking a pose.  Macquarie Island overwinterers with their WAD2024 banner, photograph from Melanie Wells* With thanks to Mandi Livesey and Julie McInnes, Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-celebrations-around-the-world-australias-antarctic-division-dsiplays-a-banner-and-eats-some-cakes.md) ## Four talks on ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels at a recent New Zealand Conference *![Graeme Eliott NZB Birs Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Graeme_Eliott_NZB_Birs_Conference.jpg) Graeme Elliott delivers a paper on a long-term study of Antipodean Albatrosses* The [2024 Birds New Zealand Annual Conference](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/other-events/nz-bird-conference-2024/) was held in Nelson, South Island from 1-2 June.  Several talks and posters were given on procellariiform seabirds.  Four abstracts on ACAP-listed species follow.  See an earlier article in *ACAP Latest News* on two presentations at the conference on the subspecies of Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis*. [Graeme Elliott OZNM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-and-conservationist-graeme-elliott-is-made-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJvbnptIl0=) and [Kath Walker OZNM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJrYXRoIiwid2Fsa2VyIiwid2Fsa2VycyJd) talk is entitled ‘**33 years of monitoring wandering albatrosses on Antipodes and Adams Islands**’.  Their abstract follows: “Monitoring of Gibson’s wandering albatrosses on Adams Island started in 1991 and an almost identical programme of monitoring of Antipodean wandering albatrosses started on Antipodes Island in 1994. Both programmes have continued annually, except for one missed year on each island.  Both programmes have involved estimating survival by banding and re-sighting birds, monitoring nesting success, tracking birds at sea using satellite and geolocator tags, estimating the size of the population by undertaking whole island censuses, and tracking population change by annual counting of nesting birds in representative portions of the islands. Both populations increased up until 2005 but then crashed with numbers continuing to fall for about 15 years, until Antipodean albatrosses were about 42% and Gibson’s about 47% of their pre-crash levels. Satellite and geolocator tracking of both taxa have enabled accurate description of their foraging ranges and identified that a large number of birds have been killed by tuna long-liners, particularly in the waters to the northeast of New Zealand. Tracking has revealed that although their foraging ranges overlap, Gibson’s mostly forage in the Tasman Sea while Antipodean mostly forage in the eastern Pacific. Such long-term monitoring programmes have involved half of our lives’ summers and several hundred days of sea-sickness, but we now know exactly what the two albatross populations are doing in good detail and we’ve had the joy of interacting with a wide range of rarely seen subantarctic birds.” *![Black browed Albatross Lois Davis hi qual](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_Lois_Davis_hi-qual.jpg) Black-browed Albatross by Lois Davis, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for ACAP* Jonathan Rutter and colleagues presented on “**Immersion regularity predicts vessel following by albatrosses**”. Their abstract follows: “Many oceanic seabird species are threatened by bycatch in fisheries. Bycatch risk assessments benefit from quantifying individual seabird interactions with fishing vessels, including their frequency, duration, and impacts on seabird behaviour. However, interaction analyses are often limited by low-resolution seabird tracking data and incomplete fisheries tracking data. Here we examine the potential of leg-borne GLS-immersion loggers to detect seabird-fishery interactions from simple wet-dry patterns when tracking data are lacking or incomplete. We first identified 46 discrete seabird-vessel interactions by spatiotemporally matching high-resolution GPS data (0.0024-1 Hz) from 45 black-browed albatrosses (*Thalassarche melanophris*) breeding in the Falkland Islands to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from vessels near their trajectories. We subsequently observed highly stereotypical patterns of immersion (i.e., regular landing and taking off) when birds were following trawler vessels. Then, using only wet and dry durations derived from immersion data (0.1667 Hz), we developed a temporal metric to identify these periods of behavioural regularity. This metric alone successfully identified one-third of vessel following events, with no false positive detections. Thus, we demonstrate the potential of immersion loggers to detect vessel following by seabirds, even in the absence of tracking data for both seabirds and vessels. This result provides a foundation for more comprehensive seabird bycatch risk assessments that quantify previously hidden seabird-vessel interactions, such as those involving migratory life history stages and illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels.” *![Black Petrel NZ Birds conference Biz Bell 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_NZ_Birds_conference_Biz_Bell_2.jpg) “****Towards understanding tākoketai/Black Petrel recruitment on Aotea/Great Barrier Island****” delivered by Elizabeth**‘Biz’ Bell* Biz and her co-authors’ abstract follows: “Monitoring of tākoketai/black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) has been undertaken at their breeding colony on Hirakimata/Mt Hobson, Aotea/Great Barrier Island since 1995. Over this period, the population trend suggests a stable or slightly declining population, which appears to be related to low juvenile survival and recruitment into the population.  As these low rates may be related to recapture effort at the colony, recent expeditions focused on increased nocturnal surveys to capture as many tākoketai on the surface as possible, as well as capturing individuals at-sea. Comparison between on-land and at-sea ‘returned chick’ recapture rates indicate that on-land effort is more effective in resighting ‘returned chicks’. Over 28 years of tākoketai monitoring on Aotea, 141 ‘returned chicks’ have been recaptured over 228 night surveys with an average 0.62 returned chicks caught each night. The recent focused effort in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 (22 nights surveys) increased that rate to an average of 2.3 returned chicks recaptured per night. In comparison, from six at-sea capture expeditions extending over three years and 15 days cumulatively, 3 tākoketai originally banded as chicks were recaptured (average 0.2 per day). Continued effort to recapture ‘returned chicks’ at the Hirakimata study colony is recommended to enhance population trend models and risk analyses”. * * *![Rosana Venturini Black Petrel panpastel ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Rosana_Venturini_Black_Petrel_panpastel_.jpg) Black Petrel,**PanPastels* *by Rosana Venturini, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for ACAP* Maria Düssler and colleagues gave a talk entitled “**Comparative study of the diving behaviour of three *Procellaria* petrel species**”.  Their abstract follows. “The ongoing impact of fishery bycatch on seabird populations suggests bycatch mitigation measures are insufficient or ill-informed. For these measures to be appropriately revised, a thorough understanding of seabird foraging behaviour is necessary. My thesis aims to examine and compare the foraging behaviour of three *Procellaria* petrel species, all of which are vulnerable to bycatch in longline fisheries. Using data from time-depth recorders (TDRs) deployed on 23 Westland (*Procellaria westlandica*), 10 white-chinned (*P. aequinoctialis*), and 9 black petrels (*P. parkinsoni*), we retrieved dive depths, durations, descent rates, and dive profiles. Preliminary results show white-chinned petrels dive less frequently but deeper than Westland petrels, with maximum depths of 17.31 m and 21.72 m, respectively. Further results will have the potential to inform the necessary sink rates of hooks and the depths to which hooks must be protected. Additionally, we deployed global positioning system (GPS) tags alongside the TDRs on 7 black petrels.  Pairing GPS data from birds and fishing vessels will allow us to investigate whether petrel diving behaviour differs around fishing vessels. Should behaviours differ, previous mitigation measures based on undefined diving behaviour may need to be revised. By employing a comparative approach across three species, we begin to understand potential parameters influencing the foraging behaviour, and thus the bycatch risk, of different seabird species.” A number of talks and posters were given on other procellariiform seabirds not listed by ACAP.  Information comes from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Birdsnewzealand) and [website](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Conference-Programme-with-abstracts.pdf) of [Birds New Zealand](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/four-talks-on-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-at-a-recent-new-zealand-conference.md) ## Should the Antipodean Albatross be two species? Kath Walker and Imogen Foote give conference talks *![Kath Walker NZ Birds Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Kath_Walker_NZ_Birds_Conference.jpg) Kath Walker presenting at the**2024 Birds New Zealand Annual Conference* At the recent [2024 Birds New Zealand Annual Conference](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/other-events/nz-bird-conference-2024/) held in Nelson, South Island from 1-2 June, [Kath Walker ONZM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJrYXRoIiwid2Fsa2VyIiwid2Fsa2VycyJd) gave a co-authored presentation entitled “**Comparative analysis of plumage, morphology and biology of Antipodean and Gibson’s wandering albatrosses**”. She concluded by saying that the two subspecies should be accorded specific status as Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* and Gibson’s Albatross *D. gibsoni*. Kath and colleagues' abstract follows: “Identification of Antipodean and Gibson’s wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis* and *D. a. gibsoni*) at sea has been difficult due to a lack of quantitative comparative morphometric and plumage data on subadults and adults on their breeding grounds, respectively the Antipodes and Auckland Islands. Since 1994 annual banding of chicks produced and adults mating and breeding in study areas on both islands has allowed the collection of photographic records of plumage changes in known age, sex, and origin individuals over their lifetimes. The presence (in female Gibson’s) or absence (in female Antipodean) of white feathers on the upper wings at the “elbow” was found to reliably distinguish the two taxa. For both sexes, the combination of wing and toe length measurement correctly identified taxa 85% of the time, with longer wings and shorter toes in Antipodean than Gibson’s albatrosses. The biggest change in plumage of Antipodean females comes not with age as in most wandering albatrosses, but after a successful breeding season when extensive wear of brown-tipped body feathers exposes white feathers below, giving the birds a spotty appearance, and causing taxon confusion at sea. Median lay date for the 2 taxa differed by 15 days (Gibson’s albatross 10 Jan [26 Dec–7 Feb]; Antipodean albatross 25 Jan [6 Jan–15 Feb]). No Gibson’s albatrosses foraged in the south-eastern Pacific and off Chile, whereas Antipodean albatrosses of both sexes regularly did. Given the diagnosability of female Gibson’s and Antipodean albatrosses, restoration of their former taxonomic status as species would be appropriate.” Watch a [brief video](https://www.facebook.com/Birdsnewzealand/videos/482389990963892) of Kath’s presentation. ![Antipodean Albatross colour banded Kath Walker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_colour_banded_Kath_Walker.jpg) *A colour-banded Antipodean Albatross, photograph by Kath Walker* Imogen Foote and colleagues' presentation was entitled “**Whole-genome analyses reveal genetic structure in the highly threatened Antipodean and Gibson’s albatrosses**.” They conclude that their study will  help define species taxonomy and inform updated conservation management for the two taxa. Their abstract follows: "The Antipodean and Gibson’s albatrosses (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis* and *D. a. gibsoni*) are highly threatened NZ taxa whose conservation management has been hindered by ongoing taxonomic uncertainty. Single locus genetic studies revealed low levels of genetic differentiation informing the current taxonomy of subspecies, but the potential of genomic data to reveal population structure in these taxa has not previously been explored. Here, we present whole-genome data for these two taxa to examine population genetic structure and genomic differentiation. We produced whole genome sequence data for 86 individuals across both populations and aligned to high quality reference genomes to generate a dataset of 60,488 high-quality neutrally evolving Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).  Assignment tests and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) revealed two distinct clusters relating to the subspecies groupings. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed these two groupings to be significantly differentiated. A genome-wide scan for loci putatively under selection also provide (*sic*) evidence of adaptive divergence between the taxa.  These results indicate that genetic differentiation between these albatross taxa is higher than was previously estimated using single locus genetic markers and reveal the potential for genomics to identify structure in closely related albatross taxa. Given the high level of threat these birds face and the continued population declines, particularly of the Antipodean subspecies, these results should be used to help define species taxonomy and inform updated conservation management.” Four more papers on ACAP-listed-procellariiforms given at the conference will be covered in a following news post.  A number of talks and posters was given on other procellariiform seabirds (petrels, prions and shearwaters) not listed by ACAP.  Information comes from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Birdsnewzealand) and [website](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Conference-Programme-with-abstracts.pdf) of [Birds New Zealand](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/).  *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/should-the-antipodean-albatross-be-two-species-kath-walker-gives-a-conference-talk-and-an-opinion.md) ## High Pathogenicity Avian Flu workshop and talk supported by ACAP enhances global efforts to protect albatrosses and petrels ![IAPC7 HPAI H5N1 ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/IAPC7_HPAI_H5N1_.png)*Ralph E. T. Vanstreels (pictured right) takes the floor for the IAPC7 "Q&A session and wet lab training for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak". The session included a demonstration of how to use full personal protective equipment and practical advice on approaches and techniques to adopt to avoid spreading the virus.* The recordings of two ACAP-supported Avian Influenza related sessions from the recent 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC7) held in Mexico in May are now available at the Conservación de Islas’ [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMLnHWy5FIDHdSeZbkXtFdGi_4Mp33DzT). Wildlife Health Specialist and Veterinary Epidemiologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Jolene Giacinti, shared insights into High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), in her plenary talk, “From incursion to impact: Exploring HPAIV dynamics and response in Canada through epidemiology, phylogeography, and mortality assessment”.  Members of ACAP’s HPAI Intersessional Group facilitated the hybrid workshop “Q&A session and wet lab training for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak”.  The HPAI Group, consisting of thirteen experts on epidemiology, disease risk assessment, and management, advises ACAP on issues related to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza panzootic and have authored ACAP’s “Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza panzootic”. ![IAPC7 HPAI event ACAP 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/IAPC7_HPAI_event_ACAP_3.jpg)*The four members of the ACAP HPAI H5N1 Intersessional Group who facilitated the workshop in person at IAPC7, from left to right: Patricia Pereira Serafini, Jolene Giacinti, Ralph E. T. Vanstreels and Amandine Gamble. The four were joined online by group members, Marcela Uhart, Michelle Wille, Megan Tierney, Sarah Michael and Megan Dewar. * Patricia Pereira Serafini, Co-convenor of the Agreement’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG), and lead member of ACAP’s HPAI Group highlighted that major drivers for the workshop were to raise awareness of ACAP’s recommendations, to try to promote best-practice surveillance and monitoring initiatives and prevent human-mediated spread of HPAI viruses. Considering the high level of engagement from both in-person and virtual attendees, Patricia concluded that the workshop was a resounding success. “The HPAI workshop not only met but surpassed our expectations, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration that will have a lasting impact on our practices,” she said.  “Talks, by Jolene Giacinti, Amandine Gamble and Ralph Vanstreels in person and by Samantha Gibbs and Laura Roberts virtually, were particularly impactful during IAPC7, bringing in a wealth of experience that greatly benefited the conference participants. Their presentations not only informed but also inspired the audience, leading to a more comprehensive grasp of the ongoing pandemic that affects seabirds.” Mariam Latofski Robles is Director of Development at [Grupo de Ecología](https://www.islas.org.mx/#gsc.tab=0)[y Conservación de Islas](https://www.islas.org.mx/#gsc.tab=0) (GECI) and was a key organiser of IAPC7. She said one of the highlights, among many at IAPC7, were the sessions on the emerging threat of avian influenza on seabirds. ![IAPC7 HPAI event ACAP 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/IAPC7_HPAI_event_ACAP_1.jpg)*Jolene Giacinti giving her plenary talk, “From incursion to impact: Exploring HPAIV dynamics and response in Canada through epidemiology, phylogeography, and mortality assessment”* “Jolene Giacinti encouraged us to be prepared for an HPAIV outbreak, sharing fascinating details about virus mutations and adaptations in a wide range of hosts. She also discussed the importance of implementing biosecurity measures and various mitigation strategies,” said Mariam. The HPAI workshop was an enriching learning opportunity according to Mariam, with information shared on biosafety plans and their implementation, a demonstration of how to use full personal protective equipment, and practical advice on how to avoid spreading the virus.  “The IAPC7 Organizing Committee wishes to thank ACAP for organizing such an interesting and well delivered workshop. It was great and will be an excellent tool for anyone working with seabirds.” A recording of the HPAI workshop is now available at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu). Recordings of all of the plenary talks from IAPC7 and the HPAI workshop are all available at Conservación de Islas’ YouTube channel, [here](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMLnHWy5FIDHdSeZbkXtFdGi_4Mp33DzT&feature=shared). ACAP’s “Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza panzootic” are expected to be updated as a result of the workshop. The November 2023 version of the guidelines are available at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines). Funding for the HPAI workshop and the Plenary Talk at IAPC7 was provided through the ACAP Secondment Programme which supports science and research collaboration between ACAP Parties to aid in the conservation of the Agreement’s listed albatrosses and petrels. *1 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-flu-workshop-and-talk-supported-by-acap-enhances-global-efforts-to-protect-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature releases poster of works submitted in celebration of 2024’s World Albatross Day In tribute to this year’s collaboration between Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org)) and ACAP for World Albatross Day, ABUN artist, Marion Schön, has produced a poster depicting all 47 works submitted this year to [Project #47](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.792592652894040&type=3).  The artists, who produced works inspired by this year’s World Albatross Day theme, “Marine Protected Areas: Safeguarding our Oceans”, are also acknowledged on the poster. ![00 ABUN 47 Albatross ACAP Banner verkleinert by Marion Schoen](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/00-ABUN_47_-_Albatross-ACAP_Banner_-_verkleinert_by_Marion_Schoen.jpg)*The poster, *by ABUN artist Marion Schön,* depicts all 47 works submitted to Project#47* Among this year’s artists who contributed pieces to Project #47 were Tammy McGee and Lenina Villela. Lenina Villela, based in Mexico City, says she feels a deep connection with albatrosses that began in 2014 with her discovery of the first Albatross Cam hosted by Cornell University. Watching an albatross chick hatch and grow sparked her interest in these seabirds and the challenges they face. “I absolutely love those birds, they are majestic, beautiful, loving, caring, devoted partners and parents. I love all the birds but they are my favorite, and that’s why I make as many albatross pieces as I can,” she said. Lenina’s art is characterised by her use of a variity of techniques and materials, such as quilling (using strips of paper that are rolled, looped, curled, twisted and otherwise manipulated to create different shapes, and glued together to create decorative designs), ink, and watercolour. She explains, "I like to think I'm a paper artist even though I work with different media from paper to vitreous enamel." ![Bullers Albatross by Lenina Villela after a photograph by Ross Wheeler](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bullers_Albatross_by_Lenina_Villela_after_a_photograph_by_Ross_Wheeler.jpg)*Buller's Albatross by Lenina Villela, after a photograph by Ross Wheeler* Tammy McGee, another talented contributor to Project #47, who has submitted works to previous collaborations said that this year’s theme depicting Marine Protected Areas was quite a challenge, and the inspiration for her piece came from an unexpected place. “I actually was having a hard time figuring out a way to convey the idea of Marine Protected Areas and the protection [they give]. I was packing up some stuff and wrapping it in bubble wrap and thought of putting an Albatross in a bubble might convey the idea of protecting it from harm,” she said. ![Bullers Albatross by Tammy McGee Safeguarding Sphere after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bullers_Albatross_by_Tammy_McGee_Safeguarding_Sphere_after_a_photograph_by_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg)*Buller's Albatross by Tammy McGee "Safeguarding Sphere", after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* 2024's Project #47 marked the fifth collaboration between ACAP and ABUN for World Albatross Day. *24 June 2024* * * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-releases-poster-of-works-submitted-in-celebration-of-2024s-world-albatross-day.md) ## Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine have fledged their fifth chick on Midway Atoll *![Midway STAL chick 28 April Narongkorn Thatsanangkun](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Midway_STAL_chick_28_April_Narongkorn_Thatsanangkun.jpg) A Short-tailed Albatross chick on Midway Atoll, photograph by Narongkorn Thatsanangkun* George and Geraldine, the well-known pair of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site)’s Sand Island fledged their latest chick around late May this year – it was last seen when it was [videoed](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/videos/1192647991903829/), on 23 May. The chick was given its [metal and colour bands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/keeping-it-in-the-family-george-and-geraldines-latest-chick-gets-its-bands-while-older-sibling-short-tailed-albatrosses-dance-together-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsMjAyNF0=) on 17 April.  This is the fifth chick to be reared successfully (out of six breeding attempts) by the atoll’s lone Short-tail pair.  George and Geraldine are the only Short-tailed Albatrosses breeding outside of Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano) and [Ogasawara Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-93-mukojima-ogasawara-islands-a-short-tailed-albatross-translocation-site) and the disputed [Senkaku Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJzZW5rYWt1Il0=). *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Flávia_F._Barreto_Short-tailed_Albatrosses_George_and_Geraldine_J_Plissner.jpg) Short-tailed Albatrosses George (at back) and Geraldine, artwork by Flávia F. Barreto after a photograph by Jonathan Plissner* News from the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__tn__=-UC-R).  Access previous posts in *ACAP Latest News* about George and Geraldine [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Geraldine&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *j26 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-have-fledged-their-fifth-chick-on-midway-atoll.md) ## Developing a tradition: albatross-breeding islands display banners for another year to celebrate World Albatross Day on 19 June *![Maquarie Island WAD2024 banner form Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Maquarie_Island_WAD2024_banner_form_Melanie_Wells.jpg) Australia’s Macquarie Island marks World Albatross Day 2024 with a banner, Wandering Albatross decoy models and outstretched arms, photograph from Melanie Wells* With what seems to be [a tradition that has been steadily growing since 2020](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3115355551858156&type=3), albatross islands in the Southern Ocean have once more displayed banners to celebrate [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas), held two days ago on 19 June.  This year’s crop of photographs follows – well done to all the island teams! *![M81 Sponsors Ha for WAD](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/M81_Sponsors_Ha_for_WAD.jpg) The 19-strong overwintering team on Marion Island, (the 81st since occupation in 1947) has pooled its resources to sponsor a hectare to the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) to mark World Albatross Day on 19 June and its 2024 theme of “[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)”, photograph from Vanessa Stephen and**Monique van Bers ![Gouigh 69 WAD2024 banner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Gouigh_69_WAD2024_banner.JPG) The 69th Overwintering Team on Gough Island in the South Atlantic poses with its recycled WAD2024 banner - and a decoy* *![Bird Island WAD2024 Liz Holmes 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bird_Island_WAD2024_Liz_Holmes_2.jpeg) Out in the snow.  The four-person overwintering team on Bird Island has gone with plasticine Light-mantled and Wandering Albatrosses to hold up its WAD204 banner.  Modelling by Liz Holmes and photograph by George Day* *![Bird Island winter 2024 team](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bird_Island_winter_2024_team.jpg) The Bird Island Overwintering Team on the research station’s jetty.  From left: Liz Holmes, George Day,**Izzy Stubbs and Adam Owen* *![Wandering Albatrosses at sunset TAAF](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Wandering_Albatrosses_at_sunset_TAAF.jpg) Not to be outdone, the French sub-Antarctic islands have celebrated WAD2024 with six albatross photos rather than with a banner, photograph of Wandering Albatrosses from**Terres australes et antarctiques françaises ([TAAF](https://www.facebook.com/TAAFofficiel))* *![Royal Albatross Centre albicake](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Royal_Albatross_Centre_albicake.jpg) Not on an oceanic island or a banner but just as good.  The Royal Albatross Centre, situated next to the mainland colony at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head, has [once again](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3) made a life-sized Northern Royal Albatross cake to mark World Albatross Day in 2024!* With thanks to George Day, Liz Holmes, Richard Phillips, Antje Steinfurth, Vanessa Stephen, Monique van Bers and Mellanie Wells. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/developing-a-tradition-albatross-breeding-islands-display-banners-for-another-year-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## World Albatross Day 2024 highlights Marine Protected Areas ![WALD 2024 Social Media Post 1.0](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/WALD-2024-Social-Media-Post-1.0.jpg)*This year's [World Albatross Day poster](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas/world-albatross-day-2024-poster-and-logo)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](https://www.un.org/bbnj/) (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](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas). *19 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-2024-highlights-marine-protected-areas.md) ## ACAP Best Practice Advice on seabird bycatch mitigation to become mandatory across New Zealand’s entire pelagic longline fleet ** ![Bandada albatros y petreles 1 240719 Chavez shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bandada_albatros_y_petreles_1_240719_Chavez_shrunk.jpg)***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](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-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](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation), 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](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation). *18 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-best-practice-advice-on-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-to-become-mandatory-across-new-zealands-entire-pelagic-longline-fleet.md) ## Meet the Designer: World Albatross Day poster Designer Geoff Tyler shares his thoughts on the power of art in conservation ![Geoff Tyler WAD2024 Profile](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Geoff_Tyler_WAD2024_Profile.jpg)*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](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-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.  ![WAD2020 Logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WAD2020_Logo.png) *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.  ![WALD 2024 Poster English 02](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/WALD_2024_Poster_English-02.jpg)*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](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas/world-albatross-day-2024-poster-and-logo).   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* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/meet-the-designer-world-albatross-day-poster-designer-geoff-tyler-shares-his-thoughts-on-the-power-of-art-in-conservation.md) ## ACAP’s 20 Years of albatross and petrel conservation marked at the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference ![IAPC7 Plenary Speakers](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/IAPC7_Plenary_Speakers.jpg)*The plenary speakers from the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference in Mexico (left to right): **Joan Ferrer Obiol, Nicholas Carlile, Carlos Zavalaga, Jolene Giacinti and ACAP Executive, Dr Christine Bogle* **Note: **Today is Day Four of “WADWEEK2024”, a series of seven daily posts to *ACAP Latest News* leading to [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June, in support of this year’s theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. ACAP’s work in protecting albatrosses and petrels was marked at the recent 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC7) held in Mexico, with the delivery of a [plenary talk by ACAP’s Executive Secretary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0znioHkJllQ), Dr Christine Bogle.  In her talk, Dr Bogle spoke about the origins of ACAP and its role in the conservation its listed species since the Agreement came into force in 2004. She said being invited to speak at the conference was a real privilege. “It was wonderful to have an audience who are all deeply committed to albatross and petrel conservation and to seeking solutions for the conservation crisis these species face. Speaking at the conference provided the opportunity to highlight ACAP’s achievements over the last twenty years, as well as the challenges ahead,” she said. “Equally impressive was to listen to the accounts of other presenters and attendees about their efforts to conserve these birds. I learned about a vast number of petrel species and dedicated projects underway to preserve their habitat, to eradicate predators from their breeding sites, and to track their distribution.  Several of the participants were young researchers with many years ahead of them to continue working for the conservation of albatrosses and petrels, which surely augurs well for the future,” she said. *![ACAP Booklet images 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/ACAP_Booklet_images-2.png)Excerpts from ACAP's 20 year anniversary booklet - [Achievements in the First 20 Years 2004-2024](https://acap.aq/latest-news/celebrating-20-years-of-seabird-conservation-acaps-commemorative-booklet-highlights-achievements-and-future-challenges) - available in ACAP's three official languages of English, French and Spanish, can be downloaded at the ACAP website* Over 100 people from 21 countries came together at IAPC7, sharing insights and progress on their work with albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, ranging from research regarding population sizes and status, potential use of new tools such as genomics and artificial intelligence, and results from restoration efforts such as invasive alien species eradications.  Sessions dedicated to the emerging threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) also took place, two of which were supported by ACAP through its [Secondment Programme](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships/acap-secondments?view=article&id=4893:2023-secondments&catid=111:acap-secondments).  Dr Bogle's presentation, *[20 years of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels](https://acap.aq/about-acap)*, is available at the ACAP website as well as the [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCwUNW27D50Bwh27U0lpfg) of Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas (GECI), alongside those of other keynote speakers. The conferences’ full program, including the abstracts for all 75 oral talks and 18 posters, is available at, [www.islas.org.mx/iapc7](http://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7). The 8th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC8) will be held in 2028. *16 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-20-years-of-albatross-and-petrel-conservation-marked-at-the-7th-international-albatross-and-petrel-conference.md) ## ACAP’s latest Species Infographic, for Buller’s Albatross, is now available in French and Spanish ![preview bullers fr](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/preview_bullers_fr.jpg)  **NOTE:**  Today is Day three of “WADWEEK2024”, a series of seven daily posts to *ACAP Latest News* leading to [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June, in support of this year’s theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. The ACAP Species Infographic for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri,* recently released in [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-latest-species-infographic-in-time-for-next-weeks-world-albatross-day), is now available in all three official ACAP languages, with the French and Spanish versions released today.  Their production has been sponsored by New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz). The Buller’s Albatross infographic, along with that for the [already released](https://acap.aq/latest-news/nearly-half-way-acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-the-15th-in-the-series?highlight=WyJzaG9ydC10YWlsZWQiLCJzaG9ydC10YWlsIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbHMiLCJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpYyIsImluZm9ncmFwaGljcyJd) [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus*, have been produced in support of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)) and its theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. Read how the Buller’s Albatross received its name in an [ACAP Monthly Missive](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-walter-buller-and-should-bullers-albatross-still-be-named-after-him-the-tricky-issue-of-birds-with-eponymous-names). ![preview bullers es](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/preview_bullers_es.jpg)  The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  The infographics serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) series.   English and Portuguese* language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download here. French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under Infographies sur les espèces and Infographía sobres las especies. All the 16 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the conservation crisis faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Maëlle Connan and Johannes Fischer for their help. *Being produced for the six ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil.  To date, those produced are for the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-latest-species-infographic-for-bullers-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## Christmas Shearwaters within a remote Marine Protected Area still ingest plastic **![Christmas Shearwater FWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Christmas_Shearwater_FWS.jpg)* Christmas Shearwater, from the US Fish & Wildlife Service* **NOTE:** Today is Day Two of “WADWEEK2024”, a series of seven daily posts to *ACAP Latest News* leading to [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June, in support of this year’s theme of “[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)”. Jennifer Lavers and Alexander Bond ([Bird Group, Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/services/collections/zoology/birds.html), Tring, United Kingdom) have published in the [*Marine Pollution Bulletin*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin) on plastic loads in [Christmas Shearwaters](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/christmas-shearwater-puffinus-nativitatis) *Puffinus nativitatis*in the South Pacific. The paper’s abstract follows: “Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important conservation tool for species and habitats; however, they are not a panacea solution.  For example, MPAs provide little protection from plastic pollution which travels vast distances on ocean currents.  Here we document exposure of juvenile Christmas Shearwaters (*Puffinus nativitatis*) to plastics on uninhabited Ducie Atoll in the remote South Pacific.  Despite being surrounded by the very large Pitcairn Islands MPA, most birds (68.7 %; *n* = 16) contained 3.8 ± 4.1 pieces of ingested plastic.  Unexpectedly, the number, mass and frequency of occurrence of plastic in two age classes (young downy chicks and fledglings) was similar.  While the reason for this is unknown, it may suggest birds do not acquire new plastic items, or are able to rid themselves of plastics, beyond a certain age.  We discuss the potential health consequences of plastic ingestion in Christmas Shearwaters and call for further research of this poorly studied species.” "[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)" was ACAP's  theme for World Albatross Day last year. **Reference:** Lavers, J.L. & Bond, A.L. 2024.  Beyond the surface: seabirds and plastics as indicators in a large, remote marine protected area.** ***[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X24005514)*[205. 116574](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X24005514). *14 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/christmas-shearwaters-in-the-remote-south-pacific-ingest-plastic-items.md) ## ACAP releases its latest Species Infographic in time for next week's World Albatross Day ![Bullers Infographic sml 2MB eng](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bullers_Infographic_sml_2MB_eng.jpg) **NOTE:**  Today is Day One of “WADWEEK2024”, a series of seven daily posts to *ACAP Latest News* leading to [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June, in support of this year’s theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), released today and the 16th to be produced in the [31-part series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), is for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri**,**a* species endemic to New Zealand.  It is being produced in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish.  Its production has been sponsored by New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/). The Buller’s Albatross infographic, along with that for the [already released](https://acap.aq/latest-news/nearly-half-way-acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-the-15th-in-the-series?highlight=WyJzaG9ydC10YWlsZWQiLCJzaG9ydC10YWlsIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbHMiLCJpbmZvZ3JhcGhpYyIsImluZm9ncmFwaGljcyJd) [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatru**s*, have been produced in support of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)) and its theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. Read how the Buller’s Albatross received its name in an [ACAP Monthly Missive](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-walter-buller-and-should-bullers-albatross-still-be-named-after-him-the-tricky-issue-of-birds-with-eponymous-names). The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  The infographics serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series.   English and Portuguese* language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). All the 16 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in[two poster sizes](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics/bullers-albatross-infographic)(approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Maëlle Connan and Johannes Fischer for their help. *Being produced for the six ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil.  To date, those produced are for the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 1**3 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-latest-species-infographic-in-time-for-next-weeks-world-albatross-day.md) ## Far from home. A Black-browed Albatross is spotted off Iceland *![Iceland Black browed Albatross Husavik 10 June 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Iceland_Black-browed_Albatross_Husavik_10_June_2024.jpg) The recent Iceland sighting of a Black-browed Albatross, photograph by [Tom Collier](https://www.facebook.com/groups/86878741545/user/685218160)* An adult [Black-browed Albatross](https://acap.aq/datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris* was photographed at sea off Húsavík, northern Iceland on 09 June 2024 from a whale-watching vessel.  According to comments posted to Facebook there have been at least three previous records of Black-browed Albatrosses sighted off Iceland. Single Black-browed Albatrosses have been recorded in the Northern Hemisphere on [numerous occasions](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2010-news-archive/crossing-the-line-albatrosses-changing-hemispheres?highlight=WyJibGFjay1icm93ZWQiLCJibGFjay1icm93IiwiYmxhY2stYnJvd3MiLCJub3J0aGVybiIsIm5vcnRoZXJucyIsImhlbWlzcGhlcmUiLCJoZW1pc3BoZXJlcyIsImhlbWlzcGhlcmUncyJd), as has been reported in *ACAP Latest News* from time to time.  It seems likely that more than one at-sea sighting is of the same individual.  Birds have been seen ashore in [Northern Gannet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-gannet-morus-bassanus) *Morus  bassanus* colonies in the United Kingdom, most recently at Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Bempton&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)).  It has been suggested that the latest Iceland record could be of the Bempton Cliffs bird. *25 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/far-from-home-a-black-browed-albatross-is-spotted-off-iceland.md) ## Oiled! A satellite-tracked Black-footed Albatross does not make it home ![Tracked Black foot Michelle St Martin USFWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Tracked_Black-foot_Michelle_St_Martin_USFWS.jpg)  *The oiled Black-footed Albatross.  Its metal leg land is visible on the left, the**satellite transmitter’s aerial on the right.* * **Photographs by**Michelle St Martin, USFWS, from the [Pelagicos Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pelagicos)* Unlike for some lower-latitude penguin species, contamination by oil has not been as a serious threat facing ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters although sporadic cases do get reported (click [here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/oiled-black-browed-albatrosses-photographed-at-sea-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJvaWwiLCJvaWxlZCIsIm9pbHMiXQ==) for an example, see also [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/seabirds-feather-integrity-compromised-by-just-a-small-amount-of-oil?highlight=WyJvaWwiLCJvaWxlZCIsIm9pbGluZyIsIm9pbHMiXQ==)). A recent example of an oiled procellariiform is of the corpse of a [Black-footed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes*, stranded on [Beverly Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Beach,_Oregon), where it was collected by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.  It was individually identified by its federal metal-band and was still equipped with a Microwave Telemetry satellite transmitter. *![Laysan Island BFA tracking](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Laysan_Island_BFA_tracking.jpg) At-sea tracks of the Laysan Island Black-footed Albatrosses* The oiled bird was one of several  (out of an original 10) Black-footed Albatrosses that were satellite-tagged on [Laysan Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-68-laysan-island-and-its-albatrosses-form-part-of-usa-s-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument) in February and have continued to transmit from sea for over three months, as shown by their recent movements (visit [NOAA's Animal Telemetry Network site](https://portal.atn.ioos.us/?ls=tca_Ir3t&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0wAx3IPbvR7FFJkfMOupD3y91UFCOrj9sKt5W1DasLU56ks6PsOVtww-4_aem_AY2mMj2HlI4chmo3n5udEu3xuT0b38qfMAjoYaTDMQS7VhDIiKtikWC6xUAMR-Z9r9ZhQ7PCTkhDfiijqZ45d_eC#map)).  One of these birds was exposed to an [oil spill](https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2024/05/oil-coated-birds-found-on-oregon-and-washington-coasts-source-of-oil-eludes-investigators.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0dPVyS_LHzb4IC9d9fJO8BgAt0hpj63iMUQ2BRhPusB5MLLuWPMjLX_Bc_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw) off Oregon and Washington , and stranded on Beverly Beach, where its corpse was collected by the Oregon Fish & Wildlife. *![Laysan BFA tracking](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Laysan_BFA_tracking.jpg) A Black-footed Albatross rises from brooding its downy chick on Laysan Island, photograph from the [Pelagicos Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pelagicos)* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**12**June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/oiled-a-satellite-tracked-black-footed-albatross-does-not-make-it-home.md) ## A White‑capped Albatross pair is recorded breeding on Chile’s Diego Ramírez Islands * ![Suazo White capped Polar Biology](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Suazo_White-capped_Polar_Biology.jpg) The White-capped Albatross*Thalassarche steadi*breeding on Diego Ramírez.  a. Brooding its chick (with a Grey-headed Albatross*T. chrysostoma *chick in the foreground. B. Chick in the early post-guard period. Photographs by Cristóbal Anguita (left) and Carlos Garcés Letelier (right)* Cristián Suazo ([Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics](https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/f08/departments/tsz/index), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Polar Biology](https://link.springer.com/journal/300)* on a pair of breeding White-capped Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi* that successfully fledged their chick on the Diego Ramírez Islands,  The island group was designated as a Marine Protected Area in 2019. The paper’s abstract follows: “Albatrosses are renowned for their high philopatry, which has been proposed as a major barrier to their dispersal and hybridization with other albatross species.  Except for shy-type albatross species from New Zealand, examples of colonization of new breeding sites and interbreeding with closely related species are rare.  During the austral summer of 2022, while conducting land-based monitoring of resident Black-browed (*Thalassarche melanophris*) and Grey-headed (*T. chrysostoma*) albatross populations on the Diego Ramírez Islands, Chile (56 S), we documented the first (and southernmost) breeding record of a nesting pair of White-capped Albatross (*T. steadi*), a species endemic to the Auckland Islands, New Zealand (~ 7000 km away).  The species identity was confirmed through molecular analysis.  This discovery underscores the importance of Diego Ramírez and its surrounding waters as a hotspot for global albatross conservation.” *![Suazo White capped Polar Biology map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Suazo_White-capped_Polar_Biology_map.jpg) The known breeding distribution of the White-capped Albatross in the Southern Ocean - from the publication* **Reference:** Suazo, C., Anguita, C., Garcés Letelier, C. Martínez, A.·& Quillfeldt, P. 2024.  The white‑capped albatross: a new breeding record for the Diego Ramírez Islands, Chile.  *[Polar Biology doi.org/10.1007/s00300-024-03269-2](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-024-03269-2)*. *10**June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-white-capped-albatross-is-recorded-breeding-on-chiles-diego-ramirez-islands.md) ## Another banded Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross is identified at sea ## *![Red 94H band Gibsons Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Red-94H_band_Gibsons_Albatross.jpg)* *Gibson's Antipodean Albatross Red-94H, photograph from Paul Waldbridge* A colour-banded great albatross *Diomedea* sp. was photographed at sea over the [Queensland Guyot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland_Guyot) (an extinct volcanic seamount approximately 200 km off the Australian coastal city of Brisbane in the Coral Sea) on 4 May 2024.  The bird carried the colour band Red-94H on its right leg and metal band R-58554 on the left. [Kath Walker](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJ3YWxrZXIiLCJ3YWxrZXJzIl0=), New Zealand Department of Conservation confirms the bird is a Gibson’s [Antipodean Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) *D. antipodensis gibsoni*.  She writes: “Great to see the band recovery and photograph.  Red-94H is an adult female Gibson’s who we banded in our study area on Adams Island, Auckland Islands on 7 January 2017 when she started nesting there.  She nested successfully in 2023 so was on sabbatical when seen in 2024”. "This bird is part of a long-term study by Graeme Elliott and Kath Walker on Gibson’s Albatross which are endemic to the Auckland Island archipelago. Since 1991 this study has monitored the survival, productivity, recruitment and population trends of this species on an almost annual basis." Information from the [Pelagics. Seabirds birding worldwide](https://www.facebook.com/groups/pelagics.seabirds/) Facebook Page. Read about an earlier record of a colour-banded Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross from Adams Island that was photographed at sea [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-colour-banded-gibsons-albatross-from-adams-island-gets-photographed-at-sea-off-australia). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,**11**June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/another-banded-gibsons-antipodean-albatross-is-identified-at-sea.md) ## A predator-proof fence on the Hawaiian island of Molokai is completed in time for World Albatross Day *![Mokio Preserve fence](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Mokio_Preserve_fence.jpg)The completed Mokio Preserve predator-proof fence, photograph by Butch Haase, Moloka'i Land Trust* The [American Bird Conservancy](https://abcbirds.org/news/mokio-preserve-fence/) and the [Moloka](https://molokailandtrust.org/)‘[i Land Trust](https://molokailandtrust.org/) 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](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas).  “Vulnerable seabirds, including the [Laysan](https://abcbirds.org/bird/laysan-albatross/) (Mōlī) and [Black-footed Albatross](https://abcbirds.org/bird/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](https://abcbirds.org/bird/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](https://abcbirds.org/news/newells-shearwater-translocation-return-nihoku/), 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. *![Mokio laysan albatross decoys](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Mokio_laysan-albatross_decoys.png) 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”. ![Mokio Preserve fence 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Mokio_Preserve_fence_2.jpg)*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](https://acap.aq/search?q=Mokio&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). **Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20* June 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-completed-predator-proof-fence-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-molokai-will-provide-safe-haven-for-endangered-seabirds.md) ## Together or apart: the at-sea habitat preferences of Light-mantled and Sooty Albatrosses ![Phoebetria map Bentley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Phoebetria_map_Bentley.webp) *Tracks of foraging trips by Light-mantled Albatrosses (LMA) and Sooty Albatrosses (SA) during incubation from multiple colonies across their breeding range. Study colonies indicated by red diamonds.  From the publication* Lily Bentley ([Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge](https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/), UK) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Biogeography*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652699) on the at-sea distributions of Sooty *Phoebetria fusca* and Light-mantled *P. palpebrate* Albatrosses. The paper’s abstract follows: “Aim:  Competition is often proposed to drive niche segregation along multiple axes in speciose communities. Understanding spatial partitioning of foraging areas is particularly important in species that are constrained to a central place. We present a natural experiment examining variation in habitat preferences of congeneric Southern Ocean predators in sympatry and allopatry. Our aim was to ascertain consistency of habitat preferences within species, and to test whether preferences changed in the presence of the congener. Location:  Southern Hemisphere. Taxon:  Multiple colonies of both species within the genus *Phoebetria*(sooty albatrosses). Methods: The two *Phoebetria* albatrosses breed on islands located from ~37–55°S – sooty albatrosses (*P. fusca*) in the north and light-mantled albatrosses (*P. palpebrata*) in the south – with sympatric overlap at locations ~46–49°S. We analysed GPS and PTT tracks from 87 individuals and multiple remotely sensed environmental variables using GAMs, to determine and compare the key factors influencing habitat preference for each species at each breeding colony. Results:  While foraging habitat preferences are consistent in light-mantled albatrosses, there is divergence of preferences in sooty albatrosses depending on whether they are in sympatry with their congener or in allopatry. Main Conclusions:  This study represents the most comprehensive work on this genus  to date and highlights how habitat preferences and behavioural plasticity may influence species distributions under different competitive conditions.” **Reference:** Bentley, L.K., Phillips, R.A., Carpenter-Kling, T., Crawford, R.J.M., Cuthbert, R.J., Delord, K., Dilley, B.J., Makhado, A.B., Miller, P.L, Oppel, S., Pistorius, P., Ryan, P.G., Schoombie, S., Weimerskirch, H. & Manica, A. 2024.  Habitat preferences of *Phoebetria* albatrosses in sympatry and allopatry.  *[Journal of Biogeography](https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537509/1/Journal%20of%20Biogeography%20-%202024%20-%20Bentley%20-%20Habitat%20preferences%20of%20Phoebetria%20albatrosses%20in%20sympatry%20and%20allopatry.pdf)*[DOI: 10.1111/jbi.14966](https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537509/1/Journal%20of%20Biogeography%20-%202024%20-%20Bentley%20-%20Habitat%20preferences%20of%20Phoebetria%20albatrosses%20in%20sympatry%20and%20allopatry.pdf). 05 June 2024 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/together-or-apart-the-at-sea-habitat-preferences-of-light-mantled-and-sooty-albatrosses.md) ## Research on mercury concentrations in albatrosses and petrels reveals species-specific differences ![BBA Bird Island Richard Phillips](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_Bird_Island_Richard_Phillips.jpg)*Mercury levels of body feathers of Black-browed Albatrosses (pictured) were tested as part of the study. Photo by Richard Phillips* William F. Mills ([Department of Geography and Environmental Science](https://www.reading.ac.uk/ges/), University of Reading, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology](https://link.springer.com/journal/244) on variations in mercury levels in albatrosses and petrels in the South Atlantic. ![Boxplots of total Hg concentrations feathers of albatrosses and petrels sampled Bird Island South Georgia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Boxplots_of_total_Hg_concentrations_feathers_of_albatrosses_and_petrels_sampled_Bird_Island-South_Georgia.png)*Figure 1 from the paper: Boxplots of total Hg concentrations (µg g−1 dw) in body feathers of albatrosses and petrels sampled at Bird Island, South Georgia. Species abbreviations are as follows: BBA = black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris; NGP = northern giant petrel Macronectes halli; SGP = southern giant petrel M. giganteus; WA = wandering albatross Diomedea exulans; WCP = white-chinned petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis. Samples were collected from southern giant petrels in the 2011/2012 breeding season and from all other species in 2014/2015. Species sharing superscript letters are not significantly different according to post-hoc Tukey’s HSD tests. Boxplots show medians (horizontal lines), interquartile range (IQR; boxes), the lowest and highest values within 1.5 × IQR (whiskers) and outliers (black points)* The paper’s abstract follows: “Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that can negatively impact the health of humans and wildlife. Albatrosses and large petrels show some of the highest levels of Hg contamination among birds, with potential repercussions for reproduction and survival. Here, body feather total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined in breeding adults of five species of albatrosses and large petrels in the foraging guild at South Georgia during the mid-2010s. We tested the effects of species, sex and trophic ecology (inferred from stable isotopes) on THg concentrations and compared our results with published values from past decades. Feather THg concentrations differed significantly among species (range: 1.9–49.6 µg g−1 dw), and were highest in wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans, intermediate in black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophris and northern giant petrels Macronectes halli, and lowest in southern giant petrels M. giganteus and white-chinned petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis. Females were more contaminated than males in all species, potentially due to differences in distributions and diet composition. Across species, THg concentrations were not correlated with feather δ13C or δ15N values, implying that species effects (e.g., breeding and moulting frequencies) may be more important than trophic effects in explaining feather THg concentrations in this foraging guild. Within species, the only significant correlation was between THg and δ13C in wandering albatrosses, which could reflect higher Hg exposure in subtropical waters. Comparisons with THg concentrations from past studies, which reflect contamination from 10 to > 60 years ago, revealed considerable annual variation and some evidence for increases over time for wandering and black-browed albatrosses since before 1950 and from the late 1980s, respectively.” **Reference:** Mills, W.F., Bustamante, P., Ramírez, F. *et al*. 2024.  Mercury Concentrations in Feathers of Albatrosses and Large Petrels at South Georgia: Contemporary Patterns and Comparisons with Past Decades.  Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 86: 363-374 . [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-024-01067-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-024-01067-9) *03 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mercury-concentrations-in-albatrosses-and-petrels-study-reveals-species-specific-differences-and-potential-increases-in-mercury-levels-over-the-past-decades.md) ## With the rats eliminated, Peruvian Diving Petrels return to breed on Chile’s Pajaros Uno Island *![Peruvian Diving Petrel chick Island Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Peruvian_Diving_Petrel_chick_Island_Conservation.webp) A Peruvian Diving Petrel chick on**Pajaros Uno Island**, photograph from Island Conservation* [Peruvian Diving Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/Peruvian-Diving-petrel-Pelecanoides-garnotii) *Pelecanoides garnotii* have returned to breed on Chile’s [Pajaros Uno Island](https://www.islandconservation.org/pajaros-uno-island/) following the eradication of Black Rats *Rattus rattus* in 2020, confirmed as successful two years later ([click here](https://au.news.yahoo.com/locally-extinct-bird-lured-back-to-remote-island-with-audio-recording-031849830.html)).  Two pairs of have been found breeding this year on the 70-ha island”.  “The audio recordings were played on a specialised solar-powered sound system and during the night when the sea was calm the sounds could be heard up to 300 metres away from the island.” *![Pajaros Uno Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Pajaros_Uno_Island.webp) Pajaros Uno Island, photograph from Island Conservation* The island also supports breeding populations of Peruvian Boobies *Sula variegata*, Kelp Gulls *Larus dominicanus**and Humboldt* Penguins *Spheniscus humboldti.* *![Peruvian Diving Petrel Island Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Peruvian_Diving_Petrel_Island_Conservation.webp) A Peruvian Diving Petrel at sea, photograph by Island Conservation* The successful eradication effort was undertaken by the [Chilean Ministry of the Environment](https://www.gob.cl/en/ministries/ministry-of-the-environment/) and the environmental NGO [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/). *07 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/with-the-rats-eliminated-peruvian-diving-petrels-return-to-breed-on-chiles-pajaros-uno-island.md) ## Last days for Amsterdam Island’s rats and mice? The eradication project gets underway *![Norway Rat Amsterdam 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Norway_Rat_Amsterdam_2.JPG) A trapped Norway Rat on Amsterdam Island, photograph by Thomas Goisque* The eradication of Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus* and House Mice *Mus musculus*has commenced in earnest on France’s sub-Antarctic [Amsterdam Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross) in the southern Indian Ocean.  Preparations on the island by the project[RECI](https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/projet-reci/) (Restauration des écosystèmes insulaires de l’océan Indien; Restoration of Insular Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean) started around April this year, with the aerial drop of rodenticide cereal bait due to have commenced before the end of May, according to the Facebook page of Terres australes et antarctiques françaises ([TAAF](https://www.facebook.com/TAAFofficiel)). *![Eradication Amsterdam 6 Lucie Pichot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Eradication_Amsterdam_6_Lucie_Pichot.jpg) Collecting apples in the**Cratère**Antonelli, photograph by Lucie Pichot* *![Eradication Amsterdam 4 Lucie Pichot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Eradication_Amsterdam_4_Lucie_Pichot.jpg) Test loading the bucket, photograph by Lucie Pichot* Initial activities have included setting up photographic traps, installing grids to guide manual bait spreading in and around the Martin-de-Viviès scientific station and at Point Benedict, collecting apples in the Cratère Antonelli to limit a food source for rodents, and a field test of loading the bait spreader. *![Herbivorie de de la souris grise sur des capsules de Phylica arborea Florian Leemann](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Herbivorie_de_de_la_souris_grise_sur_des_capsules_de_Phylica_arborea_Florian_Leemann.jpg) A House Mouse feeds on a fruit of the dwarf tree*Phylica arborea *on Amsterdam Island, photograph by Florian Leemann* Amsterdam Island’s Norway Rats have been suspected of being a carrier for the bacterium *Pasteurella multocida*, responsible for avian cholera which kills chicks of the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728372) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri*, on the island, of which two- thirds of the world population breeds on Amsterdam’s Entrecasteaux Cliffs. **![Cat Amsterdam](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Cat_Amsterdam.JPG)* Already gone?  Feral cats on Amsterdam Island have been*a [target](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230111-french-island-plans-mass-rodent-cull-to-save-albatross-eggs) of RECI by trapping and shooting*, photograph by**Mathias Régnier* Read more about the Amsterdam eradication [here](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230111-french-island-plans-mass-rodent-cull-to-save-albatross-eggs), [here](https://polarjournal.ch/en/2023/01/12/deratization-of-amsterdam-island/) and [here](http://saintpauletamsterdam.blogspot.com/2017/12/mammiferes-introduits-une-nouvelle.html).  “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” was ACAP's theme for the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/last-days-for-amsterdam-islands-rats-and-mice-the-eradication-project-gets-underway.md) ## Celebrating 10 years of pest eradication at Australia’s Macquarie Island  ![BBA Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_Melanie_Wells.jpg) *A Black-browed Albatross on Macquarie Island, photograph by Melanie Wells* Nick Duigan, Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Environment and Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water have issued a [joint communique](https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/site_resources_2015/additional_releases/celebrating-10-years-of-pest-eradication-at-macquarie-island) to mark a decade of Autralia’s sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island being free of introduced vertebrates.  The media release text follows: “In April 2014, a major project to eradicate all rabbits and rodents from Macquarie Island was officially declared a success.  Ten years on, the island is showing remarkable signs of recovery, with lush vegetation lining its once barren slopes and the return of breeding seabirds such as burrowing petrels.  Macquarie Island is located halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica.  It is one of Australia’s most significant conservation reserves and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. *![1 macq is](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/1_macq_is.jpg) A view of Macquarie Island, photograph by Aleks Terauds* Planning for the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project began in 2007 with the aim of removing three introduced pest species – rabbits, rats and mice – and restoring the island’s outstanding natural values.  The [AU]$24 million project was co-funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments and managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service with the assistance of the Australian Antarctic Division.  Tasmanian Government Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said it was the most ambitious pest eradication program conducted in the state’s history. “The introduction of rabbits, rats and mice to Macquarie Island had devastating impacts on the island’s natural wildlife and ecology,” Minister Duigan said “Overgrazing by rabbits caused extensive loss of vegetation cover, destroying the breeding grounds of nesting seabirds and triggering widespread erosion.  Rats preyed on seabird eggs and chicks, while mice ate insects, worms and other invertebrates, disturbing the ecological balance of the island. “Following years of meticulous planning, the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication teams of 2011 and 2012 successfully rid the island of all three targeted species.  This remarkable outcome is testament to the tireless efforts of the rangers, baiters, hunters and their support crews who delivered the program in remote and challenging conditions.  We thank them for their contributions.  We also acknowledge Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service for its ongoing management and preservation of the outstanding universal values of Macquarie Island.” *![2 rabbit damage](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/2_rabbit_damage.jpg) No longer a problem.  Denudation and erosion caused by European Rabbits on Macquarie Island, photograph by Aleks Terauds* Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the eradication of rabbits and rodents had huge benefits for threatened species on the island. “Macquarie Island is a wildlife wonderland – home to millions of penguins, seals and seabirds. It is fantastic to see the island’s plants and animals thrive 10 years after the eradication of rabbits and rodents.  “The increase in vegetation cover has improved breeding habitat for albatross and the eradication of rodent predators has seen burrowing petrels flourish.  The long-term benefits and impacts of the pest eradication program will continue to be monitored through the 10-year Macquarie Island Wildlife Monitoring Program.” “This project will assess wildlife populations on Macquarie Island so we get an accurate snapshot and monitor trends over time.  The data will allow us to better protect this exceptional place for our kids and grandkids. “This is a great example of our government’s commitment to restore damaged landscapes and shows what marvellous results can be achieved.  The Australian Government also announced in this month’s budget we will rebuild the station on Macquarie Island to continue world-leading science like this.” *![dogs mac island tpws](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/dogs_mac_island_tpws.jpg) Trained dogs were used to help eradicate European Rabbits, Black Rats and House Mice on Macquarie Island, p**hotograph by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service* Macquarie Island has a long history of battling the impacts of introduced pests.  The island was discovered by sealers in 1810, and they brought with them cats, dogs and rodents.  From the 1860s they introduced rabbits and Weka as a food source.  Weka were eradicated in 1989 and feral cats were eradicated by 2000, but rabbits, mice and rats continued to thrive.  By the mid-2000s, the rabbit population was estimated to exceed 125,000.  After extensive planning and research, calicivirus was introduced to Macquarie Island in February 2011 and proved very effective, killing an estimated 80-90 per cent of the rabbit population in a few weeks. This was followed by an aerial baiting programme in the winter 2011.  The last rabbit was recorded on the island in November 2011, and after three years of intensive patrolling by conservation dogs and their handlers, the project was declared a success in 2014. Read video interviews [here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2024/macquarie-islands-astounding-recovery-ten-years-on-from-rats-mice-and-rabbits/) and [here](https://images.antarctica.gov.au/rs9/pages/search.php?search=%21collection13512&k=8cc46929bd) on the island's recovery. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/celebrating-10-years-of-pest-eradication-at-australias-macquarie-island.md) ## White-capped Albatrosses on Disappointment Island get studied for another year *![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_3.jpg)A White-capped Albatross breeding on [Disappointment Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-69-disappointment-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-white-capped-albatross), photograph by Graham Parker* Graham Parker ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand) and colleagues have produced a draft report for the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/about-csp/) on their recent research on globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-capped-albatross-thalassarche-steadi/text) White-capped Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi* in the Auckland Islands. The report’s summary follows: “White-capped albatrosses are the most frequently incidentally bycaught albatross species in New Zealand commercial fisheries. The species ranks highly in New Zealand Government risk assessment, with uncertainty around the estimate of adult survival.  A white-capped albatross mark-recapture study was established on Disappointment Island in January 2015 to improve estimates of adult survival, and other key population demographic parameters.  A 3.5-day research trip to Disappointment Island was conducted 18–21 January; the tenth visit to the island for white-capped albatross survival rate research.  Annual survival rates for white-capped albatrosses vary substantially year-on-year, ranging between 0.83 ± 0.06 (± SE) in 2015 to 0.96 ± 0.03 in 2020.  Mean annual survival over that period was 0.89 ± 0.04 (excluding the estimate for 2018 which had particularly high variance).  Robust estimates of survival and productivity of white-capped albatross require continued visits to Disappointment Island.  Banding should be a high priority to ensure the core mark-recapture study is not compromised, since precision of survival estimates is reliant on it.  Tracking devices, and cameras to assess productivity, were also recovered and deployed.” **Reference:** Parker, G.C., Osborne, J., Sagar, R., Schultz, H. & Rexer-Huber, K. 2024.  *[White-capped albatross population study, Disappointment Island 2024](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/meetings/2024/twg-28-may/pop2022-08-wca-draft-report.pdf).  *DRAFT Final report to the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. Dunedin:  Parker Conservation. 14 pp. *27 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-capped-albatrosses-on-disappointment-island-get-studied-for-another-year.md) ## Celebrating 20 years of seabird conservation: ACAP highlights achievements and future challenges ![Jacket ACAP 20 Year Anniversary Booklet English Digital 1.1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Jacket__ACAP_-_20_Year_Anniversary_Booklet_-_English_-_Digital_1.1.jpg) The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) marked a significant milestone this year on the 1 February, celebrating 20 years since coming into force in 2004. To mark this occasion, ACAP has released a special booklet, *[Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels: Achievements in the First 20 Years 2004-2024](https://acap.aq/all-the-docs/english/secretariat-1/4642-acap-20-year-anniversary-publication/file),* chronicling its journey and achievements of the past two decades. ![ACAP Notable Achievements 20 Year Anniversary Booklet 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/ACAP_Notable_Achievements_-_20_Year_Anniversary_Booklet_1.jpg) The booklet serves as both a celebration of ACAP’s accomplishments and a call to action for future endeavours. It highlights the vital work done by Parties, researchers, non-Party Range States, Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other entities to protect these incredible seabirds. Additionally, it emphasises the need for continued international collaboration, innovative research, and the implementation of robust conservation measures to ensure a future for the 31 species listed under the Agreement. ![ACAP Notable Achievements 20 Year Anniversary Booklet 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/ACAP_Notable_Achievements_-_20_Year_Anniversary_Booklet_2.jpg) Speaking about the booklet’s release, ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle said, "The commemorative booklet serves as a testament to ACAP's collective dedication in safeguarding the world's albatrosses and petrels. It not only celebrates our past achievements but also ignites a renewed commitment towards a future where these majestic seabirds thrive." ACAP would like to thank Graphic Designer, [David Mackenzie](https://www.dmackenzie.com), for producing the booklet, and the many photographers who have contributed to the booklet with their incredible images. Achievements in the First 20 Years: 2004-2024 is now available to download from the ACAP website in ACAP's three official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/about-acap), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/a-propos-de-l-acap) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/acerca-de-acap). 28 May 2024 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/celebrating-20-years-of-seabird-conservation-acaps-commemorative-booklet-highlights-achievements-and-future-challenges.md) ## A Black-browed Albatross survives ingesting an orange balloon – and gets to fly again *![Orange balloon juv BBA 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Orange_balloon_juv_BBA_2.jpg)“A* *piece of plastic wrapper and part of an orange balloon” removed from the juvenile Black-browed Albatross, photograph from the Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao* In April this year a juvenile [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris* was found in poor condition near New Zealand’s Wellington Airport and taken to The Nest Te Kōhanga, Wellington Zoo’s animal hospital, as reported on the Zoo’s [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/WgtnZoo). “The juvenile albatross was very weak, and our vets put him on pain relief, fluids, and a diet of fish slurry.  Blood tests came back normal, and the albatross was put under general anaesthetic so our vet team could take a full set of X-rays.  To check whether this albatross had any plastic in his stomach, our vets performed an endoscopy, sending a camera down his throat to look around his gut.”  A piece of plastic wrapper and part of an orange balloon were then removed from its stomach. *![Orange balloon juv BBA 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Orange_balloon_juv_BBA_1.jpg)  Performing the endoscopy, photograph from the Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao* In mid-May a team from The Nest Te Kōhanga took a boat ride out to the middle of the Cook Strait to release the recovered Black-browed Albatross at sea.  Watch a video of its release [here](https://www.facebook.com/WgtnZoo/videos/1431201007524288). Access earlier articles in *ACAP Latest News* of balloons ingested by ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=balloon&w1=before&w2=before). "[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)" was ACAP's theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2023. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-black-browed-albatross-survives-ingesting-an-orange-balloon-and-gets-to-fly-again.md) ## Updated Strategic Plan unveiled by the Ornithological Council ![Ornithological Council Logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Ornithological_Council_Logo.jpg) The [Ornithological Council](https://birdnet.org) (OC) of the Americas has unveiled its updated strategic plan. Founded in 1992, the OC brings together a network of ornithological organisations dedicated to the study and conservation of bird species across the Americas, including: - Association of Field Ornithologists - Birds Caribbean - CIPAMEX: Sociedad para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves en México - Neotropical Ornithological Society - North American Crane Working Group - Pacific Seabird Group - Raptor Research Foundation - Waterbird Society - Wilson Ornithological Society The refreshed strategic plan introduces an updated mission: 1. Ensure that top-tier ornithological science informs policy, research, and management decisions impacting birds and their study. 2. Protect and enhance the professional pursuits of ornithologists. 3. Act as the unified voice of the ornithological community, increasing the impact of ornithological knowledge in public affairs. Additionally, the plan highlights a new organizational value: “The ornithological community recognizes the value and importance of embracing human and geographic diversity within the ornithological community and literature.” The new strategic plan, developed with input from the entire OC board of directors, (which includes representatives of all the OC member societies) can be downloaded from the OC’s website, [here](https://birdnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OC-strategic-plan-2024-full-color.pdf). *20 May 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/updated-strategic-plan-unveiled-by-the-ornithological-council.md) ## Breeding survey of Pink-footed Shearwaters on Isla Mocha, Chile *![Grisselle Chock Pink footed Shearwater watercolour gouache Peter Hodumjpg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Grisselle_Chock_Pink-footed_Shearwater_watercolour_gouache_Peter_Hodumjpg.jpg)Pink-footed Shearwater, gouache watercolour for ACAP by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist, Griselle Chock, after a photograph by Peter Hodum* Ryan Carle ([Oikonos-Ecosystem Knowledge](https://www.oikonos.org/), Santiago, Chile) and colleagues have published in the online journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on a breeding survey of the [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) and ACAP-listed Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Species population estimates are a fundamental component of conservation planning, but there are deficiencies in reliable data for many seabirds. The Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* is a seabird that breeds on three islands worldwide, with the largest population on Isla Mocha, Chile. We aimed to update the breeding population estimate of Pink-footed Shearwaters on Isla Mocha, comparing results from design- and model-based estimation methods. We counted shearwater burrows in 220 randomly generated five-meter-radius plots across pre-defined strata on Isla Mocha. We estimated total number of burrows using area-based extrapolation (design-based method), and separately using a model predicting burrow density based on habitat (model-based method). We multiplied burrow abundance estimates by burrow occupancy for final population estimates. The stratum-area-weighted burrow density estimate for the 15.8 km2 study area was 0.0106 burrows·m-2 (standard error [SE] = 0.0030). The average island-wide proportion of occupied burrows was 0.758 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.121). The design-based method estimated 168 209 burrows (95% confidence interval [CI] = 74 715-261 704, coefficient of variation [CV] = 0.28), and 127 503 breeding pairs (95% CI = 87 610-167 395). The model-based method estimated 233 436 burrows (95% CI = 151 237-332 179, CV = 0.19) and 181 859 breeding pairs (95% CI = 95 773-267 945, CV = 0.24). These population estimates are greater than previous estimates for Isla Mocha, whose means ranged from 19 440-42 095 breeding pairs. Because our study design differed from those used to generate previous estimates, our estimate should be considered a stand-alone result rather than an increase in the breeding population. Because of the low fit of the model-based result, the design-based result may be a more reliable estimate to use for species management efforts. Based on our estimate, approximately 90% of the Pink-footed Shearwater world population breeds on Isla Mocha, and with its restriction to only three breeding localities world-wide, the species remains vulnerable. The full manuscript in Spanish can be found in Appendix 1, available on the website.” **Reference:** Carle, R.D, Varela, T., Colodro, V., Clark-Wolf, T., Felis, J., Hodum, P., Astete Castillo, F.J. & López, V. 2024.  Breeding population size of the Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* on Isla Mocha, Chile.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1571)*[52: 85-96](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1571). *22 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/breeding-population-size-of-the-pink-footed-shearwater-on-isla-mocha-chile.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Who was Osbert Salvin whose name was given to Salvin’s Albatross? *![Salvin Osbert 1835 1898](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Salvin_Osbert_1835-1898.jpg) Osbert Salvin FRS (25 February 1835 - 1 June 1898)* Salvin’s Albatross *Thalassarche salvini* was named after the 19th Century English ornithologist and entomologist [Osbert Salvin FRS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osbert_Salvin) by Lord [Lionel Walter Rothschild](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Walter_Rothschild) in 1893 (as *Thalassogeron salvini* sp. nov.).  Rothschild renamed the bird, previously known as the Shy Albatross *T. cauta*, because “In coloration this species is apparently greyer on the head and neck, the dark loral mark in front of the eye being very conspicuous” ([click here](https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Stout73-t12-body-d2-d35.html) and see below). *![Salvins Albatross Snares Paul Sagar 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Salvins%20Albatross%20Snares%20Paul%20Sagar%206.jpg) A Salvin’s Albatross on its nest on the Western Chain, Snares Islands, photograph by Paul Sagar* In 1874 Salvin was appointed as the first [Strickland Curator](https://www.nature.com/articles/010250a0) at the University of Cambridge; three years previously he had become editor of the British Ornithologists’ Union ([BOU](https://bou.org.uk/)) journal [*The Ibis*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919X), a position he held for a decade  He was a [Fellow of the Royal Society](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fellow_of_the_Royal_Society), and also of the Linnean, Zoological and Entomological Societies, and at the time of his death was Secretary of the BOU.  The [Godman-Salvin Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godman-Salvin_Medal), an award instituted by the BOU in 1919 as “a signal honour for distinguished ornithological work”, is named after him and [Frederick DuCane Godman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_DuCane_Godman).  An interesting connection is that the medal was awarded over a century after Salvin’s death to the well-known albatross researcher and conservationist [John P. Croxall CBE, FRS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Croxall) in 2004, who was actively involved with ACAP in its early years and chaired BirdLife International’s [Global Seabird Programme.](https://www.birdlife.org/marine/) *![Osbert Salvin00](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Osbert_Salvin00.jpg) A signed photograph of Osbert Salvin in his later years* The globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698388) and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/salvins-mollymawk) Salvin’s Albatross is endemic to New Zealand, where it breeds on the sub-Antarctic Bounty Islands and the Snares Western Chain with an estimated total breeding population of around 52 000 pairs.  Alternative names appearing in the literature for Salvin’s Albatross include Bounty Island Albatross and Grey-backed Albatross (or Mollymawk), although both seem to be little used.![Salvins Albatross Keulemans](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Salvins_Albatross_Keulemans.jpg)Salvin’s *Albatross, by Dutch illustrator Johannes Gerardus Keulemans, from*[A History of the Birds of New Zealand](https://www.rct.uk/collection/1057025/a-history-of-the-birds-of-new-zealand-by-walter-lawry-buller)*by Walter Buller* This is the second in an occasional series that considers how eponymously named ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels came to be named.  The [first](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-walter-buller-and-should-bullers-albatross-still-be-named-after-him-the-tricky-issue-of-birds-with-eponymous-names) in the series addressed Buller’s Albatross *T. bulleri*.  The next in the series will be the on [Black or Parkinson’s Petrel](https://acap.aq/acap-species/291-black-petrel/file) *Procellaria parkinsoni*. **Reference:** ![bulletinofbritis14unse 0088](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/bulletinofbritis14unse_0088.jpg)  Rothschild, W. 1893.  THALASSOGERON SALVINI, sp. nov.  [*Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club* 1(10): lviii](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/62229805#page/88/mode/1up). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-osbert-salvin-whose-name-was-given-to-salvins-albatross.md) ## A colour-banded Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross gets photographed at sea - and tells a story *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Gibsons_Albatross_24J_05_May_2024_Hannah_Fairbairn_1.jpg)Black 24J off Port MacDonnell, South Australia, 5 May 2024, photograph by Hannah Fairbairn* On 5 May 2024 Hannah Fairbairn photographed a great albatross *Diomedea* spp. at sea while seabird watching on a “pelagic trip” aboard the *Jaymar Star* of [Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters](https://www.portmacfishing.com.au/index.php) operating out of Port MacDonnell, South Australia to the continental shelf break approximately 30 km offshore, as reported on the [Port MacDonnell Seabirds and Pelagics - South Australia](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2121292257931530/) Facebook Page.  The bird carried a metal band on its right leg and plastic colour band black 24J on its left.  Read a trip report of the outing [here](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/johnc/Downloads/Pelagic%2520132%2520Port%2520Mac%25205th%2520May%25202024.pdf). *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Gibsons_Albatross_24J_05_May_2024_Hannah_Fairbairn_2.jpg) Close-up of the Black 24J and metal bands, photograph by Hannah Fairbairn* White lettering on black colour bands is recorded by the [New Zealand National Bird Banding Scheme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/bird-banding/) as being used on the Gibson’s subspecies of the Antipodean Albatross*D. antipodensis gibsoni*on Adams Island in the Auckland Islands group, where Black 24J was banded as a chick on 11 December 2022 by well-known albatross researchers, [Graeme Elliott](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-and-conservationist-graeme-elliott-is-made-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJncmFlbWUiLCJlbGxpb3R0Il0=) and [Kath Walker](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJ3YWxrZXIiLCJ3YWxrZXJzIl0=).  The sighting is apparently the first time the bird has been reported since its banding. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Gibsons_Albatross_24J_05_May_2024_Hannah_Fairbairn_4.jpg) Profile view of Black 24J,**photograph by Hannah Fairbairn* In response to a query by *ACAP Latest News*, Kath writes: “The photo Hannah took of Black-24J at just over two years old is super interesting as we so rarely see birds of that age and haven’t known the timing of the moult of their juvenile brown feathers.  It looks like they must start moulting their dark brown plumage only 6-12 months after they fledge, when they are 16–22 months old. We’d assumed this to be the case because the longest time we’ve managed to retain satellite transmitters taped onto the back feathers of juvenile Gibson’s Albatrosses just before they fledge is 16 months (i.e. all the juveniles we tracked had moulted out their original back feathers by 25 months of age). When Graeme and I banded Black-24J it still had quite a lot of down on its neck and belly so we were unsure whether it was a male or a female. However, at 25 months it already looks so white on the back in the photos we think it’s more likely it is a male.” *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Gibsons_Albatross_24J_05_May_2024_Hannah_Fairbairn_3.jpg)  Another view of Black 24J, with a Shy Albatross*Thalassarche cauta *in front,**photograph by Hannah Fairbairn* * *Identification of the five taxa of great albatrosses in the “Wandering Group” at sea in regions where more than one taxon is likely to occur will always be difficult, given the subtle differences in appearance, made harder by gender and age changes in plumage.  Thus, confirming an ID made at sea by the presence of leg bands that have been photographed is both useful for learning how to identify the taxa and to add to knowledge of their at-sea distributions. With thanks to Hannah Fairbairn and Kath Walker ONZM. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 June 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-colour-banded-gibsons-albatross-from-adams-island-gets-photographed-at-sea-off-australia.md) ## Is the Short-tailed Albatross made up of two cryptic species? New genetic information from Torishima *![Eda cryptic](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Eda_cryptic.jpg) Locations of Short-tailed Albatross breeding sites from the publication.  Note the**Senkaku/**Diaoyu/**Tiaoyutai**Islands are disputed territory* Masaki Eda ([The Hokkaido University Museum](https://www.museum.hokudai.ac.jp/english/), Sapporo, Japan) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Avian Conservation and Ecology*](https://ace-eco.org/) on genetic aspects of two populations of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* ![Eda paper Short tailed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Eda_paper_Short-tailed_Albatrosses.jpg)*![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/Picture1.jpg) Access*[*earlier publications*](https://acap.aq/search?q=Eda%20albatrus&w1=before&w2=before)*by Masaki Eda on the genetics of Short-tailed Albatrosses* The paper’s abstract follows: “When secondary contact occurs between allopatric sister species, several evolutionary consequences are expected, such as reinforcement of reproductive isolation, hybrid speciation, de-speciation, introgressive hybridization, or formation of a stable hybrid zone.  The Short-tailed Albatross (*Phoebastria albatrus*) is a vulnerable seabird that breeds mainly in Torishima, the Izu Islands, and two islets in the Senkaku Islands in the western North Pacific. Recent studies revealed that Short-tailed Albatross comprises two cryptic species (Senkaku-type and Torishima-type) that breed sympatrically on Torishima.  Ringed (hatched in Torishima) and unringed (probably hatched in the Senkaku Islands) birds mate in a mutually assortative manner at the Hatsunezaki colony (artificially established in 1995) on Torishima.  However, observations of some ringed–unringed pairs suggest possible hybridization between the two cryptic species.  To clarify the degree of hybridization, we analyzed microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA control region 2 (CR2) sequences of chicks from Hatsunezaki and Tsubamezaki (original colony discovered in 1951) colonies and of unringed birds from Hatsunezaki. In general, both CR2 sequences and microsatellites revealed genetic differentiation between immigrants from the Senkaku Islands (unringed birds) and chicks hatched in Tsubamezaki.  These findings support the existence of two cryptic species.  Each chick obtained from four ringed–unringed parent pairs at Hatsunezaki displayed a high proportion of alleles from just a single population.  In contrast, some chicks in Tsubamezaki had a medium proportion of alleles from both populations.  Breeding unringed subadult plumage birds, which were probable immigrants from the Senkaku Islands, were observed in Hatsunezaki but not in Tsubamezaki.  Therefore, we propose that interspecific pairing occurred in the past but infrequently in recent generations on Torishima, suggesting historical reinforcement of reproductive isolation.  Further microsatellite DNA studies of chicks from Hatsunezaki are required to confirm whether reinforcement of reproductive isolation is achieved. Alternatively, nearly complete pre-mating isolation between the two species was established in the past, but the scarcity of Senkaku-type birds in Torishima has facilitated hybridization.” **Reference:** Eda, M., Izumi, H., Konno, S. Konno, M., Watanabe, Y. & F. Sato. 2023.  Evidence of historical pairing between two cryptic species of Short-tailed Albatross.  [*Avian Conservation and Ecology* 18(1): 3](https://ace-eco.org/vol18/iss1/art3/). *23 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/is-the-short-tailed-albatross-made-up-of-two-cryptic-species-new-genetic-information-from-torishima.md) ## Are Southern Giant Petrels a “fearful scourge” to penguins?  ![Southern Giant Petrel with penguin Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Southern%20Giant%20Petrel%20with%20penguin%20Peter%20Ryan.jpg)*A Southern Giant Petrel with the carcass of a Northern Rockhopper Penguin*Eudyples moseleyi*, photograph by Peter Ryan (**[click here](https://bioone.org/journals/ardea/volume-96/issue-1/078.096.0116/Giant-Petrels-Macronectes-Hunting-Northern-Rockhopper-Penguins-Eudyptes-moseleyi-at/10.5253/078.096.0116.full)**for publication)* Eric Wagner ([Center for Ecosystem Sentinels](https://www.washington.edu/research/research-centers/center-for-penguins-as-ocean-sentinels/), Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758)*on an observation of Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus*attacking a Magellanic Penguin *Spheniscus magellanicus.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Southern giant petrels (*Macronectes giganteus*) are important consumers that range across the oceans throughout the southern hemisphere.  In Argentina, previous studies have shown they eat primarily pinnipeds and penguins, which they are assumed to scavenge, although there are occasional anecdotes of them attacking living penguins.  Here we describe a predation attempt by a trio of southern giant petrels on a molting adult Magellanic penguin (*Spheniscus magellanicus*) at the large colony at Punta Tombo, Argentina.  We relate giant petrel attendance patterns at the colony to the penguins' phenology, showing how giant petrel numbers rise with the increasing prevalence of vulnerable penguins.  We suggest that living penguins—both fledglings and adults—may constitute a more seasonally significant proportion of the giant petrel diet than previously assumed, and their capture may represent a specialized predation technique.” **Reference:** Wagner, E.L., Rebstock, G.A. & Boersma, P.D. 2024.  A fearful scourge to the penguin colonies: Southern giant petrel (*Macronectes giganteus*) predation on living Magellanic penguins (*Spheniscus magellanicus*) may be more common than assumed.  [*Ecology and Evolution*. 2024;14:e11258](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.11258). *17 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/are-southern-giant-petrels-a-fearful-scourge-to-penguins.md) ## Studies evaluate the Marine Stewardship Council’s new risk assessment tools and enhanced standards to protect vulnerable species including seabirds ![trawl SOST2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/trawl_SOST2.jpg)*Albatrosses and petrels throng to the net of a trawl vessel; photograph courtesy of Save our Seabirds* Two papers focused on the recent Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries Standard Review have been published in the journal *[Marine Policy](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-policy/vol/163/suppl/C)*.   Stephanie Good (Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, UK) and colleagues’, “Adapting the Marine Stewardship Council risk-based framework to estimate impacts on seabirds, marine mammals, marine turtles and sea snakes”, evaluates the effectiveness of the MSC's semi-quantitative Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) in assessing risk, particularly for species with limited data availability. By testing existing PSA frameworks and developing new taxa-specific PSAs, the study aims to provide more accurate and precautionary outcomes for these vulnerable taxa.  Meanwhile, the second paper from Stephanie Good and colleagues, “Updating requirements for Endangered, Threatened and Protected species MSC Fisheries Standard v3.0 to operationalise best practices”, addresses the requirements within the MSC Fisheries Standard v3.0 concerning Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) species. Through a comprehensive review process, the paper outlines revised standards aimed at achieving greater consistency in the management of impacts on ETP species and aligning with global best practices.  The papers’ abstracts follow: - *Adapting the Marine Stewardship Council risk-based framework to estimate impacts on seabirds, marine mammals, marine turtles and sea snakes* “Information available on impacts of fisheries on target or bycatch species varies greatly, requiring development of risk assessment tools to determine potentially unacceptable levels. Seabirds, marine mammals, marine turtles and sea snakes are particularly vulnerable given their extreme life histories, and data are often lacking on their populations or bycatch rates with which to quantify fisheries impacts. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) use a semi-quantitative Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) that is applicable to all species, target and non-target, to calculate risk of impact and to provide a score for relevant Performance Indicators for fisheries undertaking certification. The most recent MSC Fisheries Standard Review provided an opportunity to test the appropriateness of using this tool and whether it was sufficiently precautionary for seabirds, marine mammals and reptiles . The existing PSA was tested on a range of species and fisheries and reviewed in relation to literature on these species groups. New taxa-specific PSAs were produced and then reviewed by taxa-specific experts and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., assessors, fisheries managers, non-governmental conservation organizations). The conclusions of the Fishery Standard Review process were that the new taxa-specific PSAs were more appropriate than the existing PSA for assessing fisheries risk for seabirds, marine mammals and reptiles, and that, as intended, they resulted in precautionary outcomes. The taxa-specific PSAs provide useful tools for true data-deficient fisheries to assess relative risk of impact. Where some data are available, the MSC could consider developing or adapting other approaches to support robust and relevant risk assessments.”  - *Updating requirements for Endangered, Threatened and Protected species MSC Fisheries Standard v3.0 to operationalise best practices* “Bycatch in fisheries is a key threat to non-target marine species, particularly for those species that have life histories with low productivity or poor conservation status. In this paper, the requirements of the new Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard (hereafter “the Standard”) are summarised relevant to Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species. This covers both how species are designated as ETP, and how performance of management is assessed with respect to ETP species, when scoring fisheries against the Standard. The process used to select these requirements is described, including a review of the requirements for earlier versions of the Standard and the scoring of these requirements in assessment reports for a selection of fisheries that have achieved MSC certification. The review identified a lack of consistency in the implementation of scoring guidelines, which was in part due to a lack of clarity in the requirements of the Standard. The revised Standard has been designed to achieve more consistent implementation of the requirements with respect to management of impacts on ETP species, and to align the requirements more closely with global best practice. The requirements may be used as a template for fisheries managers seeking to prioritise bycatch species for improved management and setting more specific and measurable objectives in relation to population status and minimising mortalities.” **References:** Good, S.D., Kate Dewar, K., Burns, P., Sainsbury, K., Phillips, R.A., Wallace, B.P., Fortuna, C., Udyawer, V., Robson, B., Melvin, E.F. and Currey, R.J.C. (2024) [Adapting the Marine Stewardship Council risk-based framework to estimate impacts on seabirds, marine mammals, marine turtles and sea snakes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X24001167). *Marine Policy *163, 106118. Good, S.D., McLennan, S., Gummery, M., Lent, R., Essingtone, T.E., Wallace, B.P., Phillips, R.A., Peatman, T., Baker, G.B., Reid, K. and Currey, R.J.C. (2024) [Updating requirements for Endangered, Threatened and Protected species MSC Fisheries Standard v3.0 to operationalise best practices](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X24001155). *Marine Policy *163, 106117*.* *15 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/studies-evaluate-the-marine-stewardship-councils-new-risk-assessment-tools-and-enhanced-standards-to-protect-vulnerable-species-including-seabirds.md) ## Plans are afoot to help conserve the Critically Endangered Galápagos Petrel *![conserving galapagos petrel plan for survival 1024x683](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/conserving-galapagos-petrel-plan-for-survival-1024x683.webp) A**Galápagos Petrel on its burrow nest, photograph from the Galápagos National Park Directorate* The Galápagos Petrel *Pterodroma phaeopygia*, endemic to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, is [Critically Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/galapagos-petrel-pterodroma-phaeopygia).  The species has been listed by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/en/species/pterodroma-phaeopygia)) in Annex 1 since 1979 and has been[proposed](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-to-gain-its-first-gadfly-petrel-ecuador-confirms-its-intention-to-nominate-the-galapagos-petrel-to-the-agreement?highlight=WyJnYWxhcGFnb3MiLCJnYWxhcGFnbyIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIl0=) in the past for listing by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).  In 2019 the First International Meeting for the Conservation of the Galápagos Petrel (Primera Reunión Internacional para la Conservación del Petrel de Galápagos) was held in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.  The purpose of the meeting, which ACAP attended, was to bring together researchers, governmental agencies and non-profit groups with the shared interest of coordinating future conservation actions for Ecuador’s endemic petrel and to draft an action plan ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/ecuador-hosts-an-international-workshop-on-its-endemic-galapagos-petrel?highlight=WyJnYWxhcGFnb3MiLCJnYWxhcGFnbyIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIl0=)). *![Galapagos Petrel Eric Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Galapagos_Petrel_Eric_Vanderwerf.jpg) Galápagos Petrel in flight, photograph by Eric VanderWerf* The Galápagos Petrel is known to breed on five islands: Floreana, Isabela, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Santiago.  Threats to the species include non-native species, both flora and fauna, and encroachment of human activities.  To address these threats the environmental NGO [Galápagos Conservancy](https://www.galapagos.org/projects/) has partnered with the [Galápagos National Park Directorate](https://galapagos.gob.ec/) to implement conservation projects on three of the breeding islands: Isabela, Santa Cruz and Santiago ([click here](https://www.galapagos.org/newsroom/conserving-the-galapagos-petrel-a-plan-for-survival/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1C6tX-tH0_mGkOMptlVA2rg8QeNvB2jnWHmEEZFEhmS2QzT4lK5EO5CeU_aem_AUvHoFh39T6AaXNqSbvHZb5NYTpZbUWLAbdEq4ZSFY0lwJBr9Qd_fn6831-evncJ7Wo_osNZ5kT0jqpABhQpZqSS) for a summary of the plans for each island).  *ACAP Latest News* has [previously reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-promising-signs-from-a-rodent-eradication-on-floreana-island-signals-hope-for-the-critically-endangered-galapagos-petrel?highlight=WyJnYWxhcGFnb3MiLCJnYWxhcGFnbyIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIl0=) on the recent effort to eradicate feral cats and rodents on Floreana. *![conserving galapagos petrel plan for survival 3 1024x683](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/conserving-galapagos-petrel-plan-for-survival-3-1024x683.webp) A downy Galápagos Petrel in its burrow, photograph from the Galápagos National Park Directorate* The Galápagos Conservancy writes: “With community support and international collaboration, we can ensure a future where these majestic birds continue to soar through the night skies of the Galápagos.  Management measures and decisions based on technical criteria, thanks to studies conducted, will also be critical to the conservation of this species.  The complex process of protecting this species demands constant effort, and we appreciate the support of our many donors, whose generosity supports the conservation actions implemented by our organization.  Every action, no matter how small, counts in this fight for the survival of the Galápagos Petrel.” ACAP held a one-day workshop on gadfly petrels of the genera *Pterodroma* and *Pseudobulweria* and other small petrels in Wellington, New Zealand in 2017, prior to the 10th Meeting of its Advisory Committee ([AC10](https://acap.aq/en/documents/advisory-committee/ac10)).  Read the workshop report [here](https://acap.aq/advisory-committee/ac10/ac10-meeting-documents/2882-ac10-doc-14-workshop-on-pterodroma-and-other-small-burrowing-petrels/file). Jo*hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plans-are-afoot-to-help-conshttps-www-acap-aq-administrator-index-php-option-com-content-task-article-edit-id-4922erve-the-critically-endangered-galapagos-petrel.md) ## The 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference takes place next week in Mexico. You can read the abstracts now  ![IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/IAPC7.jpeg)The 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference ([IAPC7](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/)) will be held next week in the coastal city of [Ensenada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensenada,_Baja_California), Baja California, Mexico over 20-26 May 2024.  An agenda and [Abstracts](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/) of the plenaries and oral presentations are now available on the conference website, revealing a number of papers being offered on ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters.  Titles and authors of 18 presentations to be made in a [poster session](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bk3dFsnj7d8XaH6rCPD9wm6YPVozi_Hj/view) during the evening of the 21st are also available on the IAPC7 website. ![IAPC7 bogle](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/IAPC7_bogle.jpg)Many members of the broader ACAP community are listed as senior or co-authors of oral and poster presentations, including Christine Bogle, ACAP’s Executive Secretary, who will present a plenary on the 23rd with the title “[20 years of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels](https://whova.com/embedded/speaker_session_detail/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/3471631/)”.  Other ACAP authors of oral presentations include Mike Double (ACAP Advisory Committee Chair), Tatiana Neves (ACAP Advisory Committee Vice-chair), Marco Favero, Patrícia Pereira Serafini and Richard Phillips (convenors, ACAP Population and Conservation Status Working Group) and Igor Debski, Dimas Gianuca and Sebastián Jiménez (convenors, ACAP Seabird Bycatch Group). ![IAPC7 workshop](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/IAPC7_workshop.jpg) Patrícia Serafini is also co-leading a workshop on the afternoon of the 23rd titled “Q&A Session and Wet Lab Training for working with Albatrosses and Petrels during the on-going High Pathogenicity H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak” ([click here](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/) for its description).  The workshop is being supported by the [ACAP Secondment Programme](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships/acap-secondments).  It is to be a hybrid model, with interested persons not attending the IAPC7 being able to follow the workshop virtually.  Read more about the workshop in [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-secondment-to-support-training-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-the-on-going-high-pathogenicity-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak?highlight=WyJzZXJhZmluaSJd). ![IAPC7 poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/IAPC7_poster.jpg)*IAPC7 attendees will hear about efforts to create Mexico’s first breeding population of Black-footed Albatrosses*Phoebastria nigripes *(click here for the*[*abstract*](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/)*)* *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-7th-international-albatross-and-petrel-conference-takes-place-next-week-in-mexico-you-can-read-the-abstracts-now.md) ## Simple yet effective: CCSBT infographics aim to help stop seabird bycatch in fisheries ![CCBST seabird bycatch mitigation infographics 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/CCBST_seabird_bycatch_mitigation_infographics_1.jpg)*One of the pages from the set of seabird bycatch mitigation infographics released by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT)* A set of [educational seabird bycatch mitigation infographics](https://www.ccsbt.org/sites/default/files/userfiles/file/ecologically_related_species/SeabirdProject_BycatchMitigation_infographics.pdf) aiming to reduce the incidence of seabird bycatch in Southern Bluefin Tuna fisheries has been released by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](https://www.ccsbt.org/en)). The infographics were produced as part of a project on enhancing education on, and implementation of, Ecologically Related Species seabird measures within CCSBT Fisheries (Seabird Project). The project is funded by the FAO-GEF Project “Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)”. Ross Wanless is the Seabird Project Manager for CCSBT and was heavily involved in the creation of the infographics. Ross explained the Seabird Project wanted the infographics to use maximum imagery with minimal text to convey the chosen mitigation measures.  “The CCSBT Seabird Project has a significant focus on supporting fishers to use mitigation correctly. The challenge is to communicate key concepts to the people who are responsible for using or not using them, i.e. the crew while they're onboard. So CCSBT decided to create near-text-free infographics that can convey keep concepts at-a-glance. They're designed to be placed on a wall somewhere visible that crew can review with ease,” said Ross. ![CCSBT graphics 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/CCSBT_graphics-2.jpg)*Left to right: the night setting and tori pole pages of the infographics* Choosing which measures to highlight in the infographics was also difficult Ross said, and involved the consideration of several criteria, including:  1. most challenging to understand why/how 2. most critical to good performance of the measure 3. can be explained with static, visual, text-free communication Sets of the infographics have been printed and laminated by the CCSBT for distribution at skipper training workshops run by the project for [Members](https://www.ccsbt.org/en). The infographics are also available to download at the [CCSBT website](https://www.ccsbt.org/en/content/bycatch-mitigation), as well as partner organisations, the FAO and ACAP.  The infographics can be found at the ACAP website under “Resources > Bycatch Mitigation” at the following link, [applewebdata://55D94490-D72D-4BB6-9F5E-1D9B4511543B/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-infographics](https://acap.aq/applewebdata://55D94490-D72D-4BB6-9F5E-1D9B4511543B/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-infographics)[https://www.acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-infographics](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-infographics). *6 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/catchy-graphics-aim-to-help-stop-seabird-bycatch-in-fisheries.md) ## The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation advertises for the position of Executive Secretary ![SPRFMO square unofficial logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SPRFMO_square_unofficial_logo.jpg) The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) is recruiting for the role of Executive Secretary. An extract from the advertisement is as follows: "SPRFMO is an international organisation responsible for the conservation and management of non‐highly migratory fishery resources in the Convention Area. The Secretariat of the Commission for the SPRFMO is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand. The Executive Secretary is responsible for the management and supervision of the Secretariat and the provision of advice to the Commission. The Executive Secretary is required to carry out, inter alia, the duties provided in Article 14 of the Convention, the Commission’s foundation instruments1, and any other such duties as may be directed by the Commission. In making an appointment to the position of the Executive Secretary, the SPRFMO Commission will be guided by the following selection criteria: 1. Demonstrated management knowledge and skills through relevant experience in national, regional or international organisations; 2. Knowledge or experience of fisheries management; 3. Knowledge or experience of the functions and operations of intergovernmental organisations at the regional or international level; 4. Knowledge or experience of such areas as: preparation of reports, financial budgets and management of expenditures; provision of secretariat support for international meetings; oversight and management of information technology; human resource management. 5. Demonstrated ability to communicate and work constructively and effectively in a multicultural environment with delegates from a wide range of countries, including managers, scientists and technical experts; 6. Fluent in English (the knowledge of other languages of SPRFMO Members would be an asset); 7. University degree or the equivalent, with a preference given to an advanced degree (Master or PhD) or equivalent. The appointment of the Executive Secretary is for a term of four years. At the discretion of the Contracting Parties of SPRFMO, the Executive Secretary may be re-appointed for a further four years." The deadline for applications is 1 September 2024 at 17:00 New Zealand Standard Time. Further information on the position can be found at the SPRFMO website, [here](https://acap.aq/:%20https://www.sprfmo.int/news/current-%20news/vacancy-sprfmo-executive-secretary-2/.). *3 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-south-pacific-regional-fisheries-management-organisation-advertises-for-executive-secretary.md) ## Six Short-tailed Albatross decoys are on their way back to Kure Atoll, but a real one has already shown up *![2024 decoys 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2024_decoys_4.jpg) Big birdie!  Held by supporters, this freshly painted Short-tailed Albatross decoy (along with five more) is on its way back to Kure Atoll this month, photograph from the*[*Facebook page*](https://www.facebook.com/PatrickChingArtist)*of Hawaiian artist, Patrick Ching* Hawaiian artist, [Patrick Ching](https://www.patrickching.com/) who added the paint, writes “These life-sized decoys will help bring the live ones down to earth at Hōlanikū ([Kure Atoll](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses))”.  They were due to be shipped out on 8 May along with the summer field team who will install them in a central location on the atoll’s Green Island.  Watch a shore video of the artist adding the final touch [here](https://www.facebook.com/PatrickChingArtist/videos/2381591815370934). *![2024 decoys 7 Patrick Ching](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2024_decoys_7_Patrick_Ching.jpg) Ready for repainting: six Short-tailed Albatross decoys await the artist,* *photograph from the*[*Facebook page*](https://www.facebook.com/PatrickChingArtist)*of Hawaiian artist, Patrick Ching* This will not be the first time Short-tailed Albatross decoys have been deployed on Kure Atoll, the same six being reported as “[recently installed](https://acap.aq/latest-news/more-short-tailed-albatross-sightings-on-the-usa-s-kure-atoll?highlight=WyJrdXJlIiwia3VyZSdzIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbGVkIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbCIsInNob3J0LXRhaWxzIl0=)” around the time of the 2014/15 breeding season.  They had faded exposed to all weathers and so had been returned to be repainted. **![2024 visitor Sarah Donahue 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2024_visitor_Sarah_Donahue_1.jpg)* Kure Atoll’s latest arrival, No. 750, photograph by Sarah Donahue* Meanwhile, a Short-tailed Albatross “with phase 4 plumage” was photographed on Kure Atoll late last month ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy)).  The bird carried both a metal and a white numbered plastic band (No. 750), which identified it as having come from Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano), the main home of the species. *![Short tailed Kure 2013 s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed%20Kure%202013%20s.jpg) The female-female Short-tailed Albatross pair on Kure Atoll in 2013, photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip* Starting in 2010 to at least 2018 a female-female Short-tailed Albatross pair laid two infertile eggs each season on Kure Atoll ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=female-female+Kure&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)).  One was metal banded with 13A-1456 as a chick on Torishima in 2000 (and was photographed on Kure in intermediate plumage in 2015).  The other in adult plumage was banded as a chick with 13A-0703 in 1993, also on Torishima.  Both birds were banded by Short-tailed Albatross doyen [Hiroshi Hasegawa](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/a-tribute-to-hiroshi-hasegawa-three-thousand-short-tailed-albatrosses-are-flying-the-north-pacific).  It is uncertain whether either bird has been back on on Kure since 2018, but their usual breeding site is not often visited, so they could have been missed if only making short visits..  From time to time single Short-tailed Albatrosses have been reported from Kure (click [here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/now-we-just-need-a-male-two-female-short-tailed-albatrosses-lay-eggs-in-the-same-nest-on-kure-atoll-for-the-third-year-in-a-row?highlight=WyJrdXJlIiwia3VyZSdzIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbGVkIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbCIsInNob3J0LXRhaWxzIl0=)). With thanks to Cynthia Vanderlip for information. *Jo*hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 May 2024** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/short-tailed-albatross-decoys-get-ready-to-be-shipped-out-to-kure-atoll-but-a-real-one-has-already-shown-up.md) ## Saving albatrosses on a sub-Antarctic Island: a radio interview with Dr Anton Wolfaardt, Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager ![Anton Wolfaardt on Gough](https://acap.aq/images/Anton_Wolfaardt_on_Gough.jpg)  *Dr Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager, Mouse-Free Marion Project, with a Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross*Diomedea dabbenena*chick on Gough Island* [Dr Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) manages the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) that aims to eradicate the albatross-killing House Mice *Mus musculus*on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  He was [recently interviewed](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-albatrosses-on-a-sub-antarctic-island-with/id1685196752?i=1000654123649) by Ben Goldsmith in his *[Rewilding the World](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-albatrosses-on-a-sub-antarctic-island-with/id1685196752?i=1000654123649)* series, starting by saying “All of us involved in the project are driven by the opportunity to make a real difference for this special part of the planet.” ![Dead Wanderer Marion April 2023 Michelle Risi 1 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Dead_Wanderer_Marion_April_2023_Michelle_Risi_1_shrunk.jpg) *A [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross*D. exulans*killed by mice on Marion Island, April 2023, photograph by Michelle Risi* A summary of Anton’s 33-minute interview follows: “Eradicating giant mice from South Africa's Marion Island, a vital haven for seabirds.  The vast, wild Southern Ocean is home to albatrosses, petrels and other remarkable seabirds which wander for years on end in search of food. Only to breed do the seabirds of the Southern Ocean need land, of which there are just a handful of tiny specs [*sic*].  One of these is South Africa's distant Marion Island, which has become overrun by invasive mice, introduced inadvertently by sailors at least two centuries ago.  The mice eat the eggs, young and even the adult seabirds. Now Anton Wolfaardt of BirdLife South Africa and his team have a wild plan to eradicate the mice, with the hope that it will allow seabirds to surge back to their historic abundance.” *![023 BenDilley Marion2015 BEN 2718e](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/023_BenDilley_Marion2015_BEN_2718e.jpg) The culprit.  A House Mouse on Marion Island, photograph by Ben Dilley* Anton will be well known to the ACAP community, having been a Convenor of its Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group)) from 2013 to 2020 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/mouse-free-marion-project-manager-anton-wolfaardt-receives-a-sponsorship-in-his-name-as-a-parting-gift-from-acap?highlight=WyJhbnRvbiIsInNid2ciLCJzYndnJ3MiXQ==)). ![Anton Wolfaardt ACAP MFM certificate](https://acap.aq/images/Anton_Wolfaardt_ACAP_MFM_certificate.JPG)*Anton Wolfaardt holds his Mouse-Free Marion Sponsor a Hectare certificate received in appreciation of his leadership of the ACAP Seabird Bycatch Working Group* *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/saving-albatrosses-on-a-sub-antarctic-island-a-radio-interview-with-dr-anton-wolfaardt-mouse-free-marion-project-manager.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. An appreciation: Kitty Harvill and Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature *![Kitty Harvill.1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Kitty_Harvill.1.jpg) Making a connection.  ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill, who illustrated*Wisdom the Midway Albatross Back in 2012, I had [reviewed for *ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/wisdom-the-midway-albatross-a-review?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsImRhcmN5Il0=) (by a then nine-year-old) a new book for children about Wisdom, the now 70-something [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* of the USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site).  Wisdom is reckoned to be the world’s oldest known wild bird, first banded as an adult in 1956 by [Chandler Robbins](https://acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-chandler-robbins-the-ornithologist-who-banded-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross?highlight=WyJyb2JiaW5zIiwicm9iYmlucyciXQ==), and still going strong, seen displaying for a new mate this year.  [Previously](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/artists-for-conservation-wisdom-the-61-year-old-laysan-albatross-gets-her-portrait-painted-for-a-forthcoming-childrens-book?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsImRhcmN5Il0=), I had got in touch with the book’s illustrator, Kitty Harvill, to request use of her paintings in the review.  This was to lead, although I did know this at the time, to a rather remarkable collaboration, and a valued online friendship, that has greatly added to fostering awareness of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), held each year since its inauguration by ACAP in 2020. *![ABUN 30](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/ABUN_30.jpg) ACAP’s first collaboration with ABUN was in 2020 for the inaugural World Albatross Day, banner by Kitty Harvill* In 2020, Kitty was living primarily in Brazil and had entered in discussions with the Brazilian environmental NGO, [Projeto Albatroz](https://projetoalbatroz.org.br/), about collaborating with the organization, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) which she had co-founded with her husband, Christoph Hrdina, in 2016, to produce artworks to aid in the conservation of albatrosses.  Through its connections with the NGO (and because of my previous correspondence with Kitty), the Albatross and Petrel Agreement became involved in the discussion, and I saw an opportunity to help increase awareness of the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020.  This led to [ABUN artists](https://abun4nature.org/artist/) producing artworks for ACAP’s use to mark World Albatross Day that year and its theme of “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”.  With Kitty’s abiding encouragement and enthusiasm, [Project #30](https://abun4nature.org/world-albatross-day/) resulted in no less than 324 artworks from 77 artists, depicting all 22 species of the world’s albatrosses,  Several artists produced multiple works and more than one painted every species, including [Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/latest-news/three-laysan-albatrosses-first-artwork-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-2022-comes-from-germany-s-lea-finke?highlight=WyJsZWEiLCJmaW5rZSJd), whose [Campbell Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/campbell-albatross-thalassarche-impavida)*Thalassarche impavida* is shown here.  The project ended with Kitty producing with musician John Nicolosi, a [music video](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/abun-music-video-for-world-albatross-day-2020?highlight=WyJuaWNvbG9zaSIsInZpZGVvIiwidmlkZW9lZCIsInZpZGVvcyJd), entitled “Flight of the Albatross”.  ABUN artist Marion Schön produced a [collage poster](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/wad2020-posters/world-albatross-day-2020-posters-from-artists-biologists-unite-for-naturee) that featured works by all  the 77 contributing artists and illustrated all 22 species of albatrosses.  ACAP’s first collaboration with ABUN was an undoubted success and I was delighted.  The artworks produced are still being drawn upon to illustrate articles for *ACAP Latest News*. *![Campbell Albatross Kirk Zufelt Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Campbell_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Lea_Finke.jpg) Campbell Albatross by ABUN artist, Lea Finke for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2020, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Since 2020, ACAP has gone on to collaborate each year with ABUN in support of World Albatross Day.  Projects [#35](https://abun4nature.org/abun-35-painting-petrels-in-peril/), #39 and #43 over 2021-2023 continued to produce many often intriguing artworks depicting albatrosses and (in 2021) the nine ACAP listed petrels and shearwaters.  This year’s ABUN [Project #47](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-natures-project-47-kicks-off-in-support-of-this-years-world-albatross-day?highlight=WzQ3XQ==), that came to an end in April, set the rather tricky challenge of illustrating the ‘WAD2024” theme of “[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)”.  Although the numbers of contributing artists, and their artworks have shrunk over the five years following the novelty of painting albatrosses back in 2020, it is fair to say the quality has been maintained, if not even increased, as regular contributors have honed their skills in painting and drawing one of the most iconic groups of seabirds.  For each of the first four years, Kitty continued to produce collages and put together music videos. *![Kitty Harvill The Guardians 11 x 14 ins acrylic on canvas 5 Albatrosses hidden in the sky and rockscan you find them all](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Kitty_Harvill_The_Guardians_11_x_14_ins_acrylic_on_canvas_5_Albatrosses_hidden_in_the_sky_and_rockscan_you_find_them_all.jpg) “The Guardians” by Kitty Harvill for World Albatross Day, 19 June 2024, after a photograph of the Western Chain, Snares Islands by Paul Sagar.  The artist writes “five albatrosses are hidden in the sky and rocks.  Can you find them all?”. 11 x 14 inches, acrylic on canvas* A few years ago, Kitty wrote to me saying “I fell in love with Wisdom, the [then] 68-year-old Midway Laysan Albatross, while creating illustrations for the book by the same name.  She’s well named and has much to teach us as conservationists and activists battling for the survival of our planet - patience, perseverance and setting an example by making waves that will carry forward, further than we might ever have dreamed.”  And this is exactly what Kitty has achieved with 46 collaborative ABUN projects over nine years, five of them with ACAP.  As my cycling friends might say “[Chapeau](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/cyclists-say-chapeau-asked-google-weve-got-answer-plus-french-terms-peloton-387016)”! After four years of leading with World Albatross Day, I have taken a step back and this year’s World Albatross Day is being capably led by my colleague, ACAP’s Communications Advisor, Bree Forrer.  Another milestone is that Kitty has also taken a back seat, relinquishing leading ABUN collaborative projects to fellow ABUN artist, Marion Schön.  I am sure Bree and Marion, who are already working together, will be able to encourage the production of great artworks for ACAP, including from Kitty, if collaborations continue into future years, as I would hope they do. *![Lost in a Rising Sea Black footed Albatross by Kitty Harvill after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Lost_in_a_Rising_Sea_Black-footed_Albatross_by_Kitty_Harvill_after_a_photograph_by_Koa_Matsuoka_shrunk.jpg) “Lost in a Rising Sea” watercolour by Kitty Harvill in support of*[*WAD2022*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)*and its theme of Climate Change; after a photograph of a*[*Black-footed Albatross*](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) P. nigripes*by Koa Matsuoka, poster design by Michelle Risi* I have been involved with the Albatross and Petrel Agreement for 25 years, first participating in some of the early negotiation meetings and discussions that led to the Agreement, then successively as a delegate, Vice Chair of its Advisory Committee, segueing into the position of voluntary Information Officer within the Secretariat, and now “semi-retired’ as Emeritus Information Officer.  I can say that my involvement with ABUN and its many artists has been one of the highlights of my time with ACAP.  Kitty Harvill has been central to this.  I hope we will continue to stay in touch! **Reference:** Pattison, D. & Harvill, K. 2012.  [*Wisdom: the Midway Albatross: Surviving the Japanese Tsunami and other Disasters for over 60 Years*.](https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Midway-Albatross-Surviving-Disasters/dp/0979862175)* *Little Rock: Mims House.  32 pp, *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-an-appreciation-kitty-harvill-and-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature.md) ## Wedge-tailed Shearwaters increase on now rat-free D’Arros Island in the Seychelles *![Wedgie Danielle Keys](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_Danielle_Keys.jpg) A Wedge-tailed Shearwater on D’Arros Island, photograph by Danielle Keys* Danielle Keys ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal, *Marine Ornithology* on the increasing numbers of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica*on a Seychelles island following eradication of Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus*. *![15 352 Danielle van den Heever October2016 CKD](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/15_352_Danielle_van_den_Heever_October2016_CKD.jpg) Danielle Keys burrow scopes a Wedgie burrow on on D’Arros Island, photograph by**Clare Keating* The paper’s abstract follows: “Invasive mammalian predators have devastating effects on seabird nesting colonies.  A census was conducted on breeding Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica* in 2016 and 2021 on D’Arros Island, Seychelles, which has been rat-free since 2003.   Results were compared with an earlier population estimate to assess population growth following the rat eradication. Compared to counts in 2009, we estimated a 10-fold increase in breeding population size, with 2768 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2424–3112) and 2406 (95% CI 2143–2667) breeding pairs in 2016 and 2021, respectively.  While the estimated increase is partly attributable to differences in the timing of the conducted census between the two studies, we also observed an increase in the areal extent of the population, from 3.00 to 3.85 ha (0.0300–0.0385 km2), and an increase in nesting density.  Cumulatively, this indicates a true population increase. *![Wedgie burrows Danielle Keys](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_burrows_Danielle_Keys.jpg) Wedge-tailed Shearwater burrow entrances on on D’Arros Island, photograph by Danielle Keys* **Reference:** Keys, D.Z., Bullock, R.W., Keating, C. & Pistorius, P.A. 2024.  Rapid increase in size of Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica* colony following rat eradication.  *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1569)*[52: 149- 155](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1569)*.* *13 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedge-tailed-shearwaters-increase-on-now-rat-free-darros-island-in-the-seychelles.md) ## Research on Chatham Islands to bolster data on Motuhara’s populations of Northern Royal and Buller’s Albatrosses and Northern Giant Petrels ![CSP Report Motuhara](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/CSP_Report_Motuhara.jpg)*From the report: Fig 1. A tail mounted Telonics PTT device (A) and a body-harness mounted TechnoSmart PTT device (B) fitted to a Northern Buller’s Albatross. The latter was fitted as a test for a couple of hours only.* A report by Mike Bell and Dave Bell ([Toroa Consulting](http://www.wmil.co.nz)) and Carlos Zavalaga ([Universidad Científica del Sur](https://www.cientifica.edu.pe), Lima, Perú) has been released by the Conservation Services Programme of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The report is part of an ongoing long-term research project that began in 2021 on populations of Northern Royal and Buller’s albatrosses and Northern Giant Petrels on the Chatham Islands’ Motuhara.  The report’s summary follows: “Northern Royal Albatross (*Diomedea sanfordi*), Northern Buller’s Mollymawk (*Thalassarche bulleri platei*) and Northern Giant Petrel (*Macronectes halli*) all have significant breeding populations on Motuhara (43⁰96’S, 175⁰83’W). Although research has been undertaken periodically since the 1970’s on these islands, more recently a long-term research project on Motuhara has been initiated since January 2021. Some aspects of this work have been funded by the Department of Conservation’s various programmes, including the Conservation Services Programme and the Budget22 International Seabird Conservation Initiative. In January 2024, a 10-day field trip to Motuhara was carried out to undertake seabird research. Aims of the trip were varied and included: 1. Deploying PTT satellite transmitters on Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Buller’s Mollymawk, including the trialling of a novel leg-loop harness attachment method (DOC AEC 453) 2. Deploying and recovering i-got-u GPS loggers on Northern Buller’s Mollymawk 3. Retrieving previously deployed GLS loggers on Northern Buller’s Mollymawk, Cape Petrels (*Daption capense*), and Pyramid Prions (*Pachyptila pyramidalis*) 4. Census breeding Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Buller’s Mollymawk 5. Resighting banded Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Buller’s Mollymawk at various study colonies 6. Retrieving trail cameras set up to recording breeding activity at Northern Royal Albatross, Northern Buller’s Mollymawk, and Northern Giant Petrel breeding areas 7. Banding another cohort of Northern Giant Petrel chicks This report provides a summary of the trip and the associated raw data. Similarly to previous trip reports, no species analyses of data are included, as all these species are long-lived, and demographic data hasn’t been collected for enough years to warrant analyses. This report aims to provide data of the trip’s findings in a similar format to previous trip reports (e.g., Bell 2023). Unlike previous trips, however, this trip included an additional international component in the form of a secondee from Perú to New Zealand: Carlos Zavalaga (Director de la Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos, Grupo Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú) joined the trip assist with the field research and further strengthen the connection and collaboration between Perú and New Zealand on the conservation of seabirds that are shared between the two countries, including Northern Buller’s Albatross.” **Publication information** Bell, M. 2024. Motuhara seabird research: field trip report January 2024. Report prepared by Toroa Consulting Limited for the Department of Conservation. 8 pp.  *29 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/research-on-chatham-islands-to-bolster-data-on-motuharas-populations-of-northern-royal-and-bullers-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels.md) ## Call for increased protection of Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park as its management plan comes up for review   ![HIMI_marine_reserve_EEZ.jpeg](https://acap.aq/images/HIMI_marine_reserve_EEZ.jpeg) *[Save Our Marine Life](https://www.saveourmarinelife.org.au/)*is an environmental advocacy alliance of 27 conservation groups working to protect Australia’s marine life and way of life.  It has recently called for increased protection for the Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park as its 2014-2024 management plan comes up for review. The [alliance writes](https://www.saveourmarinelife.org.au/actions/heardandmcdonald/?source=facebook&&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1V86fpnlyPOBpZvxN-3go2qjheOdb2Tb4FT-vfLY28ww4_PCNjTml0GEo_aem_ATm_b-M7oqJ0E0THBqlywAdMekhmcacGYOsay4JHeJUwva9PD9txHOe_kZSvauaFuX-mqHLzOIzAN2sggI-ubSEe): “Very soon Australia’s Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park will be up for review, giving us a once-in-a-decade opportunity to increase protection for this spectacular marine treasure.  The 10-year review of Heard and McDonald Islands marine park management plan is due to be finalised in 2024, providing a window of opportunity to put in place stronger protections.”  The alliance is calling to maximise marine sanctuary protection within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone around the island group, noting that “despite the unique and rich conservation values of these globally recognised islands, only small sections of the waters surrounding Heard and McDonald Islands are fully protected.  The marine parks established in 2002 and 2014 did an excellent job of identifying some high conservation value areas for marine sanctuary protection, but given subsequent scientific research revealing the depth of their biological value and the impact of climate change they now need updating to maintain their world leading status.” *![Heard Island Barbara Wienecke 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Heard_Island_Barbara_Wienecke_2.jpg) A view of [Heard Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-21-heard-island-the-only-sub-antarctic-island-with-an-active-volcano), photograph by Barbara Wienecke* The Australian Marine Conservation Society, a member of the *Save Our Marine Life* alliance, has published a report that considers the conservation status of the waters surrounding the Heard and McDonald Islands.  The society states that the report finds the island group is “under-protected in the face of encroaching threats from climate change and industrial fishing. *![McDonald Island Phil Moors 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/McDonald_Island_Phil_Moors_1.jpg) A view of [McDonald Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-43-mcdonald-islands-australia-s-least-known-and-visited-sub-antarctic-locality), photograph by Philip Moors* Heard and McDonald Islands, including their territorial waters (0–12 nautical miles), are a [World Heritage Natural Site](http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/577), proclaimed in 1997. *![Black browed Albatross Heard Island RK](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_Heard_Island_RK.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross feeds its chick on Heard Island, photograph by Roger Kirkwood* *ACAP Latest News* will continue to report on the management plan review, noting that it comes in the year that  ACAP has chosen “[Marine Protected Areas - Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” as its theme for the fifth World Albatross Day, to be celebrated on 19 June 2024. **References:** Commonwealth of Australia 2014.  *[Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan 2014-2024](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/site/assets/files/61287/himi_management_plan_2014_2024_upload.pdf)*.  Canberra: Department of the Environment.  92 pp. Constable, A.J., Cresswell, I.D., Bax, N.J. & Reid, K. 2024.  *[Understanding the Marine Ecosystems surrounding Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) and their Conservation Status](https://www.marineconservation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AMCS-HiMiReport-Full.pdf)*.  The Australian Marine Conservation Society.  141 pp. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/call-for-increased-protection-of-australias-heard-and-mcdonald-islands-marine-park-as-its-management-plan-comes-up-for-review.md) ## Keeping it in the family. George and Geraldine’s latest chick gets its bands while older sibling Short-tailed Albatrosses dance together on Midway Atoll *![Holly Parsons Short tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine after Jonathon Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Holly_Parsons_Short-tailed_Albatrosses_George_and_Geraldine_after_Jonathon_Plissner.jpg) Pointillist portrait of* *Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Holly Parsons for ACAP’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas) on 19 June, after a photograph by Jonathon Plissner.  Geraldine is the darker bird in front on the nest.  **Acrylic on 16x20-inch canvas board* The 2023/24 chick produced by the well-known pair of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* on the USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) was given its metal and colour bands by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologists Laura Brazier and Jon Plissner on 17 April ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR)).  This is the fifth chick to be reared (out of six breeding attempts) by the atoll’s lone Short-tail (or Makalena) pair, known affectionately as George and Geraldine.  All four previous chicks successfully fledged and two of them have been seen regularly back on the atoll’s Sand Island as juveniles. *![Chick banding 17 April 2024 Jonathon Plissner 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Chick_banding_17_April_2024_Jonathon_Plissner_2.jpg) Held for banding.  The Short-tailed albatross chick is noticeably larger than the surrounding Laysan Albatross chicks, photograph*by *Dan Rapp* “The day before [banding] Jon Plissner and the [Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project](https://www.facebook.com/pmdphawaii?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWlhLWlThuS9JgBQ99PYnmn1J9cqGcZNonZfPqq89XQUtZ7JhlRCO1QSoxxQr8KCwcrgHmjGIfDMATyEjU9vWYj2W-QjOcFzcbycabIU-CuYFJMiKZGn65uZKVZ1040CIkaV4TADB6qwl3otG-arSenSSBiyAjUS8mmVderEmDN3fYhBze1n6CvL-r1N_LVF6k-A2vgRef8OSXSQD78R3IR&__tn__=-%5dK-R) crew observed much more than just the 4-month-old chick that is often left alone at this age.  The father was sitting next to the chick as the mother was snoozing close by and two of the chick's siblings, one that hatched in 2019 the other in 2022, were dancing with each other within a few feet of the nest.  Perhaps one day this exciting and additional Makalena activity will attract other mature birds from across the Pacific to join them.”  So will the second pair of Short-tailed Albatrosses to breed on Sand Island be brother and sister? **![Chick banding 17 April 2024 Jonathon Plissner 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Chick_banding_17_April_2024_Jonathon_Plissner_4.jpg)*  The 2023/24 Short-tailed Albatross chick gets plastic colour band green AA01 on its left leg**, photograph by**Dan Rapp* Access previous posts to *ACAP Latest News* about George and Geraldine [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Geraldine&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=), and view more paintings of Short-tailed Albatrosses produced by Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for this year’s World Albatross Day and its theme “[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” in an [ACAP Facebook photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.792592652894040&type=3). Other news from Midway is of the latest annual nest count of Black-footed *P. nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses as reported on the Facebook page of the [United States Fish & Wildlife Service](https://www.facebook.com/USFWS). “Every December for over 30 years, a dozen incredible volunteers arrive at the atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to count every Laysan (mōlī) and black-footed albatross (ka’upu) nests.  It takes weeks of systematic walking, hand counting, and in some cases, methodically repeating a specific section to double check.  This year the team counted nearly 500,000 mōlī nests and a little less than 30,000 ka’upu nests.  The counts typically rise and fall in alternating years, sometimes by as much as 20%, and the reason for the pattern remains unknown.” Watch a [video](https://www.facebook.com/USFWS/videos/445251021215247) of Midway’s annual albatross count in progress by Dan Rapp, United States Fish & Wildlife Service. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/keeping-it-in-the-family-george-and-geraldines-latest-chick-gets-its-bands-while-older-sibling-short-tailed-albatrosses-dance-together-on-midway-atoll.md) ## Lessons and trends from three decades of Australian threatened bird action plans highlighted in a special edition of Emu – Austral Ornithology ![temu20](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/temu20.jpeg) A special issue of the journal Emu – Austral Ornithology reports on Australian avian biodiversity over three decades of Australian threatened bird action plans between 1990 – 2020. The edition contains nine open access papers on topics related to the edition’s theme, ‘Threats to Australian Birds’. An extract from the edition’s Introduction, *Trends and lessons from thirty years of Australian threatened bird action plans***,** by Stephen T. Garnett (Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, NT, Australia) and colleagues follows:  “International concern for declining bird species figured prominently in the formation of many ornithological, conservation and scientific organisations across the globe in the late 19th Century, including the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union (now BirdLife Australia; Robin [Citation2001](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)). However, despite concerns about the rarity of some species being expressed repeatedly in the early years of the Union (e.g. Ashby [Citation1924](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)), little action was taken to prevent extinctions. As a consequence, it was only in the late 20th century that the first systematic attempt was made to document which Australian bird species were most threatened with extinction (Brouwer and Garnett [Citation1990](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)). Shortly after this documentation, the Australian Federal Government passed the first national legislation targeting threatened species, the *Endangered Species Act 1992*. The government also funded the first action plans for Australian threatened species, including the first Action Plan for Australian Birds (Garnett [Citation1992](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)). This plan had two important consequences. First, it created a foundation of information on the extinction risk of Australian birds on which later assessments could build. Secondly, the Plan established the ultrataxon (monotypic species or subspecies of polytypic species; Schodde and Mason [Citation1999](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)), as the basic unit for Australian bird conservation action. Continued support from the Australian government and the ornithological community has since enabled three other Action Plans to be written at intervals of about 10 years (Garnett and Crowley [Citation2000](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903); Garnett *et al*. [Citation2011](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903); Garnett and Baker [Citation2021](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)). Each has improved on its predecessor, incorporating new knowledge and insights and expanding the range of sources of information. It is on these four Action Plans and the data that underpins them that the current special issue of *Emu – Austral Ornithology* builds. These repeated reviews reveal trends not only in extinction risk to Australian birds but also about the threats they face, the extent of our knowledge and management and the directions Australian threatened bird conservation may go in the future.” **Reference:** Garnett, S. T., Burbidge, A. H., & Pruett-Jones, S. (2024). Trends and lessons from thirty years of Australian threatened bird action plans. *Emu - Austral Ornithology*, *124*(1), 1–7. [https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903)[https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903) ** ** **Emu - Austral Ornithology, Volume 124, Issue 1 (2024)** **Table of Contents** [Trends and lessons from thirty years of Australian threatened bird action plans](https://acap.aq/applewebdata://0972A625-34A1-4F98-B02F-837FAB7C6418/Trends%20and%20lessons%20from%20thirty%20years%20of%20Australian%20threatened%20bird%20action%20plans.%20Emu%20-%20Austral%20Ornithology,%20124(1),%201%E2%80%937.%20https:/doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2024.2304903) by Stephen T. Garnett *et al.* [Extinct Australian birds: numbers, characteristics, lessons and prospects](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2240345) by John C. Z. Woinarski *et al.* [Trends in Monitoring of Australia’s Threatened Birds (1990–2020): Much Improved but Still Inadequate](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2275121) by Simon J. Verdon *et al.*     [Monitoring threats to Australian threatened birds: climate change was the biggest threat in 2020 with minimal progress on its management](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2291144) by Stephen T. Garnett *et al.* [Trends and patterns in the extinction risk of Australia’s birds over three decades](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2289999) by Alex J. Berryman *et al.* [Australian threatened birds for which the risk of extinction declined between 1990 and 2020](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2291140) by Stephen T. Garnett *et al.* [Biological characteristics of Australian threatened birds](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2285821) by George Olah *et al.* [The feasibility of implementing management for threatened birds in Australia](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2295355) by Ross Crates *et al.* [Imperilled birds and First Peoples’ land and sea Country in Australia](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2290008) by Amanda Lilleyman *et al.* [Declining but not (yet) threatened: a challenge for avian conservation in Australia](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2270568) by Andrew F. Bennet *et al.* * * *24 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/lessons-and-trends-from-three-decades-of-australian-threatened-bird-action-plans-highlighted-in-a-special-edition-of-emu-austral-ornithology.md) ## How many? New aerial surveys of Northern Royal Albatrosses and Northern Giant Petrels in the Chatham Islands *![Motuhara Forty Fours Bsarry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/Motuhara_Forty-Fours_Bsarry_Baker.jpg)*[*Motuhara*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels)*/Forty-Fours from the air, photograph by Barry Baker* Peter Frost (Science Support Service, Whanganui, New Zealand) has reported to the Department of Conservation’s [Conservation Service Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) on recent aerial surveys of [Northern Royal Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *Diomedea sanfordi* and [Northern Giant Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) *Macronectes halli* on the Chatham Islands. The report’s Executive Summary follows: This report covers two aerial surveys of Northern Royal Albatross/Toroa *Diomedea sanfordi* nesting on Rangitautahi, Te Awanui and Motuhara in the Chatham Islands archipelago during the 2022–23 breeding season. The first survey was carried out on 20 December 2022, approximately mid-way during the birds’ incubation period; the second survey was flown on 16 August 2023, about two weeks before the first chicks were expected to fledge. The number of Northern Giant Petrel/Pāngurunguru *Macronectes halli* seen in the aerial photographs were also counted on all three islands. The aim of the surveys and subsequent analyses of the images was to determine the number of birds apparently sitting on nests, and therefore breeding, early in the breeding season, and the number of chicks present in the weeks prior to fledging. From these data, maximum apparent nesting success could be estimated for the 2022–23 breeding season. Both aerial surveys coincided with the presence of a two-person research team on Motuhara immediately prior to the surveys. The teams counted the overall number of nesting albatrosses in December 2022 (i.e., those birds incubating eggs and the number of recently failed nests), and the number of near-fledging chicks in August 2023. During the latter period the numbers of nesting Northern Giant Petrel were also counted. For both species, these ground counts provided a partial control on the numbers estimated from the aerial photographs. In December 2022, there were 4,149 apparently occupied Northern Royal Albatross nests across the three islands, 1,744 (42% of the total) on Motuhara, 1,508 (36%) on Rangitautahi and 897 (22%) on Te Awanui. The number calculated for Motuhara is higher than the number of active nests counted there on the ground a week earlier (1,498 nests), most likely because the assumption that the classified birds in the close-up images are a random subset of the whole is flawed. Just under half of the birds seen in the close-up images of Motuhara is higher than the number of active nests counted there on the ground a week earlier (1498 nests), most likely because the assumption that the classified birds in the close-up images are Northern a random subset of the whole is flawed. Just under half of the birds seen in the close-up images of Motuhara could not be classified. From ground surveys on all three islands since 2017, 7–8% of toroa nests are known to have failed up to mid-incubation. Applying this to the estimates derived from the aerial and ground surveys in December 2022, around 4,330–4,370 pairs of toroa bred on the Chatham Is during the 2022–23 breeding season. Combining the August 2023 ground count of chicks on Motuhara (1,211, compared with 1204 from the aerial survey), and the aerial survey estimates for Rangitautahi (782) and Te Awanui (587), gives 2,580 near-fledging chicks in 2023. Overall nesting success for the 2022–23 breeding season is therefore around 59–60%, slightly lower than that calculated solely from the aerial photographic analyses (64%). Both estimates are substantially higher than those recorded in recent years (42–55%). A total of 2,128 Northern Giant Petrel were [*sic*] counted from the aerial photographs,of which 93% were on Motuhara. There is much uncertainty around numbers derived from aerial photographic analyses, but those obtained in August 2023 are broadly similar to those counted in earlier years. *![preview northernroyal en shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/preview_northernroyal_en_shrunk.jpg) Access this and other ACAP Species Infographics [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics)* Read about a recent ground survey of Motuhara [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/research-on-chatham-islands-to-bolster-data-on-motuharas-populations-of-northern-royal-and-bullers-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels). **Reference:** Frost, P.G.H. 2023. [*Nesting Success of Northern Royal Albatross/Toroa*Diomedea sanfordi](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/nesting-of-northern-royal-albatross-on-chatham-is-2022-23.pdf)*[on the Chatham Islands: 2022-23 Breeding Season](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/nesting-of-northern-royal-albatross-on-chatham-is-2022-23.pdf).*  Whanganui: Science Support Service, 16 pp. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 May 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-many-new-aerial-surveys-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-the-northern-giant-petrels-in-the-chatham-islands.md) ## The latest issue of the Mouse-Free Marion Quarterly Newsletter has been released ![Mouse Free Marion Newsletter No. 9 cover](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Mouse-Free_Marion_Newsletter_No._9_cover.jpg) The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project is a non-profit company registered in South Africa and established to eradicate the invasive albatross-killing House Mice *Mus musculus* on Marion Island in the Southern Ocean.  The project was initiated by [BirdLife South Africa](https://acap.aq/about:blank) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://acap.aq/about:blank).  “Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate”. The latest issue ([No. 9 of April 2024](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project_Quarterly-Newsletter_Issue-9_April-2024-1.pdf)) of the project’s quarterly newsletter has been released. Following on from a Welcome editorial by Robyn Adams, MFM Communications Officer and Project Assistant, the newsletter gives information of the MFM Project’s recent activities under the heads: - Out of office at Marion Island. The MFM Project Manager and new MFM Project overwintering team member head to Marion Island as part of the annual relief voyage. - Planning for success: The Mouse-Free Marion Project brings together experts at a Mouse-Eradication Workshop. - MFM Patron, Peter Harrison MBE, visits the Mouse-Free Marion Project’s Cape Town office. **![Wanderer chick after attack 21.06.2023 Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_chick_after_attack_21.06.2023_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg) This* *[Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross**Diomedea exulans*chick *has been attacked by mice on Marion Island;* it did not survive, 21 June 2023, photograph by Michelle Risi* [Previous issues](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1X4e49sXV6vMGdHBe2EBmNrcppeelW6AR8vAIIcxoBItdah6rEGDl-vXY_aem_AfMERSeZrpWkHyJsF2gY77EgoB-gAW3Ik8k-VEKZwN3sImro4AvanXcwAbhqv69SSNtIJ8BB9xPQZP6l105j57B0) of the newsletter may be found on the project’s website. With thanks to Robyn Adams, MFM Communications Officer and Project Assistant. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-latest-issue-of-the-mouse-free-marion-quarterly-newsletter-has-been-released.md) ## The Tristan da Cunha Marine Protection Zone receives a Blue Park Award “in recognition of exceptional marine biodiversity conservation” *![Tristan MPZ 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Tristan_MPZ_1.jpg) The Tristan**Marine Protection Zone.  Infographic from [Atlantic Guardians](https://atlanticguardians.org/)* A 687 247-km² Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) around the UK’s Tristan da Cunha-Gough Islands in the South Atlantic that includes its entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was promulgated in August 2021 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-new-large-marine-protected-area-is-declared-in-the-south-atlantic)).  The territorial waters and EEZ around the islands of [Gough](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice), [Inaccessible](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1294-acap-breeding-sites-no-2-inaccessible-island-tristan-da-cunha-group), [Nightingale](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1305-acap-breeding-sites-no-4-nightingale-island-tristan-da-cunha-south-atlantic) (with its islets of [Middle and Stoltenhoff](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1590-acap-breeding-site-no-56-middle-and-stoltenhoff-islands-the-least-modified-habitats-in-the-tristan-group)) and [Tristan](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1421-acap-breeding-sites-no-34-the-main-island-of-tristan-da-cunha-inhabited-by-both-albatrosses-and-islanders) that form the group support large breeding seabird populations, including of six ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, three of which are endemic to the island group. On 17 April this year the Tristan MPZ received a gold [Blue Park Award](https://marine-conservation.org/blueparks/) at the [9th Our Ocean Conference](https://www.ourocean2024.gov.gr/) in recognition of exceptional marine biodiversity conservation ([click here](https://marine-conservation.org/blueparks/awardees/tristan-da-cunha/)).  An international council of marine conservation experts, assembled by the [Marine Conservation Institute](https://marine-conservation.org/), selected this year’s Blue Park Award winners “using criteria based on the science of marine protected area effectiveness”.  The MPZ joins “a growing network of 30 awarded Blue Parks around the global ocean that have met the highest science-based standards for conservation effectiveness”.  To date, Blue Parks cover over 3.5 million square kilometres of ocean, spanning 23 countries. *![tristan abatross incubating inaccessible 2 katrine herian](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/tristan_abatross_incubating_inaccessible_2_katrine_herian.jpg) A [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) and endemic Tristan Albatross*Diomedea dabbenena*breeds on Inaccessible Island in 2012, photograph by Katrine Herian* “On behalf of all the community, we are delighted to receive this Blue Park Award in recognition of Tristan da Cunha’s Marine Protection Zone,” said [Janine Lavarello](https://atlanticguardians.org/about/), Tristan da Cunha's Marine Protection Zone Officer. “We are committed to maintaining these high standards to ensure Tristan’s waters are protected now, and for future generations.  This Blue Park Award will raise the global profile of our Marine Protection Zone and island, giving us a platform to share our approaches to safeguarding our amazing wildlife and managing our Marine Stewardship Council-certified fishery.” *![preview sooty eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/preview_sooty_eng.jpg) The Tristan-Gough Island Group is a stronghold for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) Sooty Albatross* Phoebetria fusca*, download this ACAP Species Infographic from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics)* Tristan da Cunha is the second Blue Park awarded in a United Kingdom Overseas Territory, following the 850 000-square kilometre [Pitcairn Islands MPA](https://marine-conservation.org/blueparks/awardees/pitcairn/) in 2023. Read more about the Tristan MPZ [here](https://mpatlas.org/sites/138/). This year ACAP has chosen the theme “[Marine Protected Areas - Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” for the fifth World Albatross Day in 2024, to be marked on 19 June. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-tristan-da-cunha-marine-protection-zone-receives-a-blue-park-award-in-recognition-of-exceptional-marine-biodiversity-conservation.md) ## The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) advertises vacancy for Project Officer (Fishery/Technical Adviser) ![FAO logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/FAO_logo.png) The FAO is seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Project Officer (Fishery/Technical Adviser) with its Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) for the project, 'Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction'. The post is a fixed-term one year position, with the possibility of extension and is located within the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The project is one of the five of the GEF-7 Common Oceans II Programme 'Global Sustainable Fisheries Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)'. The objective of the project is to achieve responsible, efficient and sustainable tuna production and biodiversity conservation in the ABNJ in face of a changing environment. The Key Functions of the position as described in the Job Description are as follows: - Provides technical leadership assistance on the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; assists in the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties. - Coordinates of programmes and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects and the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies. - Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. - Contributes to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. - Participates in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. - Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties. - Provides advice on the development of policies and strategies, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work. Further details on the post, including how to apply, can be found at the FAO Vacancies page, [here](https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401243&tz=GMT%2B10%3A00&tzname=Australia%2FSydney). *22 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-food-and-agriculture-organization-of-the-united-nations-fao-advertises-vacancy-for-project-officer-fishery-technical-adviser.md) ## ACAP Secondment to support training for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak ![HPAI Workshop IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/HPAI_Workshop_IAPC7.jpg) *A pair of Wandering Albatrosses; photo by Melanie Wells. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza was detected in Wandering Albatrosses on sub-Antarctic islands earlier in 2024* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels is delighted to announce an opportunity to take part in a training workshop and Q&A session focused on mitigating the impact of high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza when working with albatrosses and petrels.  The workshop and Q&A session, supported by the [ACAP Secondment Programme](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships/acap-secondments), will take place, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM (GMT -7), Thursday 23 May 2024, through a hybrid model, with any interested party able to participate either by attending in person at the upcoming [Seventh International Albatross and Petrel Conference](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/) (IAPC7) in Mexico, or via virtual attendance through registration at the following link, [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WK4tlr6ARIKnVTSPRSFHBw](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WK4tlr6ARIKnVTSPRSFHBw)[https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WK4tlr6ARIKnVTSPRSFHBw](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WK4tlr6ARIKnVTSPRSFHBw). The workshop, which aligns with and expands upon the principles detailed in ACAP’s “[Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file)”, aims to improve reaction and mitigation efforts concerning HPAI for albatrosses and petrels and bolster international capacity for early detection and response while minimising further spread.  The successful proposal to the 2023 round of ACAP’s Secondment Programme was submitted by Patricia Pereira Serafini, Co-convenor of the Agreement’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG), and lead member of ACAP’s High Pathogenicity H5N1 Avian Influenza Intersessional Group. The HPAI Group consists of thirteen experts on epidemiology, disease risk assessment and management who advise ACAP on issues related to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.  Patricia says one of the main drivers behind the proposal for the workshop was to create greater awareness of the recommendations contained in the ACAP Guidelines and to contribute to promoting human safety and preventing human-mediated spread of HPAI viruses to ACAP species. She said: *"The current threat presented by HPAI H5N1 to seabirds is unprecedented. The IAPC7 workshop aims to inform stakeholders about strategies for preventing and managing disease risks for ACAP populations and humans in contact with birds and provide insight in adjusting conservation strategies based on evolving disease dynamics. Disseminating ACAP's guidelines and providing training on practical tools for field teams is crucial for effective disease surveillance and mitigation, safeguarding human health and curbing virus spread.”* ![HPAI H5N1 workshop facilitators 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/HPAI_H5N1_workshop_facilitators_2.png)*The four members of the ACAP HPAI H5N1 Intersessional Group who will be facilitating the workshop at IAPC7, from left to right: Jolene Giacinti, Ralph E. T. Vanstreels, Patricia Pereira Serafini and Amandine Gamble.* The workshop and Q&A session will be delivered by four members of the Intersessional Group: - [Jolene Giacinti](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolene-giacinti-78a6ba84/?originalSubdomain=ca), Veterinary Epidemiologist and Wildlife Health Specialist, Environment and Climate Change Canada - [Ralph E. T. Vanstreels](https://whc.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/people/ralph-vanstreels), Latin America Program, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California - Davis, USA (based in Patagonia, Argentina) - [Patricia Pereira Serafini](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia-Serafini), Federal University of Santa Catarina and National Centre for Wild Birds Conservation and Research –CEMAVE/ICMBio/MMA/Brazil  - [Amandine Gamble](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/amandine-gamble-phd-dvm-msc), Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, USA By supporting the training workshop and Q&A session on high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza, and sharing subsequent results and outcomes, this ACAP Secondment will aid in developing monitoring protocols for detecting HPAI in albatrosses and petrels, whilst fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address disease threats. Registration for IAPC7 is still open, with information available at the conference website, [here](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/). ACAP Latest News will report on the workshop and Q&A session at IAPC7, or follow the conference’s social media channels: Instagram, [@iapc7_mx](https://www.instagram.com/iapc7_mx/) or X, [@IAPC7_MX](https://twitter.com/IAPC7_MX). Any questions about the Q&A and workshop taking place on Thursday 23 May 2024 can be directed to ACAP Communications Advisor, Bree Forrer, [here](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-secretariat-staff/31-bree-forrer). *1 May 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-secondment-to-support-training-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-the-on-going-high-pathogenicity-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak.md) ## Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission seeks Deputy Compliance Manager ![WCPFC logo unofficial](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WCPFC-logo_unofficial.PNG) The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission ([WCPFC](https://www.wcpfc.int)) is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Compliance Manager at its Secretariat, based in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.  The WCPFC oversees the conservation and sustainable utilisation of highly migratory fish stocks, notably tuna, across the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Comprising 41 member countries, territories, and cooperating non-member countries, it focuses on fostering the sustainable management of the area's fisheries resources. Key responsibilities of the position are outlined in the position description as follows: "The Deputy Compliance Manager provides support to the Compliance Manager in management and technical development of the Commission’s MCS tools. The position requires a team leader who is responsible for managing the Commission’s databases and online-based systems, including ensuring data quality and completeness. The Deputy Compliance Manager will lead a team that is charged with ensuring that the Secretariat’s Compliance and MCS workflow processes and associated IT reporting tools are efficiently supporting Members’ data collection and reporting requirements. The position will actively support a greater focus by Members on realizing greater value from their data and so will contribute to effectively supporting CCMs with exercising greater control and management of their flagged vessels and to address their reporting gaps. This position will also contribute to the WCPFC’s work to enhance monitoring and verification of fisheries activities and to support the WCPFC Members implementation of conservation and management measures, including harvest strategy elements. Given the increased use of online-based systems and greater responsibility by Member officials in the management of their data, the position is expected to liaise closely with the Science team and the Scientific Data Manager, data analysts, IT team and database contractors, oversee Member training on Secretariat tools, and contribute to innovation and development of systems that support Commission objectives." For full details of the position, please download the Vacancy Announcement at the WCPFC website, [here](https://www.wcpfc.int/vacancies-opportunities). The deadline for applications is Friday 17 May, 2024. *19 April 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/western-and-central-pacific-fisheries-commission-seeks-deputy-compliance-manager.md) ## Flávia Barreto supports the conservation of the Short-tailed Albatross with her art for World Albatross Day 2024 *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Flávia_F._Barreto_based_on_two_ACAP_photos_to_show_the_albatross_and_Torishima.jpg) A Short-tailed Albatross flies past Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano), its main breeding site.  Artwork by Flávia Barreto* For five years the Albatross and Petrel Agreement has collaborated with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce art in support of World Albatross Day ([WAD](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day)) on 19 June.  Each year ABUN artists are requested to create artworks that represent an annual theme.  This year ACAP has chosen the theme “[Marine Protected Areas - Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)”.  The artists have been requested to feature two albatross species, the Near Threatened [Buller's Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) *Thalassarche bulleri*and the Vulnerable [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus*. as part of ABUN’s 47th Project in their interpretations of the MPA theme.  [Project #47](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-natures-project-47-kicks-off-in-support-of-this-years-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJwcm9qZWN0IiwicHJvamVjdHMiLCJwcm9qZWN0J3MiLCJwcm9qZWN0ZWQiLCJwcm9qZWN0aW5nIiwiJ3Byb2plY3QiLCJwcm9qZWN0aW9ucyIsNDcsImFidW4iLCJhYnVuJ3MiXQ==), set to run from 27 January to 21 April following an extension, has so far produced 35 artworks from the pens and brushes of 21 “ABUN-ers”, some of whom have turned out more than one work.  The most prolific as the project draws to a close is Flávia Barreto, who has produced no less than six paintings, three for each of the two featured species. *![Flavia Barreto](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Flavia_Barreto.jpg) Flávia* *Barreto in a garden setting* Flávia is no stranger to *ACAP Latest News*, her paintings have been the subject of *ACAP Latest News* articles for both WAD2022 and WAD2023.  She lives in Nova Friburgo, Brazil and paints in watercolour, gouache and acrylic.  Flávia has described herself as an amateur artist and a retired civil servant.  After retirement she decided to dedicate her life to art.  Being a lover of nature and animals, her art and interests have gradually evolved to drawing and painting threatened species ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-for-another-year?highlight=WyJiYXJyZXRvIl0=)).  Her three works illustrated here are all of the Short-tailed Albatross.  The first, above, takes cognisance that albatrosses live in two different worlds: on their breeding islands and at sea, where MPAs can help protect them from fisheries mortality and overfishing. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Flávia_F._Barreto_Short-tailed_Albatrosses_on_Torishima_after_Naoki_Tomita.jpg) Short-tailed Albatrosses gather at the new colony of**Hatsunezaki on Torishima.  A**rtwork by Flávia Barreto* In her second painting, Flávia has chosen to work from a photograph taken by Naoki Tomita in the recently established Short-tailed Albatross colony on Torishima.  The original colony, known as Tsubamezaki, is on a bare steep slope and is at permanent risk to egg and chick loss from landslides, erosion and from potential volcanic activity.  As a consequence, the [Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/) successfully implemented “[Operation Decoy](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/albatross/decoy.html)” with the use of 90 life-like model albatrosses and audio playback recordings to attract birds to a safer, gently sloping grassed site elsewhere on the island, known as Hatsunezaki.  This new colony is now well established, fledging chicks every year. **![torishima04](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/torishima04.jpg)* Torishima, with the two Short-tailed Albatross breeding sites circled, from the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology* Elsewhere in the North Pacific, a single pair of Short-tailed Albatrosses breeds on the USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site), where they are affectionally known as George and Geraldine.  Flávia’s painting  below depicts the darker female incubating on the nest, with the male (now longer known as “Lonesome George” after six years of breeding with Geraldine) behind.  They are now busy rearing their fifth chick ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/george-and-geraldine-the-lone-short-tailed-albatross-pair-on-midway-atoll-have-a-new-chick?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsMjAyNF0=)). *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Flávia_F._Barreto_Short-tailed_Albatrosses_George_and_Geraldine_J_Plissner.jpg) Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine on Sand Island, Midway Atoll.  Artwork by Flávia Barreto after a photograph by Jonathan Plissner, 15 January 2022* *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flavia-barreto-supports-the-conservation-of-the-short-tailed-albatross-with-her-art-for-world-albatross-day-202.md) ## Two distinct seabird assemblages linked to the major western boundary of the Eastern Australian Current identified  ![Daudt Paper Seabird Assemblages 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Daudt_Paper_Seabird_Assemblages_2024.jpeg)*Figure 1 from the paper: Study area showing the main ocean currents (a), and seabird records made by season on top of the 1°latitude 1°longitude grid cells (b). In (a), the East Australian Current (EAC) system is highlighted with its acronyms in bold and drawn in blue. The South Equatorial Current (SEC) and its branches, the North Caledonian Jet (NCJ) and South Caledonian Jet (SCJ), are drawn in red. The EAC ’eastern extension’ is an eddy field (blue shaded area) often called the ’Tasman Front’, from which the East Auckland Current originates (EAUC, in green).* Nicholas W. Daudt ([Department of Marine Science](https://www.otago.ac.nz/marinescience), University of Otago, Aotearoa, New Zealand) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Progress in Oceanography](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/progress-in-oceanography) *on the identification of two distinct seabird assemblages and their susceptibility to changing environmental conditions. The paper’s abstract follows: “Identifying species assemblages helps understand the relationship between organisms and their environment. Assemblages can be used to predict biological changes caused by environmental perturbations, and are thus essential surrogates to monitor biodiversity. In this study, to identify and describe seabird assemblages, we used 15 at-sea ship-based survey data sets collected over 37°of latitude off eastern Australia, from 2016 to 2021. We fitted seasonal Region of Common Profile (RCP) mixture models, for two types of data (presence–absence and abundance). RCP groups are defined as regions where the probability of encountering a particular species profile is constant within regions, but different amongst them. These groups also vary according to covariates, which in our case included oceanographic, climatic, and physiographic parameters. Results were based on 142,646 seabirds recorded from 80 species, including albatrosses, petrels, prions, shearwaters, boobies, and terns, among other taxa. All models suggested two macro-scale assemblages (‘northern’ and ‘southern’), except for the autumn presence–absence model that identified three groups. The model results consistently show a biogeographic transition at 34°S, near the latitude at which the East Australian Current (EAC) separates from the Australian continental slope. Sea surface temperatures or sea surface salinities were selected in all final models, further indicating a close relationship between seabird assemblages and water masses. Results from both data types, presence–absence and abundance, resulted in similar spatial and species profile patterns. RCP models clearly identified two seabird assemblages off the east coast of Australia, suggesting the persistence of these groups at seasonal and macro spatial scales. Given the ongoing poleward intensification that the EAC is experiencing, which is projected to continue over the next century, and its importance in influencing the distributions of seabirds, the methods applied in our study could be replicated to assess possible changes in seabird assemblages and how they are affected by changing environmental conditions.” **Reference:** Daudt, N.W., Woehler, E. J., Schofield, M. R., Smith, R. O., Bugoni, L., Rayment, W. J. 2024. Seabird assemblages are linked to the major western boundary current off eastern Australia. *Progress in Oceanography*. Vol. 23. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.103215](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.103215)[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.103215](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.103215) *12 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/two-distinct-seabird-assemblages-linked-to-the-major-western-boundary-of-the-eastern-australian-current-identified.md) ## Burrowing seabird surveys to help inform conservation efforts for important White-chinned Petrel populations in the South Atlantic  ![Kalinka Rexer Huber White chinned Petrel 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Kalinka_Rexer-Huber_White-chinned_Petrel_3.JPG)*The silhouette of a White-chinned Petrel returning to its burrow at dusk; photograph by Kalinka Rexer-Huber* Falklands Conservation, with the help of volunteers, recently completed burrowing seabird surveys on two tussoc islands of the Falkland Islands* (Islas Malvinas*) *over the 2023/2024 breeding season.  The aim of the work is to inform the review of the Falkland Island Government’s Stanley Tussac Islands Management Plan 2018-2023. This will be done by establishing baseline estimates of population sizes of the Near-Threatened [Sooty Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-shearwater-ardenna-grisea) *Ardenna grisea* and the Vulnerable [White-chinned Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) *Procellaria aequinoctialis* at these sites, and to assess population trends where previous data exists. This season, fieldwork involved assessing burrow density and occupancy rate of the two species on Kidney and Top islands. Monitoring of Bottom and Cochon islands is planned to take place over the 2024/2025 breeding season. *The survey was covered in a story by the national television broadcaster, [Falkland Islands Television (FITV)](https://fitv.co.fk)* Falkland Conservation’s Seabird Ecologist, Amanda Kuepfer, led the survey and explained why the work is so important: “These islands represent nationally important breeding sites for these species - Kidney is the largest breeding colony of sooties [Sooty Shearwaters] in the Falklands, and Kidney, Top and Bottom islands represent three of the four known breeding sites for white-chins [White-chinned Petrels] in the Falklands. Given pressures such as from changing climate, predation from invasives and fisheries bycatch, there is a real risk of local extinction of white-chins in the Falklands, and so understanding population trends at these sites is critical.” ![Kidney Island Sarah Crofts 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Kidney_Island_Sarah_Crofts_2.jpg)*The tussoc-covered landscape of Kidney Island, where Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned Petrels make their burrows; photograph by Sarah Crofts* Future surveys could involve the help of a detection dog trained to undertake burrowing seabird monitoring work, potentially making this notoriously difficult work a little easier. Falklands Conservation are currently liaising with [2023 ACAP Secondee, Naomi Cordeiro](https://acap.aq/latest-news/naomi-cordeiros-acap-secondment-with-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-to-help-expand-the-role-of-detection-dogs-in-conservation-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJzZWNvbmQiLCJzZWNvbmRtZW50Iiwic2Vjb25kbWVudHMiLCJzZWNvbmRlZCIsInNlY29uZHMiLCJzZWNvbmRseSJd) of South Atlantic Detection Dogs, to see what the most effective use of detection dogs with monitoring petrels might be with Naomi and detection dog in training, Missy, [joined a survey in December last year](https://www.facebook.com/reel/742371014613847) to help understand how the use of a detection dog might fit with future monitoring.  Falklands Conservation are now in the process of analysing the data from this year’s surveys and hope to be able to share the results in July.  *15 April 2024* **A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/burrowing-seabird-surveys-to-help-inform-conservation-efforts-for-important-white-chinned-petrel-populations-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## The Waterbird Society and Pacific Seabird Group will hold a joint meeting in San José, Costa Rica in January 2025  ![PSG 2025](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG_2025.png) The [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) and the [Waterbird Society](https://waterbirds.org/) will meet jointly in San José, Costa Rica over 6-9 January 2025 ([click here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/annual-meeting)). “La Waterbird Society y el Pacific Seabird Group se reunirán conjuntamente en San José, Costa Rica, a principios de 2025. ¡Marque sus calendarios del 6 al 9 de enero! Empiece a hacer planes para una reunión extraordinaria y viaje a un destino increíble. ¡Visite el sitio web para obtener detalles actuales, pero mas detalles sobre la reunion se estaran brindando pronto!” *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-waterbird-society-and-pacific-seabird-group-will-hold-a-joint-meeting-in-san-jose-costa-rica-in-january-2025.md) ## Abstracts sought on Blue Water Marine Protected Areas session for the American Fisheries Society's Annual Meeting ![154th AFS Meeting](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/154th_AFS_Meeting.png) The 154th Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, co-hosted by the Western Division and the Pacific Islands Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, is taking place 15 – 19 September 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii, under the theme, “Conserving Fishes and Fishing Traditions through Knowledge Co-Production”.  The program contains a broad variety of sessions, including one on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) entitled "Large blue-water Marine Protected Areas: benefits and costs", described as follows: "A number of large MPAs in the open ocean have been established and more are planned. This session will address what is known about the consequences of these closed areas, in terms of changes in the marine ecosystem, impacts on fisheries, and impacts on local communities. There will also be a focus on the methodology needed to estimate the impacts, in particular what constitutes a control. We anticipate papers will be presented evaluating existing examples, and model based evaluations of the potential impacts." Session organiser, Ray Hilborn (University of Washington) is seeking a diversity of views on the global state of Blue Water MPAs, with a particular emphasis on those in the Pacific. If you are interested in submitting an abstract for the session but travel to the meeting is an impediment, please contact Ray Hilborn at, [hilbornr@gmail.com](mailto:hilbornr@gmail.com) to discuss further. Abstracts for this, or any session, can be submitted, [here](https://afsannualmeeting.fisheries.org/call-for-abstracts/). The deadline for abstract submission is 26 April 2024. Registration for the meeting has now opened and more information on the programme, travel details and abstract submission, can be found at the AFS website, [here](https://afsannualmeeting.fisheries.org/). *8 April 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abstracts-sought-on-blue-water-marine-protected-areas-session-for-the-american-fisheries-societys-annual-meeting.md) ## The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is proposed to also become a national marine sanctuary *![Proposed Pap sanctuary](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Proposed_Pap_sanctuary.jpg) Proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Agency, from NOAA* The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was proclaimed in June 2006 as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.  It was renamed as the [Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/)in 2007.  The monument includes eight atolls in the North Pacific which support large breeding populations of Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis*Albatrosses, and a single pair of Short-tailed Albatrosses *P. albatrus*.  They are [Kure](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1801-acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses), [Midway](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site), Pearl and Hermes Reef, Lisianski, [Laysan](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1715-acap-breeding-site-no-68-laysan-island-and-its-albatrosses-form-part-of-usa-s-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument), French Frigate Shoals, Necker and Nihoa.  Seas out to 50 nautical miles (93 km) around each island are included within the monument. **![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Flávia_F._Barreto_Short-tailed_Albatrosses_George_and_Geraldine_J_Plissner.jpg)* Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine on Sand Island, Midway Atoll. Artwork by [Flávia Barreto](https://acap.aq/latest-news/brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-through-her-art?highlight=WyJmbGF2aWEiXQ==) of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), after a photograph by Jonathon Plissner* The USA’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has now released for public comment documents for a proposed [Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary](https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea/).  “The proposed sanctuary would include the marine portions of the existing Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and have an area of approximately 582 250 square miles (1508 000 km²).  Papahānaumokuākea’s status as a marine national monument would not change under a sanctuary designation.  The addition of a national marine sanctuary would provide regulatory and management tools to augment and strengthen existing protections for Papahānaumokuākea ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural and maritime heritage resources.”  Access the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed new sanctuary. [here](https://nmssanctuaries.blob.core.windows.net/sanctuaries-prod/media/papahanaumokuakea/proposed-papahanaumokuakea-national-marine-sanctuary-draft-environmental-impact-statement.pdf) and the Proposed Rule as listed in the USA’s Federal Register [here](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/03/01/2024-03820/proposed-papahnaumokukea-national-marine-sanctuary).  The proposal and these associated documents are being discussed in Hawaii at public meetings this month. Papahānaumokuākea was inscribed as a mixed (natural and cultural) [World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1326/) in 2010. “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”, is the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day ([WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)), to be celebrated on 19 June 2024.  Jo*hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument-is-proposed-to-also-become-a-national-marine-sanctuary.md) ## The ACAP Infographic for the Short-tailed Albatross is now available in French and Spanish versions ![preview shorttailed fr No Yamashina logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/preview_shorttailed_fr_No_Yamashina_logo.jpg)   The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) to be released, the fifteenth in the planned 31-part series, is for the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus**. *Following its release in [English](https://acap.aq/latest-news/nearly-half-way-acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-the-15th-in-the-series) last month, it is now being released in the other two official ACAP languages of [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes/lalbatros-a-queue-courte-infographic) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap/albatros-de-cola-corta-infographic-short-tailed-albatross).  A Japanese* version will follow, marking the fact that the majority of the species breeds on Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano). The Short-tailed Albatross infographic, along with the next in the series, for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Buller’s Albatross Thalassarche bulleri, currently in production, are being produced in support of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)) and its theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. ![preview shorttailed es no Yamashina logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/preview_shorttailed_es__no_Yamashina_logo.jpg) The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series.  English and Portuguese** language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). All the 15 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Maëlle Connan, Yasuko Suzuki and Naoki Tomita for their help. *Japanese versions of the infographics for Black-footed*P. nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses, both of which breed on Japanese islands, are also in production. **Being produced for the six ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil.  To date, those produced are for the Tristan Albatross*D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 April 2024, updated 03 July 2024*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-infographic-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish-versions.md) ## World Albatross Day collaboration with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature extended ![Short Tailed Albatross by Agnieszka Elliott from photo by Jonathan Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Short-Tailed_Albatross_by_Agnieszka_Elliott_from_photo_by_Jonathan_Plissner.jpg)*Short-tailed Albatrosses "George and Geraldine enclosed in an ethereal protective boundary" by Agnieszka Elliott from a photo by Jonathan Plissner* [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) (ABUN) have extended the date for artwork submissions to Project #47 for this year’s World Albatross Day under the theme, “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”, until 21 April 2024. This year marks ACAP’s fifth collaboration with ABUN for World Albatross Day and though contributions were a little slow to begin with, ABUN artists appear to have hit their stride with many more pieces submitted over the last couple of weeks.  ![ABUNWAD2024 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/ABUNWAD2024_2.png)**Top row left to right*: "They heard there was a party going on!" by Di Roberts; Short-tailed Albatross 'George' by Lois Davis from a photo by Jonathan Plissner; "All you need is love & Zumba" by Grace Innemee; *****Bottom row left to right: *"Short-tailed Albatross pair George and Geraldine" by Lisa Riley; *"Albatross colony near Dunedin" by Christina Rebekah Todd from a photo by her husband; **"Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine" by Shary Page Weckwerth after a photo by Jonathan Plissner **** 23 stunning pieces from 16 artists have been submitted to the project (view them all in an [ACAP Facebook album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.792592652894040&type=3)), with some artists having produced multiple works for the project. Ellyn Bousman Lentz and Sandhaya Verma have both produced two pieces for the project, whilst Flávia F. Barreto has created four.  ![ABUNWAD2024 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/ABUNWAD2024_3.png)*Top row left to right by *Flávia F. Barreto*: "Buller´s albatrosses" from a photo by Dominique Filippi; "Short-tailed albatross and Torishima Island"* from two ACAP photos; "Buller´s Albatross"* from a p*hoto by Laurie Smaglick Johnson Bottom row left to right: "Short-Tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine on Midway" by Sandhaya Verma from a photo by Jonathan Plissner; "Short-Tailed Albatross chick at 16 weeks on Midway" by Sandhaya Verma from a photo by * Jonathan Plissner; *"OUR SEAS" by Georgia F. Feild; **** This year's World Albatross Day, celebrated on 19 June is focusing on the connection between albatrosses and the ocean, highlighting how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help improve the conservation status of these magnificent birds.  *![Bullers Portrait by Rosana Venturini from photo by Ross Wheeler 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Bullers_Portrait_by_Rosana_Venturini_from_photo_by_Ross_Wheeler-2.jpg)"*Buller's Albatross Portrait" by Rosana Venturini from a photo by Ross Wheeler** New Zealand’s Near Threatened Buller's Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* and the Vulnerable Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* have been chosen as the featured species for 2024’s World Albatross Day celebrations. Find out more about this year's World Albatross Day at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas). *5 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-collaboration-with-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-extended.md) ## A chance to work with albatrosses! The Alaska Department of Fish and Game seeks Program Coordinator for the Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program ![alaska department of fish game](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/alaska_department_of_fish_game.png) The Division of Wildlife Conservation of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game is advertising for a Program Coordinator for the Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program. The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Alaska but has the option of living in Juneau, Fairbanks, or Anchorage. From the advertisement: “This position serves as the statewide Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program (TED Program) Leader, which consists of 10 professional staff working across the state of Alaska. The position helps guide the program’s research and conservation efforts on species of concern and coordinates the State of Alaska’s work on issues involving the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The TED Program works proactively with state, federal, NGO, and private partners to conserve wildlife species (especially nongame species) before they become threatened or endangered and to recover species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The TED Program leads the implementation of Alaska’s State Wildlife Action Plan (in coordination with ADF&G’s Division of Sportfish) and represents Alaska’s nongame interests at the Pacific Flyway Council’s Nongame Technical Committee. TED Program staff are working to address a diverse range of projects, including research and conservation of olive-sided flycatchers, lesser yellowlegs, golden eagles, bank swallows, red knots, collared pikas, Alaska hares, bats, and gray-headed chickadees. Previous and ongoing seabird work has included species such as Aleutian terns, Short-tailed Albatross, and Marbled and Kittlitz’s murrelets.” The deadline for applications is 23 April 2024. Further information on the position can be found at the following link, [https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/newprint/4446033](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/newprint/4446033). *3 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/work-with-albatrosses-the-alaska-department-of-fish-and-game-seeks-program-coordinator-for-the-threatened-endangered-and-diversity-program.md) ## UPDATED. Attacks by House Mice on Marion Island’s threatened albatrosses continue into a new breeding season *![Grey headed Albatross wounded chick 2024 Michelle Risi 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_Albatross_wounded_chick_2024_Michelle_Risi_1.jpg)A badly wounded Grey-headed Albatross chick that will not survive the onslaught by Marion Island’s House Mice, 17 March 2024* **UPDATE:** On a return visit to the study colony on 08 April, the wounded Grey-headed Albatross, illustrated above, was found to be still alive with its wounds healing.  However, it wings were drooping and it was noticeably smaller than were surrounding chicks that have not been attacked by mice.  So its survival to fledging is not assured.  The other wounded chick seen on 17 March in the same study colony had not survived. ![Nibbled GHA chick healing Michelle Risi 1](https://acap.aq/images/Nibbled_GHA_chick_healing_Michelle_Risi_1.jpg) ![Nibbled GHA chick healing Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Nibbled_GHA_chick_healing_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg)*The wounded Grey-headed Albatross chick shows signs of healing, 08 April 2024* ***************************************************************** Attacks by introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* on Marion Island’s albatrosses were [first recorded](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-house-mice-of-marion-island-conservation-orientated-research-1996-2023/) in 2003 – and have continued every breeding season when checks have been made.  First observed on downy chicks, in recent years depredations by the mice have commenced on adult birds incubating or brooding chicks.  Last year’s [report](https://acap.aq/latest-news/house-mice-have-turned-to-killing-adult-great-albatrosses-on-gough-and-marion-islands?highlight=WyJjb25uYW4iXQ==) of the first observations of adult Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* succumbing to attacks by mice was a further wake-up call, given the bird’s [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) conservation status and that Marion supports a quarter of the world’s population of this iconic species.  Also, the loss of an adult of a long-lived and slow breeding species such as an albatross is far more of a conservation concern than is the loss of a chick.  And now it seems the current 2023/24 breeding season will give no respite to the island’s four species of breeding albatrosses. This season, mouse attacks have commenced again on Marion’s eponymously named Grey-headed Albatross Ridge.  On 17 March, island researcher Michelle Risi came across the severely wounded Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma*chick pictured above on a marked nest in one of the big colony’s long-term study clusters of breeding birds.  This, and another wounded chick seen on the same day, are the first mouse attacks recorded on this [Endangered](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) albatross in the current breeding season.  The chick had been videoed in full health a few days previously on 27 February.  The next nest check comes in April, but the chick is not expected to survive.  Eight chick carcasses were also counted at the time, all showing signs of having been scavenged by mice, which, in all likelihood, had commenced feeding on them while they were still alive, leading to their deaths. *![Wounded Wanderer 28 March 2024 Michelle Risi 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wounded_Wanderer_28_March_2024_Michelle_Risi_3.jpg) Mouse attack!  A Wandering Albatross with a fresh wound continues to tend its chick, 28 March 2024* The mouse slaughter has not stopped with the Grey-headed Albatrosses.  On 28 March, Michelle was in the north of the island near Cape Davis conducting nest checks on Wandering Albatrosses when she came across and photographed a wounded male bird brooding its downy chick.  Fortunately (so far) the chick had not been attacked by mice.  The locality was not that far from where the dead adult Wanderers had been seen in April last year.  Whereas the brooding bird will be relieved by its partner, and if still alive, have an opportunity to recover and heal at sea, it seems likely the breeding attempt will fail, even if the adult escapes death. - *![Wounded Wanderer 28 March 2024 Michelle Risi 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wounded_Wanderer_28_March_2024_Michelle_Risi_1.jpg) The brooding Wandering Albatross displays its wound, 28 March 2024; all photographs by Michelle Risi* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) is working towards seeing the end of the island’s mouse plague. Jo*hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels & Michelle Risi,**Marine Apex Predator Research Unit**, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa,* *04 April 2024, updated 11 April 2014* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/attacks-by-house-mice-on-marion-islands-threatened-albatrosses-continue-into-a-new-breeding-season.md) ## 2024 predicted to be an ‘average’ year for Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in the Freeman Seabird Preserve despite record number of active nests ![Hawaii Pacific University students Freeman Seabird Reserve Hyrenbach Shearwater Study 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Hawaii_Pacific_University_students_Freeman_Seabird_Reserve_Hyrenbach_Shearwater_Study_2024.png)*From the paper: Figure 1. Hawai‘i Pacific University students weigh ‘Ua‘u kani chicks to study phenology, chick growth, and reproductive success.* David Hyrenbach ([Hawai‘i Pacific University](https://www.hpu.edu/)) and Alyssa Piauwasdy ([Hawai‘i Pacific University](https://www.hpu.edu/) & [Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](https://oikonos.org/)) study Wedge-tailed Shearwaters or 'Ua'u kani *Ardenna pacifica*; [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica)) in the [Freeman Seabird Preserve](https://www.freemanseabirdpreserve.com/) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. They write of the most recent breeding season in the [Hawaii Audubon Society](https://www.hawaiiaudubon.org/) journal ‘[*Elepaio*](https://hiaudubon.org/elepaio-journal/)’: **"2023 Update** With participation of over 20 volunteers, we counted the number of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (*Ardenna pacifica*) nesting at the Freeman Seabird Preserve during the incubation (July 14) and early chick-rearing (September 14) periods. In July, we documented 427 active nests, which is the highest count to date and surpasses the previous peak of 423 nests observed in 2022 (Hyrenbach & Piauwasdy 2023). Overall, the annual population counts continue to show a statistically significant trend (F = 395.939; df = 1, 13; p <0.001), with an average increase of 24.7 (+/- 4.8 S.D.) nests per year, which captures 97 % of the variability in the 15-year time series (2009 - 2023; Fig. 2). This trend suggests that the colony continues to grow, in part due to the collaborative restoration efforts. ![Wedgie James Campbell Pacific Rim Conserevation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_James_Campbell_Pacific_Rim_Conserevation.jpeg)*A Wedge-tailed Shearwater; photograph courtesy of Pacific Rim Conservation* * ***Ongoing Efforts** The 2024 winter marks the second year of a tracking and tag effects study to determine where in the big Pacific Ocean the ‘ua‘u kani migrate and spend winter, after leaving FSP in late November. In August 2022, we tagged 25 adults with a geolocator (GLS) tag mounted on a USFWS metal band. In April 2023, we retrieved 24 out of 25 tags (96% recovery rate), gathering over 5,700 days of data that revealed their at- sea movements. We tagged an additional 30 adults in August 2023 to learn about ‘ua‘u kani post-breeding movements during the El Niño. We will retrieve these GLS tags starting in April 2024, along with the one remaining GLS from the 2022-23 winter. *Research* Starting in April 2024, we will check returning adult shearwaters to retrieve the GLS tags and to resight the tagged and control birds. With the second year of tracking underway, we are currently analyzing the 2022-23 winter data and developing statistical models to understand the oceanographic drivers of shearwater winter habitat. By comparing shearwater movements during the past La Niña (2022-23) and the current El Niño (2023-24), we seek to understand how changing oceanographic conditions influence the timing of their migration and their over- wintering destinations. Population censusing and nest monitoring for phenology, chick growth, and reproductive success will continue in 2024, to augment our 15-year time series." Read more on the 2023 breeding season [here](https://hiaudubon.org/elepaio-journal/). **Reference:** Hyrenbach, K.D. & Piauwasdy, A. 2023.  Shearwater nesting at Freeman Seabird Preserve: ‘Ua‘u kani cope with El Niño conditions. ‘[Elepaio](https://hiaudubon.org/elepaio-journal/)’ 84(2): 12-14. *01 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/2024-predicted-to-be-an-average-year-for-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-in-the-freeman-seabird-preserve-despite-record-number-of-active-nests.md) ## A review of wildlife census guidelines using drones or satellites published ![ACAP Guidelines remotesensing Attard Paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/ACAP_Guidelines_remotesensing_Attard_Paper.png)*Figure 1 from the paper shows examples of wildlife detected in satellite and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) imagery. (a) VHR satellites can be used to count individual animals provided that they meet key detection criteria: in an open habitat, of suitable size, and of contrasting colour to the background. For instance, African elephants are visible in open savannahs using 31 cm resolution WorldView-3 imagery [14]. (b) Indirect counts can be performed for species which are not directly detectable; for example, colony sizes of emperor penguins can be estimated from the colony area or the extent of guano staining using 10 m resolution Sentinel-2 satellite imagery [15]. (c) Spectral imagery collected by UAS is typically of higher resolution than that of satellite sensors, enabling counts of smaller animals, such as black-browed albatrosses, in open habitats [16]. (d) For species in closed-cover habitats, for instance, koalas in tree canopy (shown in yellow box), thermal cameras mounted on UAS can aid detection [17]. All panels are cropped versions of the originals and are reproduced under CC BY 4.0 licenses.* Marie R. G. Attard ([British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal, *Remote Sensing, *Census Guidelines using drones or satellites.  The paper, which was discussed at the 7th Meeting of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group, provides an introduction for wildlife biologists and managers relatively new to the field on how to implement remote-sensing techniques (satellite and unoccupied aircraft systems) for counting large vertebrates on land, including marine predators that return to land to breed, haul out or roost, to encourage wider application of these technological solutions. A link to the article is also available on the ACAP website via the [Conservation Guidelines page](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines).  The abstract follows: “Although many medium-to-large terrestrial vertebrates are still counted by ground or aerial surveys, remote-sensing technologies and image analysis have developed rapidly in recent decades, offering improved accuracy and repeatability, lower costs, speed, expanded spatial coverage and increased potential for public involvement. This review provides an introduction for wildlife biologists and managers relatively new to the field on how to implement remote-sensing techniques (satellite and unoccupied aircraft systems) for counting large vertebrates on land, including marine predators that return to land to breed, haul out or roost, to encourage wider application of these technological solutions. We outline the entire process, including the selection of the most appropriate technology, indicative costs, procedures for image acquisition and processing, observer training and annotation, automation, and citizen science campaigns. The review considers both the potential and the challenges associated with different approaches to remote surveys of vertebrates and outlines promising avenues for future research and method development.” **Reference:** Attard, M.R.G., Phillips, R.A., Bowler, E., Clarke, P.J., Cubaynes, H., Johnston, D.W., Fretwell, P.T. 2024. Review of Satellite Remote Sensing and Unoccupied Aircraft Systems for Counting Wildlife on Land. *[Remote Sensing](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing)* [https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16040627](https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16040627)[https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16040627](https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16040627) *28 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-review-of-wildlife-census-guidelines-using-drones-or-satellites-published.md) ## 154th American Fisheries Conference: call for abstracts ![AFS makau updated 2048x1936](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/AFS-makau-updated-2048x1936.png) Abstract submission has opened for the 154th American Fisheries Conference under the theme, “Conserving Fishes and Fishing Traditions through Knowledge Co-Production”.  The conference, which is co-hosted by the Western Division and the Pacific Islands Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, is taking place 15 – 19 September 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  The program contains a broad variety of sessions, “focusing on the past, present, and future of fisheries conservation and management”. Of particular note to ACAP is Session SP-11: Managing fisheries bycatch of threatened species, organised by Eric Gilman, Fisheries Research Group, The Safina Center. “Fisheries targeting highly productive species can have profound impacts on co-occurring species also susceptible to capture that have long generation lengths, low fecundity and other life history traits that make them vulnerable to anthropogenic mortality. There has been increasing concern over the sustainability of bycatch mortality of marine megafauna given their vulnerability to exploitation, ecosystem-level cascading effects from declines in abundance and reduced population fitness from fisheries-induced evolution. There has also been increasing attention to risks from bycatch to food, nutrition and livelihood security. The session’s presentations and discussion will cover priority topics in fisheries bycatch science and policy.” The deadline for abstract submission is 26 April 2024, and registration for the conference will open in April. For more information about the conference including the program, travel details and abstract submission, please see the conference website, [here](https://afsannualmeeting.fisheries.org/). *27 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/154th-american-fisheries-conference-call-for-abstracts.md) ## Recommendations for the use of conservation detection dogs in seabird research and conservation *![Woody Stoat dog Auckland Council](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Woody_Stoat_dog_Auckland_Council.jpg)Woody, the Department of Conservation's Stoat-hunting dog, was deployed to Great Barrier Island, photograph by the Auckland Council ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/stoats-reported-on-new-zealand-s-great-barrier-island-black-petrels-at-risk-as-trained-dogs-are-deployed?highlight=WyJ3b29kaSIsIndvb2R5Il0=))* Beth McKeague ([School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast](https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/), United Kingdom) and colleagues have published early view in the journal *[Seabird](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/)* on the value of conservation detection dog handler teams supporting the conservation of procellariiform seabirds, such as petrels, shearwaters and storm petrels. **![Joanna Sims DabchickNZ 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Joanna_Sims_DabchickNZ_1.jpg)* All weathers.  Joanna Sims with Miro looking for breeding Black Petrels on Great Barrier Island on a wet day, photograph from DabChickNZ**([*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/not-only-on-hirakimata-and-glenfern-black-petrels-have-been-found-breeding-at-two-more-sites-on-great-barrier-island?highlight=WyJzaW1zIiwic2ltIl0=)**)* An example included in the paper is using dogs to help protect ACAP-listed Black Petrels *Procellaria parkinsoni* (categorized both [globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150)and [nationally](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/black-petrel) Vulnerable) on New Zealand’s [Great Barrier Island/Aotea](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1361-acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel?highlight=WyJncmVhdCIsIidncmVhdCIsImJhcnJpZXIiLCJiYXJyaWVyJ3MiLCJubyIsIidubyIsImdyZWF0IGJhcnJpZXIiXQ==). The paper’s abstract follows: "Conservation detection dog handler teams (CDDHTs) offer many potential benefits to the world of conservation. Seabird populations are an important component of marine ecosystems.  However, they are threatened by several anthropogenic activities, including the introduction of invasive species.  Although CDDHT can support seabird conservation through invasive species management efforts and population assessments, they are under-utilised.  A lack of methodological standardisation within CDDHT work and the under-publishing of their use within seabird research leads to difficulties in conducting new CDDHT seabird-related studies due to an inability to learn from previous research.  This study aimed to address these shortcomings by investigating the techniques and methods used by those actively working with, or planning to work with, CDDHT on a seabird project to better understand them, and propose best practices in the field.   Seven professionals who have used, or will use, CDDHT as part of a seabird project (four handlers, three ecologists/researchers) participated in structured written surveys which were thematically analysed.  Five superordinate themes emerged from the survey data: Training, Location, Role of Handler, Wildlife Considerations, and Dog Selection Criteria, with the first two themes having several subordinate themes.  A summary of best practices was developed from the findings, with notable recommendations including preparation across all project elements, networking with other professionals, and making judgments on the use of techniques like discrimination and field trials based on the specific project and dog(s).  These results can serve to benefit future seabird studies involving CDDHT as well as supporting the development of standardisation in the CDDHT field." Read about an ACAP-funded secondment of a detection dog-handler from the South Atlantic to New Zealand’s Conservation Dogs Programme, managed by the Department of Conservation [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/naomi-cordeiros-acap-secondment-with-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-to-help-expand-the-role-of-detection-dogs-in-conservation-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJzZWNvbmQiLCJzZWNvbmRtZW50Iiwic2Vjb25kbWVudHMiLCJzZWNvbmRlZCIsInNlY29uZHMiLCJzZWNvbmRseSJd). **Reference:** McKeague, B., Chapman, S., Cripps, R., González-Solís, J., Hartman, J., Johnson, K., Kerrigan, P., McClelland, G.T.W., Militão, T., Smith, H. & Finlay, C. 2024.  Recommendations for the use of conservation detection dogs in seabird research: a thematic analysis. * [Seabird 36(2)](https://doi.org/10.61350/sbj.36.2)*[doi.org/10.61350/sbj.36.2](https://doi.org/10.61350/sbj.36.2). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/recommendations-for-the-use-of-conservation-detection-dogs-in-seabird-research-and-conservation.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Promising signs from a rodent eradication on Floreana Island signal hope for the Critically Endangered Galapagos Petrel *![Galapagos Petrel Carolina Proaño](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Galapagos_Petrel_Carolina_Proaño.jpeg)A Galapagos Petrel in its burrow, photograph by Carolina Proaño* Welcome news comes from an island in the Galapagos Islands where early signs following a recent eradication operation look promising, especially after the failures on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/more-mice-have-been-recorded-on-gough-island-since-last-year-s-eradication-attempt?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIiwyMDIyXQ==) in the South Atlantic and [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-midway-seabird-protection-project-fails-to-eradicate-the-atolls-albatross-killing-house-mice?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pY2UiLCJtaWNlJ3MiXQ==) in the North Pacific, where House Mice *Mus musculus* are sadly still present after eradication operations carried out over the last three years. The [Galapagos Conservation Trust](https://www.facebook.com/GalapagosConservationTrust) reports on the [Floreana Ecological Restoration Project](https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/our-work/projects/restoring-floreana/): “Last October, the restoration of Floreana Island reached an exciting milestone, as the eradication of invasive [Black Rats *Rattus rattus and*House Mice], over a decade in the planning, finally began.  The project, led by the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency in partnership with the Floreana community, co-executed by Fundación Jocotoco and Island Conservation, and supported by Galapagos Conservation Trust, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and others, has as its ultimate aim the reintroduction of 12 locally extinct species and the restoration of the island’s degraded ecosystem.  The removal of invasive species is key to the project’s success, and initial indications regarding the eradication of rats and mice, which concluded in December 2023, are positive.” Successful eradication of Floreana’s introduced rodents should be a help to the island’s breeding population of [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/galapagos-petrel-pterodroma-phaeopygia/text) Galapagos Petrels *Pterodroma phaeopygia*, which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands.  Floreana supports over 60% of the species’ global population. One study found almost half the Galapagos Petrel nests on Floreana were preyed upon by feral cats *Felis catus* (and likely also by Black Rats) despite local control efforts.  However, no public announcement has yet been made on the outcome of the planned effort to eradicate the cats with meat-based “sausages” containing Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) at the same time as the rats and mice ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eradication-of-rodents-and-cats-on-floreana-island-will-help-save-the-critically-endangered-galapagos-petrel?highlight=WyJmbG9yZWFuYSJd)). *![Floreana Island Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Floreana_Island_Conservation.jpg) A view of Floreana Island, photograph from Island Conservation* With the eradication attempt showing promising signs for at least the two rodents (although a final announcement of success usually waits for two years with no signs of them) a decision was made to release the endemic Galapagos finches which had been kept in temporary captivity in aviaries on the island during the baiting operation.  A total of 510 finches of five species was released in batches over January and February this year into their natural habitats on the island as part of the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project.  Some of the first released birds were radio tracked to assess if it was safe to release all the birds ([click here](https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/floreana-finches-released/?fbclid=IwAR2FRNgQ6e1e62ZcpkAfsE4mtxq4DRcOfUc-8cHriHEBN7DQd2-wFxSzO4s)). Floriana is an inhabited island with a human population of 160.  If the rats and mice (and also the cats) have definitely gone, it will join with Australia’s inhabited [Lord Howe Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-australias-lord-howe-island-is-declared-free-of-introduced-rats-and-mice-following-a-successful-eradication-operation-in-2019?highlight=WyJsb3JkIiwiaG93ZSIsInJhdHMiLCJyYXQiLCJyYXQnIiwicmF0J3MiLCIncmF0Il0=), now free of its rats and mice, as yet another success for what must surely be one of the world’s most important conservation activities: ridding islands of their introduced predators. With grateful thanks to Kelly Hague, Senior Philanthropy Manager and and Tom O’Hara, Communications Manager, Galapagos Conservation Trust. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 April 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-promising-signs-from-a-rodent-eradication-on-floreana-island-signals-hope-for-the-critically-endangered-galapagos-petrel.md) ## Close to home: study reveals how Shy Albatrosses adapt their feeding habits amid environmental shifts ![Albatross Island Shy Albatross Rachael Alderman](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Albatross_Island_Shy_Albatross_Rachael_Alderman.png)*A Shy Albatross on Australia's Albatross Island; photograph by Rachael Alderman* Claire Mason ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/), University of Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Ecology and Evolution*](https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=Cggyqn977ZZeLNJCW29gPkbKLmA7XkdmTduqbuPfAEumPtb-cCQgAEAEguVRgpfiRgJABoAGpq5PQA8gBAcgD2CCqBF9P0A4BNJ4fQk42Hlt1l8-mZN0YqX6f9ZjwYXeBonClNkmVi56isN4avdwLmrhidDitmJAJos4bi9E6XmCc5QnBbUbwElW_8ngE1Hp9rlAx489nS1qbqkO_0VKOy9njk8AEp-bI5twEgAWQTogF5rGavE6gBmaAB7_U7C-IBwGQBwGoB-u4sQKoB6a-G6gHuZqxAqgH89EbqAfu0huoB_-csQKoB8rcG6gHkq-xAqgHu6SxAqgHkqaxAqgH2KaxAqgH3rWxAqgH26qxAqgH0KqxAqgH3LCxAqgHv7mxAqgH6rGxAqgHlLixAqgH7LixAqgHvrexAqgHsruxAqgHs7uxAqgHw72xAqgHxL2xAqgH5L2xAqAI-NmpBLAIAdIIKhACMgSD4IAOOg3C4YCAgIAEgsCAgIAgQgEESNHs8ypQCVjX1urN54SFA5oJMGh0dHBzOi8vb25saW5lbGlicmFyeS53aWxleS5jb20vam91cm5hbC8yMDQ1Nzc1OLEJNlNvj1H2Bgm5CfibXMioTIQB-AkBmAsBogwIKgYKBJ68sQKqDAIIAegMBqoNAkFVyA0BghQZCAMSFWVjb2xvZ3kgYW5kIGV2b2x1dGlvbogUAcgUoMWK8fqD5eYx0BUB-BYBgBcBkhcJEgcIARADGLYBuhcEOAFIAeAXAtAYAQ&ae=2&gclid=CjwKCAjwte-vBhBFEiwAQSv_xTk23TrVObCFbqTJ4ZNeEk7wwIu2WzP2V97PgpKj6nvWa2OdOVa9_hoCHQMQAvD_BwE&ved=2ahUKEwjigeLN54SFAxX40DQHHfy4DOMQ0Qx6BAgKEAE&nis=8&dct=1&cid=CAASFeRowyQGP3cE7OITEUS_rcSKU3RksA&dblrd=1&sival=AF15MEBmDJR0spF5oxz1dOOEfB-0d9H9qnvWZ1kFtskg1gKSQHwGRR6NbZ2MpjOZoL18OoLgQrtfpCQDPPGmy1z94QDJxEhk6yi4O9HQS2yaQE6YNrLmENnnqTU7x4dG7mjzSYeQ5hynGkaktGZ5TDeA2_9H0THewFQR7jr4TqGf5_89-hcFPQo&sig=AOD64_3aQiqt-6lk7gkIdJNMQUJZpS5mtw&adurl=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dpaidsearch%26utm_campaign%3DR78D96W%26gad_source%3D1) an analysis of the foraging behaviour of 96 shy albatrosses on Australia’s Albatross Island. The open-access paper is part of a [themed issue](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/MEPS/HEAT/p_av12/) “How do marine heatwaves impact seabirds?” along with 12 other publications. The paper’s abstract follows: “Quantifying the intra- and interindividual variation that exists within a population can provide meaningful insights into a population's vulnerability and response to rapid environmental change. We characterise the foraging behaviour of 308 trips taken by 96 shy albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*) from Albatross Island across seven consecutive years. At a population level, incubating shy albatross exploited a consistent area within ca. 500 km radius of their breeding colony. During half of the trips, individuals utilised the closest shelf break to the west of the colony, where upwelling events have been reported. The other half of the trips were exclusively within the neritic zone, utilising a variety of locations within the Bass Strait. Furthermore, we found evidence of individual consistency to geographic locations, with subsequent trips by an individual more similar than random trips from all individuals in our data, both within and between years (*G*-test, *p* < .05). Between-individual variation in foraging behaviour was not meaningfully explained by age (linear regression, *p* > .05) or sex (*t*-test, *p* > .05) for any metric, suggesting that other intrinsic individual factors are accounting for between-individual variation in foraging trips. A localised foraging distribution is unusual for albatross, which, combined with high variation in space use between individuals demonstrated here, suggests that this species is accessing adequate resources near the colony. Overall, these findings suggest that incubating shy albatross from Albatross Island exhibit tendencies of a generalist population comprised of uniquely specialised individuals. These results suggest that this species is operating below its biological capacity in this fast-warming area and provide a baseline from which to assess future change.” **Reference:** Mason, C., Hobday, A. J., Lea, M.-A., &  Alderman, R. (2023).  Individual consistency in the localised foraging behaviour of shy albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*). [*Ecology and Evolution*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758), 13, e10644. [https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10644](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10644)[https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10644](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10644) *22 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/foraging-behaviour-of-shy-albatrosses-under-the-spotlight-in-new-study.md) ## ACAP releases the 2024 World Albatross Day poster: “Marine Protected Areas: Safeguarding our Oceans” ![WALD 2024 Poster English 02](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/WALD_2024_Poster_English-02.jpg)*New Zealand’s Near Threatened [Buller's Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) *Thalassarche bulleri *and the Vulnerable [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus *have been chosen as the featured species for 2024’s World Albatross Day celebrations. Both species appear in this year's poster by Geoffry Tyler, as does the Endangered[Grey-headed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *Thalassarche chrysostoma The Albatross and Petrel Agreement is excited to present the poster for this year’s World Albatross Day under the theme, “Marine Protected Areas: Safeguarding our Oceans”.  The WAD2024 poster was created by South African born Graphic Designer and long-time ACAP collaborator, [Geoff Tyler](https://www.instagram.com/infinite_wilderness/), who also designed ACAP’s World Albatross Day logo, including this year’s commemorative logo marking the Agreement’s 20th year since coming into force.   The ocean supports an abundance of life and ecosystems, and Geoff’s design beautifully captures the vital connection between albatrosses and the ocean whilst also highlighting the main threat to these incredible birds – fisheries.  MPAs can assist in improving the conservation status of albatrosses by [safeguarding their breeding habitats](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/resources/management-plans/mpa-acap&source=gmail&ust=1706144607639000&usg=AOvVaw11juH7aPSeIZN3YAatQy3Q), critical areas along their migration routes, and by regulating activities like fishing within these protected zones. Currently, MPAs can only be established by Governments within their own waters, however, with the landmark signature of the [Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction](https://www.un.org/bbnj/) or 'BBNJ treaty', by 84 nations, their creation in waters commonly known as the High Seas will also become possible.  New Zealand’s Near Threatened [Buller's Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) *Thalassarche bulleri *and the Vulnerable [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus* have been chosen as the featured species for 2024’s World Albatross Day celebrations. Both species appear in this year's poster, as does the Endangered [Grey-headed Albatross](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *Thalassarche** chrysostoma.* Please help spread the word about this year’s World Albatross Day and share our WAD2024 poster to amplify awareness and inspire action for the conservation of these impressive seabirds and the vast ocean they traverse. The 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 WAD2024 posters and logos can be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas/world-albatross-day-2024-poster-and-logo).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. ACAP would like to thank, Michelle Risi, Enzo M. Reyes, Ross Wheeler, Michelle Jones and John Klavitter for the use of their photographs in this year’s WAD2024 poster.  *25 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-the-2024-world-albatross-day-poster-marine-protected-areas-safeguarding-our-oceans.md) ## A ten-day-old Northern Royal Albatross chick succumbs to ingested plastic *2![chick plastic death 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/chick_plastic_death_2.jpg)A Northern Royal Albatross chick in ICU after eating plastic, photograph by the Wildlife Hospital* A 10-day old [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*chick has died while under care in the [Wildlife Hospital](https://www.wildlifehospitaldunedin.org.nz/) in Dunedin after it swallowed soft plastic that had been regurgitated to it by its parent at [Taiaroa Head/Pukekura](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland), South Island, New Zealand.  The soft but tough plastic was discovered during necropsy to have caused an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately led to starvation and organ failure. *![chick plastic death 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/chick_plastic_death_5.jpg)Plastic (and squid beaks) found in the regurgitation of an albatross chick, photograph by the Department of Conservation* Department of Conservation biodiversity ranger Sharyn Broni said it was the first death of its kind at the Taiaroa Head colony, but rangers had feared something like this could happen after other close calls in recent years. “This heartbreaking incident is a reminder it's vital to dispose of plastic rubbish carefully.  People can also help by picking up litter they see on beaches, near waterways, or out on the ocean. Every piece you pick up could save a seabird's life.” *![Northern Royal Albatross chick plastic pony Theo Thompson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_chick_plastic_pony_Theo_Thompson.jpg) “[My Little Pony](https://acap.aq/latest-news/not-my-little-pony-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-new-zealand-avoids-ingesting-plastic?highlight=WyJwb255Iiwibm9ydGgiXQ==)”, photograph by Theo Thompson* In May 2021, a 9-cm-long plastic pony toy, which had been regurgitated by a parent, was found in a chick's nest.  Fortunately, in that case the chick did not swallow it, Broni said. "DOC staff found plastic in almost all the [albatross] chick regurgitations checked last season.  The most common plastics seen were bottlecaps, however items like a plastic syringe were also found.” [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) on the hatchling's death.  Previous plastic items in addition to the pony toy found associated with Taiaroa Head’s albatrosses have included [bottle caps, squid lures, fishing floats](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2875-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-taiaroa-head-fledge-23-chicks-out-of-38-eggs-laid-in-the-2016-17-season-in-the-face-of-plastic-ingestion?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsIidwbGFzdGljIl0=), a [container tab](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3129-northern-royal-albatrosses-also-feed-plastic-to-their-chicks?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsIidwbGFzdGljIl0=) and the [handle of an infant formula scoop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3374-not-feeding-the-baby-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-taiaroa-head-regurgitates-an-infant-formula-scoop?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsIidwbGFzdGljIl0=). Plastic pollution was the theme for last year’s World Albatross Day ([WAD2023](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)) on 19 June. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-ten-day-old-northern-royal-albatross-chick-succumbs-to-ingested-plastic-2.md) ## Wisdom, the world’s oldest known Laysan Albatross, still has it – engaging in mutual displays into her 70s *![Wisdom displays 18 March 2024 Nick Minnich 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_displays_18_March_2024_Nick_Minnich_1.jpg)Wisdom (right) displays with another Laysan Albatross, 18 March 2024* Wisdom, a [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* on [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site)’s Sand Island, is the world’s oldest known wild bird.  Now into her 70s, she was sighted wearing her now well-known plastic leg band red Z333 on 18 March 2024, engaging in mutual displays with other Laysan Albatrosses at her former nest site. “Wisdom was previously last sighted in January 2024 in search of a new mate after her former mate did not return during the early winter 2023 breeding season.  It is extremely unlikely that she will find that one and only “mature” mate so late in the 2024 nesting season but it is not for lack of trying! She truly is one of the grandest of grandmothers in the animal kingdom.” On 24 and 25 December 2023 Wisdom was seen displaying with an unbanded male, she was first recorded for the 2023/24 breeding season on 03 December last year.  Her last partner, named Akeakamai, has not been seen this and in the two previous seasons and is likely to be no longer alive ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdom-the-seventy-something-laysan-albatross-dances-in-another-season-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsMjAyM10=)).  Let’s hope she can find a new mate in the 2024/25 season and breeds once more. *![Wisdom displays 18 March 2024 Nick Minnich 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_displays_18_March_2024_Nick_Minnich_2.jpeg)Wisdom (centre) displays with three other Laysan Albatrosses, 18 March 2024 Photographs by Nick Minnich, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer* View Wisdom's [latest photo shoot](https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdoms-photo-shot-march-18-2024-by-u-s-fish-and-wildlife-service-volunteer-nick-minnich/) by Nick Minnich.  News from the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUSLOU30VS8BTSXA1SKJKwwDw-2o0oZYmI2mYdGvfP7I9zbN2roZznUmRPzLExa8JGiddCB36V6yV5FvczWnDE-URsMsjHX6NKXzVY_BKxr2d3RzhGVAXcgKGSjjpdCgeXVf6kdEQmtr69wlpPb9qxxvBP25aicd7xpyo8TvsYFEI6n3jeCE6HVX5i_TotIkcW-GfLHgKvIqJbVJzjPNIty&__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R).  Access the many previous posts about Wisdom  in *ACAP Latest News* from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-worlds-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-still-has-it-engaging-in-mutual-displays-into-her-70s.md) ## Bouncing back: Grey Petrel populations on Macquarie Island recovering after invasive pest eradication ![Grey Petrel chick Macca Penny Pascoe](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Grey-Petrel-chick-Macca-Penny-Pascoe.jpg)*A Grey Petrel chick in its burrow on Macquarie Island; photograph courtesy of Penny Pascoe* Jeremy Bird ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au), University of Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15231739) *on the recovery dynamics of burrowing seabirds, including the ACAP-listed Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*, on Australia's Macquarie Island since the island’s invasive predator eradication. The paper’s abstract follows: “Eradicating invasive predators from islands can result in substantial recovery of seabirds, but the mechanisms that drive population changes remain poorly understood. Meta-analyses have recently revealed that immigration is surprisingly important to the recovery of philopatric seabirds, but it is not known whether dispersal and philopatry interact predictably to determine rates of population growth and changes of distribution. We used whole-island surveys and long-term monitoring plots to study the abundance, distribution, and trends of 4 burrowing seabird species on Macquarie Island, Australia, to examine the legacy impacts of invasive species and ongoing responses to the world's largest eradication of multiple species of vertebrates. Wekas (*Gallirallus australis*) were eradicated in 1988; cats (*Felis catus*) in 2001; and rabbits (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*), black rats (*Rattus rattus*), and mice (*Mus mus*) in 2011–2014. We compared surveys from 1976–1979 and 2017–2018 and monitoring from the 1990s and 2000s onward. Antarctic prions (*Pachyptila desolata*) and white-headed petrels (*Pterodroma lessonii*) increased ∼1% per year. Blue petrels (*Halobaena caerulea*) and gray petrels (*Procellaria cinerea*) recolonized following extirpation from the main island in the 1900s but remained spatially and numerically rare in 2018. However, they increased rapidly at 14% and 10% per year, respectively, since cat eradication in 2001. Blue and gray petrel recolonization occurred on steep, dry, west-facing slopes close to ridgelines at low elevation (i.e., high-quality petrel habitat). They overlapped <5% with the distribution of Antarctic prion and white-headed petrels which occurred in suboptimal shallow, wet, east-facing slopes at high elevation. We inferred that the speed of population growth of recolonizing species was related to their numerically smaller starting size compared with the established species and was driven by immigration and selection of ideal habitat.” An article by the authors about the study can be found in the research-based news and analysis publication, *The Conversation*, [here](https://theconversation.com/ridding-macquarie-island-of-pests-pays-off-as-seabirds-come-back-from-the-brink-but-recovery-has-just-begun-221992). , [here](https://theconversation.com/ridding-macquarie-island-of-pests-pays-off-as-seabirds-come-back-from-the-brink-but-recovery-has-just-begun-221992). **Reference:** Bird, J. P., Fuller, R. A., &  Shaw, J. D. (2024).  Patterns of recovery in extant and extirpated seabirds after the world's largest multipredator eradication. *Conservation Biology*, e14239. [https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14239](https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14239)[https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14239](https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14239) *18 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bouncing-back-grey-petrel-populations-on-macquarie-island-recovering-after-invasive-pest-eradication.md) ## World Bank seeks Senior Fisheries Specialist ![The World Bank logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/The_World_Bank_logo.png) The Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy Global Practice (ENB) within the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Practice Group, is advertising a vacancy for a Senior Fisheries Specialist with expertise and practical experience in Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Blue Economy within the SENGL. "The Senior Fisheries Specialist will report to the SENGL Practice Manager and will be based in Washington, DC. The Senior Fisheries Specialist will effectively provide a full range of support to the PROBLUE Secretariat. In addition, the Senior Fisheries Specialist will be an integral part of the wider SENGL team and expected to take a proactive role in providing effective, high-quality technical and strategic support to other WB Teams. **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** The Sr. Fisheries Specialist will have the following key responsibilities as agreed with his/her Practice Manager based on an annual Results Agreement. - Technical Advisory Work. As a member of the Global Platform Unit, the incumbent will provide technical advice on a broad range of solutions to fisheries and aquaculture in World Bank operations, including to the analysis of data related to the Bank’s fisheries and aquaculture/ blue economy pipeline and portfolio. This also includes providing leadership in the implementation overall PROBLUE work program, with a focus on fisheries and aquaculture governance, management and development i.e., PROBLUE´s Pillar 1 – Fisheries and Aquaculture. -  Analytical Work Program. The incumbent is expected to bring and provide in-depth technical expertise on environmental and natural resource management issues with a focus on oceans, coastal and aquatic management, climate resilience, and coastal landscapes. In addition, the Sr. Fisheries Specialist will (i) lead in the development of platforms for fisheries and aquaculture management and development, for knowledge exchange and partnerships; (ii) undertake research for the development of new World Bank operations; and (iii) analyze data to enhance the understanding of linkages between fisheries and aquaculture governance and management, marine and coastal ecosystems management and protection, and economic development, poverty reduction, gender balance and broader social-inclusion issues, climate change and private sector finance mobilization. - Global Outreach. The incumbent will be expected to (i) provide input into the World Bank’s global outreach on fisheries and aquaculture; (ii) input into briefs and presentations for the Bank senior management for engagement in international conferences, negotiations and bilateral cooperation; (iii) represent the Bank at technical conferences and workshops and (iv) support documentation and management of knowledge including support for publications, e-books, webinars and organizing events. - Program Administration and Fundraising. The Sr. Fisheries Specialist will be expected to provide leadership in the day-to-day management of PROBLUE, including the preparation of supporting documents and the organization of and participation in meetings. In addition, as a member of the PROBLUE Secretariat, duties of the position include the review of funding proposals, monitoring of grants, inputs to annual reports and annual workplans and budget for Pillar 1. contribute to the technical aspects of trust funded programs, supporting and help maintaining development partner relations and day to day management . - Knowledge Management. The incumbent is expected to (i) maintain effective communication with relevant communities of practice, including NGOs, academia, civil society, the private sector as well as specialized international organizations; (ii) actively participate in communities of practice and global level technical innovation and knowledge sharing in the area of fisheries and aquaculture will be an important component of this position; as well as (iii) support the coordination and carrying out other tasks as requested by the Manager such as for example, contribute to the organization of training or knowledge sharing events. **Selection Criteria:** - Master’s or PhD degree in fisheries management or economics, or other relevant area, with a strong socio-economic and/or fisheries-technical perspective. - A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional and practical experience in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, in the domain of management and development. Familiarity with fisheries and aquaculture policies and international conventions and agreements, strategies, institutions, and regulations. - Practical experience, ideally in World Bank client countries, either from a public or private perspective, of planning, negotiating, implementing, administrating or managing national or regional projects in developing countries and/or the conception and execution of global studies, projects or initiatives in capture fisheries, aquaculture or seafood value chains. Experience of coordinating multi-country activities would be a plus. - A demonstrated knowledge of international fisheries and aquaculture issues and trends including a balanced perspective with regard to production and conservation goals for fisheries and oceans and aquatic ecosystems and an ability to innovate and build synergies across sectors. - Experience with fund raising from a wide range of donors would be an advantage. - Committed team player with demonstrated inter-personal skills and ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Collaborates across sectoral boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives. - Ability to function at the highest levels in a multi-cultural environment, building and sustaining partnerships with developing country officials and colleagues, private sector representatives and partners from international financial, economic or development-assistance organizations. - Proven skills and ability to transfer knowledge, as well as diplomatic skills to present views at the highest levels internally and externally. Ability to contribute to knowledge sharing activities. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is essential. Working knowledge of French or Spanish would be required. Command of additional language(s) would be an advantage. - Willingness to travel internationally as necessary." For more information on the World Bank and the position, please see the vacancy advertisement at the World Bank website, [here](https://worldbankgroup.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=26521&site=1). The deadline for applications is 26 March 2024. *15 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-bank-seeks-senior-fisheries-specialist.md) ## Albatross research gets featured at the Pacific Seabird Group’s 2024 Annual Meeting ![978 3 319 96978 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/978-3-319-96978-7.jpg) Ten papers about albatrosses were presented to the Pacific Seabird Group’s [51st Annual Meeting](https://psg.wildapricot.org/annual-meeting), with the theme “Faces of Seabird Conservation”, held last month in Seattle, Washington, United States of America,.  Their titles and authors follow.  Go to the [Book of Abstracts](https://psg.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/PSG%202024/2024%20Abstract%20Book_12Feb.pdf) to learn more. Predicting albatross bycatch hotspots across the north Pacific Ocean Thomas Clay, Scott Shaffer, Josh Adams, David Anderson, Steven Bograd, Jonathan Felis, Yuliana Bedolla Guzmán, Elliott Hazen, Michelle Hester, David Hyrenbach, Julio César Hernández Montoya, Frederick Dallas Jordan, Federico Méndez Sánchez, Bungo Nishizawa, Rachael Orben, Kiyoaki Ozaki, Evaristo Rojas-Mayoral, Fumio Sato, Robert Suryan, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot, Lesley Thorne, Heather Welch, Lindsay Young & Gemma Carroll Multiple observer comparison of satellite-based counts of the endangered Short-tailed Albatross (*Phoebastria albatrus*) Risa Dickson, Jane Dolliver, Jennifer Spegon, Kristopher Pacheco & Rachael Orben Analysis of Laysan Albatross diets from two colonies on Oahu, Hawaii Philip Duchild, Nina Karnovsky & Lindsay Young Sex-related variation in the distribution and relation with longline fisheries of Black-footed Albatrosses Haruka Hayashi, Bungo Nishizawa, Naoki Tomita & Daisuke Ochi Global prevalence of setting longlines at dawn highlights bycatch risk for threatened albatross David Kroodsma, Joanna Turner, Cian Luck, Tim Hochberg, Nathan Mille, Philip Augustyn & Stephanie Prince A potential tracking research of senkaku-type Short-tailed Albatross in Taiwan Yun-Xuan Lin, Scott Shaffer, Rachael Orben, Hsiao-Wei Yuan, Chung-Hang Hung, Han-Po Chang & An Chou History and significance of albatross banding efforts at Midway Atoll, 1936-2023 Jonathan Plissner, Beth Flint & Jennifer McKay Identifying “in situ” Northern Buller’s Albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri platei*) during the artisanal longline fishery in offshore waters of southern Perú Javier Quiñones, Christopher Robertson & Carlos Zavalaga Detailed species composition, occurrence and behaviour of seabirds species during the fishing operation of artisanal longline fisheries in southern Peru, and strategies to prevent seabird bycatch in offshore waters of southern Peru Javier Quiñones, Cynthia Romero, Johannes Fischer & Igor Debski Status of social attraction and translocation of 4 seabird species on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Eric VanderWerf, Robby Kohley Erika Dittmar, Leilani Fowlke & Kelly Goodale *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatross-research-gets-featured-at-the-pacific-seabird-groups-2024-annual-meeting.md) ## Essential Criteria: ACAP’s Dr Christine Bogle offers insights into the role of Executive Secretary ![Christine Bogle 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Christine_Bogle-1.jpg)*ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle* ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle has been steering the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels since late 2018, bringing her passion and wealth of diplomatic experience to this critical role.  A citizen of New Zealand, Christine spent over three decades as a New Zealand diplomat, including three postings as Head of Mission, and her academic background includes a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. As the [Agreement begins the search for her successor](https://acap.aq/latest-news/job-vacancy-executive-secretary-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels), Christine shares valuable insights into the multifaceted responsibilities of the Executive Secretary. From navigating administrative challenges to fostering international collaboration, Christine provides a comprehensive understanding of the role's intricacies and rewards. ***How would you describe the role of the Executive Secretary?*** The role is a mixture of management/administration and international diplomatic engagement and advocacy.  The ACAP Secretariat is a small office of only two staff, and the Executive Secretary accordingly has responsibility for carrying out a large number of administrative and organisational tasks, such as managing the Agreement’s Budget. On the international side, the Executive Secretary represents ACAP at a range of regional and multilateral meetings, as well as one-on-one engagement with relevant contacts worldwide. Both aspects of the job require a large amount of report writing and other written activities.  ***How do you balance the administrative tasks with the passion for wildlife conservation in your daily routine?*** Fortunately, the role itself provides a balance between these factors. The diplomatic engagement and advocacy allow me to play my part in the efforts to “achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels” (the overall objective of ACAP). The administrative functions also support the objective by ensuring the smooth management of the Secretariat and helping facilitate coordination amongst the ACAP Parties and others. ***How does the Executive Secretary facilitate communication and collaboration among Parties and stakeholders to promote and achieve the objectives of ACAP?*** The main occasions on which the ACAP Parties and other interested bodies come together are the annual ACAP meetings (the Meeting of the Parties every three years, and the Advisory Committee and Working Groups in the intervening two years). The Executive Secretary plays a key role in organising and managing these meetings, together with Secretariat staff and meeting Chairs and Convenors. ***What challenges have you faced while working as the Executive Secretary, and how did you overcome them?*** A major challenge, obviously not just for me as Executive Secretary, was the COVID pandemic. Together with colleagues, I had to work out ways to continue ACAP’s operations without our annual in-person meetings, and to engage internationally with ACAP’s international partners.  I can’t personally take credit for the coping mechanisms that we developed, as they were the result of collaboration and consultation with a large number of contacts. To take but one example, some organisations developed the concept of using pre-meeting discussion documents (by correspondence) to deal with some agenda items of their annual meetings and to enable the (necessarily online) meetings to be shorter and more efficient. This was a practice that ACAP adopted.  A challenge more specific to ACAP is the need to encourage more Range States to become Parties to the Agreement. Although no new accessions to the Agreement have as yet taken place during my term, I have taken every opportunity to encourage relevant countries  to consider joining ACAP, or at least to participate in our meetings as observers. ***What skills or attributes do you believe are necessary to succeed in this position?*** The skills needed for the position are those outlined in the criteria (essential and desirable) as set out in the advertisement for the position. These are: **Essential criteria ** - Must be a national of an ACAP Party. - Experience or detailed knowledge of the operations of international intergovernmental organisations. - Representational and promotional skills. - Fluency in English. - Demonstration of an appropriate level of managerial experience and proven competence, including: (a) the preparation of financial budgets and the management of expenditures, and (b) the organisation of meetings and provision of Secretariat support for high level committees. **Desirable criteria** - Familiarity with the conservation of albatrosses and petrels. - Relevant experience and qualifications. - Proficiency in the other languages of ACAP Parties and Range States, in particular the other two official ACAP languages (Spanish and French). From these it can be seen that, as I commented earlier, the position requires both multilateral diplomatic experience  and organisational ability.  Both these aspects of the job require a large amount of report writing and interaction with a range of different contacts. Hence, fluency in English is highlighted as an essential criterion, while proficiency in other relevant languages (in particular, French and Spanish, the other two ACAP official languages) is included amongst the desirable criteria.  ***What do you enjoy most about the position?*** As a diplomat with many years of experience working in different countries, I particularly enjoy the interaction with colleagues from all over the world, and the opportunity to use my language skills in Spanish and French. An added bonus is the location of the Secretariat in Hobart.  It’s been a real privilege to be able to spend several years getting to know Tasmania, which was also the home of some of my ancestors in the 19th century. For me, then, the great attractions of the job have been – the ability to use my diplomatic skills, using my language skills on a regular basis, and being part of the international community, while living in wonderful Tasmania.  ACAP are now accepting applications for the role of Executive Secretary, to commence on 1st July 2025. If you are passionate about contributing to the preservtion of albatrosses and petrels, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to be part of a crucial conservation effort. Applications can be submitted in any of ACAP's three official languages. Information on the role can be found in all three languages at the following links: English: [Advertisement of Vacancy for ACAP Executive Secretary 2025](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/news/employment-volunteering&source=gmail&ust=1707179675357000&usg=AOvVaw3UG8Z0_4px1WuIVpB9X73p)  French: [Annonce pour le poste de Secrétaire exécutif de l'ACAP 2025](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/fr/actualites/possibilites-d-emploi&source=gmail&ust=1707179675357000&usg=AOvVaw2pS9MstjBfHA9WppiVgvS8)  Spanish: [Anuncio para el cargo de Secretario Ejecutivo del ACAP 2025](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/es/news/oportunidades-de-empleo&source=gmail&ust=1707179675357000&usg=AOvVaw0w_0a7EL2PgjCHgebIGHVu)  **The deadline for applications is close of business 2 April 2024. **  *13 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/essential-criteria-acaps-dr-christine-bogle-offers-insights-into-the-role-of-executive-secretary.md) ## Nearly half way! ACAP’s latest Species Infographic is for the Short-tailed Albatross, the 15th in the series ![preview shorttailed eng No Yamashina logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/preview_shorttailed_eng__No_Yamashina_logo.jpg) The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), released today and the fifteenth to be produced in the 31-part series, is for the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus*.**  It is being produced in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish, 33with a Japanese version to follow, marking the fact that the majority of the species breeds on Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano)*. The Short-tailed Albatross infographic, along with the next in the series, for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri,* currently in production, are being produced in support of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June ([WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)) and its theme of “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”. *![Torishima Short tail models Rob Suryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Torishima_Short-tail_models_Rob_Suryan.jpg)Decoy models used to attract Short-tailed Albatrosses to a new breeding site on Torishima, photograph by Robert Suryan* The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series.  English and Portuguese** language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). All the 15 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Maëlle Connan, Yasuko Suzuki and Naoki Tomita for their help. *Japanese versions of the infographics for Black-footed *P. nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses, both of which breed on Japanese islands, are still in production. **Being produced for the six ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil.  To date, those produced are for the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 1**9 March 202**4, updated 03 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/nearly-half-way-acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-the-15th-in-the-series.md) ## Study finds climate change has surpassed all other threats to Australia’s threatened birds ![Greyhead Macca Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Greyhead_Macca_Melanie_Wells.jpg)*The successful eradicaiton of rodents and rabbits from Australia's Macquarie Island was an example in the study of where effective conservation interventions relieved the threat load on Australia's threatened bird taxa. A grey-headed Albatross on Macquarie Island; photo by Melanie Wells* Stephen Garnett (Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Emu - Austral Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temu20) a review of the projected impact of threats and the degree to which their management is executed for all threats to Australia’s threatened bird species in the decade between 2010 and 2020. The paper’s abstract follows: “Most biodiversity monitoring globally tends to concentrate on trends in species’ populations and ranges rather than on threats and their management. Here we review the estimated impact of threats and the extent to which their management is understood and implemented for all threats to all Australian threatened bird taxa. The assessment reports the situation in 2020 and how this differs from 2010. The most marked finding was that the impact of climate change has increased greatly over the last decade, and now surpasses invasive species as the threat imposing the heaviest threat load. Climate change has driven recent massive population declines from increased temperatures in tropical montane rainforests and from fire. For both direct climate change impacts and fire management, progress in understanding how to relieve the threats has been slow and patchy. Consequently, little effective management has occurred. By comparison, our analysis showed that the single successful campaign to eradicate introduced mammals from Macquarie Island relieved the total threat load on Australian threatened birds by 5%, and more than halved the load on the birds from oceanic islands. Protection or rehabilitation of habitat, particularly on islands, has also delivered measurable benefit as have, in the longer term, controls on longline fishing. Our approach can be used with other taxonomic groups to understand progress in research and management and to allow quantification of potential benefits from proposed actions, such as the national threatened species plan.” Reference: Garnett, S.T., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Baker, G. B., et al. (2024) Monitoring threats to Australian threatened birds: climate change was the biggest threat in 2020 with minimal progress on its management, *Emu - Austral Ornithology*, 124:1, 37-54, DOI: [10.1080/01584197.2023.2291144](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2291144) *06 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-finds-climate-change-has-surpassed-all-other-threats-to-australias-threatened-birds.md) ## Study reveals need for feral cat control to protect Wandering Albatrosses of Kerguelen Islands ![Kerguelen Bird Island Wanderer 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Kerguelen_Bird_Island_Wanderer_1.jpg)*A Wandering Albatross on Kerguelen* Pierrick Blanchard (Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l’Environnement (CRBE), Université de Toulouse, France) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Ecological Society of America](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/) on the findings of a field experiment on the effect of  feral cats on Wandering Albatrosses on the main island (Grande Terre) of the Kerguelen Islands. The paper’s abstract follows: “Invasive alien species are a major threat to seabird species, and the number of impacted species is still increasing. A recent study revealed for the first time that feral cats predated a large albatross species and that without cat control, some albatross populations would markedly decline. We examined this new predator–prey system by individually monitoring known-age wandering albatross chicks with camera traps in a colony experimentally divided into zones with and without cat control. Our design allowed us to investigate how cat control influenced cat abundance and how this in turn influenced the probability for a chick to be predated by a cat. After cat controls, cat abundance was lower in controlled zones than in uncontrolled zones, while a survival analysis showed that the probability for a chick to die from cat predation depended on the zone but not on cat abundance. Our monitoring also provided a fine-scale investigation of the various sources of chick mortality. In addition to cat predation (24% of mortality overall), our data documented predation by giant petrels, for the first time in Kerguelen, and revealed a strong and unexpected effect of nest flooding on chick mortality. Overall, our results underline the need for future studies investigating interindividual variability in cat diet and spatial ecology.” Reference Blanchard, P., Delord, K., Bodin, A., Guille, K., Getti, T., and Barbraud, C. 2024. “Impact and Control of Feral Cats Preying on Wandering Albatrosses: Insights from a Field Experiment.” *Ecosphere*  15(2): e4792. [https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4792](https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4792)[https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4792](https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4792) *4 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-reveals-need-for-feral-cat-control-to-protect-wandering-albatrosses-of-kerguelen-islands.md) ## Shy Albatross chicks succumb to heat stress during hot weather *![Shy Albatross Richard Wastell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Richard_Wastell.jpg) Charcoal drawing of a Shy Albatross chick, artwork by [Richard Wastell](https://acap.aq/latest-news/australia-s-shy-albatross-gets-a-boost-from-an-art-exhibition?highlight=WyJ3YXN0ZWxsIl0=)* Claire Mason ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/), Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/)*on effects of heat stress on chicks of the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta. *The open-access paper is to appear within a [themed issue](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/MEPS/HEAT/p_av12/) “How do marine heatwaves impact seabirds?” along with 12 other publications. The paper’s abstract follows: “With increasing air temperatures and frequency of extreme weather events predicted under climate change, ground-nesting seabird chicks are vulnerable, enduring months at a fixed and often completely exposed nest site, with limited behavioural capacity to reduce heat load.  Endangered [in Australia] shy albatross *Thalassarche cauta* breed in temperate southern Australia, a region warming at about 4 times the global average.  We used a remote-monitoring camera to obtain the daily status for ~150 nests each season for 7 seasons (2014–2015 to 2020–2021; 1036 nests in total), allowing clear determination of the date of chick death. We explored local weather conditions associated with chick mortality.  We observed 68 downy chick deaths (55 %) across a 30-d period in 2018. This period corresponded with anomalously high and prolonged wet bulb globe temperature, an index for heat stress. We show that shy albatross breeding attempts are vulnerable to hot weather conditions and define extreme heat stress conditions for this species (>20° wet bulb globe temperature). Documenting the relationship between chick survival and heat before future catastrophic events occur gives managers time to plan for future heatwaves by developing climate adaptation strategies for seabird populations.” With thanks to Verena Gill. **Reference:** Mason C. 2023.  *[Shy Albatross](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Shy_albatross_i_Thalassarche_cauta_i_conservation_under_climate_change/25149422)*[Thalassarche cauta](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Shy_albatross_i_Thalassarche_cauta_i_conservation_under_climate_change/25149422)*[Conservation under Climate Change](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Shy_albatross_i_Thalassarche_cauta_i_conservation_under_climate_change/25149422)*.  PhD thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart.  135 pp. Mason, C., A.J., Alderman, R. & Lea, M.-A. 2024.  Shy albatross *Thalassarche cauta* chick mortality and heat stress in a temperate climate.  *[Marine Ecology Progress Series doi.org/10.3354/meps14494](https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m14494_advview.pdf).* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/shy-albatross-chicks-succumb-to-extreme-heat-stress-durung-hot-weather.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. A big thank you to Verena Gill of the Pacific Seabird Group for trawling the literature for us all *![Verena Gill](https://acap.aq/images/Verena_Gill.jpeg)Verena Gill on an aerial survey for Beluga Whales in Alaskan waters* Verena Gill currently works at the Alaska Region of NOAA Fisheries’ Protected Resources Division as the supervisor of the Marine Mammals Conservation Branch.  For a number of years, she has been tirelessly trawling the scientific literature and corresponding with authors to put together a monthly list of publications on seabirds and sending it out to subscribers via a listserv of the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) (which last month held its [51st Annual Meeting](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/news/psg-2024-annual-meeting/)).  *ACAP Latest News* has regularly used her lists to feature papers on procellariiform seabirds, concentrating on those about ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, thus saving me, and now a colleague, hours of work spent on our own trawling. Verena has now retired from putting together the free monthly service and writes “Here are the seabird related papers for February 2024.  I'm afraid this will be my final compilation.  As you can imagine it takes a fair bit of time to put these together as I comb through journal [tables of contents] every month in the wee hours.  So it's time for me to get more sleep and finish up some of my own papers that have been lingering way too long.  And I might just get to Nordic ski (my happy place) a bit more too.  Thank you to everyone [who] has sent their citations in.  You are superstars putting all this great science out.  I have enjoyed reading a lot of these manuscripts and engaging in stimulating discussions with many of you.” *![Shy Albatross Kris Carlyon 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Kris_Carlyon_3.JPG) Shy Albatrosses, photograph by Kris Carlyon* Her final list contains two papers by Claire Mason ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/), Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues on the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*, both of which had so far escaped my own attention to the literature, as has Claire’s PhD thesis, posted only a few days ago..  One of her publications , entitled “Shy albatross *Thalassarche cauta* chick mortality and heat stress in a temperate climate” appears as an “advance abstract” in the journal *[Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/). *The open-access paper will appear within a [themed issue](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/MEPS/HEAT/p_av12/) “How do marine heatwaves impact seabirds?” along with 12 other publications.  A timely subject as anthropogenic climate change remorselessly warms our planet. So, a big thank you from me and from everyone in the ACAP Secretariat to Verena Gill for her tireless service to the global community of marine ornithologists.  Not everyone who labours for our collective good does so in the public eye.  Enjoy the skiing, and the Belugas, Verena! **References:** Mason C. 2023.  *[Shy Albatross](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Shy_albatross_i_Thalassarche_cauta_i_conservation_under_climate_change/25149422)*[Thalassarche cauta](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Shy_albatross_i_Thalassarche_cauta_i_conservation_under_climate_change/25149422)*[Conservation under Climate Change](https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Shy_albatross_i_Thalassarche_cauta_i_conservation_under_climate_change/25149422)*.  PhD thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart.  135 pp. Mason, C., Hobday, A.J., Lea M.-A. & Alderman, R. 2023.  Individual consistency in the localised foraging behaviour of shy albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*). *[Ecology and Evolution 13: e10644](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.10644).* Mason, C., Hobday, A.J., Alderman, R. & Lea, M.-A. 2024.  Shy albatross *Thalassarche cauta* chick mortality and heat stress in a temperate climate.  *[Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m14494_advview.pdf)*[doi.org/10.3354/meps14494](https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m14494_advview.pdf). Note both Claire Mason’s journal publications will be fully featured in upcoming posts to *ACAP Latest News*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-a-big-thank-you-to-verena-gill-of-the-pacific-seabird-group-for-trawling-the-literature-for-us-all.md) ## Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature's Project #47 kicks off in support of this year's World Albatross Day ![ABUN artworks for WAD 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/ABUN_artworks_for_WAD_1.png)*Top: The banner created by Marion Sch*ö*n for ABUN Project #47 “Marine Protected Areas”**Bottom: Artworks (L-R): George and Geraldine, Short-tailed Albatrosses by Flávia F. Barreto from a photo by J Plissner; Short-tailed Albatross chick by Marion Schön from a photo by Jonathan Plissner; “All you need is love" - and zumba!” Short-tailed Albatrosses by Di Roberts* The first artworks for ABUN Project #47 under the theme, “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans” have been created in support of this year's World Albatross Day to be celebrated on 19 June. By focusing on the connection between albatrosses and the ocean, this year’s World Albatross Day hopes to highlight how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help improve the conservation status of these magnificent birds.  ![Short tailed Albatross Doug Hiser](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/Short-tailed_Albatross_Doug_Hiser.jpg)*Short-tailed Albatross by Doug Hiser* 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.  New Zealand’s Near Threatened [Buller's Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) *Thalassarche bulleri *and the Vulnerable [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus* have been chosen as the featured species for WAD2024.  ![ABUN artworks for WAD 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/ABUN_artworks_for_WAD_2.png)*Artworks from top left (clockwise): George and Geraldine Short-tailed Albatrosses by M Lucia Bendasoli; “And then they said ...!'  wait, no way!” Buller's Albatrosses by Ellyn Bousman Lentz; Buller’s Albatross by Peter Ward from a photo by Enzo M Reyes; George Short-tailed Albatross by Judith Mackay from a photo by Jon Plissner; “Will you be mine?” Buller's Albatrosses by Ellyn Bousman Lentz; “The guiding heart” Buller’s Albatross by Virginia Nicol from photos by Dominique Filipino and Paul Sagar* An official World Albatross Day poster in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish will be released in the coming weeks and will be made available at high resolution to download at the ACAP website.  ABUN Project #47, will run until 31 March and is the fifth collaboration between ACAP and [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) in support of World Albatross Day. *1 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-natures-project-47-kicks-off-in-support-of-this-years-world-albatross-day.md) ## Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge set to track ACAP-listed Black-footed Albatrosses and Pink-footed Shearwaters at sea * *![Oikonos Black footed Albatross satellite tag](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Oikonos_Black-footed_Albatross_satellite_tag.jpeg)** *The aerial is visible on this Black-footed Albatross tagged on Laysan Island.  The satellite transmitter is taped to back feathers and is expected to fall off in*c.*three months* The USA-based environmental NGO, [Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](https://www.oikonos.org/)has been busy fitting tracking devices to two ACAP-listed species in two hemispheres,  They are the [Near Threatened](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes*in the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) and on in the north and the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* on Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago in the south. Information from the Februaty 2024 Newsletter (subscribe [here](https://www.oikonos.org/newsletter)). **Black-footed Albatross - Laysan Island** Jessie Beck and Ilana Nimz  of Oikonos, along with members of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service  visited [Laysan Island](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/visit/laysan.html) in the [Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/) last month for a single day and deployed 10 satellite transmitters and 20 archival Global Location Sensing (GLS) tags on adult Black-footed Albatrosses.  The study builds on “two decades of work to better understand albatross mortality in fisheries (termed bycatch) throughout the North Pacific.”  A separate team is on [Kure Atoll](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/visit/kure.html), the most western island within the monument, deploying more tags on Black-footed Albatrosses. *![pmnm expansion map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/pmnm_expansion_map.jpg)North-Western Hawaiian Islands within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (solid line)* **Pink-footed Shearwater -****Santa Clara and Robinson Crusoe Islands** Recently, an Oikonos team visited Santa Clara and Robinson Crusoe Islands in the [Juan Fernández Archipelago](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Juan_Fern%C3%A1ndez_Islands)  to study Pink-footed Shearwaters. The team equipped 39 shearwaters with GLS tags and six with satellite transmitters.  This study is funded by Environment Canada and is a collaboration with the Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción.  Studying aspects of the biology and conservation of the Pink-footed Shearwaters (including by [tracking on migration](https://acap.aq/search?q=Pink-footed%20tracking&w1=before&w2=before)) is a [long-standing project](https://www.oikonos.org/species/pink-footed-shearwater) of Oikonos.  News from the [Oikonos Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Oikonos). *![Oikonos Pink footed Sheawater satellite transmitter](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Oikonos_Pink-footed_Sheawater_satellite_transmitter.jpg) A Pink-footed Shearwater shows the aerial of its back-mounted satellite tracker, all photographs from Oikonos* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 March 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/oikonos-ecosystem-knowledge-set-to-track-acap-listed-black-footed-albatrosses-and-pink-footed-shearwaters-at-sea.md) ## Helping seabirds, seals and whales. Enhanced protection for a large Marine Protected Area in the South Atlantic *![430029630 787835850039392 71621115301353972 n](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/430029630_787835850039392_71621115301353972_n.jpg) The**South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area, showing the newly closed areas* A further expansion of the protection of waters surrounding South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur)* has been recently [announced](https://gov.gs/mp-enhancements-feb24/), following a second five-year review.  This comes after a [previous expansion](https://acap.aq/latest-news/marine-protected-areas-around-albatross-and-petrel-islands-in-the-south-atlantic-to-expand?highlight=WyJzb3V0aCIsInNvdXRoJyIsImdlb3JnaWEiLCJnZW9yZ2lhcyIsImdlb3JnaWEncyIsIm1wYSIsIm1wYSdzIl0=) in 2019 after the first 5-year review of the MPA.  It is considered to be a “crucial step in conserving a unique and vital ecosystem”.  The 1.24 million km2 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area was established in 2012.  Based on new research on “climate impacts, whale population dynamics, toothfish habitats and penguin foraging”, the MPA is to extend full protections by being closed to all fishing activity across an additional 166 000 km² (increasing their area from 283 000 km2 to 449 000 km2).  This will result in *c.* 36% of the MPA falling under no-take protection.  “During the five months when highly regulated, licensed fishing is permitted, 40% of the MPA will now be closed to krill fishing, with 95% closed to longline fishing”. Closure to longline fishing is significant as it is an important cause of mortality of the albatrosses and some of the petrels that breed in numbers on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*.  Further, the whole MPA remains closed to bottom trawl fishing, which can also be a source of seabird mortality, *![Richard Phillips Black browed Albatross 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Black-browed_Albatross_7.JPG) Enhanced marine protection is welcome for this inquisitive Black-browed Albatross*Thalassarche melanophris*on its nest on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades), photograph by Richard Phillips* The announcement of enhanced protection for a very large MPA around a seabird breeding island  is welcome in a year when the Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen “[Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” as its theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2024, Read more about the MPA enhancement [here](https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news-room/press-releases-and-statements/2024/02/26/uk-expands-marine-protections-in-south-georgia-and-the-south-sandwich-islands) and about other very large MPAs around island supporting ACAP-supported breeding species [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eight-very-large-marine-protected-areas-totalling-over-three-and-a-third-million-square-kilometres-surround-breeding-sites-of-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels?highlight=WyJzb3V0aCIsInNvdXRoJyIsImdlb3JnaWEiLCJnZW9yZ2lhcyIsImdlb3JnaWEncyIsIm1wYSIsIm1wYSdzIl0=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 March 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/helping-seabirds-seals-and-whales-enhanced-protection-for-a-large-marine-protected-area-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza has spread to Wandering Albatrosses on sub-Antarctic islands   ![Wandering Albatross near South Georgia 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering-Albatross-near-South-Georgia-2-Kirk-Zufelt.jpg)*A Wandering Albatross flying near South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur*); photograph by Kirk Zufelt* High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans *on the subantarctic islands of South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur*). Dr Richard Phillips is Head of the British Antarctic Survey’s Higher Predators and Conservation Group and Vice-convenor of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group and has been working with albatrosses and petrels in the region for over 20 years.  Expressing concern about the current situation he said: "In terms of albatross species at South Georgia, as far as we are aware it’s just [Wandering Albatrosses] that are dying in large numbers from avian flu. More than 50 adult Wanderers died, although the last of those was a couple of weeks ago so we’re really hoping there won’t be any/many more." This outbreak, which began with Brown Skuas in October 2023 and has since affected other species including elephant seals, fur seals, Kelp Ggulls and Antarctic Terns, poses significant challenges for conservation efforts.  The eggs of Wandering Albatrosses laid in December last year will begin hatching in March and although there is concern for the chicks, Dr Phillips said the the survival of adults is more pressing.  “…possibly the chicks might not be affected this summer or during the winter (when just visited by their parents) but there could be a new wave of infections at the start of the next austral summer when the summer-breeding species – including skuas – return. Mortality of adults is more serious as their survival is naturally much higher than that of chicks and so their loss has a greater impact on population trends.” Collaboration between the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), and with DEFRA’s Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) aims to monitor and mitigate the transmission of HPAI H5N1.  In November 2023, the Agreement’s Intersessional Group on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 released an updated version of ACAP’s [*Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 panzootic*](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file), available at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file). *28 February 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-has-spread-to-wandering-albatrosses-on-subantarctic-islands.md) ## The Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand is a useful source of information for many of the 31 ACAP-listed species *![Fig 5 low res](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_5_low_res.jpg)Antipodean Albatrosses on Antipodes Island, photograph by Kath Walker MNZM* In 2022 the Ornithological Society of New Zealand produced the Fifth Edition of its *Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand*.  The 335-page occasional publication (digital only) gives information on nomenclature, taxonomy, classification, distribution, breeding localities and status of the birds (including vagrants) of New Zealand, its sub-Antarctic islands and its surrounding waters**.  **Common names are given in English and in Māori.  A total of 427 living or recently extinct species is covered by the checklist. New Zealand is known for the large number of seabird species that has been recorded within its region, notably among the procellariiforms (albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters), including 25 species of the 31 listed by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement.  Of the 22 species of albatrosses recognized by ACAP, 18 species have been recorded within the New Zealand region, 13 of them as breeders.  Seven of the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters are in the checklist, five of them as breeders.  The information provided in the 5th Edition of the checklist will thus prove valuable, for example, in updating many of the [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species). *![Chatham Albatross Lorna Deppe](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/Chatham_Albatross_Lorna_Deppe.jpg)A Chatham Albatross straddles its chick on a pedestal mud nest on the Pyramid, photograph by Lorna Deppe* The checklist’s taxonomic treatment is broadly similar to that of ACAP’s.  For example, for the great albatrosses *Diomedea* that it groups in a “wandering albatross” complex, it recognizes five taxa in four species: Amsterdam*D. amsterdamensis*, Antipodean *D antipodensis* (including the subspecies *gibsoni*), Tristan *D. dabbenena* and Wandering *D. exulans*.  Similarly, it recognizes two subspecies for Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*.  There are a few differences, notably Shy *Thalassarche cauta* and White-capped *T. steadi* Albatrosses are treated subspecifically, and not as full species as ACAP does. English common names are also broadly similar, but there are some differences, e.g. Campbell Black-browed Albatross *T. impavida* and Chatham Island Albatross *T. eremita*, rather than the shorter Campbell and Chatham Albatrosses favoured by ACAP.  The now somewhat old-fashioned Light-mantled Sooty Albatross is retained for *Phoebetria palpebrata*, whereas most modern treatments have dropped the “Sooty”, as has ACAP.  No mention of the “[Snowy Albatross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowy_albatross)” used by those who watch seabirds on pelagic excursions, to refer (it seems) to large, mainly white albatrosses they find hard to identify to species. *![NGP chick Disappointment Island Graham Parker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/NGP_chick_Disappointment__Island_Graham_Parker.jpeg)A Northern Giant Petrel chick on Disappointment Island, Auckland Islands, photograph by Graham Parker* Five ACAP-listed petrels in the genera *Macronectes* and *Procellaria*breed within New Zealand, their taxonomy and common names follow those used by ACAP. **Reference:** Checklist Committee (OSNZ). 2022.  [*Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand (5th Edition)*](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/checklist/)*.*Ornithological Society of New Zealand Occasional Publication No. 1.  Wellington: Ornithological Society of New Zealand.  335 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-checklist-of-the-birds-of-new-zealand-is-a-useful-source-of-information-for-many-of-the-31-acap-listed-species.md) ## Albatrosses get a decadal survey in the South Atlantic, including on rarely visited Annenkov Island *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Picture1.png)South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur*.  "Sites all around the island are being visited by the survey group”* Every decade a major survey of the breeding albatrosses of South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* and its associated islands is undertaken to ascertain how the island’s globally important bird populations are faring.  The latest survey has been taking place this summer.  The last survey, conducted in 2014/15, showed that Wandering *Diomedea exulans*, Black-browed *Thalassarche melonophris* and Grey-headed *T. chrysostoma*Albatrosses were all showing a sustained decline in their populations. “In the ten years since [the last survey], a range of conservation efforts [has] been made to address the threats to the birds.  Unintentional bird deaths as a result of human fishing activities are a major one.  This incidental mortality generally occurs outside the South Georgia Maritime Zone in more northern latitudes.  Supporters of [SGHT](https://sght.org/) and [FOSGI](https://www.fosgi.org/) have also been funding conservation work in these fisheries to encourage fishing practices that reduce bird bycatch.  The 2024 survey is vital to show if these conservations efforts are working, if further action is needed, and if so, where this should be targeted.” *![Wandering Albatross Prion Island Anton Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_Prion_Island_Anton_Wolfaardt.jpg)A male Wandering Albatross incubates its egg on Prion Island, a tourist site, photograph by Anton Wolfaardt* The current survey has been working from two vessels.  In November 2023 the Fishery Patrol Vessel *Pharos SG*was used to survey Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatross colonies using drones, a relatively new method for the island.  Using drones to survey has potential benefits such as cost effectiveness, speed, access to difficult-to-reach areas, and can potentially reduce impact on the wildlife-dense areas being surveyed. *![Vinson of Antarctica](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Vinson_of_Antarctica.jpg) The survey yacht* Vinson of Antarctica*, photograph by Rick Tomlinson* This year the survey team is using the charter yacht *[Vinson of Antarctica](https://www.vinsonofantarctica.org/)* to access tourist landing sites (such as [Prion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-51-prion-island-where-tourists-can-view-wandering-albatrosses-from-a-boardwalk)) and also more remote sites around the island.  The main target is to count Wandering Albatrosses, including on rarely visited sites such as 1500-ha [Annenkov Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annenkov_Island), a [Site of Special Scientific Interest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Site_of_Special_Scientific_Interest) off the south-west coast of the main island (No. 15 on the above map).  Annenkov holds the second largest population of Wandering Albatrosses in South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur* (as many as 500 breeding pairs) after [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) ([656 pairs](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in 2022).  Due its remote location a census has only been conducted twice before, most recently in 2004 ([click here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/wildlife-from-space/albatrosses-from-space/)). Information from the online *SGHT Newsletter*, available by free subscription from the [South Georgia Heritage Trust](https://sght.org/) at [mailto:info@sght.org](mailto:info@sght.org)[info@sght.org](mailto:info@sght.org). **References:** Poncet, S., Robertson, G., Phillips, R.A., Lawton, K., Phalan,  B., Trathan, P.N. & Croxal[l](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-006-0114-9#auth-John_P_-Croxall-Aff3), J.P. 2006.  Status and distribution of wandering, black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses breeding at South Georgia.  *[Polar Biology](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-006-0114-9#citeas)*[29: 772-781](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-006-0114-9#citeas). Poncet, S., Wolfaardt, A.C., Black, A., Browning, S., Lawton, K., Lee, J., Passfield, K., Strange, G. & Phillips, R.A. 2017.  Recent trends in numbers of wandering (*Diomedea exulans*), black-browed (*Thalassarche melanophris*) and grey-headed (*T. chrysostoma*) albatrosses breeding at South Georgia. * *[*Polar Biology* 40: 1347-1358](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-016-2057-0) [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/decreasing-numbers-of-albatrosses-on-south-georgia-islas-georgias-del-sur-considered-due-to-fisheries-bycatch?highlight=WyJwaGlsbGlwcyIsInBoaWxsaXAiLCJzb3V0aCIsInNvdXRoJyIsImdlb3JnaWEiLCJnZW9yZ2lhcyIsImdlb3JnaWEncyIsImFsYmF0cm9zc2VzIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzJ3MiLCInYWxiYXRyb3NzIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzJyIsImFsYmF0cm9zc2VzJyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3MnIiwiJ2FsYmF0cm9zc2VzIiwicG9uY2V0Il0=) for *ALN* feature]. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 February 2024* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-get-a-decadal-survey-in-the-south-atlantic-including-on-rarely-visited-annenkov-island.md) ## No place like a new home? First Translocated Black-footed Albatross returns to Isla Guadalupe ![BFA Isla Guadalupe photo by GECI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/BFA_Isla_Guadalupe_photo_by_GECI.jpg)*Bruno, the 3 year-old Black-footed Albatross that has returned to Mexico's Isla Guadalupe; photograph © GECI / J.A. Soriano* The first Black-footed Albatross from an international translocation project has returned to its new home on [Isla Guadalupe](https://www.facebook.com/ReservaDeLaBiosferaIslaGuadalupe) in Mexico, raising hopes for the establishment of a new breeding colony on the island.  The adult male was one of the 27 Black-footed Albatross eggs and chicks translocated from Hawaii’s Midway Atoll to Isla Guadalupe in the first year of the project in 2021.   The translocation project aims to ensure the long-term survival of Black-footed Albatrosses whose populations predominantly breed on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-western Hawaiian Islands which are at risk to climate change. [The initiative](https://www.islandarks.org/partners.html) is a collaboration between Pacific Rim Conservation ([PRC](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)), Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas ([GECI](https://islas.org.mx/)) and other partner agencies in the USA and Mexico, and is supported by the governments of the two countries.  Director General of GECI, Dr. Federico Alfonso Méndez Sánchez described the mood amongst project partners and field staff on the island as celebratory saying, “We feel humbled by the bird’s resilience and thus encouraged to continue with our efforts to give them a helping hand to thrive amidst the many threats they face.” Dr Sanchez also pointed to the power of collaboration in conservation stating: “This project is also an example that we can achieve great positive outcomes for threatened species by working cooperatively at a local, regional and international level. Cooperation was key for the current success of this conservation translocation.” This year, the translocation team were able to place [36 fertilised eggs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-moving-effort-for-conservation-another-batch-of-black-footed-albatross-eggs-is-successfully-translocated-to-mexico?highlight=WyJ0cmFuc2xvY2F0aW9uIiwidHJhbnNsb2NhdGlvbnMiLCJ0cmFuc2xvY2F0aW5nIiwidHJhbnNsb2NhdGVkIiwidHJhbnNsb2NhdGUiXQ==) with nesting Laysan Albatross pairs, who will raise the chicks as their own until they fledge. *23 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-place-like-a-new-home-first-translocated-black-footed-albatross-returns-to-isla-guadalupe.md) ## Abstract submissions to the 11th SCAR Open Science Conference are open ![XI SCAR Open Science Conference 2024 Logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/XI_SCAR_Open_Science_Conference_2024_Logo.png)Abstract submission for the 11th SCAR Open Science Conference is now open. The conference, themed, “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope," is being held in Pucón, Chile, from 19-23 August 2024. “Abstracts can be submitted electronically via the conference website, [www.scar2024.org](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da611f6f7c375923d8563a8821%26id%3Dfc916771b9%26e%3D24ff63980c&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3nANWztNZKaKak0NOYl-3W). There is no abstract submission fee. Before submitting your abstract, take a look at the submission guidelines and list of [50 parallel sessions](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da611f6f7c375923d8563a8821%26id%3D898ba4ac23%26e%3D24ff63980c&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2XqMcraQi2XobZnTT92p_F) to find the best match. The parallel sessions cover a wide range of themes from the Physical Sciences, Geosciences, Life Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences as well as Cross-disciplinary topics.” The abstract submission deadline is Monday, 4 March 2024, 23:59 UTC. For further information on the event, please visit the conference website, [www.scar2024.org](https://www.scar2024.org/). *21 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abstract-submissions-to-the-11th-scar-open-science-conference-are-open.md) ## New Zealand's Conservation Services Programme CSP to consider its 2024 research priorities ![NZDOC logo square](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/NZDOC_logo_square.jpg) The Conservation Services Programme (CSP) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation is preparing for its upcoming annual Research Advisory Group (RAG) meeting where key research projects for the CSP Annual Plan 2024/25 will be deliberated upon.  In preparation for the meeting on 1 March 2024, the CSP has made a number of resources available for stakeholder reference including, the CSP Strategic Statement, DRAFT CSP Annual Research Summary 2022-23, CSP Medium Term Research Plans, and the Bycatch Project Longlist 2024/25.  To access the resources and for further information regarding timelines and processes, stakeholders are directed to consult the CSP website, [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/meetings-and-project-updates/2024-csp-meetings-and-project-updates/). *19 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealands-conservation-services-programme-csp-to-consider-its-2024-research-priorities.md) ## New Zealand has many albatrosses, but not many are found this far from the sea *![Mark Wyeth albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Mark_Wyeth_albatross.jpg) “Jessica” can be spotted by passing traffic from the road* [Keith Springer](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/), Operations Manager for the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), is based in New Zealand.  He wrote to me recently on an unexpected sighting of an albatross in his home country: "I was driving through Cromwell (far, far [119 km] from the sea!) recently *en route* to Glenorchy and passed a massive albatross sculpture on the roadside.” Intrigued, and with Keith’s help, I found the Facebook page “Wyeth Design” of the sculptor, Mark Wyeth and made contact. Mark describes himself as an artist working with “artwork, sculptures, restored furniture [and] upcycled bespoke one-off design pieces”.  His roadside albatross which he erected in December last year has a 3.6 m wingspan and has been whimsically named Jessica (after a female actor*). Watch a 2m 26 s [video](https://www.facebook.com/wyethdesign/videos/863524958887512) depicting Jessica the albatross, mounted roadside with other sculptures, by Mark. Mark Wyeth writes of his creation: “Living on the outskirts of Cromwell, we are the furthest by road to the sea than any other place in New Zealand.  For that reason, I have made an albatross to represent our beautiful skies and winds that carry in all directions.  The Maori meaning [[Toroa](https://www.toroaresearch.org/toroa)] for this bird is “beauty and power” in literature and culture it is “mystery and fortune “.  A truly amazing bird, they can fly up to 11 8000 km a year, sometimes falling asleep as they fly.  They have the largest wingspan of any bird of up to 3.6 metres and this sculpture is exactly that.  Some species are thought to live to 70 years, normally only have one partner and can produce offspring up to the age of 60”.  He concludes: “So next time you look up and out into the blue yonder, even though you are so far from the ocean, the sky we see is the same one we share with this amazing species, it joins us all.” Mark says his sculpture garden is still in the development stage.  He adds that “Sculpting for me is to touch, remind, reflect and to make people think about why and who they are.  “Jessica” isn’t to take them away from real life for a moment, but to bring them back to reality, nature does that, to forget that you forget who you are”. *ACAP Latest News* has posted from time to time on albatross sculptures around the world. [Click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/standing-tall-albatross-statues-and-memorials-around-the-world?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsInN0YXR1ZSIsInN0YXR1ZXMiXQ==) for some other examples on Isla de Hornos, Chile, on Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador and on Midway Atoll, USA.  [Another](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-albatross-around-the-neck?highlight=WyJjb2xlcmlkZ2UiLCJjb2xlcmlkZ2UncyJd) is to be found in Watchet, Somerset, United Kingdom.  Sadly, no giant petrel statues tracked down yet! With thanks to Keith Springer and Mark Wyeth. *[Jessica Alba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Alba) (tross) *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-has-many-albatrosses-but-not-many-are-found-this-far-from-the-sea.md) ## The Pacific Seabird Group’s 2024 Awards recognise seabird conservationists Dr. Stephen Kress and Linda Elliott ![PSG2024Awards LindaElliot DrStephenKress](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/PSG2024Awards_LindaElliot_DrStephenKress.png)*Linda Elliot (L) washing a Laysan Albatross; photo courtesy of PSG, and Dr Stephen Kress (R) holding a puffin at Eastern Egg Rock; photo by Bill Scholtz* Dr. Stephen Kress and Linda Elliott have been recognised by the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) for their lifelong dedication to conservation with the announcement of the PSG 2024 Awards.   Dr. Kress received the PSG 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, “in recognition of significant and distinguished contributions to seabird conservation and restoration, mentoring, and the Pacific Seabird Group”. Over five decades, he has been at the forefront of the development of seabird colony restoration and management techniques, including chick translocation and social attraction.  Linda Elliott was recognised with the Special Achievement Award, “in recognition of innovation and dedication to seabird conservation, rehabilitation, and education through the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center”. Linda Elliott is the founder and director of the Hawaii Wildlife Centre and has over two decades of experience in wildlife rehabilitation. Linda is a leading figure in international rescue efforts, including the successful rehabilitation of thousands of oiled birds and mammals.  More information about the awards given to [Dr Stephen Kress](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/news/psg-2024-lifetime-achievement-award-dr-steven-kress/) and [Linda Elliot](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/news/psg-2024-special-achievement-award-linda-elliott/) can be found at the Pacific Seabird Group’s website here, [https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/category/psg-news-stream/](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/category/psg-news-stream/) . *14 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pacific-seabird-groups-2024-awards-recognise-seabird-conservationists-dr-stephen-kress-and-linda-elliott.md) ## What’s in a name – Short-tailed or Steller’s Albatross? ![Steller Georg Wilhelm](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Steller_Georg_Wilhelm.jpg)*Georg Steller, 18th Century German botanist, zoologist, physician and explorer.* * Artwork courtesy of the Center of Russian-German Cooperation of Georg Wilhelm Steller, University of Tyumen* The [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed or Steller's Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* is one of the two albatrosses (along with Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*) chosen to be featured for this year’s World Albatross Day ([WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)) to be marked on 19 June.  The species was first described by the German naturalist [Peter Simon Pallas FRS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Simon_Pallas) from skins obtained by [Georg Wilhelm Steller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Wilhelm_Steller). Georg Steller (10 March 1709 – 14 November 1746) was a German-born naturalist and physician who accompanied the [Great Northern Expedition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Northern_Expedition) of 1733 to 1743 to the waters between Siberia and North America.  The expedition, conceived and authorised by Tsar Peter the Great of Russia, was led to [Vitus Jonassen Bering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitus_Bering) (a Dane), after whom the Bering Sea is named. *![STAL subad 10yo Midway 1811114 plissner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/STAL_subad-10yo_Midway_1811114_plissner.JPG) A 10-year-old sub-adult Short-tailed Albatross on Sand Island, Midway Atoll, photograph by Jonathan Plissner, USFWS* Steller’s Albatross is now a little-used common name, “Short-tailed” being much preferred.  Of relatively recent handbooks and field guides its seems only the late [Lance Tickell](https://acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-william-lancelot-noyes-tickell-pioneer-albatross-researcher-1930-2014?highlight=WyJ0aWNrZWxsIiwidGlja2VsbCdzIl0=), in his 2000 book *Albatrosses*, used the eponymous name.  He argued that the other three*Phoebastria* albatrosses of the Pacific also had short tails, so it was not a good descriptor. As well as “his” albatross, Georg Steller has Steller's Sea Eagle *Haliaeetus pelagicus*, Steller's Eider *Polysticta stelleri*, Steller’s Jay *Cyanocitta stelleri* and the then soon to be extinct [Steller’s Sea Cow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steller%27s_sea_cow) *Hydrodamalis gigas*, as well as the Steller (or Northern) Sea Lion *Eumetopias jubatus*, all named after him.  However, the three birds could be renamed by the American Ornithological Society, which is suggesting doing away with all eponymous names ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-walter-buller-and-should-bullers-albatross-still-be-named-after-him-the-tricky-issue-of-birds-with-eponymous-names)). **Reference:** Steller, G.W. 1988.  [*Journal of a Voyage with Bering, 1741-1742*](https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=3113)*.*  Stanford University Press.  260 pp. Tickell, W.L.N. 2000.  *[Albatrosses](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/polar-record/article/albatrosses-wln-tickell-2000-mountfield-east-sussex-pica-press-448-p-illustrated-hardcover-isbn-1-873403941-4000/7192D42D3572C017F85015383BD37346)*.  Mountfield: Pica Press.  448 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/whats-in-a-name-short-tailed-or-stellers-albatross.md) ## ACAP’s Internship Programme expands beyond its official languages to welcome Mandarin and Korean students ![ACAP Translation Students L R Angelica Ying CB Luna Seah Linda 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/ACAP_Translation_Students_L-R_Angelica_Ying_CB_Luna__Seah_Linda_2024.jpg) *ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, with the five translation students on an outing in Hobart during their week-long internship program* *(L-R) Angelica Maria Baquero Manrique, Ying Dong, Christine Bogle, Luna (Hyunkyung) Kim, Seah Yim and Linda (Qiyue) Jian* The ACAP Secretariat was once again delighted to welcome translation students to its annual internship programme in early January this year. Five translation students from Australian universities spent a week at ACAP Headquarters in Hobart putting their translation skills to the test. ACAP normally hosts students completing their Master’s in one of ACAP’s three official languages - English, French and Spanish. However, in a first for the Agreement, this year the Secretariat hosted non-ACAP language students, with four of the five students specialising in Korean and Mandarin translation. This year’s cohort were: Ying Dong and Linda (Qiyue) Jian who specialise in Mandarin and English translation, Seah Yim and Luna (Hyunkyung) Kim in Korean and English, and Angelica Maria Baquero Manrique in Spanish and English.  The students spent the week carefully translating technical reports, and web pages into the three languages, with the Secretariat quick to capitalise on the opportunity to have the Agreement’s Best Practice Advice on seabird bycatch mitigation measures translated into Mandarin (simplified) and Korean. To have the advice available in Mandarin and Korean is a positive step in ACAP’s ability to raise awareness of the mitigation measures in two countries with significant fishing fleets. Linda Jian is studying for her Master of Translation and Interpreting at the University of NSW, specialising in Mandarin and English translation. Her interest in pursuing a Master’s came from a desire to gain a deeper understanding of language, especially the nuances in the word choice, and what is unsaid (pacing, pauses, tone and body language etc.). When asked what she enjoys about translation she said: “The opportunity and time to pore over the sentences and curate word choices in another language.” Cultivating understanding between people and cultures was a common theme between the students when asked about their interest in the profession. Angelica Maria Baquero Manrique is a student in the Master of Translation and Interpreting Studies program at Macquarie University, and her focus is Spanish and English translation. Angela’s interest in obtaining a Masters came from her years of experience working in the field. She said: “Translation, for me, is not just a profession, it's a rewarding journey that involves helping individuals convey their knowledge to a broader audience. I find great satisfaction in facilitating the transfer of information between languages and cultures. It's a way to bridge gaps and foster understanding,”. Reflecting on the week, Dr. Christine Bogle, ACAP's Executive Secretary, emphasised the immense value the students bring to ACAP through the internship programme, stating: "The assistance from the students is truly invaluable for ACAP, especially this year as ACAP’s Best Practice Advice for seabird bycatch mitigation was translated into Mandarin and Korean. Hosting the students is always a delight, and we are grateful for their contributions year after year." *12 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-welcomes-translation-students-once-again.md) ## Breaking ground: feasibility of new breeding sites on Channel Islands assessed for establishment of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross colonies ![LA and BFA translocation Channel Islands paper by pacificrimconservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/LA_and_BFA_translocation_Channel_Islands_paper_by_pacificrimconservation.jpg)*Figure 1 from the paper: Map of the California Channel Islands. The continental shelf is indicated by the blue shading of the bathymetry. Inset B shows the location along the west coast of North America.* Eric VanderWerf (Pacific Rim Conservation, Hawaii, United States) and colleagues have published in the journal *Frontiers in Conservation Science* an assessment on the feasibility of the Channel Islands, located off the coast of California, as a future site for establishing breeding colonies of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses. The paper’s abstract follows: “Laysan (*Phoebastria immutabilis*) and Black-footed Albatrosses (*P. nigripes*) nest primarily on low-lying atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands that are threatened by inundation from sea level rise and increasing storm surge associated with climate change. Restoration or creation of breeding colonies on higher islands is among the highest priority conservation actions for these species. A previous structured decision-making analysis identified the California Channel Islands as a possible restoration site for Black-footed Albatross. The California Current is part of the natural foraging ranges of Laysan and Black- footed albatrosses. Archaeological evidence indicates both species were present in the California Channel Islands prehistorically, yet neither currently nests in the Channel Islands. We assessed the feasibility of creating albatross breeding colonies in the Channel Islands using social attraction and translocation, and the suitability of each island. We used a risk analysis framework developed for the U.S. National Park Service to evaluate the potential ecological risks of this action. Creating an albatross colony in the Channel Islands is feasible using available methods. Santa Barbara and San Nicolas islands would be most suitable for albatross. Social attraction is less expensive and might be effective for creating a Laysan Albatross colony because that species is already visiting some islands. Translocation would be necessary to create a Black-footed Albatross colony. The risks associated with attempting to establish albatross breeding colonies in the Channel Islands were deemed to be generally low, but the risk of no action is high to these albatrosses. This can be a useful assisted colonization case study that can inform decisions by land managers and agencies regarding conservation of North Pacific albatrosses and other species.” **Reference:** VanderWerf, E.A., Holmes N.D., Morrison S.A., Kohley C.R., Wegmann A. and Young  L.C. (2024). Assisted colonization of albatrosses in the California Channel Islands: conservation basis and suitability assessment. *Front. Conserv. Sci*. 4:1279373. doi: [10.3389/fcosc.2023.1279373](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1279373/full) *9 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/breaking-new-ground-new-breeding-sites-assessed-for-establishment-of-laysan-and-black-footed-albatross-colonies.md) ## Celebrate 20 years of ACAP with us at the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference ![IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IAPC7.png) The 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference is set to take place in the scenic coastal city of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, from May 20 to 26, 2024.  This significant event will bring together experts, conservationists, and seabird enthusiasts from around the world to discuss and address the pressing issues facing these incredible seabirds. The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle is a keynote speaker at the conference, and will be reflecting on the achievements of the Agreement, and the challenges ahead, as it marks its 20th anniversary this year. Dr Bogle will be joined by two other keynote speakers at the conference: Nicholas Carlile, Senior Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in Australia, and Joan Ferrer Obiol, Postdoctoral Associate in the University of Milan’s Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Nicholas has over 30 years of ecological research experience in NSW, focusing on island biodiversity restoration and fauna surveys with the Department of Planning and Environment. His work includes spearheading the recovery of the Gould's petrel. Joan specialises in ecological and evolutionary genomics, particularly in seabirds, using genomic tools to understand evolutionary history, biogeographic patterns, and conservation challenges.  The early bird registration and abstract submission period has been extended until 15 March, and travel grants for students and early career scientists are available! To find out more about the conference, and to register, head to the IAPC7 website, [here](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/). *7 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/celebrate-20-years-of-acap-with-us-at-the-7th-international-albatross-and-petrel-conference.md) ## Job Vacancy: Executive Secretary, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ![acap logo no txt 5x6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/acap_logo_no_txt_5x6.jpg) Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary in the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The ACAP Secretariat is an Intergovernmental Organisation that supports the work of the Agreement in seeking to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels. The Secretariat’s Headquarters are located in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The Executive Secretary will be appointed in accordance with the terms and conditions determined by the Agreement’s staff regulations. Appointment will be for a term of four years, commencing on 1st July 2025, and subject to a satisfactory performance evaluation at the end of the first year of employment. The successful applicant shall be eligible for reappointment for one additional term, with the total length of employment not exceeding eight years. The salary commences at AUD 173,328 and superannuation contributions will be provided. Other terms and conditions associated with the position are available in the Staff Regulations.  Applications are invited from persons meeting the following criteria: **Essential criteria ** 1. Must be a national of an ACAP Party. 2. Experience or detailed knowledge of the operations of international intergovernmental organisations. 3. Representational and promotional skills. 4. Fluency in English. 5. Demonstration of an appropriate level of managerial experience and proven competence, including: (a) the preparation of financial budgets and the management of expenditures, and (b) the organisation of meetings and provision of Secretariat support for high level committees. **Desirable criteria** 6. Familiarity with the conservation of albatrosses and petrels. 7. Relevant experience and qualifications. 8. Proficiency in the other languages of ACAP Parties and Range States, in particular the other two official ACAP languages (Spanish and French). If you're passionate about contributing to the preservtion of albatrosses and petrels, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to be part of a crucial conservation effort. Applications can be submitted in any of ACAP's three official languages. Information on the role can be found in all three languages at the following links: English: [Advertisement of Vacancy for ACAP Executive Secretary 2025](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/news/employment-volunteering&source=gmail&ust=1707179675357000&usg=AOvVaw3UG8Z0_4px1WuIVpB9X73p)  French: [Annonce pour le poste de Secrétaire exécutif de l'ACAP 2025](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/fr/actualites/possibilites-d-emploi&source=gmail&ust=1707179675357000&usg=AOvVaw2pS9MstjBfHA9WppiVgvS8)  Spanish: [Anuncio para el cargo de Secretario Ejecutivo del ACAP 2025](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/es/news/oportunidades-de-empleo&source=gmail&ust=1707179675357000&usg=AOvVaw0w_0a7EL2PgjCHgebIGHVu)  The deadline for applications is close of business 2 April 2024.  *5 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/job-vacancy-executive-secretary-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Job Vacancy: Programme Coordinator (Project of Assistance to Strengthen Participation in and Implementation of the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA POA)) ![un logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/un-logo.png) The United Nations’ Office of Legal Affairs is seeking to fill the role, Programme Coordinator (Project of Assistance to Strengthen Participation in and Implementation of the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA POA)). An excerpt from the advertisement follows: The objective of the consultancy is to effectively manage, coordinate and contribute to the implementation of the project activities in accordance with the project documents, with a view to promoting participation in, and full implementation of, the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement. The Programme Coordinator will manage and coordinate the implementation of the programme activities and will have a role in liaising and collaborating with internal and external partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union (EU).  Scope of work: The Programme Coordinator is expected to be engaged in four main areas of work:  1. Programme management: Manage the development and delivery of programme activities, deliverables and timelines; assist in the formulation of project budgets, track and report on project budgets; and coordinate the work of human resources associated with the programme.  2. Programme liaison: Coordinate programme delivery with partners and other entities; provide updates on the status of implementation of the programme with the programme partners.  3. Programme communications: Outreach and relations with external partners: Support the Head’s function as the main point of contact for the programme, including coordinating and maintaining programme communications with Government officials, partners in the UN System and key stakeholders.  4. Programme reporting: Prepare reports on programme activities, and ensure reporting requirements are fulfilled, both internally and as agreed-upon with FAO.  The deadline for applications is 7th February 2024.For detailed information on the role, and to apply, see the United Nations website, [here](https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/226492?language=en). *2 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/job-vacancy-programme-coordinator-project-of-assistance-to-strengthen-participation-in-and-implementation-of-the-united-nations-fish-stocks-agreement-unfsa-poa.md) ## The Albatross and Petrel Agreement marks its 20th Anniversary today ![20YrACAP Logo 2024 Landscape](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/20YrACAP_Logo_2024_Landscape.png)*ACAP's commemorative logo to mark the Agreement's 20th anniversary was designed by South African Graphic Designer, Geoff Tyler.* Today, 1 February 2024, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) commemorates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, ACAP Parties, researchers, non-Party Range States, Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and other entities – a community of champions dedicated to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels - have shown a resolute commitment to seeking, promoting and implementing solutions to the crisis facing these magnificent birds. The precarious state of albatross and petrel populations was first recognised in the 1990s when the scale of the incidental deaths of albatrosses and petrels in fisheries was realised by national governments, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs. Hundreds of thousands of birds were being incidentally injured or killed in fisheries operations (known as bycatch), through entanglements with fishing gear, or swallowing baited hooks and drowning. The conservation of these incredible birds became a focus, and the seeds of ACAP were sown.  The development of a regional agreement began under the Convention for Migratory Species (CMS) and remarkably, only two meetings were needed to finalise the Agreement. In 2001, the Agreement was opened for signature in Canberra, Australia, and it entered into force on 1 February 2004. Currently, ACAP has [13 Parties](https://acap.aq/about-acap/parties-to-acap): Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay. [31 species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) of albatrosses and petrels (including shearwaters) are listed on Annex 1 of the Agreement.    ![Threats to ACAP Species 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/Threats_to_ACAP_Species-2.png)*ACAP seeks to conserve listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters by coordinating international activity to mitigate known threats to their populations.Such threats include, fishing operations, pollution, predation from invasive species and habitat destruction. *(Images left to right): *A drowned Wandering Albatross caught on a tuna longline hook, photograph by Graham Robertson; Laysan Albatrosses amongst plastic debris, photograph by Steven Siegel, Marine Photobank; A bloodied Light-mantled Albatross after being attacked by invasive mice, photograph by Peter Ryan; Seabirds flock to a trawler vessel, photograph by Southern Seabird Solutions Trust*** Albatrosses and petrels, with their extensive migratory ranges, confront a myriad of threats that transcend national boundaries. Fisheries, particularly longline and trawl operations, pose the greatest threat to ACAP’s 31-listed species. However, significant pressure on populations also stems from land-based predators such as mice, rats and cats. Other threats to populations include habitat loss, climate change, disease, and pollutants, including plastic and heavy metals. ACAP functions as a focus for international cooperation to mitigate these threats, The Action Plan annexed to the Agreement provides a framework for the development of effective conservation measures, both on land and at sea, and fosters the exchange of information and expertise. Key initiatives include reducing seabird bycatch through the review and recommendation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures, engaging with fisheries organisations, conducting population assessments, and developing conservation guidelines. ACAP also champions research and capacity-building initiatives through its small grants and secondment programmes, fostering collaboration among Parties. More recently, the establishment of World Albatross Day, celebrated annually on 19 June, has provided a focus to increase public awareness of these incredible birds and their imperilled state. ![WAD2024 Announcement MPAs Facebook Post](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2024/WAD2024_Announcement_MPAs_Facebook_Post.png)*A Buller’s Albatross flies past New Zealand’s Pyramid Rock.  Celebrating 20 years of ACAP will form a part of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June.  Photograph by Enzo M.R. Reyes* This year, ACAP will mark the fifth World Albatross Day on 19 June with the theme “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”.  ACAP’s newly designed logo for “[WAD2024](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2024-marine-protected-areas)” takes note of the anniversary year, which will also be marked with a poster, two new infographics in the [ACAP Species series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) and ACAP’s fifth collaboration with Artists and Biologists United for Nature ([ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/groups/739380049529903)). Despite the achievements and dedication of the community of champions committed to the conservation of ACAP species, many albatross and petrel populations continue to decline. Challenges persist, such as the need for accurate data on seabird bycatch locations and quantities and the imperative to involve Range States and other entities in implementing ACAP's recommendations. The commitment to achieving and maintaining a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels remains the Agreement’s driving force. It emphasises the importance of a cooperative approach to overcome challenges. As ACAP enters its third decade, the focus remains on ensuring that these majestic seabirds continue to grace our oceans and skies well into the future. **Reference:** Cooper, J., Baker, G.B., Double, M.C., Gales, R., Papworth, W, Tasker, M.L. & Waugh, S.M. 2006.  The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels: rationale, history, progress and the way forward.  [*Marine Ornithology *34: 1-5](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=676). *ACAP Secretariat* *1 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-albatross-and-petrel-agreement-marks-its-20th-anniversary-today.md) ## BirdLife International introduces Marine Flyway concept to enhance seabird conservation ![BirdLife flyways preview 2048x1197](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/BirdLife_flyways-preview-2048x1197.jpg)*A graphic depicting the six Marine Flyways and species that utilise them. Graphic and video below by [Science Animation Studio](https://scianimationstudio.com/)* In an extension to the established concept of [flyways](https://www.eaaflyway.net/the-flyway/) (well-established and repeated routes used by migrating birds) and mirroring its [Global Flyways Program](https://www.birdlife.org/globalflyways/) that connects conservation organisations along these flyways, BirdLife International has launched the [Marine Flyway concept](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/launch-of-the-marine-flyways-concept/) to help coordinate global conservation action for migrating seabirds. Migratory bird populations face numerous threats, with challenges compounded for species that traverse vast distances and rely on habitats spanning multiple countries. Seabirds, among the most imperilled avian groups, embark on migrations over open waters, a phenomenon not adequately addressed by existing flyways.  BirdLife's initiative, supported by an extensive analysis of tracking data from over 60 researchers via the [Seabird Tracking Database](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/), has identified six major Marine Flyways. These include the Atlantic Ocean Flyway, North Indian Ocean Flyway, East Indian Ocean Flyway, West Pacific Ocean Flyway, Pacific Ocean Flyway, and Southern Ocean Flyway. It is hoped that identifying these flyways will open new avenues for understanding and conserving seabirds, facilitating international collaboration to address threats along the newly identified Marine Flyways. Further information on the Marine Flyways concept can be found at [BirdLife’s website](https://www.seabirdtracking.org/case-studies/marine-flyways/), and an informative webinar from the launch of the concept is available to watch, [here](https://vimeo.com/875613934). *31 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/birdlife-international-introduces-marine-flyway-concept-to-enhance-seabird-conservation.md) ## Training programme on global ocean governance open for applications ![Black browed Albatross Alex Adamiano](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_Alex_Adamiano.jpg)*A Black-browed Albatross in flight. Photograph courtesy of Alex Adamiano* The World Bank and its ProBlue Project, the UN Division for Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS), the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the University of Melbourne and the University of Nantes and FAO’s Development Law Service are calling for applications for the Ocean Governance Capacity Building Training Program. The Ocean Governance Capacity Building Training Program flyer states the following:   ** **"**Overview. **This online training program provides an introduction to global ocean governance, including a primer on public international law related to the oceans and the international legal framework for the blue economy. It is centered on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments addressing fisheries, marine pollution, conservation and biodiversity, climate change, maritime transport and shipping, marine scientific research, and activities in the Area, among other topics. **This training program is tailored to participants from Latin America and the Caribbean region. ** The training program consists of: (i) an e-learning course; (ii) region specific reading materials; (iii) individual participant assignments; and (iv) live online discussion sessions. This training program will be provided in **English **and **Spanish. **An overview of the course modules is available in the enclosed **Curriculum**.  **Audience and objectives of the training. **The objective of this training program is to enhance the capacity of government officials, staff of partner organizations, and other stakeholders on ocean governance by providing training on international law related to oceans and the legal framework for the blue economy, including relevant regional instruments. This training is expected to result in a greater understanding of relevant international law and facilitate the development and implementation of national legal frameworks on ocean governance with a view to achieving the sustainable development of blue economies, including by mobilizing public and private financial resources for sustainable development." This particular call for applications is for the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Region, with the programme to be delivered in May 2024. The deadline for applications for both English and Spanish workshops is February 11, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT. Further details on the Ocean Governance Capacity Building Training Program, including how to apply, can be found, [here](https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/be2aed29719f33fa145eee258cedec32-0320072023/original/19-12-2023-Call-for-applications.pdf). ![Ocean Governance Program logos Call for applications](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Ocean_Governance_Program_logos_Call-for-applications.jpg) *29 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/training-program-on-global-ocean-governance-open-for-applications.md) ## Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses get counted for another year on the USA’s Kure and Midway Atolls  ![Albatrosses Kure Atoll Cynthia Vanderlip](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Albatrosses_Kure_Atoll_Cynthia_Vanderlip.jpg)*Breeding Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses on Kure Atoll, photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip* Breeding Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses  have once more been counted on two of  the USA’s Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ([NHWI)](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_Hawaiian_Islands) in the North Pacific.  They are Green Island, [Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses) and Sand, Eastern and Spit Islands, [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site).  Both fall within the [Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument](http://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/), a large Marine Protected Area declared in 2006. *![Kure count team 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Kure_count_team_2024.jpg) Taking a meal together: the 2024 count team on Kure Atoll* **Kure Atoll****State Wildlife Sanctuary** The Kure Atoll Conservancy team has completed the annual albatross nest count on Green Island (the main island of the atoll) this month.  Caitlin Dudzik shares her experience summarized from her [blog](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy): “We found them nesting on the beaches, on sand dunes, under naupaka shrubs *Scaevola taccada*, under heliotrope trees *Heliotropium foertherianum*, out in the open fields, right on top of Bonin Petrel *Pterodroma hypoleuca* and Tristram’s Storm Petrel *Hydrobates tristram* burrows, and under Red-footed Booby *Sula sula* and Black Noddy *Anous stolidus* perches.  We conducted counts in the blazing sun, in downpours, on windy days, on perfect weather days.  As soon as the sun came up and we could see, we headed out.”  The final counts totals were 33 126 Laysan Albatross nests, 3360 Black-footed Albatross nests, and no nests occupied by Short-tailed Albatrosses *P. albatrus* Watch a [video](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy/videos/3293492937461056) by Sarah Donahue of one of the first Black-footed Albatross chicks to hatch on Kure Atoll this season. *![2024 count 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/2024_count_1.jpg) Midway’s albatross nest counters gather for a photograph, by**Dan Rapp* **Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge** On Midway Atoll every year albatross nest counters “spend a few frenzied weeks trekking from one side of the atoll to the other.  These intrepid citizen scientists spend eight hours a day, six days a week hand-counting every albatross nest on Midway Atoll’s two islands”, as reported by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) volunteer Kyle Richardson ([click here](https://friendsofmidway.org/citizen-science-to-the-rescue/?fbclid=IwAR0HPrzwekkCMEBHSzAUWlfZUVWthcca5RZ1uEn2kLBZ3yIwtUp0xseThaA)). *![2024 count 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/2024_count_2.jpg) Line abreast: “*c*itizen scientists” count Laysan Albatross nests on Sand Island, Midway Atoll, photograph by Dan Rapp* Annual counts commenced on Midway in 1991.  The 2024 breeding season yielded 29 562 Black-footed Albatross and 498 448 Laysan Albatross nests, along with a [solitary Short-tailed Albatross](https://acap.aq/latest-news/george-and-geraldine-the-lone-short-tailed-albatross-pair-on-midway-atoll-have-a-new-chick) nest on Midway’s Sand, Eastern and Spit Islands. ![2024 count 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/2024_count_3.jpg)*Nest counters traverse Eastern Island, photograph by Dan Rapp* In recent years, albatross nesting sites on [Laysan Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-68-laysan-island-and-its-albatrosses-form-part-of-usa-s-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument) and French Frigate Shoals within the Pahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument have become increasingly difficult to access, making the Midway counts all the more valuable.  Watch a video of the counting team in action [here](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/videos/3643388189262363). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-get-counted-for-another-year-on-the-usas-kure-and-midway-atolls.md) ## A moving effort for conservation. Another batch of Black-footed Albatross eggs is successfully translocated to Mexico ![BFAL seaside nest Midway PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/BFAL-seaside-nest-Midway-PRC.jpg)*Black-footed Albatrosses nesting on the shores of Midway Atoll, a low-lying Hawaiian island vulnerable to climate change and the catalyst behind the translocation project which is aiming to establish a new colony on Mexico's remote Guadalupe Island. Photograph courtesy of Pacific Rim Conservation* The establishment of a new colony of [globally Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes*on Mexico’s Guadalupe Island has been given a boost with the arrival of 36 fertilised eggs from Hawaii’s Midway Atoll.  The dramatic move is part of an ongoing conservation effort to ensure the long-term survival of Black-footed Albatrosses whose population is at risk to climate change due to 97% of their breeding grounds being low-lying atolls in the USA’s North-western Hawaiian Islands.  The project is managed by an international group of organisations including Pacific Rim Conservation ([PRC](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)), Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas ([GECI](https://islas.org.mx/)), and [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUIry5k_ssCG--OS2u7ENRXG1jVnmwmw2LRsntuwkfVVNVB7pvU7y0fc-cxx_DR_sKT6G6PhGR6vYSReTLJGkX3hneheBZuwKK3QIqD7n9v8XU2_2yliJLhSRWdvHdKuNG-SEijfcFkxfAhwNi1Kx04sENns6sdajXuS1lje3AfW1pw9lYhBsk1Effvi0yZh7w&__tn__=-%5dK-R), with coordinated support from the federal governments of both countries.  The project’s translocation team has been in action since early January when they first collected viable eggs from nesting pairs on Midway. The viable eggs were then transported to Guadalupe Island and placed with nesting pairs of Laysan Albatrosses *P. immutabilis *whose egg had died. Once hatched, the Laysan pairs will raise the chicks as their own until they fledge. Ninety-three Black-footed Albatrosses have so far successfully fledged from Guadalupe Island as part of the programme, with the first translocated albatrosses expected to return to the island by 2026 according to Pacific Rim Conservation. ACAP Latest News has been [reporting on the project](https://acap.aq/search?q=Black-footed+translocation+&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) since the first translocations took place in 2020, and an in-depth article about the project is also available at the Audubon website, [here](https://www.audubon.org/news/single-mexican-island-may-be-our-best-hope-saving-black-footed-albatrosses?fbclid=IwAR3yWnkH5o_Gl5Mt-4XHHXetNCJSIW636MGxAOZxqTYkbt1T1DEgqyv0hHw).   *24 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-moving-effort-for-conservation-another-batch-of-black-footed-albatross-eggs-is-successfully-translocated-to-mexico.md) ## “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans” to be the 2024 World Albatross Day theme ![Bullers flying in Chatham Island waters by Enzo M R Reyes sml](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_flying_in_Chatham_Island_waters_by_Enzo_M_R_Reyes_sml.jpg)*A Buller's Albatross effortlessly soars over the ocean close to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand; photograph by Enzo M. R. Reyes* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is excited to announce, “Marine Protected Areas – Safeguarding our Oceans”, as the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day (WAD2024), to be celebrated on 19 June 2024.  Albatrosses are the ultimate ocean wanderers, spending most of their lives at sea traversing vast distances across the globe in search of food such as fish, squid and krill. This year, World Albatross Day will focus on the connection between albatrosses and the ocean, and highlight how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help improve the conservation status of these magnificent birds.  MPAs provide levels of protection for the species and ecosystems located within their defined geographical boundaries through the legal framework that determines the type of economic activity (if any) that can occur within them. They can be designated by governments within their own territorial waters, and now, with the landmark signature of the [Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction](https://www.un.org/bbnj/) or 'BBNJ treaty', by 84 nations, the creation of MPAs in waters commonly known as the High Seas will become possible.  The establishment of MPAs can assist in improving the conservation status of albatrosses through the protection of the immediate [surrounds of their breeding localities](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.acap.aq/resources/management-plans/mpa-acap&source=gmail&ust=1706144607639000&usg=AOvVaw11juH7aPSeIZN3YAatQy3Q) and key regions across their migratory ranges, and through the management of activities permitted within them, such as fishing.  New Zealand’s Near Threatened [Buller's Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) *Thalassarche bulleri *and the Vulnerable [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus* have been chosen as the featured species for 2024’s World Albatross Day celebrations.  ![WALD Logo 2024 Landscape](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WALD_Logo_2024_Landscape.png) In 2024, ACAP will mark 20 years since [coming into force](https://acap.aq/about-acap). Over these two decades, the Agreement’s 13 Parties have continually strived to improve the conservation status of its listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters.  To acknowledge the Agreement’s 20th year, a commemorative World Albatross Day logo has been designed by South African Graphic Designer, Geoffry Tyler. Geoffry has worked with ACAP previously and is behind the design of the original [World Albatross Day logo](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3412-world-albatross-day-adopts-an-official-logo) which has been in use since the inaugural celebration in 2020 under the theme, “Eradicating Island Pests”.  An official World Albatross Day poster in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish will be released in the lead up to the event and will be made available at high resolution to download at the ACAP website.  New infographics in the [ACAP Species series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) for the two featured albatrosses will also be available. Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/ABUN4Nature)) is once again supporting World Albatross Day with artworks produced by their nature and wildlife artists. Project #47 will commence on 27 January and run for two months until the end of March.  The ocean, which covers more than 70% Earth’s surface, is facing increased pressures from climate change and human activity including, overfishing, deep sea mining, and pollution. The celebration of World Albatross Day on 19 June will be a chance to raise awareness of these incredible birds and put a spotlight on MPAs as one of the tools that can help us to safeguard albatrosses and the wider marine environment, ensuring the rich and biologically diverse array of life sustained by the ocean thrives for generations to come.  *25 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/theme-for-world-albatross-day-2024-announced-marine-protected-areas-safeguarding-our-oceans.md) ## Giving back: the Mouse-Free Marion Project releases an albatross poster with the help of ACAP to thank its many supporters  ![albatrosses of marion island MFM poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/albatrosses_of_marion_island_MFM_poster.jpg)*The four albatrosses that breed on Marion Island are all at risk of predation by mice; artwork and poster design by Namasri “Namo” Niumim* Eradicating sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels)’s alien House Mice that have taken to killing albatrosses and petrels will be an expensive operation.  Ensuring that the budget comprehensively covers all essential requirements is of paramount importance, as it greatly enhances the likelihood of attaining a successful outcome. Fund-raising the hundreds of millions of Rands required is by necessity a long and arduous task, one the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org)) Project has been working on assiduously for over five years, with still some way to go before the eradication, currently planned for 2026, can take place.  Over this time the financial support we have received has been hugely encouraging.  Over 1900 individuals and organizations from South Africa and from around the world have contributed to the [Sponsor a Hectare](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsors/) appeal, raising nearly seven million Rands to date, with sponsorships coming in regularly.  Along with this crowd-funding initiative, major donations have been received from many trusts, funding bodies and the like and from individuals, some preferring to remain anonymous. With the recent year having ended in a season broadly considered one for giving, the MFM Project Team has given some thought as to how it can thank its supporters.  All hectare sponsors receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, but the team thought that perhaps, in addition, they would like to have an attractive artwork that can be freely downloaded and framed for display. The MFM Project’s new “Albatrosses on Marion Island” poster has been produced *pro bono* for the project by Thai illustrator [Namasri 'Namo' Niumim](https://namasrinstudio.com/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo, who works in gouache, graduated from the School of Architecture and Design, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design.  The poster depicts the four Marion Island albatrosses, Grey-headed, Light-mantled, Sooty and Wandering, that are all susceptible to predation by mice.  The paintings of each albatross have been taken from an infographic series Namo is producing for all [31 species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) of albatrosses and petrels listed by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq)).  It is pleasing to note that ACAP gave its [endorsement](https://mousefreemarion.org/ten-nations-endorse-the-mouse-free-marion-project-at-an-international-meeting-of-the-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels/) to the MFM Project at the last meeting of its [Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13) and has now given its approval for its infographic artwork to be used to create the new poster. ![Marion albatross infographics cropped](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Marion_albatross_infographics_cropped.jpg)*The four ACAP Infographics for Marion Island-breeding albatrosses, their printing and framing sponsored by supporters, decorate the MFM Project’s office in BirdLife South Africa’s recently opened*[*Cape Town headquarters*](https://mousefreemarion.org/mouse-free-marion-project-team-members-get-together-at-birdlife-south-africas-new-cape-town-home-for-its-official-opening/) Three of the four ACAP Species Infographics depicting Marion Island albatrosses have been sponsored by BirdLife South Africa on behalf of the MFM Project.  All of them are freely available for [downloading](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) from this website.  The new poster joins a series of 34 MFM Project photographic posters designed *pro bono* by long-time MFM supporter, Michelle Risi, available for [downloading](https://mousefreemarion.org/posters/) from the MFM website and also from an [album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.5477649005579443&type=3) on the MFM Project Facebook page. Originally [published](https://mousefreemarion.org/giving-back-the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-a-poster-to-thank-its-many-supporters/) on the Mouse-Free Marion Project website and posted here after editing with the project’s approval. *Jo**hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/giving-back-the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-an-albatross-poster-with-the-help-of-acap-to-thank-its-many-supporters.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Who was Walter Buller and should Buller’s Albatross still be named after him? The tricky issue of birds with eponymous names   **![Keulemans Bullers Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Keulemans_Bullers_Albatross.jpg)* Buller’s Albatross, by Dutch illustrator Johannes Gerardus Keulemans, from*A History of the Birds of New Zealand*by Walter Buller* The Ad Hoc English Bird Names Committee of the American Ornithological Society ([AOS](https://americanornithology.org/)) has considered the issue of eponymous names accorded to birds that may be deemed to be offensive in its recent [report](https://americanornithology.org/about/english-bird-names-project/english-bird-names-committee-recommendations/), deciding after clearly long and careful thought that there is no sensible way to “draw a line”.  Therefore, in what is really a radical decision, it is recommending that the over 150 North American birds bearing eponymous names should be renamed, thus neatly side stepping the issue of being moral police. How would the AOS view apply to the 31 ACAP-listed species?  Of them all, only [Buller’s Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) *Thalassarche bulleri* and [Salvin’s Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698388) *T. salvini* bear primary eponymous names (note that ACAP uses the descriptive name [Black Petrel](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species/291-black-petrel/file) for the listed *Procellaria parkinsoni*and not Parkinson’s Petrel).  Two other species, also New Zealand endemics, [Campbell](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728349) *T. impavida* and [Chatham](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698393) *T. eremita*Albatrosses, have what have been called secondary eponymous names, derived from localities where they breed that were named after people.  Campbell Island is named after the sealing company Robert Campbell & Co.  [Robert Campbell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Campbell_(1769%E2%80%931846)) was a merchant and politician of *Sydney,*Australia.  There is apparently some doubt, but it seems likely the Chatham Islands were named after the UK’s First Lord of the Admiralty, [John Pitt, 2nd Earl of Chatham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pitt,_2nd_Earl_of_Chatham).  The AOS Committee did not consider secondary eponyms of this sort to be problematic, so did not consider them further; a view I follow here. *![MA I087861 TePapa Portrait of Sir Walter preview](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/MA_I087861_TePapa_Portrait-of-Sir-Walter_preview.jpeg) An imposing figure: Sir Walter Lawry Buller, oil painting by Ethel Mortlock,*c*. 1903. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa* [Sir Walter Lawry Buller KCMG FRS FLS (](https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1b46/buller-walter-lawry)1838-1906) was born in the Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island.  He became an avid collector of and dealer in New Zealand bird specimens from a young age and wrote the then definitive *A History of the Birds of New Zealand,*which was well received.  Two procellariiform seabirds bear his name, Buller’s Albatross and [Buller's Shearwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buller%27s_shearwater) *Puffinus bulleri*(Salvin, 1888)*. *Should these two seabirds still be named after him? Buller was not without fault as a moral character.  Sandy Bartle and Alan Tennyson have written: “By falsely stating that he had built up three discrete collections of New Zealand birds, one for each edition of his book, Buller … was trying to establish himself primarily as a scientist and writer, rather than as a supplier of bird specimens to those who could afford them”.  Various transactions related to the sale of his several collections and inadequate and misleading labelling suggest what now might be considered “shady” practices, as Sandy and Alan describe in their very detailed publication.  But is this enough to consider his name as an eponym offensive enough for it to be no longer used?  My own view is no, but what of Buller’s views and activities in a wider sphere? An [online biography](https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1b46/buller-walter-lawry) has that “Buller held the prevailing view that the native plants, birds and people of New Zealand would inevitably be displaced by the more vigorous European immigrants.  The Māori, he thought, 'are dying out and nothing can save them.  Our plain duty as good compassionate colonists, is to smooth down their dying pillow.'”  Perhaps well intentioned (he was fluent in [Te Reo Maori](https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/maori-language/) from a young age) this sentiment would rightly be regarded as racist nowadays.  But at the time it might well have been regarded as showing laudable intentions.  Times and mores change and looking into the past through our own prism will always be fraught, so where should the line with eponyms deemed to be offensive be drawn? *![AlbatrossBullers008](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/AlbatrossBullers008.jpg) Buller’s Albatross at sea, photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* As well as wishing to discard all North American eponymous bird names, the OAS Committee has singled out the name of the  [Flesh-footed Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) *Ardenna carnepeis* for special opprobrium, writing that “the word *flesh* may imply that all - or at least “normal” - skin resembles that of white people.  To suggest that the default skin tone is that of a white person is inherently an exclusionary standard”.  The committee recommends the epithet “Pale-footed” be used instead.  This is of at least potential interest to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement because at a 2019 meeting New Zealand indicated it was considering the merit of nominating the shearwater for ACAP listing, although since then there seems to have been no further progress to develop a proposal ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement)).  [New Zealand Birds Online](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/flesh-footed-shearwater) has Pale-footed Shearwater as an alternative name (along with the Maori name Toanui), so this could be seen as a relatively easy change, and one for ACAP to consider adopting. *![Kuelemans Bullers Salvins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Kuelemans_Bullers_Salvins.jpg) Buller’s (top) and Salvin’s Albatross, by J.G. Keulemans* If New Zealand ever decided to follow the AOS and drop all its eponymous bird names, what might it call a renamed Buller’s Albatross (selected this year to support Wold Albatross Day on 19 June as a[featured species](https://acap.aq/latest-news/theme-for-world-albatross-day-2024-announced-marine-protected-areas-safeguarding-our-oceans))?  ‘Pacific Albatross’ has been applied to its northern subspecies *T. bulleri platei* by some who have accorded it full species status, so it could be used to refer to the species *sensu lato*.  Indeed, [New Zealand Birds Online](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bullers-mollymawk) already has Pacific Albatross as an alternative name (along with the Māori Toroa) for the species.  In my writing texts for those ACAP Species Infographics which have been sponsored by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, ACAP willingly complied with its request to include Māori names for mapped breeding localities.  For example, the[infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics/southern-royal-albatross-infographic) for the [Southern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora) *Diomedea epomophora* has for its most important breeding site the form “[Campbell Island/Motuere Ihupuku](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/subantarctic-islands/campbell-island/campbell-island-moutere-ihupuku-marine-reserve/)”.  With this as a precedent and in its spirit in my future writings for the ACAP website, perhaps I should refer to “Buller’s or Pacific Albatross” the first time I mention the species.. *Tales from Te Papa.  Alan Tennyson and Sandy Bartle are interviewed about Walter Buller* Lastly, what of Salvin’s Albatross, named after the 19th Century ornithologist [Osbert Salvin FRS FLS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osbert_Salvin)?  More historical literature reading would be required for a future *ACAP Monthly Missive* on a species that already has Bounty Island Albatross or Grey-backed Albatross (although both seem little used) as [alternative names](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/salvins-mollymawk). With thanks to Igor Debski and Johannes Fischer, New Zealand Department of Conservation and Alan Tennyson, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. **References:** Bartle, J.A. & Tennyson, A.J.D. 2009.  History of Walter Buller’s collections of New Zealand birds.  [*Tuhinga Records of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa*20: 81-136](https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/document/3159)*.* Buller, W.L. 1887-1888.  *A History of the Birds of New Zealand*.  2nd Edition.  London: W.L. Buller. Guedes, P., Alves-Martins, F., Arribas, J.M., Chatterjee, S., Santos, A.M.C., Lewin, A., Bako, L., Webala, P.W., Correia, R.A., Rocha, R. & Ladle, R.J. 2023.  Eponyms have no place in 21st-century biological nomenclature.  [*Nature Ecology & Evolution* doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02022-y](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02022-y). Pethiyagoda, R. 2023.  Policing the scientific lexicon: the new colonialism?  [*Megataxa*10: 20-25](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c2d0/cd7a532a1c03e4e5e225767efadc279f6d22.pdf?_gl=1*1llinkh*_ga*MTU2OTEwNTcwNi4xNzAyMDQ0MjU0*_ga_H7P4ZT52H5*MTcwMjA0NDI1NC4xLjAuMTcwMjA0NDI1NC42MC4wLjA). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-who-was-walter-buller-and-should-bullers-albatross-still-be-named-after-him-the-tricky-issue-of-birds-with-eponymous-names.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Grey Petrel is now available in French and Spanish ![preview greypetrel fr updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/preview_greypetrel_fr_updated.jpg)  The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) released in English [last month](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-grey-petrel-the-14th-in-the-series) and the fourteenth in the series, is for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea**.*  It is the first to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, the previous 13 infographics all being for albatrosses.  It is now available from today in all three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish.  The Grey Petrel infographic has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series.  English and Portuguese* language versions of all the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infografía sobre las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ![preview greypetrel es updated2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/preview_greypetrel_es_updated2.jpg) All the 14 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. One more ACAP Species Infographic is currently in production, for the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*, which will also be produced in Portuguese.  A further five species have been sponsored, with work on them to commence this year. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Jonathon Barrington, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer, Graham Parker, Richard Phillips and Peter Ryan for their help. *Being produced for the six ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil.  To date, those produced are for the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-grey-petrel-is-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## New features including a geospatial search function added to Birdlife International's Seabird Tracking Database ![Tracked BBA Estelle Smalberger shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Tracked_BBA_Estelle_Smalberger_shrunk.jpg)*A juvenile Black-browed Albatross off Cape Town, South Africa with a tracking device visible on its back; photograph by Estelle Smalberger* BirdLife International have announced new developments to their Seabird Tracking Database, an online platform where researchers can share their tracking data with scientists and wider conservation communities. The developments include: - the addition of a geospatial search function where polygons are created on the map to filter tracking datasets. Users can now search by any number of countries' waters (EEZs) and can upload their own polygons; - the ability for users to create a “Public profile” in their account settings allowing for the input of input such as a job title, interests or contact details which they can choose to make public; - the simplification of the “My account” page where datasets, user requests and requests for datasets each have their own pages. Hosting the largest collection of seabird tracking data in the world, the BirdLife International Seabird Tracking Database stores tracking data from around the world, assisting seabird conservation work and supporting scientists. The Seabird Tracking Database can be found, [here](https://www.seabirdtracking.org). *12 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-features-including-a-geospatial-search-function-added-to-birdlifes-international-seabird-tracking-database.md) ## Plenary speakers, workshops and symposium announced for Pacific Seabird Group’s 51st Annual Meeting in 2024 ![Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Scott Pearson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Highly_Pathogenic_Avian_Influenza_Scott_Pearson.jpg)* Photograph by Scott Pearson* A symposium on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, plenary talks from Dr Natalie Ban, Dr Gemma Clucas, and Dr Sarah Converse, and a workshop on bird banding, are just some of the highlights featured in the Scientific Program released by the Pacific Seabird Group for its 51st Annual Meeting (PSG2024). The Symposium: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, is described by organisers as an event to, "bring together experts to discuss the latest findings and developments in the emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in seabirds. This symposium will focus on the epidemiology, ecology, and evolution of avian influenza in wild bird populations, assessments of mortality and population-level impacts, and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities for understanding and managing this important global wildlife health issue." Convenors of the Symposium will be: - *Stephanie Avery-Gomm*, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate - *Simba Chan*, Japan Bird Research Association / the Wild Bird Society of Japan - *Scott Pearson,* Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Science Division PSG2024 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, in Washington, United States, from 15 to 23 February under the theme, “Faces of Seabird Conservation”. Details of the event including, the [Scientific Program](mailto:https://psg.wildapricot.org/Scientific-Program), [field trips](mailto:https://psg.wildapricot.org/Field-Trips), [registration](mailto:https://psg.wildapricot.org/event-5326924), and the [draft Agenda](mailto:https://psg.wildapricot.org/agenda) can be found on the [PSG website](mailto:https://psg.wildapricot.org/annual-meeting). ***10 January 2024*** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plenary-speakers-workshops-and-symposium-announced-for-pacific-seabird-groups-51st-annual-meeting-in-2024.md) ## New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme calls for research proposals to be considered for its 2024/25 Annual Plan ![NZDOC logo square](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/NZDOC_logo_square.jpg) The Conservation Services Programme (CSP) of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (NZDOC) is undertaking its annual research planning process to identify research projects to be incorporated into the CSP Annual Plan for 2024/25. CSP’s vision is that, “Commercial fishing is undertaken in a manner that does not compromise the protection and recovery of protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters.” Within the planning process, the CSP is inviting submissions for research proposals that correspond with its objectives, which can be found in the  [CSP Strategic Statement and relevant Medium-Term Research Plans](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-research-advisory-group-resources/). Proposals can be submitted using the Research Submission Form, available to download [here](https://newsletters.doc.govt.nz/t/i-l-adrndy-ttkhkuiytu-y/), and should be emailed to [csp@doc.govt.nz](mailto:csp@doc.govt.nz) by 5 pm on January 26, 2024. Detailed timelines for the process can be found at the CSP Strategic Statement. **8 January 2024** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealands-conservation-services-program-calls-for-research-proposals-to-be-considered-for-its-2024-25-annual-plan.md) ## Albatross researcher and conservationist Graeme Elliott is made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit *![Graeme Elliott Antipodes hut DOC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Graeme_Elliott_Antipodes_hut_DOC.jpg) Graeme Elliott ONZM prepares albatross colour bands in the field hut on Antipodes Island* Graeme Peter Elliott ONZM has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours List for 2024 for services to wildlife conservation. His [citation](https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/ny2024-onzm) follows: “Dr Graeme Elliott has been employed with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and predecessor organisations since the 1980s and has volunteered his own time to furthering ecological research and conservation initiatives. Dr Elliott’s research has significantly expanded New Zealand’s knowledge of its endangered birds and the threats to them.   He has been a member of the National Kakapo Management Group and Recovery Group since 1995. Since 2003 he has been on the Whio (blue duck), Orange-fronted kākāriki and Mohua (Yellowhead) Recovery Groups, principally as a Science Advisor.  His PhD research identified seeding patterns that increased predator numbers and threatened hole-nesting Mohua and parakeet species, which led to improved predator control to protect threatened birds. He is regarded as a cornerstone of DOC’s large-scale predator control programmes, with his research informing the approach applied in South Island forests and adapted for North Island forests, leading to an increase in the numbers of forest birds and bats.  He and his partner have monitored the health of albatross populations in the subantarctic annually since 1991, much of it in their own time.  Through this, Dr Elliott and his partner discovered both Gibson’s and Antipodean albatross populations were in a critical condition and have worked to alert others and to find solutions.” *![WAD banner Antipodes Kath Walker Graeme Elliott shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/WAD_banner_Antipodes_Kath_Walker_Graeme_Elliott_shrunk.jpg) Kath Walker (left) and Graeme Elliott display their banner supporting the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020 on Antipodes Island, fittingly photobombed by an Antipodean Albatross* Graeme, along with his partner Kath Walker ONZM, is a long-time supporter of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement with regular news and photographs coming from Antipodes and Auckland Islands on their globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel) Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis*.  Kath became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 Honours List ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit?highlight=WyJrYXRoIiwid2Fsa2VyIiwid2Fsa2VycyJd)). ![Graeme Elliott Kath Walker Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Graeme_Elliott_Kath_Walker_Antipodes_Island.png)*A matched pair: Kath Walker ONZM and Graeme Elliott ONZM on Antipodes Island flank *an Antipodean Albatross** The New Zealand Order of Merit was instituted by Royal Warrant in May 1996.  The Order is awarded to those “who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and the nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions, or other merits”. Read more [here](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/133502231/scientist-honoured-for-work-to-protect-native-bird-species?fbclid=IwAR1-1xx-3wmyHpbJvzsOqzU_Y857E5ii9R41G-XSKMPzW4HRQKABxBs_j5M). A previous [post](https://acap.aq/latest-news/marine-ornithologist-richard-phillips-receives-the-polar-medal-in-the-united-kingdom-s-2023-new-year-s-honours-list?highlight=WyJwb2xhciIsIidwb2xhciIsInBvbGFycyIsIm1lZGFsIiwibWVkYWxzIl0=) to *ACAP Latest News* lists marine ornithologists who have received awards from the Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom honours lists.  *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatross-researcher-and-conservationist-graeme-elliott-is-made-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit.md) ## George and Geraldine, the lone Short-tailed Albatross pair on Midway Atoll, have a new chick ![George and Geraldine 26 December 2023 Nick Minnich](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/George_and_Geraldine_26_December_2023_Nick_Minnich.jpg) *Short-tailed Albatrosses George (left) and Geraldine brood their latest chick on Midway Atoll, 26 December 2023, photograph by Nick Minnich* The lone [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus* pair well known as George and Geraldine on the USA’s Midway Atoll, North-Western Hawaiian Islands are currently caring for their latest chick in their sixth breeding attempt since 2018/19.  The chick is believed to have hatched on 24 December 2023.  “Jon Plissner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently studying footage captured by the field camera … to determine the exact date and time of hatching.”  The 2023/2024 chick is the fifth to be hatched by George and Geraldine.  So far, they have fledged four chicks.  No chick was produced in the 2021/22 breeding season as the egg did not hatch.  Read more [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/george-and-geraldine-midway-atolls-sole-short-tailed-albatross-pair-are-back-for-a-new-season?highlight=WyJnZW9yZ2UiLDIwMjNd). ![George with eggshell December 2023 Jon Plissner USFWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/George_with_eggshell_December_2023_Jon_Plissner_USFWS.jpg)*A flattened eggshell, indicative of a hatched egg, can be discerned just outside the nest and in front of George, 26 December 2023, photograph by Jon Plissner/USFWS* ![Geraldine fourth chick Jan 2024 Nick Minnich](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Geraldine_fourth_chick_Jan_2024_Nick_Minnich.jpg)*Geraldine feeds her two-week old chick, her fourth,*c*. 10 January 2024, photograph by Nick Minnich* Regular sightings of a young colour-banded Short-tailed Albatross (Red AA08) near its parental nest that it fledged from in 2019 continue to be made.  This is George and Geraldine’s first fledgling, one of two seen back on Midway.  Another Short-tailed Albatross has been recorded this season near the forest’s edge on the north-east side of Midway’s Sand Island. *![Wisdom 25 Dec 2023 Nick Minnich](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_25_Dec_2023_Nick_Minnich.jpg)Wisdom (Red Z333, left) with an unbanded male on Midway Atoll, 25 December 2023, photograph by Nick Minnich* Meanwhile Wisdom, the 70-something and oldest-known [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*, was again spotted on 24 and 25 December displaying with an unbanded male. It was first recorded this breeding season on  03 December last year ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdom-the-seventy-something-laysan-albatross-dances-in-another-season-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsMjAyM10=)). News from the [Friends of Midway Atoll](https://friendsofmidway.org/bringing-in-the-new-year-with-wisdom-and-a-new-makalena-short-tailed-albatross-chick/?fbclid=IwAR3O3Y_xytY4d8JzDk4y1IFvCj991evKnLgSL7cZVYUVwX4Kx5nFoRkok0E) where you can watch a video of Wisdom interacting with the unbanded bird. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/george-and-geraldine-the-lone-short-tailed-albatross-pair-on-midway-atoll-have-a-new-chick.md) ## Does microsound help Wandering Albatrosses get home? *![Gillies Fig. 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Gillies_Fig._1.jpg) The schematic illustrates the analysis approach.  The microbarom soundscape is represented by coloured contours; the bird’s track is shown from the Crozet Islands, see the paper’s Figure 1 for a full explanation* Natasha Gillies ([School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), United Kingdom) and colleagues have published in the online journal *[PNAS](https://www.pnas.org/)* on GPS-tracked  [Vulnerable](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* at sea preferentially moving toward regions of ‘loud’ infrasound. The paper’s abstract follows: “The ways in which seabirds navigate over very large spatial scales remain poorly understood. While olfactory and visual information can provide guidance over short distances, their range is often limited to 100s km, far below the navigational capacity of wide-ranging animals such as albatrosses. Infrasound is a form of low-frequency sound that propagates for 1,000s km in the atmosphere. In marine habitats, its association with storms and ocean surface waves could in effect make it a useful cue for anticipating environmental conditions that favor or hinder flight or be associated with profitable foraging patches. However, behavioral responses of wild birds to infrasound remain untested. Here, we explored whether wandering albatrosses, *Diomedea exulans*, respond to microbarom infrasound at sea. We used Global Positioning System tracks of 89 free-ranging albatrosses in combination with acoustic modeling to investigate whether albatrosses preferentially orientate toward areas of ‘loud’ microbarom infrasound on their foraging trips. We found that in addition to responding to winds encountered in situ, albatrosses moved toward source regions associated with higher sound pressure levels. These findings suggest that albatrosses may be responding to long-range infrasonic cues. As albatrosses depend on winds and waves for soaring flight, infrasonic cues may help albatrosses to identify environmental conditions that allow them to energetically optimize flight over long distances. Our results shed light on one of the great unresolved mysteries in nature, navigation in seemingly featureless ocean environments.” *![Wandering Albatross Drake Passage Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Drake_Passage_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)A  Wandering Albatross in the Drake Passage, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Read a commentary in *PNAS* by Lesley Thorne [here](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2314980120) and a popular account by study co-author Samantha Patrick [here](https://theconversation.com/can-seabirds-hear-their-way-across-the-ocean-our-research-suggests-so-215945?fbclid=IwAR2gY8CjNuXT5bLG5u2fshtBFJKVPKMjzdn3DcHWjk4lz8NxHlu7xuT_jwU). **Reference:** Gillies, N., Martín López, L.M. & Patrick, S.C. 2023.  Albatross movement suggests sensitivity to infrasound cues at sea.  [*PNAS*doi.org/10.1073/pnas.221867912](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2218679120). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/does-microsound-help-wandering-albatrosses-get-home.md) ## UPDATED. Safe from sea level rise and predators. Laysan Albatrosses on Kauai and Oahu lay record egg numbers *![KPNWRfence USFWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/KPNWRfence-USFWS.jpg) The new predator-proof fence in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, photograph by US Fish & Wildlife Service* Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* are breeding again in the North Pacific.  The vast majority breeds on the low-lying atolls of the North-Western Hawaiian Islands where they at risk to flooding caused by storms, considered to be more of an issue with climate change-induced sea level rise.  However, on the inhabited high Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Oahu the few relatively small colonies are safe from sea level rise, acting as a level of insurance for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) species. News is in on the fortunes of Laysan Albatrosses in two of these colonies that are protected by predator-proof fences. **Kauai** The record number of 153 pairs of Laysan Albatrosses breeding in the 2023/24 season – 20 more than in the previous season - in the [Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai will have an enhanced chance of a high breeding success.  This is due to the [recent completion](https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-08/pacifics-largest-predator-exclusion-fence) of a 3.4-km-long predator-roof fence surrounding 68 ha that will keep feral cats and pigs, stray dogs and rodents down to, it is stated, the size of a baby House Mouse, away from the birds.  In the 2022/23 season pigs gained entry and destroyed nearly 70 albatross nests, prior to completion of the fence ([click here](https://www.safinacenter.org/blog/gtl7614jvspegedz7rel9ggoc5lvx5)).  Any remaining predators caught within the fenced area are now being removed. UPDATE: The total occupied nest count was 157. 131 eggs have survived as hatching time approaches. The "natural decline is due to infertile eggs, abandonment of nests, and predation". Information from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/KilaueaPointNWR) of  the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. *![Pig and Laysan Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Pig_and_Laysan_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.png) A feral pig approaches an incubating Laysan Albatross at night in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on 23 December 2022, trail camera photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* More information comes from USFWS Volunteer Louise Barnfield in the December issue in *Wild Times*, newsletter of the [Kilauea Point Natural History Association](https://www.kauairefuges.org/)*.* “Last week, Kīlauea Point NWR participated in the annual mōlī (Laysan albatross) egg swap with a team of biologists from the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), located on the west side of Kauaʻi.  Due to the potential for airstrikes, mōlī in the PMRF colony are a risk to aircraft and to themselves.  Therefore, their biologists are employing multiple approaches as they work to reduce the size of their colony.  For this year’s egg swap, 23 fertile eggs were removed from the PMRF mōlī colony and transported to Kīlauea Point NWR where they replaced 23 non-viable eggs within the Refuge’s two colonies.  Through a process called “candling”, biologists can identify eggs that are non-viable – either because they were not fertilized or are damaged.  They can then “swap” the eggs and our adoptive nesters will then get to raise ex-PMRF chicks, which will imprint upon the safe colonies at Kīlauea Point NWR and eventually return to our hatching sites, rather than PMRF.” * ![100th Kaena Laysan Lindsay young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/100th-Kaena-Laysan-Lindsay-young.jpg) A Laysan Albatross incubates within the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* In complete contrast, the construction of a wrought iron security fence elsewhere on Kauai has led to the death by entanglement of a colour-banded (white V389) Laysan Albatross, known as Hoʻokipa ([click here](https://www.environment-hawaii.org/?p=15637)). *![Marconi Point fence fatality](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Marconi_Point_fence_fatality.jpeg)"Hoʻokipa, the first Laysan albatross to return to nesting within an ecological restoration area makai of the Turtle Bay golf course, died last month after getting stuck in an iron fence near her new nest at Marconi Point*" **Oahu** Over on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Laysan Albatrosses are also doing well behind a predator-proof fence around the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence).  The environmental NGO, Pacific Rim Conservation reports on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) that there are “106 mōlī nests and counting at Ka'ena Point- a new record!  2023 marks the 20th year that we have monitored Laysan Albatrosses on O'ahu”.  Laysan Albatrosses also breed within the translocation site protected by a predator-proof fence in Oahu’s [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Campbell_National_Wildlife_Refuge). A more recent Facebook post by Pacific Rim Conservation has a record of 156 occupied nests for Kaena Point and the nearby [Kuaokala Game Management Area](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-60-kuaokala-game-management-area-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-at-altitude) combined. ![Felix Jimenez Rojas](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Felix_Jimenez_Rojas.jpg)*A colour-banded Laysan Albatross rises on its egg on Isla Guadalupe, December 2023, photograph by Felix Jimenez Roja, GECI* **FOOTNOTE.**  Across the Pacific in Mexico, [Isla Guadalupe](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats) is also having a record year, according to the Mexican NGO Conservación de Islas (GECI) on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/IslasGECI): "The end of the year is near and Guadalupe Island is painted white thanks to the arrival of the Laysan Albatross. So far we have registered over 400 nests on the main island breaking the historic record on the island".  In 2009 a census yielded 457 pairs - but this seemed to include the nearby Islote Zapato and Islote Negro, with perhaps 50 pairs each.  *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 January 2024, updated 21 January 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/safe-from-sea-level-rise-and-predators-laysan-albatrosses-on-kaui-and-oahu-lay-record-egg-numbers.md) ## Calling all photographers with a penchant for procellariiform birds – ACAP needs you! ![WCP at sea Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_at_sea_Peter_Ryan.jpg)*A Vulnerable ACAP-listed [White-chinned Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) at sea; photograph by Peter Ryan* ACAP is passionate about conserving the albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters listed under our Agreement but as we, here at the Secretariat, spend the majority of our time behind a computer rather than a camera in our efforts to conserve these majestic birds, we are asking for your help. If you would be happy to contribute photos or video of any ACAP-listed species and their breeding localities*** ***for use across our platforms to help highlight the conservation crisis facing these birds, the ACAP Secretariat would be delighted to hear from you. All media will be credited when used by the Agreement. A list of the Agreement's [31 listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) and their [breeding localities](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-breeding-sites) can be found at the ACAP website under the menu bar item, Resources. If you are interested and would like to find out more information, please contact ACAP, [here](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-secretariat-staff/31-bree-forrer). *22 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/calling-all-photographers-with-a-penchant-for-procellariiform-birds-acap-needs-you.md) ## Season’s Greetings and best wishes for 2024 from the ACAP Secretariat ![ACAP Seasons Greetings web 2023 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/ACAP_Seasons_Greetings_web_2023-3.jpg)*A Buller's Albatross in a rather fetching festive hat. Photograph by Javier Quiñones* Season's greetings and best wishes for 2024 from the ACAP Secretariat to everyone!  In the coming year, ACAP remains dedicated to the conservation of the majestic albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters listed under the Agreement.  Preparations are already in full swing for World Albatross Day on 19 June, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating once again with the incredible and devoted global community of albatross enthusiasts. The Fourteenth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee ([AC14](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14)) is scheduled to take place in Lima, Peru, in August. Prior to AC14, meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG) and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) will be held. We will be taking a short break over the festive period, returning to regular posting on *ACAP Latest News* and our social media channels from Monday 8 January 2024. Stay up to date on all things ACAP through*ACAP Latest News* and by following us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com). *25 December 2023*     [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seasons-greetings-and-best-wishes-for-2024-from-the-acap-secretariat.md) ## Obituary: Mike Harris (1939-2023) conducted a pioneering study on the Waved Albatross in the 1960s *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Mike_Harris_Keith_Brockie.jpg) Mike Harris with an Atlantic Puffin on the Isle of May, photograph by Keith Brockie* Well-known and highly regarded marine ornithologist Mike Harris passed away on 17 December after a short illness, at the age of 84.  Originally from Wales, where he earned his PhD on gulls, Emeritus Professor Michael Philip Harris was a long-time (since 1972) researcher based at the [UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology](https://www.ceh.ac.uk/) in Scotland.  He is known for his many studies on a wide range of seabirds, notably the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-puffin-fratercula-arctica) Atlantic Puffin *Fratercula arctica*, the subject of two books he wrote, the first in 1984, the second in 2011 co-authored with his wife and fellow seabird researcher, Sarah Wanless.  [Research Gate](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Harris-13) lists him as having an impressive 328 publications with 15 216 citations.  His [latest publication](https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/77/10/2128/7204728?login=false), co-authored in the prestigious journal *Evolution*, was published as recently as October. During his early career Mike travelled to The Galapagos in the 1960s to undertake ecological research on a wide range of seabirds, notably on [two species of storm petrels](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Harris-13/publication/285441228_The_biology_of_storm_petrels_in_the_Galapagos_Islands/links/58ff088aaca2725bd71e342e/The-biology-of-storm-petrels-in-the-Galapagos-Islands.pdf), but also including on the Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*, with several pioneering publications ensuing on this now [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) species, as listed below. We went on a field trip together in (I think) December 1976, visiting Langebaan Lagoon and overnighting on Marcus Island in Saldanha Bay on South Africa’s west coast.  I was then trying to set up a long-term study colony of African Penguins *Spheniscus demersus*, and it was good to get Mike’s advice.  Sadly, the now [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) penguin has all but deserted the island, due to a continuing decline in its overall population size, caused primarily by overfishing.  His 1974 *A Field Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos* has long been in my study library.  Getting it out now I see he signed it for me “with many thanks for a great time”.  Other meetings followed at international seabird conferences over the years. A previous Scottish colleague of mine at the University of Cape Town’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), Mike Fraser, writes of Mike Harris’ passing: “A huge loss to the seabird research fraternity and, in particular, the [Isle of May](https://isleofmaynnr.wordpress.com/2023/12/17/mike-p-harris-rip/) community where he knew every Puffin by its first name!  He was certainly well travelled (including, of course, South Africa) and was an outstanding field man.  He was a good pal and it’s hard to think he’s gone.” Mike Harris justly received many accolades during his long career.  His [citation](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00600.x) for the British Ornithologists’ Union Godman-Salvin Medal, awarded to him in 2006 and published in the journal *Ibis*, is an impressive account of a productive career. The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels extends its sympathies to Sarah, and his family, friends and colleagues.  He will be missed. With thanks to Mike Fraser. **Selected bibliography** Harris, M.P. 1969.  Breeding seasons of sea-birds in the Galapagos Islands.  [*Journal of Zoology, London* 159: 145–165](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1969.tb03076.x). Harris, M.P. 1973.  The biology of the Waved albatross *Diomedea irrorata* of Hood Island, Galapagos.  [*Ibis* 115: 483-510](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1973.tb01988.x). Harris, M.P. 1979.  Survival and ages of first breeding of Galapagos seabirds.  [*Bird-Banding* 50: 56-61](https://www.jstor.org/stable/4512409). Harris, M.P. & Batchelor, A.L. 1980.  Seabird records from the *Lindblad Explorer* in the South Atlantic, 1976-1978.  [*Marine Ornithology* 8: 59-64](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/8_2/8_59-64.pdf). Jiménez-Uzcátegui, G., Harris, M.P., Sevilla, C.R., & Huyvaert, K.P. 2016.  Longevity records for the Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*.  [*Marine Ornithology* 44: 133-134](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1169). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/obituary-mike-harris-1939-2023-conducted-a-pioneering-study-on-the-waved-albatross-in-the-1960s.md) ## Peru to host the Fourteenth Meeting of the Agreement’s Advisory Committee ![lima cathedral in peru Cristian Loayza](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/lima-cathedral-in-peru_Cristian_Loayza.jpeg)*Lima Cathedral in Peru. Photograph by *Cristian Loayza** The Fourteenth Meeting of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatross and Petrel's Advisory Committee (AC14) will be held in Lima, Peru, from 12 to 16 August 2024. Meeting Circular 1, which has been released and is available online, contains information on the meeting location and dates, meeting agenda, submission of documents, applications for Observer status. Meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group, and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group will precede AC14, SBWG12 from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 August, and PaCSWG8 on Friday 9 August.  A joint SBWG12/PaCSWG8 meeting will be held on Thursday 8 August, to discuss cross-cutting issues. The working group meetings will be preceded by a Workshop on seabird bycatch data and at-sea threat prioritisation, to be held on Sunday 4 August.  A Heads of Delegation meeting will be convened on Sunday 11 August in the late afternoon/evening. The time for this meeting will be advised closer to the meeting date. The deadlines for the submission and distribution of meeting documents for AC14 and the Working Group meetings, and deadlines for submission of requests for Observer status to attend AC14 can be found in Meeting Circular 1, [here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac14). [French](https://acap.aq/fr/documents/comite-consultatif/cc14) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/documentos/comite-asesor/ca14) versions are also available at the website. Further details such as information on the venue and hotel(s), and information on registration will be provided in subsequent Ciculars.  *20 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/peru-to-host-the-fourteenth-meeting-of-the-agreements-advisory-committee.md) ## Saving seabirds through a “Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit” ![Antipodeam Kaikoura Kerry Jayne Wilson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodeam_Kaikoura_Kerry-Jayne_Wilson.jpeg)*New Zealand has the greatest number and diversity of seabird species, 90% of which are threatened or at risk of extinction. This includes the [Antipodean Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Diomedea antipodensis (pictured), listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Photograph by Kerry-Jayne Wilson* Each year thousands of albatrosses and petrels die through entanglements with fishing gear and swallowing baited hooks and drowning. A new “Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit” aims to tackle the problem. The project, which has been welcomed by the [fishing industry](https://sustainablefish.org/press-release/seafood-companies-governments-and-ngos-support-seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit/), Governments and NGO’s, is being developed by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ocean and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG) and was presented to a recent APEC roundtable by [New Zealand’s Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2023-media-releases/get-set-for-seabird-safe-fishing/) (NZDOC) and the [Southern Seabirds Trust](https://www.catchfishnotbirds.nz). The toolkit facilitates direct engagement with the fishing industry and equips them with essential information to help reduce seabird bycatch. This includes, the ocean areas important to threatened seabirds, access to distribution maps for all ACAP species, information on seabird bycatch mitigation options (including ACAP’s Best Practice Advice guidelines), as well as information on fisheries monitoring tools for verification. Igor Debski is the Convenor of ACAP's Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG) and was Lead Technical Advisor in the development of the toolkit. Commenting on the project, he said: “The toolkit represents a new and exciting approach to improve the implementation of ACAP’s Best Practice Advice by engaging directly with the vessel-to-market supply chain. Improved bycatch mitigation in fisheries is a key action needed to address the conservation crisis faced by ACAP-listed species.” ACAP recommends that the most effective approach to reduce or avoid seabird bycatch in longline fisheries is through the simultaneous use of line weighting to sink baited hooks as close to the vessel as possible to reduce their availability to seabirds, bird scaring lines to deter birds from baited hooks, and setting longlines at night. The Agreement’s comprehensive range of Best Practice Advice guidelines and factsheets containing proven mitigation measures are available in multiple languages and are accessible through the [ACAP website](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation). ACAP’s Advisory Committee endorsed and encouraged support for the [development of the toolkit](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file) at its meeting in May (AC13), the plans for which were presented to the Eleventh Meeting of the SBWG (SBWG11). Sebastian Jiminez and Dimas Gianuca, the ACAP SBWG Convenors, along with Ed Sullivan, an SBWG member, are also involved in the development of the toolkit as members of the expert reference groups for the project.  Development of the tollkit will take place over 2024 and will be presented to the APEC Oceans and Fisheries Working Group in August 2024. *18 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/saving-seabirds-through-a-seabird-safe-fishing-toolkit.md) ## 4.7 km up and at 170 km/h! A Streaked Shearwater survives 11 hours in a typhoon *![typhoon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/typhoon.jpg) Satellite image of the typhoon approaching mainland Japan, 8 September 2019, from the publication.  Provided by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology* Kozue Shiomi ([Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences](https://www.fris.tohoku.ac.jp/en/), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan) reports open access in the journal *[Ecology](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19399170)*on a rare case that implies the upper limit of a seabird’s capacity to tolerate a storm.  A GPS-equipped Streaked Shearwater *Calonectris leucomelas* ([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698172)) was caught in and survived a huge typhoon, showing swirling flight high (up to 4.7 km altitude) at speeds of 80-170 km/h for 11 hours over the mainland of Japan. **![Streaked Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Streaked%20Shearwater.jpg)* A Streaked Shearwater in its more normal habitat, close to the sea’s surface* The paper concludes: “The present study appears to demonstrate an example of the behavior of seabirds at the extreme edge between failure and success of survival during a storm.  Further accumulation of such data would contribute toward an understanding of whether and how seabirds manage to survive frequent but irregular weather events.” Read a popular account of the shearwater’s ordeal [here](https://newatlas.com/biology/bird-typhoon-ride/). **Reference:** Shiomi, K. 2023. Swirling flight of a seabird caught in a huge typhoon high over mainland Japan.  *[Ecology](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecy.4161)*[104 doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4161](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecy.4161). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/4-7-km-up-and-at-170-km-h-a-streaked-shearwater-survives-11-hours-in-a-typhoon.md) ## Colony attendance and moult pattern of Cory's Shearwaters *![Corys Shearwater Mike Bridgeford 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Corys_Shearwater_Mike_Bridgeford_2.jpg) Cory’s Shearwater exhibiting primary moult, photograph by Mike Bridgeford* Letizia Campioni (Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, [Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida](http://imbrsea.eu/taxonomy/term/461), Lisboa, Portugal) and colleagues have published in *[Ibis International Journal of Avian Science](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919x)* on relationships between moult and breeding in  Cory's Shearwaters *Calonectris borealis.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Migratory birds must fit three costly life-history events within the annual cycle, reproduction, moult and migration, to minimize their overlap and maximize survival and breeding success. However, some seabirds, such as Cory's Shearwater *Calonectris borealis*, overlap body moult and breeding, with flight feather renewal occurring in late chick-rearing. In contrast, the moult patterns of non-breeding adult (sabbatical) and immature Cory's Shearwaters, which also attend the colony during the breeding season, remain poorly understood. Furthermore, the potential implications of life-stage and breeding status trade-offs on moult status and colony attendance in non-breeders has rarely been investigated. Surveying different areas within one colony between June and September 2013 and 2014, we studied the age and breeding status composition of birds attending the breeding colony and scored moult of their body (breast and upper-neck), wing and tail feathers. We found that in addition to breeders (*n* = 165), 57.6% of the birds (*n* = 389) attending the colony were 4- to 10-year-old immatures (*n* = 132) and adult sabbatical shearwaters (*n* = 92). Sabbaticals and 8- to 10-year-old immatures (*n* = 28) were present at the colony during incubation, whereas only three sabbatical birds and no 8- to 10-year-old immatures were captured in late chick-rearing. Conversely, 4- to 7-year-old immatures arrived later in the season but were still present in late chick-rearing. Sabbatical and 8- to 10-year-old immatures were moulting body feathers at the same time as adult breeders, whereas, among 4- to 7-year-old immatures, older birds moulted earlier than younger birds. A larger proportion of sabbatical birds were replacing tail feathers compared with adult breeders. However, there was no evidence that sabbaticals or 8- to 10-year-old immatures differed in wing moult from adult breeders until August. Overall, our study shows that colony attendance by non-breeding adults and immatures is widespread in this population. The synchronous moult schedule of flight and body feathers across age groups at different life-history stages may suggest that this aspect of moult is controlled by environmental conditions." **Reference:** Campioni, L., Roda, S.B., Alonso, H., Catry, P. &  Granadeiro, J.P. 2023.  Colony attendance and moult pattern of Cory's Shearwaters (*Calonectris borealis*) differing in breeding status and age.  *[Ibis International Journal of Avian Science](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.13291?fbclid=IwAR0vi_V_aXfWXLD9Ju_mS9K5OQU_iZKG2UVMqSjUjMdWcPCyEF9kP7GadUw)*[doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13291](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.13291?fbclid=IwAR0vi_V_aXfWXLD9Ju_mS9K5OQU_iZKG2UVMqSjUjMdWcPCyEF9kP7GadUw). *15 February 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/colony-attendance-and-moult-pattern-of-corys-shearwaters.md) ## The ‘Royal Cam’ at Taiaroa Head‘s Northern Royal Albatross colony gets going again for its ninth season *![Royal Cam 2023 2024 pair Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Royal_Cam_2023-2024_pair_Sharyn_Broni.jpg) The 2023/2024 Royal Cam pair at its nest, photograph by Sharyn Broni* The new [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) pair of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island for the 2023/24 season has been chosen.  Colour banded LGK and LGL, the female laid her egg on 7 November and the pair is currently sharing incubation duties.  The birds, which successfully raised Royal Cam chicks in 2019 (Karere) and again in 2021 (Tiaki), are also sharing cam duty with another pair, BOK and WYL, breeding just a few metres away. *![Royal Cam 2023 2024 DOC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Royal_Cam_2023-2024_DOC.jpg) Follow the live-streaming video from the Royal Cam [here](https://bit.ly/2MyVNUi)* *![preview northernroyal en](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/preview_northernroyal_en.jpg) The ACAP Species Infographic for the Northern Royal Albatross has been sponsored by the New Zealand Department of Conservation,  Download it from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics)* Meanwhile, Moana, the  the first ever Royal Cam chick, was colour banded with yellow A55 on 15 December 2023. She returned to Taiaroa Head for the first time in January 2023 after fledging seven years earlier in 2016, so this is the second season she is visiting as a pre-breeder ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre)). *![Moana after banding Leon Chu](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Moana_after_banding_Leon_Chu.jpg)**Moana, after being colour banded, photograph by Leon Chu* The Northern Royal Albatross is a biennially breeding species, as are all six great albatross species in the genus *Diomedea*, with essentially two cohorts breeding in alternate years. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 January**2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-royal-cam-at-taiaroa-heads-northern-royal-albatross-colony-gets-going-again-for-its-ninth-season.md) ## Quantitative photography used to assess plastic pollution in Flesh-footed Shearwaters ![Flesh footed Shearwater Mike Double](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Mike_Double.JPG) *A Flesh-footed Shearwater in flight, photograph by Mike Double* [Joseph Hollis](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Razzell%C2%A0Hollis/Joseph) (Bird Group, [Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/), Tring, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Methods in Ecology and Evolution*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/2041210x) on using automated image analysis to study a collection of 3793 plastic fragments ingested by [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes* on Lord Howe Island. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastics are now ubiquitous in the environment and have been studied in wildlife and in ecosystems for more than 50 years. Measurement of size, shape and colour data for individual fragments of plastic is labour-intensive, unreliable and prone to observer bias, particularly when it comes to assessment of colour, which relies on arbitrary and inconsistently defined colour categorisations. There is a clear need for a standard method for data collection on plastic pollution, particularly one that can be readily automated given the number of samples involved. This study describes a new method for standardised photography of marine plastics in the 1–100 mm size range (meso- and macro-plastics), including colour correction to account for any image-to-image variation in lighting that may impact colour reproduction or apparent brightness. Automated image analysis is then applied to detect individual fragments of plastic for quantitative measurement of size, shape, and colour. The method was tested on 3793 fragments of debris ingested by Flesh-footed Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) on Lord Howe Island, Australia, and compare results from photos taken in two separate locations using different equipment. Photos were acquired of up to 250 fragments at a time with a spatial resolution of 70 μm/pixel and were colour-corrected using a reference chart to ensure accurate reproduction of colour. The automated image analysis pipeline was found to have a 98% success rate at detecting fragments, and the different size and shape parameters that can be outputted by the pipeline were compared in terms of usefulness. The evidence shown in this study should strongly encourage the uptake of this method for cataloguing macro-scale plastic pollution, as it provides substantially higher quality data with accurate, reliable measurements of size, shape and colour for individual plastics that can be readily compared between disparate datasets.” **Reference:** [Hollis](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Razzell%C2%A0Hollis/Joseph), J.R., [Henderson](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Henderson/Gabrielle), G, [Lavers](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Lavers/Jennifer+L.), J.L., [Rea](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Rea/Edward), E., [Komyakova](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Komyakova/Valeriya), V. &[Bond](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Bond/Alexander+L.), A.L. 2023.  Quantitative photography for rapid, reliable measurement of marine macro-plastic pollution.  [Methods in Ecology and Evolution. doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.14267](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/2041-210X.14267). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/quantitative-photography-used-to-assess-plastic-pollution-in-flesh-footed-shearwaters.md) ## Final call for submissions to Pacific Seabird Group's "Faces of Seabird Conservation"  ![PSGlogoColorHorizJPG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSGlogoColorHorizJPG.jpg) “Faces of Seabird Conservation” is the theme of the 51st Annual Meeting of the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://psg.wildapricot.org) (PSG) next year in February, and a special exhibition is planned for the event which will celebrate the "people who love and work with seabirds". Organisers are putting a final call-out for the public to get involved and submit a profile of a seabird scientist they feel should be featured in the exhibition. The exhibiton style is based on the famed [Humans of New York](https://www.humansofnewyork.com) project which combines candid photos with short first-person vignettes highlighting personal experiences. Profiles submitted to the exhibition should adhere to the following specifications as requested by PSG: Overall guidelines - Profiles and photos should be created and submitted by someone other than the subject. In other words, you can’t interview yourself, but you are welcome to ask someone else to photograph and interview you!  - Interview subjects can include people who work with seabirds in any capacity: not only PSG members and those in traditional academic, agency, or NGO positions, but anyone from any walk of life. Think journalists, artists, educators, guides, volunteers, boat captains, technicians, elected officials, local community members, tribal partners, administrators, and anyone else for whom seabird conservation is an important part of their life and work. - Please provide the subject’s name and e-mail so that we can verify that we have their permission to use their story and image. Subjects will be able to choose whether or not they would like their name to be shared along with their profile. Photos - Photos may be vertically or horizontally oriented and show all or part of the subject’s body. - The setting should be visible and preferably outdoors (i.e., not a plain or studio backdrop) and can include materials related to the story or meaningful to the subject. - Photos should be sufficiently high resolution to be printed at up to 8x10 inch dimensions. Vignettes - Written vignettes should be in the first person (I, me) and should be no more than 400 words in length (preferably shorter). Longer entries will be accepted but may be edited. - The vignette should describe a specific personal story, philosophical statement, or biographical detail, rather than covering the subject’s entire life or career. You may condense a longer interview as long as you maintain the subject’s words and voice. - Interviews can be conducted in any language. If your profile is not in English, please submit the original along with an English translation if possible. Submissions received on or before 31 December 2023 will be considered for inclusion in the exhibit at the 2024 Annual Meeting. Further information on the "Faces of Seabird Conservation" project, including examples, a link to example interview questions, and the profile submission link, can be found, [here](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/news/psg-2024-faces-of-seabird-conservation-profile-submission-reminder/). If you have any questions, please contact, [programchair@pacificseabirgroup.org](mailto:programchair@pacificseabirgroup.org). The 51st Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG2024) is being held in Seattle, Washington, United States, 21-23 February 2024. Further information about the meeting can be found at the PSG2024 meeting page, [here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting). *15 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/final-call-for-submissions-to-pacific-seabird-groups-faces-of-seabird-conservation.md) ## It’s in the wind: analysis global wind patterns and seabird tracking data reveals impact of wind on seabirds ![Fig 2 wind and seabirds paper Thorpe 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Fig_2_wind_and_seabirds_paper_Thorpe_2023.png)*From the paper: Fig 2. The relationship between wing loading (N m−2) and aspect ratio (dimensionless) for flying birds* Lesley Thorne ([School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences](https://www.stonybrook.edu/somas/), Stony Brook University, USA) and colleagues have published a review and synthesis on the impact of wind on seabirds in the journal *Marine Ecology Progress Series.* The paper’s abstract follows: “For decades, studies have highlighted links between wind patterns and the behavior, ecology, distribution, energetics and life history of seabirds. However, only relatively recently have advancements in tracking technologies and improvements in the resolution of globally-available wind data allowed wind impacts on seabirds to be quantified across multiple spatiotemporal scales. Here, we review and synthesize current knowledge of the effects of wind on seabirds. We first describe global patterns of wind circulation and relevant atmospheric processes and discuss the relationship between seabird morphology, flight performance and behavior relative to wind. We then develop a conceptual model linking seabird movement strategies to wind, morphology, flight capabilities and central-place constraint. Finally, we examine how wind influences seabird populations via effects on flight efficiency and energetics, and wind impacts associated with climate variability and severe weather. We conclude by highlighting research priorities for advancing our understanding of the effects of wind on seabird ecology and behavior; these include assessing how and to what extent seabirds use ocean waves for efficient flight, understanding how seabirds sense and anticipate wind patterns, and examining how wind has shaped seabird evolution. Future research should also focus on assessing how wind modulates habitat accessibility, and how this knowledge could be incorporated into theory of seabird habitat use. Moreover, approaches that focus on mechanistic links between climate, wind and demography are needed to assess population-level effects, and will be imperative to understanding how seabirds may be impacted by climate-driven changes to wind patterns.“ Reference:  Thorne LH, Clay TA, Phillips RA, Silvers LG, Wakefield ED (2023) Effects of wind on the movement, behavior, energetics, and life history of seabirds. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 723:73-117. [https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14417%0A](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14417%0A)[https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14417](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14417) *11 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/its-in-the-wind-analysis-global-wind-patterns-and-seabird-tracking-data-reveals-impact-of-wind-on-seabirds.md) ## The ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. The peculiar case of the ACAP-listed Balearic Shearwater  ![Catarina Vitorino Balearic Shearwater Mixed media Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Catarina_Vitorino_Balearic_Shearwater_Mixed_media_Pep_Arcos.jpg)*Balearic Shearwater, mixed media by Catarina Vitorino, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature, after a photograph by Pep Arcos* The [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus* of the Mediterranean Sea is the second-last species (and the first shearwater) to be added to ACAP’s Annex 1, following a decision taken at the Fourth  Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP4](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop4)) held in Lima, Peru in April 2012. Endemic to Spain’s Balearic Islands, the species has an interesting taxonomic history.  It was described in 1921 by the English ornithologist Percy Lowe, who treated it as a subspecies *Puffinus puffinus mauretanicus* of the Manx Shearwater*. *A later categorization placed it as a subspecies of the then-named Mediterranean Shearwater *P. yelkouan*(itself once considered a subspecies of the Manx Shearwater).  It was then considered to be a full species, with the now-named Yelkouan Shearwater as a separate species.  However, the presence of seemingly hybrid birds raised questions on the taxonomic categorisation of the Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters as full species. As a full species the Balearic Shearwater was awarded the conservation status of Lower Risk/Near Threatened in 2000, and then as Critically Endangered in 2004, a category of threat it has kept through a number of reviews to the current day ([click here](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus/details)). Its categorizaton also added to the impetus that led Spain to successfully propose the species be added to the Agreement’s Annex 1 ([click here](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop4/mop4-final-report/262-acap-mop4-final-report-e-1/file)). A molecular study published in 2021 found very little genetic difference between the Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters, leading to the authors of the study to suggest that the two taxa might be better considered as conspecific ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/are-the-acap-listed-balearic-shearwater-and-the-yelkouan-shearwater-two-separate-species-a-new-genetic-study-says-not?highlight=WyJiYWxlYXJpYyIsImJhbGVhciIsImJhbGVhcnMiLCJiYWxlYXJlcyIsImJhbGVhcmljcyIsIm9iaW9sIl0=)), proposing that the Balearic Shearwater should be considered  as a subspecies of the Yelkouan as *P. y. mauretanicus*.  Not surprisingly, this opinion led the ACAP Taxonomy Working Group ([TWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/taxonomy-working-group)) to consider the matter and its implication for the Albatross and Petrel Agreement.  The TWG, follow its online discussions, included the matter it its[report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents/4292-ac13-doc-10-report-of-the-taxonomy-working-group/file) to the 13th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee (AC13), held in Edinburgh, Scotland in May 2023.  The TWG wrote: “Obiol *et al*. (2023) conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of the *Puffinus*shearwaters of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.  They found that current taxonomies are not supported by genomic data and propose a more accurate taxonomy by integrating genomic information with other sources of evidence.  With particular relevance to ACAP, they found no support for the split of Balearic Shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*) and Yelkouan Shearwater (*P. yelkouan*) into two different species and propose that these two Mediterranean taxa should be considered as conspecific.  Taxonomic precedence would then make the Balearic Shearwater a sub-species (or sub-population) of Yelkouan Shearwater.  If this analysis is accepted, this presents a difficulty for ACAP as Article 1.1 states “This Agreement shall apply to the species of albatrosses and petrels listed in Annex 1 to this Agreement”, in other words Annex 1 should list species, not separate sub-species or populations.  Guidance on this issue is requested from the Advisory Committee.” AC13 then discussed the status of the Balearic Shearwater, noting in its [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file) that advice from Australia that species, subspecies or populations could be listed in Annex 1 of the Agreement.  “Article I (1) of the Agreement was to be read together with Article I (2)(a) that further defines the terms ‘albatross’ and ‘petrel’.  Read together, the terms ‘albatross’ and ‘petrel’ in Article I (1) of the Agreement could refer to a species, subspecies or population of the albatross or petrel.”   This was relevant to possible future approaches to the listing in Annex 1 to the Agreement of the Balearic Shearwater.  The Advisory Committee then agreed in its meeting report to await the outcome of deliberations by the taxonomic committee of the International Ornithological Congress ([IOC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Ornithologists%27_Union)), before considering further any consequences for Annex 1 of the Agreement. The authors of the 2022 taxonomic review state that the two taxa “are good examples of differentiated populations worthy of consideration as intraspecific units that represent unique morphological, ecological and genetic diversity for conservation of biodiversity.  We stress that developing action plans for *P. mauretanicus* and *P. yelkouan* should not depend on whether these taxa are classified as separate species or not.”  With this in mind, it seems sensible that the Balearic Shearwater remains listed by the Agreement on Annex 1, changing its scientific designation to *P. yelkouan mauretanicus*, if that becomes the view of the IOC. *![Yelkouan Shearwater Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Yelkouan/Yelkouan_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos.jpg) Yelkouan Shearwaters in flight, photograph by Pep Arcos* It is also thought worthwhile to consider the situation of the Yelkouan Shearwater in relation to ACAP.  Its current category of threat is [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yelkouan-shearwater-puffinus-yelkouan).  If it is reclassified as including the Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater (*sensu stricto*), this might conceivably result in it being considered Endangered, and thus potentially of greater interest to ACAP.  In an [ACAP Monthly Missive](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement) written a year ago I considered whether the Yelkouan Shearwater should be listed on ACAP’s Annex 1, writing that such a listing “would add up to nine more countries as breeding range states to those non-Party breeding range states (Japan, Mexico and the United States) with which ACAP already interacts, with the obvious issue of potentially over-extending the capacity of a small Secretariat.  Inviting even Greece, Italy and Malta, the most important non-Party breeding states, to ACAP meetings would also have financial and person power consequences.” I concluded that ACAP should keep a “watching brief” on international efforts to improve the Yelkouan Shearwater’s conservation status.  It has been quite some time since ACAP added a new species to its Annex 1 (the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* in 2015 being the last ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/welcome-to-the-pink-footed-shearwater-acap-gets-its-31st-species-in-tenerife?highlight=WyJwaW5rLWZvb3RlZCIsInBpbmstZm9vdHMiLCJwaW5rLWZvb3RzJyIsInRlbmVyaWZlIiwidGVuZXJpZmUncyJd)).  I shall follow with interest how ACAP treats any changes to its listing of threatened shearwaters in future years. **Reference** Obiol, J.F., Herranz, J.M., Paris, J.R., Whiting, J.R., Rozas, J., Riutort, M. & González-Solís, J. 2022.  Species delimitation using genomic data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties in a speciation continuum of pelagic seabirds.  [*Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*179.  doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107671](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107671). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 December 2023* **NOTE:** There will be a break in posting *ACAP Monthly Missives* in the New Year.  I hope to restart the series if suitable subjects come to mind, or guest missives are offered. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-the-peculiar-case-of-the-acap-listed-balearic-shearwater.md) ## ACAP’s latest Species Infographic is for the Grey Petrel, the 14th in the series ![preview greypetrel eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/preview_greypetrel_eng.jpg)  The latest [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), released today and the fourteenth to be produced in the series, is for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698159) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea**.*  It is the first to be produced for an ACAP-listed petrel, the previous 13 infographics all being for albatrosses.  It is being produced in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish; versions the latter two languages will be released shortly.  The Grey Petrel infographic has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). The ACAP Species Infographic series has been designed to help inform the public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series.  English and Portuguese* language versions of the infographics produced to date are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). All the 14 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention.  They should not be used for personal gain. One more ACAP Species Infographic is currently in production, for the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*, which will also be produced in Portuguese.  A further five species have been sponsored, with work on them to commence in the new year. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok.  Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Jonathon Barrington, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer, Graham Parker, Richard Phillips and Peter Ryan for their help. *Being produced for the six ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil.  To date, these are the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acaps-latest-species-infographic-is-for-the-grey-petrel-the-14th-in-the-series.md) ## She's back! Wisdom, the seventy-something Laysan Albatross, dances in another season on Midway Atoll *![Wisdom Dec 2023 Jon Plissner 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_Dec_2023_Jon_Plissner_4.jpg)**Getting him up on his toes.  Wisdom (left, with her colour band on show) engages in a mutual display with a metal-banded bird, photograph by Jon Plissner, USFWS, 03 December 2023* Wisdom, a female Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*, who is the world’s oldest known wild bird, recently returned to the [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site).  She was first spotted for the 2023/24 breeding season on 1 December this year by US Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Nick Minnich, being identified by her red colour band Z3333.  Her last partner, named Akeakamai, has not been seen this and in the two previous seasons and is likely no longer alive. “Jonathan Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the national wildlife refuge, said he doesn’t expect Wisdom to nest this year, but he did witness the possibly 72-year-old seabird participating in mating dances.  Biologists [the late [Chandler Robbins](https://acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-chandler-robbins-the-ornithologist-who-banded-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross?highlight=WyJjaGFuZGxlciIsImNoYW5kbGVyJ3MiXQ==)] first identified and banded Wisdom in 1956 after she laid an egg, and the large seabirds aren’t known to breed before age five.  It is estimated that Wisdom has produced 50-60 eggs and as many as 30 chicks that fledged.” Because it is late in the year Wisdom will likely not lay an egg in the current breeding season. ![Wisdom Dec 2023 Jon Plissner 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wisdom_Dec_2023_Jon_Plissner_3.jpg) *A third bird joins in, photograph by Jon Plissner, USFWS, 03 December 2023* Information from the Facebooks groups of [Friends of the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) and [Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.](https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS?__tn__=%2Cd) Read more about Wisdom in previous posts to *ACAP Latest News* from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-seventy-something-laysan-albatross-dances-in-another-season-on-midway-atoll.md) ## Crash landings are a significant cause of mortality in Marion Island’s Grey-headed Albatrosses ![Janine Schoombie GHA crashed 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Janine_Schoombie_GHA_crashed_1.jpg)  *This Grey-headed Albatross survived a crash landing in a lava field.  Not all are so lucky, photograph by Janine Schoombie* Janine Schoombie ([Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering](https://www.up.ac.za/mechanical-and-aeronautical-engineering), University of Pretoria, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Marine Ecology Progress Series*](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/) on mortality in Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma*crash landing in strong winds below their inland colony. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_8.JPG) A Grey-headed Albatross flies over a lava field on Marion Island, photograph by Kim Stevens* The paper’s abstract follows: “Albatrosses exploit winds to travel vast distances across the ocean. Their morphology is adapted for low-cost dynamic soaring flight, but these adaptations confer low manoeuvrability, which may be risky when flying over land. This study investigates how wind conditions influence Endangered grey-headed albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* crashes in the valley below an inland sub-colony on Marion Island. Carcass surveys were conducted in a 1 km2 area spanning the length of this sub-colony (ca. 4000 breeding pairs) from October 2017 to June 2021. Hundreds of adult and fledgling albatross carcasses were discovered, some with evidence of fatal crash-landings in the form of broken bones. Wind data measured on the cliff-top above the colony were hsupplemented by computational fluid dynamics simulations of wind vectors over Marion Island. Most crashes occurred below the centre of the colony, where there are strong gradients in wind speed and direction under the dominant westerly wind conditions. Observations of albatrosses in flight indicate that most birds are killed when attempting to leave the colony, specifically when flying low above ground in strong wind. An average of at least 41 adults and 40 fledglings died after crashing into the valley annually. This represents an estimated 2% of the annual production of fledglings, 0.5% of the estimated annual breeding adult population and 11% of the adult annual mortality, suggesting a substantial cost to breeding at this inland site. For these long-lived seabirds, even low levels of adult mortality can have potential demographic consequences. This is the first study to document persistent wind-driven, land-based mortalities in albatrosses.” **Reference:** Schoombie, J., Schoombie, S., Connan, M., Jones, C.W., Risi, M., Craig, K.J., Smith, L., P. G. Ryan, P.G. & Shepard, E.L.C. 2023.  Impact of wind on crash-landing mortality in grey-headed albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* breeding on Marion Island.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series* 723: 213-225](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v723/p213-225/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/crash-landings-are-a-significant-cause-of-mortality-in-marion-islands-grey-headed-albatrosses.md) ## Celebrating the icy continent: 64 years of the Antarctic Treaty ![Wandering Albatross near South Georgia 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering-Albatross-near-South-Georgia-2-Kirk-Zufelt.jpg)*Wandering Albatrosses such as the one pictured, are known to forage in Antarctic waters; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Today is Antarctica Day, a commemorative day underscoring the significance of the [Antarctic Treaty](https://www.ats.aq/index_e.html) as one of the most successful international agreements in history. The Treaty, which designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve devoted exclusively to peaceful purposes, has been instrumental in fostering an environment that has led to numerous breakthroughs in our understanding of Earth and its ecosystems. There are now 56 Parties to the Treaty which includes all 13 Parties to The Albatross and Petrel Agreement. Over the past six decades, the Antarctic Treaty has emerged as a symbol of unity and shared commitment to the peaceful exploration of the southernmost continent. By promoting international scientific collaboration, the Treaty has paved the way for an abundance of research initiatives that have contributed to our collective knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, and glaciology.  The ongoing dedication to the Treaty's core pillars will be essential in safeguarding Antarctica's unique environment and ensuring that it continues to be a beacon of international cooperation for generations to come.  *01 December 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/celebrating-the-icy-continent-64-years-of-the-antarctic-treaty.md) ## New Caledonia to host the first Oceania seabird symposium in 2024 ![Noumea New Caledonia Sarah Macmillan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Noumea_New_Caledonia_Sarah_Macmillan.jpg)*New Caledonia's capital, Noumea (pictured), will host the very first Oceania seabird symposium in 2024, photograph by Sarah Macmillan ([cc](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/))* The inaugural Oceania seabird symposium, [2024 Oceania Seabirds: talking, listening & hands-on](https://oceaniaseabirdsymposium2024.com/), will be held in New Caledonia next year over 23 – 26 September.  Recognised as a French overseas territory, New Caledonia is located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1200 kilometres off the east coast of Australia and has a population of just over 270,000. It comprises of the main island of Grande Terre, the four Loyalty Islands (Ouvéa, Lifou, Tiga and Maré), the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines and a number of remote islands.  The Pacific Community (SPC) Conference Centre in the capital, Noumea, is the venue for the event, co-hosted by, The Pacific Community (SPC), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement – France (IRD Noumea), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the World Seabird Union (WSU). The symposium's mission is to: - "Connect government policy makers, seabird conservation practitioners and scientists, land managers and communities from all Pacific Island countries and territories working with seabirds - Increase our collective understanding of the value of seabirds to Pacific economies and communities including cultural values - Highlight conservation and scientific initiatives currently underway or planned, to the benefit of region’s seabirds, their islands, and the seas where they occur and to the people of Oceania" Information on the conference programme and schedule, abstract submission and student and participation support is yet to be released by organisers but will be available soon at the event website, [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://oceaniaseabirdsymposium2024.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3sPoJHDOHnJzzbSzm7Zenb](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://oceaniaseabirdsymposium2024.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3sPoJHDOHnJzzbSzm7Zenb)[https://oceaniaseabirdsymposium2024.com/](https://oceaniaseabirdsymposium2024.com/). To register your interest in attending, complete the expression of interest form, [here](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hRDG0Ai1xgmcFiPe7nj_Jwwur77aZWs09IA9nHMEGS0/viewform?edit_requested%3Dtrue&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1KfwsYz_SgDbSy3-tuFXv7). *29 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-caledonia-to-host-the-first-oceania-seabird-symposium-in-2024.md) ## UPDATED. A first for Marion Island: a hybrid Black-browed/Grey-Headed Albatross incubates an egg *![BBA GHA hybrid incubating 21.10.2023 Michelle Risi 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/BBA-GHA_hybrid_incubating_21.10.2023_Michelle_Risi_3.jpg) Hybrid Black-browed-Grey-Headed Albatross Red Y48 incubating an egg, Grey-headed Albatross Ridge, Marion Island, 21 October 2023, photograph by Michelle Risi* **UPDATE: ** On 07 December the next was empty, with the hybrid seen close by before it flew off. If seen again an attempt will be made to pluck a feather to assign gender. A Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* - Grey-headed Albatross *T. chrysostoma* hybrid has been recorded incubating an egg on sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean.  One of two such hybrids known from the island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/black-browed-albatrosses-ashore-on-marion-island?highlight=WyJoeWJyaWQiLCJoeWJyaWRpemluZyIsImh5YnJpZGl6YXRpb24iLCJoeWJyaWRpemUiLCJoeWJyaWRzIiwiJ2h5YnJpZCciXQ==)) the colour-banded bird (left leg red Y48, right leg metal SAFRING 9A-45744) was first observed occupying an empty nest during the current 2023/24 breeding season on 06 October 2023 on Grey-headed Albatross Ridge in the south of the island.  On a second visit on 21 October the bird was seen to be incubating.  This is the first record of a hybrid albatross breeding on Marion Island, and apparently the first definite breeding by a known hybrid *Thalassarche* albatross anywhere ([click here](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.12622)).  The bird’s partner is a Grey-headed Albatross (left leg red Y96, right leg metal SAFRING 9A-87577) seen on the nest prior to laying and subsequently photographed taking an incubation shift on 18 November.  The hybrid and its partner’s genders are not known. *![BBA GHA hybrid incubating 21.10.2023 Michelle Risi 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/BBA_GHA_hybrid_empty_nest_06.10.2023_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg) The hybrid bird on its empty nest on 06 October 2023.  The red colour band on its left leg is partially visible, photograph by Michelle Risi* The hybrid is believed to have been metal banded on Grey-headed Albatross Ridge as a non-breeding bird in the 2008/09 breeding season.  On 7 October 2019 the colour band was added by Stefan Schoombie.  A publication in the journal *Antarctic Science*suggests that the bird may have fledged from the same Black-browed – Grey-headed Albatross mixed pair that successfully fledged a different hybrid bird in May 2007, that was subsequently seen (and described) back in the colony as a non-breeder nine years later in 2016.  In [February 2018](https://acap.aq/latest-news/black-browed-albatrosses-ashore-on-marion-island?highlight=WyJoeWJyaWQiLCJoeWJyaWRpemluZyIsImh5YnJpZGl6YXRpb24iLCJoeWJyaWRpemUiLCJoeWJyaWRzIiwiJ2h5YnJpZCciXQ==) this known-age bird  was photographed by Chris Jones occupying an empty nest.  That the two hybrid records are not of the same individual is confirmed because the 2007 bird was metal banded on its left leg prior to fledging (as are all fledglings within monitoring colonies on Marion Island), whereas the breeding hybrid discussed here wears its metal band on its right leg (as a bird of unknown age). Further visits will be made during the breeding season to the hybrid’s nest to ascertain if the egg hatches and was therefore fertile. *![GHA Nov 2023 Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/GHA_Nov_2023_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg) Grey-headed Albatross red Y96* *incubating on 18 November 2023 (when it was banded) is the hybrid’s partner.  Their nest is marked with a short section of a numbered PVC electrical conduit pole, photograph by Michelle Risi* Mixed species breeding pairs in the genus *Thalassarche*have been recorded producing fledglings between Black-browed and Campbell *T. impavida* Albatrosses on [Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels) and between a Black-browed and a White-capped *T. steadi* Albatross on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic.  Hybrids from these two mixed pairs have not been recording breeding.  Within the Diomedeidae, mixed pairs have produced hybrid young between Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses and between Northern Royal *Diomedea sanfordi* and Southern Royal *D. epomophora* Albatrosses.  In contrast to these *Thalassarch*e hybrids, both *Phoebastria* and *Diomedea* hybrids have been recording breeding. *![BBA GHA hybrid incubating 21.10.2023 Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/BBA_GHA_hybrid_incubating_21.10.2023_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg) Another view of red Y48 incubating in a colony of Grey-headed Albatrosses, photograph by Michelle Risi* With thanks to Maëlle Connan, Chris Jones, Richard Phillips, Stefan Schoombie and Kim Stevens. **Selected References:** Jones, M.G.W., Techow, N.M.S., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Hagens, Q.A., Taylor, F. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Hybridization and cuckoldry between black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses.  [*Antarctic Science* 32-10-14](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-blackbrowed-and-greyheaded-albatrosses/1AE29113DABBB5B6E1C6E61F7A21A9AC)*.  (*[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-black-browed-and-grey-headed-albatrosses?highlight=WyJoeWJyaWQiLCJoeWJyaWRpemluZyIsImh5YnJpZGl6YXRpb24iLCJoeWJyaWRpemUiLCJoeWJyaWRzIiwiJ2h5YnJpZCciLCJtYXJpb24iLCJtYXJpb24ncyJd)*).* Moore, P.J., Taylor, G.A. & Amey, J.M. 1997.  Interbreeding of Black-browed Albatross *Diomedea m. melanophris* and New Zealand Black-browed Albatross *D. m. impavida* on Campbell Island.  [*Emu* 97: 322-324](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU97047). Phillips, R.A., Cooper, J. & Burg, T.M. 2018.  Breeding‐site vagrancy and hybridization in albatross.  [*Ibis* 160: 907-913](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.12622). ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/breeding-site-vagrancy-in-albatrosses-can-lead-to-hybrid-young?highlight=WyJwaGlsbGlwcyIsInBoaWxsaXAiLCJyIiwiYSIsImEncyIsIidhJyIsImNvb3BlciIsImNvb3BlcmF0ZWQiLCJjb29wZXJhdGlvbiIsImNvb3BlcmF0aXZlIiwiY29vcGVyYXRlIiwiY29vcGVyYXRpbmciLCJjb29wZXIncyIsImNvb3BlcmF0ZXMiLCJqIiwiYnVyZyIsInQiLCJtIiwyMDE4LCIyMDE4J3MiXQ==)). Rutt, C. 2013.  Hybridization of the black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses.  [*Western Birds* 44: 322-333](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293260956_Hybridization_of_the_Black-footed_and_Laysan_albatrosses/link/5a91c1cc45851535bcd7a03e/download). ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/looking-a-little-odd-for-the-camera-hybrid-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-illustrated)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels & Michelle Risi, Marine Apex Predator Research Unit*, *Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, *30 November 2023** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-first-for-marion-island-a-hybrid-black-browed-grey-headed-albatross-incubates-an-egg.md) ## Learning on the fly: Investigating the developmental shifts in at-sea behaviour of Amsterdam Albatrosses ![Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_off_Amsterdam_Island_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*An Amsterdam Albatross in flight; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* A new paper by Karine Delord ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/cebc/), France) and colleagues has been published in [PCI Ecology](https://ecology.peercommunityin.org/about/about). The study investigates developmental shifts in the foraging behaviour of the Amsterdam Albatross through the use of remote tracking on naïve juveniles, immatures and adults. The paper’s abstract follows: “The transition to independent foraging represents an important developmental stage in the life cycle of most vertebrate animals. Juveniles differ from adults in various life history traits and tend to survive less well than adults in most long-lived animals. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain higher mortality including that of inadequate/inferior foraging skills compared to adults, young naïve individuals combining lack of experience and physical immaturity. Thus a change in behaviour, resulting in an improvement of skills acquired from growing experience, is expected to occur during a period of learning through the immaturity phase. Very few studies have investigated the ontogeny of foraging behaviour over long periods of time, particularly in long-lived pelagic seabirds, due to the difficulty of obtaining individual tracking data over several years. We investigated the foraging behaviour, through activity patterns, during the three life stages of the endangered Amsterdam albatross by using miniaturized activity loggers on naïve juveniles, immatures and adults. Naïve juveniles during their first month at sea after leaving their colony exhibited lower foraging effort (greater proportion of time spent sitting on water, longer and more numerous bouts on water, shorter and fewer flying bouts). Patterns of activity parameters in juveniles after independence suggested a progressive change of foraging performances during the first two months after fledging. We found sex differences in activity parameters according to time since departure from the colony and month of the year, consistent with the important sexual dimorphism in the Amsterdam albatross. Regardless of life stage considered, activity parameters exhibited temporal variability reflecting the modulation of foraging behaviour. This variability is discussed in light of both extrinsic (i.e. environmental conditions such as variability in food resources or in wind) and intrinsic (i.e. energetic demands linked to plumage renew during moult) factors.” Reference: Delord, K., Weimerskirch, H. & Barbraud, C. (2023). The challenges of independence: ontogeny of at-sea behaviour in a long-lived seabird. *PCI Ecology*. [https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.23.465439](https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.23.465439) *27 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/learning-on-the-fly-investigating-the-developmental-shifts-in-at-sea-behaviour-of-amsterdam-albatrosses.md) ## High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza database established by the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network **![093T0087 BBA with chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/093T0087_BBA_with_chick.jpg)*A suspected case of HPAI in a Black-browed Albatross is under investigation and awaiting tests according to AWHN's table of 'suspected and confirmed HPAI events in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica' on the SCAR website; photograph by Ian Strange* The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research’s (SCAR) Antarctic Wildlife Health Network ([AWHN](https://scar.org/science/awhn/home/)) has implemented a database for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) to track and document data provided to the AWHN regarding the spread of HPAI outbreaks in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica during the Austral Summer of 2023/24. As stated on the SCAR website, information submitted to the database will be used to: - Monitor the movement and spread of HPAI in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic region. - Update the AWHN risk assessment for wildlife species and geographical regions. - Update recommendations and guidelines for surveillance, monitoring and response to HPAI as we learn from this outbreak. - Update the polar community on current suspected and confirmed outbreaks of HPAI and to further understand the biology and movement of this virus. - Analyse the movement of HPAI and its impacts on wildlife colonies based on reported data.  More information on the monitoring project can be found at the SCAR website, [here](https://scar.org/resources/hpai-monitoring-project/), or for enquiries related to the database, please email, [antarcticwildlifehealthnetwork@gmail.com](mailto:antarcticwildlifehealthnetwork@gmail.com) ACAP recently released an updated version of its [*Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 panzootic*](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu), first published in July 2022. The guidelines were produced by the Agreement's High Pathogenicity H5N1 Avian Influenza Intersessional Group in response to the growing concern of avian influenza’s potential impact on ACAP-listed species. The Intersessional Group consists of thirteen experts on epidemiology, disease risk assessment and management who advise the Agreement on issues related to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.  In commenting on the overall scenario and the updated guidelines, Patricia Serafini, Co-convenor of the Agreement’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) and member of the ACAP Intersessional Group on HPAI said:  "High pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), caused by the virus H5N1, results in rapid and high mortality in infected wildlife groups. Researchers and authorities have been engaged in studying and understanding the impacts of this ongoing panzootic since the first ACAP guidelines on HPAI were released in 2022, and a lot of new information has been released. Migratory bird species arriving to the Southern Ocean (mostly between September and November) could transmit HPAI to the region, coinciding with the arrival of breeding seabirds, including ACAP species. Furthermore, it is possible that the virus could survive in the environment beyond the austral summer. Considering the present global panzootic scenario and the new information available, experts from several countries have been engaged together in an ACAP intersessional group to update and provide managers and ACAP Parties with the most up-to-date guidance for surveillance, monitoring, and response for HPAI outbreaks that might occur this season." Further information on Avian Flu, including the updated guidelines, can be found at the ACAP website under Resources>Disease Threats>Avian Flu, [here](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu). *24 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-database-established-by-the-antarctic-wildlife-health-network.md) ## Assessing Sooty Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrel interactions with fisheries activities in the southern Indian Ocean *![Stefan Schoombie Sooty flight shiny](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_flight_shiny.jpg) A Sooty Albatross in flight, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* Shamiso Banda ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the open-access *[*ICES Journal of Marine Science*](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/pages/open-access)*on interactions with fishing vessels by tracked Sooty Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels from Marion Island. The paper’s abstract follows: “Bycatch risk assessments typically rely on spatial overlaps between seabirds and fishing vessels but should also consider seabirds’ position in the attraction spectrum. Investigating seabird-fishery interactions in relation to habitat use is vital for species-specific risk assessments. To address this, we studied interactions between sooty albatrosses (SA) and white-chinned petrels (WCP) with fisheries. GPS data from 20 SA and 18 WCP individuals from Marion Island were analysed alongside Automatic Identification System-derived boat locations over two breeding seasons. We calculated encounter and attraction rates and correlated them with marine habitat characteristics. SA interactions occurred in deeper, warmer waters compared to their foraging habitat when vessels were absent, with 20% of individuals encountering and only 5% being attracted to boats. In contrast, WCP interactions occurred in shallow, warm South African shelf waters, consistent with their typical foraging habitats, with 72% encountering and 56% attracted to boats. These results highlight the need for continued reinforcement of mitigation measures for WCP. Despite the low attraction rates for SA, ongoing vigilance is required due to their smaller population size, which heightens the potential impact of illegal fisheries. The comparison of species along an attraction spectrum contributes to refining risk assessments and informs species-specific conservation strategies.” *![White chinned Petrel 4 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/White_chinned_Petrel_4_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) A White-chinned Petrel in flight, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* **Reference:** Banda, S., Pistorius, P., Collet, J., Corbeau, A., Weimerskirch, Pajot, A., Keys, D.Z. & Orgeret, F. 2023. Gauging the threat: exposure and attraction of sooty albatrosses and white-chinned petrels to fisheries activities in the Southern Indian Ocean. *[ICES Journal of Marine Science](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsad176/7379035?fbclid=IwAR0qSmuzJuGMjRxyZlNgjaW78uGMROdh_EXodNILzbdGrd8af9v9IHWeA1U&login=false)*[doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad176](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsad176/7379035?fbclid=IwAR0qSmuzJuGMjRxyZlNgjaW78uGMROdh_EXodNILzbdGrd8af9v9IHWeA1U&login=false). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/assessing-sooty-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrel-interactions-with-fisheries-activities-in-the-southern-indian-ocean.md) ## How much do you know? The Common Oceans Program seeks survey participants on the ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction ![Common Oceans Program](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Common_Oceans_Program.jpg) The [Common Oceans Program](https://www.fao.org/in-action/commonoceans/en/) is a global alliance of stakeholders and partners who have come together under the lead of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the aim of, "promoting sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation in the common oceans". The program is seeking participants to complete a short survey on the ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Results of the survey will inform communication efforts of the Common Oceans Program. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and participants will remain anonymous. Questions about the Common Oceans Program and the survey can be directed to the following email,[mailto:common-oceans@fao.org](mailto:common-oceans@fao.org)[common-oceans@fao.org](mailto:common-oceans@fao.org). Access the survey, [here](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=aMQ6Frir0ESB_dnbFeOvlobkK8zWFrhDg2DJetVx5nxUOUpWVkRLQlFOWjFYRlBNTkI3OTNKMUdOSi4u). *22 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-much-do-you-know-the-common-oceans-program-seeks-survey-participants-on-the-ocean-areas-beyond-national-jurisdiction.md) ## A new fossil albatross is the earliest record of the order Procellariiformes from New Zealand *![Plotornis](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Plotornis.jpg) Holotype of*Plotornis archaeonautes*(see the full paper for extended caption)* Daniel Ksepka ([Bruce Museum](https://brucemuseum.org/), Greenwich, Connecticut, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tnzr20)*on a new fossil albatross from New Zealand. The paper’s abstract follows: “Albatrosses are among the most intensely studied groups of living birds, yet their fossil record remains sparse. Despite modern albatrosses being more abundant and widespread in the Southern Hemisphere, the vast majority of fossil albatrosses identified to date come from Northern Hemisphere localities. Here, we describe *Plotornis archaeonautes* sp. nov., a new albatross species from the earliest Miocene that represents the earliest record of Procellariiformes in New Zealand and the earliest uncontroversial record of the clade Pan-Diomedeidae from the Southern Hemisphere. Phylogenetic analyses support the placement of *Plotornis* outside of the clade uniting all extant albatrosses. The new fossil reveals that stem lineage albatrosses were widespread by the onset of the Neogene. Although the humerus of *Plotornis archaeonautes* exhibits a short processus supracondylaris dorsalis, this early species may have possessed at least one of the unique ossifications associated with the patagial bracing system present in modern albatrosses.” **Reference:** Ksepka, D.T., Tennyson, A.J.D., Richards, M.D. & Fordyce, R.E. 2023. Stem albatrosses wandered far: a new species of *Plotornis* (Aves, Pan-Diomedeidae) from the earliest Miocene of New Zealand. *[Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand.](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03036758.2023.2266390)*[doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2023.2266390](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03036758.2023.2266390). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-fossil-albatross-is-the-earliest-record-of-procellariiformes-for-new-zealand.md) ## SCAR announces new programme to support early to mid-career researchers ![SCAR](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR.jpg) A new programme to support early to mid-career researchers has been launched by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).  “The SCAR Science Group Fellowship Programme is designed to encourage the active involvement of early and mid-career researchers in the work of the permanent, disciplinary Science Groups (SGs) to mentor potential future SCAR leaders and promote professional development. “ The reviewing process for applications will begin 18 December 2023. It is advised to submit your application by this date to be considered for the programme. For further information including details of the award and eligibility criteria, please see the SCAR website, [here](https://scar.org/general-scar-news/science-group-fellowship-2023/). *17 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/scar-announces-new-programme-to-support-early-to-mid-career-researchers.md) ## Namibia focused on tackling seabird bycatch in local fisheries ![Sebastian Jimenez Namibia Workshop 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Sebastian_Jimenez_Namibia_Workshop_2023.jpg)*Sebastián Jiménez, Co-convenor of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG), presents on seabird bycatch at a workshop in Namibia* Sebastián Jiménez, the Co-convenor of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG), recently participated in two workshops in Namibia. The workshops, held by the Albatross Task Force (ATF) and the Namibian Government, centred on the issue of seabird bycatch in local fisheries. Namibia has made significant progress in reducing seabird bycatch in its fisheries. A [paper published in 2021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320720309733), showed a 98% reduction of seabird deaths in the country’s demersal longline fisheries due to increased government regulation, the implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures and a comprehensive observer programme. The effective implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures was one of the areas of focus at the ATF workshop. Sebastián presented on [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation) (BPA) for reducing seabird bycatch in fisheries and current research priorities for mitigation measures across pelagic longline, demersal longline and trawl fisheries. Additionally, the importance of engagement with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) was emphasised. At the Seabird Bycatch Data Workshop hosted by the Namibian Government, Sebastián detailed ACAP’s guidelines for collecting data on seabird bycatch and underscored the potential of the [ACAP data portal](https://data.acap.aq/) in facilitating seamless data sharing between Namibia and the broader ACAP network. Data collected by observers on-board fishing vessels are critical to improving knowledge of the impact of fisheries on ACAP-listed species. Highlighting the outcomes of the workshop, Sebastián commended Namibia's observer programme and its proactive implementation of mitigation measures to minimise seabird bycatch. Despite facing challenges in achieving complete observer coverage on fishing trips, Namibia has maintained an average of approximately [70% observer coverage](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9245331/) annually across its fisheries. Participants from the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA) expressed a strong interest in refining data collection practices. Namibia has a long history of involvement with the Agreement with government representatives attending ACAP’s annual meetings since ACAP came into force in 2004.  *20 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/namibia-focussed-on-tackling-seabird-bycatch-in-local-fisheries.md) ## The Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation launches its 2024 Grants Round ![MICF Square Hybrid](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/MICF_Square_Hybrid.jpg) The Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation ([MICF](https://macquarieisland.org))  has announced its inaugural Grants Round is now open for applications.  “MICF Grants are available to support researchers, students, members of the community and other groups to deliver projects targeted at the conservation of Macquarie Island. In 2024, there will be $20,000 available with individual grants of no more than $7,500. Supported projects and activities must demonstrate alignment with one of MICF’s current funding priorities: 1. Conservation priorities 1. Understanding the impact of climate change on Macquarie Island 2. Ecosystem recovery following the pest eradication 2. Engagement and Outreach.” Information on MICF Grants, including the guidelines and the application form, can be found at their website, [here](https://macquarieisland.org/grant-round-2024?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=6551f88d3f56cd6ddee203f5&ss_email_id=6553169f50837857019a7fcf&ss_campaign_name=MICF+Grants+Round+Now+Open&ss_campaign_sent_date=2023-11-14T06%3A41%3A45Z).** ** The deadline for applications is 5pm AEDT 18 December 2023.  *15 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-macquarie-island-conservation-foundation-launches-its-2024-grants-round.md) ## Updated: ACAP Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 panzootic ![Notifications of HPAI outbreaks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/Notifications_of_HPAI_outbreaks.jpg)*Notifications of HPAI outbreaks to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in Procellariiformes (updated 5 November 2023). ACAP Parties are marked in blue.* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Intersessional Group on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 has released an updated version of ACAP’s [*Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 panzootic*](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file). An extract follows: **“Relevant information on high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1** **1. **The current panzootic wave of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 started in 2021 and has killed millions of seabirds worldwide.  **2. **HPAI H5N1 viruses spread to South America in late 2022 and have since caused mass mortality of seabirds and marine mammals.  **3. **HPAI H5N1 viruses have arrived in sub-Antarctic islands in October 2023, but not yet in mainland Antarctica. The situation may change rapidly.  **4. **Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand, is the only remaining region of the world free of this virus, but this situation may also change rapidly.  **5. **By the end of October 2023 no mass mortality events of procellariiform birds have been attributed to HPAI H5N1; however, these species are susceptible to infection and could be vulnerable to future outbreaks.  **6. **Birds infected by HPAI H5N1 viruses typically show one or more of the following disease signs: atypical behaviour, neurological signs, conjunctivitis, and respiratory distress.  **7. **The virus is transmissible to humans, but risk is currently considered low.” In commenting on the overall scenario and the updated guidelines, Patricia Serafini, Co-convenor of the Agreement’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) and member of the ACAP Intersessional Group said: "High pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), caused by the virus H5N1, results in rapid and high mortality in infected wildlife groups. Researchers and authorities have been engaged in studying and understanding the impacts of this ongoing panzootic since the first ACAP guidelines on HPAI were released in 2022, and a lot of new information has been released. Migratory bird species arriving to the Southern Ocean (mostly between September and November) could transmit HPAI to the region, coinciding with the arrival of breeding seabirds, including ACAP species. Furthermore, it is possible that the virus could survive in the environment beyond the austral summer. Considering the present global panzootic scenario and the new information available, experts from several countries have been engaged together in an ACAP intersessional group to update and provide managers and ACAP Parties with the most up-to-date guidance for surveillance, monitoring, and response for HPAI outbreaks that might occur this season." **Reference:** Serafini, P.P.; Vanstreels, R.E.T.; Uhart, M.; Dewar, M.; Wille, M.; Roberts, L.; Black, J.; Jiménez-Uzcátegui, G.; Baker, H.; Michael, S.; Gartrell, B.; Gamble, A.; Younger, J.; Lopez, V.; Work, T. 2023. *Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 panzootic*. Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), 11 pages. Available from [https://www.acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu) *13 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/updated-acap-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-the-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-hpai-h5n1-panzootic.md) ## Advancing seabird bycatch mitigation in the southern Indian Ocean through ecological risk assessment ![Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_off_Amsterdam_Island_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*32 seabird species were identified as occurring in the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) management area, including the Endangered Amsterdam Albatross Diomedea amsterdamensis* Keith Reid ([Ross Analytics Pty Ltd](https://www.rossanalytics.com.au), Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems* on fisheries management bodies integrating non-target species impact into their regulatory frameworks, focusing on the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). ![SIOFA Management Area](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/RFMOs/SIOFA_Management_Area.jpg) *Figure 1 from the paper: The Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement Area with subareas labelled numerically, important geographic features mentioned in the text are labelled.* The paper’s abstract follows: 1. Fisheries bycatch has been identified as the most serious threat to many seabird species and there is an increasing awareness of the responsibility of fisheries management bodies to include the impact on non-target species in their management and regulatory frameworks. 2. In 2022, an ecological risk assessment (ERA) for seabirds and fisheries was presented to the Scientific Committee of the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). This ERA identified 32 seabird species that regularly occurred in the SIOFA Area, of which 11 were determined as being at high risk. This high-risk group included 10 albatross species that have the greatest likelihood of interacting with SIOFA managed fisheries in Subareas 1, 2 and 3b (west of 40° E) where they overlap with the pelagic longline fishery. 3. Although the pelagic longline fishery for *Ruvettus pretiosus* is the largest fishery under the auspices of SIOFA, in terms of catch and number of vessels, the existing management measures of SIOFA focused on demersal fisheries and did not include any mitigation requirements for pelagic longlines. In response to the outcomes of the ERA, a proposed amendment to SIOFA's management measures was presented by France to the Meeting of Parties of SIOFA and led to the revision of SIOFA's seabird bycatch mitigation measures in respect of pelagic longlines, making them consistent with those agreed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. 4. Regulatory diffusion, the increased likelihood of adoption of regulation by one agency if that regulation has been adopted by another agency, contributed to the relatively rapid transition from the identification of the risk posed by pelagic longline vessels to the change in regulations to address those risks in SIOFA. Reference: Reid, K., Baker, G.B. &  Delord, K. (2023).  Ecological risk assessment in the southern Indian Ocean: Towards better seabird bycatch mitigation. *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*,  33(11),  1218–1228. [https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4006](https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4006)[https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4006](https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4006) *10 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/advancing-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-in-the-southern-indian-ocean-through-ecological-risk-assessment.md) ## New Zealand’s Department of Conservation releases a leaflet on what to do with grounded Westland Petrels ![Picture 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Picture_2.jpg)  A conservation concern for the ACAP-listed [Westland Petrel](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species/316-westland-petrel/file) is mortality of fledglings downed by bright street and other lights as they head to sea at night and then can get hit and killed by passing vehicles. *ACAP Latest News* has reported on this concern several times over recent years, most recently in relation to plans to undertake mining near to the petrel’s sole breeding colony at [Punakaiki](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-48-punakaiki-south-island-new-zealand-forest-home-of-the-westland-petrel) on New Zealand’s South Island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/proposed-mine-could-threaten-new-zealands-endangered-westland-petrels)). The [Westland Petrel Conservation Trust](https://www.facebook.com/westlandpetrel/), which works to promote, support and actively engage in the conservation of the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698155) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel) petrel, reports this week on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/westlandpetrel) that as a consequence of the petrel fallout a patrol will run regular searches for downed petrels during the fledging stage starting on 13 November. The trust is calling for volunteers to join searches along the highway in the early evenings. *![Anne Lyon Westland Petrel Frank Valckenborgh](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Anne_Lyon_Westland_Petrel_Frank_Valckenborgh.jpg) A Westland Petrel by Anne Lyon of [Artists Unite for Biologists and Nature](https://abun4nature.org/), after a photograph by Frank Valckenborgh* In support of the trust’s efforts, the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) has produced a leaflet setting out what to do when finding a downed bird. Its edited text follows: “Westland Petrel/Tāiko chicks fledge between November to January from their colony just south of Punakaiki. Their first flight can be a tough one, as they are inexperienced fliers, and can become disorientated by bright lights and poor weather conditions. Adult birds are also found at any time of year. Once on the ground they need our help, as they are unable to take flight again easily, and are very vulnerable to being struck by cars and attacked by dogs. The main flight path area for these birds at the northern end of the Barrytown flats has no streetlights, which is great for the birds ordinarily but means that they may be distracted by vehicle lights and come down on the highway. These large all black birds are then almost invisible against the black tarmac until the next car comes speeding along. If you’re driving in the area, please be mindful of these birds particularly November to January and travel a little slower. The same applies in all coastal areas where penguins could be crossing too – better for wildlife, safer for you, and less fuel used – win – win – win. The Department of Conservation and Westland Petrel Conservation Trust work together to help these birds get back out to the sea, and document when/where all birds are found, so we can work to remove attractive lights sources or hazards. Particularly around Punakaiki and Barrytown but in fact anywhere between Hokitika and Westport, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk to this special bird, which only breeds in one place in the world. **To give them the best chance of success:** Avoid leaving bright outdoor lights on after dark and close curtains and blinds, as this confuses them Keep dog(s) secure at home Keep a cardboard box, with air holes and towel in your car, just in case **If you find a bird on the ground:** Use a towel (or item of clothing) to cover the bird and gently lift it into a box (unwrap the bird once in the box), or move it away from danger (traffic) **If you feel uncomfortable handling the bird or require assistance, please immediately call the numbers provided** Birds found can be transported to the “Petrel Drop Off Boxes” at the DOC Visitor Centre (if the centre is closed go through the gate to the left of the front door) and leave your details in the log book If you are unable to transport the bird please call the numbers provided Please do not attempt to release the bird yourself. **What happens next?** All birds are health-checked by DOC or the WPCT. Healthy and uninjured birds will be assisted to take flight again Injured or underweight birds are provided veterinary and rehabilitative care by DOC If you would like to know about your bird or attend its release, please let us know" The flyer is [here](https://www.westcoastpenguintrust.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2023-11-Westland-petrel-flyer-PDF.pdf) if you would like to print and keep handy or share. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealands-department-of-conservation-releases-a-leaflet-on-what-to-do-with-grounded-westland-petrels.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa Second Edition by Peter Ryan – a personal review ***![Ryan second edition](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Ryan_second_edition.jpg) *** My colleague of near half a century, Peter Ryan, has produced a new edition of his popular 2017 photographic book, *Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa*. With 40 more pages, the book is noticeably thicker than the first edition, but the same format will allow the two editions to sit nicely side by side in the seabird section of my study library. The publisher’s blurb has this to say: **“**This revised, updated and expanded edition of *Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa* remains the only book to focus exclusively on the seabirds of southern Africa and includes nine new species for the region.  An expanded introduction covering seabird origins, moult, feeding, breeding, conservation, and how best to watch and photograph these iconic birds [and] a bonus feature on flying fish and flying squid”. Worthy of a new review then, following on from my [original](https://acap.aq/latest-news/review-guide-to-seabirds-of-southern-africa-by-peter-ryan?highlight=WyJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIiwicmV2aWV3IiwicmV2aWV3ZWQiLCJyZXZpZXdpbmciLCJyZXZpZXdzIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIiLCJyZXZpZXdlcidzIiwic3RydWlrIl0=) in *ACAP Latest News* in April 2017. Ryan#2 covers 142 seabird species which have been recorded (by specimens, accepted sightings, photographs or by tracking) in southern African waters and in the Southern Ocean and its oceanic islands south of Africa.  It is always tricky to decide what birds associated with the marine environment to include.  Peter takes what is perhaps a conservative view: there are no pelicans or grebes included, despite there being records of species of both groups, notably of the Great White Pelican *Pelecanus onocrotalus* and Black-necked Grebe *Podiceps nigricolli*s, occuring pretty regularly close inshore in South African and Namibian waters, mainly in sheltered bays. This contrasts with Peter Harrison's seabirds of the world book where both groups are included.  I reviewed the second editIon of Harrison's book in an [*ACAP Monthly Missive*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-peter-harrison-s-new-seabird-guide-a-review-and-a-reminiscence?highlight=WyJoYXJyaXNvbiIsInJldmlldyIsInJldmlld2VkIiwicmV2aWV3aW5nIiwicmV2aWV3cyIsInJldmlld2VyIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIncyJd) earlier this year.  However, Peter Ryan does include some "marginal' seabirds among the cormorants, gulls and terns.  At least, unlike Harrison, who gives it a truncated account, he leaves out the Lesser Sheathbill *Chionis mino*r of the Prince Edward Islands, a bird I know reasonably well, and one that at best is a shorebird that sometimes fossicks along the waters' edge. Really, there is no completely logical way in making the divide between sea and land!  *![Antipodean Albatross off North Cape NZ 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_off_North_Cape__NZ_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) The next albatross for southern Africa?  An adult Antipodean Albatross off North Cape, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The nine new species since Ryan#1 (I had to carefully compare the two editions to find them) include the ACAP-listed Campbell Albatross *Thalassarche impavida*, a New Zealand endemic, known so far from only a single tracked adult south of Africa that was undergoing a circumnavigation of the Southern Ocean. Among the procellariiforms, the Mascarene *Pseudobulweria atterima* and the Tahiti *P. rostrata*Petrels are also new listings. Looking at coverage, there are many new photos adding to the book’s length. For example, the section on the six species of prions *Pachyptila* spp. has increased from four to seven pages, affording each species a full page with more photos in the second edition. There have been some name changes as well, reflecting new taxonomic thinking. The rockhopper penguins of the Prince Edward Islands are now considered to be the Eastern species *Eudyptes filholi*, and no longer a subspecies of the Southern *E. chrysocome*. In contrast, and unlike ACAP’s and BirdLife International’s treatments, the White-capped Albatross *T. steadi* remains as a subspecies of the Shy Albatross *T. cauta*across both editions. No less than 18 of the 22 species of albatrosses recognized by ACAP have been recorded in waters covered by the guide, some only as very rare vagrants. Three of the four *Phoebastria* albatrosses of the Pacific and the New Zealand endemic Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* are missing. I was lucky enough to be shown at sea the first ever and perhaps the only Laysan Albatross *P. immutabilis* to be spotted in the southern African region by Peter Harrison on our way to Marion Island way back on 29 April 1983 ([click here](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/11/11_39-44.pdf)). The Antipodean seems the most likely to turn up, but it is notoriously difficult to separate with any certainty from several of the other great albatrosses when sighted at sea, especially from the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena*. So it may have to be a tracked bird to make Ryan#3!  Two of the five ACAP-listed *Procellaria* petrels, both endemic to New Zealand, have not yet been recorded in southern African waters. They are the Black. *P. parkinsoni*and the Westland *P. westlandica*. The only other ACAP-listed species not yet recorded for southern Africa is the Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* of the South Pacific. Remarkably then, 24 of the 31 ACAP-listed species are featured in Peter Ryan’s guide. ![Gough 1984](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Gough_1984.jpg)*It's way back in 1984 and the ‘Fitztitute’ team is hamming it up for the camera on Gough Island. Peter is on the left, I am on the right, with Barry Watkins, Stevi Broni and the late Jim Enticott* Intriguingly, the new edition includes some non-avian flying animals. The ommastrephid flying squid Peter has photographed have yet to be identified to species; likewise he has photographed many varieties of flying fish, all of the family Exoceotidae, also without being able to assign them to species. Some of them are remarkably colourful and handsome. I learnt a deal more than I already knew about these little-studied animals from the five pages of text and photos. No bats seen flying over the sea as yet! The font used throughout both editions is a rather a small one. I had no problem with this back in 2017, but this year I have dumped my long-worn multifocals after cataract operations and am now struggling to read the text without resorting to a magnifying glass under a bright light! I have resisted getting reading glasses since the operation on medical advice but may now have to give in. On the plus side, the small font and small maps and equally small but well-chosen photos keep the book a suitable size for field work. In fact, it should fit into one of those cargo pockets on the hiking vests some birders like to wear. Ryan#2 keeps the book’s dedication to myself as a footnote on its title page and a generous mention in the acknowledgements, for which I remain most grateful and not a little proud. Since 2017 Peter has moved from being Director of the University of Cape Town’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick) to being an [Emeritus Professor](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/peter-g-ryan) in the Institute, so joining me in retirement. We first met and went on sea and shorebird surveys together when he was still a schoolboy, and I was in my 20s. In between then and now we have visited and worked together on most of the oceanic islands covered in his guide. Good memories! **Reference:** Ryan P.[G.] 2023. [*Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa*](https://www.struiknatureclub.co.za/details/9781775848479). Second Edition. Cape Town: Struik Nature. 200 pp. ISBN 978-1-77584-847-9. Paperback, many photographic illustrations. South African Rands 270.00. [www.struiknature.co.za](http://www.struiknature.co.za). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-guide-to-seabirds-of-southern-africa-second-edition-by-peter-ryan-a-personal-review.md) ## The 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference is open for registration ![IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/IAPC7.jpeg) Registration and abstract submission is now open for the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC7). The conference is being held 20 – 26 May 2024 in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle is a plenary speaker at the conference and will be presenting on the Agreement and its achievements as it celebrates its 20th anniversary next year.  Since 1995, the International Albatross and Petrel Conference has brought together the global procellariform community, and IAPC7 is set to be another stellar event involving plenary talks by keynote speakers, daily presentations covering diverse topics, and a dynamic poster session.  Suggested [topics for abstract submissions](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/) can be found at the conference website. Any questions about the process can be directed to the IAPC7 Scientific Program Chair [Yuliana Bedolla Guzmán](mailto:iapc7programchair@islas.org.mx). Travel awards are also available to eligible applicants. The deadline for abstract submissions and travel award applications is 1 February 2024.  To register for the event and find out more information about IAPC7, head to the conference website, [here](https://whova.com/web/sgc9vR4JFiNH%40FiGS%409K2nBxS0HeldQq%40iMp54q7bn8%3D/). *06 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-7th-international-albatross-and-petrel-conference-is-open-for-registration.md) ## “Wedgies” are doing well in the Hawaiian main islands as another predator-proof fence is completed ![Freeman Seabird Preserve](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Freeman_Seabird_Preserve.jpg)*A Wedge-tailed Shearwater and its chick at the burrow entrance, artwork by the Freeman Seabird Preserve* News is in on the fortunes of three protected breeding populations of [Wedge-tailed Shearwaters](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica* on the main Hawaiian Islands, as reported on Facebook by [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) and the Hawai‘i Audubon Society’s [Freeman Seabird Preserve](https://www.facebook.com/FreemanSeabirdPreserve). *![Wedgies Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgies_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* **Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, Oahu** In the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) on the island of Oahu, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters have set another breeding record. Pacific Rim Conservation writes “our annual count this week showed an all-time high of 13 399 total nests (that's 26 678 individual birds), and 5,898 chicks that are ready to fledge from those nests.  This is truly amazing given that the birds only began nesting at Ka`ena in 1994, and only had 317 chicks out of 3777 nests (only 8% of chicks survived) the year the fence was built. Predator exclusion fences make the difference between barely surviving and thriving for many of our native species.” *![Wedgie chick Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_chick_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) A Wedge-tailed Shearwater chick in its burrow, photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* **Freeman Seabird Preserve, Oahu** Wedge-tailed Shearwaters also breed on Oahu within the [Freeman Seabird Preserve](https://freemanseabirdpreserve.org/), described as the only colony on the island’s south shore. “This year we started out with more nests, but a higher proportion failed compared with last year. In 2022 we counted 322 chicks on 14 September, out of 395 nests with eggs and chicks the previous 14 July. In 2023 we counted 308 chicks on 14 September out of 427 nests containing incubating adults or unattended eggs on 14 July. This was another record count, despite yielding only four more nests than the previous year. The preserve’s website states that “this unique urban colony has quadrupled in size, from less than 200 breeding birds [in 2009] to over 800 breeding birds.” Although not protected by a predator-proof fence, surveillance and predator control with traps is ongoing during the breeding season, to minimize predation by rats, cats, and mongooses on breeding shearwaters ([click here](https://freemanseabirdpreserve.org/meet-the-birds/)). *![Freeman Seabird Preserve numbers](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Freeman_Seabird_Preserve_numbers.jpg) Increase in numbers of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters breeding in the Freeman Seabird Preserve, 2009-2023* **Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai** Over on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the shearwaters are also doing well behind a fence according to Pacific Rim Conservation: “It's wedgie week at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge ([KPNWR](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population)). Approximately 21 000 Wedge-tailed Shearwater pairs nest at KPNWR, and over the last few days our team has been hard at work monitoring 600+ nests across the refuge. This dataset provides us with a baseline of Wedge-tailed Shearwater reproductive success prior to the completion of the refuge's [new predator exclusion fence](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-new-predator-proof-fence-will-protect-laysan-albatrosses-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-hawaii?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwicG9pbnQiLCJwb2ludHMiLCJwb2ludGVkIiwicG9pbnRlIiwicG9pbnRpbmciLCJwb2ludCdzIiwiZmVuY2UiLCJmZW5jZXMiLCJmZW5jaW5nIiwiZmVuY2VkIiwiZmVuY2UncyJd). In the future these surveys will be repeated so that we can study the effectiveness of our management actions.” The new fence was announced as finally completed on 24 October 2023 after a year and a half of construction ([click here](https://news.yahoo.com/2-mile-long-fence-kauai-160200864.html)). *![Kilauea Point fence](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Kilauea_Point_fence.jpeg) Still under construction. The new fence’s ground skirt to halt entry by digging predators is still to be buried at Kilauea Point, photograph by**Scott Yunker ([click here](https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/08/kauai-is-building-one-of-the-nations-longest-predator-proof-fences-heres-why/))* A predator-proof fence also protects breeding seabirds within Oahu’s [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell). The Wedge-tailed Shearwater with an estimated global population of over 5.2 million birds is not considered nationally or globally threatened. *Jo*hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 November 2023** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedgies-are-doing-well-in-the-hawaiian-main-islands-as-another-predator-proof-fence-is-completed.md) ## Are you going? Registration for the 51st Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group has opened ![PSG51 2024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG51_2024.jpg) The Pacific Seabird Group’s 51st Annual Meeting has opened for registrations. The theme for the event is “Faces of Seabird Conservation - shining a spotlight on the humans that love seabirds”. The event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. Organisers have promised a packed [agenda](https://psg.wildapricot.org/agenda) as well as a selection of exciting field trips, including a bird watching tour, Seattle Aquarium tour, and Burke Museum tour. Abstracts, inspired by the topics listed below, can be [submitted](https://psg.wildapricot.org/abstract-submission) until 28 November 2023:  - Symposium: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - Special paper session: Banding - Special paper session: Offshore Wind Energy - Breeding biology - Citizen science, outreach, and local engagement - Climate change effects - Conservation, restoration, and policy - Contaminants and disease - Foraging and fisheries - Habitats and distribution - Migratory and non-breeding biology - Movement and behaviour - Physiology and energetics - Population dynamics and trends - Tools and techniques - Traditional ecological knowledge Travel awards are also available to those who qualify. Applications for travel awards are included as part of the abstract submission process. More information on travel awards can be found, [here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/abstract-submission). For more information, head to the Pacific Seabird Group’s website for the event, [here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting). *03 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/are-you-going-registration-for-the-51st-annual-meeting-of-the-pacific-seabird-group-has-opened.md) ## Agustina Iwan’s ACAP Secondment applies a sociological approach to investigate solutions for seabird bycatch in Argentine commercial fisheries ![Agustina Iwan Secondment with Ingrid van Putten left Christine Bogle right](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Agustina_Iwan_Secondment_-_with_Ingrid_van_Putten_-_left_Christine_Bogle_-_right.jpg)*(Photos left - right) Agustina with Dr Ingrid van Putten from the CSIRO and with Dr Christine Bogle on her visit to the ACAP Secretariat in Hobart* Argentinian PhD student, Agustina Iwan is nearing the completion of her ACAP Secondment in Australia. Agustina’s project, titled, “Socio-ecological Approach to the Problem of Seabird Bycatch in Commercial Fisheries in Argentina", aims to shed light on the human element of seabird conservation, focussing specifically on the barriers and opportunities for fishers in implementing conservation measures to reduce the incidental death of seabirds in commercial fisheries.  Commercial fisheries pose the biggest threat to seabirds, with hundreds of thousands of seabirds dying each year from interactions with fishing gear, especially during longline- and trawl-fishing operations. Whilst technical solutions to reduce seabird bycatch in fisheries exist, such as those contained in [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation), Agustina’s research proposes that without understanding the perceptions, culture, and customs of individuals, impactful uptake of mitigation measures may remain elusive.  During her five months in Australia Agustina has collaborated with researchers specialising in human behaviour and conservation management who have helped her apply qualitative analysis tools and approaches to the in-depth interviews she conducted with stakeholders in Argentine fisheries.  Researchers at two host institutions have welcomed Agustina during her time in the country: Dr Brock Bergseth, DECRA Research Fellow at James Cook University’s ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and Dr Ingrid van Putten, Adjunct Senior Researcher at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).  Agustina has also had the opportunity to work with researchers from the Centre for Marine Socio-ecology at the University of Tasmania. Speaking about Agustina’s time at James Cook University, Dr Brock Bergseth said: “Agustina was a very motivated, driven, and resourceful visitor and made the most of her time at James Cook University. During her visit, she made considerable progress in analysing her data, conceptualising and situating her research within the larger field, and in building her professional networks. Agustina was a very welcome addition to the lab group – we enjoyed hosting her and would happily welcome her back in the future.” At CSIRO in Tasmania, Agustina was able to share her knowledge of Argentine fisheries with Dr Ingrid Van Putten, who has a keen interest in behavioural factors in conservation management. In commenting about Agustina’s secondment, she acknowledged the differences in the fisheries of Australia and Argentina, but pointed to the human element as being universal to both, saying: “the complexity of fisheries and conservation issues may vary between places around the world, but understanding human behaviour is essentially key everywhere. If we want the adoption of conservation measures, studies like the one Agustina is doing, are going to help tremendously. Agustina has managed to unpick and better understand the issues using sophisticated social science analysis tools. I am impressed with the work and hopefully work with her and her team in Argentina again in the future.” ![Agustina Iwan Secondment in Australia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Agustina_Iwan_Secondment_-_in_Australia.jpg)*Seeing the sights! Agustina enjoying a walk in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania (left), and taking in Wallaman Falls, in the Girringun National Park, Queensland (right).* The project aligns closely with ACAP's objective to maintain a favourable conservation status for its listed species. By providing insights into the current situation in Argentinean fisheries, her research hopes to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for industry stakeholders, government institutions, and other relevant parties.  In expressing her excitement about the project, Agustina emphasised her eagerness to learn and contribute to global conservation efforts: “Working on aspects of marine conservation is stimulating to me because I think it's about contributing, even in a very small way, to inhabiting this planet in a more conscious way. Having had the opportunity to stay in Australia has been very enriching for my project and my doctorate, particularly working with Brock Bersgeth and Ingrid Van Putten. Both are professionals with a long history in marine social science and conservation issues and are also part of institutions and teams where interdisciplinary work is common practice. I have felt very well received and accompanied.” Agustina’s project represents a vital step forward in addressing the complex issue of seabird bycatch in Argentine commercial fisheries. Her secondment not only contributes to the crucial field of seabird conservation but has also fostered cross-party collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building within ACAP Parties. By combining scientific research with social sciences approaches, her project has the potential to drive positive change, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the conservation efforts of ACAP and its partners.  *08 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/agustina-iwans-acap-secondment-project-applies-a-sociological-approach-to-investigate-solutions-for-seabird-bycatch-in-argentine-commercial-fisheries.md) ## Celebrating 100 years of conservation: Forest & Bird seeking to crown New Zealand’s Bird of the Century ![6 Solander May 2013 0446](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/6_Solander_May_2013_0446.jpg)*Which bird will get your vote? The ACAP-listed Buller's Albatross is one of 77 birds to choose from in Forest & Bird's search for New Zealand's Bird of the Century. A pair of non-breeding Buller’s Albatrosses preen on Solander Island; photograph by Jean-Claude Stahl* The New Zealand conservation organisation, [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz), are marking their 100th birthday this year and as part of their celebrations are searching for a mighty feather to put in their cap.   In a twist on the organisation’s annual Bird of the Year competition, Forest & Bird are asking the bird-loving public to cast their vote to crown New Zealand's Bird of the Century. Seventy-seven native birds are in the running for the accolade, including two ACAP-listed species: the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*and the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) and nationally [Declining](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bullers-mollymawk) Buller's Albatross* Thalassarche bulleri*. To raise awareness of ACAP-listed species and the threats they are facing, the Agreement has been producing a series of infographic posters which can be downloaded at the [ACAP website](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). The Antipodean Albatross infographic, sponsored by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation ([NZDOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz)), is amongst those already featured, with the Buller’s Albatross infographic (also sponsored by NZDOC) intended to be be available in the first half of 2024. ![antipodean eng smlposter 5mmbleed](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/antipodean_eng_smlposter_5mmbleed.jpg) Five extinct species have also been included as candidates in the competiton in order to highlight the loss of biodiversity in New Zealand, and to serve as a reminder to protect those species that remain. Forest & Bird have created a profile for each of the 77 bird contestants on their website, [here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/?utm_source=Main+website+enews+list&utm_campaign=7af1fe7cda-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_10_26_08_55&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-7af1fe7cda-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D). Profiles include information on the species, their conservation status, and in some cases a recording of their song. Voters are permitted to select up to five birds for submission to the competition. Voting opened on Monday 30 October and will close at 5pm on Sunday 12 November 2023. The winning bird will be announced on Monday 13 November 2023.    *01 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/celebrating-100-years-of-conservation-forest-bird-seeking-to-crown-new-zealands-bird-of-the-century.md) ## High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza present in brown skua populations on Sub-Antarctic island ![Brown skua by Gerald Corsi Getty Images](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/Other_birds/Brown_skua_by_Gerald_Corsi_-_Getty_Images.jpg)*A brown skua; photograph by Gerald Corsi* Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have confirmed the first known cases of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Antarctic region. Sampling of sick and dead brown skuas found on Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* confirmed the presence of HPAI H5N1.  Skuas returning from migration grounds off South America are likely to have brought the virus to the island. Wide-spread outbreaks of HPAI occurred across South America this year, and concern had been mounting about the increasing risk of the virus arriving in the Antarctic region.  Due to the confirmed cases of the virus, BAS have paused all fieldwork involving animal handling, although it may resume in species other than skuas if they remain free from any signs of the disease. BAS and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI)* remain on high alert for any developments in the situation.  Richard Phillips is the leader of the Higher Predators and Conservation group within the BAS Core Science Ecosystems programme and is also the Vice-convenor of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Goup (PaCSWG). He advised that under current conditions, aspects of fieldwork can continue:   “For the moment, the HPAI outbreak at Bird Island still appears to be confined to brown skuas. As such, the vital long-term population monitoring by British Antarctic Survey of ACAP species, penguins and seals will continue. However, the field team are being vigilant in case HPAI starts to affect another species. Depending on whether and how it spreads, some elements of the research programmes may need to stop, or access to specific colonies will be restricted and further, limited monitoring may only be possible from vantage points.”  Protocols and guidance documents for H5N1 had been updated by the Government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands ([GSGSSI](https://www.gov.gs/biosecurity-handbook-update-released/))* and the Falkland Islands Government ([FIG](https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza))* in response to the worsening threat of the spread of the virus, but with enhanced biosecurity measures in place.  Patricia Serafini is Co-convenor of ACAP’s PaCSWG and an Environmental Analyst for Brazil’s [National Centre for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds](https://www.icmbio.gov.br/cemave/). Serafini is a member of a group of experts on epidemiology, disease risk assessment and management, that advise ACAP on issues related to the ongoing high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. This group has been meeting virtually monthly since July 2023 to review and update the ["Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the ongoing high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza outbreak."](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file) These guidelines were initially launched by ACAP in July 2022 and the updated version will be ready to be available on the ACAP website shortly. Commenting on the current situation she said: “The potential impact of the disease on ACAP species is a significant concern for albatross and petrel conservation and has been integrated into the ACAP Work Programme, particularly under the PaCSWG. The ACAP intersessional group of experts is extremely concerned now that the HPAI H5N1 virus has reached the Sub-Antarctic islands. Oceania is currently the only region in the world free from this virus, but this status is also susceptible to change. It is noteworthy that up to the end of October 2023, no mass mortality events among procellariiform birds have been linked to HPAI H5N1. However, these species remain susceptible to infection and are at risk in the event of outbreaks. Infected birds typically exhibit atypical behaviour, neurological symptoms, conjunctivitis, and respiratory distress." A [report](https://www.offlu.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OFFLU-statement-HPAI-wildlife-South-America-20230823.pdf) on the threat posed by HPAI was released by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Network (AWHN) also published a [risk assessment](https://www.scar.org/library/science-4/life-sciences/antarctic-wildlife-health-network-awhn/5973-risk-assessment-avian-influenza/file/) for HPAI reaching the Southern Ocean. Information and updates on diesease threats for Procellariiform birds can be found under the Avian Flu menu at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/resources/disease-threats/avian-flu). *30 October 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-present-in-brown-skua-populations-on-sub-antarctic-island.md) ## Bird-scaring lines are proposed to replace blue-dyed bait as a mitigation measure in the Hawaii deep-set longline fishery *![Bird scaring line.Projeto.Albatroz](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird_scaring_line.Projeto.Albatroz.jpg) A deployed bird-scaring line flutters in the wind, photograph from Projeto Albatroz* The USA’s National Marine Fisheries Service ([NMFS](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/)) has proposed to modify seabird interaction mitigation measures to require federally permitted Hawaii deep-set longline vessels that target tuna by setting fishing gear from the stern to use a tori or bird scaring line in place of the currently required thawed, blue-dyed bait and strategic offal (fish, fish parts, or spent bait) discharge when fishing north of 23°N latitude. This action, now open for written comment, is expected to improve the overall efficacy and operational practicality of required seabird mitigation measures by reducing seabird bycatch and creating operational and administrative efficiency for fishers and NMFS ([click here](https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-22799.pdf)). The fishery is one that interacts with both Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses. Deployment of bird-scaring (tori) lines is one of a suite of best-practice mitigation methods for pelagic longline fisheries recommended by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement ([click here](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice/4548-acap-2023-pelagic-longlines-mitigation-review-and-bpa/file)) and adopted by tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations ([tRFMOs](https://www.tuna-org.org/index.htm)). The other two of a "triad" are night setting and line weighting, with best practice considered the adoption of all three. Additionally, use of approved hook-shielding devices is also considered best practice. For example, the relevant [conservation measure](https://cmm.wcpfc.int/measure/cmm-2018-03) of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission ([WCPFC](https://www.wcpfc.int/)) calls for use of two of the three mitigation measures or use of hook-shielding devices south of 30°S. Use of blue-dyed bait is explicitly not recommended by ACAP, which states for this measure that there is “No experimental evidence of effectiveness in pelagic longline fisheries”. For thawing bait it states that there is “No evidence that the thaw status of baits has any effect on the sink rate of baited hooks set on weighted lines”. Igoir Debski, Co-convenor of the ACAP Seabird Bycatch Working Group confirms: " "Bird-scaring lines (or tori lines) are one of the three primary best-practice seabird bycatch mitigation measures recommended by ACAP.  However, it is important to note that each measure has limitations when used alone. There is a period of time when hooks are accessible to birds even when branch lines are weighted. Night setting used alone is less effective at reducing seabird bycatch for nocturnally active birds and during bright moonlight conditions. Bird-scaring lines used alone can rarely protect baited hooks beyond the aerial extent of the line. Consequently, the simultaneous use of the three ACAP recommended seabird bycatch mitigation measures compensate for these limitations." Eric Gilman, Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group and a past Senior Fellow at the [Safina Center](https://www.safinacenter.org/), writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “A 2021 experiment documented tori [bird-scaring] lines were a more effective seabird bycatch mitigation approach than blue-dyed fish bait in the Hawaii tuna longline fishery. In the late 1990s research was conducted on blue-dyed squid bait, which held some promise at mitigating albatross bycatch, but less so for dyeing blue fish bait darker blue. So, when tori lines are used as prescribed they should be a conservation benefit as a replacement for blue-dyed fish bait.” Read a "two-pager" that summarizes the proposed rule change [here](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/s3/2023-10/piro-tori-line-proposed-rule-handout-202310-FINAL.pdf).  It includes a schematic and detailed specifications for the proposed bird-scaring line. With thanks to Igor Debski, Eric Gilman, Mi Ae Kim and Andre Raine. **References:** Chaloupka, M., Gilman, E., Carnes, M., Ishizaki, A., Brady, C., Swimmer, Y., Wang, J., Ellgen, S. & Kingma, E. 2021. [*Could Tori Lines replace Blue-dyed Bait to reduce Seabird Bycatch Risk in the Hawaii Deep-set Longline Fishery?*](https://www.wpcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Tori-Line-2021-Study-Report_Final.pdf)  Honolulu: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. 28 pp. Gilman, E., Chaloupka, M., Ishizaki, A., Carnes, M., Naholowaa, H., Brady, C., Ellgen, S. & Kingma, E. 2021. Tori lines mitigate seabird bycatch in a pelagic longline fishery*.*[*Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries* 31: 653-666](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/johnc/Downloads/noaa_33007_DS1.pdf). ([click here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-021-09659-7)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bird-scaring-lines-are-proposed-to-replace-blue-dyed-bait-as-a-mitigation-measure-in-the-hawaii-deep-set-longline-fishery.md) ## Proposed mine could threaten New Zealand’s Endangered Westland Petrels ![Fledgling Westland Petrel Bruce Stuart Menteath](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Fledgling_Westland_Petrel_Bruce_Stuart-Menteath.JPG)*Light pollution from a mine proposed near the only breeding site for New Zealand's Westland Petrel could impact the species. A Westland Petrel fledgling; photograph by Bruce Stuart-Menteath* There is concern New Zealand’s Endangered [Westland Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) *Procellaria** **westlandica* are under threat from a proposed mine near the species’ sole breeding site in the [foothills of the Paparoa Mountains](https://acap.aq/latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-westland-petrel-by-kerry-jayne-wilson) on the West Coast of the South Island. A planning application for a mineral sand mine operation located less than 5km south of the breeding colony has been lodged by mining company, [TiGa Minerals and Metals](https://www.tigamm.co.nz/). Artificial light emitted from the mine’s infrastructure, and the headlights from the increased traffic movements to and from the mine could impact the Westland Petrel colony. [Light pollution](https://acap.aq/latest-news/shining-a-light-on-the-value-of-the-dark-world-migratory-bird-day-puts-light-pollution-in-the-spotlight?highlight=WyJsaWdodCIsImxpZ2h0cyIsImxpZ2h0bHkiLCJsaWdodGluZyIsInBvbGx1dGlvbiIsInBvbGx1dGFudHMiLCJwb2xsdXRhbnQiLCJwb2xsdXRpb24nIiwicG9sbHV0ZWQiXQ==) presents a threat for many birds, particularly migratory species. For shearwaters and petrels, exposure to artificial lights from street, vehicle and building lights, can lead to birds becoming grounded. Once grounded, they can find it difficult to become airborne again putting them at risk of vehicle strikes, predation or exhaustion. Fledglings are particularly [vulnerable to light pollution](https://acap.aq/latest-news/light-pollution-still-plagues-westland-petrels-despite-streetlights-being-turned-off?highlight=WyJ3ZXN0bGFuZCIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbHMiLCJwZXRyZWxlcyIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJyIsInBldHJlbHMnIiwibGlnaHQiLCJsaWdodHMiLCJsaWdodGx5IiwibGlnaHRpbmciLCJwb2xsdXRpb24iLCJwb2xsdXRhbnRzIiwicG9sbHV0YW50IiwicG9sbHV0aW9uJyIsInBvbGx1dGVkIl0=) when they leave their breeding site and fly out to sea for the first time.  ![Westland Petrels release](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland-Petrels-release.jpg)*A fledgling Westland Petrel being released after being found grounded near Punakaiki; photograph courtesy of the Westland Petrel Conservation Trust* The West Coast Branch of the conservation organisation, [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/), and local community members are campaigning against the mine, forming the Coast Road Resilience Group to raise awareness of the mine’s potential impacts on the Westland Petrel colony. An application for a mine at the same site made under TiGa Minerals and Metals’ previous name, Barrytown JV Limited, [was rejected in 2022](#:~:text=Residents%20of%20a%20West%20Coast,on%20a%20spectacular%20scenic%20drive.) with the impacts of light pollution on the colony cited as one of the reasons behind the decision.  In response to an [article about the proposed mine](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/mine-threat) by Forest & Bird, TiGa Minerals and Metals’ have stated through a [press release](https://www.tigamm.co.nz/s/TiGa-response-to-F-and-B-magazine-article-final-15-09-2023.docx) that they believe they have taken considerable steps to address the impacts of the mine on the Westland Petrel colony.  TiGa managing Director Robert Brand  said: “TiGa has gone way further than any existing business within the flight path zone of these birds. For instance, we have volunteered to restrict our ore truck movements past the petrel colony, near Punakaiki, to daylight hours only. Additionally, our mining operation will adhere to the [Australian *National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife*](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/publications/national-light-pollution-guidelines-wildlife), which Forest & Bird itself  has cited as the desired standard for New Zealand.” The [Barrytown Mineral Sanding Mining application](https://www.wcrc.govt.nz/services/consents-compliance/publicly-notified-consent-applications/current-publically-notified-consents/barrytown-mineral-sand-mining) for resource consents has been publicly notified however submissions are now closed. The application can be accessed at [www.wcrc.govt.nz](http://www.wcrc.govt.nz/) within the current notified applications or [www.greydc.govt.nz](http://www.greydc.govt.nz/).   *27 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/proposed-mine-could-threaten-new-zealands-endangered-westland-petrels.md) ## Marion Island joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge to help save its albatrosses and petrels at risk from introduced House Mice *![Alexis Osborne Wandering Albatross 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Osborne_Wandering_Albatross_3.jpg) A “gam’ of young Wandering Albatrosses engage in mutual display on Marion Island, photograph by Alexis Osborne* [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za) has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge ([IOCC](https://jointheiocc.org/)), a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities ([click here](https://jointheiocc.org/hope-for-globally-threatened-seabirds-as-birdlife-south-africa-joins-island-ocean-connection-challenge-with-marion-island/)). This aims to support its work in partnership with the [South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/) via the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project to save internationally significant albatross populations, such as of the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*, that are at risk from introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* on Marion Island. At a little over 30 000 hectares, the removal of mice from Marion Island will be the largest rodent eradication project in the world to be undertaken in a single operation. The IOCC aims to restore and rewild 40 globally significant islands worldwide by 2030, from sub-Antarctic islands like Marion Island to tropical islands bursting with colourful marine life and coral. Restoring islands by removing invasive species has been repeatedly proven to be one of the most impactful ways to restore biodiversity and island ecosystems. There have been more than 1000 successful island invasive species eradications worldwide that have resulted in long-term benefits, including increased populations of seabirds, land birds and native plants, recovery of natural ecosystem functions, protected and thriving reefs and a more climate-resilient island. [Mark D. Anderson](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-mark-anderson-chair-of-the-mfm-management-committee/), CEO, BirdLife South Africa and Chair of the MFM Project Management Committee, explains: “Islands are biodiversity hotspots and therefore provide a crucial focus for global conservation efforts. We have joined the IOCC to add impetus to international actions restoring islands by tackling the important environmental issue of invasive alien species. Marion Island is home to two million seabirds, including four species of albatrosses and a range of other species including petrels and penguins, several of which are threatened with extinction. It is vital that we remove the invasive mice, as otherwise Wandering Albatrosses – arguably the most iconic of the ocean-wandering seabirds – and the majority of Marion Island’s globally important seabirds, could become locally extinct.” “Rodent-free islands offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Successful eradications have shown that islands can recover to their former ecological condition in a relatively short time. Joining the IOCC will help raise awareness of the current risk posed to Marion Island, and the urgency needed to prevent the worst-case scenario from happening. We are delighted to have joined this important worldwide initiative and, by being part of it, look to make a step-change in protecting Marion Island’s biodiversity forever.” [Dr Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/), MFM Project Manager, adds: “Put simply, if we can remove invasive mice from Marion Island we can address once and for all one of the significant threats that the island’s seabirds face, and thus facilitate a favourable conservation future for this globally important island and its magnificent seabirds. Rather than containing or mitigating the threat, we solve it. Although the seabird populations on Marion Island are being increasingly impacted by mice, we have an opportunity to intervene to remove that threat and allow the seabird populations to recover naturally without the need for species reintroduction programmes.” “The global importance of the seabird populations on Marion Island cannot be overstated, so we must do everything in our power to protect them. Becoming part of the IOCC will help us achieve this goal and contribute to global biodiversity objectives.” *![Sean Evans Wandering Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Sean_Evans_Wandering_Albatross_1.jpg) A double rainbow frames a Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island’s west coast near Swartkop Point, photograph by Sean Evans* [Dr Penny Becker](https://www.islandconservation.org/staff/?modal=member-28132), Vice President Conservation at [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/) and a co-founder of the IOCC, writes: “Restoring and rewilding islands is not just an act of conservation; it is one of our most powerful defences building resiliency against climate change. By nurturing these ecosystems, we build stronger environments and help biodiversity hotspots like Marion Island to recover”. Watch a short video about this globally important initiative and find out more about the MFM Project from [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/about-the-project/)*.* *Jo*hn Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 October 2023** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marion-island-joins-the-island-ocean-connection-challenge-to-help-save-its-albatrosses-and-petrels-at-risk-from-introduced-house-mice.md) ## White-capped/Shy Albatrosses killed by South African longliners are studied for their moult *![Shy Albatross Wendell Ribeiro](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Wendell_Ribeiro.jpg) Shy Albatross in flight, by Wendell Ribeiro, [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/), 2020* Peter Ryan & Oluwadunsin Adekola ([FitzPatrick Institute](https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick), University of Cape Town, Douth Africa) have published in *[Ostrich Journal of African Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tost20)* on moult of White-capped/Shy Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi/cauta*killed in South African waters. The paper’s abstract follows: “Albatrosses typically only replace a subset of flight feathers each annual moult cycle. We scored the moult of 662 White-capped/Shy Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi/cauta*, using birds that had been killed by longline fisheries off South Africa. Most adults and immatures alternated replacing the outer primaries (phase 1) and inner primaries (phase 2), but there was considerable variation among adults, with 0–10 primaries replaced each moult cycle. Birds in phase 1 moult replaced fewer primaries than birds in phase 2, but the proportion by mass was similar. Adults replaced more primaries than immatures as there was a disproportionate number of adults in phase 2 moult (82%), which might indicate that most adults off South Africa are in their first year after a successful breeding attempt, but a similar bias occurred among beached birds from New Zealand and Australia. The outer primaries were usually replaced outwards from P8, but the replacement sequence was more variable among the inner primaries. Secondary moult overlapped with primary moult, but not all secondaries were moulted each year. Adults had more active moult centres and replaced more secondaries at once than immatures. Tail moult started after primary moult, with 1–11 feathers growing from 1–6 active centres. Some birds replaced their rectrices in pairs, with often 2 or 3 pairs moulting at once, but others replaced alternate feathers or almost all rectrices at once. A few birds exhibited intense wing moult, but the norm was to replace only 1 or 2 primaries and 1–6 secondaries at once. Age- and sex-related differences in moult intensity presumably result from different time constraints. Adult White-capped/Shy Albatrosses take a year off between successful breeding attempts, allowing time for a more protracted moult. However, we cannot explain the intense moult in some immatures. Our findings support recent studies showing that albatross flight feather moult patterns are more varied than previously reported.” **Reference:** Ryan, P.G. & Adekola, O.E 2023. Pattern and intensity of moult in White-capped/Shy Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi/cauta*. *[Ostrich:](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2263169?fbclid=IwAR3iajQa4h9JN3iKgSt_mvyeQXyrq8vWJDF97aZz26uQWgGNymiJHnjDE98)*[10.2989/00306525.2023.2263169](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2263169?fbclid=IwAR3iajQa4h9JN3iKgSt_mvyeQXyrq8vWJDF97aZz26uQWgGNymiJHnjDE98). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-capped-shy-albatrosses-killed-by-south-african-longliners-are-studied-for-their-moult.md) ## Study reveals Antarctic and Ice Krill habitat distribution in the Southern Ocean ![Fig 2 Krill Distribution Paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Fig_2_Krill_Distribution_Paper.png) *Figure 2 from the paper: Habitat suitability estimates for (a) Antarctic krill (E. superba) and (b) Ice krill (E. crystallorophias). (c) Comparison of estimated habitat based on species-specific HSMs using 0.40 and 0.46 as binary cut-off maximizing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for Antarctic krill and Ice krill, respectively. The PF, SACCF, and >10 d with sea ice coverage each year (ICE) are illustrated in (a–c) as stippled, solid black, and dotted lines, respectively (Park et al., 2019). (d) Observational data distribution (presences and absences) for the two species used to model species-specific HSM, including CCAMLR MPA Planning Domains 1–9.* Research on the distribution of Antarctic krill and Ice krill in the Southern Ocean has shown distinct habitats between the two species. The study, “Quantifying circumpolar summer habitat for Antarctic krill and Ice krill, two key species of the Antarctic marine ecosystem”, published in the journal [*ICES Journal of Marine Science*](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms), was conducted by Benjamin Merkel ([Akvaplan-niva](https://akvaplan.no/en) As, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway) and colleagues. The abstract follows: “Antarctic krill *(Euphausia superba)* and Ice krill *(Euphausia crystallorophias*) are key species within Southern Ocean marine ecosystems. Given their importance in regional food webs, coupled with the uncertain impacts of climate change, the on-going recovery of krill-eating marine mammals, and the expanding commercial fishery for Antarctic krill, there is an increasing need to improve current estimates of their circumpolar habitat distribution. Here, we provide an estimate of the austral summer circumpolar habitat distribution of both species using an ensemble of habitat models and updated environmental covariates. Our models were able to resolve the segregated habitats of both species. We find that extensive potential habitat for Antarctic krill is mainly situated in the open ocean and concentrated in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, while Ice krill habitat was concentrated more evenly around the continent, largely over the continental shelf. Ice krill habitat was mainly predicted by surface oxygen concentration and water column temperature, while Antarctic krill was additionally characterized by mixed layer depth, distance to the continental shelf edge, and surface salinity. Our results further improve understanding about these key species, helping inform sustainable circumpolar management practices.”** ** **Reference:** Merkel, B., Trathan, P., Thorpe, S., Murphy, E.J., Pehlke, H., Teschke, K. and Griffith, G.P. Quantifying circumpolar summer habitat for Antarctic krill and Ice krill, two key species of the Antarctic marine ecosystem, *ICES Journal of Marine Science*, Volume 80, Issue 6, August 2023, Pages 1773–1786, [https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad110](https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad110)[https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad110](https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad110) *23 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-reveals-antarctic-and-ice-krill-habitat-distribution-in-the-southern-ocean.md) ## ACAP releases its 13th infographic – depicting the Southern Royal Albatross ![preview southernroyal eng](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/preview_southernroyal_eng.jpg) An infographic in the ACAP Species series has been produced for the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora) and [Nationally Vulnerable](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/southern-royal-albatross) *Diomedea *epomophora** in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish. The latest infographic has been sponsored by the [Norwegian Environment Agency](https://www.environmentagency.no/) and joins infographics previously produced for 12 albatross species. ![preview southernroyal fr](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/preview_southernroyal_fr.jpg) The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series has been designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and petrels and what is being and can be done to combat them. They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. English and Portuguese* language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ![preview southernroyal es](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/preview_southernroyal_es.jpg) All the 13 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. They should not be used for personal gain. The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. Two more ACAP Infographics are currently in production, for the Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea* and the White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*. The former has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Barry Baker, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer, Anne Martinussen and Chris Robertson for their help. *Being produced for those ACAP-listed species that regularly visit waters off Brazil. To date, these are the Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* and the Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-13th-infographic-depicting-the-southern-royal-albatross.md) ## House Mice have turned to killing adult great albatrosses on Gough and Marion Islands *![Dead Wanderer Marion April 2023 Michelle Risi 1 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Dead_Wanderer_Marion_April_2023_Michelle_Risi_1_shrunk.jpg) Mouse attack! This breeding Wandering Albatross found dead on Marion Island in April 2023 showed clear signs of wounds caused by House Mice, photograph by Michelle Risi* Maëlle Connan ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published early view and open access in the journal [*Biological Invasions*](https://www.springer.com/journal/10530) on observations of introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* attacking and killing adult [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* on Gough Island and adult[Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *D. exulans*on Marion Island.  The death of breeding adults confirms the need to eradicate the mice. Unfortunately, the attempt by the [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) to eradicate Gough’s mice in 2021 failed. Eradication of the mice on Marion Island is set to take place in winter 2026, according to the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-defers-its-baiting-operation-to-review-why-two-recent-eradication-attempts-failed-and-ensure-its-planning-is-in-line-with-lessons-learned/). The publication also reports observations of two wounded Wandering Albatrosses (thought to also be due to mice) photographed at the same time; their fate being unknown. See the photographs below. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Tristan_Albatross_mouse_death_April_2021_Roelf_Daling.jpg)  The corpse of a female adult Tristan Albatross found after being attacked by mice on Gough Island in April 2021, photograph by Roelf Daling* The paper’s abstract follows: “Invasive rodents threaten native species in numerous ecosystems, especially oceanic islands. The House Mouse *Mus musculus*is the only introduced mammal species on sub-Antarctic Gough and Marion Islands. Ample evidence exists of mice preying upon seabird chicks on these two islands, but there have been only a few reports of attacks on adult seabirds, none of which has been fatal. We report the first deaths of adult great albatrosses due to mouse attacks. On Gough Island, three Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* (Critically Endangered) brooding small chicks were observed with wounds typical of mouse attacks in March-April 2021; two likely abandoned their chick, causing breeding failure, and the third was found dead eight days after discovery with large blowfly larvae in the wound. On Marion Island, two wounded and eight dead adult Wandering Albatrosses *D. exulans* (Vulnerable) were found in April 2023. Inspection of the wounded individuals, as well as the injuries on the fresh carcasses strongly suggest that mouse predation was the cause of death. Gough Island is home to virtually all Tristan Albatrosses, and Marion Island is the single most important breeding site for Wandering Albatrosses, home to about a quarter of all breeding birds. The death of breeding adults of these long-lived species emphasizes the urgent need to eradicate introduced mice from these islands.” **![Dead Wanderer Marion April 2023 Chris Jones 2 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Dead_Wanderer_Marion_April_2023_Chris_Jones_2_shrunk.jpg)* Another view of the dead Wandering Albatross with typical wounds caused by mice on its wings, photograph by Chris Jones*![Injured Wanderer Albatross Christopher Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Injured_Wanderer_Albatross_Christopher_Jones.jpeg) ![Injured Wanderer Albatross2 Christopher Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Injured_Wanderer_Albatross2_Christopher_Jones.jpeg) *Wounded Wandering Albatrosses, Marion Island, April 2023.  Top male, bottom female,  photographs by Chris Jones* With thanks to Maëlle Connan, Roelf Daling, Chris Jones and Michelle Risi. **Reference:** Connan, M., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Smyth, L.K., Oppel, S., Perold, V., Stevens, K.L., Daling, R. & Ryan, P.G. 2023. First evidence of mouse predation killing adult great albatrosses.  *[Biological Invasions](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-023-03177-2)*[doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03177-2](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-023-03177-2). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/house-mice-have-turned-to-killing-adult-great-albatrosses-on-gough-and-marion-islands.md) ## Long-distance foraging capability may help shield albatrosses from impacts of marine heatwaves *![Marine Heatwaves Study Fig2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Marine_Heatwaves_Study_Fig2.jpg)* *Figure 2. from the study: Predicted impacts on top predator habitat within (columns, e.g., 2014) and among (rows, e.g., White shark) marine heatwave events measured using four metrics.*"**A** Displacement distance (kilometers), **B** displacement direction (degrees, where 0/360 is north (N), 90 is east (E), 180 is south (S), and 270 is west (W)), **C**range compression or expansion (percent change relative to baseline conditions), **D** habitat area gain or loss (percent change relative to baseline conditions). All metrics were calculated from August–October in each MHW year relative to baseline conditions (August–October 2000–2020), see Supplementary Table [5](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40849-y#MOESM1) for an analysis of metric uncertainty. Northern, Coastal, and Southern regional groupings indicate the geographies where the majority of the species telemetry data occurs. Source data are provided as a Source Data file." Heather Welch ([NOAA](https://www.noaa.gov), Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Environmental Research Division, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Nature Communications*](https://www.nature.com/ncomms/) on the responses of top predators to marine heatwaves in the Northeastern Pacific. The abstract follows: “Marine heatwaves cause widespread environmental, biological, and socio-economic impacts, placing them at the forefront of 21st-century management challenges. However, heatwaves vary in intensity and evolution, and a paucity of information on how this variability impacts marine species limits our ability to proactively manage for these extreme events. Here, we model the effects of four recent heatwaves (2014, 2015, 2019, 2020) in the Northeastern Pacific on the distributions of 14 top predator species of ecological, cultural, and commercial importance. Predicted responses were highly variable across species and heatwaves, ranging from near total loss of habitat to a two-fold increase. Heatwaves rapidly altered political bio-geographies, with up to 10% of predicted habitat across all species shifting jurisdictions during individual heatwaves. The variability in predicted responses across species and heatwaves portends the need for novel management solutions that can rapidly respond to extreme climate events. As proof-of-concept, we developed an operational dynamic ocean management tool that predicts predator distributions and responses to extreme conditions in near real-time.” **Reference:** Welch, H., Savoca, M.S., Brodie, S. *et al.* Impacts of marine heatwaves on top predator distributions are variable but predictable. *Nat Commun* 14, 5188 (2023). [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40849-y](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40849-y)[https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40849-y](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40849-y) *20 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/long-distance-foraging-capability-may-help-shield-albatrosses-from-impacts-of-marine-heatwaves.md) ## UPDATED. George and Geraldine, Midway Atoll’s sole Short-tailed Albatross pair, are back for a new season - and have an egg *![2023 24 George Geraldine USFWS Jonathon Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_24_George_Geraldine_USFWS_Jonathon_Plissner.jpg) George (left) and Geraldine return for a new breeding season, photograph by USFWS/Jonathon Plissner* **UPDATE: ** The Short-tailed Albatross have an egg for the 2023/24 season and incubation is proceeding, with the male having taken over duties from the female after she laid her egg last month. On 2 November George and Geraldine's first chick (2018/19 season) was sighted back on Sand Midway's island as a four-year old juvenile.  It has been seen ashore previously (along with a younger sibling).  Perhaps there will be more than a single breeding pair on Midway Atoll one day? ![2023 George incubating Jon Plissner 29 October](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_George_incubating_Jon_Plissner_29_October.jpg)*"George is notably panting in this image [of him incubating] much like dogs do to stay cool in warmer temperatures and in the heat of the day albatross often put their back to the wind and literally lift their feathers to cool off",  photograph by Jon Plissner, 29 October 2023 * ********************************************************************************************************* The [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* pair, known as George and Geraldine, are back on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site). The birds were sighted together on Sand Island by a Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer team on 16 October. “George was banded as a chick on the island of [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano) off the coast of Japan in 2005. He first arrives to Kuaihelani [Midway Atoll] in November 2006. For many years he would return as truly a lonesome George until Geraldine appears in 2016 when they are seen courting and practicing their dance moves. However, it wasn't until 2019 when they reared their first chick on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.” The sole Short-tailed Albatross pair on the atoll has now raised four chicks to fledging; two of have been seen back on Midway as juveniles. Access previous posts to *ACAP Latest News* on George and Geraldine [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=George+Geraldine&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). Information from the [Friends of Midway National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) Facebook Page. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 October 2023, updated 05 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/george-and-geraldine-midway-atolls-sole-short-tailed-albatross-pair-are-back-for-a-new-season.md) ## New Zealand fishers motivated to reduce seabird bycatch but barriers to implementing mitigation measures still remain *![Night Setting Fact Sheet image](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Night_Setting_Fact_Sheet_image.png)An image from ACAP's Night-setting Factsheet - available to download at the ACAP website under Resources. According to the research undertaken by The Navigators, fishers agreed that setting at night was an effective seabird bycatch mitigation measure* New Zealand social research agency, [The Navigators](https://thenavigators.co.nz), have prepared a report for the Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Program. The research analyses the barriers and drivers for fishers to implement seabird bycatch mitigation measures in New Zealand’s small vessel bottom longline fisheries. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “Commercial fishers are expected to meet the seabird mitigation standards under the New Zealand Government’s National Plan of Action — Seabirds 2020 (NPOA 2020). Objective one of the NPOA 2020 is to “ensure all New Zealand commercial fishers are using practices that best avoid the risk of seabird bycatch, enabled by appropriate regulations”. These practices referred to are outlined in the 2021 legislative requirements as well as the 2019 mitigation standards, and are supported via collaborative industry approaches including the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) liaison programme. In the past, DOC has mostly focused on technical solutions and support to help fishers mitigate seabird bycatch. To help supplement their work, DOC identified the need for a deeper understanding of fishers’ drivers and barriers to seabird bycatch mitigation uptake using a social science research approach. To undertake the research, The Navigators (an independent social research agency) were commissioned to seek feedback from fishers in New Zealand’s inshore small vessel bottom longline commercial fleet. The Navigators conducted 18 in-depth interviews with skippers, owner-operators and owners, representing two-thirds of the fishing effort across the fleet. The research found that fishers are driven to avoid seabird captures, with the key drivers being their respect for seabirds, government interventions (e.g. outreach support, industry education, and compliance monitoring and enforcement), protection of themselves, their crew and industry, and productivity and commercial demand interests. The research also found fishers have a broad range of motivational and capability barriers to implementing the mitigation standards. Two of the core motivational barriers were: - fishers were not personally catching any or very few seabirds per year; and - fishers didn’t understand why it’s necessary to mitigate against seabird captures at times when seabirds are not present. In addition to the above motivational barriers, bluenose and hāpuka fishers had significant capability barriers in being able to meet the tori line and line weighting regulations. There are also a broad range of other barriers specific to the each of the mitigation standards. The recommendations from this research list a broad range of opportunities to improve seabird mitigation in the fishery and/or to get fishers to consistently follow the mitigation standards. The recommendations are grouped under four topic areas to address each of the following: 1. **achievability and safety barriers:** These barriers are in most need of attention from a fishers’ point of view and ideally need to be addressed before cameras come onboard. They mostly relate to bluenose and hāpuka fishing, solo fishing, as well as the use of tori lines and hauling mitigation.  2. **motivational barriers:** These barriers must be resolved if fishers are going to willingly do more than they are currently. They mostly relate to fishers’ experience in regard to not catching seabirds, their low versus high risk scenarios, and technical issues regarding tangles, weighting, and sink rate tests. 3. **information, clarity and direction:** The recommendations in this section relate to suggested areas of improvement to help fishers better understand what is expected of them as well as to help increase their knowledge (e.g. through knowledge sharing). 4. **sense of fairness and robustness:** These recommendations in this section relate to fishers’ understanding and the measurement of seabird capture statistics, as well as how fishers are perceived by the public and NGOs. **Reference:**  Turner, P. 2023. [Understanding drivers and barriers to seabird bycatch mitigation uptake in small vessel bottom longline fisheries](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202223-csp-reports/understanding-drivers-and-barriers-to-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-uptake-in-small-vessel-bottom-longline-fisheries/). MIT2022-02 final report prepared by The Navigators Ltd for the Department of Conservation. 123 p. *18 October 2023*           [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-fishers-motivated-to-reduce-seabird-bycatch-but-barriers-to-implementing-mitigation-measure-still-remain.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project releases the 7th Issue of its Quarterly Newsletter ![Mouse Free Marion Project Quarterly Newsletter Issue 7 October 2023 cover page shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Mouse_Free_Marion_Project_Quarterly_Newsletter_Issue_7_October_2023_cover_page_shrunk.jpg)   The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project is working to eradicate the introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* that have taken to attacking and killing albatrosses and petrels on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Last week, the MFM Project released the [7th issue](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project_Quarterly-Newsletter_Issue7_October-2023.pdf) of its *Quarterly Newsletter*. *![jump](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/jump.jpg) Leaping into spring on Marion Island. From left “birders” (ornithological researchers) Chris Jones, Mpumelelo Mabutyana, Michelle Risi and Kyle Maurer get airborne; photograph from Michelle Risi* In this latest issue you can read: A Welcome Editorial by MFM Project Manager Anton Wolfaardt on the reasons why the eradication exercise is now set to take place in the austral winter of 2026 (read more on the postponemement [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-defers-its-baiting-operation-to-review-why-two-recent-eradication-attempts-failed-and-ensure-its-planning-is-in-line-with-lessons-learned/)). Announcement of three new International Patrons to join [His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh](https://mousefreemarion.org/his-royal-highness-the-duke-of-edinburgh-becomes-the-royal-patron-of-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) and seabird author and illustrator [Peter Harrison MBE](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-announces-its-first-patron/). They are well-known Antarctic scientist and conservationist [Professor Steven Loudon Chown FAA](https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid04J2cftYcupVGt61mszQRkPYLQY8tYovfbuFnNSWC1P8K59Sh8PkbFaoLB35KBdnel&id=100064620942284), South African businesswoman [Gloria Tomatoe Serobe](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-appoints-three-new-international-patrons/) and [Christel Takigawa](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-appoints-three-new-international-patrons/), anchorwoman based in Japan. Two overwintering researchers currently on the island write about their work. [Camilla Smyth](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-is-participating-in-the-2023-annual-relief-voyage-to-marion-island-this-month/), MFM’s current field worker, describes her role in planning for the mouse eradication, and [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones?highlight=WyJtaXNzaXZlIiwicmlzaSJd) writes about the welcome seasonal changes on Marion Island heading into austral spring. *![Light mantled Albatross Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Light-mantled_Albatross_Peter_Ryan.jpg) Scalped by Marion’s mice. This Light-mantled Albatross*Phoebetria palpebrata*chick is certain to have died as a result, photograph by Peter Ryan* Access all MFM’s *Quarterly Newsletters* [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/newsletters). More information can be found in weekly posts to *[MFM News](https://mousefreemarion.org/news/)* on the project’s website and on social media via [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064620942284) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mousefreemarion/).  And you can become part of the project by [sponsoring a hectare](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsors/) (or more), joining 1650 concerned conservationists who have already done so. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-releases-the-7th-issue-of-its-quarterly-newsletter.md) ## Southern Giant Petrels study: GPS tracking reveals insights into habitat use and potential monitoring role in Antarctica ![H19 Southern Giant Petrel Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/H19_Southern_Giant_Petrel_Trevor_Hardaker.jpg)*A Southern Giant Petrel takes flight; photograph by Trevor Hardaker* Júlia Finger (PhD candidate [Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos](https://www.unisinos.br/), Brazil) and colleagues have published in the journal *Antarctic Science* on the habitat selection of Southern Giant Petrels in the Southern Ocean and their potential role  in monitoring the Antarctic Peninsula for practices such as illegal fishing. Writing to ACAP Latest News, Julia said, “Breeding petrels used a large range of areas in the Peninsula, but also travelled to the tip of Tierra del Fuego in an area with fishing activities. This paper highlights how petrels, especially females, are susceptible to impacts of fisheries outside the Antarctic even during the breeding season and also how they connect both regions. We also propose that [Southern Giant Petrels] can be used as platforms to monitor the Antarctic Peninsula." The paper’s abstract follows: “The southern giant petrel (*Macronectes giganteus*) is a widely distributed top predator of the Southern Ocean. To define the fine-scale foraging areas and habitat use of Antarctic breeding populations, 47 southern giant petrels from Nelson Island were GPS-tracked during the summers of 2019–2020 and 2021–2022. Step-selection analysis was applied to test the effects of environmental variables on habitat selection. Visual overlap with seal haul-out sites and fishing areas was also analysed. Birds primarily used waters to the south of the colony in the Weddell and Bellingshausen seas. Females showed a broader distribution, reaching up to -70°S to the west of Nelson Island, while males were mainly concentrated in waters off the northern Antarctic Peninsula. Habitat selection of both sexes was associated with water depth and proximity to penguin colonies. Both overlapped their foraging areas with fishing sites and females in particular overlapped with toothfish fishery blocks in Antarctica and with fishing areas in the Patagonian Shelf. Due to their habitat associations and overlap with fisheries, when harnessed with tracking devices and animal-borne cameras, giant petrels can act as platforms for monitoring the condition and occurrence of penguin colonies, haul-out sites and unregulated fisheries on various temporal and spatial scales in Antarctica.” An article on the paper has been published in the Polar Journal, [here](https://polarjournal.ch/en/2023/09/15/giants-to-watch-over-antarctica/). Reference: Finger, J., Krüger, L., Corá, D., & Petry, M. (2023). Habitat selection of southern giant petrels: Potential environmental monitors of the Antarctic Peninsula. *Antarctic Science,* *35*(4), 256-269. [doi:10.1017/S0954102023000147](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102023000147) *16 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/southern-giant-petrels-study-gps-tracking-reveals-insights-into-habitat-use-and-potential-monitoring-role-in-antarctica.md) ## Powerline collisions followed by secondary vehicle strikes kill threatened Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels in Hawaii **![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells-Shearewater-Lindsay-Young.jpg)* Newell’s Shearwater, photograph by Lindsay Young* Marc Travers ([Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Hanapepe, Kauaʻi, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the *[Journal for Nature Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-for-nature-conservation)* on threats facing Hawaiian birds from collisions with power lines that are followed by road strikes, most notably endemic [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s *Puffinus newelli*, endemic [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis*and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Anthropogenic threats to Hawaii’s birds have resulted in numerous extinctions with many additional species now listed as threatened or endangered. Implementing conservation recovery plans for these birds requires identifying a comprehensive list of threats. Research from outside of Hawaii has shown that avian powerline collisions are one of the greatest anthropogenic causes of mortality. To date, with the exception of endangered seabirds, powerline collisions have not been considered a major threat to most native and endangered birds in Hawaii. This may be because Hawaiian species face a multitude of already identified threats with the clearest causes of mortality (e.g., vehicle collisions) often obscuring evidence of powerline collisions. We report a strong spatial correlation between roads and powerlines which increases the likelihood that birds colliding with powerlines are grounded on roads, where secondary vehicle collisions can confound the primary grounding cause. We recorded flight heights of all birds at powerlines and roads, as well as the frequency of flights directly at powerline and vehicle height. We observed 162 powerline collisions across ten native and endemic birds. We also collected a further 251 grounded native and endangered birds. For each of the grounded birds we evaluated the injuries the bird sustained and the grounding location itself using multiple factors to attribute the primary cause of grounding. Using this system, we classified these birds as follows - powerline collision (69.3%), vehicle strike (9.2%), and uncertain cause of grounding (21.5%). Overall, we confirm that 13 native and endangered species collided with powerlines, including all native and endemic waterbirds, and vehicle collisions were confirmed for three species. Our study clearly demonstrates that birds hitting powerlines can be grounded in roads and then secondarily run over by vehicles, which can obscure the primary cause of grounding. The obfuscation of powerline collision by secondary vehicle strike has previously prevented researchers and managers from identifying powerline collisions as a threat to native and endemic waterbirds. By using the data reported here, the local power company has implemented 170 km of bird-friendly powerline modifications including the removal of static lines, attachment of bird diverters and reconfigurations. These bird-friendly powerline modifications are the first of their kind in the state of Hawaii.” With thanks to André Raine. **Reference:** Travers. M.S., Driskill, S., Scott, C., Hanna, K., Flaska, S.R., Bache, M. & Raine, A.F. 2023. Spatial overlap in powerline collisions and vehicle strikes obscures the primary cause of avian mortality. *[Journal for Nature Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138123001413)*[75. doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126470](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138123001413). *12 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/powerline-collisions-followed-by-secondary-vehicle-strikes-kill-threatened-newells-shearwaters-and-hawaiian-petrels-in-hawaii.md) ## Water is life: World Migratory Bird Day celebrates its second peak day for 2023 ![ENG1 xqbwm4 0245058700](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/ENG1-xqbwm4_0245058700.jpg)*Nicaraguan artist, Augusto Silva created the artwork for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day to reflect the campaign’s theme, “Water: Sustaining Bird Life”.* The first peak day for WMBD was celebrated earlier this year on 13 May, and this Saturday, 14 October, marks the second peak day for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). The observance of two celebratory days for WMBD reflects the seasonal nature of bird migration and differing migration patterns between the northern and southern hemispheres. This year's campaign, under the theme, “[Water: Sustaining Bird Life](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/news/2023/world-migratory-bird-day-2023-global-campaign-poster-unveiled)”, is raising awareness of the growing water crisis facing migratory birds. Water is critical for life on Earth, however increasing human demand for water, poor management, as well as pollution and climate change are threatening water quality and ecosystems across the globe. These threats are not only confined to fresh water, with saltwater ecosystems, which albatrosses and petrels are reliant, facing similar challenges. “World Migratory Bird Day 2023 spotlights the vital role that water plays in the survival of our shared birds. The focal species illustrated on the campaign poster depict the intricate bond each bird shares with water. The diminutive Rufous Hummingbird thrives on nectar-producing flowers that rely on water for their blooms, and the Dickcissel scours the grasslands for seeds that hold the moisture they need. White Pelicans and Ospreys seek their prey in freshwater lakes, while the magnificent Wandering Albatross and Atlantic Puffin remain at sea. WMBD is an opportunity to unify our voices for the conservation of migratory birds and to celebrate their spectacular journeys". Dr. Susan Bonfield, Executive Director at Environment for the Americas (EFTA). International cooperation is key to protecting the world’s water resources, and vital for the conservation of migratory birds. The recent adoption of a [new global framework](http://sdg.iisd.org/news/historic-global-framework-on-chemicals-adopted-following-years-of-talks/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SDG%20Update%20-%205%20October%202023&utm_content=SDG%20Update%20-%205%20October%202023+CID_38def0d9442ee2e7d08cac43d1bb24ec&utm_source=cm&utm_term=Read) for the integrated management of chemicals and waste at the recent fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) is one such example of the collaboration required to tackle these threats.  Events celebrating World Migratory Bird Day are being held worldwide and can be found at the official World Migratory Bird Day [website](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/). Coinciding with WMBD is BirdLife International's Global Bird Weekend – a worldwide birdwatching and citizen science event organised with partners, [Global Birding](https://globalbirding.org/) and [eBird](#:~:text=Mark%20your%20calendars%20for%20October,birds%20to%20bring%20people%20together.). More information about the Global Bird Weekend can be found, [here](https://www.birdlife.org/global-bird-weekend-2023/). WMBD is organised through a partnership between: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://www.cms.int/)), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement ([AEWA](http://www.unep-aewa.org/)), the non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas ([EFTA](https://environmentamericas.org/)) and new partner, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership ([EAAFP](https://www.eaaflyway.net/world-migratory-bird-day-2023/)). To learn more about this year’s World Migratory Bird Day campaign and to download posters and WMBD resources, visit [www.worldmigratorybirdday.org](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/). ![WMBD Partners](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WMBD_Partners.png) *13 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/on-the-move-again-world-migratory-bird-day-celebrates-its-second-peak-day-for-2023.md) ## Investing in innovation: funding for bycatch reduction projects announced by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  ![Hookpod mini](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Hookpod_mini.jpg)*Weighted hooks including the Hookpod mini (pictured) were trialled in the project, "Demonstration of practicality and safety of alternative branchline weighting designs that reduce seabird catch risk in the Hawaii pelagic longline deep-set fishery" lead by Eric Gillman that received funding from the BREP in 2019.* Funding for projects addressing fisheries bycatch has been announced by the Unites States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately $2.3 million USD is available for projects through the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). The National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program’s mission, as stated on the NOAA website, "[is] to support the development of technological solutions and changes in fishing practices designed to minimize bycatch of fish and protected species (including Endangered Species Act-listed fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles) and to reduce impacts to invertebrates (including sponges, deep-sea corals, and shallow (tropical) corals.) In addition, BREP may support projects that quantify post-release mortality and identify ways to minimize mortality and injury of bycaught species (including post-release injury and mortality).” Funding for projects is open to foreign public entities and organisations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments. Eligibility criteria can be found at, [www.grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/) under funding opportunity [#NOAA-NMFS-FHQ-2024-2008210](https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=NOAA-NMFS-FHQ-2024-2008210).   For further information, including examples of successful past proposals, head to the NOAA website, [here](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/bycatch/bycatch-reduction-engineering-program). Pre-proposals are a requirement and must be submitted before full proposals. Pre-proposals must be emailed to the BREP National Program Coordinator ([NMFS.HQ.BREP@noaa.gov](mailto:NMFS.HQ.BREP@noaa.gov)) by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 15, 2023. Full proposals must be received by 11:59 pm EST on March 20, 2024. *11 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/investing-in-innovation-funding-for-bycatch-reduction-projects-announced-by-the-united-states-national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration.md) ## The need for speed: bait type and gear configuration tested to increase sink rates of hooks in underwater line setting device ![Fig1 Underwater setting device Report for NZDOC Vita Maris](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Fig1_Underwater_setting_device_Report_for_NZDOC_Vita_Maris.png)*A diagram of the underwater setter from the report* A report prepared by Vita Maris for New Zealand’s Department of Conservation on techniques to increase the sink rates of hooks in underwater line setting devices has been released by the Conservation Services Program.  The Summary as follows:  “The introduction of mitigation standards for demersal longliners and subsequent changes to regulations require a hook depth of five metres at the end of the tori line aerial extent, which likely requires substantial changes to gear configuration and setting speed for some of the fleet (Goad & Olsen, 2022). Underwater setting has the potential to increase sink rates and reduce risk to birds. It is particularly relevant to meeting the latest regulations, whilst maintaining flexibility of gear configuration for fishers. It also has the potential to meet the 10 m depth at the end of tori line mitigation standard. The manual baiting demersal longline fleet in New Zealand clip on pre-baited hooks with short branchlines (or snoods, typically 0.6 m length) to a stoppered mainline relatively quickly (Goad et al., 2010). Therefore, in order to set demersal longlines underwater, both the hook and the mainline have to be deployed at depth and a downward force must be applied to the mainline in order to achieve sufficient depth. The underwater setter described in this report uses a guide towed behind the vessel at depth to force the mainline underwater. Four trips were undertaken with the setter deployed for a portion of a set each trip. In total, 3,300 hooks were deployed through the setter. Squid bait was very robust and least susceptible to damage. Barracouta baits varied in quality with ‘flaky’ fillets susceptible to loosing bits of muscle tissue furthest from the hook. Pilchard baits were trialled on the first trip and due to high loss rates were not used on subsequent trips. At present the setter can deploy tougher baits at depth with reasonable retention rates at speeds up to approximately five knots with line tension set slightly higher than a free-wheeling drum. Weight spacing does not appear to affect setter performance however weights and weight-float combinations need to be heavy enough to sink in front of the setter rather than falling behind it. Adjustment of line tension and setter configuration (depth and distance behind the vessel) has the potential to reduce bait loss and damage. Recommendations are to continue trials of the underwater setter during commercial fishing operations to collect catch rate comparison data. It is also recommended to continue developing the underwater setter design to minimise bait damage and loss for more fragile bait types.” Reference: Goad, D., Kiddle, B. 2023. [Underwater line setter development](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/mit2021-03a-underwater-line-setter-development-final-report.pdf). MIT2021-03a final report prepared by Vita Maris for Department of Conservation. 22 p.  09 October 2023 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-need-for-speed-bait-type-and-gear-configuration-tested-to-increase-sink-rates-of-hooks-in-underwater-line-setting-device.md) ## Eradication of rodents and cats on Floreana Island will help save the Critically Endangered Galapagos Petrel *![Galapagos Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Galapagos_Petrel.jpg) At risk to cats: a breeding Galapagos Petrel in its burrow* [Floreana](https://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/the-islands/floreana-island/) is the sixth largest (at 17 250 ha) of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. The island has a population of 160 inhabitants and is an important tourist destination, notably to its historic [Post Office Bay](https://www.galapagosislands.com/floreana/post-office-bay.html). It is also severely impacted by alien species, notably Black Rats *Rattus rattus,*House Mice *Mus musculus* and feral cats *Felis sylvestris catus*. An example of this impact is for the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/galapagos-petrel-pterodroma-phaeopygia/text) Galapagos Petrel *Pterodroma phaeopygia* which is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, breeding on Floreana, Isabela, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Santiago. Floreana supports over 60% of the species’ global population. [One study](https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/CBCC18CFE9ADA1ABAF8E722CD5C4370C/S0959270900001283a.pdf/conservation-of-the-dark-rumped-petrel-pterodroma-phaeopygia-of-the-galapagos-islands-1982-1991.pdf) found almost 50% of Galapagos Petrel nests on Floreana were preyed upon by feral cats (and likely also by Black Rats) despite local control efforts. *![Floreana island conservation i](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Floreana_island-conservation-i.jpg) A view of Floreana Island; photograph from Island Conservation* After nearly 12 years of planning, the [Floreana Ecological Restoration Project](https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/our-work/projects/restoring-floreana/) has this month commenced restoring Floreana’s many native and endemic species by removing introduced Black Rats, House Mice and feral cats. According to the project’s [operational plan](https://www.islandconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Floreana-Operational-Plan.pdf) the “combination of methods will include aerial- and ground-dispersed toxic rodent and cat baits (resulting in primary and secondary poisoning), trapping, and hunting with and without dogs”. Feral cattle, donkeys, goats and pigs have all previously been removed from Floreana by the [Galapagos National Park Directorate](https://national-parks.org/ecuador/galapagos). “Every action has a reaction, and it has been well established that removing invasive species from islands paves the way for ecosystem recovery,” says [Chad Hanson](https://www.islandconservation.org/staff/?modal=member-3700), Deputy Vice President Conservation at [Island Conservation](https://www.islandconservation.org/), and Implementation Advisor for the project. “The vision is for Floreana Island to not only recover but that the community, wildlife, as well as the immediate marine environment thrive as a result of this holistic intervention. As the restoration project moves from imagination to implementation, we’re excited to demonstrate what can be achieved by a community committed to their island home’s well-being.” On 3 October, two [Mosquito ultralight helicopters](https://www.uavnavigation.com/company/news-events/Mosquito-Ultralight-Helicopter-UAV-Navigation), adapted to be able to fly unmanned with suspended spreader buckets each able to lift 130-180 kg, began dispersing cereal bait pellets containing the rodenticide brodifacoum at predetermined transects from low altitude to ensure precise distribution over the island. Flights are scheduled to continue through the night. Both the use of unmanned helicopters and night baiting are thought to be novel for an island eradication. The initial bait application is set to span 10 days, covering the entire island, including its coastal cliffs. Three spaced applications are planned to achieve eradication. Aerial baiting targeting cats will commence using meat-based “sausages” containing Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) thereafter, scheduled for three applications using the Mosquito helicopters during daylight hours only. This is scheduled to continue until mid-December 2023. Ground baiting against rodents by hand-broadcasting and use of bait stations will occur in selected localities, such as around buildings, freshwater ponds, livestock pens, and in known caves and lava tunnels. Cage and leg-hold traps will also be used to target cats. *![Mosquito helicopter](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Mosquito_helicopter.jpg) A Mosquito ultralight helicopter* “The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project represents the most significant endeavour in the history of the Galapagos National Park. Its success [will symbolize] a global conservation milestone that exemplifies the synergy between conservation and sustainable development, serving as an inspiring model for protected areas worldwide,” emphasized José Antonio Dávalos, the Ecuadorian Minister of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition. *![giant tortoise on isla floreana](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/giant-tortoise-on-isla-floreana.jpg) A Giant Tortoise on Floreana; photograph from Island Conservation* Once free of rodents and cats the project partners plan to reintroduce twelve locally extinct species to the island, phased over at least seven years and commencing with hybrid individuals of the [Floreana Giant Tortoise](https://www.reptilesofecuador.com/chelonoidis_niger.html) *Chelonoidis niger niger* in early 2024. Reintroduction of terrestrial birds and a snake are set to follow as the island’s ecosystem recovers. The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project is directed by the Ecuador Ministry of Environment, through the Galapagos National Park Directorate, in collaboration with the Floreana community and Agency for Biosecurity for Galapagos. It is being executed in collaboration with [Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco](https://www.jocotoco.org.ec/wb#/EN/home) (Jocotoco Conservation Foundation) and Island Conservation. The project is part of the [Island-Ocean Connection Challenge](https://jointheiocc.org/projects), an ambitious campaign to restore 40 globally significant islands from ridge-to-reef by 2030. Read the complete media release on project initiation by Island Conservation[here](https://www.islandconservation.org/groundbreaking-ecological-restoration-initiative-begins-on-floreana-island-galapagos/?fbclid=IwAR1hwuTPc1keMmDheYbWta8QL9kJOCs2rRdbbaLsgfQ4v5XC07n8M1678tI). **References:** Cruz, J.B. & Cruz, F. 1987. Conservation of the Dark-rumped Petrel *Pterodroma phaeopygia* in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. [*Biological Conservation* 42: 303-311](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/conservation-of-the-darkrumped-petrel-pterodroma-phaeopygia-of-the-galapagos-islands-19821991/CBCC18CFE9ADA1ABAF8E722CD5C4370C). Hanson, C. & Campbell, K. 2013. [*Floreana Island Ecological Restoration: Rodent and Cat Eradication Feasibility Analysis*](https://www.cbd.int/doc/lifeweb/Ecuador/images/FeasibilityAnalysis.pdf). Santa Cruz: Island Conservation. 85 pp. Hanson, C. & Campbell, K. 2020. [*Floreana Island Ecological Restoration: Rodent and Cat Eradication Operational Plan*](https://www.islandconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Floreana-Operational-Plan.pdf). Puerto Ayora: Island Conservation and Galapagos National Park Directorate. 93 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/eradication-of-rodents-and-cats-on-floreana-island-will-help-save-the-critically-endangered-galapagos-petrel.md) ## UPDATED. THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Australia’s Lord Howe Island is declared free of introduced rats and mice following a successful eradication operation in 2019 *![Lord Howe Ian Hutton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Countries/Lord_Howe_Ian_Hutton.jpg) Lord Howe Island; photograph by Ian Hutton* **UPDATE: ** An early-review publication, recently available open access, details the success of taking two non-target land birds into temporary captivity on Lord Howe while the rodent eradication was underway. O’Dwyer, T.W., Carlile, N., O’Neill, L., Fairlamb, H. & Bower, H. 2023.  Protection and mortality of non‑target terrestrial bird species during the eradication of rodents on Lord Howe Island.  [*Biological Invasions*.  doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03161-w.](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-023-03161-w#Tab5) *13 October 2023* Lord Howe Island is a [World Heritage natural property](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/186/) situated some 600 km off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, in the Tasman Sea. The 1 455-ha island is inhabited by a resident population of 455 (in 2020), which can nearly double with the presence of tourists. The island supports important breeding populations of several species of shearwaters and petrels ([click here](https://lhirodenteradicationproject.org/plants-animals/birds/)). Following a 15-year period of research and planning, in 2019 the [Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project](https://lhirodenteradicationproject.org/) conducted a combined aerial and ground-baiting operation to rid the island of its introduced Ship or Black Rats *Rattus rattus* and House Mice *Mus musculus.* *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Countries/Pasture_roofed_bait_stations_Ian_Hutton.jpg) Roofed rodent bait stations spread across a field on Lord Howe Island in July 2019; photograph by Ian Hutton* The prevailing “rule of thumb” is that two years should elapse before declaring a treated island rodent free, allowing for any survivors to breed up to detectable levels. However, although it looked promising that success had been achieved in the 18 months following the baiting operation, in April 2021 a male and a pregnant female rat were caught on the island, only a few months before the two years was up. A [quick response](https://acap.aq/latest-news/efforts-continue-to-rid-australia-s-lord-howe-island-of-its-remnant-rats?highlight=WyJsb3JkIiwiaG93ZSJd) followed with ground baiting, use of detection dogs and monitoring camera stations, resulting in a total of 96 rats (44 adults and 52 juveniles) being caught by August 2021, with no further records of live animals being made since then. All rats caught were within the Settlement part of the island. With the two-year wait then deferred until mid-2023 as a consequence of these rodents being detected, it is now pleasing to report that following a two-week survey conducted in July 2023 there has been no sign of rats or mice on Lord Howe Island for over two years. This was reported in the monthly Lord Howe Island Board’s *Community News* of 25 September 2023. More than 950 detection device checks were undertaken during the survey, using 140 tracking tunnels, 32 trail cameras, and 300 wax tags and chew cards, along with sweeps with detection dogs. The results were then analysed and confirmed by independent experts from the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s Island Eradication Advisory Group. The formal check followed regular checks with dogs and camera surveillance throughout the past two years in that part of the island where the inhabitants live. In contrast, no live mice have been recorded on Lord Howe since early July 2019. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Countries/Flesh-footed_Shearwaters_in_colony_Ian_Hutton.jpg) Now thankfully safe from rodents: a pair of Flesh-footed Shearwaters*Ardenna carneipes*on Lord Howe Island; photograph by Ian Hutton* Breeding success of Black-winged Petrels *Pterodroma nigripennis* [increased dramatically](https://acap.aq/latest-news/from-2-5-to-67-breeding-success-of-black-winged-petrels-has-increased-dramatically-after-removal-of-rodents-on-lord-howe-island?highlight=WyJsb3JkIiwiaG93ZSJd) from as little as 2.5% to 67% within one year of removal of Lord Howe Island’s rodents, showing the undoubted conservation value of the eradication project. Similarly, abundances of other bird species and of endemic invertebrates on Lord Howe have increased by orders of magnitude since 2019 ([click here](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-20/lord-howe-islands-wildlife-comeback-after-rodent-control-success/101995784)). For example, the endemic and [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/lord-howe-woodhen-hypotaenidia-sylvestris/text) Lord Howe Woodhen *Hypotaenidia sylvestris*has increased in population size from fewer than 500 prior to 2019 to 1147 in the last (incomplete) survey conducted in November 2022 – and in the 1970s there only 20-30 birds! In another success, the Masked Booby *Sula dactylatra* is now breeding on the main island for the first time since the rodents were eradicated. On the invertebrate front, the endemic Lord Howe Island Wood-feeding Cockroach *Panesthia lata* ([click here](https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2022/10/01/extinct-wood-eating-cockroach-rediscovered-after-80-years.html)) and several species of pinwheel snails *Pseudocharopa*sp. ([click here](https://australian.museum/blog/amri-news/recovery-and-discovery-rare-snails-on-lord-howe-island/)), all thought to be extinct on the main island, have been rediscovered following the rodent eradication. Vegetation changes have also been dramatic, with the forest floor on Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird now carpeted with flourishing seedlings of the endemic Kentia Palm *Howea forsteriana* and the two mountain palms, whereas previously most seeds had been eaten by the rodents. On the other hand, introduced weedy plants are also increasing, necessitating their control. *![Lord Howe Woodhen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Countries/Lord_Howe_Woodhen.png) The flightless Lord Howe Woodhen; photograph from the**Lord Howe Island Board* For further reading, access a detailed report by Grant Harper of the Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project submitted to the Lord Howe Island Board [here](https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Agenda%20and%20Business%20Papers%20-%20September%202023%20%28Deferred%20from%20August%202023%29.pdf). With thanks to Darcelle Matassoni, Project Officer, Lord Howe Island Board and Keith Springer, Operations Manager, Mouse-Free Marion Project for information. **Reference:** Harper, G.A. 2023. [*The Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project: Rodent Eradication Checkpoint 2023*](https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Agenda%20and%20Business%20Papers%20-%20September%202023%20%28Deferred%20from%20August%202023%29.pdf). Lord Howe Island, Australia: Lord Howe Island Board. Unpublished Report. 19 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 October 2023* **Note:** Amended from a [news story](https://mousefreemarion.org/australias-lord-howe-island-declared-free-of-introduced-rats-and-mice-following-a-successful-eradication-operation/) first published by the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) on 05 October 2023. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-australias-lord-howe-island-is-declared-free-of-introduced-rats-and-mice-following-a-successful-eradication-operation-in-2019.md) ## Best season yet. Taiaroa Head’s Northern Royal Albatross colony fledges 33 chicks *![Manaaki 27 August 2023 Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Manaaki_27_August_2023_Sharyn_Broni.jpg) One of the 33: Manaaki, the 2022/23 Royal Cam chick, photograph by Sharyn Broni, Department of Conservation* All 33 chicks raised this season in New Zealand’s mainland colony of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) have now fledged from the headland and have begun life at sea for the next few years. All 33 chicks were [uniquely colour banded](https://acap.aq/latest-news/northern-royal-albatrosses-receive-alphanumeric-colour-bands-for-the-first-time-at-pukekura-tairaoa-head?highlight=WyJtYW5hYWtpIl0=). One of the chicks to fledge was [Manaaki](https://acap.aq/latest-news/manaaki-this-years-northern-royal-albatross-royal-cam-chick-has-fledged-leaving-regurgitated-plastic-behind?highlight=WyJtYW5hYWtpIl0=), the 2022/23 Royal Cam chick; a male which [received its bands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-latest-royal-cam-albatross-chick-gets-its-name-on-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJtYW5hYWtpIl0=) on World Albatross Day on 19 June. Previously, the highest number of chicks fledging was from the 2020/2021 season with 30 chicks.  Watch a video of a 2022/23 chick close to fledging by  Laura Findlay [here](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre/videos/688667523158012). *![Fledgling leaves](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Fledgling_leaves.jpg) Chocks away! A 2022/23 chick is about to fledge from Taiaroa Head* Meanwhile, birds of the new 2023/24 season have [started arriving](https://acap.aq/latest-news/we-hope-you-have-your-bells-ready-the-first-northern-royal-albatrosses-for-the-2023-24-season-return-to-taiaroa-head?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwyMDIyXQ==) in the colony; eggs will be laid over November/December.  The Northern Royal Albatross is a biennially breeding species, as are all six great albatross species in the genus *Diomedea*, with essentially two cohorts breeding in alternate years. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/best-season-yet-taiaroa-heads-northern-royal-albatross-colony-fledges-33-chicks.md) ## H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI): protocols and guidance for the South Atlantic released ![SGP two egg clutch Nelson Island Julia Finger](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_two-egg_clutch_Nelson_Island_Julia_Finger.JPG)*Southern Giant Petrels nesting at Harmony Point, Nelson Island in maritime Antarctica; photograph by Julia Finger. Giant petrels were identified in the risk assessment published by the SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Network (AWHN) as at risk of becoming infected by HPAI, and transporting the virus.* Protocols and guidance documents for H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been released by the Governments of the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas* (FIG) and South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands/Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur* (GSGSSI). There were no reports of HPAI over the 2022/2023 season, however, with wide-spread outbreaks occurring across South America this year, there is increased concern the virus will arrive in the region in the 2023/2024 season.  The Falkland Islands’ Avian influenza Guidance Booklet and the Government of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands’ Biosecurity Handbook provide detailed information on HPAI for a range of stakeholders. Such information includes, signs and symptoms, assessing the risk of HPAI and detecting its presence, reporting requirements, biosecurity procedures, and more. The documents are available here: - South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur*: [https://www.gov.gs/biosecurity-handbook-update-released/](https://www.gov.gs/biosecurity-handbook-update-released/) and here: [https://www.gov.gs/docsarchive/environment/#tab-3](https://www.gov.gs/docsarchive/environment/#tab-3)) - Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*: [https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza](https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza)  The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), the Committee for Environment Protection (CEP) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) stated on the SCAR website of their “[concern] about the heightened risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in Antarctica in the 2023/24 season and the devastating impacts it could have on the region’s unique wildlife.”  The SCAR Antarctic Wildlife Health Network (AWHN) also published a paper, [Biological Risk Assessment of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Southern Ocean](https://www.scar.org/library/science-4/life-sciences/antarctic-wildlife-health-network-awhn/5973-risk-assessment-avian-influenza/file/), describing this deepening threat.  ACAP’s Co-convenor of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) and Environmental Analyst for Brazil’s National Centre for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds, Patricia Serafini, has co-authored a set of guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during an outbreak of HPAI which are available to download at the ACAP website under [Conservation Guidelines](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file). *04 October 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-hpai-protocols-and-guidance-for-the-south-atlantic-released.md) ## It’s Bird of the Year time again in Australia and New Zealand. Could an albatross win at last? *![Bullers Albatross Laurie Johnson Virginia Nicol](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Virginia_Nicol.jpg) A preening Buller’s Albatross, artwork by Virginia Nicol of [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) for ACAP, after a photograph by Laurie Johnson* Its Bird of the Year time again in Australia and New Zealand. Could an ACAP-listed species win for the first time this year? In New Zealand the annual [Bird of the Year competition](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/), organized by the national BirdLife partner, [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/), writes: “In 2023, we’re searching for our Bird of the Century. Aotearoa New Zealand’s favourite election is back, and the stakes are higher than ever before. This year marks a whole century of Forest & Bird speaking up for nature. Join us in celebrating our 100th birthday by sharing the love for our fantastic feathered friends. But vote carefully, this year the winner is not just Bird of the Year, but Bird of the Century!” This year two ACAP-listed species are included: the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* and the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) and nationally [Declining](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bullers-mollymawk) Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*, both endemic to New Zealand. ACAP has recognized the parlous state of the Antipodean Albatross by producing an infographic poster featuring it, sponsored by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and [freely available for downloading](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) from this website. An ACAP infographic for Buller’s Albatross is intended to be produced in the first half of next year. Two other pelagic seabirds are included: [Cook’s Petre](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697975)l*Pterodroma cookii* and [Hutton’s Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698252) *Puffinus huttoni*. *![Antipodean Albatross Infographic English medium poster 5mm bleed FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/Antipodean_Albatross_Infographic_English_medium_poster_5mm_bleed_FINAL.jpg) ACAP Infographic for the Antipodean Albatross, artwork by [Namo Niumim](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics)* Voting for New Zealand’s Bird of the Century opens at 09h00 NZST on Monday 30 October. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Mac_Male_Wanderer_Petrel_Peak_prior_to_egg.jpg) A Wandering Albatross on Australia’s Macquarie Island, photograph by Melanie Wells* Meanwhile, the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *D. exulans*, the sole ACAP-listed species included in [Australia’s Bird of the Year](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2023/sep/25/australian-bird-of-the-year-2023-vote-the-guardian-bird-life-australia-poll) competition for 2023, currently ongoing, was eliminated yesterday after surviving the first two rounds of voting. No other pelagic seabird has been included. The competition is run by [BirdLife Australia](https://birdlife.org.au/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/its-bird-of-the-year-time-again-in-australia-and-new-zealand-could-an-albatross-win-at-last.md) ## A landmark moment: more than 70 nations sign treaty to protect the ocean beyond national jurisdictions ![Ecuador and Brazil Signing BBNJ Agreement 1920 900px](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Ecuador_and_Brazil_Signing_BBNJ_Agreement_1920__900px.png)*ACAP Parties, Ecuador and Brazil, have both signed the BBNJ Agreement. Pictured (left - right) H.E. Mr. Gustavo Manrique Miranda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador and H.E. Mr. Mauro Luiz Iecker Vieira, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil* More than 70 nations including nine ACAP Parties have signed the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.  The treaty also known as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or 'BBNJ', opened for signature on Wednesday 20 September at the 78th U.N. General Assembly in New York.  The BBNJ, which covers the near two-thirds of the ocean lying outside national boundaries, is a legally binding instrument aiming to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.  It provides a legal framework for governing the vast areas of waters beyond national boundaries by incorporating a number of mechanisms to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of BBNJ. These include, provisions on marine genetic resources, environmental impact assessments, the creation of marine protected areas, and more. ACAP Parties, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom have signed the BBNJ. The full list of signatories can be found at the UN site for the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, [here](https://www.un.org/bbnj/). The BBNJ will remain open for signature at United Nations Headquarters in New York until 20 September 2025 and requires 60 ratifications to enter into force. *02 October 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-landmark-moment-more-than-80-nations-sign-treaty-to-protect-the-ocean-beyond-national-jurisdictions.md) ## ACAP Secondments still open for applications ![Guzman 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_1.jpg)*Pink-footed Shearwaters inside the Coastal Marine Protected Area, Mar de Juan Fernández; photograph by Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán* Applications for the Agreement’s 2023 Secondment Programme are closing soon.  Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that progress the Agreement’s objective to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels. Emphasis should be placed on tasks outlined in the work programs of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [AC13 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file)) and Secretariat (see Annex 5, AC13 Report). Previous successful applications have proposed: an investigation of the social factors behind the adoption or avoidance of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in fisheries, knowledge-sharing between Parties on mitigation techniques and outreach approaches to fishers, [addressing gaps in population data](https://acap.aq/latest-news/conservation-outcomes-enhanced-through-cross-party-collaboration-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-hosts-peruvian-javier-quinones-acap-secondment-with-aim-to-benefit-chatham-bullers-and-salvins-albatrosses-and-black-petrels?highlight=WyJzZWNvbmQiLCJzZWNvbmRtZW50Iiwic2Vjb25kbWVudHMiLCJzZWNvbmRlZCIsInNlY29uZHMiLCJzZWNvbmRseSJd) of and threats to specific ACAP-listed species, and [enhancing dog detection skills](https://acap.aq/latest-news/naomi-cordeiros-acap-secondment-with-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-to-help-expand-the-role-of-detection-dogs-in-conservation-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJzZWNvbmQiLCJzZWNvbmRtZW50Iiwic2Vjb25kbWVudHMiLCJzZWNvbmRlZCIsInNlY29uZHMiLCJzZWNvbmRseSJd) for invasive species control and seabird survey capabilities.  Only applications from ACAP Parties will be considered, and applications should foster cross-Party collaboration, and promote knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within Parties. Applicants are encouraged to contact the [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members) or [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq?subject=2022%20ACAP%20Secondment%20Programme%20enquiry) to help identify ACAP priority areas for their proposal.  Completed applications (in any of the three Agreement languages – English, [French ](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/prix-subventions-et-bourses)or [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/news/premios-subvenciones-y-becas)) are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts), who will then forward them to the ACAP Secretariat by Monday 16 October 2023. The 2023 application forms, in all three ACAP official languages, are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships). *29 September 2023 * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-secondments-still-open-for-applications.md) ## Key dates and deadlines announced for the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference ![IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/IAPC7.jpeg) The 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC7) will be held in Baja California, Mexico from 20 – 26 May 2024 at the [*Centro Estatal de las Artes de Baja California*](https://www.facebook.com/CEARTEnsenada/)* (CEARTE)* [Baja California State Centre for the Arts].  A call for abstracts has been made by the organising committee, and key dates and information have been released for the event, including: **"Type of conference:** in-person (no virtual option) **Early registration opens:** 1 November 2023 **Abstract Submission:** 1 November 2023 – 1 February 2024 **Oral and Poster Presentation Information:** Coming soon! **Travel awards:** 1 November 2023 – 1 February 2024  (For early-career scientists, both students and professionals, from all countries except those classified as high income by the [World Bank](#:~:text=The%20World%20Bank%20classifies%20economies,%2Dmiddle%2C%20and%20high%20income.)). **Plenary speakers:** Coming soon! Plenary talks will be broadcast live! **Agenda:** 20 – 26 May 2024 (Meeting days: 20-23 May; Field trips: 24-26 May). **Suggested hotels:** Special rates coming soon! Baja Inn Ensenada; Holiday Inn Express & Suites; Hotel Corona; Hotel La Pinta. **Scientific Program:** Coming soon! **Field trips:** Coming soon! (Some examples: pelagic seabird trip; Birding at Estero de Punta Banda; Baja California Pacific Islands trip; Sea Kayaking at La Bufadora; Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour; Local Breweries Tour)." IAPC7 will be hosted by the Mexican environmental NGO Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas ([GECI](https://www.islas.org.mx/)) in collaboration with [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), the [Seabird Ecology Lab](https://sites.google.com/view/seabirdecology/home), University of Barcelona and the [World Seabird Union](https://www.seabirds.net/).  To to receive updates on IAPC7 as released, pre-register for the event [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJgdAzZDHV4xQ8vTRtzglkP-rkxj3v5TyfLmtVG1x6LlGm3A/viewform). *26 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/key-dates-and-deadlines-announced-for-the-7th-international-albatross-and-petrel-conference.md) ## The ACAP Executive Secretary's visit to France: Discussions on albatross and petrel conservation, invasive species eradication efforts, and multilateral diplomacy ![Christine French Visit 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Christine_French_Visit-2.png)*During her liaison visit to France,  ACAP's Executive Secretary, Christine Bogle, met with ACAP National Contact Point for France, Florian Expert (pictured above right at the 5th Meeting of the Parties held in Spain in 2015), and scientists (pictured left - right), *Henri Weimerskirch, *Karine Delord, (Christine Bogle), and **Christophe Barbraud from the National Scientific Research Centre (Centre national de la recherche scientifique) in Chizé.* *Lors de sa visite de liaison en France, la Secrétaire exécutive de l'ACAP, Dr Christine Bogle, a rencontré le Point de contact national de l'ACAP pour la France, Florian Expert (photo ci-dessus à droite lors de la 5ème Réunion des Parties tenue en Espagne en 2015), et des scientifiques (photo de gauche à droite), **Henri Weimerskirch, *Karine Delord, (Christine Bogle), et **Christophe Barbraud* du Centre national de la recherche scientifique à Chizé.* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, recently made a liaison visit to ACAP Party, France.  In Paris, Christine was warmly received by the Agreement’s National Contact Point for France, Florian Expert, who is also the French representative to ACAP’s Advisory Committee. The pair were joined by Florian’s Ministry for Ecological Transition colleague, Vincent Szleper, at the Ministry’s offices in La Défense business district to the west of the city centre. Discussions centred on the outcomes of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13) held in Edinburgh in May this year, the challenges facing ACAP, and recent developments in multilateral diplomacy that should have a positive impact on the status of albatrosses and petrels. These include the newly concluded negotiations on the “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction ([BBNJ](https://www.un.org/bbnj/))”, and the recently commenced negotiations on an [international treaty on tackling plastic pollution](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/historic-day-campaign-beat-plastic-pollution-nations-commit-develop). Florian provided an update on [France’s planned eradication](https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/projet-reci/) of Amsterdam Island’s introduced populations of Brown Rats, House Mice and feral cats. Located in the Southern Ocean, Amsterdam Island is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories, and a breeding site for four ACAP-listed species: Amsterdam *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, Sooty *Phoebetria fusca* and Indian Yellow-nosed *Thalassarche carteri* Albatrosses, and the Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*. After extensive monitoring of the target species since 2018, preparations are now underway for the next phase of the programme, which will involve spreading bait across the island by helicopter in a bid to remove the introduced predators. This next phase is planned to take place in the austral winter of 2024 and is expected to have a positive impact on the island’s seabird population. Christine encouraged France to attend the next ACAP Advisory Committee meeting, scheduled for August 2024 in Lima, Peru. She highlighted France's extensive experience in albatross conservation within its sub-Antarctic territories and emphasised that France's contributions to discussions within the Advisory Committee and its working groups would be valuable. Christine also reminded France of the benefits of ACAP’s Small Grants and Secondments programmes.  At the National Scientific Research Centre ([Centre national de la recherche scientifique](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en)) in Chizé, Christine was welcomed by scientists Christophe Barbraud, Karine Delord and Henri Weimerskirch. All three have been involved in albatross and petrel conservation for many years. Both Henri and Karine are members of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG), whilst Christophe’s research relates to themes in the work programmes of both the Agreement’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG) and the PaCSWG. Speaking about his work, Christophe said: “My involvement is mainly about estimating population trends and demographic responses of albatrosses and petrels to environmental perturbations such as climate change, bycatch and introduced predators on seabird islands. I am also conducting the seabirds and marine mammals monitoring programme in the French Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories, which was previously conducted by Henri.” Christine briefed the scientists on the updates to [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice) on seabird bycatch that came out of the Advisory Committee meeting in May, as well as earlier updates from the 12th Meeting of the Advisory Committee. The scientists commented on how useful the updates were in informing the fisheries industry of ACAP’s endorsed measures. During her visit, Christine also met some graduate students and researchers who were pursuing research projects related to seabirds. Two PhD students at the centre are under the supervision of Karine and Christophe, with one student focused on monitoring methods for petrel species difficult to survey in subantarctic islands and the other focused on the comparative demography of sooty and light mantled sooty albatrosses.  Commenting on her visits to the Agreement’s colleagues across France, Christine said: “It was excellent to meet our French colleagues in person, on their home ground, and to learn more about their priorities.  France is one of the ACAP Parties with a considerable number of albatross nesting sites, and a strong commitment to their conservation.” * * **Visite de la Secrétaire exécutive de l'ACAP en France : Discussions sur la conservation des albatros et des pétrels, les efforts d'éradication des espèces invasives et la diplomatie multilatérale** La secrétaire exécutive de l'Accord sur la Conservation des Albatros et des Pétrels, Dr Christine Bogle, a récemment effectué une visite de liaison en France, partie à l'ACAP. A Paris, Christine a été chaleureusement accueillie par le Point de contact national de l'Accord pour la France, Florian Expert, qui est également le représentant français au Comité consultatif de l'ACAP. Ils ont été rejoints par Vincent Szleper, collègue de Florian au ministère de la Transition écologique, dans les locaux du ministère situés dans le quartier d'affaires de La Défense, à l'ouest du centre-ville.Légende : La Tour Sequoia, où se trouve le ministère de la transition écologique Les discussions ont porté sur les résultats de la treizième réunion du Comité consultatif (CC13) qui s'est tenue à Édimbourg en mai de cette année, sur les défis auxquels est confronté l'ACAP et sur les récents développements de la diplomatie multilatérale qui devraient avoir un impact positif sur le statut des albatros et des pétrels. Il s'agit notamment des négociations récemment conclues sur l'"Accord au titre de la Convention des Nations unies sur le droit de la mer relatif à la conservation et à l'utilisation durable de la diversité biologique marine dans les zones situées au-delà de la juridiction nationale ([BBNJ](https://www.un.org/bbnj/))", et des négociations récemment entamées sur un traité [international relatif](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/historic-day-campaign-beat-plastic-pollution-nations-commit-develop) à la lutte contre la pollution par les matières plastiques. Florian a fait le point sur [l'éradication prévue par la France](https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/projet-reci/)des populations introduites de rats surmulot, de souris domestiques et de chats harets sur l'île d'Amsterdam. Située dans l'océan Austral, l'île d'Amsterdam fait partie des Terres australes et antarctiques françaises et constitue un site de reproduction pour quatre espèces inscrites sur la liste de l'ACAP : L'albatros d'Amsterdam *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, l'albatros fuligineux à dos sombre *Phoebetria fusca* et l'albatros à bec jaune de l’océan Indien *Thalassarche carteri*, ainsi que le pétrel gris *Procellaria cinerea*. Après un suivi approfondi des espèces cibles depuis 2018, les préparatifs sont en cours pour la prochaine phase du programme, qui consistera à répandre des appâts sur l'ensemble de l'île par hélicoptère dans le but d'éliminer les prédateurs introduits. Cette prochaine phase est prévue pour l'hiver austral 2024 et devrait avoir un impact positif sur la population d'oiseaux marins de l'île. Christine a encouragé la France à participer à la prochaine réunion du Comité consultatif de l'ACAP, prévue en août 2024 à Lima, au Pérou. Elle a souligné la grande expérience de la France en matière de conservation des albatros dans ses territoires subantarctiques et a insisté sur le fait que les contributions de la France aux discussions au sein du Comité consultatif et de ses groupes de travail seraient précieuses. Christine a également rappelé à la France les avantages des programmes de petites subventions et de détachements de l'ACAP. Au [Centre national de la recherche scientifique](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr) de Chizé, Christine a été accueillie par les scientifiques Christophe Barbraud, Karine Delord et Henri Weimerskirch. Tous trois sont impliqués dans la conservation des albatros et des pétrels depuis de nombreuses années. Henri et Karine sont tous deux membres du Groupe de travail sur les populations et l'état de conservation (PaCSWG) de l'ACAP, tandis que les recherches de Christophe portent sur des thèmes figurant dans les programmes de travail du Groupe de travail sur les prises accessoires d'oiseaux de mer (SBWG) de l'Accord et du PaCSWG. "Mon travail consiste principalement à estimer les tendances des populations et les réponses démographiques des albatros et des pétrels aux perturbations environnementales telles que le changement climatique, les prises accidentelles et les prédateurs introduits sur les îles à oiseaux marins. Je dirige également le programme de suivi à long terme des oiseaux de mer et des mammifères marins dans les territoires antarctiques et subantarctiques français, qui était auparavant mené par Henri." commente Christophe à propos de son travail. Christine a informé les scientifiques sur l’actualisation des conseils de [l'ACAP des meilleures pratiques](https://acap.aq/fr/ressources/captures-accessoires/conseils-en-matiere-de-bonnes-pratiques) en matière de prises accidentelles d'oiseaux de mer qui sont issues de la réunion du Comité consultatif de mai, ainsi que des mises à jour antérieures de la 12ème réunion du Comité consultatif. Les scientifiques ont souligné l'utilité de ces mises à jour pour informer l'industrie de la pêche des mesures approuvées par l'ACAP. Au cours de sa visite, Christine a également rencontré des étudiants et des chercheurs qui poursuivent des projets de recherche sur les oiseaux de mer. Deux doctorantes du centre sont supervisées par Karine et Christophe, l'une se concentrant sur les méthodes de suivi des espèces de pétrels difficiles à étudier dans les îles subantarctiques et l'autre sur la démographie comparée des albatros fuligineux à dos sombre et à dos clair. Christine a déclaré à propos de ses visites aux collègues de l'Accord en France : "C'était une excellente chose de rencontrer nos collègues français en personne, à ‘domicile’, et d'en apprendre davantage sur leurs priorités. La France est l'une des Parties à l'ACAP qui dispose d'un nombre considérable de sites de nidification d'albatros et qui s'est fortement engagée à les conserver". **27 September 2023 / *27 septembre 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-executive-secretarys-visit-to-france-discussions-on-albatross-and-petrel-conservation-invasive-species-eradication-efforts-and-multilateral-diplomacy.md) ## “We hope you have your bells ready!” The first Northern Royal Albatrosses for the 2023/24 season return to Taiaroa Head ![Northern Royal Albatross first 2023 returnees 22 September Colin Facer DOC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_first_2023_returnees_22_September_Colin_Facer_DOC.jpg) *The first two returning birds meet up; female left, male right, photograph by Colin Facer, Department of Conservation* In what has become a [tradition](https://acap.aq/latest-news/dunedin-rings-its-bells-today-for-the-return-of-pukekura-taiaroa-head-s-northern-royal-albatrosses-for-a-new-season-and-the-royalcam-chick-gets-a-satellite-tracker?highlight=WyJiZWxsIiwiYmVsbHMiLCJkdW5lZGluIiwiZHVuZWRpbidzIl0=), the bells of Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island are set to ring today to celebrate the first [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* returning to the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) for the start of the 2023/24 breeding season. Laura Findlay, Royal Albatross Centre writes on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre): “We hope you have your bells ready! Our first returning albatross for the new breeding season has been sighted. In fact, not just one but two birds were seen. GBK (green blue black, a 20- year old male) and YKG (yellow black green, a 30-year old female) were seen on the headland by our Department of Conservation ranger Colin [Facer] on Friday afternoon, 22 September 2023. YKG fledged a chick in 2020 but her mate hasn’t been seen since 2021, and GBK is also bereaved so it is hoped they may pair up – time will tell! They have both been circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere for the past year and have now returned to start a brand-new season. The city churches and schools will ring bells at 1pm [13h00 DSTNZ] on Monday 25 September 2023 and we’d love lots of bell ringers throughout Dunedin and afar to join in and ring their bells as well to help us celebrate. Don’t have a bell? Maybe you could set your phone to ring, sing a song or clap!” *![preview northernroyal en shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/preview_northernroyal_en_shrunk.jpg) The ACAP Infographic for the Northern Royal Albatross by [Namo Niumim](https://namasrinstudio.com/Works) has been sponsored by the New Zealand Department of Conservation* I have visited Taiaroa Head twice, the first time being guided to a couple of occupied albatross nests in I think 1988 by New Zealand albatross doyen [Chris Robertson QSM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-chatham-albatross-by-chris-robertson?highlight=WyJyb2JlcnRzb24iLCJxc20iXQ==) – a great privilege. I will have to wake early to ring my bell in Cape Town on Monday at 04h00 SAST! Watch a [video clip](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1099126317919213)of ringing bells in the Royal Albatross Centre today.   Meanwhile, the last few Northern Royal Albatross chicks (out of 32 that survived) of the 2022/23 season will shortly all be fledging from the headland, with only nine still present on the 21st ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/manaaki-this-years-northern-royal-albatross-royal-cam-chick-has-fledged-leaving-regurgitated-plastic-behind)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/we-hope-you-have-your-bells-ready-the-first-northern-royal-albatrosses-for-the-2023-24-season-return-to-taiaroa-head.md) ## Report for New Zealand’s Department of Conservation recommends at-sea trials of seabird bycatch mitigation measures for smaller fishing vessels ![Diagram of bottom trawl gear Aus Gov](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Diagram_of_bottom_trawl_gear_Aus_Gov.png)*From the report: Figure 1. Diagram of bottom trawl gear with warp cables above and below the water line.* A review of warp mitigation methods for inshore trawl vessels <28m in length by Rachel P. Hickcox and Darryl I. McKenzie ([Proteus](https://www.proteus.co.nz/), New Zealand) for New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme has been released by the Department of Conservation. The Executive Summary follows: “The incidental catch of seabirds due to warp or cable strike is one of the main risks posed by coastal commercial trawl fisheries. Several different types of seabird bycatch mitigation devices are used that attach to or around warps, cables, and the vessel to form physical and visual barriers to deter seabirds. There is uncertainty, however, about the effectiveness of mitigation devices on small vessels, and there are no mandatory requirements for trawl vessels <28m in length to employ such devices. There is also no clear guidance or best practice due to limited observer data, at-sea trials, and published studies on the effectiveness of warp mitigation devices.  The following literature review provides a brief overview of eight mitigation devices that are used on trawl vessels in New Zealand and around the world, only two of which are currently being used on vessels less than 28 meters in length overall. Data on seabird capture rates from the reviewed studies is presented and supplemented with observer data collected in New Zealand coastal trawl fisheries between 2015 and 2020. Current best practices for data collection regarding seabird abundance and warp strike observations were critiqued in preparation for a workshop that was held with invited experts. Workshop attendees met to discuss research approaches and develop recommendations (Phase 1) for at-sea trials of devices to quantify their relative effectiveness in mitigating warp strike (Phase 2).  Warp strike/capture rate was 0.59 captures/100 tows on observed New Zealand coastal trawl vessels <28m between 2015 and 2020, regardless of mitigation method. Mitigation devices were used during 42% of all observed trawl tows between 2015 and 2020, with the bird baffler being the most frequently used. Based on the review of 14 international studies, it was determined that tori lines, bird bafflers, warp scarers, plastic cones, and water sprayers are the best candidate devices for trials on trawl vessels <28m to test their effectiveness at reducing seabird warp strike.  During the workshop, tori lines, bird bafflers, pinkie buoy warp deflectors, and plastic cone warp deflectors were recommended for at-sea trials, based on expert opinions of feasibility, cost, practicality, and safety. Due to the large variation in vessel configurations, experts suggested categorising <28m vessels into three additional size classes. Sample size, vessel selection, gear configuration and type (e.g., size, structure, use of Dyneema warps), and the effects of discharge management were also discussed relative to efficient data collection methods and study design. Considerable challenges with testing mitigation devices at sea were raised that may make an at-sea trial difficult and/or impossible, including sample size and the confounding effects of many factors influencing warp strike rates.  Best practices for data collection of abundance and warp strike rates, used by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the Department of Conservation, and Fisheries New Zealand, should form the basis of at-sea trial methodology, with some suggested modifications based on international studies and trials. Trial scope, device availability on vessels, cost, and feasibility will determine which of the four recommended mitigation devices are prioritised for testing. If a statistical approach is taken to address project objectives, alternative data collection methods such as electronic monitoring and on- board cameras should be considered to supplement observer data on warp strikes and the effectiveness of mitigation devices.  **Reference:** Hickox, R.P., Mackenzie, D. 2023. [Review of warp strike mitigation methods on <28m commercial trawl vessels in New Zealand](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/mit2022-07-inshore-trawl-warp-mitigation-final-report.pdf). MIT2022-07 final report prepared by Proteus for the Department of Conservation. 72 p.  *22 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/report-for-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-recommends-at-sea-trials-of-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-measures-for-smaller-fishing-vessels.md) ## Manaaki, this year’s Northern Royal Albatross Royal Cam chick, has fledged, leaving regurgitated plastic behind  ![Manaaki 27 August 2023 Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Manaaki_27_August_2023_Sharyn_Broni.jpg) *Still some down to lose, the Royal Cam chick on 27 August, photograph by Sharyn Broni* The 2023 Royal Cam chick, named [Manaaki](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-latest-royal-cam-albatross-chick-gets-its-name-on-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJtYW5hYWtpIl0=), has fledged from [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island at an average age of 240 days and of a “healthy weight”. The globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* chick, identified genetically as a male, was last seen hovering above the ground by the [live-streaming camera](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/) during strong winds and then flew out of camera frame during the afternoon of 16 September. It was not seen within the colony the next morning. *![Manaaki plastic regurges](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Manaaki_plastic_regurges.jpg) Manaaki’s regurgitated plastic pieces* Before fledging, Manaaki regurgitated some pieces of plastic within a bolus of squid beaks alongside its nest, reminding us that this year’s theme for World Albatross Day on 19 June was [“Plastic Pollution”](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) (read an [earlier ACAP Latest News post](https://acap.aq/latest-news/not-my-little-pony-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-new-zealand-avoids-ingesting-plastic?highlight=WyJwb255Il0=) on regurgitated plastic at Taiaroa Head). Over the next few days both colour-banded parents of the Royal Cam chick were seen visiting the empty nest (watch a [short video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5-wTB-BYqw) of the male parent returning).) As of 17 September, 18 chicks have fledged from the headland colony leaving 15 still to go; by today (21st) only nine chicks of the 32 remain in the colony. News from the Facebook groups [Albatross Lovers](https://www.facebook.com/groups/albatrosslovers) and the [Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 September 2023\\* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/manaaki-this-years-northern-royal-albatross-royal-cam-chick-has-fledged-leaving-regurgitated-plastic-behind.md) ## World Seabird Union seeks host for the Fourth World Seabird Conference in 2026 ![WSU Logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/WSU_Logo.png) Expressions of interest are sought by the World Seabird Union (WSU) to host the Fourth World Seabird Conference (WSC4) in 2026. “The WSU seeks a Local Host for WSC4 who will work hand in hand with the WSU board of directors to promote and showcase the presentation of global seabird research and conservation efforts. The WSU is committed to facilitating WSC4, and we believe that the best approach to developing a successful conference is to partner with a Local Committee and allow them substantial flexibility in the planning and management of the conference. The International Steering Committee of the WSU will be available to provide support, advice, and assistance in all phases of the conference as needed or requested but does not intend to manage the Local Committee.” The inaugural [World Seabird Conference](https://worldseabirdconference.com/about/), led by Pacific Seabird Group, was hosted in Victoria, Canada in 2010. Cape Town, South Africa hosted WSC2 in 2015, and WSC3 was to be held in Hobart, Tasmania in 2021, but had to be moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressions of interest can be made through an online form at the following link, [https://forms.gle/C6TFfSztp2rpfDpj9](https://forms.gle/C6TFfSztp2rpfDpj9)[https://forms.gle/C6TFfSztp2rpfDpj9](https://forms.gle/C6TFfSztp2rpfDpj9). The deadline for submissions is October 5th, 2023. *20 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-seabird-union-seeks-host-for-the-fourth-world-seabird-conference-in-2026.md) ## A rehabilitated Southern Royal Albatross gets a sculpture *![Bronze statue Southern Royal Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Bronze_statue_Southern_Royal_Albatross.jpg) “Moment of Release”, a new public albatross sculpture is unveiled in New Zealand* From time to time *ACAP Latest News* has featured sculptures depicting albatrosses around the world. Not a common subject for public display perhaps, but examples covered in this website exist in Chile, Ecuador’s Galapagos and in the UK, with a wooden one on the USA’s Midway Atoll sadly lost to termites (click [here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/standing-tall-albatross-statues-and-memorials-around-the-world?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsInN0YXR1ZSIsInN0YXR1ZXMiXQ==) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/an-albatross-around-the-neck?highlight=WyJhbmNpZW50IiwibWFyaW5lIiwibWFyaW5lciIsIm1hcmluIiwibWFyaW5lcyIsIm1hcmluZXInIiwibWFyaW5lcnMiXQ==)). The latest sculpture that has come to ACAP’s attention is of a globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora) and [Nationally Vulnerable](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/southern-royal-albatross) Southern Royal Albatross *Diomedea epomophora*has very recently been unveiled in [Tutukaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutukaka) on New Zealand’s North Island. Information on the new sculpture comes from the [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/thepetrelstation) of [The Petrel Station Seabird Tours & Research - Tutukaka, NZ](https://www.thepetrelstation.nz/) as follows. “Today [17 September] at Tutukaka was the unveiling of this awesome life-size bronze sculpture called ‘Moment of Release’ which depicts the moment local bird carer legend [Robert Webb](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010334342856&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXVx8CVR1trcIp99ow4MKPmrAFB0OL9EQMyNLu888DIMYo0JL0DHs0rnMr0clkpzOGtyLZlRppFxoAO7LxMHA5LA9ks_9GPK1U9sgoM4CBwz9knWC1ArVUhlMiEP-tO3m3ymgf6jYOBxry55X5R1IOC&__tn__=-%5dK*F) releases a Southern Royal Albatross [known as Albert] he's holding aloft at the front of a boat back in 2005. The sculpture was created to commemorate and honour the amazing and selfless work Rob and his wife Robyn have put into helping and saving thousands of birds (including countless seabirds) throughout the NZ's Northland region over the last 40 odd years out at the [Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre](https://www.facebook.com/Whangarei-Native-Bird-Recovery-Centre-207942849294459/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXVx8CVR1trcIp99ow4MKPmrAFB0OL9EQMyNLu888DIMYo0JL0DHs0rnMr0clkpzOGtyLZlRppFxoAO7LxMHA5LA9ks_9GPK1U9sgoM4CBwz9knWC1ArVUhlMiEP-tO3m3ymgf6jYOBxry55X5R1IOC&__tn__=kK*F). The albatross had needed care and thanks to Rob and Robyn it made a full recovery. You are both legends and the work you do for our local birds is an inspiration.” *![Albert gets released](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Albert_gets_released.jpg) Inspiration for the artwork: Albert the Southern Royal Albatross gets released at sea in 2005* *ACAP Latest News* reached out for more information and received a quick reply: “The seabird released was a Southern Royal Albatross (which the sculpture represents). And there were actually two artists who collaborated on the creation - Susan Dinkelacker and Dell Pryor. One created the albatross, and the other created Robert - a very talented pair.” Read more about the unveiling [here](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/moment-of-release-celebrating-the-incredible-works-of-northland-conservationist-duo/2OEMIYOLAZCONBSYO2DZIQNZNI/) and watch a [two-minute video](https://boosted.org.nz/projects/moment-of-release) about the release of Albert and to hear from the two sculptors. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-rehabilitated-outhern-royal-albatross-gets-a-sculpture.md) ## Breeding population of Buller's Albatrosses on The Snares experiencing marked annual variation since peak of 2005-2006 ![Bullers Javier Quinones 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Javier_Quinones_7.jpg)*Three study colonies on New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, The Snares, were the focus for the population study; photograph by Javier Quiñones* A report prepared by David Thompson and Paul Sagar ([National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd](https://niwa.co.nz/), Wellington, New Zealand) for New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme on the Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri *has been released by the Department of Conservation.  The report’s Executive Summary follows: This report presents a summary of the results of demographic studies at three study colonies of southern Buller’s albatrosses Thalassarche bulleri bulleri breeding at Tine Heke the Snares from 25 March to 9 April 2023. Demographic studies at the three study colonies on North East Island have been undertaken annually 1992-2023, with the exception of 2018 and 2021, and so this report incorporates some of these data in the current analysis. Estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs, made by recording the contents of each nest mound, decreased in all three study colonies compared to 2022, when estimated numbers were at an all-time high over the 30 plus years of this study. With the assumption that the combined total number of breeding pairs in the three study colonies was representative of North East Island as a whole then the breeding population probably peaked in 2005-2006 and has since undergone marked annual variations.  A total of 374 birds that had been banded previously in the study colonies as breeding adults of unknown age were recaptured. A further 82 breeding birds were banded in the study colonies - these are presumed to be first-time breeders. Estimates of annual survival of birds banded as breeders improved in 2022 with an estimate of 0.931. During the period 1992-2004 all chicks that survived to near-fledging in the study colonies were banded and their survival to return to the study colonies in subsequent years has been monitored. This year 139 of these birds were recaptured, with birds from cohorts banded from 1998 to 2004 being recaptured for the first time. This demonstrates the long- term monitoring required to obtain reliable estimates of survival of such known-age birds. Of the 139 known-age birds recaptured in 2023, 11 were found breeding for the first time, and so were recorded as being recruited to the breeding population. In addition, three birds that had been banded as near-fledging in the study colonies during September 2013 and September 2014 were also recaptured for the first time.  In 2020 50 Global Location Sensing (GLS) tags were attached to the metal leg bands of breeding birds in the Mollymawk Bay study colony; of these, 31 were retrieved in 2022 and a further 3 during the 2023 field season.  Twelve trail cameras were deployed at breeding colonies and set to record one photograph every hour during daylight in April 2022. All of these were checked in 2023 when the SD cards were removed and replaced with new cards.  **Reference: ** Thompson, D., Sagar, P. 2023. [Population studies of southern Buller's albatross on Tini Heke/The Snares](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/pop2019-04-southern-bullers-population-snares-final-report.pdf). POP2019-04 final report prepared by NIWA for the Department of Conservation. 18 p. *18 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/breeding-population-of-bullers-albatrosses-on-the-snares-experiencing-marked-annual-variation-since-peak-of-2005-2006.md) ## Antipodes Island’s population of Antipodean Albatrosses “roughly stable” according to new report ![Antipodean Albatross Hannah Shand photo Jordan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Hannah_Shand_photo_Jordan.jpg)*An Antipodean Albatross in flight; photograph by Jordan Shand* The Conservation Services Programme of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) have published a report by Graham Parker (Parker Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand) and colleagues on the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatrosses of Antipodes Island.  The report’s Summary as follows: The Antipodean wandering albatross *Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis *has been in decline since a population crash in 2005-07. Declining numbers appear to have been largely driven by high female mortality, but low chick production—with fewer birds breeding and reduced breeding success—has compounded the problem. To tease out the causes of falling numbers of Antipodean wandering albatrosses and identify the effectiveness of potential solutions, research includes an annual visit to the breeding grounds on Antipodes Island. This report describes the results of the field programme in the 2022/23 breeding season, and the preliminary findings from tracking of juveniles since January 2022.  There are some signs that the rate of decline might be slowing. The number of Antipodean wandering albatrosses breeding has been roughly stable for the past four seasons, and female survival shows some suggestion of improving since 2014 (4-year rolling averages), although it is still highly variable year to year. Breeding success in 2022 at 72% approached the average pre-crash nesting success of 74%, although the mean 2006–2022 rate remains comparatively low at 62%. However, the actual number of chicks produced remains small, even in good breeding-success years, since numbers nesting remain low. Recruitment is starting to draw from the (much smaller) cohorts produced since the crash, so population numbers will soon no longer be supplemented by higher recruitment rates seen over the past decade.  The population has been approximately stable for the last four years. However, there is so far no evidence of any sustained improvement in Antipodean wandering albatross demography, as required for the population to recover, with tentative improvements recorded here merely slowing the decline.  Recommendations include ongoing mark-recapture monitoring of demographic and population-size trends; an island-wide population size estimate; and research into causes of declines. More-targeted ongoing engagement is also needed, internationally and domestically, to achieve better bycatch mitigation in line with ACAP best practice.  **Reference:** Parker G.C., Rexer-Huber K., Walker K., Elliott G. 2023. [Antipodean wandering albatross population study 2023](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/pop2022-10-antipodean-albatross-2023-final-report.pdf). Final report to the Department of Conservation. Parker Conservation, Dunedin. 21 p.  *15 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/antipodes-islands-population-of-antipodean-wandering-albatrosses-roughly-stable-according-to-new-report.md) ## Population study reveals smaller numbers of White-chinned Petrels on New Zealand’s Antipodes Island ![WCP at sea Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_at_sea_Peter_Ryan.jpg)*A Vulnerable White-chinned Petrel at sea; photgraph by Petre Ryan* The Conservation Services Program of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has released a report by Kalinka Rexer-Huber ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/), Dunedin, New Zealand) and colleagues on the [White-chinned Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) *Procellaria aequinoctialis* population of the Antipodes Island.  The report’s Summary follows: This study provides an updated estimate of the white-chinned petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) breeding population size on Antipodes Island. We also detail the setup of a mark-recapture study suitable for estimating key vital rates and detecting population change, adult survival in particular. Lastly, we document blood and feather collection for a wider study on mercury contamination, and deployment and recovery of time-depth recorders for data on dive depth of white-chinned petrels.  *Population size estimate*. Burrow density is estimated from a representative sample of burrowed areas then corrected for burrow occupancy and extrapolated to the available area of nesting habitat to estimate the breeding population of white-chinned petrels. For an estimate as accurate and precise as possible we built on previous efforts in 2009–11 and 2021–22 (Thompson 2019; Elliott & Walker 2022). To estimate burrow density we used the distance sampling dataset from 2021–22 and expanded the sampling coverage across the whole island, adding 93 transects to a new total of 248 island-wide sampling locations. Distance sampling enabled burrow density estimates that explicitly account for burrow detectability. Occupancy was assessed by inspecting 293 burrows just after laying, calculating rates and corrections using the approach developed for the 2009–11 study (burrow numbers corrected for entrances that are not in fact burrows, and for other species using white-chinned petrel burrows). The area used by white-chinned petrels, with two habitat types distinguishable, was drawn from comprehensive habitat mapping 2021–22. Antipodes Island had an estimated 26,400 (95% CI: 22,200–31,600) white-chinned petrel pairs breeding in Dec 2022 during early incubation. Burrow detectability was different in the two habitat types and occupancy rates differed, so for accuracy the estimate used burrow density, area and occupancy specific to each habitat type. These refinements to 2009–11 and 2021–22 methods result in a population size estimate here that is smaller but more accurate and precise.  *Demographic study setup. *Population change is more readily detected via intensive study of birds in a representative study population, so we established a mark-recapture study to estimate vital rates, survival in particular. Marked burrows in two study areas contain 169 banded white-chinned petrels. For accurate, precise survival estimates this marked population needs building further, along with recaptures at existing marked burrows for a minimum of three years.  *Recommendations. *An efficient and effective long-term monitoring strategy could combine annual intensive monitoring effort in a representative study population, as set up here, supplemented by occasional whole- island population size estimates (5–10-year intervals). Ongoing mark-recapture will enable robust trend estimation over time, with whole-island estimates providing occasional more-general overview of breeding numbers.  **Reference:** Rexer-Huber K., Parker G.C., Elliott G., Walker K. 2023. [Antipodes white-chinned petrel population size and survival study setup](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/pop2022-10-white-chinned-petrel-2023-final-report.pdf). Final report to the Department of Conservation. Parker Conservation, Dunedin. 18 p.  *13 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/population-study-reveals-smaller-numbers-of-white-chinned-petrels-on-new-zealands-antipodes-island.md) ## Removing an alien plant on Midway Atoll is helping Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses breed more successfully *![Verbesina 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Verbesina_2.jpg) Not a cool situation. An albatross chick is near buried among flowering Verbesina on Midway, photograph from the US Fish and Wildlife Service* Following the failure of the House Mouse *Mus musculus* eradication effort on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North Pacific this year as [recently reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-midway-seabird-protection-project-fails-to-eradicate-the-atolls-albatross-killing-house-mice), more positive news is to hand on another [eradication effort](https://friendsofmidway.org/verbesina-on-midway-before-and-after/?fbclid=IwAR29907dg8dPSn0dUhtb67EUeATUsT_9rfXq1QhG-d53CHMNzESWxBw0AAY), to rid both Sand and Eastern Islands within the atoll of the introduced [Golden Crownbeard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbesina_encelioides) *Verbesina encelioides*. This invasive plant forms “chest-high, impenetrable thickets” in which breeding Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis*Albatrosses have difficulty reaching and departing from their nest sites, become entangled, and their well-insulated, downy chicks overheat due the plants' sheltering effect against cooling sea breezes. *![Verbesina 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Verbesina_4.jpeg) ![Verbesina 5 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Verbesina_5_2023.jpeg) Before (2011) and after (2023) views on Eastern Island from the same spot. The dense Verbesina has been replaced with “outplanted” native grass* Eragrostis variabilis*, photographs by Pete Leary (top) and Jon Brack (bottom)* In May 2000 I spent a week on Midway following the [Second International Conference on the Biology and Conservation of Albatrosses and other Petrels](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=476), held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Along with other conference delegates (we filled a whole plane to get there). I experienced the dense Verbesina stands with albatrosses breeding among them on both Sand and Eastern Islands. As the before and after photographs taken over a decade apart show, a concerted effort since my visit to remove plants and exhaust the seed load within the sandy soil shows remarkable differences. Study plots on both islands have demonstrated the value of clearing away the daisy-like plant with breeding success almost doubling in treated areas, compared to untreated controls. With atoll-wide eradicatioin hopefully approaching the last remaining one percent of Verbesina is being targeted by cutting paths through the native vegetation to access the remaining mature plants to remove their flower heads before they set seed and to find seedlings which are then sprayed with herbicide*(*[click here](https://friendsofmidway.org/the-hardest-job-on-midway/?fbclid=IwAR37A73lR_gEFYugJBnZWNhUMAJ4G018rhyEU3LSW2Ny3DqUt_DFB3H2tIo)*).* *![Verbesina 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Verbesina_3.jpg) This Laysan Albatross on its nest is covered with a tangle of collapsed Verbesina stems, photograph by Matt Brown* Read an earlier article on the eradication effort in *ACAP Latest News* [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/weeding-out-golden-crownbeard-on-usa-s-midway-atoll-for-its-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 12 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/removing-an-alien-plant-on-midway-atoll-is-helping-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-breed-more-successfully.md) ## Weather events behind reduced breeding success of Black Petrels on New Zealand’s Aotea/Great Barrier Island ![Biz Fledgling black petrel May 2019 Credit Biz Bell WMIL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Fledgling_black_petrel_May_2019_Credit_-_Biz_Bell_WMIL.jpg)* A fledgling Black Petrel; photograph by Elizabeth (Biz) Bell, WMIL* A report by Elizabeth Bell ([Wildlife Management International Ltd](https://www.wmil.co.nz), New Zealand) and colleagues on the tākoketai/Black Petrel, *Procellaria parkinsoni* of Aotea/Great Barrier Island has been released by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (NZDOC). Research for the report, *Key demographic parameters and population trends of black petrels (Procellaria parkinsoni) – 2022/23*, was carried out over the 2022/2023 breeding season*.* The summary from the NZDOC website follows:  "During the 2022/23 breeding season 480 tākoketai/black petrel study burrows were intensively monitored within the Mt Hobson/Hirakimata study area on Aotea/Great Barrier Island.  There were 313 (65.2%) burrows occupied by breeding pairs, 64 (13.3%) occupied by non-breeding birds, and 103 (21.5%) were unoccupied. Overall, 191 chicks were produced from the study burrows representing a fledgling success rate of 61%, but 13 chicks were found to be below weight and smaller in size during the May chick banding trip, and most of these chicks were not expected to survive to fledging. This would further reduce breeding success to 56.9%.  Breeding success was impacted by weather events, specifically the Auckland flood event on 27 January 2023 and Cyclone Gabrielle between 12-16 February 2023. A number of burrows flooded, causing eggs to fail and small chicks to drown or chill and die, and foraging success of parents appeared to be reduced with 13 chicks being in poor condition by May prior to fledging.  Nine census grids were monitored within the study area and accounted for 197 of the inspected study burrows. Of these, 119 were occupied by breeding pairs (60.4%) and 68 chicks were produced representing a fledging success rate of 57.1%. Again 7 of these chicks were in poor condition and were not expected to fledge, reducing breeding success to 52.1%.  A total of 664 adults and 129 fledgling chicks were captured during the 2022/23 field season with 174 adults banded this season (including 52 from study burrows). Of the 129 fledgling chicks banded during the 2022/23 field season, 119 were banded in study burrows; 72 could not be banded due to torrential rain over the chick banding trip, and one had already fledged prior to the banding visit in May 2023.  There have been a total of 420 returned chicks recaptured at the colony since they were banded prior to fledging. Of these, 117 returned chicks were identified during the 2022/23 breeding season; 28 of which were caught for the first time at the colony. The majority of all 420 returned chicks were from the 2016/17 breeding season, followed by the 2013/14 cohort. Not all cohorts were represented as no returned chicks from the 1995/96, 1996/97 and 1997/98 cohorts were recaptured this season. Understanding the factors affecting return rates of chicks within the 35-ha study site is vital. It is important to determine whether it is related to low juvenile survival and/or recruitment or if it is simply due to a lack of detection. Understanding juvenile survival and recruitment is necessary for accurate demographic modelling and for species risk assessment modelling. Therefore, it is recommended that effort to obtain this data is completed with urgency.  Additional monitoring of pig and other predator occurrence and impact on black petrels on Cooper’s Castle was undertaken this season. Eighteen black petrel burrows were identified within the boundaries of this study area; three were breeding sites and four sites were being visited by non- breeding birds. All other burrows were empty. Trail cameras were placed along pig pathways, walking tracks and outside active black petrel burrows. Footage confirmed feral pig, rat, and feral cat presence. While no interactions with black petrels were caught on camera at Cooper’s Castle, there was one cat predation of an unbanded adult and one chick from a random, non-monitored burrow. There was one rat predation event at the study colony on Hirakimata this season. Introduced species still pose a threat to the black petrel population and it is imperative pest control measures continue." **Reference:** Bell, E.A., Lamb, S. & Maclean, C. 2023. [Key demographic parameters and population trends of tākoketai/black petrels (Procellaria parkinsoni) on Aotea/Great Barrier Island: 2022/23](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/pop2022-01-takoketai-black-petrel-aotea-2022-2023-season-monitoring-final-report.pdf). POP2022-01 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International Ltd for the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation, Wellington. 41 p. *07 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/weather-events-behind-reduced-breeding-success-of-black-petrels-on-new-zealands-aotea-great-barrier-island.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. 22 or 25, how many albatross species are out there? *![Bullers Albatross The Snares April 2007 Paul Sagar shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers%20Albatross%20The%20Snares%20April%202007%20Paul%20Sagar%20shrunk.jpg) Southern Buller's Albatross, Snares Islands, April 2007, photograph by Paul Sagar* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement recognizes 22 species of albatrosses, all of which it lists under its Annex 1. Distinct breeding populations of two of these species continue to be variously treated in the professional and popular literature (and on social media) either at the subspecific or specific level; a third albatross, hitherto thought not to vary taxonomically (“monophyletic”) has recently been proposed to consist of two species. The question thus arises should there be 22 or 25 species of albatrosses? In this Monthly Missive I consider the taxonomic status of these three albatross species, primarily based on reviews summarized by ACAP’s Taxonomy Working Group ([TWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/taxonomy-working-group)) in its reports to meetings of the ACAP Advisory Committee. **Buller’s Albatross** New Zealand’s endemic [Buller’s Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri/text) *Thalassarche bulleri*occurs in two distinct populations. These have been treated either as subspecies or as distinct species in the literature. The northern population *T. (b.) platei* (sometimes referred to as the Pacific Albatross) breeds in the Chatham Island group (Rangitatahi/Three Sisters and [Motuhara/Forty-Fours](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels)) and on [Rosemary Rock](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-94-rosemary-rock-new-zealand-s-northernmost-albatross-colony), Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands. The southern population *T. (b.) bulleri*breeds on the [Solander](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-41-solander-islands-fiordland-national-park-new-zealand) and [Snares](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-15-snares-islands-new-zealand-home-of-buller-s-and-salvin-s-albatrosses) Islands*.* The two populations breed around two months apart with the northern population laying eggs in October-November and the southern birds over January and February. At least some field guides consider they can be identified by plumage and other differences. According to [New Zealand Birds Online](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bullers-mollymawk) “the two subspecies are separated by bill size and colour and head plumage. Southern Buller’s mollymawk has a silvery-white forehead with black extending over about 70% of the sides of the bill. Northern Buller’s mollymawk has a silvery-grey forehead with black extending over about 80% of the sides of the bill. In addition, the bill of northern Buller’s mollymawk is more robust (longer and deeper) than that of the southern Buller’s mollymawk”. In 2006 the TWG evaluated the taxonomic status of Buller’s Albatross and in its report (AC2 Doc 11 to the 2nd Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee, recommended the northern and southern populations be recognized as subspecies, this then being supported by the committee. This year the TWG reevaluated the situation following new genetic evidence, recommending to the 13th Meeting of the Advisory Committee that the two populations’ subspecific status should be retained (AC13 Doc 10 Rev 1). It commented that “no statistical analyses of morphometric data have been published for these taxa”, suggesting the need for a study. MSc anyone? **Antipodean Albatross**  ![Antipodean Albatross Infographic English medium poster 5mm bleed FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Infographic_English_medium_poster_5mm_bleed_FINAL.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement recognizes four species within the “wandering” group of great albatrosses in the genus *Diomedea*. These are the Amsterdam *D. amsterdamensis*, the Tristan *D. dabbenena*, the Wandering *D. exulans* and the Antipodean *D. antipodensis*. The first three species are regarded as monophyletic by ACAP and most authorities. The Antipodean Albatross, a New Zealand endemic, is recognized by ACAP as having two subspecies, the nominate *D. a. antipodensis*, which breeds on Antipodes Island, and the “Gibson’s” race *D. a. gibsoni*, which breeds on the Auckland Islands. However, this view is not held by all authorities, with some awarding full species status to the two subspecies, as set out in detail on the TWG’s 2006 Report (AC2 Doc 11) to the Second Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee. Following its literature review the working group recommended that the two subspecies did not warrant specific status. It did, however, recognize that little or no gene flow occurs between the two taxa; that *D. a. antipodensis* tends to be darker than *D. a. gibsoni*, and that it is likely *D. a. antipodensis* forages more frequently in the eastern Pacific whereas *D. a. gibsoni* tends to forage in the Tasman Sea. The TWG concluded that these two taxa be recognised as subspecies, which accords with the current situation within the Agreement. **Short-tailed Albatross** *![Eda paper Short tailed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Eda_paper_Short-tailed_Albatrosses.jpg) Males of the two proposed cryptic species of the Short-tailed Albatross, photographs by Satoshi Konno* The [Short-tailed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) *Phoebastria albatrus*breeds primarily on two island groups in the North Pacific: Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano) and to the west on the disputed [Senkaku/Tiaoyutai/Diaoyu Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJicm90aGVyIiwiYnJvdGhlcnMiLCJzZW5rYWt1Il0=). The species has long been considered monophyletic, but recent research by Masaki Eda and colleagues has shown genetic and mensural differences between the populations breeding on the two island groups, leading to their proposal that they constitute two cryptic species – but not providing scientific or common names for them ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/are-short-tailed-albatrosses-two-cryptic-species-new-evidence?highlight=WyJlZGEiXQ==)). Hybridisation between the two populations is thought to occur. The TWG considered the available evidence this year and noted that there “were some significant differences in morphological characteristics between males of the two taxa. In general, Torishima-type birds were larger than western-most current breeding site-type birds, whereas western-most current breeding site -type birds had relatively longer beaks. Sample sizes were small however and insufficient to analyse female differences statistically.” The TWG went on to say “Assessment of the two types of Short-tailed Albatross is undoubtedly hampered by low sample sizes and the inability to visit the [disputed] western-most current breeding site. It remains possible that further research might demonstrate that the two types represent two sub-species, but the morphometric discrimination is not great and the assortative mating is incomplete and likely reflects the known differences in timing of courtship/breeding in the two populations.” The working group therefore recommended that these taxa do not warrant specific status. Collecting new evidence will surely need a ground visit to the disputed islands, but this seems to be unlikely any time soon, given the geopolitical tensions that exist in the region ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJicm90aGVyIiwiYnJvdGhlcnMiLCJzZW5rYWt1Il0=)). **Considerations by the 13th Meeting of the Advisory Committee** Following the report from the TWG, the Advisory Committee at its meeting in 2023 stated in its own [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file) that: “10.1.3 Based on recommendations from the TWG, AC13 agreed that the taxonomic treatment of both Buller’s *Thalassarche bulleri* and Short-tailed *Phoebastria albatrus* Albatrosses should not change despite additions to the evidence on the taxonomy of the two species. 10.1.4 New Zealand advised that data had been collected on the morphometrics of *T. bulleri*and on the plumage of Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* breeding on the Antipodean and Auckland Islands. A whole-genome analysis for Antipodean Albatross was also reported to be underway. This information will further inform the taxonomic treatment of these species.” So, for the time being, and until new evidence is to hand, there remain 22 species of albatrosses, at least from the perspective of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement. **References:** Brothers, N., Bone, C. & Wellbelove, A. 2022. Albatross population monitoring using satellite imagery, a case study. [*Marine Ornithology* 50: 7-12](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1453). Eda, M., Yamasaki, T., Izumi, H., Tomita, N., Konno, S., Konno, M., Murakami, H. & Sato, F. 2020. Cryptic species in a Vulnerable seabird: short-tailed albatross consists of two species. [*Endangered Species Research*43: 375-386](https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2020/43/n043p375.pdf). Taxonomy Working Group 2006. [*Taxonomy Working Group Report to the Second Advisory Committee Meeting - Annex 5 to AC2 Meeting Report*](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/taxonomy-working-group/taxonomy-wg-reports/194-2nd-report-of-taxonomy-wg-2006/file). AC2 Doc 11. 21 pp. Taxonomy Working Group 2023.* [Report of the Taxonomy Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents/4292-ac13-doc-10-report-of-the-taxonomy-working-group/file). *Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 22 – 26 May 2023.  AC13 Doc 10 Rev 1. 12 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-monthly-missive-22-or-25-how-many-albatross-species-are-out-there.md) ## Artificial burrows for beleaguered White-chinned Petrels to be installed on New Island in the South Atlantic ![Whie chinned Petrel artificial burrow New Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Whie-chinned_Petrel_artificial_burrow_New_Island.jpg)*The New Island Restoration Project’s schematic for an artificial burrow for White-chinned Petrels* The New Island Restoration Project ([NIRP](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/)) aims to remove introduced mammals from [New Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic) in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas* ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/removal-of-four-invasive-mammals-planned-for-new-island-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJuZXciLCJuZXdzJyIsIiduZXciLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwibWFsdmluYXMiXQ==)). The island supports a small population (one of the very few in the island group) of ACAP-listed White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*. As [recently reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-all-fail-on-new-island-but-better-days-ahead) by *ACAP Latest News* this population of a globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) species has been having a very poor to zero breeding success attributed to the deleterious effects of feral cats and introduced rodents and European Rabbits, coupled with an eroding habitat. The NIRP now intends to install artificial burrows with the intention of improving breeding success and via its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/NIRestoration) has made a request for local help in securing spare offcuts of pipe, roughly 250-500 mm in diameter and up to a metre long, to use as entrance tunnels to the artificial burrows as illustrated above. In its appeal the project states “The White-chinned Petrels on New Island are facing tough times. Not only are they threatened by invasive mammals, but their burrows are drying up and eroding away. [We will] create artificial nest burrows to help these birds by ensuring a secure breeding ground on New Island.” It is also intended to commence the control of cats in the vicinity of the burrows. A response to its appeal has led to the donation of leftover ducting. *![Whie chinned Petrel New Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Whie-chinned_Petrel_New_Island.jpg) A White-chinned Petrel in its burrow on New Island, photograph from the New Island Restoration Project* Artificial burrows are commonly used both as an aid to allow the study of burrowing petrels and shearwaters (by providing an inspection lid as here) and to facilitate or encourage breeding at translocation sites, as well as on New Island to improve breeding *in situ* in otherwise sub-optimal conditions. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 September 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artificial-burrows-for-beleaguered-white-chinned-petrels-to-be-installed-on-new-island-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## There is still time to apply: the Agreement's Small Grants and Secondment Programme invites applications ![Cristian Suazo DR Chile shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Cristian_Suazo_DR_Chile_shrunk.jpg)*Successful 2022 ACAP Secondment Applicant, Cristián Suazo, from Chile. ACAP Party, Argentina is hosting Cristián for his Secondment, titled: Multi-fishery interactions of sympatric black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses from the Diego Ramírez Islands: An isotopic and tracking approach* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels invites applications for the 2023 round of its Small Grants and Secondment Programmes.  Both programmes provide funding towards proposals that progress the Agreement’s objective to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels. Additionally, Secondment proposals should aim to promote capacity-building within Parties. At the recent Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13), the Committee identified several opportunities for small grants and secondments. Applicants are encouraged to put forward proposals clearly addressing tasks contained within the work programmes of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [AC13 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file)) and Secretariat (see Annex 5, AC13 Report) as relevant. The Agreement’s [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members) or [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq?subject=2022%20ACAP%20Secondment%20Programme%20enquiry) can be contacted to assist in determining ACAP priority areas for proposals. Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties, but can involve collaboration with institutions or individuals based elsewhere. Applications can be completed in English, French or Spanish and should be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file). Applications close at 5pm on 3 October for Small Grant applications and on 17 October for Secondment applications. The 2023 application forms, in all three ACAP official languages, are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships). Find articles about previous ACAP Secondments, [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Secondment&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=&t%5B%5D=6). *04 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/there-is-still-time-to-apply-the-agreements-small-grants-and-secondments-programme-invites-applications.md) ## Effectiveness of internationally standardised bird-scaring lines compared to locally made lines in research conducted on tuna longline fishing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean ![BSL Experiment paper Taiwan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/BSL_Experiment_paper_Taiwan.png)*Figure 1 from the paper: Locations of each vessel conducted the experiment. Each dot represents each set the experiment was carried out.* A paper on an experiment involving the use of bird scaring lines on tuna longline fishing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean has been presented to the Scientific Committee Nineteenth Regular Session, [Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission](https://www.wcpfc.int/home), held in Koror, Palau, 16–24 August 2023. Presented by Dr. Kuo Ting-chun, the paper was the result of research carried out through a collaboration between Scott Pursner and Stephanie Prince, with support from Chinese Taipei's Fisheries Agency. The paper’s abstract follows: “Many seabird species are facing a significant threat from the bycatch associated with longline fisheries. To mitigate this issue, bird-scaring lines, also known as tori lines, are commonly employed on tuna longline vessels to minimize seabird bycatch. While numerous tuna regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) have imposed regulations requiring the use of tori lines that adhere to specific specifications, no research has been conducted to assess the suitability of such regulations for Taiwanese tuna longline vessels. In order to address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to conduct experiments on three large vessels in the North Pacific Ocean to evaluate the effectiveness of internationally standardized tori lines in comparison to the lines made by the captains on these vessels.  The results indicated that the seabird bycatch per unit effort ranged from 0.07 to 0.63 birds per 1000 hooks per vessel. Using zero-inflated generalized linear mixed models, we identified that the probability of seabird bycatch increased in higher latitudes, while the bycatch rate was higher when using tori lines with the international standard than in the tori line made by the captains. This discrepancy may be attributed to the standard tori lines broke more frequently during the experiment. Based on the findings, we recommend the adoption of "O-Kuan" as the material for the main rope of the tori line, which is the same material used for the main fishing rope on Taiwanese vessels.  Additionally, we suggest retaining the dragging part of the line while reducing the total length of the tori line. Furthermore, we conducted measurements on the sinking rates of the hooks for the three experimental vessels, which ranged from 0.19 to 0.43 m/s.  Conducting further research to explore the sinking rate, while utilizing tori line to prevent seabird bycatch, would be valuable in establishing effective seabird mitigation practices for Taiwanese longline vessels.” Reference: Kuo, T.-C., Pursner, S., Prince, S., Gianuca, D. 2023. *[Tori line experiments on Taiwanese tuna longline fishing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean](https://meetings.wcpfc.int/node/19923?fbclid=IwAR18Rq5WbVEjzhfqb49Qh7q54kXz4fVWZDrJ1ef38n-Nzw91AWhHdLSMUro)*. Scientific Committee Nineteenth Regular Session, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, Koror, Palau, 16–24 August 2023.  WCPFC-SC19-2023/EB. 16pp. *01 September 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/internationally-standardised-tori-lines-compared-to-locally-made-lines-in-research-conducted-on-tuna-longline-fishing-vessels-in-the-north-pacific-ocean.md) ## Risk of high pathogenicity avian influenza spreading to Antarctica increasing ![OFFLU Statement Graphic](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/OFFLU_Statement_Graphic.png)*Figure from the Statement. Map of the southern tip of South America and western Antarctica, indicating localities and island groups mentioned in the text. Notable locations in South America mentioned in the text are denoted by a red circle.* The OFFLU ([WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza](https://www.offlu.org/)) *ad-hoc *group on HPAI H5 in wildlife of South America and Antarctica have released a statement on the spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza of the subtype H5 in South America.  The spread of HPAI H5 virus across South America has been rapid and its effects on wild bird and mammal populations devastating. Since its detection in Columbia in October 2022, the virus has spread approximately 6,000 km in only three months, with the most southern detection having been reported in a South American sea lion at Puerto Williams, Chile. There is mounting concern that HPAI H5 virus will continue its southward trajectory and reach Antarctica and its offshore islands, posing a significant risk to wildlife.  “This risk may be increased in coming months due to the spring migration of wild birds from South America to breeding sites in the Antarctic. The negative impact of HPAI H5 on Antarctic wild birds and mammal populations could be immense, both because of their likely susceptibility to mortality from this virus, and their occurrence in dense colonies of up to thousands of pinnipeds and hundreds of thousands of birds, allowing efficient virus transmission.” Detection and response options such as surveillance and accurate documentation of HPAI-H5-associated mortality events, and following guidelines to reduce risk of human-mediated virus spread are outlined in the statement. The full statement from OFFLU is available to download, [here](https://www.offlu.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OFFLU-statement-HPAI-wildlife-South-America-20230823.pdf). **Reference:** Breed, A., Dewar, M., Dodyk, L., Kuiken, T., Matus, R., Serafini, P.P., Uhart, M., Vanstreels, R.E.T., Willie, M. 2023. *[Southward expansion of high pathogenicity avian influenza H5 in wildlife in South America: estimated impact on wildlife populations, and risk of incursion into Antarctica](https://www.offlu.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OFFLU-statement-HPAI-wildlife-South-America-20230823.pdf)*. Disclaimer: This statement provides the point of view of independent OFFLU experts, and does not necessarily reflect the position of the parent organisations FAO and WOAH.  *30 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/risk-of-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-spreading-to-antarctica-increasing-according-to-new-report.md) ## Earliest known fledging age for a Northern Royal Albatross Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* breeding in the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island are intensively managed, *inter alia* by daily nest checks that allow age at fledging to be known for this [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) species The following news item with information from [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) Ranger, Sharyn Broni gives an example of an “early bird” fledgling that left the breeding colony well below the species’ average age.  ![Northern Royal Albatross GP chick Hayden Parsons](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_GP_chick_Hayden_Parsons.jpg) *The young fledgling,* *photograph by Hayden Parsons* “The first chick of the season fledged on 27 August. The chick has also set a new record as the youngest chick to fledge in the colony’s’ history at only 217 days old. The previous record for youngest fledging was 219 days and the average is 240 days. We think he fledged so early because he had really regular feedings from his parents, meaning he was in good condition and at a good weight, and perfect fledging conditions on Sunday with strong winds blowing him straight out to the ocean. This is one of 20 chicks who received a GLS tracker [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/new-bling-twenty-fledgling-northern-royal-albatrosses-to-get-tracked-for-three-years-with-global-location-sensors)], so when he returns, we can see exactly where he's been. Now we await the other 32 chicks to fledge, making this a record season for the highest number of chicks fledged - current record is 30 chicks in 2021. Information from the Facebook page of [The Royal Albatross Centre](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZX9Jv2SDVlHL_9Q7W2cAYPYZgdRu91zVKVuYKlFlFloc-Sg9ea-AIUaut4RsYl9WPy_9J5xuKd54VzjuSYwKBktPHz57OCTgX4LA8-_89-Ukk5HePpXHQ9I01qTmsWZDNZuUB4shrm3oiho9dcarxbM&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R).  Read more on the Department of Conservation [website](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2023-media-releases/first-otago-albatross-fledgling-a-record-setter/?fbclid=IwAR1-pc1SQpOFCyZU2YdZd8RuQzgoOC9IOhKKqH9xz4Snx4KrRREy-ISXD_g). *31 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/earliest-known-fledging-age-for-a-northern-royal-albatross.md) ## Whole-Island drone-based population surveys of albatrosses considered in report for New Zealand’s Department of Conservation ![Disappointment Is 9000 ft Barry Baker s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Disappointment_Is__9000_ft_Barry_Baker_s.jpg)*Filling data gaps for the population of Wandering Albatrosses on New Zealand's Disappointment Island (pictured) was one of the aims of the research* A report by Kath Walker ([Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz), New Zealand) and colleagues on the population of Antipodean albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis *on New Zealand’s Auckland Islands has been released by the Department of Conservation. Researchers carried out a census and considered the capacity for drone-based whole-island surveys.  The report’s summary follows:  “Gibson’s wandering albatross (Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni) has been in decline since 2005. Research into the causes of and solutions to the falling numbers of Gibson’s wandering albatross includes an annual visit to the main breeding grounds on Adams Island, and this report describes the results of the field programme in the 2022/2023 breeding season. The survival and productivity of Gibson’s wandering albatross has recovered from the dramatically low rates recorded during 2006–08, but the average survival rate for both sexes remain lower than before the population crash in 2005, and nest success has only just recovered to pre-crash levels. Recent increases in the number of nesting birds are almost certainly attributable to a higher proportion of the population choosing to breed and mark-recapture models estimates of population size still show a decline. The data missed because of the late cancellation of the 2021 season field trip precludes better estimates of population size until next year. Twenty-two juvenile Gibson’s wandering albatrosses were fitted with satellite transmitters and dataloggers before they fledged in late December 2022. In the subsequent seven months juveniles spent more time foraging north-east of New Zealand than previously tracked adult birds. No information has previously been collected on the at-sea distribution of juvenile Gibson’s wandering albatross, so this data filled a major data gap. For investigation into diet and mercury pollution in Gibson’s wandering albatross, work additional to the CSP annual plan, feather and blood samples were collected from 20 juvenile and 58 adult birds outside the main albatross study area. Drone census techniques were refined, allowing a more reliable estimate of the effort required for a whole-island drone-assisted count of the number of Gibson’s wandering albatross nesting on Adams Island. High variability in the number of birds sitting on nests but not incubating eggs (loafing birds) is a large source of error when trying to count breeding birds from the air, which would require substantial concurrent ground-truthing to ameliorate. The costs and benefits of undertaking whole-island nest counts using a variety of methods including drones are explored. The island’s large size, height and persistent bad weather mean a large amount of time and resources are required to obtain a reliable whole-island count using any method. It would be a major undertaking, requiring its own dedicated effort, best done after the regular field programme to ensure the vital mark-recapture trend monitoring dataset is not compromised.” **Reference:** Walker K, Elliott G, Parker GC, Rexer-Huber K. 2023. Gibson’s wandering albatross: population study and potential for drone-based whole-island census. POP2022-08 final report prepared for New Zealand Department of Conservation. 28 p. [POP2022-08 Gibson's wandering albatross: population study and assessment of potential for drone-based whole-island census (PDF, 2,242K) ](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/pop2022-08-gibsons-albatross-final-report.pdf) *28 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/whole-island-drone-based-population-surveys-of-wandering-albatrosses-considered-in-report-for-new-zealands-department-of-conservation.md) ## Obituary. David Crockett (1937-2023), discoverer of the Chatham Island Taiko *![David Crockett Magenta Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/David_Crockett_Magenta_Petrel.jpg) David Crockett with two Magenta Petrels/Chatham Island Taikos* David Edward Crockett QSO* (25 March 1936 - 24 August 2023) of Whangarei, New Zealand was responsible for rediscovering the globally [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698049) and [Nationally Critical](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/chatham-island-taiko) Magenta Petrel or [Chatham Island Taiko](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/chatham-island-taiko/) *Pterodroma magentae*in the Tuku Gully in the south west of the main Chatham Island in 1978. The petrel was previously considered to be extinct. David summarized his decade of patient searching in a paper published in the New Zealand journal *Notornis* in 1994 that covered aspects of the petrel’s behaviour, habitat, morphology and ecology. The population remains tiny with a total estimated population of fewer than 200 birds and 33 breeding pairs that is growing slowly. It is now the subject of active conservation, notably predator control of feral cats and pigs and rodents, fencing, and translocations, by the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/chatham-island-taiko/) and the [Chatham Island Taiko Trust](https://www.taiko.org.nz/) (watch a four-minute video [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji4DqMDuiyc)). *![MagentaPetrel c GraemeTaylor NZDeptOfConservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/MagentaPetrel_c_GraemeTaylor_NZDeptOfConservation.jpg) A Magenta Petrel/Chatham Island Taiko in the hand, photograph by Graeme Taylor, Department of Conservation* I met David only once, at the ICBP Seabird Conservation Symposium held in Cambridge, UK in August 1982, with its proceedings published in 1984. He, along with a large New Zealand contingent, proved to be a convivial group, and added much to the enjoyment of the symposium that was held in King's College. I well remember a magical evening during the symposium with him and the other Kiwis listening to the New Zealand Youth Choir singing in the iconic [King’s College Chapel](https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel). The closing dinner in the college’s impressive Georgian Gothic [Hall](#toc-3) was also a grand affair, with what I remember as being [madrigals](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=madrigals) sung from a balcony between each course. I also learnt which way to pass the Port decanter ([always to the left](https://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/the-etiquette-of-port/)) and somewhere still have the menu signed by David and the other symposium attendees. *![Magenta Petrel Oestrelata magentae Keulemans](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Magenta_Petrel_Oestrelata_magentae_Keulemans.jpg) A 19th Century hand-coloured plate of a Magenta Petrel by**Dutch illustrator**[Johannes Gerardus Keulemans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gerrard_Keulemans). Not a realistic pose!* Every decent person should leave a legacy. David Crockett left us with a whole species – and a handsome seabird at that. Surely a legacy to be proud of for any marine ornithologist. His funeral and his life of 87 years will be celebrated at Christ Church, Whangarei on 31 August 2023. *Ave atque vale*, David. **References:** Crockett, D.E. 1979. Rediscovery of the Chatham Island taiko solved century-old mystery. *Forest & Bird* 13: 8-13. Crockett, D.E. 1994. Rediscovery of Chatham Island taiko *Pterodroma magentae. [Notornis (Supplement)](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/rediscovery-of-chatham-island-taiko-pterodroma-magentae/)*[41: 49-60](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/rediscovery-of-chatham-island-taiko-pterodroma-magentae/). Croxall, J.P., Evans, P.G.H. & Schreiber, R.W. (Eds). 1984. Status and Conservation of the World's Seabirds. *International Council for Bird Preservation Technical Publication* 2. 778 pp. Imber, M.J., Crockett, D.E., Gordon, A.H., Best, H.A., Douglas, M.E. & Cotter, R.N. 1994. Finding the burrows of Chatham Island taiko *Pterodroma magentae*by radio telemetry. *[Notornis (Supplement)](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Notornis_41_sup_69.pdf)*[41: 69-96](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Notornis_41_sup_69.pdf). Imber, M.J., Taylor, G.A., Tennyson, A.J.D., Aikman, H.A., Scofield, R.P., Ballantyne, J. & Crockett, D.E. 2005. Non-breeding behaviour of Magenta petrels *Pterodroma magentae* at Chatham Island, New Zealand. *[Ibis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-919x.2005.00463.x)*[147: 758-763](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-919x.2005.00463.x). Lawrence, H.A., Millar, C.D., Imber, M.J., Crockett, D.E., Robins, J.H., Scofield, R.P., Taylor, G.A. & Lambert, D.M. 2009. Molecular evidence for the identity of the Magenta petrel. *[Molecular Ecology Resources](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02370.x)*[9: 458-461](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02370.x). Lawrence, H.A., Scofield, R.P., Crockett, D.E., Millar, C.D. & Lambert, D.M. 2008. Ancient genetic variation in one of the world's rarest seabirds. *[Heredity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19018271/)*[101: 543-547](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19018271/). Lawrence, H.A., Taylor, G.A., Crockett, D.E., Millar, C.D. & Lambert, D.M. 2008. New genetic approach to detecting individuals of rare and endangered species. *[Conservation Biology](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.01021.x)*[22: 1267-1276](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.01021.x). *David Crockett was made an Ordinary Companion of the [Queen's Service Order](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_Service_Order) for Public Services in 2000 ([click here](https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/queens-birthday-honours-list-2000-including-special-list-east-timor)). The order was established by royal warrant of Queen Elizabeth II on 13 March 1975 and is used to recognise "valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office”. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 August 2023.* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/obituary-david-crockett-1937-2023-discoverer-of-the-chatham-island-taiko.md) ## Albatrosses and petrels responses to marine heatwaves analysed in new study ![Fig 5 Marine Heatwave Impact on Seabirds Paper Woehler](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Fig_5_Marine_Heatwave_Impact_on_Seabirds_Paper_Woehler.png)*Figure 5. from the paper which presents vulnerability of seabirds to marine heatwaves (MHWs) is related to the spatial overlap/proximity of the event to breeding and foraging areas, and to the duration of the temporal overlap. Vulnerability is indicated by warmer colours, and the dashed lines are representative of equiva- lent vulnerability. For example, an extended MHW with low spatial overlap will have a similar impact to a brief MHW that has high overlap* Eric J. Woehler ([Australasian Seabird Group](https://birdlife.org.au/groups/australasian-seabird-group/), Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) and Alistair J. Hobday have published open access in the journal [Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/about-the-journal/), on how a seabird’s life experience could play a role in moderating the effects of marine heatwaves. The paper’s abstract follows, “Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are periods of anomalously warm water associated with changes in ocean structure, based on the horizontal advection of water masses and atmospheric exchange of heat. The longest MHWs persist for many months, and dramatic effects on marine life have been reported from around the world. As top-order predators, seabirds are particularly sensitive to MHWs, with high levels of mortality associated with some events, but not with others. Thus, prediction of impacts is not straightforward, as mortality is not linearly related to simple measures of MHW intensity, persistence, and areal coverage. We describe biological responses expected for seabirds, based on demographic parameters and the geographic proximity and phenological timing of MHWs with respect to seabirds. The expected interactions between seabirds and MHWs will be complex (with some responses likely to be unpredictable) and will extend over broad spatial and temporal scales. The spatial proximity of anomalous marine conditions to breeding colonies, their overlap with foraging areas, and the degree to which MHWs coincide with pre-breeding and breeding seasons presently generate the greatest pressures on seabird populations. We posit that area-restricted seabird species, in terms of movement and breeding strategies, are at greater risk from MHWs, but that non-linear effects complicate prediction. The impacts of MHWs on seabirds may be mediated by their life history strategies.” **Reference: ** Woehler, E.J., Hobday, A.J. 2023. Impacts of marine heatwaves may be mediated by seabird life history strategies. *Marine Ecology Progress Series*. [https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14333](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14333)[https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14333](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14333) *25 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-and-petrels-responses-to-marine-heatwaves-analysed-in-new-study.md) ## The Midway Seabird Protection Project fails to eradicate the atoll’s albatross-killing House Mice *![Midway Jon Brack](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Midway_Jon_Brack.jpg) Mouse-infested Sand Island, with smaller mouse-free Eastern Island upper right, photograph by Jon Brack, USFWS* The [Midway Seabird Protection Project](https://www.fws.gov/project/midway-atolls-seabird-protection-project) aimed to eradicate House Mice *Mus musculus*that have taken to attacking albatrosses on Sand Island, the larger of the two islands that make up USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North Pacific. *![SPP Midway baiting 02.jpg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/SPP_Midway_baiting_02.jpg.webp) “Using a new hopper [filled via an excavator] specially constructed for this project, we safely and efficiently filled the bucket while reducing risk to crew and equipment. Affectionately called Dennis and standing roughly 10-feet [three-metres] tall, the hopper is made of heavy steel and able to stand securely despite the helicopter’s strong downwash”, photograph by**Jon Brack, USFW**S* Aerial bait applications were completed in July, but subsequently mice have been found to be still present, as recently reported on the Facebook page of the [Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWX-FtkMaJzzTk31-intN5YYefalKcI--yMTrcCfRcZuwwv9WuawEEA7w7JvqcqRED6Fh8SbK0AMg2RQ3fQvMfW2Auh2-NyCZubxxFRtkoN0CY2KNc5biX1eIKv567bxcyfnI-5tO2RYmjEv9zh4Z5zRfS2wBQDn4T_W7x8U5anh9Y6_1OSPLLJ-FiBXREr094&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R). “In 2015 attacks by invasive mice on albatross at Midway Atoll spurred the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our partners working in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to initiate the Midway Seabird Protection Project, with a goal to eradicate non-native mice from Sand Island. After years of planning and preparation with top rodent control experts from the U.S. and internationally, the project was implemented this year. However, after safely and effectively completing bait applications across Sand Island this summer, mice are still present in many areas of the island, and a root cause is not immediately evident. We are ceasing current eradication efforts and transitioning to continue to care for native species and gathering data to help inform this project and similar projects around the world. Learn more about the project implementation, where we are now with the project, and [find] upcoming updates [here](https://ow.ly/plPN50PzEMy).” **![Laysan Midway mouse kills](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Laysan_Midway_mouse_kills.JPG)* Evidence of mouse attacks on Midway’s Laysan Albatrosses, from USFWS* The project reports in its latest update, dated 15 August: “There are theories, and questions, as to why mice persist on Sand Island. As the team transitions to a Mitigation and Learning Phase, we will continue to gather data to try to find answers. Environmental Monitoring, begun before the application of any bait and continuing throughout the project, can help us understand conditions on the ground. Additional studies can provide knowledge of Sand Island mouse foraging behaviors and food preferences, habitat anomalies, factors of weather and bait, and more. We will also continue to monitor the native wildlife for impacts from mice and take efforts to minimize predation on seabirds when we find it is occurring. The outcome of every rodent eradication effort is uncertain, and every project is an opportunity to learn more about rodents, rodent behavior, toxicants, mitigation of risk to non-target species, and other factors that can influence future restoration projects. Lessons learned on Midway will help inform this project and similar projects around the world”. The Midway Atoll failure follows that of the [Gough Island Restoration Project](https://www.goughisland.com/) that failed to eradicate House Mice that also attack that island’s albatrosses (and other seabirds) in 2021. *John**Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-midway-seabird-protection-project-fails-to-eradicate-the-atolls-albatross-killing-house-mice.md) ## Trail-camera assessments, GLS tracking and population monitoring: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation releases reports on albatross research on the Chatham Islands ![Northern Noyal Albatrosses David Brooks shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Noyal_Albatrosses_David_Brooks_shrunk.jpg)*Monitoring the population of Northern Royal Albatrosses (pictured) was one area of focus for the research on New Zealand's Chatham Islands. Photograph by David Brooks* A collection of reports on albatross research conducted on the Chatham Islands has been published by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. **The Publications:** [Motuhara seabird research field trip December 2022 (PDF, 182K)](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/motuhara-seabird-research-field-trip-report-dec-2022.pdf) [Trail-camera assessment of the fates of Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Buller’s Mollymawk chicks: 2021 breeding season, Motuhara (PDF, 3,132K)](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/evaluation-of-motuhara-trail-camera-images-final-report.pdf) [POP2022-05 Northern Buller’s albatross GLS tracking and comparison with Southern Buller’s albatross (PDF, 5,392K)](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/northern-bullers-gls-tracking-2021-final-report.pdf) [POP2022-06 Northern Royal Albatross tracking from Motuhara, Chatham Islands, and Taiaroa Head in 2021 (1,364K) ](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/northern-royal-albatross-tracking-from-motuhara-chatham-islands-and-taiaroa-head-2021-final-report.pdf) **A summary of each report follows:** “The field work has been undertaken on Motuhara Island, a privately owned island east of Chatham Island with some of the most significant albatross colonies in New Zealand. Mike Bell (Toroa Consulting Ltd) visited the colony in December 2022 to collect tracking tags of northern Buller’s albatross/mollymawk (*Thalassarche bulleri platei*), download trail camera footage from cameras left out over the previous 12 months, carry out banding of birds for demographic studies and conduct counts of albatrosses and northern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli*). The trail camera footage from 2021 for northern royal albatross (*Diomedea sanfordi*) and northern Buller’s albatross was analysed by Peter Frost (Science Support Services). This was looking at breeding success at monitored nests, timing and causes of nest failures, activity levels across the daily cycle to inform aerial survey techniques and other observations relevant to the behaviour of the birds across the nesting cycle. Dates of departure of chicks are provided. Climate related issues on the colony are assessed in the report. Global location sensing tags (GLS) were applied to northern Buller’s albatross as well as southern Buller’s albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri*) on the Snares Island (Tini Heke). Johannes Fischer has analysed the tracking datasets (n=69 from northerns and n=28 from southerns) to show patterns of annual movements, migration routes and core foraging zones both within the New Zealand EEZ and the high seas and when the birds reach South American waters off Chile and Peru. There are temporal differences in the timing of breeding with a four month difference in peak breeding: northerns departing earlier and returning earlier than southerns, reducing spatial and temporal overlap in their foraging ranges here and off South America. Northerns largely remain north and east of the Chatham Rise whereas southerns are common off southern and western South Island, and off Otago and Canterbury. Some birds reach the seas off Australia. The satellite tracking of northern royal albatross in 2021 is reported by Samhita Bose. This species had tags applied on Motuhara and the birds stayed exclusively within the New Zealand EEZ during chick rearing. After breeding failure or at the end of the season the birds migrated to the seas off western and eastern South America (Chile, Patagonia and Argentina). Issues with the loss of aerials on tags on some tags were identified with this project. Also a pair of northern royals and their chick from Taiaroa Head were tracked in 2021 and the results presented in this report. The male from this pair made the only visit to the Tasman Sea of the 33 birds involved in this study.” **Publication information** Bell, M. 2023. Motuhara seabird research: field trip report December 2022. Report prepared by Toroa Consulting Limited for the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. 4 p.   Frost, P., Bell, M., Taylor, G. 2023.  Trail-camera assessment of the fates of Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Buller’s Mollymawk chicks: 2021 breeding season, Motuhara. Report prepared for the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. 25 p.  Bose, S., Bell, M., Taylor, G. 2023.  Northern Royal Albatross tracking from Motuhara, Chatham Islands, and Taiaroa Head in 2021. POP2022-06 final report prepared for the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. 9 p.   Fischer, J.H., Bell, M., Frost, P., Sagar, P.M., Thompson, D.R, Middlemiss, K.L., Debski, I., Taylor, G. 2023. Year-round GLS tracking of Northern Buller’s albatross and comparison with Southern Buller’s albatross. POP2022-05 final report prepared for the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. 16 p. *23 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/trail-camera-assessments-gls-tracking-and-population-monitoring-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-releases-reports-on-albatross-research-on-the-chatham-islands.md) ## The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer  ![Argentinian Side Trawler Leo Tamini 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Argentinian_Side_Trawler_Leo_Tamini_2.JPG)*An Argentinian side trawler; photo by Leo Tamini* The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization ([FAO](https://www.fao.org/home/en/)) has reissued a vacancy announcement for a Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer (P-5) at the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean ([RLC](https://www.fao.org/americas/oficina-regional/en/)) in Santiago, Chile. Details from the announcement follow: “The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. **Reporting Lines** The Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer reports to the Regional Programme Leader, with functional guidance of the Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at headquarters. **Technical Focus** Provides integrated advice on fisheries policy, management and governance, and sustainable aquaculture development in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. **Key Results** Leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of regional programmes of work, projects, products, services in accordance with regional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework and in alignment with the Organization's Gender Policy.” The complete job description and the link to apply can be found at the FAO website, [here](https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2302357&tz=GMT%2B02%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FRome). The deadline for applications is 30 August 2023. *21 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-the-food-and-agriculture-organization-of-the-united-nations-fao-seeks-senior-fishery-and-aquaculture-officer.md) ## Tracking ACAP-listed Westland Petrels from New Zealand to South America *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Picture1.jpg) Tracks from four different Westland Petrel adults across the annual cycle (two males and two females)* A news article on a study of the ACAP-listed and [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698155) Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica*, endemic to New Zealand, follows. “A Department of Conservation team, with field work led by Westport based biodiversity ranger, Kate Simister, has been funded to conduct three years of research into Westland petrels / tāiko. The funding comes from the Conservation Services Programme, which monitors the impact of commercial fishing on protected species, studies species populations and looks at ways to mitigate bycatch. The new funding has allowed the work programme to expand to cover a range of new projects not previously attempted with this species. These include: 1.      Understanding burrow occupancy rates in this species to determine how burrow mapping and nest counts can be related to numbers of breeding pairs. In particular how the status of apparent non-breeding birds occupying nest sites changes over time (e.g. are these pairs skipping breeding attempts, failed breeders or do these birds lack a partner?) 2.      Investigating the diving behaviour of Westland petrels using time-depth records to determine their risk profile from fisheries methods such as surface and bottom long-lines. 3.      Carry out multi-year tracking of adult birds using Global Location Sensing tags to determine extent of time spent within the New Zealand EEZ and elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. 4.      Track juvenile birds to determine if they migrate to seas beyond New Zealand. 5.      Testing of different tag attachment methods for GPS or Argos passive integrated transponder tags. The study, currently in the third year of field work and the winter breeding season of tāiko, has recently shared a progress report. The report includes some fascinating early findings and when, complete, will provide extensive data for further analysis through an MSc student programme and new scientific papers. Findings include dive depth and foraging locations as well as their migration to South America. For the detail, methodology and early findings, the interim report is [available here.](https://www.westcoastpenguintrust.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-CSP-Westland-Petrel-draft-progress-report.pdf)” *![Westland Petrel Raja Stephenson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland%20Petrel%20Raja%20Stephenson.jpg) A Westland Petrel in flight, photograph by Raja Stephenson* Text from the website of the [West Coast Penguin Trust](https://www.westcoastpenguintrust.org.nz/news/to-south-america-and-back-the-westland-petrel-annual-migration/). *22 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tracking-acap-listed-westland-petrels-from-new-zealand-to-south-america.md) ## Fortune favours the bold? Wandering Albatrosses’ flight decisions to winds influenced by personality ![Wandering Albatross PEIs Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_PEIs_Trevor_Hardaker.JPG)*A Wandering Albatross soars over the ocean; photo by Trevor Hardaker* The flight responses of 294 Wandering Albatrosses to winds have been analysed in a new study by Natasha Gillies ([School of Environmental Sciences](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK) and colleagues. The research published open access in, [*Journal of Animal Ecology*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652656), examines the relationship between the personality trait of boldness and behavioural plasticity in flight decisions to varied wind conditions. The paper’s abstract follows: 1. “Behavioural plasticity can allow populations to adjust to environmental change when genetic evolution is too slow to keep pace. However, its constraints are not well understood. Personality is known to shape individual behaviour, but its relationship to behavioural plasticity is unclear. 2. We studied the relationship between boldness and behavioural plasticity in response to wind conditions in wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*). 3. We fitted multivariate hidden Markov models to an 11-year GPS dataset collected from 294 birds to examine whether the probability of transitioning between behavioural states (rest, prey search and travel) varied in response to wind, boldness and their interaction. 4. We found that movement decisions varied with boldness, with bolder birds showing preferences for travel, and shyer birds showing preferences for search. For females, these effects depended on wind speed. In strong winds, which are optimal for movement, females increased time spent in travel, while in weaker winds, shyer individuals showed a slight preference for search, while bolder individuals maintained preference for travel. 5. Our findings suggest that individual variation in behavioural plasticity may limit the capacity of bolder females to adjust to variable conditions and highlight the important role of behavioural plasticity in population responses to climate change.” **Reference:** Gillies, N.,  Weimerskirch, H.,  Thorley, J.,  Clay, T. A.,  Martín López, L. M.,  Joo, R.,  Basille, M., &  Patrick, S. C. 2023.  Boldness predicts plasticity in flight responses to winds. *Journal of Animal Ecology*, 00,  1–13. [https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13968](https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13968)[https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13968](https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13968) *18 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fortune-favours-the-bold-wandering-albatrosses-flight-decisions-to-winds-influenced-by-personality.md) ## Decisions, decisions: complexities of decision-making in seabird conservation management highlighted in new study  ![Whenua Hou Diving Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/Diving_petrels/BS002/Whenua-Hou-Diving-Petrel.jpg)*The [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/whenua-hou-diving-petrel-pelecanoides-whenuahouensis) Whenua Hou Diving Petrel Pelecanoides whenuahouensis. The image shows the upper wing with distinctive white scapula and grey-white crescent on side of head. Held by researcher Johannes Fischer on Sealer's Bay beach, Codfish Island / Whenua Hou, New Zealand* Johannes H. Fischer (Aquatic Unit, [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the *[Journal of Applied Ecology](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652664) *on the application of decision analyses to the complexities of seabird conservation management. The paper’s abstract follows: 1. “Conservation management decisions are challenging due to multiple, competing values (objectives) held by various parties, complex management options (alternatives), potential irreversible consequences, ubiquitous uncertainty and opaque governance structures. These complications are exacerbated when target species are highly mobile, utilise aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and interact with human interests. Even when decisions are made, these challenges may still inhibit management implementation. Decision analyses offer solutions, but are rarely applied in conservation management, especially for highly mobile species across ecosystems. 2. We applied a formal decision analysis for the conservation management of a highly mobile seabird (Kuaka; Whenua Hou Diving Petrel; *Pelecanoides whenuahouensis*) across ecosystems. Together with Māori (Indigenous Peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand), government staff and industry representatives, we identified seven fundamental objectives and 11 potential alternatives. We predicted consequences of alternatives across objectives using state-of-the-art statistical models, including integrated population models, and expert elicitations hosted through Shiny apps. We then used various decision-analytical tools to weigh trade-offs and identify the preferred alternative. 3. The preferred alternative across objectives consisted of a combination of mitigation of vessel-based light pollution, plant and competition management and inter-island translocations. This alternative was predicted to provide the most effective conservation outcomes across values and ecosystems and was rapidly implemented in a stepwise fashion following this decision analysis. 4. *Synthesis and application*. We illustrate that decision analyses provide inclusive environments for all participants despite diverse backgrounds and views, enable rational navigation of complex decision landscapes and facilitate transparent identification of preferred management options across all fundamental values, including Māori value systems and industry concerns. Additionally, we show that decision analyses can rapidly bridge the spaces between research and implementation. Therefore, we argue that the application of decision analyses has great potential to improve the field of conservation.” **Reference:** Fischer, J. H., Parker, K. A., Kenup, C. F.,  Davis, T.,  Bull, S.,  Pera-Leask, E.,  Ryan, H.,  Witehira, M.,  Cole, R. A., Taylor, G. A.,  Debski, I., &  Ewen, J. G. 2023.  Decision analysis for seabird recovery: Navigating complexity across ecosystems, balancing competing values and bridging spaces between research and implementation. *Journal of Applied Ecology*, 60. [https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14448](https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14448)[https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14448](https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14448) *14 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/decisions-decisions-complexities-of-decision-making-in-seabird-conservation-management-highlighted-in-new-study.md) ## 138 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels have been treated by a South African rehabilitation centre over 25 years *![Northern Giant Petrel incubating Marion Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Northern_Giant_Petrel_incubating_Marion_Michelle_Risi.jpg) A Northern Giant Petrel incubating on Marion Island, August 2023, photograph by Michelle Risi* Albert Snyman ([Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds](https://sanccob.co.za/), Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Polar Biology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/300) on 297 pelagic seabirds admitted to a rehabilitation centre in South Africa over a 25-year period. Three quarters were members of the order Procellariiformes. Eight ACAP-listed species totalled 138 individuals (46%); 21 of these were albatrosses, with Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris* and Shy *T. cauta*Albatrosses the most abundant. The paper’s abstract follows: Seabird species that breed on remote islands in the southern and northern hemispheres are occasionally seen in the continental shelf waters of South Africa. Most are only seen at sea; however, weak, oiled, or injured individuals found on land or on fishing vessels are occasionally admitted to rehabilitation centres. From 1993 to 2017 (25 years), the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) admitted 297 southern and northern hemisphere remotely-breeding seabirds from 35 species. This represents an average of 12 birds per year, ranging from 0 to 32. The most frequently recorded families were: Procellariidae (198 individuals, 67%), Spheniscidae (29 individuals, 10%), Stercorariidae (22 individuals, 7%), and Diomedeidae (21 individuals, 7%). The three most common species corresponded to the largest Procellariidae species: southern giant petrel (*Macronectes giganteus*, 49 individuals, 16%), northern giant petrel (*Macronectes halli*, 34 individuals, 11%), and white-chinned petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*, 34 individuals, 11%). The majority of birds were admitted due to debilitation (61%) or injury (21%). Of the 185 birds for which the outcome of rehabilitation was recorded, 39% survived to be released back into the wild.” With thanks go Katta Ludyina. **Reference:** Snyman, A., Vanstreels, R.E.T., Parsons, N.J. & Ludynia, K. 2023. Visitor and vagrant seabirds admitted for rehabilitation in South Africa, 1993–2017. [*Polar Biology*doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03186-w](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-023-03186-w) [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/138-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-treated-by-a-south-african-rehabilitation-centre-over-25-years.md) ## ACAP celebrates World Krill Day ![Antarctic Krill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Antarctic_Krill.jpg)*Antarctic Krill ([pictured](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Krill666.jpg)) is a keystone species in Antarctica and now have a 'World Day' in honour of their importance to the Southern Ocean* Today, 11 August, marks World Krill Day, and though they are small, these crustaceans deserve to be celebrated enormously as one of the unsung heroes of the planet. Krill are a key species in the Antarctic and an important food source for many species of marine life in the Southern Ocean, including albatrosses and other ACAP-listed specie*s*.  Threats to Antarctic Krill and the marine life dependent on it include: rising sea temperatures which are impacting the distribution of krill in the Antarctic, forcing populations southward to colder waters, and an increased interest in krill resources from commercial fisheries.  Incidental deaths of albatrosses and petrels also occur in krill trawl fisheries when birds may collide with cables and become injured, or be dragged underwater when their wings become entangled around the warp; birds can also become entangled in nets during shooting and hauling.  The re-establishment of the Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing (WG-IMAF) at last year’s CCAMLR meeting in Tasmania was welcomed by the Agreement. The WG-IMAF was originally created in response to concerns over the decline in albatross populations, and the potential for this to be exacerbated by interactions with CCAMLR fisheries and was reconvened in 2022 to review mitigation of incidental mortality in the krill trawl fishery.  ACAP has been extended an ongoing invitation for an ACAP expert to participate in the WG-IMAF and will be in attendance at this year’s CCAMLR meeting taking place in October this year. The establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Antarctic waters has been a decade-long pursuit for CCAMLR and is urged by Rod Downie, Chief Polar Adviser at WWF-UK, who said: "[But] changes in krill distribution and a growing interest from the fishing industry necessitates rapid action towards a network of marine protected areas incorporating krill habitat to support biodiversity and climate stability. We need to work with nature, not against it, in the fight against climate change.” *11 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-celebrates-the-inaugural-world-krill-day.md) ## Naomi Cordeiro’s ACAP Secondment with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation to help expand the role of detection dogs in conservation in the South Atlantic ![Naomi Cordeiro with detection dog Sammy web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Naomi_Cordeiro_with_detection_dog_Sammy_web.jpg)*"You always want a dog that wants to work, that’s first and foremost, they have to enjoy what they are doing. Rodent dogs need to have a certain level of prey drive as they are effectively using their natural ability to hunt to find the invasive species. However, a dog working at an airport has to want to search but also has to be calm and relaxed around big crowds. The job determines what qualities you will look for in selecting a dog." ACAP Secondee, Naomi Cordeiro with her detection dog, Sammy; photo supplied* New Zealand’s Conservation Dogs Program (CDP), which is managed by the Department of Conservation, has welcomed detection dog-handler, Naomi Cordeiro for her ACAP Secondment. Members of the CDP will host Naomi as she immerses herself with its world-class detection dog teams where she will learn new conservation techniques as part of her Secondment.  Helen Neale, Conservation Dogs Programme Manager at the Department of Conservation commented: "The Conservation Dogs Programme is always keen to support visits from overseas dog handlers working in conservation – the exchange of information around how dogs are being utilised on other projects is so valuable and supports our ongoing learning as a programme. It also connects us both with new and emerging applications for our dog handler teams*."* Originally from Scotland, Naomi now lives in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*, having moved there in 2017 for a job in biosecurity with the government. Her interest in detection dog-handling was sparked when she saw detection dog teams working on a biosecurity detection dog programme following the successful eradication of rats and mice from the main island of South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*. “I became a bit of a groupie to the dog teams, and so when the job came up, I applied and was successful. I did my initial training in Virginia, USA with Working Dogs for Conservation, I’ve been to the UK to train with a specialised conservation detection consultancy there, and this year I’m doing a week’s training in Holland.” Naomi currently provides biosecurity services in the South Atlantic with her consultancy, South Atlantic Detection Dogs (SADD). The detection dogs ensure vessels and cargoes are rodent-free before they journey onwards to rodent-free islands, a conservation measure that safeguards the region’s wildlife including priority populations of ACAP-listed species. However, biosecurity is just one area of application for detection dogs in conservation, and through her secondment with NZDOC, Naomi aims to develop her dog-handling skills further in order to expand SADD’s conservation services to include the use of detection dogs to assist with burrowing seabird surveys, and detecting occupancy.  “I’m excited about the possibility of bringing a new technique to this corner of the world that we know has worked elsewhere but so far haven’t had the capacity and knowledge to deliver. If we can get a dog team up and running to support conservation in a new way, that would be wonderful,” she said. ![Naomi and King check a fishing vessel Falkland Islands](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Naomi_and_King_check_a_fishing_vessel_Falkland_Islands.jpg)*Naomi and detection dog, King who is sniffing out a fishing vessel for rodents before its onward journey to a rodent free island in the South Atlantic* Filling data gaps for ACAP-listed species is identified by the Agreement’s Advisory Committee as a priority task in its Work Programme. With the population and distribution of White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis *on islands in the South Atlantic poorly understood, the objectives of Naomi’s secondment will lead to progress in addressing that gap. The use of detection dogs for burrowing seabird surveys and detecting occupancy is a technique [recognised by ACAP](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/2830-guidelines-for-designing-burrowing-petrel-surveys/file), and employed by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. Naomi is excited at the chance to immerse herself with NZDOC’s world-leading experts and apply her newfound knowledge back home. “[It] will be interesting to compare their invasive species detection to how we do things…I’m hoping to be able to work with dog teams that work on protected species, such as petrels and kiwis. Specialised burrowing seabird detection dogs work in NZ to help with census data and mapping distribution. This is something we don’t use dogs for in the Falklands/Islas Malvinas yet, but I think could be a great human-dog collaboration to better understand our burrowing seabirds.” Fostering collaboration between Parties is a key objective of ACAP Secondments. The first-hand experience Naomi will receive from training with NZDOC's Conservation Dogs Program detection dog-teams not only strengthens partnerships between Parties, but is an aspect of her secondment near impossible to learn remotely, and vital to build the skills needed as a detection dog-handler. Luckily training, says Naomi, is one of the parts of the job she really loves. “When you live on a small, isolated island, opportunities to see other dog teams working are pretty limited so I’m really looking forward to seeing a variety of dog teams do their thing. I love learning, so training for me is something that you just have to keep on doing. Lastly, I’ve very kindly been invited to the CDP Hui and training camp, which is their annual get together for all their dog teams, which I’m sure will be an invaluable way to speak to as many practitioners as possible and soak up as much info as I can.” Longer term, building this capacity in the South Atlantic will enable SADD to train additional dogs and handlers, thereby widening the scope of conservation services that can be provided by detection dog-teams in the region.  Follow Naomi as she posts updates on her ACAP Secondment with NZDOC at her Instagram account, [@south_atlantic_detection_dogs](https://www.instagram.com/south_atlantic_detection_dogs/). *16 August 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/naomi-cordeiros-acap-secondment-with-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-to-help-expand-the-role-of-detection-dogs-in-conservation-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## New bling! Twenty fledgling Northern Royal Albatrosses to get tracked for three years with Global Location Sensors *![New bling 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/New_bling_1.jpg) The GLS logger is visible below the hand holding the foot* Global Location Sensors ([GLS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_level_geolocator)) have been attached to 10 female and 10 male chicks of the 33 soon-to-fledge Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island. One of the male chicks is this season’s Royal Cam chick “[Manaaki](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-latest-royal-cam-albatross-chick-gets-its-name-on-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJtYW5hYWtpIl0=)”. Unlike Global Position System ([GPS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System)) trackers where live locations are transmitted via satellite in real time, GLS light loggers need to be recovered and downloaded after the juvenile birds return to their natal colony as pre-breeders. *![New bling 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/New_bling_3.jpg) The small size of the GLS logger is obvious when compared to the metal leg band* The [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) writes “Two great benefits of using GLS data loggers; their tiny size and the fact they can last three years, which means we can see where these birds go during their first few years at sea. GPS loggers are attached to feathers on the birds' back which are moulted within a year of fledging, meaning the tracking device is lost much quicker. This information will help us better understand threats faced by these birds at sea and to advocate for their conservation internationally.” *![New bling 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/New_bling_2.jpg) The GLS logger is attached to the metal leg band with a plastic cable tie* Juvenile foraging grounds will be compared between the two sexes for this [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) species that is at risk to longline fishing at sea. All 33 chicks are additionally carrying an alphanumeric band to allow for easy identification once they return ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/northern-royal-albatrosses-receive-alphanumeric-colour-bands-for-the-first-time-at-pukekura-tairaoa-head)). Information from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) of the Royal Albatross Centre. Photographs by Kalinka Rexer-Huber. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-bling-twenty-fledgling-northern-royal-albatrosses-to-get-tracked-for-three-years-with-global-location-sensors.md) ## Seabird Surveyor/Researcher required to survey ACAP Priority Populations in the South Atlantic  ![20120107 2102P1010138 ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/20120107_2102P1010138_.JPG)*A Grey-headed Albatross of the South Atlantic; photo by Richard Phillips* The [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) (BAS) has advertised for two Seabird Surveyors to join the Ecosystems team and carry out a field survey of Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses in the South Atlantic. Surveyors will additionally, evaluate the current status and trends of the two species (along with Wandering Albatrosses from a separate survey) and update Conservation Action Plans.  These specific populations of Black-browed, Grey-headed and Wandering Albatrosses are ACAP Priority Populations (declining at more than 3% per year, hold more than 10% of the global population, and are at risk from fisheries), therefore findings from the survey will be critical to their ongoing conservation management.  This new research intends to provide an update on earlier an earlier study, [published in the journal Polar Biology in 2017](https://acap.aq/applewebdata://E6223F58-D1D5-4780-87B2-E7EECFF6ABCF/Recent%20trends%20in%20numbers%20of%20wandering%20(Diomedea%20exulans),%20black-browed%20(Thalassarche%20melanophris)%20and%20grey-headed%20(T.%20chrysostoma)%20albatrosses%20breeding%20at%20South%20Georgia), on population trends of these species.  The Postholder roles are described in the advertisement as follows:  Postholder 1 (7-month contract) will be expected to: - photograph selected colonies during the field survey (mid Nov. to mid Dec. 2023) - count albatrosses in images - compare counts from Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drone) imagery with those from photos - generate correction factors from data on breeding failure rates and diurnal attendance patterns collected - determine current breeding population sizes and long-term trends - write a manuscript for a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and:  - update Conservation Action Plans.  Postholder 2 (3-month contract) will: - conduct a series of UAV-based aerial surveys of the colonies, and; - count the albatrosses in the resulting UAV imagery. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 16 August 2023. For more information, and to apply, please visit the British Antarctic Survey website, [here](https://bas.ciphr-irecruit.com/applicants/vacancy/484/Seabird-Surveyor--Researcher). *09 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-surveyor-researcher-required-to-survey-acap-priority-populations-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Of mice and men, and of albatrosses and petrels  “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley”' From [To a Mouse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_a_Mouse) by Robert Burns, 1785 *![Robbie Burns mouse](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Robbie_Burns_mouse.jpg) “Monument to a Mouse” at the*[*Robert Burns Birthplace Museum*](https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/robert-burns-birthplace-museum)*, bronze statue by*[*Kenny Hunter*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Hunter)*, 2010* ![Robbie Burns mouse text](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Robbie_Burns_mouse_text.jpg) The best-laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry, wrote poet Robbie Burns in his Scottish dialect near 230 years ago. The *“Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie*” his plough turned up was likely a Wood or Field Mouse *Apodemus sylvaticus* rather than the more ubiquitous House Mouse *Mus musculus.*However, his brief description of a cowering and timid animal running away in panic could well fit the public perception of both species. In some situations, however, House Mice seem anything but “tim'rous”. Introduced House Mice were first recorded attacking and killing albatross chicks far larger than themselves on the United Kingdom’s [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in the South Atlantic in 2001 ([click here](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrea-Angel/publication/262943687_A_review_of_the_impacts_of_introduced_rodents_on_the_islands_of_Tristan_and_Gough/links/0deec5396e000c894d000000/A-review-of-the-impacts-of-introduced-rodents-on-the-islands-of-Tristan-and-Gough.pdf)). Since then, similar attacks have been observed on South Africa’s [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean and across the equator on Hawaii’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North Pacific. And not just chicks, evidence of mice preying upon adult albatrosses comes from all three islands. On Gough and Marion the smaller burrowing petrels have not been spared, leading to zero breeding success for at least one species on Gough in some seasons ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/macgillivray-s-prion-predicted-to-become-extinct-if-predatory-house-mice-are-not-eradicated-on-gough-island?highlight=WyJwcmlvbiIsInByaW9ucyIsImdvdWdoIiwiZ291Z2gncyJd)). Burns felt empathy for his mouse, but on seabird islands there is no sympathy for introduced rodents of any species. Following many years of the successful eradication of rats on Southern Ocean islands by the aerial dispersion of poison-laced cereal bait, attention in the last decade has turned to targeting the mice directly. Initially, mice were not thought to be a critical alien mammal to eliminate. Nevertheless, although not the primary target, House Mice are now gone from New Zealand’s [Enderby Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-40-enderby-island-auckland-island-group) and Australia’s [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-successful-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-programme-is-reviewed-by-its-manager?highlight=WyJtaXBlcCIsIm1pcGVwJ3MiLCJzcHJpbmdlciJd). Less success for France’s [St Paul Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater) however, the Black Rats *Rattus rattus* and European Rabbits *Oryctolagus cuniculus* are no more following a bait drop and a follow up, but the mice remain ([click here](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thierry-Micol/publication/268303908_Eradication_of_rats_and_rabbits_from_Saint-Paul_Island_French_Southern_Territories/links/54e2e90f0cf2edaea094304a/Eradication-of-rats-and-rabbits-from-Saint-Paul-Island-French-Southern-Territories.pdf)). *![Wandering Albatross mouse attack Stefan Schoombie 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Wandering_Albatross_mouse_attack_Stefan_Schoombie_3.jpg) A House Mouse feeds on the exposed scalp of a*[*Vulnerable*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)*Wandering Albatross*Diomedea exulans*chick on Marion Island at night - the chick will not survive, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* In the last decade, more directed efforts against House Mice on southern islands have been made, with so far mixed success. Thankfully, they have been successfully eradicated (along with rats) on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* by the [South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project](http://www.sght.org/sght-habitat-restoration-project/) and on New Zealand’s Antipodes Island by the [Million Dollar Mouse Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-million-dollar-mouse-project-was-a-success-clearing-new-zealands-antipodes-of-its-alien-house-mice/). Sadly, the Gough eradication attempt in 2021 failed, as reported by the [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/), and mice are still present, with attacks continuing on the island’s seabirds, although they received a temporary respite with markedly improved breeding success for at least one season after the eradication attempt ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/gough-island-s-tristan-albatrosses-and-other-seabirds-do-well-at-last-despite-the-continued-presence-of-mice?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIl0=)). Purported reasons for failure have yet to be made public, and it seems likely it will be some years yet before a second eradication attempt is made. The [Midway Seabird Protection Projec](https://usfwspacific.tumblr.com/post/182767974390/midway-seabird-protection-project-final)t’s bait drop is apparently happening right (or about) now, but it seems the project is keeping its cards close to its chest, as there has been no public information released for quite some time (but see [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-midway-seabird-protection-project-is-set-to-eradicate-the-atolls-invasive-house-mice-next-year/)). Keeping such contentious activities as broadcasting poison bait out of the public eye may be a good strategy for some countries, given the for and against passions that can arise. The USA, for example, has yet to undertake an operation to rid the Farallon Islands of its House Mice after many years, despite what must be by now mountains of paperwork and many meetings ([click here](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/17/california-farallon-islands-plague-mice-helicopter-poison)). It is not that easy for this admittedly monolingual correspondent to find out exactly what is happening to rid the French austral islands of their remaining introduced mammals. However, .it is intended that Amsterdam will be [“deratted”](https://polarjournal.ch/en/2023/01/12/deratization-of-amsterdam-island/) (including of its House Mice) in winter 2024, according to the [projet RECI (Restauration des écosystèmes insulaires de l’océan Indien)](https://taaf.fr/missions-et-activites/protection-de-lenvironnement/actions-de-terrain-et-programmes-menes/projet-reci/). It seems there are no immediate plans to remove introduced mammals from the other French islands in the Southern Ocean, the[Crozets](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur) and [Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species), or St Paul’s mice. The route being taken by the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project is an open one.  An active news section with weekly posts on its website, and its [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064620942284) and Instagram accounts in near-daily use, allow interested readers to keep up to date with progress toward an intended eradication attempt in 2025. This level of transparency can result in criticism being aired via social media. The project attempts to address such concerns by reply via its website, as shown by a recent post explaining why it does not intend to control mouse numbers to save a few individual birds prior to the bait drop ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/should-attempts-be-made-to-control-marion-islands-house-mice-prior-to-the-planned-eradication-attempt/)). In addition, several members of the MFM Project Team are particularly active in giving talks and lectures on the planned eradication ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/saving-marion-islands-seabirds-the-worlds-most-important-bird-conservation-project-will-feature-at-a-prestigious-conference-later-this-year/) for an example); another being today’s online lecture by the Project Leader, as illustrated below. *![Picture6](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Picture6.jpg) In this presentation, the**Mouse-Free Marion* *Project Manager, Dr Anton Wolfaardt, provides an overview of the project, focusing on the planning and management involved in such an endeavour* Over in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*, the [New Island Restoration Project](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/?fbclid=IwAR34HCXToYtpMNWuP95H3UrUJuIS5TUUzpvc_jMyWVq72ng7mRN7S5I2JmM) is working towards eliminating four species of introduced mammals on [New Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic)., including House Mice, with information being released from time to time on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/NIRestoration)*,* most recently on bait-weathering trials (see below). [Steeple Jason](https://mousefreemarion.org/a-success-story-65-islands-in-the-falklands-have-been-cleared-of-their-invasive-rats/), another important seabird island in theFalkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*, has a House Mouse population but there are no current plans to eradicate it ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/a-success-story-65-islands-in-the-falklands-have-been-cleared-of-their-invasive-rats/)). An eradication that includes House Mice as a target (along with feral cats and pigs) is intended for the main [Auckland Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-81-auckland-island-where-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-feral-pigs). For it seems primarily financial reasons, planning for this expensive operation by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation was [put on hold in 2020](https://acap.aq/latest-news/another-casualty-of-covid-19-new-zealand-s-auckland-island-pest-eradication-project-gets-put-on-hold?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsImVyYWRpY2F0aW9uIiwiZXJhZGljYXRpb25zIiwiZXJhZGljYXRlZCIsImVyYWRpY2F0ZSIsImVyYWRpY2F0aW5nIiwiZXJhZGljYXRpb24ncyIsIidlcmFkaWNhdGlvbiIsImVyYWRpY2F0b3IiLCInZXJhZGljYXRpbmciXQ==), with no recent public statement as to when it might go ahead. * * *![Bait weathering trial New Island](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Bait-weathering_trial_New_Island.jpg) “**One of our trials uses a trail camera to track how the rodent bait fares during winter conditions.* *The bait is under a basket to keep the critters away, so we can see how it weathers over time” -**New Island Restoration Project* Each eradication project needs to decide for itself quite how open with the public it should be, based on reasons that will vary from country to country. In the end, it will be their success or not that counts. Those of us committed to the conservation of seabirds hope that all the islands mentioned above will remain or will soon be free of their introduced mammals, including the “killer” mice of Gough, Marion and Midway – and that none of the eradications described above that are underway or planned “*gang agley*”. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 August 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-of-mice-and-men-and-of-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Applications for the 2023 ACAP Small Grants and Secondment Programmes have opened ![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_1.jpg)*A Waved Albatross of the Galápagos Islands; photo by Ken Logan. Waved Albatrosses are one of nine ACAP Priority Populations. Research projects on ACAP Priority Populations are one of several opportunities that have been identified for small grants by the Agreement's Advisory Committee.* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels invites applications for the 2023 round of its Small Grants and Secondment Programmes.  Both programmes provide funding towards proposals that progress the Agreement’s objective to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels. Additionally, Secondment proposals should aim to promote capacity-building within Parties. At the recent Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13), the Committee identified several opportunities for small grants and secondments. Applicants are encouraged to put forward proposals clearly addressing tasks contained within the work programmes of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [AC13 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file)) and Secretariat (see Annex 5, AC13 Report) as relevant. The Agreement’s [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members) or [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq?subject=2022%20ACAP%20Secondment%20Programme%20enquiry) can be contacted to assist in determining ACAP priority areas for proposals. Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties, but can involve collaboration with institutions or individuals based elsewhere. Applications can be completed in English, French or Spanish and should be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file). Applications close at 5pm on Monday 2 October for Small Grant applications and on 16 October for Secondment applications. The 2023 application forms, in all three ACAP official languages, are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships). *07 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/applications-for-the-2023-acap-small-grants-and-secondment-programmes-have-opened.md) ## UPDATED. White-chinned Petrels all fail on New Island, but better days ahead?  ![White chinned Petrel Andy Wood](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White-chinned_Petrel_Andy_Wood.jpg)*A White-chinned Petrel on a South Atlantic island, photograph by Andy Wood* **UPDATE: ** Prior to a planned eradiction effort in a few years time, control of feral cats around breeding burrows is proposed, "as well as habitat restoration which could involve tussac planting or creating artificial burrows" ([click here](https://acap.aq/as%20well%20as%20habitat%20restoration%20which%20could%20involve%20tussac%20planting%20or%20creating%20artificial%20burrows)). [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*have suffered a total breeding failure in the 2022/23 summer on [New Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic) in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*, as reported by the [New Island Restoration Project](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/?fbclid=IwAR34HCXToYtpMNWuP95H3UrUJuIS5TUUzpvc_jMyWVq72ng7mRN7S5I2JmM) on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/NIRestoration). “There used to be 30-33 pairs of White-chinned Petrels breeding on New Island. But in a February survey, instead of burrows filled with fluffy chicks, they were all empty. Camera traps reveal invasive predators, cats, rats, and mice using the burrows.” Watch a short [video](https://www.facebook.com/NIRestoration/videos/1009173376885692) of rodents and a cat at burrow entrances. However, better days for this beleaguered population may be ahead as the project is working towards eliminating all four species of introduced mammals on the island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/removal-of-four-invasive-mammals-planned-for-new-island-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJuZXciLCJuZXdzJyIsIiduZXciLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmRzIiwiaXNsYW5kJ3MiLCJpc2xhbmRzJyIsImlzbGFuZGVycyIsImlzbGFuZGVyIiwiJ2lzbGFuZCciLCJpc2xhbmQnIiwibWFsdmluYXMiXQ==)). Watch also a six-minute [video](https://falklandsconservation.com/newislandrestoration/?fbclid=IwAR34HCXToYtpMNWuP95H3UrUJuIS5TUUzpvc_jMyWVq72ng7mRN7S5I2JmM) announcing the project. *![Pardo 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Pardo_1.jpg) As well as White-chinned Petrels, New Island also supports a breeding population of Black-browed Albatrosses*Thalassarche melanophris*, photograph by Deborah Pardo* The Project writes on its website page “Over the course of the next two winters, we will investigate the best course of action for a possible future removal of the invasive species. This will involve trialing non-toxic bait to better understand take-up rates from both target and non-target species and looking at the most effective ways to safeguard native species. We’ll also bolster biosecurity to reduce the risk of new invasive species establishing and causing harm.” ![New Island Restoration Project](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/New_Island_Restoration_Project.jpg) White-chinned Petrels are rare in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas*, with breeding only known from three islands; New Island holds the bulk of the total population, estimated in a 2007 publication as being of a minimum of 55 pairs. **References:** Catry, P., Silva, M.C., MacKay, S., Campos, A., Masello, J., Quillfeldt, P. & Strange, I.J. 2007.  Can thin-billed prions *Pachyptila belcheri* breed successfully on an island with introduced rats, mice and cats? The case of New Island, Falkland Islands. [*Polar Biology* 30: 391–394](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215495142_Can_thin-billed_prions_Pachyptila_belcheri_breed_successfully_on_an_island_with_introduced_rats_mice_and_cats_The_case_of_New_Island_Falkland_Islands/link/0fcfd5077d9915dee7000000/download). Matias, R & Catry, P. 2008. The diet of feral cats at New Island, Falkland Islands, and impact on breeding seabirds. [*Polar Biology* 31: 609-616](https://www.newislandtrust.com/site/scientific/Matias_Cats_and_seabirds.pdf). Quillfeldt, P., Schenk, I., McGill, R.A.R., Strange, I.J., Masello, J.F., Gladbach, A., Roesch, V. & Furness, R.W. 2008. Introduced99 mammals coexist with seabirds at New Island, Falkland Islands: abundance, habitat preferences, and stable isotope analysis of diet. [*Polar Biology* 31: 333-349](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224524146_Introduced_mammals_coexist_with_seabirds_at_New_Island_Falkland_Islands_Abundance_habitat_preferences_and_stable_isotope_analysis_of_diet). Reid, T., Lecoq, M. & Catry, P. 2007. The White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* population of the Falkland Islands. [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_57-60.pdf)[35: 57-60](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_57-60.pdf). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 August 2023, updated 12 August 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-all-fail-on-new-island-but-better-days-ahead.md) ## Seabird bycatch: research puts best practices in assessing and managing fishery impacts on seabirds under the spotlight ![BBA1 Campioni L.s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA1_Campioni_L.s.JPG)*Black-browed Albatrosses; photo by L. Campioni* Stephanie Good ([Centre for Ecology & Conservation](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/cornwall/research/facilitiesandcentres/cec/), University of Exeter, UK) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Endangered Species Research*](https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-home/)* *on best practices in assessing and managing seabird bycatch in fisheries. The paper’s abstract follows: “Many seabird populations are declining, with fisheries bycatch as one of the greatest threats. Explicit risk criteria should be used to identify whether bycatch is a problem for particular species and fisheries, but these are often poorly defined. A variety of methods are used to determine the risk that a specific fishery is having an unsustainable impact on a seabird population. Up until October 2022, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) applied a general semi-quantitative productivity susceptibility analysis (PSA), a tool that has also been used widely by other management agencies for diverse taxa. Given the need to ensure fisheries risk assessments are robust and consistent, we examined how general PSAs perform when applied in 2 situations with good information on both the seabird population and fisheries bycatch rates and compare the outputs with those from 2 accessible and more quantitative tools: potential biological removal and population viability analysis. We found that risk scoring using the previous MSC version of the PSA was less robust and precautionary than using other approaches, given the steep declines observed in some seabird breeding populations. We make recommendations on how to select attributes for species-specific PSAs and, depending on the data available, identify the most appropriate risk assessment method to achieve a given objective. These should help ensure more consistent assessment and prioritisation of seabird bycatch issues, and improved ecosystem-based management of fisheries.” **Reference:** Good SD, Gummery M, McLennan S, Dewar K, Votier SC, Phillips RA (2023) Evaluating the appropriateness of risk-based approaches to assess the sustainability of fishery impacts on seabirds. Endang Species Res 51:161-172. [https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01251%0a](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01251%0a)[https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01251](https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01251)  *4 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-bycatch-research-puts-best-practices-in-assessing-and-managing-fishery-impacts-on-seabirds-under-the-spotlight.md) ## Northern Royal Albatrosses receive alphanumeric colour bands for the first time at Pukekura/Tairaoa Head *![Aplhanumerics for chicks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Aplhanumerics_for_chicks.jpg) The new colour bands that are being used for the first time instead of the old three-colour combinations* On [World Nature Conservation Day](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-nature-conservation-day-adeena-tahir) (28 July) all 33 chicks of the current breeding season in New Zealand’s mainland colony of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) were individually banded with alphanumeric plastic bands to allow for their easy identification when they return as pre-breeding adolescents. Males received a black band and females a yellow. The chicks also received a uniquely numbered stainless-steel band on their opposite legs. This season the letter for all the chicks is D, from now on each year will have its own letter on the colour bands. “Manaaki”, this season’s [Royal Cam chick](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-latest-royal-cam-albatross-chick-gets-its-name-on-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJtYW5hYWtpIl0=), was banded with black colour band D36 on his left leg, with the metal band on the right. * Manaaki gets his bling at 189 days of age, video captured and edited by Lady Hawk* **![Manaaki banded Sharyn Broni and Colin 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Manaaki_banded_Sharyn_Broni_and_Colin_2.jpg)* Big unit! Department of Conservation rangers Sharyn Broni (left) and Colin band Manaaki* Use of alphanumeric colour bands puts this long-studied colony on a par with most if not all other albatross monitoring colonies around the world; it should improve the quality of data collection over the old three-colour combinations, where the loss or fading of a band is known to cause identification problems. It also allows, especially when combined with colour options, for a far greater number of combinations. Information, photographs and video from the [Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand](https://www.facebook.com/groups/991026361293354) Facebook page. *![Northern Royal Albatross plastic regurg DOC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_plastic_regurg_DOC.jpg) One of this season’s Northern Royal Albatross chicks at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head approaching fledging regurgitated a bolus of squid beaks and plastic bottle caps and fragments, photograph by Julia, Department of Conservation Ranger, Taiaroa Head* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/northern-royal-albatrosses-receive-alphanumeric-colour-bands-for-the-first-time-at-pukekura-tairaoa-head.md) ## Join New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and help in the conservation of seabirds ![Antipodean Albatross off North Cape NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_off_North_Cape__NZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*Assisting in the species recovery of Antipodean Albatrosses is a key focus of the role. *An Antipodean Albatross off North Cape, New Zealand; photo by Kirk Zufelt** New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (NZDOC) are seeking a full-time Data Analyst Seabirds to join their passionate team in Wellington, New Zealand.   The advertisement for the position can be found at the NZDOC website, [here](https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=18174&in_jnCounter=225683557&in_site=ConservationJobs), and an extract can be found below:   Data Analyst Seabirds - Take your reporting and analytical skills to the next level to help safeguard New Zealand's Seabirds - Four weeks + three days annual leave per year, flexible working supported - Permanent, full-time role based in Wellington You will be responsible for supporting the build of robust, fit for purpose data and analytical tools and applying these to data collated to improve data management of seabirds, with a particular focus on Antipodean albatross. You will work closely with the Science Advisors, the Bycatch and Threats Manager, and the international team in growing international awareness, engagement, and action among fishing nations to reduce seabird bycatch in international waters, through a range of collaborative, partnership, and technical initiatives.   The position will be focussed on:  - providing analysis on seabird bycatch in priority ocean areas/fisheries for focal seabird species - ensuring collation, archiving and publication of Antipodean Albatross tracking data to assist the species recovery effort - supporting spatial analysis of data and fishing efforts to support recovery efforts - implementation of a pilot study utilising cloud-based data archiving, databases and to test defined decision support tools - developing options to improve data archiving, publication, and the utility of defined spatial decision-support tools - building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders and coordinate cross-agency initiatives   The deadline for applications is 5pm on Sunday 13 August 2023. For further information, contact Kris Ramm, Marine Bycatch and Threats Manager, at [kramm@doc.govt.nz](mailto:kramm@doc.govt.nz) *2 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/join-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-and-help-in-the-conservation-of-seabirds.md) ## Study finds light pollution from ships reduces colony attendance in Yelkouan Shearwaters  ![Yelkouan Shearwater by Milko Marchetti Canva](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Yelkouan/Yelkouan_Shearwater_by_Milko_Marchetti_Canva.png)*A Yelkouan Shearwater; photo by Milko Marchetti (canva.com)* A study on colony attendance in [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yelkouan-shearwater-puffinus-yelkouan) Yelkouan Shearwaters *Puffinus yelkouan* exposed to light pollution from ships by Martin Austad ([Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology Group](https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/f08/departments/tsz/behavioural-ecology/ag-verhaltensokologie/cover_page), Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany) and colleagues has been published open access in the [*Journal of Ornithology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/10336). The paper’s abstract follows: “The ecological effects from artificial light are complex and can affect species and life-stages differently. Ships are a dynamic source of light pollution, often brightly lit and temporarily increasing light levels in otherwise relatively dark areas. Because several nocturnal seabird species display reduced activity and avoidance of natural or artificial light, we expect that bright vessel lights may affect colony attendance patterns. Here, we test whether the presence of ships in front of coastal cliffs affects colony attendance in the Yelkouan Shearwater (*Puffinus yelkouan)*. Ship presence at the site was obtained from an automatic identification system database, and a data logger measured light levels at the colony autonomously for four breeding seasons (2017–2020). Moreover, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system was deployed at a cavernous colony entrance to register arrivals and departures of shearwaters. Direct illumination from ships increased cliff face brightness, and colony attendance was significantly reduced in brighter conditions. Ship presence reduced the number of shearwaters entering the colony per hour by a mean of 18% (SD ± 24). Disruption of natural attendance patterns is likely to have short- and long-term effects on breeding success, physiological condition, and colony viability. Therefore, we propose mitigation measures to reduce the impact from commercial shipping on burrow-nesting seabirds. Local regulations are necessary for colony-specific impact reduction, while incorporation of measures such as black-out blinds, fixture shielding and maximum brightness limits into international conventions can have additional far-reaching benefits.” **Reference:** Austad, M., Oppel, S., Crymble, J. *et al.* 2023. The effects of temporally distinct light pollution from ships on nocturnal colony attendance in a threatened seabird. *Journal of Ornithology.* 164, 527–536. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-023-02045-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-023-02045-z)[https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-023-02045-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-023-02045-z) *31 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-finds-light-pollution-from-ships-reduces-colony-attendance-in-yelkouan-shearwaters.md) ## Translocated Black-footed Albatrosses fledge from Mexico’s Guadalupe Island for the third year of an international project *![Black foot translocation 8 JA Soriano GECI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-foot_translocation_8_JA_Soriano_GECI.jpg)| Airborne! A translocated Black-footed chick close to fledging takes a leap on Guadalupe Island, photograph by J.A. Soriano,* *Conservación de Islas (GECI)* The third year of a binational project to establish a breeding colony of  Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* ([BFAL](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)) by the translocation of eggs and chicks from the USA’s Hawaii islands to Mexico’s [Guadalupe Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats) has been successfully completed with 32 chicks fledging ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation)). This brings the number of Black-footed Albatrosses fledging from Guadalupe over the three years of the project to 93. “In a pioneer conservation project, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), [Conservación de Islas](https://www.facebook.com/IslasGECI?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVdUNYSiytB5i2WjBVR8eRMqBjkBSBM_oGDJLRgEP7lnfc5ObwNr1PnxMXkRHW4JV6Yd5LqdsdGnV-tlIUsHF9S7F9Vd0euAhP2KLiLDySxU9aLyIhxpIcuQ83Y4Qg8ibnoLx2FkjnqXN_R8Wzh0RTwWzksv6RHZeIPJjqhCDou8UK1XTMUHkaHtH4bvAG896g&__tn__=-%5dK-R) and governmental institutions from USA and Mexico, have worked together to restore a nesting population of BFAL in Guadalupe Island, providing an alternative refuge and giving hope to the species to survive climate change effects.” *![Guadaupe translocation team PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Guadaupe_translocation_team_PRC.jpg) Eggs arrive! Celebrating the international translocation project with a banner on Guadalupe, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* According to Pacific Rim Conservation, translocated Black-footed Albatrosses should start returning as young adults to Guadalupe Island by 2026. Based on the environmental NGO’s [translocation efforts](https://www.islandarks.org/) with Black-footed and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses in the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, pair formation and then egg laying should follow in the next couple of years. ![Guadalupe translocation map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Guadalupe_translocation_map.jpg) ![Guadaupe translocation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Guadaupe_translocation.jpg) *The Mexican project partner, Conservación de Islas (GECI), describes the the translocation project in Spanish* Read more about the Guadalupe translocation project from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Black-footed+Guadalupe&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). Mexico is not a Party to the Agreement but has attended some ACAP meetings as a breeding range state. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 August 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/translocated-black-footed-albatrosses-fledge-from-mexicos-guadalupe-island-for-the-third-year-of-an-international-project.md) ## Diet of South Atlantic albatrosses reveal clues about the Patagonian lamprey ![Bird Island 5 Richard Phillips](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Bird%20Island%205%20Richard%20Phillips.jpg)*The stomach contents of Grey-headed Albatrosses*Thalassarche chrysostoma* (pictured) were analysed as part of the study. Monitoring of the diets of Grey-headed and Black-browed albatrosses has been continuous since the 1970s; photograph by Richard Phillips* Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries](https://link.springer.com/journal/11160) on the health and distribution of Patagonian lamprey populations inferred through an analysis of the diet of South Atlantic albatrosses. The paper’s abstract follows: “Knowledge of lampreys during their marine phase is limited, and for the southern hemisphere species was gleaned from their predators (albatrosses) in the 1970s. Taking advantage of new methodologies and long-term data on predator diet and distributions, we infer diverse aspects of lamprey distribution and ecology. DNA analyses indicated that albatrosses at South Georgia prey on Patagonian lamprey *Geotria macrostoma*, originating from Argentina. Their core pelagic distribution when free swimming appears to be the Antarctic Polar Frontal zone (APFZ), and not South Georgia waters as assumed previously. If so, the APFZ would be the first known hotspot in abundance of an anadromous lamprey in oceanic waters. We could not identify a teleost fish that would be a likely host. Instead, we infer that the lamprey may prey on baleen whales, based on comparison of stable isotope ratios in lamprey with candidate host species, timing of appearance in albatross diets coincident with whale migrations, and circumstantial evidence (unexplained scarring recorded during the whaling era). We suggest that the lamprey do not tolerate cold Antarctic waters, and detach from southerly-migrating whales at the thermal boundary of the APFZ, where they become accessible to albatrosses in surface waters. Given strong evidence that relative importance of prey in seabird diets reflects availability in foraging areas, the steep decrease in the annual consumption of lamprey by albatrosses at South Georgia from > 550 tonnes in 1975–1976 and 1986, to very low levels in most years since 2012, is likely to indicate a major population decrease. Despite our unconventional means of assessing the population trend, there is a compelling case for listing of Patagonian lamprey at least as Near threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and an urgent need to better understand anthropogenic threats in Argentina.” **Reference:** Phillips, R.A., Waluda, C.M. & Miller, A.K. Distribution, hosts and long-term decline in abundance of the Patagonian lamprey inferred from diet assessment of albatrosses. *Rev Fish Biol Fisheries* (2023). [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-023-09786-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-023-09786-3)[https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-023-09786-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-023-09786-3) *28 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/diet-of-south-atlantic-albatrosses-reveal-clues-about-the-patagonian-lamprey.md) ## XI SCAR Open Science Conference: “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope” ![XI SCAR Open Science Conference Logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/XI_SCAR_Open_Science_Conference_Logo.png)The SCAR Open Science Conference will be held in Pucón, Chile from 19-23 August 2024 under the theme, “Antarctic Science: Crossroads for a New Hope”. Established over 20 years ago, the conference has become, “the premier activity of SCAR that supports its mission to promote and facilitate international Antarctic and Southern Ocean science. These biennial meetings have become fertile ground for the exchange of the latest and highest profile Antarctic research outcomes and a place where future collaborations are born.” The conference will a feature a comprehensive programme of plenary lectures, mini-symposia, parallel sessions, panel discussions, posters and various opportunities for social activities and excursions in and around Pucón. The draft list of parallel sessions has been released by the International Scientific Organising Committee, and is available to view, [here](https://mcusercontent.com/a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821/files/dff56485-073c-c05e-84f8-6875a7ba2415/Draft_List_Sessions.pdf). The Committee invites comments and suggestions on the list and is also encouraging individuals to volunteer as session convenor, or propose additions or revisions.  To provide feedback on the draft parallel session list, or to put yourself forward as one of the convenors of a session, please use the online form at the link, [here](https://form.jotform.com/231872764911058). Further queries or comments can be directed to [mailto:osc@scar.org](mailto:osc@scar.org)[osc@scar.org](mailto:osc@scar.org). *26 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/xi-scar-open-science-conference-antarctic-science-crossroads-for-a-new-hope.md) ## It takes a village. A colour-banded Black-browed Albatross is identified at sea off South Africa *![Red B17 Rene Roussow shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Red_B17_Rene_Roussow_shrunk.jpg) After some sleuthing, Red B11 has been identified as coming from Bird Island in the South Atlantic, photograph by Ren*é*Rossouw* On 1 June 2023, René Rossouw travelled out to sea with [Cape Town Pelagics](https://www.capetownpelagics.com/) from South Africa’s Cape Peninsula. At approximately 25 nautical miles (*c*. 45 km) from Simon's Town, René photographed an adult Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* with a red leg band, reporting her record to [SAFRING](https://www.facebook.com/groups/SAFRING) (the South African Bird Ringing Unit based at the University of Cape Town). Enlargement of her original high-resolution photograph showed the band to have the inscription B11, after some uncertainty that it could have been B17.  *ACAP Latest News then*got in contact with its “[village](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_takes_a_village)” of marine ornithologists who have worked on Southern Ocean islands where Black-browed Albatrosses breed in an endeavour to find out the bird’s origin. Following a run of “sorry, not ours” e-mails, it was pleasing to hear from Andy Wood of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), confirming that the bird is one of theirs, emanating from Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*. “Red B11 has metal ring 1425138. It is unsexed but was ringed as a chick on its nest on 10 April 2007. First breeding attempt in 2019/20, it failed early with the partner unrecorded. In 2020/21 it successfully fledged a chick with 1480641/YA50. Non-breeder in 2021/22. In 2022/23 it failed by 2 November with the partner unrecorded. All breeding records from the same colony that it hatched from.” SAFRING processed the record to show the albatross had flown 4838 km from Bird Island, although this will be a minimum travelled as it would not have taken a straight line ([click here](https://safring.birdmap.africa/ring_info.php?ring=1425138&project=FOREIGN_GBT)). This is not the first time a red-banded Black-browed Albatross from Bird Island has been photographed at sea off southern Africa - read two earlier records from [South African](https://acap.aq/latest-news/taking-a-break-another-colour-banded-black-browed-albatross-gets-photographed-in-southern-african-waters?highlight=WyJibGFjay1icm93ZWQiLCJibGFjay1icm93IiwiYmxhY2stYnJvd3MiLCJyZWQiLCJyZWQnIiwiYmFuZGluZyIsImJhbmQiLCJiYW5kZWQiLCJiYW5kcyIsImJhbmQncyJd) and [Namibian](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-colour-banded-black-browed-albatross-gets-photographed-at-sea-off-namibia) waters. A satellite-tracked Black-browed Albatross fledgling from Bird Island has also been photographed off South Africa ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-seabirding-excursion-photographs-a-satellite-tracked-black-browed-albatross-off-cape-town?highlight=WyJhcmdvcyIsImJpcmQiLCJiaXJkcyIsImJpcmRzJyIsImJpcmRpbmciLCJiaXJkJ3MiLCInYmlyZCIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZHMiLCJpc2xhbmQncyIsImlzbGFuZHMnIiwiaXNsYW5kZXJzIiwiaXNsYW5kZXIiLCInaXNsYW5kJyIsImlzbGFuZCciXQ==)). With thanks to Paulo Catry, Karine Delord, Janine Dunlop, Kim-Kelly Hunt, Richard Phillips, René Rossouw, Cristián Suazo and Andy Wood. *25 July 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/it-takes-a-village-a-colour-banded-black-browed-albatross-is-identified-at-sea-off-south-africa.md) ## Wild birds facing ‘Unprecedented conservation impacts’ from H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) ![Northern Gannet Bass Rock Patricia Serafini 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/Northern_Gannet_Bass_Rock_Patricia_Serafini_2023.jpg)*Northern Gannets on Bass Rock off the Scottish coast. The black iris (previously blue) of the pictured gannet indicates the bird has survived an infection from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1; photograph by Patricia Serafini* In response to continuing and wide-spread outbreaks of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds across the globe, the [Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds](#:~:text=The%20Task%20Force%20aims%20to,as%20vectors%20of%20the%20virus.) (Task Force) has released a statement about HPAI viruses in wild birds and appropriate responses for governments, the poultry sector, wildlife and conservation management, and other stakeholders.  The Task Force, co-convened by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), state that HPAI is causing mass mortalities of wild birds at an unprecedented scale, signalling that HPAI appears to have moved into a new phase in which “this better adapted virus is expected to continue to spread and cause further negative conservation impacts”. Concerningly, breeding colonies on oceanic islands were specifically identified as at risk.  The Statement provides a comprehensive update on the current situation across global regions, and includes guidance on responses to HPAI, incorporating recommendations for countries affected and/ or at risk of HPAI, planning tools and resources for stakeholders including national recommendations and guidance. Patricia Pereira Serafini is Co-convenor of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)) and an Environmental Analyst for Brazil’s [National Centre for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds](https://www.icmbio.gov.br/cemave/). In July 2022 Serafini co-authored a set of guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the outbreak of HPAI which are referenced in the Task Force Statement and are available at the ACAP website under [Conservation Guidelines](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file). Commenting on the Task Force’s Statement she said: “Among the most endangered group of vertebrates in the world are the seabirds of the Order Procellariiformes, which hold albatrosses and petrels. These strictly pelagic birds breed mainly in isolated colonies on oceanic islands, and under natural circumstances are rarely exposed to new pathogens in their breeding grounds. Considering the impact of HPAI on seabird populations seen worldwide and the recent spread of the disease, outbreaks when these amazing birds congregate to breed at colonies are a potential threat to their conservation. All sites where ACAP species assemble may be at risk of exposure via migratory birds or accidental introduction by human activities (e.g. ringers, researchers and tourism) and should thus be in a state of alertness. CMS's statement on H5N1 High pathogenicity avian influenza strengthens the recommendations presented by ACAP in July 2022 regarding guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.” At ACAP’s recent Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee ([AC13](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee)) in May, at the recommendation of the PaCSWG, the Committee decided on the formation of a group of experts on epidemiology, disease risk assessment and management to advise ACAP on issues related to the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. The ACAP´s High Pathogenicity H5N1 Avian Influenza Intersessional Group consists of thirteen experts and is led by Serafini. “This group is dedicated to compiling the most up-to-date information and revising the ACAP guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the ongoing global outbreak”, said Serafini. “The group will also work to recommend and prioritise ways of effectively communicating the risk to decision-makers and stakeholders within ACAP, and prepare further documents and disease risk assessments, as necessary.” The full Statement from the Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds, “H5N1 High pathogenicity avian influenza in wild birds - Unprecedented conservation impacts and urgent needs” is available [here](https://www.cms.int/en/publication/h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-wild-birds-unprecedented-conservation-impacts). **Reference:** CMS FAO Co-convened Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds (2023). Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds statement on H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza in wild birds - Unprecedented conservation impacts and urgent needs. Available at: [https://www.cms.int/en/publication/h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian- influenza-wild-birds-unprecedented-conservation-impacts](https://www.cms.int/en/publication/h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-wild-birds-unprecedented-conservation-impacts)  *24 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wild-birds-facing-unprecedented-conservation-impacts-from-h5n1-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-hpai.md) ## Seabird population monitoring and research into the survival and dispersal of juvenile Flesh-footed Shearwaters: New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan for 2023/24 ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwaters_in_colony_Ian_Hutton.jpg)*Population monitoring of Flesh-footed Shearwaters is one of the projects to be delivered by the Conservation Services Programme; photograph by Ian Hutton* New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme (CSP) has published its 2023/2024 Annual Plan. The CSP operates under the Department of Conservation, “with the aim of avoiding, remedying, or mitigating the adverse effects of commercial fisheries on protected species.”  The Annual Plan provides a summary of upcoming and ongoing research projects to be delivered by the CSP and is divided into three areas:  - **Interaction Projects (section 2)**: including the Observer Programme and seabird identification programmes. - **Population Projects (section 3)**: a number of population and demographic studies of albatrosses endemic to New Zealand, monitoring of the Black Petrel and White-chinned Petrel, and research into the survival and dispersal of juvenile Flesh-footed Shearwaters. - **Mitigation Projects (section 4)**: the Protected Species Liaison Project, the use and effectiveness of various mitigation measures and a project focussed on understanding the relationship between fishhook size and bait type with seabird and turtle captures. The 2023/2024 Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan is available to download at the [Department of Conservation website](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-plans/current-csp-annual-plan/), or [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/plans-and-submissions/202324/final-csp-annual-plan-2023-24.pdf). *21 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-population-monitoring-and-research-into-the-survival-and-dispersal-of-juvenile-flesh-footed-shearwaters-new-zealands-conservation-services-programme-annual-plan-for-2023-24.md) ## The conservation status of Hutton’s Shearwater in a mountain colony after an earthquake *![Huttons Shearwater.Richard Cuthbert jpg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons_Shearwater.Richard_Cuthbert_jpg.jpg) Hutton’s Shearwater at a mountain breeding site, photograph by Richard Cuthbert* Chloe Cargill ([Puhi Peaks Station](https://www.facebook.com/puhipeakskaikouranz/), Kaikōura, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Notornis*](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/) on a mountain colony of the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698252) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Hutton’s shearwater (*Puffinus huttoni*) is a burrowing petrel endemic to the alpine zone of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, New Zealand. In November 2019, we accessed an understudied breeding colony at Shearwater Stream in the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve for the first time since a Mw 7.8 earthquake struck the region in 2016. We measured population parameters and carried out a geomorphological assessment. We estimate that the Shearwater Stream colony supports approximately 3,000 breeding pairs. Ground deformation attributed to the 2016 earthquake did not explain the discrepancy between this estimate and the commonly cited (pre-quake) population estimate of ~8,000 pairs. We highlight the limitations of extrapolated population parameters and of using vegetation cover as a coarse proxy for colony area. We discuss how low burrow occupancy and long-term reductions in the availability of suitable habitat indicate a population at risk of decline. We highlight how stable long-term data for burrow density and breeding success may not be reliable indicators of population health at Shearwater Stream.” **Reference:** Cargill, C.P., Townsend, D., McArthur, N.R., Morgenstern, R., Morrissey, M., Sherley, G. & Bell, M. 2023. The conservation status of Hutton’s shearwater (*Puffinus huttoni*) at Shearwater Stream, Kaikōura, New Zealand: a small population at risk? [*Notornis* 70: 1-13](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/the-conservation-status-of-huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni-at-shearwater-stream-kaikoura-new-zealand-a-small-population-at-risk/). *20 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-conservation-status-of-huttons-shearwater-in-a-mountain-colony-after-an-earthquake.md) ## Establishing a new colony of Hutton’s Shearwaters by translocating chicks *![Huttons Shearwater Richard Cuthbert](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons_Shearwater_Richard_Cuthbert.jpg)  Hutton's Shearwater at its burrow mouth, photograph by Richard Cuthbert* Lindsay Rowe (Rangiora, New Zealand) and Ted Howard have published in the ornithological [*Notornis*](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/notornis/)on establishing a new colony of [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698252) Hutton’s Shearwaters *Puffinus huttoni* by translocating chicks to a secure locality protected by a predator-proof fence on the Kaikōura Peninsula, New Zealand. The paper’s abstract follows: “A new colony of the endangered Hutton’s shearwaters (*Puffinus huttoni*) has been established at Te Rae o Atiu on the Kaikōura Peninsula, South Island east coast, New Zealand to provide insurance against catastrophic events at the high-altitude natural colonies in the Kōwhai River and Shearwater Stream, Seaward Kaikōura Range. The translocation of 495 chicks from the Kōwhai River colony was carried out in six operations from 2005 to 2013. Of the 473 fledglings, 97 have been recorded back at Te Rae o Atiu. Chick selection criteria, fledgling mass, fledgling wing length, days present before fledging, and days of emergence before fledging had no bearing on whether chicks returned from their post-fledging migration to Australian waters or not. One hundred and twelve Te Rae o Atiu bred chicks have fledged up until 2020–21. The Te Rae o Atiu fledglings had similar masjs and wing lengths, and days emerged prior to fledging, to the translocated fledglings. There were no differences between the groups of Te Rae o Atiu bred birds that returned or did not. At 2020–21, 21 of the 112 second-generation chicks have returned from their initial migration, and the earliest have bred successfully. The colony has grown to about 75 birds producing about 30 eggs, 24 chicks, and 22 fledglings annually. Future growth of Te Rae o Atiu will be reliant on these home-bred chicks as the oldest translocation birds will soon be approaching the end of their breeding lives. Acoustic attraction of birds flying over Te Rae o Atiu from the sea towards the Kōwhai River natal colony has been mostly unsuccessful with only two birds attracted.” **Reference:** Rowe, L.K. & Howard, T. 2023. Hutton’s shearwater (*Puffinus huttoni*) at Te Rae o Atiu, Kaikōura Peninsula South Island east coast, New Zealand: a colony established by translocations – 16 years progress. *[Notornis](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni-at-te-rae-o-atiu-kaikoura-peninsula-south-island-east-coast-new-zealand-a-colony-established-by-translocations-16-years-progress/)*[70: 14-30](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni-at-te-rae-o-atiu-kaikoura-peninsula-south-island-east-coast-new-zealand-a-colony-established-by-translocations-16-years-progress/)*.*PDF [here](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rowe-Howard_70_14-30.v2.pdf). *27 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/establishing-a-new-colony-of-huttons-shearwaters-by-translocating-chicks.md) ## New study reveals widespread plastic threat to endangered seabirds ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_10.jpg)*The Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*has been identified in the study as at high risk of exposure to plastics; photograph by Pep Arcos* A comprehensive new study, led by Bethany L. Clark ([BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), Cambridge, UK) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, the British Antarctic Survey, Fauna & Flora, and the 5 Gyres Institute, has been published open access in the journal, *[Nature Communications](https://www.nature.com/ncomms/)*. The study focuses on the world's most endangered seabirds and their potential encounters with plastics in the ocean. By analysing tracking data from 7,137 birds representing 77 petrel species and overlaying it with global plastic distribution maps, the researchers identified the areas where seabirds are most at risk of plastic exposure. ![Plastics exposure from paper world map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Plastics_exposure_from_paper_world_map.png) *Figure 4 from the paper which depicts the risk of plastic exposure to petrels across different global zones* The abstract follows:  “Plastic pollution is distributed patchily around the world’s oceans. Likewise, marine organisms that are vulnerable to plastic ingestion or entanglement have uneven distributions. Understanding where wildlife encounters plastic is crucial for targeting research and mitigation. Oceanic seabirds, particularly petrels, frequently ingest plastic, are highly threatened, and cover vast distances during foraging and migration. However, the spatial overlap between petrels and plastics is poorly understood. Here we combine marine plastic density estimates with individual movement data for 7137 birds of 77 petrel species to estimate relative exposure risk. We identify high exposure risk areas in the Mediterranean and Black seas, and the northeast Pacific, northwest Pacific, South Atlantic and southwest Indian oceans. Plastic exposure risk varies greatly among species and populations, and between breeding and non-breeding seasons. Exposure risk is disproportionately high for Threatened species. Outside the Mediterranean and Black seas, exposure risk is highest in the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the USA, Japan, and the UK. Birds generally had higher plastic exposure risk outside the EEZ of the country where they breed. We identify conservation and research priorities, and highlight that international collaboration is key to addressing the impacts of marine plastic on wide-ranging species.” Articles about the research can be found at the websites of [BirdLife](https://www.birdlife.org/news/2023/07/04/new-research-highlights-where-threatened-seabirds-are-most-exposed-to-marine-plastics/) and the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/worlds-threatened-sea-bird-species-visit-plastic-pollution-hotspots/). **Reference:** Clark, B.L., Carneiro, A.P.B., Pearmain, E.J. *et al.* 2023. Global assessment of marine plastic exposure risk for oceanic birds. *Nature Communication*. [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38900-z](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38900-z)[https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38900-z](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38900-z) *19 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-study-reveals-widespread-plastic-threat-to-endangered-seabirds.md) ## Telling Northern and Southern Buller’s Albatrosses apart at sea off Peru ![Bullers Javier Quinones 8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Javier_Quinones_8.jpg) *A Northern Buller’s Albatross off Peru, photograph by Javier Quiñones* Javier Quiñones ([Instituto del Mar del Peru](http://www.imarpe.gob.pe/imarpe/detallereport.php)) and colleagues have published in the journal [Notornis](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/society-publications/notornis/) on the occurrence of both subspecies of the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri/details) Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*off southern Peru. The paper’s abstract follows: “The current Buller’s albatross taxa (*Thalassarche bulleri bulleri*[southern] and *T. b. platei*[northern]) engage in transpacific migrations from breeding sites on New Zealand offshore islands to non-breeding areas in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean. Both taxa are identifiable from a combination of plumage colour features in the head and bill that are easy to detect at short distance (<15 m). There is also breeding allopatry between the taxa, with the onset of breeding 2.5 months earlier in the ‘northern taxon’. In this study, close-range sightings and captures of lured Buller ́s albatross individuals off southern Perú were carried out during two pelagic trips in May–July 2021 onboard a small- scale longline fishery wooden boat (12 m long), during their normal operations when targeting sharks. We report on the presence of 41 Buller ́s albatross, of which 40 were recognized as ‘northern taxon’ and one as ‘southern taxon’. The great majority of the ‘northern taxon’ were adults (92.5%), with the remaining identified as sub-adults (7.5%). Birds were sighted between 126 and 223 km offshore west-south-west from the port of Ilo, Perú (17°38.64 ́S, 71°20.77 ́W). Birds sighted were preferentially in oceanic areas above the abyssal plain (68% of sightings), with a mean depth of 4,537 m, demonstrating that the ‘northern taxon’ is a truly oceanic species. No birds were observed by us over the continental shelf. Discrimination of ‘northern taxon’ from ‘southern taxon’ is possible from a combination of the plumage colour features in the head and bill. However, identification and comparison of photographs for both taxa taken at sea can be problematic, due to varying light conditions, unless the birds can be drawn close to the photographer using attractants, such as offal discards.” *![Bullers Javier Quinones 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Javier_Quinones_3.jpg)* *![Bullers Javier Quinones 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Javier_Quinones_4.jpg) From the publication: differences between Northern and Southern Buller’s Albatrosses* His publication reported here is an outcome of his ACAP Small Grants project in 2021 entitled “Integrating an onboard observer program and remote tracking data to evaluate the interactions between the small-scale longline fisheries and adult Chatham albatrosses in their wintering grounds off Peru.” Read about Javier’s -funded secondment in 2022 with New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) that included addressing distribution data gaps of Buller’s Albatrosses and other ACAP-listed species and their overlap with the artisanal fishing effort of Peruvian longline, drift gillnet and coastal gillnet fisheries [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/conservation-outcomes-enhanced-through-cross-party-collaboration-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-hosts-peruvian-javier-quinones-acap-secondment-with-aim-to-benefit-chatham-bullers-and-salvins-albatrosses-and-black-petrels?highlight=WyJqYXZpZXIiLCJxdWlub25lcyJd). Access Javier’s publication on albatrosses and other seabirds in Peruvian waters from [here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Javier&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). *![Bullers Javier Quinones 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Javier_Quinones_7.jpg) A Northern Buller’s Albatross off Peru, photograph by Javier Quiñones* With thanks to Javier Quiñones. **Reference:** Quiñones, J., Zavalaga, C. & Robertson, C.J.R. 2023. Identifying northern Buller ́s albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri*subsp.) in offshore waters of southern Perú. [*Notornis* 70: 49-59](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/identifying-northern-buller-s-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri-subsp-in-offshore-waters-of-southern-peru/). *18 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/telling-northern-and-southern-bullers-albatrosses-apart-at-sea-off-peru.md) ## School-based international conservation education programme about albatrosses and petrels - just released to ACAP’s Educational Resources webpage ![1 Logo school based international conservation education programme about albatrosses and petrels](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/1_Logo_school-based_international_conservation_education_programme_about_albatrosses_and_petrels.png)*The logo for '*Albatrosses and Petrels: Conservation Education Programme for Primary Schools', created by Oxford Brookes University Masters student, Zoe Jacobs**   An international conservation education programme about albatrosses and petrels has been released today as a freely downloadable resource under Educational Resources on the ACAP website. It includes materials for four separate lessons, covering the biology and ecology of albatrosses and petrels, each of their main threats and conservation actions.  The programme, *[Albatrosses and Petrels: Conservation Education Programme for Primary Schools](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/educational-resources/albatrosses-and-petrels-conservation-education-programme-for-primary-schools), *has been produced for use in primary schools (roughly for children aged 9-11) for four of ACAP’s Parties - United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - by aligning with their national school curricula, to assist in achieving Section 6 of ACAP’s Action Plan: Education and Public Awareness. The programme was created by Zoe Jacobs as part of her MSc in Conservation Ecology at Oxford Brookes University in the UK. Zoe approached ACAP in January of this year with her idea and two requests: would ACAP be able to put her in touch with experts in *Procellariiformes* who could help review her programme, and could the programme be made available on the website once completed.  *![Zoe Jacobs school programme creator](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Zoe_Jacobs_school_programme_creator.jpg)Programme creator, Zoe Jacobs* In a Q & A for ACAP Latest News, *ALN* asked Zoe about the programme and how she came to create it.  **How did the idea for the programme emerge?** I developed an interest in marine ornithology during my MSc and chose to focus most of my research projects on threatened albatrosses and petrels and their habitats. My bachelor’s degree is in linguistics, and I believe this interest in language led me to become passionate about the importance of scientific communication, education and outreach as a tool for conservation.  In studying the need for international cooperation for the conservation of migratory, transboundary taxa, such as albatrosses and petrels, I noticed a gap in the research surrounding conservation education for this type of taxa and decided to address it through the creation of this programme for my final MSc dissertation.    **Can you describe the experience of creating the programme? ** Creating this programme has been so interesting and fulfilling for me and I would like to extend a big thank you to all the international experts in education, seabird ecology and conservation - Dr Richard Phillips, Mariëtte Wheeler, Megan Tierney, Glenn Welch, instructors from Aves Argentina, and school teachers from across the world -  who have assisted me to determine the best practices for creating conservation education programmes about transboundary taxa.    **Who is the programme for?** The programme is designed for use by primary school educators in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These countries were chosen as they are four of the Parties to ACAP (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland form a singular party as the United Kingdom). It was created to align with the national curricula for the following grades of primary education, which roughly coincide with ages 9-11: - Australia: *Year 5, Year 6* - New Zealand: *Level 3* - South Africa: *Grade 5, Grade 6* - England: *Year 5, Year 6* - Scotland: *Second Level* - Wales: *Progression Step 3* - Northern Ireland: *Key Stage 2* The programme integrates a number of curriculum subjects for each country. It aligns predominantly with topics in science, and therefore is recommended for use in science lessons. It also includes opportunities to develop mathematics and literacy (or English) skills, which are cross-curriculum values or skills for each country. Elements of social sciences, life skills and citizenship, performative and visual arts, design and technology, and digital or computing studies are also included. Specific curriculum connections for each country are provided in the Lesson Plans document of the programme.  ![Peak Beaks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Peak_Beaks.jpg)*A snapshot of 'Peak Beaks', a card game Zoe created which is inspired by the much-loved UK children's game, 'Top Trumps'* **Why was the programme produced?** Global populations of albatrosses and petrels are rapidly declining, mostly driven by bycatch in commercial fisheries, climate change, introduction of invasive alien species to their breeding sites, and marine plastic pollution (Phillips *et al., *2016). These human drivers of decline mean changing our behaviours is an essential part of the solution (CBD, 2020). This can be achieved through conservation education, which aims to increase knowledge and awareness of, and care for, the natural world, and providing the necessary skills to do so (Jacobson, McDuff and Monroe, 2015). The global, transboundary migration of albatrosses and petrels means international cooperation is required for their conservation. Under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the 13 Parties implement the Action Plan through legislation and conservation practices. One focus area of the Action Plan is Education and Public Awareness (ACAP, 2018) – therefore, conservation education for these seabirds should be effective on an international scale. Educating children, as our future generations, on the importance of and threats to species is vital for long-term biodiversity conservation (Jacobson, McDuff and Monroe, 2015). However, countries vary in their academic standards and methods, meaning international conservation education programmes are currently few and far between. This resource seeks to address this gap by providing primary school educators, in seven different countries, with an educational programme that aligns with, and enriches, their national curriculum, using albatrosses and petrels as an important and topical case study for conservation. The programme has six goals: - **Support academic standards **of each country as far as possible, aligning with curriculum topics and cross-curriculum values. - **Teacher capacity**: provide educators with sufficient resources to be able to effectively teach these lessons. As much as possible, enable them to deliver the lessons with comfort, passion, charisma and showing a high level of knowledge surrounding the subject. - **Increase knowledge and awareness **of students about threatened wildlife, focusing on albatrosses and petrels, their importance for us and the world, the threats they are facing and how these threats can be reduced. - **Attitudes**: by increasing knowledge and awareness and using affective (emotional) messaging, the programme aims to elicit wonder, excitement, interest, and empathy towards wildlife, focusing on albatrosses and petrels. - **Skills**: provide students with the skills to become responsible, caring global citizens who are able to protect the natural world. - **Empowerment and self-efficacy: **provide students with the knowledge and skills to believe they can become responsible global citizens who can make a difference in protecting the natural world.  ![Lesson Titles 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Lesson_Titles_2.jpg)*The graphics for each of the Lesson presentations in the programme* **What does the programme include?** ** **The programme provides materials to guide educators in delivering four separate Lessons: 1. **The life of a seabird** 2. **Fishing and food webs** 3. **Plastic pollution** 4. **Climate change** Materials include: - **Introduction **and **References **documents, providing a background to the programme, printing instructions for the materials and references for the information and media used in the programme. - **Lesson plans**, including: - Overviews of curriculum connections, keywords, additional resources and time needed. Each Lesson requires a maximum of 60 minutes*.* - Step-by-step guidance for each Lesson. The Lessons include elements of teaching, discussion, games, and group research activities with opportunities for creating, presenting and performing. - At least one optional extension activity and homework per Lesson. - **Presentations**, coinciding with the Lesson Plans. - **Fact File**, providing information on the topics of each Lesson to guide the educator and students, definitions of keywords and other important vocabulary, and species profiles for 16 of the ACAP-listed albatross and petrel species that can be used as case studies in the Lessons. - **Workbooks **for students. - **Peak Beaks **seabird biology and ecology card game for Lesson 1.   *Albatrosses and Petrels: Conservation Education Programme for Primary Schools* is free to access and now available to download from Educational Resources under the World Albatross Day menu item on the homepage of ACAP's website, or [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/educational-resources/albatrosses-and-petrels-conservation-education-programme-for-primary-schools). If you have any questions or feedback regarding the programme, please contact the ACAP Communications Advisor, Bree Forrer using the [contact form](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-secretariat-staff). The Agreement would like to thank [Dr Richard Philips](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/), Seabird Ecologist at the British Antarctic Survey and Co-convenor of the ACAP Populations and Conservation Status working group, and [Mariëtte Wheeler](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari%C3%ABtte-wheeler-7ba7a532/?originalSubdomain=za), Zoologist and Life and Natural Sciences Educator at Protea Heights Academy in South Africa for assisting Zoe in the development of the programme.   **References:** Phillips, R.A. et al. (2016) ‘The conservation status and priorities for albatrosses and large petrels’, BiologicalConservation, 201, pp. 169–183. Available at: [doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.06.017](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.06.017) (Accessed: 21 June 2023). CBD (2020) *Aichi Biodiversity Target 1 and Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA). *Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Available at: [www.cbd.int/cepa/target1/](http://www.cbd.int/cepa/target1/) (Accessed: 21 June 2023). Jacobson, S.K., McDuff, M.D. and Monroe, C.M. (2015) *Conservation Education and Outreach **Techniques*. 2nd edn.Oxford University Press. ACAP (2018) ‘Action Plan’, in Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels: Amended by theSixth Session of the Meeting of the Parties (Skukuza, South Africa, 7 - 11 May 2018). Skukuza, South Africa.Available at: [www.acap.aq/agreement-text/206-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrel](http://www.acap.aq/agreement-text/206-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrel) s/file (Accessed: 21June 2023).   **Note:** An error was discovered in the 'Fact File' resource for the Black-browed Albatross where the ages for the 'First breeding age' and 'Generation length' were transposed. 'First breeding age' should be, 10 years old, with 'Generation length' as, 21.5 years old. If you downloaded the 'Fact File' before the 17 July (AEST) then please download the corrected version [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/educational-resources/albatrosses-and-petrels-conservation-education-programme-for-primary-schools),   The Agreement apologises for the error and thanks the keen-eyed reader who spotted it. *14 July 2023 (updated 18 July)* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/school-based-international-conservation-education-programme-about-albatrosses-and-petrels-just-released-to-acaps-educational-resources-webpage.md) ## Be a champion for seabirds: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation seeks Senior International Policy Advisor ![NZDOC logo rectangular](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/NZDOC_logo_rectangular.png) An opportunity has arisen with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation for a Senior International Policy Advisor to join the team to progress the Department's international seabird work. The position is described in the Department’s advertisement as follows: “This is a rare and exciting opportunity to champion conservation through international collaboration and policy negotiations. The primary focus of this role is addressing international threats to seabirds. Seabirds are amongst the most threatened group of birds globally, particularly albatrosses and petrels. New Zealand is a global seabird hotspot, and ninety percent of them are in trouble (threatened or at risk of extinction). Many of our threatened taonga seabirds are highly migratory and face imminent danger in waters beyond our jurisdiction, either in the high seas or in coastal waters or other range states. Addressing bycatch risks and other at-sea threats across the range of seabirds is vital to fully realise the conservation benefits from investment made domestically in breeding site and domestic fisheries management. Ideally, you'll be looking to take the next step in your career to broaden your international focus and experience. Working alongside subject matter experts, you'll support the implementation of our bycatch mitigation strategy.  There will also be opportunities to support the team's wider international engagement functions. This is a true engagement role where whanaungatanga will be a foundation principle throughout your mahi. You'll join a passionate advisory team and work closely alongside key partners including our internal policy and technical teams, whānau, hapū and iwi, government agencies and other international and domestic stakeholders working together to support the delivery of the Government's international conservation obligations. This role requires the ability and willingness to travel internationally for meetings and in some cases, to attend virtual international meetings at night. If you're not based in Wellington, let us know in your cover letter where you'd prefer to be based.” Applications close on the 19th of July.  The complete Position Description can be found here: [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobs/DOC-600021006WLG&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ldlpZa4Qr81qFSNrwg8Pm](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobs/DOC-600021006WLG&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2ldlpZa4Qr81qFSNrwg8Pm)[https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobs/DOC-600021006WLG](https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobs/DOC-600021006WLG). *12 July 2023 * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/be-a-champion-for-seabirds-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-seeks-senior-international-policy-advisor.md) ## A Storybook Trail is opened to mark World Albatross Day 2023 with a sculpture of Wisdom, the Laysan Albatross  ![TRAIL Wisdom trail 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/TRAIL_Wisdom_trail_1.jpg)*The first stop on the Wisdom Storybook Trail, Bel-Aire Park, Clarksville, Tennessee, USA* The Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council, in partnership with Clarksville Parks & Recreation, unveiled their Storybook Trail at Bel-Aire Park in Clarksville, Tennessee, USA on 22 June, just three days after World Albatross Day, this year with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”. The 800-m trail winds its way through the park with 18 stops along the way with information panels that tell a story in words and illustration about [Wisdom](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=), the famous [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis of*[Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site), the world’s oldest known wild bird, now around 71 years old. *![Wisdom trail](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Wisdom_trail.jpeg) Ellen Kanervo, Executive Director, Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council speaks**at the start of the Wisdom Storybook Trail: “We have put up a trail where children and families can go along and walk while reading a book about an albatross named Wisdom”, photograph by Lee Erwin* *![TRAIL Bel Aire Park Storybook Trail Lee Erwin 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/TRAIL_Bel-Aire-Park-Storybook-Trail_Lee_Erwin_1.jpg) Eighteen story boards are spaced out along the winding trail, photograph by Lee Erwin* The information of each storyboard comes from the [book about Wisdom](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/wisdom-the-midway-albatross-a-review?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsInJldmlldyIsInJldmlld2VkIiwicmV2aWV3aW5nIiwicmV2aWV3cyIsInJldmlld2VyIiwicmV2aWV3ZXIncyIsImhhcnZpbGwiLCJoYXJ2aWwiXQ==) written by Darcy Pattison and illustrated by long-time ACAP supporter, Kitty Harvill, Co-founder, [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) (and a Clarksville native). Kitty writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “It's so gratifying to feel that I'm contributing back to the community that raised me. This Storybook Trail is a wonderful opportunity to have fun and get some exercise while learning something new, about a species far away, and how the daily activities of humans can eventually reach and harm them.” *![TRAIL Kitty Harvill sculpture](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/TRAIL_Kitty_Harvill_sculpture.jpg) Kitty Harvill (left) poses with a sculpture of Wisdom, along with a student who holds a copy of Wisdom’s book* Also at the opening event was Christoph Hrdina, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature Co-founder, with his model of Wisdom made out of recycled materials, made especially to mark “WAD2023” and its theme. Each individual feather was cut out from recycled milk jugs with the help of [Arts for Hearts Clarkesville](https://www.facebook.com/artsforheartsclarksville) volunteers led by Barbara Kane, and Norman Smith Elementary School students. Christoph writes: “Albatrosses are fascinating birds from any point of view. As a sculptor, I wanted to show them in their real dimensions: over six-feet [1.8 m] wingspan and show one of their main enemies during their 70-year or more lifespan - Plastic Pollution, mainly created by humans' disrespectful behaviour toward Nature. My sculpture is entirely made of recycled wood, plastic and metal to serve as an educational tool.” *![TRAIL Plastic Wanderer Christoph H](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/TRAIL_Plastic_Wanderer_Christoph_H.jpg) Life-sized sculpture of Wisdom the Laysan Albatross, made from recycled plastic, by Christoph Hrdina, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature with Barbara Kane, Arts for Hearts Clarksville* At the event, local artist and musician Leo Adames performed his song, “Fly Wisdom Fly” that was inspired by Wisdom’s book and children were invited to make albatross puppets to fly along the trail. *![TRAIL Plastic Wanderer Christoph H plus](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/TRAIL_Plastic_Wanderer_Christoph_H_plus.jpg) Big bird! Christoph Hrdina stands behind his albatross sculpture of Wisdom, along with artist/musician Leo Adames who performed at the trail-opening event (right)* Read more on the trail and the opening event in local media[here](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2023/06/16/clarksville-arts-and-heritage-council-to-unveil-storybook-trail-in-bel-aire-park/?fbclid=IwAR2s10wso9oxzTIH7yM2FSmp4e_vacVMblyYrvDdKYbOf8ekmH8WoXmby-M) and [here](https://clarksvillenow.com/local/bel-aire-park-unveils-a-storybook-trail-about-wisdom-the-albatross/?fbclid=IwAR2JCpgLkhh4DoRp-wXXh1VOLhcHPDwlfIf4RwoYwnV_PsN_YxaZhVYfzh8).  *![TRAIL Plastic Wanderer Christoph H plus](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/TRAIL_Mayors_office_1.jpg)* *Wisdom meets the Mayor!  From left: Leo Adames, *Christoph Hrdina, Kitty Harvill, Wisdom, *Barbara Kane**and Mayor Joe Pitts, photograph by Michael Rios* After the trail opening, Christoph's sculpture of Wisdom has been on display in the office of the [City of Clarksville](https://www.cityofclarksville.com/) Mayor, Joe Pitts. The Mayor writes: "When I saw Wisdom at the Storybook Trail dedication her story resonated with me and I wanted to help tell the story.  It is such a magnificent art piece made extra special by those who had a hand in her making.  I am looking forward to telling the story to the hundreds of people who will pass through the doors of the Mayor's office over the next few weeks."  With thanks to Kitty Harvill and Christoph Hrdina, [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-storybook-trail-is-opened-to-mark-world-albatross-day-2023-with-a-sculpture-of-wisdom-the-laysan-albatross.md) ## Working towards minimising seabird bycatch: The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and ACAP renew their Memorandum of Understanding ![IATTC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IATTC.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has [renewed its Memorandum of Understanding](https://acap.aq/documents/mous/4530-mou-between-iattc-and-acap-secretariat-1/file) (MoU) with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission ([IATTC](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Inter-American+Tropical+Tuna+Commission&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)). The renewal reaffirms each organisation's commitment “to facilitate cooperation between the IATTC and the ACAP Secretariat with a view to supporting efforts to minimise the incidental by-catch of albatrosses and petrels listed in Annex 1 of ACAP within the IATTC Convention Area.” ![IATTC Convention Area](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IATTC_Convention_Area.png)*A map from the IATTC website indicates the IATTC Convention Area* The MoU promotes cooperation between the organisations in the following areas: 1. development of systems for collecting and analysing data, and exchanging information concerning the bycatch of albatrosses and petrels in the IATTC Convention Area; 2. exchange of information regarding management approaches directly or indirectly relevant to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels; 3. implementation of education and awareness programmes for fishers who operate in areas where albatrosses and petrels may be encountered; 4. design, testing and implementation of albatross and petrel bycatch mitigation measures relevant to fishing operations in the IATTC Convention Area; 5. development of training programmes on conservation techniques and measures to mitigate threats affecting albatrosses and petrels; 6. exchange of expertise, techniques and knowledge relevant to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in the IATTC Convention Area; and 7. reciprocal participation with observer status at the relevant meetings of ACAP and IATTC. ACAP’s Executive Secretary Dr Christine Bogle and IATTC Senior Policy Advisor, Jean-François Pulvenis signed the MoU earlier this year in May. First signed in July 2011, the MoU has now been renewed with a clause to automatically extend every six-years unless the Participants decide otherwise. *10 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/working-towards-minimising-seabird-bycatch-the-inter-american-tropical-tuna-commission-and-acap-renew-their-memorandum-of-understanding.md) ## Keeping track: A dataset on Invasive species of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands ![Invasive Species Figure1 Paper Leihy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Invasive_Species_Figure1_Paper_Leihy.png)*Fig. 1 from the paper: Spatial coverage of the data across the Antarctic. Number of alien species records across the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region. Values and point size indicate the total number of unique alien species or other taxon records per locality. Shaded points indicate the proportion of records currently listed as present (extant) at each locality (purple), versus the proportion of records with an uncertain or absent occurrence status in blue. Point sizes are log-scaled and constrained by a minimum size for localities with fewer than five records, for display. Localities without records with a present occurrence status in the dataset listed in grey text.* Rachel I. Leihy ([Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future](https://arcsaef.com/), School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[scientific data](https://www.nature.com/sdata/) *on introduced and invasive species of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands. The paper’s abstract follows: “Open data on biological invasions are particularly critical in regions that are co-governed and/or where multiple independent parties have responsibility for preventing and controlling invasive alien species. The Antarctic is one such region where, in spite of multiple examples of invasion policy and management success, open, centralised data are not yet available. This dataset provides current and comprehensive information available on the identity, localities, establishment, eradication status, dates of introduction, habitat, and evidence of impact of known introduced and invasive alien species for the terrestrial and freshwater Antarctic and Southern Ocean region. It includes 3066 records for 1204 taxa and 36 individual localities. The evidence indicates that close to half of these species are not having an invasive impact, and that ~ 13% of records are of species considered locally invasive. The data are provided using current biodiversity and invasive alien species data and terminology standards. They provide a baseline for updating and maintaining the foundational knowledge needed to halt the rapidly growing risk of biological invasion in the region.” **Reference:** Leihy, R.I., Peake, L., Clarke, D.A. *et al.* Introduced and invasive alien species of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands. *Sci Data* **10**, 200 (2023). [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02113-2](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02113-2)[https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02113-2](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02113-2) *07 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/keeping-track-a-dataset-on-invasive-species-of-antarctica-and-the-southern-ocean-islands.md) ## Highlighting the “Faces of Seabird Conservation”: The Pacific Seabird Group announces the theme for its 51st Annual Meeting in 2024 ![Pacific Seabird Group Logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Pacific_Seabird_Group_-_Logo.png) The [Pacific Seabird Group](https://psg.wildapricot.org) (PSG) has announced “Faces of Seabird Conservation” as the theme for its 51stAnnual Meeting being held in Seattle, Washington, United States, 21-23 February 2024.  The theme has been chosen by PSG to shine, “a spotlight on the humans that love seabirds”. PSG have put a call-out for the public to get involved and draw attention to a seabird scientist they feel has flown under the radar, announcing on their Instagram page: “Do you have a favorite established or aspiring seabird scientist you'd like everyone to know more about? How about a dedicated volunteer, logistics coordinator, or local community member who goes the extra mile for seabirds but has never attended a PSG meeting? Or maybe you're teaching (or raising) a seabird enthusiast? Grab a camera, ask them a few questions, and send us a Faces of Seabird Conservation profile telling us who they are!” Submissions for Symposia, Special Paper Sessions, and Workshops are also being accepted as are nominations for two awards to be conferred at the meeting. All information about the meeting can be found at the Pacific Seabird Group’s meeting page on the website, [here](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting). *05 July 2024* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/highlighting-the-faces-of-seabird-conservation-the-pacific-seabird-group-announces-the-theme-for-its-51st-annual-meeting-in-2024.md) ## UPDATED - NO RESPITE. Twenty years on and Marion Island’s House Mice are continuing to attack Wandering Albatross chicks **UPDATE - NO RESPITE** Attacks by House Mice on Marion Island's beleagured Wandering Albatross chicks continue, with the latest victim in the Macaroni Bay study colony photographed by island researcher Michelle Risi today. ![Wandering Albatross chick scalped Michelle Risi August 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_chick_scalped_Michelle_Risi_August_2023.jpg)*Scalped! This month's victim, photograph by Michelle Risi, 12 August 2023* *![Wanderer chick after attack 21.06.2023 Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_chick_after_attack_21.06.2023_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg) A Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island shows clear signs of being attacked by mice; photograph by Michelle Risi* Marion Island’s seabirds are under attack. Predatory House Mice are ravaging their chicks, and even adults for some species. The Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project aims to rectify this situation and put the island back on the road to recovery. This will be done by a major campaign set to take place in winter 2025 when a fleet of helicopters will spread rodenticide bait over the whole island. *![Wandering Albatross mouse attack Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_mouse_attack_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) Scalped! A House Mouse feeds at night on the head of a defenceless Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island in 2015; photograph by Stefan and Janine Schoombie* One of the most iconic seabirds that breeds on the island is the Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*. Marion Island supports no less than a quarter of its world population, making it the most important breeding locality for this globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) species. Despite its huge size, especially relative to a diminutive mouse, it is not safe from attacks that have led to severe wounding and eventual death of chicks, literally eaten alive while sitting on their nests. The first attacks on Wanderer chicks on Marion were recorded in 2003. Still photographs and video clips, some made at night, graphically illustrate the conservation problem ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/articles/) to access scientific publications on the mouse attacks). *![Wanderer chick after attack 21.06.2023 Michelle Risi 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_chick_after_attack_21.06.2023_Michelle_Risi_5.jpg) Another view of the wounded chick, showing exposed flesh and bone on its rump; photograph by Michelle Risi* It is not unexpected then, but still worrying, to hear that attacks on Marion’s Wandering Albatross chicks are continuing, with the first observation this year being made on Midwinter’s Day (21 June) by island researchers Michelle Risi and Chris Jones from Nelson Mandela University’s [Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/). The post-guard chick had a wound on the rump leading to its downy flank becoming blood stained. The chick was in a long-term study colony (one of three on the island) centred above Macaroni Bay on the island’s east coast. Established in the early 1980s, all the nests in the study colonies are staked and mapped. Breeding adults are colour banded and followed through the long breeding season. This season 95 eggs were laid, but currently only 42 chicks remain. Chick mortalities due to mice have regularly reduced breeding success in this study colony, and it seems that the 2023 season will be no exception. *![Wanderer chick before attack 06.06.2023 Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_chick_before_attack_06.06.2023_Michelle_Risi.jpg) Before the attack: the chick on 6 June in good health; photograph by Michelle Risi* Photographed earlier on 6 June, the same chick then appeared to be in good health. A return visit on 29 June revealed the chick had succumbed and its corpse had likely been scavenged or it had been killed while in a moribund state by giant petrels *Macronectes*spp. and/or Subantarctic or Brown Skuas *Catharacta antarctica*. This disappointing outcome confirms the necessity and urgency of eradicating the island’s mice and encourages the MFM Project team to continue to work hard towards achieving this aim in two-year’s time. *![Wanderer chick M11 after attack 29.06.2023 Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_chick_M11_after_attack_29.06.2023_Michelle_Risi.jpg) With stake M11 marking the nest site as if a grave, all that remained of the chick on 29 June; photograph by Michelle Risi* With thanks to Michelle Risi, Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 July 2023, updated 12 August 2023* **NOTE**: First published on the [Mouse-Free Marion Project website](https://mousefreemarion.org/) on 04 July 2023 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/twenty-years-on-and-marion-islands-house-mice-are-continuing-to-attack-wandering-albatross-chicks.md) ## A Buller’s Albatross fledgling that crash landed on New Zealand’s Chatham Island is released on World Albatross Day *![Bullers Albatross Chatham 2023 Bridget Preece 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Chatham_2023_Bridget_Preece_1.jpeg) A grounded Buller’s Albatross fledgling held by Kayne Merwood prior to its release on World Albatross Day, photograph by Bridget Preece, Kopi Bush Retreat* The New Zealand Department of Conservation ([DOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)) team of rangers based on Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands has reported of a globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) and nationally [Endemic and Declining](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bullers-mollymawk) Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* fledgling landing on the main Chatham Island during the night of 18 June and then being rescued and released the next day on [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) . The team’s report on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/docchatham.ranger) follows: “Last Monday was World Albatross Day and, as if on cue, they began to fall from the sky with our office getting three reports in as many days of juvenile Buller’s mollymawks/hōpo/toroa crash landed on roads or farms where they are vulnerable to vehicles and dogs. In May/June each year these fledgling birds are taking their first flight from [Rakitchu/Rangitatahi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sisters_(New_Zealand))[/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sisters_(New_Zealand))[The Sisters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sisters_(New_Zealand)) and [Motchu Hara/Motuhara](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels)[/](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels)[Forty-Fours](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels). Luckily for these birds some very thoughtful and caring members of the community were on hand and got in touch with our team. With the help of rangers and even assistance from our awesome local fire brigade they were relocated to high, windy spots to have a chance at relaunching. Hopefully they’ll be back in about 12 years’ time to have chicks of their own.” ![Bullers Albatross Chatham 2023 Bernadette Lim 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Chatham_2023_Bernadette_Lim_2.jpeg) *![Bullers Albatross Chatham 2023 Bernadette Lim 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Chatham_2023_Bernadette_Lim_3.jpeg) ![Bullers Albatross Chatham 2023 Bernadette Lim 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/Bullers_Albatross_Chatham_2023_Bernadette_Lim_1.jpeg) This fledgling Buller’s Albatross was found on a Chatham Island road at night and then released from a sea cliff, photographs by Bernadette Lim, Chatham**Volunteer Fire Brigade* *ACAP Latest News*reached out to Gemma Green, DOC Ranger (biodiversity) on the Chatham Islands for some more details. In reply, she tells*ALN* that so far this breeding season five fledgling Buller’s Albatrosses have become grounded on Chatham Island, rescued, and then released on high ground or from sea cliff edges where they will more easily be able to take flight. She writes that they hear of one or two fledgling Buller’s Albatrosses each year although they might not all get found or reported to us. “This year seemed to be particularly bad, maybe due to the unseasonably light easterlies we had over the past couple of weeks. It’s gone back to more normal strong winds now so hopefully no more.” DOC marine ornithologist, Graeme Taylor says that there have been reports in the past of one or two Northern Buller’s Albatrosses *T. bulleri platei* showing up grounded on beaches around the northern end of the main Chatham Island and mostly in June which is the month they fledge. These have been assumed to have come off The Sisters where the northern subspecies breeds as the winds are typically northerly or westerly at the Chatham Islands and this direction would blow birds from The Sisters up on the northern beaches. But with the easterly winds this season’s grounded birds are just as likely to have come from the Forty-Fours which are well out to the east of the main island. With The Sisters being *c*. 16 km away from the main Chatham Island the situation appears similar to that of occasional fledglings of the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. carteri*from South Africa’s Prince Edward Island being recorded ashore on Marion Island – where the species does not breed – at a distance of 22 km ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-occasionally-visit-marion-island-but-do-not-breed-there)). The Forty-Fours are about three times as distant at 50 km, so it may be the crash-landed albatrosses more usually came from The Sisters under the influence of the prevailing westerly winds. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_Island_juv_presumed_Chtahams_2007_Graeme_Taylor.JPG) The presumed Campbell Albatross ashore on Chatham in 2007, photograph from Graeme Taylor* Graeme Taylor adds that back in April 2007 a presumed Campbell Albatross *T. impavida* ([Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728349)) was found on the road near the Chatham Island’s DOC office. It was a recently fledged juvenile but separating them at that age from Black-browed Albatrosses *T. melanophris* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375)) is problematic because both then have dark eyes. With thanks to Gemma Green and Graeme Taylor, New Zealand Department of Conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-bullers-albatross-fledgling-that-crash-landed-on-new-zealands-chatham-island-is-released-on-world-albatross-day.md) ## A beacon of hope: implementation of mitigation measures in New Zealand’s squid trawl fisheries sees a reduction in seabird bycatch ![Bird Scaring line Domingo Jimenez shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird_Scaring_line_Domingo_Jimenez_shrunk.PNG)*Bird-scaring lines (BSL) (pictured) are one of the mitigation measures implemented by New Zealand's squid trawl fishery. Photograph by Domingo Jimenez* Keith Reid ([Ross Analytics Pty Ltd](https://www.rossanalytics.com.au), Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal, *[Emu – Austral Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temu20)* on the implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in squid trawl fisheries in New Zealand. The paper’s abstract follows: “Although there is an increasing awareness of the high rates of seabird bycatch in trawl fisheries globally, there is relatively limited implementation of effective mitigation measures. Seabirds that are attracted to the stern of the trawl vessel to feed on fish-waste can be drowned or injured when they collide with warps/cables or when they become entangled in nets. Managing fish-waste discharge (processing offal and discards) and limiting access to it by scaring birds have been identified as the most effective measures to reduce seabird mortality from collisions with warps. New Zealand’s arrow squid (*Nototodarus* spp.) trawl fishery occurs during the austral summer and autumn when there is significant overlap with large numbers of foraging seabirds due to the proximity of breeding areas. Regulations introduced by the New Zealand government in 2007 requiring the use of devices to reduce warp strikes and operational procedures to manage fish-waste were independently implemented by the fishing industry in 2007 with the support of fishery regulators. The rate of capture of albatrosses by warps decreased from a mean of 2.9 birds per 100 tows during the period 2003 to 2006 to a mean of 0.7 birds per 100 tows after 2007. Long-term ownership of squid fishery quota catalysed the proactive engagement of the industry and has been reflected in a positive cultural shift in the attitude of fishers towards managing the risk of the capture of seabirds. Multi-sector collaboration and engagement allowed for the translation of experimental mitigation results into long-term, industrial-scale operational practices.”** ** **Reference:** Keith Reid, G. Barry Baker & Richard Wells (2023) Mitigation of seabird bycatch in New Zealand squid trawl fisheries provides hope for ongoing solutions, Emu - Austral Ornithology, DOI: [10.1080/01584197.2023.2214580](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2214580) *30 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-beacon-of-hope-implementation-of-mitigation-measures-in-new-zealands-squid-trawl-fisheries-sees-a-reduction-in-seabird-bycatch.md) ## Historic treaty to protect the ocean beyond national jurisdictions officially adopted ![Northern Royal Albatross in flight Oscar Thomas](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_in_flight_Oscar_Thomas.jpg)*A Northern Royal Albatross in flight over the ocean; photograph by Oscar Thomas. The new treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) could be significant for the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.* On Monday 19 June, whilst albatross enthusiasts were raising awareness of plastic pollution in celebration of World Albatross Day, a momentous occasion in ocean conservation was taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York. Governments officially adopted a new legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ([UNCLOS](https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htm)) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). After the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Agreement in early March 2023, the draft text underwent a technical edit by an informal open-ended working group before its adoption.  UN Secretary, António Guterres, in his address to delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) pointed to the multiple threats faced by the ocean and hailed governments for coming together on the landmark treaty at such a critical time, saying: “Climate change is heating our planet, disrupting weather patterns and ocean currents, and altering marine ecosystems and the species living there…Marine biodiversity is under attack from overfishing, over-exploitation and ocean acidification. Over one-third of fish stocks are being harvested at unsustainable levels. And we are polluting our coastal waters with chemicals, plastics and human waste. The historic achievement we celebrate today is vital to address these threats, and ensure the sustainability of those areas not covered under national jurisdiction.” The Agreement, which has been under negotiation by the IGC since 2018, provides a legal framework for governing the vast areas of waters beyond national boundaries – over two-thirds of the ocean. It incorporates a number of mechanisms to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of BBNJ, including:  - provisions on marine genetic resources (MGRs);  - Area Based Management Tools (ABMT), including marine protected areas (MPAs);  - environmental impact assessments (EIA), and;  - capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology (CB&TMT). Albatrosses and petrels traverse vast areas of the open ocean and cross multiple national borders, making conservation efforts complex and challenging. The treaty could herald a significant moment for the conservation of ACAP-listed species, offering a framework to address the numerous challenges faced by these remarkable seabirds.  IGC President Rena Lee (Singapore), who has been praised for steering the Agreement to its success, has urged for its swift ratification. The BBNJ Agreement requires 60 parties to ratify it before it can come into force and opens for signature on 20 September 2023.  More information on the BBNJ can be found at the United Nations website, [here](https://www.un.org/bbnj/). *3 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/historic-treaty-to-protect-the-ocean-beyond-national-jurisdictions-officially-adopted.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Ten ACAP Parties endorse the Mouse-Free Marion Project at the Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee in Edinburgh, Scotland ![MFM Logo Colour Trademark](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/MFM_Logo_Colour_-_Trademark.png)  At ACAP’s [most recent meetings](https://acap.aq/latest-news/running-out-of-time-the-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels-advisory-committee-urges-action-on-the-conservation-crisis-facing-albatrosses-and-petrels), held in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK in May, its Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) considered an information paper ([PaCSWG 7 Inf 05](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg7/pacswg7-information-papers/4272-pacswg7-inf-05/file)) submitted by the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project and co-written by Dr Azwianewi Makhado (South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, [DFFE](https://www.dffe.gov.za/)) and Dr Anton Wolfaardt (MFM Project Manager). Their paper sets out the background and need for the project that aims to eradicate House Mice on Marion Island and reports on its current status. It ends by inviting the PaCSWG, ACAP and ACAP Parties “to follow our progress, and endorse and support the MFM Project which aims to achieve a more favourable conservation status for Marion Island and its globally important seabirds, including eight ACAP-listed species”. Following discussion, the PaCSWG7 recognised that this is a key project at a major global breeding site and urged all who could support the work to do so. The PaCSWG then recommended that the ACAP Advisory Committee endorse and support the MFM Project. The 13th Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC13](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13)) the following week heard a presentation of the PaCSWG report ([AC13 Doc 09](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents/4400-ac13-doc-09-pacswg-report/file)) from its Convenors that *inter alia* drew attention to its recommendation on the MFM Project. Following discussion among the ten Parties present, AC13 agreed to endorse and encourage support for the MFM Project, reiterating its importance ([click here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file)). *![AC13 Groupshot 2 web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13_Groupshot_2_web.jpg) Delegates attending the Thirteenth Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee outside Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh, Scotland, photograph by Bree Forrer* The international support received from ACAP means that all six nations that hold breeding populations of one or more of the eight ACAP-listed species of albatrosses and petrels that breed on Marion Island have endorsed the MFM Project. These are Argentina, Australia, France, Chile, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Endorsement by these Parties joins government support for the project within South Africa, recently confirmed by Ms Barbara Creecy, Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in her budget speech ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/barbara-creecy-minister-of-forestry-fisheries-forestry-and-the-environment-confirms-government-support-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project-in-her-budget-speech/)). Dr Azwianewi Makhado (DFFE and South Africa’s [National Contact Point](https://acap.aq/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file) for the Agreement) writes: “South Africa appreciates the support and endorsement of the progress coming from ACAP’s Advisory Committee at its Thirteenth Meeting held in May. It also appreciates the effort being made by the MFM Project to eradicate mice on Marion Island. The country will continue to provide support for this important project to help conserve the albatross and petrel species that breed on the island.” [Dr Sue Tonin](https://mousefreemarion.org/sue-tonin-the-mouse-free-marion-assistant-project-manager-joins-the-team-this-month/), MFM’s recently appointed Assistant Project Manager, also expresses her thanks: “ACAP’s welcome support of the eradication of House Mice from Marion Island reflects an international understanding of the effectiveness of this approach for protecting vulnerable procellariforms breeding on the world’s islands. The Mouse-Free Marion Project Team is reliant on the pioneering nations, organizations and individuals who are continually refining the techniques we will be using in this operation, and on the dedicated support of researchers and policymakers.” *![Wandering Albatross Alexis Osborne](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_Alexis_Osborne.jpg) Non-breeding Wandering Albatrosses “*[*gam*](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=815432028811371)*” on Marion Island, photograph by Alexis Osborne, poster design by Michelle Risi* The international and national endorsements received by the MFM Project are an encouragement to the project’s team and its many supporters and funders in South Africa and around the world to intensify their efforts to ensure the end of Marion’s mice. On a personal note I have visited Marion Island no less than 31 times over a 40-year career as a marine ornithologist, the last time in 2014. I continue to feel a passion for the island and am pleased I can contribute to its conservation as the MFM Project’s voluntary [News Correspondent](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-team/). With thanks to Robert Crawford, who represented South Africa at the ACAP meetings in Scotland. **References:** Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 2023. [*Report of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee,**Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 22-26 May*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/4458-ac13-report/file). 68 pp. Makhado, A. & Wolfaardt, A. 2023. [*The Mouse-Free Marion Project*](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg7/pacswg7-information-papers/4272-pacswg7-inf-05/file). Seventh Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 18 - 19 May 2023. PaCSWG7 Inf 05. 5 pp. Population and Conservation Status Working Group 2023*.* [*Report of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents/4400-ac13-doc-09-pacswg-report/file). Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 22 – 26 May 2023. AC13 Doc 09. 43 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer,**Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 July 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-ten-acap-parties-endorse-the-mouse-free-marion-project-at-the-thirteenth-meeting-of-the-advisory-committee-in-edinburgh-scotland.md) ## The latest Royal Cam albatross chick gets its name on World Albatross Day *![Manaaki NRAlbatross 3](https://acap.aq/images/Manaaki_NRAlbatross_3.jpg) Manaaki, the Royal Cam chick for 2022/23 - a bit damp after rain – was officially named on 19 June, World Albatross Day* The small breeding colony of the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* on the New Zealand mainland at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) is well known as a tourist sight and for its [intensive management](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/). Since the 2015/16 season, a 24-hour live-streaming camera operated by the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) with the [Cornell Lab for Ornithology](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/) has been focused on a breeding attempt from incubation through to fledging ([click here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)). For the current breeding season the camera has been aimed at a colour-banded pair (male - GLY, Green, Lime, Yellow, and female - L, Lime) who have previously raised two chicks. Their 2022/23 chick hatched on 20 January 2023 and identified as a male has been attracting the usual close attention from devoted followers via the [live feed](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-discussion/) and Facebook pages. Known as “Sweet Pea” on hatching, it has now been given the name Manaaki following a request for names and a public vote ([click here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/namethechick/)). Suggested names had to be submitted with a photograph showing the person entering the name doing something to reduce plastic pollution. “This year's competition is about acting sustainably to reduce how much plastic ends up in our oceans. This also supports this year’s [World Albatross Day theme of plastic pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution). The plastic that ends up in our oceans threatens our seabirds. They can be hurt by it, become entangled or mistake it for food for themselves or their chicks. Using less plastic in our daily lives reduces the amount that ends up in our oceans. So, no matter where you are in the world, you can help colonies like the Northern Royal Albatrosses at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head by using less plastic day to day. The action also had to be sustainable. This meant it needed to be a repeatable action, that would not create any negative impact on the environment.” 140 people submitted their name suggestions and 1169 people voted for their favourite from a short list of 10 names. “Manaaki”, which received the most votes at 209, is a te reo Māori word with the meaning of “providing support, protection, and hospitality and showing admiration and kindness”. *![Manaaki NRAlbatross 4](https://acap.aq/images/Manaaki_NRAlbatross_4.jpg) A close up view of Manaaki* If the Royal Cam is not showing much action (such as a parent visiting to feed its chick) you can also while away some time completing an [online jigsaw](https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=17656b014de4&fbclid=IwAR1dbruWtzqA1SgdSiVSst0o3XlkgS9iXPxHl4UapiDHjBMyHbe20DxFCjw) entitled “Manaaki Works in the Grasses”. Choose the number of pieces from 24 to 300 to suit your available spare time and level of concentration! *![Manaaki NRAlbatross 5](https://acap.aq/images/Manaaki_NRAlbatross_5.jpg) Manaaki does a wing stretch; photographs from the New Zealand Department of Conservation* The most recent news is that on 20 June when 151 days old (from hatching) the Royal Cam chick was weighed at 11 kg, so quite [chonky](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chonky)! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 29 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-latest-royal-cam-albatross-chick-gets-its-name-on-world-albatross-day.md) ## A grand World Albatross Day out with New Zealand’s ‘The Petrel Station’ pelagic seabird tours *![Bullers Mollymawk TPST Jun23 Scott Brooks LR DSC 9105](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Bullers_Mollymawk_TPST_Jun23_Scott_Brooks_LR_DSC_9105.jpg) A Buller’s Albatross*Thalassarche bulleri *gives the tour participants a good showing* **Note:** When *ACAP Latest News* read that a special [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) pelagic seabird tour would take place in New Zealand on 19 June it wasted no time in contacting the tour leader with a request for a write up and a few photos of the outing. The following guest article by Scott Brooks is the welcome outcome. *![The Crew World Albatross Day 20230619 165339](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/The_Crew_World_Albatross_Day_20230619_165339.jpg) Participants on the World Albatross Day pelagic tour. Scott writes “I'm the bearded guy with the cap on the top left”* I’m Scott Brooks and I’m the founder of ‘The Petrel Station’ pelagic seabird tours and sightings research project, which operate offshore from Tutukaka in Northland, New Zealand. Naturally I had to have a seabird trip going out on the 19th of June to coincide with World Albatross Day to see what albatross, petrel and other seabird species we could see on the day, and also to help draw attention to the plight of these amazing seabirds as well as to show our support for the great work that ACAP is undertaking. **![Black browed Mollymawk TPST Jun23 Scott Brooks LR DSC 8875](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Black-browed_Mollymawk_TPST_Jun23_Scott_Brooks_LR_DSC_8875.jpg)* A Black-browed Albatross*T. melanophris *skids to a stop next to our vessel* When we headed out at sunrise on this winter’s day conditions were fine, with light 5-10 knot northerly winds, and a 1.2-m swell. The boat we use, named *Hookie*, takes nine people, plus me and the skipper, and we’re out on the water for the next 9 to 10 hours, which gives us a fantastic amount of time to enjoy the stunning seabirds. We head 40 km offshore out to The Petrel Station spot on the shelf edge where we spend about half the trip. Along the way we pass through three different habitat zones – shallower waters, the local breeding islands, and then the deeper waters out at the shelf edge. Each zone has its own range of seabirds and experiences. *![White capped Mollymawk TPST Jun23 Scott Brooks LR DSC 8926](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/White-capped_Mollymawk_TPST_Jun23_Scott_Brooks_LR_DSC_8926.jpg) Close up! A White-capped Albatross*T. steadi *approaches the boat* On the day we had four albatross species come in close to our vessel, soaring gracefully around us, and hanging out just off the back of the boat. They are always a treat to see and a privilege to be in their company. The albatrosses were all from the mollymawk genus *Thalassarche*: Black-browed, Buller's, Campbell and White-capped. We had hoped some of the great albatross species in the genus *Diomedea* would turn up but with the light winds it wasn't too surprising not to see them. **![Soft plumaged Petrel TPST Jun23 Scott Brooks LR DSC 9186](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Soft-plumaged_Petrel_TPST_Jun23_Scott_Brooks_LR_DSC_9186.jpg)* A rare sighting. A Soft-plumaged Petrel*Pterodroma mollis On the petrel front, a major highlight was a single Soft-plumaged Petrel, a species which is very rare to see this far north in New Zealand. We also had one Southern *Macronectes giganteus* and two Northern *M. halli* Giant Petrels (both ACAP-listed species), a Grey-faced Petrel *Pterodroma gouldi*, five New Zealand Storm Petrels *Fregetta maoriana*, approximately 700 Common Diving Petrels *Pelecanoides urinatrix* and some 15 500 Fairy Prions *Pachyptila turtur*. During the trip we saw 21 different seabird species and enjoyed watching nearly 18 000 stunning seabirds in total. The seabird tours are being run in conjunction with a long-term pelagic seabird sighting research project which aims to identify distinct year-round and seasonal trends in the occurrence and diversity of all the seabird species present in the area (local, migratory and vagrant). It will also look for any variations occurring over the course of this the planned 15 or more years. Seabirds are an important indicator of the health of a marine ecosystem – currently many seabird species populations are declining as they are faced with a range of issues including commercial fishing (seabird bycatch and overfishing), climate change, warming oceans (which can alter where and when their preferred food supply is) and pollution and introduced pests at breeding sites. It’s important to gauge the diversity of seabird species that we currently have right now off our coast, and to monitor this long-term to get a better understanding of any future fluctuations in quantities and diversity of species present. *![Black browed Mollymawk TPST Jun23 Scott Brooks LR DSC 8894](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Black-browed_Mollymawk_TPST_Jun23_Scott_Brooks_LR_DSC_8894.jpg) An adult Black-browed Albatross flies by the*Hookie*on World Albatross Day All photographs by Scott Brooks* To date out at The Petrel Station we’ve seen 66 seabird species which total includes 10 albatross and 21 petrel species. To learn more about seabird tours and the seabird species we've seen, and to learn more about the sightings research project, check out The Petrel Station’s comprehensive website at [www.thepetrelstation.nz](http://www.thepetrelstation.nz). It also includes all the upcoming trip dates and other useful information. You can also follow us on [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/thepetrelstation), [Instagram](http://www.instagram.com/thepetrelstation) and at [www.youtube.com/@thepetrelstation](https://www.youtube.com/@thepetrelstation). If you’re ever in New Zealand and interested in coming out on a pelagic seabird trip, do get in touch – it’s always a grand day out! *Scott Brooks, The Petrel Station Pelagic Seabird Tours, Tutukaka, New Zealand, 27 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-grand-world-albatross-day-out-with-new-zealands-the-petrel-station-pelagic-seabird-tours.md) ## The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission has a vacancy for a Science Manager ![IOTC Logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IOTC_Logo.jpg) The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an intergovernmental organisation that oversees the sustainable management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. The Commission is currently advertising for a Science Manager to join their team: “The IOTC is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Science Manager, grade P5. The Commission has four key science-based functions and esponsibilities which enable it to achieve its objectives. Briefly these include: reviewing the status of the stocks and to gather, analyse and disseminate scientific information (including catch and effort statistics and other relevant data); supporting research and development activities in respect of the stocks and fisheries covered by the IOTC; adopting, on the basis of scientific evidence, Conservation and Management Measures (CMM) to ensure the conservation of the stocks covered by the Agreement; and reviewing the economic and social aspects of the fisheries based on the stocks covered by the Agreement. The Senior Fishery Officer (Science Manager) is tasked with ensuring that the science needs of the Commission are delivered. They will work in close cooperation with the Chairs of the IOTC Scientific Committee and its working groups on scientific and data matters of the Commission." More information can be found on the FAO employment website, [here](https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2301600&tz=GMT%2B02%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FBerlin). The deadline for applications is 15 July 2023 at 23.59 hr (CEST). *23 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-indian-ocean-tuna-commission-has-a-vacancy-for-a-science-manager.md) ## South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation seeks a highly motivated Data Manager ![SPRFMO logo 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SPRFMO_logo_1.jpg) ***The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO)*** The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) has a vacancy for an experienced Data Manager to join their team in Wellington, New Zealand. Candidates will possess excellent data/database management abilities, have a solid understanding of fisheries management and/or fisheries science and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.  ![SPRFMO Convention Area](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/RFMOs/SPRFMO-Convention_Area.jpg)*An illustrative depiction of the Area of application of the SPRFMO Convention; SPRFMO website* In addition to the day-to-day data management responsibilities and interactions, this is an exciting and demanding time to be the SPRFMO Data Manager as the organisation has just gone through a process to solicit Request for Proposals for a new data base provider. This provides a great opportunity for the data base manager to seize the opportunity to enhance the SPRFMO database to address new and emerging data requirements, to facilitate the integration of our various data holdings, improve automated reporting and analysis, as well as investigate the application of new web tools/apps to simplify and streamline the data collection and reporting processes. The deadline for applications is the 28 July 2023.  Information on the position is available from the SPRFMO website at, [https://www.sprfmo.int/news/current-news/vacancy-sprfmo-data-manager-2/](https://www.sprfmo.int/news/current-news/vacancy-sprfmo-data-manager-2/). *21 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-pacific-regional-fisheries-management-organisation-seeks-a-highly-motivated-data-manager.md) ## Running out of time: the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels’ Advisory Committee urges action on the conservation crisis facing albatrosses and petrels ![Threats to ACAP Species](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Threats_to_ACAP_Species.png)*Albatrosses and petrels are facing a conservation crisis with multiple threats putting pressure on their populations including fishing, pollution, predation from invasive species and habitat destruction.* *(Images left to right): A drowned Wandering Albatross caught on a tuna longline hook, photograph by Graham Robertson; Laysan Albatrosses amongst plastic debris, photograph by Steven Siegel, Marine Photobank; A bloodied Light-mantled Albatross after being attacked by invasive mice, photograph by Peter Ryan; Seabirds flock to a trawler vessel, photograph by Southern Seabird Solutions Trust* The conservation crisis facing albatrosses and petrels, and actions to address the crisis dominated discussions at ACAP’s (Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels) recent Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13) hosted by the United Kingdom in Edinburgh. In his opening address to AC13 delegates, Dr Will Lockhart, Deputy Director, International Biodiversity and Wildlife, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) acknowledged the valuable efforts underway across the world to protect albatrosses and petrels but noted that many populations were still in deep crisis and there was more that could and should be done to conserve these iconic species. During the week-long meeting, two key points emerged: the need to continue and strengthen engagement with fisheries management bodies, governments, and fishers to ensure full implementation of ACAP's Best Practice seabird bycatch mitigation measures, and the importance of communicating the conservation crisis facing albatrosses and petrels to all ACAP audiences. In 2019 a [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels#:~:text=The%20Advisory%20Committee%20identified%20an,by%20longline%20and%20trawl%20vessels.) for albatrosses and petrels was declared by ACAP’s Advisory Committee. Fishing activity, particularly by longline and trawl vessels, was identified as the greatest threat facing ACAP species. Each year thousands of albatrosses and petrels die through entanglements with fishing gear and swallowing baited hooks and drowning.  These deaths continue despite the availability of [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice (BPA) guidelines](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines) which recommend combinations of mitigation measures proven to reduce seabird bycatch. The Committee were pleased to note a growing number of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and other bodies have adopted several ACAP Best Practice measures, but urged for their implementation in full.  AC13 discussed the importance of communicating not only the “how-to” for reducing seabird bycatch, but perhaps even more importantly, “the why”, to critical audiences who can have a positive impact on ACAP species populations.  Tatiana Neves, Advisory Committee Vice Chair said: “ACAP has been focusing its effort into researching and refining Best Practice Advice on fisheries bycatch mitigation measures, however with many ACAP species facing a dire future, it is now time to focus on communicating why  fisheries must implement these measures that are so crucial to their very survival”. Other threats placing significant pressures on populations of ACAP species were also discussed at the meeting including land-based predators, habitat loss, climate change, disease and pollutants (including plastic).  The Committee recognised the vast amount of work taking place globally to address these threats, and expressed its support in particular for the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org). This project is committed to eradicating the invasive mice population of South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island that prey on its seabirds, including eight ACAP-listed species.  In response to the ongoing risks posed by H5N1 avian influenza, AC13 agreed to form an ACAP Avian Influenza Expert Group on epidemiology, disease risk assessment and management which will provide ongoing advice to the Agreement. ACAP’s online [Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during H5N1 avian influenza outbreak](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines/4084-guidelines-for-working-with-albatrosses-and-petrels-during-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak/file), will be updated as necessary when new information becomes available.  The Committee noted that on 19 June 2024, ACAP will mark 20 years since the Agreement came into effect, offering an opportunity for ACAP to highlight key achievements such as the development of its Best Practice Advice for seabird bycatch mitigation, and reflect on the progress it has made towards conserving ACAP-listed species.  The Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee was held 22 – 26 May 2023 with Dr Mike Double (Australia) as Chair and Tatiana Neves (Brazil) as Vice-chair. AC13 followed meetings of the Advisory Committee’s Working Groups on Seabird Bycatch ([SBWG11](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg11)) and Population and Conservation Status ([PaCSWG7](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg7)), and the first joint meeting of both Working Groups ([Joint SBWG11/PaCSWG7](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-sbwg11-pacswg7-meeting)) AC13 was attended by ten of ACAP’s 13 Parties: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and Uruguay, with Ecuador, Norway and France unable to attend. In addition, three Range States, Canada, Namibia, and the United States of America (USA), and one APEC member economy, Chinese Taipei, participated as Observers. BirdLife International and Humane Society International (HSI) attended the meeting as Observers.  The official meeting report is now available to download in English [here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13), with French and Spanish translations to follow shortly. ![Solutios to threats 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Solutios_to_threats_2.png)*Solutions are available: the implementation of ACAP’s seabird bycatch mitigation measures and conducting invasive species eradication and habitat restoration projects are examples of measures that can help conserve populations of ACAP-listed species. * *(Images left to right): Bird-scaring line adorned with streamers to deter seabirds from diving for the baited hooks of a long-line fishing vessel, photograph by Dima Gianuca; A bait bucket is loaded on Antipodes Island for its mouse eradication project, photograph by Keith Springer; A graphic from ACAP’s BPA [Fact Sheet for Demersal & Pelagic Longline vessels: Night-setting](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/bycatch-mitigation-fact-sheets/print-files-e); A fence to keep out invasive predators such as pigs, photograph by Pacific Rim Conservation* *26 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/running-out-of-time-the-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels-advisory-committee-urges-action-on-the-conservation-crisis-facing-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Continuing a tradition: the Australian Antarctic Program raised a banner and baked cakes for World Albatross Day this week **![WAD 2023 banner raising 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD_2023_-_banner_raising_2.jpg)*A banner-raising ceremony to celebrate World Albatross Day was held during the morning tea at the Australian Antarctic Program’s Headquarters before all the tasty cakes were devoured. Mike Double, ACAP Advisory Committee Chair, is on the left holding the end of one of the banners* “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” has been the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day with celebrations taking place around the world this week. Continuing a [tradition](https://acap.aq/search?q=banner+Australian+Antarctic+Division&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) since 2020 for the fourth year, the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water held a tea party and raised a banner to mark the day at its headquarters in Kingston, Tasmania. This year a Bake an Albatross Cake competition was the highlight. Several entries were submitted including a chick surrounded by plastic debris, a trio of albatrosses in a sea of plastic, a chick being offered tasty plastic morsels, and the winning entry, a life-sized [Wandering Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) *Diomedea exulans* with its wings spread made up entirely of [cinnamon scroll cakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_roll). *![Prize winning life sized Wandering Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Prize_winning_life-sized_Wandering_Albatross.JPG) Ready, steady, choose your bun. A life-sized Wandering Albatross made entirely of cinnamon scroll cakes baked by Rob King was the prize winner. “Luckily our cake creations are biodegradable and safe to eat”* Jonathon Barrington, Australia’s [National Contact Point](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/1452-acap-national-contacts/file) for the Agreement, has written to *ACAP Latest News*: “Plastic pollution affects albatrosses with several Australian species impacted. In Australia’s waters plastics are found in beach-washed, dead albatrosses including seemingly innocuous plastics, such as party balloons. A newly described plastic-caused disease - [Plasticosis](https://acap.aq/latest-news/study-on-excessive-scar-tissue-from-plastic-ingestion-leads-researchers-to-propose-new-disease-plasticosis?highlight=WyJwbGFzdGljb3NpcyJd) - affects Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes*from Lord Howe Island in Australia and is of particular concern. This fibrotic disease may well affect other seabirds including albatrosses. We can all help by ensuring that plastic fragments and pieces do not end up in the ocean.” **![Chick surrounded by plastic debris](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Chick_surrounded_by_plastic_debris.jpg)* Albatross chick on its nest surrounded by plastic debris, baked by Natalie Klein-Schiphorst* **![A trio of albatrosses in a sea of plastic](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/A_trio_of_albatrosses_in_a_sea_of_plastic.JPG)* Three albatrosses swimming in a sea of blue plastic, baked by Alison Cleary* *![A chick being offered tasty plastic morsels 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/A_chick_being_offered_tasty_plastic_morsels_2.jpg) Albatross parents offer plastics to their chick, baked by Andrea Polanowski* Over in Hobart, the Tasmanian [Department of Natural Resources and Environment](https://nre.tas.gov.au/) also joined in celebrations of World Albatross Day 2023 on the 19th with an afternoon tea and a tasty albicake of their own. *![WAD23 cake from DNRE Tasmania1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD23_cake_from_DNRE_Tasmania1.jpeg) The Tasmanian**Department of Natural Resources and Environment “albicake” depicts a [Shy Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta)*Thalassarche cauta*, endemic to Tasmania *Photographs from Jonathon Barrington and by Wendy Pyper** View photographs of all the cakes baked for the “Great Albicake Bake Off”, held as part of the inaugural World Albatross Day in 2020 [here](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3). With thanks to Jonathon Barrington, International & Antarctic Connections, Australian Antarctic Program. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/continuing-a-tradition-the-australian-antarctic-program-raised-a-banner-and-baked-cakes-for-world-albatross-day-this-week.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Four years of World Albatross Days – looking back and thoughts for the future ![ABUN WAD2023 Rosana Venturini BFA](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_WAD2023_Rosana_Venturini_BFA.jpg) *“Trapped”. Black-footed Albatross by Rosana Venturini of [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) for World Albatross Day 2023, poster design by Bree Forrer* **NOTE**: This month’s Monthly Missive also serves as Day Six of ‘WADWEEK2023’. **Initiating a World Albatross Day** Back in the latter half of 2018 I was contacted by seabird researcher [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones) with the suggestion that there should be a World Albatross Day to celebrate albatrosses and their kin once a year and to enhance awareness of their conservation needs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/michelle-risi-who-first-proposed-a-world-albatross-day-is-thanked-by-acap?highlight=WyJyaXNpIl0=)). On and off for some years as ACAP’s Information Officer I had toyed with the idea of a special day for albatrosses and petrels but had not taken the idea any further. Michelle had used the internet and social media to sound out the views of marine ornithologists and others, obtaining positive replies. Armed with this support, and following further discussions within the ACAP community, Michelle and I co-wrote an [Information Paper](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers/3449-ac11-inf-05-a-proposal-for-a-world-albatross-day/file) on behalf of the Secretariat proposing a World Albatross Day for discussion at the Eleventh Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee that was to be held in Florianópolis, Brazil in May 2019. ![Michelle Risi AYNA](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Michelle_Risi_AYNA.jpg) *Michelle Risi proposed a World Albatross Day to ACAP in 2018; here she is with an [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross*Thalassarche chlororhynchos*on its pedestal nest within a study colony on Gough Island in the South Atlantic* In our paper we proposed that the inaugural World Albatross Day should be marked annually on 19 June, the date in 2001 that the Albatross and Petrel Agreement was signed in Canberra, Australia. Preliminary discussions engendered several suggested dates based on albatross annual cycles but given the variations that exist among species across both hemispheres this was not thought ideal. We further suggested it would be best to start relatively modestly, using the period to 19 June 2020 to spread the word via social media and other means. Following discussion by the Advisory Committee, considerable support for the proposal was received from the Parties, observing range states and NGOs present, who noted that marking World Albatross Day would align well with the aim of giving the Agreement greater visibility ([click here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/3494-ac11-report/file)). It was thus agreed that ACAP would take the lead in inaugurating a World Albatross Day on 19 June the following year, to allow a generous lead time to advertise it. The Advisory Committee then appointed an intersessional group to explore the proposal further comprising Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and the UK, the NGO Projeto Albatroz, and the ACAP Information Officer, to be led by Verónica López from Chile. This group met on the last day of the Advisory Committee meeting for an initial discussion; thereafter communicating electronically.  ![WAD Logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD_Logo.png)*The World Albatross Day logo for 2020 in English, French and Spanish versions was designed by Geoffrey Tyler* **Working up to and holding the first World Albatross Day in 2020** An early decision was that World Albatross Days should have an annual theme, and “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” was chosen for 2020. A World Albatross Day [logo](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/wad2020-posters/world-albatross-day-logos) was then designed in English, French and Spanish *pro bono* by illustrator Geoffrey Tyler. To launch the inaugural World Albatross Day, it was considered necessary to start early in 2020 to “spread the word” as widely as possible, especially within those countries that are range states for ACAP-listed species. To achieve this, several approaches were taken. One that was particularly successful was utilizing my contacts built up over a life-time career as a marine ornithologist to request a short quote in support of a World Albatross Day, along with a “head and shoulders” mug shot. This appeal was remarkably successful, around a hundred responded positively with only one seabird researcher who replied declining to do so. The quotes and photos were regularly displayed as they came in on the ACAP website’s home page and in news posts and on ACAP’s Facebook page. Quotes were also requested from as many national partners of BirdLife International and other environmental NGOs as could be contacted, again with good success. With the aid of the intersessional group, notably its Convenor, Verónica López, three public competitions were held, to further spread awareness. These were a photographic competition, a [colouring-in competition](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3187792054614505&type=3) for children (with age categories) and the [Great Albicake Bake Off](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3), with teams of international experts appointed for each to judge the results.  Category and overall winners and runners-up received WAD2020 posters designed by Michelle Risi in the mail (as COVID-19 restrictions allowed). All entrants received an electronic certificate. All three competitions received good responses, with around [70 “albicakes”](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3) being produced, some of them truly remarkable. A poster depicting the 22 albatross species was also produced pro bono by internationally recognized illustrator [Owen Davey](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/wad2020-posters/world-albatross-day-2020-poster-by-owen-davey?highlight=WyJvd2VuIiwiZGF2ZXkiLCJkYXZleSdzIl0=), and Marc Parchow of Qual Albatroz produced a [special cartoon](https://acap.aq/latest-news/qual-albatroz-cartoons-help-raise-sof-next-year-s-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJwYXJjaG93IiwicGFyY2hvdydzIiwyMDIwLCIyMDIwJ3MiXQ==) for the day in four language versions, also without charge.  ![Adam Naylor 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Adam_Naylor_2.jpg) *Adam Naylor’s prize-winning “albicake” depicted Tristan Albatrosses on Gough Island being threatened by introduced House Mice – fitting nicely into the WAD2020 theme of “Eradicating Island Pests”* The highlight for me was setting up the first collaboration with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) through its co-founder Kitty Harvill. This resulted in no less than 324 artworks being produced by 77 artists for ACAP’s use, all at no financial cost to the Agreement! Again, many remarkable paintings were produced, some being turned into [posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/wad2020-posters/world-albatross-day-2020-posters-from-artists-biologists-unite-for-naturee) by Ruth Cooper. The collaboration ended with a collage poster of all the artworks and a [nine-and-a-half-minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RPfm7VXIeE) being produced by Kitty, the latter with a musical score by USA-based musician John Nicolosi entitled ‘Flight of the Albatross’. To help inform ABUN artists of the world’s 22 species of albatrosses they were being asked to paint, species texts were written for its Facebook page These have evolved into the [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) series, with now all 31 ACAP-listed species depicted in downloadable two-page sheets, each illustrated with ABUN art. These are available in English, French and Spanish, with six of them currently being translated into Portuguese.  ![Black brow Light mantled Martin Aveling](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Black-brow_Light-mantled_Martin_Aveling.jpg) *A Black-browed Albatross is reflected in the eye of a [Light-mantled Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata)*Phoebastria palpebrata*. ABUN art for WAD2020 by Martin Aveling* In 2019 we also initiated a [banner challenge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-issues-a-banner-challenge?highlight=WyJiYW5uZXIiLCInYmFubmVyIiwiYmFubmVyJyIsImJhbm5lcnMiLCJiYW5uZXIncyIsMjAyMCwiMjAyMCdzIl0=), requesting field workers at albatross-breeding sites to make and display a banner supporting 2020’s World Albatross Day, preferably with a suitable-distanced albatross in the fore or background.  It took a good year to receive photographs of all the banners collected, but coverage was remarkably good, considering the difficulties of getting ashore at some of the breeding localities with [50 banners](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3115355551858156&type=3) displayed by 10 different countries, as well as in disputed territories and even on fishing vessels at sea. Public judging then followed with the best three banners being selected from the collection on the ACAP Facebook page. *![WAD banner Antipodes Kath Walker Graeme Elliott shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD_banner_Antipodes_Kath_Walker_Graeme_Elliott_shrunk.jpg)  One of my favourites: Kath Walker ONZM and Graeme Elliott with their WAD2020 banner on New Zealand’s [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) get ‘photobombed’ by a passing [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross* Diomedea antipodensis Lastly, a media release in three languages was sent out by the ACAP Secretariat a few days before 19 June.  For archival purposes, all the many World Albatross Day posts for 2020 to *ACAP Latest News* from June 2019 to October 2020 have been grouped on the website [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests). **World Albatross Days in 2021 and 2022** Perhaps not surprisingly, after a year and a half of concerted effort inaugurating World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020, activities held for the next two years were relatively muted, with, sadly, no new competitions or challenges. The WAD logo was updated for both years and the valued collaboration with ABUN continued to support the two themes of “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022. An initiative was choosing albatrosses to be featured each year with artworks and posters. In 2021 these were the [Tristan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) *Diomedea dabbenena* and the [Waved Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/waved-albatross-phoebastria-irrorata) *Phoebastria irrorata*, both Critically Endangered. In 2022 the [Black-footed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *P. nigripes* and the [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* were the chosen pair, referencing their risk to sea level rise as a consequence of climate change. Collaborations with ABUN continued with a pleasing number of artworks being received for each year. Once again selections were made so that posters could be produced to join the series of WAD photo posters in the ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish. These can be found in [album](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/photos_albums)s on the ACAP Facebook page. [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) in the three ACAP languages were produced for all four featured albatrosses, most of them marking World Albatross Day by the addition of the WAD logo, as well as that of the sponsoring body.  Once again media releases were prepared and sent out by the Secretariat to contacts, NGOs, ACAP Parties and their representatives, tRFMOs and more.  ![Laysan WAD22 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Laysan_WAD22_1.jpg) *The Laysan Albatross (depicted here) along with the Black-footed Albatross were the two featured species for World Albatross Day 2022. Photograph by Hob Osterlund, poster design by Michelle Risi* **2023 and the fourth World Albatross Day** This year marks the fourth World Albatross Day, and the last one I will lead on behalf the Albatross and Petrel Agreement. As before we produced updated logos, once more collaborated with ABUN ([around 80 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3), a collage and a music video), and made the usual posters. With Michelle Risi then being based on Aldabra in early 2023, ACAP’s new Communications Advisor Bree Forrer stepped into the breach to take change of the artwork and photo posters. Featured species for the year are the [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) Thalassarche melanophris and the [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi* – along with the 2022 pair due to their exposure to plastic pollution. Sponsored infographics were again produced for the two new species, that for the Black-browed also in Portuguese, noting it is a regular visitor to Brazilian waters.  ![Black browed Albatross Infographic web version Portuguese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Black-browed_Albatross_Infographic_web_version_Portuguese.jpg) *Reaching out to Brazil. The ACAP Species Infographic for the Black-browed Albatross also comes in Portuguese, poster design by Namo Niumim* The biggest innovation this year, perhaps, has been expanding the suite of languages for WAD logos and posters to include Portuguese and also, to mark the significance to albatross conservation of the activities of Asian high-seas fishery fleets, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. ![Blackfooted WAD2023 Korean 3 corrected](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Blackfooted_WAD2023_Korean_3_corrected.jpg)  *This World Albatross Day 2023 poster, one of a set of 12, is in Korean. It depicts a Black-footed Albatross and its chick. Photograph by Wieteke Holthuijsen, poster design by Bree Forrer* **Thoughts on a way forward** For 2024’s World Albatross Day I will have stepped back and Bree Forrer will be taking the lead. A change in leadership gives an opportunity to consider ACAP’s continued role and what should be its primary audience in raising awareness of the conservation plight of the world’s 22 species of albatrosses. Whereas I see working to inform the concerned public should remain an important feature of World Albatross Day, I also see the need to work more closely with national authorities, fishery companies and with selected Regional Fishery Management Organisations, most importantly the five tRFMOs that manage high seas-fishing for tuna. ACAP’s recently updated [communications strategy](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-information-papers/4321-ac13-inf-03-acap-communications-strategy-update/file) can inform the way forward in this regard. Thought could also be given to working towards World Albatross Day being officially recognized by the United Nations. This is a rather complicated business that requires the support of a UN member to make a nomination. Nevertheless, I see it as a worthwhile aim that should not be allowed to slip too far down in the job jar. A first step might be preparing an Information Paper with a proposal to discuss at an upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee. **An afterthought** After a year or two of World Albatross Days, I remember receiving an email that informed me as then ACAP’s Information Officer that World Albatross Day on 19 June was fast approaching and did ACAP know of it and what was it going to do. Rather than being disappointed that all our efforts had been apparently missed, I took heart that if the correspondent did not know it was ACAP’s initiative, then Michelle’s and my original idea that World Albatross Day should become a truly global event with its own impetus was coming to pass quite early on. This suggests that even without the Agreement taking the lead every year, the day has reached a level that it might well continue for years to come. Let’s hope so! **Acknowledgements** So many have helped ACAP over four years of World Albatross Days it is not practical to thank them all. However, I would like to single out Michelle Risi, [Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University and Kitty Harvill, Co-founder, [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/), for my especial thanks. Always good working with you both! **References:** ACAP 2019. [Report of the Eleventh Meeting of the Advisory Committee, Florianópolis, Brazil, 13 - 17 May 2019](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/3494-ac11-report/file). 57 pp. Risi, M. & Cooper, J, 2019. A proposal for a World Albatross Day. [AC11 Inf 05. 2 pp](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers/3449-ac11-inf-05-a-proposal-for-a-world-albatross-day/file). Secretariat 2023. ACAP communications strategy update. [AC13 Inf 03. 10 pp](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-information-papers/4321-ac13-inf-03-acap-communications-strategy-update/file). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-four-years-of-world-albatross-days-looking-back-and-thoughts-for-the-future.md) ## Marion Island’s 80th Overwintering Team celebrates World Albatross Day 2023 with a banner  ![M80 MFM WAD banner displayed](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/M80_MFM_WAD_banner_displayed.jpg)*Marion’s 80th Overwintering Team displays its banner on the island, photograph from Michelle Risi (standing fourth from left)* The 2023/24 Overwintering Team (M80) on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) posed this past week with a banner to mark yesterday’s World Albatross Day with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”. The whole team came out for the photograph of the banner, designed on the island by team member and seabird researcher, [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones). Michelle is a long-term supporter of ACAP; indeed, in 2018 she proposed that ACAP should initiate a World Albatross Day and she designed all ACAP’s posters for the day for its first three years. *![Grey headed Albatross Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Grey-headed_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_2.jpg)At risk to mice: a Grey-headed Albatross on Marion Island; photograph and poster design by Michelle Risi* Four species of albatrosses breed regularly on Marion Island, all are categorized as globally threatened. These four species, [Grey-headed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *Thalassarche chrysostoma*, [Light-mantled](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) *Phoebetria palpebrata*, [Sooty](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698431) *P. fusca* and [Wandering](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) *Diomedea exulan*s, have all been victims of attacks by the island’s introduced House Mice, leading to mortalities of both adults and chicks. As a consequence, the Mouse-Free Marion ([MFM](https://mousefreemarion.org/)) Project was established to eradicate the mice, currently planned to take place in winter 2025. The project is a joint effort by the environmental NGO [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/). Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate. ![ENGLISH coloured wanderingbatross eng largeposter preview72ppi](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ENGLISH_coloured_wanderingbatross_eng_largeposter_preview72ppi.jpg)To support ACAP’s awareness raising, [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) on behalf of the MFM Project has sponsored the production of three posters in the ACAP Species Infographic series, for the Light-mantled, Sooty and Wandering Albatrosses; an infographic for the Grey-headed Albatross has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program.](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) All four infographics, by Thai illustrator, [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works), draw attention to the deleterious effects of Marion’s mice. The infographics may be freely downloaded from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). Please note they are only being made available by ACAP when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the conservation crisis being faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels, or for personal use. They should not be used for personal gain.  ![M80 MFM WAD banner](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/M80_MFM_WAD_banner.jpg) ![M80 MFM WAD banner being projected](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/M80_MFM_WAD_banner_being_projected.jpg)*Making the banner: first computer design, then projecting onto a sheet for lettering by hand. From left: Michelle Risi, *Zafar Monier and Tammy Eggeling*, photographs by Chris Jones and Michelle Risi* With grateful thanks to Michelle Risi and Marion Island’s 80th Overwintering Team for their support. Team members Tammy Eggeling, Chris Jones and Zafar Monier helped Michelle make the banner. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marion-islands-80th-overwintering-team-celebrates-world-albatross-day-2023-with-a-banner.md) ## Marc Parchow’s Qual Albatroz cartoons celebrate World Albatross Day on the 19th and its theme of “Plastic Pollution” ![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 17](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_17.jpg) ![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 9](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_9.jpg) ![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_2.jpg) ![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 13](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_13.jpg) **NOTE.**  Day Five of 'WADWEEK2023' and time for a little humour. Marc Parchow Figueiredo is a cartoonist residing in Portugal who in the 2010s produced a series of comic strips under the name of [Qual Albatroz](https://whatalbatross.blogspot.com/search/label/Plastic%20Pollution). Marc informs *ACAP Latest News* that he has moved on from his albatross cartoons. However, it is pleasing that that from his large portfolio he has made these eight cartoon strips that deal with aspects of pollution affecting albatrosses available to ACAP to support this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June and its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)". ![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_3.jpg)![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 6](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_6.jpg)![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_4.jpg)   ![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 5](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_5.jpg) See an earlier post on his plastic pollution albatross cartoons [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/marc-parchows-qual-albatroz-cartoons-are-once-more-in-support-of-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJtYXJjIiwibWFyYydzIiwyMDIzXQ==). All 17 cartoons in Marc's plastic pollution series can be viewed in an ACAP Facebook album [here](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.640597378093569&type=3). With grateful thanks to Marc Parchow. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marc-parchows-qual-albatroz-cartoons-celebrate-tomorrows-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution.md) ## ACAP completes its photo poster set for World Albatross Day 2023 in Simplified and Traditional Chinese *![NorthernRoyal WAD2023 sc 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/NorthernRoyal_WAD2023_sc_3.jpg) Simplified Chinese. An*[*Endangered*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi)*Northern Royal Albatross stands over its chick at*[*Pukekura/Taiaroa Head*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland)*, New Zealand, photograph by Oscar Thomas* **NOTE.**  this is Day Four of 'WADWEEK2023'. Completing its outreach to Asian high-seas fisheries as part of this year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June, the Albatross and Petrel Agreement is today releasing its set of 12 freely downloadable [‘WAD2023’ photo posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters) in the Chinese language, in both Simplified and Traditional character sets. This latest release follows poster sets in [Japanese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/outreach-to-asia-acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-japanese), [Korean](https://acap.aq/latest-news/more-outreach-to-asia-this-time-acap-releases-its-six-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-korean) and [Indonesian](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-six-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-indonesian-the-third-asian-language-to-be-featured?highlight=WyJpbmRvbmVzaWFuIl0=). Previously, the poster set has been made available in ACAP’s three official languages of [English, French and Spanish](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters), as well as in [Portuguese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-posters-for-2024-in-portuguese). The ‘WAD2023’ logo is also available in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and in the other seven languages ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos)). **![WALD Logo 2023 Traditional Chinese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Traditional_Chinese.png)* The World Albatross Day logo for 2023 in Traditional Chinese* View and download the WAD2023 photo posters in their Chinese and in the other seven language versions [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters). They are also available in [individual language albums](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/photos_albums) on the ACAP Facebook page. *![NorthernRoyal WAD2023 TC 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/NorthernRoyal_WAD2023_TC_2.jpg) Traditional Chinese. Adolescent [*Endangered*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi)*Northern Royal Albatrosses at*[*Pukekura/Taiaroa Head*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland)*, New Zealand, photograph by Sharyn Broni* * [Simplified Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simplified_Chinese_characters) is the character set used on the mainland within the People's Republic of China. [Traditional Chinese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_characters) is used within Chinese Taipei (and in Hong Kong). Neither is a Party to the Agreement, although the latter attends ACAP meetings as an Observer in the capacity of a Member Economy of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum ([APEC](https://www.apec.org/)). China and Chinese Taipei both have fisheries that interact with ACAP-listed species, notably through its high-seas longline fisheries for tuna in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Chinese Taipei is a member (as the Fishing Entity of Taiwan) of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](https://www.ccsbt.org/en)) and (as the fishing entity of Chinese-Taipei) of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission ([WCPFC](https://www.wcpfc.int/)). China is a Contracting Party to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](https://iotc.org/)) and to the WCPFC. All these Regional Fisheries Management Organizations that manage high-seas tuna stocks ([tRFMOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_fishery_body)) have adopted seabird bycatch mitigation measures that apply to their member states and entities. ACAP has made its [Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Fact Sheets](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets) and [ACAP Seabird Bycatch ID Guide](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/seabird-bycatch-id-guide) available in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. It is hoped the photo posters can be used within China and Chinese Taipei, as elsewhere by Asian high-seas fisheries, in increasing awareness of the conservation plight being faced by albatrosses and petrels. With grateful thanks to Scott Pursner for providing and checking translations. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-completes-its-photo-poster-set-for-world-albatross-day-2023-in-simplified-and-traditional-chinese.md) ## Plastic pollution is the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day being held today ![Lyn Lynch Laysan Albatross feeding plastic Chris Jordan](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Lyn_Lynch_Laysan_Albatross_feeding_plastic_Chris_Jordan.jpg)  *A Laysan Albatross feeds brightly coloured pieces of plastic mistakenly ingested at sea to its chick by ABUN artist Lyn Lynch, after a photograph by Chris Jordan* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) has chosen the theme “**Plastic Pollution**” to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), being celebrated today, 19 June. The annual celebration occurs on the date the Agreement was signed in 2001. It aims to increase awareness of the continuing conservation crisis faced by ACAP’s [31 listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. Albatrosses are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the general public. Albatrosses and petrels face other significant pollutants, including heavy metals, (such as mercury) and [POPs](https://www.unep.org/cep/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-and-pesticides) (persistent organic pollutants, such as insecticides). Dr Mike Double, Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee, writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “Although bycatch in fisheries and invasive species at breeding sites remain the biggest threats, the impacts of the vast amount of plastic debris in our oceans surely contributes to the conservation crisis facing albatross species by damaging the digestive tract and likely reducing foraging efficiency, contributing to lethal or sublethal impacts.  Impacts of plastic debris are particularly severe in the albatrosses of the North Pacific where almost all chicks will ingest plastics in the food provided by their parents. However, in the southern hemisphere the amount of plastic debris is increasing and plastic is now commonly detected in the stomachs of beach-cast albatrosses.” *![Flesh footed Shearwater Adrift Lab 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Adrift_Lab_2.jpg) Plastic pieces removed from the stomach of a single*[*Flesh-footed Shearwater*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Ardenna carneipes*that failed to fledge, photograph from the*[*Adrift Lab*](https://adriftlab.org/) As well as the world’s 22 species of albatrosses, other procellariforms are prone to ingest pieces of plastic found floating on the sea surface and mistaken for food. A notable example is the [Flesh-footed Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) *Ardenna carnepeis*, shown to ingest very large amounts of plastic at one breeding locality at least ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1647-new-study-states-plastic-ingested-by-flesh-footed-shearwaters-is-highest-reported-for-any-marine-vertebrate?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJwbGFzdGljIiwiJ3BsYXN0aWMiXQ==)), with a new term “[Plasticosis](https://acap.aq/latest-news/study-on-excessive-scar-tissue-from-plastic-ingestion-leads-researchers-to-propose-new-disease-plasticosis?highlight=WyJwbGFzdGljb3NpcyJd)” coined to describe the damage caused. This shearwater has previously been identified as a potential candidate for ACAP listing ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3323-new-zealand-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-possible-nomination-to-the-acap-list-2?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJwbGFzdGljIiwiJ3BsYXN0aWMiXQ==)). *![WALD Logo 2023 Indonesian](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Indonesian.webp) A new initiative for 2013: The World Albatross Day logo in Indonesian* Once more, ACAP’s [World Albatross Day logo](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos) has been produced in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish, plus Portuguese. In addition, and for the first year, the logo has also been produced in Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and Simplified and Traditional Chinese versions to mark the importance of Asian high-seas fishing fleets in working towards the conservation of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. *![Northern Royal Albatross chick plastic pony Theo Thompson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_chick_plastic_pony_Theo_Thompson.jpg) “Not My Little Pony”.  A Northern Royal Albatross chick at*[*Pukekura/Taiaroa Head*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland)*, New Zealand avoids ingesting plastic (*[*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/not-my-little-pony-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-new-zealand-avoids-ingesting-plastic?highlight=WyJwb255Il0=)*)* Two albatross species are being used to highlight the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day. These are the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*. In addition, coverage has been given once more to last year’s two featured species, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which ingest more plastic than do the southern hemisphere species. *![AA Plastic Pollution collage poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/AA_Plastic_Pollution_collage_poster.jpg) 75 artworks from Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature have been combined in a collage in support of World Albatross Day 2023* ACAP has collaborated for the fourth year with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce 75 artworks by 31 participating artists that depict the effects of plastic pollution on the four featured albatross species for WAD2023. All these artworks have been combined with original music to produce a [video](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/fidelity-abun-co-founder-kitty-harvill-and-musician-john-nicolosi-of-niko-records-studio-produce-a-music-vieo-for-world-albatross-day-2023?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwyMDIzXQ==) to mark this year’s World Albatross Day; the individual artworks are also available in an [ACAP Facebook Album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3). Six of these artworks by different ABUN artists have been made into posters in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. *![Blackbrowed WAD2023 Por 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Blackbrowed_WAD2023_Por_2.jpg) WAD2023’s 12 photo posters are also in Portuguese this year. A colour-banded Black-browed Albatross stands over its chick on Bird Island in the South Atlantic. Photograph by Erin Taylor, poster design by Bree Forrer* Twelve posters depicting the four featured albatrosses in all the nine language versions named above have been produced using photographs donated to ACAP by supporters, available from the ACAP website [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters) and in [albums](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/photos_albums) in each language on Facebook. *![blackbrowed eng smallposter5mmbleed](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/blackbrowed_eng_smallposter5mmbleed.jpg) The ACAP Species Infographic poster for the Black-browed Albatross in support of World Albatross Day 2023 has been sponsored by the Australian Antarctic Program; it is available in four language versions and three sizes* In addition, two new ACAP Species Infographics by illustrator [Namasri Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/) have been created in the three official languages for the Black-browed and Northern Royal Albatrosses to mark WAD2023; joining those for Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses that were produced last year for WAD2022. The infographic for the Black-browed Albatross also comes in a Portuguese version, marking that the species is a regular non-breeding visitor to Brazilian waters. All 12 infographics produced to date can be downloaded from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics). The logos, artwork and photo posters and the infographics are all freely available for non-commercial use in the support of the conservation of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. Parties to the Agreement, government environmental departments, educational facilities, NGOs and members the interested public are encouraged to print out and display ACAP’s artwork, infographic and photo posters that have been produced to mark this year’s World Albatross Day. The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels strives, through its 13 Parties, to conserve albatrosses and petrels by coordinating international activities to mitigate threats to their populations. In 2019 ACAP’s Advisory Committee declared that a conservation crisis continues to be faced by its 31 listed species, with thousands of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters dying every year because of fisheries operations. Raising awareness of this crisis via World Albatross Day is one-way ACAP is addressing the birds’ plight. Previous themes for World Albatross Day were “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” last year. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 19 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-pollution-is-the-theme-for-this-years-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## Economic impact of bait loss could motivate implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in surface longline fisheries ![Bird Scaring Lines Ed Melvin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird-Scaring-Lines-Ed-Melvin.jpg)*Bird-scaring lines in use on a fishing vessel; photograph by Ed Melvin. ACAP's Best Practice Advice encourages the implementation of bird-scaring lines in conjuction with extra mitigation measures such as weighted lines and night-setting to reduce seabird bycatch* Stefan Meyer and Rachel Hickcox ([Proteus](https://www.proteus.co.nz/)) have produced a final report for the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) on bait loss caused by seabirds in New Zealand’s commercial longline fisheries. The report’s summary follows: “This project comprised a review of existing literature for methods to estimate bait loss caused by seabirds in New Zealand’s commercial surface longline (SLL) fisheries and to model economic impact of bait loss, in addition to an assesment of whether data exists that could be used to estimate bait loss and economic impacts for the fisheries. The methods ranged from observations of successful bait taking attempts, observations of secondary attacks on bait stealing seabirds (a conservative measure of successful bait taking attempts, since primary attacks are not always successful), or immediate retrieval of lines after setting to reduce other factors contributing to bait loss other than seabirds (e.g., predatory fish, disintegration, physical stresses from wave action, longline deployment and retrieval). However, depending on how bait loss is determined or defined, estimates can range by orders of magnitude. Moreover, visual determination of seabird depredation of bait leads to results with limited applicability to actual fishery operation (e.g., daylight observations are required, but most SLL fishing in New Zealand occurs during night). As per legal requirements, SLL fishing vessels use some combination of seabird bycatch mitigation (e.g., using a combination of tori lines for the duration of all setting events, weighting lines, setting lines at night, or alternatively hookpod devices can be used as the sole bycatch mitigation method). Implementing a case-control study is recommended, to assess how different bycatch mitigation strategies affect bait loss. To ensure that bait loss due to seabird depredation is assessed, fishing practices need to be held constant between vessels with different bycatch mitigation measures. Alternatively, vessels with different fishing practices could alternate bycatch mitigation measures (e.g., switching bycatch mitigation measures half-way through the season) such that all assessed vessels were operating under different bycatch mitigation strategies. To model economic consequences, collecting data on direct revenue for catch and costs of bycatch mitigation measures and other operational costs is recommended, because the scope of such work would be to incentivize fishers for the use of specific bycatch mitigation measures. Within New Zealand, commercial fishers can only sell fish to licensed fish receivers, and data on fish sold and prices for fish at the time of selling might be available through seafood industry owned databases. Alternatively, revenue and costs could be directly collected as part of a study dedicated to assessing bait loss.” Reference: Meyer, S., Hickcox, R. 2023. [Bait retention as a driver to mitigation use in the surface longline fishery.](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/mit2022-04-bait-retention-final-report.pdf)MIT2022-04 final report prepared by Proteus for Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. 50 pp. *12 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/economic-impact-of-bait-loss-could-motivate-implementation-of-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-measures-in-surface-longline-fisheries.md) ## Australia's Macquarie Island Marine Park gets the go ahead to triple in size *![Grey head Macca Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-head-Macca-Melanie-Wells.jpg) A Grey-headed Albatross on its nest on Macquarie; the island supports seven species of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, photograph by Melanie Wells* Australia's Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek has “[signed off](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-05/macquarie-island-marine-park-to-triple-in-size/102438582)” on plans to almost triple the size of the marine park around sub-Antarctic [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site). Established in 1999, the original park protected 162 000 km² of sea off the island's south-east coast. The Federal Government is now set to add an extra 385 000 km² to the marine park, fully surrounding the island, to reach an overall size of 475,465 km². Two months of public consultations resulted in more than 14 700 submissions, of which 99 % were in support of the marine park extension. *![Macca Marine Park expansion](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Macca_Marine_Park_expansion.jpg) The expanded Macquarie Island Marine Park, situated in the Southern Ocean south of Tasmania, illustration from the Australian**Department of Environment and Water* Ninety-three per cent of the expanded park, “an area larger than Germany”, will be completely closed to fishing, mining and other extractive activities. Restricted fishing, but not by bottom trawl, will continue to be allowed by the two current fishing companies, stated to be operating sustainably. The expanded park will “showcase how conservation and sustainable fishing can really work well together … to protect and manage our oceans for the future". The development of a new management plan for the Macquarie Island Marine Park is now underway, according to the Minister’s [media statement](https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/media-releases/world-environment-day-macquarie-island-marine-park-triple-size). Australia’s Governor-General now needs to give the final sign-off, expected around month end. Read an earlier post to *ACAP Latest News* on plans for the expanded marine park [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/marine-protected-area-around-macquarie-island-to-triple-in-size?highlight=WyJtYWNxdWFyaWUiLCJtYWNxdWFyaSIsIm1hY3F1YXJpZSdzIiwibWFyaW5lIiwibWFyaW4iLCJtYXJpbmVyIiwibWFyaW5lcyIsIm1hcmluZXInIiwibWFyaW5lcnMiLCJwYXJrcyIsInBhcmsiLCJwYXJrZXMiLCJwYXJrJ3MiLCJwYXJrZXMnIl0=). *09 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/australias-macquarie-island-marine-park-gets-the-go-ahead-to-triple-in-size.md) ## World Oceans Day is being marked today with youth-oriented activities taking place worldwide, including in South Africa, a Party to the Agreement ![World Oceans Day](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/World_Oceans_Day.png)  First proposed in 1992 as [World Ocean Day](https://worldoceanday.org/), it was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008 as [World Oceans Day](https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day) hosted by the UN’s Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs. Its theme for 8 June 2023 is “**Planet Ocean: tides are changing**”. “The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030. Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support. With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life. The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activist[s] to put the ocean first.” *![World Oceans Day 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/World_Oceans_Day_2023.png)* World Ocean Day (without the ‘s’) is centered around activities by and for youth. In 2022 over 10 000 organizations and businesses organized over 50 000 events in 140 countries. Its website states that “World Ocean Day rallies the world for ocean and climate action on 8 June and throughout the year. We work in partnership with youth leaders, zoos, aquariums, museums, and other youth-focused organizations, as well as a huge range of diverse organizations and businesses from all sectors in a growing global network. Together, we effectively engage the public, inform policymakers, and unite the world to protect and restore our shared ocean and create a stable climate. Join the growing global movement in June and continue to grow the engagement and action year-round!” ![SA Agulhas II Open Day](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SA_Agulhas_II_Open_Day.jpg)  In South Africa, a Party to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, an Open Day for school children is being held today on World Oceans Day (and tomorrow) on its Antarctic research and supply vessel, the *[S.A. Agulhas II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._A._Agulhas_II)* in Cape Town’s harbour, with 1000 learners expected. The South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, [Ms Barbara Creecy](https://mousefreemarion.org/barbara-creecy-minister-of-forestry-fisheries-forestry-and-the-environment-confirms-government-support-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project-in-her-budget-speech/) will be leading the World Oceans Day 2023 commemoration aboard the ship ([click here](https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-barbara-creecy-leads-world-oceans-day-2023-8-jun-7-jun-2023-0000)). Over the weekend the ship will be open to some 4000 members of the general public. Among the exhibits being held is one from the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), that aims to rid Marion Island of its introduced House Mice that have taken to killing seabirds, including ACAP-listed albatrosses. ACAP’s Emeritus Information Officer will be on site helping to man the display and interacting with the youth that attend. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 08 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-oceans-day-is-being-marked-today-with-youth-oriented-activities-taking-place-worldwide-including-in-south-africa-a-party-to-the-agreement.md) ## Rafting behaviour of South Atlantic albatrosses and petrels suggests conservation of nearshore areas to breeding colonies could benefit populations ![Fig1 rafting behaviour](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fig1_rafting_behaviour.png)*Figure 1 as described in the paper: a Location of the study site: Bird Island, South Georgia. The yellow rectangle shows the location and extent of plots shown in the lower panes. b Location of first and last landings (wet bouts) during the foraging trips of seabirds tracked between 2008 and 2019 during the incubation (‘INC’), brood-guard (‘BR’) and post-guard (‘PB’) breeding stages. BBA black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris), GHA grey-headed albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma), LMA light-mantled albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata), WA wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) and WCP white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis)* Eleanor W. M. Kowalska O’Neil ([Department of Environment and Geography](https://www.york.ac.uk/environment/), University of York, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Polar Biology](https://www.springer.com/journal/300) on* the rafting behaviour of albatrosses and petrels in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds often spend time on the water in the vicinity of their breeding colonies at the start or end of foraging trips, which may be for bathing, social interaction, information transfer, or to reduce predation risk for small petrels that prefer to return to land in darkness. Although such behaviour (hereafter rafting) is common, there are few data on variation in its incidence or timing across species, or analyses of relationships with intrinsic or extrinsic factors such as breeding stage (reflecting central-place foraging constraints) or weather. Here, we use GPS and immersion data collected over multiple years at Bird Island, South Georgia, to investigate rafting behaviour of four albatross and one burrow-nesting petrel species. Nearly all tracked birds (89%) landed within 10 km of the colony at the start of foraging trips for ~ 30 min, whereas only 17% did so at the end, suggesting they likely use rafting mainly for plumage maintenance after extended breeding shifts on land. Rafting duration, distance and bearing from the colony varied markedly according to species, wind speeds and period of the day (daylight vs. darkness), which may reflect differences in foraging direction, time constraints, degree of plumage soiling, diel activity patterns, or the requirement for high wind speeds for efficient flight. Given that all the study populations are decreasing, and most individuals make extensive use of nearshore waters during the breeding season, effective marine spatial planning is required that eliminates or mitigates human risks around their colonies.” **Reference:** Kowalska O’Neil, E.W.M., Frankish, C.K. & Phillips, R.A. 2023. Rafting behaviour of albatrosses and petrels at South Georgia. *Polar Biol*. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03146-4](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03146-4)[https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03146-4](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03146-4) *7 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/rafting-behaviour-of-south-atlantic-albatrosses-and-petrels-suggests-conservation-of-nearshore-areas-to-breeding-colonies-could-benefit-populations.md) ## Plastics and policy, seabirds and conservation – a review paper  ![Jenn Urmston AlbatrossCollage](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Jenn_Urmston_AlbatrossCollage.jpg) *Plastic pieces form a Laysan Albatross*Phoebastria immutabilis*, a featured species for this year’s World Albatross Day. Artwork by Jennifer Urmston using fragments collected on the windward shores of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, courtesy of David Hyrenbach* **NOTE: ** This *ACAP Latest News* post kicks off seven days of "WADWEEK2023", marking World Albatross Day on 19 June and its theme of "[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)". Bonnie Hamilton ([Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology](https://eeb.utoronto.ca/), University of Toronto, Canada) and colleagues have published a review in *[Cambridge Prisms: Plastics](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cambridge-prisms-plastics)*that considers opportunities for monitoring plastic pollution using seabirds and multilateral agreements (one of which is ACAP). The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds have been the messengers of marine plastics pollution since the 1950s, not long after plastics began to be commercially manufactured. In the decades since, a number of multilateral agreements have emerged to address marine plastics pollution that have been informed by research and monitoring on plastic ingestion in seabirds. Seabirds continue to serve as effective monitors for plastics pollution in the oceans, and increasingly of the chemical contamination from the marine environment as plastic additives and chemicals can adsorb and accumulate in seabirds’ tissues. Plastics pollution has far-reaching ecological impacts, but the motivation for addressing the issue has escalated rapidly at the international level. Seabirds are also the most globally threatened group of birds and require concerted conservation actions to mitigate population declines from multiple pressures. However, most policy mechanisms focus on the monitoring and mitigation of anthropogenically induced stressors, using seabird data, and often fail to include mechanisms to conserve the messengers. In this review, we discuss how research on the impacts of plastics on seabirds is used to inform policy and highlight the competing interests of monitoring and conservation that emerge from this approach. Finally, we discuss policy opportunities to ensure seabirds can continue to be the indicators of ocean health and simultaneously achieve conservation goals.” *![Hamilton plastics](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Hamilton_plastics.jpg) From the publication. Note that ACAP is an international agreement, not a regional body as shown here, although it is properly treated in the text* **Reference:** Hamilton, B.M., Clark, B.L. & Borelle, S.B. 2023. Monitoring to conservation: the science–policy nexus of plastics and seabirds. *[Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, 1, e3, 1–8. doi.org/10.1017/plc.2023.2](https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/2F1259A63942F360528EDB4BAC2299B5/S2755094X23000020a.pdf/monitoring-to-conservation-the-science-policy-nexus-of-plastics-and-seabirds.pdf).* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastics-and-policy-seabirds-and-conservation-a-review-paper.md) ## Translocation of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels establishes a breeding colony free of introduced predators on Kauai *![Newells Shearwater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_Lindsay_Young.jpg) Newell’s Shearwater, photograph by Lindsay Young* Lindsay Young ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Frontiers in Conservation Science*](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science) on creating a safe breeding space for two of Hawaii’s threatened procellariiform seabirds. The paper’s abstract follows: “Newell’s Shearwater (*Puffinus auricularis newelli;* NESH) and Hawaiian Petrel (*Pterodroma sandwichensis;* HAPE) are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and have declined by 94% and 78%, respectively, since 1993 due to habitat degradation, predation by introduced predators, collisions with powerlines and light attraction. Given the challenges in protecting nesting birds in their rugged montane habitats, it has long been desirable to create populations of both species in more accessible locations that offer a higher level of protection. We translocated 110 HAPE and 86 NESH chicks over a six-year period from 2015-2020 to a 2.5-ha predator-free enclosure on Kaua`i, Hawai`i. In addition to invasive plant removal and native plant out-planting, we installed 76 artificial burrows to provide nesting sites. Chicks were tube fed 1-20% of their body weight daily in the form of a slurry comprised of squid, fish, salmon oil, and Pedialyte. All NESH and 96% (N=106) of HAPE survived to fledging. Eight HAPE, including three breeding pairs, and one NESH have returned as adults to the translocation site and HAPE have bred at the site, resulting in the first predator-free breeding colony of this species.” *![Nihoku fence](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Nihoku_fence.jpeg) The predator-proof fence erected as part of the [Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project](https://www.nihoku.org/) on the island of Kauai to create a safe breeding space for translocated Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels* **Reference:** Young, L.C., Kohley, C.R., VanderWerf, E.A., Fowlke, L., Casillas, D., Dalton, M., Knight, M., Pesque, A.,  Dittmar, E.M., Raine, A,F. & Vynne, M. 2023. Successful translocation of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels to create a new, predator free breeding colony. [*Frontiers in Conservation Science* 4. doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1177789](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1177789/full). *06 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/translocation-of-newells-shearwaters-and-hawaiian-petrels-establishes-a-breeding-colony-free-of-introduced-predators-on-kauai.md) ## World Environment Day being marked today focuses on plastic pollution; as an international treaty is negotiated by the United Nations Environment Programme ![World Environment Day 2023](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/World_Environment_Day_2023.jpg)  The United Nations Environment Programme’s [World Environment Day](https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/), being celebrated today, has made a call for global solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign **Beat Plastic Pollution**. “The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet. Not only that, what is less known is that microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products contain hazardous additives, which may pose a threat to our health.” World Environment Day 2023 is being hosted by Côte d'Ivoire in partnership with the Netherlands. According to the [World Environment Day website](https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/), Côte d'Ivoire is showing leadership in the campaign against plastic pollution. Since 2014, it has banned the use of plastic bags, supporting a shift to reusable packaging. At a session of the United Nations Environment Assembly ([UNEA-5.2](https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/)) in February 2022 a resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The instrument is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic and is now being developed by an [Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee](https://www.unep.org/about-un-environment/inc-plastic-pollution). The [Second Session](https://www.unep.org/events/conference/second-session-intergovernmental-negotiating-committee-develop-international) of the committee, held in Paris, France, has very recently concluded. * ![ABUN WAD2023 Patricia Latas BFA](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_WAD2023_Patricia_Latas_BFA.jpg)* *'Plastic Lament' by Patricia Latas depicts a* *Back-footed Albatross family surrounded by plastic artefacts; poster design by Bree Forrer* This year’s theme for World Environment Day is mirrored by World Albatross Day (‘[WAD2023](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)’) with its own theme of **Plastic Pollution**. Albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the general public. ACAP is producing freely downloadable artwork and photo posters, species infographics and logos that may be used to support WAD2023 and the cause of albatross conservation by interested bodies. All are being produced in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish; most are also being made available in Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. A [music video](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/fidelity-abun-co-founder-kitty-harvill-and-musician-john-nicolosi-of-niko-records-studio-produce-a-music-vieo-for-world-albatross-day-2023?highlight=WyJtdXNpYyIsIm11c2ljYWwiLCJtdXNpY2FsbHkiLCJ2aWRlbyIsInZpZGVvZWQiLCJ2aWRlb3MiXQ==) featuring artworks on the theme of plastic pollution affecting albatrosses is also available. With thanks to Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) for its collaboration with ACAP for WAD2023. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-environment-day-being-marked-today-focuses-on-plastic-pollution-as-an-international-treaty-is-negotiated-by-the-united-nations-environment-programme.md) ## UPDATED A Grey-headed Albatross entangled by a fishing balloon comes ashore in Northland, New Zealand and dies under care **UPDATE:** Despite being described as eating well in captivity (on fish and prawns), the Grey-headed Albatross died in captivity on 07 June.  An autopsy to discover the cause of death is planned ([click here](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/albatross-at-whangarei-bird-recovery-centre-that-tried-to-eat-balloon-dies-suddenly/M5KS7CMSZJFPBENBYG6R366JHQ/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2Ibsy82g_4agfzM4obosEXLDz2QURbmSwbLv2HFt58b5r5wJhK0AE6ke0#Echobox=1686203706)). ![Entangled Grey headed Albatross Scott Brooks 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Entangled_Grey-headed_Albatross_Scott_Brooks_1.jpg)*The**juvenile Grey-headed Albatross in captivity, photograph by Scott Brooks,**The Petrel Station* A juvenile Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* recovered from a beach close to Tutukaka, Northland, New Zealand on 29 May has been taken into care at the [Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre](https://www.facebook.com/Whangarei-Native-Bird-Recovery-Centre-207942849294459/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVGYZsb2nFA2Ed4LXAKO4agSL5FRuorZ6xRRNoLacmwGTZG9WSuxutLwHsyhciWCK0FRoPTmKRzkLtKPhdCCtbB25YPF2aSN-F8PFH938L99_f3Xxd5BwuoJg7ZUaz53Ai6R8mo7aYlIP8ORFcsZAKbdArJ9J8GeG9lTYVN6o5WeCJ5BZlA-eHVLI5O_QqE0Zs&__tn__=kK-R). The globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) and [Nationally Vulnerable](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/grey-headed-mollymawk) bird was entangled around its bill and a wing by nylon line attached to a fishing balloon so it was unable to fly. Balloons are used to keep live bait close to the sea surface and to float the bait out from the shore by recreational fishers in New Zealand targeting [Kingfish](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/information-on-popular-fish-in-nz/kingfish/) or Yellowtail *Seriola lalandi.* *![Entangled Grey headed Albatross Scott Brooks 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Entangled_Grey-headed_Albatross_Scott_Brooks_3.jpg) A close-up showing the dark juvenile bill, photograph by Scott Brooks,**The Petrel Station* [The Petrel Station](http://www.thepetrelstation.nz/) reports on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/thepetrelstation) that the albatross is feeding well in captivity, so its early release is expected. Grey-headed Albatrosses are stated to be infrequent visitors this far north in New Zealand. The species breeds farther south on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic [Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels). *A New Zealand fisher demonstrates how he avoids his fishing balloon becoming free when the fish takes the bait and polluting the ocean* World Albatross Day on 19 June this year has the theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”. Responsible recreational fishers can support the conservation of albatrosses by ensuring their ‘floater’ balloons do not escape to become marine litter and entangle marine wildlife. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 June 2023, updated 09 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-grey-headed-albatross-entangled-by-a-fishing-balloon-comes-ashore-in-northland-new-zealand.md) ## Life after light. Grounded Manx Shearwaters can breed successfully after release ![Manx Shearwater Joe Pender](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_Shearwater_Joe_Pender.jpg)*Manx Shearwater at sea, photograph by Joe Pinder* Martyna Syposz and Oliver Padget ([Department of Biology](https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/), Oxford University, UK) have published early view in the journal [*Seabird*](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/journal/journals)on the fate of banded Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus*grounded by unfavourable weather conditions or exposure to artificial light. The paper’s abstract follows: “Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus*, like other procellariiform seabirds, spend most of their lives at sea and are encountered on land only when breeding at colonies or if they are grounded due to unfavourable weather conditions or exposure to artificial light. Here, we used historical ringing data to explore the age class structure and spatial patterns of Manx Shearwater groundings and examined ringing and recovery data to identify records of post-grounding survival for first-year and adult birds. We noted 35 cases, out of 6,381 ringed grounded shearwaters, where a bird went on to be recaptured, including two individuals that were later recorded as having successful breeding attempts. While this constitutes only a small number of birds confirmed to have survived following grounding, it is likely to be a considerable underestimate of survival considering the low probability of recapturing a surviving shearwater. Finally, we found that a greater proportion of grounded birds were first-years compared to adult shearwaters, and that adults were found to be grounded further away from colonies than first-year birds. This may be indicative of differential impacts of light pollution at different life stages.” **Reference:** Syposz, M & Padget, O. 2023. The fate of rescued Manx Shearwaters following grounding. [*Seabird* 35 16 pp](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/journals/seabird-35/seabird-35-g.pdf). **See also:** Syposz, M., Gonçalves, F., Carty, M., Hoppitt, W., & Manco, F. 2018. Factors influencing Manx Shearwater grounding on the west coast of Scotland. [*Ibis*160: 846-854](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ibi.12594). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/manx-shearwater-groundings-in-scotland-influenced-by-moon-and-wind?highlight=WyJzeXBvc3oiLCJtIiwiZ29uXHUwMGU3YWx2ZXMiLCJmIiwiY2FydHkiLCJtIiwiaG9wcGl0dCIsInciLCJtYW5jbyJd) for ACAP report] *01 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/life-after-light-grounded-manx-shearwaters-can-breed-successfully-after-release.md) ## ACAP releases an infographic for the Northern Royal Albatross in support of this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June  ![preview northernroyal en](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/preview_northernroyal_en.jpg)**NOTE:**  This is article #3 of 'WADWEEK2023'.  Follow them all until World Albatross Day on 19 June. A new infographic in the ACAP Species series has been produced for the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [Nationally Vulnerable](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*. The latest infographic has been sponsored by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation ([DOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)) and joins infographics previously produced for 11 albatross species. Along with three other albatross species, the Northern Royal Albatross has been chosen to feature [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June this year with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”. ![preview northernroyal fr](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/preview_northernroyal_fr.jpg) The infographic has been produced in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish. The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series has been designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them. They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. ![preview northernroyal es](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/preview_northernroyal_es.jpg) All the 12 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. They should not be used for personal gain. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The ACAP Species Infographics have all been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. Namo is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Karine Delord, Johannes Fischer and Chris Robertson for their help with the texts. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 15 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-an-infographic-for-the-northern-royal-albatross-in-support-of-this-years-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## Field trip to Scottish Seabird Centre signals conclusion of ACAP’s round of meetings ![AC13 Groupshot 2 web](https://acap.aq/images/AC13_Groupshot_2_web.jpg)*Delegates attending the Thirteenth Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee gather for the official photo outside Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh, Scotland, photograph by Bree Forrer* Two-weeks of intense and productive talks concluded in Edinburgh, Scotland with the Thirteenth Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee ([AC13](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13)) adopting its report last Friday.  AC13 spent last week considering the recommendations put forward in the reports from its Working Group meetings held the previous week. The reports of the Seabird Bycatch ([SBWG11](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group)) and Population and Conservation Status ([PaCSWG7](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)) Working Groups and the joint meeting of both Working Groups ([Joint SBWG11-PaCSWG7](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-sbwg11-pacswg7-meeting)) are now available on the ACAP website ([see AC13 Docs 9, 11 & 12](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents)).  The report of the ACAP Taxonomy Working Group ([AC13 Doc 10](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-meeting-documents/4292-ac13-doc-10-report-of-the-taxonomy-working-group/file)), which conducts its business online, was also considered by the Advisory Committee. The report of the 13th Meeting of the Advisory Committee in the three official languages of English, France and Spanish will be published on the ACAP website. The day before report adoption, delegates were treated to a superb day out to the [Scottish Seabird Centre](https://www.seabird.org/), a conservation and education charity located approximately an hour east of Edinburgh in the pretty seaside town of North Berwick. The centre manages several islands that are home to internationally important breeding seabird populations.  ![AC13 Field Trip Scottish Seabird Centre May 2023 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/AC13_Field_Trip_Scottish_Seabird_Centre_May_2023-5.jpg)*AC13 Delegates aboard the boat ready to take in a wonderful afternoon spotting seabirds (left); and the iconic Bass Rock with its distinctive lighthouse looms in the distance (right). The rock appears white due to the thousands of Northern Gannets nesting and their guano staining the rock's surface, photographs by Bree Forrer* Delegates enjoyed a presentation from the centre and explored its interactive education facilities before heading out on a boat trip around the islands of Bass Rock and Craigleith. The iconic Bass Rock is a steep volcanic monolith which has supported up to 150 000 Northern Gannets, plus smaller numbers of European Shags, Common Guillemots (Common Murres) and Razorbills. Craigleith, one of the smaller islands in the chain is inhabited by a variety of seabirds, including the crowd favourite, the Atlantic Puffin. ![AC13 Field Trip 30 Patricia Serafini web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/AC13_Field_Trip_30_Patricia_Serafini_web.jpg)*Atlantic Puffins were high on the group's wish list of birds to see on the outing and delegates did not leave disappointed, photograph by Patricia Serafini* In May 2022, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (sub-type [H5N1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_A_virus_subtype_H5N1)) was confirmed on Bass Rock and thousands of Northern Gannets became infected and died. Staff at the Seabird Centre are hoping to carry out a census over the coming summer to gauge population numbers. ![AC13 Field Trip 7 web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/AC13_Field_Trip_7_web.jpg)*Northern Gannets crowd the volcanic rock of the Bass (as it is known locally), photograph by Bree Forrer* The outing, though sobering with the knowledge of the devastation caused by H5N1 in seabird colonies in Scotland and across the world, was thoroughly enjoyed by delegates who witnessed thousands of seabirds in their natural habitats. The day was a poignant reminder of the importance of continuing to strive for the conservation of albatrosses and petrels against the many threats they face. *29 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/field-trip-to-scottish-seabird-centre-signals-conclusion-of-acaps-round-of-meetings.md) ## The Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee commences in Edinburgh  ![Will Lockhart AC13 Opening Remarks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/Will_Lockhart_AC13_Opening_Remarks.jpg)*Dr Will Lockhart delivers his opening remarks to delegates of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13) confirming the UK's committment to the Agreement and encouraging Parties to work together towards its objectives* Dr Will Lockhart, Deputy Director, International Biodiversity and Wildlife, Department for environment, food and rural affairs welcomed delegates on Monday to ACAP’s Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13). The four-day meeting is being hosted for the first time by the United Kingdom in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Addressing delegates, Dr Lockhart welcomed Parties and Observers to the meeting and acknowledged the global conservation effort already underway, whilst recognising the challenges still facing ACAP to protect its listed albatross and petrels. “A huge amount of valuable work is being undertaken across Parties to protect these special birds, “he said. “But many albatross and petrel populations are still as you know in deep crisis. And there is much more we can and should be doing to further support the conservation of these iconic species.” He confirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to the Agreement pointing to projects to eradicate rodents at breeding sites and the implementation of strong bycatch mitigation measures in fisheries.  ![AC13 delegates seated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/AC13_delegates_seated.jpg)*The meeting commences* Wider conservation efforts were also highlighted, such as the £3 billion the UK has earmarked for spending by 2025, “to protect nature internationally – through bilateral aid, contributions to multilateral aid programmes, or by helping generate new, sustainable and innovative forms of nature finance, including by working with businesses to ensure that they better price their dependencies on nature.” He encouraged Parties to work together in the spirit of collaboration in order to realise and drive forward the Agreements’ objectives, noting the importance of engaging with the fishing industry. “Our work can only be successful if we work together. In particular, we need to identify further actions that can be taken to strengthen collaboration with [Regional Fisheries Management Organizations](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi0uNrn3Yr_AhVIiVwKHd-sA90QFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Foceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu%2Ffisheries%2Finternational-agreements%2Fregional-fisheries-management-organisations-rfmos_en&usg=AOvVaw1n3EOaYu0Qbf50lBpjzdCc) and [CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/), both of which are critical to the success of the Agreement, or to ensure that data collection can be improved so that the scale of bycatch and other pressures on ACAP species can be better understood and mitigated. We also need to drive our wider governments to make sure that they are living up to their commitments under the Agreement and doing our best to implement the best practices we develop in collaboration with each other. “ *23 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-thirteenth-meeting-of-the-advisory-committee-commences-in-edinburgh.md) ## International Day for Biological Diversity marks commencement of the Thirteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_13.JPG)*A displaying ACAP-listed Tristan Albatross on Gough Island; photograph by Michelle Risi* ‘From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” is the theme for this year’s [International Biodiversity Day](https://www.cbd.int/article/idb2023), a sentiment that will be forefront in the minds of delegates of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13) who gather today in Edinburgh to commence the week-long round of talks. In 2019, ACAP's Advisory Committee [declared a conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11) for its listed albatrosses and petrels, with fisheries operations, particularly longline and trawler fishing, identified as the biggest threat facing these magnificent birds. Although albatrosses and petrels face other threats including introduced predators, diseases and plastic ingestion, thousands continue to die every year from entanglements in fishing gear, or swallowing baited hooks and drowning. ACAP has developed a comprehensive range of [Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice) guidelines and factsheets containing proven mitigation measures that can be implemented by ACAP Parties, non-Party Range States and, critically, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations ([RFMOs](https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/fisheries/international-agreements/regional-fisheries-management-organisations-rfmos_en)) to reduce seabird bycatch. Uptake of these proven measures remains low, and engagement with stakeholders such as RFMOs is essential to improve population trends of ACAP species.  The challenge facing the Advisory Committee this week may well be finding the route to move beyond agreement of the conservation crisis facing these birds to tangible action that will assist ACAP in its objective to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for its listed species. *22 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/international-day-for-biological-diversity-marks-commencement-of-the-thirteenth-meeting-of-acaps-advisory-committee.md) ## South Africa ahoy! Tracking juvenile Black-browed Albatrosses across the South Atlantic to the Benguela and Agulhas Currents *![Movements of juvenile black browed albatross as at 13 May 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Movements-of-juvenile-black-browed-albatross-as-at-13-May-2023.png) Tracks as on 13 May of juvenile Black-browed Albatrosses fledged from Bird Island in 2023; [click here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/black-browed-albatross-juvenile-tracking/#about) to view the most recent tracks* In a [study](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/black-browed-albatross-juvenile-tracking/#about) that commenced in 2021, 26 fledging Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* on [Bird Island](https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/facility/bird-island/) in the South Atlantic were fitted in April this year with satellite transmitters in a project run by Richard Phillips of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/). The main aims of this study are to map the distribution of juvenile birds to determine overlap with fisheries and the main environmental drivers of their movements, and to assess the survival rate of juveniles in the critical months after they fledge. The young birds are being tracked in near real-time using the [Argos system.](http://www.argos-system.org/) Nearly all the birds have been taking a north-easterly route towards southern Africa. As of 22 May several have reached the Benguela Current region off the coasts of Namibia and western South Africa. A few have continued into the Indian Ocean on the Agulhas Bank off South Africa’s Western Cape. *![Orion Black browed Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Orion_Black-browed_Albatross_2.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross chick shortly to fledge from Bird Island in 2021 awaits its satellite tracker, photograph by James Crymble* “The population of adult albatross have been affected globally by longline and trawler fishing, with birds becoming trapped by fishing equipment, or swallowing baited hooks and plastic waste. However, bycatch of seabirds has been reduced to low levels around [Bird Island] following the [Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources](https://www.ccamlr.org/) (CCAMLR). Bycatch has also been significantly reduced in South African and Namibian fisheries, due to concerted efforts by national fisheries bodies and BirdLife International. However, elsewhere in the Southern hemisphere, bycatch is still a major threat. Little is known about the travel patterns of juvenile and immature black-browed albatrosses, and ringing recoveries suggest they range more widely than the mature adults. The data from this group of recently fledged albatrosses stands to offer important new insights into the early lives of these prolific travellers” ([click here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/scientists-track-the-epic-flight-of-fledged-albatross/?fbclid=IwAR0Nywk7S7YJJe7N_oU3f9bZW6WwcJbq-dH-GQUcSLg73nZs76c2V3ubIcg)). The Bird Island birds belong to one of 10 Priority Populations for conservation identified by ACAP. *![Tracked BBA Estelle Smalberger shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Tracked_BBA_Estelle_Smalberger_shrunk.jpg) A satellite-tracked juvenile Black-browed Albatross off Cape Town, South Africa; photograph by Estelle Smalberger* Intriguingly, one of the [19 juvenile Black-browed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/latest-news/tracking-black-browed-albatross-fledging-from-a-south-atlantic-island-in-near-real-time) tracked in 2021 from Bird Island was photographed at sea off South Africa on 31 July 2021, with its back-mounted transmitter clearly visible ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/a-seabirding-excursion-photographs-a-satellite-tracked-black-browed-albatross-off-cape-town?highlight=WyJhcmdvcyIsImJpcmQiLCJiaXJkcyIsImJpcmRzJyIsImJpcmRpbmciLCJiaXJkJ3MiLCInYmlyZCIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZHMiLCJpc2xhbmQncyIsImlzbGFuZHMnIiwiaXNsYW5kZXJzIiwiaXNsYW5kZXIiLCInaXNsYW5kJyIsImlzbGFuZCciXQ==)). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-africa-ahoy-tracking-juvenile-black-browed-albatrosses-across-the-south-atlantic-to-the-benguela-and-agulhas-currents.md) ## ACAP releases six artwork posters in four languages for World Albatross Day 2023 ![ABUN WAD2023 Patricia Latas BFA](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_WAD2023_Patricia_Latas_BFA.jpg) *'Plastic Lament', Black-footed Albatross family, by Patricia Latas* **NOTE: ** It's Day 2  of "WADWEEK2023", marking World Albatross Day on 19 June and its theme of "[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)". Six posters featuring selected artworks produced by Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) have been chosen from a total of [75 artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3) by 31 artists in a[collaboration](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-fourth-art-collaboration-with-abun-on-a-plastic-pollution-theme-ends-on-a-sombre-note) with ACAP for World Albatross Day 2023.  The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme "[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)" to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023. This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021, and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” last year. Albatrosses are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the general public. However, albatrosses face other significant pollutants, including heavy metals, (such as mercury) and [POPs](https://www.unep.org/cep/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-and-pesticides) (persistent organic pollutants, such as insecticides). *![ABUN WAD2023 Izzy Niesen LA fr](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_WAD2023_Izzy_Niesen_LA_fr.jpg) ‘A Mother’s Inadvertent Actions’, Laysan Albatrosses by 13-year-old Izzy Niesen* Two new albatross species are being used to feature the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day. These are the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*. In addition, coverage is being given again to last year’s featured species, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which ingest more plastic (and then feed it to their chicks) than do the southern hemisphere species. *![ABUN WAD2023 Holly Parsons NRA es](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_WAD2023_Holly_Parsons_NRA_es.jpg) ‘Trojan Horse’, Northern Royal Albatross by Holly Parsons* The posters, that all depict plastic pollution affecting albatrosses, are available to download from the ACAP website [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-artwork-posters), in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese, for printing during the build up to World Albatross Day on 19 June. ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes. They should not be used for financial gain. ![ABUN WAD2023 Grisselle Chock BFA pt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_WAD2023_Grisselle_Chock_BFA_pt.jpg)  *"Plastic Pollution’, Black-footed Albatross by Grisselle Chock* [Click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters) to view a set of 12 WAD2023 photo posters in nine languages. With grateful thanks to ABUN artists Grisselle Chock, Patricia Latas, Izzy (Isabella) Niesen, [Holly Parsons](https://acap.aq/latest-news/trojan-horse-or-my-little-pony-holly-parsons-paints-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJwYXJzb25zIl0=), [Snah](https://acap.aq/latest-news/ballpoint-pen-artist-snah-kicks-off-acap-s-fourth-collaboration-with-abun-for-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution?highlight=WyJzbmFoIiwyMDIzXQ==) and Rosana Venturini and to ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill and ABUN Administrator Marion Schön for their support of albatross conservation. Thanks also to 'Pep' Arcos, Karine Delord and Patricia Serafini for help with translations.  Poster design by Bree Forrer, ACAP Communications Advisor. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-six-artwork-posters-for-world-albatross-day-2023.md) ## Diving behaviour of the Black-vented Shearwater *![Black vented Shearwater Madeleine Claire](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Black-vented_Shearwater_Madeleine_Claire.jpg) Black-vented Shearwater at sea, photograph by Madeleine Claire* Cecilia Soldatini ([Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada](https://ulp.cicese.mx/), Unidad La Paz, Mexico) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Science of The Total Environment](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/science-of-the-total-environment)*on the diving behaviour of the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698246) Black-vented Shearwater *Puffinus**opisthomelas* utilizing GPS and accelerometers. *![Soldatini ms](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Soldatini_ms.jpg) The publication's graphical abstract* The paper’s abstract follows: “Oceanic mesoscale systems are characterized by inherent variability. Climatic change adds entropy to this system, making it a highly variable environment in which marine species live. Being at the higher levels of the food chain, predators maximize their performance through plastic foraging strategies. Individual variability within a population and the possible repeatability across time and space may provide stability in a population facing environmental changes. Therefore, variability and repeatability of behaviors, particularly diving behavior, could play an important role in understanding the adaptation pathway of a species. This study focuses on characterizing the frequency and timing of different dives (termed simple and complex) and how these are influenced by individual and environmental characteristics (sea surface temperature, chlorophyll *a* concentration, bathymetry, salinity, and Ekman transport). This study is based on GPS and accelerometer-recorded information from a breeding group of 59 Black-vented Shearwater and examine consistency in diving behavior at both individual and sex levels across four different breeding seasons. The species was found to be the best performing free diver in the *Puffinus* genus with a maximum dive duration of 88 s. Among the environmental variables assessed, a relationship was found with active upwelling conditions enhancing low energetic cost diving, on the contrary, reduced upwelling and warmer superficial waters induce more energetically demanding diving affecting diving performance and ultimately body conditions. The body conditions of Black-vented Shearwaters in 2016 were worse than in subsequent years, in 2016, deepest and longest complex dives were recorded, while simple dives were longer in 2017–2019. Nevertheless, the species' plasticity allows at least part of the population to breed and feed during warmer events. While carry-over effects have already been reported, the effect of more frequent warm events is still unknown.” **Reference:** Soldatini, C., Rosas Hernandez, M.P., Albores-Barajas, Y.V., Catoni, C., Ramos, A., Dell'Omo. G., Rattenborg, N. & Chimienti, M. 2023. Individual variability in diving behavior of the Black-vented Shearwater in an ever-changing habitat. [*Science of The Total Environment* 883.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163286](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723019058?fbclid=IwAR3htnqusvKk2pZNMbGskAfTeEpk1JZK3btgy1SkBJ3RiEAr_G1nubhONR8). [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723019058?fbclid=IwAR3htnqusvKk2pZNMbGskAfTeEpk1JZK3btgy1SkBJ3RiEAr_G1nubhONR8](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723019058?fbclid=IwAR3htnqusvKk2pZNMbGskAfTeEpk1JZK3btgy1SkBJ3RiEAr_G1nubhONR8)*19 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/diving-behaviour-of-the-black-vented-shearwater.md) ## Whither Black-browed Albatrosses as the climate changes? *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/First_Place_Rodrigo_Tapia_Jimenez_Black-browed_Albatross.JPG) A Black-browed Albatross flies over a stormy sea, by Rodrigo Tapia Jimenez, winner of the *World Albatross Day 2020*photography competition “[Albatrosses, their World and Threats](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/84-photography-competition-albatrosses-their-world-and-threats/3695-photography-competition-albatrosses-their-world-and-threats-2)' ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/world-albatross-day-2020-photography-competition-winner-and-runners-up-chosen?highlight=WyJ0YXBpYSIsImppbWVuZXoiXQ==))* Juan Gonzalez ([Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical](https://ibn.conicet.gov.ar/), Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Polar Biology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/300) on the fate of Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*in the face of climate change. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Black-browed Albatross (BBA), *Thalassarche melanophris*, is one of the most abundant and widespread pelagic seabirds in the southern hemisphere, considered an indicator species of climate change in Antarctica. In addition to the known negative interactions with fisheries, other threats may act indirectly on this species whose effects have not yet been evaluated, such as increased sea surface temperature due to climate change. Under the assumption that carbon emissions modify the distribution of BBA, we modeled the environmental suitability and inferred BBA distribution under future climate scenarios for 2050 and 2100. We used 23 years of observation data (1991–2020) from research vessels in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica to estimate habitat suitability and predict change in suitability for the two future time ranges (2040–2050 and 2090–2100) under four representative concentration pathway scenarios: optimistic, intermediate pessimistic. Our projections predict a reduction in the total habitat suitability for BBA by 8% and 31.4% by 2050 and 2100, respectively, in the worst-case scenario compared to the present. Our study enhances understanding of the factors driving distribution dynamics for the species and aid in the development of conservation areas under future global change scenarios.” With thanks to Javier Quiñones. **Reference:** Gonzalez, J.C., Orgeira, J.L., Jimenez, Y.G., Nieto, C., Romero, C., Alegre, A. & Quiñones, J. 2023. Habitat suitability under future climate scenarios in black-browed albatross (*Thalassarche melanophris*) in Southern South America and Antarctica. *[Polar Biology](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-023-03143-7)*[doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03143-7](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-023-03143-7). *18 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/whither-black-browed-albatrosses-as-the-climate-changes.md) ## ACAP releases World Albatross Day photo posters for 2023 in Indonesian, the third Asian language to be featured *![Laysan WAD2023 Indonesian 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Laysan_WAD2023_Indonesian_2.jpg) Layan Albatrosses, Kauai, photograph by Hob Osterlund, poster design by Bree Forrer* Continuing with its outreach to Asian high-seas fishing countries, the Albatross and Petrel Agreement is today releasing its set of 12 freely downloadable photo posters for this year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” in the Indonesian language, known as [Bahasa Indonesia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_language). This latest release follows versions in [Japanese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/outreach-to-asia-acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-japanese) and [Korean](https://acap.aq/latest-news/more-outreach-to-asia-this-time-acap-releases-its-six-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-korean). Previously, the poster set has been made available in ACAP’s three official languages of [English, French and Spanish](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters), as well as in [Portuguese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-posters-for-2024-in-portuguese). The ‘WAD2023’ logo is also available in Indonesian, and in the other six languages. View and download the WAD2023 photo posters in Indonesian and in the other six languages [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters).  They are also available in [individual language albums](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/photos_albums) on the ACAP Facebook page. ![WALD Logo 2023 Indonesian](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Indonesian.png) Indonesia is not a Party to the Agreement, nor has a breeding population of an ACAP-listed species. However, it is an ACAP range state* by way of undertaking fishing that interacts with ACAP-listed species, notably through its high-seas longline fisheries for tuna in the Indian and Pacific Oceans ([click here](https://www.fao.org/3/bp414e/bp414e.pdf)). Indonesia is a member of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](https://www.ccsbt.org/en)), the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](https://iotc.org/)) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission ([WCPFC](https://www.wcpfc.int/)). All these Regional Fisheries Management Organizations that manage high-seas tuna stocks ([tRFMOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_fishery_body)) have adopted seabird bycatch mitigation measures that apply to their member states. ACAP has made its [Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Fact Sheets](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets) available in [Indonesian](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets/bahasa-indonesia). An Indonesian version of the [ACAP Seabird Bycatch ID Guide](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/seabird-bycatch-id-guide) is also planned. It is hoped the photo posters can be used within Indonesia to increase awareness of the conservation plight being faced by albatrosses and petrels and to aid the country in celebrating World Albatross Day on 19 June. *![Blackbrowed WAD2023 Indonesian 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Blackbrowed_WAD2023_Indonesian_2.jpg) A colour-banded Black-browed Albatross stands over its chick on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic, photograph by Erin Taylor,*poster design by Bree Forrer** The photo poster set will be released in Simplified and Traditional Chinese in June, completing this year’s outreach to Asia in support of World Albatross Day on the 19th. With grateful thanks for help with translations from Fransisca Noni Tirtaningtyas, [Burung Laut Indonesia](https://speciesonthebrink.org/partners/seabirds-indonesia-burung-laut-indonesia/) (Seabirds Indonesia) and Vivian Fu, [East Asian-Australasian Flyway](https://www.eaaflyway.net/the-partnership/) and to photographers Hob Osterlund and Erin Taylor. * “Range State” means any State that exercises jurisdiction over any part of the range of albatrosses or petrels, or a State, flag vessels of which are engaged outside its national jurisdictional limits in taking, or which have the potential to take, albatrosses and petrels” [from the [Agreement text](https://acap.aq/documents/instruments/206-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels/file)]. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-six-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-indonesian-the-third-asian-language-to-be-featured.md) ## UPDATED. Who’s a big boy then? Midway Atoll’s latest Short-tailed Albatross chick gets its bands - and fledges a month later 1. *![2023 16 April USFWS Laura Brazier and Jon Plissner on Midway Atoll band the STAL chick. FWS Volunteer Andrew Sullivan Haskins 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_16_April_USFWS_Laura_Brazier_and_Jon_Plissner_on_Midway_Atoll_band_the_STAL_chick._FWS_Volunteer_Andrew_Sullivan-Haskins_1.jpg) USFWS Bio-technician Laura Brazier and**Supervisory Biologist**Jon Plissner band Midway’s latest Short-tailed Albatross chick on 16 April 2023, photograph by USFWS Volunteer Andrew Sullivan-Haskins “**Wow! What a big chunky fuzzball” – Hob Osterlund, [Kaua'i Albatross Network](https://albatrosskauai.org/wp/)* The 2022/23 Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* chick on the [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) was banded last month, with uniquely numbered metal and green plastic bands, the latter for easy recognition at a distance. Noticeably larger than the surrounding Laysan Albatross *P. immutabilis*chicks, the Short-tail chick is the fourth to be reared to banding age by its parents, the well-known pair George and Geraldine, on Sand Island since 2019. **![2023 16 April green band. FWS Volunteer Andrew Sullivan Haskins 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_16_April_green_band._FWS_Volunteer_Andrew_Sullivan-Haskins_1.jpg)* On goes the green MOO colour band,**photograph by USFWS Volunteer Andrew Sullivan-Haskins* The 2022/23 chick has been observed interacting with its four-year-old and thee-year-old siblings who have been returning to the island as pre-breeding juveniles, as recorded on a wildlife field camera. *![2023 May Geraldine and chick USFWS Volunteer Scott Wolff](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_May_Geraldine_and_chick_USFWS_Volunteer_Scott_Wolff.jpg) Close to fledging? Geraldine returns to feed her chick and then settles down to watch it exercise its wings on 6 May 2023, photograph by USFWS Volunteer Scott Wolff* The chick’s parents were originally banded on the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) species’ stronghold, [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano) and are currently the only Short-tailed Albatrosses breeding east of Japan. Three chicks were banded on Eastern Island in the atoll between 2010/2011 and 2013/2014, reared by a different Short-tailed Albatross pair. An unbanded male in adult plumage was found freshly dead on 13 December 2014 on the island from unexplained causes ([click here](https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/albums/72157649422150748/)), and was initially thought to be one of the breeding pair. Access the many earlier *ACAP Latest News* articles about George and Geraldine, and other Short-tails on Midway, from[here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Short-tailed+Midway&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=). **UPDATE. ** The Short-tailed Albatross chick was videoed successfully fledging on the afternoon of 23 May, flying towards the fringing reef. "Despite the moderately strong winds and rough seas; the bird seemed to be faring well as it continued making its way south of Spit Island and out of sight" (read more details on the [Friends of Midway National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) Facebook page). *Video by by Fish and Wildlife Service  volunteer, Alex Teodorescu* " The chick was still present near the nest on May 20th. The chick’s father [George] was last at the nest site on May 5 and its mother [Geraldine] was present from May 5-May 8. One of the chick's older siblings (either the 2019 or 2020 chick) revisited the site May 16-19." (information from a game camera). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, *Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 May* 2023, updated 02 June 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/whos-a-big-boy-then-midway-atolls-latest-short-tailed-albatross-chick-gets-its-bands.md) ## Seabird Bycatch Data Workshop signals commencement of ACAP meetings in Edinburgh ![SBWG11 Day1 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/SBWG11_Day1_2023.jpg)*Members of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group and Observers seated for the commencement of the meeting.. From left to right sitting at the far facing table: SBWG Vice-convenor, Dimas Gianuca; Seabird Bycatch Working Group Convenor, Igor Debski and SBWG Vice-convenors, Sebastián Jiménez and *Juan Pablo Seco Pon*.* ACAP’s round of meetings has commenced in Edinburgh with the Seabird Bycatch Data Workshop kicking off proceedings on Sunday 14 May. The aim of the workshop was to understand and find solutions to the challenges experienced in the reporting of ACAP seabird bycatch indicators. Further details on the workshop including the Rationale and Scope can be found in the [workshop preparatory document](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg11/bycatch-data-workshop/4164-bycatch-data-workshop-plan-agenda/file). Conclusions from the workshop will be reported on during the three-day Eleventh Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG11) taking place 15 - 17 May.  Documentation for each of the meetings taking place over the next two weeks are accessible at the ACAP website: • The Eleventh Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG11](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg11)) • The Joint Eleventh Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group and Seventh Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([Joint SBWG11/PaCSWG7](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/joint-sbwg11-pacswg7-meeting)) • The Seventh Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG7](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg7)) • The Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee ([AC13](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13))  16 May 2023 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-bycatch-data-workshop-signals-commencement-of-acap-meetings-in-edinburgh.md) ## Setting longlines deep and at night saves albatrosses in a Pacific tuna fishery *![Flavia Barreto Laysan Albatross flying water colour Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flavia_Barreto_Laysan_Albatross_flying_water_colour_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)At risk to longlines in the Pacific: a Laysan Albatross at sea, painted by Flávia Barreto, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature for World Albatross Day 2022, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Eric Gilman (Fisheries Research Group, [The Safina Center](https://www.safinacenter.org/), Honolulu, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Scientific Reports*](https://www.nature.com/srep/)showing that setting baited fishing gear deeply and at night resulted in a 99% lower seabird catch rate (70% were albatrosses) than with lines set shallowly during the day in a in a temperate Pacific longline fishery targeting Albacore Tuna *Thunnus alalunga*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Marine megafauna exposed to fisheries bycatch belong to some of the most threatened taxonomic groups and include apex and mesopredators that contribute to ecosystem regulation. Fisheries bycatch is a major threat to the conservation of albatrosses, large petrels and other pelagic seabirds. Using data sourced from a fisheries electronic monitoring system, we assessed the effects of the time-of-day and relative depth of fishing on seabird and target species catch rates for a Pacific Ocean pelagic longline fishery that targets albacore tuna with an apparently high albatross bycatch rate. Using a Bayesian inference workflow with a spatially-explicit generalized additive mixed model for albacore tuna and generalized linear mixed regression models both for combined albatrosses and combined seabirds, we found that time-of-day and fishing depth did not significantly affect the target species catch rate while night-time deep setting had > 99% lower albatross and total seabird catch rates compared to both deep and shallow partial day-time sets. This provides the first evidence that night-time setting in combination with fishing deep reduces seabird catch risk and may be commercially viable in this and similar albacore tuna longline fisheries. Findings support evidence-informed interventions to reduce the mortality of threatened seabird bycatch species in pelagic longline fisheries.” Read a popular account of the publication [here](https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2023/05/10/with-small-changes-fishers-can-drastically-reduce-seabird-deaths?fbclid=IwAR2sFxA4-xEMa66NRS_S-hv9klxZpz-J-xkVp-SRgysQAI3u8dFylFTamQA). **Reference:** Gilman, E., Evans, T., Pollard, I*.*& Chaloupka, M. 2023. Adjusting time-of-day and depth of fishing provides an economically viable solution to seabird bycatch in an albacore tuna longline fishery. *[Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29616-7)*[13, 262. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29616-7](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29616-7). *17 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/setting-longlines-deep-and-at-night-saves-albatrosses-in-a-pacific-tuna-fishery.md) ## Keeping Kauai free of mongooses remains a priority to protect beleaguered Hawaiian Petrels and Newell’s Shearwaters as a sixth animal is found *![Mongoose 2023 05 05 Nawiliwili Kauai](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mongoose_2023_05_05_Nawiliwili_Kauai.jpg) Kauai’s sixth Small Indian Mongoose, live trapped on 05 May 2023, photograph from the Hawai’i Department of Health* The Hawaiian island of Kaua’i is home to important breeding populations of [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwaters *Puffinus newelli.*On the island both seabird species are at risk to predation by feral cats and domestic pigs, but not as yet to mongooses. [Small Indian Mongooses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Indian_mongoose)*Urva auropunctata* were first introduced in 1883 to the main Hawaiian Islands from Jamaica (although native to Asia) to control rats in sugarcane fields. They are now widespread on the Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Molokai. Kauai so far remains free of an established population. However, at least six mongooses have been definitely recorded on Kauai over the last five decades as listed below (click[here](https://www.kauaiisc.org/pests/mongoose/) for more details). Five of the six have been live-trapped and then euthanized by the [Hawai’i Department of Health](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/) – Vector Control Branch and the [Kaua’i Invasive Species Committee](https://www.kauaiisc.org/) after initial sightings. The most recent mongoose on Kauai was caught after a week from its initial sighting this month by deploying no less than 43 live traps. In addition, there have been hundreds of unconfirmed sightings on the island since 1968, raising concerns there could be a breeding population in existence. However, biological evidence for this is said to be scant, following an island-wide status review that also developed standard response protocols for sightings . **Definite Records** 1976. Lactating female found dead along a road near Kalaheo May 2012. Adult male captured near the Lihue Airport June 2012. Captured near the Nawiliwili Harbour ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/are-kauais-laysan-albatrosses-now-at-risk-to-a-new-alien-predator-the-indian-mongoose?highlight=WyJtb25nb29zZSIsIm1vbmdvb3NlcyJd)) October 2016. Captured at Lihue Airport December 2021. Captured in Nawiliwili Harbour ([click here](https://www.thegardenisland.com/2021/12/30/hawaii-news/mongoose-caught-at-nawiliwili-harbor/?fbclid=IwAR1HBDumCa7KkrTMjssD0l-Y_8b9p_5vSvc9Y8rxCeV8OZWsb21jXGlfdWY)) April/May 2023. Captured in Nawiliwili Harbour ([click here](https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr23-08nawiliwilimongoose/?fbclid=IwAR1GOrwohH5mTPHUT90c7IxO1R1EgN766nkeA1xp9hwGqZDnKSoDl_Kz6Yc)) *![Mongoose Kauai 28 December 2021](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mongoose_Kauai_28_December_2021.jpg) The fifth Small Indian Mongoose recorded on Kauai, 28 December 2012, photograph from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture* Read more [here](https://www.kauaiisc.org/pests/mongoose/). **Reference:** Duffy, D. C. & Capece, P.I. 2014. Depredation of endangered burrowing seabirds in Hawai’i: management priorities. [*Marine Ornithology* 42: 149-152](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/42_2/42_2_149-152.pdf). ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/keeping-mongooses-off-the-hawaiian-island-of-kaua-i-is-a-priority-for-threatened-hawaiian-petrels-and-newell-s-shearwaters?highlight=WyJtb25nb29zZSIsIm1vbmdvb3NlcyJd)) Phillips, R.B. & Lucey, B.  2015? [*Kauai Mongoose Standard Operating Procedures to Conduct an Island-wide Status Assessment and Early Detection Rapid Response*](https://www.kauaiisc.org/wp-content/uploads/Kauai-Mongoose-SOPs-for-Island-Wide-Surveys-Early-Detection-Rapid-Response-2016-1.pdf). [Kapaa: Kaua’i Invasive Species Committee]. 24 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, *Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31* May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/keeping-kauai-free-of-mongooses-remains-a-priority-to-protect-beleaguered-hawaiian-petrels-and-newells-shearwaters-as-a-sixth-animal-is-found.md) ## A worrying trend: Population of Campbell Island's Southern Royal Albatrosses appears to be in decline ![Southern royal sitting by Aleks Terauds](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Southern_royal_sitting%20by%20Aleks%20Terauds.jpg)*A Southern Royal Albatross sits in the grass; photo by Aleks Terauds* New Zealand’s Department of Conservation have released report, [POP2022-11 Campbell Island seabird research 2023](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/202223-annual-plan/pop2022-11-campbell-island-seabird-research-2023-final-report.pdf), by Claudia Mischler and Chrissy Wickes on research undertaken on Campbell Island involving Southern Royal Albatrosses.  The report’s summary follows,  This project (POP2022-11) was initially scoped as a desk-based project to identify cost-efficient monitoring methodologies for Campbell Island. However, when Operation Endurance (a collaboration between DOC and the Navy facilitating access to Campbell Island) was announced to take place in February 2023, POP2022-11 was re-scoped to implement actual monitoring, rather than identifying future monitoring avenues.   The February 2023 Operation Endurance trip to Campbell Island built on work from the March 2020 Operation Endurance trip, focusing on southern royal albatross (*Diomedea epomophora*). The main aims were counting of nests of southern royal albatross in the Col study area (and Moubray study area, if time permitted) to gain insight into population trends, deploying 29 GLS devices to gather long-term information on offshore distribution, collecting resight data (bands and PIT tags) for future demographic studies, and installing remote cameras at nests to study breeding biology, phenology, and success. Additional aims included counting of Antipodean albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis*) nests and conducting genomic sampling as well as deploying remote cameras on grey-headed albatross (*Thalassarche chrysostoma*) nests, if time permitted. The trip to Campbell Island lasted one day, and hence it was only possible to deploy the 29 GLS tags and set up all 12 available remote cameras on southern royal albatross nests. No systematic search and count of the Col study area was possible, and there was insufficient time for Antipodean and grey-headed albatross work. Four banded southern royal albatrosses were resighted in the Col study area. Anecdotal evidence based on the limited nests sighted during this trip aligns with sightings during the 2020 trip and continues to suggest a concerning decline of the southern royal albatross at its stronghold. This is particularly alarming because even though southern royal albatross breed biennially, both cohorts (and hence the overall population) appear to be declining at the same rate because the 2020 survey covered one cohort and the 2023 survey the other. An in-depth and up-to-date population study of southern royal albatross, including a thorough (preferably island-wide) nest count, is still needed to further assess the status of the southern royal albatross population and its trends. Reference: Mischler, C. & Wickes, C. 2023. Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku Seabird Research & Operation Endurance February 2023. [POP2022-11 final report](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202223-csp-reports/campbell-island-seabird-research-2023/) prepared for Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation (New Zealand). 15 pp.  *15 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/in-trouble-southern-royal-albatrosses-population-appears-to-be-declining-according-to-newly-released-report.md) ## Conservation outcomes enhanced through cross-Party collaboration: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation hosts Peruvian Javier Quiñones’ ACAP Secondment with aim to benefit Chatham, Buller’s and Salvin’s Albatrosses, and Black Petrels  ![Javier Quinones Secondment 2023 Great Barrier Island cropped NZ 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Javier_Quinones_Secondment_2023_Great_Barrier_Island_-_cropped_NZ_2.jpg)*Javier Quiñones with a Black Petrel chick on New Zealand's Great Barrier Island. Javier joined NZDOC's Elizabeth Bell and her team on their project on the at-sea distribution of Black Petrels; photo courtesy of Javier and NZDOC* ***"Working on the Black Petrel (*****Procellaria parkinsoni*****) project on Great Barrier Island, with Elizabeth Bell and her team was a wonderful experience. I am deeply grateful to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and to the New Zealand Department of Conservation for this extraordinary experience." ACAP Secondee Javier Quiñones*** Successful ACAP Secondment applicant, Peruvian Javier Quiñones, has commenced his Secondment with the New Zealand Department of Conservation (NZDOC). ACAP Secondments support research aligned to the Agreement’s objective to conserve listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters and are also required to build capacity within Parties, be international in nature, and achieve tasks within the current work programmes of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) and Secretariat (see Annex 2, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)). Javier’s Secondment focuses on addressing distribution data gaps of Chatham, Buller’s and Salvin’s Albatrosses and Black Petrels and their overlap with the artisanal fishing effort of Peruvian longline, drift gillnet and coastal gillnet fisheries. This approach allows for the identification of high risk areas, ultimately facilitating the targeted application of bycatch mitigation methods in Peru. For this end, Javier is learning about mitigation and fisheries outreach techniques in New Zealand to adapt and apply similar methodologies to the artisanal fisheries of Peru. New Zealand’s [Chatham](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita), [Salvin’s](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salvins-albatross-thalassarche-salvini) and [Buller’s](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Albatrosses and [Black Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) are classified as some of the most endangered albatrosses and petrels by the IUCN, with accidental death from interactions with fisheries one of the most significant threats facing these four ACAP-listed species. The threat posed by New Zealand fisheries during their breeding period has been documented. However, data on non-breeding threats from fishing operations off the coast of Peru are limited.  Whilst Javier is in New Zealand, key objectives of his Secondment will be achieved through his involvement in planned activities including: meeting with bycatch mitigation experts and researchers, meeting NZDOC staff coordinating outreach to fishers, and accompanying fisher liaison officers on port visits to small inshore vessels. Javier will also engage further on joint data analyses (covering both seabird distribution data and fishing effort data) and visit seabird research projects on the North Island.   Johannes Fischer (NZDOC) stated: “I couldn’t be happier with what Javier has managed to achieve during his time here. Completing complex data wrangling exercises, banding Black Petrel chicks on the top of a mountain, and engaging with fishers on mitigation methods; he truly covered the full suite of puzzle pieces required for effective bycatch mitigation. We are very much looking forward to continuing our collaboration and reducing bycatch of our shared seabirds.” Speaking about the experiences from his time in New Zealand and their planned application back in Peru, Javier said: “For me the project is fascinating because in the second phase, we will train the artisanal longline fishermen in southern Peru. We’ll interact with the fishing guilds to be able to apply and adapt these methodologies and minimize the bycatch of albatrosses and petrels in this Peruvian fishery, which fishing area is huge - from 80 to 400 nautical miles offshore.” Javier, who is Head of the Top Predators Office at the [Instituto del Mar del Peru](http://www.imarpe.gob.pe/imarpe/detallereport.php) (Peruvian Marine Research Institute), studied Biology at Ricardo Palma University before gaining his Master of Science in Marine Ecology Management at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, in Belgium. He then completed his PhD at Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata in Argentina on jellyfish occurrence and its relationship environmental variability at inter annual and inter decadal scales in the Humboldt Current System.  | | | | --- | --- | |  ![Javier Quinones Bullers Albatross off Peru](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Javier_Quinones_Bullers_Albatross_off_Peru.jpg) |  ![Javier Quinones Chatham Albatross off Peru](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Javier_Quinones_Chatham_Albatross_off_Peru.jpg) | *Javier in 2021 on board an artisinal longline vessel targeting sharks 150 nautical miles offshore [Ilo (a port city in southern Peru)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilo,_Peru). Javier is pictured (left) with a Buller's Albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri*), and (right) with a Chatham Albatross (*Thalassarche eremita*). Both species were tagged with GPS devices during the project "Integrating an onboard observer program and remote tracking data to evaluate the interactions between the small-scale longline fisheries and adult Chatham Albatrosses in their wintering grounds off Peru." which was assisted by funding from the [ACAP Small Grants Programme](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships).* After a decade of research on sea turtles and their population dynamics and foraging ecology, in 2017 he shifted his research to albatrosses and petrels, specifically their spatial distribution, seasonality, age-class distribution, foraging ecology and habitat use in Peru.  Javier has actively participated in many research cruises on pelagic seabirds along the Peruvian coast and has been involved in eleven Antarctic surveys with Peru, Argentina and the U.S.A.  He has worked on surveys attaching GPS satellite transmitters on Chatham and Buller's Albatrosses in southern Peru and is currently collaborating with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation on the habitat use of Salvin’s Albatrosses and Black Petrels in Peru.  Follow Javier’s Secondment at his Instagram account, [@javichojelly](https://www.instagram.com/javichojelly/) and find his research [here](https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=B2rmoDoAAAAJ&hl=en). *12 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conservation-outcomes-enhanced-through-cross-party-collaboration-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-hosts-peruvian-javier-quinones-acap-secondment-with-aim-to-benefit-chatham-bullers-and-salvins-albatrosses-and-black-petrels.md) ## More outreach to Asia: this time ACAP releases its World Albatross Day photo posters for 2023 in Korean *![Blackfooted WAD2023 Korean 3 corrected](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Blackfooted_WAD2023_Korean_3_corrected.jpg) Black-footed Albatross and chick, [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site), photograph by Wieteke Holthuijsen, poster design by Bree Forrer* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement is pleased to release its second set of 12 freely downloadable photo posters for this year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) with its theme of [“Plastic Pollution”](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) in a second Asian language following [Japanese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/outreach-to-asia-acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-japanese) – this time in Korean ([available here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters?limit=50&limitstart=50)).   Previously, the poster set has been made available in ACAP’s three official languages – [English, French and Spanish](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters), and in [Portuguese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-posters-for-2024-in-portuguese). The ‘WAD2023’ logo is also available in Korean. The Republic of Korea is not a Party to the Agreement, nor has a breeding population of an ACAP-listed species. However, it is an ACAP range state* by way of undertaking fishing that interacts with ACAP-listed species, notably through its high-seas longline fisheries for tuna in the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans. *![WALD Logo 2023 Korean corrected](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Korean_corrected.jpg) * ACAP has made its [Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Fact Sheets](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets) available in [Korean](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets/korean). A Korean version of the [ACAP Seabird Bycatch ID Guide](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/seabird-bycatch-id-guide) is also planned. It is hoped the photo posters can be used within Korea to increase awareness of the conservation plight being faced by albatrosses and petrels and aid the country in celebrating World Albatross Day come 19 June. *![NorthernRoyal WAD2023 Korean 2 corrected](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/NorthernRoyal_WAD2023_Korean_2_corrected.jpg) Adolescent Northern Royal Albatrosses display at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland); photograph by Sharyn Broni,*poster design by Bree Forrer** With grateful thanks for help with translations from Vivian Fu and Yuna Kim Williams, and to photographers Sharyn Broni and Wieteke Holthuijsen. * “Range State” means any State that exercises jurisdiction over any part of the range of albatrosses or petrels, or a State, flag vessels of which are engaged outside its national jurisdictional limits in taking, or which have the potential to take, albatrosses and petrels” [from the [Agreement text](https://acap.aq/documents/instruments/206-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels/file)]. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 11 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/more-outreach-to-asia-this-time-acap-releases-its-six-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-korean.md) ## “Water: Sustaining Bird Life” the theme for World Migratory Bird Day celebrations this year ![2023 WMBD GLOBAL Poster all logos web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/2023_WMBD_GLOBAL_Poster_all_logos_web.jpg)*The World Migratory Bird Day event campaign poster by Augusto Silva* World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) celebrations are taking place this coming Saturday, May 13 under the theme, “Water: Sustaining Bird Life”. Nicaraguan artist [Augusto Silva](#:~:text=World%20Migratory%20bird%20Day%202023,and%20one%20artist%20is%20selected.) has designed the WMBD campaign poster for this year’s celebrations. The artwork features twelve species that help tell the story of the importance of water to migratory birds. The theme draws attention to the importance of water for migratory birds and the varied habitats they rely on for migration. From wetlands to tidal flats to mangrove forests, water is an essential part of the systems that enable the continued success of these migratory species; however these water systems and habitats are under increasing pressure from human demand for water, human development of habitat, pollution and climate change. To reflect the cyclical nature of seasonal bird migrations there are two peak days for World Migratory Bird Day, with the second day marked on October 14. Details on WMBD as well as the campaign poster can be found at the [World Migratory Bird Day](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/) website.  ![Global Big Day 2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Global_Big_Day_2023.jpeg) Complementing World Migratory Bird Day is one of the largest bird counting events of the year, The Cornell Lab’s Global Big Day. Participants are asked to spend 5 – 10 minutes recording their bird observations and before submitting them online. More information on how to get involved can be found at the [ebird website](#:~:text=Be%20a%20part%20of%20birding%27s,birds%20you%20find%20with%20eBird.). *10 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/water-sustaining-bird-life-the-theme-for-world-migratory-bird-day-celebrations-this-year.md) ## ABUN artist Tammy McGee draws a winner and raises awareness for World Albatross Day *![Tammy McGee Laysan Albatross Chris Jordan shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Tammy_McGee_Laysan_Albatross_Chris_Jordan_shrunk.jpg) ‘Raising Awareness’ by Tammy McGee, after a photograph of a Laysan Albatross chick by Chris Jordan. Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils, 12" x 15" Pastelmat* [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/)’s Tammy McGee has this month won Second Place at the [Joint Art Center Show](https://www.latrobeartcenter.org/artneighbors-2023) of the [Greensburg Art Center](https://www.greensburgartcenter.org/) and the [Latrobe Art Center](https://www.latrobeartcenter.org/) (both based in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, USA) for her work ‘Raising Awareness’. She had produced her coloured pencil drawing for ABUN’s [Project #43](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-fourth-art-collaboration-with-abun-on-a-plastic-pollution-theme-ends-on-a-sombre-note?highlight=WyJwcm9qZWN0IiwicHJvamVjdHMiLCJwcm9qZWN0J3MiLCJwcm9qZWN0ZWQiLCJwcm9qZWN0aW5nIiwiJ3Byb2plY3QiLCJwcm9qZWN0aW9ucyIsNDNd) on the theme of [“Plastic Pollution”](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters) in support of ACAP’s celebration this year of World Albatross Day on 19 June. *![Tammy McGee](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Tammy_McGee.jpg) Tammy McGee with her award-winning drawing “Raising Awareness”* Her striking artwork depicts the corpse of a Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* with plastic bottle tops and other debris spilling out of its decaying body. Her work is based on a photograph taken on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) by videographer Chris Jordan who produced the compelling documentary [Albatross](https://www.albatrossthefilm.com/watch-albatross). The plastic items had been mistaken as food by the chick’s parents foraging from the sea surface and then were regurgitated to their chick. It is likely the heavy plastic load contributed to the chick’s death. *![Tammy McGee Raising Awareness](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Tammy_McGee_Raising_Awareness.jpg)* *![Tammy Mcgee Laysan Albatross chick Midway](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Tammy_Mcgee_Laysan_Albatross_chick_Midway.jpg) Always intriguing to get a glimpse of a work in progress* Tammy McGee is from Latrobe and holds associate degrees in graphic design and information science. She writes to *ACAP Latest News* saying “I’ve always enjoyed drawing animals. Recently I started drawing endangered animals and the group [ABUN] actually gave my drawings a way to help raise awareness for endangered animals and it gave my artwork a purpose”. Tammy has written on her [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/739380049529903/user/1531993928) about her artwork’s title: “I got to explain where I got the idea from so it really did raise awareness!” Earlier she had commented “I usually draw at the local Barnes and Noble [bookstore] and the ladies who knit there on Mondays always come over and look. I usually draw cute things. Some of them were stunned at what I was drawing so I had to explain why I was drawing this particular bird”. As well as her prize winner (out of over 170 entries), she also has produced for ACAP’s use a drawing of an [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*resting besides its downy chick, after a photograph taken at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head.](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) *![Tammy McGee Northern Royal Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Tammy_McGee_Northern_Royal_Albatross.jpg) Northern Royal Albatross by Tanmmy McGee, Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils, 12” x 15” Pastelmat* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abun-artist-tammy-mcgee-draws-a-winner-and-raises-awareness-for-world-albatross-day-2.md) ## New research shows seabird populations benefit from restoration and relocation efforts ![Guadaupe translocation PRC 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Guadaupe_translocation_PRC_1.jpg)*A Black-footed Albatross chick sits near a decoy bird on Mexico's Guadalupe Island; photo courtesy of Pacific Rim Conservation. According to the research, active restoration programmes targeting *albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters which involve the use of social attraction or a combination of social attraction and translocation are seeing p*ositive outcomes from the interventions.* Dena Spatz ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org), Honolulu, Hawaii) and colleagues have published in the *Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences* ([PNAS](https://www.pnas.org)) on the efficacy of seabird restoration projects around the world. The paper’s abstract follows,  “The global loss of biodiversity has inspired actions to restore nature across the planet. Translocation and social attraction actions deliberately move or lure a target species to a restoration site to reintroduce or augment populations and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Given limited conservation funding and rapidly accelerating extinction trajectories, tracking progress of these interventions can inform best practices and advance management outcomes. Seabirds are globally threatened and commonly targeted for translocation and social attraction (“active seabird restoration”), yet no framework exists for tracking these efforts nor informing best practices. This study addresses this gap for conservation decision makers responsible for seabirds and coastal management. We systematically reviewed active seabird restoration projects worldwide and collated results into a publicly accessible Seabird Restoration Database. We describe global restoration trends, apply a systematic process to measure success rates and response times since implementation, and examine global factors influencing outcomes. The database contains 851 active restoration events in 551 locations targeting 138 seabird species; 16% of events targeted globally threatened taxa. Visitation occurred in 80% of events and breeding occurred in 76%, on average 2 y after implementation began (SD = 3.2 y). Outcomes varied by taxonomy, with the highest and quickest breeding response rates for Charadriiformes (terns, gulls, and auks), primarily with social attraction. Given delayed and variable response times to active restoration, 5 y is appropriate before evaluating outcomes. The database and results serve as a model for tracking and evaluating restoration outcomes, and is applicable to measuring conservation interventions for additional threatened taxa.” Reference: Spatz, D. R., Young, L. C., Holmes, N. D., Jones, H. P., VanderWerf, E. A., Lyons, D. E., Kress, S., Miskelly, C. M., & Taylor, G. A. (2023). Tracking the global application of conservation translocation and social attraction to reverse seabird declines. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, *120*(16). [https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2214574120](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2214574120) *8 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-research-shows-seabird-populations-benefit-from-restoration-and-relocation-efforts.md) ## Guided by the light: Factors behind seabird vulnerability to light pollution analysed in new study ![Corys shearwater grounded by lights. Photo Beneharo Rodríguez](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Corys_shearwater_grounded_by_lights._Photo_Beneharo_Rodríguez.jpg)*The focus of the study; a Cory's Shearwater grounded by lights; photograph by Beneharo Rodríguez* Elizabeth Atchoi (Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, Portugal) and colleagues have published in the *Journal of Experimental Biology *a behavioural analysis of light exposure on Cory’s Shearwater chicks to determine factors influencing vulnerability to light pollution in seabirds.   The paper’s abstract follows, “Light pollution critically affects fledglings of burrow-nesting seabirds, leading to massive mortality events. The successful management of this pollutant depends upon a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing visual sensitivity and corresponding behaviours towards light. Factors shaping the development of the visual system could account for variation in seabirds' vulnerability to light pollution. We investigated how Cory's shearwater chicks respond to selected contrasting artificial light stimuli. Chicks were subjected to blue and red light treatments, and repeatedly tested throughout the nestling period. We analysed behavioural responses (number, timing and orientation of reactions) to determine how age, exposure to experimental light stimuli and spectra influenced the onset of visually guided behaviours, thus inferring drivers of vulnerability to light pollution. Repetitive exposure to light significantly increased the number of reactions, and chicks predominantly displayed light avoidance behaviour. We did not find differences in the number of reactions, timing and orientation between blue and red light treatments. The responses did not differ across different age groups. These results provide empirical evidence for the contribution of the light available in the rearing environment to seabird visual development. They support the hypothesis that differential exposure to light during the growth period influences responses to artificial light, and that the state of visual development at fledging could be a main driver of the age bias observed during seabird fallout events. It is thus important to evaluate lighting schemes in both urban and natural areas, and determine the as yet unknown consequences that may be affecting the populations.” Reference: Atchoi, E., Mitkus, M., Vitta, P., Machado, B., Rocha, M., Juliano, M., Bried, J. & Rodríguez, A. 2023. Ontogenetic exposure to light influences seabird vulnerability to light pollution. *J Exp Biol*. 226 (7): jeb245126. doi: [https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245126](https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245126)[https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245126](https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245126) *5 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/guided-by-the-light-factors-behind-seabird-vulnerability-to-light-pollution-analysed-in-new-study-2.md) ## Outreach to Asia: ACAP releases its World Albatross Day photo posters for 2023 in Japanese *![Black browed WAD2023 jp 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Black-browed_WAD2023_jp_1.jpg) Two Black-browed Albatrosses interact on [New Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic), South Atlantic; photograph by Georgina Strange, poster design by Bree Forrer* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement is once again pleased to release a set of 12 freely downloadable photo posters for this year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters) with its theme of “Plastic Pollution” in a new language – this time in [Japanese](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters).   Previously, the poster set has been made available in ACAP’s three official languages – [English, French and Spanish](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters), and most recently in [Portuguese](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-posters-for-2024-in-portuguese). The ‘WAD2023’ logo is also available in [Japanese](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos). Although not a Party to the Agreement, Japan has attended and contributed to ACAP meetings as a Range State*. The larger part of the global population of the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* breeds on Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano). Japan is also an ACAP range state by way of undertaking fishing that interacts with ACAP-listed species, notably through its high-seas pelagic longline fisheries for tuna in the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans. ACAP has previously made its [Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Fact Sheets](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets) available in [Japanese](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-fact-sheets/japanese). ![WALD Logo 2023 Japanese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Japanese.webp) It is hoped the photo posters can be used within Japan to increase awareness of the conservation plight being faced by albatrosses and petrels and aid the country in celebrating World Albatross Day come 19 June. ![NorthernRoyal WAD2023 jp 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/NorthernRoyal_WAD2023_jp_1.jpg)*A Northern Royal Albatross in flight off New Zealand; photograph by Oscar Thomas, poster design by Bree Forrer* With grateful thanks for translations provided by Yasuko Suzuki, BirdLife International Marine Programme, Tokyo, Japan. * “Range State” means any State that exercises jurisdiction over any part of the range of albatrosses or petrels, or a State, flag vessels of which are engaged outside its national jurisdictional limits in taking, or which have the potential to take, albatrosses and petrels [from the [Agreement text](https://acap.aq/documents/instruments/206-agreement-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels/file)]. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 04 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/outreach-to-asia-acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-in-japanese.md) ## Seabird bycatch mitigation, offshore energy infrastructure and pollutants including plastic just a few of the items on the agendas of ACAP’s suite of meetings coming up in Edinburgh ![AC13 Meeting Agenda Items Collage](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/AC13_Meeting_Agenda_Items_Collage.png)*Clockwise from left; offshore windfarm and transfer vessel, by Charlie Chesvick; an Argentinian Side Trawler by Leo Tamini; a Black-footed Albatross amongst plastic debris by Matthew Chauvin, "The Ocean Cleanup". The three photos represent items on the agenda for the suite of ACAP meetings taking place in Edinburgh 14 - 26 May* ACAP is in full swing with its preparations for the upcoming meetings to be held in Edinburgh 14 – 26 May which are being hosted for the first time by ACAP Party, the United Kingdom. It is only the fourth time ACAP’s meetings have been held in the northern hemisphere after those held in France ([AC7](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac7)), Norway ([MoP3](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop3)) and Spain ([MoP5](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop5)). The Thirteenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC13), the Eleventh Meeting of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG11), and the Seventh Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG7) will all take place over the two-week period. A Heads of Delegation meeting will also be held on Sunday evening on 21 May.  Draft agendas, Meeting Documents and Information Papers for each of the meetings are now accessible at the ACAP website under the menu item, Documents, and subsequent meeting type ([Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee) or [Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups)). Note, however, that some documents are password-protected so only their abstracts are publicly available. Specific documents have been translated into ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish. ![AC13 Meeting Agenda Items Collage 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC13/AC13_Meeting_Agenda_Items_Collage_2.png)*Delegates will have the opportunity to take part in a field trip to the Scottish Seabird Centre which will include a boat trip around the islands of Craigleith and Bass Rock which are home to Northern Gannets and Atlantic Puffins, respectively. From left to right; a Northern Gannet by D_H Photo; an Atlantic Puffin by Arend Trent* Meeting delegates will also have the opportunity to engage in a number of social activities throughout the busy schedule of meetings. A highlight for most will no doubt be the field trip to the [Scottish Seabird Centre](https://www.seabird.org/) and accompanying boat trip around the islands of [Craigleith](https://www.seabird.org/local-islands) and [Bass Rock](https://www.seabird.org/local-islands). Whilst both sites are abundant in a variety of seabirds, Craigleith is known particularly for its colony of puffins, whilst Bass Rock is home to the largest colony of Northern Gannets in the world, approximately 150 000 in total. *3 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-bycatch-mitigation-offshore-energy-infrastructure-and-pollutants-including-plastic-just-a-few-of-the-items-on-the-agendas-of-acaps-suite-of-meetings-coming-up-in-edinburgh.md) ## Have your say: New Zealand’s Department of Conservation opens the Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan for feedback ![NZDOC logo square](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/NZDOC_logo_square.png) New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has made available at its website the draft Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan 2023/24. The draft plan contains research proposals that will be subject to cost recovery from the commercial fishing industry. As stated on the DOC [website](https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2023-consultations/conservation-services-programme-annual-plan-202324/): The Conservation Services Programme (CSP) is DOC’s primary mechanism to understand and address fishing related threats to protected species. A proportion of funding required to investigate and mitigate the impacts of fishing on protected species of marine wildlife (Conservation Services) is recovered from the domestic commercial fishing industry as outlined in the CSP Annual Plan. CSP is legislated to undertake and recover the costs of research related to Conservation Services  from the commercial fishing sector. Under the Fisheries Act 1996, Conservation Services are defined as outputs produced in relation to the adverse effects of commercial fishing on protected species, as agreed between the Minister responsible for the administration of the [Conservation Act 1987](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0088/latest/link.aspx?search=sw_096be8ed81aa502c_conservation+services_25_se&p=1&id=DLM103609) and the Director-General of the Department of Conservation, including: (a) research relating to those effects on protected species: (b) research on measures to mitigate the adverse effects of commercial fishing on protected species: (c) the development of population management plans under the [Wildlife Act 1953](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0088/latest/link.aspx?search=sw_096be8ed81aa502c_conservation+services_25_se&p=1&id=DLM276813) and the [Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0088/latest/link.aspx?search=sw_096be8ed81aa502c_conservation+services_25_se&p=1&id=DLM25110) Download the draft plan here, [Draft Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan 2023/24 (PDF, 976K)](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/plans-and-submissions/202324/draft-csp-annual-plan-2023-24.pdf) Email submissions to [mailto:Mt%20Herbert/Te%20Ahu%20P%C4%81tiki%20tracks](mailto:Mt%20Herbert/Te%20Ahu%20P%C4%81tiki%20tracks)[csp@doc.govt.nz](mailto:csp@doc.govt.nz) by 5 pm on Monday, 15 May 2023. Stakeholder submissions will be used to finalise the draft Conservation Services Programme Annual Plan 2023/24. The draft plan will then be presented to the Minister of Conservation for consideration and, if agreed, approval. Conservation Services Programme Department of Conservation PO Box 10-420 Wellington 6143Email: [mailto:csp@doc.govt.nz](mailto:csp@doc.govt.nz)[csp@doc.govt.nz](mailto:csp@doc.govt.nz) *1 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/have-your-say-new-zealands-department-of-conservation-opens-the-conservation-services-programme-annual-plan-for-feedback.md) ## Seabird conservationist Yuliana Bedolla recognised with a 2023 Whitley Award ![rpt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Yuliana_Bedolla_2023_Mexico_Fieldwork_21_web.jpg)*2023 Whitley Award Winner, Yuliana Bedolla out in the field. **WFN Trustee Sir David Attenborough said that the work of conservationists has never been more urgent: “We need the work of Whitley Award winners to succeed and to help them to whatever extent possible.”* Mexican conservationist Yuliana Bedolla has been recognised by the UK charity Whitley Fund for Nature ([WFN](https://whitleyaward.org/)) with a 2023 Whitley Award for her work safeguarding important seabird colonies from invasive mammals at key nesting sites on Mexico’s islands ([click here](https://whitleyaward.org/winners/safeguarding-seabird-nesting-sites-on-mexican-pacific-islands/)). Watch a video of her work and award [here](https://whitleyaward.org/winners/safeguarding-seabird-nesting-sites-on-mexican-pacific-islands/). The £40 000 award was presented to Yuliana by WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, at a ceremony held at The Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday 26 April. The ceremony marked the [30th Anniversary](https://whitleyaward.org/2023/04/27/celebrating-wfns-30th-whitley-awards-ceremony/) of the Whitley Fund for Nature. As Project Director of the environmental organisation, [Grupo de Ecología y Conservación del Islas](https://www.islas.org.mx/#gsc.tab=0), Yuliana will use the funding to boost the role of local women and fishing cooperatives in conservation activities on two islands, Natividad and San Benito Oeste, which are key nesting sites for the nocturnal Black-vented Shearwater *Puffinus opisthomelas* and Black Storm Petrel *Hydrobates melani*. San Benito Oeste has a resident population of 10-60 people while Natividad is home to 302. The programme will strengthen seabird monitoring and protocols to prevent accidental introduction of invasive mammals, particularly cats and rodents, which have decimated at least 27 seabird colonies in the region in the past.  Local fishing cooperatives will be actively involved in implementing biosecurity protocols and training will be provided to women from local communities to prevent, detect and respond to invasive species and will equip them with the tools to sustainably finance their locally-led conservation work on the islands in future.  ![Yuliana Bedolla 2023 Mexico San Benito Community Landscape Coastal web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Yuliana_Bedolla_2023_Mexico_San_Benito_Community_Landscape_Coastal_web.jpg)*Local fishing cooperatives will be involved in the conservation project. Yuliana believes community involvement in conservation is paramount: “For conservation to succeed, the local communities must be empowered as the stewards of their land and resources.” * Mexican islands and their surrounding seas provide important breeding grounds and are crucial habitats for one-third of the world’s seabird species. The Baja California Pacific Islands are key nesting sites for 23 seabird species, 11 of which are nocturnal when breeding.  “After our interventions, 20 seabird colonies have returned to nest and several new colonies have been formed… recording a new colony that we have never seen before or a pair of a species that historically nested there is a huge motivation,” said Yuliana. “I stay positive because I have seen over the years that with commitment and perseverance, it is not too late to take action, that we can still make a difference.” Yuliana and Grupo de Ecología y Conservación del Islas have also been involved in conservation work with the small breeding populations of ACAP-listed and Near Threatened Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* found on the Baja California Pacific Islands of [Guadalupe](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1412-acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats?highlight=WyJtZXhpY28iLCJtZXhpY28ncyIsImxheXNhbiIsIidsYXlzYW4iLCJubyIsIidubyJd), [Alijos](https://acap.aq/en/news/latest-news/1641-acap-breeding-site-no-61-rocas-alijos-mexico-support-a-tiny-recently-established-population-of-laysan-albatrosses?highlight=WyJtZXhpY28iLCJtZXhpY28ncyIsImxheXNhbiIsIidsYXlzYW4iLCJubyIsIidubyJd), [Clarión](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1310-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-clarion-island-revillagigedo-archipelago-mexico-where-snakes-prey-upon-albatrosses?highlight=WyJtZXhpY28iLCJtZXhpY28ncyIsImxheXNhbiIsIidsYXlzYW4iLCJubyIsIidubyJd) and [San Benedicto](https://acap.aq/en/news/latest-news/1648-acap-breeding-site-no-62-san-benedicto-island-mexico-has-a-small-growing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses?highlight=WyJtZXhpY28iLCJtZXhpY28ncyIsImxheXNhbiIsIidsYXlzYW4iLCJubyIsIidubyJd). ACAP congratulates Yuliana on her award and thanks her for her tireless efforts and unwavering passion in the conservation of the world’s most threatened group of birds – seabirds.  *28 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-conservationist-yuliana-bedolla-guzmans-recognised-with-the-2023-whitely-award.md) ## ACAP releases its World Albatross Day posters for 2023 in Portuguese  ![Blackbrowed WAD2023 Por 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Blackbrowed_WAD2023_Por_2.jpg)*A colour-banded Black-browed Albatross stands over its chick on Bird Island in the South Atlantic. Photograph by Erin Taylor, poster design by Bree Forrer* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has three official languages: English, French and Spanish. These are the native languages of 11 of the 13 Parties to the Agreement. The two exceptions are Brazil, with its home language of Portuguese, and Norway, where there are two official languages: Norwegian and Sámi. Both countries are non-breeding Parties (although Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* once bred on Norway’s [Bouvet Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-breeding-site-no-79-bouvetoya-the-world-s-most-remote-island-once-supported-breeding-southern-giant-petrels) in the Southern Ocean). Although none of the 31 ACAP-listed species visits the territorial waters or Exclusive Economic Zone of mainland Norway, at least 11 listed species have been recorded within the waters surrounding Brazil according to that Country’s National Plan of Action – Seabirds. Six of these can be considered regular visitors in reasonable numbers as shown by distribution maps in the NPOA-Seabirds. Today we are pleased to release the set of 12 photo posters for World Albatross Day on 19 June this year, already available in the official languages, in Portuguese ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters)). It is intended over the next six weeks to produce a set of WAD2024 artwork posters, based on selected paintings made for ACAP’s use by members of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) as part of its [Project #43](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-fourth-art-collaboration-with-abun-on-a-plastic-pollution-theme-ends-on-a-sombre-note?highlight=WzQzXQ==) earlier this year. These will also be produced in Portuguese. *![Tristan Albatross infographic Portuguese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Tristan_Albatross_infographic_Portuguese.jpg) Infographic design by Namasri Niumim* In adition to the posters released today, ACAP has so far produced two of its ACAP Species Infographics in Portuguese, as well as in the three official ACAP languages. These are for the [Black-browed Albatross](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-black-browed-albatross-is-released-in-three-more-languages?highlight=WyJwb3J0dWd1ZXNlIiwiaW5mb2dyYXBoaWNzIiwiaW5mb2dyYXBoaWMiXQ==) *Thalassarche melanophris* and the [Tristan Albatross](https://acap.aq/latest-news/acap-launches-a-wandering-albatross-infographic-to-celebrate-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJ0cmlzdGFuIiwidHJpc3RhbidzIiwiaW5mb2dyYXBoaWMiLCJwb3J0dWd1ZXNlIl0=) *Diomedea exulans*. It is intended to produce Portuguese versions for the other four regular visitors to Brazil - the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. chlororhynchos* and the Southern Giant, Spectacled *Procellaria conspicillata* and White-chinned *P. aequinoctialis*Petrels. Sponsorships have been found for the three petrels, and it is planned to produce infographics for them during the second half of this year. ![WALD Logo 2023 Portuguese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_-_Portuguese.png) For the last four years, ACAP has also been making a Portuguese version of its World Albatross logo ([click here for 2023](https://acap.aq/latest-news/getting-started-acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-next-year-in-four-languages?highlight=WyJsb2dvIiwibG9nb3MiLCJsb2dvJyIsMjAyMywicG9ydHVndWVzZSJd)). Further, it is hoped that the six regular Brazilian visitors named above can also have their texts in the [ACAP Species Summary](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) series translated into Portuguese this year, so watch this space for them. *![Spectacled Petrel Projeto Albatroz 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Spectacled_Petrel_Projeto_Albatroz_2.jpg) A Spectacled Petrel at sea off Brazil, photograph from Projeto Albatroz. The ACAP Species Summary for the ‘Ringeye’ is planned to be translated into Portuguese* Two other Portuguese-speaking countries are regularly visited by ACAP-listed species. These are Angola where is southern waters are known to be visited by a number of them, notably Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels ([click here](https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/MO_34_1_77-80.pdf)), both at risk to local fisheries, and Portugal where the Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus* is a regular non-breeding visitor to its coastal waters, where it is at risk to longline and net fisheries ([click here](https://acap.aq/search?q=Balearic+Portugal&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=)). ACAP-listed species have also been recorded as vagrants within the southern waters off Portuguese-speaking Mozambique, including the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. carteri*and the White-chinned Petrel. Additionally, although it is well outside the normal ranges of all the ACAP-listed species, Cabo Verde off the west coast of Africa supports breeding petrels and shearwaters, actively conducting conservation research on them ([click here](https://projectovito.org/aves-marinhas/)). It is hoped the ACAP products described above that are being produced in Portuguese can be used to increase awareness of the conservation plight being faced by albatrosses and petrels, and aid Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking nations in celebrating World Albatross Day come 19 June. With grateful thanks for translations provided by Brazilian Patricia Serafini, Co-convenor of ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group. **Reference:** Neves, T., Olmos, F., Peppes, F. & Mohr, L.V. 2006. [*National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (NPOA-Seabirds Brazil)*](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/IPOAS/national/brazil/NPOA-Seabirds_Brazil.pdf). *Threatened Species Series* No. 2. Brasilia: Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Renewable Resources. 122 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 27 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-posters-for-2024-in-portuguese.md) ## Study analyses population trends of five seabirds of the Hawaiian Island Kaua’i ![Newells Shearwater Andre Raine.2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_Andre-Raine.2.jpg)*A Newell's Shearwater chick; photograph by Andre Raine. According to the study, Newell's Shearwater populations decreased significantly on Kaua'i from the 1980's, only stabilising from approximately 2012* David Ainley (*H.T. Harvey & Associates Ecological Consultants, California, USA*) and colleagues have published in the journal *Marine Ornithology *on multi-decadal population trends of five seabird species of the Hawaiian Island, Kaua'i. The paper’s abstract follows,  “Population trends of seabirds nesting on Kaua‘i in the Hawaiian Islands, USA, were assessed across four decades using data from the Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) program. Started in 1979, the SOS database was intended to track the incidence of attraction of Kaua‘i's seabirds to artificial lights, but recovery rate data also became useful to index population trends. These data documented precipitous declines of Newell's Shearwater *Puffinus newelli* through 2017. Here we expand on those efforts by including four additional species and consider data to 2018. All five species exhibited increasing trends during SOS's first decade, coincidental with increasing human population, suburban infrastructure, and public awareness. Counts of the once-numerous Newell's Shearwater decreased sharply beginning in the late 1980s, but stabilized around 2012. Since that approximate time, counts of Wedge-tailed Shearwater *Ardenna pacifica* and White-tailed Tropicbird *Phaethon lepturus* have increased. Conversely, counts of Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and Band-rumped Storm Petrel *Hydrobates castro* have remained stable since 1990. The implications of sizable decreases in a population are rarely considered from a community ecology perspective, but in this case, such an examination is possible: the decline of Newell's Shearwater may have led to a competitive release of trophic resources and nesting habitat, benefitting Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and White-tailed Tropicbirds, respectively. We also explore other issues potentially explaining observed trends. Clearly the SOS program is an important contributor to the success of both seabird conservation, by rehabilitating seabirds grounded by artificial lights, and management, by documenting long-term population changes that would have otherwise been unknown.” Reference: Ainley, D., Schneider, S. & Spencer, G. 2023. Disparate decadal trends in Kaua'i seabird populations: possible effects of resource competition and anthropogenic impacts. *Marine Ornithology* [51: 47 – 54](http://www.marineornithology.org/article?rn=1510) *26 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-analyses-population-trends-of-five-seabirds-of-the-hawaiian-island-kauai.md) ## Impact of ingestion of pumice in seabirds and connections between chick development and plastic ingestion analysed in new study ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwaters_in_colony_Ian_Hutton.jpg)*Flesh-footed Shearwaters; photograph by Ian Hutton* J. L. Lavers (Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK) and A.L. Bond have published open access in the journal *Marine Biology* a study on the ingestion of pumice in Flesh-footed and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters between 2011 – 2022 and connections with the ingestion of plastics and chick development.  The paper’s abstract follows,  “Many species of seabird ingest or are provisioned with pumice stones, buoyant volcanic rocks that are thought to aide in digestion, occasionally during times of poor prey availability. Unlike other indigestible matter, like plastics, the effect of pumice on chick growth, its relationship with ingested plastics, and variation among years has not yet been examined. We analysed the amount of ingested pumice from 739 Flesh-footed (*Ardenna carneipes*) and 173 Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (*A. pacifica*) from Lord Howe Island, Australia sampled using stomach lavage between 2011 and 2022. The total mass of ingested pumice was positively related to the mass of ingested plastics in Flesh-footed, but not Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, but not when using mean stone mass. Pumice mass did not vary over time, except for one higher year for each species (2016 for Flesh-footed Shearwaters and 2014 for Wedge-tailed Shearwaters), and there was no effect of pumice mass on chick body size at fledgling. Our results are consistent with the coexistence over geological time of seabirds and floating pumice, and future work should focus on aspects of retention in the digestive system and potential interactions with and efficacy in the presence of novel materials, like plastics.” Reference Lavers, J.L., Bond, A.L. 2023. Pumice ingestion in seabirds: interannual variation, and relationships with chick growth and plastic ingestion. *Marine Biology* **170**, 55 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04203-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04203-6)[https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04203-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04203-6) *24 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/impact-of-ingestion-of-pumice-in-seabirds-and-connections-between-chick-development-and-plastic-ingestion-analysed-in-new-study.md) ## The ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. A reflection on growing old with albatrosses *![BP9 Nic Duncan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/BP9_Nic_Duncan.jpg) A 46-year-old Crozet Islands Wandering Albatross off Western Australia in January 2023, photograph by Nic Duncan* I first saw a breeding albatross in June 1979 on my first visit to sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in 1979. I was there primarily to study aspects of the foraging ecology of the Crozet Cormorant *Phalacrocorax melanogenis* but could not fail to be impressed with the sheer size of my first Wanderer *Diomedea exulans* ensconced on its equally huge nest as it guarded its chick. In that year I was 32. During 30 more research and conservation management visits to the island over three decades, I must have walked past at a distance, or approached closely under a research permit, many hundreds of Wandering Albatrosses and their chicks in various stages of their breeding cycles. I looked at them, they looked at me. On my final visit in 2014, the very last Wanderer nest I have ever walked past was in quite heavy rain, the day before we left for home. Sploshing along through water-logged ground behind Goney Plain on a three-hour hike back to the meteorological station we did not dawdle for a photo. Maybe I should have taken a selfie at a reasonable distance with the occupied nest the prescribed five metres away? I was then 67 and looked much older that when only 36 in 1983 – as the accompanying photographs show. But of course, the albatrosses did not look any older! It seems to be a “thing” with birds that do not commonly show signs of ageing (although Wanderers are an exception as they, especially the males, do whiten with the years). This is one of the reasons why banding birds as chicks or fledglings, and thus of known age, is so important, nigh essential, to determine their exact age on resighting or recovery in later years. ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Picture1.jpg)![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Picture2.jpg) *Red beard. Banding a Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island in November 1983 when I was 36; Robert Prŷs-Jones on the left holds the banding pliers, photograph by Chris Brown (left).  *Grey beard. In April 2012, when I was aged 65, this curious non-breeding Wandering Albatross approached me as I stood still along the path on Marion Island’s west coast, photograph by Wouter Hanekom (right)** All the above memories of longevity and the passage (and effects) of time have come to mind when reading recently of a 46-year old Wandering Albatross photographed back in January at sea off Western Australia's south coast, in the Bremer Canyon, about two hours east of Albany ([click here](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-19/australias-oldest-wandering-albatross-spotted-off-wa-coast/102232650?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web&fbclid=IwAR2BF9UrNHYb1ltgo_PHNjGMRy20QeFKp6uu5mxucwUGXlycbA5z0JPGIgY)). According to the [Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/science-research/bird-bat-banding) the bird (with a white BP9 plastic band clearly visible) was banded as a chick in September 1976, making it about 46 years old. Part of a long-term study colony on [Possession Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur) in the French Crozet Islands, the male bird is known to have fathered 11 chicks with three different partners over three decades. The report goes on to say “However, his breeding days could be behind him, as successful breeding is difficult in older males and his last breeding partner has not seen since 2014.” *![Wiadom U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Keegan Rankin 24 November 2022 2](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Wiadom_U.S._Fish_and_Wildlife_Service_Keegan_Rankin_24_November_2022_2.jpg) Wisdom (red Z333) the Laysan Albatross returns to Midway Atoll on 24 November 2022, one of her most recent photographs by Keegan Rankin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service* A good age for a bird then, but certainly not the oldest albatross known. First in the longevity stakes was “Grandma” a female Northern Royal Albatross *D. sanfordi* that bred for many years at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on the South Island of New Zealand. Famous in her day (there is a [video](https://www.nzgeo.com/video/grandma/) about her) she was estimated as a little over 60 when last seen in the breeding colony in 1989. Even more remarkable is “Wisdom” the female Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* on Midway Atoll, now at least 71 years of age and the world’s oldest known wild bird. She has been immortalized in poetry, [artworks](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2011-news-archive/artists-for-conservation-wisdom-the-61-year-old-laysan-albatross-gets-her-portrait-painted-for-a-forthcoming-childrens-book?highlight=WyJoYXJ2aWxsIiwiaGFydmlsIiwid2lzZG9tIiwid2lzZG9tJ3MiLCJyZXZpZXciLCJyZXZpZXdlZCIsInJldmlld2luZyIsInJldmlld3MiLCJyZXZpZXdlciIsInJldmlld2VyJ3MiXQ==) and a [children’s book](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2012-news-archive/wisdom-the-midway-albatross-a-review?highlight=WyJoYXJ2aWxsIiwiaGFydmlsIiwid2lzZG9tIiwid2lzZG9tJ3MiLCJyZXZpZXciLCJyZXZpZXdlZCIsInJldmlld2luZyIsInJldmlld3MiLCJyZXZpZXdlciIsInJldmlld2VyJ3MiXQ==), and at one stage had her own active [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/wisdomthealbatross). The [many news posts](https://acap.aq/search?q=Wisdom&Search=&w1=before&d1=&w2=before&d2=) to this website about her have all received more than average ”hits”. She has not bred this season but was seen back briefly on the atoll at her usual breeding spot ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/wisdom-the-71-year-old-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-but-is-unlikely-to-breed-this-season?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsMjAyMl0=)). Incredibly her rediscovery in 2002 was by the very same person who originally banded her in 1956, the late [Chandler Robbins](https://acap.aq/latest-news/obituary-chandler-robbins-the-ornithologist-who-banded-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross). Of course, over this long span, Chandler aged notably in his photographs shown here, just as I have done over my years with albatrosses. I was pleased to meet Chandler Robbins at a workshop we both attended on the population biology of the Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes* in Honolulu in 1998. ![chandler robbins 2](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/chandler_robbins_2.jpg)![357288-2-15 001](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Chandler_Robbins.jpg) *The years rolled by, but Wisdom stays immutable. Chandler Robbins in his early years with an albatross on Midway Atoll (left) and and in his later years, with binoculars seemingly as old as himself (right)* For my part, I looked at the then oldest known Wandering Albatrosses on Marion and nearby [Prince Edward Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-26-prince-edward-south-africa-s-alien-mammal-free-sub-antarctic-island) recorded up to 2002, over two decades ago. There must be older birds to find now, but then the oldest ‘clocked in” was between 46 and 51 years of age. In my publication I pointed out these maximum longevities of half a century or so just as much reflected the passage of time from when banding had been commenced. So as the years roll on, a very few great albatrosses will be found to have lived longer – maybe for even a century, but for exactly how long no one yet knows! I end with another observation from my field days. On approaching Wanderers, and closely related Tristan Albatrosses *D. dabbeneena* on Gough Island, for study purposes, both chicks and adults would tend to sit or stand up and defensively clap their bills. Then I would often say to the chicks “clap as much as you like, you will likely outlive me”. As I work towards commencing my ninth and possibly last decade in a few years’ time I do hope many of them will do just that. **Selected References:** Cooper, J. 1979. Editorial. Heading south. *Cormorant* 6: 3. Cooper, J. 1985. Foraging behaviour of nonbreeding Imperial Cormorants at the Prince Edward Islands. [*Ostrich* 56: 96-100](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00306525.1985.9639575) Cooper, J., Battam, H., Loves, C., Milburn, P.J. & Smith, L.E. 2003. The oldest known banded Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* at the Prince Edward Islands. [*African Journal of Marine Science* 25: 525-527](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2989/18142320309504041). Cousins, K.L. & Cooper, J. 2000. *The Population Biology of the Black-footed Albatross in Relation to Mortality Caused by Longline Fishing*. Honolulu: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. 120 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 May 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-a-reflection-on-growing-old-with-albatrosses.md) ## Fisheries New Zealand seeks feedback on proposed changes to mandatory seabird mitigation measures ![Bird Scaring Lines Ed Melvin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird-Scaring-Lines-Ed-Melvin.jpg)*Bird Scaring Lines (BSL) are one of a number of mitigation measures available to fishers to reduce risks to seabirds from fishing operations; photograph by Ed Melvin* Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the mandatory seabird mitigation measures for commercial fishers using surface longlining (SLL) in New Zealand waters. Details of the proposed changes to the mitigation measures are contained in the consultation document, [Review of the Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Surface Longlines) Circular 2019](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/56188-Review-of-the-Fisheries-Seabird-Mitigation-Measures-Surface-Longlines-Circular-2019-Discussion-document). The proposals come after a review of the current regulations contained in the [Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Surface Longlines) Circular 2019](https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020-go30) in which Fisheries New Zealand found low uptake of voluntary mitigation measures and little compliance to discharge management practices.   New Zealand is considered a seabird hotspot, with several species of albatrosses and petrels endemic to the country. Twelve seabirds, all ACAP-listed species, were identified in the review as most at risk from SLL fisheries including Antipodean, Gibson’s and Salvin’s albatrosses.  By law, commercial fishers in New Zealand waters using the surface longlining method must implement certain mitigation measures to reduce risks to seabirds. The current regulations stipulate that during setting, fishers must either: - use hook-shielding devices on all hooks, or - deploy a legal tori (streamer) line (or Bird Scaring Line), and either set at night, or line weight to legal specifications. In addition to the mandatory regulations there are a number of voluntary measures which SLL operations can adopt including the use of bird scaring lines (also known as a tori line), line weighting, and night setting. Employing all of these measures simultaneously, known as "three out of three" or using hook-shielding devices, aligns with [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice) for seabird mitigation in SLL fisheries. The consultation by Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on potential changes to the circular which will better align it with the voluntary measures set out in the mitigation standards. The options proposed in the consultation are as follows: - **Option 1:** Regulatory status quo. - **Option 2:** Mandate additional "best practice" seabird mitigation measures. - **Option 3:** Spatial/temporal use of "three out of three" (or hook-shielding devices). - **Option 4:** Mandate "three out of three" (or hook-shielding devices) at all times. Submissions can be made to Fisheries New Zealand on the proposed changes detailed in the Consultation Document via email at, [FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz](mailto:FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz) or alternatively, the postal address is: Surface Longline Circular Review 2023 Fisheries Management Fisheries New Zealand Private Bag 12031 Tauranga 3143 The deadline for submissions is 5pm 28 April 2023. All infornation, including the review and consulation documents are available [here](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-the-fisheries-seabird-mitigation-measures-surface-longlines-circular-2019/?fbclid=IwAR0dW4URK2jazt_6CkSb8dsaaTPcoE4KeZ8FbX9y9mgd3ifqkAQP08ICDW0). *21 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fisheries-new-zealand-seeks-feedback-on-proposed-changes-to-mandatory-seabird-mitigation-measures.md) ## The ACAP Species Infographic for the Black-browed Albatross is released in three more languages ![Black browed Albatross Infographic web version French](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black-browed_Albatross_Infographic_web_version_French.jpg) The [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series is designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them. They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. To date, 10 species infographics have been produced. Sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), the most recent, for the [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*, was released last month in its English version.  All the infographics are being produced in ACAP’s three languages, and today ACAP is releasing the French and Spanish versions for the Black-browed Albatross. In addition, aPortuguese version takes note that the species visits the waters of Brazil (a Party to the Agreement). Previously, a Portuguese version was produced for the [Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) *Diomedea dabbeneena*. Other ACAP-listed species that regularly visit Brazilian waters will also have infographics produced in Portuguese. ![Black browed Albatross Infographic web version Portuguese](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black-browed_Albatross_Infographic_web_version_Portuguese.jpg) The 10 infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. ![Black browed Albatross Infographic web version Spanish](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black-browed_Albatross_Infographic_web_version_Spanish.jpg) The infographics are created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) from Bangkok. Namo, is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. With thanks to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Karine Delord and Patricia Serafini for their providing or for their careful checking of texts in their home languages. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 20 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-infographic-for-the-black-browed-albatross-is-released-in-three-more-languages.md) ## 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count sees a boost in number of reported ACAP-listed birds ![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_7.JPG)*Three Light-mantled Albatrosses were counted over the duration of the Great Backyard Bird Count; photograph by Jaimie Cleeland* The results of the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) are in and the number of ACAP-listed birds spotted was more than double the total counted in 2022’s event. Last year 628 individual birds were spotted, whereas in this year’s count a total of 1477 individual birds were reported. The event took place Friday 17 February to Monday 20 February 2023. Checklists containing bird species listed under the Agreement were submitted by birdwatchers from across the globe including Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States of America. 21 of ACAP’s 31 listed species were accounted for: 15 of 22 albatross species, five of seven petrel species, and one of the two shearwater species. The results can be found in the table below. ![GBBC 2023 ACAP listed Table](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/GBBC_2023_ACAP-listed_Table.jpg) Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, and joined by Birds Canada in 2009, the GBBC project marked its 26th anniversary this year. It has become the world’s largest citizen science project related to biodiversity, providing researchers with a valuable snapshot of global bird populations.  An estimated half a million bird enthusiasts took part in this year’s count, identifying an impressive 7,538 species of birds. To dig deeper into the results of the 2023 event, head to [birdcount.org](https://www.birdcount.org/2023-final-results/) where a comprehensive review can be found. Missed this year’s GBBC? Get ready for 2024’s by marking February 16 – 19 in your calendar, or take part in bird counting events still to come this year, including:  - [Global Big Day](https://ebird.org/news/global-big-day-2023) - 13 May 2023 - [Aussie Bird Count](https://aussiebirdcount.org.au) - 16-22 October 2023 *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. *19 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/2023-great-backyard-bird-count-sees-a-boost-in-number-of-reported-acap-listed-birds.md) ## In a bit of a flap? Dynamic soaring in Wandering Albatrosses gets studied with biologgers *![WA 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WA_1.jpg) Bird's-eye view - A miniature video camera mounted on the back of a Wandering Albatross gives new insight into their flight* Stefan Schoombie ([Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation](http://www.acdi.uct.ac.za/centre-statistics-ecology-environment-and-conservation-seec), University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/)*on dynamic soaring by globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* utilizing an array of sophisticated bio-logging devices. *![WA 3 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WA_3_shrunk.jpg) Look out below! Wandering Albatrosses are incredible flyers, but their landings are less graceful, often resulting in comical scenes for onlookers from below* The paper’s abstract follows: “Wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* are among the largest flying birds. Their energy-efficient dynamic soaring flight allows them to travel large distances by exploiting the gradient in wind strength above the sea surface. We used bio-logging devices to study the dynamic soaring flight behaviour of wandering albatrosses, deriving roll (bank) angles from video and tri-axial magnetometers, and flapping events from tri-axial accelerometers. Albatrosses mostly experienced westerly winds coming from their left during outbound flights from their colonies and from their right when returning. They compensated for differences in wind speed by varying their roll angles and predominantly turning into the wind, resulting in a net displacement that was perpendicular to the wind. Flapping flight was influenced by wind speed and direction, with birds spending more time flapping in light winds and in head winds. Flapping often occurred at the upper turn of the dynamic soaring cycle, a stage previously considered devoid of flapping. There was also evidence of sexual differences in flight behaviour, with females flapping less than males. Males almost exclusively take off into head winds, whereas females utilized cross winds as well. These results add to our knowledge of dynamic soaring and show how albatrosses react to their wind fields at a fine scale.” ![WA 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WA_4.jpg)*Comfort in the air. Wandering Albatrosses uses their large wingspan to glide through the air using a flight mode called dynamic soaring, where they expend very little energy and can travel immense distances in favourable wind. However, when the wind is light they have to flap their wings from time to time, which uses a lot more energy* With thanks to Stefan Schoombie for his photographs and for writing the captions. **Reference:** Schoombie, S., Wilson, R.P. & Ryan, P.G. 2023.  Wind driven effects on the fine-scale flight behaviour of dynamic soaring wandering albatrosses. *Marine Ecology Progress Series*[doi.org/10.3354/meps14265](https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m14265_advview.pdf)*.* **Note:**  Now retired as ACAP Information Officer to an emeritus position, I am largely restricting my contributions to the Agreement to the *[ACAP Monthly Missives](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives)*series, completion of the [*ACAP Species Infographic*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics) series, and for this year, leading in the build up to the [fourth World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) on 19 June. However, from time to time I will “help out” with a post to *ACAP Latest News*as here, where it is a pleasure to report on a publication coming from Marion Island where I conducted and managed research on ACAP-listed species for several decades. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 25 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/in-a-bit-of-a-flap-dynamic-soaring-in-wandering-albatrosses-gets-studied-with-biologgers.md) ## Manx Shearwaters of Wales' Skomer Island prone to plastic ingestion ![Manx shearwater Nathan Fletcher](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_shearwater_Nathan_Fletcher.jpg)*A Manx Shearwater; photo by Nathan Fletcher* Clare Alley (School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, UK) and colleagues have published in the journal *Seabird* on plastic ingestion in Manx Shearwaters on Skomer Island, Wales. The paper’s abstract follows,  “Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the marine environment, and seabirds are among the most impacted marine vertebrates. Plastic ingestion was investigated in an internationally-important breeding population of Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* on Skomer Island, Wales in 2018–19. Opportunistic necropsies were carried out on a total of 34 birds to collect contents of the gastrointestinal tract: 13 adults from April to July 2019 and 12 fledglings during September 2019, and a further nine opportunistic necropsies carried out from adults from July to September 2018. The presence, quantity, size and colour of plastic in the gastrointestinal tract was investigated. Plastic was found in 71% of Manx Shearwater stomachs (68% of adults, 75% of fledglings). Adults were found to have larger plastic pieces in their gastrointestinal tract than fledglings, and lighter birds had larger pieces of plastic in their tracts than heavier birds. This study shows that Manx Shearwaters on Skomer Island are vulnerable to plastic ingestion, and that adults are likely to pass plastic to their chicks.” Reference: Alley, C.L., Arkless, S., Ames, E., Abrahams, M., Gentle, L.K. & Wood, M.J. 2022. [Plastic ingestion in adult and fledgling Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* on Skomer Island, Wales](http://seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-34-33). [*Seabird*](http://seabirdgroup.org.uk/publications) 34: 33-44 *17 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/manx-shearwaters-of-wales-skomer-island-prone-to-plastic-ingestion.md) ## Brazilian artist Flávia Barreto supports World Albatross Day for another year *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Flávia_F._Barreto_Black-footed_Albatross_and_chick-_Gouache_on_Bamboo_paper_WieteKe_Holzhausen.jpg) Cigarette lighters, bottle tops, a toothbrush and a toy soldier. A Black-footed Albatross and chick on Midway Atoll, after a photograph by Wieteke Holzhausen* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023 (WAD2023). The featured albatross species for this year are once more the North Pacific [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*, along with the globally Endangered [Northern Royal](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi* endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*. For the first three months of the year ACAP has once more been collaborating with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) on its [43rd Project](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more?highlight=WzQzXQ==) to produce artworks that will help increase awareness of the conservation plight facing the world’s albatrosses and support WAD2023. This the fourth collaboration with ABUN, resulting in [75 artworks by 31 artists](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3), including no less than seven by Brazilian amateur artist Flávia Barreto - five of which are illustrated here. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Flávia_F._Barreto_Black-browed_Albatross_Erin_Taylor.jpg) A colour-banded Black-browed Albatross guards its chick on Bird Island in the South Atlantic, after a photograph by Erin Taylor* Flávia, who paints in watercolour, gouache and acrylic, lives in Nova Friburgo in south-eastern Brazil. She describes herself as an amateur artist and a retired civil servant. After retirement she decided there was still time to learn more and to dedicate her life to art. Being a lover of nature and animals, her art and interests have gradually evolved to drawing and painting threatened species. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Flávia_F._Barreto_Albatrosses_chatting_Northern_Royal_Albatrosses_photo_Hadoram_Shirihai.jpg) Two Northern Royal Albatrosses interact at sea off New Zealand, after a photograph by Hadoram Shirihai* She writes to *ALN*: “Plastic pollution in the oceans is a global and urgent crisis threatening marine wildlife, food safety and human health. Albatrosses are direct victims of human conduct, as they may die or get injured by ingesting or getting entangled in plastic waste. We can help to raise awareness of governments, organizations and communities by contributing to conservation initiatives such as those of ACAP. As a member of ABUN I am glad to be able to contribute through my work to World Albatross Day once again and join the fight against plastic pollution.” *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Flávia_F._Barreto_Black-footed_Albatross.jpg) A Black-footed Albatross is surrounded by washed-up plastic bottles and fishing floats, after a photograph by Matthew Chauvin,*[*The Ocean Cleanup*](https://theoceancleanup.com/) View Flávia Barreto’s art in support of last year’s World Albatross Day with its theme of “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-through-her-art?highlight=WyJiYXJyZXRvIl0=). *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Flávia_F._Barreto_Laysan_Albatross_watercolour.jpg) Squid, but also plastic? A Laysan Albatross regurgitates a meal to its chick, photograph by Hob Osterlund* With grateful thanks to Flávia Barreto, Kitty Harvill and Marion Schön of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature and to Matthew Chauvin, Wieteke Holzhausen, Hob Osterlund, Hadoram Shirihai and Eric Taylor for the use of their photographs. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 18 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-for-another-year.md) ## The fourth art collaboration with ABUN on a plastic pollution theme ends with a sombre music video *![AA Plastic Pollution collage poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/AA_Plastic_Pollution_collage_poster.jpg) ABUN Project #43 has produced 75 artworks on the theme of “Plastic Pollution”, poster design by Kitty Harvill* Artists and Biologists for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) has contributed to the conservation of ACAP-listed species every year since 2020 by running an annual project where contributing artists produce artworks to mark [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June. In the first three years some 500 artworks illustrating all 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels have been created, using photographs made available by ACAP supporters to act as inspiration. This year’s project, [ABUN’s 43rd](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more), which ran from January to March, has been in support of the World Albatross Day theme for 2023 of [“Plastic Pollution”](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution). It has resulted in 75 stunning artworks by 31 artists, including several who produced more than one work. They will be used by ACAP to support ‘WAD2023’ until the actual day on 19 June. *![Challenge poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Challenge_poster.jpg) The Rock Stars Challenge, collage by Kitty Harvill* The three-month collaboration with ABUN ended with a “weekend challenge” that used Hob Osterlund’s evocative photographs of close-to-fledging [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* chicks losing the last of their down, adding 13 paintings to the total ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artists-and-biologists-for-nature-hold-a-rock-star-weekend-challenge-for-world-albatross-day)). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V_7PGb-uFY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V_7PGb-uFY)*Music by John Nicolosi, design by Kitty Harvill* To round off the project, ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill has produced a collage poster depicting all 75 artworks (see above) and musician John Nicolosi of [Niko Records Studio](http://www.nikorecordsstudio.com/) has created *pro bono* a sombre score entitled "Fidelity" for the music video put together by Kitty. *[![Grisselle Chock Plastic Pollution Black footed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Grisselle_Chock_Plastic_Pollution_Black-footed_Albatross.JPG)](https://acap.aq/latest-news/ballpoint-pen-artist-snah-kicks-off-acap-s-fourth-collaboration-with-abun-for-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution?highlight=WyJzbmFoIiwyMDIzXQ==) “Plastic Pollution” by Grisselle Chock, after a photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip* With grateful thanks to ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill, ABUN Administrator Marion Schön, musician John Nicolosi, and all the contributing ABUN artists, especially Andress Silva, [Apple Resonance](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artworks-by-apple-resonance-show-the-interactions-between-albatrosses-and-plastic-pollution-in-eye-catching-ways?highlight=WyJhcHBsZSIsIidhcHBsZSIsImFwcGxlcyIsMjAyM10=), Flávia Barreto, Grisselle Chock, Inge Eisenhauer, Shary Weckwerth and [Snah](https://acap.aq/latest-news/ballpoint-pen-artist-snah-kicks-off-acap-s-fourth-collaboration-with-abun-for-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution?highlight=WyJzbmFoIiwyMDIzXQ==), who each produced three or more artworks for Project #43. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 13 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-fourth-art-collaboration-with-abun-on-a-plastic-pollution-theme-ends-on-a-sombre-note.md) ## Trojan Horse or My Little Pony? Holly Parsons paints a Northern Royal Albatross chick for World Albatross Day *![Holly Parsons Trojan Horse Northern Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head Theo Thompson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Holly_Parsons_Trojan_Horse_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Taiaroa_Head_Theo_Thompson.jpg) “Trojan Horse”, acrylic on canvas board by ABUN artist Holly Parsons, after a photograph by Theo Thompson* Holly Parsons, who lives in Boulder, Colorado, USA, has written to *ACAP Latest News* about her painting of a Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* chick ([globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [nationally Naturally Uncommon](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross)) with a plastic toy on its nest that she has entitled "Trojan Horse".  She says " A friend of mine came up with the title and I liked it for its depth of meaning, with the horse looking so innocent, yet it’s deadly to the birds".  She goes on to write that “I haven’t been painting very long. I had a brain injury while snowboarding a decade ago and the urge to create art began only then. I lost the ability to do some things, but gained in other areas, so it’s all good!”  Her welcome painting is a consequence of the [fourth collaboration](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more) between ACAP and [ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ABUN4Nature) (Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature) in support of this year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” on 19 June. *“Growing Tiaki: Slideshow of the 2021 Royal Albatross Cam Chick” by Holly Parsons* Holly also writes that she makes Youtube videos about birds, such as the one above, learning video editing "just to keep my brain sharp.  I just noticed it has 12K views now, that’s great!"  Holly is a friend of albatrosses in other ways as well. She administers [Albatross Lovers](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1269214593277385) on Facebook, a private group with over 1500 members. The group is “dedicated to all species of the iconic albatross seabird, as well as the related conservation efforts. We encourage the sharing of albatross depicted in both art and science to celebrate their beauty and learn about their plight.” Indeed, posts to [ACAP’s Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/) are regularly shared by Holly to Albatross Lovers, thereby helping enhance awareness of the need for albatross and petrel conservation. ![Northern Royal Albatross chick plastic pony Theo Thompson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Northern_Royal_Albatross_chick_plastic_pony_Theo_Thompson.jpg)*The inspiration for Holly Parson’s painting. A Northern Royal Albatross chick with the plastic toy on its nest, photograph by Theo Thompson, a Department of Conservation Ranger, who works part time with the albatrosses at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head* You can read about the original observation (entitled by *ACAP Latest News* "Not My Little Pony*",*referring to the popular [child's toy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Little_Pony) of the 1980s) made at the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/2013-news-archive/acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/not-my-little-pony-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-new-zealand-avoids-ingesting-plastic?highlight=WyJsaXR0bGUiLCJwb255Il0=). Previous plastic items found associated with Taiaroa’s royal albatrosses have included [bottle caps, squid lures, fishing floats](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2875-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-taiaroa-head-fledge-23-chicks-out-of-38-eggs-laid-in-the-2016-17-season-in-the-face-of-plastic-ingestion?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsIidwbGFzdGljIl0=), a [container tab](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3129-northern-royal-albatrosses-also-feed-plastic-to-their-chicks?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsIidwbGFzdGljIl0=) and the [handle of an infant formula scoop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3374-not-feeding-the-baby-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-taiaroa-head-regurgitates-an-infant-formula-scoop?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwicGxhc3RpYyIsIidwbGFzdGljIl0=). ![Holly Parsons pencil sketch NRA pony](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Holly_Parsons_pencil_sketch_NRA_pony.jpg)**We do not often get to see a work in progress. Holly Parsons’ "Trojan Horse" started as a pencil sketch** *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels,11 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/trojan-horse-or-my-little-pony-holly-parsons-paints-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-for-world-albatross-day.md) ## Choosing the most suitable sites for seabird colony restoration projects in the U.S. Pacific Islands the focus of newly released report ![Assessment of Seabird Restoration Priorities for the U.S. Pacific Islands](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Assessment_of_Seabird_Restoration_Priorities_for_the_U.S._Pacific_Islands.png) André F Raine, Jason Gregg, Scott Driskill & Helen Raine of [Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/?fbclid=IwAR0AUmRAwu0VBibT-RN4j4XSJrJ9IPppsyliqz61Y4INrvTJjyQYiwcQl8Y), have released a report on selecting the most appropriate sites for seabird colony restoration projects in the U.S. Pacific Islands. The report, “Assessment of Seabird Restoration Priorities for the U.S. Pacific Islands” was prepared for the USFWS Migratory Bird Office and drew on data collected from interviews with 74 seabird experts and land managers.  The Executive Summary as follows,  “This report presents an assessment of conservation priorities for non-federally listed** **seabirds breeding within the U.S. Pacific Islands (USPI), with a focus on seabird colony restoration using social attraction and translocation. It covers five distinct geographic regions: the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) including Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, American Samoa, and the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRI). The document consists of two main sections. The first identifies which non-federally listed species are the most imperiled within the USPI through an independent species risk assessment process, including a component on climate change impacts. The second section utilizes data collected on potential colony restoration sites identified during interviews with 74 seabird experts** **undertaking seabird conservation work throughout the region. This wide-ranging collaborative approach presents a unique opportunity to gain a collective insight into the most appropriate sites for colony restoration projects in the USPI. “ Reference: Raine, A.F., Gregg, J., Driskill, S. and Raine, H. (2022). [Assessment of Seabird Restoration Priorities for the U.S. Pacific Islands](https://archipelagoresearchandconservation.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/raine-gregg-driskill-raine_2023_assessment-of-seabird-restoration-priorities-for-the-u.s.-pacific-islands.pdf). Archipelago Research and Conservation, Hawaiʻi, USA.   *10 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/choosing-the-most-suitable-sites-for-seabird-colony-restoration-projects-in-the-u-s-pacific-islands-the-focus-of-newly-released-report.md) ## Long-term physical health of fledging Flesh-footed Shearwaters found to be deteriorating ![Fledging Flesh footed Shearwaters LHI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Fledging_Flesh-footed_Shearwaters_LHI.png)*Fledgling Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island in May 2022: (left) a healthy chick collected in the colony (hit by a motor vehicle) and (right) a similar age bird found washed up on the beach with substantially lower body mass, shorter wing length, and downy feathers* Jenn Lavers and Alex Bond (Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Tring, UK) have published open access in the journal [*ICES Journal of Marine Science*](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms) on the deterioration in fledging body condition of Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes* over the long-term. ![Proportion of fledgling LHI Flesh footed Shearwaters healthy body mass 400g 20102022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Proportion_of_fledgling_LHI_Flesh-footed_Shearwaters_healthy_body_mass_400g_20102022.png)*Proportion of fledgling Flesh-footed Shearwaters encountered on Lord Howe Island with a body mass >400 g during 2010–2022*   The paper’s abstract follows: “Marine systems are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities. In recent decades, the deteriorating condition of the world’s seabird populations suggests these pressures have reached a tipping point. For young birds, body mass can significantly influence survival in the critical period between nest departure and recruitment to the breeding population. On Lord Howe Island, we measured Flesh-footed Shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) fledglings in the colony and adjacent beaches to determine how body condition changed during 2010–2022. Overall, we found chick body mass as well as wing, culmen, and head + bill length declined over time with larger declines observed in beach-washed birds. Culmen and head + bill length declined by 0.17 and 0.23 mm/year, respectively, and body mass by 16.1 g/year. The number of chicks fledging at <400 g has increased sharply in recent years, meaning significant numbers of birds are unlikely to survive after departing the island. Our results point to a deepening of the division in the shearwater population: adult birds who can successfully provision sufficient nutrient reserves so their chick fledges successfully, and those who cannot. In this latter group, failure at the fledging stage (beached birds) is resulting in birds in increasingly poor condition, the likes of which were seldom documented 13 years ago.” Reference: Lavers, J.L. & Bond, A.L. 2023. Long-term decline in fledging body condition of Flesh-footed Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*). *ICES Journal of Marine Science*. [https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad048](https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad048)[https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad048](https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad048) *10 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/long-term-physical-health-of-fledging-flesh-footed-shearwaters-found-to-be-deteriorating.md) ## ACAP Parties Uruguay and Argentina through the Joint Technical Commission for the Maritime Front approve plan to reduce seabird interaction with fisheries in common waters ![Regional Plan of Action Seabirds Cover Page](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Regional_Plan_of_Action-Seabirds_Cover_Page.png)*The Regional Action Plan-Seabirds has been approved by the Joint Technical Commission for the Maritime Front (JTCMF) with the aim of reducing seabird mortality through fishing operations. ACAP Parties Argentina and Uruguay are joint Members of the JTCMF. * The Joint Technical Commission for the Maritime Front (JTCMF) has approved a plan, known as the Regional Action Plan-Seabirds, to reduce the interaction of seabirds with fisheries in common waters of Argentina and Uruguay. The plan was developed by a group of experts convened by the JTCMF in December 2019 and reviewed at a Seabird Workshop held at the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) in April 2022. The Regional Action Plan-Seabirds aims to identify good fishing practices and mitigation measures to reduce the incidental mortality of seabirds attending these fisheries. The plan was developed by specialists from different Uruguayan and Argentine organizations, including the National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (DINARA), the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Aves Argentinas, the Institute of Marine and Coastal Research, the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), the Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the National University of Mar del Plata. The main goal of the plan is to preserve biological diversity and ensure the conservation of seabird species that inhabit the Argentine-Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone and adjacent waters. The plan also aims to deepen the knowledge about devices and operations that allow the mitigation of different negative impacts of the interaction of these species with fisheries under an ecosystem approach management. Resolution 44/22 of the JTCMF is the culmination of this process and sets out the plan's implementation. The resolution underscores the importance of promoting education, training, and dissemination of the issues related to reducing the interaction of seabirds with fisheries.  The plan's implementation will be a significant step towards preserving the marine ecosystem and the seabird species in the region. The Regional Action Plan-Seabirds is available (in Spanish) here, [https://ctmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/par-am_ctmfm_web-2022-final-165730576769.pdf](https://ctmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/par-am_ctmfm_web-2022-final-165730576769.pdf)[https://ctmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/par-am_ctmfm_web-2022-final-165730576769.pdf](https://ctmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/par-am_ctmfm_web-2022-final-165730576769.pdf) **En español:** La Comisión Técnica Mixta del Frente Marítimo (CTMFM) aprobó un plan, conocido como Plan de Acción Regional-Aves Marinas, para reducir la interacción de las aves marinas con las pesquerías en aguas comunes de Argentina y Uruguay. El plan fue desarrollado por un grupo de expertos convocado por la CTMFM en diciembre de 2019 y revisado en un Taller de Aves Marinas realizado en el Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP) en abril de 2022. El Plan de Acción Regional-Aves Marinas tiene como objetivo identificar buenas prácticas de pesca y medidas de mitigación para reducir la mortalidad incidental de aves marinas asociadas a estas pesquerías. El plan fue desarrollado por especialistas de diferentes organismos uruguayos y argentinos, entre ellos la Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos (DINARA), el Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero, el Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable, Aves Argentinas, el Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeros, el Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), la Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura, el Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible y la Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. El objetivo principal del plan es preservar la diversidad biológica y asegurar la conservación de las especies de aves marinas que habitan en la Zona Común de Pesca Argentino-Uruguaya y aguas adyacentes. El plan también pretende profundizar en el conocimiento sobre dispositivos y operaciones que permitan mitigar diferentes impactos negativos de la interacción de estas especies con las pesquerías bajo una gestión con enfoque ecosistémico. La Resolución 44/22 de la CTMFM es la culminación de este proceso y establece la implementación del plan. La resolución destaca la importancia de promover la educación, capacitación y difusión de los temas relacionados con la reducción de la interacción de las aves marinas con las pesquerías. La implementación del plan será un paso significativo hacia la preservación del ecosistema marino y las especies de aves marinas en la región. El Plan de Acción Regional-Aves Marinas está disponible (en español) aquí, [https://ctmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/par-am_ctmfm_web-2022-final-165730576769.pdf](https://ctmfm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/par-am_ctmfm_web-2022-final-165730576769.pdf) *12 April 2023*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-parties-uruguay-and-argentina-work-together-with-plan-to-reduce-seabird-interactions-with-fisheries-in-common-waters.md) ## Antarctic organisations launch fellowship and scholarship opportunities for 2023 ![Antarctic Fellowships and Scholarship Banner Landscape](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Antarctic_Fellowships_and_Scholarship_Banner_Landscape.png) The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) are seeking applicants to the 2023 round of fellowship and scholarship opportunities launched on Monday 3 April.** ** The awards aim to attract talented early-career researchers, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals with the purpose to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as climate, biodiversity, conservation, ecology, humanities and astrophysics research.   In 2023, COMNAP and IAATO, which celebrates five years of Antarctic Fellowships this year, will each offer one fellowship with funding of up to USD $15,000. The fellowships enable early-career persons to join a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years. The application processes for the COMNAP and IAATO fellowships are separate from those for the SCAR Fellowships or CCAMLR Scholarships and the eligibility criteria differ. The deadline for the COMNAP and IAATO fellowship applications is 31 July 2023. Following the launch of the Polar Initiative in 2022, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has funded an additional SCAR fellowship. SCAR will therefore offer four to five fellowships of up to USD $15,000 each for 2023. The details for the SCAR scheme will be similar to previous years but with the opportunity for applicants to propose partly or entirely remote Fellowships. The deadline for the SCAR fellowship applications is 31 July 2023. The Antarctic Fellowships are launched in conjunction with the Scientific Scholarship Scheme of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The CCAMLR Scientific Scholarship provides funding of up to AUD $30,000 to assist early-career scientists to participate in the work of the CCAMLR Scientific Committee and its working groups over a period of two years. The objective of the scheme is to build capacity within the CCAMLR scientific community to help generate and sustain the scientific expertise needed to support the work of CCAMLR in the long-term. The deadline for CCAMLR scientific scholarship applications is 31 August 2023. All opportunities are being jointly promoted by the organisations involved. For more information, please visit the websites of [SCAR](https://www.scar.org/awards/fellowships/information/), [COMNAP](https://www.comnap.aq/comnap-antarctic-fellowships), [IAATO](https://iaato.org/supporting-science/the-iaato-antarctic-fellowship/) and [CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/science/ccamlr-scientific-scholarship-scheme). *7 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/antarctic-organisations-launch-fellowship-and-scholarship-opportunities-for-2023.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Close to a decade working on some of the world’s most remote and important seabird islands by ACAP supporters Michelle Risi and Christopher Jones *![rrem](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Michelle_and_Chris_at_the_Glen_in_2020_shrunk.jpg) Chris Jones and Michelle Risi at The Glen, Gough Island in 2020, photograph by Dylan Seaton* In the second guest [ACAP Monthly Missive](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives), following that by famed helicopter pilot [Peter Garden](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/johnc/Downloads/Michelle%20Risi%20and%20Christopher%20Jones%20have%20spent%20most%20of%20the%20last%20decade%20living%20and%20conducting%20research%20on%20seabird%20islands%20in%20the%20Atlantic,%20Indian%20and%20Southern%20Oceans) in January, Michelle Risi and Christopher Jones who have spent most of the last decade living and conducting research on seabird islands in the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans, write of their island-loving life, studying both seabirds and land birds, with seals as a sideline, but especially ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels. In their missive they reflect on both the privileges of living within unspoiled environments, and on the vicissitudes of living in small, close-knit communities that often characterize island life. Michelle first proposed to me in 2019 that ACAP should sponsor a [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/michelle-risi-who-first-proposed-a-world-albatross-day-is-thanked-by-acap?highlight=WyJyaXNpIl0=)). Her enthusiasm overcame my uncertainty and initial reluctance and together with others we promoted the first day on 19 June 2020. For the first three years she designed and produced all the photographic posters for World Albatross Day, still available for free downloading from this website and from albums on the [ACAP Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels). Michelle also persuaded a commercial artist friend to design the [WAD logo](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/wad2020-posters/world-albatross-day-logos), now available in nine language versions. They have been assiduous in supplying ACAP with photographs of all the ACAP-listed species they have studied for use as illustrations in many posts to *ACAP Latest News* and for posters and to inspire artworks by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) (Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature). Between them they have written species accounts for the [ACAP Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) series, and even baked seabird-themed cakes for the two [Great Albicake Bakeoffs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-judges-have-decided-overall-and-category-winners-in-the-great-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJyaXNpIl0=) run by ACAP for World Albatross Days. Not to forget proudly displaying their [’WAD2020’ banner](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-world-albatross-day-2020-banner-challenge-acap-announces-its-third-competition?highlight=WyJyaXNpIl0=) on Gough Island in the South Atlantic! *![Michelle Risi Sooty Albatross 4](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Michelle_Risi_Sooty_Albatross_4.jpg) Michelle Risi poses with her Sooty Albatross cake based on her own photograph, baked on Gough Island in 2020* Most of these *pro bono*activities were undertaken while conducting full days of arduous field work on sub-Antarctic or tropical islands (with Chris earning a Master’s degree on Gough Island’s little-known [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/macgillivrays-prion-pachyptila-macgillivrayi) MacGillivray’s Prion *along the way*). They have also built up an impressive list of scientific publications between them, as listed below. It has been and remains an abiding pleasure to work with Michelle and Chris in the cause of albatross and petrel conservation on Gough and Marion, islands I have been privileged to visit a total of 49 times over four decades. Their account, illustrated with their own photographs, follows. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels* * ![Michelle and Chris at East Pier in 2014 before their first expedition](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Michelle_and_Chris_at_East_Pier_in_2014_before_their_first_expedition.JPG) Michelle and Chris in the Cape Town docks in 2014 before their first island expedition. Behind is the SANAP vessel, the*S.A. Agulhas II*, photograph by Paul Risi* As we write this monthly missive for the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, we are awaiting confirmation of our next expedition, which would then become our second trip to Marion Island in the southern Indian Ocean, and our fifth with the South African National Antarctic Programme ([SANAP](https://www.sanap.ac.za/)) in nearly a decade. We have become *bona fide* island junkies and, since 2014, have spent our time working on islands almost continuously. Mainly on Gough Island, where we first overwintered in 2014, returning in 2018 for what was meant to be a single year to be involved in the attempt by the Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) to eradicate the introduced seabird-killing House Mice in the austral winter of 2019. However, after the eradication was postponed until 2020 for logistic reasons and then again due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had an extended two-year stay on Gough from September 2018 - October 2020. We then returned as part of the eradication team in 2021 for 6 months. We have also undertaken two long stints in Seychelles in the tropical Indian Ocean, with our most recent 15-month stay being on Aldabra Atoll, a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for holding the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, but also home to many seabirds, our main area of interest. *![Chris during first RFB census in 20 years on Aldabra in 2022](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Chris_during_first_RFB_census_in_20_years_on_Aldabra_in_2022.jpg) Chris (right) with an inquisitive visitor during the* *first Red-footed Booby census in 20 years on Aldabra in 2022* We met during our honours year at South Africa’s University of KwaZulu-Natal and both have MSc degrees in biology. Having been told about Gough and Marion Islands as an undergraduate, Chris had always dreamed of being able to visit them. Michelle had also heard of the two islands and went on their first expedition together to try something new, which became a life-changing experience. *![created by dji camera](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Risi_DJI_0619-01.jpeg) Michelle reads the metal band of a displaying Tristan Albatross in the long-term study colony on Tafelkop, Gough Island. All such close approaches are conducted under research permits* Despite being initially most excited to see the penguins when arriving for our first expedition on Gough, the near-endemic and [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan Albatrosses stole our hearts, stirred by the alarming rate at which their nests failed due to mouse attacks on chicks. We soon realized we wanted to continue to work on islands with seabirds and on restoration projects to help protect and conserve them; all the while getting to do some interesting science, see incredible sights and have many unforgettable memories where you keep saying to yourself, “how is this my job, it’s so cool”. **![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Michelle_adding_a_plastic_ring_to_a_breeding_NGP_female_in_the_Trypot_monitoring_colony_shrunk.jpg)* With a backpack full of nest marker poles, Michelle adds a plastic alphanumeric band to a breeding Northern Giant Petrel in the Trypot long-term study colony on Marion Island in 2017* People are often shocked when we tell them what we do and say, “wow, being stuck with so few people and no shops must be challenging”. But really, not having a shop was the least of our concerns. Shops feel completely overwhelming to us now, and we tend to avoid them as much as possible whenever we are back in South Africa. For us the people part is the most challenging aspect of our work. The thought of living on a remote island seems idyllic to many. Still, many trials can come when a small group of people live together in an isolated place with limited resources and often different backgrounds. Regular “mother’s meetings” are necessary in the cramped bases where we have lived to air problems and seek solutions, helped by practicing tolerance and forbearance of other’s points of view. These can be tough places if you don’t have a passion for wildlife, and we are very thankful we have each other to keep ourselves sane. *![rrem](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Michelle_and_Chris_deploying_GPS_on_brooding_AYNA_on_Gough_in_2018_shrunk.jpg) Michelle and Chris carefully deploy a GPS tracker on a brooding Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross on Gough Island in 2018; the gloved hand helps calm the bird by covering its eyes. Photograph by Alexis Osborne* Despite the people challenges, spending time on islands like Gough and Marion is a huge privilege. The two islands are similar but are also different in several ways. Gough, despite being much smaller, is the more challenging island on which to conduct field work. It is much steeper than Marion, and large portions of it are inaccessible by foot. Also, the vegetation on Gough is much harder to navigate, with need to fight through thickets and avoid stepping into petrel burrows at lower elevations. Michelle even commented on her first ‘round island’ multi-day coastal hike on Marion how much easier the walking was than during her previous year on Gough, much to the chagrin of the island’s seal biologists who like to talk up how tough Marion’s terrain is. Aside from the difficulty with moving around, the islands have quite a different feel. On Marion, most life is focused along the coast. It’s not unusual to see Wandering Albatrosses not too far from Sooty and Light-mantled Albatrosses, amongst breeding Northern and Southern Giant Petrels, next to all four penguin species, and with Southern Elephant Seals and Subantarctic and Antarctic Fur Seals nearby. It can be somewhat overwhelming! Whereas on Gough, there is a more discrete zonation of species, with Tristan Albatrosses only breeding between 400-800 m asl, Southern Giant Petrels forming colonies in isolated areas of the uplands, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses confined to below 400 m in fern bush habitat and Northern Rockhopper Penguins on beaches at the bottom of steep coastal cliffs. In addition, Gough tends to be much louder at night with a richer cacophony of burrowing petrel calls that does Marion, whose burrowing petrel communities have been greatly reduced by feral cats, and have not yet recovered after the cats were extirpated towards the end of the last century. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Chris_whistling_to_a_very_inquisitive_juvenile_bunting_on_Gough_in_2020_shrunk.jpg) No need to restrain. Chris whistles at an inquisitive juvenile Gough Bunting in 2020* Overall, the most rewarding part about spending time on remote islands is the inimitable perspective you can have on what life is like without humans. Not an easy thing to achieve in the Anthropocene. Although these islands are still affected by global human pressures, such as climate change, fishing practices and marine pollution, they are among the very few places where you can still see into the past, surrounded by wonderful, unafraid animals going about their daily lives as they barely take any notice of your presence. It gives an incomparable sense of pleasure to be able to see things that feel like they should be unseen by human eyes, and be to have walked where perhaps no human foot has touched the ground before your own. **Gough and Marion Island publications by Christopher Jones and Michelle Risi** Bond, A.L., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W. & Ryan, P.G. 2016. Potential for primary poisoning of a critically endangered endemic land bird during rodent eradication operations at Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha. [*PeerJ PrePrints* 4:e1744v2](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/johnc/Downloads/doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.1744v2). Clark, B.L., Carneiro, A.P.B., Pearmain, E.J., Marie-Morgane Rouyer, M.M. et al.. .Jones, C.W, Dias, M,P. In press. Global assessment of marine plastic exposure risk for oceanic birds. *Nature Communications.* Jones, C.W.P. 2018. [Comparative ecology of *Pachyptila*species breeding sympatrically at Gough Island](https://open.uct.ac.za/handle/11427/29646). MSc, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town. 81 pp. Jones, C.W., Phillips, R.A., Grecian, W.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2020. Ecological segregation of two superabundant, morphologically similar, sister seabird taxa breeding in sympatry. [*Marine Biology* 167 doi.org/10.1007/s00227-020-3645-7](#citeas). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Bester, M.N. 2020. Local extinction imminent for southern elephant seals *Mirounga leonina* at their northernmost breeding site, Gough Island - South Atlantic Ocean. [*Polar Biology* 43: 893-897](#citeas). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Cleeland, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. First evidence of mouse attacks on adult albatrosses and petrels breeding on sub-Antarctic Marion and Gough Islands. [*Polar Biology* 42: 619-623](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-018-02444-6). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Cooper, J. 2019. An incubating northern giant petrel actively feeds on a Salvin's prion. [*Antarctic Science*31: 317-318](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/an-incubating-northern-giant-petrel-actively-feeds-on-a-salvins-prion/635142748B9C358D823935405D2B6D3A). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Osborne, A. & Bester, M.N. 2019. First record of a leucistic sub-Antarctic fur seal. [*Polar Biology*42: 1217-1220](#citeas). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Osborne, A.M., Ryan, P.G. & Oppel, S. 2021. Mouse eradication is required to prevent local extinction of an endangered seabird on an oceanic island. [*Animal Conservation* 24: 637-645](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acv.12670). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Osborne, A.M., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K., Le Bouard, F., Cleeland, J.B., Lawrence, K., Kinchin-Smith, D., Witcutt, E., Starnes, T., Bond, A.L., Ryan, P.G. & Oppel, S. 2020. Abundance, distribution and breeding success of the endemic Gough Island Finch *Rowettia goughensis* between 2009 and 2018. [*Emu - Austral Ornithology* 120: 230-238](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01584197.2020.1773859). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Kuntz, W., Ryan, P.G., Steinfurth, A., & Bond, A.L. 2015. Bill deformities in penguins (Spheniscidae): a global review. [*Marine Ornithology* 43: 207-209](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/43_2/43_2_207-209.pdf). Jones, M.G.W., Techow, N.M.S., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Hagens, Q.A., Taylor, F. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. Hybridization and cuckoldry between black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses. [*Antarctic Science* 32-10-14](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-blackbrowed-and-greyheaded-albatrosses/1AE29113DABBB5B6E1C6E61F7A21A9AC)*.* Oppel, S., Clark, B.L., Risi, M.M., Horswill, C., Converse, S.J., Jones, C.W. Osborne, A.M., Stevens, K., Perold, V., Bond, A.L., Wanless, R.M., Cuthbert, R., Cooper, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2022. Cryptic population decrease due to invasive species predation in a long-lived seabird supports need for eradication. [*Journal of Applied Ecology* doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14218](https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14218)**.** Osborne, A., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Green, D.B., Dilley, B.J: & Cooper, J. 2020. Cases of foreign egg adoption by Brown Skuas *Stercorarius antarcticus* on Marion and Gough Islands. [*Polar Biology* 43: 887-891](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/johnc/Downloads/Osborne,%20A.,%20Jones,%20C.W.,%20Risi,%20M.M.%20et%20al.%20Cases%20of%20foreign%20egg%20adoption%20by%20Brown%20Skuas%20Stercorarius%20antarcticus%20on%20Marion%20and%20Gough%20Islands.%20Polar%20Biol%2043,%20887–891%20(2020).%20https:/doi.org/10.1007/s00300-020-02678-3). Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Osborne, A.M., Steinfurth, A. & Oppel, S. 2021. Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* depredating breeding Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche**chlororhynchos*on Gough Island. [*Polar Biology*44: 593-599](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-021-02810-x). Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Schoombie, S. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. Plumage and bill abnormalities in albatross chicks on Marion Island. [*Polar Biology* 42: 1615-1620](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-019-02528-x). Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Osborne, A., Schofield, A., Repetto, J. & Ratcliffe, N. 2019. Three new seabird species recorded at Tristan da Cunha archipelago.[Seabird 32: 122-125](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-32). Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Stevens, K.L., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. Automated extraction of bank angles from bird-borne video footage using open-source software. [*Journal of Field Ornithology* 90: 361-372](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jofo.12313). Schoombie, J., Schoombie, S., Connan, M., Jones, C.W., Risi, M., Craig, K.J., Smith, L., Ryan, P.G. & Shepard, E.L.C. In press. Impact of wind on crash-landing mortality in grey‐headed albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* breeding on Marion Island. [*Marine Ecology Progress Series* doi.org/10.3354/meps14292](https://www.int-res.com/prepress/m14292.html). *Michelle Risi and Christopher Jones, Cape Town, South Africa, 04 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-close-to-a-decade-working-on-some-of-the-worlds-most-remote-and-important-seabird-islands-by-acap-supporters-michelle-risi-and-christopher-jones.md) ## New and Improved: BirdLife International launches new version of the Seabird Tracking Database ![Guadalupe Albatross colony Eric VanderWerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Guadalupe_Albatross_colony_Eric_VanderWerf.jpg)*ACAP produces maps for ACAP Species Assessments using data from BirdLife International's Seabird Tracking Database, including that for the Laysan Albatross (pictured); photo by Eric VanderWerf* BirdLife International have launched a new version of the Seabird Tracking Database. The database has been running since 2004 and contains the largest collection of seabird tracking data in the world. The Seabird Tracking Database has proved an invaluable tool for ACAP. It has been used to produce maps for [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), check for gaps in tracking data for ACAP species, and crucially, to identify where albatrosses and petrels are travelling in comparison to fishing operations in order to advocate for [mitigation measures](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation) in areas where seabirds and fishing activity overlap. ![SeabirdTrackingDatabase Map of BFA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/SeabirdTrackingDatabase_Map_of_BFA.png)*A map *from the ACAP Species Assessments **showing tracking data of breeding adult Black-footed Albatrosses. The map was produced based on data from the Seabird Tracking Database (previously BirdLife Global Procellariiform Tracking Database) ** The new version of the site was created with the aim to improve user experience, provide additional features and keep up with the growing amount of data – more than a staggering 30 million seabird locations! Unregistered users are able to explore the datasets, news posts, species pages, publications, resources and case studies, whilst those who are who register can upload data as well as request to download data for research or conservation purposes.  To stay up to date with Seabird Tracking Database news, sign up to their newsletter at the website, [https://www.seabirdtracking.org](https://www.seabirdtracking.org). And if you have a story to share related to seabird tracking and conservation, get in touch with the BirdLife International team at, [seabirds@birdlife.org](mailto:seabirds@birdlife.org). If you are already a user but haven’t yet logged in to your account since the launch of BirdLife's new site, you will need to reset your password here: [https://data.seabirdtracking.org/user/password](https://data.seabirdtracking.org/user/password). * 5 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-and-improved-birdlife-international-launches-new-version-of-the-seabird-tracking-database.md) ## Important seabird sites identifiable through GPS tracking data ![Kerry Jayne Westland Petrel at sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jayne_Westland_Petrel_at_sea.JPG)*The study reviewed data from 23 seabird species including the Westland Petrel (pictured); photograph by Kerry-Jayne Wilson* Martin Beal (BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published in the journal *Biological Conservation* an assessment of the key data required from GPS tracking to identify important seabird sites that could assist seabird conservation. The paper’s abstract follows,  “Animal tracking has afforded insights into patterns of space use in numerous species and thereby informed area-based conservation planning. A crucial consideration when estimating spatial distributions from tracking data is whether the sample of tracked animals is representative of the wider population. However, it may also be important to track animals in multiple years to capture changes in distribution in response to varying environmental conditions. Using GPS-tracking data from 23 seabird species, we assessed the importance of multi-year sampling for identifying important sites for conservation during the chick-rearing period, when seabirds are most spatially constrained. We found a high degree of spatial overlap among distributions from different years in most species. Multi-year sampling often captured a significantly higher portion of reference distributions (based on all data for a population) than sampling in a single year. However, we estimated that data from a single year would on average miss only 5 % less of the full distribution of a population compared to equal-sized samples collected across three years (min: −0.3 %, max: 17.7 %, *n* = 23). Our results suggest a key consideration for identifying important sites from tracking data is whether enough individuals were tracked to provide a representative estimate of the population distribution during the sampling period, rather than that tracking necessarily take place in multiple years. By providing an unprecedented multi-species perspective on annual spatial consistency, this work has relevance for the application of tracking data to informing the conservation of seabirds.” Reference: Beal, M., Catry, P., *et al*. 2023.  Quantifying annual spatial consistency in chick-rearing seabirds to inform important site identification. *[Biological Conservation ](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)*281: 109994. DOI: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109994](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109994)[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109994](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109994) *3 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-shows-important-seabird-sites-can-be-identified-through-gps-tracking-data.md) ## Artists and Biologists for Nature hold a “Rock Star Weekend Challenge” for World Albatross Day *![Challenge poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Challenge_poster.jpg) The Rock Stars Weekend Challenge* Artists and Biologists for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) has contributed to the conservation of ACAP-listed species every year since 2020 by running an annual project where contributing artists produced artworks to mark [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June.  In the first three years some 500 artworks illustrating all 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels have been created, using photos made available by ACAP supporters to act as inspiration.  This year’s project, [ABUN’s 43rd](https://acap.aq/latest-news/the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more), which has been running from January to March, has been in support of the World Albatross Day theme for 2023 of [“Plastic Pollution”](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution). It has resulted in stunning artworks, which will be used by ACAP to support ‘WAD2023’ over the next three months, until the actual day on 19 June.  To get a the taste of what is to come, look at artworks ona pollution theme produced this year by just two ABUN artists, [Apple Resonance](https://acap.aq/latest-news/artworks-by-apple-resonance-show-the-interactions-between-albatrosses-and-plastic-pollution-in-eye-catching-ways) and [Snah](https://acap.aq/latest-news/ballpoint-pen-artist-snah-kicks-off-acap-s-fourth-collaboration-with-abun-for-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution).  The many others may be viewed in the growing collection in an [ACAP Facebook album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3). *![Diana L Andersen mixed media see long description](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Diana_L_Andersen_mixed_media_see_long_description.jpg) One of the 13.  Mixed media painting by Diana Andersen, who writes “This is rather symbolic as the first layer is pieces of plastic bags that the mother will try to feed her chick because she thinks it is food. The second layer is an old book page, the third layer is lama wool and rest is acrylic paint”, after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* To end another successful project #43 ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill and Administrator Marion Schön issued a challenge.  For just one weekend this month 12 contributing artists took on the task to paint from photographs of Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* chicks losing their down prior to fledging that were taken and kindly made available by Hob Osterlund of the [Kaua'i Albatross Network](https://albatrosskauai.org/wp/). Thirteen artworks were submitted, as shown above in the collage. *![Hob Osterlund photo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Hob_Osterlund_photo.jpg) Close to fledging, this Laysan Albatross chick preens its new feathers, photograph by Hob Osterlund* As Kitty Harvill writes “A big shout-out to Hob Osterlund, whose love of and dedication to Kauai’s Laysan Albtrosses shine in each of her amazing photos.”  ACAP heartily agrees with this sentiment and also thanks all the ABUN artists who contributed to the challenge: Diana L Andersen, Flávia F. Barreto, Grisselle Chock, Diane Dudzik, Lynne Waters Griffey, Kitty Harvill, Ellyn Bousman Lentz, Anne Lyon, Virginia Nicol, Alejandra Piro, Marion Schön and Shary Page Weckwerth (with two artworks). *![Alejandra Piro](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Alejandra_Piro.jpg)  Described as a “quick doodle in Clip Studio Paint” by Alejandra Piro**, after the photograph above by Hob Osterlund* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 30 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artists-and-biologists-for-nature-hold-a-rock-star-weekend-challenge-for-world-albatross-day.md) ## Hannah Shand’s “Welcome Home” raises NZ$12 000 for conservation of the Antipodean Albatross *![Hannah Shand Antipodean Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_Antipodean_Albatrosses.jpg) “Welcome Home” by New Zealand artist Hannah Shand, after a photograph by Mark Fraser* A booked-out evening fundraiser hosted by the [New Zealand Nature Fund](https://www.facebook.com/nznaturefund.org/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXFy5Um3f2Q58wcBG4b9W1_4wubWNhxvT8QbO8JNoc2nY9ftNtagboc4yByAkxlmNCyeh92glrokgr6OoebQiXQFp5XwkmzMCukZWPEhq3zQRslpP2ucYc1PkID91w8HxzCJRdMOYy3Ob6RiGp9fM7ko-mrTl8E7QbjStFTjA0oVNgHSjfqzGuK946fQP-jJWg&__tn__=kK-R) in Auckland earlier this month raised NZ$170 000 towards the conservation of New Zealand’s endemic Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*.  The funds raised will be distributed by the Nature Fund and the [Live Ocean Foundation](https://www.facebook.com/itsliveocean/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWaNYnZ5xu3jWs0vREYPMB1Ij4Y1-QZXy4QJnNAaoc_OZC-omoY5fMhlTaoUdTqVvdAna5_HRZvXauVI-gVgDv2dMQ7mOLBAT1tYrPJrUOBpquhp8uGJsrJer3G-5t2RKEMGL4bZ3Td4fn3ib-gzGt15ZuIgKbjRv8TY9LuvnDEHpaev4nIvgWM32auoxHMk_Q&__tn__=kK-R) to the [Southern Seabird Trust](https://www.facebook.com/SouthernSeabirds?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWaNYnZ5xu3jWs0vREYPMB1Ij4Y1-QZXy4QJnNAaoc_OZC-omoY5fMhlTaoUdTqVvdAna5_HRZvXauVI-gVgDv2dMQ7mOLBAT1tYrPJrUOBpquhp8uGJsrJer3G-5t2RKEMGL4bZ3Td4fn3ib-gzGt15ZuIgKbjRv8TY9LuvnDEHpaev4nIvgWM32auoxHMk_Q&__tn__=-%5dK-R).  “Our goal was to raise $170,000 – one dollar for every kilometre this endangered bird flies, tragically, often to its death.  We were thrilled to achieve this with the help of our generous benefactors and we look forward seeing this critical work intensified in the coming months.” ![Hannah Shand poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_poster.jpg) At the event, [Hannah Shand](http://www.hannahshandart.com/)‘s original of a pair of displaying Antipodean Albatrosses entitled “Welcome Home” was auctioned for NZ$12 000, with 100% of the proceeds being donated. *![Hannah Shand Lou Sanson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_Lou_Sanson.jpg) All smiles:  Hannah Shand (right) poses with her artwork at the fundraiser event, with New Zealand Nature Fund Trustee*and former [*Department of Conservation*](https://www.facebook.com/docgovtnz/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVrjfy0oLmD8Kh5iyBvximSjfkJEHjLI-yV4bIW1BqOFncffkFklmyyanxKzbc1gbJ3RmN-olCjVm8jE1WPmY_Yt_8EbinkkPkPofsIwd238SRcU82fTgDJT8QLfXQT0tLzdZdk6OORcgOYVKbTdXUqqjizVQNGL6EGy9ezP_bwWI9LbAF1PQ1JnaN9p7w3omw&__tn__=kK-R)*Director General Lou Sanson* Hannah, who describes herself as a Native New Zealand bird artist specialising in realistic pen drawings, has written on her [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/HannahShandArt) the day after the event: “What a fantastic night.  ‘Welcome Home’ sold for $12,000!  I am so happy with this result and so proud of this money raised for the Antipodean Albatross”. In addition, Hannah has informed *ACAP Latest New*s that an A1-sized and framed limited edition print of her “Subantarctic Soaring” sold for NZ$2265 at the event. *![Hannah Shand Subantarctic Soaring](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_Subantarctic_Soaring.jpg) “Subantarctic Soaring”. An Antipodean Albatross in flight by Hannah Shand, after a photograph by Jordan Shand* This is not the first time Hannah has raised funds for the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross as [previously reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4309-a-new-antipodean-albatross-artwork-is-supporting-conservation?highlight=WyJhbnRpcG9kZWFuIiwyMDIyLCIyMDIyJ3MiXQ==) in *ACAP Latest News.*  In 2022 she raised NZ$4230 partnering with [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz) (BirdLife International’s National Partner in New Zealand) in its efforts towards improving fishing regulations which will make the seas safer for albatrosses and other seabirds.  On a cruise she took to New Zealand’s  sub-Antarctic Islands with [Heritage Expeditions](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com) she was inspired to draw an Antipodean Albatross in “to share its beauty, but more importantly to spread awareness about their plight”.  Her donation came from the [sale of prints](https://shop.forestandbird.org.nz/subantarctic-soaring-hannah-shand-art?gn=Home&gp=1) of her artwork “Subantarctic Soaring”  ([click here](https://www.hannahshandart.com/blog/2022/4/7/raising-funds-for-one-of-our-most-as-risk-seabirds)), as featured in the [Autumn 2022 issue](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/our-albatrosses-need-you) of Forest & Bird’s Magazine. [Heritage Expeditions](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/) contributed to the total by raising NZ$37 000 with the donation of a cabin on an expedition to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/HeritageExpeditions)).  Listen to an [audio clip](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018881294/significant-funding-boost-for-albatross-preservation) of Lou Sanson being interviewed on the fund raiser. * *![Hannah Shand Antipodean Albatrosses 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_Antipodean_Albatrosses_1.jpg)** *![Hannh Shand Antipodean Albatrosses 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannh_Shand_Antipodean_Albatrosses_2.jpg)* *![Hannah Shand Antipodean Albatrosses 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hannah_Shand_Antipodean_Albatrosses_3.jpg) Steps along the way.  W**atch a*[*video clip*](https://www.facebook.com/HannahShandArt/videos/566480152041927)*of its production in* *pencil and liquid charcoal, after a photograph**by Mark Fraser* *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 28 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/hannah-shands-welcome-home-raises-nz-12-000-for-conservation-of-the-antipodean-albatross.md) ## Supporting seabird research: ACAP is delighted to announce four successful applicants to its Secondment Programme ![Successful Secondees 2022 2023 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Successful_Secondees_2022-2023_2.png)*The four successful applicants to ACAP's Secondment Programme (left to right): Agustina Iwan, Javier Quiñones, Naomi Cordeiro and Cristián Suazo* Four candidates have been successful in their application to the 2022 ACAP Secondment Programme which supports research aligned to the Agreement’s objective to conserve listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. Javier Quiñones, from Peru, Agustina Iwan, from Argentina, Cristián Suazo, from Chile and Naomi Cordeiro, from the United Kingdom, submitted proposals for projects that met the required criteria to build capacity within Parties, are international in nature, and achieve tasks within the current work programmes of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) and Secretariat (see Annex 2, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)). The projects, which range in focus and approach, include: an investigation of the social factors behind the adoption or avoidance of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in fisheries, knowledge-sharing between Parties on mitigation techniques and outreach approaches to fishers, addressing gaps in population data of and threats to specific ACAP-listed species, and enhancing dog detection skills for invasive species control and seabird survey capabilities. *ACAP Latest News* will report on the secondments throughout the year but will begin with a series of stories highlighting each Secondee and their project in the coming weeks. *31 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/supporting-seabird-research-acap-is-delighted-to-announce-four-successful-applicants-to-its-secondment-programme.md) ## Pre-registration for the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference in May 2024 is now open ![IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IAPC7.jpeg)  Federico Alfonso Méndez Sánchez (Director General, [Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas](https://www.islas.org.mx/), Mexico) has written to *ACAP Latest News* with the latest news about the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC7) to be held next year. “Do you work with albatrosses, petrels or shearwaters, or are you simply interested in learning more about these wonderful seabirds? Then you have to be in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico in May 2024.  This area of the Mexican Pacific is the storm petrel capital of the world and home to the Black-vented Shearwater and Laysan Albatross. Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas (GECI) in collaboration with the Seabird Ecology Lab of the University of Barcelona, the World Seabird Union and Pacific Rim Conservation are organizing the 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference (IAPC7). We invite you to pre-register to stay updated on the conference [here](https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/). ¿Trabajas con albatros, petreles o pardelas, o simplemente te interesa conocer más acerca de estas maravillosas aves marinas?  Entonces tienes que estar en Ensenada, Baja California, México en mayo de 2024. Esta zona del Pacífico mexicano es la capital mundial de los petreles de tormenta y hogar de la perdela mexicana y el albatros de Laysan. [Conservación de Islas](https://www.facebook.com/IslasGECI?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWW_9bng7t91JKyiv_tj6AXEmiNEs4hYvbsy-d0ACRMYSiutNfV2tvrS5TRnhoF05UH-Lg7cIjlTRGE8Wnc_n4WCH_Qfprz0jSKAOxDWvev4HB-gBh0DiE4E0XPn_e8Pmj2Bz5854IPv6Wv8bBupfUg&__tn__=-%5dK-R) en colaboración con el Seabird Ecology Lab de [Universitat de Barcelona](https://www.facebook.com/UniversitatdeBarcelona?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWW_9bng7t91JKyiv_tj6AXEmiNEs4hYvbsy-d0ACRMYSiutNfV2tvrS5TRnhoF05UH-Lg7cIjlTRGE8Wnc_n4WCH_Qfprz0jSKAOxDWvev4HB-gBh0DiE4E0XPn_e8Pmj2Bz5854IPv6Wv8bBupfUg&__tn__=-%5dK-R), [World Seabird Union](https://www.facebook.com/World.Seabird.Union?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWW_9bng7t91JKyiv_tj6AXEmiNEs4hYvbsy-d0ACRMYSiutNfV2tvrS5TRnhoF05UH-Lg7cIjlTRGE8Wnc_n4WCH_Qfprz0jSKAOxDWvev4HB-gBh0DiE4E0XPn_e8Pmj2Bz5854IPv6Wv8bBupfUg&__tn__=-%5dK-R) y [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWW_9bng7t91JKyiv_tj6AXEmiNEs4hYvbsy-d0ACRMYSiutNfV2tvrS5TRnhoF05UH-Lg7cIjlTRGE8Wnc_n4WCH_Qfprz0jSKAOxDWvev4HB-gBh0DiE4E0XPn_e8Pmj2Bz5854IPv6Wv8bBupfUg&__tn__=kK-R) estamos organizando la Séptima Conferencia Internacional de Albatros y Petreles [#IAPC7](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/iapc7?__eep__=6&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZWW_9bng7t91JKyiv_tj6AXEmiNEs4hYvbsy-d0ACRMYSiutNfV2tvrS5TRnhoF05UH-Lg7cIjlTRGE8Wnc_n4WCH_Qfprz0jSKAOxDWvev4HB-gBh0DiE4E0XPn_e8Pmj2Bz5854IPv6Wv8bBupfUg&__tn__=*NK-R). Les invitamos a pre-registrarse para mantenerse actualizados sobre la conferencia en: [https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/?fbclid=IwAR1nf-KQpvHtlKlqp2rpb6qHUD9OagAa1G17RVvLyBTI-87wgp94Nv8I-hg](https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/?fbclid=IwAR1nf-KQpvHtlKlqp2rpb6qHUD9OagAa1G17RVvLyBTI-87wgp94Nv8I-hg)[https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/](https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/)” Federico adds “We will soon have the banner in both English and Spanish, and hopefully the official logo and webpage will come soon after that”. Read an earlier*ALN* post on IAPC7 [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4580-the-7th-international-and-albatross-petrel-conference-is-to-be-held-in-mexico-in-2024?highlight=WyJpYXBjNyJd). With thanks to Federico Alfonso Méndez Sánchez. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 22 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pre-registration-for-the-7th-international-albatross-and-petrel-conference-in-may-2024-is-now-open.md) ## Marc Parchow’s Qual Albatroz cartoons are once more in support of World Albatross Day *![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 15](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_15.jpg) There once was an albie from Leith, Who thought he had plenty to eat, But his health eroded 'til his stomach exploded For plastic digests not like meat* *A limerick by Sybren Renema inspired Marc’s cartoon of 15 August 2015* Marc Parchow Figueiredo is a cartoonist residing in Portugal who in the 2010s produced a series of comic strips under the name of [Qual Albatroz](https://whatalbatross.blogspot.com/search/label/Plastic%20Pollution).  One of his last was a three-panel [albatross cartoon](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3367-qual-albatroz-cartoons-help-raise-sof-next-year-s-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJxdWFsIiwibWFyYyIsIm1hcmMncyJd) in four languages to mark the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020.  Previously he had drawn a [cartoon](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2486-marc-of-qual-albatroz-produces-a-cartoon-for-acap-s-ninth-advisory-committee-meeting-starting-today?highlight=WyJtYXJjIiwibWFyYydzIiwicXVhbCJd) in the same series for the [Ninth Meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac9) of ACAP’s Advisory Committee held in La Serena, Chile in 2016.  But his [first cartoon](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1437-qual-albatroz-albatross-cartoonist-extraordinaire-marc-parchow-figueiredo-supports-acap?highlight=WyJtYXJjIiwibWFyYydzIl0=) especially drawn for ACAP dates back to 2013.  It alludes to the “killer mice” that attack chicks of the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena**on Gough Island.* *![Qual Albatroz Plastic Pollution 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Qual_Albatroz_Plastic_Pollution_1.jpg) “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch”, 15 September 2010* Marc now informs *ACAP Latest News* that he has moved on from his albatross cartoons.  Rather a pity, but good then that from his large portfolio he has made no less than 17 cartoon strips dealing with aspects of pollution affecting albatrosses available to ACAP to support this year’s World Albatross Day and its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”.  Here are just two of them to whet your appetite.  The rest will be released over the next few months, culminating in “WADWEEK2023”, scheduled to take place from 13-19 June. With grateful thanks to Marc Parchow. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 23 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marc-parchows-qual-albatroz-cartoons-are-once-more-in-support-of-world-albatross-day.md) ## Analysis of seabird flight tracking data reveals relationship between flight morphology and responses to varying wind speeds ![Graphical Abstract Seabird morphology determines operational wind speeds](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Graphical_Abstract_Seabird_morphology_determines_operational_wind_speeds.jpg)*Graphical abstract* Elham Nourani (Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Current Biology](https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home)* an analysis of wind speeds on seabird flight morphology. The paper’s summary as follows: Storms can cause widespread seabird stranding and wrecking, yet little is known about the maximum wind speeds that birds are able to tolerate or the conditions they avoid. We analyzed >300,000 h of tracking data from 18 seabird species, including flapping and soaring fliers, to assess how flight morphology affects wind selectivity, both at fine scales (hourly movement steps) and across the breeding season. We found no general preference or avoidance of particular wind speeds within foraging tracks. This suggests seabird flight morphology is adapted to a “wind niche,” with higher wing loading being selected in windier environments. In support of this, wing loading was positively related to the median wind speeds on the breeding grounds, as well as the maximum wind speeds in which birds flew. Yet globally, the highest wind speeds occur in the tropics (in association with tropical cyclones) where birds are morphologically adapted to low median wind speeds. Tropical species must therefore show behavioral responses to extreme winds, including long-range avoidance of wind speeds that can be twice their operable maxima. By contrast, Procellariiformes flew in almost all wind speeds they encountered at a seasonal scale. Despite this, we describe a small number of cases where albatrosses avoided strong winds at close range, including by flying into the eye of the storm. Extreme winds appear to pose context-dependent risks to seabirds, and more information is needed on the factors that determine the hierarchy of risk, given the impact of global change on storm intensity. Reference: Nourani, E., Kamran Safi, K., de Grissac, S., Anderson, D.J., Cole, N.C., Fell, A., Grémillet, D., Lempidakis, E., Lerma, M., McKee, J.L., Pichegru, L., Provost, P., Rattenborg, N.C., Ryan, P.G., Santos, C.D. *et al*. 2023. Seabird morphology determines operational wind speeds, tolerable maxima, and responses to extremes. *Current Biology*. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.068](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.068). *27 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/analysis-of-seabird-flight-tracking-data-reveals-maximum-wind-speeds-and-responses-to-extreme-weather-governed-by-flight-morphology.md) ## Notice anything different? The ACAP website relaunches with a new look ![Snapshot of ACAP's new website homepage which is a close up shot of a Black-browed Albatross and a text box that summarises what ACAP is and does under the heading, The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/New_website_image_launch_1.jpg) ACAP is pleased to unveil our newly redesigned website. The site has been under development for a few months with Melbourne-based web developers, [Preflight](https://www.preflight.com.au/). The homepage has undergone the biggest transformation with the addition of links to ACAP resources and documents including: Best Practice Advice, Mitigation Fact Sheets, the Seabird Bycatch Identification Guide, Text of the Agreement, ACAP Species Assessments and the Data Portal, now accessible via their prominent display on the homepage. *ACAP Latest News* can still be found on the homepage just below the links to the aforementioned resources and documents and alongside the upcoming meetings and events noticeboard. Though it may have a new look, all the content from the previous website has been brought across and remains in the same position as on the previous site, though if while navigating the site you notice any issues, please do inform us. *24 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/notice-anything-different-the-acap-website-relaunches-with-a-new-look.md) ## Welcome back: ACAP hosts translation students after two-year hiatus ![Angelo Jhonny translation students with Christine Feb2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Angelo_Jhonny-translation%20students%20with%20Christine_Feb2023.jpg)*Translation students, Jhonny Pedraza (front left) and Angelo Berbotto (back left) enjoy lunch out with ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle. Jhonny and Angelo spent a week with the ACAP Secretariat as in-house translators as part of ACAP's Translation Student Internship Programme* The ACAP Secretariat was delighted to welcome back translation students to its internship programme this year, after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.  In February two Postgraduate students spent a week with the Secretariat, helping with translation into Spanish of technical reports, information on the website, press releases and other material.   The two students were Angelo Berbotto from the University of New South Wales and Jhonny Pedraza from Macquarie University. This was the first year that Macquarie University took part in the internship programme which has been in place since 2013. The pandemic was a catalyst for change for many people across the world, and this was the case for Master in Translation and Interpreting student, Angelo Berbotto, who decided to step back from practising law in order to pursue a previous passion in translation. Far from leaving his expertise in law behind though, Angelo has discovered a keen interest in the transfer of meaning across legal cultures. Speaking about his week with the Secretariat Angelo said: “I really enjoyed the terminology work.  Applying my legal knowledge, I took it upon myself to read the English and Spanish versions of the Agreement and add expressions to the glossary.  One of the biggest challenges I found was maintaining consistency across the large volume of documentation.” International student Jhonny Pedraza, who hails from Colombia, is completing a double master’s degree of Applied Linguistics and TESOL and Translation and Interpreting Studies. He found completing his internship in a small international organisation had big benefits and hopes to provide ongoing translation support to ACAP.  “I had a sense of what working as an in-house translator for an organization whose impact goes beyond borders means. I was able to get insights and ask for clarification directly from the staff who were an endless source of knowledge and awareness regarding political and technical aspects concerning bird conservation,” he said of his experience as an intern. Reflecting on the students’ week in the Secretariat, ACAP’s Executive Secretary said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to engage in some in depth discussion about language issues. The assistance from the students is invaluable for ACAP and we receive very positive feedback from the students about their one-week immersion in ACAP’s work.” *27 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/welcome-back-acap-hosts-translation-students-after-two-year-hiatus.md) ## ACAP’s World Albatross Day photo posters for 2023 are now available in French and Spanish *![Laysan WAD2023 fr 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD2023_Photographic_Posters/Laysan_WAD2023_fr_2.jpg) A Laysan Albatross pair on Kauai, photograph by Hob Osterlund* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” as its theme to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023.  Four albatross species have been chosen to mark ’WAD2023’, to be supported by posters, infographics, artworks and a music video over the next three months.  They are the globally Endangered [Northern Royal](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi)*D. sanfordi* endemic to New Zealand and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *Thalassarche melanophris*, as well as the northern hemisphere [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)*Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)*P. immutabilis*, which ingest more plastic than do the other species from the southern hemisphere. [Click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters) to access the 12 high-resolution photo posters that mark ‘WAD2023’ in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish.  All the posters for WAD2023 have been designed by Bree Forrer, ACAP’s Communications Advisor.  ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain. ![Northern Royal WAD2023 es 31](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Northern_Royal_WAD2023_es_31.jpg) *A Northern Royal Albatross guards its downy chick at New Zealand's Taiaroa Head, photograph by Oscar Thomas* Previous themes for World Albatross Day have been “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, [“Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022. With grateful thanks to photographers Sharyn Broni, Wieteke Holthuijzen, Caren Loebel-Fried, Hob Osterlund, Georgina Strange, Erin Taylor, Oscar Thomas, Michelle Thompson and Eric vanderWerf, for their support of albatross conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 April 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-world-albatross-day-photo-posters-for-2023-are-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## ACAP’s 11th infographic depicts the Black-browed Albatross ![preview blackbrowed eng2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/preview_blackbrowed_eng2.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement’s series of [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) has expanded with the addition today of an infographic for the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*.  The new infographic has been sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/).  This brings the number of ACAP-listed species with infographics produced so far to 11.  French and Spanish versions of the latest infographic will follow in due course.  As for all the others produced so far, the new infographic has been designed and illustrated by [Namasri Nuimim](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4376-nine-albatrosses-painted-by-namo-niumim-from-thailand-for-acap-s-infographic-series?highlight=WyJuYW1vIiwiJ25hbW8nIl0=), who is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. One more infographic is currently in production, for the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand.  It is being sponsored by the [New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/).  Both the Black-browed and Northern Royal Albatross infographics are being produced in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June and its theme for this year of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)". The infographics have been designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. All 11 ACAP Species Infographics produced to date are freely available for downloading from the ACAP website at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3). English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain. Infographics for three ACAP-listed petrels, to be sponsored by the Australian Antarctic Program, will follow in the second half of the year. With thanks to Richard Phillips and Cristián Suazo for their reviews, and to Jonathon Barrington, Australian Antarctic Program for arranging the sponsorship. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 21 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-11th-infographic-depicts-the-black-browed-albatross.md) ## Study on excessive scar tissue from plastic ingestion leads researchers to propose new disease, ‘Plasticosis’ ![AdriftLab FFS study Plasticosos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/AdriftLab_FFS_study_Plasticosos.jpg)*The graphical abstract of the paper, ‘Plasticosis’: Characterising macro- and microplastic-associated fibrosis in seabird tissues* Hayley S. Charlton-Howard (Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Hazardous Materials*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-hazardous-materials) on plastic-induced fibrosis – a novel disease the researchers have defined as, ‘plasticosis’. The study involved wild Flesh-footed Shearwaters, a bird species known for high levels of plastic ingestion, and examined the effect of plastic ingestion on the development of scar tissue in the stomachs of the birds. The paper’s abstract follows,  “As biota are increasingly exposed to plastic pollution, there is a need to closely examine the sub-lethal ‘hidden’ impacts of plastic ingestion. This emerging field of study has been limited to model species in controlled laboratory settings, with little data available for wild, free-living organisms. Highly impacted by plastic ingestion, Flesh-footed Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) are thus an apt species to examine these impacts in an environmentally relevant manner. A Masson’s Trichrome stain was used to document any evidence of plastic-induced fibrosis, using collagen as a marker for scar tissue formation in the proventriculus (stomach) of 30 Flesh-footed Shearwater fledglings from Lord Howe Island, Australia. Plastic presence was highly associated with widespread scar tissue formation and extensive changes to, and even loss of, tissue structure within the mucosa and submucosa. Additionally, despite naturally occurring indigestible items, such as pumice, also being found in the gastrointestinal tract, this did not cause similar scarring. This highlights the unique pathological properties of plastics and raises concerns for other species impacted by plastic ingestion. Further, the extent and severity of fibrosis documented in this study gives support for a novel, plastic-induced fibrotic disease, which we define as ‘Plasticosis,’.” **Reference:** Charlton-Howard, H.S., Bond, A.L., Rivers-Auty, J. & Lavers, J.L. 2023. ‘Plasticosis’: Characterising macro- and microplastic-associated fibrosis in seabird tissues. *Journal of Hazardous Materials*. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131090](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131090)[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131090](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131090) *3 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/study-on-excessive-scar-tissue-from-plastic-ingestion-leads-researchers-to-propose-new-disease-plasticosis.md) ## Mitigating risks for birds: report provides guidance to Australia’s offshore wind farm industry ![Turbines by S Dakin SBA by B Baker Orange bellied Parrot by M Holdsworth Far Eastern curlew by J Barkla](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Turbines_by_S_Dakin_SBA_by_B_Baker_Orange_bellied_Parrot_by_M_Holdsworth_Far-Eastern_curlew_by_J_Barkla.png)*The cover photo from the report (clockwise L-R): Offshore wind turbines: Shaun Dakin; Southern Buller’s Albatross: Barry Baker; Orange-bellied Parrot: Mark Holdsworth; Far Eastern Curlew: John Barkla* The Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has released a report providing information and guidance for offshore windfarm developments in relation to their potential effects on local and migratory bird species. The report, “Impacts on birds from offshore windfarms in Australia”, was prepared by Keith Reid, G. Barry Baker and Eric Woehler of Latitude 42 Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd and is presented in two parts:  1. An ecological risk assessment, based on life-history and behavioural attributes of 272 birds, to identify which of those birds are at high risk from negative interactions with offshore windfarms in Australia 2. A literature review of impact mitigation and management strategies implemented by wind farm operators in the northern hemisphere (mostly in Europe). The Executive Summary follows:  “The aim of this report is to provide a definitive reference source for proponents and environmental impact assessors upon which the consideration of potential impacts of, and mitigation strategies for, offshore windfarm developments on birds can be based. An ecological risk assessment, based on life-history and behavioural attributes of 272 bird taxa, was used to identify which of those taxa are at high risk from negative interactions with offshore windfarms in Australia. The marine area of Australia was divided by state/territory boundaries perpendicular to the coast, with Western Australia further divided into north and south, and the Bass Strait region on the Victoria coast and the north coast of Tasmania. These eight regions were subdivided in to coastal, inshore, and offshore subregions and a risk summary for all bird taxa occurring in each of these subregions produced.  High-risk species included critically endangered migratory shorebirds, albatrosses and migratory parrots that cross Bass Strait, as well as range-restricted endemic coastal nesting species.  Australia’s offshore wind energy industry is in its infancy and has a valuable opportunity to learn from the experience of processes and technologies that have been used to mitigate the impacts of wind farms on birds in Europe.  Despite differences in the species involved, the more extensive development of offshore windfarms in the northern hemisphere provides examples of best and emerging approaches to quantify and mitigate negative impacts of offshore windfarms that can be applied in an Australian context.  Compared to onshore installations there are logistical challenges to quantifying the potential and realised impacts of offshore windfarms that require different approaches to data collection and analysis. Technological solutions that are in use in the northern hemisphere, including radar, LiDAR and blade borne devices with cameras and microphones, are available to map bird distribution and activity around, and collisions with, offshore windfarms. Combining different approaches to maximise the utility of all available data to address seabird risks, will deliver more effective mitigation consistent with the aspiration of expansion in offshore windfarm infrastructure.  Taking a coordinated, regional-scale approach to the development of offshore wind farms in Australia will allow individual projects to be set within a structured plan that uses consistent methods and approaches, including sensitivity mapping, into which the data from individual windfarm projects/proposals can be integrated and the cumulative impacts on birds can be assessed.” The report is available to download at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s webpage in the resources section of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), [here](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications/impacts-on-birds-from-offshore-wind-farms-australia). Reference: Reid, K., Baker, G.B. & Woehler, E. (2022). Impacts on Birds from Offshore Wind Farms in Australia. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Canberra,. CC BY 4.0. [https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications) *6 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mitigating-risks-for-birds-report-provides-guidance-to-australia-s-offshore-wind-farm-industry.md) ## Marine Protected Area around Macquarie Island to triple in size ![Greyhead Macca Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Greyhead_Macca_Melanie_Wells.jpg)*Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek described Macquarie Island as a remote wildlife wonderland – a critical habitat for millions of seabirds, seals and penguins. Globally Endangered Grey-headed Albatrosses such as the one pictured could benefit under the expansion of the marine park; photograph by Melanie Wells* The Australian Government is planning to add an area approximately the size of Germany to the marine protected area around sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. The proposed addition of 388,000 square kilometres will triple the size of the marine park, aligning with the government’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of Australia's land and 30 per cent of Australia's oceans by 2030. Halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica, the remote and rugged island was proclaimed a [World Heritage Natural Site](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/places/world/macquarie-island) in 1997 and is an important [breeding site](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site?highlight=WyJtYWNxdWFyaWUiLCJtYWNxdWFyaWUncyIsIm1hcmluZSIsInBhcmsiLCJwYXJrJ3MiLCJtYXJpbmUgcGFyayJd) for seven ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels: the [Grey-headed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *Thalassarche chrysostoma*and [Black-browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris)* T. melanophris *Albatrosses, [Wandering Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)* Diomedea exulans, *[Light-mantled Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata)** Phoebetria palpebrate, **[Grey Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea)* Procellaria cinerea, *and [Southern Giant](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)* Macronectes giganteus *and [Northern Giant](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) *M. halli *Petrels.  ![Grey Petrel Chick Macquarie Island Jeremy Bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey_Petrel_Chick_Macquarie_Island_Jeremy_Bird.jpg)*A Grey Petrel chick in its burrow on Macquarie Island; photograph by Jeremy Bird* Commenting on the expansion, Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said, “Expanding and increasing the protection of the waters surrounding Macquarie Island will allow us to better manage this important ecosystem for the future.”  The Patagonian toothfish fishery which already operates in waters off Macquarie Island will be permitted to continue its operations under the government's proposal. ![Map of the Macquarie Island Fishery Zone AFMA 2004](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Map-of-the-Macquarie-Island-Fishery-Zone-AFMA-2004.jpg)*Macquarie Island's marine protected area is set to increase significantly. The map shows the island's current fishery zone (in yellow) which will become a part of the marine park. * Parks Australia manage the Macquarie Island Marine Park and the [current management plan](https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2013L00423) is set to expire this year. This prompted the government to review the island's protection and management arrangements. Consultation on the proposed expansion will open shortly and the public is encouraged to provide comment. *1 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marine-protected-area-around-macquarie-island-to-triple-in-size.md) ## The Great Backyard Bird Count: keen birder, Lucy Smyth, ensures Marion Island's seabirds make the count ![Lucy Smyth in the field1 Monica Leitner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Lucy_Smyth_in_the_field1_Monica_Leitner.jpeg)*Enjoying the great outdoors: Ornithological Field Assistant, Lucy Smyth, on Marion Island; photograph by Monica Leitner* Inspired by ACAP’s rallying cry to get involved in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count and increase the number of ACAP-listed birds in the results, Ornithological Field Assistant, Lucy Smyth, who is currently stationed on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island, braved pouring rain to notch up her count (see table below).  ![Checklist LucySmyth GBBC2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Checklist_LucySmyth_GBBC2023.jpg) When asked about getting involved in the GBBC, Lucy responded, "A lot of fieldwork on Marion Island is very much a solo affair. Day after day after day I walk around, counting and monitoring birds from sunrise to sunset, with only myself for company. While I treasure this time alone, it was great to feel a sense of community on the day of the GBBC, and to think of all the people, all over the world, doing the same thing that day. We were all connected through our love for birds, despite the thousands of kilometres of ocean that lie between us." ![Wanderer 2022 chick Marion Island Lucy Smyth](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_2022_chick_Marion_Island_Lucy_Smyth.jpg)*A Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island; photograph by Lucy Smyth* Lucy is a  member of the [79th Marion Island Overwintering Team](https://www.sanap.ac.za/meet-the-79th-marion-island-overwintering-team) who are stationed on Marion until May 2023. She has been monitoring Wandering Albatrosses and other seabird species at Marion Island. The GBBC took place over four-days from February 17-20. Checklists are being counted until March 1, but currently over 315,000 checklists have been submitted and 7,493 species observed. *A map displaying submissions to the GBBC on Saturday, February 19, 2022. Yellow dots indicate a checklist submission, which revert to a white dot in the background.* Head to [birdcount.org](https://www.birdcount.org) to explore data that has been submitted to date and to watch the [GBBC’s real-time map](https://ebird.org/gbbc/livesubs?__hstc=64079792.d831ad44cc0fd8ef73f620188f64540c.1677032664727.1677129308680.1677453047798.3&__hssc=64079792.6.1677453047798&__hsfp=3012813488&_ga=2.86704731.292910360.1677453044-1573471957.1677032663&_gl=1*pvxezt*_ga*MTU3MzQ3MTk1Ny4xNjc3MDMyNjYz*_ga_QR4NVXZ8BM*MTY3NzQ1MzA0NC4zLjEuMTY3NzQ1NTYwOC4xMy4wLjA.) displaying the locations of participants from all over the world as they submitted their checklists. ACAP will report on the final results once available. With thanks to Dr Maëlle Connan of Nelson Mandela University's, [Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za) for alerting ACAP to Lucy's count. *27 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marion-island-s-seabirds-make-the-great-backyard-bird-count.md) ## The ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Peter Harrison’s new seabird guide: a review and a reminiscence *![Peter Harrison SEABIRDS 3D cover](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Peter_Harrison_-_SEABIRDS_-_3D_cover.jpg) Peter Harrison’s new seabird guide* [Peter Harrison MBE](https://www.peterharrisonseabirds.com/), is an author and illustrator of seabird identification guides. He has spent much of his life to observing, photographing, painting and writing about the seabirds of the world.  His first book, the critically acclaimed *Seabirds: An Identification Guide*, published in 1983 and illustrated by himself, was both a handbook and a field guide, long considered to be the bible of seabird identification – my own copy is well thumbed.  It has now been superseded by his latest work, *Seabirds: The New Identification Guide*, published in 2021. *![PETER HARRISON S METZ shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/PETER_HARRISON_S_METZ_shrunk.jpg) Peter Harrison along the Antarctic Peninsula, photograph by Shirley Metz* In April-May 1983, as a research officer responsible for Southern Ocean research on seabirds at the University of Cape Town’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), I led a visit to South Africa’s Marion and Prince Edward Islands.  Right around the time Peter’s first book was being published he joined my team aboard South Africa’s then Antarctic research and supply vessel, the *S.A. Agulhas*, heading south from Cape Town.  We took hourly shifts recording seabirds at sea seen within 300 m from the helideck.  Peter, being made of sterner stuff, tended to take much longer shifts, fortified by marmalade and bacon toasted sandwiches he made himself at breakfast in the ship’s dining room.  These allowed him not to “waste” valuable seabird watching time by forsaking lunch and staying out on deck all day.  He and I were seabird watching together when we spotted an albatross at range that we thought had to be a Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris*.  The bird disappeared into a trough and we thought not much more of it, although at the time Peter said he thought the underwing looked “funny”. *![Harrison Laysan Albatross Cormorant](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Harrison_Laysan_Albatross_Cormorant.jpg) An extract from the Laysan Albatross write-up; somewhere in my house is the unframed original drawing, if only I could find it* Less than an hour later, Peter was alone on the deck when he saw the oddly looking albatross again, this time much closer to the ship.  He immediately identified it as a Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutablis*, the very first record for this North Pacific species for the whole of the southern hemisphere – and thus totally unexpected.  He then came inside to summon us from our cabins.  As he wrote to me last month all of four decades later: “I had to chuckle over your memories of the Laysan Albatross and well remember chairs and bodies scattering in all directions, as we rushed to the deck”.  We were all able to watch the bird for a couple of hours to confirm its identification, taking descriptive notes and photographs as it kept company with the ship.  After our return to South Africa Peter wrote up the account for *Cormorant* (now *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org)*), a seabird journal I had founded and was then editing.  Peter included his own pen and ink depiction of the bird in his account - one he produced from field notebook sketches he made at the time. **![Harrison Antarctic Fulmar](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Harrison_Antarctic_Fulmar.jpg)* On our return from Marion Island in May 1983, Peter Harrison presented me with his artwork of two Antarctic Fulmars*Fulmarus glacialoides*that he had painted aboard ship* But what of the new book?  Comprising 600 pages with 239 completely new full-colour plates, the new guide, co-written with Martin Perrow and co-illustrated with Hans Larsson, contains more than 3800 illustrations plus supporting species texts, maps, and identification keys that describe and discuss the world’s 435 species of seabirds.  By comparison, the 1983 guide considered only 312 species.  For the tubenose procellariiforms, the order I am most interested in from my over 20 years’ involvement with the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, the total has shot up from 107 to 170 species.  This is due not only to taxonomic splits but also the rediscoveries of several species thought extinct – such as the New Zealand Storm Petrel *Fregetta maoriana*.  When considering the ACAP-listed albatrosses the most obvious changes have been the now-accepted usage of four genera, instead of just two, and the subspecies of royal, shy and yellow-nosed albatrosses in the 1983 book now being recognized as full species, boosting the number of albatross species to 22. My own field work on procellariiforms has been concentrated on Gough and Marion Islands, so I naturally turned to those ACAP-listed species in Peter’s book that breed on them.  Much of the text that accompanies the plates is on identification, but you also get a summary of breeding distribution and numbers.  I note that no less than 44% of the annually breeding global population of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* breeds on Marion and nearby Prince Edward combined (supporting my long-held view the island group is deserving of World Heritage status, as I have written in a [previous *ACAP Monthly Missive*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4564-the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-albatross-and-petrel-breeding-localities-become-world-heritage-sites-high-lighting-torishima-the-prince-edward-islands-and-the-case-of-disputed-territories)). The **Confusion Species** section tells us how to separate Wandering from Tristan *D. dabbenena* Albatrosses at sea.  Not easy, and I was pleased to read that such separation can be “problematic”, given the plumage changes both species go through as they age, coupled with gender differences.  Peter points out that Wanderers can occur around Gough Island where Tristans breed; indeed they have been satellite-tracked to close by from their breeding colony on Bird Island farther south.  So, where you are at sea is no sure proof of identity!  I sometimes wonder just how many Wanderers are forced to be Tristans by seabirders desperate to twitch a new species – although Peter’s paintings and texts for the two albatrosses will give you a working chance of a correct identification.  Having the texts opposite the relevant plates is a big improvement from the old *book,* where they were a long way apart.  And what of Peter’s art?  I compared his 1983 and 2021 paintings of Wanderers in flight.  The new ones show more detail and overall are a big improvement.  Peter is a self-taught artist and his skills have improved over the years.  A bonus is the individual Wandering Albatross illustrations are slightly larger with no overlapping wings as before, due to their now having a plate of their own. *![Plate 131 Wandering Albatross with facing text](https://acap.aq/images/Monthly_Missives/Plate_131-_Wandering_Albatross_-_with_facing_text.jpg) The Wandering Albatross plate and accompanying text from*Seabirds. The New Identification Guide My summary?  Every marine ornithologist and seabirder should have a copy of the new guide.  The next time Peter visits Cape Town I shall ask him to sign my own copy with his best wishes, as he did with his first seabird guide all those years ago. As a co-founder of the global travel company, [Apex Expeditions](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/mark/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/H3YMI59H/,%20https:/www.apex-expeditions.com/), Peter Harrison continues to lead expeditions throughout the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, sharing his passion for seabirds and advocating for seabird conservation.  In recognition of his work in natural history and his global conservation efforts, Peter was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Honours list in 1994.  He was also awarded the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ Conservation Gold Medal in 2012. With thanks to Robin Comforto, Peter Harrison, Shirley Metz and Karen Sinclair for their valued help communicating between three continents– one of them Antarctica. **References:** Harrison, P. 1983.  *Seabirds an Identification Guide*.  Beckenham: Croom Helm.  448 pp. Harrison, P. 1983.  Laysan Albatross *Diomedea immutabilis*: new to the Indian Ocean.  [*Cormorant*11: 39-44](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/11/11_39-44.pdf). Harrison, P. 1987.  *Seabirds of the World*.  *A Photographic Guide*.  Bromley: Christopher Helm.  317 pp. Harrison, P., Perrow, M. & Larsson, H. 2021.  [Seabirds. The New Identification Guide](https://www.lynxeds.com/product/seabirds/).  Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.  600 pp. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-peter-harrison-s-new-seabird-guide-a-review-and-a-reminiscence.md) ## Small, but still a giant? Fossil of new species of giant petrel found in New Zealand ![Macronectes tinae](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Macronectes_tinae.jpg)*An artistic impression of *Macronectes tinae *by Simone Giovanardi, © Te Papa* New Zealand fossil-hunter Alistair Johnson has added a new species of giant petrel to the list of those he has discovered along the South Taranaki coast over the past 15 years.  Named in honour of his late partner, Tina King, *Macronectes tinae* was found by Johnson in sediments from a geologic formation known as the Tangahoe Formation. The wide band of layered sedimentary rock dates from the Pliocene and was, when it formed, below sea level some 3.4 to 3.0 million years ago. Exposed cliff faces at its western end have proved a rich source of marine fossils. The near complete skull and the fragmentary left humerus of the newly described giant petrel is the first reported *Macronectes* fossil.  ![Macronectes tinae skull](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Macronectes_tinae_skull.jpg)*Skull (holotype, NMNZ S.048502) of*Macronectes tinae*sp. nov., partially embedded in matrix, in different views; scale bar = 5 cm. (**A**) Dorsal view. (**B**) Lateral view (right). (**C**) Lateral view (left). (**D**) Anterior view. (**E**) Caudal view* ![taxonomy 03 00006 g002 550](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/taxonomy-03-00006-g002-550.webp)*An image of the skulls (except mandible) of*Macronectes*spp.; scale bar = 5 cm. (A,B)*M. giganteus*, NMNZ OR.015278. (C,D)*M. halli*, NMNZ OR.029173; photograph by Jean-Claude Stahl (NMNZ)* Giant petrels are the largest birds in the family Procellariidae and are represented by two present-day species, both listed as of globally Least Concern; the Southern [*Macronectes giganteus*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus); and the Norther [*M. halli*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli).  Alhough morphologically similar, *Macronectes tinae* was a smaller bird than its living relatives. “The skull is diagnosed by its overall smaller size, a proportionately longer *apertura nasi ossea*, and potentially by a shorter *os supraocciptale*. The humerus is diagnosed from both species by a proportionately less deep shaft, a more prominent medial portion of the *epicondylus ventralis*, and a larger and fusiform *fossa medialis brachialis*.” Johnson also has a fossil named after him in a small albatross he found in 2011, *Aldiomedes angustirostris .*“Al” in relation to his name and “diomedes” after the Greek mythological figure from whence the albatross family was named. The fossil has been added to the collection of the Te Papa and Canterbury Museum in Wellington and Johnson, as has been the case for his previous finds, has been gifted a replica in its place. A paper on the newly described *Macronectes tinae* published open access in the journal, *Taxonomy* can be accessed, [here](https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6500/3/1/6), or find out more about Alistair Johnson and his fossil hunting in Taranaki, in an [article](https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/300807856/the-taranaki-fossil-hunters-three-millionyearold-tribute-to-his-lost-love?fbclid=IwAR3ycNWXbJyV6hK75ldG2-H4uicZHeKHoca6HsKozkfIXdSTYWCQ-evbwzI) by the New Zealand media outlet, [Stuff](https://www.stuff.co.nz). **References:** Naish, T. R., Wehland, F., Wilson, G. S., Browne, G. H., Cook, R. A., Morgans, H. E. G., Rosenberg, M., King, P.R., Smale, D., Nelson, C.S., Kamp, P.J.J., & Richetts, B. 2005. An integrated sequence stratigraphic, palaeoenvironmental, and chronostratigraphic analysis of the Tangahoe Formation, southern Taranaki coast, with implications for mid-Pliocene (c. 3.4–3.0 Ma) glacio-eustatic sea-level changes. [*Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand*](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tnzr20). 35(1&2), 151-196. [https://doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2005.9517780 ](https://doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2005.9517780) Tennyson, A.J.D., & Salvador, R.B.A. 2023. New Giant Petrel (*Macronectes*, Aves: Procellariidae) from the Pliocene of Taranaki, New Zealand. [*Taxonomy*](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/taxonomy). *3*, 57-67. [https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy3010006](https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy3010006)[https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy3010006](https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy3010006) *24 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/small-and-giant-fossil-of-new-species-of-giant-petrel-found-in-new-zealand.md) ## First time for everything: Westland Petrel discovered on a remote beach in Western Australia ![Westland Petrel Esperance WA Australia Lynn Kidd Feb2023](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland_Petrel_Esperance_WA_Australia_Lynn_Kidd_Feb2023.jpg)*Not from around here: the Westland Petrel found at Wylie Bay in Western Australia; photo courtesy of Lynn Kidd (Esperance Roo Haven and Wildlife Rescue)* Westland Petrels are familiar with Australian coastlines, just generally not the 20 788-km stretch that is Western Australia’s.   A member of the public recently found a Westland Petrel at Wylie Bay near Esperance, a town located on the southern coast of Western Australia. The visibly unwell bird was taken to a wildlife carer, who, not recognising the species, contacted a seabird expert who identified it as a Westland Petrel. Endemic to New Zealand, the globally Endangered [Westland Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) *Procellaria westlandica* is a colonial, burrow-nesting, annually breeding species. The Westland Petrel's non-breeding range extends east from New Zealand to Chile, though sightings have been known off south-eastern Australia. When found, the petrel weighed just 580 grams, less than half of what it should be. The wildlife carer was initially able to keep the severely underweight petrel alive, however it was discovered dead on the morning of its fourth day in care. The bird is now in possession of the Western Australia Museum ([WAM](https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au)), where a taxidermist prepared the specimen for the museum’s collection; the body of the bird was skinned and preserved as a dry specimen, whilst tissue samples from muscle and liver were taken to be kept in frozen storage.  ACAP contacted WAM’s Acting Curator of Ornithology, Dr Kenny Travouillon to ask if any further information on the specimen had come to light since the specimen had been prepared for the collection. He advised the petrel was a subadult male, and the stomach content was full of sardines, its last meal given by the carer (no plastics). The Museum has a keen interest in documenting and preserving vagrant birds as increases in their sightings may prompt research into factors behind an escalation such as climate change. Further details on the discovery of the Westland Petrel in Western Australia can be found in coverage given by the ABC (Australia’s national broadcaster), [here](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-28/vagrant-westland-petrel-preserved-by-wa-museum/101900224?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web). *22 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/first-time-for-everything-westland-petrel-discovered-on-a-remote-beach-in-western-australia.md) ## The 7th International and Albatross Petrel Conference is to be held in Mexico in 2024 ![IAPC7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IAPC7.jpeg) The 7th International Albatross and Petrel Conference will be held in the coastal city of [Ensenada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensenada,_Baja_California), Baja California, Mexico over 20-26 May 2024. IAPC7 will be hosted by the Mexican environmental NGO Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas ([GECI](https://www.islas.org.mx/)) in collaboration with [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org), the [Seabird Ecology Lab](https://sites.google.com/view/seabirdecology/home), University of Barcelona and the [World Seabird Union](https://www.seabirds.net/).  The announcement was made on the last day of the [50th Annual Meeting](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting) of the [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/) held this month in San Diego, USA, where it is reported it raised “considerable excitement”. ![GECI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/GECI.png) GECI says that “lots of interesting field trips are in the planning with albatross and petrel season at that time”. Check out the new IAPC7 website at [https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/](https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/)[https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/](https://www.islas.org.mx/iapc7/). The 6th International Albatross and Petrel Conference ([IAPC6](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2603-the-sixth-albatross-and-petrel-conference-went-off-well-in-spain-last-month-whither-iapc7?highlight=WyJpYXBjNiJd)) was held in Barcelona, Spain in September 2016.  The previous five conferences were held in Hobart, Tasmania in 1995, Honolulu, Hawaii in 2000, Montevideo, Uruguay in 2004, Cape Town, South Africa in 2008 and Wellington, New Zealand in 2012. With thanks to Jacob González-Solís and Lindsay Young for information. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 20 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-7th-international-and-albatross-petrel-conference-is-to-be-held-in-mexico-in-2024.md) ## Wisdom, the world’s oldest known Laysan Albatross, is a grandmother once again ![N333 Midway U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Catie Mahon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/N333_Midway_U.S._Fish_and_Wildlife_Service_Volunteer_Catie_Mahon.jpg) *Wisdom’s son, red N333, broods its second hatchling in February 2023**, photograph by Catie Mahon, USFWS* While searching on Sand Island, [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) for the highly invasive [Golden Crownbeard](https://friendsofmidway.org/explore/wildlife-plants/plants/non-native-plants/) *Verbesina encelioide**s* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers came upon an incubating [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* with band number DH00.  A week later on 13 February the bird’s mate, banded red [N333](https://acap.aq/search14?q=N333), was on the nest containing a pipping egg, which had hatched by the next day. N333 is the first chick of Wisdom (red Z333), the world’s oldest known albatross, to be banded.  As a chick it had survived the [11 March 2011 tsunami](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/941-tsunami-death-toll-for-laysan-and-black-footed-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-increases-to-over-a-hundred-thousand-birds?highlight=WyJ0c3VuYW1pIiwidHN1bmFtaSdzIiwyMDExXQ==) that inundated most of Midway’s Eastern Island, as well as parts of Sand Island.  The bird, thought to be a male, was regularly sighted near Wisdom’s nest site over 2018-2021, but is now breeding some distance away. The current chick is N333’s second.  Wisdom’s [first known grand-chick](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4311-wisdom-s-grandchild-gets-a-meal-watch-the-video?highlight=WyJuMzMzIl0=) was found dead in May 2022 in the previous breeding season at around four months of age. Access previous posts to *ACAP Latest News* on Wisdom [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Wisdom). Information from USFWS volunteer Catie Mahon ([click here](https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdoms-lineage-prevails/?fbclid=IwAR1P8Yzo2fEZZZsbBgQT2tC9Mp6-4EkBRzeSTPjE4sC4k3Sw2IvJfcCdT-k)) and the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 08 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-is-a-grandmother-once-again.md) ## The ACAP Infographic for the Light-mantled Albatross now available in French and Spanish  ![preview lightmantled fr](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/preview_lightmantled_fr.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement’s series of [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) has expanded with the addition today of French and Spanish versions of the latest infographic, that for the Near Threatened [Light-mantled Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) *Phoebetria palpebrata*.  This brings the number of ACAP-listed species with infographics produced so far in all three ACAP official languages to 10. As for all the others produced so far, the latest infographics have been designed and illustrated by [Namasri Nuimim](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4376-nine-albatrosses-painted-by-namo-niumim-from-thailand-for-acap-s-infographic-series?highlight=WyJuYW1vIiwiJ25hbW8nIl0=), who is based in Bangkok, Thailand.  They have been sponsored by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) on behalf of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/). ![preview lightmantled es](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Infographics/preview_lightmantled_es.jpg)  Two further infographics will be produced in the first half of the year, firstly for the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*, to be followed by the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand.  The infographic for the former species is being sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), the latter by the [New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/).  Both will be in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June and its theme for this year of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”. All the ACAP Species Infographics are freely available for printing as posters from the ACAP website. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain. With thanks to Pep Arcos and Karine Delord, for their careful checking of texts. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-infographic-for-the-light-mantled-albatross-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## Six more posters released today in support of this year’s World Albatross Day *![Blackfooted WAD2023 3 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD2023_Photographic_Posters/Blackfooted_WAD2023_3_shrunk.jpg) Black-footed Albatrosses on Midway Atoll, photograph by Wieteke Holthuijzen* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters/4486-wad-2022-photographic-posters)” as its theme to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022. Four albatross species have been chosen to mark this year’s World Albatross Day, with posters, infographics, artworks and a music video.  They are the globally Endangered [Northern Royal](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi* endemic to New Zealand, the abundant and widespread [Black-browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*, as well as the northern hemisphere [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*, which ingest more plastic than do the other species form the southern hemisphere. Following the release last month of the[first six photo posters](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4556-the-first-wad2023-posters-of-black-browed-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-are-released) featuring the Black-browed and Northern Royal Albatrosses, ACAP is now making available for free downloading six more posters featuring the two northern hemisphere species. *![Laysan WAD2023 1 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Laysan_WAD2023_1_shrunk.jpg) A Laysan Albatross flies over Midway Atoll, photograph by Eric vanderWerf* [Click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters/4486-wad-2022-photographic-posters) for all 12 posters in high-resolution versions.  All the photo posters for WAD2023 have been designed by Bree Forrer, ACAP’s Communications Advisor.  ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes. They should not be used for financial gain.  Versions in the ACAP official languages of French and Spanish will follow in due course. With grateful thanks to photographers Wieteke Holthuijzen, Caren Loebel-Fried, Hob Osterlund and Eric vanderWerf. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/six-more-posters-released-today-in-support-of-this-year-s-world-albatross-day.md) ## Second highest hatchling count for Northern Royal Albatrosses at Taiaroa Head despite suspected egg poaching *![WAD2023 Poster NRAs SharynBroni Final](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WAD2023_Poster_NRAs_SharynBroni_Final.jpg) Northern Royal Albatrosses display at Taiaroa Head, photograph by Sharyn Broni, poster design by Bree Forrer* New Zealand’s endemic Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* is one of four albatross species being featured for this year’s World Albatross Day with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” on 19 June.  A good time then to report that the mainland colony at [Taiaroa Head/Pukekura](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) of this globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [nationally Vulnerable](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) albatross species has hatched its second highest number of chicks in the current 2022/23 breeding season. Despite losing four eggs to suspected poachers back in November last year ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4506-missing-northern-royal-albatross-eggs-mystery-likely-to-remain-unsolved?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIl0=)), 33 eggs have hatched successfully.  This compares to the 2020/21 season when 36 chicks hatched – the highest number since the colony was established in the 1930s.  A total of 41 eggs was laid and 33 chicks fledged in that season ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4170-record-breeding-season-for-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-new-zealand-s-taiaroa-head?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwyMDIxXQ==)). You can follow the fortunes of the intensively managed colony on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) and via the 24-hour livestreaming “[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)”.  View and download this year’s posters featuring Northern Royals for WAD2023 [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters/4486-wad-2022-photographic-posters). With thanks to Sharyn Broni, Ranger, Department of Conservation, Taiaroa Head. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 28 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/second-highest-hatching-count-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-taiaroa-head-despite-suspected-egg-poaching.md) ## Your guess is as good as mine: devising a method to predict the mass of ingested plastics in seabirds ![Laysan Albatross Pair by James Lloyd](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan%20Albatross%20Pair%20by%20James%20Lloyd.jpg)*A pair of Laysan Albatrosses; photograph by James Lloyd. *Laysan Albatrosses were one of 11 procellariiform *species in the study*** Alexander L. Bond (Bird Group, [The Natural History Museum](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring.html), Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom) and Jennifer L. Lavers have published open access in the journal [*Marine Pollution Bulletin*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin) on a method for estimating the mass of ingested plastics in seabirds.  The paper’s abstract follows,  “Plastics pollution has been documented for decades, yet repeatable methods for evaluating quantities are lacking. For wildlife, the mass and number of ingested plastics are widely reported, but these are not without their challenges, especially in field settings. Rapid methods for estimating the mass of ingested plastic could therefore be useful, but the relationship with the number of ingested pieces has not been explored. Using a dataset covering 1278 individuals of 11 Procellariiform species, we investigated this relationship to determine if counts could act as a proxy for the mass of ingested plastic by seabirds. Larger species ingested larger pieces of plastic, and birds that consumed more pieces also ingested items that are physically larger. Across species, sample size significantly influenced the slope of the relationship between the mass and number of ingested plastics. The mass-number relationship is species-specific, highly driven by sample size, and varies temporally.” **Reference:** Bond, A.L. & Lavers, J.L. 2023. Can the mass of plastic ingested by seabirds be predicted by the number of ingested items? *Marine Pollution Bulletin*. Volume 188. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114673](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114673)[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114673](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114673) *17 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/your-guess-is-as-good-as-mine-devising-a-method-to-predict-the-mass-of-ingested-plastics-in-seabirds.md) ## ACAP and the IAC renew their Memorandum of Understanding to advance conservation of albatrosses and petrels, and sea-turtles ![IAC ACAP MOU Ceremony Jan 2023 FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/IAC-ACAP_MOU_Ceremony_Jan_2023_FINAL.jpg)*IAC Executive Secretary, Dr Verónica Cáceres Chamorro (left) and ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine BogIe (right), hold up the signed MOU renewal. The Ambassador of Ecuador to the U.S.A., Ms Ivonne A Baki sits to the right of Dr Verónica Cáceres Chamorro* *La Secretaria Ejecutiva de la CIT, Dra. Verónica Cáceres Chamorro (foto de la izquierda) y la Secretaria Ejecutiva del ACAP, Dra. Christine BogIe (foto de la derecha), presentan el Memorándum de renovación firmado. Junto a la Dra. Verónica Cáceres Chamorro está la Embajadora de Ecuador en EE.UU., Sra Ivonne A Baki* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC) have renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) [first signed in December 2019](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2678-acap-and-the-inter-american-convention-for-the-protection-and-conservation-of-sea-turtles-sign-a-memorandum-of-understanding?highlight=WyJpYWMiLCJtb3UiXQ==), reaffirming their commitment to cooperate in the conservation of albatrosses and petrels, and sea-turtles. ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine BogIe, and IAC Executive Secretary, Dr Verónica Cáceres Chamorro, signed the renewal at a hybrid ceremony hosted by the Ambassador of Ecuador, Ms Ivonne A Baki, at the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington D.C. Ecuador is the current Chair of the IAC Conference of the Parties.  Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Bogle said, “ACAP is particularly pleased to renew this cooperation arrangement with a fellow intergovernmental conservation organisation, given our shared objectives. Albatrosses and petrels face similar threats to those of sea turtles, meaning there is considerable scope for cooperation and information sharing.” Accidental death resulting from interactions with fishing gear, especially during longline-fishing operations is a significant threat to albatrosses and petrels, and sea-turtles. In signing the MOU, the two organisations agreed to: consult, cooperate and collaborate with each other on areas of common interest that are directly or indirectly relevant to the conservation, including the protection and recovery of populations of albatrosses and petrels, and sea turtles.  Remarking on the significance of the renewal in facilitating its conservation objectives, Dr Verónica Cáceres Chamorro said, “The MOU will strengthen scientific research in bycatch mitigation methods. We will learn from our experiences to improve data collection regarding interactions with fisheries, and the implementation of best practices. This will provide valuable support to decision makers in our member countries.” ACAP’s Advisory Committee Chair, Dr Mike Double commented on the important contribution of IAC and ACAP experts in progressing the conservation objectives of the MOU when participating as observers at each other’s meetings. He further noted scope to cooperate as observers in discussions at relevant meetings of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), where bycatch related measures are discussed.        Ecuador’s Minister for the Environment, Mr Gustavo Manrique,** **who addressed the ceremony via a pre-recorded video, praised IAC and ACAP for their unwavering conservation work, stating, “Both initiatives have been an example of how to articulate consistent and efficient work to fight against one of the most pressing challenges the world faces today: the rapid loss of its biodiversity.”  The IAC Secretariat and dignitaries from IAC member countries based in Washington D.C. attended the ceremony in person, whilst ACAP representatives and officials from IAC member countries of Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Argentina joined the ceremony via Zoom.   **En español:** El Acuerdo sobre la Conservación de Albatros y Petreles (ACAP) y la Convención Interamericana para la Protección y Conservación de las Tortugas Marinas (CIT) han renovado el Memorándum de Entendimiento (MOU) [firmado por primera vez en diciembre ](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2678-acap-and-the-inter-american-convention-for-the-protection-and-conservation-of-sea-turtles-sign-a-memorandum-of-understanding?highlight=WyJpYWMiLCJtb3UiXQ==)[de 2019](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2678-acap-and-the-inter-american-convention-for-the-protection-and-conservation-of-sea-turtles-sign-a-memorandum-of-understanding?highlight=WyJpYWMiLCJtb3UiXQ==), reafirmando así su compromiso de cooperar en la conservación de albatros y petreles, y tortugas marinas. La Secretaria Ejecutiva del ACAP, la Dra. Christine BogIe, y la Secretaria Ejecutiva de la CIT, la Dra. Verónica Cáceres Chamorro, firmaron la renovación en una ceremonia híbrida organizada por la Embajadora de Ecuador, la Sra. Ivonne A Baki, en la Embajada de Ecuador en Washington D.C. Ecuador es el actual Presidente de la Conferencia de las Partes de la CIT.  En su intervención en la ceremonia, la Dra. Bogle declaró: «ACAP está sumamente complacido con la renovación de este acuerdo de cooperación con otra organización intergubernamental de conservación, dados los objetivos que compartimos. Los albatros y petreles se enfrentan a amenazas similares a las de las tortugas marinas, lo que significa que hay un margen considerable para la cooperación y el intercambio de información.» Los accidentes mortales como consecuencia de las interacciones con artes de pesca, especialmente durante las operaciones de pesca con palangre, son una amenaza significativa para los albatros y petreles, así como para las tortugas marinas. Con la firma del Memorándum de Entendimiento, las dos organizaciones han acordado: consultarse, cooperar y colaborar entre sí en áreas de interés común que sean relevantes tanto directa como indirectamente para la conservación, incluida la protección y recuperación de las poblaciones de albatros y petreles, y de tortugas marinas.  La Dra. Verónica Cáceres Chamorro, destacando la importancia de la renovación del Memorándum para facilitar sus objetivos de conservación, declaró: «El Memorándum fortalecerá la investigación de medidas de mitigación. Aprenderemos de las experiencias comunes para mejorar la colecta de datos de captura incidental de ambas taxa, y la implementación de mejores prácticas en las pesquerías que las impactan.  Lo anterior brindará valiosos aportes a los tomadores de decisiones en nuestros países parte.» El Presidente del Comité Asesor del ACAP, el Dr. Mike Double, comentó sobre la importante contribución que los expertos del IAC y del ACAP hacen al promover los objetivos de conservación del Memorándum cuando participan como observadores en las reuniones de la otra organización. Además, señaló la posibilidad de cooperar como observadores en las conversaciones de las reuniones pertinentes de las Organizaciones Regionales de Ordenación Pesquera (OROPs), en las que se debaten medidas relacionadas con las capturas secundarias.        El Ministro de Medio Ambiente de Ecuador, D. Gustavo Manrique, quien se dirigió a los asistentes a la ceremonia a través de un video pregrabado, elogió a la CIT y al ACAP por su inquebrantable labor de conservación, afirmando que «ambas iniciativas han sido un ejemplo de cómo articular un trabajo coherente y eficaz para luchar contra uno de los retos más acuciantes a los que se enfrenta el mundo en la actualidad: la rápida pérdida de su biodiversidad.»  La Secretaría de la CIT y los dignatarios de los países miembros de la CIT con sede en Washington D.C. asistieron a la ceremonia en persona, mientras que los representantes de ACAP y los funcionarios de los países miembros de la CIT de Brasil, Chile, Guatemala, Perú, Ecuador, República Dominicana, Costa Rica, México y Argentina se unieron a la ceremonia a través de Zoom.  ![IAC ACAP MOU Ceremony Jan 2023 image](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IAC-ACAP_MOU_Ceremony_Jan_2023_image.jpg) *15 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-and-the-iac-renew-their-memorandum-of-understanding-to-advance-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels-and-sea-turtles.md) ## Binoculars to the ready: The Great Backyard Bird Count is almost here ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_10.jpg)*An ACAP-listed Balearic Shearwater in flight; photograph by Pep Arcos* The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is almost upon us and this year ACAP is encouraging all procellariiform admirers to get involved and boost the number of ACAP-listed species in the count.  The GBBC is a great example of citizen science, providing researchers with a valuable snapshot of global bird populations. This year marks the 26th Anniversary of the annual event, taking place over four days from Friday 17 February to Monday 20 February. Participants are asked to spend a minimum of 15 minutes (there is no maximum) on one of more of the four days, recording the birds they observe before submitting their checklist online at [birdcount.org](https://www.birdcount.org/).  During the 2022 GBBC, 21 out of 31 ACAP-listed species were represented, with over 600 individual birds reported to the count from participants located across the globe including: Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Ecuador, the Falkland Islands*, New Zealand, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands*, Spain and the U.S.A.  ![2023GBBC Procellariiformes](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/2023GBBC_Procellariiformes.jpg)*The location,*species* and number of individual ACAP-listed birds reported to the 2022 Great Backyard Bird Count; sourced from birdcount.org* The Great Backyard Bird Count is an initiative of [The Cornell Lab](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/?__hstc=64079792.7986658ecd1bef0c8cde497aadc5968f.1675658920462.1675918213320.1676240539041.4&__hssc=64079792.1.1676240539041&__hsfp=3012813488&_gl=1%2A1oq4y1x%2A_ga%2AMjAwNTAwNTg5My4xNjc1NjU4OTEy%2A_ga_QR4NVXZ8BM%2AMTY3NjI0NDk2OS42LjAuMTY3NjI0NDk2OS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.202355089.1692646175.1676240538-2005005893.1675658912), the [National Audubon Society](https://www.audubon.org) and [Birds Canada](https://www.birdscanada.org). More information on the GBBC including how to participate can be found at [birdcount.org](https://www.birdcount.org/). *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. *13 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/binoculars-to-the-ready-the-great-backyard-bird-count-is-almost-here.md) ## Artworks by Apple Resonance show the interactions between albatrosses and plastic pollution in eye-catching ways *![Apple Resonance If Your Human Ways Remain Unchanged Black browed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Apple_Resonance_If_Your_Human_Ways_Remain_Unchanged_Black-browed_Albatross.jpg) “If Your Human Ways Remain Unchanged”, Laysan Albatross, after a**screenshot from the film [ALBATROSS](https://vimeo.com/264508490) by Chris Jordan* ACAP’s fourth collaboration ([Project #43](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4530-the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more)) with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ABUN4Nature)) for World Albatross Day on 19 June and its 2023 theme of ‘[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)’, set to last for three months from the beginning of the year, is now well over halfway through, so a progress report is due  The response to this year's theme has been excellent to date, with 22 artists contributing a total of 55 artworks (view them all in an [ACAP Facebook album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539124738240834&type=3)).  Several have produced more than one, with honours currently going to Snah Kritzler, who has submitted no less than 16 evocative ballpoint pen drawings, several of which have been featured by *ACAP Latest News* ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4546-ballpoint-pen-artist-snah-kicks-off-acap-s-fourth-collaboration-with-abun-for-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution?highlight=WyJzbmFoIl0=)). *![Apple Resonance 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Apple_Resonance_4.jpg) Apple Resonance* One ABUN artist, Apple (Chan) Resonance, has also been active, creating six artworks for the project, five of which are illustrated here, of albatrosses interacting with plastic pollution in different ways.  Originally from Manila, Philippines, she moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to practice interior design.  She now lives in Big Bear City in California, where she practices her art and writes and publishes nature-inspired books for children from her cabin home ([click here](https://lemongrasspress.com/index.php/menu/featured-author)).  *ACAP Latest News* reached out to Apple to learn more about her and her art.  Her edited reply follows. **![Apple Resonance Illuminate Our Destiny BFA Eric Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Apple_Resonance_Illuminate_Our_Destiny_BFA_Eric_Vanderwerf.jpg)* “Illuminate Our Destiny”, Black-footed Albatross and chick, after a photograph by Eric VanderWerf* *![Apple Resonance See My Voice Laysan Albatross Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Apple_Resonance_See_My_Voice_Laysan_Albatross_Hob_Osterlund.jpg) “See My Voice”, Laysan Albatross, after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* “I have always been a hesitant artist.  Originally, I only painted interiors and furniture as a professional  interior designer.  But I became passionate about watercolour painting after acquiring my first professional grade watercolour set in 2015.  Back then, I had been an edible organic gardener and only wanted to paint my vegetable harvests from the garden to illustrate and publish books, so children can get attuned to growing food from seeds.  I have become even more passionate about watercolour painting using water gathered from the rain, snow, lakes, rivers and waterfalls every place I go”. ![Apple Resonance In Your Kind Hands Flight back to the Source](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Apple_Resonance_In_Your_Kind_Hands_Flight_back_to_the_Source.jpg) “*In Your Kind Hands’ (Flight back to the Source)”, after a scene in the film [ALBATROSS](https://vimeo.com/264508490) by Chris Jordan* “I guess growing and painting vegetables was just a creative gateway.  I then started seeking a higher purpose and happily began painting wildlife, including birds for ABUN projects from 2019.  In 2022, I had COVID, which I found a scary experience.  Yet, this became my breakthrough not to be hesitant anymore in my creative expressions.  The real awareness that we are all going to die made me choose to become even more straightforward and direct in my life purpose to make a change through painting and book publishing until my final day comes”. *![Apple Resonance The Shadows of Human Consumption](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Apple_Resonance_The_Shadows_of_Human_Consumption.jpg) “The Shadows of Human Consumption”, after a photograph by Stefan Schoombie* You can follow Apple Resonance and her art on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AppleResonanceArtist). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 21 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artworks-by-apple-resonance-show-the-interactions-between-albatrosses-and-plastic-pollution-in-eye-catching-ways.md) ## Not only on Hirakimata and Glenfern. Black Petrels have been found breeding at two more sites on Great Barrier Island *![Joanna Sims DabchickNZ Black Petrel](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Joanna_Sims_DabchickNZ_Black_Petrel.jpg) A Black Petrel on Great Barrier Island, photograph from DabChickNZ* The main breeding site for the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* on New Zealand’s Great Barrier Island is on the upper slopes of [Mount Hobson/Hirakimata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hobson_(Great_Barrier_Island)), where a reported 880 pairs breed in a colony that is the subject of a long-term study ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1361-acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel)).  In addition, around 25 pairs or so breed within the nearby [Glenfern Sanctuary](https://www.glenfern.org.nz/) ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3272-acap-breeding-site-no-91-black-petrels-breed-within-the-kotuku-peninsula-s-glenfern-sanctuary-on-new-zealand-s-great-barrier-island)). A survey using two wildlife detector dogs in January this year has now found signs of breeding at a further two localities on the island: around Mount St Paul and the Needles Rocks inland from Oruawharo Bay on the island’s east coast, away from the main breeding colony to the north on Hirakimata.  Eleven active burrows were found, with adults, two chicks and an abandoned egg recorded. *![Joanna Sims DabchickNZ 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Joanna_Sims_DabchickNZ_1.jpg) “The weather has been challenging to say the least”.  Joanna Sims with Miro looking for breeding Black Petrels on Great Barrier Island* The survey was undertaken for [Oruawharo](https://www.omeaotea.co.nz/) [Medlands Ecovision](https://www.omeaotea.co.nz/), a local community group on Great Barrier Island, by Joanna Sims (with dogs Rua and Miro) of [DabChickNZ](https://www.facebook.com/DabChicknz/).  Read her report [here](https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/7077847/normal_63dc7a13770f4.pdf).  In it she writes: “There could be more burrows here as this was not an extensive search.  The most predominant place burrows were located were deep inside puriri [[*Vitex lucens*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitex_lucens)] trunks or in rocky crevices, that would be nearly impossible to locate without a dog”.  The newly found breeding birds are at risk to feral cats and pigs, the latter of which she saw signs of their presence at both localities. The only other locality where Black Petrels breeds is close by Little Barrier Island, with 620 pairs reported in a 2016 publication. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 09 March 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/not-only-on-hirakimata-and-glenfern-black-petrels-have-been-found-breeding-at-two-more-sites-on-great-barrier-island.md) ## The newly launched Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation aims to support research and management on Tasmania’s sub-Antarctic island *![Wanderer Macca Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer-Macca-Melanie-Wells.jpg) A female Wandering Albatross incubates on Macquarie Island, photograph by Melanie Wells* ### *“**Our vision for Macquarie Island is that the natural and heritage values remain protected from threats and conserved for current and future generations”* The newly launched not-for-profit [Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation](http://www.macquarieisland.org/) will provides a pathway for the public to contribute to the protection of the outstanding natural and heritage values of Tasmania’s [Macquarie Island Nature Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) and [World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/629/). “The Foundation aims to fund and help facilitate practical science and research programs, as well as provide supplementary support to management initiatives, student projects and outreach activities which will benefit the conservation of Macquarie Island.  The Foundation also seeks to provide an ongoing connection to Macquarie Island through news and updates about the island, and inspire the Tasmanian community to value and contribute to the protection of the island and its unique inhabitants.” ![Macca Foundation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/Macca_Foundation.jpg) *The Foundation logo depicts a Royal Penguin*Eudyptes schlegeli*, a Macquarie Island endemic species* Specifically, the Foundation will: - Raise funds for small grants and targeted conservation and research initiatives which align with the [Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service](https://parks.tas.gov.au/)’s management of Macquarie Island. - Provide an avenue for people to connect with the island through a website, social media and newsletters. - Participate in community festivals and school outreach programs to promote awareness and appreciation of the natural and heritage values of Tasmania’s only sub-Antarctic island.” Click [here](https://macquarieisland.org/join-our-mailing-list) to join the mailing list or [here](https://macquarieisland.org/micf-member-join) to become a suscribing member (which will also add you to the mailing list).  There is also a [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/MacquarieIsland). *![Greyhead Macca Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Greyhead_Macca_Melanie_Wells.jpg) A Grey-headed Albatross stands tall on ‘Macca’, photograph by Melanie Wells* The MICF [Management Committee](https://macquarieisland.org/about-us) consists of Julie McInnes, Kris Carlyon, Andrea Turbett, Ben Arthur and William MacAulay. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 23 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-newly-launched-macquarie-island-conservation-foundation-aims-to-support-research-and-management-on-tasmania-s-sub-antarctic-island.md) ## For the first time a Wandering Albatross from the southern Indian Ocean has been found breeding in the South Atlantic *![french ringed WA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/french_ringed_WA.jpeg) BS29908 is found incubating on Bird Island, photograph by Mark Whiffin* A [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* that fledged from the Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean has been found breeding at [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic.  This is the first record of a Wanderer banded at another island group breeding on the island.  The bird bearing a French metal band “Museum Paris BS29908” was discovered during an all-island census of incubating birds on 31 January this year by British Antarctic Survey ([BAS](https://www.bas.ac.uk/)) field assistants working on the island, Erin Taylor and Rosie Hall. .*![Paris ring](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Paris_ring.jpeg) The Museum Paris band, photograph by Mark Whiffin* An enquiry by BAS to Karine Delord of France’s Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé ([CEBC](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en)) revealed that the bird was banded in the Baie du Marin Nord colony on [Possession Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur) in the Crozet Island group on 28 September 2011 and was a female from molecular sexing.  Since fledging it has not been resighted back on its natal island. The bird is part of the Wandering Albatross monitoring colony on Possession Island, which forms part of the project “Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean” (Project:[109 ORNITHOECO](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/research/monitoring/ornithoeco/?lang=en)), supported by the French Polar Institute Paul Emile Victor ([IPF](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/)).  Further news from Bird Island is that the French bird was partnered with a male banded on the island as no. 5187145 in 1998.  This bird had previously been recorded breeding successfully five times since 2005 with two different partners. Although this is the first record of a Wandering Albatross fledging from any southern Indian Ocean island being found breeding in the South Atlantic, there have been a few movements in both directions of banded birds between Bird and Possession Islands.  Farther away to the east of Crozet a Bird Island fledgling was seen courting as a 12-year-old on [Kerguelen Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1435-acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species) ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4406-from-the-atlantic-to-the-indian-a-wandering-albatross-from-bird-island-turns-up-on-kerguelen)).  In contrast, breeding movements between the Crozets and Prince Edward Islands, one thousand kilometres apart within the southern Indian Ocean have been regularly recorded. With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey for alerting *ACAP Latest News* to this interesting record, and to Karine Delord and Andy Wood for details of the French bird. **Reference:** Cooper, J. & Weimerskirch, H. 2003.  Exchange of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* between the Prince Edward and Crozet Islands: implications for conservation.  [*African Journal of Marine Science* 25: 519-523](https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajms/article/view/33163). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses* *and Petrels, 16 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/for-the-first-time-a-wandering-albatross-from-the-southern-indian-ocean-has-been-found-breeding-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Black-footed Albatrosses in top five seabirds requiring active conservation management in the U.S. Tropical Pacific ![Wieteke Holzhausen Midway](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Wieteke_Holzhausen_Midway.jpg)*A Black-footed Albatross with its chick on Midway Atoll: photograph by Wieteke Holthuijzen* Lindsay Young and Eric VanderWerf ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) have published in the journal *Pacific Science* on the status of seabird populations vulnerable to climate change in the U.S. Tropical Pacific and conservation management activities most likely to benefit those species most at risk. The paper’s abstract follows,  “The U.S. Tropical Pacific (USTP) is a globally important area for seabirds with tens of millions of individuals of 32 species breeding in the region. The two greatest threats to breeding seabirds in the USTP are inundation of colonies caused by global climate change and non-native predators. We assessed the status of seabird species breeding in the USTP and which species would benefit most from restoration activities. We scored each species for nine criteria that reflected their extinction risk and vulnerability to climate change and invasive predators, then summed the scores of all criteria to obtain an overall score and ranked the species in terms of overall conservation need. The top five species at risk (in order) were Hawaiian Petrel (*Pterodroma sandwichensis*), Newell’s Shearwater (*Puffinus newelli*), Polynesian Storm-Petrel (*Nesofregetta fuliginosa*), Phoenix Petrel (*Pterodroma alba*), and Black-footed Albatross (*Phoebastria nigripes*). We also assessed 86 locations in the USTP as potential source and restoration sites for seabirds to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and invasive predators. Some restoration actions are underway for three of the top five species in the USTP, but more actions are needed. Two of the top species (Polynesian Storm-petrel and Phoenix Petrel) occur primarily outside the USTP. Actions within the USTP are needed to complement existing conservation measures underway elsewhere in the Pacific and should be prioritized for future management actions.” **Reference: ** Young, L.C., & VanderWerf, E.A. 2022. Prioritization of Restoration Needs for Seabirds in the U.S. Tropical Pacific Vulnerable to Climate Change. [*Pacific Science*](https://muse.jhu.edu/journal/166) *76*(3), 247-265.  [https://muse.jhu.edu/article/879573](https://muse.jhu.edu/article/879573)[https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/879573](https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/879573). *10 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/black-footed-albatrosses-in-top-5-seabirds-requiring-active-conservation-management-in-the-u-s-tropical-pacific.md) ## Isotopic analysis of Laysan Albatrosses and Black-footed Albatrosses diets reveal differences in foraging patterns ![laysan black footed midway by eric vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/laysan_black-footed_midway_by_eric_vanderwerf.jpg)*A Laysan and a Black-footed Albatross in flight; photograph by Eric Vanderwerf* Yukiko Inoue (Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Fisheries Resources Institute, Fisheries Stock Assessment Center, Shizuoka, Japan) and colleagues have published in the journal *Ornithological Science*, on an isotopic analysis of the diet of Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes* in the Western North Pacific.  The paper’s abstract follows,  “In order to understand the diet of Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes* in western North Pacific waters, we investigated isotopic differences between species, sexes and breeding stages. We measured carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in the muscles and livers of albatrosses (caught during Japanese pelagic longline fishing) and in their potential prey. Both *δ*13C and *δ*15N of Black-footed Albatross were higher than those of Laysan Albatross. Delta13C of both species differed seasonally and *δ*13C was lower during the incubation period than during the chick-provisioning and non-breeding periods. The *δ*13C and *δ*15N levels of males did not differ from those of females in either species. Our results suggest that Black-footed Albatross forages on higher isotope prey items and/or Laysan Albatross forages on lower isotope prey items other than squid and fish and that *δ*13C varies in response to seasonal variation in prey availability. This implies that Black-footed Albatross forages more on discard from the fishing industry than does Laysan Albatross; this in turn may be related to the areas of operation sea area of the longline fisheries in the western North Pacific. In conclusion, it is important for conservation of these two albatross species to monitor their diets and foraging areas and to identify the species-specific high-risk areas where albatross bycatch is most likely.” **Reference:**** ** Inoue, Y., Nakatsuka, S., Niizuma, Y., Ochi, D., Katsumata, N., Okamoto, K., Ishihi, Y., Oshima, K. & Minami, H. 2023. Stable Isotope Differences among Species, Sexes, and Breeding Stages of Laysan and Black-Footed Albatrosses in the Western North Pacific. [*Ornithological Science*](https://bioone.org/journals/ornithological-science) 22(1), 3-14.[ https://doi.org/10.2326/osj.22.3](https://doi.org/10.2326/osj.22.3) *8 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/isotopic-analysis-of-laysan-albatrosses-and-black-footed-albatrosses-diets-reveal-differences-in-foraging-patterns.md) ## Decade-long population study of Auckland Islands' White-capped Albatrosses indicates numbers are stable ![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_6.JPG)*A White-capped Albatross on Disappointment Island, a part of the Auckland Islands group; photograph by Graham Parker* Barry Baker (Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *Emu-Austral Ornithology*, on the results of a 12-year population study of White-capped Albatrosses breeding on New Zealand’s Auckland Islands. The paper’s abstract follows,  “White-capped Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi* breed only on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands, principally the Auckland Islands. The species is commonly caught as bycatch in global longline and trawl fisheries, and it has been estimated that 8 000 birds are killed each year. In December or January between 2006 and 2017 we undertook annual population censuses of the White-capped Albatrosses breeding at the Auckland Islands using aerial photography. Estimated annual counts for the three breeding sites were adjusted using estimates of the proportion of birds clearly not associated with an active nest (loafers), to estimate annual breeding pairs for each breeding season. The estimated mean number of annual breeding pairs in the Auckland Islands during this period was 89 846 with high inter-annual variability (range: 74 031–116 025). Over the 12 years of the study adjusted counts for all sites combined showed a negative linear trend but this relationship was not statistically significant. Similar analyses using TRIM classified the population as ‘stable’. Given the estimated number of annual breeding pairs and the high frequency of biennial breeding it is likely that fisheries bycatch, if it has been estimated accurately, is impacting this population. Continuation of annual monitoring is recommended to increase the precision of the estimated population trend and help determine if the high levels of bycatch across multiple fisheries are sustainable in the long term.” **Reference:** Baker, G.B., Jensz, K., Cunningham, R., Robertson, G., Sagar, P., Thompson, D.R. & Double, M.C. 2023. Population assessment of White-capped Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi* in New Zealand. [*Emu - Austral Ornithology*](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temu20). DOI: [10.1080/01584197.2022.2161915](https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2161915) *6 February 2023*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/decade-long-population-study-of-auckland-islands-white-capped-albatrosses-indicates-numbers-are-stable.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Should more albatross and petrel breeding localities become World Heritage Sites? *![WCoastPE WAlbs Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WCoastPE_WAlbs_Peter_Ryan.jpg) Fit for World Heritage status: Wandering Albatrosses breed densely in Albatross Valley, Prince Edward Island, photograph by Peter Ryan* **Note: **Opinions expressed in [*ACAP Monthly Missives*](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives) are not to be taken as those of the ACAP Secretariat or of any of the Agreement’s Parties. **************************** The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the World Heritage Convention, [WHC](https://whc.unesco.org/en/convention/)) was adopted by [UNESCO](https://www.unesco.org/en) in 1972.  Currently, 167 nations are States Parties to the convention, with a total of 1154 inscribed properties.  Of this total, 252 are designated as Natural Sites. All the [13 Parties](https://acap.aq/resources/parties-to-acap) to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP) are States Parties of the World Heritage Convention.  Three countries (Japan, Mexico and the USA) with breeding populations of ACAP-listed species which are not Parties to the Agreement are also signatories to the WHC.  Ten of the 13 ACAP Parties have (or have had in the case of Norway) ACAP breeding sites within their territories; the exceptions being the South American countries of Brazil, Peru and Uruguay.  Therefore, 13 nations are responsible for all the world’s ACAP breeding sites.  There are two exceptions to this.  Firstly, there are numerous breeding sites for [Southern Giant Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus) *Macronectes giganteus* and a single known site of the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) Light-mantled Albatross *Phoebetria palpebrata* that fall within the [Antarctic Treaty Region](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-breeding-sites).  Secondly, there is the special case of breeding populations that occur within territories that are of disputed ownership. *![Grisselle Chock Pink footed Shearwater watercolour gouache Peter Hodumjpg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Grisselle_Chock_Pink-footed_Shearwater_watercolour_gouache_Peter_Hodumjpg.jpg) A Pink-footed Shearwater at its Chilean breeding site by Grisselle Chock, after a photograph by Peter Hodum* How many of these 13 nations have had ACAP breeding sites inscribed by the World Heritage Convention?  It turns out there are eight: five ACAP Parties (Australia, Ecuador, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) and the three non-ACAP countries mentioned above.  The 11 Natural Heritage Sites (listed [here](https://acap.aq/resources/management-plans/1080-an-inventory-of-world-heritage-sites-supporting-acap-species) with brief descriptions) include breeding populations of 25 of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  Notably, France has attained World Heritage status for all its localities with breeding ACAP-listed species with the inscription in 2019 of the [French Austral Lands and Seas](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1603/) Natural Site which includes the sub-Antarctic islands of [Amsterdam](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImZyYW5jZSIsImZyYW5jZSdzIiwibm8iLCInbm8iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0gZnJhbmNlIl0=), [Crozets](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur?highlight=WyJwb3NzZXNzaW9uIiwibm8iLCInbm8iXQ==), [Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1435-acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species?highlight=WyJrZXJndWVsZW4iLCJrZXJndWVsZW4ncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=) and [Saint-Paul](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1430-acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater?highlight=WyJrZXJndWVsZW4iLCJrZXJndWVsZW4ncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=).  Several other countries approach near complete coverage, including Australia and Ecuador, with only one breeding site for each not having World Heritage status. WHC Parties signal their intention to nominate sites by first placing them on a [Tentative List](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/).  Five examples of ACAP-species breeding localities on Tentative Lists have been found.  They are: - Chile’s [Juan Fernández Archipelago National Park](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/84/), listed in 1994, which supports the global population of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna creatopus.* - Ecuador’s [Parque Nacional Machalilla](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1080/), listed in 1998, which includes a small population (around 12 pairs) of [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698320) Waved Albatrosses *Phoebastria irrorata* on [La Plata Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1362-acap-breeding-sites-no-25-la-plata-ecuador-a-poor-person-s-galapagos-for-waved-albatrosses).  - New Zealand’s [Whakarua Moutere ( North-East Islands)](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5126/) listed in 2007, which includes [Little Barrier Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1361-acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel) where [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) Black Petrels *Procellaria parkinsoni*breed. - Norway’s [Islands of Jan Mayen and Bouvet as parts of a serial transnational nomination of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge system](http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5162/). which in 2007 added [Bouvet Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2097-acap-breeding-site-no-79-bouvetoya-the-world-s-most-remote-island-once-supported-breeding-southern-giant-petrels), where Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* have been recorded breeding in the past but apparently no longer do so, due to the loss of suitable habitat by marine erosion. - USA’s [Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6236/), listed in 2017, includes [Wake Atoll](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1948-acap-breeding-site-no-74-wake-atoll-at-the-edge-of-the-breeding-range-of-north-pacific-albatrosses) where a few pairs of [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *immutabilis*Albatrosses, both Near Threatened, have attempted breeding. With the above as background, where is the scope, and the conservation value, for more ACAP breeding sites to be declared World Heritage Sites?  In addition to the five localities listed above that are already on Tentative Lists, two seemingly excellent candidates are identified here, followed by a consideration of potential sites that fall within Disputed Territories. *![Torishima Hiroshi Hasegawa](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Torishima_Hiroshi_Hasegawa.jpg) Torishima, Izu Islands, Japan – primary home of the Short-tailed Albatross, photograph by Hiroshi Hasegawa* **Torishima, Japan** Japan’s [Ogasawara Islands](http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1362) were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2011.  A few [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses*Phoebastria albatrus*breed on [Mukojima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3640-acap-breeding-site-no-93-mukojima-ogasawara-islands-a-short-tailed-albatross-translocation-site) following a translocation exercise and on [Nakodojima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1786-acap-breeding-site-no-72-nakodojima-island-where-black-footed-and-now-short-tailed-albatrosses-breed).  Black-footed Albatrosses also breed within the island group.  However, by far the majority of the global Short-tailed Albatross population is to be found on the uninhabited island of [Torishima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=), in the [Izu Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izu_Islands) group, which thus seems to be an ideal candidate for becoming a World Heritage Site.  The island may well qualify as a mixed (cultural/natural) site, given its [chequered history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tori-shima_(Izu_Islands)) of occupation and exploitation of its albatrosses.  As a first step Japan should consider placing the island on its Tentative List. *![May 2009](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/May_2009.jpg) A satellite’s view of a rarely cloud-free Marion Island* **Prince Edward Islands, South Africa** Following a recommendation by the then Prince Edward Islands Management Committee, South Africa nominated its sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands for inscription as a Natural Site by the WHC in 2006, having first placed the island group on its Tentative List.  However, a site visit in November 2006 by a retired British Antarctic Survey botanist on behalf of the International Union for Conservation of Nature ([IUCN](https://www.iucn.org/)), which independently evaluates natural site nominations for the WHC, led to an [unfavourable report](https://whc.unesco.org/archive/2007/whc07-31com-inf8B2e.pdf) which did not recommend inscription, despite noting that the two islands of Marion and Prince Edward together support a large number  (approximately half the global population) of [Vulnerabl](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)e Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*.  South Africa then withdrew its nomination prior to it being considered by the [World Heritage Committee](https://whc.unesco.org/en/committee/) at its [31st Session](https://whc.unesco.org/archive/2007/whc07-31com-24e.pdf) in 2007.  At a later time South Africa removed its southern islands from its Tentative List. The Prince Edward Islands are the only sub-Antarctic island group in the southern Indian Ocean that is not a World Heritage site.  Their listing as a natural site would complete coverage for the region and give further international status to the two islands: near-pristine Prince Edward and Marion, where active environmental management includes a [project](https://mousefreemarion.org/news/) to eradicate the island’s remaining introduced mammal, the albatross-killing House Mouse *Mus musculus*. As first steps, it is proposed South Africa replaces the Prince Edward Islands on its [World Heritage Tentative List](https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/za) and considers revising and updating its original nomination document towards a new submission.  In any new submission it should take note of the designation of the Prince Edward Islands and their inshore kelp beds as a [Ramsar Wetland of International Importance](https://rsis.ramsar.org/RISapp/files/RISrep/ZA1688RIS.pdf) in May 2007, the declaration of a surrounding large [Marine Protected Area](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1363-south-africa-declares-a-large-marine-protected-area-around-its-sub-antarctic-prince-edward-islands?highlight=WyJwcmluY2UiLCJwcmluY2UncyIsImVkd2FyZCIsImVkd2FyZCdzIiwibXBhIiwibXBhJ3MiLCJwcmluY2UgZWR3YXJkIl0=) in 2013, the adoption of a new [environmental management plan](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1858-south-africa-s-sub-antarctic-prince-edward-islands-get-a-new-management-plan?highlight=WyJlbnZpcm9ubWVudGFsIiwibWFuYWdlbWVudCIsIidtYW5hZ2VtZW50IiwicGxhbiIsInBsYW4nIiwicGxhbidzIiwicHJpbmNlIiwicHJpbmNlJ3MiLCJlZHdhcmQiLCJlZHdhcmQncyIsImVudmlyb25tZW50YWwgbWFuYWdlbWVudCIsImVudmlyb25tZW50YWwgbWFuYWdlbWVudCBwbGFuIiwibWFuYWdlbWVudCBwbGFuIiwicHJpbmNlIGVkd2FyZCJd) in 2014 and the considerable amount of research and environmental management activities that have taken place on the islands and in the surrounding seas over the last 15 years. *![Beauchene Anton Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Beauchene_Anton_Wolfaardt.jpg)Black-browed Albatrosses breed jam-packed to the horizon on Beauchêne Island, photograph by Anton Wolfaardt* **Disputed Territori****es** There are three groups of islands supporting breeding ACAP species, that are nationally disputed, one in in the [East China Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_China_Sea) and two in the South Atlantic. The originally named Pinnacle Isles are claimed by the People’s Republic of China (as the Diaoyu Islands**)**and Japan (as the [Senkaku Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senkaku_Islands)), as well as by the APEC ([Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation](https://www.apec.org/)) member economy of Chinese Taipei (as the Diaoyutai Islands). One of the islands in the group, Minami-Kojima *(*Nanxiao Dao in Chinese)*,*supports a little-studied population of around 130 pairs of Short-tailed Albatrosses ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4276-eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJzZW5rYWt1IiwiYnJvdGhlcnMiXQ==)).  This estimate, based on satellite photography, compares with the 550-600 breeding pairs on Torishima, which represents some 80-85% of the global population. The disputed territories in the South Atlantic are the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* and South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, claimed by Argentina and the United Kingdom.  Both these island groups support populations of several ACAP-listed species.  It seems that in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*, [Beauchêne Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1314-acap-breeding-sites-no-8-beauchene-island-in-the-south-atlantic-supports-over-100-000-pairs-of-black-browed-albatrosses) and all or some of the [Jason Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Islands) group (Islas Sebaldes) with their large populations of Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris)) are deserving of World Heritage status, perhaps as a single site.  It is noted that geographically separate islands can form a single site, as witnessed by that for [Gough and Inaccessible Islands](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740/), situated farther north in the South Atlantic.  Likewise, a good argument could be put forward for South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* and its associated islets for World Heritage status, perhaps as a mixed site due to its whaling history. However, it seems unlikely that any claimant would consider nominating a disputed territory to the World Heritage Convention, given that protests would inevitably follow from the other claimants.  Therefore, this monthly missive makes no recommendations as to their international status, leaving the above considerations as purely an academic exercise. Note this is not in any way a full review of ACAP-species breeding sites and the role of the World Heritage Convention in their protection, which would require a longer list of potential candidates judged against the WHC’s criteria for natural sites.  Such a review is recommended and should make a good subject for a Master’s degree. **Selected Literature:** Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism 2006.  *Prince Edward Islands: World Heritage Nomination*.  pp. 117 + appendices, maps & management plans. World Heritage Committee 2007.  [*IUCN Evaluations of Nominations of Natural and Mixed Properties to the World Heritage List*](https://whc.unesco.org/archive/2007/whc07-31com-inf8B2e.pdf).  WHC-07/31.COM/INF.8B2.  pp. 11-18. World Heritage Committee 2007.  [*Decisions adopted at the 31st Session of the World Heritage Committee (Christchurch, 2007*](https://whc.unesco.org/archive/2007/whc07-31com-24e.pdf).  WHC-07/31.COM/24.  p. 140. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 07 February 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-albatross-and-petrel-breeding-localities-become-world-heritage-sites-high-lighting-torishima-the-prince-edward-islands-and-the-case-of-disputed-territories.md) ## The International Whaling Commission seeks new Executive Secretary ![iwc logo 1024x1024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/iwc-logo-1024x1024.jpg)The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is recruiting for the role of Executive Secretary. The IWC is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the conservation of whales and management of whaling. Established in 1946 and with a current membership of 88 governments across the globe, the role of the Executive Secretary entails coordinating the interests of all member Governments. The Executive Secretary is the Head of the Commission’s Secretariat and is responsible for the effective management of the Secretariat and the delivery of its programme of work.  The  IWC describes the role as follows,  The Executive Secretary leads the IWC Secretariat and is responsible for overseeing and facilitating a wide range of global science and conservation initiatives including on bycatch, entanglement, marine pollution, climate change, vessel collisions, cetacean strandings and regulation of aboriginal subsistence whaling. As one of the IWC’s figureheads, this role is responsible for building and maintaining multi-disciplinary collaborations on a global stage.   The deadline for applications is 17:00 UK time on 15 March 2023. Interviews will take place in May/June 2023 and will be conducted in English. Further information about the role, including the position description (available also in French and Spanish) can be found at the [IWC website](https://iwc.int/vacancies).  *1 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-international-whaling-commission-seeks-new-executive-secretary.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project is recruiting ![Wandering Albatrosses Marion Island Otto Whitehead](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatrosses_Marion_Island_Otto_Whitehead.jpg)*Displaying Vulnerable Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*on Marion Island; photograph by Otto Whitehead* Opportunities have arisen to become a part of the Mouse-Free Marion Project team. The Mouse-Free Marion Project is working towards a planned eradication of the island’s invasive mice population, an operation which is anticipated to take place over the austral winter in 2025. As described on their website, the project is currently seeking applications for the following positions: **MFM Assistant Project Manager**  The MFM Assistant Project Manager will support the MFM Project Manager, MFM Project Team and Management Committee in developing and delivering a range of activities associated with the planning work for the MFM Project. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and experience, especially in the ecological and nature conservation fields, and a sound understanding of South African environmental legislation and regulatory processes associated with environmental projects. For more information on this opportunity, please download the document **[here](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project_Assistant-Project-Manager.pdf)**. The **MFM Administration and Finance Officer** will support the MFM Project Team and work closely with the Finance Team at BirdLife South Africa across a range of administrative and bookkeeping tasks. This new role is intended to provide highly flexible and efficient administrative support across all areas of the MFM Project. The ideal candidate will have strong administrative, bookkeeping and customer relations skills and experience, ideally with knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database software, such as Salesforce, as well as experience in using bookkeeping software, preferably Pastel/Sage. For more information on this opportunity, please download the document **[here](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mouse-Free-Marion-Project_AdminAndFinanceOfficer.pdf)**. The **MFM Prospect Researcher** will support the MFM Project Team and work closely with the MFM Project’s Chief Philanthropy Officer to build the fundraising pipeline through prospect research and associated activities. The ideal candidate will have strong prospect research, customer relations, writing and organisational experience. For more information on this opportunity, please download the document **[here](https://mousefreemarion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Call-for-Expressions-of-Interest_Prospect-Research-and-Philanthropy-Assistant-19-Jan-2023.pdf)**. More information on the Mouse-Free Marion Project can be found at their website, [here](https://mousefreemarion.org). Further enquiries about the roles should be directed to the contact person listed in the relevant document for the specific position.  The Mouse-Free Marion Project is a partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and BirdLife South Africa. *30 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-is-recruiting.md) ## Waterlogged by your own egg! A Laysan Albatross survives an attack by a feral pig to nearly drown at sea ![Pig attack survivor 0](https://acap.aq/images/Pig_attack_survivor_0.jpg) *Greg Yost holds the waterlogged Laysan Albatross rescued at sea; photograph by Howie Grene* On 26 December last year a [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) or Mōlī *Phoebastria immutabilis* was found waterlogged and struggling at sea about 2.5 km offshore from the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge ([KPNWR](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea-point)) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The following edited account is taken from the [Save our Shearwaters website](https://saveourshearwaters.org/news?fbclid=IwAR0Kk8E7HDg4ik7hCjaraygBLlI431lreSqjFcOaagaMmeCxiC0onM3KjV4): “It was probably only a matter of minutes or hours before the albatross drowned,” said Howie Grene, one of the bird’s rescuers, “the wings were all out as he tried to keep himself afloat, his head was just barely above water and his body was submerged.”  The rescuers were able to safely capture the albatross and bring it (gender unconfirmed, suspected female) to Kaiakea Fire Station, where Save Our Shearwaters ([SOS](https://saveourshearwaters.org/)) staff collected the bird.  Its numbered leg band allowed it to be identified as an active nester, last seen incubating on 22 December within the wildlife refuge. **![Pig attack survivor 2](https://acap.aq/images/Pig_attack_survivor_2.jpg)* ANP081 sinks in SOS's conditioning pool due to its contaminated plumage; photograph by Amanda Parrish* Upon arrival at SOS, the albatross was assigned the patient ID number ANP081 and received a full examination.  It was noted that its plumage was covered in a light-yellow contaminant.  It was placed in SOS’s conditioning pool, where water quickly penetrated through the bird’s feathers all the way to the skin. “It is vital that pelagic birds such as mōlī are completely waterproof prior to release,” said Jacqueline Nelson, Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager for SOS, “otherwise, water can reach their skin causing them to become hypothermic or have difficulty taking flight off the water and foraging for food.” **![Pig attack survivor 1](https://acap.aq/images/Pig_attack_survivor_1.jpg)* SOS staff wash ANP081 to remove contaminants from its feathers; photograph by Keane Sammon* As this patient was an active nester, time was of the essence to get it back into the wild as quickly as possible.  Trained SOS staff completed an extensive wash procedure to remove any contaminants from ANP081’s plumage.  The bird spent two additional days at the rehabilitation facility, where staff monitored buoyancy and checked to ensure its feathers remained dry while pooling.  After passing its final waterproofing and health evaluations, the bird was released successfully at Anahola Beach on 2 January. *![Pig attack survivor 3](https://acap.aq/images/Pig_attack_survivor_3.jpg) ANP081 on Anahola Beach prior to taking off toward the sea; photograph by**Jacqueline Nelson* On 7 January, KPNWR reported on their Facebook page that 64 mōlī eggs were crushed or eaten by pigs on Nihokū beginning on 22 December ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4553-64-laysan-albatross-eggs-destroyed-feral-pigs-wreak-destruction-before-a-predator-proof-fence-in-completed-on-kauai)).  KPNWR confirmed that ANP081’s nest was one of the ones that had been depredated by a pig.  This depredation event is suspected to be the cause of ANP081’s waterproofing issues because the yolk from its destroyed egg would explain the light-yellow substance found on its feathers. US Fish and Wildlife Service staff, in coordination with [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), have been working to finish expanding their predator-resistant fencing to encompass the area where these mōlī nests are located.  The fence is scheduled to be completed in just a few months ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4235-a-new-predator-proof-fence-will-protect-laysan-albatrosses-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-hawaii)). Heather Abbey-Tonneson, Refuge Complex Manager for KPNWR stated, "In addition to SOS, our partnerships with Pacific Rim Conservation, Pono Pacific, State of Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources, [Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project](https://kauaiseabirdproject.org/), and [American Bird Conservation](https://abcbirds.org/) [*sic*] on our nearly 2-mile [*c*. 3 km] predator-resistant perimeter fence will protect mōlī and other species on 168 acres. [68 ha].” *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 03 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/waterlogged-by-your-own-egg-a-laysan-albatross-survives-an-attack-by-a-feral-pig-to-nearly-drown-at-sea.md) ## Older and wiser: Albatrosses avoid fishing vessels as they mature ![Eaglehawk Wanderer Possession island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Eaglehawk_Wanderer_Possession_island.jpg) *A juvenile Wandering Albatross at sea, photograph from Richard Webber* Henri Weimerskirch ([Centre d’Études Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/), La Rochelle Université, France) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Proceedings of the Royal Society B.*](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rspb) on the changing interest in fishing vessels of great albatrosses (in the genus *Diomedea*) over their lifetime. The paper’s abstract follows: “Animals have to develop novel behaviours to adapt to anthropogenic activities or environmental changes. Fishing vessels constitute a recent feature that attracts albatrosses in large numbers. While they provide a valuable food source through offal and bait, they cause mortalities through bycatch, such that selection on vessel attraction will depend on the cost–benefit balance. We examine whether attraction to fishing and other vessels changes through the lifetime of great albatrosses, and show that attraction differed between age classes, sexes and personality. Juveniles encountered fewer vessels than adults, but also showed a lower attraction to vessels when encountered. Attraction rates, especially for fishing vessels, increased through immaturity to peak during adulthood, decreasing with old age. Shy females had lower attraction to vessels and shy males remained at vessels longer, suggesting that bolder individuals may outcompete shyer ones, with positive consequences for mass gain. These results suggest that attraction to vessels is a learned process, leading to an increase with age, and is not the result of preferential attraction to new objects by juveniles. Overall, our findings have important conservation implications as a result of potential strong differential selection on the risk of bycatch for age classes, personality types, populations and species.” ![rspb20222252f02](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/rspb20222252f02.jpg) *The rate of attraction to fishing vessels and other vessels of Wandering Albatrosses across different age brackets* * * **Reference:** Weimerskirch, H., Corbeau, A., Pajot, A., Patrick, S.C. & Collet, J. 2023. Albatrosses develop attraction to fishing vessels during immaturity but avoid them at old age. *Proceedings of the Royal Society B. *290[https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.2252](https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.2252)[http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.2252](http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.2252) *27 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/older-and-wiser-albatrosses-avoid-fishing-vessels-as-they-mature.md) ## British Antarctic Survey study shows significant differences in feeding patterns across White-chinned Petrel colonies in the South Atlantic ![White chinned petrel Richard Phillips 1536x1024](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White-chinned-petrel-Richard-Phillips-1536x1024.jpg)*A White-chinned Petrel is fitted with a tracking sensor; photograph by Richard Phillips* Insights from the second year of a British Antarctic Survey’s study analysing at-sea distributions of White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* from South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* has revealed significant differences in feeding patterns across breeding sites. The multi-year study, Spatial Segregation of Seabirds at South Georgia, led by Dr Victoria Warwick-Evans, aims to identify the at-sea distribution and fisheries overlap of birds from different colonies to pinpoint high-risk areas and address bycatch impacts on the species. Satellite transmitters were fitted to adult petrels incubating eggs in December 2022 at two locations, King Edward Point and Bird Island. The birds’ movement will be tracked until the late chick-rearing phase (when the batteries in the device run out). Early tracking data has revealed birds from King Edward Point and Bird Island travel to similar foraging areas on the Patagonian Shelf and near the Antarctic Peninsula, however, so far only birds from King Edward Point have fed in waters to the north or east of South Georgia. ![Seabird Tracking Study South Georgia Jan2023 Update](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Seabird_Tracking_Study_South_Georgia_Jan2023_Update.png)*A map showing the routes of White-chinned Petrels tracked from Bird Island (red) and King Edward Point (green)* “The main aims of the project are to map the at-sea distributions and habitat preferences of birds breeding at different sites across South Georgia, and to identify the fishing fleets that likely pose the highest risk. This increased knowledge will focus conservation and management efforts and help safeguard the future of these globally important seabird populations.” Project leader, Dr Victoria Warwick-Evans White-chinned Petrels are one of the most frequently killed seabirds in South American fisheries and the majority of those birds comes from breeding populations in South Georgia. Four species are the focus of the ongoing study: Wandering Albatrosses, Northern Giant Petrels, Southern Giant Petrels and White-chinned Petrels. More information about the project, including an interactive map showing the tracks in near real-time, can be found at the British Antarctic Survey [website](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/spatial-segregation-of-seabirds-at-south-georgia/#about). *25 January 2023* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/british-antarctic-survey-study-shows-significant-differences-in-feeding-patterns-across-white-chinned-petrel-colonies-in-south-atlantic.md) ## A new ACAP Species Infographic for the Near Threatened Light-mantled Albatross ![Light mantled Albatross English](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Light-mantled_Albatross_English.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement’s series of [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) has expanded with the addition today of an infographic for the Near Threatened[Light-mantled Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) *Phoebetria palpebrata*.  This brings the number of ACAP-listed species with infographics produced so far to 10.  French and Spanish versions of the new infographic will follow in due course. As for all the others produced so far, the new infographic has been designed and illustrated by [Namasri Nuimim](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4376-nine-albatrosses-painted-by-namo-niumim-from-thailand-for-acap-s-infographic-series?highlight=WyJuYW1vIiwiJ25hbW8nIl0=), who is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand.  It has been sponsored by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) on behalf of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/). Two further infographics will be produced in the first half of the year, for the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris* and for globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand.  The infographic for the former species is being sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), the latter by the [New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) .  Both will be in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June and its theme for this year of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) All the ACAP Species Infographics are freely available for printing as posters from the ACAP website. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain. With thanks to Karine Delord, Richard Phillips, Peter Ryan and Anton Wolfaardt for their reviews. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 09 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-acap-species-infographic-for-the-near-threatened-light-mantled-albatross-is-released.md) ## Tangled! Yelkouan Shearwater spotted caught in disposable COVID-19 facemask ![Yelkouan Shearwater tangled in COVID 19 facemask](https://acap.aq/images/Yelkouan_Shearwater_tangled_in_COVID-19_facemask.jpg)*The Yelkouan Shearwater *Puffinus yelkouan*spotted on 10 April 2022 entangled with a disposable COVID-19 face mask (Cyprus, Levantine Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean); photograph by Ioannis Savva* George Karris ([Department of Environment](https://connect.ionio.gr/en/envi/), Ionian University, Zakynthos, Greece) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Mediterranean Marine Science](https://www.hcmr.gr/en/datarepositories/hcmr-publications/mediterranean-marine-science-journal/)* *on what is thought to be the first sighting of a pelagic seabird entangled in a COVID-19 disposable facemask. The abstract follows: “Seabirds are increasingly recognized as important bio-indicators of marine ecosystems that are useful in assessing environmental disturbance on the marine biota. Over the period 2020-22 and during the first national systematic recording of the sea waters surrounding the Republic of Cyprus, we recorded the spatio-temporal presence, abundance and behaviour of seabirds using the  ESAS (European Seabirds At Sea) methodology. Here we present the observation of an accidentally entangled pelagic seabird in COVID-19 material which to the best of our knowledge is the first incident in the Mediterranean Basin. The systematic recording of entangled marine birds in personal protective equipment (PPE) used to prevent COVID-19 transmission worldwide seems to be of crucial importance for one of the most important emerging threats for the conservation of seabirds at global scale.” **Reference:** Karris, G., Savva, I., Kakalis, E., Bairaktaridou, K., Espinosa, C., Smith, M.S., Botsidou, P., Moschous, S., Voulgaris, M.-D., Peppa, E., Panayidies, P., Hadjistyllis, H. & Iosifides, M. 2023. First sighting of a pelagic seabird entangled in a disposable COVID-19 facemask in the Mediterranean Sea. *Mediterranean Marine Science*, 24(1), 50–55. [https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.31918](https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.31918)[https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.31918](https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.31918). *23 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tangled-yelkouan-shearwater-spotted-caught-in-disposable-covid-19-facemask.md) ## The first WAD2023 posters for Black-browed and Northern Royal Albatrosses are released *![Blackbrowed WAD2023 1 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Blackbrowed_WAD2023_1_shrunk.jpg)Black-browed Albatrosses display at sunset on New Island, South Atlantic, photograph by Georgina Strange* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen “Plastic Pollution” as its theme to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022. Two new albatross species are being used to feature the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day, with artworks, posters, infographics and a music video.  These are the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*  In addition, coverage is being given again to last year’s featured species, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which ingest more plastic than do the southern hemisphere species. ACAP is pleased to release the first six of a planned 12-poster series.  Designed by Bree Forrer, ACAP’s Communications Advisor, they depict photographs of Black-browed and Northern Royal Albatrosses, taken by field researchers who know their birds well and so are able to capture aspects of their private lives in compelling portraits. ![NorthernRoyal WAD2023 3 S](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/NorthernRoyal_WAD2023_3_S.jpg)  *A Northern Royal Albatross broods its downy chick at Taiaroa Head, New Zealand, photograph by Oscar Thomas* The 12 posters in English (with French and Spanish versions to come) are being made freely available for printing during the build up to World Albatross Day on 19 June.  ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain.  [Click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters/4486-wad-2022-photographic-posters) for the first six English posters in high-resolution versions. With grateful thanks to photographers Sharyn Broni, Georgina Strange, Erin Taylor, Oscar Thomas and Michelle Thompson for their support of albatross conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 14 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-first-wad2023-posters-of-black-browed-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-are-released.md) ## Andean Condor and the Southern Caracara top avian predators for breeding Black-browed Albatrosses in Chile’s Tierra del Fuego ![BBAs Southern Caracara Andean Condor collage](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/Other_birds/BBAs_Southern_Caracara_Andean_Condor_collage.jpg)*Clockwise from top left: Andean Condor; photograph by Patrick Gijsbers, Black-browed Albatrosses; photograph by Richard Phillips, Southern Caracara; photograph by Rafael Goes* A new study has identified the top native avian predators for the colony of Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris *breeding in the inner waters of Tierra del Fuego, Chile. The study, by Daniela Droguett ([Ministerio de Medio Ambiente](https://mma.gob.cl) (Ministry of the Environment), Punta Arenas, Chile) and colleagues, has been published in the journal, [*Polar Biology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/300). The paper’s abstract:  “The breeding season is the most vulnerable period in the early stages of the life cycle of seabirds, due to the exposure of their eggs and chicks to the impact by predators. Most of the studies on predator–prey relationships between the Black-browed albatross (*Thalassarche melanophrys*) and other predators like raptors, were carried out in breeding colonies located in oceanic and highly isolated areas, such as Antarctic islands. However, breeding colonies located in the Sub-Antarctic fjords have not been studied. The geographical position of the study colony makes it susceptible to a wider spectrum of predators than the oceanic islands. Therefore, it is unknown how predation dynamics affect the reproductive success of this species. Here, we show for the first time the identity and activity of avian native predators on the colony in the inner waters of southern Tierra del Fuego, Chile. This study covered seventeen field visits between 2017 and 2020 to monitor the reproductive activity of this colony. In this study, we identified the interaction between predators, the breeding activity and success of albatrosses using direct census and camera traps. Across the study, the number of breeding pairs ranged from 64 (2017) to three (2019) breeding pairs of the Black-browed albatross. Terrestrial birds with occurrence on the colony were the Andean condor, Southern caracara, Chimango caracara and the Turkey vulture. Our results showed that the main avian predator species affecting the breeding success of the Black-browed albatross, were both the Andean condor and the Southern caracara*.* The Black-browed albatross is a conservation target in this area since of the colony of Islote Albatros is currently part of the Seno Almirantazgo Marine protected area. Therefore, baseline informations on species interactions are fundamental for its management particularly when native predators like the Andean condor are also threatened species globally.” **Reference:** Droguett, D., Arredondo, C., Dougnac, C. *et al.* 2023. Native avian predators for the world’s Black-browed Albatross (*Thalassarche melanophrys)* breeding colony in inner waters of Tierra del Fuego, Chile. *Polar Biology *46: 77–85 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-022-03107-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-022-03107-3)[https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-022-03107-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-022-03107-3) *20 January 2023 *   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/andean-condor-and-the-southern-caracara-top-avian-predators-for-breeding-black-browed-albatrosses-in-chile-s-tierra-del-fuego.md) ## 64 Laysan Albatross eggs destroyed! Feral pigs wreak destruction before a predator-proof fence is completed on Kauai *![Feral pig attack USFWS](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Feral_pig_attack_USFWS.jpg) A feral pig approaches an incubating Albatross at night, trail camera photograph from the United States Fish and Wildife Service* The [Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population), based on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, has reported on its Facebook page that this season no less than 64 breeding attempts by [Laysan Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* have failed due to attacks by feral pigs *Sus scrofa domesticus*. “We are heartbroken to share that 64 mōlī [Laysan Albatross] eggs were crushed or eaten by pigs on [Nihoku](https://www.nihoku.org/) beginning on 22 December.  Trail cameras documented the pigs, and we were alerted of the events by our partners the next day.  In collaboration with [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), we mobilized quickly to conduct pig removal, but the damage was already done.  Only three eggs remain on Nihoku, all of which are enclosed in the current 7-acre predator-proof fence.  We have been working on expanding the fenced-in area because we know these specialized fences are highly effective in protecting ground-nesting seabirds from predators, including pigs.” *![Kilauea Point Laysan Ad wth chick 20 21 Jacqueline Olivera](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kilauea_Point_Laysan_Ad_wth_chick_20_21_Jacqueline_Olivera.jpg) A Laysan Albatross and its chick in the refuge during the 2020/21 season.  The original Nihoku fence is visible behind, photograph by Jacqueline Olivera* “It is devastating to lose so many eggs just months before the scheduled completion of the new 168-acre [68-ha] perimeter predator-proof fence.  However, it is also assuring to know that next year’s Nihoku colony of nesting mōlī will have over 2 miles [3.4 km] of fence protecting them from future attacks.” In a follow-up the national refuge writes “Nihokū is the place name for the land between Kīlauea Point and Kāhili, sometimes referred to as Crater Hill.  Located within Nihokū is a 7-acre parcel of land completely enclosed within a predator-proof perimeter fence.  All the eggs in this parcel were protected.  Currently a much larger perimeter fence enclosing all Nihokū is being constructed. All our predated eggs were located inside the uncompleted fence but outside of the old 7-acre protected area.” ![Fence 2022 PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Fence_2022_PRC.jpg)*The new fence going up, photograph from the Pacific Rim Conservation* As well as attacks by pigs, feral cats *Felis catus*have killed Laysan Albatross chicks within the refuge in the past ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2043-feral-cats-are-suspected-of-killing-22-laysan-albatross-chicks-on-hawaii-s-kauai-island?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIl0=)).  Domestic dogs *Canis familiaris* running loose on Kauai have also killed albatrosses from time to time ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1595-curb-that-cur-yet-more-laysan-albatrosses-are-killed-by-dogs-running-wild-on-kaua-i)).  The new fence will keep out cats and dogs (and rodents and [mongoose](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/57-are-kauais-laysan-albatrosses-now-at-risk-to-a-new-alien-predator-the-indian-mongoose?highlight=WyJtb25nb29zZSIsImthdWFpIiwia2F1YWkncyJd)), as well as pigs.  Read more about the incomplete predator-proof fence [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4235-a-new-predator-proof-fence-will-protect-laysan-albatrosses-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-hawaii). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 24 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/64-laysan-albatross-eggs-destroyed-feral-pigs-wreak-destruction-before-a-predator-proof-fence-in-completed-on-kauai.md) ## New study shows albatrosses and petrels abundant in areas proposed for offshore wind farms in Brazil, but utilising ecological niche modelling and a species richness index in planning could help ![EIA OWF in Brazil Paper Abstract](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/EIA_OWF_in_Brazil_Paper_Abstract.jpg)*The graphical Abstract for the paper, "Environmental assessment of proposed areas for offshore wind farms off southern Brazil based on ecological niche modeling and a species richness index for albatrosses and petrels"* Carolina Alves Lemos (Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *Global Ecology and Conservation *on utilising ecological niche modelling and a species richness index in environmental impact assessments on Albatrosses and Petrels for proposed offshore wind farms in Brazil. The abstract follows: “The increasing number of offshore wind farms (OWFs) proposed off the Brazilian coast is a biodiversity management challenge that needs to be addressed with strategic and targeted environmental impact assessments. The effects of OWFs on birds are much better studied in the northern than southern hemisphere. Knowledge of species distributions is key to developing effective conservation strategies. Ecological niche modeling can support strategic siting decisions and identify the target species for which mitigation of the impacts of OWFs may be required. We used the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) for modeling species niche suitability, incorporating environmental variables and presence-only data from tracking and at-sea surveys for seven albatrosses and petrels, of which five are threatened by extinction. We used the predicted niche suitability index (NSI) to calculate niche overlaps, assess distribution patterns and generate spatial prioritizations across seasons based on a species richness index (RI). Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, Atlantic Petrel *Pterodroma incerta*, and Great Shearwater *Ardenna gravis* were selected as target species for monitoring in Brazilian shallow waters (0–200 m depth) in the warm season, and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross and White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* in the cold season. The RI was higher in waters between 200 m and 1000 m depth, a preferred area for OWFs with floating foundations. We advocate for the incorporation of niche models in environmental impact studies, as a tool for improving conservation, environmental planning, and impact assessment.” **Reference:** Lemos, C.A., Hernández, M., Vilardo, C., Phillips, R.A., Bugoni, L., Sousa-Pinto, I. 2023. Environmental assessment of proposed areas for offshore wind farms off southern Brazil based on ecological niche modeling and a species richness index for albatrosses and petrels. [*Global Ecology and Conservation*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/global-ecology-and-conservation). Volume 41. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02360](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02360)[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02360](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02360) *18 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-and-petrels-abundant-in-areas-proposed-for-offshore-wind-farms-in-brazil-but-inclusion-of-ecological-niche-modelling-and-a-species-richness-index-could-help-in-their-planning.md) ## Marine ornithologist Richard Phillips receives a Polar Medal in the United Kingdom’s 2023 New Year’s Honours List *![Richard Phillips](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Richard_Phillips.jpg) Richard Phillips, with a*[*Vulnerable*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)*Wandering Albatrosses*Diomedea exulans*under study on its nest on*[*Bird Island*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades)*in the South Atlantic* Richard Phillips, a long-term senior scientist at the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), has been awarded a Polar Medal in the United Kingdom’s 2023 New Year’s Honours List for his research to improve understanding of Antarctica and Antarctic conditions ([click here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/bas-staff-awarded-the-polar-medal-4/?fbclid=IwAR0EdJtikG-M35q0RdzbBh5bhWrDscdj3XzoyfT-UwIyvYlDcLoHPSYNzhE)).  Richard has been involved with the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) for many years as an expert member of UK Delegations to its Meetings of the Parties and its Advisory Committee.  His contributions to and his past and present roles as Co-convenor and Vice-convenor of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group)) and its predecessors have, and continue to be, much valued by the Agreement. *[![Polar Medal Heroic Age](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Polar_Medal_Heroic_Age.jpg)](https://www.falklandsbiographies.org/biographies/376) An example of an early Polar Medal from the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration* His citation follows: “Richard Phillips has been at BAS for 22 years and is Head of the Predators Group, and deputy science leader of the Ecosystems Programme.  He has made 12 fieldwork trips to the Antarctic and South Georgia.  Richard’s research interests are in the ecology and conservation of seabirds, particularly albatrosses and petrels.  He is involved with the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), the [SCAR Expert Group on Birds and Marine Mammals](https://www.scar.org/library/science-4/life-sciences/eg-bamm/) and the [CCAMLR Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fisheries](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/science/working-group-incidental-mortality-associated-fisheries-wg-imaf).  These international agreements develop strategies to promote research on seabirds and other marine taxa, particularly where this is of relevance to understanding and managing marine and terrestrial threats.” The Polar Medal, struck in silver, is a medal awarded by the [Sovereign of the United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_of_the_United_Kingdom) to individuals who have outstanding achievements in the field of polar research abd other activities, and particularly for those who have worked over extended periods in harsh climates.  It was instituted in 1857 as the Arctic Medal and renamed the Polar Medal in 1904 ([click here](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/103898)). Richard is also recognized academically by his positions as an Honorary Professor at the [College of Life and Environmental Sciences](https://lifesciences.exeter.ac.uk/), University of Exeter, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the [Department of Zoology](https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/), University of Cambridge ([click here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/)). In the same Honours List albatross researcher Kath Walker was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4544-albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit)).  Others who have received the same or similar awards for their work towards albatross conservation in the Southern Ocean and on sub-Antarctic islands include the late [Peter Prince](https://www.falklandsbiographies.org/biographies/376) (Polar Medal, 1978),  [John Croxall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Croxall) (Polar Medal  and clasp, 1992 & 2004), [Sally Poncet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Poncet) (Polar Medal 2015; one of only [18 women](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_Medal) to receive such an award) and [Graham Robertson](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/51-graham-robertson-bycatch-mitigation-researcher-receives-a-clasp-to-his-australian-antarctic-medal?highlight=WyJyb2JlcnRzb24iLCJyb2JlcnRzb24ncyIsIm1lZGFsIl0=) (Australian Antarctic Medal and clasp, 1989 & 2012). The ACAP Secretariat takes great pleasure in offering its congratulations to Richard Phillips for his well-deserved award. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Abatrosses and Petrels, 19 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marine-ornithologist-richard-phillips-receives-the-polar-medal-in-the-united-kingdom-s-2023-new-year-s-honours-list.md) ## Start of a new colony? The Short-tailed Albatrosses of Midway Atoll are up to five this season **![2023 George STAL hatchling Caren Lobel Fried](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_George_STAL_hatchling_Caren_Lobel-Fried.jpg)**Geraldine with her 2023 chick, photograph by Caren Loebel-Fried** George and Geraldine, the sole pair of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* breeding on Midway Atoll, have hatched their latest egg that was [laid back in October](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4507-short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-are-back-incubating-on-midway-and-they-have-some-new-friends?highlight=WyJnZW9yZ2UiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsImdlb3JnZSBnZXJhbGRpbmUiXQ==) last year.  The chick was first sighted on 27 December being brooding by George, the male bird, but it may have hatched one or two days previously.  . Watch a one-minute [video](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/videos/1521541135013256) by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer Catie Mahon of George and Geraldine on 10 January shortly after a nest change, with the chick being fed by the returning female, after which the male departed.  The chick is their fourth since their first known meeting in 2016; no chick was produced last year as their egg did not hatch in the 2021/22 breeding season. **![2023 George STAL hatchling USFWS Jon Plissner 27 December](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_George_STAL_hatchling_USFWS_Jon_Plissner_27_December.jpg)**Geraldine with the 2023 hatchling, photograph by Jon Plissner, USFWS** “What's particularly exciting as well is the steady appearance of the couple's [first 2018/19, [banded red AA08](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3320-short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-fledge-the-first-documented-chick-from-midway-atoll-s-sand-island?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyJd)] chick near the nest that was present for its sibling’s hatching!  A wildlife camera funded by the Friends of Midway Atoll [https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends%20of%20midway%20atoll%20national%20wildlife%20refuge](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends%20of%20midway%20atoll%20national%20wildlife%20refuge)is focused on the nest 24/7 that gives biologists the chance to observe the chick and its parental care and feeding while also being able to document the comings and goings of the chick’s 4-year-old sibling.  It is not unusual for albatross juveniles to return to their natal island before they are sexually mature.  This week the juvenile was captured trying out his dance moves with a neighbouring Black-footed Albatross!” *![2023 dancing STAL juvenile USFWS Jon Plissner 27 December](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2023_dancing_STAL_juvenile_USFWS_Jon_Plissner_27_December.jpg) The juvenile Short-tailed Albatross up on its toes displaying to a much smaller Black-footed Albatross*P. nigripes*on Midway, 27 December 2022, photograph by Jon Plissner, USFWS* If the juvenile is able to find a conspecific to engage in mutual display on Midway ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4507-short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-are-back-incubating-on-midway-and-they-have-some-new-friends?highlight=WyJnZW9yZ2UiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsImdlb3JnZSBnZXJhbGRpbmUiXQ==)), then breeding might follow, resulting in two pairs of Short-tailed Albatrosses on the atoll.  And the most [recent news](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/) of only two days ago is of another of George and Geraldine's fledglings (their second, the  2019/20 chick) has been seen back on Midway, also near its parents.  Along with a subadult banded on [Torishima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=) that has been seen elsewhere on the atoll, there are five Short-tailed Albatrosses present on Midway this season (not countiing the current chick). Start of a new colony?  Let's hope so! Access earlier posts to *ACAP Latest News* on the fortunes of George and Geraldine [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=George+Geraldine). Meanwhile, to the west on Kure Attoll the field team has observed several Short-tailed Albatrosses this season but no nests according to the [Kure Atoll Conservancy Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/kureatollconservancy). What happened to the [female-female pair](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1026-the-short-tailed-albatross-nest-fails-on-kure-atoll-hawaii?highlight=WyJrdXJlIiwia3VyZSdzIiwic2hvcnQtdGFpbGVkIiwia3VyZSBzaG9ydC10YWlsZWQiXQ==) that laid infertile eggs on Kure some years back? Information courtesy of the [Friends of Midway Atoll National  Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 26 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/start-of-a-new-colony-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-atoll.md) ## Pacific Seabird Group seeks a Managing Editor for its scientific journal, Marine Ornithology ![Cover 50 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Cover-50_2.jpg) The role of Managing Editor for Pacific Seabird Group’s ([PSG](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org)) scientific journal, *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?p=idx)* has opened. The position operates with a high degree of independence and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of the journal. The position is described below.    The Managing Editor:  - Works with Editor-in-Chief, Dr. David Ainley, and the Book Review Editor to meet publishing deadlines and produce two issues per year. - Assigns manuscripts to editorial staff, copy editors, and layout and design team. - Keeps up to date with trends in publishing and facilitates the development of the journal to maintain its standing as a journal of choice for seabird researchers. - Assesses journal  progress by keeping track of the topics covered, the nationalities of authors, number of words published annually, etc. - Provides a liaison among the Editor-in-Chief, copy editors, the layout and design team, and Online and Book Review Editors. - May provide editorial functions to improve papers, as needed.   - Manages finances and budget projections with assistance of the PSG Treasurer. - Communicates with PSG Executive Council: provides a brief annual report on finances and requests for funding as needed, issues or challenges facing the journal, and an annual publications summary.  - Handles an average of 40 manuscripts per year.  - Commits an average of 15-25 hours per month.  - Collects an honorarium of $3,000/year (this amount may increase in future). Candidate profile/skills and qualifications: - An independent self-starter and team leader - Advanced degree in a related field, or commensurate experience - A record of publishing in your area of expertise - Strong organizational skills and an interest in the field of scientific publishing - Previous experience in science publishing and/or not-for-profit management an asset For more information please contact:[mailto:PastChair@Pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:PastChair@Pacificseabirdgroup.org)[PastChair@Pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:PastChair@Pacificseabirdgroup.org). *13 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pacific-seabird-group-seeks-managing-editor-of-its-scientific-journal-marine-ornithology.md) ## Call for Abstracts by the ICES Annual Science Conference ![ICES 2023ConferenceFlyer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/ICES_2023ConferenceFlyer.jpg) The call for abstract submissions to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea’s Annual Science Conference is now open. A wide range of themes are covered in the conference program including a session on Managing fisheries bycatch of threatened species – which is described below:  **2023 ICES ASC session - Managing fisheries bycatch of threatened species** Fisheries targeting highly productive species can have profound impacts on co-occurring species also susceptible to capture that have long generation lengths, low fecundity and other life history traits that make them vulnerable to anthropogenic mortality. There has been increasing concern over the sustainability of bycatch mortality of marine megafauna given their vulnerability to exploitation, ecosystem-level cascading effects from declines in abundance and reduced population fitness from fisheries-induced evolution. There has also been increasing attention to risks from bycatch to food, nutrition and livelihood security.   The session’s presentations and discussion will cover priority topics in fisheries bycatch science and policy such as: - Estimates of individual components of bycatch fishing mortality - Population effects of bycatch removals - Bycatch magnitude - Sublethal effects of fishing on threatened species - Estimates of bycatch through observer and electronic monitoring programs - Explanatory predictors of catch and mortality rates of bycatch species - Multispecies conflicts from bycatch mitigation methods - Costs to economic viability, practicality and crew safety - Principles for evidence-informed bycatch policy - Applying a sequential mitigation hierarchy to manage bycatch - Approaches to mitigate the catch and fishing mortality of bycatch species such as: - area-based management tools - gear technology to increase selectivity - input and output controls - international trade bans - minimized production and ghost fishing efficiency and duration of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear - management of fishing depth - fishing methods and gear designs to reduce pre-catch and at-vessel mortality rates - handling and release practices - Performance of regional fisheries management organizations’ bycatch measures - Bycatch measures of market-based programs such as the Marine Stewardship Council and Fisheries Improvement Projects - Enabling environment conditions that affect compliance with bycatch measures - Defining target and limit biological reference points for stocks of data-limited bycatch species - Comprehensive harvest strategies for incidental bycatch species - Offsets of residual bycatch losses through equivalent gains. More information on the conference including session themes, and guidelines and instructions for the submission of abstracts can be found at the [ICES website](https://www.ices.dk/events/asc/2023/Pages/default.aspx)[.](https://www.ices.dk/events/asc/2023/Pages/default.aspx) The deadline for abstract submissions is 21 March 2023. *16 January 2023*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/call-for-abstracts-to-the-ices-annual-science-conference.md) ## Age of mate accounted for by partner in Wandering Albatross foraging behaviour ![Alexis Wandering Albatross Incubating](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Wandering_Albatross_Incubating.JPG)*A Wandering Albatross incubating an egg on the nest; photograph by Alexis Wandering* Fionnuala R. McCully ([School of Environmental Sciences](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK) and colleagues have published open access in *[Ecology and Evolution](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758)* on the influence of Wandering Albatross pair members’ traits in foraging behaviour. The abstract follows: “Long-lived monogamous species gain long-term fitness benefits by equalizing effort during biparental care. For example, many seabird species coordinate care by matching foraging trip durations within pairs. Age affects coordination in some seabird species; however, the impact of other intrinsic traits, including personality, on potential intraspecific variation in coordination strength is less well understood. The impacts of pair members' intrinsic traits on trip duration and coordination strength were investigated using data from saltwater immersion loggers deployed on 71 pairs of wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*. These were modeled against pair members' age, boldness, and their partner's previous trip duration. At the population level, the birds exhibited some coordination of parental care that was of equal strength during incubation and chick-brooding. However, there was low variation in coordination between pairs and coordination strength was unaffected by the birds' boldness or age in either breeding stage. Surprisingly, during incubation, foraging trip duration was mainly driven by partner traits, as birds which were paired to older and bolder partners took shorter trips. During chick-brooding, shorter foraging trips were associated with greater boldness in focal birds and their partners, but age had no effect. These results suggest that an individual's assessment of their partner's capacity or willingness to provide care may be a major driver of trip duration, thereby highlighting the importance of accounting for pair behavior when studying parental care strategies.” **Reference:** McCully, F.R., Weimerskirch, H., Cornell, S. J., Hatchwell, B. J., Cairo, M., & Patrick, S.C. 2022 . Partner intrinsic characteristics influence foraging trip duration, but not coordination of care in wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*. *Ecology and Evolution* 12, e9621. [https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9621](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9621) *11 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/age-of-mate-accounted-for-by-partner-in-wandering-albatrosses-foraging-behaviour.md) ## New technique to detect nano- and ultrafine plastics tested in research on shearwaters ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwaters_in_colony_Ian_Hutton.jpg)*Flesh-footed Shearwaters; photograph by Ian Hutton* Bianca Keys ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au), Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published in [Environmental Science & Technology](https://pubs.acs.org/journal/esthag) on a new detection method for nano- and ultrafine plastics using Flesh-footed and Short-tailed shearwaters as case studies.  The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic ingestion has been documented in a plethora of taxa. However, there is a significant gap in the detection of nano- and ultrafine particles due to size limitations of commonly used techniques. Using two Australian seabird species as case studies, the flesh-footed shearwater (FFSH) *Ardenna carneipes* and short-tailed shearwater (STSH) *A. tenuirostris*, we tested a novel approach of flow cytometry to quantify ingested particles <70 μm in the fecal precursor (guano; colon and cloacal contents) of both species. This method provided the first baseline data set for these species for plastics in the 200 nm–70 μm particle size ranges and detected a mean of 553.50 ± 91.21 and 350.70 ± 52.08 plastics (count/mg fecal precursor, wet mass) in STSH and FFSH, respectively, whereas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided accurate measurements of polymer compositions and quantities in the size range above 5.5 × 5.5 μm2. The abundance of nano- and ultrafine particles in the guano (count/mg) was not significantly different between species (p-value = 0.051), suggesting that foraging distribution or prey items, but not species, may contribute to the consumption of small plastics. In addition, there was no correlation between macroplastics in the stomach compared to the fecal precursor, indicating that small particles are likely bioaccumulating (e.g., through shedding and digestive fragmentation) and/or being directly ingested. Combining flow cytometry with FT-IR provides a powerful quantitative and qualitative analysis tool for detecting particles orders of magnitude smaller than that are currently explored with wider applications across taxa and marine environments.” Reference: Keys, B.C., Grant, M.L., Rodemann, R., Mylius, K.A., Pinfold, T.L., Rivers-Auty, J. & Lavers, J.L. 2022. New Methods for the Quantification of Ingested Nano- and Ultrafine Plastics in Seabirds. [*Environmental Science & Technology*. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06973](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.2c06973). *9 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-technique-to-detect-nano-and-ultrafine-plastics-tested-in-research-on-shearwaters.md) ## Ballpoint pen artist, Snah kicks off ACAP’s fourth collaboration with ABUN for World Albatross Day and its theme of plastic pollution *![Snah Kritzler 2a](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Snah_Kritzler_2a.jpg) Black-browed Albatross on Marion Island by Snah, after a photograph by Kim Stevens, with a disposable plastic bottle* A [ballpoint pen artist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballpoint_pen_artwork), who goes under the pseudonym [Snah](https://www.facebook.com/hans.stache.9), has created the first artworks for [ABUN Project #43 “Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4530-the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more)” in support of this year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution).  The project, which will run until 31 March, is the fourth collaboration between ACAP and [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June. *![Snah Kritzler 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Snah_Kritzler_4.jpg) A Black-footed Albatross by Snah, after a photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip taken on Kure Atoll, stands next to a washed-up plastic bottle* Snah writes to *ACAP Latest News*:  “I live in Germany in a little town near Hanover.  I have been painting with a ballpoint pen for the last three years.  I haven't had any professional training.  I also work with aquarell, pastel chalk, airbrush, charcoal and acrylic.  But I now prefer to use ballpoint pens, because I can use them while sitting on my sofa.” **![Snah Kritzler 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Snah_collage_of_8_drawings.jpg)* A collage of Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses by Snah for ‘WAD2022’* Snah also produced ballpoint pen artwork to help illustrate last year’s World Albatross Day, with its theme of [Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change). Thanks Snah! *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 10 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ballpoint-pen-artist-snah-kicks-off-acap-s-fourth-collaboration-with-abun-for-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-plastic-pollution.md) ## Seabirds play a vital role in island-ocean health as a “connector species” ![pnas.2122354119fig02](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/pnas.2122354119fig02.jpg)*Figure 2. Diversity of terrestrial ecosystem changes that have been documented to follow island introduction of invasive mammals. The ecosystem changes are linked to the ecology of the invasive mammal, and some of the stereotyped shifts are captured. (A) Pigs are a common invader across islands, often introduced deliberately by humans for food. (B) Rats and other rodents are often introduced accidentally, traveling aboard ships and colonizing islands worldwide. (C) Goats can be introduced to islands for their perceived value as livestock, but without management can lead to dramatic shifts to island ecosystems. Note that the effects of invasive mammals will vary based upon the natural history of the island and the exact species of invader.* The eradication of invasive pests from islands has far-reaching benefits beyond the immediate terrestrial ecosystem with seabirds identified as playing a key role as a “connector species” whose activities provide a crucial link between, and benefits to, terrestrial and marine ecosystems.  The [new perspective](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2122354119) titled, "Harnessing island–ocean connections to maximize marine benefits of island conservation" by Stuart Sandin (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, U.S.A) and colleagues has been published open access in the [*Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*](https://phys.org/journals/proceedings-of-the-national-academy-of-sciences/) (PNAS). The abstract follows: “Islands support unique plants, animals, and human societies found nowhere else on the Earth. Local and global stressors threaten the persistence of island ecosystems, with invasive species being among the most damaging, yet solvable, stressors. While the threat of invasive terrestrial mammals on island flora and fauna is well recognized, recent studies have begun to illustrate their extended and destructive impacts on adjacent marine environments. Eradication of invasive mammals and restoration of native biota are promising tools to address both island and ocean management goals. The magnitude of the marine benefits of island restoration, however, is unlikely to be consistent across the globe. We propose a list of six environmental characteristics most likely to affect the strength of land–sea linkages: precipitation, elevation, vegetation cover, soil hydrology, oceanographic productivity, and wave energy. Global databases allow for the calculation of comparable metrics describing each environmental character across islands. Such metrics can be used today to evaluate relative potential for coupled land–sea conservation efforts and, with sustained investment in monitoring on land and sea, can be used in the future to refine science-based planning tools for integrated land–sea management. As conservation practitioners work to address the effects of climate change, ocean stressors, and biodiversity crises, it is essential that we maximize returns from our management investments. Linking efforts on land, including eradication of island invasive mammals, with marine restoration and protection should offer multiplied benefits to achieve concurrent global conservation goals.” **Reference:** Sandin, S.A., Becker, P.A., Becker, C. *et al*. 2022.  Harnessing island–ocean connections to maximize marine benefits of island conservation, *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. Vol. 119, No. 51. [DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122354119](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2122354119).  *06 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabirds-play-a-vital-role-in-island-ocean-health-as-a-connector-species.md) ## Now there are nine. ACAP produces five new logos for World Albatross Day in Asian languages *![WALD Logo 2023 Japanese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Japanese.png) The ‘WAD2023’ logo in Japanese* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement inaugurated [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) in 2020, to be celebrated annually on 19 June, this being the date the Agreement was signed in 2001.  For 2023 ACAP has chosen “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” as its theme to mark the day. Since 2020, ACAP has advertised World Albatross Day by producing logos in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish.  Additionally. a Portuguese version has also been released, given that Brazil, where that language is spoken, is a Party to the Agreement. Noting that many high-seas fishing vessels, including tuna longliners, that fish in southern hemisphere waters where ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels occur, have their home ports in Asia, ACAP has now produced five new ‘WAD2023’ logos in Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and in Simplified and Traditional Chinese. ![WALD Logo 2023 Simplified Chinese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Simplified_Chinese.png) ![WALD Logo 2023 Traditional Chinese1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Infographics/WALD_Logo_2023_Traditional_Chinese1.png) *WAD2023 logo in Simplified (left) and Traditional (right) Chinese* ![WALD Logo 2023 Indonesian](https://acap.aq/images/WALD_Logo_2023_Indonesian.png) ![WALD Logo 2023 Korean](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Korean.png) *WAD2023 logo in Indonesian (left) and Korean (right)* All nine ‘WAD2023 logo versions may be freely downloaded [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution/world-albatross-day-2023-logos-posters/4485-wad-2022-logo). In 2024 consideration will be given to adding more languages to the suite of nine World .Albatross Day logos in order to increase the Agreement’s outreach to high-seas fishing fleets around the world. With thanks to Geoffry Tyler for logo design and to Woei-horng Fang, Vivian Fu, Yuna Kim, Fransisca Noni, Scott Pursner, Yasuko Suzuki and Yat-Tung Yu for providing and advising on translations. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 02 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/now-there-are-nine-acap-produces-five-new-logos-for-world-albatross-day-in-asian-languages.md) ## Albatross researcher Kath Walker appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit *![Kath Walker Graeme Elliott Anripodean Albatross S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Kath_Walker_Graeme_Elliott_Anripodean_Albatross_S.jpg) Kath Walker (left) and Graeme Elliott with a male Antipodean Albatross on Antipodes Island* ACAP’s congratulations go to Kath Walker of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) on being appointed an Officer of the [New Zealand Order of Merit](https://dpmc.govt.nz/our-programmes/new-zealand-royal-honours/new-zealand-royal-honours-system/components-new-zealand-0) for services to wildlife conservation in the [New Year Honours List 2023](https://dpmc.govt.nz/publications/new-year-honours-list-2023) by King Charles III. "She and her partner [Graeme Elliott] have monitored the health of albatross populations in the subantarctic annually since 1991, much of it in their own time. Through this, Dr Walker and her partner discovered both Gibson’s and Antipodean albatross populations were in a critical condition and have worked to alert others and to find solutions” ([click here](https://dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/ny2023-onzm/#walkerka)). The New Zealand Order of Merit was instituted by Royal Warrant dated 30 May 1996.  The Order is awarded to those “who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and the nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions, or other merits”. *![WAD banner Antipodes Kath Walker Graeme Elliott 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/banners/WAD_banner_Antipodes_Kath_Walker__Graeme_Elliott_1.jpg) Kath**Walker**(left) and Graeme Elliott with their World Albatross Day 2020**banner**behind an adult non-breeding male Antipodean Albatross - who walked into the frame ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3582-completing-a-world-heritage-site-new-zealand-s-antipodes-island-gets-its-own-world-albatross-banner-despite-covid-19?highlight=WyJhbnRpcG9kZXMiLCInYW50aXBvZGVzJyIsImFudGlwb2RlcyciLCJiYW5uZXIiLCInYmFubmVyIiwiYmFubmVyJyIsImJhbm5lcidzIiwiJ2Jhbm5lciciLCJiYW5uZXInLiIsIndhbGtlciIsIndhbGtlcidzIl0=))* Read Kath Walker’s [photo essay](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4259-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-antipodean-albatross-by-kath-walker) on the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* written for the ACAP website. Kath Walker is not the only person who has worked to connserve ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels in New Zealand to be so honoured.  Retired helicopter pilot [Peter Garden ONZM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4541-the-acap-monthly-missive-a-personal-journey-eradicating-introduced-rodents-on-islands-by-helicopter-pilot-peter-garden) received the same award in 2016 for his leading role in rodent eradications on seabird islands around the world  ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2663-doyen-island-eradication-helicopter-pilot-peter-garden-becomes-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit)). In March last year, [Kerry-Jayne Wilson MNZM](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4308-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-westland-petrel?highlight=WyJrZXJyeS1qYXluZSIsImtlcnJ5LWpheW5lJ3MiLCJ3aWxzb24iLCJ3aWxzb24ncyIsImtlcnJ5LWpheW5lIHdpbHNvbiJd), who had worked to conserve ACAP-listed Westland Petrels *Procellaria westlandica*, passed away. The year before she had written the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4154-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-westland-petrel-by-kerry-jayne-wilson) for the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica/text) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel) species. Access publications by Kath Walker and Graeme Elliott on Antipodean Albatrosses and other news posts featuring them from [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Walker+Elliott). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 05 January 2023, updated 06 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatross-researcher-kath-walker-appointed-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit.md) ## Black-browed Albatrosses ashore on Marion Island **![Black Browed Albatross Marion Island GHA Ridge Kim Stevens](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-Browed_Albatross_Marion_Island_GHA_Ridge_Kim_Stevens.JPG)* The**Black-browed Albatross of**Grey-headed Albatross Ridge loafing on an empty nest, January 2014; photograph by Kim Stevens* Sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Oceans supports significant breeding populations of four albatross species – the [Wandering](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) *Diomedea exulans*, [Grey-headed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *Thalassarche chrysostoma*, [Light-mantled](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) *Phoebetria palpebrata* and [Sooty Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) *P. fusca.  *In addition to these, two other species of albatrosses have been seen ashore on the island – [Black-Browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *T. melanophris* and [Indian Yellow-nosed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri/text) *T. carteri*.  The latter species has occasionally been seen ashore over the years, as either adults or fledglings, all thought to have come from the nearby breeding colony on Prince Edward Island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4508-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-occasionally-visit-marion-island-but-do-not-breed-there)).  The former, in contrast, is represented by only two individuals, one of a bird that bred several times, as summarized below. *![BBA GHA Ridge Michelle Thompson 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_GHA_Ridge_Michelle_Thompson_1.jpg) The first Black-browed Albatross gets a colour band red H53 in 2006, photograph by Michelle Thompson* The first Black-browed Albatross recorded ashore on Marion was seen on Grey-headed Albatross Ridge in 2000; it was metal banded as 9A-16339 on 2 December that year.  A plastic colour band (red H53) was added in 2006.  Identified genetically as a female, it attempted breeding at least four times between 2000 and 2009 with a Grey-headed Albatross.  The social partner seen at the nest was also colour banded, as red H54, in 2006.  The pair successfully fledged a chick in the 2006/07 season which was metal banded before it fledged, allowing it to be identified when it returned to the colony nine and 11 years later in 2016 and 2018.  The other three breeding attempts failed at the egg stage.  The Black-browed Albatross’ partner red H54 was last seen in 2008. *![BBA x GHA hybrid 2s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_x_GHA_hybrid_2s.jpg) The 2006/07 hybrid chick returns to occupy a nest site, photograph taken on 1 February 2018 by Christopher Jones* Genetic testing of the chick revealed it to be the hybrid offspring of the Black-browed Albatross and a different Grey-headed Albatross – not its social partner red H54.  Intriguingly, a different but similar-looking hybrid was seen near the mixed pair’s breeding site in 2017, raising the possibility that the Black-browed Albatross had bred successfully with a Grey-headed Albatross more than once. The Black-browed Albatross was seen loafing near its nest site in most breeding seasons on Grey-headed Albatross Ridge from 2009 until 2020, with no further breeding attempts having been recorded since that of 2008/09.  To date, repeated searches for the bird during the current (2022/23) breeding season have met with no success. *![BBA 29 October 2008 Ships Cove Marion Linda Clokie 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_29_October_2008_Ships_Cove_Marion_Linda_Clokie_9.jpg) The second Black-browed Albatross on Marion Island.  Above Ship’s Cove on 29 October 2008, photograph by Linda Clokie* A second adult Black-browed Albatross was photographed on the cliff top above Ship’s Cove on Marion’s north-east coast on 29 October 2008.  The bird appeared to be associating with several Sooty Albatrosses.  This record has not been previously published.  The closest regular breeding site of the Black-browed Albatross is on the Crozet Islands, some 950 km to the east, where the species breeds in mixed colonies with Grey-headed Albatrosses. *![BBA 29 October 2008 Ships Cove Marion Linda Clokie 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_29_October_2008_Ships_Cove_Marion_Linda_Clokie_3.jpg) The Ship’s Cove Black-browed Albatross was seen close to several Sooty Albatrosses resting on the cliff top,* *photograph by Linda Clokie* All avian research on Marion Island is conducted by experienced ornithologists under a research permit issued in terms of the island’s management plan and with ethics approval. With thanks to Linda Clokie, Maëlle Connan, Bruce Dyer, Chris Jones, Danielle Keys, Lucy Smyth, Michelle Thompson and Eleanor Weideman for their photographs and information. **Selected Publications:** Jones, M.G.W., Techow, N.M.S., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Hagens, Q.A., Taylor, F. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Hybridization and cuckoldry between black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses.  [*Antarctic Science* 32-10-14](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-blackbrowed-and-greyheaded-albatrosses/1AE29113DABBB5B6E1C6E61F7A21A9AC)*.* Phillips, R.A., Cooper, J. & Burg, T.M. 2018.  Breeding‐site vagrancy and hybridization in albatross.  [*Ibis* 160: 907-913](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.12622). Ryan, P.G., Jones, M.G.W., Dyer, B.M., Upfold, L. & Crawford, R.J.M. 2009.  Recent population estimates and trends in numbers of albatrosses and giant petrels breeding at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands.  [*African Journal of Marine Science*31: 409-417](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/AJMS.2009.31.3.13.1001). Weimerskirch, H., Jouventin, P. & Stahl, J.C. 1986.  Comparative ecology of the six albatross species breeding in the Crozet Islands.  [*Ibis* 128: 195-213](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1986.tb02669.x). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels & Kim Stevens, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South Africa, 12 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/black-browed-albatrosses-ashore-on-marion-island.md) ## Hands-on management works. Black-footed and Laysan Albatross news from Hawaii *![Kuaokala Dec 2022 Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kuaokala_Dec_2022_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) This Laysan Albatross pair seems safe from climate change 500 m above the sea in the Kuaokala Game Management Area on Oahu, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* For some years, *ACAP Latest News* has regularly reported on conservation management activities on two of the main islands of Hawaii that are directed at creating and enhancing breeding opportunities safe from sea level rise for two ACAP-listed albatrosses, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  To keep readers up to date, here are snippets of news of the current breeding season that have been gleaned from recent social media posts. **Kauai** Twenty-eight fertile Laysan Albatross eggs collected from the Pacific Missile Range Facility ([PMFR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility)) were placed in nests that contained infertile eggs (as deduced by candling, watch a [video](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/822666222368456)) over two days by a team led by the environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/).  Localities where foster eggs were placed included the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population), [Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens](https://naainakai.org/) and sites in private ownership on the island.  Since 2009, more than 523 eggs, that would have otherwise been destroyed at the PMFR in order to reduce the risk of collisions with aircraft, have been placed in foster nests. Read more about this project [here](https://acap.aq/Hawaii%20albinews.docx) and watch a [latest-news/3964-black-footed-albatrosses-to-breed-on-oahu-for-the-first-time-next-season?highlight=WyJrYWVuYSIsImJsYWNrLWZvb3RlZCJd](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3964-black-footed-albatrosses-to-breed-on-oahu-for-the-first-time-next-season?highlight=WyJrYWVuYSIsImJsYWNrLWZvb3RlZCJd)[video](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/678868230575140) by Hob Osterlund (Founder of the [Kauaʻi Albatross Network](http://www.albatrosskauai.org/wp/)) of a translocation taking place at a nest with a female-female pair that had laid two infertile eggs. *![Hob Osterlund 2022 egg translocation team](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Hob_Osterlund_2022_egg_translocation_team.jpg) “May they live long and Trossper”. The December 2022 egg foster team from Pacific Rim Conservation, Pacific Missile Range Facility and the Kauaʻi Albatross Network, along with a private landowner, photograph by Hob Osterlund* According to the December issue of *Wild Times*(the online newsletter of the [Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai)), the total number of breeding attempts by Laysan Albatrosses within the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/KilaueaPointNWR) for the 2022/3 breeding season stands at 132, “which, we are delighted to share, is higher than last season” ([click here](https://mailchi.mp/a6df1a0cb584/dec-2022-wild-times?fbclid=IwAR13sBFBkix3-aCq6xFLFthG7Cc7XzRrL_N-QFzN5Zmk-z4WfwLhSAvkhEI)).  The breeding albatrosses within the refuge are due to receive better protection this season as a predator-proof fence that will keep out feral pigs and stray dogs is being erected ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4235-a-new-predator-proof-fence-will-protect-laysan-albatrosses-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-hawaii?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwiZmVuY2UiLCJmZW5jZSdzIl0=)). *![Fence 2022 PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Fence_2022_PRC.jpg) The new predator-proof fence goes up in October 2022 in the**Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* *![Kilauea Point Friends](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kilauea_Point_Friends.jpg) An incubating Laysan Albatross in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, 04 December 2022, photograph from the Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges* **Oahu** Egg laying has finished for Laysan Albatrosses this season with a reported 95 occupied nests in the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1333-acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) within a predator-proof fence, 46 in the [Kuaokala Game Management Area](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1602-acap-breeding-site-no-60-kuaokala-game-management-area-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-at-altitude) which is fenced against pigs and dogs and nine at the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell) on Oahu.  The last locality is where efforts have been made to create a new breeding colony within a predator-proof fence for both Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses by hand-rearing translocated chicks and allowing them to fledge from the refuge, to return some years later to breed ([click here](https://www.islandarks.org/species.html)).  Pacific Rim Conservation writes “2022 was one of the worst albatross nesting years on record.  With a strong La Nina (the opposite weather pattern of [El Nino](https://www.climate.gov/enso)), their preferred foraging grounds move further north and thus give them longer commutes.  With another La Nina expected for the 2023 breeding season, we are trying to keep our fingers crossed that the birds will do slightly better this year with the record number of nests we've seen [on Oahu].” The first Black-footed Albatross of the season was seen in the reserve at Kaena Point on 15 November 2022 by Pacific Rim Conservation.  “Typically, Black-footed Albatrosses come back a few days before the Laysans, but this pair is still relatively young and thus starting later. The female (colour band V949) arrived first and we are awaiting her mate.”  Decoys and calls have been used in the hope they will improve the likelihood of the species breeding within the refuge.  It is hoped the pair will breed this season, which would be the first time for the species on Oahu ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3964-black-footed-albatrosses-to-breed-on-oahu-for-the-first-time-next-season?highlight=WyJrYWVuYSIsImJsYWNrLWZvb3RlZCJd)). *![V651 BFA Pacific Rim Conservation 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/V651_BFA_Pacific_Rim_Conservation_2022.jpg) Black-footed Albatross V651 rests between two decoys within the fenced area at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge* A translocated Black-footed Albatross with colour band V651 returned to both Kaena Point and the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in December last year.  The bird, identified as a female by Pacific Rim Conservation, was a member of the 2018 cohort translocated from [Tern Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tern_Island_(Hawaii)), French Frigate Shoals, making it a four-year-old at the time. Recent news from Pacific Rim Conservation is of another returning translocated Black-footed Albatross chick to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge.  V674 is also a female from the same 2018 translocation cohort. This is the first time she’s been resighted on Oahu. This month a [third banded bird](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation/) of the 2018 cohort has been photographed next to the decoys, and a pair has been filmed [mutually displaying](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation/videos/867598911198558) in the refuge. ![P00[849:848] TT[115] E[163:0061]G[000:0x00] BV[129:1] IR[N:F:60] MOE[0:3] ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Translocated_bird_returns.jpg) *V674**gets caught on camera on 28 December 2022* Such attempts to “micro-manage” albatross breeding populations are not common elsewhere.  Japan has worked to create new breeding colonies for the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus)Short-tailed *P. albatrus* on [Torishima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=) and in the Ogasawara Islands on [Mukojima](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3640-acap-breeding-site-no-93-mukojima-ogasawara-islands-a-short-tailed-albatross-translocation-site) using decoys, calls and translocated chicks with some success.  A similar operation to create a new colony of Black-footed Albatrosses on Mexico’s [Isla Guadalupe](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1412-acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats) is [ongoing](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4402-towards-a-new-national-breeding-species-mexico-fledges-34-translocated-black-footed-albatrosses-from-isla-guadalupe?highlight=WyJndWFkYWx1cGUiXQ==), with the third year of egg transfers from [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) by Pacific Rim Conservation taking place this month.   However, the effort to eestablish a new colony of globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita/text) Chatham Albatrosses *Thalassarche eremita* in New Zealand has apparently not succeeded, although many translocated hand-fed chicks fledged over a five-year period ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3243-eight-translocated-chatham-albatrosses-return-to-the-pyramid-their-original-home/)).  Elsewhere in New Zealand, the well-known mainland colony of globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at [Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) is carefully managed by such regular practices as the use of artificial incubators around hatching time, combating fly strike and hot-weather days with insecticides and asprinklers respectively, regular weighing coupled with supplementary feeding of chicks deemed to be underweight, and the control of alien predators.  A somewhat different case has tbeen the one-off attempts, mostly successful, to eradicate introduced rodents and feral cats on a number of sub-Antarctic islands over the last two decades or so (click on [Island Eradications](https://mousefreemarion.org/articles/) to access descriptions of several such eradications). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 17 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/hands-on-management-works-black-footed-and-laysan-albatross-news-from-hawaii.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. A personal journey eradicating introduced rodents on islands by helicopter pilot Peter Garden *![Peter Garden](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Peter_Garden.jpg) Peter Garden flying on the South Georgia eradication, photograph *by John Guthrie** **NOTE: **Peter Garden ONZM, a helicopter pilot from Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island, has flown on some of the most ground-breaking island eradication exercises over much of the world.  His flying skills and leadership have in no small part been pivotal in the successful eradication of introduced rodents from such islands as Campbell in New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic (when he was the Chief Pilot), Alaska’s Hawadax, Palmyra and Henderson in the Pacific and South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* in the South Atlantic – as Flight Operations Manager and Chief Pilot once more - surely the most ambitious island eradication to date.  Now in his 70s, Peter is retired from flying bait buckets over rodent-infested islands, but he remains involved with combating alien invasions as he writes to ACAP: “I am running trap lines for rats, stoats, possums and wild cats in a 10 500-ha native bush block near my home.  Very much enjoying being back at the ‘coal face’”. Peter is the first guest to be featured in [*ACAP Monthly Missives*](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives), the fourth in the series.  He writes of his personal journey from possum trapper to being invested (although he is too modest to mention it) as an Officer of the [New Zealand Order of Merit](https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/overview/nzom) in 2016 for “services to aviation and conservation” ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2663-doyen-island-eradication-helicopter-pilot-peter-garden-becomes-an-officer-of-the-new-zealand-order-of-merit)). It was a great pleasure for me to spend a night camping on Gough with Peter on my last visit to that South Atlantic island in 2013 when over two days we conducted the annual monitoring of a long-term study colony of colour-banded [Southern Giant Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus) *Macronectes giganteus*.  Peter was on the visit to advise the [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) and the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) on their respective plans to eradicate the House Mice that have taken to killing albatrosses and other seabirds on both islands. You can read more about Peter Garden’s adventurous life flying helicopters over remote islands [here](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown-lakes/pied-piper-takes-wing-against-rat-pests). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Albatross and Petrel Agreement* *![South Georgia 2015](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/South_Georgia_2015.jpg) Chief Pilot Peter Garden**at the controls in 2015.  Loading rodenticide bait for aerial dispersal on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, photograph by Tony Martin* We all come to conservation from different perspectives, but our end goal is to understand better and help to improve the decline of biodiversity that the world is currently experiencing.  As a New Zealander (Kiwi) I, along with most of my compatriots, have experienced first-hand the loss of iconic species and this has led to an uprising of commitment to do something about this decline. New Zealand broke away from Gondwana some 80 million years ago and, in the interim, this land mass and the group of islands that developed have drifted across the southern part of the globe in isolation from mammalian predators.  These conditions created a virtual utopia for the unique flora and fauna that evolved.  However, that utopian spell was broken around 1000 years ago with the arrival of Polynesian travellers who bought with them their domestic dogs and Pacific or Polynesian Rats.  This was exacerbated 800 years later with the arrival of European sealers and whalers who brought Black and Brown Rats and House Mice in their infested ships.  The European settlers who followed introduced European Rabbits, Red Deer, Himalayan Thar, Chamois, domestic pigs (which soon became feral) and Brush-tailed Possums for food and sport, and Gorse *Ulex europaeus* and Common Broom *Cytisus scoparius* to provide hedgerows, along with many invasive garden plants.  Stoats and Ferrets were introduced in an effort to control the burgeoning rabbit numbers, but they preferred our native birds as they were easier to catch, being completely naive to mammalian predators. My journey began as a possum trapper in the 1960s.  I hunted these animals, introduced to New Zealand from Australia, for their fur, but the animal rights people got the fur trade stopped and possum numbers soon escalated out of hand.  They now munch through millions of tonnes of native vegetation every year and also prey upon bird’s eggs and chicks.  As an agricultural helicopter pilot, I was employed spraying noxious weeds such as gorse and broom and spreading toxins to control rabbits and possums. Then in the 1990s I was involved in a programme to recover the last remaining wild Kakapo from Stewart Island in an effort to save this [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22685245) ground parrot from certain extinction.  This work was being carried out by the inspirational Don Merton who had been so successful in the efforts to save the now [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-robin-petroica-traversi/text) Black Robin, restricted to the Chatham Islands. *![Kakapo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kakapo.jpg) A Kakapo eyes the camera, photograph by Pete McClelland* The recovery programme for the Kakapo required the removal of possums and Pacific Rats from the 1400-ha island of [Whenua Hou](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codfish_Island_/_Whenua_Hou) off the southern coast of New Zealand to provide a safe breeding habitat.  In order to prove the concept of exterminating a resident population of predators, several smaller islands were treated first.  This was carried out to establish application rates and procedures to ensure bait was available to all the target species and that no long-term damage would occur to non-target species. The success of the Whenua Hou programme encouraged the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz) to tackle a much more ambitious target – Norway Rats on Campbell Island.  The 11 300-ha sub-Antarctic island is located in the Southern Ocean 700 km south of New Zealand and required a change in strategy. The remote location and the size of the island meant using the traditional two times 10 kg/ha applications of bait would be economically unfeasible. A single 6 kg/ha application was proposed.  Campbell was treated in July 2001 and was declared free of rats two years later.  The island’s environment soon recovered with flora and fauna flourishing ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/pioneering-rodent-eradication-in-the-sub-antarctic-the-campbell-island-rat-eradication-project/)). **![Frigate Seychelles](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Frigate_Seychelles.JPG)* Bait loading against Norway Rats on Frigate Island in the Seychelles in 2000, photograph by Don Merton* The conservation world began to realise that it was possible to reverse the balance that had swung in favour of introduced predators.  I was asked to help out on eradication programmes on the islands of Denis, Frigate and Curiuse in the Seychelles in 2000 (Norway Rats) and against Norway Rats on [Hawadax](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawadax_Island) (formerly Rat Island) in the Alaskan Aleutian Chain in 2008. *![Hawadax ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Hawadax_.jpg) Hawadax Island from the air, photograph by Graeme Gale* In 2011/12 I was a pilot again on a single ship-based expedition that successively treated USA’s [Palmyra Atoll](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201104194703.htm) in the Central Pacific’s Line Islands (Black Rats), and then in the South Pacific, Kiribati’s Phoenix Islands (Pacific Rats) and Pitcairn’s [Henderson Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/96-a-setback-for-the-henderson-island-rat-eradication?highlight=WyJoZW5kZXJzb24iXQ==) (Pacific Rats). *![Palmyra Pete McClelland shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Palmyra_Pete_McClelland_shrunk.jpg) ‘Dope on a rope’: Pete McClelland t**reats coconut palms with rodenticide on Palmyra Atoll, photograph by Kale Garcia* A problem we had to overcome when treating Palmyra Atoll was that a large number of coconut palms overhung the lagoon.  We knew that rats were living in the tree canopies and could remain there for long periods as there was adequate food and water.  Treating these using the bait-spreading bucket would have meant a considerable amount of bait entering the marine environment.  To avoid this, we devised a method (known as a ‘dope on a rope’) to drop packages of bait into the treetops. **![Henderson Aquila](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Henderson_Aquila.JPG)* Flying from the support ship*Aquila*at Henderson Island in the South Pacific in 2011; the attempt to eradicate Pacific Rats was unsuccessful, photograph by Kale Garcia* Targeting Black Rats on [Desecheo Island](https://blog.nature.org/science/2017/11/06/recovery-the-salvation-of-desecheo-national-wildlife-refuge/) off Puerto Rico in the Caribbean followed in 2012. But for me the greatest challenge (and reward) lay in the sub-Antarctic Atlantic on the enigmatic island of South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, with its chequered history linked to whaling.  At just under 4000 square kilometres, it was by far the largest island that had ever been considered for treatment. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/South_Georgia.JPG) The derelict Grytviken whaling station in the South Atlantic; rats were cleared by hand baiting, photograph by Roland Gockel* Fortunately, much of the island is covered in permanent snow and ice but some 1000 km² still needed to be treated to remove the Norway Rats and House Mice that had been in residence since the sealing and whaling days.  The island has several large glaciers which calve directly into the sea and create barriers to the spread of rodents between zones.  This allowed the treatment to be carried out over several years as there is insufficient suitable weather to complete the job in one season.  A large project like this spread over a five-year period warranted the purchase of helicopters, so three [Bolkow BO 105](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBB_Bo_105) aircraft were secured by the [South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project](https://sght.org/habitat-restoration/), these proving ideal for the terrain and weather conditions experienced.  After carrying out a three-phased operation between 2011 and 2015, followed by an extensive monitoring programme completed in 2017, the island was declared rodent free in 2018 and since them island’s fauna has shown a remarkable recovery ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/leading-the-way-to-marion-the-successful-south-georgia-habitat-restoration-project/)). *![South Georgia 2013](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/South_Georgia_2013.jpg) Doing their job.  The three Bolkow BO 105 helicopters fly together in 2013, photograph by Oli Prince* Much has been learned over the past decade or so, but real change is still elusive.  [Gene drive technology](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4503-a-long-way-to-go-before-an-island-eradication-is-achievable-using-genetic-biocontrol-on-introduced-house-mice) offers a glimpse of what the future may hold for the eradication of island rodents, but we must continue to use and develop the tools that are currently available in order to slow the present alarming rate of biodiversity loss that the world is experiencing. **Selected Publications:** Martin, T. with photographs by members of Team Rat [2015].  [*Reclaiming South Georgia.  The Defeat of Furry Invaders on a Sub-Antarctic Island.*.](https://www.sghtonline.gs/reclaiming-south-georgia-by-tony-martin-and-team-rat-77-p.asp)  [Dundee]: South Georgia Heritage Trust.  144 pp.  [ACAP review](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2455-book-review-the-defeat-of-furry-invaders-on-a-sub-antarctic-island?highlight=WyJ0ZWFtIiwidGVhbSdzIiwiJ3RlYW0iLCJyYXQiLCJyYXQnIiwicmF0J3MiLCJyZXZpZXciLCJyZXZpZXcncyIsInRlYW0gcmF0Il0=). Stolzenburg, W. 2001.  [*Rat Island.  Predators in Paradise and the World’s Greatest Wildlife Rescue*](https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/rat-island-9781608193318/).  New York: Bloomsbury.  278 pp. *Peter Garden, Wanaka, New Zealand, 03 January 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-a-personal-journey-eradicating-introduced-rodents-on-islands-by-helicopter-pilot-peter-garden.md) ## Buller’s and Northern Royal Albatrosses and Northern Giant Petrels get surveyed on Motuhara *![Motuhara Forty Fours Bsarry Baker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Motuhara_Forty-Fours_Bsarry_Baker.jpg) Motuhara from the air, photograph by Barry Baker* Mike Bell ([Toroa Consulting Limited](https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.toroa_consulting_limited.879c0bc095e45d34638441d26d34bb69.html)) has produced a final report for the New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) via its Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)), describing results obtained from a visit to the island of [Motuhara](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3918-acap-breeding-site-no-95-motuhara-supports-buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels).  Three ACAP-listed species were studied, including the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi,*that will be featured as part of ACAP marking [World Albatross Day on 19 June 2023](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution). The report’s summary follows: “Northern Royal Albatross (*Diomedea sanfordi*), Northern Buller’s Mollymawk (*Thalassarche bulleri plateri*) and Northern Giant Petrel (*Macronectes halli*) all have significant breeding populations on Motuhara. Northern Royal Albatross have been counted on Motuhara using aerial photography from 2006, despite uncertainties in censusing a biennial breeding species, it appears the population is in gradual decline, with the current breeding population at 1,400-1,600 pairs annually. A large number of birds are also found breeding on Rangitatahi/The Sisters, where the average count is between 1,700-2,250 breeding pairs between 2017 and 2022. A small population of 30-40 pairs also breeds at Taiaroa Head, Dunedin. Northern Buller’s Mollymawk have been counted on Motuhara in 2007, 2008 and 2009, with an average count of 14,699 nests (range 14,185-15,238 nests). A repeat ground census in 2016 recorded 17,682 nests with the increase in numbers considered to reflect improved methodology rather than a true increase. This represents the largest breeding colony of the species, with approximately 3,200 pairs also breeding on The Sisters and a small population of 34 pairs on Rosemary Rock, in the Three Kings Motus (northern North Motu). The number of Northern Giant Petrels breeding on Motuhara has never been systematically counted, but the breeding population was estimated at 2,000 pairs in 1993. Extrapolating from a census during mid chick rearing in 2016 the population of Motuhara was estimated at 1,935 breeding pairs, making Motuhara the largest colony of this species in New Zealand; and the second largest colony globally behind South Georgia. In January 2021 a field trip to Motuhara was carried out to undertake seabird research. During which GLS devices were deployed on Buller’s Mollymawk, and cameras were set up to record breeding activity at Royal Albatross, Buller’s Mollymawk, and Giant Petrel breeding areas. As it is required to recover devices to obtain the data further trips to the motu were planned in August 2021, and January 2022. Unfortunately, due to the August 2021 Covid-19 lockdown a trip was not possible in August, but one was carried out in January 2022. This report summarises the results of this field trip and summarises research undertaken on Northern Buller’s Mollymawk, Northern Royal Albatross and Northern Giant Petrel; including recovering GLS tracking devices on birds and data from cameras established at colonies. **Reference:** Bell, M.[D.] 2022.  *[Motuhara Seabird Research: Field Trip Report January 2022](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/chatham-islands-seabird-population-research/)*.  [Blenheim: Toroa Consulting Limited].  12 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 29 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/buller-s-and-northern-royal-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-petrels-get-surveyed-on-motuhara.md) ## COP15 hails an historic moment for nature ![221219 Adoption GBF](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/221219-Adoption-GBF.jpg) The [COP15](https://www.unep.org/un-biodiversity-conference-cop-15) summit closed in Montreal, Canada in December 2022 with the adoption of “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF). The landmark UN biodiversity agreement includes four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. Among the targets outlined in the agreement, the GBF aims to: protect 30% of Earth’s lands, oceans, coastal areas and inland waters with areas of high biodiversity and ecological significance to be prioritised; ensure the use of wild species is sustainable and minimises impacts on non-target species; halts human-induced extinctions of threatened species. Another key target contained in the framework is for the prevention and eradication of invasive alien species on islands and other priority sites.  The targets and goals of the GBF could bring significant benefits to all 31 ACAP-listed species.  Under the agreement, countries are obligated to monitor and report on indicators related to progress against the GBF's goals and targets every five years or less. The official press release from the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) is available [here](https://www.cbd.int/article/cop15-cbd-press-release-final-19dec2022?fbclid=IwAR20CgpLp_81BQJA6pLdOLdN8C6oSwnCa-AX4vsnNZgIOWEZGW3Qlyz6u4k). *2 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cop15-hails-an-historic-moment-for-nature.md) ## A new chapter in conservation management: Pacific Rim Conservation contributes to a new book on conservation decision making ![Transforming Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Transforming_Conservation.jpg) Hawaii-based group, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), has published a chapter in a new book on conservation decision making. The book, “Transforming Conservation: A Practical Guide to Evidence and Decision Making”,analyses current decision making processes and offers new strategies and approaches to conservation management. Pacific Rim Conservation, who are known for their work creating new habitat for seabirds in recompense for habitat loss through sea-level rise in the US Tropical Pacific, worked alongside 75 co-authors on chapter 11, “Creating a Culture of Evidence Use” which incorporates the organisation as a case study (alongside others) on its evidence-based practices.  An excerpt from the chapter reads,  “Evidence is a prerequisite for effective conservation decisions, yet its use is not ubiquitous. This can lead to wasted resources and inadequate conservation decisions. Creating a culture of evidence use within the conservation and environmental management communities is key to transforming conservation. At present, there are a range of ways in which organisations can change so that evidence use becomes routinely adopted as part of institutional processes. Auditing existing use is a useful first stage followed by creating an evidence-use plan. A wide range of possible actions should encourage evidence use and ensure the availability of resources needed. Seven case studies show how very different organisations, from funders to businesses to conservation organisations, have reworked their processes so that evidence has become fundamental to their effective practice.” “[Transforming Conservation: A Practical Guide to Evidence and Decision Making](https://www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.11647/obp.0321?fbclid=IwAR2r22CfgU7ksgEhER2GrbOIg88BAYS5gXBufgzGn_DhMj3ObPXaonekWaw)” was edited by William J. Sutherland (Miriam Rothschild Chair in Conservation Biology, Department of Zoology, [*University of Cambridge*](https://ror.org/013meh722)) and is available open access through [Open Book Publishers](https://www.openbookpublishers.com/). **Reference: ** Sutherland, W.J.(Ed.). 2022. *Transforming Conservation: A Practical Guide to Evidence and Decision Making*. Open Access Books. ISBN 978-1-80064-856-2. [https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0321](https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0321)[https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0321](https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0321) *4 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-chapter-in-conservation-management-pacific-rim-conservation-contributes-to-new-book-on-conservation-decision-making.md) ## Protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in sight for the Northern Giant Petrel ![Northern Giant Petrel Washington 8.12.2019 Zed Blue with circle](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Northern_Giant_Petrel_Washington_8.12.2019_Zed_Blue_with_circle.jpg)*The Northern Giant Petrel spotted off the coast of Washington in 2019 and reported on by ACAP in January 2020, photograph by Zed Blue* The Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli *is one of 16 birds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is proposing to add to the list of birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act ([MBTA](https://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918)). The list reflects changes in taxonomy and accepted use, as well as new evidence regarding the natural occurrence or absence of species in the United States or U.S. territories. The inclusion of the Northern Giant Petrel is based on new distributional records documenting its occurrence in the United States or U.S. territories.  In January of 2020, ACAP Latest News reported on the [sighting of a Northern Giant Petrel ](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3483-a-long-way-from-home-a-northern-giant-petrel-gets-photographed-in-the-north-pacific?highlight=WyJub3J0aGVybiIsImdpYW50IiwicGV0cmVsIiwicGV0cmVsJ3MiLCJwZXRyZWwnLCIsInVzYSIsInVzYSdzIiwidXNhJyIsIm5vcnRoZXJuIGdpYW50Iiwibm9ydGhlcm4gZ2lhbnQgcGV0cmVsIiwiZ2lhbnQgcGV0cmVsIl0=)from a fishing vessel off the coast of Washington, USA in the North Pacific on 8 December 2019.  The proposal would add 16 species and remove three, bringing the total number of species protected by the MBTA to 1,106. Names changes would affect 30 other listings.  Although the USA regularly attends and contributes to ACAP meetings, and despite repeated bipartisan efforts over the years to introduce enabling legislation to its House of Representatives, it is not yet a Party to the Agreement. [ACAP](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4093-the-usa-makes-a-further-attempt-to-become-a-party-to-the-albatross-and-petrel-agreement?highlight=WyJiaXBhcnRpc2FuIl0=) and the [National Audubon Society](https://www.audubon.org/magazine/may-june-2016/how-congress-can-protect-seabirds-one-simple) have previously reported on the efforts by the USA to become a Party to ACAP.  The proposed Revised List of Migratory Birds made by the USFWS is available [here](https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0036-0001), and [comments](https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0036-0001) can be submitted on the proposal through February 10, 2023. *21 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/protection-under-the-migratory-bird-treaty-act-mbta-in-sight-for-the-northern-giant-petrel.md) ## First record of a Wandering Albatross nest with two eggs on Marion Island results in a chick fledging *![23 January 2022 1 Eleanor Weideman](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/23_January_2022_1_Eleanor_Weideman.jpg) The female rises on a two-egg clutch on 23 January, photograph by Thando Cebekhulu* During a “Round Island” survey of breeding [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* on [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels), a nest containing two eggs was found on the west coast close to Chess Castle Beach, between Kaalkoppie and Kampkoppie on 23 January 2022.  A timeline of follow-up visits to the nest follows. 23 January 2022 - female incubating two eggs 6 February 2022- male incubating two eggs 26 February 2022 - female incubating one egg with a few small pieces of dry eggshell around the nest 29 April 2022 - downy chick with male next to the nest Late October 2022 - chick reported as “doing well” 20 December 2022 - chick absent, presumed fledged The genders of the attending adults were deduced from observation and photographs. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/6_February_2022_1_Eleanor_Weideman.JPG) Tight fit? The male Wanderer incubating two eggs on 6 February, photograph by Eleanor Weideman* *![DCIM\101MEDIA\DJI_0397.JPG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/26_February_2022_1Eleanor_Weideman.JPG) The female on a single egg with eggshell chips visible on 26 February 2022, photograph by Eleanor Weideman* Two-egg clutches in Wandering Albatrosses have been very  rarely recorded (<0.02%) on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic, but not previously on Marion Island, despite now over 10 000 breeding attempts having been checked over the years, according to a 2007 scientific publication by Peter Ryan and others (see reference below).  The double- clutch record described here is thus a first for the island.  The authors consider that all double-clutch nests in albatrosses are due to laying by two females, never by a single bird laying two eggs.  Photographs of the adult birds suggest only two were involved in incubation and chick rearing, although this cannot be confirmed as the birds were not banded. * ![DCIM\102MEDIA\DJI_0324.JPG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/29_April_2022_2_Eleanor_Weideman.JPG) The male beside its chick on 29 April, with a large piece of eggshell visible, photograph by Eleanor Weideman* Read about a double clutch in an [Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* nest on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) where both eggs hatched [here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2068-an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-pair-attempts-to-rear-two-chicks-on-gough-island?highlight=WyJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIiwidHdvIiwiJ3R3byIsImVnZ3MiLCJ0d28gZWdncyJd). With thanks to Thando Cebekhulu, Lucy Smyth and Eleanor Weideman for their observations and photographs, and to Maëlle Connan for facilitating communications with the island. **Reference:** Ryan, P.G., Cuthbert, R. & Cooper, J. 2007.  Two-egg clutches among albatrosses.  [*Emu* 107: 210-213](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU07018). *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 31 January 2023, updated 02 February 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/first-record-of-a-wandering-albatross-nest-with-two-eggs-on-marion-island.md) ## Flesh-footed shearwater population monitoring on three New Zealand islands, 2021/22 [![Flesh footed Shearwater 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) *A Flesh-footed Shearwater rests at sea, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) works to reduce the impact of commercial fishing on protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters.  Here are [summaries](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/flesh-footed-shearwater-population-monitoring-and-estimates-202122/) of two of its most recent final reports by ecological consultancy [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/) on the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698188) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes,* a species that has been identified for listing by ACAP ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4482-the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement)). **Lady Alice and Ohinau Island** This report covers the findings from the first year of flesh-footed shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) research under Conservation Services Programme project POP2021-04. Here we report on the ongoing population monitoring of flesh-footed shearwaters on Ohinau and Lady Alice Islands. An updated population estimate for Titi Island, Marlborough Sounds is presented in a separate report. During the 2021/22 season we monitored 261 and 302 study burrows on Ohinau and Lady Alice Islands respectively. The breeding success (burrows with an egg that produce a chick that is likely to survive to fledging) on Ohinau Island was 59%, similar to the 58% measured in the 2020/21 season. Breeding success on Lady Alice Island was 51%, which was also similar to the 48% measured in 2020/21 season. There were no detectable differences in breeding success between study and burrowscope (control) burrows, indicating no impact of handler disturbance. We were able to identify 73% of the birds in breeding study burrows on Ohinau Island and 93% in burrows on Lady Alice Island. An additional 349 and 165 flesh-footed shearwaters were banded on Ohinau and Lady Alice Island respectively.  **Titi Island** This report covers the findings from the first year of toanui/flesh-footed shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) (Threat Status - At Risk: Relict) research under the Department of Conservation’s Conservation Services Programme, project ‘DOC CSP POP2021-04’. Here we report on the flesh-footed shearwater population estimate undertaken on Titi Island, Marlborough, to update previous estimates made in 2010 and 2014 (Baker *et al*. 2010 and Waugh *et al*. 2014). Burrow transects were carried out on Titi Island to gather data for an updated population estimate for flesh-footed shearwaters known to breed on the island. It is estimated that there are a total of 528 (250 – 806, 95% CI) occupied flesh-footed shearwater burrows on Titi Island with an average burrow occupancy of 15% calculated across all colony areas. Through this transect work, it was also possible to calculate a population estimate for the tītī/sooty shearwaters (*Ardenna grisea*) (Threat Status - At Risk: Declining) breeding on the island. It is estimated that there are a total of 1,038 (544 - 1,533, 95% CI) occupied sooty shearwater burrows on Titi Island with an average burrow occupancy of 25%, calculated as an average across all colony areas. The flesh-footed shearwater population estimate presented here for Titi Island is slightly higher than the previous estimate carried out by Baker *et al*. (2010) and Waugh *et al*. (2014). We conclude that our estimates are not necessarily reflective of a population increase, but more likely a result of more in-depth and higher-quality sampling and analysis techniques giving a more accurate estimate of population sizes compared to the two previous estimates. We recommend another future population estimate be undertaken in 5 years, utilising the same methods to support long term population trend analyses on Titi Island. **References:** Burgin, D., and Ray, S. 2022.  Flesh-footed shearwater population monitoring and estimates: 2021/22 season.  POP2021-04 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International Limited for the Department of Conservation, Wellington.  24 pp. Burgin, D. & Lamb, S. 2022.  Toanui/flesh-footed shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) population estimate for Titi Island, Marlborough Sounds: January 2022.  POP2021-04 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International Limited for Department of Conservation, Wellington.  23 pp. Both reports are available from [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/flesh-footed-shearwater-population-monitoring-and-estimates-202122/). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 26 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flesh-footed-shearwater-population-monitoring-on-three-new-zealand-islands-2021-22.md) ## Black Petrel monitoring on New Zealand’s Great Barrier Island/Aotea over 2021/22    ![Biz Surface bird on Aotea Credit Biz Bell WMIL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Surface_bird_on_Aotea_Credit_-_Biz_Bell_WMIL.jpg) *A Black Petrel in the breeding colony on Great Barrier Island, photograph by 'Biz' Bell,Wildlife Management International* The Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) works to reduce the impact of commercial fishing on protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters.  Here are [summaries](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/black-petrel-monitoring-on-aoteagreat-barrier-island-20212022/) of two of its most recent final reports by Wildlife Management International on the ACAP-listed and globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni* by the ecological consultancy [Wildlife Management International](https://www.wmil.co.nz/). **Land component** This report is part of the ongoing study of the tākoketai/black petrel, *Procellaria parkinsoni*, on Great Barrier Island/Aotea that began in the 1995/1996 breeding season. During the 2021/2022 breeding season 478 tākoketai/black petrel study burrows were intensively monitored within the Mt Hobson/Hirakimata study area on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. There were 326 (68.2%) burrows occupied by breeding pairs, 92 (19.2%) occupied by non-breeding birds, and 60 (12.6%) were unoccupied. Overall, 239 chicks were produced from the study burrows representing a fledgling success rate of 73.3%. Nine census grids were monitored within the study area and accounted for 196 of the inspected study burrows. Of these, 148 were occupied by breeding pairs (75.5%) and 102 chicks were produced representing a fledging success rate of 68.9%. A total of 745 adults and 254 fledgling chicks were captured during the 2021/2022 field season with 107 adults banded this season (including 69 from study burrows). Of the 254 fledgling chicks banded during the 2021/2022 field season, 227 were banded in study burrows; 12 had already fledged prior to the banding visit in May 2022. There have been a total of 386 returned chicks recaptured at the colony since they were banded prior to fledging. Of these, 124 returned chicks identified during the 2021/2022 breeding season; 23 of which had been caught for the first time at the colony. The majority of returned chicks were from the 2013/2014 breeding season, followed by the 2010/2011 cohort). Not all cohorts were represented as no returned chicks from the 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 cohorts were recaptured this season. Understanding the factors affecting return rates of chicks within the 35-ha study site is vital. It is important to determine whether it is related to low juvenile survival and/or recruitment or if it is simply due to a lack of detection. Understanding juvenile survival and recruitment is necessary for accurate population estimates and risk assessment modelling. Therefore, it is recommended that effort to obtain this data is completed with urgency. Preliminary monitoring of pig and other predator occurrence and impact on black petrels on Cooper’s Castle was undertaken this season. Sixteen black petrel burrows were identified within the boundaries of this study area; three were breeding and one was being visited by non-breeding birds. All other burrows were empty. Trail cameras were placed along pig pathways, walking tracks and outside active black petrel burrows. Footage confirmed feral pig, rat, and feral cat presence. While no interactions with black petrels were caught on camera, there was one cat predation and one rat predation at the study colony this season. Introduced species still pose a threat to the black petrel population and it is imperative pest control measures continue. **At-sea captures** n January 2022 WMIL staff were only able to undertake a one-day catching trip out in the waters north-east of the Marotere (Chicken) Islands group, and north of the Mokohinau Islands group. Poor weather prevented a longer trip. A total of 17 black petrels were caught from the back of the boat using a hand cast net and were all un-banded birds. Additional species caught were 18 toanui/flesh[1]footed shearwater (*Ardenna carneipes*) (Threat Status - At Risk: Relict). In March 2022 WMIL staff were able to undertake a longer three-day catching trip, targeting the same areas, but particularly north of the Mokohinau Islands group. A total of 130 black petrels were caught from the back of a boat using the same hand cast net method. This total included 5 already banded birds from WMIL study colonies on Aotea/Great Barrier Island and Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island, as well as 3 banded birds from the at-sea capture work. Additional species caught and banded were 78 flesh-footed shearwater, two New Zealand storm petrel (*Fregetta maoriana*) (Threat Classification: Nationally Vulnerable) and one rako/Buller’s shearwater (*Ardenna bulleri*) (Threat Classification: At Risk: Declining). In November 2022 WMIL staff were able to undertake a two-day catching trip, targeting the same areas as previously. A total of 39 black petrels were caught using the hand cast net method. This total included 2 already banded birds from the WMIL study colony on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. Additionally, 30 flesh-footed shearwaters were also caught and banded, one of which was already banded, having been banded at a WMIL study colony on Lady Alice Island in 2017. Finally one ōi/grey[1]faced petrel (*Pterodroma gouldi*) (Threat Classification: Not Threatened) was also caught and banded. Over all trips undertaken by WMIL (April 2021, January 2022, March 2022 and November 2022), a total of 383 seabirds were captured altogether (April 2021: n=67, January 2022: n=35, March 2022: n=211, November 2022: n=70). A total of 176 (January 2022: n=17, March 2022: n=122, November 2022: n=37) black petrels were newly banded over all 2022 trips. Including the April 2021 preliminary trial captures, a total of 241 black petrels have been caught over the cumulative 9 days (April 2021: n=55 over 3 days, January 2022: n=17 on 1 day, March 2022: n=130 over 3 days, November 2022: n=39 over 2 days). Of these, 8 were previously banded at a terrestrial colony, representing 3% of total captures. The average daily capture rate of tākoketai/black petrel for each trip is highly variable; 18 per day in April 2021, 17 per day in January 2022, 43 per day in March 2022, and 20 per day in November 2022, with the average daily capture rate of black petrels for all trips being 27. The highest average catches were in the first and last light periods of the day (7-9am and 5-7pm). Key recommendations for future work are: - Trips need to be undertaken towards the start of the breeding season, i.e., mid-November through to early February, with several trips throughout the breeding season to allow WMIL staff to capture more birds. - A large amount of bait should be taken to facilitate creating more feeding frenzies and theoretically more birds behind the back of the boat for capture. - Future work should be clarified much further in advance to increase the success of this work particularly dealing with ever changing weather and swell conditions, COVID disruptions, moon phases, and aligning the WMIL team and the skipper’s schedules. - Undertake future work around the dimmest phases of the moon. - Undertake work further north with either the same skipper (El Pescador Charters) or another suitable vessel (i.e., with a duckboard), to target other areas of this species range. - Future work should budget for a team of three (minimum) to have flexible flying and accommodation costs, as well as the rising costs of diesel fuel for boat charters and covering the cost of higher bait use. **References:** Bell, E.A., Welch, M. & Lamb, S. 2022.  Key demographic parameters and population trends of tākoketai/black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) on Aotea/Great Barrier Island: 2021/2022.  POP2021-01 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International for the Department of Conservation, Wellington.  35 pp. Burgin, D. 2022.  Summary report for at-sea capture work for tākoketai/black petrels 2022.  POP2021-01 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International for the Department of Conservation, Wellington.  18 pp. Both reports are available from [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/black-petrel-monitoring-on-aoteagreat-barrier-island-20212022/). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 28 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/black-petrel-monitoring-on-new-zealand-s-great-barrier-island-aotea-over-2021-22.md) ## Climate change a key driver influencing the abundance and occurrence of Black-browed and Light-mantled Albatrosses in the southwest Pacific Ocean ![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 13](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_13.JPG)*Light-mantled Albatrosses on Macquarie Island; photograph by Jaimie Cleeland* Long-term data analysis reveals species-specific responses to climate change between Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris* and Light-mantled *Phoebetria palpebrata*albatrosses in the southwest Pacific Ocean according to new research. The paper, “Multi-decadal changes in the at-sea distribution and abundance of black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatrosses in the southwest Pacific Ocean” by Milan Sojitra (Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues, has been published open access in the journal [ICES Journal of Marine Science](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms). ![m fsac197fig1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/m_fsac197fig1.jpeg)*Map of the study area. Red polygon represents the extent of the surveyed area over the study period. PF (Antarctic Polar Front), SAF (Subantarctic Front), and STF (Subtropical Front). Fronts are far more dynamic that these lines indicate. Here, they are shown as reference (mean representative). (Bathymetry data from ggOceanMapsData, Amante and Aakins, 2009, and Front data from Orsi and Harris, 2019).* The paper’s abstract follows: “Many long-term studies have reported changes in seabird abundance and distribution in response to climate change and various anthropogenic activities. However, a greater understanding of how species are responding to change over large spatial and temporal scales are required—particularly at high latitudes such as the Southern Ocean. We examined black-browed Thalassarche melanophris (BBAL) and light-mantled sooty Phoebetria palpebrata albatross (LMSA) observations spanning over 50 years. Both species have a wide-ranging distribution in a rapidly changing Southern Ocean. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to investigate environmental drivers of their abundance and occurrence. Our results show that climate indices, sea surface temperature and sea surface height are the main drivers influencing the distribution and abundance of both species. The abundance of BBAL southeast of Australia was observed to be decreased substantially whereas no significant change was observed in the abundance of LMSA. Both species demonstrated contrasting distributions along their latitudinal gradient with BBAL showing early stages of a southward range shift. Our analyses suggest that responses to climate change are species-specific. These rare, long-term data have provided an understanding of species’ responses to past changes in the marine environment and can provide critical information for future conservation and management.” Reference: Milan Sojitra, Eric J Woehler, Mary-Anne Lea, Simon Wotherspoon, Multi-decadal changes in the at-sea distribution and abundance of black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatrosses in the southwest Pacific Ocean, ICES Journal of Marine Science, Volume 79, Issue 10, December 2022, Pages 2630–2642, [https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac197](https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac197) *19 Decemebr 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/climate-change-a-key-driver-influencing-the-abundance-and-occurrence-of-black-browed-and-light-mantled-sooty-albatrosses-in-the-southwest-pacific-ocean.md) ## The theme for World Albatross Day for 2023 is plastic pollution and Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature will help once more! [*![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Picture1.jpg) Laysan Albatrosses*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Phoebastria immutabilis*breed among washed-up plastic litter on*[*Midway Atoll*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site)*; photograph by Steven Siegel, Marine Photobank* The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq/)) has chosen “Plastic Pollution” as its theme to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023.  Albatrosses are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the general public. This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022. ![ABUN 43](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/ABUN_43.jpg) Once more Artists and Biologist Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://www.facebook.com/ABUN4Nature)) will support ‘WAD2023’ with its artworks.  [Project No. 43](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ABUN4Nature&set=a.503951635169465) commences on 1 January and will run for three months until 31 March.  It will concentrate on four species of albatrosses severely affected by ingesting and becoming entangled by plastics.  Over 80 photographs of the four showing them in their natural habitats, but also affected by plastic pollution, have been made available to ABUN artists for inspiration via an [ABUN Facebook album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.503951635169465&type=3). ![Picture4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Picture4.jpg) ABUN Co-founder, Kitty Harvill writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “I'm certainly looking forward to working with ACAP in support of World Albatross Day once again.   I’m hoping -for some powerful artworks to highlight this enormous problem for albatrosses and other seabird species.  We will do our best to motivate our artists to get involved and participate.  I know everyone looks forward to our albatross projects.” *![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Picture2.jpg)A 500-ml plastic bottle found in the stomach of a*[*Southern Royal Albatross*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora/details) Diomedea epomophora*(*[*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3498-a-southern-royal-albatross-dies-in-captivity-after-swallowing-a-half-litre-plastic-bottle?highlight=WyJzb3V0aGVybiIsIidzb3V0aGVybiIsInJveWFsIiwiJ3JveWFsIiwiYm90dGxlIiwic291dGhlcm4gcm95YWwiXQ==)*); photograph from the New Zealand Department of Conservation* Two new albatross species will be used to feature the theme for this year’s World Albatross Day, with ABUN artworks and a music video, as well as with posters and infographics.  These will be the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*.  In addition, coverage will once again be given to last year’s two featured species, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which ingest more plastic than do the southern hemisphere species. * ![Picture3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Picture3.jpg) A beached juvenile Black-browed/Campbell Albatross entangled by a plastic string attached to a balloon, Dolphin Point, New South Wales, Australia (*[*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3914-a-tragic-christmas-day-find-a-juvenile-albatross-found-entangled-by-balloon-ribbons-in-new-south-wales?highlight=WyJibGFjay1icm93ZWQiLCJiYWxsb29uIl0=)*); photograph from Karen Joynes* With grateful thanks to the many photographers wo have made their pictures freely available for use by ACAP in the cause of albatross conservation. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 01 January 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-theme-for-world-albatross-day-for-2023-is-plastic-pollution-and-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-help-once-more.md) ## CCAMLR-41: Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing (WG-IMAF) resurrected ![CCAMLR41 Highlights and Summary photo Hobart by Chris Putnam](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/CCAMLR41_Highlights_and_Summary_photo_Hobart_by_Chris_Putnam.jpg)*Hobart, Tasmania. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has its headquarters in the Tasmanian capital city.* Current and past members of ACAP represented the Agreement across several meetings at the recent Forty-first Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and its Scientific Committee, held in Hobart, Tasmania last month. ACAP welcomes the decision taken by last year’s CCAMLR Commission, following recommendations from the Scientific Committee,  to re-establish the Working Group on Incidental Mortality Associated with Fishing (WG-IMAF).  ACAP has been extended an ongoing invitation for an ACAP expert to participate in the WG-IMAF. ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group Convenor Dr Igor Debski attended the 2022 meeting in this capacity. The WG-IMAF was originally created in response to concerns over the decline in albatross populations, and the potential for this to be exacerbated by interactions with CCAMLR fisheries. The group met predominantly on an ad hoc basis from 1994 up until 2011; however, following a decision at SC-CAMLR-40, WG-IMAF reconvened in 2022 to review mitigation of incidental mortality in the krill trawl fishery. The current Co-conveners of WG-IMAF are Mr Nathan Walker (New Zealand) and Dr Marco Favero (Argentina), both former ACAP Advisory Committee Chairs, with Dr Favero also being the ACAP Executive Secretary from 2016 to 2018. ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, and Science Officer, Dr Wieslawa Misiak, attended the CCAMLR Scientific Committee, where they were joined by Dr Igor Debski. The Executive Secretary and the Science Officer also represented ACAP at the Commission meeting.  A list of the meetings and reports (including the CCAMLR-41 preliminary report) is available [here](https://meetings.ccamlr.org/en/meetings/ccamlr). *21 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ccamlr-41-working-group-on-incidental-mortality-associated-with-fishing-wg-imaf-resurrected.md) ## Season’s Greetings from the ACAP Secretariat and best wishes for 2023 ![ACAP Seasons Greetings web 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/ACAP_Seasons_Greetings_web-3.jpg)*Photographs from left to right: A Balearic Shearwater by Pep Arcos; a Grey Petrel chick by Jeremy Bird; a Black-browed Albatross and chick by Ian Strange*  The ACAP Secretariat extends season’s greetings and its best wishes for 2023 to all.  In 2023 ACAP will continue to engage in efforts for the the conservation of the magnificent albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters listed under the Agreement. Preparations are already well underway to mark [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June and we look forward to celebrating once again with the wonderful and dedicated albatross-admiring community across the globe. ACAP has chosen the theme ["Plastic Pollution"](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) for next year’s celebrations, highlighting this urgent and growing global problem. A range of posters and infographics will be available to download from the website in time for the event. The United Kingdom is set to host the thirteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC13](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4493-the-united-kingdom-will-host-acap-s-next-meeting-in-may-2023?highlight=WyJhYzEzIl0=)) in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh in May. Meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG) and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) will precede AC13.  For all your ACAP news and stories of interest, find us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/acap_birds/) as well as here on *ACAP Latest News*. *The ACAP Secretariat, 23 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/season-s-greetings-from-the-acap-secretariat-and-best-wishes-for-2023.md) ## SCAR releases Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Decadal Synopsis (ACCE) Report ![Infographic 7Panels SCAR FINAL V1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Infographic_7Panels_SCAR_FINAL_V1.png)*The accompanying infographic to* the Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Decadal Synopsis (ACCE), *illustrating key messages from the report* SCAR has collaborated with scientists across the globe to produce the [Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment Decadal Synopsis](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da611f6f7c375923d8563a8821%26id%3D14f1a1be27%26e%3D24ff63980c&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2Pi3bn9GqHlUREYNKUibX4) (ACCE). The report summarises a decade’s worth of research, providing a concise compiled synopses of current understanding, explicit recommendations for actions to address change, and recommendations for additional research. An animation (see below) and a set of illustrated infographics highlighting key messages from the report have been produced to accompany the report. The set of infographics to accompany the report are available from [here](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da611f6f7c375923d8563a8821%26id%3D0bd3cd85e5%26e%3D24ff63980c&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2aRjabRjzKzQVipuQlVuRW). The full report is available to download from the [SCAR library](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da611f6f7c375923d8563a8821%26id%3Db1cb4dd40a%26e%3D24ff63980c&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1dFBAczvsrg30gZ4YM8d8a).    The report’s summary as follows:  “Scientific evidence is abundantly clear and convincing that due to the current trajectory of human-derived emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, the atmosphere and ocean will continue to warm, the ocean will continue to acidify, atmospheric and ocean circulation patterns will be altered, the cryosphere will continue to lose ice in all forms, and sea level will rise.  While uncertainties remain about various aspects of the Earth System, what is known is beyond dispute. The trends, based on observations and confirmed by modelling, will accelerate if high rates of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions continue.  The IPCC AR6 WGII Summary for Policymakers (SPM D.5.3) unambiguously emphasises this conclusion: *The cumulative scientific evidence is unequivocal: Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all*.  Human influence on the climate is clear, with observed changes in the climate and in greenhouse gas concentrations unequivocally attributable to human activities.  Human-induced climate change has caused extensive negative impacts, including losses to people and to nature, some of which are irreversible, such as the extinction of species.  Climate change is increasingly exacerbating the impact of other human-caused effects on nature and human well-being, and the impacts are expected to grow with increasing climate change magnitude.  Observations, modelling and global assessments describe significant changes in Antarctic physical and living systems, both marine and terrestrial.  Changes in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments are linked to and influence climate impact drivers globally.  The most significant potential influence of Antarctica’s changes will be on global mean sea level change and its influence on society and nature in all coastal regions of the globe.  Further global impacts influenced by Antarctic change include extreme climate and weather events, droughts, wildfires and floods, and ocean acidification. These impacts cause ecosystem disruption and loss of biodiversity beyond the Antarctic region.  Under current projections, and without nations meeting the Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Climate Agreement, the rate of global change will outpace societal, political, and economic responses that will facilitate adaptation and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change.  The agreements of the Antarctic Treaty System will not escape these influences. Rapidly changing Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments require similarly rapid environmental governance responses, including potential changes to agreements that have previously taken many years to reach. Impacts of climate change are also likely to challenge geopolitical relations in regions outside the Antarctic, in turn influencing relations within the Antarctic Treaty System.  Past global arrangements and isolated responses have been ineffective in addressing cross-boundary challenges that require an Earth System approach. Research conducted in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean regions, and strong policies developed from its results, are critical for the development of an integrated Earth System approach and the discernment of a path to a sustainable future for the planet.  Cooperative and coordinated international responses are required to address critical research needs in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. In turn, receptive Antarctic governance is needed to use the knowledge generated by the research to create effective policy and decisions. Enhanced investment in science will provide policymakers and planners with more comprehensive and coherent sets of information over time to help put in place timely, scalable adaptation and mitigation strategies. Investment in new science and technology that provides updated information on the likelihood of major drivers of climate risk will more than repay itself.  Science communication and education in partnership with other cultural and societal actors is essential to enable further appreciation of the value of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for current and future human well-being, for biodiversity, and for the interdependence of humans and nature. To limit further change, immediate and deep emissions reductions are required across all sectors.  Effective action is now more urgent than it has ever been. “ **Reference: ** Chown, S.L., Leihy, R.I., Naish, T.R., Brooks, C.M., Convey, P., Henley, B.J., Mackintosh, A.N., Phillips, L.M., Kennicutt, M.C. II & Grant, S.M. (Eds.) (2022) *Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment: A Decadal Synopsis and Recommendations for Action.* Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, Cambridge, United Kingdom. [www.scar.org](http://www.scar.org/) *Friday 16 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/scar-releases-antarctic-climate-change-and-the-environment-decadal-synopsis-acce-report.md) ## The Southern Ocean Observing System prepares for its inaugural Symposium in 2023 ![SOOS symposium header](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/SOOS_symposium_header.png) The inaugural Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) Symposium, "Southern Ocean in a Changing World" will take place from 14 – 18 August 2023 in Hobart, Australia. “The Southern Ocean plays a critical role in the Earth System, and our understanding of the ongoing changes and our ability to project future changes are reliant on sustained observations. The SOOS has built a strong network of community-driven initiatives and tools that combine to enhance and facilitate the delivery of a sustained observing and data delivery system for the Southern Ocean”.   The Symposium will feature plenary presentations, parallel sessions and workshops incorporating a wide spectrum of Southern Ocean research under the Symposium’s theme, "Southern Ocean in a Changing World" and focused around the topics listed below: • Circumpolar observations and programmes • Regional observations and programmes • Data systems • New observing technology and systems in Southern Ocean observations Find out more information on the Symposium’s topics and register for updates on the event at the [SOOS Symposium website](https://soos.aq/soos-symposium-2023). *14 December 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-southern-ocean-observing-system-prepares-for-its-inaugural-symposium-in-2023.md) ## Near 90% of Cory’s Shearwaters studied in the Canary Islands contained plastics ![corys shearwater paulo catry](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/corys_shearwater_paulo_catry.jpg) *Cory’s Shearwater, photograph by Paulo Catry* Alberto Navarro ([Marine Ecophysiology Group](https://eomar.ulpgc.es/eomar), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain) and colleagues have published in the [*Marine Pollution Bulletin*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin) on ingestion of plastics (mainly derived from fishing gear) by [Cory's Shearwaters](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22732244) *Calonectris borealis*and other seabirds. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic pollution constitutes an environmental problem in the Canary Islands nowadays. Nevertheless, studies evaluating the impact of plastics on its avifauna are still scarce. Gastrointestinal tracts of 88 birds belonging to 14 species were studied for the presence of plastics. Moreover, their livers were analyzed for the determination of bromodiphenyl ethers (BDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Among Cory's shearwaters (*n* = 45), the frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion was considerably high (88.89 %). This species had the highest mean value of items (7.22 ± 5.66) and most of them were compatible with lines derived from fishing gear. PCBs and PAHs were detected in all of the samples and OCPs in the great majority of them (98.86 %). Our results highlight the problems that plastic debris (mainly for seabirds) and organic pollutants pose to these species.” **Reference:** Navarro A., Perez Luzardo, O., Gomez, M., Acosta-Dacal, A., Martínez, I., de la Rosa, J.G., Macia-Montes, A., Suarez-Perez, A. & Herrera, A. 2023.  Microplastics ingestion and chemical pollutants in seabirds of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain).  [*Marine Pollution Bulletin*186.  doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114434*.*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X2201116X?fbclid=IwAR1dUKe8mFYIElrPZMejYgIiUmHWomzD0PO0p2W_dzxS82owJgvuJOTX37w) [*John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 30 December 20*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X2201116X?fbclid=IwAR1dUKe8mFYIElrPZMejYgIiUmHWomzD0PO0p2W_dzxS82owJgvuJOTX37w)*22* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/near-90-of-cory-s-shearwaters-studied-in-the-canary-islands-contained-plastics.md) ## New research reveals insights into Wandering Albatrosses dynamic soaring ![rsos WA Dynamic Soaring Philip Richards Paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/rsos_WA_Dynamic_Soaring_Philip_Richards_Paper.jpg)*Figure 1. Schematic of a wandering albatross flying in an across-wind direction using an S-shaped dynamic soaring manoeuvre consisting of a series of upwind and downwind turns through the boundary layer (redrawn after Sachs [6]). The bird extracts mechanical energy from the wind by climbing headed upwind and descending headed downwind. Wave heights are typically large in the Southern Ocean. Wind–wave interactions cause a more complicated instantaneous wind field than the average shown here, and waves themselves induce updrafts. Albatrosses appear to efficiently exploit these fine-scale variations in wind velocity, making modelling their flight challenging. * Philip Richardson (Department of Physical Oceanography, [Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution](https://www.whoi.edu/), USA) and Ewan Wakefield have published open access in the journal [Royal Society Open Science ](https://royalsociety.org/journals/)an analysis of the wandering albatrosses’ utilisation of dynamic soaring using GPS tracking data and model simulations. The paper’s abstract follows: Wandering albatrosses exploit wind shear by dynamic soaring (DS), enabling rapid, efficient, long-range flight. We compared the ability of a theoretical nonlinear DS model and a linear empirical model to explain the observed variation of mean across-wind airspeeds of GPS-tracked wandering albatrosses. Assuming a flight trajectory of linked, 137° turns, a DS cycle of 10 s and a cruise airspeed of 16 m s−1, the theoretical model predicted that the minimum wind speed necessary to support DS is greater than 3 m s−1. Despite this, tracked albatrosses were observed in flight at wind speeds as low as 2 m s−1. We hypothesize at these very low wind speeds, wandering albatrosses fly by obtaining additional energy from updrafts over water waves. In fast winds (greater than 8 m s−1), assuming the same 10 s cycle period and a turn angle (TA) of 90°, the DS model predicts mean across-wind airspeeds of up to around 50 m s−1. In contrast, the maximum observed across-wind mean airspeed of our tracked albatrosses reached an asymptote at approximately 20 m s−1. We hypothesize that this is due to birds actively limiting airspeed by making fine-scale adjustments to TAs and soaring heights in order to limit aerodynamic force on their wings. An article explaining the paper’s findings has been released by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) on their [website](https://www.whoi.edu/press-room/news-release/new-research-unlocks-clues-about-the-iconic-flight-of-the-wandering-albatross/?fbclid=IwAR2F1lxPx_xxS21BZq8TORdjyEQEdNZRkTu2vJVATYhAOXX05O_qp4Rx-mw). **Reference:** Richardson P.L. and Wakefield E.D. 2022 Observations and models of across-wind flight speed of the wandering albatross *Royal Society Open Science*. 9211364211364 [http://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.211364](http://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.211364) *12 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-insights-revealed-about-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## The New Zealand Journal of Ecology reviews the restoration of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands ![Picture4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Picture4.jpg) *The*[*Million Dollar Mouse* *project*](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-million-dollar-mouse-project-was-a-success-clearing-new-zealands-antipodes-of-its-alien-house-mice/)*works towards its ultimate success as a bait bucket is loaded at last light on Antipodes Island; photograph by Keith Springer* **Note:**  In this guest article, Keith Springer, Operations Manager for South Africa’s [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), writes about a suite of publications in a [special issue](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/j46_3) of the *New Zealand Journal of Ecology* on the [restoration of New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3482).  A Table of Contents with linked titles and lead authors follows his article. ********************************** For many years now, New Zealand has put significant effort and resources into managing pest animal species on its sub-Antarctic islands.  There are five main groups, [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species), [Auckland Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2358-acap-breeding-site-no-81-auckland-island-where-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-feral-pigs), [Bounty Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1208-acap-breeding-sites-no-1-the-bounty-islands-of-new-zealand), [Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels) and [The Snares](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1336-acap-breeding-sites-no-15-snares-islands-new-zealand-home-of-buller-s-and-salvin-s-albatrosses), that together form the [New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/877/).  The Bounty Islands and The Snares have never had introduced mammals establish on them — they have remained animal pest-free. *![Auckland Island pig Pete McClelland](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Auckland_Island_pig_Pete_McClelland.jpg) A rare breed in the cross hairs?  A*[*feral pig*](https://www.rarebreeds.co.nz/aucklandpigs.html)*forages among washed-up kelp along the shore on Auckland Island; photograph by Pete McClelland* The other three island groups all had numerous species of introduced mammal established.  This occurred for several reasons.  Some animals established either from shipwrecks or from stowaways in the stores and equipment brought by the first European visitors – the sealers and whalers of the early 19th Century.  This typically included rats, mice, cats, and sometimes, dogs.  Because the islands lay on the ‘[Great Circle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great-circle_navigation)’ shipping route – in the days of sail, ships bound from Australia to England sailed these latitudes to pick up the prevailing westerly winds – shipwrecks were common (the location of Auckland Islands being incorrectly marked on the charts didn’t help).  As a result, animals like goats, pigs and rabbits were introduced so that shipwrecked sailors might find sustenance.  Finally, the government let grazing leases on some islands, so cattle and sheep were taken there as part of farming operations. Over the years, the sealing and whaling industries collapsed, steam ships replaced sail, so the Great Circle Route fell into disuse and the grazing leases were cancelled.  However, the animals remained, and diminished the biodiversity values of the islands by eating seabirds, land birds, invertebrates and by grazing the vegetation.  The sum of these impacts was a significant deterioration of the ecological condition of those islands with introduced pests. * ![Picture5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Picture5.jpg) A globally*[*Endangered*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis)*Antipodean Albatross*Diomedea antipodensis *feeds its chick on Antipodes Island; photograph by Keith Springer* From the 1980s, the then-New Zealand Wildlife Service set about trying to address these impacts, although a [paper](https://www.jstor.org/stable/24061325) in the *Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society* of 1968 had discussed this strategy earlier.  The ungulates were the easiest to remove, with sheep, cattle and goats eradicated by shooting campaigns.  With the establishment of the [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz) in 1987 this work continued, with European Rabbits and House Mice removed from two smaller islands in the Auckland group.  Small by our standards now, that is, but ground-breaking efforts at that time.  This momentum saw Campbell Island cleared of Norway Rats in 2001, which has been the inspiration for many pest eradications on islands in the Southern Ocean ever since, notably on [Macquarie](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-07/macquarie-island-declared-pest-free-after-eradication-program/5373336)and [South Georgia](https://sght.org/habitat-restoration-project/) (Islas Georgias del Sur)*.  House Mice were [removed from Antipodes Island](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-million-dollar-mouse-project-was-a-success-clearing-new-zealands-antipodes-of-its-alien-house-mice/) in 2016, and planning has been underway for some time to consider removal of mice, pigs and cats from 45 891-ha Auckland Island.  If accomplished, this would remove the last invasive mammal species from all the island groups in the World Heritage Site. An immense body of knowledge and experience has been built up in the roughly 35 years of eradication activity on these islands, and each has informed and refined methodology for the next – not only in the New Zealand region, but on islands throughout the Southern Ocean. * ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/Pleurophyllum_speciosum_Campbell_Island.JPG)A luxuriant carpet of the megaherb*[*Great Emperor Daisy*](https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/pleurophyllum-speciosum/) Pleurophyllum speciosum*on Campbell Island – these verdant flower-fields have recovered now that they are free from grazing by the eradicated sheep; photograph by Keith Springer* Now, a [special edition](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/j46_3) of the [*New Zealand Journal of Ecology*](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje) collates information in 19 open-access papers on topics relating to many of these eradications on the New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands (the Campbell rat and Antipodes mouse eradications have been published elsewhere).  The edition also reports on other island eradications in New Zealand that were partly conducted as trial projects to inform the planned mouse eradication on Auckland Island, or that informed other aspects of the multi-species eradication planned for Auckland Island, such as potential methods for cat eradication on [Stewart Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Island).  There is also a paper describing the introduced mammals that were brought back to New Zealand so that populations of these genetically isolated breeds could be maintained.  After all, most of the ungulates and lagomorphs on these islands had descended from genetic bloodlines that existed up to 200 years ago and have been isolated from others of their species ever since. Of particular interest is the number of papers regarding the eradication of mice, including several where different bait application rates were trialled.  As noted, mouse eradication was achieved on Antipodes Island and may be attempted on Auckland Island, following some years of research and planning.  The planned eradication on Marion Island by the Mouse-Free Marion Project is certainly ambitious but undertaking this on Auckland Island – 50% larger than Marion – would be an even greater challenge, especially given the complexities caused by the presence of cats, pigs and large areas of scrub and forest. A special-topic journal issue such as this one really does crystalise just how much has been achieved in the eradication of mammalian pests from sub-Antarctic islands.  Of even greater importance, it also describes the ends to which eradication is the means; that is - the ecological recovery that results from these management interventions. *Keith Springer, Operations Manager, Mouse-Free Marion Project, 22 December 2022* ***New Zealand Journal of Ecology*, Volume 46(3), 2022** **Table of Contents** [Editorial: Restoration of New Zealand subantarctic islands](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3482) by James Russell *et al*. [The eradication of Campbell Island sheep and subsequent ecological response](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3483) by Derek Brown *et al*. [The hunting-assisted demise of Campbell Island cattle](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3484) by Derek Brown *et al*. [The eradication of cattle from Enderby Island and subsequent ecological response](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3485) by Derek Brown *et al*. [The eradication of feral goats from Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3486) by Derek Brown *et al.* [Introduction, rescue, and subsequent history of Auckland Islands livestock](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3487) by Michael Trotter *et al*. [Eradication confirmation of mice from Antipodes Island and subsequent terrestrial bird recovery](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3488) by Stephen Horn *et al*. [Analysis of spatiotemporal patterns of home range use and habitat selection to inform management of feral pigs on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3489) by Dean Anderson *et al*. [A local eradication pilot study of methods for feral pig eradication on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3490) by Finlay Cox *et al*. [Use of automatic feeders to attract feral pigs on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3491) by Finlay Cox & Norm Macdonald [A field test of the anaesthetics, surgical methods and radio-transmitters required for producing Judas pigs for an eradication programme](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3492) by Kate McInnes *et al*. [Spatial ecology meets eradication of feral cats on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3493) by Mariano Rodriguez-Recio *et al*. [Monitoring and detection of feral cats on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3494) by Alistair Glen *et al*.[https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3495](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3495) [Field palatability and degradation of a selection of feral cat bait matrices on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3495) by Finlay Cox *et al*. [Feral cats on Rakiura Stewart Island: population attributes and potential eradication tools](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3496) by Alistair Glen *et al*. [Population trends of house mice during tussock mast seeding on Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3497) by Rachael Sagar *et al*. [How low can you sow?  House mouse eradication on Motuareronui/Adele Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3498) by James Livingstone *et al*. [A trial on Te Pākeka/Maud Island for reducing aerial baiting sow-rates for the eradication of house mice](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3499) by Emmanuel Oyston *et al* [The next frontier: assessing the feasibility of eradicating mammalian pests from Auckland Island](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3500) by Stephen Horn *et al.* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-new-zealand-journal-of-ecology-reviews-the-restoration-of-new-zealand-s-sub-antarctic-islands.md) ## Wisdom the 71-year-old Laysan Albatross returns to Midway, but is unlikely to breed this season *![Wiadom U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Keegan Rankin 24 November 2022 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Wiadom_U.S._Fish_and_Wildlife_Service_Keegan_Rankin_24_November_2022_2.jpg) Wisdom, easily identified by her red colour band Z333, Midway Atoll, 24 November 2022.  Photograph by Keegan Rankin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service* Wisdom, a female [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis*, the world’s oldest known wild bird, was sighted back on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the northern Pacific Ocean on 24 November 2022.  She is considered to be at least 71 years old.  First banded by the late [Chandler Robbins](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2723-obituary-chandler-robbins-the-ornithologist-who-banded-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross?highlight=WyJjaGFuZGxlciIsImNoYW5kbGVyJ3MiLCJyb2JiaW5zIiwicm9iYmlucyciLCJjaGFuZGxlciByb2JiaW5zIl0=) in 1956 as a breeding adult and thus at least five years of age, she could be much older.  According to Jonathan Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, it has been estimated that Wisdom has produced 50-60 eggs and as many as 30 chicks that fledged successfully over her lifetime. Her mate, Akeakamai, has yet to be seen this breeding season.  Wisdom has not been seen  since her first sighting last month and as most Laysan Albatrosses have already laid their eggs on Midway it seems she will not be breeding for another year ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4230-wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-atoll-in-her-eighth-decade?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsIid3aXNkb20nIiwiJ3dpc2RvbScsIiwiJ3dpc2RvbSJd)).  The [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS) of the Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that Wisdom's interactions with other birds in the vicinity and the absence of Akeakamai suggest that Wisdom might be widowed, noting the male of the pair usually arrives on the atoll before their female mate.  In the previous season Wisdom returned to her nest site for only two days in November and was not then seen interacting with neighbouring birds. [Click here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Wisdom) to access the many posts about Wisdom in *ACAP Latest News* over the last decade. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 13 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-71-year-old-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-but-is-unlikely-to-breed-this-season.md) ## Common Diving Petrels return to Marion Island after the eradication of feral cats, but are presumed to be at risk to House Mice ![Common Diving Petrel Stefan Schoombie 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Common_Diving_Petrel_Stefan_Schoombie_3.jpg) *Common Diving Petrel in the hand on Marion Island, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* Maëlle Connan ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published in [*Ostrich Journal of African Ornithology*](https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ostrich) on the recent recolonisation of Marion Island by Common Diving Petrels *Pelecanoides urinatrix*, over two decades after the eradication of feral cats *Felis catus*in 1991.  The cats were introduced in 1948 and are thought to have caused the diving petrels’ extirpation soon afterwards. Lead author Maëlle Connan writes to *ACAP Latest News*:  “further work is needed to understand the reasons for the low hatching success observed and whether predation by House Mice *Mus musculus*mice may be a contributing factor”. ![Common Diving Petrel Stefan Schoombie 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Common_Diving_Petrel_Stefan_Schoombie_1.jpg) ![Common Diving Petrel Stefan Schoombie 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Common_Diving_Petrel_Stefan_Schoombie_2.jpg) *At risk to mice?  Burrowscope photographs of a Common Diving Petrel adult alongside its egg (left) and a chick (right); by Stefan Schoombie* The paper’s abstract follows in English and French: Nocturnal burrow-nesting seabirds are notoriously difficult to study and can go unnoticed for years in remote  areas. One of these species is the Common Diving Petrel *Pelecanoides urinatrix*, which has a circumpolar breeding distribution in the Southern Ocean, including at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands.  At Marion Island, the larger of the two islands, the species was extirpated by cats that were introduced in 1948.  The cats were eradicated by 1991, and Common Diving Petrels were discovered in burrows in coastal *Poa cookii*(Cook’s tussock grass) on a steep south-facing slope in Goodhope Bay during April 2015.  Subsequent surveys in October 2015 and February 2016 confirmed breeding over a 1-ha area.  In 2019/2020, breeding phenology and success was studied in 36 nests at the same site.  Birds called from their burrows from mid-September, laying started in early October, and the first chick was observed on 20 December.  Hatching peaked in early January and chicks fledged from the end of February to mid-March.  This breeding phenology is similar to that at the neighbouring Crozet Archipelago.  Overall nest survival was 46.4 ± 9.2% (mean ± SE; 95% CI: 29.5–64.1%), with most failures happening around hatching time.   Further monitoring is needed to assess whether introduced House Mice *Mus musculus*contributed to the low hatching success.  Common Diving Petrels were discovered breeding in other coastal areas, mostly in the south and east of the island. It is unlikely that breeding by this species was overlooked for three decades, suggesting that the elimination of cats allowed Common Diving Petrels to recolonise the island.” **Recolonisation naturelle de l’île subantarctique Marion par le Puffinure plongeur *Pelecanoides urinatrix*** Il est notoirement reconnu que les oiseaux de mer qui nichent la nuit dans des terriers sont difficiles à étudier et peuvent passer inaperçus pendant des années dans les régions éloignées. L’une de ces espèces est le Puffinure plongeur *Pelecanoides urinatrix*, qui a une distribution de reproduction circumpolaire dans l’océan austral, comprenant les îles subantarctiques du Prince-Edouard. Sur l’île de Marion, la plus grande des deux îles, cette espèce a été extirpée par des chats introduits en 1948. Les chats ont été complètement éradiqués en 1991 et au cours du mois d’avril 2015, des Puffinures plongeurs ont été découverts dans des terriers situés dans d’épaisses touffes d’herbes *Poa cookii* (tussock) de la zone côtière, sur une pente raide orientée au sud de la baie de Goodhope. Des recherches complémentaires menées en octobre 2015 et février 20216 ont confirmé la zone de reproduction sur une superficie d’environ 1 ha. La phénologie et le succès de reproduction de 36 nids localisés sur le même site ont été étudiés sur la période 2019-2020. Les oiseaux ont crié depuis leur terrier à partir de mi-septembre, la ponte a commencé début octobre et le premier poussin a été observé le 20 décembre. Le pic d’éclosion a eu lieu début janvier et les poussins se sont envolés de fin février à mi-mars. Cette phénologie de reproduction est similaire à celle observée sur l’archipel voisin de Crozet. Le taux de survie globale des nichées était de 46.4 ± 9.2% (σ; IC95%: 29.5–64.1%), la plupart des échecs se produisant autour de la période d’éclosion. Une surveillance complémentaire est nécessaire pour estimer si les souris domestiques *Mus musculus* introduites jouent un rôle dans le faible succès d’éclosion. Des zones de reproduction du Puffinure plongeur ont été découvertes dans d’autres zones côtières, principalement au sud et à l’est de l’île. Il est peu probable que la reproduction de cette espèce ait été négligée pendant trois décennies, ce qui laisse supposer que l’élimination des chats a permis au Puffinure plongeur de recoloniser l’île. With thanks to Maëlle Connan and Stefan Schoombie.. **Reference:** Connan, M., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Dilley, B. & Ryan, P.G. 2022.  Natural recolonisation of sub-Antarctic Marion Island by Common Diving Petrels *Pelecanoides urinatrix.* [*Ostrich* doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2022.2150706.](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2022.2150706) *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 20 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/common-diving-petrels-return-to-marion-island-after-the-eradication-of-feral-cats-but-are-presumed-to-be-at-risk-to-house-mice.md) ## ACAP’s Secondment Programme supports Argentinian and New Zealand collaboration to reduce bycatch ![ACAP Secondee Maxi with Yvan at Dragonfly NZ Sarah Wilcox 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/ACAP_Secondee_Maxi_with_Yvan_at_Dragonfly_NZ_Sarah_Wilcox_2022.png)*ACAP Secondee Maximiliano Hernandez (right) with Dragonfly's Environmental Data Scientist, Yvan Richard (left); photograph courtesy of Sarah Wilcox* There may have been a delay of two-years for Argentinian Maximiliano Hernandez to complete his secondment developing an Ecological Risk Assessment within a framework of seabird conservation, but from his perspective, it was worth the wait. Maximiliano had initially planned for the secondment to take place in November 2020, however the COVID-19 pandemic put his travel to New Zealand on hold. Maximiliano is a PhD student at the [Institute of Marine and Coastal Research](https://www.iimyc.gob.ar/iimyc/en/institutional/), National University of Mar del Plata in Argentina, and is interested in the development of Ecological Risk Assessments specific to species known to interact with Argentinian fisheries, which includes a number of ACAP-listed species.  His successful application to ACAP’s Secondment Programme in 2019 included the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) facilitating opportunities for Maximiliano to work with experts in ecological risk assessment whilst ACAP provided funding for travel and living expenses during the proposed project.  ![BBA Sarah Wilcox](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_Sarah_Wilcox.jpg)*A Black-browed Albatross - one of the first species, alongside the White-chinned Petrel, Maximiliano chose for his first assessments due to the abundance of population data and their high catch rates in Argentinian fisheries; photograph by Maximiliano Hernandez* Maximiliano was afforded the opportunity to work under the guidance and expertise of Dr Yvan Richard, an Environmental Data Scientist with Wellington-based company, [Dragonfly Data Science](https://www.dragonfly.co.nz). Yvan has over 10 years’ experience in carrying out Ecological Risk Assessments and introduced Maximiliano to several programming tools used to write code for the assessments, skills which will benefit not just Maximiliano but his Argentinian colleagues on his return. The results of the analyses will contribute to the effective implementation of Argentine NPOA-Seabirds. Capacity building through the fostering of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Parties are key tenets that underpin the philosophy of the ACAP Secondment Programme. The ACAP Secretariat is delighted to finally report on the successful completion of Maximiliano’s secondment, which highlights how a collaborative approach between Parties serves the Agreement in striving toward its central purpose - to improve conservation outcomes for all ACAP-listed species. Read more about Maximiliano and his time spent with Yvan Richard in Dragonfly’s article on the project by Sarah Wilcox ([link](https://www.dragonfly.co.nz/news/2022-11-29-argentina-risk-assessment.html)).  *9 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-secondment-program-supports-argentinian-and-new-zealand-collaboration-to-reduce-bycatch.md) ## Improved fisheries bycatch management a potential outcome from synthesis of tracking data ![Salvins by Matt Charteris Black Petrel by Virginia Nicol](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins_by_Matt_Charteris_Black_Petrel_by_Virginia_Nicol.jpg)*Salvin's Albatross; photograph by Matt Charteris & Black Petrel; photograph by Virginia Nicol* Johannes H. Fischer ([Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), Wellington, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the journal, [*Bird Conservation International*](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international) on the occurrence and distribution of Vulnerable Black Petrels [*Procellaria parkinsoni*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150)* *and Salvin’s Albatrosses [*Thalassarche salvini*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/salvins-albatross-thalassarche-salvini)* *in Peruvian waters. The paper’s summary in both English and Spanish follows: **Summary** Seabirds are highly threatened, including by fisheries bycatch. Accurate understanding of offshore distribution of seabirds is crucial to address this threat. Tracking technologies revolutionised insights into seabird distributions but tracking data may contain a variety of biases. We tracked two threatened seabirds (Salvin’s Albatross *Thalassarche salvini n* = 60 and Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni n* = 46) from their breeding colonies in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to their non-breeding grounds in South America, including Peru, while simultaneously completing seven surveys in Peruvian waters. We then used species distribution models to predict occurrence and distribution using either data source alone, and both data sources combined. Results showed seasonal differences between estimates of occurrence and distribution when using data sources independently. Combining data resulted in more balanced insights into occurrence and distributions, and reduced uncertainty. Most notably, both species were predicted to occur in Peruvian waters during all four annual quarters: the northern Humboldt upwelling system for Salvin’s Albatross and northern continental shelf waters for Black Petrels. Our results highlighted that relying on a single data source may introduce biases into distribution estimates. Our tracking data might have contained ontological and/or colony-related biases (e.g. only breeding adults from one colony were tracked), while our survey data might have contained spatiotemporal biases (e.g. surveys were limited to waters <200 nm from the coast). We recommend combining data sources wherever possible to refine predictions of species distributions, which ultimately will improve fisheries bycatch management through better spatiotemporal understanding of risks. **Resumen** Las aves marinas están seriamente amenazadas, incluyendo por capturas incidentales en diversas pesquerías. La distribución espacial precisa de aves marinas en zonas oceánica es crucial para hacer frente a estas amenazas. Las tecnologías de seguimiento satelital revolucionaron la información sobre las distribuciones espaciales de aves marinas, pero estos datos pueden contener diversos sesgos. Rastreamos dos aves marinas amenazadas (Albatros de Salvini *Thalassarche salvini n* = 60 y Petrel Negro *Procellaria parkinsoni n* = 46) desde sus colonias reproductivas en Aotearoa (Nueva Zelanda) hacia zonas oceánicas de Sudamérica, incluyendo Perú, durante su periodo post reproductivo 2018–2020, de manera simultánea se realizaron siete cruceros científicos de avistamientos de aves marinas en aguas peruanas. Luego se utilizaron variables ambientales y modelos de distribución de especies para predecir su ocurrencia y distribución utilizando una de las fuentes de datos o ambas en combinación. Los resultados muestran diferencias estacionales entre las estimaciones de ocurrencia y distribución cuando se utiliza una sola fuente de datos. Sin embargo, cuando se combinaron ambas fuentes de datos, se obtuvo un resultado mucho más equilibrado con respecto a la ocurrencia y distribución de las especies evaluadas, con una notable disminución del sesgo. En particular, se predijo que ambas especies ocurrirían en aguas peruanas durante todas las estaciones. Donde el Albatros de Salvini se distribuye en Ecosistema de la Corriente de Humboldt, y el Petrel negro en la zona de la plataforma continental al norte del país. Nuestros resultados resaltan que confiar en una sola fuente de datos puede generar un mayor sesgo en las estimaciones de distribución. Nuestros datos de seguimiento satelital podrían tener sesgos ontológicos y/o relacionados al grupo etareo evaluado en las colonias reproductivas (solo se rastrearon a aves adultas), mientras que nuestros datos de avistamientos a bordo de embarcaciones en Perú, tienen sesgos espaciotemporales (por ejemplo, las evaluaciones se limitaron a aguas <200 nm de la costa). Recomendamos usar ambas fuentes de datos en conjunto, siempre que sea posible, para poder tener una predicción más precisa y fina en la distribución de estas aves marinas, esta información será fundamental para una mejor gestión en el manejo de estas pesquerías para mitigar las capturas incidentales de estas especies a través de una adecuada comprensión de los riesgos a escalas espacio temporales. **Reference:** Fischer, J., Bose, S., Romero, C., Charteris, M., Crowe, P., Parker, G., . . . Quiñones, J. (2022). Combining tracking with at-sea surveys to improve occurrence and distribution estimates of two threatened seabirds in Peru. *Bird Conservation International,* 1-12. [https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000442](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000442)[https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000442](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000442) *December 7 2022 * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/improved-fisheries-bycatch-management-a-potential-outcome-from-synthesis-of-tracking-data.md) ## Using at-sea tracking data to infer distributions of three Calonectris Shearwaters *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Calonectris_diomedea_George_Karris.JPG) Scopoli’s Shearwater, photograph by Georgios Karris* Virginia Morera-Pujol ([Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals](https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-beeca), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal [Diversity and Distributions](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14724642) on challenges using individual tracking data to infer higher-level distributions.  The authors used a data set of 1346 year-round migratory trips from 805 individuals of [Cory’s](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/corys-shearwater-calonectris-borealis) *Calonectris borealis*, [Cape Verde](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/Cape-Verde-Shearwater) *C. edwardsii* and [Scopoli’s](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/45061132) *C. diomedea* Shearwaters breeding in 34 colonies in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, spanning 10 years, to address the issue. The paper’s abstract follows: "**Aim** Over the last decades, the study of movement through tracking data has grown exceeding the expectations of movement ecologists. This has posed new challenges, specifically when using individual tracking data to infer higher-level distributions (e.g. population and species). Sources of variability such as individual site fidelity (ISF), environmental stochasticity over time, and space-use variability across species ranges must be considered, and their effects identified and corrected, to produce accurate estimates of spatial distribution using tracking data. **Innovation** We developed R functions to detect the effect of these sources of variability in the distribution of animal groups when inferred from individual tracking data. These procedures demonstrated our procedures with simulated datasets and showed their applicability on a real-world dataset containing 1346 year-round migratory trips from 805 individuals of three closely related seabird species breeding in 34 colonies in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, spanning 10 years. We detected an effect of ISF in one of the colonies, but no effect of the environmental stochasticity on the distribution of birds for any of the species. We also identified among-colony variability in nonbreeding space use for one species, with significant effects of population size and longitude. **Main conclusions** This work provides a useful, much-needed tool for researchers using animal tracking data to model species distributions or establish conservation measures. This methodology may be applied in studies using individual tracking data to accurately infer the distribution of a population or species and support the delineation of important areas for conservation based on tracking data. This step, designed to precede any analysis, has become increasingly relevant with the proliferation of studies using large tracking datasets that has accompanied the globalization process in science driving collaborations and tracking data sharing initiatives.” With thanks to Georgios Karris. **Reference:** Morera-Pujol, V., Catry, P., Magalhãe, M., Péron, C., Reyes-González, J.M., Granadeiro, J.P., Militão, T., Dias, M.P., Oro, F., Dell'Omo, G., Müller, M., Paiva, V.H., Metzger, B., Neves, V., Navarro, J., Karris, G., Xirouchakis, S., Cecere, J.G., Zamora-López, A., Forero, M.G., Ouni, R., Romdhane, M.S., De Felipe, F., Zajková, Z., Cruz-Flores, M., Grémillet, D., González-Solís, J. & Ramos, R. 2022.  Methods to detect spatial biases in tracking studies caused by differential representativeness of individuals, populations and time.  [*Diversity and Distribution*. doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13642](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13642). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 27 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/using-at-sea-tracking-data-to-infer-distributions-of-three-calonectris-shearwaters.md) ## Australian Government announces grants to find solutions to fisheries bycatch ![ACAP BLI Pelagic Line weighting 2019 w EN1024 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/ACAP_BLI_Pelagic_Line-weighting_2019_w_EN1024_2.jpg)*A page from ACAP's Bycatch Mitigation Fact Sheet on Pelagic Line-Weighting - available to download from ACAP's website* The Australian Government has announced an investment of $3.9 million Australian Dollars to reduce bycatch of [threatened](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.environment.gov.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Fsprat%2Fpublic%2Fpublicthreatenedlist.pl&data=05%7C01%7Cwieslawa.misiak%40acap.aq%7C6116aed3ec3349eaa84f08dad18f8df9%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C638052711750183451%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MfdyjSO8U15o%2FNphR70CC%2BVp%2By4MUOISRaMnIy2bung%3D&reserved=0) and/or [migratory](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.environment.gov.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Fsprat%2Fpublic%2Fpublicshowmigratory.pl&data=05%7C01%7Cwieslawa.misiak%40acap.aq%7C6116aed3ec3349eaa84f08dad18f8df9%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C638052711750183451%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CS25PCLMCDOjwJHcM9xcgT3voBzhan1pOTe5k2meCL4%3D&reserved=0) listed species protected under the *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999* ([EPBC Act](https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00182)) in Australian commercial wild-catch fisheries. The provision of grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 will be administered through the [Threatened and Migratory Species Fisheries Bycatch Mitigation Program](https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/threatened-and-migratory-species-fisheries-bycatch-mitigation-program). Eligible applicants will be supported to develop practical solutions to reduce the accidental death of protected species from interactions with fishing gear. “This program will help protect our protected species, such as sharks, turtles, dugongs, sawfish and albatross and other seabirds from accidentally ending up in fishing nets or on fishing lines,” said Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek in a statement. “Australian fisheries are some of the best managed in the world – but there is always more to do when it comes to the conservation of our threatened and migratory species,” the minister further added. ACAP routinely reviews the efficacy of seabird bycatch mitigation measures for use in fisheries and provides advice appropriate to each gear type. Updated advice and detailed technical specifications of mitigation measures are provided in review and summary advice documents available on the [ACAP website](http://www.acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/%20mitigation-advice).  The program is open to Australian business and organisations, and the deadline for applications is Monday 23 January Further information on the program including eligibility and how to apply can be found on the [Australian Government’s Business](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbusiness.gov.au%2Fgrants-and-programs%2Fthreatened-and-migratory-species-fisheries-bycatch-mitigation-program&data=05%7C01%7Cwieslawa.misiak%40acap.aq%7C6116aed3ec3349eaa84f08dad18f8df9%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C638052711750339675%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BozDkJSgPteY4GeQNtmWsI74GMzmfkRHZf7%2BTdCmcfg%3D&reserved=0) page. *5 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/australian-government-announces-grants-to-find-solutions-to-fisheries-bycatch.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. From Dassen to Marion, a 50-year journey studying island pests ![Holmes penguin book](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Holmes_penguin_book.jpg) *Catching an oiled African Penguin in the surf on Dassen Island in 1971/72.  From Holmes, M. 1976.  *Cry of the Jackass*, Johannesburg: High Keartland Publications.* **Note:**  This is the third in a new series entitled *ACAP Monthly Missives*.  Click [here](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives) to read a description of the series and to access previous missives by title.  January’s Monthly Missive is set to be the first by an invited guest.  Please do look out for it. ********************************** I moved countries from a land-locked Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to Cape Town, South Africa in December 1970 at the age of 23.  Within a month I was living full time on [Dassen Island](https://www.birdlife.org.za/iba-directory/dassen-island/) up the west coast within sight (on a clear day) from the top of Table Mountain.  I stayed there with very few breaks for the next 18 months, studying the breeding biology of African Penguins *Spheniscus demersus*, then at serious risk from oil spills on behalf of the [SANCCOB Foundation](https://sanccob.co.za/).  The [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) penguin is now sadly even more at risk due to a shortage of its anchovy and pilchard prey due to overfishing, and the crowded breeding flats I knew are now practically deserted. As well as penguins and other breeding seabirds, Dassen also supported a large population of long-introduced European Rabbits *Oryctolagus cuniculus* (still present) and numbers of feral cats *Felis catus*.  The rabbits usefully enhanced my otherwise sparse diet, but I observed that the cats were feeding on penguin and cormorant chicks and also killing migratory Palaearctic terns at a summer night roost.  My efforts at cat control likely made little difference to their numbers, but it was my first introduction to the harm an introduced mammalian predator can cause on a seabird island.  The cats were eventually eradicated years later as I reported in a 2013 publication.  Following my island sojourn I joined the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/) at the University of Cape Town in 1973, continuing to study seabirds, with research visits to nearly all of southern Africa’s coastal islands, including those that now form part of Namibia.  A suite of publications written with colleagues ensued in the 1970s and 1980s, reviewing the history, presence and effects of alien mammals (and sometimes other taxa) on island life. *![20479688 1448724938529777 7949283641711246801 n](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/20479688_1448724938529777_7949283641711246801_n.jpg) On Marion Island after a day’s field work in the early 1980s, with Valdon Smith (left) and Marthan Bester (right)* With sub-Antarctic islands and their rich birdlife beckoning, in 1978 I visited South Africa’s [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean.  [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in the South Atlantic followed soon after.  Initially I managed seabird research, concentrating on albatrosses and petrels.  Although not directly involved with the long but ultimately successful campaign to remove Marion’s feral cats, I did serve on an advisory committee so was able to keep track of its progress, and I also studied the improved breeding success of several species of burrowing petrels post cat.  With the cats gone by 1991, thoughts turned to the remaining introduced mammal, the House Mouse.*Mus musculus*.  A colleague, Stephen Chown, and I organized a two-day workshop in 1995 to assess the impact of Marion’s  mice and consider the desirability of their eradication.  “Side trips” to write up the history of introduced mammals and birds on Marion followed, as did a successful effort to eradicate introduced trout, then present in a single stream. **![JC with GHA at PEI Bruce Dyer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/JC_with_GHA_at_PEI_Bruce_Dyer.jpg)* Uncharacteristically clean shaven and sunburnt in 2001 (but still with the same Yosemite beanie).  Next to an [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross*Thalassarche chrysostoma*prior to it being banded while camping on introduced mammal-free Prince Edward Island, photograph by Bruce Dyer* In 1994 I travelled to Australia and New Zealand on sabbatical, when I made short visits to three sub-Antarctic islands studying environmental practices.  On New Zealand’s then rat-infested [Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels) (now thankfully rodent free) I noted the *cordon sanitaire* of rodent traps around the landing stage and base buildings; on [Enderby](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1469-acap-breeding-sites-no-40-enderby-island-auckland-island-group) shortly after the removal of all its  introduced mammals I saw the recovering vegetation still littered with cattle skulls and rabbit burrows.  Then on Australia’s [Macquarie](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) I noted the effects of that island’s rabbits on the vegetation and erosion.  Would be great to go back to these three islands, now all free of introduced mammals, to see how they have recovered. I later became involved with pest eradication directly, for six years working to eradicate a recently arrived alien plant, Procumbent Pearlwort [*Sagina pr**ocumbens*](https://invasives.org.za/fact-sheet/birdeye-pearlwort/), on Gough.  Sadly (and in my view incorrectly) the organization that took over from me stopped the programme, making all our hard work - that entaled dangerous work on coastal cliffs by trained climbers - come to nought.  However, we did manage to remove a few other newly arrived plant species that had not spread from their points of introduction near the meteorological station. *![Wandering Albatross mouse attack Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Wandering_Albatross_mouse_attack_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) A [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross*Diomedea exulans*chick is ‘scalped’ by mice on Marion Island: it will not survive many nights of such attacks, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* In the first decade of the century, I helped conduct research and co-authored publications and reports on the House Mice of both Gough and Marion.  On both islands they had turned to attacking seabirds,  The long-term study colonies with colour-banded albatrosses and giant petrels I had set up a few decades earlier on both islands then proved their worrth as they helped quantify the damage caused by the mice.  We also conducted trials related to poison baiting and the likely effects on non-target species. Sadly, the effort to eradicate Gough's mice in 2021 failed, although the island's seabirds managed to get in a good breeding season this year ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4495-gough-island-s-tristan-albatrosses-and-other-seabirds-do-well-at-last-despite-the-continued-presence-of-mice)). It is likely be some years before another attempt is made, allowing the mice to rebuild their numbers and maybe turning to attacking birds again. An important, and perhaps sometimes overlooked, issue is back-loading introduced pests to a visiting vessel that then travels on to a locality free of the pest.  I wrote about this in 2013 after House Mice were inadvertently back-loaded to a supply ship from mouse-infested Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean before the vessel proceeded to land a research party on mouse-free [Inaccessible Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1294-acap-breeding-sites-no-2-inaccessible-island-tristan-da-cunha-group) ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1549-an-overlooked-biosecurity-concern-moving-rodents-between-seabird-islands-by-back-loading?highlight=WyJiYWNrIiwibG9hZGluZyIsImJhY2sgbG9hZGluZyJd)). *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Picture1.jpg) Caught!  Chief Steward Neville Genisson with the back-loaded House Mouse caught aboard the*S.A. Agulhas*after departing Gough Island for mouse-free Inaccessible Island* My sub-Antarctic adventures on Gough and Marion came to an end in 2014 after a total of 49 visits – one short of a round fifty – with the South African National Antarctic Programme ([SANAP](https://www.sanap.ac.za/)).  During this time, I was fortunate to have visited Marion’s neighbour, [Prince Edward](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1366-acap-breeding-sites-no-26-prince-edward-south-africa-s-alien-mammal-free-sub-antarctic-island), on four occasions.  That island has always been free of introduced mammals.  The comparison in the densities and numbers of burrowing petrels, and in seed-bearing vegetation and insect life, in the absence of cats and mice was remarkable.  Subsequently, I have devoted much of my time writing for the website of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org), that aims to eradicate the island’s albatross-killing mice.  Although I am unlikely to ever visit Marion Island again, just to know in a few years’ time it is finally free of all its introduced mammals after over two centuries, and to hear from researchers much younger than myself that the albatrosses and petrels are no longer being scalped and having to die grisly deaths will be reward enough. *![75th R4 breakfast](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/75th_R4_breakfast.jpg) Celebrating my 75th birthday in January this year with running friends who donated to the Mouse-Free Marion Project in my name ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/75-not-out-the-rondebosch-rocky-road-runners-celebrate-a-birthday-with-a-sponsorship/))* **Selected Bibliography on Island Pests** Angel, A. & Cooper, J. 2006.  A review of the impacts of introduced rodents on the Islands of Tristan da Cunha and Gough (South Atlantic).  *RSPB Research Report* No. 17.  Sandy: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  58 pp. Angel, A. & Cooper, J. 2011.  *Review of the Impacts of the House Mouse*Mus musculus*on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands.*  Report to the Prince Edward Islands Management Committee, South African National Antarctic Programme.  Rondebosch: CORE Initiatives.  57 pp. Angel, A, Wanless, R.M. & Cooper, J. 2008.  Review of impacts of the introduced House Mouse on islands in the Southern Ocean: are mice equivalent to rats?  *Biological Invasions* 11: 1743-1754. Caravaggi, A., Cuthbert, R.J., Ryan, P.G., Cooper, J. & Bond, A.L. 2018.  The impacts of introduced House Mice on the breeding success of nesting seabirds on Gough Island. * Ibis*161:648-661. Chown, S.L. & Cooper, J. 1995.  *The Impact of Feral House Mice at Sub-Antarctic Marion Island and the Desirability of Eradication: Report on a Workshop held at the University of Pretoria, 16-17 February 1995.*  Pretoria: Directorate: Antarctica & Islands, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.  18 pp. Cooper, J. 1977.  Food, breeding and coat colour of feral cats on Dassen Island.  *Zoologica* *Africana* 12: 250-252. Cooper, J. 1995.  Introduced biota at the subantarctic and cool temperate islands of the Southern Ocean: the issues.  In: Dingwall, P.R. (Ed.).  *Progress in Conservation of Subantarctic Islands*.  Gland: World Conservation Union. pp. 123-125. Cooper, J. 1995.  Introduced island biota: discussion and recommendations.  In: Dingwall, P.R. (Ed.).  *Progress in Conservation of Subantarctic Islands*.  Gland: World Conservation Union. pp. 133-138. Cooper, J. & Berruti, A. 1989.  The conservation status of South Africa's continental and oceanic islands.  In: Huntley, B.J. (Ed.).  *Biotic Diversity in Southern Africa: Concepts and Conservation*.  Cape Town: Oxford University Press.  pp. 239-253. Cooper, J. & Brooke, R.K. 1982.  Past and present distribution of the feral European Rabbit *Oryctolagus* *cuniculus* on southern African offshore islands.  *South African Journal of Wildlife Research* 12: 71-75. Cooper, J. & Brooke, R.K. 1986.  Alien plants and animals on South African continental and oceanic islands: species richness, ecological impacts and management.  In: MacDonald, I.A.W., Kruger, F.J. & Ferrar, A.A. (Eds).  *The Ecology and Management of Biological Invasions in Southern Africa*.  Cape Town: Oxford University Press. pp. 133-142. Cooper, J., Crafford, J.E. & Hecht, T. 1992.  Introduction and extinction of Brown Trout, *Salmo trutta*, in an impoverished subantarctic stream.  *Antarctic Science* 4: 9-14. Cooper, J., Cuthbert, R.J., Gremmen, N.J.M., Ryan, P.G. & Shaw, J.D. 2011.  Earth, fire and water: applying novel techniques to eradicate the invasive plant, procumbent pearlwort *Sagina procumbens*, on Gough Island, as World Heritage Site in the South Atlantic.  In: Veitch, C.R., Clout, M.N. & Towns, D.R. (Eds*).  Island Invasives: Eradication and Management*.  Gland: World Conservation Union & Auckland: Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity.  pp. 162-165. Cooper, J., Cuthbert, R.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2013.  An overlooked biosecurity concern?  Back-loading at islands supporting introduced rodents.  *Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin*33: 28-31. Cooper, J. & Dyer, B.M. 2013.  The eradication of feral cats from Dassen Island: a first for Africa?  *Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin*33: 35-37. Cooper, J. & Fourie, A. 1991.  Improved breeding success of Great-winged Petrels *Pterodroma macroptera* following control of feral cats *Felis catus* at subantarctic Marion Island. *Bird Conservation International* 1: 171-175. Cooper, J., Hockey, P.A.R. & Brooke, R.K. 1985.  Introduced mammals on South and South West African islands: history, effects on birds and control.  In: Bunning, L.J. (Ed.).  *Proceedings of the Symposium on Birds and Man, Johannesburg 1983*.  Johannesburg: Witwatersrand Bird Club.  pp. 179-203. Cooper, J. Marais, A.V.N., Bloomer, J.P. & Bester, M.N. 1995.  A success story: breeding of burrowing petrels (Procellaridae) before and after eradication of feral cats *Felis catus* at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  *Marine Ornithology* 23: 33-37. Cooper, J., Parker, G., Rexer-Huber, K. & Ryan, P. 2011.  The burrowing petrels of Gough Island are threatened by alien mice.  *Tristan da Cunha Newsletter* 48: 28-30. Cooper, J., Ryan, P.G. & Glass, J.P. 2006.  Eradicating invasive species in the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha.  *Aliens*23: 1, 3. Cooper, J., van Wyk, J.C.P. & Matthewson, D.C. 1994.  Effects of small mammal trapping on birds at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  *South African Journal of Antarctic Research* 24: 59. De Villiers, M.S. & Cooper, J. 2008.  Conservation and management.  In: Chown, S.L. & Froneman, P.W. (Eds).  *The Prince Edward Islands: Land-Sea Interactions in a Changing Ecosystem*.  Stellenbosch: Sun PReSS.  pp. 113-131. De Villiers, M.S., Cooper, J., Carmichael, N., Glass, J.P., Liddle, G.M., McIvor, E., Micol, T. & Roberts, A. 2006.  Conservation management at Southern Ocean islands: towards the development of best-practice guidelines.  *Polarforschung* 75: 113-131. MacDonald, I.A.W. & Cooper, J. 1995. Insular lessons for global biodiversity conservation with particular reference to alien invasions.  In: Vitousek, P.M., Loope, L.L. & Adsersen, H. (Eds).  *Islands. Biological diversity and ecosystem function*.  Berlin: Springer-Verlag.  pp. 189-203. McClelland, G.T.W., Cooper, J. & Chown, S.L.2013.  Evidence of breeding by diving petrels and storm petrels at Marion Island after the eradication of feral cats.  *Ornithological Observations* 4: 90-93. Preston, G.R., Dilley, B.J., Cooper, J.m Beaumont, J., Chauke, L.F., Chown, S.L., Devanunthan, N., Dopolo, M., Fikizolo, L., Heine, J., Henderson, S., Jacobs, C.A., Johnson, F., Kelly, J., Makhado, A.B. Marais, C., Maroga, J., Mayekiso, M., McClelland, G., Mphepya, J., Muir, F., Ngcaba, N. Ngcobo, N., Parkes, J.P., Paulsen, P., Schoombie, S., Springer, K., Stringer, C., Valentine, H.J., Wanless, R.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  South Africa works towards eradicating introduced house mice from sub-Antarctic Marion Island: the largest island yet attempted for mice.  In: Veitch, C.R., Clout, M.N., Martin, A.R., Russell, J.C. & West, C.J. (Eds).  *Island invasives: scaling up to meet the challenge*.  Occasional Paper SSC No. 62. Gland: IUCN.  pp. 40-46. Wanless, R.M., Cooper, J., Slabber, M.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2010.  Risk assessment of birds foraging terrestrially at Marion and Gough Islands to primary and secondary poisoning.  *Wildlife Research* 37: 524-530. Wanless, R.M., Fisher, P., Cooper, J., Parkes, J., Ryan, P.G. & Slabber, M. 2008.  Bait acceptance by house mice: an island field trial.  *Wildlife Research* 35: 806-811. Wanless, R.M., Ryan, P.G., Altwegg, R., Angel, A., Cooper, J., Cuthbert, R.J. & Hilton, G.M. 2009.  From both sides: dire demographic consequences of carnivorous mice and longlining for the Critically Endangered Tristan Albatrosses on Gough Island.  *Biological Conservation*142: 1710-1718. Watkins, B.P. & Cooper, J. 1986.  Introduction, present status and control of alien species at the Prince Edward Islands, sub-Antarctic.  *South African Journal of Antarctic Research* 16: 86-94. *John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 06 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-dassen-to-marion-a-50-year-journey-studying-island-pests.md) ## Are the ACAP-listed Balearic Shearwater and the Yelkouan Shearwater two separate species? A new genetic study says not ![Anju Rajesh Balearic Shearwater pen ink Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Anju_Rajesh_Balearic_Shearwater_pen__ink_Pep_Arcos.jpg) *Balearic Shearwater by Anju Rajesh, after a photograph by 'Pep' Arcos* Joan Ferrer Obiol (**[Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística](https://www.ub.edu/portal/web/dp-genmicrostat)**, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/molecular-phylogenetics-and-evolution), finding that current taxonomies do not provide an accurate delineation of North Atlantic and Mediterranean *Puffinus* shearwaters.  Based on their genetic study, they propose Yelkouan and Balearic *P. mauretanicus* Shearwaters should not be given specific status but be regarded as subspecies of the Mediterranean Shearwater *P. yelkouan*. The authors state that the two taxa “are good examples of differentiated populations worthy of consideration as intraspecific units that represent unique morphological, ecological and genetic diversity for conservation of biodiversity.  We stress that developing action plans for *P. mauretanicus* and *P. yelkouan* should not depend on whether these taxa are classified as separate species or not.” ![Yelkouan Shearwater Malta Andre Raine 1 001](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Yelkouan/Yelkouan_Shearwater_Malta_Andre_Raine_1-001.jpg) *A  banded Yelkouan Shearwater in Malta, photograph by Andre Raine* The paper’s abstract follows “Speciation is a continuous and complex process shaped by the interaction of numerous evolutionary forces. Despite the continuous nature of the speciation process, the implementation of conservation policies relies on the delimitation of species and evolutionary significant units (ESUs).  *Puffinus* shearwaters are globally distributed and threatened pelagic seabirds. Due to remarkable morphological status the group has been under intense taxonomic debate for the past three decades. Here, we use double digest Restriction-Site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq) to genotype species and subspecies of North Atlantic and Mediterranean *Puffinus* shearwaters across their entire geographical range. We assess the phylogenetic relationships and population structure among and within the group, evaluate species boundaries, and characterise the genomic landscape of divergence. We find that current taxonomies are not supported by genomic data and propose a more accurate taxonomy by integrating genomic information with other sources of evidence. Our results show that several taxon pairs are at different stages of a speciation continuum. Our study emphasises the potential of genomic data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties, which can help to focus management actions on relevant taxa, even if they do not necessarily coincide with the taxonomic rank of species.” Read an [ACAP Monthly Missive](https://acap.aq/news/acap-monthly-missives) on listing more shearwaters on the Agreement, including the Yelkouan, [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4482-the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement). **Reference:** Species delimitation using genomic data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties in a speciation continuum of pelagic seabirds.  [*Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution * 179.  doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107671](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107671). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 08 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/are-the-acap-listed-balearic-shearwater-and-the-yelkouan-shearwater-two-separate-species-a-new-genetic-study-says-not.md) ## New Zealand's Department of Conservation has chosen a new Royal Family ![Atawhai before fledging](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Atawhai_before_fledging.jpg)*Previous Royal Cam star chick, Atawhai, daughter of OGK and YRK. She fledged 16 September 2020 at 230 days of age* New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DoC) has put the spotlight on a new Northern Royal Albatross pair for its 24-hour live streaming camera known as Royal Cam. The department has chosen the nesting pair of GLY and L for the 2022/23 breeding season. The pair’s fertile egg was laid by L on 4 November 2022. *The Department of Conservation's live streaming Royal Cam* Male, GLY (Green/Lime/Yellow bands) and female, L (Lime band, she has lost her Orange and Yellow bands), have been together since 2019 and are nesting at South Plateau. This is their third breeding attempt having fledged one male chick in 2019 and one female chick in 2021.  *Footage believed to be of L coming in for what turns out to be a dramatic landing (2019)* Nesting pair OGK and YRK were the focus of last year’s breeding season, successfully [fledging](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGHrapGRBZM&t=180s) a female chick, Lilibet, who was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. Last year, [36 eggs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4218-thirty-six-eggs-new-zealand-s-mainland-northern-royal-albatrosses-start-a-new-breeding-season?highlight=WyJub3J0aGVybiIsInJveWFsIiwiJ3JveWFsIiwicm95YWwncyIsIm5vcnRoZXJuIHJveWFsIl0=) were laid in the breeding season which resulted in 25 Northern Royal Albatross chicks fledging from Taiaroa Head.  More information on GLY and L as well as previous stars of Royal Cam can be found on the [DoC website](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/meet-the-royal-family/). The live stream of Royal Cam can be found on the [DoC’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5Ja2mHgoA) or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s [Bird Cams site](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/).  *30 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-s-department-of-conservation-have-chosen-a-new-royal-family.md) ## Wandering Albatrosses breeding in the South Atlantic at high risk of bycatch ![Graphic Abstract Fine Scale Wandering Albatross Study](https://acap.aq/images/stories/Graphic_Abstract_Fine_Scale_Wandering_Albatross_Study.jpg)*A graphical abstract of the paper, Fine-scale associations between wandering albatrosses and fisheries in the southwest Atlantic Ocean* [New research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320722003494?dgcid=author#f0155) published open access in the journal *Biological Conservation* on the [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* breeding on Bird Island in the South Atlantic has revealed 55% of tracked birds encountered fishing vessels when foraging, putting them at high risk of bycatch. The study, which focuses on Wandering Albatrosses’ interactions with fishing vessels, used GPS devices to track 251 of the birds and cross-referenced their movements with known locations of fishing vessels.  “These detailed analyses provide us with a much more nuanced idea of where the risks are, allowing us to target our conservation efforts much more effectively,” says Richard Phillips, Seabird ecologist at British Antarctic Survey, and co-author of the study.  *Lead Author of the study and Marine Science Manager at BirdLife International, Ana Carneiro and Seabird ecologist at British Antarctic Survey and co-author, Richard Phillips speak about the research and its findings* The paper’s abstract as follows: "Bycatch is a conservation concern for marine biodiversity, including seabirds. Analyses of spatio-temporal overlap are an important tool for identifying areas and periods where birds are most at risk, but until recently were only possible at coarse scales using aggregated data on fishing effort. Here, we integrated data from loggers that record GPS positions of birds at sea and scan the surroundings to detect vessel-radar transmissions, with the positions of fishing vessels obtained from the automatic identification system, to identify areas, gear types and flag states representing most bycatch risk for wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans)* of different life-history stages and sexes. We recorded 157 foraging trips of adult breeders, and 34 tracks of sabbatical breeders, 29 immatures and 31 juveniles. Overall, 55 % of birds encountered and 43 % of birds visited fishing vessels (i.e. were within 30 km and 5 km, respectively). Fine-scale overlap was particularly high for breeders during incubation and post-guard chick-rearing when birds travelled to the Patagonian Shelf break. Only 23 % of all encounters involved vessel visits. Our study found the greatest overlap was with set (demersal) longliners, particularly those from South Korea but also including the Falkland Islands, United Kingdom and Chile, and to lower extents, trawlers flagged to Argentina and Uruguay, and drifting (pelagic) longliners flagged to Brazil, Portugal and Taiwan. These fleets vary greatly in terms of bycatch rates. This study highlights the importance of covering the full range of life-history stages, and the advantages of vessel-detecting loggers and fine-scale analyses for improving risk assessments." A British Antarctic Survey article on the paper is available at their website ([link](https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/new-research-reveals-danger-zones-for-wandering-albatrosses/)). **Reference:** Carneiro, A.P.B., Clark, B.L., Pearmain, E.J., Clavelle, T., Wood, A.G. & Phillips, R.A. 2022, Fine-scale associations between wandering albatrosses and fisheries in the southwest Atlantic Ocean.  *Biological Conservation*, 276, 109796,, [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109796](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109796). *02 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wandering-albatrosses-breeding-in-the-south-atlantic-at-high-risk-of-bycatch.md) ## An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross is drowned at sea while its partner incubates on Gough Island, but there is a silver lining … ***![E46 waiting for its partner on Gough Island. Credit Lucy Dorman and Rebekah Goodwill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/E46_waiting_for_its_partner_on_Gough_Island._Credit_Lucy_Dorman_and_Rebekah_Goodwill.jpeg)****Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Yellow E46 incubates on Gough Island on 12 October 2022 while waiting in vain for its partner J08, *drowned*six days previously, to return.   By 25 Novenber it had deserted and its nest was empty, photograph by Lucy Dorman and Rebekah Goodwill* **Note:***ACAP Latest News* is pleased to republish with her approval Andrea Angel’s article below that first appeared in [BirdLife South Africa’s e-newsletter](https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/enewsletter/) for November 2022. Some details and links have been added. *************************** When I got a call from [Imvelo Blue](https://imveloblue.co.za/), a Cape Town-based fisheries monitoring consultancy, asking me to collect a dead bird brought in by a pelagic longline vessel, I was not surprised.  We work closely with the observers and encourage them to bring back for research purposes birds that have been accidentally caught during fishing operations.  The bird had been caught on 6 October 2022 by the vessel *[Ubuntu](https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/601799000)* near the start of its fishing trip, some 300 km off Elands Bay on the west coast of South Africa.  I asked if the observer could please meet me at the harbour so I could find out under what circumstances the bird had died. "There was no observer on board this trip" was the reply. "The captain, Abilio, decided to bring back the bird for the [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/what-we-do/albatross-task-force/) to collect.’" This was unusual, as it is not often that a dead bird is brought back voluntarily by fishers.  When I collected it on 19 October I saw it was an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, with a metal band on the right leg and a bright yellow alpha-numeric band J08 on its left. This meant it was an adult breeding bird and that it could only have come from one of the islands within the Tristan da Cunha Archipelago, more than 2500 km away! The [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos/text) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* is endemic to the four Tristan da Cunha islands, where an estimated 26 000 pairs remain.  In the early 1980s, the long-term monitoring of a study colony began on [Gough](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice), one of the Tristan da Cunha islands, allowing researchers to follow population trends and study the albatrosses’ behaviour.  These birds, like other similar albatrosses, form long-term pair bonds and breed annually in colonies.  Pairs will lay a single egg during the breeding season, and it takes both parents six months to raise a chick to fledging. I had seen this during a year I spent on Gough Island, how one of the parents remains behind while the other heads out into the ocean in search of food.  It’s gone for three to four days before coming back to either relieve its partner on an egg or with food for the chick.  So, while my heart sank at the prospect of a partner waiting and the inevitable fate of the egg, the fact that Abilio had brought the bird to us was positive and we made a plan to meet up. José Abilio de Jesus has been a fisher for most of his life and goes out fishing most months, for 10 to 12 days at a time.   Originally from the island of Madeira in Portugal, he has made Cape Town his home and lives there with his wife and three sons. At the mention of Portugal, I ask if he still speaks the language and for the next hour or so we revert to Portuguese, talking about fishing methods and tuna, but also of orcas and sharks and how seabirds are caught.  I want to know what made him return the bird to us and thank him. After all, he has nothing to gain from it, but for the Albatross Task Force working to reduce seabird deaths, it is a chance to engage, learn and together find ways to ensure fewer birds are caught, one vessel at a time. * ![Andrea Angel and José Abilio de Jesus. Credit Albatross Task Force](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Andrea_Angel_and_José_Abilio_de_Jesus._Credit_Albatross_Task_Force.jpg) Andrea Angel and José Abilio de Jesus, owner of the longline vessel*Ubuntu,*in Cape Town harbour, photograph from the Albatross Task Force* I tell him about the albatrosses and Abilio quickly realises how the slowness of their breeding means that even if small numbers of birds are caught, it has a significant impact on total population numbers.  He tells me he has recently started using the new bird-scaring line that we developed for smaller longline vessels and is very happy with it.  The bird-scaring line acts as a scarecrow, preventing seabirds from accessing the baited hooks before they have sunk out of reach.  Another measure is adding weights directly to the baited hook lines so they can sink faster.  Abilio, however, uses weighted swivels, which can be very hazardous if the line is suddenly cut and a 60-g swivel is flung back like a bullet.  I promise to give him information about safe leads, which have been specially developed to prevent flybacks.  They are costly, but he is keen to try them and suggests he could phase them in slowly over time.  We both parted with new knowledge and mutual appreciation, agreeing to keep communicating. With the information provided by the bands on the albatross’s legs, Steffen Oppel, Senior Conservation Scientist at the [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds](https://www.rspb.org.uk/) (the UK’s BirdLife partner) was able to tell me that the bird had been banded as an adult on Gough Island in 2016 and they also knew its long-term partner, yellow E46.  Hatched on Gough, it had been banded in 1997.  Researchers currently on the island confirmed that E46 was sitting on an egg around the time its mate had drowned at sea, but that by 25 October its nest was deserted. Can there be a silver lining to the death of an albatross? I hope so, as only by becoming aware can we change our perceptions, develop trust and ultimately make a difference by changing the way we do things. *Andrea Angel, Albatross Task Force Manager, BirdLife South Africa, 01 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-is-drowned-at-sea-while-its-partner-incubates-on-gough-island-but-there-is-a-silver-lining.md) ## Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses occasionally visit Marion Island, but do not breed there ![IYNA fledgling King Penguin Bay Marion 15 April 2005 Bruce Dyer 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/IYNA_fledgling_King_Penguin_Bay_Marion_15_April_2005_Bruce_Dyer_1.jpg) *Fledgling Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, King Penguin Bay, Marion Island, 15 April 2005, photograph by Bruce Dyer* Five species of albatrosses breed in numbers on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, with two more species recorded breeding as singletons.  Four species breed on both [Marion](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) and [Prince Edward](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1366-acap-breeding-sites-no-26-prince-edward-south-africa-s-alien-mammal-free-sub-antarctic-island); they are the Wandering *Diomedea exulans*, Grey-headed *Thalassarche chrysostoma*, Sooty *Phoebetria fusca* and Light-mantled *P. palpebrata*.  The fifth, the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. carteri*, breeds only on the smaller Prince Edward Island, 22 km away from Marion.  Additionally, a single Black-browed Albatross *T. melanophris* has attempted breeding (with a Grey-headed Albatross partner) on Marion over a number of years ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3466-hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-black-browed-and-grey-headed-albatrosses?highlight=WyJibGFjay1icm93ZWQiLCJtYXJpb24iLCJtYXJpb24ncyIsIm1hcmlvbiciXQ==)) and a “Shy-type” Albatross,  thought to be a White-capped *T. steadi*, was found incubating on Prince Edward in 2008; its partner unknown ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/22-2009-news-archive/503-vagrant-mollymawk-albatrosses-attempt-to-breed-outside-their-normal-ranges?highlight=WyJzaHkiLCInc2h5IiwicHJpbmNlIiwicHJpbmNlJ3MiLCJlZHdhcmQiLCJlZHdhcmQncyIsInByaW5jZSBlZHdhcmQiXQ==)). Prince Edward Island is rarely visited but on Marion Island team researchers have studied seabirds year-round for many years, when sightings of non-breeding visitors, both seabirds and terrestrial birds, have been reported from time to time.  These vagrant records were summarized in a 2010 publication.  However, it explicitly stated that it did not consider records of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri/text) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses seen ashore on Marion Island.  Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses occasionally seen ashore on Marion over the years have generally gone unreported in the literature, although there is a published but undated  BxW photograph from 1965/66 (No. 76 by E.M. van Zinderen Bakker, Jr) of an adult "visiting Ship's Cove" on Marion Island. ![IYNA Marion vz Bakker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/IYNA_Marion_vz_Bakker.jpg) *The 1960s record, see details in text above* To fill this gap, we list here eight records made between 2005 and 2020 that have appeared in team newsletters or have been made directly to one of us. **Records of Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses ashore on Marion Island by month** 15 April 2005 fledgling King Penguin Bay   May 2014 King Penguin Bay   August 2016 Bullard Beach 15 October 2007 adult Long Ridge between Sea Elephant and Blue Petrel Bays ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/523-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-ashore-at-south-africas-marion-island?highlight=WyJvb3N0aHVpemVuIl0=)) 05 November 2013 Sealer’s Beach 26 November 2018 Macaroni Bay   December 2020 adult Grey-headed Albatross Ridge 18 December 2011 adult Archway Bay *![indian yellow nosed albatross marion island by chris oosthuizen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/indian_yellow_nosed_albatross_marion_island_by_chris_oosthuizen.jpg) The 2007 adult Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on Long Ridge, photograph by Chris Oosthuizen* According to the [ACAP Species Assessment](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses arrive in colonies to commence breeding around the beginning of August and chicks fledge over April - May.  The lack of mid-winter records for Marion for June and July is thus not surprising.  Both the two records from April and May are likely to be of fledglings, whereas the others are all likely to be breeding adults that have “gone astray”.  All but one of the Marion records are from the east coast of the island that faces Prince Edward, the assumed source of all eight birds.  This, however, is to be expected as this coast is more regularly visited and surveyed than elsewhere.  The exception is the adult reported from Grey-headed Albatross Ridge on the island’s southward-facing coast in December 2020.  This locality is the main breeding site for Grey-headed Albatrosses, which we assume was a source of attraction for the vagrant.  If Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are ever to breed on Marion Island, this is likely where it would take place, given that these two mollymawk albatrosses breed in mixed colonies on Prince Edward Island. ![Indian Atlantic Gough Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Indian_Atlantic_Gough_Chris_Jones.jpg) ![Gough second IYNA Sept 2021 Vonica Perold](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Gough_second_IYNA_Sept_2021_Vonica_Perold.jpg) *Left:  The vagrant Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross with its paler head is on the left.  On landing on Gough Island, it engaged in bill fencing with the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross on the right, photograph by Christopher Jones Right: The second record of an**Indian* *Yellow-nosed**Albatross on**Gough Island**; photograph by Vonica Perold* Much farther away than to 22-km gap between Marion and Prince Edward and well outside its breeding range a vagrant Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross was photographed ashore on Gough Island in the South Atlantic in January 2019, where it briefly interacted with a resident Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. chlororhynhchos* ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3219-an-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-visits-gough-island-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCInZ291Z2gnIiwiJ2dvdWdoIiwiaW5kaWFuIiwiam9uZXMiLCJqb25lcyciXQ==)).  A second bird was seen and photographed on Gough in September 2021 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4171-second-sighting-of-an-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-on-gough-island?highlight=WyJpbmRpYW4iLCJ5ZWxsb3ctbm9zZWQiLCJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCInZ291Z2gnIiwiJ2dvdWdoIiwiaW5kaWFuIHllbGxvdy1ub3NlZCJd)),  Both birds were adults (and possibly were the same individual as they were seen in the same vicinity). **References:** Jones, M.G.W., Techow, N.M.S., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Hagens, Q.A., Taylor, F. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Hybridization and cuckoldry between black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses.  [*Antarctic Science* 32-10-14](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-blackbrowed-and-greyheaded-albatrosses/1AE29113DABBB5B6E1C6E61F7A21A9AC)*.* Oosthuizen, W.C., Dyer, B.H. & de Bruyn, P.J.N. 2010.[ ](https://www.tandfonline.com/author/de+Bruyn%2C+P+JN)Vagrant birds ashore at the Prince Edward Islands, southern Indian Ocean, from 1987 to 2009.  [*African Journal of Marine Science* 31: 445-450](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/AJMS.2009.31.3.18.1006)*.* Phillips, R.A., Cooper, J. & Burg, T.M. 2018.  Breeding‐site vagrancy and hybridization in albatross. [*Ibis* 160: 907-913](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.12622). Ryan, P. [G.] 2009.  Sixth albatross species breeding on Prince Edward Island*.  Africa - Birds & Birding* 14(2): 14. Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Osborne, A., Schofield, A., Repetto, J. & Ratcliffe, N. 2019.  Three new seabird species recorded at Tristan da Cunha archipelago.[ *Seabird* 32: 122-125](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-32). Ryan, P.G., Jones, M.G.W., Dyer, B.M., Upfold, L. & Crawford, R.J.M. 2009.  Recent population estimates and trends in numbers of albatrosses and giant petrels breeding at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands.  [*African Journal of Marine Science* 31: 409-417](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/AJMS.2009.31.3.13.1001).md jus Van Zinderen Bakker Sr, E.M., Winterbottom, J.M. & Dyer, R.A. (Eds) 1971.  *Marion and Prince Edward Islands. Report on the South African Biological and Geological Expedition / 1965-1966*.  Cape Town: A.A. Balkema.  427 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent & Bruce Dyer, 15 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-occasionally-visit-marion-island-but-do-not-breed-there.md) ## Children’s book, Giants of South Georgia, features wonderful wildlife including the Wandering Albatross ![Giants of South Georgia Ross James Childrens Book](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Giants_of_South_Georgia_Ross_James_Childrens_Book.jpg) British Author, Ross James, has released a children’s book called [Giants of South Georgia](https://rossjames.me)*. The story centres on a boy called George and his Grandma as they travel to and around South Georgia, and their experiences as they encounter its unique wildlife along the way.  Told in rhyme and accompanied by water colour illustrations by [Olga Volgina](https://www.facebook.com/OlgaVolginaArt/), the story capitalises on the literary device of the ‘journey’ to explore its deeper environmental themes whilst celebrating the power of everyday people to make a difference in the world in which they live.  Ten-year-old reader, Xenia, has reviewed the story saying,  "A great rhyming, animal book that has a journey through South Georgia inside of it. I liked how Ross repeated some of his lines throughout the book. The pictures of the lovely animals look so grand. I also really like how the king penguin stood up for itself against the grumpy Elephant seal. The message from this book is saying that even if you’re not a superhero you can try to help wildlife." Author [Ross James](https://rossjames.me/about/) lives in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* with his wife and children but grew up in England on the Cornish coast.  **Reference:** James, Ross (2022). Giants of South Georgia. BearingSouth. ASIN: B0BBLD8739 *28 November 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/children-s-book-giants-of-south-georgia-features-wonderful-wildlife-including-the-wandering-albatross.md) ## Missing Northern Royal Albatross eggs mystery likely to remain unsolved ![Northern Royal LGK royalcam](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_LGK_royalcam.jpg)*Northern Royal Albatross, LGK (the male, lime/green/black), captured on Royal Cam, the Department of Conservation's 24-hour live stream of an albatross nest during the breeding season* New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DoC) has advised it is likely the four Northern Royal Albatross eggs [discovered missing](https://acap.aq/es/news/latest-news-es/4498-egg-napping-at-taiaroa-head-in-a-protected-northern-royal-albatross-colony-raises-concern)from the Taiaroa Head colony on Thursday 10 November may never be found. Police are involved in the case and are reviewing CCTV footage gathered from the site itself, Port Otago and Blue Penguins Pukekura in the hope of finding a lead in the investigation.  With almost all avenues explored and no current breakthroughs in the investigation, it is increasingly feared the missing eggs have been poached. A more detailed article on the investigation has been published in the [Otago Daily Times](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/missing-eggs-case-may-remain-mystery).  *25 November 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/missing-northern-royal-albatross-eggs-mystery-likely-to-remain-unsolved.md) ## Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine are back incubating on Midway, and they have some new friends! *![Nov 2022 George incubating Photo by Jon PlissnerUSFWS November 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Nov_2022_George_incubating_Photo_by_Jon_PlissnerUSFWS_November_2022.jpg) George incubating this month, photograph by Jon Plissner/USFWS* Geraldine, the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* was seen back on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site)’s Sand Island on 20-21 October and since then her mate George has been incubating.  A field camera captured their rendezvous moment on the 20th.  On 14 November the pair exchanged incubation duty for the first time this season. They have shown up together on the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge since 2016 (although "[Lonesome George](https://usfwspacific.tumblr.com/post/179836127330/lonesome-george-finds-a-friend)" had been seen regularly on the atoll since 2006).. To date the famous pair of “Golden Goonies” has successfully fledged three chicks since their first known meeting in 2016, but had been unsuccessful in the 2021/22 breeding season as the egg did not hatch ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4265-no-chick-for-midway-s-sole-short-tailed-albatross-pair-this-season?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyJd)). #### **![Game cam George Geraldinme. 20 October 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Game_cam_George_Geraldinme._20_October_2022.jpg)* Reunited: Field camera photograph of George and Geraldine on 20 October 2022, photograph from the**Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge* * *In addition to the famous pair, two more Short-tailed Albatrosses have been seen on Sand Island this month.  George and Geraldine’s 2019 chick ([banded red AA08](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3320-short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-fledge-the-first-documented-chick-from-midway-atoll-s-sand-island?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyJd)) was sighted again, following previous visits in 2021 and earlier this year ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4268-updates-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-in-the-hawaiian-islands?highlight=WyJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyJd)).  AA08 was the pair’s first chick.  A sub-adult banded as a chick on Japan’s [Torishima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=), one year after Geraldine fledged from there in 2008, was spotted  in a “nearby forest along West Beach”. George is also from Torishima,  fledging in 2003.   *[https://www.fws.gov/](https://www.fws.gov/)![GG Chick2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/GG_Chick2.jpg)* *[*![GG Chick1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/GG_Chick1.jpg)*](https://www.fws.gov/)*   *[USFWS](https://www.fws.gov/) biologists Keely Hassett (left) and Kelly Goodale band the downy Short-tailed Albatross chick with Red AA08 on 6 May 2019, photographs by Jon Pilssner*  Follow the fortunes of George and Geraldine on Midway since 2018 in [18 separate posts](https://acap.aq/search14?q=geraldine) to *ACAP Latest New*s. #### News from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) of the Friends of Midway Atoll Natonal Wildlife Refuge.[https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) #### *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 29 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-are-back-incubating-on-midway-and-they-have-some-new-friends.md) ## A long way to go before an island eradication is achievable? Using genetic biocontrol on introduced House Mice ![023 BenDilley Marion2015 BEN 2718e](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/023_BenDilley_Marion2015_BEN_2718e.jpg)*A House Mouse on Marion Island, photograph by Ben Dilley* Luke Gierus ([Robinson Research Institute](https://www.adelaide.edu.au/robinson-research-institute/), University of Adelaide, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* ([*PNAS*](https://www.pnas.org/)) on developing a genetic biocontrol strategy to control House Mice *Mus musculus*.  Although the paper suggests from modelling that eradication of mice in an island situation could be achieved by utilizing a ‘gene drive’ that spreads through a population and makes females infertile, the technique has yet to be tested outside the laboratory in field trials. *ACAP Latest News* reached out to Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) on the possibility of using such a strategy to eradicate the albatross-killing mice of South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels). Anton writes in reply: “There are still quite a few hurdles to overcome before this is a tool that could be considered a possible option.  The first is a technical one, currently being investigated by research – does it work and what are the potential consequences?  The second and perhaps more challenging hurdle is a regulatory one – most governments don’t currently have regulatory frameworks that are equipped to deal with such a tool, and there are considerable ethical issues that regulators would need to consider.  There is no guarantee if and when this may be shown to work, and when it may be approved for use, hence - for our current planning to eradicate mice from Marion Island - our focus is on methods that are already proven and are currently available.  We cannot afford to wait for an as-yet unproven methodology with no certain timeframe around when it might become available.” So, while a new method to eradicate mice would be an addition to counter the impacts of invasive mice on islands, it seems that efforts to eradicate Marion’s mice, and those on other seabird islands, such as the USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3994-delayed-by-covid-19-but-plans-to-eradicate-midway-atoll-s-house-mice-are-now-being-set-for-2022?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIiwibWlkd2F5IG1pY2UiXQ==) next year, will continue to use the “tried and tested” method of aerial dispersion of a rodenticide-laced cereal bait.  This has shown to be successful in eradicating mice on a number of sub-Antarctic islands, including [Enderby](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1469-acap-breeding-sites-no-40-enderby-island-auckland-island-group) and [Antipodes](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2988-new-zealand-s-antipodes-island-proclaimed-mouse-free-after-a-successful-eradication-exercise?highlight=WyJhbnRpcG9kZXMiLCInYW50aXBvZGVzJyIsImFudGlwb2RlcyciLCJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIiwiYW50aXBvZGVzIG1pY2UiXQ==) off New Zealand, Australia’s [Macquarie](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2394-the-successful-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-programme-is-reviewed-by-its-manager?highlight=WyJtaXBlcCIsIm1pcGVwJ3MiXQ==) and [South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3027-south-georgia-islas-georgias-del-sur-declared-free-of-introduced-rodents-after-a-long-campaign?highlight=WyJzb3V0aCIsInNvdXRoJyIsImdlb3JnaWEiLCJnZW9yZ2lhJ3MiLCJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIiwic291dGggZ2VvcmdpYSJd)* in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Invasive rodents are a major cause of environmental damage and biodiversity loss, particularly on islands.  Unlike insects, genetic biocontrol strategies including population-suppressing gene drives with biased inheritance have not been developed in mice.  Here, we demonstrate a gene drive strategy (*t*CRISPR) that leverages super-Mendelian transmission of the *t* haplotype to spread inactivating mutations in a haplosufficient female fertility gene (*Prl*).  Using spatially explicit individual-based in silico modeling, we show that *t*CRISPR can eradicate island populations under a range of realistic field-based parameter values.   We also engineer transgenic *t*CRISPR mice that, crucially, exhibit biased transmission of the modified *t* haplotype and *Prl* mutations at levels our modeling predicts would be sufficient for eradication.  This is an example of a feasible gene drive system for invasive alien rodent population control.” Read a [*New Scientist*article](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2346639-gene-drive-could-be-used-to-wipe-out-invasive-mice-on-islands/) on the publication. **Reference:** Gierus, L., Birand, A., Bunting, M.D., Godahewa, G.I., Piltz, S.G., Oh, K.P., Piaggio, A.J., Threadgill, D.W., Godwin, J., Edwards, O., Cassey, P., Ross, J.V., Prowse, T.A.A. & Thomas, P.Q. 2022.  Leveraging a natural murine meiotic drive to suppress invasive populations.  [*PNAS* doi.org/10.1073/pnas.22133081](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.31.494104v2.abstract) *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 21 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-long-way-to-go-before-an-island-eradication-is-achievable-using-genetic-biocontrol-on-introduced-house-mice.md) ## Sheer madness? Adult shearwaters fly into the eye of storms to survive them ![Typhoon with eye](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Typhoon_with_eye.jpg)*An image of a typhoon with the eye clearly visible in the centre. Some adult Streaked Shearwaters fitted with GPS trackers have been shown to fly into the eye of a storm rather than skirt its perimeter* A study by Emmanouil Lempidakis ([Department of Biosciences](https://www.swansea.ac.uk/bioscience/), Swansea University, United Kingdom) and colleagues published in the journal *[PNAS](https://www.pnas.org) (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)* has found some adult shearwaters fly into the eye of a storm to lower the risk of wrecking. The paper’s abstract as follows: “Cyclones can cause mass mortality of seabirds, sometimes wrecking thousands of individuals. The few studies to track pelagic seabirds during cyclones show they tend to circumnavigate the strongest winds. We tracked adult shearwaters in the Sea of Japan over 11 y and found that the response to cyclones varied according to the wind speed and direction. In strong winds, birds that were sandwiched between the storm and mainland Japan flew away from land and toward the eye of the storm, flying within ≤30 km of the eye and tracking it for up to 8 h. This exposed shearwaters to some of the highest wind speeds near the eye wall (≤21 m s–1) but enabled them to avoid strong onshore winds in the storm’s wake. Extreme winds may therefore become a threat when an inability to compensate for drift could lead to forced landings and collisions. Birds may need to know where land is in order to avoid it. This provides additional selective pressure for a map sense and could explain why juvenile shearwaters, which lack a map sense, instead navigating using a compass heading, are susceptible to being wrecked. We suggest that the ability to respond to storms is influenced by both flight and navigational capacities. This may become increasingly pertinent due to changes in extreme weather patterns.” **Reference:** Lempidakis, E., Shephard, E.L.C., Ross, A.N., Matsumoto, S., Koyama, S., Takeuchi, I. & Yoda, K. (2022).  Pelagic seabirds reduce risk by flying into the eye of the storm. *PNAS *119 (41) e2212925119. [https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.22129251](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.22129251)[https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.22129251](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.22129251) [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sheer-madness-adult-shearwaters-fly-into-the-eye-of-storms-to-survive-them.md) ## New Zealand to host the XIII SCAR Biology Symposium in 2023 ![SCAR2023 logo2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR2023-logo2.jpg) The XIII SCAR Biology Symposium will be held in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa (Christchurch, New Zealand), 31 July – 4 August 2023. It will be the first SCAR meeting in three years to take place face-to-face. The Symposium will feature a comprehensive schedule of keynotes, plenaries and concurrent sessions with a mid-week break for social activities. Organisers have placed particular emphasis on enhancing the program with the “tikanga (traditions) and mātauranga (knowledge) of New Zealand’s indigenous knowledge (mātauranga Māori people)”. Satellite meetings and workshops are to be held the weekends either side of the Symposium. Support for early career researchers to attend the Symposium will be available. The call for abstracts opens 7 December 2022 with a deadline of 21 March 2023. More information on the Symposium, including a full list of important dates is available from the [conference website](https://www.confer.co.nz/scarbiology2023/). *23 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-to-host-the-xiii-scar-biology-symposium-in-2023.md) ## French and Spanish versions of ACAP’s Sooty Albatross infographic now available  ![preview sooty es FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/preview_sooty_es__FINAL.jpg) French and Spanish versions of the [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics/4371-sooty-albatross-infographic-english) for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca* in support of last year's [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) and its theme of **Climate Change** are now available, along with earlier released English version. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The infographic in the three official ACAP languages has been co-published with South Africa's [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), which aims to eradicate the island’s introduced House Mice *Mus musculus.* The mice have taken to attacking and killing the seabirds, including its breeding Sooty Albatrosses – as is illustrated in the infographic. Versions in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish are now available for all nine ACAP albatross infographics produced to date.  Available in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3) and in a web version, the infographic may be freely downloaded and used non-commercially and with acknowledgement in the support of albatross conservation. ![preview sooty fr FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/preview_sooty_fr_FINAL.jpg) The Sooty Albatross Infographic follows on from the eight previously produced for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) Antipodean *Diomedea antipodensis*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripe*s, [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed *Thalassarche chrysostoma*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan *P. immutabilis*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy *T. cauta*, [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan *D. dabbenena*, [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering *D. exulans* and the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698320) Waved *Phoebastria irrorata* Albatrosses. All the infographics have been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) who has also produced a poster illustrating the albatrosses depicted on the infographics ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4376-nine-albatrosses-painted-by-namo-niumim-from-thailand-for-acap-s-infographic-series)). Sponsorships for a further six infographics have been obtained, including for three ACAP-listed petrels.  It is intended that some at least of these will be prepared in time for the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) and its theme of "Plastic Pollution" on 19 June next year. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 24 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/french-and-spanish-versions-of-acap-s-sooty-albatross-infographic-now-available.md) ## GPS reveals feeding ground predilection differs between Grey and White-chinned Petrels ![White chinned petrel by Richard Philips](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White-chinned_petrel_by_Richard_Philips.JPG)A White-chinned Petrel; photograph by Richard Phillips from the Bristish Antarctic Survey (BAS) Lily K. Bentley ([Department of Zoology](https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk), University of Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [IBIS](https://bou.org.uk/ibis/) on the differing foraging habitat preferences between the Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea* and White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis* from colonies on Gough Island and Bird Island (South Georgia*). The paper’s abstract follows: “Foraging niche specialisation is thought to occur when different members of speciose communities divide resources in either time or space. Here we compared habitat preferences of the congeneric Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea* and White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis*, tracked in the same calendar year using GPS loggers from Gough Island and Bird Island (South Georgia), respectively. We identified periods of active foraging and determined habitat characteristics using remote-sensing data. Although these highly pelagic species could potentially overlap at sea across large areas, they showed markedly different foraging preferences during their incubation periods, which are temporally offset because Grey Petrels breed during the austral winter. Grey Petrels foraged mostly in pelagic cold-water areas to the north-west of South Georgia, whereas White-chinned Petrels foraged almost exclusively in the warm, shallow waters of the Patagonian Shelf. Within each species, foraging habitat characteristics were highly consistent. Our results demonstrate the diversity of habitat preferences within genera, and provide further evidence that colony-specific information on habitat preference is crucial to identify important feeding areas for pelagic predators.” **Reference:** Bentley, L.K., Manica, A., Dilley, B.J., Ryan, P.G. and Phillips, R.A. (2022), Divergent foraging habitat preferences between summer-breeding and winter-breeding *Procellaria* petrels. Ibis. Accepted Author Manuscript.[ https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13152](https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13152) *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/gps-reveals-feeding-ground-predilections-differ-between-grey-and-white-chinned-petrels.md) ## Suspected egg-napping at Taiaroa Head in a protected Northern Royal Albatross colony raises concern *![Northern Royal Albatross Taiaroa Head egg Nov2016](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_Taiaroa_Head_egg_Nov2016.jpg) A colour-banded Northern Royal Albatross rises over its egg at Taiaroa Head in November 2016* Four recently laid eggs of the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [nationally Vulnerable](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* are suspected to have been stolen from the mainland colony at [Taiaroa Head/Pukekura](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on the Otago Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand ([click here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2022-media-releases/albatross-eggs-missing-from-taiaroa-head-colony/?fbclid=IwAR2tK8uMcmtZfDJvxraQw-C0p7pp-VwzPBXxuPVsoukp7AmJkDQLLZsRtWE)).  The eggs were noticed missing on 10 November during routine checks by Department of Conservation ([DOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)) rangers, who have been left feeling “devastated”.  It is thought the eggs may have been taken as there are no signs they were eaten by predators.  DOC compliance officers and police are investigating. The colony is a fenced nature reserve, with entry by permit only.  Northern Royal Albatrosses are protected under the [Wildlife Act 1953](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1953/0031/latest/whole.html) and it is an offence to kill, injure, harass or disturb them (including their eggs).  It is reported that the affected parents have all been given dummy eggs to incubate in case they will be needed as foster parents.  This is a normal management technique in the colony for birds that lose their own eggs. In a [New Zealand Herald article](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/threatened-albatross-eggs-suspected-stolen-from-taiaroa-headpukekura-reserve/IFPEICIBXMNGXVBAOZCL4VZ43Y/) on the incident, Lyndon Perriman, who worked as a ranger at Taiaroa Head between 1989 and 2016, said there had been no such occurrences during this time there.  He thought it unlikely that a pest predator was responsible: “[Stoats](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3545-a-stoat-kills-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-new-zealand-s-taiaroa-head?highlight=WyJub3J0aGVybiIsInJveWFsIiwiJ3JveWFsIiwicm95YWwncyIsIm5vcnRoZXJuIHJveWFsIl0=), ferrets or cats... they certainly couldn’t take away an albatross egg without breaking it.”   The supposed theft has now prompted a review of security at the site, Lyndon noting there was a gap in the fence. It seems the only previous incident of stealing eggs at Taiaroa Head was in the very early days in the 1930s when eggs were taken each year prior to Lance Richdale protecting the solitary breeding pair until its chick fledged ([click here](https://acap.aq/57-news-archive-section/2012-news-archive/153-seabird-genius-a-review-of-pioneer-albatross-researcher-lance-richdales-biography?highlight=WyJyaWNoZGFsZSIsInJpY2hkYWxlJ3MiLCJyZXZpZXciLCJyZXZpZXcncyJd)).  For albatrosses (which usually breed on non-inhabited islands) a somewhat similar case occurred with 15 breeding [Laysan Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis*being killed and their eggs smashed by juvenile vandals within the fenced colony in the [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1333-acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  This incident led to a successful prosecution ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2800-university-student-gets-jail-time-for-killing-laysan-albatrosses?highlight=WyJrYWVuYSIsInBvaW50IiwicG9pbnQncyIsInBvaW50JywiLDIwMTcsImthZW5hIHBvaW50Il0=)).  *ACAP Latest News* will report if the Taiaroa Head egg loss results in anything similar. *![Orphan Northern Royal Albatross Laura Findlay](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Orphan_Northern_Royal_Albatross_Laura_Findlay.jpg) The orphan Northern Royal Albatross close to fledging, photograph by Laura Findlay* Related news is that the 2021/22 breeding season resulted in 25 Northern Royal Albatross chicks fledging from Taiaroa Head, out of [36 eggs laid](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4218-thirty-six-eggs-new-zealand-s-mainland-northern-royal-albatrosses-start-a-new-breeding-season?highlight=WyJub3J0aGVybiIsInJveWFsIiwiJ3JveWFsIiwicm95YWwncyIsIm5vcnRoZXJuIHJveWFsIl0=), giving an overall breeding success of 69.4%.  The first to fledge was the live-streaming [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam)’s Lilibet, named after the childhood nickname of the late Queen Elizabeth II; the last to fledge left on 10 September.  An orphaned chick fledged over 2/3 October.  Since its foster parents went missing in April, it had been hand fed over 111 kg of fish, squid and octopus. The 2022/23 season’s Royal Cam pair will be chosen near the end of November once all of the new season’s eggs have been laid.  Prior to the egg napping, it was hoped over 40 eggs would be laid.  As of 9 November, 23 eggs have been counted, with 135 returning colour-banded adults recorded. The Northern Royal Albatross is one of two albatross species chosen to be featured for next year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”.  Posters and an [infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) sponsored by the New Zealand Department of Conservation featuring the bird will be produced next year for “WAD2023” in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 17 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/egg-napping-at-taiaroa-head-in-a-protected-northern-royal-albatross-colony-raises-concern.md) ## Mexican Pacific Islands a refuge for seabirds due to conservation and restoration activities ![Map of Baja California seabird sanctuary study](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Map_of_Baja_California_seabird_sanctuary_study.jpg)Map of the Baja California Pacific Islands, a seabird hotspot where breeding populations have been systematically monitored for almost two decades. A study on population trends of seabirds on islands in the Mexican Pacific off the Baja California Peninsula has found that a holistic approach to conservation has had a cumulative positive effect on seabird populations including Albatross, Petrel and Shearwater species.   The creation of protected areas, the eradication of invasive alien species, active restoration with social attraction techniques, and long-term monitoring were conservation and restoration measures enacted within the island group and identified in the research drivers behind the islands becoming a safe haven for seabirds. The study, titled, “[Population trends of seabirds in Mexican Islands at the California Current System](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258632)” by Federico Sánchez ([Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas](http://www.islas.org.mx/), Ensenada, Baja California, México) and colleagues has been published open access in the journal [PLOS ONE](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/)*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “The Baja California Pacific Islands (BCPI) is a seabird hotspot in the southern California Current System supporting 129 seabird breeding populations of 23 species and over one million birds annually. These islands had a history of environmental degradation because of invasive alien species, human disturbance, and contaminants that caused the extirpation of 27 seabird populations. Most of the invasive mammals have been eradicated and colonies have been restored with social attraction techniques. We have recorded the number of breeding pairs annually for most of the colonies since 2008. To assess population trends, we analyzed these data and show results for 19 seabird species on ten island groups. The maximum number of breeding pairs for each nesting season was used to estimate the population growth rate (λ) for each species at every island colony. We performed a moving block bootstrap analysis to assess whether seabird breeding populations are increasing or decreasing. San Benito, Natividad, and San Jerónimo are the top three islands in terms of abundance of breeding pairs. The most widespread species is Cassin’s Auklet (*Ptychoramphus aleuticus*) with 14 colonies. Thirty-one populations of 14 species are significantly increasing while eleven populations of seven species are decreasing. We did not find statistical significance for 19 populations, however, 15 have λ>1 which suggest they are growing. Twelve of the 18 species for which we estimated a regional population trend are significantly increasing, including seven surface-nesting species: Brandt’s Cormorant (*Phalacrocorax penicillatus*), Brown Pelican (*Pelecanus occidentalis*), Caspian Tern (*Hydroprogne caspia*), Double-crested Cormorant (*P*. *auritus*), Elegant Tern (*Thalasseus elegans*), Laysan Albatross (*Phoebastria immutabilis*) and Western Gull (*Larus occidentalis*), and five burrow-nesting species: Ainley’s (*Hydrobates cheimomnestes*), Ashy (*H*. *homochroa*) and Townsend’s (*H*. *socorroensis*) Storm-Petrels, and Craveri’s (*Synthliboramphus craveri*) and Guadalupe (*S*. *hypoleucus*) Murrelets. The BCPI support between 400,000 and 1.4 million breeding individuals annually. Our results suggest that these islands support healthy and growing populations of seabirds that have shown to be resilient to extreme environmental conditions such as the “Blob”, and that such resilience has been strengthen from conservation and restoration actions such as the eradication of invasive mammals, social attraction techniques and island biosecurity.” **Reference:** Sánchez F. M., Guzmán Y.B., Mayoral E. R., Aguirre-Muñoz A., Koleff P., et al. (2022) Population trends of seabirds in Mexican Islands at the California Current System. *PLOS ONE* 17(10): e0258632. [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258632](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258632) *14 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mexican-pacific-islands-a-refuge-for-seabirds-including-albatross-petrel-and-shearwater-species-due-to-conservation-and-restoration-activities.md) ## Data requested for a repository on plastic pollution projects in the Antarctic ![SCAR Plastic AG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR_Plastic-AG.jpg) The SCAR [Plastic in Polar Environments Action Group](https://www.scar.org/science/plastic/home/) (Plastic-AG) is requesting data from national and international projects focused on plastic pollution in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions for an open access repository. The repository file will be made available on the SCAR Plastic-AG website. The initiatives’ aims, as stated on the website, are to: “examine the presence, origin and biological effects of macro-, micro- and nanoplastics; quantify the scale of the problem; and propose solutions for minimising the environmental risk and impacts on Polar ecosystems”. Contributors are asked to fill in a [short form](https://www.scar.org/images/x_group_docs/SCAR_PLASTIC_PROJECT_TEMPLATE_F1.xlsx) including details of their ongoing and past project(s) on Antarctic/sub-Antarctic plastics and submit it to SCAR Plastic-AG.  Further information on the initiative and how to submit your data can be found at the [SCAR Plastics-AG website](https://www.scar.org/scar-news/plastic-news/project-repository/). The deadline for submissions is 30 November. Plastic Pollution is a burgeoning environmental issue and is the theme ACAP has chosen to highlight for the fourth World Albatross Day to be marked on 19 June 2023. The globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*are two albatross species being featured to highlight 2023's theme and range in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic (though rarely for the Northern Royal) waters. *16 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/data-requested-for-a-repository-on-plastic-pollution-projects-in-the-antarctic.md) ## Gough Island’s Tristan Albatrosses (and other seabirds) do well at last, despite the continued presence of mice  ![Chick Tristan Albatross Roeld Daling GIRP](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Chick_Tristan_Albatross_Roeld_Daling_GIRP.jpg) *Free from mice attacks: a healthy 2021/22 Tristan Albatross chick on Gough Island; photograph by Roel Daling, Gough Island Restoration Project* In the austral winter of 2021, the Gough Island Restoration Project ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) attempted to rid [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in the South Atlantic of its albatross-killing House Mice *Mus musculus* by an aerial drop of cereal pellets laced with a rodenticide.  However, in December that year the first signs of mice being still present on the island were reported.  Subsequent surveys have shown that mice remain widespread (but presumably still in low numbers) over the island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4250-more-mice-have-been-recorded-on-gough-island-since-last-year-s-eradication-attempt?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCInZ291Z2gnIiwiJ2dvdWdoIiwiZ2lycCIsImdpcnAncyIsMjAyMl0=)).  Despite this, the island’s seabirds have been breeding much more successfully this year.  According to GIRP’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland) “in June the island reported no signs of mouse attacks on 2022’s [[Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text)] Tristan Albatross [*Diomedea dabbenena*] chicks, although in previous years wounded chicks have been seen from the start of April.” A later GIRP Facebook report gives more detail: “Despite horrible weather on Gough our amazing team counted 1186 Tristan Albatross chicks from 1570 breeding pairs, which results in a breeding success of 75.5%.  This is more than twice as high as the average from 2004-2021.  The greatest increase came from areas in the north-western part of the island, which have historically had very poor breeding success.  The team counted 201 chicks at West Point (previous years 30-50) and 177 in Giant Petrel Valley (previous years 30-90).  This shows what their future could look like on a mouse-free Gough and hardens our resolve to return.”  Based on monthly surveys in study colonies, few of the chicks counted last month are expected to die before fledging, so is to be expected that most of the 1186 counted will successfully leave the island around year end. *![Gough Tritans Albatross breeding success](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Gough_Tritans_Albatross_breeding_success.jpg) “Breeding success of Tristan Albatrosses on Gough Island from 2004 to 2022.  The horizontal dashed line is the typical breeding success on predator-free islands that would be sufficient for an albatross population to maintain itself.  In 2022 [red dot] the Tristan Albatrosses on Gough exceeded this threshold for the first time since records began”, graph by the**Gough Island Restoration Project* The ACAP-listed and [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea* also had a good year on Gough with a 75% breeding success, compared to a typical rate of 30% prior to the mouse eradication attempt.  Because this burrowing petrel is a winter breeder, its chicks were at particular risk to mice, made hungry by seasonally diminishing food sources, such as grass seeds and invertebrates.  Likewise, two other largely winter breeders did well: “the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/macgillivrays-prion-pachyptila-macgillivrayi) MacGillivray’s Prion [*Pachyptila macgillivrayi*] increased breeding success from an average of 6% with mice (including many years of 0% success) to 82% in 2022, whilst the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-petrel-pterodroma-incerta) Atlantic Petrel [*Pterodroma incerta*] had a 63% breeding success – more than double the previous year’s rate and well above average**.  **Gough Island is the global stronghold for both species”. Not to be outdone, summer-breeding [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, known to be attacked by mice, achieved a 77% breeding success, and the equally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca* achieved 74%, figures comparable to those from mouse-free islands, and a marked increase to those of previous years. The GIRP ends its [blog](https://www.goughisland.com/post/phenomenal-seabird-breeding-success-on-gough-island-vindication-of-our-restoration-strategy?fbclid=IwAR2MKA_W0LMFjzZOHIyd2YeWMbudKbQs_PB-kgKorM57KLeit2RGkgN9g-g) on a cautionary note: “Mice are omnivores and will primarily eat seeds, plants, and invertebrates.  When mice become very abundant there is intense competition for food, and plant and invertebrate food sources can become depleted. Out of desperation hungry mice will then explore alternative food sources – and on Gough Island they started eating seabirds.  In 2022 the low numbers of mice (and hence low competition) meant they had plenty of other food to eat, and the seabirds were able to raise many chicks.  Unfortunately, we do not believe that this situation will persist.  We expect mice will become so abundant that they deplete their typical food sources and then start eating seabirds once again.   We do not know when this will happen, but as long as mice remain on Gough Island the future for seabirds is not secure. This year has shown us what seabirds can achieve when their chicks are not eaten by mice – and this gives us a determination to return to Gough in the future and remove the mice forever.” Read more [here](https://www.goughisland.com/post/phenomenal-seabird-breeding-success-on-gough-island-vindication-of-our-restoration-strategy?fbclid=IwAR2MKA_W0LMFjzZOHIyd2YeWMbudKbQs_PB-kgKorM57KLeit2RGkgN9g-g) and in the latest edition ([No. 12](https://tinyurl.com/2rs5juw5)) of GIRP’s newsletter *Island Restoration News*. **A PERSONAL NOTE:**  With the essential help of many colleagues, I set up the long-term monitoring colonies of the three breeding albatross species and the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* on Gough, staking nests and metal- and colour-banding incubating adults over my 18 enjoyable visits to the island (which included over-summering twice) from 1981 to 2013.  It is thus a great pleasure indeed to read of the high breeding successes achieved in the 2021/22 breeding season.  I can only hope they will continue for a few more years until a second eradication attempt finally rids Gough of its introduced House Mice. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 15 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/gough-island-s-tristan-albatrosses-and-other-seabirds-do-well-at-last-despite-the-continued-presence-of-mice.md) ## Pacific Seabird Group announces its 50th Annual Meeting and calls for abstract submissions ![PSG2023 AGM 350x395](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/PSG2023_AGM-350x395.png) The 50th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) will take place February 15 – 17 2023 in in La Jolla, California, USA under the theme, “Boundary Currents in Borderless Oceans”. PSG are calling for abstract submissions for the meeting, with topics inspired by the list below: - Breeding Biology - Climate Effects on Population Trends - Climate Effects on Range and Migration - Climate Effects on Behaviour - Conservation and Restoration - Contaminants and Marine Debris - Extreme Events - Fisheries Interactions - Foraging Ecology - Impact of Marine Plastics - Integrated Studies of Seabirds Within Ecosystems - Management and Policy - Nonbreeding Biology - Offshore Wind Impacts - Population Biology - Physiology - Rodent Eradication - Seabirds and Indigenous Cultures Abstract submission will take place via [Oxford Abstracts](https://auth.oxfordabstracts.com/?redirect=%2Fstages%2F5057%2Fsubmitter) and will be accepted until 9 December 2022. Questions about abstract submissions can be directed to the PSG 2023 Scientific Program Chair at[mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org)[programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:programchair@pacificseabirdgroup.org). Travel awards are available through application to both North American (USA & Canada) and international students, as well as international scientists. Applications for travel awards close 30 November 2022 with successful applicants announced early December. For more information on travel awards, refer to the [PSG Handbook](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/PSG.Handbook2012.pdf) or contact[mailto:PastChair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:PastChair@pacificseabirdgroup.org)[PastChair@pacificseabirdgroup.org](mailto:PastChair@pacificseabirdgroup.org). To register, submit an abstract or for further details about the event, head to the PSG 2023 [Annual Meeting webpage](https://psg.wildapricot.org/Annual-Meeting). *11 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pacific-seabird-group-announces-its-50th-annual-meeting-and-calls-for-abstract-submissions.md) ## The United Kingdom will host ACAP’s next meeting in May 2023 ![Edinburgh by David Hills](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Edinburgh_by_David_Hills-2.jpg)*Edinburgh Castle looms large in the city's skyline; photograph by David Hills The United Kingdom is hosting ACAP's next meeting in the *Scottish capital in *May 2023* The Thirteenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee (AC13) will be held next year in Edinburgh, United Kingdom from Monday 22 to Friday 26 May. A Heads of Delegation meeting will be convened on Sunday 21 May in the late afternoon/evening.  Meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group (SBWG) and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group (PaCSWG) will precede AC13 (SBWG11 from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 May, and PaCSWG7 from the final session of Thursday 18 to Friday 19 May). As decided by AC11, a joint SBWG11/PaCSWG7 meeting will be held during the first three sessions of Thursday 18 May, to discuss cross-cutting issues.  Information on key dates for meeting location and dates, meeting agenda, submission of documents, applications for Observer status, as well as other relevant information, can be found in [Meeting Circular 1](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac13/ac13-circulars) on the ACAP website. AC13 marks the first time the UK has hosted an ACAP meeting and only the fourth ACAP meeting to be held in the northern hemisphere after meetings in France ([AC7](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac7)), Norway ([MoP3](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop3)) and Spain ([MoP5](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop5)). Next year’s Advisory Committee meeting follows on from AC12, held online 31 August – 2 September 2021 and the Seventh Session of the Meeting of Parties (MoP7), also held online in May 2023.  The Eighth Session is due to be held in New Zealand in 2025. Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is well known for its impressive architecture including its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town. Dominating the cityscape is the impressive Edinburgh Castle which sits atop Castle Rock - a plug of black basalt sealing the vent of an extinct volcano standing 76 metres above the valley floor. Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Parliament and is Scotland's biggest city with a population of 548 000. *9 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-united-kingdom-will-host-acap-s-next-meeting-in-may-2023.md) ## Blinded by the lights. Seabirds including ACAP-listed Black Petrels prone to grounding when breeding colonies located near sources of artificial light at night ![Black Petrel off Mercury Islands NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_off_Mercury_Islands_NZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*The ACAP-listed Black Petrel - a species included in the study linking seabird groundings to light pollution; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Ariel-Micaiah Heswall (School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand) and colleagues have published open access in the journal PeerJ on the link between light pollution and seabird groundings for seabird species, including the ACAP-listed Black Petrel.  The paper’s abstract follows: “Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing conservation concern for seabirds, which can become disoriented and grounded by lights from buildings, bridges and boats. Many fledgling seabirds, especially Procellariiformes such as petrels and shearwaters, are susceptible to light pollution. The Hauraki Gulf, a seabird hotspot located near Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa—New Zealand’s largest urban city, with a considerable amount of light pollution and regularly documented events of seabird groundings. We aim to identify the characteristics of locations especially prone to seabird groundings. We used an online database of seabirds taken to a wildlife rescue facility by the public to map 3 years of seabird groundings and test for correlations between seabird groundings and the natural night sky brightness. We found that areas with lower amounts of natural night sky brightness and greater light pollution often had a higher number of seabirds grounded. Further, we identified important seasonal patterns and species differences in groundings. Such differences may be a by-product of species ecology, visual ecology and breeding locations, all of which may influence attraction to lights. In general, seabird groundings correlate with the brightness of the area and are species-specific. Groundings may not be indicative of human or seabird population abundance considering some areas have a lower human population with high light levels and had high amounts of seabird groundings. These findings can be applied worldwide to mitigate groundings by searching and targeting specific brightly lit anthropogenic structures. Those targeted structures and areas can then be the focus of light mitigation efforts to reduce seabird groundings. Finally, this study illustrates how a combination of community science, and a concern for seabirds grounded from light attraction, in addition to detailed animal welfare data and natural night sky brightness data can be a powerful, collaborative tool to aid global conservation efforts for highly-at-risk animals such as seabirds.” **Reference** Heswall A., Miller L., McNaughton E.J., Brunton-Martin A.L., Cain K.E., Friesen M.R. & Gaskett A.C. 2022. Artificial light at night correlates with seabird groundings: mapping city lights near a seabird breeding hotspot. *PeerJ* 10:e14237 [https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14237](https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14237)[https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14237](https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14237) *7 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/blinded-by-the-lights-seabirds-including-acap-listed-black-petrels-prone-to-grounding-when-breeding-colonies-near-artificial-light-at-night.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project wins funding to eradicate albatross-killing mice following a public vote *![Vote](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Vote.jpg) The Mouse-Free Marion Project’s campaign worked hard through social media with daily postings to Facebook and Instagram A gam of juvenile Wandering Albatrosses displays on Marion Island; photograph by Tom Peschak* Last month the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) made it into the final round of the 2022 European Outdoor Conservation Association’s ([EOCA](https://www.eocaconservation.org/)) latest project funding vote.  Listed with three other short-listed projects in the [‘Wild Places’ Category](https://www.eocaconservation.org/project-voting-category.cfm?catid=3), the MFM Project needed to win the most public votes in order to receive a requested 50 000 Euros towards the funding critical for its work to ensure the conservation of Marion Island’s seabirds that face the onslaught of introduced House Mice *Mus musculus*. ![Vote 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Vote_2.jpg) ![Vote 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Vote_3.jpg) ![Vote 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Vote_4.jpg) *Regular social media postings kept the MFM Project campaign alive* What followed was a targeted campaign that saw the MFM Project receive widespread support from across South Africa and globally.  The project’s social media and email campaigns reached thousands of people and posts were shared by partner institutions, families, friends and project supporters, and talks were given to interested groups. The call to vote was shared by South African university research groups working across the marine space and in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. EOCA has now [announced](https://www.facebook.com/eocaconservation) the results of the Wild Places Category and out of the four short-listed candidates, the “Mouse-Free Marion: - Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds” has been informed it won with 45.1% of the 8121 votes cast. *![Vote 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Vote_5.jpg) The Mouse-Free Marion Project expresses its thanks to its many supporters Wandering Albatrosses display on Marion Island; photograph by Sean Evans* The Mouse-Free Marion Project writes: “The support that the MFM Project received was incredible.  We thank each and every person who voted for Marion Island’s seabirds, whether it was sharing a social media post, forwarding an email or sending us an encouraging message.  This funding, although only a small part of what is needed to conduct the eradication of invasive mice on Marion Island, will help enormously towards reaching our funding goal.  We encourage those who would like to keep up with project progress to sign up to our [newsletter](https://mousefreemarion.org/publications/) and to follow our [social media accounts](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064620942284).” With thanks to Robyn Adams, Communications Officer, Mouse-Free Marion Project. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 10 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-wins-funding-to-eradicate-albatross-killing-mice-following-a-public-vote.md) ## Getting started. ACAP releases its World Albatross Day logo for next year in four languages ![WALD Logo 2023 English](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_English.png) [Word Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) is celebrated each year on 19 June.  Initiated by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, 2023 will be the fourth year the day has been marked.  Planning necessarily starts early, with the first step being the production of a logo. ![WALD Logo 2023 French](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_French.png) ![WALD Logo 2023 Portuguese](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Portuguese.png) ![WALD Logo 2023 Spanish](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/WALD_Logo_2023_Spanish.png) As in previous years, the ‘WAD2023’ logo has been produced in the three ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish, as well as in Portuguese.  This last language is spoken in Angola, Brazil and Portugal, all significant range states for ACAP-listed species; Brazil also being a Party to the Agreement.  For the first time, four more versions of the logo, in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean, are planned to mark the importance of Asian high-seas fishing fleets in working towards the conservation of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. From the new year, ACAP will be releasing posters and species infographics in the three official languages to mark WAD2023 and its chosen theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”.  We might even have another competition, noting the success of those held in the [inaugural year](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests). Geoffry Tyler is thanked once more for updating the logo he designed. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 03 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/getting-started-acap-releases-its-world-albatross-day-logo-for-next-year-in-four-languages.md) ## ACAP is seeking census data and custodians for Southern Giant Petrel breeding sites in Antarctica *![SGP downy chick and adult Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_downy_chick_and_adult_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg)A  Southern Giant Petrel *downy* chick and adult on Bird Island; photograph by Alex Dodds* Do you have any unpublished counts of Southern Giant Petrels at Antarctic breeding sites that ACAP might not be aware of? Would you consider becoming a database Site Custodian? Why are we collating the data? The data are used by ACAP to determine trends, identify globally important sites, carry out gap analyses, help determine priorities for data collection or conservation action. Most of the sites for ACAP species outside the Antarctic Treaty area have a site custodian, but there are very few for the Antarctic breeding sites. What does a Site Custodian do? Essentially it involves entering any new data on population size each year, and letting ACAP know if there are any substantive changes to site management or protection. So, if you are involved in monitoring of population trends at any of the Antarctic sites for Southern Giant Petrels please consider getting involved Note that the count data can be from a whole breeding site (usually an island/peninsula) or from a standardised part-site (e.g. sub-colony or study area) counted annually or every few years. Any questions? Get in touch with the [ACAP Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq). *04 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-is-seeking-census-data-and-custodians-for-southern-giant-petrel-breeding-sites-in-antarctica.md) ## Breeding biology of the Critically Endangered Newell’s Shearwater on a Hawaiian island *![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells-Shearewater-Lindsay-Young.jpg) A Newell’s Shearwater ashore, photograph by Lindsay Young* André Raine and colleagues ([Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Hanapepe, Kaua‘i, Hawaii, USA) have published in the journal [*Bird Conservation International*](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international) on breeding phenology of the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*. The paper’s abstract follows: “The ‘a‘o, or Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*, is an endangered shearwater species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, with 90% of the world population found on Kaua‘i. Understanding the breeding phenology of the species is vital for identifying key periods for colony management actions and the timing and exposure frequency to infrastructure threats such as powerline collisions and light attraction. We used a combination of direct burrow monitoring and remote cameras at multiple colonies between 2012 and 2019 for a detailed assessment of the breeding phenology for this species. Breeding adults started arriving at the burrow in mid-April, some (but not all) underwent a two-week exodus in May and returned at the end of May to commence incubation. Incubation continued until mid-July. The chick-rearing period ran until the end of September. Fledging peaked in October with the last birds fledging towards the middle of November. Breeding was not synchronised, with a 59-day gap between the first and last fledging birds. The importance of this information to management actions is discussed, particularly in terms of directing management actions to key periods of vulnerability to introduced predators (such as peak incubation, chick emergence, and exercising prior to fledging), the precise timing of fledgling fallout related to light attraction, and directing colony-monitoring actions and translocation projects. We also consider the utility of the data in assessing species composition of powerline collisions and collision risk. Future work using acoustic monitoring is recommended for assessing the phenology of non-breeders and prospectors at colonies.” **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Driskill, S., Rothe, J. & Travers, M.S. 2022.  Evaluating the breeding phenology of the endangered ‘a‘o (Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*) on Kaua‘i to better focus conservation actions and management decisions.  [*Bird Conservation International* doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000387](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/abs/evaluating-the-breeding-phenology-of-the-endangered-ao-newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli-on-kauai-to-better-focus-conservation-actions-and-management-decisions/BDFF25354BCEA1D04AB763F12C81DAEA?fbclid=IwAR1_pLYFj1J5RTJw9stD5UQ3290TQMSlw2pTeQg88jtoOEBxrazzVSNv-Ls). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 08 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/breeding-biology-of-the-critically-endangered-newell-s-shearwater-on-a-hawaiian-island.md) ## Not one but two! Two-egg Southern Giant Petrel clutches spotted on Nelson Island.   ![SGP with two chicks Nelson Island Julia Finger](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_with_two_chicks_Nelson_Island_Julia_Finger.JPG)*A Southern Giant Petrel sits alongside its two chicks in the nest; photograph by Júlia Finger* Chilean seabird ecologist Júlia Finger has provided *ACAP Latest News* with an account of a rare sighting of two two-egg Southern Giant Petrel clutches spotted at [Harmony Point](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmony_Point), Nelson Island in maritime Antarctica. The clutches were observed whilst Julia and fellow team members were conducting fieldwork for a Chilean Antarctic Institute ([INACH](https://www.inach.cl/inach/)) project in the austral summer of 2022. When asked about her reaction to the discovery Júlia stated, "I've been working with giant petrels for the last 10 years, so it was a huge surprise to see two-egg clutches for the first time after all these years. But if there's one thing that giant petrels can do well is to surprise us with novel behaviours (which later I found iweren't that novel)! The team was excited with the unusual find and also happy to see that the two chicks looked healthy and well-nourished. We could only hope for a two-chick fledge!" Her official record states in translation:  On 23 January 2022 we first observed two Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* nests with two-egg clutches at Harmony Point, Nelson Island (maritime Antarctica). One nest had two chicks about two weeks old. One was younger than the other and was being guarded underneath the body of the male. The other was lying beside the adult. Chicks had similar body size to other chicks at the area. The other nest had two eggs, but we believe at least one was spoiled because it had a crack. Also, hatching was two weeks overdue. As we were about to leave the area a few days later, we did not check if the pair were able to successfully raise two chicks until fledging. Two-egg clutches are rare for the species. In 1962, John Warham described the frequency of occurrence to be 0.14 to 0.18% (4 - 5) of all nests at Macquarie Island.  Harmony Point holds a population of *ca* 480 nests, and after checking all nests from a distance, we assume the frequency of two-egg clutches in this population to be at least 0.41%. Warham also states that the birds were capable of covering both eggs during incubation.  However, he wasn't able to confirm if the brood patch covered both eggs. Nevertheless, three of the nests Warham found did not hatch and in the other two nests that did, neither of the pairs succeeded in rearing both chicks. Other sites with records of two-egg clutches of Southern Giant Petrels are Îles des Pétrels in Terre-Adélie, Antarctica  (Prévost 1953), where one nest among 120 was found to have two eggs; and Anvers Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula, where five nests were recorded (Shaughnessy 2017). [![SGP two egg clutch Nelson Island Julia Finger](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_two-egg_clutch_Nelson_Island_Julia_Finger.JPG)](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1198)*The second Southern Giant Petrel clutch containing two eggs; photograph by Júlia Finger* Two-egg clutches are also known to occur among albatrosses, with ACAP covering an account from Chris Jones and Michelle Risi of an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross pair with a [two-egg clutch on Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2068-an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-pair-attempts-to-rear-two-chicks-on-gough-island?highlight=WyJ0d28iLCIndHdvIiwiZWdncyIsImNocmlzIiwiY2hyaXMncyIsInR3byBlZ2dzIl0=) in 2015.  With thanks to Júlia Finger for translating her account. **REFERENCES:** Ryan, P.G., Cuthbert, R. & Cooper, J. 2007.  Two-egg clutches among albatrosses. [*Emu* 107: 210-213](https://doi.org/10.1071/MU07018). Warham, J. 1962. The biology of the Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*.  [*Auk* 79: 139-160](https://doi.org/10.2307/4082519). Prévost J. 1953. Note sur l'écologie des pétrels de Terre Adélie. *Alauda* 21: 205-222. Shaughnessy, P.D. 2017. A two-egg clutch or polygyny?  Two white-phase chicks in the nest of a Southern Giant Petrel* Macronectes giganteus* at Macquarie Island. [*Marine Ornithology* 45: 43-46](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1198). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2692-can-southern-giant-petrels-lay-two-egg-clutches-evidence-from-white-phase-birds-on-macquarie/) for ACAP review] *2 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/rare-as-hen-s-teeth-two-egg-southern-giant-petrel-clutches-spotted-on-nelson-island.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE. Should more shearwaters be listed by the Agreement? *![Flesh footed Shearwater 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) A Flesh-footed Shearwater at sea; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* **NOTE: ****ACAP Monthly Missives** are more personal than those news articles that are regularly posted in *ACAP Latest News.*  The new series offers the opportunity to go behind and beyond factual events and current news, giving opinions on matters related to the conservation of all the members of the tubenose group of birds.  Posts will be largely written by the Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, with guests from time to time invited to make their own contributions.  This missive is the second in the series, the [first](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4447-a-royal-connection-with-albatrosses-a-reflection-at-the-end-of-the-second-elizabethan-age) reviewed the connection between the United Kingdom Royal Family and albatrosses.  The opinions expressed in ACAP Monthly Missives are not to be taken as those of the ACAP Secretariat or any of the Agreement’s Parties. ******************************************* Shearwaters in the genera *Ardenna*, *Calonectris* and*Puffinus* are pursuit divers known to be killed by longline fisheries.  Longline mortality of albatrosses and petrels directly led to the negotiation and adoption of the Agreement in 2001 but at the time shearwaters were not considered for listing.  Following a 2008 published review of procellariiform species that identified several shearwaters for possible listing via a scoring system, two shearwaters have been included within the Agreement, the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728432) Balearic *Puffinus mauretanicus* in 2012 and the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-footed *Ardenna creatopus* in 2015.  Subsequently, the original list of candidate species has been reviewed by ACAP, with the most recent text available in [MoP7 Inf 02](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7/mop7-information-papers), and the next review scheduled for the Thirteenth Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee (AC13) and its working groups in May 2023. ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_9.jpg) ![Pink footed Shearwater Peter Hodum](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Pink-footed_Shearwater_Peter_Hodum.jpg) *ACAP-listed Balearic (left) and Pink-footed (right) Shearwaters; photographs by ‘Pep’ Arcos and Peter Hodum* The question arises, should more shearwater species be added to the Agreement?  Here, I consider whether two species that have been identified with high weighted totals in the latest review should be listed, what activities have taken place to date towards their nomination, what might be the consequences of and impediments to their listing, and a way forward. **Flesh-footed Shearwater** At the Eleventh Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC11](https://acap.aq/en/documents/advisory-committee/ac11)), held in Brazil in 2019, New Zealand reported it was considering the merit of nominating the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*for listing by ACAP ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3323-new-zealand-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-possible-nomination-to-the-acap-list-2?highlight=WyJwaW5rLWZvb3RlZCIsMjAxNF0=)).  Flesh-footed Shearwaters are regularly caught as bycatch by commercial fisheries in both Australian and New Zealand waters.  The species is also known for the ingestion of large amounts of plastic fragments, at least at some breeding localities, notably Australia’s Lord Howe Island, as a series of papers by the University of Tasmania’s [Adrift Lab](https://adriftlab.org/) continues to show.  The Flesh-footed Shearwater (categorized as [Nationally Vulnerable](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/flesh-footed-shearwater) by New Zealand and as [Vulnerable](http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=82404) by New South Wales and Western Australia, but not categorized by the Australian Federal Government) has been [previously identified](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3323-new-zealand-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-possible-nomination-to-the-acap-list-2?highlight=WyJwaW5rLWZvb3RlZCIsMjAxNF0=) as a potential candidate species for such listing (see [AC11 Inf 04](https://acap.aq/en/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers)).  Perhaps due to COVID-19 resulting in recent meetings of the Agreement being shortened versions held virtually, there appears to have been little progress in the last three years with its nomination. The Flesh-footed Shearwater breeds within three countries, Australia, France (on sub-Antarctic [île Saint-Paul](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1430-acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater)) and New Zealand; all three are ACAP Parties.  Its high-seas distribution largely falls within the ambit of tuna Regional Fishery Management Organizations (tRFMOs) with which ACAP currently engages.  Further, it does not appear to be the target of a directed take for human consumption, as is the case for some other shearwater species in Australia and New Zealand.  There thus appears to be no obvious impediment to its listing, or notable consequences to the Agreement itself.  I suggest that Australia, France and New Zealand consider working together towards a nomination.  A first step could be holding a one-day expert workshop to review the species’ status associated with a meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee.  Depending on the workshop’s findings and recommendations, the three breeding states could then produce a nomination text to be discussed at a following meeting of the Advisory Committee and its working groups. **Yelkouan Shearwater** The globally [Vulnerabl](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yelkouan-shearwater-puffinus-yelkouan/text)e Yelkouan Shearwater *Puffinus yelkouan* is endemic to the Mediterranean region, breeding on islands within the sea and migrating eastward in to the Black Sea when not breeding.  The species is listed in Annex I (“particularly threatened”) of the [EU Birds Directive](https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/birdsdirective/index_en.htm) and in Annex II (“requiring special protection”) of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats ([Bern Convention](https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention)).  As for the closely related Balearic Shearwater (with which there is evidence that it may hybridise) the species is at risk to both artisanal and commercial fishery mortality, light pollution and introduced predators at breeding sites. *![Yelkouan Shearwater Malta Andre Raine 1 001](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Yelkouan/Yelkouan_Shearwater_Malta_Andre_Raine_1-001.jpg) A banded Yelkouan Shearwater breeding in Malta, photograph by André Raine* The species is known to breed in at least nine countries around the Mediterranean Sea, with significant populations in France, Greece, Italy and Malta, as well smaller ones in Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Croatia and Tunisia, and possibly also in Turkey.  Of these countries, only France is an ACAP Party.  Based on what is known of its at-sea distribution, all the many political entities surrounding the Mediterranean and Black Seas will be range states.  Populations appear to be decreasing, with low breeding success at many breeding sites - and some sites have gone extinct. In 2013 two environmental NGOs, [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/) and [Medmaravis](http://www.medmaravis.org/), jointly submitted an Information Paper to the Seventh Meeting ([AC7](https://acap.aq/index.php/en/advisory-committee/cat_view/128-english/15-advisory-committee/413-ac7)) of the Agreement’s Advisory Committee, held in La Rochelle, France.  The paper ([AC7 Inf 04](https://acap.aq/advisory-committee/ac7/ac7-information-papers)) had among its recommendations that “Mediterranean countries that are Parties to ACAP are encouraged to propose*Calonectris diomedea*[= Scopoli’s Shearwater, categorized as [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/45061132)] and *Puffinus yelkouan* for listing in Annex 1” ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1369-two-mediterranean-shearwaters-cory-s-and-yelkouan-are-to-be-proposed-for-listing-within-acap?highlight=WyJiYWxlYXJpYyIsInNwYWluIiwic3BhaW4ncyIsImxpc3RlZCJd)).  Since then, no further proposals for listing the Yelkouan Shearwater have been made to the Agreement. The consequences of listing the Yelkouan Shearwater are likely to be more significant for ACAP than for the Flesh-footed Shearwater.  Firstly, it would add up to nine more countries as breeding range states to those non-Party breeding range states (Japan, Mexico and the United States) with which ACAP already interacts, with the obvious issue of potentially over-extending the capacity of a small Secretariat.  Inviting even Greece, Italy and Malta, the most important non-Party breeding states, to ACAP meetings would also have financial and personpower consequences.  Further, ACAP may then feel the desirability of interacting  with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean ([GFCM](https://www.fao.org/gfcm/en/)), a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) which up to now it has had no direct dealings. An initiative to list the Yelkouan Shearwater on ACAP's Annex 1 might come from its sole breeding Party, France, perhaps working with Italy that holds by far the largest populations.  Alternatively, the European Union could take the lead, although its Environmental Agency categorizes the bird as Least Concern, i.e. not threatened ([click here](https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/species/9947)).   A recent development is Malta's intention to produce a [National Action Plan 2022-2030](https://era.org.mt/malta-yelkouan-shearwater-species-ap-2022-2030/?fbclid=IwAR3tQa7GsIkyNXTBoHmeMs5dMLsYYoi_zV0KQLLnpBO8b27J634qzgsPlGk) for the species.  An international action plan could sensibly then follow, negotiated by all the breeding range states for the Yelkouan Shearwater.  Such could possibly transpire under the auspices of the European Union's [LIFE Programme](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en) (a funding instrument for the environment and climate action). It is noteworthy that the Life Programme has funded a consortium of environmental NGOs in France, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Spain (the [LIFE PanPuffinus! Project](https://lifepanpuffinus.org/)) to improve the conservation status of the Yelkouan Shearwater and the Balearic Shearwater by tackling threats at land and sea through transboundary collaboration.  ACAP should keep a watching brief of all these developments. **Selected Publications:** Baker, G.B. & Wise, B.S. 2005.  The impact of pelagic longline fishing on the Flesh-footed Shearwater *Puffinus carneipes*in eastern Australia.  [*Biological Conservation * 126: 305-316](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320705002260). Bonnaud, E., Berger, G., Bourgeois, K., Legrand, J. &  Vidal, E. 2012  Predation by cats could lead to the extinction of the Mediterranean endemic Yelkouan Shearwater *Puffinus yelkouan* at a major breeding site.  [*Ibis* 154: 566-577](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2012.01228.x). Bourgeois, K. & Vidal, E. 2008.  The endemic Mediterranean yelkouan *shearwater Puffius yelkouan*: distribution, threats and a plea for more data.  [*Oryx* 42: 187-194](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2012.01228.x). Cooper, J., Baccetti, N., Belda, E.J., Borg, J.J., Oro, D., Papaconstantinou, C & Sánchez, A. 2003.  Seabird mortality from longline fishing in the Mediterranean and Macaronesian waters: a review and a way forward.  [*Scientia Marina*67, Supplement 2: 57-64](https://scimar.icm.csic.es/index.php/secId/7/Id/71). Cooper, J. & Baker, G.B. 2008.  Identifying candidate species for inclusion within the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  [*Marine Ornithology * 36 1-8](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=755)[.](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_1/36_1_1-8.pdf) Jamieson, S.E. & Waugh, S.M. 2015.  An assessment of recent population trends of flesh-footed shearwaters (*Puffinus carneipes*) breeding in New Zealand.  [*Notornis* 62: 8-13](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275345587_An_assessment_of_recent_population_trends_of_flesh-footed_shearwaters_Puffinus_carneipes_breeding_in_New_Zealand). Lavers, J.L. 2014.  Population status and threats to Flesh-footed Shearwaters (*Puffinus carneipes*) in South and Western Australia.  [*ICES Journal of Marine Science*: 72: 316-327](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/72/2/316/2801467). Oppel, S., Raine, A.F., Borg, J.J., Raine, H., Bonnaud, E., Bourgeois, K. & Breton, A.R. 2011.  Is the Yelkouan shearwater *Puffinus yelkouan* threatened by low adult survival probabilities?  [*Biological Conservation* 144: 2255-2263](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320711002278). Priddel, D., Carlile, N., Fullagar, P., Hutton, I. & O’Neill, L. 2006.  Decline in the distribution and abundance of flesh-footed shearwaters (*Puffinus carneipes*) on Lord Howe Island, Australia.  [*Biological Conservation* 128: 412-424](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320705004192?via%3Dihub). Raine, H., Borg, J.J., Raine, A., Bariner, S. & Cardona, M.B. 2007.  [*Light Pollution and its effect on Yelkouan Shearwaters in Malta; Causes and Solutions*](https://www.academia.edu/6033922/Light_pollution_and_its_effect_on_Yelkouan_Shearwaters_in_Malta_causes_and_solutions). Malta: Life Project Yelkouan Shearwater, BirdLife Malta. Rivers-Auty, J., Bond, A.L., Grant, M.L. & Lavers, J.L. 2022.  The one-two punch of plastic exposure: macro- and micro-plastics induce multi-organ damage in seabirds*. *[*Journal of Hazardous Materials*.  doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130117](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130117). *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 01 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-should-more-shearwaters-be-listed-by-the-agreement.md) ## Why did the mouse eradication attempt on Gough Island fail? Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research’s webinar answers the questions ![Adult tristan albatross with back wounds from mice 2018 Left Kate Lawrence Right Jaimie Cleeland](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Adult_tristan_albatross_with_back_wounds_from_mice_2018_Left-Kate_Lawrence_Right_Jaimie_Cleeland.png)*An adult Tristan Albatross with back wounds from mice; photographs (L - R) Kate Lawrence and Jaimie Cleeland* Lessons and insights from the failed mouse eradication attempt on Gough Island were presented in a recent webinar hosted by New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute, Manaaki Whenua** - **Landcare Research, a partner in the Gough Island Restoration Programme. The eradication attempt on the island’s introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* was carried out in 2021 during the southern hemisphere’s winter. Monitoring equipment captured footage of a single mouse in mid-November confirming the programme had been unsuccessful and dashing the hopes of those involved in the ambitious project.  Providing insight into the project and answering questions submitted to the webinar was Conservation Biologist and Technical Advisor to the Programme, Dr Araceli Samaniego. Dr Samaniego, who has been involved in and led a number of successful mouse eradications, outlined the eradication plan, its execution, and touched on possible reasons for its failure, including the hypothesis of invasive slugs thwarting the programme’s success. Despite the mouse population increasing quickly since the eradication attempt, Dr Samaniego believes another bid at eliminating the island’s mice would be a worthwhile venture and, due to the lessons learnt this time around, has every reason to be a success.  The 30-minute webinar, Mice squeak through eradication attempt on Gough Island - what can we learn?, is available to watch above or at the Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research website. A transcript of the presentation and answers to questions submitted to Dr Samaniego are also available to download at the [website](https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/events/linkonline/). For further insight on the interference of the invasive slugs during the eradication attempt, please read Dr Samaniego and colleagues' [paper](https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/pdf/WR22024), “A lesson for planning rodent eradications: interference of invasive slugs during the Gough Island mouse eradication attempt in 2021”, published in the journal, *Wildlife Research. * *31 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/why-did-the-mouse-eradication-attempt-on-gough-island-fail-manaaki-whenua-landcare-research-s-webinar-answers-the-questions.md) ## Are seabirds the key to halting illegal fishing? ![Albatros dAmsterdam Romain Buenadicha 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Albatros_dAmsterdam_Romain_Buenadicha_2.jpg)*Displaying Amsterdam Albatrosses; photograph by Romain Buenadicha In a study by Henri Weimerskirch and colleagues, Amsterdam Albatrosses were fitted with loggers capable of detecting radar emissions from fishing vessels which may help halt illegal fishing* Claudia Geib has published an article, [To Stop Illegal Fishing, Send a Seabird](https://nautil.us/to-stop-illegal-fishing-send-a-seabird-242630/) in Nautilus, exploring the feasibility of seabirds tracking and helping stop illegal fishing. Her article draws on a current study using Peruvian Boobies to monitor anchovy fisheries but also references previous studies involving albatrosses. ACAP has highlighted research such as that by Henri Weimerskirch and colleagues which utilised geolocating loggers attached to Wandering *Diomedea exulans* and Amsterdam *D. amsterdamensis* Albatrosses to track fishing vessels by detecting the vessel’s radar. The resulting paper, “Ocean sentinel albatrosses locate illegal vessels and provide the first estimate of the extent of nondeclared fishing” was published in *PNAS -Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America* and is available to read [here](https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1915499117). 28 October 2022 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/are-seabirds-the-key-to-halting-illegal-fishing.md) ## Featuring Marion Island’s albatrosses and petrels affected by House Mice: the Great-winged Petrel *![Great winged Petrel adult in burrow Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Great-winged_Petrel_adult_in_burrow_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) A Great-winged Petrel incubates an egg in its burrow* **NOTE:**  This post is the ninth in an occasional series on the website of the [Marion Mouse-Free Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) that features breeding seabirds of [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) which are being attacked by introduced House Mice, or are considered to be at risk to them. Stefan Schoombie of the University of Cape Town’s [Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment and Conservation](http://www.seec.uct.ac.za/) writes on working with the winter-breeding [Great-winged Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-winged-petrel-pterodroma-macroptera) *Pterodroma macroptera* during his several long sojourns on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic possession in the southern Indian Ocean. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Stefan_Schoombie_Stefan_ropework.JPG) With breeding Sooty Albatrosses looking on, Stefan Schoombie abseils down a coastal cliff on Marion Island* I have had the privilege of spending a considerable amount of time on Marion Island over the past nine years.  Most of my research involved albatrosses and large petrels, but in 2019 I worked on a project focusing on the smaller burrowing petrels. There are several species of burrow-nesting petrels breeding on Marion Island.  Burrow-nesting birds are something we are not often familiar with on the mainland, but they are a common occurrence on sub-Antarctic islands, where millions of birds tunnel underground to escape the harsh weather and the larger seabirds that prey on them.  Studying burrowing birds can be challenging, but all the more rewarding/ as we have the privilege of seeing these special birds from close up. On Marion Island we monitored a subset of Great-winged Petrel nests, following their progress throughout the breeding season.  These birds can dig long tunnels, stretching several metres, and we often had to install inspection hatches to enable monitoring of the nest contents.  However, some of the burrows can be very shallow, allowing a unique view of these beautifully sleek birds. **![Great0winged Petrel adult and chick Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Great0winged_Petrel_adult_and_chick_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg)* A view from a burrowscope – a Great-winged Petrel adult and its chick in their nest* Studying birds that nest several metres underground has its challenges, but we now have tools accessible to us enabling more efficient monitoring of their breeding habits. The above image was recorded by a small camera attached to a light and mounted on a flexible tube, known as a “burrowscope”.  These cameras allow us to monitor the birds more efficiently, as we can review images afterwards.   In 2016, during one of these nest checks, we found several mice attacking a very small Great-winged Petrel chick.  Unfortunately, the bird died shortly after discovering the incident, but by documenting the attack we could add Great-winged Petrels to the list of seabirds affected by mice on Marion Island. **![Great winged Petrel mouse feeding Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Great-winged_Petrel_mouse_feeding_Stefan_Schoombie.png)* Burrowscope photograph of a House Mouse feeding on a two-day-old Great-winged Petrel chick on Marion Island, the chick did not survive, from a video by Stefan Schoombie (see Dilley*et al*. 2018 for details of the attack)* *![Janine Schoombie night birding Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Janine_Schoombie_night_birding_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) Night birding – by shining a bright light into the sky, nocturnal seabirds are caught at their breeding sites as they become dazzled and land* Burrowing birds are often nocturnal, because predators, such as Brown Skuas *Stercorarius antarcticus*, can easily catch them during the day when they arrive at their nests.  Once fully dark, the sky is filled with thousands of birds echoing in a cacophony of different calls and a wind-still night in the breeding season is a marvellous experience on a sub-Antarctic island.  On misty nights we could catch smaller petrels by shining a bright light into the sky, disorienting the birds and resulting in them crash-landing, usually onto soft vegetation, before we caught them in a net.  I did a lot of this work in the company of my wife, Janine Schoombie, and here she is in the image above attracting a bird in the torch light.  Great-winged Petrels are among only a couple of species that breed during the winter months on Marion Island, so working on them is often challenging as winter nights can be pretty cold in the sub-Antarctic. *![Great winged Petrel chick in hand Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Great-winged_Petrel_chick_in_hand_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) Ready to fledge.  A Great-Winged Petrel chick that has lost nearly all its down feathers, with the Marion Island base in the background Photographs by Stefan Schoombie* In 2019 I worked on a project with the Marine Apex Predator Research Unit ([MAPRU](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/)) at South Africa’s Nelson Mandela University, when we studied a range of burrowing petrels that breed on Marion Island.  These included Great-winged Petrels and I took samples and measurements from a number of adults and chicks.  These data will contribute to our understanding of the species’ foraging habits, and also give an insight into the amount of microplastics that are found in their diet.  During this work I had the privilege to handle many birds, giving me a unique opportunity to view them up-close, something for which I will always be grateful. The impact of mice on Great-winged Petrels at Marion emphasizes the importance of the Mouse-Free Marion Project in eradicating the sole remaining introduced mammal on the island, thus markedly improving their conservation status.  I wish the project every success! Read Stefan’s *MFM News* post on Marion Island’s [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca*[here](https://mousefreemarion.org/featuring-marion-islands-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-mice-and-their-photographers-the-sooty-albatross-by-stefan-schoombie/)*.* **Selected Publications:** Cooper, J. & Fourie, A. 1991.  Improved breeding success of Great-winged Petrels *Pterodroma macroptera* following control of feral cats *Felis catus* at subantarctic Marion Island.  [*Bird Conservation International*1: 171-175](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/improved-breeding-success-of-greatwinged-petrels-pterodroma-macroptera-following-control-of-feral-cats-felis-catus-at-subantarctic-marion-island/644D2DA067FBB396BB7469D840177233). Cooper, J. & Klages, N.T.W. 2009.  The winter diet of the Great-winged Petrel *Pterodroma macroptera* at sub-Antarctic Marion Island in 1991.  [*Marine Ornithology* 37: 261-263](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=854). Cooper, J. Marais, A.V.N., Bloomer, J.P. & Bester, M.N. 1995.  A success story: breeding of burrowing petrels (Procellaridae) before and after eradication of feral cats *Felis catus* at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Marine Ornithology* 23: 33-37](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=320). Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Stevens, K., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Burrow wars and sinister behaviour among burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Ardea* 107: 97-102](https://bioone.org/journals/Ardea/volume-107/issue-1/arde.v107i1.a5/Burrow-Wars-and-Sinister-Behaviour-among-Burrow-Nesting-Petrels-at/10.5253/arde.v107i1.a5.short). Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science * 30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0). Schramm, M. 1983.  The breeding biologies of the petrels *Pterodroma macroptera, P. brevirostris* and *P. mollis* at Marion Island.  [*Emu* 83: 75-81](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU9830075). Schramm, M. 1986.  The diet of chicks of Greatwinged, Kerguelen and Softplumaged Petrels at the Prince Edward Islands.  [*Ostrich* 57: 9-15](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00306525.1986.9633632?journalCode=tost20). Schramm, M. 1986.  Burrow densities and nest site preferences of petrels (Procellariidae) at the Prince Edward Islands.  [*Polar Biology* 6: 63-70](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00258254). *Stefan Schoombie,* *Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environmen**t and Conservation, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, 27 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-marion-island-s-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-house-mice-the-great-winged-petrel.md) ## A new video from Australia features the Kermadec Petrel on Phillip Island  ![Kermadec Petrel Parks Australia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Kermadec_Petrel_Parks_Australia.jpg)*Kermadec Petrel and chick on Phillip Island, photograph from the*[Norfolk Island National Park](https://parksaustralia.gov.au/norfolk/) "Veteran conservation biologists" [Nicholas Carlile](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicholas-Carlile) and [Terry O'Dwyer](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Terence-Odwyer) are featured in a 28-minute video by writer, photographer and videographer Stuart Cohen ([Bottlebrush Media](https://www.bottlebrushmedia.com/welcome)) on the [Kermadec Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698027) *Pterodroma neglecta* that breed on Australia’s [Phillip Island](https://parksaustralia.gov.au/norfolk/do/phillip-island/), next to Norfolk Island in the south-west Pacific. *"Pterodroma - in search of the Kermadec Petrel"* The video’s description follows: “This film is not just about a vulnerable seabird but rather an intimate portrait of two Australian scientists and friends, working together in the field, who share a passion for seabird conservation and a desire to unlock the secrets of a cryptic bird about which little is known.  One thousand kilometres off the East Coast of Australia lies a small uninhabited island that is home to 100,000 seabirds, one species of which is at risk and the focus of an intense search. Nicholas Carlile and Dr Terry O'Dwyer are veteran conservation biologists absolutely devoted to the pursuit of knowledge about seabirds so that they can be conserved and protected.  On the remote 190-hectare (490 acres) Phillip Island, which lies just off the larger and better-known Norfolk Island, Nicholas and Terry have been carrying out regular surveys in search of the beautiful Kermadec Petrel.  No one knows where Kermadec Petrels go when they leave the island but the pair have found a way of tracking these birds with state of the art technology that will allow them to reveal the bird's, until now, secret travels across the globe. Together they endure many challenges and the weather to find information about the Kermadec Petrel so that the species can be better protected in the future.” Read more about Phillip Island's Kermadec Petrels [here](https://parksaustralia.gov.au/norfolk/news/kermadec-petrel-recovery-in-norfolk-island-national-park/). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 20 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-video-from-australia-features-the-kermadec-petrel.md) ## An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross feeds on a dead turtle in Brazilian waters *![Fabio Schunk AYNA feeds on turtle 1 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Fabio_Schunk_AYNA_feeds_on_turtle_1_shrunk.jpg) An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross feeds on a dead Loggerhead Turtle; photo time series by Fabio Schunk* Fabio Schunk ([Comitê Brasileiro de Registros Ornitológicos](http://www.cbro.org.br/), São Paulo, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org)on a juvenile [Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos) *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* observed feeding on a corpse of a Loggerhead Turtle *Caretta caretta*at sea off the coast of Brazil. The paper’s abstract follows: Albatrosses mostly forage for fish, squid, and crustaceans (including discards from fishing vessels), but they also scavenge animal carcasses, a behavior still poorly characterized for some albatross species. In July 2021 during a pelagic birding trip off the coast of São Paulo State, Southeast Brazil, three Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* were spotted feeding on the floating carcass of a Loggerhead Sea Turtle *Caretta*.  This behavior had not been previously documented in the literature, on-line citizen science platforms, or by personal observations. We believe this to be an uncommon feeding strategy for this albatross species.” *![Fabio Schunk AYNA feeds on turtle 2 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Fabio_Schunk_AYNA_feeds_on_turtle_2_shrunk.jpg) An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross close by the dead Loggerhead Turtle; photograph by Fabio Schunk* With thanks to Fabio Schunk. **Reference:** Schunck, F., Pina, P., Barata, F. & Olmos, F. 2022.  Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* feeding on a dead sea turtle.  [*Marine Ornithology* 50: 143-145](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1482). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 21 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-feeds-on-a-dead-turtle-in-brazilian-waters.md) ## Seabirds’ feather integrity compromised by just a small amount of oil ![ManxShearwaterFeatherArticle EmmaMurphy rsos220488f04](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/ManxShearwaterFeatherArticle_EmmaMurphy_rsos220488f04.jpg)*An image from the paper: Figure 4. Amalgamation annotation of Manx shearwater feathers. Left: the distribution of barbules along the barb at increasing levels of oil treatment. Oil treatments are (a) control, (b) trace colour sheen – 0.1 µm, (c) dark colour sheen – 3 µm, (d) standard slick – 25 µm, and (e) severe slick – 75 µm, ([table 1](#RSOS220488TB1)). Right: amalgamation Index analysis has been marked to display spread/clumping reflected in mean AI calculations, with the following colours representing values determined for clump sizes: Red = 1, Yellow = 2, Pink = 3, Blue = 4, Purple = 5, Green = 6.* Emma Murphy ([School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences](https://acap.aq/applewebdata://F00C4EED-51F3-4BB4-AC4B-7F98C52F9B0B/School%20of%20Biological,%20Earth%20&%20Environmental%20Sciences,%20University%20College%20Cork,%20Cork,%20Ireland), University College Cork, Ireland) and colleagues have published open access in Royal Society Open Science on the effects of oil on Manx Shearwaters’ feather structure. The paper’s abstract follows: Oil pollution has profound negative impacts on the marine environment, with seabirds particularly vulnerable to oiling, due to the amount of time spent on the sea surface foraging or resting. Exposure to oil can affect feather structure and influence waterproofing, buoyancy and thermoregulation. We investigated the effects of surface crude oil on the feather structure of Manx shearwaters (*Puffinus puffinus*), a seabird species that spends a high proportion of time on the water surface. Sampled body contour feathers were exposed to varying thicknesses of surface crude oil before assessing their resistance to water permeation, increase in mass and clumping of feather barbules. Surface oil as thin as 0.1 µm was enough to increase feather permeability, while greatest impacts on permeability were caused by exposure to dark colour surface sheens 3 µm in thickness. Increases in feather mass of up to 1000% were noted in heavy oiling scenarios due to contact with thicker oil slicks, which may significantly affect wing loading and energetic expenditure. REFERENCE Murphy E., Jessopp M. and Darby J. (2022) Light to intermediate oil sheens increase Manx shearwater feather permeability. *[Royal Society Open Science](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rsos).* [https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220488](https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220488)[https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220488](https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220488) *24 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabirds-feather-integrity-compromised-by-just-a-small-amount-of-oil.md) ## Could the Antipodean Albatross or Black Petrel take out this year’s Bird of the Year? ![NZ BOTY 2022 logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/NZ_BOTY_2022_logo.jpg) New Zealand’s Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau/Bird of the Year contest has officially opened with two ACAP-listed species in the running for the annual award.  Representing all New Zealand’s albatross species is the globally Endangered Toroa/[Antipodean Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) *Diomedea antipodensis*. With an approximate population of 50,000 birds, consisting of less than 10,000 breeding pairs, they are experiencing a rapid decline. Serious at-sea threats are being caught as bycatch by longline fisheries, whilst on land, invasive species such as pigs and cats threaten their survival. ![Antipodean release Kaikoura 1 Dan Burgin](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_release_Kaikoura_1_Dan_Burgin.jpeg)*The ACAP-listed Antipodean Albatross ; photograph by Dan Burgin* The Tāiko/[Black Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni) *Procellaria parkinsoni *is also in contention for the Bird of the Year accolade. Globally Vulnerable, Black Petrels only breed on two small islands, Great and Little Barrier Islands in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. They are extremely vulnerable to fishing activities as they are often caught and drowned on the baited hooks of longline fishing vessels. Introduced mammals are the biggest threat to their populations on land.  ![Black Petrel Virginia Nicol 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_Virginia_Nicol_2.jpg)*Also up for New Zealand's Bird of the Year award, the Black Petrel; photgraph by Virgina Nicol* Two other procellariiforms to make the BOTY contestant list are the globally Vulnerable Tītī/Cook’s Petrel *Pterodroma cookii*** **and the globally Endangered Kaikōura tītī/Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni.*Both species are at risk from a number of threats including light pollution which can cause birds to land prematurely or put them at risk of collisions. Voting is open to everyone, not just to New Zealand citizens. Voters can select up to five birds, ranked in order from their favourite at number one. In a twist to regular proceedings, the organisers have asked voters to include a vote for their favourite “underbird” or overlooked bird. Elements including, conservation status, popularity in previous BOTY competitions and media mentions were apparently considered when compiling the official underbird list voters can choose from. To explore the full list of birds, and find out how to vote, head to the Bird of the Year [website](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/). Voting closes at 5 pm on Sunday 30 October with the winner announced on Monday 31 October. *19 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/could-the-antipodean-albatross-or-black-petrel-take-out-this-year-s-bird-of-the-year.md) ## ACAP releases French and Spanish infographics for the Grey-headed and Shy Albatrosses ![greyheadedalbatross fr mediumposter 5mmbleed2 shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/greyheadedalbatross_fr_mediumposter_5mmbleed2_shrunk.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement is continuing with its intention of producing ACAP Infographics for all 22 listed species in the three official languages of English, French and Spanish.  To date, infographics have been produced in all three languages for six species of albatrosses.  The release today of French and Spanish infographics for the [Grey-headed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *Thalassarche chrysostoma* and [Shy](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) *T. cauta* Albatrosses brings the total now fully covered to eight.  The infographics are freely available from this website to download and print as posters in two sizes (approximately A2 and A3).   ![shyalbatross fr mediumposter 5mmbleed shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/shyalbatross_fr_mediumposter_5mmbleed_shrunk.jpg) ![shyalbatross es largeposter 5mmbleed shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/shyalbatross_es_largeposter_5mmbleed_shrunk.jpg) It is planned to produce more infographics over the next 12 months or so, including for the first ACAP-listed petrels.  Two of these, for the [Black-browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *T. melanophris* and the [Northern Royal](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *Diomedea sanfordi* Albatrosses, will be released in time for World Albatross Day next year on 19 June with its theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)”. ![greyheadedalbatross es mediumposter 5mmbleed shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/greyheadedalbatross_es_mediumposter_5mmbleed_shrunk.jpg) The ACAP Species Infographics are produced by Thailand-based illustrator, [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works), with texts first reviewed by experts for each species.  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels.  The infographics serve to complement the detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the more concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). ACAP thanks Jonathon Barrington of the [Australian Antarctic Program](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) for arranging funding of the infographics for the Grey-headed and Shy Albatrosses, and “Pep” Arcos and Karine Delord for their careful checking of the Spanish and French texts, respectively. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 25 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-french-and-spanish-infographics-for-the-grey-headed-and-shy-albatrosses.md) ## UPDATED. Voting ends noon BST today. The Mouse-Free Marion Project calls for votes to receive much-needed funding **UPDATE** **Only a few hours left to vote; closes 12h00 BST, 26 October 2022**   *![Vote](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Vote.jpg) A Gam of young Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island, photograph by Tom Peschak* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) that aims to eradicate the sub-Antarctic island’s “killer mice” has recently made it to the shortlist of the category 'Wild Places' and is in the final round to be awarded funding by the European Outdoor Conservation Association ([EOCA](https://www.eocaconservation.org/)) which would contribute to the project’s goal.  The shortlisted projects go through a public voting phase which is now open and extends until 26 October.  To help save Marion Island's seabirds, the MFM Project is asking for votes to be made [here](https://www.eocaconservation.org/project-voting-category.cfm?catid=3&fbclid=IwAR0Qm9ScVBlyxGq2fCK0-u36ABWsgVdLt6dsz6ihmrSEy7W-7zuzIDM_S-w). The European Outdoor Conservation Association has a vision to champion the conservation of nature and wild places.  As a charitable organisation directly funding specific projects, the association wants to show that the European outdoor industry is committed to putting something back into the environment, and all working together a real difference can be made. *![Grey headed Albatross 3 Ben Dilley shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_Albatross_3_Ben_Dilley_shrunk.jpg) Scalped by mice: this Grey-headed Albatross chick on Marion Island will not survive another night’s attack; photograph by Ben Dilley* EOCA describes the MFM Project on its website: “Non-native, albatross-killing mice were accidently introduced to Marion Island in the sub-Antarctic by ships in the 1800s.   With no natural predators, the mice prey on native invertebrates and plants, as well as on sea bird eggs, chicks and even adult birds as they sit on their nests. The tunnelling activities of the mice is also drying out peat bogs, which cover half of the island and are important for carbon storage. The Mouse-Free Marion Project aims to restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds on Marion Island, by removing mice from the 30 000- ha island.  Additionally, the project will improve the island’s ecosystem’s resilience to climate change by removing the impact the mice have on other native fauna and flora, and benefit birdwatchers throughout the Southern Hemisphere.  The project will benefit 28 seabird species including Grey-headed, Sooty and Wandering Albatrosses.  Twelve educational events about the project will be delivered in South Africa.” Access the latest newsletter of the Mouse-free Marion Project [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/publications/). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 17 October 2022, updated 26 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-calls-for-votes-to-receive-much-needed-funding.md) ## Flesh-footed Shearwaters are harmed by microplastics, says a new publication ![Flesh footed Shearwater Adrift Lab 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Adrift_Lab_1.jpg) *Flesh-footed Shearwaters and ingested plastic; photograph from the*[Adrift Lab](https://adriftlab.org/) A study of the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carneipes*on Australia’s Lord Howe Island published open access in the [*Journal of Hazardous Materials*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-hazardous-materials) *by*Jack Rivers-Auty ([Tasmanian School of Medicine](https://www.utas.edu.au/health/about-us/tasmanian-school-of-medicine), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia) has concluded thatmicroplastic particles cause considerable tissue damage. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is ubiquitous and increasing.  The environment is inundated with microplastics (< 1 mm), and the health effects of these less conspicuous pollutants is poorly known.  In addition, there is now evidence that macroplastics can release microplastics in the form of shedding or digestive fragmentation, meaning there is potential for macroplastic exposure to induce direct and indirect pathology through microplastics.  Therefore, there is an urgent need for data from wild populations on the relationship between macro- and microplastic exposure and the potential compounding pathological effects of these forms of plastics.  We investigated the presence and impact of microplastics in multiple tissues from Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes*, a species that ingests considerable quantities of plastics, and used histopathological techniques to measure physiological responses and inflammation from the plastics.  All organs examined (kidney, spleen, proventriculus) had embedded microplastic particles and this correlated with macroplastic exposure.  Considerable tissue damage was recorded, including a significant reduction in tubular glands and rugae in the proventriculus, and evidence of inflammation, fibrosis, and loss of organ structures in the kidney and spleen. This indicates macroplastics can induce damage directly at the site of exposure, while microplastics can be mobilised throughout the body causing widespread pathology.  Collectively, these results indicate the scope and severity of the health impacts of plastic pollution may be grossly underestimated.” ![Flesh footed Shearwater Adrift Lab 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_Adrift_Lab_3.jpg) Read more by the Adrift Lab about the publication [here](https://adriftlab.org/news/big-new-paper-plastic-pollution-contributes-to-tissue-and-organ-damage-in-marine-birds/), as well as [here](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/press-office/press-releases/plastics-causing-multi-organ-damage-in-seabirds.html). ACAP has chosen the theme of “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution)” for next year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June. **Reference:** Rivers-Auty, J., Bond, A.L., Grant, M.L. & Lavers, J.L. 2022.  The one-two punch of plastic exposure: macro- and micro-plastics induce multi-organ damage in seabirds*. *[*Journal of Hazardous Materials*.  doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130117](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130117). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 18 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/flesh-footed-shearwaters-are-harmed-by-microplastics-says-a-new-publication.md) ## Plastic pollution under the spotlight for the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition ![Plastic Pollution from ships Infographic ASOC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Plastic-Pollution-from-ships-Infographic_ASOC.jpg)*The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition's newly released Plastic Pollution from Ships infographic * A new infographic drawing attention to plastic pollution in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean from the shipping industry, including fisheries, has been released by the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition ([ASOC](https://www.asoc.org)). Nets, fishing lines and traps are possibly the most obvious sources of plastic waste from fishing activities, but ASOC highlights numerous sources of marine plastics including, garbage generated on-board ships, micro-fibres from grey water waste, micro-plastics leached into the ocean from use in marine coating products, and the plastics found in containers lost overboard. The infographic is one of a series with a previous poster highlighting the threats to marine life and the wider environment posed by abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) or ghost fishing gear. ASOC's infographics are available to download at their [website](https://www.asoc.org/campaign/antarctic-fisheries-management/). Marine life including marine animals such as seabirds, are navigating waters increasingly polluted with plastic waste. A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that plastic consumption has quadrupled over the last three decades with production of plastics doubling between 2000 and 2019 to reach 460 million tonnes (Mt). Only 6% of global plastic production originates from recycled or secondary plastics and it is estimated that a staggering 30 Mt of plastic waste is currently present in the world’s seas and oceans. The United Nations has predicted that by 2050 there could be more plastic in the world’s oceans than fish. To raise awareness of this serious and growing issue, ACAP has chosen Plastic Pollution as the theme for 2023’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution) (WAD2023). Whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, plastics pose a significant threat to albatrosses. However, pollutants in the marine environment are not limited to plastics, with exposure to heavy metals, (such as mercury) and [POPs](https://www.unep.org/cep/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-and-pesticides) (persistent organic pollutants, such as insecticides) also presenting problems for this incredible species and therefore will be included in World Albatross Day’s 2023 campaign. ![James Campbell Laysan incubating Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/James-Campbell-Laysan-incubating-Lindsay-Young.jpg)*A Laysan Albatross incubating its egg; photograph by Lindsay Young* Each year ACAP features particular albatross species in artworks, posters and infographics to promote World Albatross Day. Of the four species chosen for 2023, two species in particular underscore albatrosses plight with plastic: the Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which are known to ingest more plastic than the southern hemisphere species. The globally Endangered Northern Royal Albatross *D. sanfordi,* endemic to New Zealand and the abundant and widespread Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris*will also feature in the World Albatross Day campaign for 2023. ![Sheldon Plentovich Laysan plastic load](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Sheldon_Plentovich_Laysan_plastic_load.jpg)*A mural of the plastic load found in the stomach contents of a Laysan Albatross chick that died a month before it would have fledged; artwork and photograph by Sheldon Plentovich* Follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels) and Instagram to keep up to date with our World Albatross Day campaign and all ACAP news. *14 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-pollution-under-the-spotlight-for-the-antarctic-and-southern-ocean-coalition.md) ## Shining a light on the value of the dark. World Migratory Bird Day puts light pollution in the spotlight [https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/)![WMBD image](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/WMBD_image.jpg)*A still from an Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water animation raising awareness of the imapcts of light pollution by Redboat Animation and Video (animation below)* [World Migratory Bird Day](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/) (WMBD) celebrations took place on October 8 with events highlighting this year’s theme of Light Pollution held across the world. In the lead up to the event, World Migratory Bird Day held two webinars, “Overview of Light Pollution Impact” and “Solutions and Policies to tackle Light Pollution”, which are now available to watch online. The webinars are available in both English and Spanish at the Environment for the Americas [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoZDHgAflqq0WzyWL1Jti2Q/videos). Speakers over the two days included:  - Dr. Travis Longcore, Associate Adjunct Professor at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability - Dr. Jeffrey Buler, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware - Judy Pollock, president of Chicago Audubon Society - Caesar San Miguel, Senior Policy Officer at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water of the Australian Government - Ivo Tejeda, Director of the Network of the Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre - Marco Barbieri, Scientific and Technical Officer at the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) An enormous diversity of birds, active both nocturnally and diurnally, experience impacts of light pollution. Seabirds such as petrels and shearwaters commonly get drawn into hazardous situations on land and on ships by artificial light sources. Solutions addressing the impact of light pollution are available and being implemented by governments, companies and communities across the globe. Internationally agreed guidelines on light pollution covering [marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/publications/national-light-pollution-guidelines-wildlife) already exist and have been endorsed by the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Encouragingly, new international guidelines focusing on migratory landbirds and bats are currently being developed under CMS and will be presented to CMS Parties for adoption at the 14th Conference of the Parties to CMS in 2023. The webinars were presented in partnership with the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS), Environment for the Americas (EFTA), the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).  The Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's website has a range of resources and information on light pollution including tips to reduce its impacts on wildlife. Visit the website [here](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/conservation/light-pollution#transcript--light-pollution-and-birds) to discover more information and how you can help. *Video courtesy of the Australian Government - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water* 12 October 2022 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/shining-a-light-on-the-value-of-the-dark-world-migratory-bird-day-puts-light-pollution-in-the-spotlight.md) ## Changing tack. Chick-provisioning Laysan Albatrosses foraging behaviour responds to changing environments ![Feeding chick Pete Leary](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Feeding_chick_Pete_Leary.jpg)*A Laysan Albatross feeds its chick; photograph by Pete Leary* Morgan Gilmour (U.S. Geological Survey, [Western Ecological Research Center](https://www.usgs.gov/centers/werc), California, USA) and colleagues have published open access in *Marine Ecology Progress Series* ([MEPS](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/)) on foraging patterns in chick-provisioning Laysan Albatrosses under varying environmental conditions. The paper’s abstract follows: “Animals that regularly traverse habitat extremes between the subtropics and subarctic are expected to exhibit foraging behaviors that respond to changes in dynamic ocean habitats, and these behaviors may facilitate adaptations to novel and changing climates. During the chick-provisioning stage, Laysan albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* parents regularly undertake short- and long-distance foraging trips throughout the vast central North Pacific Ocean. We examined GPS tracking data among chick-provisioning albatrosses in Hawai‘i to characterize habitats during short- and long-distance trips. The study period encompassed a marine heatwave (2014) and the cooling period after an extreme El Niño event (2016), enabling us to examine foraging habitats under novel and changing climates. First passage time and generalized additive mixed models indicated that during 183 short and 110 long trips (n = 32 birds), wind-assisted flight efficiency, proximity to productive areas, and moonlit-searching were important in both subtropical and subarctic habitats. Laysan albatross took foraging trips that had similar lengths and durations in 2014 and 2016 and visited similar areas, indicating that their foraging range did not expand in response to climatic variability. A strategy that uses similar foraging areas across years combined with reliance on environmental processes that enhance flight efficiency (wind) and that enable searching behaviors (moonlight) indicate that Laysan albatross exhibit complex behavioral plasticity that allows them to utilize subtropical and subarctic habitats affected by dynamic climate variability. This strategy may benefit their ability to respond to oceanographic and climatic change, including expanding warm water regions and changing atmospheric conditions influenced by global warming.” REFERENCE Gilmour M.E., Felis J, Hester M., Young L., Adams J. (2022) Laysan albatross exhibit complex behavioral plasticity in the subtropical and subarctic North Pacific Ocean. *Marine Ecology Progress Series* 697:125-147. [https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14148](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14148)[https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14148](https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14148) *13 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/changing-tack-are-foraging-behaviours-of-chick-provisioning-laysan-albatrosses-influenced-by-environmental-characteristics.md) ## World Migratory Bird Day set to "dim the lights" to mark October bird migrations ![WMBD 2022 FB Banner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/WMBD_2022_FB_Banner.jpg) World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is set to mark the second of its twice-yearly celebratory days on 8 October under this year’s theme, “Light Pollution”. Adopting the catch cry, “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night”, WMBD is raising awareness of the impact of light pollution on migratory birds of whom most species do so under night skies. “Light Pollution refers to artificial light that alters the natural patterns of light and dark in ecosystems. Light Pollution is increasing globally. The amount of artificial light on the earth's surface is increasing by at least 2% each year and poses a growing threat to migratory birds. Excessive artificial light at night can disorient birds during their migration, leading to collisions with buildings, interfering with their internal clocks and disrupting migrations.” As stated in an [ACAP Latest News story](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4222-light-pollution-to-be-the-focus-for-world-migratory-bird-day-in-2022) earlier this year, ACAP-listed species particularly at risk are the Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica*, the Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus* and the Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*.  Other procellariiform species seriously affected include Newell’s *Puffinus newelli *and Wedge-tailed *Ardenna pacifica* Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis *on inhabited Hawaiian islands and Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni* that breeds inland on New Zealand’s South Island. The issue of light pollution and its impacts on wildlife are increasingly recognised globally as a serious problem. The topic was considered for the first time at the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals thirteenth meeting of the Conference of Parties ([CMS COP13](https://www.cms.int/en/news/new-guidelines-proposed-address-light-pollution)) in 2020 following draft resolutions submitted independently by the European Union and Australia. Best practice guidelines are now under development under the [Convention on Migratory Species](https://www.cms.int). World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturdays in May and October, reflecting the peak times of migration along the world’s flyways and the seasonal nature of bird migration. For more information on WMBD and how you can be involved visit their [website](https://www.migratorybirdday.org/). *7 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-migratory-bird-day-set-to-mark-its-second-celebration-of-2022.md) ## Fishing activity accounts for substantial amount of floating plastic waste in North Pacific Garbage Patch ![TheOceanCleanUp plastic survey photo Fedde Poppenk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/TheOceanCleanUp_plastic_survey_photo_Fedde_Poppenk.jpg)*Offshore tests for the recovery of floating plastics conducted by The Ocean Cleanup in the North Pacific Garbage Patch in 2019; photograph by Fedde Poppenk* Laurent Lebreton ([The Ocean Cleanup](https://theoceancleanup.com), Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and colleagues have published open access in the journal, Scientific Reports on the origin of floating plastic in the North Pacific Garbage Patch. The paper’s abstract follows: “The subtropical oceanic gyre in the North Pacific Ocean is currently covered with tens of thousands of tonnes of floating plastic debris, dispersed over millions of square kilometres. A large fraction is composed of fishing nets and ropes while the rest is mostly composed of hard plastic objects and fragments, sometimes carrying evidence on their origin. In 2019, an oceanographic mission conducted in the area, retrieved over 6000 hard plastic debris items > 5 cm. The debris was later sorted, counted, weighed, and analysed for evidence of origin and age. Our results, complemented with numerical model simulations and findings from a previous oceanographic mission, revealed that a majority of the floating material stems from fishing activities. While recent assessments for plastic inputs into the ocean point to coastal developing economies and rivers as major contributors into oceanic plastic pollution, here we show that most floating plastics in the North Pacific subtropical gyre can be traced back to five industrialised fishing nations, highlighting the important role the fishing industry plays in the solution to this global issue.” ![TheOceanCleanUp Plastic Survey NPGP 2019](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/TheOceanCleanUp_Plastic_Survey_NPGP_2019.jpg) *Composition of hard plastic debris harvested from the North Pacific Garbage Patch in 2019. Relative (a) mass and (b) numerical distribution of hard plastic items > 5 cm only (e.g., excluding nets and ropes)* In Freda Kreier’s discussion of the paper in [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02788-4?WT.ec_id=NATURE-20220915&utm_source=nature_etoc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20220915&sap-outbound-id=AA3D350C15F1AFFD5C8B9E47D0A98565AEB1D052#ref-CR1) this month, the author expands on the paper’s findings that show between 75 and 86% of the large floating plastic pieces collected for the survey in the North Pacific Garbage Patch can be attributed to fishing vessels originating from just five regions of the globe. REFERENCE Lebreton L., Royer S.J., Peytavin A., Strietman W.J., Smeding-Zuurendonk I., Egger M. Industrialised fishing nations largely contribute to floating plastic pollution in the North Pacific subtropical gyre. *Scientific Report*. 2022. Sep 1;12(1):12666.[https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16529-0](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16529-0)[https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16529-0](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16529-0)   Images courtesy of the authors and journal, Scientific Reports, and are permitted for publication under the creative commons licence, [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Plastic Pollution has been chosen by ACAP as the theme to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution), to be celebrated on June 19, 2023. Albatrosses are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the public.  However, albatrosses face other significant pollutants, including heavy metals, (such as mercury) and [POPs](https://www.unep.org/cep/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-and-pesticides) (persistent organic pollutants, such as insecticides).  ACAP will therefore include these and other categories of pollutants along with plastics in promoting “WAD2023”. Ghost fishing gear has also been highlighted recently by the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition ([ASOC](https://www.asoc.org/)) who have released an educational infographic poster on the problem. The poster is available to download at the ASOC [website](https://www.asoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Ghost-fishing-gear-Infographic.png). ![Ghost fishing gear Infographic asoc 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Ghost-fishing-gear-Infographic-asoc_1.jpg)   *10 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/large-particles-of-plastic-waste-in-north-pacific-garbage-patch-originate-from-fishing-vessels.md) ## BirdLife International’s State of the World’s Birds report finds almost half of global bird populations are in decline ![Wandering Albatross PEIs Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_PEIs_Trevor_Hardaker.JPG)*A Wandering Albatross soars over the ocean; photograph by Trevor Hardaker* *South Georgia's (Islas Georgias del Sur)* Wandering Albatrosses Diomedea exulans have been in decline since the 1970's with bycatch from fisheries predominantly responsible. With wide foraging ranges, Wandering Albatrosses are exposed to multiple fisheries across national and international waters making them particularly vulnerable to this threat.* Human activity and the climate crisis are behind the perilous state of the world’s bird populations with 49% in decline according to the publication. The report, released every four years, shows 238 bird species or 12.8% of all surviving species have been assessed as Critically Endangered, only 38 % have stable populations and just 6% are increasing. Many birds have gone extinct in the past centuries and the risk of extinction is only increasing. The world is currently experiencing an extinction crisis with the planet facing its sixth mass extinction event. 30% of seabird species are considered globally threatened making them one of the most at risk groups of birds. Bycatch from fisheries affects 100 seabird species and poses their biggest threat with hundreds of thousands of seabirds killed each year through interactions with fishing vessels. The report also highlights availability of mitigation measures that have been developed over previous decades, identifying [ACAP’s Best Practice Advice](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines) and technical guidelines which, if implemented, are proven and effective conservation measures. A lack of regulation and compliance, particularly on the high seas, is cited as behind the persistent threat to seabird populations.  Despite such a grim outlook, the effectiveness of conservation action is underlined by the report with examples of successes: An initiative led by BirdLife’s [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org/projects/albatross-task-force/) which resulted in a 98% reduction of seabird bycatch in targeted fisheries of the Namibian demersal longline fleet and the eradication of invasive alien species on numerous islands leading to the recovery of native bird populations being two such examples. Urgent action is identified as paramount if the decline in the world’s bird populations is to be turned around. Solutions to the various pressures facing birds are known and can be implemented with a concerted and collaborative approach from the international community. The full report is available in English, French and Spanish at the BirdLife International website, [here](https://www.birdlife.org/papers-reports/state-of-the-worlds-birds-2022/). *5 October 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/birdlife-international-s-state-of-the-world-s-bird-report-finds-almost-half-of-global-bird-populations-are-in-decline.md) ## World Albatross Day supporter Kitty Harvill receives the prestigious Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award for 2022 ![Kitty Harvill award 10](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kitty_Harvill_award_10.jpg) *Kitty Harvill (right) holds a bronze statuette *of two Wildebeest, sculpted by South Africa's**[Peter Gray](http://petergray.co.za/)*, part of her award received from Artists for Conservation President and Founder, Jeff Whiting (left)* In 15 years as honorary Information Officer for the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq)) my most enjoyable experience has been collaborating with Kitty Harvill, Co-founder of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)), and with all her many participating artists.  Over three years, ACAP has received more than 500 artworks depicting its 31-listed species from ABUN in support of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June, to use to create awareness of the conservation crisis faced by the world's 22 species of albatrosses.  Each year, a selection of ABUN artworks, including several by Kitty, have been chosen to create World Albatross Day posters, made freely downloadable from the ACAP website at a high resolution suitable for printing. *![Kiity Harvill poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kiity_Harvill_poster.jpg) “Lost in a Rising Sea” watercolour by Kitty Harvill in support of*[*WAD2022*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)*and its theme of “Climate Change”, after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka, poster design by Michelle Risi* Kitty Harvill has now been recognized for her contribution to art and wildlife with Artists for Conservation’s ([AFC](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/)) top honour: the [Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/art-artists/award-winners/combes-award).  The AFC bestows the award annually to individuals for exemplifying the achievements and dedication of the award's namesake.  The award was established in 2006 and has become the world's most prestigious conservation award for visual artists.  Simon Combes was a prominent member of the AFC until his tragic passing in 2004, when he was killed in an encounter with a Cape Buffalo near his home in Kenya. Artists for Conservation is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment.  Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries across five continents. **![Kitty Harvill award 6](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kitty_Harvill_award_6.jpg)* The award comes with a certificate as well as a statuette* Kitty received her award last month at the AFC’s 12th annual [International Exhibit of Nature in Art](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/virtual-exhibit/21298) in Vancouver, Canada.  In her acceptance speech she said in part: “My journey to wildlife art is a ‘From Ashes to Beauty’ story.  When I lost my mother in 2004, I didn’t paint for two years. My mother and I had begun our art careers together.  When I was 18, I left home to pursue a degree in fine art and she went back to school to study art, at Austin Peay State University in our hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee.  She was 46. I was 46 the year she died, and I thought perhaps it was time for me to start a new career, at that age, just like she did, after my career in commercial art and illustration.  I started making trips to Brazil, not to paint but to photograph.  I immersed myself in the nature of Brazil with photography and thought that would be my new career.  But something interesting happened, after two years I pulled out a sheet of pastel paper and began a painting of a Giant River Otter that I’d photographed in the Pantanal.  My hand literally flew all over that paper for more than an hour and I just knew that this was my new career.  I believe my immersion in nature for those two years doing photography helped me to the point that I could paint again, and I certainly have.  To receive an award in honour and memory of such an iconic artist and conservationist as Simon Combes is both humbling and motivating - big shoes and footsteps to fill and follow.  Thank you so very much for this great honour.” AFC President and Founder, Jeff Whiting, who presented the award on the first day of the festival said “Kitty is a rare kind of inspiring artist and conservationist, and an extraordinary role model of resourcefulness, creativity, persistence and passion.” ([click here](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/news-media/articles/kitty-harvill-to-receive-afc-s-highest-honor-22764)). *![Kitty Harvill award 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kitty_Harvill_award_2.jpg)* ![Kitty Harvill award 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kitty_Harvill_award_4.jpg) ![Kitty Harvill award 5](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kitty_Harvill_award_5.jpg) *![Kitty Harvill award 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2023/Kitty_Harvill_award_1.jpg) The Artists for Conservation Festival was accompanied by a*[*book*](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/gift-shop/product/artists-conservation-2022-23073)*with a five-page chapter on Kitty’s award that includes her “All for One. One for All – Albatross” collage of all 22 albatrosses, available as a*[*WAD2020 poster*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/77-wad2020-posters/3572-world-albatross-day-2020-posters-from-artists-biologists-unite-for-naturee)*.  The 240-page book features 200 artworks by 178 artists from 19 countries* Among the most threatened groups of birds in the world, albatrosses and their allied petrels face numerous threats on land and at sea.  These include predation by invasive mammals on breeding islands, mortality at sea from fisheries, diseases, plastic pollution, and climate change and consequent sea-level rise causing flooding of low-lying breeding islands.  Kitty's and the ABUN artists' artworks are helping the Agreement work towards mitigating these threats. Kitty has written to *ACAP Latest News*: "Vancouver was a wonderful experience in every way.  I am still floating above ground from it all!  I'm delighted that my albatross painting of all 22 species made it into my book chapter”. She adds: “I'm looking forward to working with ACAP once again, and on such an important topic as ‘Plastic Pollution’ for World Albatross Day next year.  The albatrosses always inspire!” The Albatross and Petrel Agreement agrees and looks forward to collaborating once more with Kitty and her ABUN artists in January next year in support of [WAD2023](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 11 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-albatross-day-supporter-kitty-harvill-receives-the-prestigious-simon-combes-conservation-artist-award-for-2022.md) ## Is it worth it? Invasive eradication as an island conservation tool ![Lucy Smyth Goney chick2 26 May 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Lucy_Smyth_Goney_chick2_26_May_2022.jpeg)*A Wandering Albatross chick that has been attacked by invasive mice; photograph by Lucy Smyth* Dena R. Spatz ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org), Honolulu, HI, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal Scientific Reports on the efficacy of global invasive species eradication programmes and their validity as a conservation tool. The abstract as follows: “Islands are global hotspots for biodiversity and extinction, representing ~ 5% of Earth’s land area alongside 40% of globally threatened vertebrates and 61% of global extinctions since the 1500s. Invasive species are the primary driver of native biodiversity loss on islands, though eradication of invasive species from islands has been effective at halting or reversing these trends. A global compendium of this conservation tool is essential for scaling best-practices and enabling innovations to maximize biodiversity outcomes. Here, we synthesize over 100 years of invasive vertebrate eradications from islands, comprising 1550 eradication attempts on 998 islands, with an 88% success rate. We show a significant growth in eradication activity since the 1980s, primarily driven by rodent eradications. The annual number of eradications on islands peaked in the mid-2000s, but the annual area treated continues to rise dramatically. This trend reflects increases in removal efficacy and project complexity, generating increased conservation gains. Our synthesis demonstrates the collective contribution of national interventions towards global biodiversity outcomes. Further investment in invasive vertebrate eradications from islands will expand biodiversity conservation while strengthening biodiversity resilience to climate change and creating co-benefits for human societies.” REFERENCE Spatz, D.R., Holmes, N.D., Will, D.J. *et al.* The global contribution of invasive vertebrate eradication as a key island restoration tool. *Sci Rep* **12**, 13391 (2022). [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14982-5](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14982-5)[https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14982-5](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14982-5) *3 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/is-it-worth-it-invasive-eradication-as-an-island-conservation-tool.md) ## Deadline extended for International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference (IFOMC) abstract submissions ![IFOMC Deadline Extension Web](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/IFOMC_Deadline_Extension_Web.jpg) The deadline to submit abstracts for presentations at the International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference (IFOMC) has been extended to 31 October. Supported by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR)](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/organisation/home-page) and the Tasmanian Government, the IFOMC is the leading international conference series for promoting effective fishery monitoring programs throughout the world with the aim to ensure sustainable marine resource management. Members and interested parties from the international scientific and fishery monitoring community are invited to register for the conference, and present novel research and information on a variety of themes covering fisheries observer health and safety and training programs, and the use of monitoring program data to support sustainable resource management. The conference is taking place in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia from 6 to 10 March 2023. For more information please visit: [www.ifomc.aq](http://www.ifomc.aq/).  *30 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/deadline-extended-for-international-fisheries-observer-and-monitoring-conference-ifomc-abstract-submissions.md) ## Shy males lose out, but females have it easy. Divorce in Wandering Albatrosses *![Sun Biology Letters Samantha Patrick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Sun_Biology_Letters_Samantha_Patrick.jpg) A Wandering Albatross displays to potential mates; journal cover photograph by Samantha Patrick* Ruijiao Sun ([Biology Department](https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/understand/departments-centers-labs/bio/), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Biology Letters*](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rsbl) on divorce in the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Personality predicts divorce rates in humans, yet how personality traits affect divorce in wild animals remains largely unknown.  In a male-skewed population of wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*), we showed that personality predicts divorce; shyer males exhibited higher divorce rates than bolder males but no such relationship was found in females.  We propose that divorce may be caused by the intrusion of male competitors and shyer males divorce more often because of their avoidance of territorial aggression, while females have easier access to mates regardless of their personality.  Thus, personality may have important implications for the dynamics of social relationships.” Access a related paper on divorce in Wandering Albatrosses by Ruijiao Sun and colleagues from [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4417-higher-female-mortality-in-wandering-albatrosses-leads-to-divorce-and-widowhood?highlight=WyJzdW4iLCJzdW4ncyIsIndhbmRlcmluZyIsIid3YW5kZXJpbmciLCJ3YW5kZXJpbmcnIl0=). **Reference:** Sun R., Van de Walle, J., Patrick, S.C., Barbraud, C., Weimerskirch, H., Delord, K. & Jenouvrier S. 2022.  Boldness predicts divorce rates in wandering albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*).  [*Biology Letters* 18 (9) doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2022.0301](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2022.0301#d1742949e742s). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 06 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/shy-males-lose-out-but-females-have-it-easy-divorce-in-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## Couldn't make it to this year's Seabird Group Conference? Don't worry, you can catch up online *******![seabirdgroupconference](https://acap.aq/images/seabirdgroupconference.jpg)******* *Plenary Speakers from the 15th International Seabird Group Conference (clockwise from top left), Prof Emily Shepard, Dr Alex Bond and Dr Annette Fayet* Sessions from the 15th International Seabird Group Conference are now available to watch online at The Seabird Group’s YouTube channel. The conference took place 22nd - 25th August at University College Cork, in Ireland, and featured a slew of presentations under a wide range of session themes including; Monitoring, Pollution and Toxicology, Urbanisation, Invasives and Restoration, and more.  Dr Francis Daunt opened the conference with the Welcome Address, *Insights into seabird population ecology from 50 years of research on the Isle of May. *Plenary speakers included, Prof Emily Shepard from Swansea University with, *From take-off to touch down: How and when do strong winds become risky for seabirds?*, Dr Alex Bond from the UK’s Natural History Museum with, *From individuals to communities who spoke on plastic pollution, queerness, and compassion in seabird science*, and Dr Annette Fayet from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research with, *Drivers of seabird movements and their fitness consequences.* [The Seabird Group](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk) is a registered charity whose goal is to promote and help coordinate the study and conservation of seabirds. The group organises regular international conferences, has a small grants program and publishes the annual colour journal Seabird. The Group actively encourages its members to get involved in surveys of seabirds and other research work. Sessions from the conference programme can be viewed [here](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8spRgxVrl81kRTCZsKAgen_AyXYkCrdc).  *26 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/couldn-t-make-it-to-this-year-s-seabird-group-conference-don-t-worry-you-can-catch-up-online.md) ## Modelling fisheries bycatch of the Short-tailed Albatross in the North Pacific ![Short tailed Albatross Laurie Johnson Lucimara Wesolowicz.hiquaL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Lucimara_Wesolowicz.hiquaL.jpg) *A Short-tailed Albatross pair, artwork for ACAP by Lucimara Wesolowicz‎ of*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*; after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Thomas Good ([Northwest Fisheries Science Center](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/northwest-fisheries-science-center), Seattle, Washington, USA) and colleagues model bycatch of the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Diomedea albatrus* in the journal [*Fisheries Research*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fisheries-research)*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Developing unbiased estimates of incidental bycatch poses a challenge for species where fishing-induced mortality is a rare occurrence.  Expanding rare mortality events using ratio estimators or bycatch of proxy species can result in highly variable estimates based on untested and often untestable assumptions.  We estimated short-tailed albatross bycatch in a U.S. West Coast groundfish fishery using Bayesian time series modeling.  The best model used a constant bycatch rate and inferred annual expected bycatch and variability using a Poisson distribution, given specified levels of observed effort. Fleet-wide bycatch estimates varied annually and peaked at 1.35 birds in 2011 (the year of the only observed mortality). The probability of exceeding the limit of five estimated takes in a 2-year period was very low throughout the time series, and estimated takes in the unobserved portion of the fleet are more likely with lower observer coverage and higher fishing effort.  The Bayesian model-based approach avoids assumptions inherent in ratio estimators and proxy methods; it incorporates uncertainty, reduces volatility, and enables comparisons of bycatch estimates to management thresholds.  This analytical approach offers natural resource managers a framework for estimating bycatch in data-limited contexts, which can result in better guidance for management actions and mitigation strategies.” **Reference:** Good, T.P., Jannot, J.E., Somers, K.A. & Ward, E.J[.](#!) 2022.  Using Bayesian time series models to estimate bycatch of an endangered albatross.  [*Fisheries Research* 256: 106492](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165783622002697?via%3Dihub). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 29 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/modelling-fisheries-bycatch-of-the-short-tailed-albatross-in-the-north-pacific.md) ## Ingested plastics in 47% of beach-washed Fairy Prions from Tasmania ![Fairy Prion at sea Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Fairy_Prion_at_sea_Peter_Ryan.jpg)*A Fairy Prion flys by at sea; photograph by Peter Ryan* Jennifer Lavers ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au), University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Marine Pollution Bulletin](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-pollution-bulletin)* on ingested plastics and body condition in wrecked Fairy Prions *Pachyptila turtur*. ACAP has recently announced [“Plastic Pollution”](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4428-plastic-pollution-acap-chooses-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2023/) as the theme for 2023’s World Albatross Day (WAD2023). Although Fairy Prions are not an ACAP-listed species, ACAP will be highlighting all papers and news items relating to the WAD2023 theme beyond its listed species to all procellariiforms leading up to the event. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic is an omnipresent pollutant in marine ecosystems and is widely documented to be ingested among seabird species. [Procellariiformes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/procellariiformes) are particularly vulnerable to plastic ingestion, which can cause internal damage, starvation, and occasionally mortality. In this study, 34 [f](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/fledglings)ledgling Fairy Prions (*Pachyptila turtur*) recovered during a wreck event in south-eastern Tasmania in 2022 were examined for ingested plastics and body condition (e.g., wing chord length). While many of the birds exhibited poor body condition, this was not correlated with the count or mass of ingested plastics. We hypothesise the marine heatwave event, and resulting lack of prey, contributed to bird body condition and subsequent mortality. We provide some of the first data on the size of individual plastic particles ingested by seabirds and make recommendations for future studies to report this important metric in a consistent manner that ensures data are comparable.” REFERENCE Lavers, J.L., de Jersey, A.M., Jones, N.R., Stewart, L.G., Charlton-Howard, H.S., Grant, M.L. & Woehler, E.J. 2022.  Ingested plastics in beach-washed Fairy Prions *Pachyptila turtur* from Tasmania. *Marine Pollution Bulletin* 184[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114096](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114096)[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114096](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114096) *26 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ingested-plastics-in-beach-washed-fairy-prions-pachyptila-turtur-from-tasmania.md) ## Ringing of Dunedin’s bells heralds the return of Northern Royal Albatrosses to New Zealand's Taiaroa Head ![NRA named OL NZDeptConservation 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/NRA_named_OL_NZDeptConservation_2022.jpg)*Northern Royal Albatross, OL (Orange/Lime), comes in to land at *Taiaroa Head,* heralding the new season for the world's only mainland breeding colony; a still photograph taken from RoyalCam* The tradition of ringing in the return of Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* to Dunedin continued this year with the city’s bells chiming yesterday at 1 pm in celebration. 12-year old female, OL (Orange/Lime) was seen on the headland by [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) rangers on Tuesday, and spotted flying in from the live stream known as [Royalcam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/). Otago Peninsula Trust Ecotourism Manager Hoani Langsbury, said there could never be a more appropriate time for the return of a Royal to Pukekura, than the day after Queen Elizabeth’s Tangi. Between 35 - 50 breeding pairs were expected to return this year, Mr Lansbury said in his welcome address to The Royal Albatross' bell-ringing event. He attributed the number to the healthy marine environment surrounding the peninsula, saying, "the peninsula sticks out about 30 kilometres out in the ocean, so we are a little like an offshore island so it’s a good indicator to us how healthy the place is". Nadia Wesley-Smith, Chair of Te Poari a Pukekura Co-Management Trust Board joined the [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz) in celebrating the return of the first [toroa](https://www.otago.ac.nz/toroa/about/otago018823.html) for the season saying the annual return reminded the board of their ongoing responsibilities around the entire living system of the headland that contributes to the health and conservation of the Northern Royal Albatross. Dunedin’s Northern Royal albatrosses at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula are the only mainland breeding colony in the world. Birds arrive in September to nest just as the previous year’s chicks, now juveniles, are fledging. Currently 16 out of 25 chicks are yet to fledge. Department of Conservation Ranger Sharyn Broni said OL was spotted spending time with a potential mate last summer and advised only time will tell if OL breeds during the 22/23 season. *OPT Ecotourism Manager Hoani Langsbury gives the welcome address and rings in the 2023 season at [The Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz) where RoyalCam is located* Northern Royal Albatrosses are globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and have been selected as one of ACAP’s featured species for next year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), marked on 19 June. ACAP has chosen, “Plastic Pollution”[latest-news/4428-plastic-pollution-acap-chooses-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2023/](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4428-plastic-pollution-acap-chooses-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2023/) as next year's theme, highlighting the ever increasing presence of plastic in our environment. Albatrosses are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the general public.  However, albatrosses face other significant pollutants, including heavy metals, (such as mercury) and [POPs](https://www.unep.org/cep/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-and-pesticides) (persistent organic pollutants, such as insecticides).  ACAP will therefore include these and other categories of pollutants along with plastics in promoting “WAD2023”. Royalcam is a collaboration between the Department[of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) and the [Cornell Lab of Ornithology](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/) to raise awareness world-wide of the lives and challenges of the royal albatrosses. *23 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/dunedin-s-bells-herald-the-return-of-the-northern-royal-albatrosses-to-taiaroa-head.md) ## RSN Statement to COFI 35: Regional Fishery Bodies essential for the conservation and sustainable management of all living aquatic resources ![RSN Mag Nov 2021](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/RSN_Mag_Nov_2021.jpg)*A cover image from RSN Magazine, produced by the Regional Fishery Body Secretariats' Network (RSN); photograph by Pexels/Quang Nguyen Vinh* The Regional Fishery Body Secretariats' Network (RSN) Statement to the recent 35th Session of the Committee of Fisheries ([COFI 35](https://www.fao.org/about/meetings/cofi/en/)) has been posted to the COFI 35 website. The Statement, “Developments in global and regional processes related to fisheries and aquaculture” was submitted by RSN Chair, Mr. Guillermo Compeán. In his Statement, Mr. Compeán presented examples of achievements of the RSN, including the growth and development of the [RSN Magazine](https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/rsn/magazine), the fostering of technical publications related to RFBs, and the co-production with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.fao.org/home/en/)) of 54 Regional Fishery Bodies (RFB) [factsheets](https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/organization/search). He further noted the “essential role played by RFB’s in the conservation and sustainable management of all living aquatic resources”, highlighting the unique position of the RSN Network in its provision of “an international forum with which to convey global policies to the regional and individual country level”, and signified the RSN as an “important tool to reach the goals and commitments identified and adopted by COFI”. Mr Compeán also provided a brief insight into the 9th Meeting of the RSN which took place prior to COFI 35, advising that important items of discussion included “the impact of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture sustainability, area-based management tools including OECM [other effective area-based conservation measures], safety at sea and decent working conditions, the relevance of the RFB performance review practices, and a revised Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure for the RSN.” The report of the meeting will be available at a future date on the FAO website. ACAP was pleased to acknowledge in its own [Opening Statement](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/COFI/COFI35/statements/ACAPGeneralStatementCOFI35.pdf) to COFI 35 of its inclusion in the Regional Secretariats' Network (RSN) which meets before and after COFI. This inclusion in the RSN provides welcome opportunities to share with a broad range of colleagues the latest updates to ACAP’s best practice advice for reducing the impact of fisheries on seabirds. The Chair's Statement is available at the COFI 35 website, [here](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/COFI/COFI35/WCP/018D_Observer_Regional_Processes_2022_09_06.pdf). *Posted 21 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/rsn-statement-to-cofi-35-regional-fishery-bodies-essential-for-the-conservation-and-sustainable-management-of-all-living-aquatic-resources.md) ## Responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and petrels a shared endeavour - ACAP statement to COFI 35 encourages working together ![Nine infographic albatrosses Namasri Niumim](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Nine_infographic_albatrosses_Namasri_Niumim.JPG)*Albatross Infographic featuring ACAP-listed albatrosses by Thai illustrator* [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasrinstudio.com/Works) ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, recently attended the 35th Session of the Committee of Fisheries (COFI 35) held from 5-9 September in Rome, Italy. Participating as an Observer, ACAP submitted an Opening Statement and a Comment to Agenda Item 11 to the Session.  Whilst highlighting fisheries bycatch to be one of the greatest threats to seabirds, particularly albatrosses and petrels, ACAP also stressed in its Opening Statement to the Session that the problem was not insoluble.  Referencing its suite of best practice advice for reducing the impact of fisheries on seabirds ACAP stated, “within jurisdictions where implementation of effective mitigation measures and appropriate enforcement has occurred, reductions in seabird bycatch have been demonstrated, sometimes dramatically so and without perceived detrimental consequences arising”. ACAP recommends the simultaneous use of weighted branch lines, bird scaring lines and night setting, or use of one of the assessed hook-shielding and underwater bait setting devices as the most effective way to reduce seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries. ACAP’s best practice advice, available in multiple languages, can be accessed in the Resources section of its website at,[ www.acap.aq](https://www.acap.aq). In its Opening Statement ACAP also acknowledged the need for ongoing, concerted efforts by all whose activities have an impact on the fate of seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters, who are facing a conservation crisis.  Supplementary to ACAP’s Opening Statement to COFI 35, ACAP provided a Comment to Agenda Item 11 ‘Development in global and regional processes related to fisheries and aquaculture’, that provided more detail on recent updates of ACAP’s best practice advice for mitigating the threats to seabirds from fisheries operations. The full text of ACAP’s Opening Statement to COFI 35 is available [here](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/COFI/COFI35/statements/ACAPGeneralStatementCOFI35.pdf). The full text of ACAP’s Comment to Agenda Item 11 is available [here](https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/COFI/COFI35/WCP/014D_Observer_Regional_Processes_2022_09_06.pdf). *Posted 19 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/responsibility-for-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-and-petrels-a-shared-endeavour-acap-statement-to-cofi-35-encourages-working-together.md) ## Continued cooperation between ACAP and ICCAT boosts hope for the conservation of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters *![ICCAT ACAP Guidelines Renewal 2022 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/ICCAT_ACAP_Guidelines_Renewal_2022_-_1.jpg)**ACAP Executive Secretary (left), Dr Christine BogIe, and ICCAT Executive Secretary, Camille J. P. Manel (right) signing the renewal of the Guidelines for Cooperation between the two organisations* ACAP and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) are pleased to announce the renewal of the *Guidelines for Cooperation between ICCAT and ACAP Secretariat*. The guidelines facilitate cooperation between ICCAT and the ACAP Secretariat with a view to supporting efforts to minimise the incidental bycatch of ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters within [ICCAT's Convention Area](https://www.iccat.int/Data/ICCAT_maps.pdf).  ACAP Executive Secretary, Dr Christine BogIe, and ICCAT Executive Secretary, Camille J. P. Manel, signed the renewal whilst attending the recent 35th Committee on Fisheries session ([COFI 35](https://www.fao.org/about/meetings/cofi/en/)) held in Rome, Italy.  Speaking of the renewed agreement, Dr Christine Bogle stated, "I am pleased that ACAP and ICCAT will continue to cooperate in relation to the development and enhancement of measures to protect seabirds from the impacts of fisheries in the ICCAT region". Camille Jean Pierre Manel echoed the sentiment saying, “ICCAT thanks ACAP and welcomes this renewal of the guidelines for cooperation between our two organizations allowing us to continue strengthening this cooperation.”  The Guidelines state  ICCAT and the ACAP Secretariat may consult, cooperate and collaborate with each other on areas of common interest that are relevant to the conservation, including the protection and management, of populations of albatrosses and petrels. These include: data collection and analysis; information exchange; the implementation of education and awareness programmes for fishers; the design, testing and implementation of bycatch mitigation measures relevant to ICCAT fisheries; reciprocal participation with observer status at the relevant meetings of ACAP and ICCAT, and more.  The renewed *Guidelines for Cooperation between ICCAT and ACAP Secretariat *are available on the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/documents/mous).  *Posted 16 September 2022, updated 21 November 2023* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/continued-cooperation-between-acap-and-iccat-boosts-hope-for-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-petrels-and-shearwaters.md) ## Hooked! Two Wandering Albatrosses on Bird Island in the South Atlantic get a reprieve to continue breeding *![Hooked Wanderer Bird Island Erin Taylor](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Hooked_Wanderer_Bird_Island_Erin_Taylor.jpg) The Wandering Albatross at a marked nest on Bird Island, with a rusted longline hook through its upper mandible prior to removal; photograph from Erin Taylor* Erin Taylor (Zoological Field Assistant, [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic) writes on the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Albytaskforce) of the Albatross Task Force this month: “Just over four months ago, the team on Bird Island removed a hook from this Wandering Albatross’ bill.  Today, the adult is successfully raising a strong chick [see below] who is beginning to show some juvenile plumage!” Following an approach by *ACAP Latest News*, Erin replies that “The bird in question is a female with the band number 5147573.  She was banded in 1993 as a juvenile and has bred with the same partner (5147784) 11 times since their first attempt in 2002. They have raised eight successful chicks together in Bird Sound. The chick had already hatched when the entanglement was discovered and has grown at a rate consistent with the other chicks being fed by two parents.  The hook removal was simple as it had passed through the hard part of the mandible so all we had to do was chop the hooked tip off with bolt cutters in order to get it back through the hole, the wound was then disinfected.  The bird only has a metal band as it nests in Bird Sound, not on in the Wanderer Ridge study colony. but all the Wanderers are counted across the whole island once a month from April.” *![Hooked Wanderer chick Bird Island Erin Taylor](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Hooked_Wanderer_chick_Bird_Island_Erin_Taylor.jpg) Definitely well fed!  The hooked Wanderer’s chick; photograph from Erin Taylor* This is not the first time attempts have been made this season to remove fishing hooks from [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* on Bird Island.  The previous entanglement was on 16 December 2021 and also involved a female (band no. 4003232) that fledged in 2008. She has bred twice on the island, with two different partners, being successful on her 2nd attempt. Both hooks removed this season had the same lime green multifilament line attached, so it is highly likely the birds were caught alive and released on the same fishing vesse*l.* ![Hooked Wanderer Bird Island James Crymble 1 ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Hooked_Wanderer_Bird_Island_James_Crymble_1_.JPG) ![Hooked Wanderer Bird Island James Crymble 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Hooked_Wanderer_Bird_Island_James_Crymble_2.jpg) *The Wandering Albatross found hooked on Bird Island in December 2021; photographs by James Crymble*  *![Tristan Albatross hook Kate Lawrence](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_hook_Kate_Lawrence.jpg) A hooked Tristan Albatross on Gough Island, photograph by Kate Lawrence* The Wanderer is not the only great albatross that succumbs to longline hooks.  The picture above is of a [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* in a study colony on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) with a hook in its neck.  A hooked Tristan Albatross caught at sea did not survive, despite having the longline hook removed ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/912-tristan-albatross-caught-by-a-longliner-off-durban-south-africa-is-an-at-sea-range-extension?highlight=WyJob29rIiwiaG9vaydzIiwiJ2hvb2siLCJob29rJy4iLCJob29rJyIsInRyaXN0YW4iLCJ0cmlzdGFuJ3MiLCIndHJpc3RhbicsIl0=)).  .  Another great albatross, the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean *D. antipodensis*, in this case identified as from the Gibson’s subspecies (photo below), is not immune from being hooked, as another [*ALN* account](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/644-each-individual-counts-rescuing-threatened-albatrosses-from-hooks-and-storms?highlight=WyJob29rIiwiaG9vaydzIiwiJ2hvb2siLCJob29rJy4iLCJob29rJyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcyciLCJhbGJhdHJvc3MncyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3MnIiwiJ2FsYmF0cm9zcyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3MnLCIsImFsYmF0cm9zcycsIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzJy4iXQ==) reveals, this time with a successful result. ![Hooked Antipodean Tas 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Hooked_Antipodean_Tas_2.jpg)*Removing the hook from the Gibson’s Antipodean Albatross, photograph by the T**asmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment* [Richard Phillips](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/) of the British Antarctic Survey writes to *ALN*: “Live captures of seabirds are unfortunately very frequent, accounting for a mean of 40% and 11% of all bycaught birds in demersal and pelagic longline fisheries, respectively.  How often this affects individual species depends on both the degree of overlap with different fisheries and the level of interaction with gear during hauling.   In the one study to date that has examined survival of live-caught albatrosses once released, this was around 40% of that expected for the wider population. The level of monitoring of live captures is poor in many fisheries and the potentially major impacts on survival need to be taken into much better account in ecological risk assessments on the impacts of fisheries on seabirds.” With thanks to Erin Taylor. **References:** Phillips, R.A., Ridley, C., Reid, K., Pugh, P.J.A., Tuck, G.N. & Harrison, N. 2010.  Ingestion of fishing gear and entanglements of seabirds: monitoring and implications for management.  [*Biological Conservation* 143: 501-512](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320709004856). ([*ALN* account](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/507-south-atlantic-wandering-albatrosses-remain-at-risk-from-ingestion-of-and-entanglement-with-fishing-gear?highlight=WyJob29rIiwiaG9vaydzIiwiJ2hvb2siLCJob29rJy4iLCJob29rJyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcyIsImFsYmF0cm9zcyciLCJhbGJhdHJvc3MncyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3MnIiwiJ2FsYmF0cm9zcyIsIidhbGJhdHJvc3MnLCIsImFsYmF0cm9zcycsIiwiYWxiYXRyb3NzJy4iXQ==)). Phillips, R.A. & Wood, A.G. 2020.  Variation in live-capture rates of albatrosses and petrels in fisheries, post-release survival and implications for management. [Biological Conservation 247, 108641](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320720306996). ([*ALN* account](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3678-live-captures-have-major-implications-for-assessing-impact-of-fisheries-on-seabirds?highlight=WyJsaXZlLWNhcHR1cmUiLCJyYXRlcyIsImxpdmUtY2FwdHVyZSByYXRlcyJd)) Whylie, B. 2010.  One albatross of the hook.  [*The Albatross* 45: 7-8](http://www.sossa-international.org/forum/content.php?145-Newsletters). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, & Richard Phillips, Higher Predators and Conservation Group, British Antarctic Survey, 27 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-hooked-wandering-albatross-on-bird-island-in-the-south-atlantic-gets-a-reprieve-to-continue-breeding.md) ## THE ACAP MONTHLY MISSIVE A royal connection with albatrosses. A reflection at the end of the Second Elizabethan Age *![Prince Charles Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Prince_Charles_Taiaroa_Head.jpg) King Charles III, as Prince of Wales, admires a Northern Royal Albatross with its chick in New Zealand in 2005* **INTRODUCTORY NOTE: ** "The ACAP Monthly Missive" is a new departure for the Agreement.  It is intended that on the first Tuesday of every month an article will be posted that is more personal than those that have appeared in *ACAP Latest News* over more than decade.  The new series will offer an opportunity to go behind and beyond factual events and current news, a offering opinions on matters related to the conservation of all the members of the tubenose group of birds, but most especially those albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters listed by the Agreement, as well as their habitats.   Posts will be largely written by the Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, with guests from time to time invited to make their own contributions.  Hopefully, the accounts will be interesting, perhaps intriguing, and might even at times stir up disagreement and controversy.  Expect the unexpected! ************************************ I had only just turned five when King George VI died on 06 February 1952 and the Second Elizabethan Age commenced.  With the passing of his eldest daughter, Queen Elizabeth II on 08 September this year at the age of 96, the era that took her name has ended after 70 years.  With no memory of her accession, I can say I have lived my whole life until now as an Elizabethan.  With the accession of King Charles III, the “[Carolian Age](https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-news/so-what-will-charles-reign-era-be-called/)” has commenced and it seems a fitting moment to write my first "ACAP Monthy Missive" for *ACAP Latest News* as [Emeritus ACAP Information Officer](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4415-working-towards-a-soft-retirement-from-information-officer-to-news-correspondent), reflecting on the roles of past and current members of the British Royal Family in indirectly and directly supporting the conservation of those albatrosses and petrels listed by the Agreement. *![Prince Edward starue London](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Prince_Edward_starue_London.jpg) Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (1767-1820) - after whom South Africa's Prince Edward Islands are named.  The statue is in Park Crescent, London and was s**culpted by Sebastian Gahagan and installed in 1824, photograph by John Cooper* Perhaps I could start with Queen Victoria’s father, Prince Edward, fourth son of George III (but who was never King), after whom (when he was very young) the explorer, Captain James Cook, named South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands, home to approximately half of the world’s population of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* (an island group I have been lucky enough to have visited no less than 31 times to conduct research on its albatrosses and other seabirds). But for the first direct royal connection with ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels we should probably have to miss several generations to King Charles’ late father, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, who photographed albatrosses at sea in the mid-1950s, making a landing on Gough Island, home of the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* and subsequently publishing a book on his [extended cruise](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4020-prince-phillip-duke-of-edinburgh-10-june-1921-09-april-2021-and-his-connection-with-gough-island?highlight=WyJwaGlsbGlwIiwicGhpbGxpcCdzIiwiZ291Z2giLCJnb3VnaCdzIiwiJ2dvdWdoJyIsIidnb3VnaCJd).  Surely, the then nine-year old Prince Charles would have heard his father’s tales of the trip on the [Royal Yacht Britannia](https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/) through the Southern Ocean and been shown his photographs.  Later, the Duke showed his conservation credentials by becoming the President of [WWF](https://www.worldwildlife.org/) (World Wide Fund for Nature**)**in 1981, a position he held until 1996, after which he became the NGO’s President Emeritus until his death in 2021.  Previously he had served as the first President of WWF-UK from its foundation in 1961 to 1982.  His involvement with the international environmental NGO thus spanned six decades ([click here](https://wwf.panda.org/discover/about_wwf/how_were_run/presidents/)). *![Prince Phillip Tristan da Cunha](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Prince_Phillip_Tristan_da_Cunha.jpg) A bearded Prince Phillip, in Royal Naval uniform as an Admiral of the Fleet, steers while approaching the landing on Tristan da Cunha on 17 January 1957, a day after going ashore on**Gough**Island* In 1997, I had been invited by [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/) to inaugurate a Seabird Conservation Programme.  The need for this new global effort was driven by the increasing awareness of the many seabirds, especially albatrosses, that were drowning on longline hooks set in the Southern Ocean and elsewhere.  In April 2004 I attended an international conference at the University of Edinburgh entitled “Waterbirds around the World”.  With 456 delegates from 90 countries, it was a grand affair, make grander by the presence of Prince Phillip’s eldest son, Charles, the then Prince of Wales, on its last day.  He was seated “centre stage” in the front row when I gave the closing plenary lecture on the conservation of albatrosses and petrels of the Southern Ocean.  Understandably nervous, I was taken aback when, despite all my careful checking beforehand with the projectionist, my first few illustrations were of ducks left over from the previous speaker whose talk was cut short to allow for the entrance of the Royal Party!  But my presentation, once it actually started, seemed to go down well, in front of what I am sure has been my largest audience ever.  Afterwards when some of us met the Prince over a cup of tea with the conference organizers he was complementary of my effort, commenting particularly on the illustrations I had garnered from colleagues, and expressing his continued concern and support for the world’s threatened albatrosses. The then Prince of Wales’ own address to the conference that followed mine also concentrated on the conservation of albatrosses and their unsustainable mortality as fisheries bycatch, saying “I have a very special affection for these remarkable birds”.  His own experiences of watching albatrosses at sea in the Southern Ocean from a Royal Navy warship that he mentioned mirrored those of his father from the royal yacht years before. The year 2004 was a busy one for expressing concern for the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.  The Agreement held its First Session of the Meeting of Parties ([MoP1](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop1)) in Hobart, Australia in November, following only a few years of negotiations.  In the session a letter from the Prince of Wales was read out in which he once more expressed his concern for the world’s albatrosses and expressed his wishes for a successful outcome for the meeting. ![Queen Mother Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Queen_Mother_Taiaroa_Head.jpg) ![Princess Anne Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Princess_Anne_Taiaroa_Head.jpg) *Royalty at Taiaroa Head - Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1958 (left) and Princess Anne in 1989 (right); photographs from the [Royal Albatross Centre Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre)* In March 2005 the then Prince Charles visited the mainland colony of [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi/details) Northern Royal Albatrosses *D. sanfordi* at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island.  In a speech during his visit, he expressed his support for the conservation of albatrosses by saying “If they go it would be as if one's heart was torn out.”  The [Royal Albatross Visitor Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) at Taiaroa Head had been opened 15 years previously by Charles’ sister, Anne, Princess Royal in 1989; the Prince saying that because of this he had long been looking forward to his own visit ([click here](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/prince-charles-backs-endangered-albatross/I2WMLZR4G6C7XJMX5J7HSKVGFA/)).  However, the first royal visit to the Taiaroa Head albatrosses appears to have been made by King Charles' and the Princess Royal's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in 1958. In April 2005 Charles III also gave his support to the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org/projects/albatross-task-force/), saying, “The albatross may be the ultimate test of whether or not, as a species ourselves, we are serious about conservation: capable of co-existing on this planet with other species” ([click here](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/prince-charles-backs-endangered-albatross/I2WMLZR4G6C7XJMX5J7HSKVGFA/?fbclid=IwAR2NFhqBVgXUHPaTdTf95pFfUz_p6cqTFbetq3vCbuMBJkJN5BWqROfGoe8)). * ![Prince Charles 2009](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Prince_Charles_2009.jpg) Charles III, as Prince of Wales, hosts a function in Clarence House in 2009* Down the years, Prince Charles has continued to offer support and express concern for the plight of ACAP-listed species.  In April 2009 at a function hosting supporters of BirdLife International’s [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org/projects/albatross-task-force/) at his then official residence, [Clarence House](https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-clarence-house) in London, he told a specially invited audience about his memories of seeing the birds when he served in the Royal Navy, admitting to “a certain amount of meddling” by writing to heads of state around the world, asking them for their own support ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/22-2009-news-archive/381-the-prince-of-wales-supports-albatross-conservation?highlight=WyJwcmluY2UiLCJwcmluY2UncyIsImNoYXJsZXMiLCJjaGFybGVzJyIsInByaW5jZSBjaGFybGVzIl0=)).  The next year he reiterated his support at the [1st World Seabird Conference](http://www.worldseabirdconference.com/main.cfm?cid=1813) “Linking the Global Oceans” held in Victoria, Canada in September.  In his pre-recorded welcoming address. he said “As some of you may know, the plight of seabirds has long been close to my heart.  They are, without doubt, some of the world's most charismatic and iconic species” ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/651-prince-charles-supports-albatross-conservation-at-the-1st-world-seabird-conference?highlight=WyJwcmluY2UiLCJwcmluY2UncyIsImNoYXJsZXMiLCJjaGFybGVzJyIsInByaW5jZSBjaGFybGVzIl0=)). *![Princess Anne Bird Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Princess_Anne_Bird_Island.jpg) As for her father before her, the Princess Royal has photographed albatrosses in the Southern Ocean, this time a Wandering Albatross on its nest on Bird Island in January 2022* Anne, the Princess Royal, as [Patron](https://sght.org/patronage-2/) of the [South Georgia Heritage Trust](https://sght.org/), has offered much support to that body in ensuring the successful eradication of the island’s introduced rodents and its continued environmental protection.  The Princess cemented her patronage with a visit to the South Atlantic island in 2009, visiting again in 2016.  On her [latest visit in January 2022](https://www.gov.gs/hrh-visit/), she also visited Bird Island with its large breeding populations of albatrosses and petrels. *![Prince William toy albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Prince_William_toy_albatross.jpg) William, Prince of Wales (then Duke of Cambridge), admires a toy albatross bearing a sensor monitor at a meeting of*[*United for Wildlife*](https://unitedforwildlife.org/)*, which he founded in 2014, and  of which he is President, at the Zoological Society of London in November 2013* It will now be for the King’s two sons, William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, to continue offering royal support for albatross and petrel conservation.  Both have been active in international conservation fields ([click here](https://people.com/royals/prince-william-speaks-out-for-endangered-species/)), so the often-expressed support expressed by their father, Charles III, is set to continue. **References:** Cooper, J. 2006.  Conservation of albatrosses and petrels of the Southern Ocean.  In: Boere, G.C., Galbraith, C. & Stroud, D.A. (Eds).  *Waterbirds around the World*.  Edinburgh: The Stationary Office.  pp. 113-119. Cooper, J., Baker, G.B., Double, M.C., Gales, R., Papworth, W, Tasker, M.L. & Waugh, S.M. 2006.  The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels: rationale, history, progress and the way forward.  [*Marine Ornithology*34: 1-5](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=676). His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. 1962.  *Birds from Britannia*.  London: Longmans, Green.  62 pp. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales 2006.  Address to the Waterbirds around the World Conference, 7 April 2004.  In: Boere, G.C., Galbraith, C. & Stroud, D.A. (Eds).  *Waterbirds around the World*.  Edinburgh: The Stationary Office.  pp. 16-18. *John Cooper, Emeritus ACAP Information Officer, 04 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-royal-connection-with-albatrosses-a-reflection-at-the-end-of-the-second-elizabethan-age.md) ## Applications are closing soon for the 2022 ACAP Secondment Programme ![ACAP Website Secondments closing soon 575 400 px](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/ACAP_Website_Secondments_closing_soon_575__400_px.png)*Image credit: Campbell Albatross off North Cape, NZ; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* ACAP would like to advise applications for the 2022 Secondment Programme are closing soon.  Progress reports from previous and ongoing secondments ([including the examples below](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers/3462-ac11-inf-02-projects-and-secondments-supported-by-the-ac/file)) can be found in the Advisory Committee Information Papers from previous meetings, [here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee). Proposals should aspire to foster cross-Party collaboration, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within Parties. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that account for any ongoing practical challenges and limitations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous successful proposals have included: - ***Habitat selection of the Black-browed Albatross (*****Thalassarche melanophris*) in the South-West Atlantic: importance of marine fronts and fishing activity *** - ***Connecting knowledge, people and countries: Advancing in outreach, understanding of threats and mitigation measures for the conservation of Pink-footed Shearwater (*****Ardenna creatopus*) throughout its cycle. *** Applicants are advised to focus proposals on tasks contained within the work programmes of the Advisory Committee (Annex 4, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) and Secretariat (see Annex 2, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)).  Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties.  Applicants are encouraged to contact the [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members) or [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq?subject=2022%20ACAP%20Secondment%20Programme%20enquiry) to help identify ACAP priority areas for their proposal. Completed applications are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts), who will then forward them to the ACAP Secretariat. Applications must be received by the ACAP Secretariat by close of business on **Monday, 26 September 2022**. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by Tuesday, 8 November 2022. Click [here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships) for more information, including application criteria, and the application form (also available in [French](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/prix-subventions-et-bourses) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/news/premios-subvenciones-y-becas)). *Posted 14 September 2022 * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/applications-are-closing-soon-for-the-2022-acap-secondment-programme.md) ## Plastic present in 71% of Skomer Island's sampled Manx Shearwater population ![Manx flowers Chris Perrins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_flowers_Chris_Perrins.jpg)*A Manx Shearwater amongst flowers; photograph by Chris Perrins* Clare L. Alley (School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published open access in [Seabird](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/publications) on the prevalence of plastic ingestion by Manx Shearwaters on Skomer Island, Wales. ACAP has recently announced “Plastic Pollution” as the 2023 theme for [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), marked annually on June 19. The Manx Shearwater is not an ACAP-listed species, however it, along with many albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and other seabirds, are foraging in waters increasingly polluted with plastic.  Two new albatross species will be used to feature the theme for next year’s World Albatross Day, with artworks, posters, infographics and a music video.  These will be the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*.  In addition, coverage will be given to last year’s featured species, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which ingest more plastic than do the southern hemisphere species. More information on next year's World Albatross Day and its theme of "Plastic Pollution" can be found at the ACAP website, [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2023-plastic-pollution).  The paper's abstract is as follows: “Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the marine environment, and seabirds are among the most impacted marine vertebrates. Plastic ingestion was investigated in an internationally-important breeding population of Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus *on Skomer Island, Wales in 2018–19. Opportunistic necropsies were carried out on a total of 34 birds to collect contents of the gastrointestinal tract: 13 adults in April – July 2018 and 12 fledglings during September 2019, and a further nine opportunistic necropsies carried out from adults in July – September 2018. The presence, quantity, size and colour of plastic in the gastrointestinal tract was investigated. Plastic was found in 71% of stomach contents (68% of adults, 75% of fledglings). Adults were found to have larger plastic pieces in their gastrointestinal tract than fledglings, and lighter birds had larger pieces of plastic in their tracts than heavier birds. This study shows that Manx Shearwaters on Skomer Island are vulnerable to plastic ingestion, and that adults are likely to pass plastic to their chicks.” REFERENCE: Alley, C.L., Arkless, S., Ames, E., Abrahams, M., Gentle, L.K. and Wood, M.J. 2022. Plastic ingestion in adult and fledgling Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* on Skomer Island, Wales. Seabird: 34.[http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-34](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-34)[http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-34](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-34) *Posted 12 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-present-in-71-of-skomer-island-s-manx-shearwater-population.md) ## A brighter future on the horizon for North West Island’s Wedge-tailed Shearwater population without House Mice ![North West Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/North_West_Island.jpeg)*North West Island, Australia, the site of a successful house mice eradication operation* After a two-year campaign, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has managed to successfully eradicate the invasive House Mice from a significant seabird breeding island off the coast of Queensland, Australia.  A popular tourist destination located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, North West Island is home to more than 70% of the east-coast Wedge-tailed Shearwater population. Surveys of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater conducted between 2016 and 2019 showed a 40 per cent decline in the island's population.  Although not an ACAP-listed species, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters face similar threats to their survival as those listed: accidental death in fishing gear, introduced predators, diseases, habitat loss, human disturbance, pollution and climate change. ![Helicopter and Bait NWI Eradication QLD](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Helicopter_and_Bait_NWI_Eradication_QLD.jpg)*Aerial baiting was chosen for the eradication due to its precision and cost efficiency* A [feasibility study](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5yzieapht37bnhtgg1ian/h?dl=0&preview=Feasibility+analaysis%2C+mice+eradication+03+-+NWI+Compressed.pdf&rlkey=ty8st06z34wov8y70kyainn7u) for an eradication campaign, offering several management options and technical advice was completed in 2013, with the campaign beginning in earnest in 2020. The operation consisted of three aerial drops of 12 kg of bait per hectare, spaced 21 days apart and was carried out by an air and ground team. The island remained closed for a further 60 days to visitors to ensure sufficient breakdown of bait pellets to a point at which they posed no health risks to humans. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/QLD_Ranger_Ink_Trap_NWI_Eradication.JPG)*A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger checks for mouse prints on an ink trap* The campaign was declared a success after two years of ink-trap monitoring showed no indication of House Mice on the island. However, bait stations will continue to be maintained for detection and early control should the mice return.  A three and a half minute video about the campaign, produced by Australia’s public broadcaster the ABC, is shown below.  It is also available to watch from [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSHT-nqsx2Y). *From infestation to eradication: This Great Barrier Reef Island is mice free* All photographs* *courtesy of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. *Posted 9 September 2022, updated 12 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-brighter-future-on-the-horizon-for-north-west-island-s-wedge-tailed-shearwaters.md) ## A Northern Giant Petrel crosses the equator to make the “List” ![Janine Schoombie NGP 9 WEB](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_9_WEB.jpg)*A Northern Giant Petrel and chick; photograph by Janine Schoombie* The ACAP-listed Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* has been included in the Sixty-third Supplement to the *Check-list of North American Birds*, a publication of the American Ornithological Society. The supplement has been published in the journal, *Ornithology*. The inclusion of the Northern Giant Petrel is owing to [its sighting by a fisherman](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3483-a-long-way-from-home-a-northern-giant-petrel-gets-photographed-in-the-north-pacific?highlight=WyJoYWxsaSIsImVxdWF0b3IiXQ==) off the coast of Ocean Park, Washington, U.S.A.  First published in 1886, the *Check-list *is compiled by the AOS’s North American Classification Committee (NACC), the official authority on the names and classification of the region’s birds and is updated every summer.  Access the full *Check-list* Supplement, [here](https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithology/ukac020).[https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithology/ukac020](https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithology/ukac020) REFERENCE: Chesser, R.T., Billerman, S.M., Burns, K.J., Cicero, C., Dunn, J.L., Hernández-Baños, B.E., Jiménez, R.A., Kratter, A.W., Mason, N.A., Rasmussen, P.C., Remsen Jr, J.R., Stotz, D.F., Winker, K. Sixty-third supplement to the American Ornithological Society’s Check-list of North American Birds, Ornithology, Volume 139, Issue 3, 7 July 2022, ukac020, [https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithology/ukac020](https://doi.org/10.1093/ornithology/ukac020) [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-northern-giant-petrel-makes-the-list.md) ## Two thirds gone. Bird Island’s Wanderers are diminished, but currently stable **![Bird Island Wanderer chick Erin Taylor](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Bird_Island_Wanderer_chick_Erin_Taylor.jpg)* A Wandering Albatross chick on Bird Island during the austral winter; photograph by Erin Taylor* For many decades, researchers from the UK’s British Antarctic Survey ([BAS](https://www.bas.ac.uk/)) have studied the seabirds of [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades), South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* in the South Atlantic.  Perhaps foremost, and certainly the longest uninterrupted study, has been the annual monitoring of changes in the breeding population of the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*.  All breeding adults and chicks on the island are banded, so as well as population size, annual monitoring of survival, breeding frequency, breeding success, age at first return and age at recruitment are able to be recorded. [Richard Phillips](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/), Higher Predators and Conservation Group, British Antarctic Survey, has written to *ACAP Latest News*on the current season’s work with the island’s Wanderers: “An estimated 656 pairs of Wandering Albatrosses nested on Bird Island this year.  Although this is the lowest ever recorded, the population has been largely stable since 2017.  This follows decades of population declines, such that in recent years just over a third as many birds bred as in the early 1960s.”  He further reports that 527 chicks were alive on 1 April, giving a hatching success of 80.3%. **![RH56 Wanderer chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/RH56_Wanderer_chick.png)* A 2021/22 Wandering Albatross chick in the study area receives its colour band “red H56”; photograph by Erin Taylor* News also comes on the current breeding season from BAS Zoological Field Assistant on the island, [Erin Taylor](https://community.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/b/albatross-stories/posts/10-minutes-with-an-albatross-researcher-on-bird-island?fbclid=IwAR2KDBst772PVlowUNWIfMIrArzHKkCLbEp81voaLs4966p6evE7htsR0Ik), via the [Albatross Task Force Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Albytaskforce).  She writes: “The chick census results are in for July.  The team on Bird Island counted 504 Wandering Albatross chicks, which sadly means that we have lost three chicks in the past month.  Hurricane level winds have been hitting the island and are likely to have been the cause of death.  Extreme weather like this is a consequence of climate change and is expected to increase in frequency, so it is important that we maintain an understanding of the population on Bird Island.” At the most recent census, all 504 chicks were metal banded, with the 73 in the intensive study area also receiving a red alphanumeric colour band. *![Wanderer Bird Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wanderer_Bird_Island.jpg) A Wandering Albatross sits tight on its nest in summer on Bird Island; photograph by Richard Phillips* The Wandering Albatrosses breeding on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* have been identified as forming an ACAP Priority Population for conservation because of their global importance and steep rate of decline. With thanks to Richard Phillips and Erin Taylor. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 September 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/two-thirds-gone-bird-island-s-wanderers-are-diminished-but-currently-stable.md) ## Not just for albatrosses. Demonstrating Manx Shearwaters’ exploitation of dynamic soaring ![Manx Shearwater Joe Pender](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Manx/Manx_Shearwater_Joe_Pender.jpg)*A Manx Shearwater in flight; photograph by Joe Pender* James A. Kempton ([Department of](https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk)Biology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published open access in Science Advances on a new metric demonstrating Manx Shearwaters’ utilisation of dynamic soaring and corresponding distribution at sea. The paper’s abstract follows: “Dynamic soaring harvests energy from a spatiotemporal wind gradient, allowing albatrosses to glide over vast distances. However, its use is challenging to demonstrate empirically and has yet to be confirmed in other seabirds. Here, we investigate how flap-gliding Manx shearwaters optimize their flight for dynamic soaring. We do so by deriving a new metric, the horizontal wind effectiveness, that quantifies how effectively flight harvests energy from a shear layer. We evaluate this metric empirically for fine-scale trajectories reconstructed from bird-borne video data using a simplified flight dynamics model. We find that the birds’ undulations are phased with their horizontal turning to optimize energy harvesting. We also assess the opportunity for energy harvesting in long-range, GPS-logged foraging trajectories and find that Manx shearwaters optimize their flight to increase the opportunity for dynamic soaring during favorable wind conditions. Our results show how small-scale dynamic soaring affects large-scale Manx shearwater distribution at sea.” REFERENCE: Kempton, J.A., Wynn, J., Bond, S., Evry, J., Fayet, A.L., Gillies, N., Guilford, T., Kavelaars, M., Juarez-Martinez, I., Padget, O., Rutz, C., Shoji, A., Syposz, M., Taylor, G.K. 2022. Optimization of dynamic soaring in a flap-gliding seabird affects its large-scale distribution at sea. Science Advances. [https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abo0200](https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abo0200)[https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abo0200](https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abo0200) *Posted 5 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/not-just-for-albatrosses-demonstrating-manx-shearwaters-exploitation-of-dynamic-soaring.md) ## Light pollution affects ACAP-listed Pink-footed Shearwaters on Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island. What is being done about it?  ![Pink footed Shearwater fallout graph Oikonos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Pink-footed_Shearwater_fallout_graph_Oikonos.png) Shearwater species that breed on inhabited islands or mainland sites are affected by light pollution, notably fledglings leaving their breeding sites and heading out to sea at night for the first time.  These naïve birds can become dazzled, lose their way, collide with structures and become grounded – where they are at risk to vehicle traffic and mammalian predators, such as cats.  Two ACAP-listed shearwaters, the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic *Puffinus mauretanicus* and the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus*, are no exception, as previously reported in *ACAP Latest News*(click [here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2156-effects-of-light-pollution-on-fledging-balearic-and-cory-s-shearwaters-and-european-storm-petrels-in-the-balearic-islands?highlight=WyJiYWxlYXJpYyIsImxpZ2h0IiwiJ2xpZ2h0IiwicG9sbHV0aW9uIiwicG9sbHV0aW9uJyIsImxpZ2h0IHBvbGx1dGlvbiJd) and [here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2175-green-for-go-reducing-light-pollution-effects-on-acap-listed-pink-footed-shearwaters?highlight=WyJwaW5rLWZvb3RlZCIsImdyZWVuIiwiZ3JlZW4ncyIsIidncmVlbiJd)).  At least a further nine shearwater species, all not listed by ACAP, are notably affected by land-based light pollution during breeding.  These are Cory's *Calonectris borealis*, Hutton's *P. huttoni*, Manx *P. puffinus*, Newell's *P. newelli*, Scopoli’s *C. Diomedea*, Short-tailed *A. tenuirostris*, Streaked *C. leucomelas*, Wedge-tailed *A. pacifica*and Yelkouan *P. yelkouan*([click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2691-seabird-mortality-caused-by-land-based-artificial-lights-reviewed-burrowing-petrels-worse-off?highlight=WyJhaXJhbSJd) and reference below). Gabriela Lamanna has written an [article](https://www.oikonos.org/blog/solutions-to-light-pollution-affecting-pink-footed-shearwaters-and-many-more-species-in-robinson-crusoe-island) on the website of the environmental NGO [Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](https://www.oikonos.org/) that describes light pollution affecting the Chilean endemic Pink-footed Shearwater on [Robinson Crusoe Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_Crusoe_Island).  Her edited text follows. *![Sky without light pollution Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Sky_without_light_pollution_Héctor_Gutiérrez_Guzmán.png) Sky without light pollution, photograph by Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán* “[Pink-footed Shearwater](https://oikonos.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5dcb67b2c377916821cb7114&id=e6cd654355&e=85a43317dd) chicks are raised in dark burrows, and when the time comes to undertake their first flight to the ocean, instead of finding a sky like the one in the photo above, they find artificial lights that disorient them. When they fall to the ground, they become prey to dogs and cats.  Robinson Crusoe Island is one of the three islands that form the [Juan Fernández Archipelago](https://oikonos.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5dcb67b2c377916821cb7114&id=1d7164204b&e=85a43317dd).  Located 700 miles [1125 km] off central Chile, about 900 people live in the only year-round town of San Juan Bautista. **![Thank you to the many partners and donors National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Bird Conservation Fund for supporting light pollution solutionsjpg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Thank_you_to_the_many_partners_and_donors_National_Fish_and_Wildlife_Foundation_and_Bird_Conservation_Fund_for_supporting_light_pollution_solutionsjpg.jpg)* Fallen Wilson’s Storm Petrel disoriented due to the artificial lights; photograph by Red de Observadores* In 2020, due to the installation of bright streetlights on the waterfront at Robinson Crusoe, where seabirds and humans co-exist, a high number of shearwater chicks [was] found grounded and vulnerable during night surveys.  The Pink-footed Shearwater is not only an endangered species, but also has a [national action plan (RECOGE)](https://oikonos.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5dcb67b2c377916821cb7114&id=caf26a1052&e=85a43317dd) developed by the Ministry of the Environment of Chile.  To reduce this problem, multiple actions were taken that helped the following nesting season (2021-22). **![Streetlights with filters on the coast of Robinson Crusoe Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Streetlights_with_filters_on_the_coast_of_Robinson_Crusoe_Island.png)* Streetlights with filters on the coast of Robinson Crusoe Island; photograph by Rolando Recabarren* We collaborated with the Municipality of Juan Fernández, [the Office of Sky Quality Protection of Northern Chile,](https://oikonos.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5dcb67b2c377916821cb7114&id=685aa6f3c0&e=85a43317dd) and [Aladdin Lighting](https://oikonos.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5dcb67b2c377916821cb7114&id=f0198d04db&e=85a43317dd) in the installation of 23 streetlight filters along the coast, with the goal of minimizing the number of seabirds disoriented on the ground. These filters reduce the blue light spectrum that affects biodiversity and people.  The [above graph] shows that the number of grounded seabirds increased significantly when the bright coastal lights were newly installed in 2020 and reduced when actions to reduce light pollution started in 2021 and filters were added in 2022. *![Night tour with members of the Robinson Crusoe community](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Night_tour_with_members_of_the_Robinson_Crusoe_community.jpg) Night tour with members of the Robinson Crusoe community; photograph by Florencia Olivares* We joined [ROC](https://www.redobservadores.cl/) [Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile] and the Office for the Protection of Sky Quality in Northern Chile to develop the "[Guide for Friendly Lighting with Seabirds in Chile](http://www.redobservadores.cl/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Guia-iluminacion-amigable_final.pdf)”, which provides guidance for outdoor lighting projects that may affect seabirds.  In addition, it provides practical recommendations for designing suitable lighting projects and examples of real case studies, hoping that project developers, evaluators and territorial planners will use it to mitigate light pollution in the development of their projects.  We also carry out activities such as night tours with the Robinson Crusoe community [photograph above] where they can learn about light pollution and what to do if they find fallen chicks on the ground.” ACAP has announced that its theme for next year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June will be “[Plastic Pollution](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4428-plastic-pollution-acap-chooses-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2023)”.  However, other types of pollution affecting procellariform seabirds will also be featured, such as from street lighting reported here.  Additionally, this year’s [World Migratory Bird Day](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/), held on 14 May and again on 08 October has as its theme light pollution under the slogan “[Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.int%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fdim-lights-birds-night-%25E2%2580%2593-world-migratory-bird-day-2022-slogan-announced&data=04%7C01%7Cchristine.bogle%40acap.aq%7Ce96b783c4b654bd9fec208da1d4c5cd6%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637854512095107972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=UpG81DPoJtJAFA%2BZjfbI%2BHO83vOQcDTjnGjJLqxYMBc%3D&reserved=0)”. The Australian Department of the Environment and Energy in collaboration with the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has developed [*National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife including Marine Turtles, Seabirds and Migratory Shorebirds*](https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/national-light-pollution-guidelines-wildlife).  The guidelines aim to raise awareness of the potential impacts of artificial light on wildlife and provide a framework for assessing and managing them.  See also [*Guidelines for Ecologically Responsible Lighting*](https://birdlifemalta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Guidelines-for-Ecologically-Responsible-Lighting.pdf) produced in Malta. **Reference:** Rodríguez, A., Holmes, N.D., Ryan, P.G., Wilson, K.-J., Faulquier, L., Murillo, Y., Raine, A.F., Penniman, J., Neves, V., Rodríguez, B., Negro, J.N., Chiaradia, A., Dann, P., Anderson, T., Metzger, B., Shirai, M., Deppe, L., Wheeler, J., Hodum, P., Gouveia, C., Carmo, V., Carreira, G.P., Delgado-Alburqueque, L., Guerra-Correa, C., Couzi, F.-X., Travers, M. & Le Corre, M. 2017.  A global review of seabird mortality caused by land-based artificial lights.  [*Conservation Biology* DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12900](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/cobi.12900/abstract). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 20 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/light-pollution-affects-acap-listed-pink-footed-shearwaters-on-chile-s-robinson-crusoe-island-what-is-being-done-about-it.md) ## A newly described landbird, the Subantarctic Rayadito, recorded breeding within an active Grey-headed Albatross nest on Islas Diego Ramírez *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Picture1.png) A burrow nest of a Subantarctic Rayadito in an active Grey-headed Albatross nest, Gonzalo Island, Islas Diego Ramírez, summer 2020/21; photograph by Maximiliano Daigre* Chile’s [Diego Ramírez Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1331-acap-breeding-sites-no-13-islas-diego-ramirez-chile-the-most-southerly-mollymawk-breeding-locality?highlight=WyJkaWVnbyIsInJhbVx1MDBlZHJleiIsImRpZWdvIHJhbWlyZXoiXQ==) 100 km south-west of Cape Horn, are important breeding sites for three ACAP-listed species: [Black-browed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *Thalassarche melanophris* and [Grey-headed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) *T. chrysostoma* Albatrosses and [Southern Giant Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus) *Macronectes giganteus.* **![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Aphrastura_subantarctica_Diego_Ramírez_Islands_Carlos_Garcés_Letelier.JPG)* The Subantarctic Rayadito; photograph by Carlos Garcés Letelier* A group of Chilean researchers visiting Gonzalo Island, Diego Ramírez has discovered and described a new landbird species, the Subantarctic Rayadito *Aphrastura* *subantarctica,* in the journal [Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/srep/)*. *Rayaditos in the genus [*Aphrastura*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrastura) (Passeriformes: Furnariidae - oven bird family), are terrestrial birds endemic to south-western South America and until now were known only by two species.  These are the Thorn-tailed Rayadito *A. spinicauda* inhabiting the temperate forests of Chile and parts of Argentina, and the Masafuera Rayadito *A. masafuerae*, strongly associated with the tree fern forests of oceanic Alejandro Selkirk Island, 835 km off continental Chile. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Suazo_2.JPG) Grey-headed Albatrosses breeding among tussock clumps on Diego Ramírez; photograph by Carlos Garcés Letelier* The presence of a rayadito species was first recorded on Diego Ramírez on an ornithological expedition by the late Roberto Schlatter and Guillermo Riveros, 41 years ago in the austral summer of 1980/81 ([click here](http://antarticarepositorio.umag.cl/bitstream/handle/123456789/716/Schlatter%2c%20Riveros_SerieCient%c3%adfica_1997_n%c2%b047_pp.87-112.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y)). After this first encounter, Schlatter was concerned that he was dealing with a species different from the rest of the rayaditos.  This was particularly because Diego Ramírez's rayadito lived among tussock grass *Poa flabellata* and nested in burrows in the ground, in contrast to the continental rayadito that inhabits forests. The new paper and its supplementary information also highlight the relationship of the Subantarctic Rayadito with the islands’ seabirds.  We have been recording rayaditos on Diego Ramírez for more than a decade, slowly beginning to understand their relationship with albatrosses.  For example, in high densities of breeding Black-browed Albatrosses, the Subantarctic Rayadito is generally found linked to the tussock that surrounds albatross nests, moving with short flights between the plants. One of the curiosities that has emerged is that a Subantarctic Rayadito was recorded breeding in a burrow in the side of an active Grey-headed Albatross nest.  The new rayadito species commonly breeds among tussock pedestals and rocky crevices.  The presence of Grey-headed Albatrosses, which breed in lower densities among tussock plants, in comparison with the relatively bare habitat of breeding Black-browed Albatrosses, is thus ideal for Subantarctic Rayadito nests.  Tussock is also key for the foraging of rayaditos, a small bird that searches for invertebrates caught among the tussock and even in the entrances of Blue Petrel *Halobaena caerulea*burrows.  The tusock habitat among albatrosses is also thought to offer protection to aerial predators, such as the Chilean Skua *Stercorarius chilensis* and Striated Caracara *Phalcoboenus australis*. *![DCIM\100GOPRO\G0011767.JPG](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Diego_Ramírez_Islands_covered_by_tussock_Cristián_G._Suazo.JPG) Covered in tussock: the Diego Ramírez Islands with a view of Bartolomé from Gonzalo, the two main islands of the Archipelago in the Drake Passage; photograph by**Cristián G. Suazo* Fortunately, Diego Ramírez is free of invasive species that could affect both its land and seabirds. The presence of a new sub-Antarctic bird species calls attention to the fragility of and need to watch over one of the last living treasures that we still have. **Reference:** Rozzi, R., Quilodrán, C.S., Botero-Delgadillo, E., Napolitano, C., Torres-Mura, J.C., Barroso, O., Crego, R.D., Bravo, C., Ippi, S., Quirici, V., Mackenzie, R., Suazo, C.G., Rivero-de-Aguilar, J., Goffinet, B., Kempenaers,  B., Poulin, E. & Vásquez, R.A*.* 2022.  The Subantarctic Rayadito (*Aphrastura subantarctica*), a new bird species on the southernmost islands of the Americas.  [and supplementary information].  [*Scientific Reports* 12, 13957.  doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17985-4](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-17985-4). *Cristián G. Suazo, Puerto Montt, Chile, 15 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-newly-described-landbird-the-subantarctic-rayadito-recorded-breeding-within-an-active-grey-headed-albatross-nest-on-islas-diego-ramirez.md) ## Will it enact change? The UK has published its Bycatch Mitigation Initiative ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_9.jpg)*The Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater ranges in UK waters; photograph by Pep Arcos* The UK has published its [Bycatch Mitigation Initiative](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-wildlife-bycatch-mitigation-initiative/marine-wildlife-bycatch-mitigation-initiative), outlining its strategy on minimising and, where feasible, eliminating the bycatch of marine species. Recognising that further action needs to be taken to achieve its proposed strategic objectives, the initiative extends on existing programmes such as the UK Bycatch Monitoring Programme and Clean Catch UK.  In a piece written for, *Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link)*, Ruby Temple-Long, RSPB Marine Policy Officer and Chair of the Link Bycatch sub-group, offers her personal perspective of the Bycatch Mitigation Initiative. The article can be accessed through the website, [here](https://www.wcl.org.uk/the-uks-new-bycatch-mitigation-initiative-is-strong-on-words-but-light-on-action.asp). Accidental death through interactions with fishing operations is the most significant threat to marine wildlife globally. In regard to seabirds, thousands are dying avoidable deaths each year when they swallow baited longline hooks and are then drowned, through collisions with trawl cables or entanglement in nets. ACAP has developed a range of [Conservation Guidelines](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines) including Best Practice Advice on [bycatch mitigation](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation) measures identified to reduce this mortality. Conservation Guidelines and Bycatch Mitigation Advice can be downloaded at the ACAP website under Resources, [https://www.acap.aq/](https://www.acap.aq/)[https://www.acap.aq](https://www.acap.aq). *Posted 31 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/will-it-enact-change-the-uk-has-published-its-bycatch-mitigation-initiative.md) ## The pervasiveness of plastics: a review and assessment of the growth of plastic contaminants in the Antarctic environment from human activity [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-pervasiveness-of-plastics-a-review-and-assessment-of-the-growth-of-plastic-contaminants-from-human-activity-in-the-antarctic.md) ## Who lives higher up the mountain? Breeding sites of the Hawaiian Petrel and Newell's Shearwater differ by altitude *![Newells Shearewater Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells-Shearewater-Lindsay-Young.jpg) Newell’s Shearwater; photograph by Lindsay Young* André Raine ([Archipelago Research and Conservation](https://archipelagoresearchandconservation.com/), Hanapepe, Kaua‘I, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Waterbirds*](https://complete.bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/scope-and-details) on nest-site aspects of the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis/details) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell's Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The paper’s abstract follows: “The nest site characteristics of two endangered seabird species – the Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and Newell's Shearwater *Puffinus newelli*– on Kaua‘i were considered.  Burrows of both species were predominantly found under tree roots or small caves on steep slopes and were associated with native plants, both in the canopy (particularly *Metrosideros polymorpha*) and the understory (particularly *Dicranopteris linearis*).  There were, however, marked differences between the two species.  Petrels were found at higher elevations with a shorter, patchy canopy and more open understory.  Models using microhabitat variables were better able to classify burrows than those using landscape topographic metrics, suggesting that metrics describing the immediate area around the burrow are more important to burrow selection.   A comparative model indicated that elevation and maximum vegetation height were the strongest variables in classifying between the two species.  Understanding microhabitat needs for these species is important for locating new colonies and for the successful implementation of management actions such as colony creation through social attraction.  Furthermore, wih the spread of Rapid’Ōhi’a Death canker disease *Ceratocystis huliohia* on Kaua‘i, the heavy reliance by both species on forest dominated by *M. polymorpha* (the tree killed by this disease) should be of increasing consideration for conservation efforts targeting these species.” *![Hawaiian Petrel chick Andre Raine](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Hawaiian_Petrel_chick_Andre_Raine.jpg) A Hawaiian Petrel chick in its burrow; photograph by**André Raine* **Reference:** Raine, A.F., Driskill, S., Rothe, J. & Vynne. M. 2021.  Nest site characteristics of two endangered seabirds in montane wet forests on the island of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, USA.  *[Waterbirds 44: 472-482](https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-44/issue-4/063.044.0408/Nest-Site-Characteristics-of-Two-Endangered-Seabirds-in-Montane-Wet/10.1675/063.044.0408.short?fbclid=IwAR1Em9j7uOv2Xhsgcgbmo0OR9n2hVxZdtzNIosmhXD_2v1lgbHflz69bGWk)*. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 13 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/who-lives-higher-up-the-mountain-breeding-sites-of-the-hawaiian-petrel-and-newell-s-shearwater-differ-with-altitude.md) ## ACAP Advisory Committee Vice Chair Tatiana Neves releases a rehabilitated Black-browed Albatross at sea *![BBA rehab Tatiana Neves 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_rehab_Tatiana_Neves_2.jpg) Gently does it: Tatiana Neves releases the rehabilitated Black-browed Albatross at sea; photograph by Emanuel Ferreira* A juvenile [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *Thalassarche melanophris* was received by the wildlife rehabilitation organization [R3 Animal](https://www.facebook.com/associacaor3animal) after rescue from the shore at [Praia da Armação](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303576-d2362758-Reviews-Armacao_Beach-Florianopolis_State_of_Santa_Catarina.html) (Armacao Beach), Florianópolis, Brazil on 31 July by the Bacia de Santos Beach Monitoring Project ([Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias da Bacia de Santos](https://comunicabaciadesantos.petrobras.com.br/programa-ambiental/projeto-de-monitoramento-de-praias-pmp.html)).  Upon admission, the bird was found to be thin, extremely dehydrated and with ectoparasites present. *![BBA rehab Tatiana Neves 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_rehab_Tatiana_Neves_1.jpg) On discovery; photograph by Josiele Felli* Following health checks and medication over three weeks of rehabilitation it was released at sea near Xavier Island, Florianópolis, when it was photographed taking to flight from the water.  Aboard the release vessel was a team from the NGO [Projeto Albatroz,](https://projetoalbatroz.org.br/) including its founder and general coordinator, Tatiana Neves, who was given the honours of making the actual release. *![BBA rehab Tatiana Neves 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_rehab_Tatiana_Neves_4.jpg)* *![BBA rehab Tatiana Neves 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/BBA_rehab_Tatiana_Neves_6.jpg) After release: on the water and taking off; photographs by Nilson Coelho* Tatiana writes (in translation) “It was magic for me! After 33 years dedicating my life to the conservation of these birds, I'd never had the opportunity to release a live albatross.  A beautiful day, a beautiful rehabilitation job and a magnificent animal.” *![Tati and JC Brazil](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Tati_and_JC_Brazil.jpg) Tatiana Neves with ACAP’s then Information Officer, John Cooper*, *Florianópolis, Brazil, when attending the Eleventh Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee (*[*AC11*](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11)*), May 2019* Tatiana Neves is a long-time supporter of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, having attended many of its meetings since its inception as a member of the Brazilian Delegation or representing her NGO.  After serving as a coordinator of an ACAP working group, she is currently the [Vice-Chair](https://acap.aq/ACAP%20Advisory%20Committee%20Vice%20Chair%20Tatiana%20Neves%20releases%20a%20rehabilitated%20Black-browed%20Albatross%20at%20sea) of the [ACAP Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee).  It has been a great pleasure working with Tati on albatross conservation all these years.  Now retired from the ACAP Secretariat, I will miss our annual meetings around the world. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 08 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-advisory-committee-vice-chair-tatiana-neves-releases-a-rehabilitated-black-browed-albatross-at-sea.md) ## “Plastic Pollution”. ACAP chooses its theme for World Albatross Day 2023 *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Picture1.jpg) [Laysan Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* breed among washed-up plastic litter on *[Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site)*; photograph by Steven Siegel, Marine Photobank* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen “Plastic Pollution” as its theme to mark the fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2023.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020, “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” in 2021 and “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” in 2022. Albatrosses are affected by a range of pollutants, of which plastics, whether ingested and then fed to chicks or causing entanglements, are certainly the most visible and well known to the general public.  However, albatrosses face other significant pollutants, including heavy metals, (such as mercury) and [POPs](https://www.unep.org/cep/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-and-pesticides) (persistent organic pollutants, such as insecticides).  ACAP will therefore include these and other categories of pollutants along with plastics in promoting “WAD2023”. *![Plastic bottle Soutrhern Royal Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Plastic_bottle_Soutrhern_Royal_Albatross.jpg) A 500-ml plastic bottle found in the stomach of a*[*Southern Royal Albatross*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora/details) Diomedea epomophora*(*[*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3498-a-southern-royal-albatross-dies-in-captivity-after-swallowing-a-half-litre-plastic-bottle?highlight=WyJzb3V0aGVybiIsIidzb3V0aGVybiIsInJveWFsIiwiJ3JveWFsIiwiYm90dGxlIiwic291dGhlcm4gcm95YWwiXQ==)*);**photograph from the New Zealand Department of Conservation* Two new albatross species will be used to feature the theme for next year’s World Albatross Day, with artworks, posters, infographics and a music video.  These will be the globally Endangered [Northern Royal Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) *D. sanfordi*, endemic to New Zealand, and the abundant and widespread [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375) *Thalassarche melanophris*.  In addition, coverage will be given to last year’s featured species, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses of the North Pacific, which ingest more plastic than do the southern hemisphere species. *![Campbell BBA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_BBA.jpg) A beached juvenile Black-browed/Campbell Albatross entangled by a plastic string attached to a balloon, Dolphin Point, New South Wales, Australia (*[*click here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3914-a-tragic-christmas-day-find-a-juvenile-albatross-found-entangled-by-balloon-ribbons-in-new-south-wales?highlight=WyJibGFjay1icm93ZWQiLCJiYWxsb29uIl0=)*); photograph from Karen Joynes* As well as the world’s 22 species of albatrosses, other procellariforms are prone to ingest pieces of plastic found floating on the sea surface and mistaken as food.  A notable example is the [Flesh-footed Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/flesh-footed-shearwater-ardenna-carneipes) *Ardenna carnepeis*, shown to ingest very large amounts of plastic at one breeding locality at least ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1647-new-study-states-plastic-ingested-by-flesh-footed-shearwaters-is-highest-reported-for-any-marine-vertebrate?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJwbGFzdGljIiwiJ3BsYXN0aWMiXQ==)).  This shearwater is a species that has previously been identified as a potential candidate for ACAP listing ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3323-new-zealand-considers-the-flesh-footed-shearwater-for-possible-nomination-to-the-acap-list-2?highlight=WyJmbGVzaC1mb290ZWQiLCJwbGFzdGljIiwiJ3BsYXN0aWMiXQ==)). *![Flesh footed Shearwater dissection I. Hutton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_dissection_I._Hutton.jpg) Heavy load: plastic being removed from the stomach of a Flesh-footed Shearwater; photograph by Ian Hutton* ACAP is giving consideration to promoting WAD2023 by running one or two competitions for public participation, including for children.  The competitions held for the inaugural World Albatross Day proved popular, so follow *ACAP Latest News* and social media for announcements in due course. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 01 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/plastic-pollution-acap-chooses-its-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2023.md) ## Recent research on Antipodean and White-capped Albatrosses on New Zealand’s Auckland Islands *![White capped Albatross Graham Parker Lea Finke HQ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/White-capped_Albatross_Graham_Parker_Lea_Finke_HQ.jpg) White-capped Albatross by*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*artist Lee Finke for ACAP; after a photograph by Graham Parker* Graham Parker ([Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/)) and colleagues have reported to New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) via its Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) on field work carried out over 2021/22 on [Antipodean](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) *Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni* and [White-capped](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22729609) *Thalassarche*Albatrosses on the sub-Antarctic [Adams](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1599-acap-breeding-site-no-58-adams-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-antipodean-albatross) and [Disappointment](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1724-acap-breeding-site-no-69-disappointment-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-white-capped-albatross) Islands, Auckland Islands group. The report’s summary follows: “This report details the mark-recapture methods and findings for Gibson’s albatross and white-capped albatross at the Auckland Islands.  We present data on the size of the Gibson’s albatross nesting population on Adams Island in 2022 and update estimates of survival, productivity, and recruitment and foraging range to help identify causes of current population size and trends.  For white-capped albatrosses the focus is on estimating adult survival, documenting a study set up to quantify productivity, and drone trials to assess the suitability of drones for quantifying the breeding population size. *Gibson’s albatross.*The survival rate of adult females and males has recuperated somewhat from the dramatically low survival rates recorded 2006–08.  However, at 92% the 10-year average survival rate for both sexes remains 4% lower than before the population crash in 2005, and is probably incompatible with population recovery given limited chick production.  Nesting success and chick production for the 2020 and 2021 cohorts could not be determined since we could not visit the island in 2021.  Mark-recapture models have shown a gradual but steady continuing decline in the Gibson’s albatross breeding population.  This is now starting to be reflected in the trend of nest counts as well: estimated island-wide nest numbers showed slow improvement 2008–13, but these gains have stalled with a current growth rate or lambda of 1.1.  The island-wide estimate of Gibson’s albatross nests in 2021–22 (4,434 nests) remains half the size of the pre-crash nesting population.  Transmitting GPS trackers were fitted on 39 breeding birds, along with 23 GLS loggers.  Together, survival, breeding numbers and recruitment show the slow Gibson’s albatross population recovery recorded over the decade 2007–16 has stalled. *White-capped albatross.*Banded white-capped albatrosses were resighted at a rate of 0.25 in the study colony of 679 banded birds.  Adult survival was estimated as 89% (95% CI 86–91), taking into account different detection rates of nesting birds and those not on nest during colony visits.  This is similar to but more precise than the last estimate in 2020 (90%, 86–93).  Ten nest cameras were deployed to take time-lapse images of 61 active nests, which should provide data on productivity and refine our understanding of breeding-season timings.  Drone trials indicate that animal responses to a small drone are minimal, and the photographs obtained from programmed-grid overflight at 30–70 m over nests are suitable for counting apparently nesting birds.  Nest contents of apparently nesting birds were also quantified and whole-colony ground counts conducted, illustrating that ease of fitting in drone survey—and the ground-truthing needed to refine the accuracy of later counts from images—around other colony work.” Access a Power Point presentation by the authors on their research from [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/meetings-and-project-updates/2022/#july-18). **Reference:** Parker, G.C., Elliott, G., Walker, K. & Rexer-Huber, K. 2022.  [Gibson’s albatross and white-capped albatross in the Auckland Islands 2021–22](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/gibsons-albatross-and-white-capped-albatross-in-the-auckland-islands-202122/).  Dunedin: Parker Conservation.  26 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 06 September 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/recent-research-on-antipodean-and-white-capped-albatrosses-on-new-zealand-s-auckland-islands.md) ## Planning is everything; New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme releases its annual plan ![Black Petrel flying 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_flying_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpeg)*The CSP's Annual Plan for 2022/23 includes population monitoring of the ACAP-listed Black Petrel (pictured); photograph by Kirk Zufelt* New Zealand’s Conservation Services Programme (CSP) has released its 2022/23 Annual Plan. The CSP operates under the administration of the Department of Conservation with the vision that, “commercial fishing is undertaken in a manner that does not compromise the protection and recovery of protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters”. The plan provides a comprehensive summary of upcoming and ongoing research projects, their objectives and expected costs. It is divided into three focus areas: - **Interaction Projects (section 2)**: the Observer Programme and seabird identification programmes. - **Population Projects (section 3)**: a number of population and demographic studies of albatrosses endemic to New Zealand, monitoring of the Black Petrel and Flesh-footed Shearwater, and research into foraging and diving habits of the Westland Petrel. - **Mitigation Projects (section 4)**: the Protected Species Liaison Project Officer Programme, the use and effectiveness of various mitigation measures and a project focussed on understanding drivers and barriers to the implementation of mitigation measures by small vessel bottom longline vessels. The 2022/23 Annual Plan is available at the [Department of Conservation’s](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-plans/current-csp-annual-plan/) website, or download [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/plans/final-csp-annual-plan-2022-23.pdf). *Posted 29 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/planning-is-everything-new-zealand-s-conservation-services-programme-releases-its-annual-plan.md) ## On their way: the 68th Gough Island overwintering team departs Cape Town ![G68 Team 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/G68_Team_2022.jpg)*The G68 Team (Left to Right): Lucy Dorman, Joyfull Ntobeko Gaju, Philani Siyabonga Ngcobo, Sibusiso Maduna, Rebekah Goodwill, Mphumzi Brooklyn Zilindile, Eddy Mfezeko Xaki, Khuliso Collen Maphaha, Mayembe Kapenda; photograph courtesy of Antarctic Legacy of South Africa* The South African National Antarctic Programme ([SANAP](https://www.sanap.ac.za/meet-the-68th-gough-island-overwintering-team)) has announced the 68th Gough Island overwintering team (G68) has departed to Gough Island to continue long-term scientific programmes.  Meteorologists will maintain meteorological records for the South African Weather Service ([SAWS](https://www.weathersa.co.za)). This remote weather station has been manned and providing data for forecasting and research on a daily basis since 1956.  Seabird monitoring by the UK’s Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/the-project)) will also continue. The introduction of House Mice to the island in the early 19th century has devastated some local seabird populations (including ACAP-listed species) which have become a source of food for these small yet resourceful creatures. GIRP’s ambitious objective is to eradicate House Mice from the island and prevent the extinction of seabird species affected by the invasive mice, such as the Critically Endangered [Tristan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) *Diomedea dabbenena. *The project suffered a setback earlier this year when footage of a mouse was captured by a camera trap, dashing hopes that the eradication attempt had been a success. Further mice were then discovered on the island. Efforts are now underway to understand what might have enabled mice to survive the eradication operation. The team departed on 20 August 2022 aboard the South African Antarctic research and supply vessel the *S.A. Agulhas II* which briefly stopped at Tristan da Cunha to offload passengers and cargo before making the onward journey to Gough. G68 will be stationed on Gough Island for approximately 13 months, replacing the G67 team members who are close to finishing their stint.  *Posted 26 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/on-their-way-the-68th-gough-island-overwintering-team-depart-cape-town.md) ## From 2.5% to 67%! Breeding success of Black-winged Petrels has increased dramatically after removal of rodents on Lord Howe Island *![Black winged Petrel 2](https://acap.aq/images/Black-winged_Petrel_2.jpg) Black-winged Petrel ashore* Terence O’Dwyer (Conservation and Restoration Science, [Department of Planning and Environment](https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/), New South Wales, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Bird Conservation International](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international)* on breeding recovery of the [Black-winged Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-winged-petrel-pterodroma-nigripennis)*Pterodroma nigripennis*on Australia’s [World Heritage Lord Howe Island](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/186/) after the removal of introduced Ship or Black Rats *Rattus rattus.* The paper’s abstract follows: “In 2019, a Rodent Eradication Project (REP) was implemented on World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, Australia. Among the species expected to benefit was a burrow-nesting seabird, the Black-winged Petrel *Pterodroma nigripennis*.  Prior to the REP, we assessed causes of Black-winged Petrel nest failure using surveillance cameras. We also measured breeding success before and after the REP and investigated emerging pressures on breeding success from other native species. In 2017, ship rats *Rattus rattus* were a major cause of Black-winged Petrel nest failure, and breeding success was as low as 2.5%, compared to 47.5% on rodent-free Phillip Island (Norfolk Island Group). In 2020, in the absence of rodents, breeding success on Lord Howe Island increased dramatically to 67% and remained high (50%) in 2021. This result suggests that reproductive output of small seabirds has been heavily supressed by rodents on Lord Howe Island for decades. A subsequent increase in the population of a predatory endemic rail, the Lord Howe Woodhen *Hypotaenida sylvestris*, combined with burrow competition from Little Shearwaters *Puffinus assimilis*, indicated that initial high breeding success may not be sustained.  However, the surge in successful breeding of Black-winged Petrels is likely to result in a significant increase in fledgling numbers and the recruitment of hundreds of additional birds each year. Given the important role of petrels in global nutrient cycling, and their positive influence on island biodiversity, their expansion should benefit the ecological restoration of Lord Howe Island.” With thanks to Sandy Bartle. **Reference:** O’Dwyer, T., Carlile, N., O’Neill, L & Halpin, LR 2022.  Changing fortunes of the Black-winged Petrel *Pterodroma nigripennis*following the Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project - interactions with other recovering species.  *[Bird Conservation International doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000132](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/abs/changing-fortunes-of-the-blackwinged-petrel-pterodroma-nigripennis-following-the-lord-howe-island-rodent-eradication-project-interactions-with-other-recovering-species/4B4ED88744AC0445219CE686B8167A0D)*. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 30 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-2-5-to-67-breeding-success-of-black-winged-petrels-has-increased-dramatically-after-removal-of-rodents-on-lord-howe-island.md) ## One month remaining to submit your ACAP 2022 Secondment application ![ACAP Secondment Programme Open 1 575 300 px](https://acap.aq/images/ACAP_Secondment_Programme_Open_1_575__300_px.png) Applications are still open for ACAP’s 2022 Secondment Programme.  Applicants are advised to focus proposals on tasks contained within the work programmes of the Advisory Committee (Annex 4, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) and Secretariat (see Annex 2, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)). Previous successful proposals have included: - ***Habitat selection of the Black-browed Albatross (*****Thalassarche melanophris*) in the South-West Atlantic: importance of marine fronts and fishing activity *** - ***Connecting knowledge, people and countries: Advancing in outreach, understanding of threats and mitigation measures for the conservation of Pink-footed Shearwater (*****Ardenna creatopus*) throughout its cycle. *** Progress reports from previous and ongoing secondments ([including the examples above](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers/3462-ac11-inf-02-projects-and-secondments-supported-by-the-ac/file)) can be found in the Advisory Committee Information Papers from previous meetings, [here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee). Proposals should aspire to foster cross-Party collaboration, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within Parties. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that account for any ongoing practical challenges and limitations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties.  Applicants are encouraged to contact the [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members) or [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq?subject=2022%20ACAP%20Secondment%20Programme%20enquiry) to help identify ACAP priority areas for their proposal. Completed applications are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts), who will then forward them to the ACAP Secretariat. Applications must be received by the ACAP Secretariat by close of business on Monday, 26 September 2022. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by Tuesday, 8 November 2022. Click [here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships) for more information, including application criteria, and the application form.  Also available in [French](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/prix-subventions-et-bourses) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/news/premios-subvenciones-y-becas). Image credit: Waved Albatrosses by Antje Steinfurth *Posted 24 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/one-month-remaining-to-submit-your-acap-2022-secondment-application.md) ## Alien slugs a possible cause of failure of the House Mouse eradication on Gough Island? *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Tristan_mouse_attack_Kate_Lawrence.jpg) A Tristan Albatross chick attacked by House Mice on Gough Island, photograph by Kate Lawrence* Araceli Samaniego ([Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research](https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/), Auckland, New Zealand) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Wildlife Research*](https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr) on the possible role of alien slugs in the [failure of the 2021 attempt](https://www.goughisland.com/) to eradicate the albatross- and petrel-killing House Mice of [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice). The paper’s abstract follows: “**Context:**House mice (*Mus musculus*) are the main drivers of biodiversity declines on Gough Island (6500 ha; 40°21′S, 009°53′W), central South Atlantic. A mouse eradication operation was planned, the largest global attempt targeting only this species. Understanding and managing challenges of operating at such scales are crucial for maximising the chance of eradication success. The Gough Island mouse eradication attempt was implemented between June and August 2021, after years of planning and trials. We expected poor weather and negligible non-target bait consumption. **Aims:**We aimed to assess the impact of expected and unexpected challenges faced during the eradication operation on Gough Island, namely poor weather and rapid bait disappearance. **Methods:**We set up bait degradation plots across the primary habitats to monitor the impact of expected heavy rain on bait pellets. In contrast, bait availability monitoring and slug laboratory trials were set up *ad hoc* in response to unexpected observations of high bait consumption by invasive slugs in the lowlands, where both slugs and mice are more abundant. **Key results:**Bait degradation rates were very different between the highlands and the lowlands, with bait in the highlands lasting about six times longer, despite bait pellets receiving more precipitation and the highlands being persistently under cloud. Bait availability in the lowlands dropped by >80% within a few days of the second and third bait application, down to critically low levels (∼2 kg ha−1). Importantly, mouse activity was negligible by this time. Non-native slugs appeared to be the main cause of such a sudden drop in rodent bait availability. **Conclusions:**The expected rainy weather was not a significant direct cause of bait degradation in the short term. In contrast, the unexpected slug interference, overlooked in earlier planning trials, resulted in major adjustments of the baiting strategy. Indeed, the rapid bait disappearance in the lowlands triggered the third bait application over this area, at a higher rate. This was not enough, as mice are still present. **Implications:**This is the first report of slug interference during aerial rodent eradications. Our results illustrate how interference by non-target species could affect future pest eradications using baits and should, as far as possible, be assessed early during planning.” **Reference:** Samaniego A., Jolley W. & McClelland, P. 2022.  A lesson for planning rodent eradications: interference of invasive slugs during the Gough Island mouse eradication attempt in 2021.  [*Wildlife Research*Wildlife Research  doi.org/10.1071/WR22024](https://www.publish.csiro.au/WR/WR22024).. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 25 August 2022, updated 26 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/alien-slugs-thought-to-be-the-cause-of-failure-of-the-house-mouse-eradication-on-gough-island.md) ## Cautious optimism: The Albatross Task Force releases its 2021/22 Annual Report ![Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island; photograph by Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_off_Amsterdam_Island_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*An Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island; photograph by Kirk Zufelt.* The Albatross Task Force, an international team of scientific experts led by BirdLife International and the RSPB, has released its 2021/22 Annual Report on its work with fisheries to reduce seabird bycatch. Albatross Task Force teams engage with fisheries in Argentina, Chile, Namibia and South Africa to encourage the uptake and proper implementation of ACAP’s Best Practice [mitigation measures](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice). More recently, in response to consumers increased interest in sustainable fishing, the Albatross Task Force have been utilising certification schemes such as that run by the Marine Stewardship Council, and direct engagement with retailers, to drive the adoption of mitigation measures by fisheries.  On the release of the report, BirdLife International’s Bycatch Programme Manager, Rory Crawford stated, “…this has very much been the year the ATF went electronic, working on a number of projects to see how effective camera monitoring of our target fisheries might be in supporting seabird bycatch reductions – with some amazing results! We’ve continued to build capacity to take action on preventing seabird bycatch in all parts of the fisheries management ecosystem – from crews to captains and fisheries observers to inspectors. Hundreds of key industry stakeholders have been empowered with seabird bycatch knowledge, and many teams have developed resources that institutions can use to deliver their own seabird bycatch training. These are the vital foundations of making all theTaskForce’s efforts through the years sustainable – ensuring that keeping albatrosses off hooks and out of nets becomes a little part of everybody's job." The full report is available to read [here](https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/pa-documents/final-atf-annual-report-2021-22.pdf). For regular updates on The Albatross Task Force follow [@AlbyTaskForce](https://twitter.com/albytaskforce?lang=en) on Twitter, [@albatross_stories](https://www.instagram.com/albatross_stories/) on Instagram, and read monthly updates on the [ATF blog](https://community.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/b/albatross/).  *Posted 22 August 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cautious-optimism-and-a-hint-at-the-future-of-bycatch-monitoring-the-albatross-taskforce-releases-its-2021-22-annual-report.md) ## The University of Cape Town’s prestigious FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology advertises for a new Director ![FitzPatrick Logo3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/FitzPatrick-Logo3.png) The [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), based in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town, South Africa is a leading ornithological research institute dedicated to postgraduate studies in avian biology and conservation.  The ‘Fitztitute’ has been active for many years conducting research in the Southern Ocean, notably on the suite of seabirds breeding on sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels), including on all its eight species of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, as well as on plastic pollution.  This research has continued under its fifth and current Director, [Peter Ryan](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/staff/director/ryan). *![Grey headed HAlbatross mice injuries Ben Dilley shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey-headed_HAlbatross_mice-injuries_Ben_Dilley_shrunk.jpg) The ‘Fitztitute’ has conducted research on Grey-headed Albatrosses, such as these two chicks attacked by House Mice on Marion Island; photograph by Ben Dilley* Applications for the position of Director of the FitzPatrick Institute, at the level of Associate Professor or Professor are now requested.  “In addition to a proven record of internationally recognized scholarship and a demonstrated commitment to stimulate research and postgraduate studies, this position demands innovation, strategic foresight, and the ability to thrive within a dynamic African environment; as well as experience of managing teams of biologists and support personnel.” **Requirements for the job:** - A relevant PhD and proven record of internationally recognized scholarship and a demonstrated commitment to stimulate research and postgraduate studies; - A strong track record of teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels; - A track record of attracting external funding; - A track record of providing inspiring and unifying leadership and mentorship to diverse teams; - A record of forging interdisciplinary and cross-institutional linkages; and - Proven administrative and managerial skills, including the ability to formulate budgets and control expenditure. **Responsibilities:** - To maintain a research programme, involving postgraduate student training, in avian biology, particularly studies of living birds and their conservation. - To provide educational and research leadership in modern approaches to avian biology and conservation. - To contribute to teaching in the Department of Biological Sciences. - To foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from a diversity of backgrounds. Full information on making an application is available from [here](https://www.uct.ac.za/staff/general-vacancies).  The deadline for applications is 23 September 2022. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 23 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-university-of-cape-town-prestigious-fitzpatrick-institute-of-african-ornithology-advertises-for-a-new-director.md) ## Can't see for the turbidity: climate change and its potential to negatively impact foraging for diving pelagic seabirds ![Manx shearwater. Nathan Fletcher](https://acap.aq/images/Manx_shearwater._Nathan_Fletcher.jpg)*A Manx Shearwater; photograph by Nathan Fletcher* Jamie Darby (University College Cork, Cork, Ireland) and colleagues have published open access in The Royal Society’s journal, *Proceedings B*, on the potential for climate change to negatively impact pelagic seabird populations through difficulty in foraging due to decreased underwater visibility. The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding the sensory ecology of species is vital if we are to predict how they will function in a changing environment. Visual cues are fundamentally important for many predators when detecting and capturing prey. However, many marine areas have become more turbid through processes influenced by climate change, potentially affecting the ability of marine predators to detect prey. We performed the first study that directly relates a pelagic seabird species's foraging behaviour to oceanic turbidity. We collected biologging data from 79 foraging trips and 5472 dives of a visually dependent, pursuit-diving seabird, the Manx shearwater (*Puffinus puffinus*). Foraging behaviour was modelled against environmental variables affecting underwater visibility, including water turbidity, cloud cover and solar angle. Shearwaters were more likely to initiate area-restricted search and foraging dives in clearer waters. Underwater visibility also strongly predicted dive rate and depth, suggesting that fine-scale prey capture was constrained by the detectability of prey underwater. Our novel use of dynamic descriptors of underwater visibility suggests that visual cues are vital for underwater foraging. Our data indicate that climate change could negatively impact seabird populations by making prey more difficult to detect, compounded by the widely reported effects of reduced prey populations.” Reference: Darby, J., Clairbaux, M., Bennison, A., Quinn J.L. & Jessopp, M.J. 2022. Underwater visibility constrains the foraging behaviour of a diving pelagic seabird. Proc. Roy. Soc. B.2892022086220220862. [http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.0862](http://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.0862). *Posted 17 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/can-t-see-for-the-turbidity-foraging-behaviour-affected-by-cloudy-seas.md) ## Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are doing well on Oahu, and new hope for Newell’s Shearwaters on Kauai *![Freeman Seabird Preserve](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Freeman_Seabird_Preserve.jpg) Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in the Freeman Seabird Preserve, artwork from Pelagicos* The [Wedge-tailed Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica* colony within the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james_campbell/) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu has increased from zero four years ago to 134 breeding pairs in the current breeding season.  The NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org) writes on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) “While this was not one of the target species for our restoration efforts, seabirds are often attracted to other closely related species, and we think that our social attraction efforts for our translocated chicks [have] drawn in these burrow nesting seabirds. The word is out that this is a safe nesting spot!” *![Wedgie James Campbell Pacific Rim Conserevation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedgie_James_Campbell_Pacific_Rim_Conserevation.jpg) A Wedge-tailed Shearwater rests at its burrow entrance; photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* The NGO has been using translocation of chicks that were then hand fed until fledging to establish new breeding colonies of [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebetria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses, [Bonin Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697967) *Pterodroma hypoleuca* and [Tristram’s Storm Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698535) *Hydrobates tristrami* within a predator-proof fence inside the refuge ([click here](https://www.islandarks.org/)). *![Breeding numbers graph](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Breeding_numbers_graph.jpg) Going up.  Wedge-tailed Shearwater active nests, Freeman Seabird Preserve, 2009-2022* At another site on Oahu, the colony of “Wedgies” in the [Freeman Seabird Preserve](https://www.freemanseabirdpreserve.com) continues to grow, with 423 breeding pairs recorded this year.  Pelagicos ([Pelagic Conservation Laboratory](http://www.pelagicos.net), Hawai'i Pacific University) reports on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Pelagicos) that the colony is increasing “by an additional 24.9 nests every July census.  Since 2009, the colony has more than quadrupled in size”. *![Newells Shearwater translocated male Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Newells_Shearwater_translocated_male_Pacific-Rim-Conservation.png) The first translocated Newell’s Shearwater to return to Nihoku; photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* On another Hawaiian island, Kauai, the first translocated Newell’s Shearwater *Puffinus newelli* (a male) has returned to the coastal [Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project](https://www.nihoku.org) site within the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population), leading to hopes a new breeding colony will be established for this [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) species.  The bird was first filmed calling from a burrow in June and was then caught and identified by the numbered leg band placed on it as a translocated chick in 2018 ([click here](https://abcbirds.org/article/newells-shearwater-translocation-return-nihoku?fbclid=IwAR2h6IF81seRfDmbD1zJVxrGjXdUoOv4d7JD6UhyP3bHUyV2-5QmmfyJpcs)).  Translocated Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis* ([Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis/details)) have already started breeding within the predator-proof fence at Nihoku. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 18 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedged-tailed-shearwaters-are-doing-well-on-oahu-and-new-hope-for-newell-s-shearwaters-on-kauai.md) ## Billed to be a game-changer: the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act ![A group of three Laysan Albatross standing on the sandy shore of Midway Atoll. Photograph by Eric Vandewerf, taken April 2018.](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Eric_Vandewerf_Laysan_Albatross_Midway_Apr_2018.jpg)*[Laysan Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)*Phoebastria immutabilis *(pictured) are globally Near Threatened and have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands making them susceptible to the effects of climate change. Photograph by Eric VanderWerf* The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation that will invest 370 billion U.S. dollars into renewable energies, carbon reduction schemes and other initiatives to combat climate change. Although climate change is only one factor contributing to the challenges many birds face for their survival, the signing of this bill signals a step in addressing the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) ACAP’s listed species are facing, and of which, climate change plays a role. How will this new law help bird populations? The National Audubon Society has written about the key ways in which this bill will help the world’s birds. Read the full story [here](https://www.audubon.org/news/12-ways-inflation-reduction-act-will-benefit-birds-and-people?ms=digital-eng-email-ea-newsletter-engagement_20220817_wingspan_&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=engagement_20220817_wingspan&utm_content=). *Posted 19 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/billed-to-be-a-game-changer-the-united-states-inflation-reduction-act.md) ## Attempts to eradicate invasive vertebrates on islands have achieved an 88% success rate *![Grey head Macca Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-head-Macca-Melanie-Wells.jpg) A breeding Grey-headed Albatross on Australia’s Macquarie Island, now free of introduced vertebrates following several successful eradication efforts; photograph by Melanie Wells* Dena Spatz ([Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/srep/) on a synthesis of 1550 eradication attempts of introduced vertebrates on 998 islands. The paper’s abstract follows: “Islands are global hotspots for biodiversity and extinction, representing ~ 5% of Earth’s land area alongside 40% of globally threatened vertebrates and 61% of global extinctions since the 1500s. Invasive species are the primary driver of native biodiversity loss on islands, though eradication of invasive species from islands has been effective at halting or reversing these trends. A global compendium of this conservation tool is essential for scaling best-practices and enabling innovations to maximize biodiversity outcomes. Here, we synthesize over 100 years of invasive vertebrate eradications from islands, comprising 1550 eradication attempts on 998 islands, with an 88% success rate. We show a significant growth in eradication activity since the 1980s, primarily driven by rodent eradications. The annual number of eradications on islands peaked in the mid-2000s, but the annual area treated continues to rise dramatically. This trend reflects increases in removal efficacy and project complexity, generating increased conservation gains. Our synthesis demonstrates the collective contribution of national interventions towards global biodiversity outcomes. Further investment in invasive vertebrate eradications from islands will expand biodiversity conservation while strengthening biodiversity resilience to climate change and creating co-benefits for human societies.” Read a popular account of the publication[here](https://abcbirds.org/article/global-impact-of-island-invasive-species-eradication/?fbclid=IwAR29zUZiaZcLpoUFBCbT39Gb_uhD9BX-p0ciu4lmFtsFbfMsbNPUloE5aUc). **Reference:** Spatz, D.R., Holmes, N.D., Will, D.J., Hein, S., Carter, Z.T., Fewster,  R.M., Keitt, B., Genovesi, P., Samaniego, A., Croll, D.A., Tershy, B.R. & Russell, J.C. 2022.  The global contribution of invasive vertebrate eradication as a key island restoration tool.  *[Scientific Reports 12, 13391.  doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14982-5](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14982-5).* *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 16 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/attempts-to-eradicate-invasive-vertebrates-on-islands-have-achieved-an-88-success-rate.md) ## ACAP’s honorary Information Officer, John Cooper, retires ![John Farewell Collage v2p1](https://acap.aq/images/John_Farewell_Collage_v2p1.jpg)Photographs clockwise from top left; John, Working Group meetings, Hermanus, South Africa, 2008; John, at home in South Africa, 2022; photograph by Ruth Cooper *Wishing John Cooper the very best on his retirement: photos of John over the years and quotes from those who have had the pleasure of working with him (photographer unknown unless acknowledged)* With over 20 years of involvement with ACAP, contemplating retirement from an organisation in which he played a key role in its genesis has not been easy for John Cooper. John’s long-term involvement with ACAP has seen him hold a number of roles over the years: he played an instrumental part in ACAP’s formation, he was Vice Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee from 2005 - 2007, and has, for the last 17 years been ACAP’s honorary Information Officer. As honorary Information Officer, John has kept followers of ACAP’s website and Facebook page up to date with the latest research articles, newly released books, artworks or poems. From the serious to the quirky, John has the knack for finding all albatross and petrel related news. John has been a crucial figure in both creating and communicating key ACAP initiatives including, the ACAP [species summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and [breeding sites series](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-breeding-sites), [infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) and [photo essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers), starting and managing the ACAP Facebook page to its now 6000 plus followers, and writing thousands of posts for ACAP’s latest news on the website. His most recent feat has been the initiation and development of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day). This celebratory day, marked annually on 19 June, is a chance to shine a spotlight on albatrosses and grow awareness of the threats and uncertain future they face as a species, as well as the solutions available to reduce risks to these birds. World Albatross Day has been embraced by a global community who have a shared passion for this magnificent bird. John should be truly proud of all he has achieved in his efforts to improve the conservation status of the world’s albatrosses and petrels. ![John Farewell Collage v2p2](https://acap.aq/images/John_Farewell_Collage_v2p2.jpg)Photographs clockwise from bottom left: John (left) and ACAP TWG Convenor and former Advisory Committee Chair and Vice-chair, Mark Tasker at AC2, Brasilia, Brazil, 2006; ACAP AC Vice-chair Tatiana Neves (left), John (centre) and PaCSWG Co-convenor, Patricia Serafini (right) at AC11, Florianopolis, Brazil, 2019. Upon hearing of John’s retirement, tributes flowed in from those that have worked with him over the course of his career. What is immediately apparent is how recognised he is for his boundless energy, his deep affection for seabirds, and his unfaltering commitment to the conservation of their populations across the globe. And that is certainly a feeling echoed by ACAP, “John is a wonderful colleague and friend. His dedication to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels is an example to us all. It has been an absolute privilege to work with him over the past three and a half years." Dr Christine Bogle, ACAP Executive Secretary. ![John Farewell Collage v2p3](https://acap.aq/images/John_Farewell_Collage_v2p3.jpg)Photographs clockwise from bottom left: John holding his ACAP retirement gift (sponsorship of three hectares towards the eradication of Marion Island’s invasive mice population); photograph by Ruth Cooper; John, AC10, Wellington, New Zeland, 2017; John (2nd from left) with the South African delegation, MoP1, Hobart, Australia, 2004 John has opted for a slow release into retirement, meaning we will have time to ease into the new arrangement here at ACAP. He has taken World Albatross Day coordination under his wing and will continue to promote this growing event for the foreseeable future. Happily for ACAP he has also agreed to contribute monthly guest posts to be featured across ACAP’s social media pages and the website, and will still be writing occasional news posts under his new moniker, News Correspondent. And so with heartfelt thanks for your dedication, enthusiasm and energy, ACAP wishes you the very best John. You will be missed by all here at ACAP – even in the guise of a ‘soft retirement’. Enjoy! *Posted 9 August, 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-honorary-information-officer-john-cooper-retires.md) ## Refining seabird bycatch mitigation measures: a report into the development of underwater setting devices ![Campbell Albatross off North Cape NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_Albatross_off_North_Cape_NZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*A Campbell Albatross off North Cape, New Zealand; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* A report prepared by Vita Maris for New Zealand’s Department of Conservation titled, [*BCBC2020-11b: Development of bottom longline underwater setting devices*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/development-of-bottom-longline-underwater-setting-devices/), has been released by the Conservation Services Programme.  Noting [ACAP best practice guidelines](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation) on bottom long-line fishing which include the three mitigation measures of: night setting, line weighting, and tori lines, the authors signal advantages of underwater setters, including: reduced risk to birds, increased sink rates, and the potential of daytime setting for fishers. ![CSP Underwater Setter Report](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/CSP_-_Underwater_Setter_Report.jpg)The summary as follows: “Estimated capture rates of at-risk seabirds by the small vessel demersal longline fleet are likely to be acceptable in the long term; both scientifically (e.g., Richard et al. 2017), and from a social ‘licence to operate’ perspective (e.g., RNZ, 2020), indicating the need for improvements in performance over and above that achievable using traditional mitigation measures. The Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) best practice guidance for bottom longline fishing includes use of the following three measures at all times: night setting, line weighting, and tori lines (ACAP, 2019). Setting lines for the ‘bite time’ over the change of light means many sets targeting snapper in the summer months do not meet the ACAP definition of best practice (Pierre et al., 2018). Additionally, the ACAP advice recognises that night setting may not be effective in bright moonlight, or for crepuscular/nocturnal foragers, and notes that mitigation measures need to be acceptable to fishers and not affect fish catch rates. Similarly, tori lines are often not fully effective to the prescribed aerial extent (pers. obs. DG). The introduction of mitigation standards for demersal longliners (MPI, 2019) and subsequent changes to regulation (MPI 2021) require a hook depth of 5 m at the end of the tori line aerial extent, and likely require substantial changes to gear configuration and setting speed for some of the fleet (Goad & Olsen, 2022). Underwater setting has the potential to increase sink rates and reduce risk to birds. It is particularly relevant to meeting the latest regulations and mitigation standards, whilst maintaining flexibility of gear configuration for fishers. It also has the potential to open up daytime setting in high-risk times and places. Efforts to reduce the availability of pelagic longline hooks to birds has focused on increasing the sink rate of the hook, either mechanically (Gilman et al., 2003, Ryan & Watkins 2002, Robertson & Ashworth 2010), or by adding weight (e.g. Robertson 2013), or protecting the barb of the hook (Oceansmart, 2011, Hookpod, 2020). These ‘hook by hook’ approaches are feasible for pelagic longlines where branch lines are longer than 10 m, baited as they are set, set relatively slowly (e.g. Robertson 2013, Goad et al., 2019), and the hook sinks, certainly initially, independently from the mainline (Robertson et al., 2010). Conversely, the inshore manual baiting demersal longline fleet in New Zealand clip on pre-baited hooks with short branchlines (or snoods), typically 0.6 m length, to a stoppered mainline relatively quickly (Goad et al., 2010). Therefore, in order to set demersal longlines underwater, both the hook and the mainline have to be deployed at depth. This presents a different set of challenges, and a downward force must be applied to the mainline in order to achieve sufficient depth. This report describes work undertaken developing two underwater setting devices. The first was initially conceived by Dave Kellian, and is described here as the ‘underwater setter’. It is towed behind the vessel at depth and the longline passes under a guide. Previous work is described in Goad, 2011; Baker et al., 2013; 2016; and Goad et al., 2020. The second device was conceived by Nigel Hollands and uses a roller held under the surface by a pole fixed to the vessel, with the longline passing under the roller. It is described here as the ‘line depressor’ and previous work is described in Hollands et al., 2022.” **Reference:** Goad, D., Kiddie, B., Hollands, N., Clow, A., Angel, J. 2022. [Development of bottom longline underwater setting devices](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/development-of-bottom-longline-underwater-setting-devices/). BCBC2020-11b final report prepared by Vita Maris for Department of Conservation, Wellington. 30 pp. *Posted 15 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tackling-seabird-bycatch-a-report-into-the-development-of-underwater-setting-devices.md) ## Have you applied? ACAP's 2022 Secondment Programme is open for applications ![ACAP Secondment Programme Open 1](https://acap.aq/images/ACAP_Secondment_Programme_Open_1.png) Applications are open for ACAP’s 2022 Secondment Programme. Proposals should clearly address tasks contained within the work programmes of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) and Secretariat (see Annex 2, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)), and aspire to foster capacity-building within Parties. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that account for any ongoing practical challenges and limitations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Progress reports from previous secondments can be found at the [ACAP website](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11/ac11-information-papers/3462-ac11-inf-02-projects-and-secondments-supported-by-the-ac/file). Applications will only be accepted from ACAP Parties.  Applicants are encouraged to contact the [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members) or [Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq?subject=2022%20ACAP%20Secondment%20Programme%20enquiry) to help identify ACAP priority areas for their proposal.  Completed applications are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts), who will then forward them to the ACAP Secretariat. Applications must be received by the ACAP Secretariat by close of business on Monday, 26 September 2022. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by Tuesday, 8 November 2022. Click [here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships) for more information, including application criteria, and the application form.  Also available in [French](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/prix-subventions-et-bourses) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/news/premios-subvenciones-y-becas). *12 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/have-you-applied-acap-s-2022-secondment-programme-is-open-for-applications.md) ## Higher female mortality in Wandering Albatrosses leads to both divorce and widowhood * ![Franck Theron Champs des albatrosWandering albatross at sunset](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Franck_Theron__Champs_des_albatrosWandering_albatross_at_sunset.JPG) Wandering Albatross at sunset, Île de la Possession, Crozet Islands; photograph by *Franck Theron** Ruijiao Sun ([Biology Department](https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/understand/departments-centers-labs/bio/), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Ecological Monographs*](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15577015) on life-history outcomes of a male-skewed population of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* on [Île de la Possession](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur), Crozet Islands, caused by fishery bycatch. The paper’s abstract follows: “Many animals form long-term monogamous pair bonds, and the disruption of a pair bond (through either divorce or widowhood) can have significant consequences for individual vital rates (survival, breeding, and breeding success probabilities) and life-history outcomes (lifetime reproductive success [LRS], life expectancy). Here, we investigated the causes and consequences of pair-bond disruption in wandering albatross (*Diomedea exulans*). State-of-the-art statistical and mathematical approaches were developed to estimate divorce and widowhood rates and their impacts on vital rates and life-history outcomes. In this population, females incur a higher mortality rate due to incidental fishery bycatch, so the population is male-skewed. Therefore, we first posited that males would show higher widowhood rates negatively correlated with fishing effort and females would have higher divorce rates because they have more mating opportunities. Furthermore, we expected that divorce could be an adaptive strategy, whereby individuals improved breeding success by breeding with a new partner of better quality. Finally, we posited that pair-bond disruptions could reduce survival and breeding probabilities owing to the cost of remating processes, with important consequences for life-history outcomes. As expected, we showed that males had higher widowhood rates than females and females had higher divorce rates in this male-skewed population. However, no correlation was found between fishing effort and male widowhood. Secondly, contrary to our expectation, we found that divorce was likely nonadaptive in this population. We propose that divorce in this population is caused by an intruder who outcompetes the original partner in line with the so-called forced divorce hypothesis. Furthermore, we found a 16.7% and 18.0% reduction in LRS only for divorced and widowed males, respectively, owing to missing breeding seasons after a pair-bond disruption. Finally, we found that divorced individuals were more likely to divorce again, but whether this is related to specific individual characteristics remains an important area of investigation.” **Reference:** Sun, R., Barbraud, C., Weimerskirch, H., Delord, K., Patrick, S.C., Caswell, H. & Jenouvrier, S. 2022.  Causes and consequences of pair-bond disruption in a sex-skewed population of a long-lived monogamous seabird.  [*Ecological Monographs * doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1522](https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecm.1522?fbclid=IwAR1SbN4AI7BCbZCNvnIm1FqC3z67R93BM174ulZ0A1n9otY_Mmk-a6wS1pU). *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 11 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/higher-female-mortality-in-wandering-albatrosses-leads-to-divorce-and-widowhood.md) ## No recovery for White-chinned Petrel habitat after landslides on Antipodes Island *![Screenshot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/White-chinned_Petrel_Judith_MacKay_Andy_Ward.jpg) White-chinned Petrel by*[ABUN](https://acap.aq/No%20recovery%20for%20White-chinned%20Petrel%20habitat%20after%20landslides%20on%20Antipodes%20Island)*artist Judith MacKay; after a photograph by Andy Wood*  Graeme Elliott and Kath Walker (Albatross Research) have reported to New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) via its Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) on a survey of globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* on [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species). The final report’s abstract follows: “During the summers of 2020-21 and 2021-22 the area of land occupied by white-chinned petrels on Antipodes Island was assessed along with burrow density and burrow occupancy which were combined to produce an estimate of the total size of the white-chinned petrel population there. This was compared with similar estimates made in 2008–2011, and the potential impact of landslides in 2014 and the eradication of mice from Antipodes I in 2016 on the current size of the white-chinned population was assessed. The most recent population estimate is larger than that made in 2008-2011, but the confidence intervals about both estimates are so large that it is not reasonable to conclude there has been any population change. The 2008–2011 and 2021–2022 estimates in combination suggest the population comprises ~46,000 breeding pairs. The landslides in 2014 destroyed 5.6% of the white-chinned petrel burrows and as birds were incubating at the time of the landslides, up to 2.6% of the breeding population was killed. Subsequently the land on which the landslides occurred has been unsuitable for white-chinned petrel burrows and the birds that used these places have either died, moved, or stopped breeding. Although mice are known to prey on white-chinned petrels, any improvement in nesting success because of the mouse eradication has not had sufficient time to be reflected in the size of the breeding population. The use of distance sampling for assessing burrow density, as well as the explicit assessment of the effectiveness of burrow occupancy measurement techniques are useful improvements in white-chinned petrel population size assessment techniques. With greater field effort and increased sample sizes these tools could provide more precise estimates of population size, though even with these improvements, estimates of population size are not precise enough to reliably detect population trends. Detection of population change is likely to be more easily achieved with an intensive mark-recapture study of birds in a representative study population.” **Reference:** Elliot, G. & Walker K. 2022.  [Estimating the number of white-chinned petrels breeding on Antipodes Island](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/antipodes-island-seabird-research-202122/).  Nelson: Albatross Research.  17 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP News Correspondent, 10 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-recovery-for-white-chinned-petrel-habitat-after-landslides-on-antipodes-island.md) ## Working towards a soft retirement: from Information Officer to News Correspondent *![JC 3 ha MFM certificate](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/JC_3-ha_MFM_certificate.jpg) A most fitting retirement gift: ACAP has sponsored three hectares towards the eradication of Marion Island’s*[*albatross-killing mice*](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*in my name; photograph by Ruth Cooper* “A soft release is a means by which an animal is gradually introduced or familiarized to a new environment before its eventual release in that location.  This is a slow, gradual process that allows the animal to return to a safe resting place until it is ready to be completely independent.” The ACAP Information Officer is retiring this week!  After 17 enjoyable years of drafting and posting over 4000 searchable stories to [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news) it is time for me to take a break and have a little more time to entertain my granddaughter and to ride my bike.  ACAP’s recently contracted Communications Advisor, [Bree Forrer](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4405-introducing-bree-forrer-acap-s-new-communications-advisor) will be taking the lead in posting to *ALN* from now on.  Moving into my “soft retirement”, I will pass on news I come across to Bree for possible featuring.  Additionally, at least for the rest of the year, you will still be seeing my byline in *ALN* as a “News Correspondent”, so that between the two of us we can endeavour to keep up the accustomed steady flow of news. I retired from my near 40-year university career as a marine ornithologist over 15 years ago. Since then, and for a few years before, I have been privileged to have been able to work with a fine community of people who I have met while attending meetings of the [ACAP Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee) and its [working groups](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups), as well as most of the Sessions of the [Meeting of the Parties](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties) held to date.  More particularly, I have been lucky to have had the unstinting support and friendship of three Executive Secretaries, ACAP’s long-standing Science Officer, and all the Agreement’s Chief Officers, many of whom have become personal friends. During my years with ACAP, we have managed to start (and is some cases complete) a number of initiatives that I think serve the Agreement well in working towards its primary goal of improving the conservation status of the world’s albatrosses and petrels.  In no particular order these include the series on [breeding sites](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-breeding-sites), [species summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [photo essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) and [infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics); most of which have been produced in the three ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish.  Early on, we started a [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels) which has steadily grown to 6100 followers; now complemented by ACAP’s [Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/acap_birds/), commenced last month by Bree Forrer. Most significantly, perhaps, in 2020 ACAP initiated a [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be marked annually on 19 June.  Despite one or two doubters, is seems that the celebration has taken off, with broad support now appearing for it from round the world.  Planning is currently underway for “WAD2023”, the fourth World Albatross Day that ACAP will lead.  A special pleasure for me has been the ongoing collaboration with [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/) that has resulted in an amazing 500 artworks depicting all 31 ACAP-listed species being made available for ACAP to use.  I will continue to work with ACAP on next year’s World Albatross Day (two new competitions are planned, so watch this space).  Following sponsorships already obtained, I will be helping to produce seven more ACAP Species Infographics over the next 12 months in support of the annual day.  I will be starting with an infographic for the [Light-mantled Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata/text), to be sponsored by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) on behalf of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/). I am honoured to have been asked by the ACAP Secretariat to write a monthly series of guest posts for *ACAP Latest News*as its “Emeritus ACAP Information Officer”.  These should commence in a month or so.  Allowing me a more personal style of writing, look for my view on why the Mediterranean’s [Yelkouan Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yelkouan-shearwater-puffinus-yelkouan) should be ACAP listed (and what that might mean for the Agreement), my personal musings on ACAP’s development and progress over the years (with stories behind the stories), the odd book review, and maybe even an albatross haiku or two! *![Painting](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Painting.jpg)* ![John Cooper with Marion Wanderer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/John_Cooper_with_Marion_Wanderer.jpg) *“Tell me a story”.  I chat with a non-breeding*[*Wandering Albatross*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)*that approached me on the path near Kaalkoppie, Marion Island in May 2012; artwork by Steve Erwin of*[Stencilworx](https://stencilworx.wordpress.com/), *after a photograph by Wouter Hanekom* So, it is not quite “*So long,* *and thanks for all the albatrosses” -**I will be around for a little while longer!* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/working-towards-a-soft-retirement-from-information-officer-to-news-correspondent.md) ## Increasing the confidence of eradicating the island’s albatross-killing mice: the caves and lava tunnels of Marion will be baited by hand *![crawford 1948 survey camping 007](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/crawford_1948_survey_camping_007.jpg) Sealer’s Cave in 1948; the site where House Mice were first reported on Marion Island in August 1818 by William Phelps (“Webfoot”); photograph by Allan Crawford* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) aims to eradicate the introduced House Mice of South Africa’s [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) that have taken to killing albatrosses and petrels.  The project has been initiated by [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) and the South African [Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment](https://www.dffe.gov.za/).  Upon successful completion, the project will have restored the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds (which includes eight ACAP listed species), many globally threatened, and improve the island's resilience to a warming climate. The project will use helicopters to spread rodenticide bait pellets along pre-determined flight lines across Marion Island.  The entire land surface will be baited to ensure that sufficient bait is sown in every single mouse territory.  For success to be achieved each individual House Mouse needs to encounter and consume a lethal dose of bait, which is less than one pellet. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Lava_tunnel_entrance_Ian_Meiklejohn.JPG)Entrance to a lava tunnel on the lower slopes of Fred’s Hill; photograph by Ian Meiklejohn* Caves and lava tunnels (or tubes) occur across Marion Island.  Mice certainly occur within these features, being recorded in caves as far back as 1818, the earliest year mice are known to be present on the island ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/when-did-the-mice-arrive-on-marion-island-as-it-turns-out-very-early-indeed/)).  Trials on Marion and Gough (using mark/recapture techniques) have found that cave-dwelling mice typically forage outside such features and consume bait whilst doing so.  However, this may not always be the case if mice are able to find sufficient food and moisture inside the larger caves or lava tunnels.  The mitigation strategy that will be adopted by the Project against the possibility that some mice may not forage outside is to identify such features and manually distribute bait inside them. **![Freds Cave with traps Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Freds_Cave_with_traps_Peter_Ryan.jpg)* Inside Fred’s Cave looking towards the entrance.  Two mouse traps (marked with yellow reflective tape) are visible on the cave’s floor; photograph by Peter Ryan* Bait spread from helicopters will not penetrate deeply into these caves and lava tunnels, although some pellets will fall in or near their entrances.  To assist in the planning to treat these features by hand spreading bait, the project is compiling a register of known sites.  The above map lists the caves and lava tunnels that have already been identified by a number of individuals with knowledge and experience of Marion Island.  These will be ground-truthed by [Elsa van Ginkel](https://mousefreemarion.org/heading-south-two-new-mfm-team-members-will-conduct-research-on-house-mice-and-their-effects-on-marion-island-for-a-year/), the Mouse-Free Marion overwintering team member currently on the island. **![Marion lava tunnel map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Marion_lava_tunnel_map.jpg)* The known caves and lava tunnels of Marion Island; the nine field huts are also shown* Hand baiting will also be undertaken around and underneath the buildings of the meteorological/research station, at the island’s nine field huts and at any other artificial structures in the field.  This will follow the accepted practice of hand baiting such structures while attempting eradication of rodents on seabird-breeding islands in the Southern Ocean. With thanks to Keith Springer, Operations Manager, Mouse-Free Marion Project. **References:** Crawford, A.[B.] 1982.  *Tristan da Cunha and the Roaring Forties.*  Edinburgh & London: Charles Skilton.  256 pp. Cuthbert, R.J., Visser, P., Louw, H., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G. & Ryan, P.G. 2011.  Preparations for the eradication of mice from Gough Island: results of bait acceptance trials above ground and around cave systems.  In: Veitch, C.R., Clout, M.N. & Towns, D.R. (Eds).  [*I*](https://policycommons.net/artifacts/1375054/island-invasives/1989310/)[*sland invasives: eradication and management. * *Proceedings of the International Conference on Island Invasives*](https://policycommons.net/artifacts/1375054/island-invasives/1989310/)*. *Gland: IUCN.  pp. 47-50. “Webfoot” [= William Dane Phelps] 1871.  [https://www.worldcat.org/title/fore-and-aft-or-leaves-from-the-life-of-an-old-sailor/oclc/2182104](https://www.worldcat.org/title/fore-and-aft-or-leaves-from-the-life-of-an-old-sailor/oclc/2182104)[*Fore and Aft: or Leaves from the Life of an Old Sailor*](https://www.worldcat.org/title/fore-and-aft-or-leaves-from-the-life-of-an-old-sailor/oclc/2182104).  Boston: Nicholls & Hall.  359 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/increasing-the-confidence-of-eradicating-the-island-s-albatross-killing-mice-the-caves-and-lava-tunnels-of-marion-will-be-baited-by-hand.md) ## High female mortality a key factor in declining Antipodean Albatross populations on Antipodes Island *![Antipodean Albatross Hannah Shand photo Jordan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Hannah_Shand_photo_Jordan.jpg)An Antipodean Albatross in flight. Photograph by Hannah Shand/Jordan* Kath Walker and Graeme Elliot (Albatross Research) have prepared a report, [*Antipodean wandering albatross satellite tracking and population study on Antipodes Island in 2021 and 2022*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/antipodean-wandering-albatross-satellite-tracking-and-population-study-2021/), which has been made available by New Zealand’s [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/about-csp/). Results of the study indicate a number of factors involved in the population decline of Antipodean Albatrosses but emphasise female mortality as a key contributor, with interactions with pelagic surface long-line fisheries being the cause of death for a significant number of young females. The report also highlights the availability of numerous seabird bycatch [mitigation measures](https://acap.aq/resources/bycatch-mitigation) which, if implemented by fisheries, would have a positive impact on population recovery. Building on long-term population monitoring which has taken place regularly since 1994, the data gathered from the four-year satellite tracking and population study (2019 – 2022) have updated knowledge of the at-sea distribution of the Antipodean Albatross, as well as providing information on their biology. The report's summary follows: “The Antipodean wandering albatross*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis* has been in decline since 2005. The decline appears to be driven in large part by high female mortality, though reduced breeding success and increased recruitment age have exacerbated the problem. Research into the causes of and solutions to the falling numbers of Antipodean wandering albatrosses includes an annual visit to the breeding grounds on Antipodes Island, and this report describes the results of the field programme in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 breeding seasons. In total 93 pairs nested in the study area in 2021 and 90 pairs in 2022. The number nesting in 2022 across the whole island was estimated to be 2,927 pairs, the second lowest ever recorded. Measurement of female survivorship in 2020–2022 was detrimentally affected by the very late timing of fieldwork in March 2020, artificially exacerbating existing high interannual variation in female survivorship. While the population has been approximately stable for the last three years, there is no sign of recovery. Most of the 40 courting and breeding albatrosses to which satellite transmitters were attached in March 2020 (Elliott & Walker 2020) survived the year, but one male breeder W-659 appeared to be killed on a Chinese long-line. Breeding birds and birds which had expected to breed but didn’t were found to retain their transmitters significantly longer in 2020 than non-breeders, presumably because feather moult is postponed whilst birds breed. While most of these transmitters were eventually lost at sea, one solar powered and two battery-powered transmitters were recovered from birds when they returned to Antipodes Island in January 2021. In January 2021 a further 66 satellite transmitters were deployed, 36 on adults and 30 on chicks about to fledge. While most adults survived the year, the transmitters of three juveniles stopped close to pelagic long line vessels and may have been caught. In June 2021 another tagged juvenile, W-20k, was confirmed caught by a Taiwanese long-liner when its bands, along with the metal band of an adult female Antipodean wandering albatross O-805, not wearing a satellite tag, were recovered from the vessel. Given only a small proportion of the Antipodean wandering albatross population are banded (2.7%), to have caught two banded birds suggests many more birds without bands will also have been caught. Given the number of satellite transmitters deployed in 2019–2022 (220) and the number of days from which locations were received from the birds (38,812) the estimated reported fisheries related mortality of satellite-tagged birds is about 2% per annum. However, capture of satellite-tagged birds is likely considerably higher than 2% as the two captures that were documented came not from fishing operators voluntarily reporting bycatch, but from detection of an interaction from the combination of tracking data and Global Fishing Watch. It is likely that additional tagged birds whose transmitters stopped close to fishing vessels were also caught but their capture was not reported. In January 2022, 50 satellite transmitters of two types were deployed on adult Antipodean wandering albatrosses. Soon after deployment data stopped being received from the 10 “Icarus” transmitters because of a failed data-agreement with Russia. The remaining 40 (30 on adults, 10 on juveniles) were of the second type of which 26 were still transmitting at the end of July 2022.” **Reference:** Walker, K. & Elliot, G. 2022. [*Antipodean wandering albatross satellite tracking and population study on Antipodes Island in 2021 and 2022*](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/antipodean-wandering-albatross-satellite-tracking-and-population-study-2021/). Nelson: Albatross Research  28 pp. *Posted 04 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/high-female-mortality-a-key-factor-in-declining-antipodean-wandering-albatross-populations-on-antipodes-island.md) ## It’s quicker by air: counting Northern Giant Petrels with a drone on New Zealand’s Antipodes Island *![NGP from drone Elliot Walker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/NGP_from_drone_Elliot_Walker.jpg) A Northern Giant Petrel chick taking no notice of the drone 5 m above its head.  The silvery grey colour of the chick’s down, plus the characteristically large cleared area the chick has created round its nest mound makes nests easy to spot from the air (from the report)* In a final report to New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) via its Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)), Graeme Elliot and Kath Walker (Albatross Research) describe the use of both foot searches and a drone to count the numbers of [Northern Giant Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) *Macronectes halli* chicks on [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) over two breeding seasons.  “The drone was usually flown high and fast towards suitable habitat, then it was dropped to about 20-30 m above the ground for slower scouting for nesting giant petrels. When a nest was spotted, the drone descended lower and a photo was taken of the nest from directly above it, which automatically recorded that nest’s grid reference.” The report’s abstract follows: “The number[s] of northern giant petrel chicks on Antipodes Island were counted just before they fledged during the summers of 2020-21 and 2021-22.  Counts were made on foot and through use of a drone.  The number of chicks in the two years was similar (194, 188) and using nesting success measures from Macquarie Island, estimates of the number of breeding pairs of 304 and 295 were made.  The number of northern giant petrels nesting on the island seems to have decreased and then increased since 1969 when they were first counted and this may be due to declines in the number of eastern rockhopper and erect-crested penguins nesting on the island, and an increase in the abundance of New Zealand fur seals.” **Reference:** Elliot, G. & Walker, K. 2022.  *[Numbers of Northern Giant Petrel breeding on Antipodes Island in 2021 and 2022](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/antipodes-island-seabird-research-202122/)*.  Nelson: Albatross Research.  15 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 August 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/it-s-quicker-by-air-counting-northern-giant-petrels-with-a-drone-on-new-zealand-s-antipodes-island.md) ## Leader Tony Martin gives an on-line talk on the world's largest rodent eradication project ![350px Feb12013](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/350px-Feb12013.jpg) *From ship to shore: unloading rodenticide bait by helicopter; photograph from Tony Martin* Watch a recent video (webinar) that describes the successful eradication of rats and mice on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* in the South Atlantic by its Project Leader. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK_ddOABDno](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK_ddOABDno) “Find out what it was really like running the world's largest rodent eradication project in one of the most remote and challenging environments in this webinar that was recorded on 27 July 2022.  Project Leader, Professor Tony Martin, explains how he permanently had a knot of anxiety in his stomach for months at a time during the multi-year Habitat Restoration Project as he grappled with the uncertainties of the project. In this free online presentation, Tony tells us about the monumental heroics of ‘Team Rat’ to make the Habitat Restoration Project a historic success. South Georgia [Islas Georgias del Sur*] has been free of rodents for a few years now, and Tony has had a chance to recover and reflect on the Habitat Restoration project.  He tells us about some of the lesser-known stories from behind the scenes.  The eradication was declared a success in 2018, and we also hear from Ecologist Alastair Wilson about some of the changes to the wildlife happening on the island since the rodents have gone.  And with his experiences of living in one of the few areas that were always rat-free, he describes how [the island] should be in the future once all the populations have fully recovered.” *![mapwhole lines 165840](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/mapwhole_lines_165840.gif) Areas baited over three separate years, 2011-2015* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 02 August 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/leader-tony-martin-gives-an-on-line-talk-on-the-world-s-largest-rodent-eradication-project.md) ## How do Common and the South Georgian Diving Petrels divide up their world?  *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Picture1.jpg)**Common Diving Petrel, by*[*Johannes Gerardus Keulemans, 1842-1912*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gerrard_Keulemans) Aymeric Fromant ([School of Life and Environmental Sciences,](https://www.deakin.edu.au/life-environmental-sciences) Deakin University, Burwood, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Oecologia*](https://www.springer.com/journal/442) on niche segregation in the Common *Pelecanoides urinatrix* and the South Georgian *P. georgicus*Diving Petrels. The paper’s abstract follows: “Niche theory predicts that to reduce competition for the same resource, sympatric ecologically similar species should exploit divergent niches and segregate in one or more dimensions. Seasonal variations in environmental conditions and energy requirements can influence the mechanisms and the degree of niche segregation. However, studies have overlooked the multi-dimensional aspect of niche segregation over the whole annual cycle, and key facets of species co-existence still remain ambiguous. The present study provides insights into the niche use and partitioning of two morphologically and ecologically similar seabirds, the common (CDP, *Pelecanoides urinatrix*) and the South Georgian diving petrel (SGDP, *Pelecanoides georgicus*). Using phenology, at-sea distribution, diving behavior and isotopic data (during the incubation, chick-rearing and non-breeding periods), we show that the degree of partitioning was highly stage-dependent. During the breeding season, the greater niche segregation during chick-rearing than incubation supported the hypothesis that resource partitioning increases during energetically demanding periods. During the post breeding period, while species-specific latitudinal differences were expected (species specific water mass preference), CDP and SGDP also migrated in divergent directions. This segregation in migration area may not be only a response to the selective pressure arising from competition avoidance between sympatric species, but instead, could reflect past evolutionary divergence. Such stage-dependent and context-dependent niche segregation demonstrates the importance of integrative approaches combining techniques from different fields, throughout the entire annual cycle, to better understand the co-existence of ecologically similar species. This is particularly relevant in order to fully understand the short and long-term effects of ongoing environmental changes on species distributions and communities. This work demonstrates the need of integrative multi-dimensional approaches combining concepts and techniques from different fields to understand the mechanism and causal factors of niche segregation.” **Reference:** Fromant, A., Arnould, J.P.Y., Delord, K., Sutton G.J., Carravieri, A., Bustamante, P., Miskelly, C.M., Kato, A.,  Braut-Favrou, M., Cherel, Y. & Bost, C.-A. 2022.  Stage-dependent niche segregation: insights from a multi-dimensional approach of two sympatric sibling seabirds.  [*Oecologia*199: 537-548](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-022-05181-0). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 01 August 2022* **Editorial Note:**  *ACAP Latest News* usually restricts its news posts to matters pertaining to the biology and conservation of the 31 species of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels and those procellariiform genera of particular interest to the Agreement, mainly gadfly petrels *Pterodroma*spp. and shearwaters *Ardenna*, *Calonectris*and *Puffinus* spp.  In the case of the post above, diving petrels *Pelecanoides*spp. are not usually featured in *ALN* but the topic of niche segregation should be of interest and relevance to those studying closely related and sympatric species of ACAP-listed birds, such as the mollymawk albatrosses *Thalasssarche* and the giant petrels *Macronectes* spp. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-do-common-and-the-south-georgian-diving-petrels-divide-up-their-world.md) ## Who would have thought? A Light-mantled Albatross reaches the coast of India ![Indian Light mantled Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Indian_Light-mantled_Albatross.JPG)*The beached Light-mantled Albatross, Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, India; photograph by Francis Aravind* A short communication published in the *[Journal of Threatened Taxa](https://threatenedtaxa.org/JoTT)* by H. Byju ([Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology](https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/T00_info.php?fc=T00), Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu, India) and N. Raveendran reports the first record of a Light-mantled Albatross *Phoebetria palpebrata*([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata)) from India, and as the text states, for the whole Oriental Region. The albatross was found and photographed alive, “quite frail, may be dehydrated, and unable to fly”, on Anthoniyapuram Beach, Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu on 8 September 2020.  After a level of care, which included an attempt to feed it, the albatross was released back to sea. This is not the first record for this high-latitude Southern Ocean species crossing the equator into the northern hemisphere.  An earlier record is of a bird photographed off central California, USA in July 1994 ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/563-crossing-the-line-albatrosses-changing-hemispheres?highlight=WyJlcXVhdG9yIl0=)). Read a [popular account](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/rare-flight-of-antarctics-light-mantled-albatross-to-tn-coast-intrigues-researchers/article65685918.ece) of the scientific publication. With thanks to Jaimie Cleeland, Australian Antarctic Division. **References:** Byju, H. & Raveendran, N. 2022.  First Asian record of Light-mantled Albatross *Phoebetria palpebrata* (Foster, 1785) from Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, India.  *[Journal of Threatened Taxa 14: 21473–21475](https://threatenedtaxa.org/JoTT/article/view/7992/8699)*. Stallcup, R, & Terrill, S.1996.  Albatrosses and Cordell Bank.  *Birding* 28: 106-110. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/who-would-have-thought-a-light-mantled-albatross-reaches-the-coast-of-india.md) ## From the Atlantic to the Indian. A Wandering Albatross from Bird Island turns up on Kerguelen *![Kerguelen Bird Island Wanderer 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Kerguelen_Bird_Island_Wanderer_1.jpg) The Bird Island Wandering Albatross on Kerguelen* A male Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* ([Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)) bearing UK (British Museum) metal band No. 4004249 on its left leg was photographed near [Lac Marville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_Marville), Courbet Peninsula, [Kerguelen Archipelago](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1435-acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species) in the southern Indian Ocean on 31 January 2022 by French research volunteer Kevin Guille.  The adult bird was first seen on its own in the Wanderer monitoring colony on the Courbet Peninsula, in the framework of the project “Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean” ([Project: 109 ORNITHOECO](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/research/monitoring/ornithoeco/?lang=en)) supported by the French [Polar Institute Paul Emile Victor](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/)).  The bird was then involved in courtship behaviour with an arriving female Wanderer. *![Kerguelen Bird Island Wanderer habitat](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Kerguelen_Bird_Island_Wanderer_habitat.jpg) A view of the Courbet Peninsula monitoring colony; photographs by Kevin Guille* Following an enquiry by Karine Delord ([Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé,](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en)*France*)*,* Andy Wood of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) replied that Wandering Albatross 4004249 was banded as a chick at [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades), South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* in the South Atlantic on 28 September 2009, making it a 12-year-old when resighted by Karine and her colleagues.  Andy also confirmed that after banding the bird has not been seen back on Bird Island. This is the first time that an interchange of a Wandering Albatross between Bird Island and Kerguelen has been recorded, although there have been a few movements both ways between the French Crozet Islands (farther to the west from Kerguelen) and the South Atlantic island.  Very few records exist of movements between Kerguelen and the South African Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, although there are many interchanges between the [Ile de la Possession](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur), Crozet and the Prince Edwards, approximately 1000 km apart. With thanks to Maëlle Connan, Karine Delord, Richard Phillips and Andy Wood. **Reference:** Cooper, J. & Weimerskirch, H. 2003.  Exchange of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* between the Prince Edward and Crozet Islands: implications for conservation.  [*African Journal of Marine Science* 25: 519-523](https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajms/article/view/33163). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 July 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-the-atlantic-to-the-indian-a-wandering-albatross-from-bird-island-turns-up-on-kerguelen.md) ## Introducing Bree Forrer: ACAP’s new Communications Advisor *![Bree Forrer 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Bree_Forrer_1.jpg) Bree Forrer at Dorrigo National Park, New South Wales, Australia; photograph by K. Sincock* Australian Bree Forrer has been contracted by the ACAP Secretariat to be its new Communications Advisor.  Based in New South Wales, Bree will help the Agreement increase its reach to the general public via social media and the ACAP website to spread the word on the conservation crisis still being faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – and what could and should be done to improve their status.  Following a decision made at the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) held online in May this year, Bree has been working with the ACAP Secretariat on a part-time basis for three days a week from the beginning of June. Bree Forrer is a communications graduate of the University of Newcastle, Australia with professional experience in the publishing, tertiary education and science research sectors.  Bree has worked in Australia, the United Kingdom and most recently in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*, where she was the Communications Officer for the [South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute](https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/), creating content for social media, website and the Institute’s quarterly newsletter. One of the first tasks Bree has tackled has been setting up an Instagram account for the Agreement, a long-desired initiative but up to now one beyond the capacity of ACAP’s small Secretariat to manage.  Already ACAP Instagram ([acap_birds](https://www.instagram.com/acap_birds/)) has a steadily growing number of subscribers following her near-daily posts.  This will complement the news section of the website and the [ACAP Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels).  She has also been taking the lead editing and posting French and Spanish versions of the [ACAP Species Summary Series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries). The ACAP Secretariat is most pleased to be able to add Bree’s knowledge and skills to its portfolio and wishes her a productive and enjoyable time with the Agreement. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 July 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/introducing-bree-forrer-acap-s-new-communications-advisor.md) ## ACAP publishes advice on conducting field work during an avian Influenza outbreak in its Conservation Guideline series *![20151205 SGP chick](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/20151205-SGP_chick.jpg) Southern Giant Petrel chick on Marion Island; photograph by John Dickens* Marcela Uhart ([Latin America Program, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center](https://whc.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/latin-america-program), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA), Ralph Vanstreels and Patricia Serafini have produced a report in the *[ACAP Conservation Guideline](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines)* series that discusses how best to work with albatrosses and petrels in the face of avian Influenza, giving specific recommendations that include best practices for conducting fieldwork in seabird colonies*.* A summary of the report follows in English.  The summary and full text are also available in [French](https://acap.aq/fr/ressources/directives-de-conservation-de-l-acap) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/resources/guias-de-conservacion-acap) on the ACAP website. “Although most avian influenza infections are not pathogenic to seabirds, the current outbreak of high-pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) has raised concern due to its unusual impact on wild birds. Although to date there are no reports of mortality events of Procellariiformes attributable to HPAI, the rapid spread of the currently prevalent H5N1 strains in the northern hemisphere and their unprecedented impacts on seabird populations raise concerns about potential risks for ACAP-listed species. The 2022/2023 austral summer may present the greatest potential for HPAI outbreaks among procellariiform populations, when most of these birds will congregate to breed at colonies in the southern hemisphere. Furthermore, all sites where ACAP-listed species congregate may be at risk of exposure via migratory birds or accidental introduction by human activities (e.g., banders, researchers and tourism) and should thus be in a state of alertness.” **Reference** Uhart, M., Vanstreels, R.E.T. & Serafini, P. 2022.  *[Guidelines for working with albatrosses and petrels during the on-going high-pathogenicity H5N1 avian Influenza outbreak](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-conservation-guidelines). **ACAP Conservation Guideline.* 4 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 26 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-publishes-advice-on-conducting-field-work-during-an-avian-influenza-outbreak-in-its-conservation-guideline-series.md) ## Mystery solved via international collaboration: a colour-banded Southern Giant Petrel from Chile’s Diego Ramírez is spotted off Uruguay  ![Blue band SGP Fernando 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Blue_band_SGP_Fernando_1.jpg)*Southern Giant Petrel R037 off Montevideo* When Fernando Saravia reported to *ACAP Latest News* that he had photographed a colour-banded Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)) in Uruguayan waters off Montevideo on 30 June this year he probably had little idea what a mission it would be to track down from where the bird had originally come.  From his photographs the bird can be readily identified as a juvenile, likely recently fledged due its uniform brown plumage, and the blue plastic band on its right leg can be read as R037 in white lettering.  No metal band (which would carry a national banding address) can be seen on either leg. A response to Fernando elicited that the Southern Giant Petrel was seen with other juveniles that were feeding on a dead South American Sea Lion *Otaria byronia* some 150-200 m from the shore at 34° 56'S, W 56° 10'E.  He also said it was not an Argentinian-banded bird based on his initial enquiry. Armed with the above information the hunt was on.  Successive enquiries by ACAP and others to marine ornithologists who work in the Southern Ocean and to national banding schemes resulted in an e-mail string of over 35 messages and replies saying the bird was not one of theirs from Brazil, France, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom.  The help of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Expert Group on Birds and Marine Mammals ([SCAR EG-BAMM](https://www.scar.org/science/eg-bamm/)) was then enlisted via its outgoing Secretary, Yan Ropert-Coudert, who sent out the bird’s sighting details to the group’s list of contacts. *![Blue band SGP Fernando 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Blue_band_SGP_Fernando_2.jpg) Four juvenile Southern Giant Petrels gather round a seal carcass off Montevideo; photograph by Fernando Saravia* Eventually it was discovered that the bird was from Chile, having been colour-banded as a chick close to fledging on [Islas Diego Ramírez](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1331-acap-breeding-sites-no-13-islas-diego-ramirez-chile-the-most-southerly-mollymawk-breeding-locality) by Cristián Suazo’s research group on 16 March 2022 (no metal band had been added).  These islands are some 2600 km south of Fernando’s sighting in the South Atlantic  Cristián has written to *ACAP Latest News* that he had arrived from the field to find Fernando’s email, saying “Great news since we just started the metal and colour banding of petrels to explore juvenile distribution with an emphasis on the domestic Chilean fisheries”, adding that “we previously thought that juveniles were more prone to first distribute along the Chilean coast (mainly in the Humboldt Current System)”. Pleasing to resolve the mystery through the support of colleagues and confirm the value of international bodies such as ACAP and SCAR EG-BAMM in tracing down a banded bird – and also that young giant petrels are indeed ocean travellers! With thanks to Fernando Saravia, Cristián Suazo and all the correspondents. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mystery-solved-via-international-collaboration-a-colour-banded-southern-giant-petrel-from-chile-s-diego-ramirez-is-spotted-off-uruguay.md) ## Towards a new national breeding species: Mexico fledges 34 translocated Black-footed Albatrosses from Isla Guadalupe ![Black foot translocation 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-foot_translocation_10.jpg) *All the way from Midway Atoll as an egg: a colour-banded Black-footed Albatross prepares to fledge from Isla Guadalupe; photograph from GECI* Thirty-four of the 35 Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes* chicks that were translocated to [Isla Guadalupe](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1412-acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats), Mexico as eggs have now successfully left their foster nests.  Thirty-six eggs were collected from nests on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) where their habitat is at risk to predicted sea-level rise and increased frequency and severity of storm surges as a result of climate change.  The eggs were flown to Mexico where they were raised by Laysan Albatross *P. immutabilis* foster parents on Guadalupe.  This is the second season for the translocation project that aims to add the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) Black-footed Albatross to the list of birds that breed in Mexico; 27 chicks fledged in the first season ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4326-second-year-of-the-guadalupe-translocation-to-establish-a-mexican-breeding-population-of-the-black-footed-albatross-is-underway?highlight=WyJndWFkYWx1cGUiLCJ0cmFuc2xvY2F0aW9uIiwiZ3VhZGFsdXBlIHRyYW5zbG9jYXRpb24iXQ==)). Hawaii-based NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), which is partnering the project with the Mexican NGO Conservación de Islas ([GECI](http://www.islas.org.mx/)), writes on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation): “We are beyond thrilled at the success rate of this project and can't wait for these birds to return to Guadalupe Island in a few short years to start a new colony there.  For more information on why we translocate seabirds from Midway to Mexico, check out [www.islandarks.org](https://www.islandarks.org/)[.](http://www.islandarks.org.)” *![Grisselle Chock Black footed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Grisselle_Chock_Black-footed_Albatrosses.JPG) “Climate Change”: artwork by Grisselle Chock of [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) after a photograph of a Black-footed Albatross by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Meanwhile, over on Mexico’s [Isla San Benedicto](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1648-acap-breeding-site-no-62-san-benedicto-island-mexico-has-a-small-growing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses), part of the Revillagigedo National Park (a [World Heritage site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1510/)), four [Laysan Albatross](https://acap.aq/datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) chicks have fledged this year following their banding in May.  These are the first to fledge in three seasons of monitoring during which no pair was able to successfully raise chicks, mainly due to high depredation by native land crabs, as well as to landslides occurring in the breeding locality due to the volcanic ash floor from a 1952 eruption ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/PNRevillagigedo)).  Laysan Albatrosses have bred historically on San Benedicto since 1990 with 17 nests reported in December 2003 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1648-acap-breeding-site-no-62-san-benedicto-island-mexico-has-a-small-growing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses)).  However, this season’s fledging is stated to be the first success for the island. *![San Benedicto Laysan chick 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/San_Benedicto_Laysan_chick_2022.jpg) A 2022 Laysan Albatross chick on Isla San Benedicto, photograph by Deneb Saldierna* GECI has reported on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/IslasGECI/) that over 25 years it has removed no less than 70 populations of invasive species from 39 Mexican islands.  Federico Alfonso Méndez Sánchez, GECI Director, writes: “Our organization, founded in 1998, began with a special focus on north-western Mexico because here lies the largest concentration of islands and the largest number of troubled species ... along with, of course, the largest number of invasive species.  The most problematic mammals are wild cats, rats, mice, sheep, goats, wild dogs, wild donkeys and rabbits.  These have caused extinctions on islands all over the world and Mexico is no exception.” *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/towards-a-new-national-breeding-species-mexico-fledges-34-translocated-black-footed-albatrosses-from-isla-guadalupe.md) ## Long-time ACAP National Contact Point for Uruguay, Marcel Calvar, retires *![Marcel Calvar CoP18 Geneva Ago. 2019](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Marcel_Calvar_CoP18_Geneva-Ago._2019.jpg) Marcel attends the 18th**Conference of the Parties to the Convention on* *International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (*[*CITES CoP18*](https://cites.org/eng/meetings/cop)*),* *Geneva, Switzerland in August 2019* Marcel Calvar, [ACAP National Contact Point](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts) for Uruguay since the Second Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP2](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop2)), held in Christchurch, New Zealand in November 2006, has informed the ACAP Secretariat of his retirement this year. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Marcel_Calvar_MoP2_Christchurch_Nov._2006.jpg) Delegates attending ACAP’s MoP2 in Christchurch, New Zealand in November 2006.  Marcel Calvar is in the front row, third from the left* He has written (in translation) to the ACAP Executive Secretary, Christine Bogle as follows: “I am writing to let you know about my retirement.  This has been a difficult decision to make.  However, I understand it happens to us all to have very strong feelings when we give up those things that we chose to do out of a sense of vocation and after having dedicated many years to them. For more than half of my life I have had the amazing privilege of working in what has been my profession and then specialising in matters related to the conservation of wild species.  In addition, I have had the honour to represent Uruguay at meetings of various international agreements, where I have got to know wonderful, committed people who are highly dedicated, as well as to appreciate the enormous capacity of the staff in their Secretariats. With ACAP in particular I have the enormous satisfaction of having been one of the technical team who drafted the argumentation allowing Uruguay to become a Party to the Agreement in 2001, presenting it again in 2006, and which was finally approved in legislation in July 2008.  This was a long administrative saga delayed by the serious economic crises that Uruguay suffered in 2002.  In those years, we (Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos - [DINARA](https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/dinara) and the Department of Fauna) were part of the same Ministry.  In all this time the help of ACAP’s Executive Secretaries and their secretarial staff, as well as the companionship of Party delegates, made my task a highly satisfactory one. I can sincerely state that my best working memories come from my work on this theme.  The lives of albatrosses and petrels began to inspire me ever since my first trip to Antarctica in 1994 to monitor a colony of [Wilson’s Storm Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wilsons-storm-petrel-oceanites-oceanicus) *Oceanites oceanicus* which extended over five research seasons.  My best wishes for the successful development of the Agreement, which will always require the commitment of very dedicated people. Finally, thank you for your constant collaboration and professionalism that has made possible the implementation of the Agreement.” *![Marcel Calvar MoP6 Skukuza May 2018](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Marcel_Calvar_MoP6_Skukuza_May_2018.jpg) Marcel at ACAP’s*[*MoP6*](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop6)*, held in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa in May 2018* In his letter he also extended his warm greetings to ACAP’s Information and Science Officers.  The ACAP Secretariat wishes Marcel a happy and a long retirement and thanks him for his valued contributions to the Agreement’s goals of protecting albatrosses and petrels over the years, and his work that led to Uruguay becoming the [13th Party to the Agreement](https://acap.aq/resources/parties-to-acap) by accession in January 2009.  He will be missed! *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 July 2022* Marcel Calvar’s original letter to the ACAP Executive Secretary in Spanish follows “Te escribo para informarte sobre mi jubilación.  Son momentos de difícil decisión. Pero entiendo que a todos nos pasa, de tener sentimientos encontrados cuando se abandonan aquellas cosas que se eligieron por vocación y cuando hemos dedicado muchos años a estos temas. Más de la mitad de mi vida tuve el extraordinario privilegio de trabajar en lo que fue mi profesión y luego mi especialización en temas de conservación de especies silvestres. Asimismo, tuve el honor de representar a Uruguay en distintas reuniones de convenciones internacionales donde conocí gente maravillosa y comprometidas con su dedicación a estos temas, como la enorme capacidad del personal de sus secretarías. Con ACAP en particular tengo la enorme satisfacción de haber sido uno de los técnicos que redactó la justificación para que Uruguay ratificara el Acuerdo en el 2001 y luego volver a presentarlo en 2006, pero que finalmente se aprobara por ley en julio de 2008. Una larga tramitación que debió ser postergada por la grave crisis económica que Uruguay vivió en 2002.  En aquellos años DINARA y el Departamento de Fauna formábamos parte de un mismo ministerio. En todo este tiempo tanto el apoyo de las distintos Secretarios Ejecutivos, el personal de apoyo de las secretarías, así como el compañerismo de los delegados de los países hicieron que mi tarea fuera altamente satisfactoria. inceramente, llevo uno de los mejores recuerdos laborales en este tema.  La vida de albatros y petreles comenzó a apasionarme desde mi primer viaje a la Antártida en 1994 para monitoreo de una colonia de petrel de Wilson durante cinco temporadas de investigación. Mis mejores éxitos para el desarrollo del Acuerdo que siempre requerirá del compromiso de gente muy dedicada. Por favor, hazle llegar un caluroso saludo a Wavee y a John. Finalmente, agradezco tu colaboración constante y profesionalismo para hacer posible la ejecución del ACAP.” [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/long-time-national-contact-point-for-uruguay-marcel-calvar-retires.md) ## From Kerguelen to Australia: a banded Grey Petrel gets recovered after 28 years *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Walt_Anderson_Grey_Petrel_12x18-_watercolour_Hadoram_Shirihai.JPG) Grey Petrel at sea, watercolour by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist, Walt Anderson; after a photograph by Hadoram Shirihai* The corpse of an ACAP-listed Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea)) was collected on 11 June 2022 from [Middleton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middleton,_South_Australia) Beach, South Australia (35° 31’S, 138° 43’E) wearing metal leg band No. DZ17839 and white engraved plastic band 042, as first reported by [Wildlife Welfare Organisation (SA)](http://www.wwosa.org.au/) on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/wildlifewelfareorgsa/). ![French Grey Petrel carcass](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/French_Grey_Petrel_carcass.jpg) *The French-banded Grey Petrel recovered in Australia; its leg bands have been removed* The petrel was banded by [Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en), France as part of the project “Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean” (Project: 109 ORNITHOECO), supported by the French Polar Institute Paul Emile Victor ([IPEV](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/)) on 01 April 1994 as an adult of unknown gender on [Mayes Island](https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2016/02/10/the-petrels-of-ile-mayes-iles-kerguelen/), [Kerguelen Archipelago](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1435-acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species) (49° 28′S, 69° 57′E). The bird was thus at least 28 years’ old when recovered thousands of kilometres from its banding site.  The bird was regularly observed in its study colony from 1994 – 2007, during which time it raised at least four chicks to fledging.  From the photograph the bird was not in a fresh condition when found, making identifying a cause of death problematic. With thanks to Karine Delord, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, who received recovery details from Rebekah Collins, [Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/science-research/bird-bat-banding). **Relevant Literature:** Delord, K., Barbraud, C., Pinaud, D., Ruault, S., Patrick, S. & Weimerskirch, H. 2019.  Individual consistency in non-breeding behavior in a long-distance migrant seabird, the Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea.  **[Marine Ornithology 47: 90-103](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1298)*. Torres, L.G., Sutton, P.J.H., Thompson, D.R., Delord, K., Weimerskirch, H., Sagar, P.M., Sommer, E., Dilley, B.J., Ryan, P.G. & Phillips, R.A. 2015.  Poor transferability of species distribution models for a pelagic predator, the Grey Petrel, indicates contrasting habitat preferences across Ocean Basins.  *[PLoS ONE. 2015, 10 (3), e0120014](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120014)*. Barbraud, C., Delord, K., Marteau, C. & Weimerskirch, H. 2009.  Estimates of population size of white-chinned petrels and grey petrels at Kerguelen Islands and sensitivity to fisheries.  *[Animal Conservation 12: 258-265](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00248.x)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-kerguelen-to-australia-a-banded-grey-petrel-gets-recovered-after-28-years.md) ## A Northern Giant Petrel drowns and feeds on a Cape Gannet *![Jean Tresfon 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jean_Tresfon_1.jpg)* *![Jean Tresfon 0](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jean_Tresfon_0.jpg) "A Northern Giant Petrel grabs an unfortunate Cape Gannet by the neck"* [Jean Tresfon](https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/meet-the-photographer-jean-tresfon) is a marine conservation photographer noted for his work along and off the South African coastline.  His recent observation of an ACAP-listed Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli)) attacking and killing an [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cape-gannet-morus-capensis) Cape Gannet *Morus capensis*, and then feeding from its corpse, is noteworthy, both for his photographs and his use of dramatic language, made offshore from Tshani on the [Wild Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Coast_Region,_Eastern_Cape), Eastern Cape in the Indian Ocean. * ![Jean Tresfon 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jean_Tresfon_2.jpg)* *"The Northern Giant Petrel forcibly holds a Cape Gannet by the neck and shoves its head underwater"* He writes; “The ocean is full of surprises and despite having been on the [sardine run](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardine_run) [of [South African Pilchard](https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/south-african-sardine/) *Sardinops sagax*] almost every year since 2009, I continue to witness animal behaviour that I would not have thought possible.  This year was no different and on one particular morning, shortly after having launched, we spotted circling gannets nearby and went to take a closer look.  The gannets were circling high up, clearly interested in the splashing that was happening on the surface below them but making no attempt to dive.  Getting closer we could see a pair of large brown wings flapping and something white.  As we arrived it turned into the amazing sight of a Northern Giant Petrel fighting with a Cape Gannet. * ![Jean Tresfon 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jean_Tresfon_3.jpg) "Using its savage look beak to good effect, the Northern Giant Petrel rips flesh from the back of a Cape Gannet and eats it"* Gannets are big birds, with a 1.8-m wingspan and weighing in at around 2.5 kg, but this was not an even match. The Northern Giant Petrel is in another class entirely, with a wingspan of over 2 m and weighing up to 5 kg.  But why was it attacking the gannet?  The giant petrel grabbed the gannet by the neck, shoved its head underwater and proceeded to drown it.  The gannet put up a good fight, but the outcome was inevitable, and the gannet finally succumbed to its brutal attacker. The giant petrel then proceeded use its savage-looking beak to pluck feathers from the gannet before ripping it open and partially eating the belly innards as well as some of the meat from the gannet's lower back” [edited]. *![Jean Tresfon 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jean_Tresfon_4.jpg)* *![Jean Tresfon 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jean_Tresfon_5.jpg)**"The remains of the Cape Gannet immediately after being killed and partially eaten by a Northern Giant Petrel"* Information and photographs from the [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/JeanTresfonPhotography) of Jean Tresfon. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-northern-giant-petrel-drowns-and-feeds-on-a-cape-gannet.md) ## A glass of albatross wine anybody? France bottles a Grolleau Noir (but ACAP did it first with a Pinot Noir) *![Grolleau Noir 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grolleau_Noir_1.jpg) The D**iomedeidae 2021**Grolleau Noir* In November 2004, Australia hosted the First Session of the Meeting of the Partier to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  [MoP1](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop1) was held in Hobart, Tasmania and closed with a dinner in the city’s [Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery](https://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/).  With live seven-string guitar music composed and played by [Cary Lewincamp,](https://www.cary.com.au/) a guided visit to view the museum’s collection of specimens (including a skin) of the extinct[Thylacine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thylacine) (or Tasmanian Tiger) *Thylacinus cynocephalus* in a locked storeroom, it was a memorable affair, enlivened by the tables adorned by wine especially bottled for the occasion.  A 2004 [Pinot Noir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_noir) produced in Tasmania, it went down well among the MoP1 attendees.  The ACAP Information Officer still has an unopened bottle which he brought all the way back to South Africa after the meeting as a souvenir. *![MoP1 Pinot Noir](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/MoP1_Pinot_Noir.jpg) The MoP1 Pinot Noir* Now France has joined the “Albatross Wine Club” by bottling a [Grolleau Noir](https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-739-grolleau-noir) under the label “Diomedeidae 2021”.  Wine maker Jean Derrien produces “*Mine de rien*” wines, which he describes to *ACAP Latest News* as being “without pretension, completely natural and eco-friendly”.  His albatross wine is made from vines grown organically and biodynamically in the Loire Region in the west of France. The grapes were handpicked in October 2020.   They were then pressed for 36 hours utilizing a vertical hydraulic press, macerated for three weeks, followed by four months in a “troglodyte cave” without the addition of sulphur, nitrogen or yeasts; making the red wine a 100% product from the fermentation of grapes.  Bottling is by gravity. Jean describes himself as having been a vineyard worker for 10 years and a natural winemaker for five, creating his natural wine company in 2019.  He explains he is sensitive to ecological issues and is dedicated to sustainable grape production and that the wine’s name Diomedeidae pays homage to the albatross, which is also the nickname of a friend who has helped produce his wines. Jérémy Dechartre, who has also helped with the production of Diomedeidae 2021 by supplying photographs (including those here), is a marine ornithologist and mammologist who conducted field research on France’s [Amsterdam Island](https://acap.aq/en/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZCdzIiwiaXNsYW5kJyIsIidpc2xhbmQnIiwibm8iLCInbm8iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0gaXNsYW5kIiwiaXNsYW5kIG5vIl0=) with the 70th Mission over 2019/20 on the project “Birds and Marine Mammals, Sentinels of Global Changes in the Southern Ocean”. While on the island he supported the inaugural [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)on 19 June 2020 by displaying a banner ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3385-france-s-amsterdam-island-joins-the-word-albatross-day-banner-challenge?highlight=WyJkZWNoYXJ0cmUiXQ==)). ![Grolleau Noir 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grolleau_Noir_3.jpg)     ![Grolleau Noir 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grolleau_Noir_2.jpg) *À votre santé !* The ACAP Information Officer, who is no longer a consumer of alcohol, natural or otherwise, wonders what his 2004 ACAP Pinot Noir might taste like after 18 years in the bottle.  Ideas anybody?  He also thinks Jean and Jérémy could collaborate once more to produce a Grolleau Noir to celebrate the Fourth [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day)/[Journée mondiale de l’albatros](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June 2023. With thanks to Jérémy Dechartre and Jean Dessin. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 July 2022* Jean Dessin also sent *ALN* notes on his albatross wine in his home language, repeated *verbatim* here. **DIOMEDEIDAE 2021** "Vin issu de vignes de Grolleau noir conduites en Bio/Biodynamie dans le Layon, vendangées à la main en octobre 2020. Macération en grappes entières en cuves pendant quatre semaines. Pressurage lent, en pressoir verticale hydraulique durant 36 heures. Élevage de 4 mois en cuves et en caves troglodytes. Mise en bouteille par gravité en janvier 2022. Vin sans intervention (sous-tirage/remontage/thermo-régulation/…) ni intrant (soufre/azote/levures/…). Produits issu à 100% de la fermentation du raisin. Ouvrier viticole depuis 10 ans, viniculteur depuis 5 ans, Jean Derrien est sensible à l’écologie et il agit pour un mode de culture durable et respectueux de l’environnement. Il a créé son entreprise « Mine De Rien » en 2019 pour faire des vins sans prétention, natures et biologiques. Diomedeidae rend hommage aux albatros mais c'est aussi le surnom d’un proche ami du viniculteur, qui l’aide à monter et développer son entreprise ainsi qu'à l’élaboration de ce vin."   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-glass-of-albatross-wine-anybody-france-bottles-a-grolleau-noir-but-acap-did-it-first-with-a-pinot-noir.md) ## Children in under-resourced South African communities produce albatross linocuts through the Butterfly Art Project ![Butterfly Art Project 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Butterfly_Art_Project_1.jpg)  The [Butterfly Art Project](https://www.butterflyartproject.org/) was founded in 2010 in greater Cape Town to train and mentor Community Art Facilitators who provide psychosocial support to children in under-resourced South African communities through art therapeutic classes.  The project’s art classes help children develop healthy coping mechanisms for processing stress and healing from trauma[.](https://www.butterflyartproject.org/support)  It aims to encourage creativity and healing through art to build strong communities of active, artistic and stable citizens that can recognise and utilise opportunities.  This year, 249 facilitators are serving over 10 200 children in 112 communities. ![Butterfly Art Project 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Butterfly_Art_Project_2.jpg)  This year’s theme for the project is entitled [Trial of Courage](https://www.butterflyartproject.org/trialofcourage), focusing on print making via the linocut process.  Albatrosses were chosen as the theme’s inspiration, taking note of how introduced House Mice on South Africa's sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) had become a threat, both to the island’s albatrosses and to their environment.  Sanet Visser, a Community Art Facilitator based in Vrygrond, has written to *ACAP Latest News* explaining that the project asked children in the participating schools whether they knew albatrosses shared with us the same danger to health caused by mice.  She went on to say that the children enjoyed the process of producing artworks via lino printing; three of which are illustrated here. The children's art will be on display in a Cape Town [shopping mall](https://www.blueroutemall.co.za/) from Mandela Day on 18 July to 31 July.  ![Butterfly Art Project 5](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Butterfly_Art_Project_5.jpg) Read more about the Butterfly Art Project on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/ButterflyArtProject/). With thanks to Sanet Visser, Community Art Facilitator, Vrygrond and Robyn Adams, Communications Officer, [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/children-in-under-resourced-south-african-communities-produces-albatross-linocuts-through-the-butterfly-art-project.md) ## Is nest-site selection by Wandering Albatrosses at Marion Island being affected by climate change? *![Alexis Wandering Albatross Incubating](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Wandering_Albatross_Incubating.JPG) A pair of Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island, the male (left) is incubating on the nest; photograph by Alexis Osborne* Mia Momberg ([Department of Plant and Soil Sciences](https://www.up.ac.za/plant-and-soil-sciences), University of Pretoria, South Africa) and colleagues have published online in *[Ibis International Journal of Avian Science](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919x)*on whether wind, vegetation, and geological characteristics affect nest-site selection by [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*at *[Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels)*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Several factors may drive bird nest-site selection, including predation risk, resource availability, weather conditions, and interaction with other individuals. Understanding the drivers affecting where birds nest is important for conservation planning, especially where environmental change may alter the distribution of suitable nest sites. This study investigates which environmental variables affect nest-site selection by the Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*, the world’s largest pelagic bird.  Here, wind characteristics are quantitatively investigated as a driver of nest-site selection in surface nesting birds, in addition to several topographical variables, vegetation, and geological characteristics. Nest locations from three different breeding seasons on sub-Antarctic Marion Island were modelled to assess which environmental factors affect nest-site selection. Elevation was the most important determinant of nest-site selection, with Wandering Albatrosses only nesting at low elevations. Distance from the coast and terrain roughness were also important predictors, with nests more generally found close to the coast and in flatter terrain, followed by wind velocity, which showed a hump-shaped relationship with the probability of nest occurrence. Nests occurred more frequently on coastal vegetation types, and were absent from polar desert vegetation (generally above ~ 500 m elevation). Of the variables that influence Wandering Albatross nest location, both vegetation type and wind characteristics are likely to be influenced by climate change, and have already changed over the last 50 years. As a result, the availability of suitable nest sites needs to be considered in light of future climatic change, in addition to the impacts that these changes will have on foraging patterns and prey distribution. More broadly, these results provide insights into how a wide range of environmental variables, including wind, can affect nest-site selection of surface nesting seabirds.” **Reference:** Momberg, M., Ryan, P.G., Hedding, D.W., Schoombie, J., Goddard, K.A., Craig, K.J. & Le Roux, P.C. 2022.  Factors determining nest-site selection of surface-nesting seabirds: A case study on the world’s largest pelagic bird, the Wandering Albatross (*Diomedea exulans*).  *[Ibis International Journal of Avian Science  doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13111](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ibi.13111)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/is-nest-site-selection-by-wandering-albatrosses-at-marion-island-being-affected-by-climate-change.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project issues the second number of its quarterly newsletter ![MFM NL No. 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/MFM_NL_No._2.png)  The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) is working towards the eradication of the island’s albatross-killing House Mice.  This week the project released the second issue of its quarterly newsletter (No. 2, July 2022), available from the MFM website [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/publications/). In the issue, the [MFM Operations Manager Keith Springer](https://mousefreemarion.org/macquarie-island-stalwart-keith-springer-appointed-mouse-free-marions-operations-manager/) writes a [personal essay](https://mousefreemarion.org/island-eradications-of-introduced-predators-can-be-game-changing-providing-the-planning-is-done-correctly/) on how proper planning is key to ensuring a successful eradication operation.  The [MFM Project Manager, Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) explains the urgent need to ensure a mouse-free Marion Island. The newsletter also describes how the project marked last month’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change), which included co-publishing with ACAP an [infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca*.  The albatross is threatened by Marion Island’s mice - as the infographic below depicts.  ![Sooty Albatross infographic colour FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Sooty_Albatross_infographic_colour_FINAL.jpg) The MFM Project also produced a poster (see below) illustrated in the newsletter to mark WAD2022 that shows the four breeding albatrosses of Marion Island.  All are threatened by mice. ![MFM WAD poster](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/MFM_WAD_poster.png) Join the [mailing list](https://mousefreemarion.org/contact/) to stay up to date on future news from the MFM Project.  It can also be followed on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Mouse-Free-Marion-1978098948867817) and Instagram. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-issues-the-second-number-of-its-quarterly-newsletter.md) ## Albatross artist Kitty Harvill to receive the prestigious Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award for 2022 *![Kitty Harvill1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Kitty_Harvill1.jpg) Kitty Harvill holds the book she illustrated on*[*Wisdom*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4230-wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-atoll-in-her-eighth-decade?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsIid3aXNkb20nIiwiJ3dpc2RvbScsIiwiJ3dpc2RvbSIsMjAyMV0=)*, the world’s oldest known albatross* Kitty Harvill, Co-founder of Artist and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) and valued ACAP supporter, is to be recognized for her contribution to art and wildlife with Artists for Conservation’s ([AFC](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/)) top honour: the [Simon Combes Conservation Artist Award](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/art-artists/award-winners/combes-award).  The AFC bestows the award annually to individuals for exemplifying the achievements and dedication of the award's namesake.  The award was established in 2006 and has become the world's most prestigious conservation award for visual artists.  Simon Combes was a prominent member of the AFC until his tragic passing in 2004, when he was killed in an encounter with a Cape Buffalo near his home. “Kitty is a rare kind of inspiring artist and conservationist, and an extraordinary role model of resourcefulness, creativity, persistence and passion." explains AFC President and Founder, Jeff Whiting ([click here](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/news-media/articles/kitty-harvill-to-receive-afc-s-highest-honor-22764)).  Kitty writes to*ACAP Latest News* " I will be receiving the award in person in Vancouver, Canada on the opening night of the four-day [AFC Festival](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/festival)over 22-25 September, celebrating this year's annual international exhibition." *![Lost in a Rising Sea Black footed Albatross by Kitty Harvill after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Lost_in_a_Rising_Sea_Black-footed_Albatross_by_Kitty_Harvill_after_a_photograph_by_Koa_Matsuoka_shrunk.jpg)  “Lost in a Rising Sea” watercolour by Kitty Harvill in support of*[*WAD2022*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)*and its theme of Climate Change; after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka, poster dresign by Michelle Risi* Over three years, ACAP has received more than 500 individual artworks, [music videos](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures) and collage posters from ABUN in support of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June to use in creating awareness of the conservation crisis faced by the 31 species of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters listed by the Agreement; many of the works painted by Kitty herself.  The works have been used to create [World Albatross Day posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4340-wad-2022-artwork-posters), in the [ACAP Species Summary](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries) series, and regularly to illustrate articles posted to [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news).  Kitty Harvill writes to ACAP’s Information Officer: “I'm so very pleased that ABUN has had the privilege of supporting the important work that ACAP is doing”. ![Albatrosses collage 22 Kitty Harvill Hi res](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Albatrosses_collage_22_Kitty_Harvill_Hi-res.JPG) *A collage of the 22 ACAP-listed albatrosses painted by Kitty Harvill for [World Albatross Day 2020](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)* ![Kitty Harvill Grey Petrel chick acrylic 18x24 Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2021/Kitty_Harvill_Grey_Petrel_chick_acrylic_18x24_Ben_Dilley.JPG) *A Grey Petrel chick painted in acrylics by Kitty Harvill for ACAP's "[Petrels in Peril"](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3980-acap-s-painting-petrels-in-peril-collaboration-with-abun-has-been-a-success?highlight=WyJwZXJpbCIsInBlcmlsJyJd) project in 2021; after a photograph taken on Marion Island by Ben Dilley * The Albatross and Petrel Agreement looks forward to collaborating once more with Kitty and her ABUN artists early next year in support of World Albatross Day 2023.  A theme for the day, and the two species of albatrosses the artists will be asked to illustrate, are currently under consideration, with an announcement expected in a few months’ time. Artists for Conservation is the world's leading group of artists supporting the environment.  Founded in 1997, the non-profit organization comprises a membership of 500 of the world's most gifted nature artists from 27 countries across five continents. With thanks to Kitty Harvill. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatross-artist-kitty-harvill-to-receive-the-prestigious-simon-combes-conservation-artist-award-for-2022.md) ## Aussie seabird researchers support World Albatross Day with their photos and quotes *![AAD Aleks Terauds](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Aleks_Terauds.jpg) Albatr**osses epitomise the wild natural world – their protection leads to conservation outcomes that cross biomes and ecosystems*- Aleks Terauds *ACAP Latest News* has received a number of inspirational quotes and photographs by Australian marine ornithologists that reside in Tasmania.  They were displayed on a big screen during the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/)’s [celebration](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4372-the-antarctic-australian-division-celebrates-world-albatross-day-in-style-with-cakes-talks-a-competition-and-a-banner) of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDIyIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInLiIsInBvc3RlcnMiXQ==) and its theme of **Climate Change** last month. A selection expressing “*insights and images from those lucky few who have sat quietly in the presence of an albatross”*follows. *![AAD Julie McInnes](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Julie_McInnes.jpg) The seemingly endless sea of Black-browed Albatrosses on Steeple Jason was a sight to behold*- Julie McInnes *![AAD David Green](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_David_Green.jpg) Time spent amongst albatrosses has always given me an unparalleled sense of remoteness, and a feeling of how small we really are*- David Green *![AAD Mel Wells](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Mel_Wells.jpg) It’s easy to see how albatrosses have become some of the most romanticized creatures.  In the sky they radiate grace and stillness – perfectly in paradox with the tumultuous Southern Ocean.  They have become specialists in the most fierce of conditions – yet are so vulnerable*- Mel Wells *![AAD Ben Viola](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Ben_Viola.jpg) Observing albatrosses in their natural environment is the ultimate catharsis.  I’ve been working with these animals for five years now, and I still get childishly excited whenever I see one*- Ben Viola *![AAD Jaimie Cleeland](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Jaimie_Cleeland.jpg) It seems an impossible task to find an animal more attuned to its environment than the albatross to the Southern Ocean*- Jaimie Cleeland *![AAD Roger Kirkwood](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Roger_Kirkwood.jpg) The sea, the air, the birds ... the honour*- Roger Kirkwood *![AAD Kris Carlyon](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_Kris_Carlyon.jpg) Serene day crawling around the tussock reading Wandering Albatross bands on the southern Macquarie Island slopes... -*Kris Carlyon See Paige Green’s contribution [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4372-the-antarctic-australian-division-celebrates-world-albatross-day-in-style-with-cakes-talks-a-competition-and-a-banner).  Read more of the division’s celebrations of WAD2022 [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4391-an-acap-cartoon-competition-for-world-albatross-day-2023-the-australian-antarctic-division-takes-the-lead). With thanks to Jaimie Cleeland, Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/aussie-seabird-researchers-support-world-albatross-day-with-their-photos-and-quotes.md) ## Better late, than never? World Albatross Day 2022 posters now available in French and Spanish ![Fr Sunday Boy Laysan Albatross by Flávia Barreto after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson French](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Fr_Sunday_Boy_Laysan_Albatross_by_Flávia_Barreto_after_a_photograph_by_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson_French.jpg) The [eight artwork](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4341-acap-releases-eight-artwork-posters-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDIyIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInLiIsInBvc3RlcnMiXQ==) and [12 photo](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDIyIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInLiIsInBvc3RlcnMiXQ==) posters produced to support [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) and its theme of **Climate Change** on 19 June are now available in all the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters?highlight=WyJ3YWQyMDIyIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInIiwiJ3dhZDIwMjInLiIsInBvc3RlcnMiXQ==)). The posters feature the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  Both these globally Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands.  These atolls - and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from predicted sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have even caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, losing breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)); elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore. ![Blackfooted WAD22 3 Spanish](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Blackfooted_WAD22_3_Spanish.jpg) Thanks are due to the five photographers and the eight artists of ABUN ([Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/)) who are identified on the posters, and to ACAP supporter Michelle Risi, who designed the posters. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/better-late-than-never-world-albatross-day-2022-posters-now-available-in-french-and-spanish.md) ## An ACAP Cartoon Competition for World Albatross Day 2023? The Australian Antarctic Division takes the lead *![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Picture1.jpg) The winning entry by Kyle Travers* The [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) has been an active supporter of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) since its inception in 2020, with [banners](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3716-raising-the-banner-for-world-albatross-day-in-australia-as-global-celebrations-get-going-today?highlight=WyJkaXZpc2lvbiIsImRpdmlzaW9uJ3MiLCJiYW5uZXIiLCInYmFubmVyIiwiYmFubmVyJyIsImJhbm5lcidzIiwiJ2Jhbm5lciciLCJiYW5uZXInLiIsMjAyMCwiMjAyMCdzIiwiMjAyMCcuIiwiMjAyMCciXQ==), [games](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/educational-games), and this year, cartoons, as well as a [new banner](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4372-the-antarctic-australian-division-celebrates-world-albatross-day-in-style-with-cakes-talks-a-competition-and-a-banner). *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Picture2.jpg) Climate Change.  Ross the cross albatross says “This is the real albatross around our necks” Second place went to Rhonda Bartley* Jonathon Barrington of the Australian Antarctic Division (and Australia’s [National Contact Point](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts) for ACAP) wrote to *ACAP Latest News* shortly after [World Albatross Day 2022](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) on 19 June: “We thought a lot about raising awareness of the 2022 World Albatross Day, 19 June 2022 and theme for this year’s World Albatross Day of Climate Change.  At the AAD we ran a little cartoon competition.  We also held a morning tea and banner photo opportunity last Thursday, 16 June 2022.  The AAD Climate Change Cartoon Competition received a modest number of entries … from … talented cartoonists.  The prize winners were announced during the morning tea.” The five cartoons came from Kyle Travers (judged the winner), Rhonda Bartley (second place) and Leonie and Patrick Suter (commendation), all illustrated here, and from Vanessa Hollister and Kerry Steinburner. *![WAD2022 Cartoon 03 Leonie Patrick Suter COMMENDATION](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/WAD2022_Cartoon_03_Leonie__Patrick_Suter_COMMENDATION.jpg) Leonie and Patrick Suter’s cartoon received a commendation* Jonathon continued “We were delighted with the artistry, inventiveness, and diversity of the Climate Change Cartoons received for the 2022 World Albatross Day.”  He remarks that the cartons might inspire others to run a cartoon competition in future years.  Certainly, ACAP will take this into consideration as it starts to think about a theme and associated activities and products for “WAD2023” later this year.  Never too early to start! Not to be outdone, [Tasmania Park and Wildlife Service](https://parks.tas.gov.au/) rangers Jarrod Hodgson and Andrea Turbett based on Australia’s sub-Antarctic [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) constructed a life-sized [Wandering Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) *Diomedea exulans* sculpture out of wood for World Albatross Day, naming her Barbara ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4386-barbara-the-wooden-wandering-albatross-takes-flight-on-macquarie-island-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-2022)). With thanks to Jonathon Barrington and Jaimie Cleeland, Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 07 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-cartoon-competition-for-world-albatross-day-2023-the-australian-antarctic-division-takes-the-lead.md) ## ACAP makes its 2022 call for applications to undertake a secondment *![Snah Kritzler Punk Rock Baby Black footed Albatross chick Beth Flint](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Snah_Kritzler_Punk_Rock_Baby_Black-footed_Albatross_chick_Beth_Flint.jpg) “Punk Rock Baby” by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)artist, Snah Kritzler, after a photograph of a Black-footed Albatross chick by Beth Flint* Applications are sought to undertake a secondment under the ACAP Secondment Programme for the purpose of building capacity within Parties, and as a means of achieving tasks within the current work programmes of the Advisory Committee (see Annex 4, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) and Secretariat (see Annex 2, [MoP7 Report](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)).  Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that account for any ongoing practical challenges and limitations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will only be accepted from [ACAP Parties](https://acap.aq/resources/parties-to-acap).  Applicants are encouraged to contact the [Working Group Convenors](https://acap.aq/contactse/working-groups), the [Advisory Committee Chair or Vice-chair](https://acap.aq/contactse/advisory-committee-members), or the [Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq) to help identify ACAP priority areas for their proposal.  Completed applications are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://acap.aq/contactse/acap-national-contacts), who will then forward them to the ACAP Secretariat. Applications must be received by the [ACAP Secretariat](mailto:secretariat@acap.aq) by close of business on Monday, 26 September 2022.  Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by Tuesday, 8 November 2022. [Click here](https://acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships) for more information, including application criteria, and the application form.  Also available in [French](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/prix-subventions-et-bourses) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/news/premios-subvenciones-y-becas). *John Cooper. ACAP Information Officer, 04 July 2022*     [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-makes-its-2022-call-for-applications-to-undertake-a-secondment.md) ## ACAP takes flight on Instagram ![ACAP Instagram Profile Latest News Post](https://acap.aq/images/latestnewsplus/ACAP_Instagram_Profile_Latest_News_Post.png) The fledgling ACAP Instagram account is up and flying!  Bringing you all your ACAP news and stories of interest about the 31 ACAP-listed species and more, you can find us under the handle [acap_birds](https://www.instagram.com/acap_birds/). Sometimes we may not be able to cover the full story in the Instagram post, or there might be some extra information to link you to, so if you see the phrase, “link in our bio” that means click on our Instagram profile and then click on [https://linktr.ee/acap_birds](https://linktr.ee/acap_birds). This will take you to a page containing various links to our website where the resources or full story you are interested in resides. Take flight with [acap_birds](https://www.instagram.com/acap_birds/) and give us a follow on Instagram! *06 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-takes-flight-on-instagram.md) ## Avez-vous vu nos infographies? / ¿Has visto nuestras infografías? Two new ACAP Species Infographics in French and Spanish released to mark World Albatross Day ![preview laysan fr withWALDlogo final](https://acap.aq/images/latestnewsplus/preview_laysan_fr_withWALDlogo_final.jpg) The wait is over for our French and Spanish friends; downloadable posters of the educational ACAP Species Infographics for the Black-footed  and Laysan Albatrosses are now available from the website. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap).  The three language versions have been co-published with the Hawaii-based NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) to mark this year's [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) on 19 June. The posters have been beautifully illustrated by [Namasri Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/) and are fantastic educational resources. All nine ACAP Species Infographicsproduced to date may be freely downloaded for printing professionally in two sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Versions suitable for use on websites and on social media are also available. ![Blackfooted es with WAD logo_sml](https://acap.aq/images/preview_blackfooted_es_withWALDlogo_final.jpg) Please note that all the ACAP Species Infographics are only for personal or educational use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – please tag on Instagram ([@acap_birds](https://www.instagram.com/acap_birds/)) or Facebook ([@AlbatrossesandPetrels](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/)). *05 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/as-tu-vu-nos-infographies-has-visto-nuestras-infografias.md) ## Final Report of the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties now available *![Joyce Hartmann Love Duowatercolour Laysan Albatrosses Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Joyce_Hartmann_Love_Duowatercolour_Laysan_Albatrosses_Hob_Osterlund.jpg) “Love Duo” by*[ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)*artist Joyce Hartmann, after a photograph of Laysan Albatrosses by Hob Osterlund* The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels was held online over 9-13 May 2022, with Australia acting as host and Meeting Chair.  The Final Report of the meeting is now available in the three ACAP official languages of [English](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/documents/reunion-des-parties/rdp7) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/documentos/reunion-de-las-partes/rdp7-1).  Documents and Information Papers considered at the meeting are also availabl*e.* Read a summary by the ACAP Secretariat of the  meeting’s outcomes*[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4351-conservation-crisis-still-top-priority-at-acap-s-seventh-meeting-of-the-parties?highlight=WyJtb3A3Il0=).* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 01 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/final-report-of-the-seventh-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-now-available.md) ## Barbara the wooden Wanderer takes flight on Macquarie Island in support of World Albatross Day 2022 *![Macca wooden albatross Taspark rangers Jarrod Andrea](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Macca_wooden_albatross_Taspark_rangers_Jarrod__Andrea.jpg) Jarrod Hodgson (left) and Andrea Turbett hold up Barbara; photograph by Urs Grueter* To celebrate World Albatross Day 2022 on Australia’s sub-Antarctic [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) (a nature reserve and [World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/629/)), [Tasmania Park and Wildlife Service](https://parks.tas.gov.au/) rangers Jarrod Hodgson and Andrea Turbett constructed a life-sized [Wandering Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) *Diomedea exulans* sculpture out of wood.  On 19 June ‘Barbara’ was due to ‘fledge’ to the main living area on the station and then double as the centrepiece decoration for the following midwinter celebrations. *![Macca wooden albatross at night](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Macca_wooden_albatross_at_night.png) And she lights up at night! Photograph from Jarrod Hodgson* “Macquarie Island provides critical breeding habitat for Australia’s extremely small Wandering Albatross population. This year there are six Wandering Albatross chicks on the island.  The nests are all located in very remote and spectacular locations: five are in the rugged south‑west corner of the island and the other nest is on the north‑west coast. The chicks hatched at the start of the year and will live at their nest alone, including through the sub‑Antarctic winter, until it is time to fledge at the end of the year. Remote cameras are located at each nest to non-invasively monitor the breeding ecology of the birds. The successful eradication of rabbits, rats and mice from Macquarie Island (the [Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1930-the-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-project-gets-formally-assessed-as-a-great-result), declared a success in 2014) has helped restore the quality of albatross breeding habitat, most evident through the recovery of the tussock vegetation. The removal of these invasive pests also means there is no possibility of them having an impact on breeding birds and chicks ([click here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/stations/macquarie-island/2022/world-albatross-day-at-macquarie-island/))”. **![Macca Wanderer pair Melanie Wells](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Macca_Wanderer_pair_Melanie_Wells.jpg)* A Wandering Albatross pair on Macquarie Island, photograph by Melanie Wells* View the [ACAP Species Infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics/4371-sooty-albatross-infographic-english) for the Wandering and (Macquarie breeder) Grey-headed *Thalassarche chrysostoma* Albatrosses.. With thanks to Keith Springer, Operations Manager, [Mouse-Free Marion Project.](https://mousefreemarion.org/) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 July 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/barbara-the-wooden-wandering-albatross-takes-flight-on-macquarie-island-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-2022.md) ## Final animation from the Seabird Sentinels Project released in support of World Albatross Day 2022 ![Animation 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Animation_3.png)Four animations addressing seabird bycatch were created as part of the [Seabird Sentinels Project](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/bycatch-risk-of-wandering-albatrosses-using-radar-detection/)to mark [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) on 19 June this year.  Here is the final animation; view the [first](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4361-a-bycatch-animation-by-birdlife-international-and-the-british-antarctic-survey-marks-world-oceans-day) and the [second and third](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4366-two-more-animations-from-the-seabird-sentinels-project-released-to-support-world-albatross-day) on this website. “We know bycatch is a threat to seabirds such as albatrosses, but what can we do to protect them? As part of the Seabird Sentinels project, scientists tracked the movements of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* to understand better their interactions with fisheries.  The data collected enabled scientists to map areas where Wandering Albatrosses are most at risk from bycatch and identify the countries who fish there.  With various fisheries and countries identified, the results highlight how important it is to work with multiple stakeholders, including fisheries managers, operators and crew to protect the future of these iconic sentinels of the sea.” [edited] The four animations by [Hannah Whitman](https://scianimationstudio.com/) have been funded by the United Kingdom's [Darwin Plus](https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/) government grants scheme and created as part of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) and [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/)'s [Seabird Sentinels Project](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/bycatch-risk-of-wandering-albatrosses-using-radar-detection/). With thanks to Bernadette Butfield, International Marine Conservation Officer, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer,29 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/final-animation-from-the-seabird-sentinels-project-released-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-2022.md) ## ACAP releases its ninth Species Infographic, this time for the Endangered Sooty Albatross *![Sooty Albatross infographic colour FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Sooty_Albatross_infographic_colour_FINAL.jpg) * An [ACAP Species Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics/4371-sooty-albatross-infographic-english) for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca* in support of this year's [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) and its theme of **Climate Change** is now available.English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The infographic has been co-published with South Africa's [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), which aims to eradicate the island’s introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* in 2014  The mice have taken to attacking and killing the seabirds, including its breeding Sooty Albatrosses – as is illustrated in the infographic. Versions in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish are available for six of the nine; French and Spanish versions for the three infographics, including the Sooty, produced this year will be released soon.  Available in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3) and in a web version, the infographic may be freely downloaded and used non-commercially and with acknowledgement in the support of albatross conservation. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_Albatross_chick_with_mouse_wound.JPG) Attacked by mice at night, this Sooty Albatross chick on Marion Island will not survive; photograph by Stefan Schoombie* The Sooty Albatross Infographic follows on from the eight previously produced for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) Antipodean *Diomedea antipodensis*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripe*s, [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed *Thalassarche chrysostoma*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan *P. immutabilis*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy *T. cauta*, [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) [Tristan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) *D. dabbenena*, [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering *D. exulans* and [Waved](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698320)*Phoebastria irrorata* Albatrosses. All the infographics have been created by Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works) who has also produced a poster illustrating the albatrosses depicted on the infographics ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4376-nine-albatrosses-painted-by-namo-niumim-from-thailand-for-acap-s-infographic-series)). Sponsorships for a further six infographics have been obtained, including for three ACAP-listed petrels.  It is intended they will be prepared and released over the next 12 months in time for World Albatross Day on 19 June 2022. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-its-ninth-species-infographic-this-time-for-the-endangered-sooty-albatross.md) ## Threatened albatrosses, World Albatross Day, climate change? Then it’s clearly time for an albicake! *![Amy King 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Amy_King_1.jpeg) "Sea into the Future" by Amy King* *“I've baked a vanilla sponge with jam and cream, a British summer classic, but iced it with a Sooty Albatross (they are my favourite so had to be on there) a Waved Albatross, as I hope to see one eventually, and a Black-browed Albatross as we have one currently hanging out at the UK's [Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve](https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bempton-cliffs/) I'm working on this summer, with all the Northern Gannets and other seabirds.  The rising sea levels are creeping towards the chick on the nest, and the Sooty is shading under a sun umbrella, with the writing in flame colours to represent a hotter climate"* Forming part of the [inaugural launch](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June 2020, the hugely successful [Great Albicake Bake Off Competition](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3784-the-judges-have-decided-overall-and-category-winners-in-the-great-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJiYWtlIiwib2ZmIiwib2ZmJyIsImJha2Ugb2ZmIl0=) saw photographs of no less than  [74 cakes](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3) submitted from all over the world.  Everyone can agree that the calibre of some of the entries was on completely different wing sets! **![Rising Seas Albatross Flee Emma Houghton 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Rising_Seas_Albatross_Flee_Emma_Houghton_1.jpeg)* “Rising Seas, Albatross Flee” by Emma Houghton**“Aa peanut butter cake with vanilla frosting waves.  The nest is topped with*[*Biscoff*](https://www.lotusbiscoff.com/)*crumbs and the Laysan Albatross is a moulded rice crispy treat”* *![index](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/index.png) "Caring for our Future" by Vanessa Stone “A vanilla buttermilk cake with Italian frosting buttercream icing with supportive hands and chocolate wings”* This year the theme for [World Albatross Day 2022](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4364-announcing-a-second-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day-with-its-theme-of-climate-change) is **Climate Change**, so we [put the call out](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4364-announcing-a-second-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day-with-its-theme-of-climate-change) encouraging bird-loving bakers that albatross cakes do not need a competition to be created for a second Albicake Bake Off.  An albicake needs only an inspired and enthusiastic baker to celebrate this threatened group of birds in deliciously sweet form! We encouraged all albicake bakers to submit their creations on social media with the tag #albicakebakeoff – even though no official competition was being organised. *![Vonica Perold Kim Stevens Roelf Daling 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Vonica_Perold_Kim_Stevens_Roelf_Daling_1.JPG)* ![Vonica Perold Kim Stevens Roelf Daling 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Vonica_Perold_Kim_Stevens_Roelf_Daling_2.JPG) *Slippery Slope", a chocolate-coffee cake with tumbling albatross eggs, chicks and nests as the climate heats up, by Kim Stevens & Vonica Perold (pictured) and Roelf Daling on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice)* And the cakes did not disappoint!  From a Sooty Albatross sunbaking on a beach to an albatross fleeing from rising seas – their bakers did wonders by incorporating this very grave theme into very delicious-looking cakes. Five different cakes were shared with ACAP, overall, the cakes emphasize how important it is to care for our 22 species of albatrosses. *![Michelle Risi 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Michelle_Risi_2.jpg)* ![Michelle Risi 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Michelle_Risi_1.jpg) ![Michelle Risi 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Michelle_Risi_3.jpg) *Michelle Risi on Aldabra holds her vanilla sponge cake “Aldabra's Lonely Albatross”, with endemic species*[*Aldabra Giant Tortoise*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldabra_giant_tortoise)*(“torties will eat anything”) and a curious*[*Aldabra White-throated Rail*](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/news/new-research-flightlessness-aldabra-rail-indicates-it-could-be-distinct-species)*“It's 100 years into the future, and we humans have not done enough to stem the swift impact of climate change. The sea level has risen and now 500 m of coastline has been lost around Aldabra, severely reducing the land area.  The ocean is green due to rampant algal blooms (also due to limited food colouring options on a remote atoll).  And due to  severe droughts, the land is completely barren.  Tortoises are extinct because their existence was tied to the vegetation they ate.  Strong wind events have blown one of the few remaining albatrosses far off course, and it flies, sadly, over Aldabra ”* For the love of albatrosses, there needn’t ever be a reason to bake an albicake.  As Marie Antoinette once said, “Let them eat cake!”*. *“Michelanie” (Melanie Wells, Hobart, Australia & Michelle Risi, Aldabra, Seychelles), 27 June 2022* *Actually, it seems certain she didn’t ([click here](https://www.britannica.com/story/did-marie-antoinette-really-say-let-them-eat-cake)) - Ed. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/threatened-albatrosses-world-albatross-day-climate-change-then-it-s-clearly-time-for-an-albicake.md) ## Anton Wolfaardt gives a lecture describing the Mouse-Free-Marion Project to mark World Albatross Day [**![Anton Wolfaardt ACAP MFM certificate](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Anton_Wolfaardt_ACAP_MFM_certificate.JPG)**](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*Anton Wolfaardt holds his MFM Sponsor a Hectare certificate*[https://mousefreemarion.org/](https://mousefreemarion.org/)*[received in appreciation](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-manager-gets-a-sponsorship-in-his-name-as-a-parting-gift/) from the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](http://www.acap.aq/))* In celebration of[https://mousefreemarion.org/](https://mousefreemarion.org/)[World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) this year with its theme of [Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change), the[Mouse-Free Marion](https://mousefreemarion.org/) Project Leader, [Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) gave the 100th online lecture in [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/)’s regular [Conservation Conversations](https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/conservationconversations?__eep__=6&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVFOlIsEWPDBGOkgLs9CjtF2QPJEe6tdZG_e0ShGAz7Qj87_5XnQNcoXmJ3tz06pewJq-51gxe4SIPfK0_wRpdeEcA2Brj-5PsOVcDlNF-hKmtUbh-BfkIsWMww9G4EYaGvKsLFgvj57NWBKt68NxuULBZ92dlNn2FhfVpy6UR0JUaGa1U8YCBuKHK2V_8BIeM&__tn__=*NK-R) series on 21 June.  His talk can now be viewed via Youtube here. [https://youtu.be/-KhL9crFX2Y?fbclid=IwAR1aqA-RY0keRTPBVIP4hJ2LNgFz8AbdMcalay_HXVl_5ADO289YZEKXKQ0](https://youtu.be/-KhL9crFX2Y?fbclid=IwAR1aqA-RY0keRTPBVIP4hJ2LNgFz8AbdMcalay_HXVl_5ADO289YZEKXKQ0) * * [![Anton CC lecture](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Anton_CC_lecture.jpg)](https://mousefreemarion.org/) Read a recent [*ACAP Latest News post*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4369-the-mouse-free-marion-project-aims-to-restore-the-island-s-ecological-integrity-affected-by-climate-change-and-safeguard-its-globally-important-seabird-populations) by Anton marking World Albatross Day. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 24 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-gets-described-to-mark-world-albatross-day-by-its-project-manager-anton-wolfaardt.md) ## Removal of four invasive mammals planned for New Island in the South Atlantic ![093T0087 BBA with chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/093T0087_BBA_with_chick.jpg) *Black-browed Albatrosses breeding on New Island, photograph by Ian Strange* [New Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1350-acap-breeding-sites-no-20-new-island-a-wildlife-sanctuary-in-the-south-atlantic) in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* is a breeding site for *c.* 17 700 pairs (in 2000) of Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris (**[Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris)*), less than 50 pairs of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis) White-chinned Petrels*Procellaria aequinoctialis*, around 50 pairs of Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)) and very large numbers (over one million pairs; the world’s largest known colony) of Thin-billed Prions *Pachyptila belcheri, as well as cormorants and penguins.**  E*stablished as a private nature reserve in 1972, in 2006 the island came under the management of the [New Island Conservation Trust](https://www.newislandtrust.com/).  New Island is an [Important Bird Area](http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/new-island-group-iba-falkland-islands-(malvinas)) and a Key Biodiversity Area and a site for seabird research. *![ MG 8457](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/_MG_8457.jpg) A Black-browed Albatross colony on New Island, photograph by Georgina Strange* The environmental NGO (and BirdLife partner) [Falklands Conservation,](https://falklandsconservation.com/) which merged with the trust in July 2020, has this month announced a restoration project for New Island.  Over the next two years the best approach to removing four invasive mammals (feral cats *Felis catus*, European Rabbits *Oryctolagus cuniculus*, Black Rats *Rattus rattus* and House Mice *Mus musculus*) will be investigated, with support from the UK’s [Darwin Initiative](https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/) grants scheme.  Domestic sheep and cattle were removed from the island in the late 1970s. Read more in [Penguin News](https://www.facebook.com/PenguinNewsFI/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVlx3CR6q6S0ab_7yegod-Mm7mqBzKi0Ylgn7rG9UxK5lqSxpe7WVt9SeEbzdDvtuihFhHw90ch59X_Lcedx7hEk9w-f6WmLUI7F6Fj4TdIsKc4CWS5Zero9_1ILSu1Q7r0Ibpm6fNjJ90EOEGACzkmgrlg6-ISgSbXB7C6kq4QNpXJ1zZt7a1FUGzzqYSHkaw&__tn__=kK-R). **Reference:** Brown, D. 2013.  [Feasibility Study Report for the Potential Eradication of Ship Rats, Mice, Rabbits and Feral Cats from New Island, Falkland Islands](https://www.newislandtrust.com/what-we-do/#conservation).   New Island Conservation Trust.  87 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 June 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/removal-of-four-invasive-mammals-planned-for-new-island-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Nine albatrosses painted by Namo Niumim from Thailand for ACAP’s infographic series *![Nine infographic albatrosses Namasri Niumim](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Nine_infographic_albatrosses_Namasri_Niumim.JPG) Nine albatrosses for nine infographics, artwork by Namo Niumim* Thai illustrator [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/Works), originally from Bangkok, is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Design, [King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Mongkut%27s_University_of_Technology_Thonburi) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design  Currently working back in her home country, she has previously resided in New Zealand and Tasmania.  ![Namasri Niumim](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Namasri_Niumim.jpg) *Namo Niumim* For two years Namo, who works primarily in [gouache](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gouache), has been ACAP’s “Illustrator in Virtual Residence”, working on a series of infographics that depicts aspects of the biology and the conservation threats faced by ACAP-listed species.  To date nine albatross infographics have been produced in English, the most recent for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca*, with French and Spanish versions following.  Most have been sponsored by and co-published with government departments or environmental NGOs based in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.  Currently, sponsorships have been obtained to produce a further six infographics, including for three ACAP-listed petrels  ![Sooty Albatross infographic colour FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Sooty_Albatross_infographic_colour_FINAL.jpg) Most of the infographics have been produced in support of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), held annually since 2020 on 19 June, the date the Agreement was signed in 2001.  ACAP’s vision is over the next few years to seek sponsorships that will allow infographics to be produced by Namo for all the 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. ![Namo Print](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Namo_Print.jpg) Namo also illustrates cats; the picture here is a prized possession of the ACAP Information Officer, who received it as a gift from the ACAP Executive Secretary to mark his entry into his fourth quarter century. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/nine-albatrosses-painted-by-namo-niumim-from-thailand-for-acap-s-infographic-series.md) ## Exploring for a new breeding site? Spectacled Petrels reported flying over Gough Island in winter *![Kitty Harvill Spectacled Petrel Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/Kitty_Harvill_Spectacled_Petrel_Peter_Ryan.jpg) Spectacled Petrels on Inaccessible Island, by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) Co-founder Kitty Harvill, after a photograph by Peter Ryan* Peter Ryan ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), University of Cape Town, South Africa) & Steffen Oppel have published open access in [*Afrotropical Bird Biology: Journal of the Natural History of African Birds*](https://journals.uct.ac.za/index.php/ABB/about)on winter observations on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) seabirds, including ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  The report of the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata) single-island endemic Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata* flying over Gough seems to be of particular interest. “Fairly common offshore from Gough, and occasionally flying over the island, especially from mid-April to mid-May.  Previous field workers on Gough have reported Spectacled Petrels flying over the island in April (D. Fox and C. Taylor, pers. comm.), possibly exploring for new breeding sites as the population on Inaccessible Island continues to expand (Ryan *et al*. 2019).  However, it is unclear why such prospecting would not occur earlier in the year, as the species lays in late October (Ryan 2007).” The paper’s abstract follows: “Relatively little has been reported about the seabirds of Gough Island, central South Atlantic Ocean, from autumn and winter.  We report ad hoc observations on the abundance, phenology and moult of seabirds at Gough Island from March to June 2021, and during the voyages between the island and Cape Town, South Africa. At least 43 species of seabirds were recorded: 1 penguin, 8 albatrosses, 5 southern and 1 northern storm petrel, 22 petrels and shearwaters, 1 gannet, 3 terns and 2 skuas.  The results are presented as an annotated species list as well as a daily log of species for the voyages to and from the island.  More species were seen per day at sea in June than in March, but fewer individuals were recorded in oceanic waters, mainly due to the large numbers of Great Shearwaters *Ardenna gravis*in March.” **Reference:** Ryan, P., & Oppel, S.  2022.  Notes on the seabirds of Gough Island and at sea between Gough and Cape Town, March–June 2021. [*Afrotropical Bird Biology: Journal of the Natural History of African Birds* doi.org/10.15641/abb.v2i.1090](https://journals.uct.ac.za/index.php/ABB/article/view/v2_3/v2_3). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/exploring-for-a-new-breeding-site-spectacled-petrels-reported-flying-over-gough-island-in-winter.md) ## An apparently stable albatross population is actually decreasing due to mouse predation *![Petern Ryan AdultTristanAlbatross with chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Petern_Ryan_AdultTristanAlbatross_with_chick.jpg) A Tristan Albatross stands over its chick, photograph by Peter Ryan* Conservation organisations struggle to directly assist all threatened species, so deciding where to spend limited resources is a common problem.  The rate at which a species is decreasing is often a good indicator as to how urgent it is to conserve it. Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds in the world, and they can get incredibly old.  A female Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*named [Wisdom](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4230-wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-atoll-in-her-eighth-decade) who was first banded >65 years ago is still breeding today.  Albatrosses achieve this long life by reproducing very slowly – they often need 5-15 years before they can start breeding.  In the largest species, a breeding pair can only raise one chick every two years because it takes almost 12 months for the chick to grow large enough to fly, and parents need a long rest between raising chicks. **![Peter Ryan AdultTristanAlbatross killed by mice](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Peter_Ryan_AdultTristanAlbatross_killed_by_mice.jpg)* This adult Tristan Albatross did not survive attacks by mice, photograph by Peter Ryan* Despite being amongst the largest birds, albatrosses can be threatened by some of the smallest mammals – mice.  On several islands such as [Marion](https://mousefreemarion.org/) (South Africa) or [Midway](https://www.islandconservation.org/midway-atoll/) (USA), introduced non-native House Mice *Mus musculus* have started to eat albatross chicks and sometimes even adults.  As a consequence, the albatross species breeding on those islands have a low breeding success as chicks are lost to hungry mice. Although this problem has been known for two decades, the consequences of mouse predation have so far been difficult to evaluate due to the long lifespan of albatrosses.  For example, the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* has lost on average half of each season’s chicks to mouse predation since monitoring began in 2004.  Yet, over the same period, the breeding population has remained remarkably stable at ~1500 pairs every year, leaving conservationists puzzled what the impact of mice might be, and whether albatrosses would benefit from an ambitious operation to eradicate mice from their main breeding island.*![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Picture2.jpg)* A new paper published this week in the [*Journal of Applied Ecology*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652664) provides a compelling answer.  A consortium of researchers funded by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) used a sophisticated population model that accounts for all the young albatrosses, and adults taking a break from breeding, that roam the Southern Ocean and therefore cannot be counted by ornithologists.  The paper’s authors found that the total population of the Tristan Albatross has in fact decreased by >2000 birds since 2004 – despite the stable number of breeding pairs.  Extrapolating 30 years into the future, the researchers further concluded that eradicating mice from their main breeding island would most likely result in a Tristan Albatross population that was two to eight times larger in 2050 than if the mice remained. Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager of the [Mouse-free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) writes: “This new study is incredibly important for Marion Island, where mice also kill albatrosses. It confirms the importance of eradicating mice on Marion to restore and secure a positive conservation future for the island’s globally important albatross populations.” The population projections come with large uncertainty though – mostly because it is very difficult to know whether young albatrosses are still alive.  After fledging, albatrosses can spend 2-20 years at sea when they cannot be accounted for.  This uncertainty renders the estimates of population size somewhat imprecise, and when extrapolating the population 30 years into the future, the range of uncertainty spans several thousand birds.  Nonetheless, the new estimates are the most robust yet and provide a deal of new information for guiding management decisions. Besides the persisting problems of albatross bycatch in fisheries, this study gives us hope that some albatross populations can be restored with technically feasible management actions that can be implemented now if governments honour their commitments under the [Convention of Migratory Species](https://www.cms.int/) and financially support these efforts.  Overall, the conclusions from the study support the decision that investing in mouse eradication on islands where mice kill albatrosses is likely to be a highly effective strategy to restore populations of these ocean wanderers. Read a report of the study in *[The Applied Ecologist](https://appliedecologistsblog.com/2022/06/19/apparently-stable-albatross-population-is-actually-decreasing-due-to-mouse-predation/)*. **Reference:** Oppel, S., Clark, B.L., Risi, M.M., Horswill, C., Converse, S.J., Jones, C.W. Osborne, A.M., Stevens, K., Perold, V., Bond, A.L., Wanless, R.M., Cuthbert, R., Cooper, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2022.  Cryptic population decrease due to invasive species predation in a long-lived seabird supports need for eradication.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology* doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14218](https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14218)**.** *Bethany Clark, BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK, 20 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-apparently-stable-albatross-population-is-actually-decreasing-due-to-mouse-predation.md) ## Climate Change is the challenge for the third World Albatross Day in 2022 *![Laysan WAD22 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Laysan_WAD22_1.jpg) “Snuggle Sweet”.  A Laysan Albatross pair, photograph by Hob Osterlund, poster design by Michelle Risi* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “**Climate Change**” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), celebrated today.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year.  The annual celebration, marked on 19 June, aims to increase awareness of the continuing conservation crisis faced by ACAP’s [31 listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. *![Grace Innemee Bkack footed Albatross digital 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grace_Innemee_Bkack-footed_Albatross_digital_2.jpg) A storm is on the way.  Black-footed Albatross by ABUN artist Grace Innemee for WAD2022, poster design by Michelle Risi* Some albatrosses are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.  This year’s featured species are the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  Both these Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s [Northwestern Hawaiian Islands](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/visit/).  The atolls - and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from predicted sea-level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have even caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, losing breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)); elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore. ![MFM Logo Colour Trademark WBG](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/MFM_Logo_Colour_-_Trademark_WBG.jpg) ![WALD Logo 2022 English](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/WALD_Logo_2022-English.png) ![Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) Efforts are underway to protect albatrosses from these threats. Two of these efforts are described in guest articles in *ACAP Latest News*that form part of [seven daily news posts](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news) for ‘WADWEEK2022”, commencing on the 13th of June.  The Hawaii-based environmental [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org) talks about its pioneering works to combat climate change by creating new seabird colonies safe from sea level rise in Hawaii and in Mexico.  The South African [Mouse-Free-Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) describes it aim to eradicate the island’s albatross-killing House Mice that have burgeoned over the whole island, helped by a warming and drying climate. ![Black footed Albatross infographic colour 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Black-footed_Albatross_infographic_colour_2.jpg) ![Laysan Albatross infographic colour 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Laysan_Albatross_infographic_colour_2.jpg) ACAP has once more collaborated with Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks for WAD2022, this time depicting Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses.  From the over 100 artworks received, ACAP has chosen nine by different artists to create [downloadable posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4340-wad-2022-artwork-posters) to mark ‘WAD2022’.  In addition, 12 [similarly-designed posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters) have been produced using photographs donated to ACAP by its supporters.  Along with the [two infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) designed by illustrator [Namasri Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/) for the Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses, these are all available for downloading for non-commercial use, with French and Spanish versions to follow soon.  An [ACAP ‘WAD2022’ logo](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4243-wad-2021-logo) in the three official languages, as well as in Portuguese, is also available. *![Blackfooted WAD22 6](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Blackfooted_WAD22_6.jpg) At risk to climate change: a storm surge could easily wash away this Black-footed Albatross chick, photograph by Lindsay Young, poster design by Michelle Risi* ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, commented that “it is tragic that albatrosses, already being killed in their thousands by fishing operations, must also suffer from the impacts of climate change.  Strengthened international cooperation is needed to overcome these threats.”  ACAP will continue to work for the world’s albatrosses in the years ahead. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/climate-change-is-the-challenge-for-the-third-world-albatross-day-in-2022.md) ## The Antarctic Australian Division celebrates World Albatross Day in style with cakes, talks, a competition and a banner *![AAD artwork for WAD2022](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_artwork_for_WAD2022.jpg) Climate change cartoon by**Leonie & Patrick Suter* Already a valued supporter of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day)  ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3716-raising-the-banner-for-world-albatross-day-in-australia-as-global-celebrations-get-going-today?highlight=WyJkaXZpc2lvbiIsImRpdmlzaW9uJ3MiLCJiYW5uZXIiLCInYmFubmVyIiwiYmFubmVyJyIsImJhbm5lcidzIiwiJ2Jhbm5lciciLCJiYW5uZXInLiIsMjAyMCwiMjAyMCdzIiwiMjAyMCcuIiwiMjAyMCciXQ==)) the Antarctic Australian Division ([AAD](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/)), based in Kingston, Tasmania has pulled out the stops this year with an event held earlier this week.  Starting with morning tea in the AAD Theatrette (no albatross-themed cakes this year as in 2020), AAD staffers and visitors were then treated to a selection of photographs and quotes on the theatrette’s big screen from Tasmanian albatross celebrities.  Abstracts from scientific publications highlighting the diverse range of research undertaken by AAD scientists on albatrosses were also on display. Then the winner of a Climate Change-themed Albatross Cartoon Competition was announced with the entries on display.  Everyone them moved to the AAD’s front entrance to display this year’s World Albatross Day banner.  It seems a good time was had by all! *![AAD mark WAD2022](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/AAD_mark_WAD2022.jpg) Happy staff!  The AAD’s banner for World Albatross Day this year, photograph by Simon Payne* *ACAP Latest News* has received the inspirational photo and quotes displayed at the event and plans  to feature them over the next few weeks. To start off, here is the contribution by Paige Green, who has previously worked on South Africa’s Marion Island. *![Wanderer Marion Paige Green](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Wanderer_Marion_Paige_Green.jpg) An incubating Wandering Albatross*Diomedea exulans*on Marion Island’s west coast, photograph by Paige Green* “Up close, albatrosses are so beautiful it’s sometimes hard to believe they are real.  That they live their whole lives out at sea traversing the constant dangers of human-induced changes to the marine environment honestly blows my mind.  Every time they landed back safely at their nests on Marion Island, my heart would do a fist bump.  Every. Damn. Time. I swung my compass to the penguin side of seabird research, but a sub-Antarctic island would be a very haunting place indeed if we didn’t have the goofy and playful Sooty Albatrosses calling over the ledges or Wanderers, which are so majestic they make your spirit sore and your eyes tear up, dotted on the landscape sitting like old wise gurus in complete mindfulness.” With thanks to Jaimie Cleeland, Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-antarctic-australian-division-celebrates-world-albatross-day-in-style-with-cakes-talks-a-competition-and-a-banner.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project aims to restore the island’s ecological integrity affected by climate change and safeguard its globally important seabird populations *![Wandering Albatross John Dickens shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_John_Dickens_shrunk.jpg) A Wandering Albatross chick at risk to Marion’s mice; photograph by John Dickens,*poster design by Michelle Risi** **NOTE:**  The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) is working towards eradicating the island’s introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* which attack and kill albatrosses and other seabirds.  In this guest post marking [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) on 19 June, the [MFM Project Manager, Dr Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/), describes how restoring Marion’s ecological integrity affected by climate change is an important stimulus behind the eradication. *![Anton on Marion May 2021 cropped](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Anton_on_Marion_May_2021_cropped.jpg) Anton Wolfaardt on the cliffs above Marion Island’s south coast in 2021, close to where Grey-headed Albatross chicks face the onslaught of mice every year photograph by Leandri de Kock* [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) is an awe-inspiring place. This windswept and remote outpost, located in the southern Indian Ocean roughly halfway between Cape Town and Antarctica, is home to a wealth of seabirds and marine mammals.  Marion is the larger of the two islands that together comprise the Prince Edward Islands group, which in turn forms part of a ring of sub-Antarctic islands that rise from the floor of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.  Given the sparsity of these islands in the extensive and highly productive Southern Ocean, they contain many riches of the natural world.  They are particularly important for seabirds and seals, who, although spending most of their time at sea, must return to land to breed.  With few places to choose from, these sub-Antarctic islands are havens for an abundance of wildlife, hosting spectacular congregations of seabirds. *![Marion base Anton Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Marion-base_Anton_Wolfaardt.jpg) The meteorological/research station on Marion Island on a rare good-weather day, photograph by Anton Wolfaardt* Marion and [Prince Edward Island](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)are no exception. The volcanic sand beaches, rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and grassy hills of Marion Island are home to 28 seabird species, including nine albatross and petrel species listed by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](https://www.acap.aq/)).  The two islands collectively support almost half of the world’s [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*, with Marion alone hosting a quarter of the global population. Given the global importance of the Prince Edward Islands for seabirds and other wildlife, the island group was declared a Special Nature Reserve by the South African Government in 1995. This is the highest level of protection afforded under South African legislation. As the country’s only declared Special Nature Reserve, the Prince Edward Island group is arguably the jewel in the crown of South Africa’s protected area network. *![Wandering Albatross mouse attack Stefan Schoombie 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_mouse_attack_Stefan_Schoombie_2.jpg) A House Mouse feeds on the exposed scalp of a Wandering Albatross chick at night on Marion Island; the bird did not survive, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* Unfortunately, Marion Island is no longer the safe haven that it used to be.  House Mice, accidentally introduced by humans early in the 19th century, have had a devastating impact on the ecology of the island.  Mice are highly adaptable and voracious omnivores that reproduce rapidly and can eat almost anything in such quantity that they can alter ecological processes and drive an island into a state of ecological impoverishment. The impacts of mice on Marion Island’s ecology are widespread, pervasive, extreme and highly deleterious.  The native invertebrate fauna has been particularly hard hit, with several species reduced to tiny proportions of their pre-mouse populations, altering nutrient cycling and other key ecological processes. Mice also impact vegetation, greatly reducing seed production and seriously damaging keystone species, such as the cushion plant *Azorella selago*. These ecological impacts have been greatly exacerbated by climate change.  Marion Island’s climate is changing rapidly, with a significant reduction in rainfall and an increase in temperature of more than 1°C over the last 30 years.  This warmer and drier climate has contributed to a substantial increase in the densities of mice on the island each summer, causing a shortage of invertebrates upon which the mice have been surviving over the winter months.  This shortage of food has driven mice to find alternative food sources, which they have found in the form of naïve seabirds.  As on several other oceanic islands, the mice found many of the seabirds had no defence against their attacks. They are literally “sitting ducks”. The scale and frequency of attacks on seabirds have been increasing since they were first observed in the early 2000s.  Mice currently kill up to 5-10% of albatross chicks each year, and this rate of mortality is expected to get worse as climate change facilitates increasing densities of mice each summer.  Left unchecked on Marion Island, the mice are likely to cause the local extinction of 18 of the 28 seabird species that breed on the island. *![Light mantled Albatross Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Light-mantled_Albatross_Peter_Ryan.jpg) This Light-mantled Albatross chick has also been scalped by mice, photograph by Peter Ryan* The Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project is a collaborative conservation initiative working towards eradicating the invasive mice from Marion Island. This will be done through the aerial application of rodenticide bait – the only approach that has proven successful on large oceanic islands. In addition to the formal partnership between the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ([DFFE](https://www.dffe.gov.za/)) and the environmental NGO [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/) to undertake the project, there are a number of other organisations engaged in and helping to progress this endeavour. *![Sooty Albatross infographic colour FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Sooty_Albatross_infographic_colour_FINAL.jpg) ACAP and the MFM Project have collaborated to produce this infographic to mark World Albatross Day 2022; one in a growing*[*series*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics)*to be found on the ACAP website* Restoring the ecology of Marion Island, including its impressive seabird assemblage, will have permanent and significant conservation benefits, and will help mitigate the impacts of other threats, such as climate change. The removal of introduced predators from islands is one of the most effective and tractable conservation interventions. We know from operations that have preceded ours that once introduced predators have been removed from islands, the ecological recovery and rebounding of affected populations can be truly spectacular. We can achieve this outcome for Marion Island. *![Wandering Albatross Stefan Schoombie shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_Stefan_Schoombie_shrunk.jpg) Hoping for a restored island: a Wandering Albatross pair interact near a research laboratory on Marion Island, photograph by Stefan Schoombie, poster design by Michelle Risi* There remains a lot to do before we undertake the actual baiting operation, not least the need to raise the outstanding funding required. We are working hard to ensure that the MFM Project has the best chance of success.  Eradicating mice from Marion Island will provide an incredible conservation legacy, one which will enable the island group to rightly claim its title of being the jewel in the crown of South Africa’s protected area network. Your support can help us achieve this outcome. For more information on the MFM Project and ways to support it (and to download the collection of posters), please visit our [website](https://mousefreemarion.org/). Editorial thanks to Michelle Risi for poster design, Namo Niumim for infographic work, and all the photographers. *Dr Anton Wolfaardt, Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager, 16 June 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-aims-to-restore-the-island-s-ecological-integrity-affected-by-climate-change-and-safeguard-its-globally-important-seabird-populations.md) ## Combating climate change: Pacific Rim Conservation’s James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge and Isla Guadalupe Seabird Translocation Projects **![Blackfooted WAD22 4 shrunk poster](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Blackfooted_WAD22_4_shrunk_poster.jpg) NOTE:**  The Hawaiian-based environmental NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) works to combat the effects of climate change on Hawaii’s procellariform seabirds through its [No Net Loss](http://www.islandarks.org) initiative.  Two of these species are the ACAP-listed and Near Threatened [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses. With the chosen theme of [**Climate Change**](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) for this year’s World Albatross Day on 19 June, ACAP has been working with Pacific Rim Conservation’s [Co-founders](https://pacificrimconservation.org/about-us/staff/), Executive Director Lindsay Young and Director of Science Eric VanderWerf, to commission [artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.341038494716127&type=3), produce [posters](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.343233357829974&type=3) and [co-publish infographics](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4367-the-acap-infographic-series-adds-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-to-mark-world-albatross-this-year) that illustrate the deleterious effects of predicted sea level rise and of enhanced storms on the low-lying atolls of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  In their guest post for ‘WADWEEK2022’, Lindsay and Eric describe how translocations are helping secure the futures of these iconic albatrosses and of two other procellariforms in two North Pacific countries. ![Lindsay Young Eric Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Lindsay_Young_Eric_Vanderwerf.jpg) *Safe from sea level rise: Eric VanderWerf and Lindsay Young band a Laysan Albatross on Oahu* ![Black footed Albatross infographic colour 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Black-footed_Albatross_infographic_colour_2.jpg) *[Black-footed Albatross infographic](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4367-the-acap-infographic-series-adds-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-to-mark-world-albatross-this-year) for ACAP and Pacific Rim Conservation by*[*Namasri Niumim*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) *![Grisselle Chock Black footed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Grisselle_Chock_Black-footed_Albatrosses.JPG) Black-footed Albatrosses fading away in the face of climate change, by*[*Grisselle Chock*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4300-grisselle-chock-supports-world-albatross-day-2022-with-her-evocative-artworks-illustrating-climate-change?highlight=WyJjaG9jayJd)*,*[*Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature*](https://abun4nature.org/) Inundation of Hawaiian seabird breeding colonies caused by sea level rise and storm surge associated with climate change are their most serious long-term threats.  Protection of suitable nesting habitat and creation of new colonies on higher islands are among the highest priority conservation actions.  The goals of Pacific Rim Conservation’s [No Net Loss](http://www.islandarks.org) initiative are twofold: 1) to protect as much seabird nesting habitat in the main islands as is being lost in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands because of the effects of climate change; and 2) to establish new breeding colonies of vulnerable seabird species that are safe from sea level rise and non-native predators. We do this by building predator exclusion fences, removing invasive predators, and then attracting or translocating birds into these protected areas.  We are currently focusing these efforts in the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge ([JCNWR](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell)) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and have begun working on four priority species that are most vulnerable to sea level rise: Black-footed Albatross, Laysan Albatross, [Bonin Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bonin-petrel-pterodroma-hypoleuca) *Pterodroma hypoleuca*and [Tristram’s Storm Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698535) *Hydrobates tristrami*, all of which have a high proportion of their global populations breeding on a small number of localities only a few metres above sea level. ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Picture1.jpg) *Visiting Laysan Albatrosses in front of translocated Black-footed Albatross chicks in* *the* *James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge* **The James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge Translocation Project** From 2015- 2017 we translocated 51 Laysan Albatross chicks (raised from eggs) from the [Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility) on Kauai where albatrosses nest close to a runway and are an aircraft collision hazard to the JCNWR.  A total of 47 Laysan Albatross chicks successfully fledged as a result of this project, and the first birds started returning as adults to the refuge in 2018.  We now have eight Laysan Albatrosses regularly visiting the site from previous translocation cohorts.  From 2017-2021 we moved 102 Black-footed Albatross chicks from [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) and [Tern Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tern_Island_(Hawaii)), French Frigate Shoals to the JCNWR, of which 97 fledged.  Over 2018-2021 we moved 247 Bonin Petrel chicks and 112 Tristram’s Storm Petrel chicks from Midway and Tern Island, of which 246 and 87 fledged, respectively. No Tristram’s Storm Petrels were translocated in 2021 because logistical difficulties and COVID-19 quarantine requirements prevented us from making the collecting trip to Tern Island by ship.  In addition, this year we moved 12 of the translocated Bonin Petrel chicks to predator-free Moku Manu Islet a few days before fledging in the hope that they will imprint on the islet and return to it as adults. ![Picture3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Picture3.png)*A translocated Black-fronted Albatross chick close to fledging in the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge* In 2019, we saw the first individual Bonin Petrel and Tristram’s Storm Petrel return after just one year.  In 2021, we re-sighted returning translocated individuals of all four species, including at least one Black-footed Albatross, 11 Bonin Petrels, eight Laysan Albatrosses and eight Tristram’s Storm Petrels.  This season we had two pairs of returning adult Bonin Petrels nest in artificial burrows and successfully fledge chicks.  Five others Bonin Petrel pairs dug natural burrows inside the fence but were not known to have laid eggs in their burrows.  We continued to employ three social attraction programmes using solar-powered sound systems inside the predator fence: one for Black-footed Albatross, one for Laysan Albatross, and the third for Bonin Petrel and Tristram’s Storm Petrel combined.  The Laysan Albatross and Black-footed Albatross systems also included decoys.  This season there were 748 documented visits and four breeding attempts by socially attracted Laysan Albatrosses, but none resulted in a fledged chick.  [Wedge-tailed Shearwaters](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica* have established a colony inside the JCNWR predator fence, likely having been attracted by the sound systems.  In 2020 we had 18 active burrows fledging 15 chicks. In 2021, Wedge-tailed Shearwater nesting increased with 46 active burrows fledging 43 chicks.  When this project began in 2016, there were no seabirds of any kind visiting JCNWR.  In 2021, three seabird species bred within the refuge (Bonin Petrel, Laysan Albatross, and Wedge-tailed Shearwater), and a fourth (Tristram’s Storm Petrel) is beginning to visit regularly and hopefully will begin breeding soon.  We plan to do one more year of translocations with Tristram’s Storm Petrels and to continue the social attraction and monitor the return and breeding of all species. **The Isla Guadalupe Seabird Translocation Project** *![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Picture2.jpg)A translocated Black-footed Albatross chick exercises its wings beside an adult decoy on Isla Guadalupe* In collaboration with many partner agencies in the USA and Mexico, and under the [Canada/Mexico/US Trilateral Island Initiative](https://www.trilat.org/projects/island-ecosystems-a-species-conservation), in 2021 we translocated Black-footed Albatross eggs and chicks from Midway Atoll to Mexico’s [Isla Guadalupe](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1412-acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats) to create a new breeding colony.  Black-footed Albatrosses already forage in the cold waters of the California Current around Guadalupe, which is less likely to be affected by climate change than most other regions of the Pacific.  Guadalupe is a large, high island that is protected as a Biosphere Reserve and supports a thriving colony of Laysan Albatrosses. ![Picture4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Picture4.jpg) *A Laysan Albatross is about to feed its foster Black-footed Albatross chick on Isla Guadalupe Photographs from Pacific Rim Conservation* We translocated 21 Black-footed eggs in January and placed them in Laysan Albatross foster nests on Guadalupe, and then in February moved 12 chicks that were raised by hand.  Eighteen of the 21 eggs hatched, and all 18 of those chicks fledged. Nine of the 12 translocated chicks fledged, for a total of 27 chicks fledging from Guadalupe in 2021.  [In January 2022 we translocated](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4326-second-year-of-the-guadalupe-translocation-to-establish-a-mexican-breeding-population-of-the-black-footed-albatross-is-underway?highlight=WyJndWFkYWx1cGUiLDIwMjJd) 36 more Black-footed eggs to Laysan Albatross foster parents on Guadalupe, of which 35 have hatched.  Creation of a breeding colony in the eastern Pacific will increase the breeding range of the species and enhance its resiliency to climate change – as well as adding a new breeding species for Mexico. *![Deepti Jain Black footed Albatross soft pastels J.A. Soriano GECI](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Deepti_Jain_Black-footed_Albatross_soft_pastels_J.A._Soriano_GECI.jpg) From the USA to Mexico: a 2021 translocated Black-footed Albatross fledgling takes to the air on Isla Guadalupe; by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Deepti Jain after a photograph by J.A. Soriano, [Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas](https://www.islas.org.mx/)* **US Project Partners:** U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge (JCNWR), Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, U.S. Navy and Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources. **Mexico Project Partners:** Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas (GECI), Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) and Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO). *Lindsay Young & Eric VanderWerf, Pacific Rim Conservation, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, 17 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/combating-climate-change-pacific-rim-conservation-s-james-campbell-national-wildlife-refuge-and-isla-guadalupe-seabird-translocation-projects.md) ## Two more animations from the Seabird Sentinels Project released to support World Albatross Day   *![Animation 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Animation_2.png) Albatrosses and large petrels are particularly at risk of bycatch when they are attracted to baited hooks in longline fisheries, or to discarded fish* Two more animations addressing seabird bycatch and created as part of the [Seabird Sentinels Project](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/bycatch-risk-of-wandering-albatrosses-using-radar-detection/)were released yesterday to mark [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) on 19 June.  View the first animation (of four) which was produced to mark last week’s [World Oceans Day](https://unworldoceansday.org/) from [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4361-a-bycatch-animation-by-birdlife-international-and-the-british-antarctic-survey-marks-world-oceans-day).  Bycatch is when wildlife that is not targeted by fisheries, such as seabirds, are killed by fishing gear.  Albatrosses and large petrels are particularly at risk as scavengers attracted to dead or dying prey near the ocean surface. They feed on longline bait or discards (offal or unwanted catch) and can get caught on hooks or collide with trawler cables.  Their huge feeding ranges create an extra challenge in monitoring and mitigating these risks.   The third animation above shows that bycatch is a serious threat to albatrosses and some petrels.  However, effective mitigation measures exist that can reduce seabird bycatch by >90% in some fisheries, helping to protect many globally threatened species. A fourth animation due to be released on 16 June will be featured in *ACAP Latest News* soon. The four animations by [Hannah Whitman](https://scianimationstudio.com/) have been funded by the United Kingdom's [Darwin Plus](https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/) government grants scheme and created as part of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) and [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/)'s [Seabird Sentinels Project](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/bycatch-risk-of-wandering-albatrosses-using-radar-detection/). With renewed thanks to Bernadette Butfield, International Marine Conservation Officer, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey for information. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 June 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/two-more-animations-from-the-seabird-sentinels-project-released-to-support-world-albatross-day.md) ## The ACAP Infographic Series adds Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses to mark World Albatross this year  ![Black footed Albatross infographic colour 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-footed_Albatross_infographic_colour_2.jpg) Two more infographics depicting conservation threats are released today for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripe*s and the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan Albatross *P. immutabilis*.  They have been produced in collaboration with the Hawaii-based environmental NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) to support [World Albatross Day 2002](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) and its theme of “**Climate Change**”. Both these albatrosses have most of their breeding populations situated on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The atolls - and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from predicted sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have already caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, losing breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)).  Elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore. ![Laysan Albatross infographic colour 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Laysan_Albatross_infographic_colour_2.jpg) Infographics in the three ACAP official languages of English, French and Spanish were produced earlier for the Critically Endangered [Tristan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text)*D**iomedea dabbenena* and [Waved](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698320)*Phoebastria irrorata* Albatrosses and [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *D. exulans* to support [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June 2021 and its chosen theme “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)”.  In addition, a Portuguese version of the Tristan Albatross infographic takes note that the species visits the waters of Brazil.  These three infographics were followed by a fourth in the same year, for the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*, co-published with and sponsored by the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) in the three official ACAP languages.  Two more infographics in English for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed *Thalassarche chrysostoma* and [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy *T. cauta* Albatrosses were produced in the first half of 2022 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4327-acap-and-the-australian-antarctic-division-co-publish-infographics-for-the-grey-headed-and-shy-albatrosses)).  They have been co-published with and sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/). All the infographics have been designed to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the threats faced by albatrosses and what is being and can be done to combat them.  They serve to complement the detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), the more concise and illustrated [ACAP Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) and the [ACAP Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers)series. The eight infographics produced to date may be freely downloaded at a high resolution to allow for printing professionally in two poster sizes (approximately A2 and A3).  Please note they are only being made available for personal use or when engaging in activities that will aid in drawing attention to the [conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3324-acap-s-advisory-committee-declares-a-conservation-crisis-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) faced by the world’s albatrosses and petrels – when ACAP will be pleased to receive a mention. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). Further infographics will be produced as new featured species are chosen to support future World Albatross Days, with the vision that, in time, all 31 ACAP-listed species will have their own infographic.  Currently, an infographic for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca/text) Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca* is in production and will be released soon.  A further four infographics are to be sponsored by the Australian Antarctic Division for the [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) Black-browed Albatross *T. melanophris*, [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea* and for [Northern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) *Macronectes halli*and [Southern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus) *M. giganteus* Giant Petrels (both Least Concern).  These are all species that breed on Australia’s [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site).  New Zealand’s Department of Conservation will sponsor its second infographic, this time for the country’s endemic and [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *D. sanfordi*. Lastly, the environmental NGO BirdLife South Africa will sponsor an infographic for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) Light-mantled Albatross *P. palpebrata*.  With this sponsorship all four of the albatrosses that breed on [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) will have an infographic, helping drawing attention to the climate change driven threat they face from introduced House Mice, and the efforts being made by the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) towards ridding the island of its only remaining introduced mammal.  It will also mean that all of Australia’s eight ACAP-listed breeding species will have an infographic, to become one of the first ACAP Parties to achieve this level of coverage. Production will start on the six new infographics in the second half of the year, with the intention that they will be available for release by World Albatross Day 2023.  French and Spanish versions will also be produced for all the new infographics. With thanks once more to [Namasri Niumim](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics?highlight=WyJuaXVtaW0iXQ==) for her artistic work, and to [Eric VanderWerf and Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4354-lindsay-young-and-eric-vanderwerf-of-pacific-rim-conservation-receive-the-ralph-w-schreiber-conservation-award-for-their-efforts-to-conserve-albatrosses) of Pacific Rim Conservation for their inputs. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-infographic-series-adds-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-to-mark-world-albatross-this-year.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Salvin’s Albatross by Graham Parker, with Matt Charteris *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/bill_nest_Salvins_Albatross_Matt_Charteris.JPG) A Salvin’s Albatross perches on its pedestal nest, from which the protruding upper bill of a conspecific can be seen* **NOTE:**  This post completes a series that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  In this last photo essay, Graham Parker of [Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/), supported by photographs taken by colleague Matt Charteris, writes about his experiences visiting and conducting research on the breeding sites of the New Zealand endemic and globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698388) Salvin’s Albatross *Thalassarche salvini.* It has taken a village of 31 albatross researcher/photographers around the globe and nine months of gentle cajoling to complete this series covering 31 ACAP-listed species.  Graham and Matt’s essay has been posted on the first day of a week of marking and raising awareness of World Albatross Day 2022 on 19 June.  It is hoped the varied writing styles of the authors, along with at times their stunning photographs, will offer both interesting reading and insights into what it is really like to live with albatrosses.  Thanks to you all! *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Salvins_team_Bounty_2018_Matt_Charteris.jpg) Approaching Proclamation Island, Bounties in 2018.  From left: Matt Charteris, Graham Parker, Kalinka Rexer-Huber and Paul Sagar* Preparing for our first trip to the [Bounty Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1208-acap-breeding-sites-no-1-the-bounty-islands-of-new-zealand) was different to any other island trip we’d prepared for.  The destination is particularly intimidating.  Lying some 670 km off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the 13 unvegetated granite islands that make up the group comprise just 135 ha in total land area.  Sitting on the Bounty Plateau, the islands are surrounded by the Southern Ocean.  There is no safe haven once a vessel arrives at the Bounty Islands.  No sheltered anchorage where the yacht [*Evohe*](http://www.expedition-sailing-vessel.com/) that was taking us there could hide away.  This is a crucial factor for workers wanting access to the islands to conduct research work on the [Nationally Critical](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/salvins-mollymawk) Salvin’s Albatross. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Bounty_Panorama_-Proc_2017_Salvins_Albatross_Matt_Chateris.jpg) Proclamation Island in 2017, with Erect-crested Penguins and Salvin’s Albatrosses breeding on bare rock* The Bounty Islands are home to perhaps 30 000 - 40 000 breeding pairs of Salvin’s Albatrosses. That is by far the majority of the breeding population for the species, with just 1100-1200 pairs on the other breeding site, the Western Chain of the [Snares Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1336-acap-breeding-sites-no-15-snares-islands-new-zealand-home-of-buller-s-and-salvin-s-albatrosses).  Salvin’s Albatrosses are frequently incidentally caught in New Zealand commercial fisheries, in other nations’ waters, and on the high seas.  Estimates are imprecise, but pretty scary: between 2002 and 2020 an estimated 4373 –-11 361 Salvin’s Albatrosses were killed in commercial trawl, and demersal and pelagic longline fisheries.  Most captures are in trawl, follow by demersal longline and then pelagic longline.  And that’s just the captures in New Zealand waters. Fortunately for our first trip to the Bounty Islands we had the vastly experienced Paul Sagar with us.  We also had Matt Charteris on the team, another veteran of Southern Ocean albatross work.  Paul and Matt had both visited the islands previously and so their combined experience and knowledge were key to the success of our trip.  It takes two and a half to three days to reach the Bounty Islands by yacht.  To coincide with the incubation phase of the Salvin’s breeding cycle, our first trip was in October.  The austral spring is a time of swiftly changing weather in southern New Zealand, and frequent strong winds.  We knew we’d be in for some wild conditions, but we hoped to have enough weather windows to land on Proclamation Island and deploy satellite transmitter tags on breeding Salvin’s Albatrosses to better understand the birds’ movements relative to commercial fishing vessels in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone. We also planned to deploy GLS tracking tags and install cameras programmed to take hourly images, to better inform phenology for the species and provide some nest survival data.  Both GLS and cameras were retrieved in a follow up trip a year later. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Salvins_Albatross_bToru_2010_Matt_Charteris.jpg) A Salvin’s Albatress on Toru Islet, Western Chain, Snares Islands* The Bounty Islands sit low in the ocean. The highest point of the highest island is just 73 metres above sea level.  Approaching on a yacht rolling in the ocean swells, a sensory welcome awaits.  Eager to see the specks of land, our vision is clouded with gliding Salvin’s Albatrosses in their thousands circling the granite rocks.  A cacophony of noise follows as the sound of albatrosses, Erect-crested Penguins *Eudyptes sclateri* and New Zealand Fur Seals *Arctocephalus forsteri*, and a few less-abundant bird species, noisily go about their day.  Once close enough, our air intakes are filled with the intense smell of jam-packed breeding colonies. The roar of oceanic swells crashing into the rocky islands dominates noisily as we get close enough to inspect the landing site and gauge if we can get ashore. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Tiama_yacht_Bounty_2015_Matt_Charteris.JPG) Albatrosses and penguins on Proclamation Island, with yacht*Tiama*keeping close by in 2015* Surging swells mean that the tricky part is getting from the yacht into a tender, and from the tender onto the kelp-covered rocks.  Once that is achieved, a welcoming party of fur seals awaits.  One of us must lead the group to gently persuade the fur seals out of our way, and to avoid causing a stampede of ‘furries’ madly colliding with the tightly packed Salvin’s Albatrosses and Erect-crested Penguins and crushing their eggs.  Matt embraced the role on our first trip, and we proceeded up the slippery rocks and a few tricky bits to climb with rope assist.  We felt like clumsy intruders, disturbing the established but delicate hierarchies of the island’s inhabitants.  Fur seal teeth and clappy-snappy bills are focused in our direction, but a corridor is allowed for us to access the top of Proclamation Island with minimal disturbance to the locals.  The cries of the breeding penguins are literally painful, and I prefer to use earplugs to ease the effect of their high pitched calls on my ears.  Normally a 360° view on an island is a hard-earned thing.  Not so on the Bounties, where ocean and sky are visible all around, enforcing the sense of isolation. During the day a constant watch of the ocean conditions is maintained, and VHF radios are kept close to hear a ‘return to boat’ call from the vessel crew.  We land all the gear we need to camp on the island if we need to, but we really don’t want to have to resort to that.  Real estate is at a premium so any pitching of tents will involve shifting some unlucky residents.  The hard granite does not look a comfortable bed either, despite being more stable than our bunks back on the yacht. To minimise disturbance to the island we plan to return to the  *Evohe* after each workday.  On the days that there is too much swell to get on and off the island, we haul anchor, motor away to deeper water and sit with the vessel’s bow into the swell, waiting until the seas drop enough to return to the island. *![Camp dancing Toru Matt Charteris](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Camp_dancing_-Toru_Matt_Charteris.jpg) Rough seas, strong winds: camping on The Snares' Toru Islet is no picnic* On the first trip with Paul Sagar and Matt Charteris we successfully deployed GPS and GLS tags.  We returned a year later to recover the GLS and cameras and deploy further satellite tags.  In both years we conducted nest-inspection transects to confirm the proportion of apparent breeders that had eggs. These data can then be used to calibrate breeding population estimates derived from aerial images (by satellite, fixed wing plane or drone). The Bounty Islands are a vitally important breeding site for Salvin’s Albatrosses. Visiting the islands is a massive privilege, and reinforces just how little we know about this species.  The scientific research that our trips conducted justifies disturbing the wildlife on those stunning islands, and future visits must be similarly justified. *![Western Chain cave Snares Salvins Albatross Matt Charteris](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Salvins/Western_Chain_cave_Snares_Salvins_Albatross_Matt_Charteris.jpg) Protected in a cave on the Snares’ Western Chain, nests used for repeated seasons can grow exceptionally tall; all photographs by Matt Charteris* Photographer Matt Charteris adds: “I worked with Salvin’s Albatrosses on Toru and Rima Islets in the Western Chain of the Snares Islands and on Proclamation Island in the Bounty Islands over the period 2008 to 2018.  In 2018, Graham Parker and Kalinka Rexer-Huber of Parker Conservation joined the team and have continued the fieldwork programme.  It is a team that makes this work successful and safe.  Landings are difficult and opportunistic. Camping is awkward.  Support of the yachts and their skippers, the weather reader at the Roaring Forties Meteorological Service and Maritime Radio allowed the data gathering to happen.  Great to be involved!” **References:** Sagar, P.M., Amey, J., Scofield, R.P. & Robertson, C.J.R. 2015.  Population trends, timing of breeding and survival of Salvin's albatrosses (*Thalassarche salvini*) at Proclamation Island, Bounty Islands, New Zealand.  [*Notornis* 62: 21-29](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/population-trends-timing-of-breeding-and-survival-of-salvins-albatrosses-thalassarche-salvini-at-proclamation-island-bounty-islands-new-zealand/). Sagar, P.M., Charteris, M.R., Carroll, J.W.A. & Scofield, R.P. 2011.  Population size, breeding frequency and survival of Salvin’s albatrosses (*Thalassarche salvini*) at the Western Chain, The Snares, New Zealand.  [*Notornis* 58: 57-63](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/population-size-breeding-frequency-and-survival-of-salvins-albatrosses-thalassarche-salvini-at-the-western-chain-the-snares-new-zealand/). *Graham Parker, Parker Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand, 13 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-salvin-s-albatross-by-graham-parker-with-matt-charteris.md) ## Announcing a second Albicake Bake Off for World Albatross Day, with its theme of “Climate Change” *![Adam Naylor 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Adam_Naylor_2.jpg) The 2020 albicake winner,**Best Presentation theme and Overall Co-winner: ‘Gough in Miniature’ by Adam Naylor* Although ACAP is not running a [World Albatross Day cake-baking competition](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3655-announcing-a-world-albatross-day-competition-the-great-albicake-bake-off?highlight=WyJhbGJpY2FrZSIsImFsYmljYWtlJyIsIidhbGJpY2FrZSciXQ==) this year as it did for the[inaugural day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) in 2020, we are still strongly encouraging all the bakers and albatross lovers alike out there to bake an albatross creation to mark World Albatross Day in 2022.  Extra brownie (cake) points will be awarded for incorporating the WAD2022 theme of “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)”! We had not anticipated the incredible response to the 2020 call for albicakes that resulted in no less than [74 entries](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3110693032324408&type=3), with certificates being sent to all and posters to prize winners and runner ups in various categories ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3784-the-judges-have-decided-overall-and-category-winners-in-the-great-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WzIwMjAsIjIwMjAncyIsIjIwMjAnLiIsIjIwMjAnIiwiYWxiaWNha2UiLCJhbGJpY2FrZSciLCInYWxiaWNha2UnIl0=)).  Some of the technicalities behind these cakes still amazes us today; we only wish we could have tasted them all! *![Melanie Wells Light mantled Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Melanie_Wells_Light-mantled_Albatross_1.jpg) Our own 2020 creations!  Melanie works on her Light-mantled Albatross cake* Our 2020 call for albicakes was made at the height of the global [COVID-19](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019) lockdown.  Baking brought a much-needed distraction from those unsettling times and a great way to get creative while making something equally beautiful and delicious.  We think the world could always do with more albatross cakes and albatross facts being shared, so we would love to see your creations again this year to mark the third World Albatross Day on 19 June. *![Michelle Risi Sooty Albatross 4](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Michelle_Risi_Sooty_Albatross_4.jpg) Our own 2020 creations!  Michelle with her Sooty Albatross cake baked on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice)* Post your albicakes on social media with the tag #albicakebakeoff so that we can enjoy them too.  Photos of albicakes should also be sent to the [ACAP Information Officer](mailto:john.cooper61@gmail.com) with a few lines naming the baker(s) and giving your cake a title.  They will then all be archived in a photo album on the [ACAP Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels).  Yours might even be selected for featuring on this website in [ACAP Latest News](https://acap.aq/latest-news)!  Yours in albatross cakes, Michelle & Melanie (aka Michelanie). *Michelle Risi, Aldabra & Melanie Wells, Hobart, Australia, 10 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/announcing-a-second-albicake-bake-off-for-world-albatross-day-with-its-theme-of-climate-change.md) ## A bycatch animation by BirdLife International and the British Antarctic Survey marks World Oceans Day ![Ani1 1080x1920 copy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Ani1_1080x1920_copy.png) Yesterday was [World Oceans Day](https://unworldoceansday.org/) – a day to celebrate and bring attention to our ocean and the wildlife that relies on it, including seabirds. Did you know seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates in the world? Out of 362 species, a massive 43% are listed as threatened or near threatened. Want to know more about the threats that seabirds are facing? Check out the video here. This animation by [Hannah Whitman](https://scianimationstudio.com/) and funded by the United Kingdom's [Darwin Plus](https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/) government grants scheme is the first in a series created as part of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/) and[BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/)'s [Seabird Sentinels Project](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/bycatch-risk-of-wandering-albatrosses-using-radar-detection/). Keep your eyes out for more videos in the coming days. With thanks to Bernadette Butfield, International Marine Conservation Officer, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-bycatch-animation-by-birdlife-international-and-the-british-antarctic-survey-marks-world-oceans-day.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Pink-footed Shearwater by Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán *![Guzman 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_1.jpg) Pink-footed**Shearwaters near a fishing vessel, waiting for a meal.** *Coastal***Marine Protected Area, Mar de Juan Fernández Fardela blanca cercana a un bote de pesca, esperando algo de comida.  Área Marina Costera Protegida Mar de Juan Fernández* **NOTE:**  This post continues an [occasional series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) that features photographs of the [31 ACAP listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers. Here Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán of [Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](http://www.oikonos.org) writes of the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed Shearwater / Fardela Blanca in Chile *Ardenna creatopus* he has worked with for 13 years in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile.  Hector’s original text in Spanish has not been edited; the English translation by Google Translate has been edited for readability. ![Guzman 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_2.jpg)*My first visit to Isla Santa Clara in 2014, where I met the shearwaters and saw my first chick Mi primera visita a la isla Santa Clara (2014), lugar donde conocí a las fardelas y vi al primer polluelo* **My personal connection to the Pink-footed Shearwater** Their long flights across the Pacific, travelling thousands of kilometres and returning each year to their home to nest, is what excites me the most about this species and many other seabirds.  The shearwaters have taught me to remember where I come from and where I belong, to trust that when I return home there will be the protection and care I need.  Pink-footed Shearwaters are a regular part of my life.  Every day I mention the word *fardela* at least thtree times, including when I sing like them. Since 2014, I have worked  together with Oikonos and the community of the Juan Fernández Archipelago to protect the breeding ecosystem of the shearwater. It fills me with emotion when the children of the town of San Juan Bautista learn things that we have investigated for years, and when they learn of their migratory routes, what they eat and the life of a shearwater.  Communicating the scientific knowledge of the life of these birds and their relationship with the place where they live, drives me to create new challenges and inspire more people to take care of them. The at-sea movements of the shearwaters also invite me to discover the world, to never stop travelling and meeting new friends in different regions. *![Guzman 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_3.jpg) The Juan Fernández Archipelago in the South Pacific is the breeding habitat for 30% of the world population of the Pink-footed Shearwater El archipiélago Juan Fernández, en el Pacífico Sur, es el hábitat de nidificación para el 30% de la población mundial de fardela blanca* *![Guzman 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_4.jpg) Isla Santa Clara, one of the important breeding sites for the Pink-footed Shearwater in Chile Isla Santa Clara, uno de los importantes sitios de nidificación de la fardela blanca en Chile* **My encounters** I had never heard of a Pink-footed Shearwater until I saw a chick for the first time on Isla Santa Clara, when I was invited by Oikonos to monitor the burrows during the nesting season in 2014. I barely reacted when I saw that chick come out of the nest. Apparently, it was a few days before starting its first flight, when I took my camera and managed to capture a ball of grey fluff that was looking at me. I never thought that day would mark my life forever. Nor did I think that the next few years were going to be dedicated to studying and carrying out conservation actions to protect the breeding sites and the threatened ecosystems where the shearwaters breed.  I never imagined that I would think about them all day and that I would communicate about the importance of seabirds to the entire world. That day, when that chick looked at me, my life changed forever. Today, every time I see a chick through the burrewscope camera we use to monitor reproductive success, I thank it for having awakened in me that desire to protect our planet and transmit the message through scientific communication and photography. Every time I get on a boat I always go with many memory cards and batteries to take many photographs and videos that will serve to admire and learn more about this species. We currently work with multiple organizations to reduce one of its great threats, light pollution. It is a great challenge when people want more and more light, but Chile has advanced protection of its skies, biodiversity and people's health, by modifying regulations that had become obsolete and were not in line with environmental challenges. It motivates me to help my country protect our ecosystems and reduce the impacts on seabirds. There is certainly a long way to go, but we are moving forward together with the communities that live in the same places as the Pink-footed Shearwaters. * ![Guzman 5a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_5a.jpg) Reproductive monitoring in a breeding colony on Isla Santa Clara, Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile Monitoreo reproductivo en una de las colonias de nidificación en la isla Santa Clara del Archipiélago Juan Fernández en Chile* *![Guzman 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_6.jpg) A Pink-footed Shearwater chick a few days after starting its first flight from**Isla**Santa Clara in 2014 Un polluelo de fardela blanca a pocos días de iniciar su primer vuelo. Isla Santa Clara en 2014* * *Un largo vuelo por el Pacífico, recorriendo miles de kilómetros y volviendo cada año a su hogar para nidificar, es lo que más me emociona de esta especie y de las aves marinas en general. Las fardelas me han enseñado a recordar de dónde vengo y cuál es mi lugar, confiar en que al regresa a mi casa estará la protección y el cuidado que necesito. Las fardelas son parte habitual de mi vida. Todos los días menciono al menos tres veces la palabra fardela, incluso cuando canto como ellas. He trabajado por 6 años junto a Oikonos y la comunidad del Archipiélago Juan Fernández para proteger los ecosistemas de nidificación de la fardela blanca. Me llena de emoción cuando los niños del poblado de San Juan Bautista aprenden cosas que hemos investigado por años. Cuando conocen las rutas migratoria, su alimentación y la vida de una fardela. Transmitir y comunicar el conocimiento científico de la vida de estas aves y cómo es su relación con el lugar donde habitan, me impulsa a crear nuevos desafíos y contagiar a más personas para cuidarlas. Los viajes de las fardelas también me invitan a conocer el mundo, a nunca parar de viajar y encontrar nuevos amigos en rutas diferentes. *![Guzman 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_7.jpg) Construction of an exclusion fence to protect the breeding habitat of Pink-footed Shearwaters on Isla Robinson Crusoe Construcción de un cerco de exclusión para proteger el hábitat reproductivo de fardela blanca en la isla Robinson Crusoe* Nunca oí hablar de una fardela hasta que ví un polluelo por primera vez en la isla Santa Clara, cuando fui invitado por Oikonos a monitorear las madrigueras durante la época de nidificación en 2014. Casi no reacciono cuando ví a ese polluelo salir del nido. Al parecer estaba a pocos días de inciar su primer vuelo, cuando tomé mi cámara y logré capturar una bola de pelusas grises que me miraba. Nunca pensé que ese día marcaría mi vida para siempre. Tampoco pensé que los próximos años los iba a dedicar a estudiar y a realizar acciones de conservación para proteger los sitios de nidificación y los ecosistemas amenazados donde ellas habitan. Jamás pensé en que iba a pensar todo el día en ellas y que iba a comunicar sobre la importancia de las aves marinas para el mundo entero. Ese día, cuando ese polluelo me miró, mi vida cambió para siempre. Hoy, cada vez que veo un polluelo a través de la cámara boroscópica con la que monitoreamos el éxito reproductivo, le agradezco por haber despertado en mí esas ganas de proteger nuestro planeta y transmitir el mensaje a través de la comunicación científica y la fotografía. Cada vez que puedo subirme a un bote, voy siempre con muchas tarjetas de memoria y baterias para tomar la mayor cantidad de fotografías y videos que servirán para admirar y conocer aún más esta especie. *![Guzman 8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Guzman_8.jpg) Pink-footed Shearwater in flight.* *Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile Fardela blanca en vuelo. Archipiélago Juan Fernández, Chile* **Acknowledgements** I acknowledge all those who have contributed to our research, especially CONAF, NFWF, Island Conservation, Peter Hodum, Valentina Colodro, and the local Oikonos Team living and working on Robinson Crusoe Island, Paola González, Guillermo De Rodt, Cabila Manríquez, Iva Vásquez, Pablo Manríquez. They have all facilitated these memories and photo opportunities. Editorial thanks to Michelle Hester, Oikonos. **Selected Publications:** Carle, R.D., Fleishman, A.B., Varela, T., Manríquez Angulo, P., De Rodt, G., Hodum, P, Colodro, V., López, V. & Gutiérrez-Guzmán, H. 2021.  Introduced and native vertebrates in pink-footed shearwater (*Ardenna creatopus*) breeding colonies in Chile.  [*PLoS ONE*16(7): e0254416](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0254416). [Gutiérrez-Guzmán H.] 2020[.  Consejo de Ministros aprueba plan para proteger a la fardela blanca](https://www.eldesconcierto.cl/bienes-comunes/2020/06/26/consejo-de-ministros-aprueba-plan-para-proteger-a-la-fardela-blanca.html). *Bienes Comunes*.  26 June 2020. Gutiérrez-Guzmán, H., Ziller, S.R. & Dechoum, M.de.S. 2019.  Chemical control of the invasive non-native shrub murtilla *Ugni molinae* in mountain scrub on Robinson Crusoe Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile.  [*Conservation Evidence* 16: 27-32](https://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study/6957). *Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán**, Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santiago, Chile, 08 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-pink-footed-shearwater-by-hector-gutierrez-guzman.md) ## A 23-year-old Black-browed Albatross is sighted in Namibian waters *![Blue band Black browed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Blue_band_Black-browed_Albatross.jpg) The blue-banded Black-browed Albatross,**photograph by Juan Martín Bermúdez* A resighting was made on 24 May 2022 of a banded Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris)) from a demersal trawler fishing for hake *Merluccius* spp. 60 nautical miles (110 km) off the coast of Lüderitz, Namibia carrying British Trust for Ornithology metal band number 1332218 and plastic alphanumeric band Blue B22 ([click here](https://safring.birdmap.africa/ring_info.php?ring=1332218&project=FOREIGN_GBT&fbclid=IwAR3lKPBNVSpAmjAUZNAo245gYxrOKbhcDz3x2d4mNxWGEMdiqGIRG00d-s)). The bird was originally banded on 20 January 1999 as a nestling by the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.facebook.com/BritishAntarcticSurvey/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVqkKWISpqP_iG9AUakDXj_DR37H51qt6hprOUyk44Eq9Ji70dygDTJGJqJuuf2OykKZonPKuRnC5yOlA4l02ulDLOfQQK15qdMB2Hhmsuj3_-Qlrfn-C-J6vvi_K2sNxk98M2sW63sfN0PwZhinfytgfLNO6A_oo7-OfizfjN8fC8VChcJioe5FcFziT_WOt0&__tn__=kK-R) on Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*.  The time elapsed from banding was 23 years, four months and 10 days.  The resighting was made *c*. 5125 km from the banding locality (although of course the bird most likely flew a much greater distance on its journey across the South Atlantic). Andy Wood of the British Antarctic Survey has reported to the South African Bird Ringing Unit ([SAFRING](https://safring.birdmap.africa/)): “In our study population at Bird Island we have a bird with colour ring blue B22.  It is a female, ringed in 1999, and is a regular breeder on the island including this season when it failed at the chick-rearing stage in late January”. According to Richard Phillips of the British Antarctic Survey although over 90% of Black-browed Albatrosses from Bird Island spend the non-breeding season in the Benguela Upwelling Region off the west coast of southern Africa, there are few reports from the region of colour-banded birds seen at sea that allow individuals to be identified.  However, at least two colour-banded Black-browed Albatrosses from Bird Island have previously been reported off Namibia ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1750-a-colour-banded-black-browed-albatross-gets-photographed-at-sea-off-namibia?highlight=WyJncm9ibGVyIl0=)). *![Banding Certicate](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Banding_Certicate.jpg) Details of the 1992 recovery of a Bird Island Black-browed Albatross in South Africa* Janine Dunlop of SAFRING has written to *ACAP Latest News* of a Black-browed Albatross (52814891) banded on Bird Island in 1961 (of unknown age) and recovered 31 years later in 1992 when it washed up on the beach in Tableview, Cape Town, South Africa ([click here](https://safring.birdmap.africa/ring_info.php?ring=52814891&project=FOREIGN.)).  A Grey-headed Albatross *T. chrysostoma* on Bird Island reached an age of 54 years in 2012– when it was still breeding ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1292-a-south-atlantic-grey-headed-albatross-banded-by-pioneer-researcher-lance-tickell-gets-to-see-its-second-half-century?highlight=WyJncmV5LWhlYWRlZCIsIidncmV5LWhlYWRlZCIsImJpcmQiLCJiaXJkJ3MiLCJiaXJkJywiLCJiaXJkJ3MtZXllIiwiJ2JpcmQiLCJiaXJkJy4iLCJpc2xhbmQiLCJpc2xhbmQncyIsImlzbGFuZCciLCInaXNsYW5kJyIsImFnZSIsImJpcmQgaXNsYW5kIl0=)). With thanks to Juan Martín Bermúdez, Richard Phillips and Andy Wood of the British Antarctic Survey and Janine Dunlop, SAFRING. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 07 June 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-23-year-old-black-browed-albatross-is-sighted-in-namibian-waters.md) ## Juvenile Wandering Albatrosses from two different oceans meet up off Australia ![Eaglehawk Wanderer Bird island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Eaglehawk_Wanderer_Bird_island.jpg) *The South Atlantic Ocean bird* Participants on a 'pelagic' (seabird watching) trip out of [Eaglehawk Neck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaglehawk_Neck), Tasmania, Australia on 28 May observed two juvenile Wandering Albatrosses at a [berley](https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/berley) ([chumming](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/chumming)) point, both carrying leg bands.  “Thanks to the raft of excellent photographers on board, clear band details were obtained”. Enquiries confirmed both birds are [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea. exulans*.  Bird R63 corresponds with metal band 4012558 and is from [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades), South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* in the South Atlantic.  It was banded on its nest on 27 August 2021.  The parent bird laid the egg on 23 December 2020, egg weighing 515 grams.  The egg hatched on 11 March 2021 and the chick fledged on 16 December 2021.  The parent birds of this bienially breeding species had previously bred over 2018/19. The bird carrying BS34819 was banded close to fledging on 20 September 2021 on its nest on France’s [Île de la Possession](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur), Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean by the [CNRS](https://www.cnrs.fr/) Banding Organization. *![Eaglehawk Wanderer Possession island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Eaglehawk_Wanderer_Possession_island.jpg) The southern Indian Ocean bird* With thanks to Karen Dick.  Photographs from Richard Webber, details from the [Seabirds and Pelagics Australia](https://www.facebook.com/groups/957199944320635/) Facebook page. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 06 June 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/juvenile-wandering-albatrosses-from-two-different-oceans-meet-up-off-australia.md) ## Mouse attacks continue on Marion Island’s threatened Wandering Albatrosses ![Lucy Smyth Goney chick2 26 May 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Lucy_Smyth_Goney_chick2_26_May_2022.jpeg) *The May 2022 wounded Wandering Albatross chick* South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean is one of only three known islands where introduced House Mice are known to have taken to attacking and killing albatrosses – the other two being [Gough](https://www.goughisland.com/) in the South Atlantic and [Midway](https://usfwspacific.tumblr.com/post/167063752600/midways-albatross-a-new-threat-puts-the-worlds?fbclid=IwAR3-Lt_7GNVjCsHli1IVWe3OPb7wMMf-IFU6BZhRsUdWsLh9x_DBrgSP89Q) in the North Pacific.  Attacks by mice were [first observed](https://mousefreemarion.org/first-observations-of-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island-were-made-on-wandering-albatross-chicks-in-2003/) on Marion in 2003, with chicks of the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* being the target.  Since then, the three other albatross species and three of the island’s petrel assemblage that breed on the island have been definitely affected, including attacks directed at adults for some of them.  As a consequence, the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) is working towards eradicating the island’s mice in 2024 by an aerial drop of poison bait. *![Lucy Smyth Goney chick 26 May 20221](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Lucy_Smyth_Goney_chick_26_May_20221.jpeg) Another view of the same bird; photographs by Lucy Smyth* Researchers based on the island continue to make observations of mouse attacks on birds; the latest being of a downy Wandering Albatross chick showing a wound on its right flank caused by mice.  The bird was photographed on 26 May by ornithological field assistant Lucy Smyth in the Goney Plain long-term monitoring colony for Wanderers, first set up in the mid-1980s; one of three on Marion’s east coast.  The observation confirming mouse attacks are continuing on the island supports the necessity of removing the mice as soon as is feasible. With thanks to Maëlle Connan. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mouse-attacks-continue-on-marion-island-s-threatened-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## Seabird Biodiversity and Human Activities: a new book to be published this month * ![seabird book](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/seabird_book.jpg)* Jaime Ramos and Leonel Pereira have co-edited a book with the title *Seabird Biodiversity and Human Activities* to be published this month.  The book has 15 chapters by different authors.  Click on the chapter titles listed below to view their authorships and read their individual abstracts. *ACAP Latest News* intends to feature selected chapters of special interest to the Albatross and Petrel Agreement once the book has been published. The book’s overall abstract follows: “Seabirds are global travellers connecting oceans and seas all over the world, and facing multiple threats at local and global scales. Seabirds are long-lived top predators, reflecting changes at lower trophic levels, and are good models to assess ecological changes produced by human societies. Thus, world-wide collaborations are needed to understand seabird ecology and to develop effective conservation measures benefitting both humans and seabird populations. This book provides a modern overview on seabird biodiversity studies: it begins by covering the most up-to-date techniques to study seabirds, and then focus on pragmatic issues related with interactions between seabirds and humans, the use of seabirds as ecological indicators and conservation of seabirds. It gives an updated insight on all these topics and highlights gaps that need further development for a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between seabirds and human actions. This book covers the response of the seabird research community to a biodiversity crisis aiming to contribute towards environmental sustainability. It should provide inspiration to a wide range of professionals and students, including the much needed world-wide collaboration between research groups and practitioners. In this way seabird research and conservation provide an inspiration for the solution of global issues such as climate change.” **Table of Contents** #### [An Introduction to Seabirds and Their Study](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-2/introduction-seabirds-study-marie-claire-gatt-josé-pedro-granadeiro-paulo-catry?context=ubx&refId=7debdd65-9e1b-497a-a2d3-5966795f0100)[https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-2/introduction-seabirds-study-marie-claire-gatt-josé-pedro-granadeiro-paulo-catry?context=ubx&refId=7debdd65-9e1b-497a-a2d3-5966795f0100](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-2/introduction-seabirds-study-marie-claire-gatt-josé-pedro-granadeiro-paulo-catry?context=ubx&refId=7debdd65-9e1b-497a-a2d3-5966795f0100) #### [Conventional and Modern Approaches to Study Seabird Trophic Ecology and Diet](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-3/conventional-modern-approaches-study-seabird-trophic-ecology-diet-filipe-ceia-josé-xavier-ana-carreiro-ivo-dos-santos-yves-cherel?context=ubx&refId=2b8e9f83-10fb-49e1-84c2-4b414542a2ec) #### [A Physiological Toolbox to Explore the Relationships Between Seabirds and Their Changing Environments](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-4/physiological-toolbox-explore-relationships-seabirds-changing-environments-ana-cláudia-norte-pedro-miguel-araújo-david-costantini?context=ubx&refId=e34a1c08-9501-4515-8f00-89c52f0a99ea) #### [Tracking Seabirds for Conservation and Marine Spatial Planning](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-5/tracking-seabirds-conservation-marine-spatial-planning-jorge-pereira-vitor-paiva-lucas-krüger-stephen-votier?context=ubx&refId=364be5f2-4a6e-4655-bd12-1903c7402f82) #### [Seabird and Fisheries Interactions](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-7/seabird-fisheries-interactions-nuno-oliveira-jaime-ramos-joana-gomes-calado-josé-manuel-arcos?context=ubx&refId=f04fbacf-ce08-4689-a731-e93d9f9bfa51) #### [Urban Gulls with Humans](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-8/urban-gulls-humans-joana-pais-de-faria-catarina-lopes-edward-kroc-louise-blight-ruedi-nager?context=ubx&refId=e84ec5d8-8447-4461-ad65-236315cc81f9) #### [Seabirds and Marine Renewable Energy Sources](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-9/seabirds-marine-renewable-energy-sources-andrew-harwood-sue-king?context=ubx&refId=cf050c08-32ce-4804-a94e-8d540380821b) #### [Seabirds and Biotoxins](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-10/seabirds-biotoxins-maría-victoria-casero-jaime-ramos-leonel-pereira?context=ubx&refId=9b934697-d865-4875-8bd1-f5f890a5ea2c) #### [Seabirds as Indicators of Forage Fish Stocks](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-12/seabirds-indicators-forage-fish-stocks-jaime-ramos-robert-furness?context=ubx&refId=ed2faac4-4f0c-44e0-bf6b-d2383b0f0275) #### [Seabirds as Indicators of Oceanographic Changes](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-13/seabirds-indicators-oceanographic-changes-vitor-paiva?context=ubx&refId=49035f38-62a6-4104-ac0f-ee4e960b70ad) #### [Seabirds as Indicators of Metal and Plastic Pollution](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-14/seabirds-indicators-metal-plastic-pollution-catarina-lopes-maria-laranjeiro-jennifer-lavers-annett-finger-jennifer-provencher?context=ubx&refId=9b8a89ce-eb6c-45a9-b4df-04d2860ab037) #### [Antarctic Seabirds as Indicators of Climate Change](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-15/antarctic-seabirds-indicators-climate-change-josé-xavier-richard-phillips-akinori-takahashi?context=ubx&refId=ecd3d584-297f-4eac-831a-3654780e6df8) #### [Light Pollution as a Seabirds' Conservation Threat](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-17/light-pollution-seabirds-conservation-threat-cátia-gouveia?context=ubx&refId=4b7de081-7be8-4a35-b79a-be8209589d17) #### [Eradication and Control of Invasive Mammal Species as a Seabird Conservation Tool](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-18/eradication-control-invasive-mammal-species-seabird-conservation-tool-paulo-oliveira-félix-medina-manuel-nogales-pedro-luís-geraldes?context=ubx&refId=8c5b9f05-8c7e-4c37-b690-f45f55ff51f7) #### [Identifying and Establishing Marine Protected Areas Worldwide](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003047520-19/identifying-establishing-marine-protected-areas-worldwide-lucas-krüger?context=ubx&refId=6db0540e-c188-4554-96bf-be8db5977c8f) **Reference:** Ramos, J.A. & Pereira, L. (Eds) 2022.  *[Seabird Biodiversity and Human Activities](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.1201/9781003047520/seabird-biodiversity-human-activities-jaime-ramos-leonel-pereira?refId=d4073530-d630-48ac-a25e-265506f984a3&context=ubx)*.  Boca Raton: CRC Press.  270 pp.  doi.org/10.1201/9781003047520. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 02 June 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seabird-biodiversity-and-human-activities-a-new-book-to-be-published-this-month.md) ## Marine ornithologist Peter Ryan receives BirdLife South Africa’s Gill Memorial Medal *![PeterRyan Photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/PeterRyan_Photo.jpg) Peter Ryan, at sea in his natural habitat* [Professor Peter Geoffrey Ryan](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/staff/director/ryan), Director of the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](https://www.facebook.com/PFIAO?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVMjlLTdEm_mxnKgz3fKV7cbhNlhM5WEY3wAl5vyXZVXr2XjwY3AU3dh275nEpEjUnlzCXIgPKQUl9CzPm9CtyuVEv8w2SmRDqN5LIYhXYB04Tr4Z21-Ek6iHdBW95wkrnJA8TMrYxrvgN6GgiU9PJn&__tn__=-%5dK-R) since 2014 at the University of Cape Town, was awarded BirdLife South Africa’s [Gill Memorial Medal](https://www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/awards/gill-memorial-medal-award/) at the organisation’s AGM, held virtually on 28 May.  Peter is the only South African A-rated ornithologist, an author and co-author of many bird books, including on seabirds (see below), and an accomplished bird photographer. The Gill Memorial Medal is awarded for outstanding lifetime contributions to ornithology in southern Africa.  The inaugural award was presented 1960 and to date has been awarded 26 times; only four recipients can be said to have concentrated their studies on seabirds. The citation for Peter’s award says in part “He has made particularly important contributions to the fields of seabird ecology, marine plastic pollution and its impacts on seabirds, mitigation of seabird bycatch by fisheries, and evolution in oceanic island birds.  Peter has also led important work on the systematics and phylogeography of continental African birds, and on the effects of energy infrastructure (such as wind turbines and power lines) on land birds.” Peter Ryan has also received the [Gilchrist Memorial Medal](https://blogs.sun.ac.za/antarcticlegacy/2017/07/25/sanap-scientist-peter-ryan-awarded-south-africas-gilchrist-medal/) of the South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research ([SANCOR](https://sancor.nrf.ac.za/default.aspx)) in 2017 for his contributions to marine science and has been elected a Fellow of the [Royal Society of South Africa](https://www.royalsocietysa.org.za/).  He is set to retire from the ‘Fitztitute’ at the end of the year.  His [citation](https://www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/awards/gill-memorial-medal-award/), written by colleague Claire Spottiswoode (herself a recipient of the Gill Memorial Medal) ends with stating Peter “plans to remain active in research and, knowing him, we can be reassured that he will be more active than ever.  As a community we will no doubt continue for decades to come to be inspired (and more than a little awed) by his knowledge, productivity, and insight.” Reflecting my advanced years, I am pleased to say I have known (or at least met) all 26 Gill Memorial Medal recipients, co-authoring scientific publications with a number of them over five decades.  Surely most have been co-authored with Peter, who I have much valued as a colleague on many island field trips and as a caring friend since his schoolboy days (when presciently I told him on a seabird island that one day he would become Director of the FitzPatrick Institute). **Selected Publications:** Ryan, P.G. (Ed.) 2007.  *[A Field Guide to the Animals and Plants of Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island](https://www.nhbs.com/field-guide-to-the-animals-and-plants-of-tristan-da-cunha-and-gough-island-book)*.  Newbury: Pisces Publications.  162 pp. [[ACAP review](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/20-2007-news-archive/240-tristan-field-guide-published?highlight=WyJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIiwidHJpc3RhbiIsInRyaXN0YW4ncyIsIid0cmlzdGFuJywiXQ==)]. Ryan, P.[G.] 2017.  [*Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa*](http://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/guide-seabirds-southern-africa/9781775845195).  Cape Town: Struik Nature.  160 pp.  [[ACAP review](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2736-review-guide-to-seabirds-of-southern-africa-by-peter-ryan?highlight=WyJwZXRlciIsInBldGVyJ3MiLCJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIiwyMDE3LCJwZXRlciByeWFuIl0=)]. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 31 May 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/marine-ornithologist-peter-ryan-receives-birdlife-south-africa-s-gill-memoria-medal.md) ## Lindsay Young and Eric VanderWerf of Pacific Rim Conservation receive the Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award for their efforts to conserve albatrosses *![Lindsay Young Eric Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Lindsay_Young_Eric_Vanderwerf.jpg) Eric VanderWerf and Lindsay Young band a Laysan Albatross* The annual [Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award](https://americanornithology.org/awards-grants/senior-professional/ralph-w-schreiber-conservation-award/) of the [American Ornithological Society](https://americanornithology.org/), honouring extraordinary conservation-related scientific contributions by an individual or small team has been presented this year to Lindsay Young and Eric VanderWerf of the Hawaii-based environmental NGO, **[Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)**.  The award honours extraordinary conservation-related scientific contributions by an individual or a small team.  The award, which consists of a framed certificate and an honorarium, is named after Ralph Schreiber, a prominent figure in American ornithology known for his enthusiasm, energy and dedication to research and conservation, notably of the Brown Pelican *Pelecanus occidentalis*. The award’s [citation](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/953969?fbclid=IwAR0_S08wqXWirlk9RyOHn2RhoMZD1yuK4kY5v8sZHt2UXOaPCPp2IYs5_SA) reads: **“**Drs. Lindsay Young and Eric VanderWerf of Pacific Rim Conservation are being recognized for the sustained success of their conservation actions combined with their publication, individually and together, of a significant body of research on bird conservation and the biology of birds (notably on the Laysan Albatross and Hawaiʻi ʻElepaio). Their long-term study of Hawaiian seabirds and land birds, combined with planning and execution of effective conservation actions, have helped to protect vulnerable breeding birds in Hawaiʻi. Conservation projects led by Pacific Rim Conservation encompass a range of techniques including acoustic survey and population monitoring, habitat restoration, chick fostering and translocation, social attraction, predator-proof fencing, and predator eradication.  Their diverse conservation projects on multiple islands have reduced predation on, and improved habitat for, multiple species of breeding Hawaiian seabirds and land birds and established new breeding colonies of several vulnerable seabird species. Drs. Young and VanderWerf are the authors of multiple scientific articles, book chapters and reports, and co-authors of a forthcoming book, *Conservation of Marine Birds* (July 2022; Elsevier), on the factors influencing seabird conservation.” *ACAP Latest News* has featured the conservation efforts of Pacific Rim Conservation on numerous times over the last decade ([click here),](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Pacific+Rim+Conservation) especially in combating the effects of climate change on ACAP-listed [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses. The 2022 award was also given to David Ainley, well-known penguin researcher and Editor of *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)*. On a personal note, the ACAP Information Office knew the late Ralph Schreiber (1942-1988) from a couple of international conferences and a field trip to study Great White Pelicans *P. onocrotalus* together on South Africa’s Dassen Island in 1979.  He remembers him as a larger-than-life character with a booming voice, and one who died far too young in his 40s.  I am sure he would have been pleased to know the award named after him has gone this year to Eric and Lindsay for their work conserving seabirds in the North Pacific. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/lindsay-young-and-eric-vanderwerf-of-pacific-rim-conservation-receive-the-ralph-w-schreiber-conservation-award-for-their-efforts-to-conserve-albatrosses.md) ## Bill Bourne, marine ornithologist, 1930-2021; a personal reminiscence *![Biull Bourne](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Biull_Bourne.jpg) Bill Bourne, from the*Ibis*obituary by Euan Dunn; photograph by Mike Harris* William ‘Bill’ Richmond Postle Bourne, MA, MB, B CH died on 31 May 2021, nearly a year ago, at the good age of 91.  English born, where he trained as a medical doctor, he lived most of his long life in Scotland, working mostly as a marine ornithologist concentrating on procellariiform seabirds (mainly petrels, but also albatrosses) as well as co-authoring results of the first survey of the United Kingdom’s breeding seabirds.  During his career he gained a reputation of irascibility, interspersed with moments of genuine compassion and thoughtful caring for others. I first met Bill Bourne at an international conference for marine birds that I organized in 1979 at South Africa’s University of Cape Town -where I was then a junior researcher in the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za).  I had invited Bill, who I had known by reputation and correspondence in my role as Editor of *Cormorant* (now [*Marine Ornithology*](https://www.marineornithology.org)), a journal I started three years earlier, to give an address, which resulted in his paper “Some factors underlying the distribution of seabirds” in the conference proceedings, which I edited.  He knew that I had started my own career as a marine ornithologist studying African Penguins *Spheniscus demersus*and Bank Cormorants *Phalacrocorax neglectus* on Dassen Island, off South Africa’s west coast during 1971 and 1972.  He had the foresight to bring with him a second-hand copy of Cherry Kearton’s classic 1930 book ‘*The Island of Penguins’*, which without ever naming the island, was all about Dassen and its penguins.  The book contained photographs of massed penguins on the shore and in the breeding flats which still astound anyone who knows the island nowadays and how relatively few of this [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-penguin-spheniscus-demersus) species sadly remain. During the conference he surreptitiously passed Kearton’s book along the rows of lecture seats, getting every international attendee to sign it below his own signature and dedication of the book to myself.  I was then presented with the book at the closing dinner.  It was a wholly and unexpected gift, and one I have treasured ever since. ![Kearton title page](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Kearton_title_page.jpg) ![Kearton dedication](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Kearton_dedication.jpg) ![Kearton massed penguins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Kearton_massed_penguins.jpg)*Photographs from*The Island of Penguins *by Cherry Kearton* I next met Bill at the ICBP Seabird Conservation Symposium and associated workshop in Cambridge, UK in August 1982.  I well remember our meeting up in the quadrangle of King’s College where we were both holding the meetings and staying.  He had balanced on one shoulder an ancient, disreputable-looking suitcase with broken locks kept together with roughly tied rope.  It seemed to fit his style.  Later during the workshop passed me a hand-written note when we were both chairing a session saying that I was “waffling”.  I most likely was, but needless to say I was quite disconcerted!  But at the same meeting he showed a different side of his personality when an attendee unexpectedly had a [*Tonic-clonic "grand mal"* epileptic seizure](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epilepsy/tonic-clonic-grand-mal-seizures), falling backward over his chair with an unearthly cry.  Bill swiftly attended the person with his medical knowledge and ensured he was taken to hospital, where he recovered well enough to travel home, although he did not return to the symposium. Since then, we slowly lost touch as he moved back to practice as a medical doctor. Full obituaries for Bill Bourne have appeared in several journals, as referenced below.  They are well worth a read to learn of a person who enlivened marine ornithology in his unique way for many years. **References:** Bourne, W.R.P. 1977.  Albatrosses occurring off South Africa.  *Cormorant* 2: 7-10. Bourne, W.R.P. 1978.  Correspondence.  Impact of human activities on seabirds, and their nomenclature.  [*Cormorant* 5: 35-36](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?vol=5). Bourne, W.R.P. 1979.  Report of the Standing Committee of the International Ornithological Congress for the Co-ordination of Seabird Research.  *Cormorant*6: 41-46. Bourne, W.R.P. 1980.  Birds of the Sea and Shore.  [*Cormorant* 8: 29-30](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?vol=8&no=1). Bourne, W.R.P. 1981.  Some factors underlying the distribution of seabirds.  In: Cooper, J. (Ed.). 1981. *Proceedings of the Symposium on Birds of the Sea and Shore held at the University of Cape Town, 19-21 November 1979.*  Cape Town: African Seabird Group.  pp.  119-134. Cooper, J. 2022.  Editorial: 50 Volumes of *Marine Ornithology*, 1976-2022: the founding editor looks back. [*Marine Ornithology* 50: i-ii](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1466). Cramp. S., Bourne, W.R.P. & Saunders, D. 1974.  *The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland*.  London: Williams Collins Sons & Co.  287 pp. Croxall, J.P., Evans, P.G.H. & Schreiber, R.W. (Ed). 1984.  *Status and conservation of the World's Seabirds. Based on the Proceedings of the ICBP Seabird Conservation Symposium, Cambridge, August 1982.* Cambridge, International Council for Bird Preservation.  778 pp. Dunn, E. 2022.  William (Bill) Richmond Postle Bourne, MA, MB, B CH, MBOU (1930–2021).  *[Ibis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ibi.13053)[164: 631-633](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ibi.13053)*. Kearton, C. 1930.  *The Island of Penguins*.  London: Longmans Green & Co.  223 pp. Tasker, M. 2021.  W.R.P. Bourne 1930-2021. [*Seabird*123-125](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-33). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bill-bourne-marine-ornithologist-1930-2021-a-personal-reminiscence.md) ## Unowned domestic cats have negative effects on seabird populations, especially on oceanic islands *![Hawaiian Petrel chick Andre Raine](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Hawaiian_Petrel_chick_Andre_Raine.jpg) Hawaiian Petrel chick: at risk to feral cats; photograph by Andre Raine* Scott Loss ([Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University](https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/natural-resource/index.html), Stillwater, USA) and colleagues have published  a review of the global literature on impacts on wildlife by unowned (including feral) domestic cats *Felis catus in the [*Journal of Animal Ecology*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652656)*.  “Nearly half of studies evaluated cat impacts in non-continental areas, reflecting human introductions of cats and establishment of feral populations on many oceanic islands worldwide.”  They find little or no positive effects of controversial TNR ([Trap Neuter Release](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trap%E2%80%93neuter%E2%80%93return)) programmes on wildlife; a finding relevant to the situation pertaining on some inhabited islands with burrowing seabird populations (such as in Hawaii). The paper’s abstract follows: “1. A vast global literature documents that free-roaming domestic cats (*Felis catus*) have substantial negative effects on wildlife, including through predation, fear, disease, and competition-related impacts that have contributed to numerous wildlife extinctions and population declines worldwide. However, no study has synthesized this literature on cat impacts on wildlife to evaluate its overarching biases and major gaps. 2. To direct future research and conservation related to cat impacts on wildlife, we conducted a global literature review that entailed evaluation and synthesis of patterns and gaps in the literature related to the geographic context, methods, and types of impacts studied. 3. Our systematic literature search compiled 2,245 publications. We extracted information from 332 of these meeting inclusion criteria designed to ensure the relevance of studies analyzed. 4. This synthesis of research on cat impacts on wildlife highlights a focus on oceanic  slands, Australia, Europe, and North America, and on rural areas, predation, impacts of unowned cats, and impacts at population and species levels. Key research advances needed to better understand and manage cat impacts include more studies in underrepresented, highly biodiverse regions (Africa, Asia, South America), on cat impacts other than predation, and on methods designed to reduce impacts on wildlife. 5. The identified areas of needed research into cat impacts on wildlife will be critical to further clarifying the role of cats in global wildlife declines and to implementing science driven policy and management that benefit conservation efforts.” With thanks to Janine Dunlop, Niven Librarian, FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town. **Reference:** Loss, S.R., C., Boughton, B., Cady, S.M., Londe, D.W., McKinney, C., O’Connell, T.J., Riggs, G.J. & Robertson, E.P. 2022.  Review and synthesis of the global literature on domestic cat impacts on wildlife.  [*Journal of Animal**Ecology*Journal of Animal Ecology doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.1374](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2656.13745)5. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 26 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/unowned-domestic-cats-have-negative-effects-on-seabird-populations-especially-on-oceanic-islands.md) ## Conservation crisis still top priority at ACAP’s Seventh Meeting of the Parties ![Bird scaring line.Projeto.Albatroz](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird_scaring_line.Projeto.Albatroz.jpg) *Best practice mitigation: a bird-scaring line with its coloured streamers flapping in the wind, photograph from Projeto Albatroz* The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) held virtually over 9-13 May concluded with all Parties agreeing much work remains to be done in addressing threats to seabird populations.  The meeting was chaired by [Gaia Puleston](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4342-acap-elects-australia-s-gaia-puleston-as-chair-of-the-meeting-of-parties-at-its-seventh-session-taking-place-this-week-online) of Australia. Reflecting on the task ahead in her opening address to MoP7, [Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4339-tasmania-governor-barbara-baker-formally-opens-the-seventh-meeting-of-the-parties-to-acap-with-a-virtual-address), the Governor of the State of Tasmania, said: “The world is watching how you work together to conserve imperilled albatrosses and petrels.  The future of these species depends on your collective efforts.  I wish all participants at the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties every success in ensuring there is a secure foundation upon which to advance the work of ACAP in the coming triennium.” In 2019, ACAP's Advisory Committee [declared a conservation crisis](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11), which continues to be the most serious threat faced by its [31 listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), with thousands of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters dying every year as a result of fisheries operations. The implementation of ACAP’s [Best Practice seabird bycatch mitigation advice](https://acap.aq/bycatch-mitigation/mitigation-advice) by ACAP Parties, non-Party Range States and, critically, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations ([RFMOs](https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/fisheries/international-agreements/regional-fisheries-management-organisations-rfmos_en)) was identified as essential for the conservation of these majestic seabirds. ACAP has developed a comprehensive range of Best Practice Advice guidelines and factsheets containing proven mitigation measures that can be implemented by coastal States and distant water fishing nations to reduce seabird bycatch.  These are available in multiple languages and can be accessed through the ACAP website. Encouragingly, a growing number of RFMOs and other bodies have adopted several ACAP best practice measures in their operations leading to the reduction of seabird bycatch from longline and trawl fishing.  Progress was also noted in work addressing land-based threats to seabirds, in particular programmes directed at the eradication of invasive species. [Dr Michael Double](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-mike-double/), who currently chairs the [ACAP Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12) (and was the MoP7 Vice Chair) in his report to the Parties, highlighted the urgent need to engage with RFMOs and other organisations in adopting ACAP best practice for fisheries to prevent further declines in the populations of albatrosses and petrels.  He stated “the Advisory Committee continues to recommend that Parties, Range States and RFMOs promote and implement best-practice seabird mitigation measures, improve the collection and reporting of seabird bycatch data, implement priority monitoring and tracking studies and continue schemes to eradicate invasive species at breeding sites.”  Improving this critical information is vital for the development of targeted future priority conservation actions. The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on ACAP’s activities was noted, with progress of some ACAP activities slowed.  With the easing of restrictions across the globe, it is hoped that ACAP can resume key activities, including restarting its grants and secondments programmes and continued engagement with RFMOs. ACAP’s Executive Secretary, Dr Christine Bogle, commented that “this Meeting of the Parties reiterated the commitment of ACAP Parties and partner organisations to strive to protect these unique birds from the threats that they continue to confront.” The report of the meeting will be available in ACAP's three official languages of English, French and Spanish in due course ([click here](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)), from where the MoP7 documents considered at the meeting may be viewed. *ACAP Secretariat, 24 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conservation-crisis-still-top-priority-at-acap-s-seventh-meeting-of-the-parties.md) ## The Seabird Restoration Database: an on-line tool for practitioners *![Decoys Black footed Albatrosses Lindsay Young](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Decoys_Black-footed_Albatrosses_Lindsay_Young.jpeg) A Black-footed Albatross between two decoys; photograph by Lindsay Young, Pacific Rim Conservation* The recently released [Seabird Restoration Database](https://www.seabirddatabase.org/) owned and managed by the Hawaiian-based [Pacific Rim Conservation](http://www.pacificrimconservation.org/) is described as “a unique global product presenting practitioners with real world examples of active seabird restoration efforts from around the world.” Active Seabird Restoration is defined on the project’s website as the “deliberate attraction or movement of seabirds to establish or enhance a colony. Social attraction uses stimuli such as sound and decoys to lure seabirds into a restoration site while translocation is the physical movement of seabirds from a source colony to a restoration site. In many cases, both methods are used to restore a seabird colony. The Seabird Restoration Database seeks to improve knowledge transfer among practitioners and enhance seabird conservation by documenting the methods and outcomes from social attraction and translocation activities applied to restore and recover seabird populations around the world” The database’s website explains “Thanks to the generous support from the Packard Marine Bird Program, and the knowledge contributions of seabird experts from around the world, we built the Seabird Restoration Database, a first of its kind conservation database documenting the global effort to restore seabirds using active restoration techniques. Between 2020-2021 we collated data from the literature, reports, databases and consulted with over 500 seabird experts to determine the species, locations, methods, and outcomes from active seabird restoration efforts. The database now contains over 800 records of ongoing, planned, complete, and incomplete active restoration efforts, including those with under achieved outcomes. Project justifications include both restoration goals and trials/experiments applied to inform future conservation activities.” ![Translocation data base](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Countries/Translocation_data_base.png) Read more about the database [here](https://blog.nature.org/science/2022/05/16/a-new-database-to-drive-seabird-conservation/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-seabird-restoration-database-an-on-line-tool-for-practitioners.md) ## White-chinned Petrels on Possession Island respond positively to bycatch mitigation *![WCP Marion Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_Marion_Peter_Ryan.jpg) White-chinned Petrel ashore; photograph by Peter Ryan* Anaïs Dasnon ([Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en), Villiers en Bois, France) and colleagues have published open access in the [*Journal of Applied Ecology*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652664) on the effects of bycatch mitigation measures on the demography of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* breeding on [Possession Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur), Crozet Islands. The paper’s abstract follows: 1. “The impact of industrial fisheries on marine biodiversity is conspicuous in large pelagic vertebrate's fisheries bycatch. In seabirds, this led to the decline of many populations since the 1980s following the rise of global fishing effort. Bycatch mitigation measures were implemented since the 2000s, but their effects on the concerned seabird populations remain poorly quantified and understood. 2. We studied the effects of bycatch mitigation measures on the demography of the white-chinned petrel, one of the most bycatch impacted seabirds whose populations suffered dramatic declines before the implementation of mitigation measures. To do so we (a) built multi-event capture–recapture models to estimate the demographic parameters of a population from Possession Island (southern Indian Ocean) over 30 years, (b) assessed the effect of climate and fishery covariates on demographic parameters, (c) built a population matrix model to estimate stochastic growth rate according to the management in fisheries bycatch and (d) estimated changes in breeding population density using distance sampling data. 3. The population declined from the 1980s to the mid-2000s, while trawl and longline fisheries occurred with no bycatch mitigation measures. The negative effects of fishery bycatch through additive mortality and of rat predation on breeding success were likely the main drivers of this decline. 4. Both modelled population growth rate and observed breeding densities showed an increase since the mid-2000s. We explained this trend by the improvement in survival probability BASDF probability with the local control of the rat population and changes in sea ice conditions on foraging grounds. 5. *Synthesis and applications*. We provide a holistic approach to assess the effects of management measures by analysing datasets from sampling methods commonly employed in seabird studies. Our conclusions should encourage the eradication of invasive predatory species in seabird breeding areas and the strengthening of bycatch mitigation measures for the vulnerable seabird species, especially in international waters, but also the development of such measures considering the other marine large pelagic species threatened by fisheries bycatch (sharks, rays, turtles and marine mammals) since it could be crucial to avoid populations' extinction.” With thanks to Anaïs Dasnon. **Reference:** Dasnon, A., Delord, K., Chaigne, A. & Barbraud, C. 2022.  Fisheries bycatch mitigation measures as an efficient tool for the conservation of seabird populations.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology * doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14189](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.14189). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-on-possession-island-respond-positively-to-bycatch-mitigation.md) ## Albert and Emily: mixed fortunes for two rescued Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *![dav](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Albert_Indian-Yellow-nosed-Albatross.jpg) Albert, the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross* **The story of Albert** In November last year, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research ([SAAMBR](https://www.saambr.org.za/)), based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, received an adult [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* for treatment.  The bird had been spotted on the main beach at Southbroom on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. “The bird appeared very lethargic.  It did not have any fractures nor external injuries, and his radiographs taken in the Margate Veterinary Hospital identified no internal fishing hooks”. The bird, named Albert (although its gender was not determined) was then transported to [uShaka Sea World](https://www.saambr.org.za/ushaka-sea-world/) (a division of SAAMBR) courtesy of the Lower South Coast SPCA where the animal health team administered fluids, fish gruel and left the bird to rest for the night.  “The next morning he continued to appear lethargic and did not seem to recover despite their efforts and unfortunately, passed away.” Read more about Albert [here](https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/lethargic-adult-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-dies-a-day-after-admission-at-saambr-d65e5fb1-a73f-4bdb-9dc6-fa07431d9b65). **The story of Emily** ![Emily IYNA SAAMBR 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Emily_IYNA_SAAMBR_3.jpg) *Emily, the juvenile Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross under care* On 7 May this year the uShaka Sea World animal health team received another yellow-nosed albatross, this time a juvenile, which was considered to be of the same Indian species as was Albert.  Named Emily (although again gender was not known), the bird was found sitting on the upper deck of a cargo vessel while in the offshore anchorage area before it entered Durban Harbour. “She was full of energy and her physical condition appeared to be good.  It was thought that she had taken it upon herself to rest on the deck of the boat while it was out in the pelagic ocean.  Unfortunately, because albatrosses need a long “runway” to lift themselves into the air, and the deck of a boat is totally unsuited to this type of lift off, she would have found herself stranded.” The Transnet Ports Authority pilot who boarded the ship was informed of the animal visitor that they had onboard.  The pilot then contacted uShaka Sea World who met the ship once it had docked and collected the bird.  Described as malnourished and weak, it was fed and rehydrated over a couple of days.  After being given a clean bill of health, the albatross was taken out to sea in the National Sea Rescue Institute ([NSRI](https://www.nsri.org.za/)) vessel, the *Spirit of Surfski VI*, and released on 12 May 6.5 nautical miles offshore by uShaka Sea World staff.  After at least 20 minutes preening on the sea surface the bird took to flight. Read more about Emily [here](https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/juvenile-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-emily-rescued-from-cargo-vessel-flies-home-11dbfdfc-2834-4243-9c5c-260d8693b367).  ![Emily IYNA SAAMBR 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Emily_IYNA_SAAMBR_2.jpg) ![Emily IYNA SAAMBR 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed/Emily_IYNA_SAAMBR_1.jpg) *Emily gets released and takes to flight; photographs from SAAMBR* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albert-and-emily-mixed-fortunes-for-two-rescued-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses.md) ## Amsterdam Albatross to White-chinned Petrel: the A - Z of ACAP-listed species  ![Amsterdam Albatross Kirk Zufelt Birgit Bührlé hiqual](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Birgit_Bührlé_hiqual.jpg) *Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island by ABUN artist Birgit Bührlé; after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* With the [third World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) not too far away now, ACAP is marking the days until 19 June with a daily artwork posted to the Home Page, with a different ACAP-listed species featured each day.  The series commences with the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis/text) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* and continues in alphabetical order to end with the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698140) White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* during ‘WADWEEK2022’ (13-19 June). *![Anju Rajesh White chinned Petrel watercolour](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Anju_Rajesh_White-chinned_Petrel_watercolour.jpg) White-chinned Petrel by ABUN artist Anju Rajesh* The 31 chosen artworks (from over 500) come from three fruitful collaborations with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) over the last three years. With grateful thanks to ABUN Co-founder Kitty Harvill and all the ABUN artists for their ongoing support of albatross and petrel conservation *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/amsterdam-albatross-to-white-chinned-petrel-the-a-z-of-acap-listed-species.md) ## World Migratory Bird Day, light pollution and ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels *![Corys shearwater grounded by lights. Photo Beneharo Rodríguez](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Corys_shearwater_grounded_by_lights._Photo_Beneharo_Rodríguez.jpg) A fledgling Cory's Shearwater is grounded by street lights; photograph by Beneharo Rodríguez* Today (14 May) is the first of the year’s two [World Migratory Bird Days](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/), both with the theme of light pollution under the slogan “[Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.int%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fdim-lights-birds-night-%25E2%2580%2593-world-migratory-bird-day-2022-slogan-announced&data=04%7C01%7Cchristine.bogle%40acap.aq%7Ce96b783c4b654bd9fec208da1d4c5cd6%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637854512095107972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=UpG81DPoJtJAFA%2BZjfbI%2BHO83vOQcDTjnGjJLqxYMBc%3D&reserved=0)” (in French *Des nuits noires pour les vols migratoires*; in Spanish; *Noches oscuras, migraciones seguras*). Three ACAP-listed species are notably affected by light pollution, Spain’s [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus) Balearic *Puffinus mauretanicus* and Chile’s [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-*footed Ardenna creatopu*s Shearwaters and New Zealand’s [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica) Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica*.  The other four ACAP-listed *Procellaria* petrels, that come ashore and fledge from burrows at night, breed in dark sky locales (Southern Ocean  islands and for the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) Black Petrel *P. parkinsoni*, New Zealand's [Great and Little Barrier Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1361-acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel).  Similarly, the diurnal and so largely unaffected albatrosses and giant petrels tend to breed in areas with little light pollution. A number of non ACAP-listed burrowing procellariiforms is affected by light pollution during breeding.  These include the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698230) Yelkouan *Puffinus yelkouan,* [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli) Newell's *P. newelli*, [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698252) Hutton's *P. huttoni*, [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22732244) Cory's *Calonectris borealis*, [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/scopolis-shearwater-calonectris-diomedea/refs) Scopoli’s *C. diomedea,* [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698216) Short-tailed *A. tenuirostris* Shearwaters and the[Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrel *Pterodroma sandwichensis*.  These are the species towards which research and mitigation efforts are mostly directed, as is reported from time to time in *ACAP Latest News*. Attraction of seabirds to well-lit vessels at sea appears to affect mainly the smaller, non-ACAP listed procellariiform species (storm petrels, diving petrels, prions), rather than any of the larger ACAP-listed species. ![WMBD2022 Light Pollution](https://acap.aq/images/stories/WMBD2022_Light_Pollution.jpg) To access the World Migratory Bird Day 2022 Campaign Strategy document [click here](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.int%2Fen%2Fpublication%2Fworld-migratory-bird-day-2022-campaign-strategy&data=04%7C01%7Cchristine.bogle%40acap.aq%7Ce96b783c4b654bd9fec208da1d4c5cd6%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637854512095107972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=hbQ8UXDua6bx1rLhParvExD8SxEPPumxtQmQ5RVR47Y%3D&reserved=0).  The document provides the strategic goals and key messages for the 2022 campaign as agreed by the three main organizing partners of World Migratory Bird Day: the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals ([CMS](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.int%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cchristine.bogle%40acap.aq%7Ce96b783c4b654bd9fec208da1d4c5cd6%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637854512095107972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=k8mySCCS0u2%2F3slrky48tiPFGKAv37mQ5bLJqeN9zeA%3D&reserved=0)), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement ([AEWA](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unep-aewa.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cchristine.bogle%40acap.aq%7Ce96b783c4b654bd9fec208da1d4c5cd6%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637854512095107972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=zwr2KwOdR2jH4NX5AEWKmfjasoes0%2FwfnpKMNpl271k%3D&reserved=0)) and the non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas ([EFTA](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenvironmentamericas.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cchristine.bogle%40acap.aq%7Ce96b783c4b654bd9fec208da1d4c5cd6%7C64ebab8accf44b5ca2d32b4e972d96b2%7C0%7C0%7C637854512095107972%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=bxrg3L343edm%2F1bMvFHolLQfzNcNKnjvvqYmA3eAbG8%3D&reserved=0)). *J**ohn Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/world-migratory-bird-day-light-pollution-and-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Population studies of Southern Buller's Albatrosses get reported as part of a 30-year study *![Bullers Albatross Laurie Johnson Virginia Nicol](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Bullers_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Virginia_Nicol.jpg) Buller's Albatross by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)artist Virginia Nicol; after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* The Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) works to reduce the impact of commercial fishing on protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters. Here is one of its most recent reports by David Thompson ([National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research](https://niwa.co.nz/), Wellington, New Zealand) and Paul Sagar. The report’s Executive Summary follows: “This report presents a summary of the results of demographic studies at three study colonies of southern Buller’s albatrosses *Thalassarche bulleri bulleri* breeding at The Snares from 27 March to 13 April 2022. Demographic studies at the three study colonies on North East Island have been undertaken annually from 1992 to 2022, with the exception of 2018 and 2021, and so this report incorporates some of these data in the current analysis. Estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs, made by recording the contents (chick, egg or egg fragments) of each nest mound, increased in two of the three colonies to over the numbers recorded during 2020 to be at all-time highs for the 30-year duration of the study. With the assumption that the combined total number of breeding pairs in the three study colonies was representative of North East Island as a whole, and notwithstanding the maximal counts in two of the study colonies recorded in 2022, then the breeding population probably peaked around 2005-2006 and has since undergone marked annual variations. A total of 379 birds were [*sic*] recaptured that had been banded previously in the study colonies as breeding adults of unknown age. A further 137 breeding birds were banded in the study colonies - these are presumed to be first-time breeders – during the latest 2022 survey. Estimates of annual survival of birds banded as breeders continued to decline, with estimates close to 0.9, or lower, in recent years. During the period 1992-2004 all chicks that survived to near-fledging in the study colonies were banded and their survival to return to the study colonies in subsequent years has been monitored. In 2022, 139 of these birds were recaptured, with birds from cohorts banded from 1996 to 2004 being recaptured for the first time. This demonstrates the long-term monitoring required to obtain reliable estimates of survival of such known-age birds. Of these recaptured 139 known-age birds, 11 were found breeding for the first time, and so were recorded as being recruited to the breeding population. In addition, three birds that had been banded as near-fledging in the study colonies during September 2013 and September 2014 were also recaptured for the first time. In 2020 50 Global Location Sensing (GLS) tags were attached to the metal leg bands of breeding birds in the Mollymawk Bay study colony; of these, 31 were retrieved, and a further 7 recorded as being lost, during the 2022 field season. Twelve trail cameras were deployed at breeding colonies during the 2022 fieldwork: 11 set to record one photograph every hour during daylight, and one set to record 30 seconds of moving images daily, until they are retrieved in April 2023.” **Reference:** Thomson, D. & Sagar, P. 2022.  [Population studies of southern Buller's albatross on The Snares.  Prepared for Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation: CSP Project 2019-04](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/meetings-and-project-updates/2022/#csptwg19may22).  Wellington: National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd.  19 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/population-studies-of-southern-buller-s-albatrosses-get-reported-as-part-of-a-30-year-study.md) ## Making the switch. Fishery discards fall short in replacing natural foraging conditions for breeding Black-browed Albatrosses *![IMG 7482](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/IMG_7482.JPG) Discards anyone?  Black-browed Albatrosses gather*en masse*behind a South Atlantic trawler; photograph by Graham Parker* Amanda Kuepfer ([South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute](https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/)) and colleagues have published in the *[ICES Journal of Marine Science](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms)* on the impacts fishery discards are having on the natural foraging conditions for Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* populations breeding in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “Fishery discards supplement food for many seabirds, but the impacts of declining discards are poorly understood. Discards may be beneficial for some populations but have negative impacts by increasing bycatch risk or because they are junk-food. The Falkland Islands support > 70% of global black-browed albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* populations, which feed on discards. However, the effect of discards on population demographics, and implications of fishery management changes, are unknown. We analysed stomach contents of black-browed albatross chicks across eight breeding seasons (2004–2020) from New Island, Falkland Islands, to assess variation in discard consumption and how this relates to foraging conditions and breeding success. Across years, 68%–98% of samples contained natural prey, whilst 23%–88% of samples contained fishery discards. Discard consumption was positively related to fishery catches of hoki *Macruronus magellanicus* and sea surface temperature anomalies SSTA (°C), and negatively related to breeding success. These results suggest a diet-switching behaviour for Falkland Islands albatrosses, whereby birds switch from preferred natural prey to suboptimal discards when environmental conditions, and hence natural feeding opportunities, are unfavourable. Crucially, this study highlights that fishery discards do not compensate for poor natural foraging conditions for breeding albatrosses in the long term.” With thanks to Amanda Kuepfer, South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute. **Reference:** Kuepfer, A., Votier, S.C., Sherley, R.B., Ventura, F., Matias, R., Anderson, O., Brickle, P., Arkhipkin, A. & Catry, P. 2022.  Prey-switching to fishery discards does not compensate for poor natural foraging conditions in breeding albatross.  *[ICES Journal of Marine Science doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac069](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsac069/6582866?redirectedFrom=fulltext&fbclid=IwAR26lkrpjKSf_3KXm_V7bYL4EpHkgGsaT-qCicNItqonHsP1oybzjBmMvM4&login=false)*. *Bree Forrer, ACAP Communications Advisor & John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/making-the-switch-fishery-discards-fall-short-in-replacing-natural-foraging-conditions-for-breeding-black-browed-albatrosses.md) ## Extreme tolerable winds for seabirds are determined by morphology ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatrosses_Dimas_Gianuca_Maureen_Bennetts_.JPG) *A Wandering Albatross about to make a sea landing in stormy weather, by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Maureen Bennetts for ACAP; after a photograph by Dimas Gianuca* Elham Nourani (Department of Migration, [Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior](https://www.mpg.de/987894/animal-behavior), Radolfzell, Germany) and colleagues have posted open access in the preprint server [*BioRxiv*](https://www.biorxiv.org/) on how seabirds, including two albatross species, behave under extreme wind conditions at sea. The preprint’s summary follows: “Flying seabirds are adapted for windy environments. Despite this, storms can cause widespread strandings and wrecks, demonstrating that these seabirds are not always able to avoid or compensate for extreme conditions. The maximum wind speeds that birds can operate in should vary with morphology and flight style, but this has been hard to quantify due to the challenges of collecting data during infrequent events. Yet this information is crucial for predicting how seabirds are impacted by and respond to extreme events, which are expected to increase in intensity and frequency under climate change. We analyzed > 300,000 hours of tracking data from 18 seabird species, representing all major seabird guilds in terms of flight style. We quantified the range of wind speeds that seabirds use during their foraging trips in relation to the wind speeds available, and assessed evidence for avoidance of particular wind conditions. The maximum wind speeds that birds flew in increased with wing loading, in line with general aeronautical predictions. Two species of albatross flew in extreme winds > 23 m s-1. Within the 18 species studied, we found no general preference or avoidance of specific wind speeds. Nonetheless, in a very small number of instances, albatrosses avoided speeds below their operable maxima, demonstrating that even the most wind-adapted birds avoid extreme speeds in particular scenarios. The Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross and the wandering albatross avoided the maximum wind speeds by flying towards and tracking the eye of the storm. Extreme winds therefore might pose context-dependent risks to seabirds, and there is a need for more information on the factors that determine the of risk, given the impact of global change on storm intensity.” **Reference:** Nourani, E., Safi, K., de Grissac, S., Anderson, D.J., Cole, N.C., Fell, A., Grémillet, D., Lerma, M., McKee, J.L. Pichegru, L., Provost, P., Rattenborg, N.C., Ryan, P.G., Santos, C.D., Schoombie, S., Tatayah, V., Weimerskirch, H., Wikelski, M. & Shepard, E.L.C. 2022.  Extreme tolerable winds for seabirds are determined by morphology.  [*Bioxiv doi.org/10.1101/2022.05.02.490292*](https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.02.490292v1)*.* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/extreme-tolerable-winds-for-seabirds-are-determined-by-morphology.md) ## ACAP appoints Australia’s Gaia Puleston as Chair of the Meeting of Parties at its Seventh Session, taking place this week online ![Gaia Puleston](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Gaia_Puleston.jpg) *Gaia Puleston, Australian Antarctic Division* Following the [welcome address](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4339-tasmania-governor-barbara-baker-formally-opens-the-seventh-meeting-of-the-parties-to-acap-with-a-virtual-address) by Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, the Governor of the State of Tasmania, the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)), meeting virtually from Monday this week, appointed [Ms Gaia Puleston](https://au.linkedin.com/in/gaia-puleston-59590117b) of the Australian Delegation as Chair.  Following her appointment to the role she said: “I am looking forward to working with you all over this week to support of the objectives of the Agreement”. Gaia Puleston has been General Manager, Policy & International in the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment since September 2021.  Prior to joining the AAD she was Acting Assistant Secretary in the [Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet](https://www.pmc.gov.au/) where she deputised the national Climate Coordinator.  She has served in several Federal Government departments in Australia and abroad in Australian Missions in New York and Vienna for a number of years. Gaia holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Asian Studies (Chinese), as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, all from the [Australian National University](https://www.anu.edu.au/) in Canberra. Gaia is the second woman to become a Chair of the ACAP Meeting of Parties, following Ms Gunn Paulsen who Chaired the Third Session ([MoP3](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop3)) in Norway in 2009.  [Dr Mike Double](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-mike-double/), Chair of the [ACAP Advisory Committee](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee), and also from the Australian Antarctic Division, is acting as MoP7 Vice Chair. With thanks to Kirsty Manning, Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-elects-australia-s-gaia-puleston-as-chair-of-the-meeting-of-parties-at-its-seventh-session-taking-place-this-week-online.md) ## ACAP releases eight artwork posters for World Albatross Day **[![Lost in a Rising Sea Black footed Albatross by Kitty Harvill after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Lost_in_a_Rising_Sea_Black-footed_Albatross_by_Kitty_Harvill_after_a_photograph_by_Koa_Matsuoka_shrunk.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.363716595781650&type=3)***“Lost in a Rising Sea” Black-footed Albatross by Kitty Harvill, after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year. The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  Both these globally Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands.  These atolls - and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from predicted sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have even caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, losing breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)); elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore. ACAP’s WAD poster designer, [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/77-wad2020-posters/3580-world-albatross-day-posters-from-gough-island-by-michelle-risi), now based on [Aldabra Atoll](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/185/) for two years after an extended stay on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice), has produced [eight posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4340-wad-2022-artwork-posters) featuring selected artworks produced by Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) in a [collaboration](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4328-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-produce-a-third-music-video-for-acap-and-world-albatross-day) with ACAP for World Albatross Day 2022.  The high resolution artwork posters have been made freely available from here for printing during the build up to World Albatross Day on 19 June.  French and Spanish versions are to follow.  ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain.  You can view them from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4340-wad-2022-artwork-posters) on this website and also in an [ACAP Facebook album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.363716595781650&type=3). Also view the [12 photo posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters) produced by Michelle Risi for WAD2022. With thanks to Michelle Risi and to ABUN artists Flávia Barreto, Georgia Feild, Kitty Harvill, Grace Innemee, Virginia Nicol, Ilana Nimz, Tatiana Petrova and Andrea Siemt, as well as to photographers Laurie Smaglick Johnson, Koa Matsuoka, J.A. Soriano and Lindsay Young. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 May 2022, updated 12 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-eight-artwork-posters-for-world-albatross-day.md) ## Tasmania Governor Barbara Baker formally opens the Seventh Meeting of the Parties to ACAP with a virtual address  ![Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC Governor of Tasmania](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Her_Excellency_the_Honourable_Barbara_Baker_AC_Governor_of_Tasmania.jpg) *Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC* The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) was opened on Monday 9 May by a welcome address from [Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC](https://www.govhouse.tas.gov.au/governor/curriculum-vitae), the Governor of the State of Tasmania. The Governor, after extending a welcome to the 12 Parties present and all the Observers ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4337-the-virtual-seventh-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-to-the-agreement-commences-on-monday)) attending the virtual meeting, noted in her virtual address from [Government House](https://www.govhouse.tas.gov.au/government-house/history) in Hobart that: “It has now been over 20 years since a small group of nations met in Canberra, Australia and signed the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  I congratulate you all for your shared commitment and successes in conserving albatrosses and petrels since then.  The signing of this Agreement represented a clear and cogent response to the shared concern among nations about the significant losses of albatrosses and petrels as a result of incidental mortality in fishing operations, and threats facing these species at their breeding sites.” She went on to note Australia’s and Tasmania’s roles in conserving albatrosses and petrels since the commencement of the Agreement, saying: “As an island continent, Australia is proud to be an ocean nation.  We recognise the importance to the biodiversity of Australia, and Tasmania in particular, of albatrosses and petrels. - Australia is home to 24 [of 31] ACAP-listed albatross and petrel species, with eight of these species breeding within Australia's jurisdiction. - Australia’s coastal and sub-Antarctic islands provide critical habitats for our breeding populations of albatrosses and petrels with Tasmania’s Albatross Island, The Mewstone and Pedra Branca being home to Australia’s only endemic albatross species, the Shy Albatross. Australia is committed to the conservation, protection and recovery of its threatened albatross and petrel populations. This is illustrated by: - the successful Macquarie Island pest eradication program, delivered jointly by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, that has eliminated rabbits, rats and mice from this sub-Antarctic location, with the Island's flora and fauna now enjoying markedly improved conditions - successive Threat Abatement Plans addressing the threat posed by longline fishing and marine debris to seabirds, and albatrosses and petrels in particular successive National Recovery Plans that aim to improve the conservation status of albatrosses and petrels so that these species are no longer threatened in Australia's jurisdiction.” *![Government House Hobart](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Government_House_Hobart.jpg) Government House, Hobart, Tasmania, built in 1857* Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, the State of Tasmania’s 29th Governor, was sworn in at Government House in Hobart in June 2021. Two days previously she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia ([AC](https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/its-honour/companion-order-australia)) for her service to the people of Tasmania through leading contributions to the law, to the judiciary and to the administration of justice, particularly in the area of family law, to professional legal organisations, and as a mentor and role model for young women.  The Governor graduated from the University of Tasmania in Hobart with a combined Arts/Law degree in 1980.  Her sporting achievements include playing hockey and tennis at state and national levels ([read more here](https://www.govhouse.tas.gov.au/governor/curriculum-vitae)). Her Excellency ended her address with the following words to the MoP7 attendees: “The world is watching how you work together to conserve imperilled albatrosses and petrels.  The future of these species depends on your collective efforts.  I wish all participants at the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties every success in ensuring there is a secure foundation upon which to advance the work of ACAP in the coming triennium.” *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tasmania-governor-barbara-baker-formally-opens-the-seventh-meeting-of-the-parties-to-acap-with-a-virtual-address.md) ## The ACAP Species Summary Series gets completed with nine petrels and shearwaters ![Southern Giant Petrel summary web thumb](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Southern_Giant_Petrel_summary_web_thumb.jpg) The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been produced to help inform the public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), and the still incomplete [Photo Essay](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) and [Infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) series. The 22 albatross summaries were originally produced to inform members of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) who produced [artworks](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-and-acap-collaborate-over-world-albatross-day-2020)to support [World Albatross Day 2020](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests).  They have been produced in in the three ACAP official languages of [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Similarly, summaries in English for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters were used to accompany [ABUN paintings](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3909-abun-project-35-painting-petrels-in-peril-gets-going-today) in 2021 for a project entitled [“Painting Petrels in Peril”](https://www.facebook.com/events/190876859389883).  These nine accounts are now available from [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) in English, completing the series.  Preparation of French and Spanish versions are currently underway and will be added soon. The English versions also may be found via original posts in *ACAP Latest News*by clicking on the links below. [Balearic Shearwater](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4312-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-balearic-shearwater) *Puffinus mauretanicus*[Black Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4304-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-black-petrel) *Procellaria parkinsoni*[Grey Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4299-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-grey-petrel) *Procellaria cinerea*[Northern Giant Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4294-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-northern-giant-petrel) *Macronectes hall*[Pink-footed Shearwater](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4314-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-pink-footed-shearwater) *Ardenna creatopus*[Southern Giant Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4289-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-southern-giant-petrel) *Macronectes giganteus*[Spectacled Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4301-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-spectacled-petrel) *Procellaria conspicillata*[Westland Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4308-an-acap-species-summary-for-the-westland-petrel) *Procellaria westlandica*[White-chinned Petrel](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4296-a-species-summary-for-the-white-chinned-petrel) *Procellaria aequinoctialis* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer & Bree Forrer, ACAP Communications Advisor, 25 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-species-summary-series-gets-completed-with-nine-petrels-and-shearwaters.md) ## The virtual Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement commences on Monday  ![Rosana Venturini black paper coloured pencils and pan pastel Black footed Albatross Lindsay Youmg](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Rosana_Venturini_black_paper_coloured_pencils_and_pan_pastel_Black-footed_Albatross_Lindsay_Youmg.jpg)*Black-footed Albatross, by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist, Rosana Venturini for ACAP, black paper, coloured pencils and pan pastel; after a photograph by Lindsay Young* The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) will be held virtually next week over four days, commencing on Monday.  A provisional meeting schedule may be found online.  The MoP will be chaired by Australia, with Mike Double, Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee, acting as Vice Chair.  It follows on from the meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC12](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12)) and two of its working groups last year, also held virtually due to travel and other restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  ACAP last met in person at [AC11](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11) in Florianópolis, Brazil in 2019.  The previous Session of the Meeting of Parties ([MoP6](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop6)) was held in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa during May 2018. Twelve of the 13 Parties to the Agreement are due to attend the MoP from their home countries or from their Australian embassies.  Observers at the meeting are expected to include Canada, United States of America, Chinese Taipei (attending as an APEC Member Economy), BirdLife International and Humane Society International; their observer reports are available online.  Other observers due to be present are Namibia, the Inter-American Sea Turtle Convention, the Australasian Seabird Group of BirdLife Australia, and the Brazilian NGO, Projeto Abatroz.  The ACAP Secretarial Staff will also be in attendance. A provisional agenda for MoP7 includes hearing a [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12) from [AC12](https://acap.aq/en/advisory-committee/ac12), itself reflecting reports from its Seabird Bycatch ([SBWG10](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10)) and Population and Conservation Status ([PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6)) Working Groups, held over August/September last year. All the documents pertaining to MoP7 are available in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 06 May 2022, updated 09 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-virtual-seventh-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-to-the-agreement-commences-on-monday.md) ## Sink rates over a range of line-weighting configurations in a New Zealand longline fishery u![Snapper longline](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Snapper_longline.png)*Gear configuration on a New Zealand Snapper longliner; from the publication* The Conservation Services Programme ([CSP](http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/commercial-fishing/conservation-services-programme/)) of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) works to reduce the impact of commercial fishing on protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters. Here is one of its most recent final reports. The report’s summary follows: “The introduction of mitigation standards for demersal longliners (MPI, 2019) and subsequent changes to regulation (MPI, 2021) have resulted in increased attention on sink times to depth and the depth of hooks at the end of the aerial extent of tori lines. Previous work has shown that sink times to depth vary with gear setup and position on line, as well as with environmental conditions (Goad *et al*., 2010; Goad, 2011; Pierre *et al*., 2013). However, for a given gear setup, times to depth for the slowest sinking part of the line show much less variation within and between sets (Goad, 2021). The snapper-target demersal longline fleet deploy pre-baited hooks typically on 60 cm snoods. Hooks are stored on cards, usually containing 50 or 60 hooks and are clipped onto the longline during the set, separated by twine stoppers which are regularly spaced along a monofilament nylon backbone. The fleet employs a range of gear setups, and many vessels have faster-sinking variations for use at high-risk times. However, most vessels generally have no accurate measure of depth at the end of the tori line for different gear configurations, and limited time to experiment with variations to gear setup and tori line design to improve depths at the end of the aerial extent. With a shift towards an outcome-based approach to regulating line weighting it is necessary to better understand sink times to depth for different gear configurations, and to communicate to fishers the options available to meet the prescribed depth at the end of the tori line.” **Reference:** Goad, D. & Olsen Z. 2022.  [Measuring sink rates of a range of line weighting configurations in the snapper longline fishery](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202122/Sink-rates-of-line-weighting-configurations-in-the-snapper-longline-fishery/).  BCBC2021-03 final report prepared by Vita Maris for the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Wellington.  18 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sink-rates-over-a-range-of-line-weighting-configurations-in-a-new-zealand-longline-fishery.md) ## Peru produces a guide in Spanish on safe handling of seabirds and other fauna caught by purse seine fisheries * ![Waved Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross.jpg)* *Waved Albatross at sea, a species that occurs in Peruvian waters* Joanna Alfaro of the Peruvian NGO [ProDelphinus](https://www.prodelphinusperu.org/) writes to *ACAP Latest News*:  “It is my pleasure to share with you a [guide](https://dl.orangedox.com/EfWPMpUxoCeKrl56vD) on safe handling and release of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species for purse seine fisheries; our small contribution for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.  It was a pleasure to work on this document with the team in ProDelphinus and several fishers who shared their traditional knowledge for this guide.  The guide has already been launched at a meeting with over 300 purse seine fishers, and we hope to continue sharing it with more fishers.” Mi post es para compartirles un [documento](https://dl.orangedox.com/EfWPMpUxoCeKrl56vD) que ame pues es un granito de arena a la conservacion marina y las pesquerias sostenibles, pero tb por que estuvimos en esto junto con un equipo maravilloso en [Pro Delphinus](https://www.facebook.com/ProDelphinus/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXVTGZ2x8rkXQGztcxHbnYBQdBKhynh-VUs5ySItr4dM4_9NwMwZSo_W2ZZygVrRGGcPxMz4onOSdHz8RRBA1HUpmJSd2CdnJUl4jp3azFzxnqf3bFXHu18SIAHy7hj2Psm6ngBM5rH4wt1Ybv6xzn2&__tn__=kK-R). Calientita les dejo la Guia de Liberacion y Manipulacion de Fauna Marina en cerco pesquero. Se agradece de antemano las descargas y compartidas. La guia le presentamos ante 300 pescadores industriales de cerco, esperamos poder seguir presentandola. With thanks to Joanna Alfaro Shigueto. ProDelphinus, Peru. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/peru-produces-a-guide-in-spanish-on-safe-handling-of-seabirds-and-other-fauna-caught-by-purse-seine-fisheries.md) ## Training a transferrable convolutional neural network to count breeding albatrosses – call for aerial photographs *![Hayes Black browed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Hayes_Black-browed_Albatrosses.jpg) “**Example of visual review process for Steeple Jason “Bubble” area Black-browed Albatross detections at a zoom level of 1:75.  Each grid is 10 × 10 m”;**from Hayes*et al.*2021* The Wildlife Conservation Society ([WCS](https://www.wcs.org/)), [Duke University](https://duke.edu/) and the [University of Tennessee – Knoxville](https://www.utk.edu/) are working together to adapt and train a convolutional neural network ([CNN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convolutional_neural_network)) to detect a wide range of species in variable environments.  The following edited appeal has been received from Wieteke Holzhuizen, [Pacific Seabird Group](https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/). “For decades, WCS researchers travelled to two remote islands on the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* to conduct ground surveys of the largest [Black-browed Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *Thalassarche melanophris* colony in the world.  Due to the large size of the colony and steep terrain, researchers would spend weeks counting and extrapolating data from sample transects to estimate population size.  In recent years, we have started to use an off-the-shelf [Phantom 4 Pro](https://www.dji.com/phantom-4-pro) quadcopter to design island-wide surveys and collect high-resolution imagery data that can be replicated each year.  Furthermore, WCS partnered with researchers from the Duke University [Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab](https://marineuas.net/) to develop a deep-learning algorithm trained to detect nesting albatrosses with a computer model accuracy of 97%.  This level of accuracy, coupled with the ability to easily replicate pre-programmed flights, presents a much easier, more accurate and more consistent way to document population growth or decline in colonial nesting seabirds.  ![Grand Jason BBA colony to WNW Nov 1997](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Grand_Jason_BBA_colony_to_WNW_Nov_1997.JPG)  ![Steeple Jason 5 Ian Strange](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Steeple_Jason_5_Ian_Strange.jpg) *Black-browed Albatross colonies on Grand Jason (left) and Steeple Jason; photographs by Ian Strange and Robin Woods* WCS and Duke University have recently partnered on a drone-based survey of Black-browed Albatrosses and Southern Rockhopper Penguins *Eudyptes chrysocome* on [Grand Jason](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1562-acap-breeding-site-no-49-grand-jason-island-and-its-black-browed-albatrosses-and-southern-giant-petrels) and [Steeple Jason](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1484-acap-breeding-sites-no-43-steeple-jason-island-a-major-home-of-black-browed-albatrosses-in-the-south-atlantic) Islands in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)*.  Using data from 12 drone surveys flown by WCS researchers across two years, (avg. resolution: five cm/pixel in 2018, one cm/pixel in 2019) Duke analysts created a model to detect automatically and count albatrosses.  During 2018 and 2019, the model was able to detect a total population of 268 764 nesting albatrosses on Steeple Jason and Grand Jason, with an accuracy compared to manual counts dependent upon the survey area (the model population count and accuracy for the two largest bird survey areas were 133 075 at 2.0% and 57 360 at 9.4%). These first island-wide surveys will be the basis for understanding population dynamics of a species threatened by climate change. This model, a deep-learning algorithm called a convolutional neural network (CNN), has the capacity to be a transferrable model that can be trained and used interchangeably for researchers across the globe, which is why we are reaching out to leaders in the field to collaborate on this project. Our goals are: 1. Apply CNN to other nesting Black-browed Albatross colonies, 2. Train CNN to detect other species of albatross with similar colour patterns and nesting habits, 3. Assess CNN accuracy when transferred to colonial nesting seabirds, and 4. Assess suitability of CNN for transfer to other nesting animals. Building upon the success of this model, WCS, Duke University and University of Tennessee – Knoxville are working together to adapt and train the CNN to detect a wide range of species in variable environments. We need tens of thousands of drone images with nesting albatrosses to input into the CNN to teach, train and validate the algorithm.  We are seeking drone imagery that fits the following criteria: - Flight path in overlapping parallel lines with sufficient overlap to create an orthomosaic - Sensor angle nadir, but oblique imagery would be helpful as well - Minimum 10 000 individuals per data set - Minimum 500 photographs per data set - Minimum 16 MP resolution RGB camera - Flight height recommended between 50 and 100 m, preferably below 80 m. - Sufficiently large data set if albatross images are in a mixed colony The software will be designed to be open source and will be available to any researcher to improve albatross research globally. If you have data you would like to contribute to these efforts and have an interest in collaborating on this project, please contact [Walter Sedgwick](mailto:wsedgwick@msn.com), [mailto:wsedgwick@msn.com](mailto:wsedgwick@msn.com)[Wade Sedgwick](mailto:wsedgwick0@gmail.com) [mailto:wsedgwick0@gmail.com](mailto:wsedgwick0@gmail.com)and [Dave Johnston](mailto:david.johnston@duke.edu)[mailto:david.johnston@duke.edu](mailto:david.johnston@duke.edu).” With thanks to Wieteke Holzhuizen. **Reference:** Hayes, M.C., Gray, P.C., Harris, G., Sedgwick, W.C., Crawford, V.D., Chazal, N., Crofts, S. & Johnston, D.W. 2021.  Drones and deep learning produce accurate and efficient monitoring of large-scale seabird colonies.  [*Ornithological Applications *Ornithological Applications  doi.org/10.1093/ornithapp/**duab022](https://academic.oup.com/condor/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ornithapp/duab022/6281065). ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4070-using-convolutional-neural-networks-to-enhance-monitoring-a-black-browed-albatross-colony-by-drone?highlight=WyJoYXllcyIsMjAyMV0=)). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 May 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/training-a-transferrable-convolutional-neural-network-to-count-breeding-albatrosses-call-for-aerial-hotographs.md) ## How many? Surveying Grey Petrels and other burrowers on Macquarie Island  ![Grey Petrel Chick Macquarie Island Jeremy Bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey_Petrel_Chick_Macquarie_Island_Jeremy_Bird.jpg) *A Grey Petrel chick starts to shed its down on Macquarie Island; photograph by ‘Jez’ Bird* Jeremy ‘Jez’ Bird ([School of Biological Sciences](https://biological-sciences.uq.edu.au/), University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Ecography](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16000587)* on estimating populations of burrowing seabirds ion Australia’s [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site), including that of the ACAP-listed and [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*.  “Species [such as the Grey Petrel] with low abundance that occur patchily across large islands are likely to be best estimated using targeted surveys …”. *![Jez Bird Macca Melissa Houghton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Jez_Bird_Macca_Melissa_Houghton.jpg) Steep!  ‘Jez’ Bird surveys burrowing petrels on Macquarie Island; photograph by Melissa Houghton* The paper’s abstract follows: “Maximising survey efficiency can help reduce the tradeoff between spending limited conservation resources on identifying population changes and responding to those changes through management. Burrow-nesting seabirds are particularly challenging to survey because nests cannot be counted directly. We evaluated a stratified random survey design for generating unbiased population estimates simultaneously for four petrel species nesting on Macquarie Island, Australia, where the survey cue, burrow entrances, is similar for all species. We also compared the use of design-based and model-based analyses for minimising uncertainty in estimates. We recorded 2845 Antarctic prion burrows, 306 white-headed petrel burrows and two blue petrel burrows while distance-sampling along 154 km of transects. For blue petrels and grey petrels, we completed nocturnal searches along a further 71 km and searched 249 km of tracks during follow-up ground searches. We failed to generate unbiased population estimates for two rare and localised species, blue and grey petrels, from our stratified random survey. Only for the most widespread and abundant species, Antarctic prion, did the estimate have reasonable power to detect a rapid population change. Model-based analyses of the stratified random survey data did not improve upon traditional design-based analyses in terms of uncertainty in population estimates, but they did provide useful spatial representation of current populations. Models that used the targeted survey data did not reflect current population sizes and distributions of the two rare and localised species. We found that when species ecologies, distributions and abundances vary, a multi-method approach to surveys is needed. Species with low abundance that occur patchily across large islands are likely to be best estimated using targeted surveys, whereas widespread and abundant species can be accurately and precisely estimated from randomised surveys using informative model-based analyses.” Read Jez Bird’s photo essay for the Grey Petrels of ‘Macca’ [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4143-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-grey-petrel-by-jeremy-bird). With thanks to Jeremy Bird and Justine Shaw. **Reference:** Bird, J., Terauds, A., Fuller, R.A., Pascoe, P.P., Travers, T.D., McInnes, J.C., Alderman, R. & Shaw, J.D. 2022.  Generating unbiased estimates of burrowing seabird populations.  *[Ecography doi: 10.1111/ecog.06204](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ecog.06204)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 02 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/how-many-surveying-grey-petrels-and-other-burrowers-on-macquarie-island.md) ## Featuring Marion Island’s albatrosses and petrels and their photographers: the White-chinned Petrel  ![WCP Marion Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_Marion_Peter_Ryan.jpg)*Like most burrow-nesting petrels, White-chinned Petrels are largely nocturnal at their colonies. However, their large size gives them a degree of bravado when it comes to dealing with Brown Skuas, and they occasionally sit outside their burrow entrances during the day* The White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* is the largest member of the petrel family after the two giant petrels *Macronectes*spp. It breeds at sub-Antarctic islands, with three regional populations: the nominate subspecies breeds at South Georgia and locally on the Falklands in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and at the Prince Edward, Crozet and Kerguelen Islands in the south-west Indian Ocean, whereas *P. a. steadi* breeds at islands south of New Zealand. *![PeterRyan Photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/PeterRyan_Photo.jpg) Peter Ryan scans for seabirds, including White-chinned* *Petrels*,*  on a Southern Ocean voyage* White-chinned Petrels are the seabird most often caught on longlines in the Southern Ocean. Since I started checking the age and sex of hooked seabirds returned to South African ports by fishery observers, I have examined nearly 4000 White-chinned Petrels. They are competent divers, occasionally reaching depths of up to 16 m, which allows them to retrieve baited hooks for some distance behind vessels. Indeed, they are thought to facilitate the bycatch of albatrosses by bringing hooks to the surface, only to be displaced by larger albatrosses. *![WCP burrow Marion Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_burrow_Marion_Peter_Ryan.jpg) The White-chinned Petrel is the largest burrow-nesting petrel, and their burrows tend to be fairly obvious; most have an entrance moat* *![WCP map from Ryan2012](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_map_from_Ryan2012.png) The large, distinctive burrow nests of White-chinned Petrels make it possible to attempt a complete survey of their breeding distribution on Marion Island. Most colonies are close to the coast, but nests occur up to 420 m above sea level below Spitskop (map from Ryan*et al*. 2012). They favour well-drained sites with deep soils for burrowing, avoiding more recent black lava flows* Given concerns about their population status – the species is listed a Vulnerable globally – it was the first burrowing petrel for which we attempted to estimate the breeding population at the Prince Edward Islands. Genevieve Jones, Ben Dilley and I conducted a systematic survey of all burrows in April 2009, and Ben followed up with occupancy checks the following breeding season. This indicated a total population of some 30 000 pairs on Marion Island and at least another 10 000 pairs on Prince Edward Island. Subsequent randomized transects conducted around Marion Island in 2015 by Ben, Stefan Schoombie, Alexis Osborne and I indicated that this initial estimate was too low, with an extrapolated 40 000 pairs breeding on the island. This makes the Prince Edward Islands the third most important breeding site for the nominate subspecies after South Georgia and Kerguelen. *![WCP fledgling Marion Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_fledgling_Marion_Peter_Ryan.jpg) In March and April at Marion Island, White-chinned Petrel chicks exercise their wings outside their burrows at night in preparation for fledging. A few fail to make it back to the safety of their burrows by day break, and typically fall prey to Brown Skuas* Despite their frequent mortality on long-lines, White-chinned Petrel numbers have shown the greatest recovery among burrow-nesting petrels on Marion Island following the eradication of cats in 1991. Their breeding success is generally quite high (average 59% of attempts fledge a chick), suggesting that their chicks are seldom attacked by the introduced House Mice. In this regard, they are probably helped by their large size and by breeding in summer, when mice have a greater range of other food options than in winter. Surprisingly, large chicks may occasionally be killed by Grey Petrels if they find a White-chinned Petrel chick in their burrow when they return to breed in autumn. *![WCP at sea Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_at_sea_Peter_Ryan.jpg) A White-chinned Petrel glides by the photographer in the Southern Ocean* *![WCP calling at sea Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/WCP_calling_at_sea_Peter_Ryan.jpg) At sea,**White-chinned Petrels are among the most vocal of petrels, often giving their characteristic chittering call during squabbles over food All photographs by Peter Ryan* **References:** Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. Burrow wars and sinister behaviour among burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. [*Ardea* 107: 97-102](https://bioone.org/journals/Ardea/volume-107/issue-1/arde.v107i1.a5/Burrow-Wars-and-Sinister-Behaviour-among-Burrow-Nesting-Petrels-at/10.5253/arde.v107i1.a5.short). Dilley, B.J., Hedding, D.W., Henry, D.A.W., Rexer-Huber, K, Parker, G.C., Schoombie, S., Osborne, A. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. Clustered or dispersed: testing the effect of sampling strategy to census burrow-nesting petrels with varied distributions at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. [*Antarctic Science* 31: 231-242](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/clustered-or-dispersed-testing-the-effect-of-sampling-strategy-to-census-burrownesting-petrels-with-varied-distributions-at-subantarctic-marion-island/A4F932E9B3866E60D9A0C82D9AD6EBD6). Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018. Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. [*Antarctic Science* 30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0). Dilley, B.J., Schramm, M. & Ryan, P.G. 2016. Modest increases in densities of burrow-nesting petrels following the removal of cats (*Felis catus*) from Marion Island. [*Polar Biology* 40: 625-637](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-016-1985-z). Rollinson, D.P., Dilley, B.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2014. Diving behaviour of white-chinned petrels and its relevance for mitigating longline bycatch. [*Polar Biology* 37: 1301-1308.](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-014-1521-y) Ryan, P.G. 2001. Partial leucism in Whitechinned Petrels. *Bird Numbers* 10(2): 6-7. Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J. & Jones, M.G.W. 2012. The distribution and abundance of White-chinned Petrels (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) breeding at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. [*Polar Biology * 35: 1851-1859](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-012-1227-y). *Peter Ryan, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, 29 A**pril 2022* **NOTE:**First published on the [Mouse-Free Marion website](https://mousefreemarion.org/) on [26 April 2022](https://mousefreemarion.org/featuring-marion-islands-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-mice-and-their-photographers-the-white-chinned-petrel-by-peter-ryan/). [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-marion-island-s-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-mice-and-their-photographers-the-white-chinned-petrel-by-peter-ryan.md) ## Beheaded! Feral cats are identified killing Streaked Shearwaters on Japan’s Mikura Island ![Streaked Shearwater on rock](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Streaked_Shearwater_on_rock.jpg) *A Streaked Shearwater at night in a breeding colony* Junco Nagata ([Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute](https://www.ffpri.affrc.go.jp/ffpri/en/index.html), Ibaraki, Japan) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Mammal Study*](https://www.mammalogy.jp/en/journal/index.html) on identifying predators of Streaked Shearwaters *Calonectris leucomelas*by genetic analysis. ![Cat predation Streaked Shearwaters](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Cat_predation_Streaked_Shearwaters.png)*"The conditions of the Streaked Shearwater carcasses found in this study"; from the publication* The paper’s abstract follows: “The domestic cat *Felis silvestris catus* is known to be one of the most notorious invasive alien predators. Seabirds are typical taxonomic groups that have been impacted by free-ranging cats on islands, and their headless carcasses are frequently observed. We conducted genetic predator identification of the carcasses of streaked shearwater *Calonectris leucomelas* and described their characteristics on Mikura Island, Japan, where free-ranging cats were blamed for the recent rapid decline of the shearwater population. Eight carcasses of streaked shearwaters were found in the survey. Genetic analysis of swab samples from scarred tissues of the carcasses detected cat DNA and identified cat predation on six out of eight carcasses. All six cat-positive carcasses were headless or almost headless with the head and body faintly connected by esophagus and trachea, several of which were missing their intestines. We describe the conditions of these headless carcasses, noting the main characteristics that could lead to suspicion of cat predation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genetic predator identification using seabirds, and may make more stakeholders aware of the reality of cat predation worldwide. On Mikura Island, we expect that this evidence will contribute to the development of systematic cat management.” Reference: Nagata, J., Haga, A., Kusachi, Y., Tokuyoshi, M., Endo, H. & Watari, Y. 2022. Cats were responsible for the headless carcasses of shearwaters: evidence from genetic predator identification.  [*Mammal Study* 47(3) : 1-8. doi:10.3106/MS2021-004](https://bioone.org/journals/mammal-study/volume-47/issue-3/ms2021-0047/Cats-were-Responsible-for-the-Headless-Carcasses-of-Shearwaters/10.3106/ms2021-0047.full)7. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/beheaded-feral-cats-are-identified-killing-streaked-shearwaters-on-japan-s-mikura-island.md) ## Investigating a weighty problem: sink rates, seabird bycatch and reduction in marketable catch *![Weighty Hooks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Weighty_Hooks.jpg) Control and experimental hooks, the weighted hook is on the left; *from the publication.** Eric Gilman ([The Safina Center](https://www.safinacenter.org/), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/srep/)* on researching weighting longliner hooks tor reduce seabird bycatch. The paper’s abstract follows: “Fisheries bycatch threatens the viability of some seabird populations and reduces fishing efficiency. Albatross bycatch in a US North Pacific tuna longline fishery has increased over the past decade and now exceeds 1000 annual captures. Seabirds interacting with this fishery reach hooks at depths up to 1 m. A branchline weight’s mass and distance from the hook affect seabird catch rates. We conducted experimental fishing to compare the commercial viability of a weighted hook relative to conventional gear with weights attached 0.75 m from the hook. We used a Bayesian random effects meta-analytic regression modelling approach to estimate pooled expected species-specific log relative risk of capture on conventional versus experimental gear. There was a significant 53% (95% HDI: − 75 to − 25%) decrease in retained species’ catch rates on experimental hooks, indicating an unacceptable economic cost, and no significant effect for discarded species. Using a Bayesian general linear mixed regression modelling approach, experimental hooks sank to 85 cm *ca*. 1.4 times (95% HDI: 1.37–1.48) faster than control hooks. Given their potential to reduce seabird catch rates, eliminate safety risks from bite-offs and facilitate robust compliance monitoring, it is a priority to find a weighted hook design with acceptable catch rates.” **Reference:** Gilman, E., Musyl, M., Wild, M., Rong, H. & Chaloupka, M. 2022.  Investigating weighted fishing hooks for seabird bycatch mitigation.  [*Scientific Reports*doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-06875-4](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-06875-4?fbclid=IwAR3lHDslK_FnX1ObPpSPgxk1cYBkq_omATD45Q08kGLwDZ9nNCXqng1QBlE#citeas). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/investigating-a-weighty-problem-sink-rates-seabird-bycatch-and-reduction-in-marketable-catch.md) ## Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature produce a fourth music video for ACAP and World Albatross Day ![John Nicolosi Christoph 39](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/John_Nicolosi_Christoph_39.jpg) *John Nicolosi, Niko Records Studio (front) and Christoph Hrdina, ABUN Co-founder, record the music for the ABUN video for World Albatross Day 2022* In 2020 and again last year ACAP collaborated with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to create portfolios of artworks for each of the 31 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels, all available for ACAP to use in the cause of conservation.  In 2020 77 ABUN artists produced no less than [324 artworks](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3715-day-five-of-world-albatross-week-2020-featuring-artists-biologists-for-nature-2) featuring the world’s 22 albatross species to promote the [inaugural World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) on 19 June.  In 2021 as part of a project entitled “[Petrels in Peril](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3995-acap-s-painting-petrels-in-peril-collaboration-with-abun-ends-with-a-collage-poster-and-a-music-video?highlight=WyJwZXJpbCIsInBlcmlsJyJd)” a further 106 works were created by 50 artists to illustrate the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters.  ABUN co-founder [Kitty Harvill](https://abun4nature.org/kitty-harvill/) worked with John Nicolosi of [Niko Records Studio](http://www.nikorecordsstudio.com/) in Tennessee, USA in both [2020](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/3618-abun-music-video-for-world-albatross-day-2020) and [2021](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/3999-painting-petrels-in-peril-music-video) to produce  music videos that featured the artworks produced, along with the photographs that inspired them.  Additionally, in 2021 a third music video entitled "[The Seabird Wanderers of ACAP](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/4086-the-seabird-wanderers-of-acap-by-kitty-harvill-john-nicolosi)" was produced by Kitty and John that featured photographs of all the 31 ACAP-listed species of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. *The music video for ABUN Project #39 "Climate Change"* For the third year ACAP and ABUN have collaborated to produce more artworks for World Albatross Day and its chosen theme for 2022 of [Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change).  ABUN’s three-month long [Project - #39](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4317-it-s-a-wrap-acap-completes-its-third-collaboration-with-abun-with-93-new-artworks-to-support-world-albatross-day-on-19-june?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwyMDIyXQ==) has resulted in 76 artworks by 38 artists, depicting [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses.  These two Northern Pacific species are at particular risk to sea level rise and storms.  Once more, Kitty Harvill and John Nicolosi have worked together on a music video, their fourth together for ACAP.  John has called the music he wrote, arranged and recorded “Life for the Albatross”. ![ABUN 39 WAD2022 Climate Change Video CREDITS](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/ABUN_39_-_WAD2022_-_Climate_Change_Video_CREDITS.jpg) *ACAP Latest News*took the latest music video to Cape Town’s [Protea Heights Academy](https://www.phahs.org.za/) on Friday last week and gave it a preview in front of 127 Grade 10,11 and 12 learners from four schools as part of the academy's Oceans Awareness Celebration marking [Earth Day](https://www.earthday.org/). The video was well received by the audience.  Kitty Harvill has written to *ACAP Latest News* “I have to say, it's one of my favourites.  The music is so inspiring ... and the artwork is excellent and full of heart”.  ACAP agrees! ![Video showing Protea Heights Academy 1](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Video_showing_Protea_Heights_Academy_1.jpg)*Protea Heights Academy learners watch a preview of the music video on Earth Day* View a [poster](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4323-abun-and-acap-release-a-collage-poster-to-mark-this-year-s-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-climate-change) created by ABUN for this year’s World Albatross Day, depicting the 76 artworks.  All these artworks may be viewed in an [album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.341038494716127&type=3) on ACAP’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels).  Eight of them have been selected to create high-resolution ‘WAD2022” posters, which it is expected will be available for free downloading next month. With thanks to Kitty Harvill, John Nicolosi, Mariette Wheeler of Protea Heights Academy, and all the contributing artists and photographers. *John Cooper, ACAP information Officer, 26 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-produce-a-third-music-video-for-acap-and-world-albatross-day.md) ## ACAP and the Australian Antarctic Division co-publish infographics for the Grey-headed and Shy Albatrosses ![Grey headed Albatross Infographic CORRECTED shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Grey-headed_Albatross_Infographic_CORRECTED_shrunk.jpg)   In support of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries) on 19 June 2021 ACAP released three infographics for the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena*, [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698320) Waved Albatross*Phoebastria irrorata* and the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *D. exulans*.  The last species was co-published with the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/)[,](https://mousefreemarion.org/) with the support of the NGO, [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/).  All three infographics were designed and illustrated by [Namasri 'Namo' Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/).  Later in the year a fourth infographic was produced by Namo, this time for the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *D. antipodensis. *This infographic, of a species endemic to New Zealand, was co-published with that country’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz)*,*which covered the costs of its production.  All four infographics are available in English, French and Spanish versions. ![Shy Albatross Infographic CORRECTED shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Shy_Albatross_Infographic_CORRECTED_shrunk.jpg) Two more infographics in the growing series produced by Namo have now been produced in English for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma* and the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) Shy Albatross *T. cauta*.  They have been co-published with and sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/).  French and Spanish versions are to follow. English and Portuguese language versions of infographics are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). The vision of ACAP is, in time, to produce infographics for all 31 ACAP-listed species; efforts are currently being directed at producing infographics for the 22 species of albatrosses, primarily in support of future World Albatross Days.  At the time of writing, three more albatross infographics are in varying stages of production. With thanks to Namasri Niumim for her artistic work and to Jonathon Barrington for arranging the collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 May 2022, updated 22 May 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-and-the-australian-antarctic-division-co-publish-infographics-for-the-grey-headed-and-shy-albatrosses.md) ## Second year of the Guadalupe translocation to establish a Mexican breeding population of the Black-footed Albatross is underway *![Snah 7 Black footed Albatross DinA 3. penM blue J.A. Soriano GECI](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Snah_7_Black-footed_Albatross_DinA_3._penM_blue_J.A._Soriano_GECI.jpg)* *A translocated Black-footed Albatross close to fledging gets airborne on Isla Guadalupe *in 2021*, blue pen drawing by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist.Snah; after a  photograph (see below) by J.A. Soriano, GECI* Thirty-five Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes* chicks have successfully hatched in their foster nests on [Isla Guadalupe](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1412-acap-breeding-sites-no-34-isla-guadalupe-mexico-supports-an-increasing-population-of-laysan-albatrosses-despite-predation-by-feral-cats) in Mexico.   Moved as eggs from Sand Island, [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North-western Hawaiian Islands, 36 eggs arrived on Guadalupe on 12 January this year to be raised by Laysan Albatrosses *P. immutabilis*, a species which has bred on the island since the early 1980s.  This effort follows on from a [previous translocation](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4108-snowflake-plus-26-all-the-translocated-black-footed-albatrosses-have-fledged-from-mexico-s-guadalupe-island?highlight=WyJndWFkYWx1cGUiXQ==) from which 27 translocated chicks fledged last year from Isla Guadalupe, including ‘Snowflake’, the first to depart. ![Guadalupe translocation map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Guadalupe_translocation_map.jpg) *Transfer route, courtesy of GECI* With 97% of [globally Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) Black-footed Albatrosses breeding on low-lying atolls in the USA’s North-western Hawaiian Islands where they are at risk to climate change, the translocation project aims to establish a new colony on the high island of Guadalupe (a Biosphere Reserve) to help ensure the long-term survival of their species.  Two NGOs, Hawaii’s Pacific Rim Conservation ([PRC](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)) and Mexico’s Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas ([GECI](https://islas.org.mx)), have coordinated efforts with the federal governments of both countries to effect the translocations. “When the eggs hatched, the chicks recognized Guadalupe Island as their home; after orienting themselves with the stars, they will return to the island as non-breeding adults in a period of three to five years.  Later, in five to eight years, they will return to the island to find a mate and reproduce.” ![Blackfooted WAD22 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Blackfooted_WAD22_2.jpg) Find more about the project in Spanish [here](https://www.gob.mx/conanp/prensa/nacen-albatros-patas-negras-en-la-reserva-de-la-biosfera-isla-guadalupe?fbclid=IwAR1T1i7doO9lJtTKtupGKclu-7LCM8BfC-QbX4JRqzehvEYw7ixThl0O5yI).  Read a [news article](https://simpleflying.com/hawaiian-airlines-bird-rescue-flight/?fbclid=IwAR15aEVlTEy8Rb_RSAbF7XkgAaAnyTD0yge4USx5DMR-xyi97uDJBgcryb0) on the transfer flight and watch a [video](https://www.facebook.com/MaLuisaAlboresG/videos/1322888458184485) (with Spanish text) on the translocation. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/second-year-of-the-guadalupe-translocation-to-establish-a-mexican-breeding-population-of-the-black-footed-albatross-is-underway.md) ## ABUN and ACAP release a collage poster to mark this year’s World Albatross Day and its theme of “Climate Change” ![ABUN 39 poster Kitty Harvill shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/ABUN_39_poster_Kitty_Harvill_shrunk.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year.  The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  These two Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands, where they are at risk from sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that together result in the loss of breeding habitat and flooding of nests leading to loss of eggs and chicks, both considered a consequence of climate change. ![Kitty Harvill signing Lost in a Rising Sea watercolour 15x15in](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Kitty_Harvill_signing_Lost_in_a_Rising_Sea_watercolour_15x15in.jpg)*Kitty Harviill signs her artwork for ABUN Project #39 in her studio*  For the third year running the Albatross and Petrel Agreement has collaborated with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks to help raise awareness of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day)in the cause of the conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4241-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-paint-albatrosses-once-more-for-world-albatross-day)).  ABUN’s 39th Project produced artworks depicting these two Northern Pacific albatrosses over the extended period of January to March ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4317-it-s-a-wrap-acap-completes-its-third-collaboration-with-abun-with-93-new-artworks-to-support-world-albatross-day-on-19-june?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwyMDIyXQ==)).  No less than 38 ABUN artists participated, using photographs supplied to ACAP as inspiration.  All these artworks are available for viewing in a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.341038494716127&type=3) on ACAP’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels).  Already some of them have been used to illustrate posts to *ACAP Latest News*, including two that feature participating artists, [Flávia Barreto](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4313-brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-through-her-art) from Brazil and [Grisselle Chock](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4300-grisselle-chock-supports-world-albatross-day-2022-with-her-evocative-artworks-illustrating-climate-change?highlight=WyJjaG9jayIsMjAyMl0=) in the USA. The Agreement now takes pleasure, fittingly on [Earth Day](https://www.earthday.org/), in releasing a collage poster depicting 76 #39 artworks put together by ABUN co-founder, [Kitty Harvill](https://abun4nature.org/kitty-harvill/). Soon to follow will be the Project #39 music video, produced as in 2020 and 2021 by Kitty and musician [John Nicolosi](http://www.nikorecordsstudio.com/).  Next month ACAP will release eight posters chosen from #39 artworks and designed by Michelle Risi to add to the 12 [WAD2022 photo posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters) she produced that are already available on this website and via [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.343233357829974&type=3) ![ABUN 39](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/ABUN_39.jpg) With grateful thanks to Kitty Harvill, the contributing ABUN artists and the photographers whose pictures offered inspiration. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abun-and-acap-release-a-collage-poster-to-mark-this-year-s-world-albatross-day-and-its-theme-of-climate-change.md) ## Quick learners: fledging Grey-headed Albatrosses respond rapidly to wind and resource availability  ![Grey headed subad Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_subad_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*Subadult Grey-headed Albatross at sea; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Caitlin Frankish ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Oikos*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16000706)on dispersal and at-sea movements of naïve juvenile Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Optimal selection of foraging habitats is key to survival, but it remains unclear how naïve individuals are able to locate patchily-distributed resources and maximize energy gain in completely new environments. In most animals, juveniles disperse unaccompanied by their parents, and hence their movements are likely guided, at least at fine scales, by external cues. However, the extent to which environmental processes and individual learning shape habitat selection and movement strategies of juveniles remains unclear, especially in species with cryptic life-stages. Here, we use a mechanistic modelling framework – integrated step selection analysis – to examine the development of habitat preferences in a pelagic seabird with a prolonged period of immaturity, the grey-headed albatross *Thalassarche chrysostoma*. Juveniles were tracked from Bird Island, South Georgia, in two years (n = 9 in 2018 and n = 12 in 2019), using satellite transmitters (platform terminal transmitters), and we investigated ontogenetic changes in individual movement characteristics (step lengths and turning angles) in response to two environmental variables; tailwind support (which enables low-cost movement) and chlorophyll *a* concentration (a proxy for resources) during their first four months at sea. Naïve juveniles dispersed rapidly away from South Georgia towards the same general region (subantarctic and subtropical waters in the east Atlantic Ocean) by increasing their travel speeds and directional persistence in response to favourable wind conditions. In the first month post-fledging, juveniles also responded to local resource availability (chlorophyll *a* concentration) by reducing travel speeds in more productive regions, but thereafter engaged in comparatively slower and more sinuous movements, apparently focusing foraging effort on frontal zones. While complex movement strategies such as long-distance migrations may take several years to develop, our results indicate that dispersing juveniles are able to respond rapidly both to changes in wind and local resource availability, maximising flight and foraging efficiency." Read of a related paper tracking juvenile Grey-headed Albatrosses [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4134-fledging-grey-headed-albatrosses-in-the-south-atlantic-head-for-a-bycatch-hotspot?highlight=WyJmcmFua2lzaCJd). With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Frankish, C.K., Manica, A., Clay, T.A., Wood, A.G. & Phillips, R.A. 2022.  Ontogeny of movement patterns and habitat selection in juvenile albatrosses.  [*Oikos* doi.org/10.1111/oik.09057](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/oik.09057)[.](https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.09057) *[John](https://doi.org/10.1111/oik.09057)**Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/quick-learners-fledging-grey-headed-albatrosses-respond-rapidly-to-wind-and-resource-availability.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Chatham Albatross by Chris Robertson ![PIX 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_1.jpg) *A Chatham Albatross and its chick approaching the end of the guard stage; backed by flowering New Zealand Ice Plants*Disphyma australe **NOTE:** This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Chris Robertson QSM and past President, Ornithological Society of New Zealand, writes about the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chatham-albatross-thalassarche-eremita/text) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/chatham-island-mollymawk) Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita*. A New Zealand endemic restricted to a single breeding locality, [The Pyramid](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1315-acap-breeding-sites-no-9-the-pyramid-chatham-islands-new-zealand), the Chatham Albatross and its breeding site have been a significant part of Chris’s long and distinguished ornithological career. *![PIX 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_2.jpg) Chris Robertson tends an open-air camp kitchen on The Pyramid in 1998.  Even though the site is 30 m above sea level, the slabs of rock from nearby cliffs have been moved several times during storms over the past 40 years: photograph by Dave Bell* Ornithology is often classed as a hobby, but it can also spill over into the role of lifetime challenges. Experiences and associations provide the underpinnings which in my case led to perching on a small steep 174-m high islet at the southern limit of the Chatham Islands looking at one of the least known of the albatross clan. My association with albatrosses both professionally and as a hobby has spanned some 70 years – but we have still barely started to comprehend the many intricacies of their lives at sea. This essay explores various byways in my study of large seabirds while being a conservation and research administrator. *![PIX 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_3.jpg) The Pyramid from the north-east.  The camp flat is the small promontory 30 m above sea level in the top left* At the age of eleven in 1953 travelling to Panama from Auckland, New Zealand, I saw my first albatross (identified with the help of that classic field guide for seabirds “*Birds of the Ocean*” by W.B. Alexander), but birds were not then prominent in my life. Count Kazio Wodzicki, a WWII Polish diplomat and refugee, who had worked with my late father and Sir Charles Fleming on the first New Zealand Australasian Gannet *Morus serrator* census in 1947, introduced me as a teenager to the annual counting of the gannets at Cape Kidnappers in 1957. This annual survey, undertaken in the 10 days prior to Christmas, has continued from the 1940s to the present, and became my responsibility from 1967. Counting and surveying birds was to become a regular birding pastime. My first scientific paper in 1964 reported on a research project undertaken while at a teacher’s college about the predation of Australasian Gannet eggs by Black-backed Gulls *Larus d. dominicanus* – my first excursion into the side-effects of human interference by large visiting parties of tourists. In 1964 I joined the Dominion Museum (now the [Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa](https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/)) under its then Director Sir Robert Falla, where my job was ostensibly to work on moa bones.  Somehow, that never happened and Count Fred Kinsky the ornithologist (a previous wartime refugee from Czechoslovakia), enrolled me to administer New Zealand’s bird-banding scheme. Thus, I became well educated in the ways of museums, collecting and collections, and the wide range of activities and personnel using bands to assist their studies. In 1967 I was transferred to the New Zealand Wildlife Service (now the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)since 1987) there taking bird banding to a new home as the [New Zealand National Banding Scheme](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/schemes/nz-national-banding-scheme/) and remaining its administrator until 1982. *![PIX 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_4.jpg) A Chatham Albatross feeds its chick by regurgitation* *![PIX 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_5.jpg) A chick close to fledging exercises it wings* In 1968 I was asked to examine the observational records of the small mainland colony of globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi/text) and nationally [At Risk – Nationally Vulnerable](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4240-northern-and-southern-royal-and-light-mantled-albatrosses-get-a-worsened-national-conservation-status-from-new-zealand-s-threat-classification-system-in-2021?highlight=WyJyb3lhbCIsIidyb3lhbCIsInZ1bG5lcmFibGUiLCIndnVsbmVyYWJsZScuIiwiJ3Z1bG5lcmFibGUnIiwyMDIyXQ==) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at [Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) near Dunedin in the South Island of New Zealand. Originally protected and conserved by [Lancelot Richdale](https://acap.aq/57-news-archive-section/2012-news-archive/153-seabird-genius-a-review-of-pioneer-albatross-researcher-lance-richdales-biography?highlight=WyJyaWNoZGFsZSIsInJpY2hkYWxlJ3MiLCJyZXZpZXciLCJyZXZpZXcncyJd) from the late 1930s until about 1950, the colony then officially obtained continued protection with a resident ranger, Stan Sharpe. There was a disconnect between the various records of individual birds, as Richdale had transferred his records to a second party. My investigation led to seven years of irregular meetings with Lance and his wife Agnes, and the foundation of what is probably the longest international dataset of a marked group of seabirds. I became the research manager for the colony until 2000 when I retired. The then on-site rangers provided impeccable observation records of individually marked birds for analysis and enabled us to explore Richdale’s often asserted question when dealing with such a small breeding population ‘when is the exception the rule’? Throughout the monitoring we were continually challenged with the need to maintain productivity in the face of predators such as cats, stoats, and ferrets. However, an introduced blowfly *Lucilia sericata* has proven to be the deadliest, with attacks on the hatching chicks – now solved by hatching most of the eggs in an artificial incubator. Also, between 1969 and 1972 were the negotiations with the [Otago Peninsula Trust](http://otagopeninsulatrust.co.nz/) to open the albatross colony to public viewing. This was a long and complex discussion with the goal always to prevent any adverse effects of tourism on the breeding area. It led to a discrete observatory overseeing only part of the colony, with conducted parties travelling from a separate reception site. Observations in the 1980s showed that the observatory windows needed tinting as chicks became aware of the visitors, and later when they returned to breed, were choosing to nest out of view. The colony visiting has now continued for 50 years, 1.5+ million visitors, and chick numbers have grown from two to three to around 30 a breeding season. A major conservation, tourism, and educational success! The 1970s saw several new albatross and conservation experiences at the [Campbell](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels) and [Auckland](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2358-acap-breeding-site-no-81-auckland-island-where-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-feral-pigs) Islands. There was also the start of an extended series of visits to the Chatham Islands over the next 20 years, accessing all its three principal albatross breeding sites, including The Pyramid. The 1980s saw albatross study visits to the [Bounty](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1208-acap-breeding-sites-no-1-the-bounty-islands-of-new-zealand) and [Antipodes](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) Islands and [The Snares](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1336-acap-breeding-sites-no-15-snares-islands-new-zealand-home-of-buller-s-and-salvin-s-albatrosses), as well as repeat visits to Campbell and the Aucklands. Two time-urgent major research projects then diverted me to smaller waterbirds and addressed the habitat requirements of wetland birds, especially on the specialised braided shingle rivers in the South Island. These were observational team studies which melded fine geographic habitat descriptors with bird behaviour and demonstrated fine-scale habitat niches within the species complex. The whole project revolved around the need to protect bird habitat from water extraction for irrigation, farming or hydro-electric dams.  From 1986-1993 a major role was the before and after business management in New Zealand of two world bird conferences (20th International Ornithological Congress and 20th International Council for Bird Preservation (now [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/)) held respectively at Christchurch and Hamilton in December 1990. Then it was back to albatrosses. *![PIX 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_6.jpg) Bench colony of Chatham Albatross breeding sites among rock falls high up on the side of island* From the 1970s through to 2008 I made research excursions to local and overseas museums exploring their specimen collections for the Diomedeidae albatross family. A total of 72 different collections was visited, with the pre-eminent ones for breadth and diversity being the [American Museum of Natural History](https://www.amnh.org) in New York and the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington – the latter is not surprising as the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has breeding populations of 14 albatross taxa.  Certain features observed in my field observations needed confirmation with these voucher specimen skins. Morphological features are an essential part of the taxonomic comb for the delineation of species. These tools have been increasingly extended more recently by the complementary, but not exclusive, intricacies of DNA genetic analysis. ![PIX 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_7.jpg) *Non-breeding albatross activity on the summit of The Pyramid, with a distant background view of Pitt and Mangere Islands in the southern Chatham Islands* In February 1974 I made a one-day landing on The Pyramid to assess possible landing sites and potential places for camping. A further nine days were spent later that year when the island was explored, and basic ecological information obtained. Much of my work in the Chathams during the 1970s had been involved with the assessment of numbers of the various albatross populations. Most populations had recorded historic occurrences of the harvesting of near-fledged chicks. There were still people alive who had participated in such events (all the Chatham Albatross breeding islands are privately Maori owned), and some wished that harvests could re-occur, even though the birds now had legal protection. The Pyramid is the sole breeding site for the Chatham Albatross and wooden albatross-collecting ‘clubs’ from historic birding harvests were found cached on the island during our visits. There was little other evidence of previous occupation, and our extended stays required specific packaging and the landing of water supplies to cover the time ashore. *![PIX 8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_8.jpg) Landing from small craft on The Pyramid is limited to a few localities, through extensive beds of kelp and often heavy swells* *![PIX 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_9.jpg) Lower parts of the island have extensive breeding colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals which can make progress hazardous. Note a breeding Chatham Albatross and a newly born seal pup* I did not return to The Pyramid until 1995, then accompanied by Gary Nunn who had been undertaking genetic studies on the albatross family.  Landing is not guaranteed, with the island exposed to heavy seas and wind defined by the ‘Roaring Forties’ and a mean daily wind speed of 35 km/h. There are only two potential landing spots, both some distance over difficult terrain to the main camp site. All landings have to contend with risky progress through New Zealand Fur Seals *Arctocephalus forsteri* breeding areas, with territorial males being particularly aggressive. On this occasion we arrived late in the afternoon due to transport holdups and only managed to get a small amount of the gear to the campsite and one tent erected before dark. The camp area is about 30 m above sea level and is basically the island ‘beach’ below a near vertical cliff. There are some piles of rock slabs– some slabs weighing an estimated one or two tonnes – which we subsequently discovered were regularly moved around by storms over the over 40 years researchers have worked there. Albatross nest markers glued to the rocks showed displacements of up to 10 m. On the first night there was a storm which kept us tent-bound for several days and removed most of the gear which had remained cached above the landing site. Moving about the island when it is wet is also problematic as the surface becomes like wet glass from accumulated years of bird excreta. Cramped living for a few days in a small alpine tent in severe winds can be interesting. Even more challenging was food preparation in the open with little shelter in gale conditions. The main topic during our confinement was an intensive debate on speciation in albatrosses (genetics and morphology), and an honourable draw was agreed that despite known genetic markers ‘you still have to be able to see the difference’. The penultimate result of this debate was the paper ‘Towards a new taxonomy for albatrosses’, published in 1998. ![PIX 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_10.jpg) *A breeding Chatham Albatross showing the aerial from a harnessed PTT transmitter* The next projects at The Pyramid from 1997 to 1998 involved developing replicable census methods, fixing nest markers for banded birds, partition markers to ensure replicable areas for counting, and some satellite tracking with colleague David Nicholls from Australia.  Analysis of tracking data shows that most foraging flights during the breeding season are within 250 km of the breeding colony. Foraging trips can be from 0.5 to 8 days (mean three days) supporting a concentration of feeding round the outer edges of the Chatham Rise. Both adults and fledglings depart New Zealand seas in April for the pelagic coastal waters along the Humboldt Current of the continental slope off Chile and principally Peru. Breeding adults return to The Pyramid after an absence of approximately 200 days and having an accumulated travel distances of around 40 000 km in that time. During their maritime travels they are exposed to industrial and artisanal fishery activities both in New Zealand and South American waters, but incidental bycatch seems to be small with relatively few reported events. *![PIX 11](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_11.jpg)*  ![PIX 12](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_12.jpg) *Dave Bell measures nests in a large cave with sheltered accumulated nest pedestals of up to 70 cm high* The sole breeding population of Chatham Albatrosses is confined to The Pyramid. Counts from the 1970s, the 1990s and the 2000s show a remarkable similarity in nest site counts. Breeding is annual, with egg laying during late August through September, incubation for 70 days, and hatching from late October to early December. Fledging is from late February to the end of April. Breeding pairs which fail (unlike many other albatross species) continue to occupy the nest site until well into chick fledging. This ensures that the occupied site is defended against prospecting younger birds. This seems to be the factor which drives the stable population and suggests that lack of nesting habitat causes a delay in commencement of breeding. Habitat and weather are the main determinant of breeding success. Occasional extreme droughts can cause rudimentary nests to collapse late in the nesting season, while regular gales can have a localised effect (depending on wind direction) on breeding productivity. Successful chick production is about 45%, with survivorship to first return at four years of 89-92%. ![PIX 13](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_13.jpg) *Sole nesting site of the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on a tiny ledge high on The Pyramid; the first New Zealand breeding record for the species: photograph by Dave Bell* After my retirement from island hopping in the late 1990s further expeditions were made by others to The Pyramid during November-December 2008-2010 for population surveys and in support of a PhD study by Lorna Deppe. Nest site counts over eight years during 1999-2016 averaged 5294, with a range of 5194-5407. Observing and counting form the basis of continuing population assessments. Of interest are the recording of other albatross taxa resident or visiting The Pyramid. Most visits have recorded Salvin’s Albatrosses *T. salvini* (a number have been banded there and resighted over several seasons) including one banded as a chick at the main breeding site – the Bounty Islands. Based on bill colour many are sub-adults. Courtship display attempts were seen by a resident Shy Albatross *T. cauta* which was present for several years. The Chatham Albatross visibly lost interest immediately the Shy Albatross called and displayed. Finally, a single pair of Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *T. carteri* has bred for several years on a high small inaccessible ledge. Although eggs have been recorded no chicks have been seen. ![PIX 14](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_14.jpg) *A courtship display attempt between sub-adult Salvin’s and Chatham Albatrosses.  Ten or more Salvin’s Albatrosses were present during most seasons, with seemingly one attempt at cross-breeding* *![PIX 15](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham/PIX_15.jpg) A sole Shy Albatross was present during several annual visits* The Pyramid is not a place for the unwary and the origin of the Chatham Albatross name *eremita* (meaning hermit or reclusive) defines an albatross reluctant to reveal the full details of its existence. From 1974 to 2016 only about 150 days have been spent living on the island for census, tracking and breeding studies. Although one of the most difficult sites to operate on because of the cost and difficulty of landing, the biggest restraint is the weather and need to import all supplies, including water. One of my past colleagues defined ‘science (ornithology) as the purest form of entertainment’. It is however important to record and monitor change especially when knowledge is sparse. It can start with a single observation (such as mine in 1953) which with experience, progressed to my identification and reclassifying of that species in 1992. I have authored and participated in the publication of two bird distribution atlases for New Zealand over a period of 40 years and have met and worked with many distinguished proponents of the art of ornithology, and even today continue the challenge to improve the taxonomy of the family Diomedeidae. I have seen museum specimens of all the albatross taxa and been fortunate to study 17 taxa on their breeding colonies. It is, however, time for younger eyes and legs to take up the challenge. **References:** Department of Conservation 2001. Recovery plan for albatrosses in the Chatham Islands. Chatham Island mollymawk, Northern royal albatross, Pacific mollymawk. 2001-2011. [Threatened Species Recovery Plan No. 42](http://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp42.pdf). 24 pp. Deppe, L. 2012. [*Spatial and Temporal Patterns of at-sea Distribution and Habitat Use of New Zealand Albatrosses.*.](https://acap.aq/index.php/en/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/1107-doctorate-awarded-for-study-of-at-sea-distribution-of-three-endemic-new-zealand-albatrosses) PhD thesis, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. 140 pp. Deppe, L., McGregor, K.F., Tomasetto, F., Briskie, J.V. & Scofield, R.P. 2014. Distribution and predictability of foraging areas in breeding Chatham Albatrosses *Thalassarche eremita* in relation to environmental characteristics. [*Marine Ecology Progress Series*498: 287-301.](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v498/p287-301/) Fraser, M.J. 2013 (updated 2017) [*Chatham Island Mollymawk*](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/chatham-island-mollymawk). In: Miskelly, C.M. (Ed.). New Zealand Birds Online. Moreno, C. & Quiñones, J. 2022. Albatross and petrel interactions with an artisanal squid fishery in southern Peru during El Niño, 2015-2017. [*Marine Ornithology* 50: 49-56](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1459). Nicholls, D.G. & Robertson, C.J.R. 2007. Assessing flight characteristics for the Chatham albatross (*Thalassarche eremita*) from satellite tracking. [*Notornis * 54: 168-179](https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Nicholls%2C+D.G.+%26+Robertson%2C+C.J.R.+2007.+Assessing+flight+characteristics+for+the+Chatham+albatross+%28Thalassarche+eremita%29+from+satellite+tracking.+Notornis+54%3A+168-179.&btnG=). Quiñones, J., Alegre, A., Romero, C., Manrique, M. & Vásquez, L. 2021. Fine-scale distribution, abundance, and foraging behavior of Salvin's, Buller's, and Chatham albatrosses in the Northern Humboldt Upwelling System. [*Pacific Science* 75: 85-105](https://bioone.org/journals/pacific-science/volume-75/issue-1/75.1.4/Fine-Scale-Distribution-Abundance-and-Foraging-Behavior-of-Salvins-Bullers/10.2984/75.1.4.short). Quiñones, J., Romero, C., Mangel .J.C., Alfaro-Shigueto, J., Moreno, C. & Zavalaga, C. 2022.  At-sea surveys reveal new insights of fine-scale distribution and foraging behaviour of Chatham albatrosses (*Thalassarche eremita*) in central southern Peru. *Notornis* 69: 72-78. Robertson, C.J.R. 1974. Albatrosses of the Chatham Islands. *Wildlife – A Review*5: 20-22. Robertson, C.J.R. 1991. Questions on the harvesting of Toroa in the Chatham Islands. [*Science and Research Series*No. 35.](https://fdocuments.in/document/questions-on-the-harvesting-of-toroa-in-the-chatham-4-the-moriori-developed.html) 105 pp. Robertson, C., Bell, D. & Scofield, P. 2003. Population assessment of the Chatham mollymawk at The Pyramid, December 2001. [*DOC Science Internal Series* No. 91](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/older-series/doc-science-internal-series-archive/). 17 pp. Robertson, C.J.R. & Nicholls, D.G. 2004. Chatham Albatross. In: [*Tracking Ocean Wanderers: the Global Distribution of Albatrosses and Petrels.*  *Results from the Global Procellariiform Tracking Workshop, 1-5 September 2003, Gordon’s Bay, South Africa*](http://seabirdtracking.org/?q=trackingoceanwanderers_publication).  Cambridge: BirdLife International. 100 + xii pp. Robertson, C.J.R. & Nunn, G.B. 1998.  Towards a new taxonomy for albatrosses. In: Robertson, G. & Gales, R. (Eds). *Albatross Biology and Conservation*. Chipping Norton:  Surrey Beatty & Sons.  pp.13-19. Scofield, P. 2008. Chatham Albatross. In: De Roy, T., Jones, M. & Fitter, J. (Eds). * Albatross, their World, their Ways*. Auckland: David Bateman Ltd.  pp. 168-169. Spear, I.B., Ainley, D.G. & Webb, S.W. 2003. Distribution, abundance, and behaviour of Buller’s, Chatham and Salvin’s Albatrosses off Chile and Peru. [*Ibis* 145: 253-269](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1474-919X.2003.00151.x). *Christopher J.R. Robertson, QSM, Hon DSc, FOSNZ, FIOU, Wellington, New Zealand, 20 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-chatham-albatross-by-chris-robertson.md) ## Sick chick? Veterinary care in the world’s most-managed albatross colony *![Sick chick 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Sick_chick_1.jpg) The Northern Royal Albatross chick in captivity* The Dunedin Wildlife Hospital [reports via Facebook](https://acap.aq/Https://www.facebook.com/Dunedinwildlifehospital) on a [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi*chick that appeared not to be faring well in New Zealand’s mainland colony on the Otago Peninsula.  The bird was taken into temporary captivity for examination by veterinarians.  After a few days it was given the all clear and returned to its nest, where it was continued to be fed by its parents in what must be the world’s most-managed albatross colony, which includes regular weighing of chicks and supplementary feeding if they are deemed to be underweight.  The original post follows after minor editing. “Our vet team recently cared for a very fluffy Royal visitor! A gorgeous young [Northern] Royal Albatross/Toroa chick from the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head colony](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin needed a vet check. Rangers had observed vomiting that was not consistent with the typical defence mechanism oil vomit that these birds will do. The chick had also lost a significant amount of weight which led to concerns that either the chick was not receiving enough food from the parents, or, with the observed unprovoked vomiting, something more sinister could be going on. *![Sick chick 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Sick_chick_7.jpg) The chick gets readied for examination* Our vets anaesthetised the chick to perform X-rays, take blood for testing as well as perform a gastroscopy to assess the stomach contents and check for unusual objects such a plastic [object].  Apart from some mild elevations in some of the blood tests, all the other tests were normal and luckily no plastic was found in the chick’s stomach, a huge relief! It was sent back to its nest and rangers supplementary fed it, to help it gain some weight, as well as administering the short course of antibiotics our vets prescribed. The latest update is that the chick’s dad has definitely been observed feeding it and the wee chick is gaining weight nicely and doing well. *![Sick chick 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Sick_chick_5.jpg) Under anaesthesia* The albatross colony at Taiaroa Head is the only albatross mainland breeding colony in the world. The Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Toroa population is only 1% of the world population making each chick valuable to the sustainability of the colony so intensive management is essential including medical intervention whenever needed. The latest bird threat classification report, released in December, saw the Northern Royal Albatross’ conservation status worsen to [Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4240-northern-and-southern-royal-and-light-mantled-albatrosses-get-a-worsened-national-conservation-status-from-new-zealand-s-threat-classification-system-in-2021?highlight=WyJ0aHJlYXRlbmVkIiwidGhyZWF0ZW5lZCciLCIndGhyZWF0ZW5lZCciLCJuYXRpb25hbGx5IiwidnVsbmVyYWJsZSIsIid2dWxuZXJhYmxlJy4iLCIndnVsbmVyYWJsZSciLCJyb3lhbCIsIidyb3lhbCIsInRocmVhdGVuZWQgbmF0aW9uYWxseSIsInRocmVhdGVuZWQgbmF0aW9uYWxseSB2dWxuZXJhYmxlIiwibmF0aW9uYWxseSB2dWxuZXJhYmxlIl0=). The report says “fisheries bycatch (primarily outside of New Zealand’s waters), and droughts or storm events associated with climate change, appear to be causing the decline.” It’s a reminder that we can help by taking steps to reduce our contribution to climate change, and to dispose of plastic carefully, as once it’s in the ocean albatross can mistake it for food.” *![Sick chick 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Sick_chick_6.jpg) A gastroscopy is underway* Northern Royal Albatrosses have been found to ingest plastics, including the birds of  Pukekura/Tairaroa Head ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4041-not-my-little-pony-a-northern-royal-albatross-chick-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-new-zealand-avoids-ingesting-plastic?highlight=WyJwb255Il0=) for an example, and also follow its links for more), so the concern was a real one, although this time no foreign objects were found in the chick’s alimentary canal. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/sick-chick-veterinary-care-in-the-world-s-most-managed-albatross-colony.md) ## Archaeological evidence suggests long-term individual foraging site fidelity in the Short-tailed Albatross *![Short tailed Albatross Laurie Johnson Lucimara Wesolowicz.hiquaL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Lucimara_Wesolowicz.hiquaL.jpg)Short-tailed Albatross pair by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)artist *Lucimara Wesolowicz‎*, after a photograph by Cynthia Vanderlip* Eric Guiry ([School of Archaeology and Ancient History](https://le.ac.uk/archaeology), University of Leicester, UK) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Communications Biology*](https://www.nature.com/commsbio/) on using archaeological information to learn about the past foraging fidelity of Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* over thousands of years. The paper’s abstract follows: “Theory and field studies suggest that long-term individual foraging site fidelity (IFSF) may be an important adaptation to competition from increasing population. However, the driving mechanisms and extent of long-term IFSF in wild populations of long-lived, migratory animals has been logistically difficult to study, with only a few confirmed instances. Temporal isotopic datasets can reveal long-term patterns in geographical foraging behaviour. We investigate the isotopic compositions of endangered short-tailed albatross (*Phoebastria albatrus*) over four millennia leading up to their near-extinction. Although not exhibited by short-tailed albatross today, we show past sub-populations displayed a high-degree of long-term IFSF, focusing on the same locations for hundreds of generations. This is the first large-scale evidence for the deep antiquity of long-term IFSF and suggests that it’s density-driven. Globally, as populations of species like short-tailed albatross continue to recover from overexploitation, potential for resurgence of geographic specialization may increase exposure to localized hazards, requiring closer conservation monitoring.” Read a popular article on the study [here](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220414110831.htm). With thanks to Barry Baker and Ken Morgan. **Reference:** Guiry, E.J., James, M., Cheung, C. & Royle, T.C.A. 2022.  Four millennia of long-term individual foraging site fidelity in a highly migratory marine predator.  [*Communications Biology*5: 368**.**](https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03310-2). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/archaeological-evidence-suggests-long-term-individual-foraging-site-fidelity-in-the-short-tailed-albatross.md) ## Neotype designated for the Short-tailed Albatross is from the Senkaku Islands *![Zootaxa ms](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Zootaxa_ms.jpg) Neotype of*Phoebastria albatrus*, dorsal view; from the publication* Takeshi Yamasaki ([Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](https://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/), Japan) and colleagues have published open access in the journal*[Zootaxa](https://www.mapress.com/zt/index)* on designating a neotype for the Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus.*The bird is thought to have been from thepopulation breeding on the Senkaku Islands. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Short-tailed Albatross (Pallas, 1769) is a threatened seabird widely distributed in the northern Pacific Ocean with its largest breeding sites on the Senkaku Islands and Torishima Island, Japan, which are separated by over 1700 km.  A recent taxonomic revision based on morphological, behavioral, and DNA sequence evidence has revealed that this species consists of two cryptic species: a smaller species which breeds mainly in the Senkaku Islands, and a larger species which breeds mainly on Torishima Island.  However, it has remained unclear to which of these species the scientific name *Phoebastria albatrus*applies, because the type specimens are lost. Here a neotype is designated to resolve this taxonomic issue.  From now on, the scientific name *Phoebastria albatrus*should be applied only to the smaller species breeding on the Senkaku Islands. The name of the larger species is more problematic, as the types of each synonym of *P. albatrus*must be traced, found, and examined.” Read of three relevant publications featured in *ACAP Latest News* on Senkaku Short-tailed Albatrosses [here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2535-keeping-apart-assortative-mating-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-from-senkaku-and-torishima?highlight=WyJzZW5rYWt1IiwiZWRhIl0=), [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3884-are-short-tailed-albatrosses-two-cryptic-species-new-evidence?highlight=WyJzZW5rYWt1Il0=) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4276-eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands?highlight=WyJicm90aGVycyJd). **Reference:** Yamasaki, T., Eda, M., Schodde, R. & Loskot, V. 2022.  Neotype designation of the Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* (Pallas, 1769) (Aves: Procellariiformes: Diomedeidae).  *[Zootaxa 5124 (1): 081-087](https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5124.1.6?fbclid=IwAR1BkExF_L-B5O8FrIfSWWNv9hog3sMxnUXJc7eYfTrEeYwLLts7NkOO_nk)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/neotype-designated-for-the-short-tailed-albatross-is-from-the-senkaku-islands.md) ## It’s a wrap! ACAP completes its third collaboration with ABUN, with over 90 new artworks to support World Albatross Day on 19 June ![Anju Rajesh Black footed Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Anju_Rajesh_Black-footed_Albatross.jpeg) *Artwork for WAD2022 by*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*artist*Anju Rajesh For the third year running the Albatross and Petrel Agreement has collaborated with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks to help raise awareness of [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day)in the cause of the conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters. ACAP has chosen “Climate Change” to be its theme for the [third World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwid2FkMjAyMiJd)).  The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis.*  Both these Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-western Hawaiian Islands.  There they are at risk from sea-level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change. *![Marion Schön My Heart is Yours Laysan Albatross Hob Osterlund pastels](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Marion_Schön_My_Heart_is_Yours_Laysan_Albatross_Hob_Osterlund_pastels.jpg) “My Heart is Yours”, A Laysan Albatross pair by Marion Schön, after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* ABUN’s 39th Project has concentrated on producing artworks depicting these two Northern Pacific albatrosses over the extended period of January to March.  Now the project is ended, save for a few last, promised artworks, ACAP is both proud and grateful to announce that no less than 93 new paintings and drawings by ABUN artists are available for the Agreement to use to illustrate its news posts and in other products.  All these artworks can be viewed in a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.341038494716127&type=3) on ACAP’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels). *![Ilana Nimz Laysan Albatross James Campbell](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Ilana_Nimz_Laysan_Albatross_James_Campbell.jpg) Combating sea-level rise: a[translocated](https://pacificrimconservation.org/conservation/bird-translocations/) Laysan Albatross chick in Hawaii’s*[*James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge*](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james-campbell)*, by Ilana Nimz* Two of the participating ABUN artists, [Flávia Barreto](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4313-brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-through-her-art) from Brazil and [Grisselle Chock](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4300-grisselle-chock-supports-world-albatross-day-2022-with-her-evocative-artworks-illustrating-climate-change?highlight=WyJjaG9jayIsMjAyMl0=) in the USA, and their artworks have been featured in *ACAP Latest News*; it is planned to feature more artists and their 2022 art during the build up to ‘WAD2022’ on 19 June.  Also to follow soon are a music video and a collage poster based on Project #39.  Further, eight of the 90-odd artworks have been chosen (a hard task!) to be turned into freely downloadable posters to match the 12 [WAD2022 photo posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters) already available on this website. ![Grace Innemee Bkack footed Albatross digital 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grace_Innemee_Bkack-footed_Albatross_digital_2.jpg) *A ”Homeless & Hungry” Black-footed Albatross bemoans looming climate change, digital artwork by Grace Innemmee* The three years of working with ABUN has resulted in over 520 artworks featuring all 31 ACAP-listed species being available for ACAP to use; these will last for many years ahead.  They surely must be a unique collection for any intergovernmental conservation body to have at its disposal. * Chapeau*, ABUN! With grateful thanks to Kitty Harvill, Marion Schön and all the contributing ABUN artists, as well as to the photographers whose pictures offered inspiration. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/it-s-a-wrap-acap-completes-its-third-collaboration-with-abun-with-93-new-artworks-to-support-world-albatross-day-on-19-june.md) ## FAO requires a Project Manager for its Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project *![Yellowfin tuna](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Fishing_Gear/Yellowfin_tuna.jpg) Yellow-fin Tuna* Thunnus albacares The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.fao.org/home/en)) is advertising for a Project Manager for the second phase of the GEF [Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project](https://www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/1a2ad935-3430-4d27-a9c6-58fcf6af67bf/). The project, 'Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction', is one of five projects of the GEF-7 Common Oceans II Programme 'Global Sustainable Fisheries Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)'. The post will be administratively located with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](https://www.iotc.org/)) in the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Applications are due by 22 April. Read more [here](https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&searchExpanded=true&job=2200912). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fao-requires-a-project-manager-for-its-common-oceans-abnj-tuna-project.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project celebrates the island’s imperiled albatrosses with a poster series *![Grey headed Albatross Michelle Risi 1s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Grey-headed_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_1s.jpg) A Grey-headed Albatross guards its chick* *on Marion Island; photograph by Michelle Risi* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) is working towards eradicating the island’s seabird-killing House Mice in [2024](https://mousefreemarion.org/mouse-free-marion-project-works-towards-a-baiting-operation-in-the-austral-winter-of-2024/).  To increase awareness of the dangers the birds face, and the risks to Marion’s whole ecosystem from the mice, as well as to raise the visibility of the endeavour, the project has illustrated many of its [news posts](https://mousefreemarion.org/news/) with grisly pictures of mice eating the chicks of Grey-headed and Wandering Albatrosses and other species alive.  However, it is also important to show the beauty of the island and its birds, so the passion the [project team](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-team/) and its supporters feel for the project can be understood.  To this end, a [poster series](https://mousefreemarion.org/posters/) has been produced that depicts the four albatross and two giant petrel species that breed on [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels). *![Light mantled Albatross John Dickens 1s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Light-mantled_Albatross_John_Dickens_1s.jpg) Two Light-mantled Albatrosses interact on Marion Island; photograph by John Dickens* *[MFM News](https://mousefreemarion.org/news/)* wrote to researchers who have spent a year or more on Marion Island, asking them to submit a portfolio of their best photos, from which 34 were selected.  The posters have been designed by Michelle Risi, who has spent over four years living on Marion and Gough Islands, conducting research on their breeding seabirds. *![Wandering Albatross Michelle Risi 3s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Wandering_Albatross_Michelle_Risi_3s.jpg) Wandering Albatrosses display on Marion Island, with neighbouring (and mouse-free) Prince Edward Island on the horizon; photograph by Michelle Risi   * The 34 posters are being released in batches in high resolution suitable for printing ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/posters/) for the first batch).  They are also being made available in a lower resolution in a [photo album](https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.5377259175618427&type=3) on the Mouse-Free Marion [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/Mouse-Free-Marion-1978098948867817).  It is intended to produce a second series of posters that will feature several of the burrowing petrels that have been severely impacted by mice on Marion. *![Southern Giant Petrel Janine Schoombie s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Southern_Giant_Petrel_Janine_Schoombie_s.jpg) A Southern Giant Petrel pair rests in the snow on Marion Island; photograph by Janine Schoombie* With grateful thanks to the six overwintering Marion Island researchers who willingly contributed their evocative photographs: John Dickens (M72, 2015/16), Sean Evans (M76, 2019/20), [Alexis Osborne](https://mousefreemarion.org/featuring-marion-islands-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-mice-and-their-photographers-the-wandering-albatross-by-alexis-osborne/) (M71, 2014/15), [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4152-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-tristan-albatross-by-michelle-risi?highlight=WyJyaXNpIiwidHJpc3RhbiIsInRyaXN0YW4ncyIsIid0cmlzdGFuJywiLCJyaXNpIHRyaXN0YW4iXQ==) (M74, 2017/18), [Janine Schoombie](https://mousefreemarion.org/featuring-marion-islands-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-mice-and-their-photographers-the-northern-giant-petrel-by-janine-schoombie/) (M72, 2015/16) and [Stefan Schoombie](https://mousefreemarion.org/featuring-marion-islands-albatrosses-and-petrels-affected-by-mice-and-their-photographers-the-sooty-albatross-by-stefan-schoombie/) (M70, 2013/14; M72, 2015/16; M76, 2019/20).  Thanks especially to Michelle for her much valued (and *pro bono*) contributions towards the project’s success. This news post originally appeared on the Mouse-Free Marion Project [website](https://mousefreemarion.org/). *John Cooper,* *ACAP Information Officer*, 07 April 20***22* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-celebrates-the-island-s-imperiled-albatrosses-with-a-poster-series.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Pink-footed Shearwater *![Pilan Pink footed Shearwater Peter Hodum](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Pilan_Pink-footed_Shearwater_Peter_Hodum.jpg) Pink-footed Shearwater by Pilan; after a photograph by Peter Hodum* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts have been posted to *ACAP Latest News,*completing the series with the Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus*. *![PJH 2667](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/PJH_2667.JPG) Pink-footed Shearwater at sea; photograph by Peter Hodum* The Pink-footed Shearwater is one of two shearwaters listed within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP).  As for most members of the petrel family Procellariidae it breeds in burrows.  The bird is greyish brown with a white breast and belly and mainly white underwings.  The feet and legs are a distinctive pale pink, the bill yellowish with a dark tip. The Pink-footed Shearwater has been confirmed to breed on only three islands off the coast of Chile: Islas Robinson Crusoe (52 km²) and Santa Clara (2.2 km²) in the Juan Fernández Archipelago and Isla Mocha (50 km²), farther north.  There are around roughly 28 000 - 30 000 breeding pairs in total, implying as many as 100 000 individuals when juveniles and non-breeding birds are included.  Isla Mocha supports over two thirds of the species’ breeding population.  Overall, the shearwater may have a stable population with trends on the three islands differing between them. The species breeds colonially, laying single eggs in burrows during the austral summer on slopes in both forested and deforested grassy areas.  It is a trans-equatorial migrant, some satellite-tracked individuals have been recorded travelling outside the breeding season as far north as the Pacific waters of British Columbia, Canada and the Gulf of Alaska, staying in the main close to coastlines over the continental shelf.  Diet is dominated by small pelagic shoaling fish (sardines and anchovies) along with squid and crustaceans caught by surface seizing and diving. The shearwater faces threats both on land and on sea.  On its breeding islands deforestation and ensuing erosion have reduced breeding site quality and introduced mammals have either reduced vegetation cover and trampling leading to burrow collapse and erosion on steep slopes (domestic cattle, goats, European Rabbits) or preyed upon birds (feral cats, domestic dogs, Coatimundis and possibly rats).  An illegal take of chicks for human consumption continues on Isla Mocha – which can include destroying burrows.  At sea it is at risk from bycatch, including by artisanal net and longline fisheries off the coast of Ecuador and Peru and a domestic trawl fishery off Chile.  Conservation efforts include erecting an introduced mammal-proof fence around a breeding site on Isla Robinson Crusoe and educating the islands’ inhabitants.  Rabbits have been eradicated on Isla Santa Clara leading to an increase in shearwater breeding numbers.  The Juan Fernández Archipelago is both a national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  The breeding site on Isla Mocha falls within a national reserve, patrolled to deter poaching of chicks.  The 93-km² Juan Fernández Archipelago National Park was placed on Chile’s Tentative List for nomination as a World Heritage natural site in 1994.The Pink-footed Shearwater is listed both within ACAP since 2015 and in the Convention on Migratory Species on Appendix I.  Both national and international management plans exist for the species, which has been categorized with a global status of Vulnerable due to its small breeding range on only three islands and the threats described above. **Sources:** ACAP 2013.  Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus.  *[AC7 Doc 24 Rev 1](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac7/ac7-meeting-documents). BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet: *Ardenna creatopus*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus/text)*.* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-pink-footed-shearwater.md) ## Brazilian artist Flávia Barreto supports World Albatross Day through her art ![Flávia F. Barreto Black footed Albatrosses watercolout and gouache Eriic Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flávia_F._Barreto_Black-footed_Albatrosses_watercolout_and_gouache_Eriic_Vanderwerf.jpg)*Black-footed Albatrosses, watercolour and gouache by Flávia Barreto; after a photograph by Eric Vanderwerf* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “**Climate Change**” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022 (WAD2022).  The featured species for 2022 are the North Pacific [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses, considered to be at risk to sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding caused by climate change. For the first three months of the year ACAP has been collaborating with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) on its [39th Project](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ABUN4Nature&set=a.453687336386439) to produce [artworks](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.459652239123282&type=3) that will help increase awareness of the conservation plight facing the world’s albatrosses and support WAD2022 ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4241-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-paint-albatrosses-once-more-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwyMDIyXQ==)).  With the collaboration now completed, *ACAP Latest News* takes pleasure in featuring the second of its contributing ABUN artists, following on from [Grisselle Chock](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4300-grisselle-chock-supports-world-albatross-day-2022-with-her-evocative-artworks-illustrating-climate-change) last month. *![Flavia Barreto Laysan Albatrosses water colour Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flavia_Barreto_Laysan_Albatrosses_water_colour_Hob_Osterlund.jpg) Laysan Albatrosses, watercolour by Flávia Barreto; after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* Flávia Barreto lives in Nova Friburgo, a town in the State of Rio de Janeiro, in south-eastern Brazil.  She describes herself as an amateur artist and a retired civil servant with a law degree.  Although she has had no formal education in the visual arts, she grew up in a family of artists who taught her drawing and painting techniques.  After retirement she decided there was still time to learn more and dedicate her life to art.  Being a lover of nature and animals, her art and interests gradually evolved towards drawing and painting threatened species. *![Flavia Barreto Laysan Albatross flying water colour Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flavia_Barreto_Laysan_Albatross_flying_water_colour_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) Laysan Albatross, watercolour by Flávia Barreto; after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* She writes to *ALN*: “My current favourite media are watercolour, gouache and acrylic.  I enjoy not only painting animals, but also learning about their biology, habits, behaviour and habitats.  In my work, I try to capture their essence and beauty.  I am particularly fond of birds, big cats, and marine life, but all living forms interest me. *![Flávia F. Barreto Black footed Albatrosses watercolour Koa Matsuoka](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flávia_F._Barreto_Black-footed_Albatrosses_watercolour_Koa_Matsuoka.jpg) Black-footed Albatross, watercolour by Flávia Barreto; after a photograph by Koa Matsuoka* Flávia continues: “I am deeply concerned about climate change, the danger of extinction of so many species, and the increasing destruction of the natural environment in my country and around the world.  Joining ABUN and being able to participate in the projects is a joy and a privilege.  We have the opportunity to learn more about endangered species, be inspired by the amazing works of the photographers and other artists, and at the same time, contribute with our art to support conservation projects.  There is a lot to do, and the time is now, before it is too late.” *![Flávia F. Barreto Laysan Albatross Sunday Boy Laura Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flávia_F._Barreto_Laysan_Albatross_Sunday_Boy_Laura_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg) Laysan Albatross “Sunday Boy” by Flávia Barreto; after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Flávia ends by saying “It would be an honour to have one of my paintings used by ACAP for World Albatross Day.  I want to thank you all for this amazing opportunity.”  And ACAP thanks Flávia for the use of her beautiful art to support the conservation of the world’s 22 species of albatrosses. With grateful thanks to Kitty Harvill and Marion Schön of Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature and to photographers Laurie Smaglick Johnson, Koa Matsuoka, Hob Osterlund, Eric Vanderwerf and Kirk Zufelt. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/brazilian-artist-flavia-barreto-supports-world-albatross-day-through-her-art.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Balearic Shearwater *![Catarina Vitorino Balearic Shearwater Mixed media Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Catarina_Vitorino_Balearic_Shearwater_Mixed_media_Pep_Arcos.jpg) Balearic Shearwater, mixed media by Catarina Vitorino; after a photograph by Pep Arcos* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*. *![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_4.jpg) A Balearic Shearwater at its marked nest site; photograph by Pep Arcos* The Balearic Shearwater is one of two shearwaters listed within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP); the other is the Pink-footed Shearwater of Chile.  It is a small-sized shearwater with greyish-brown upper surfaces and head and variably white and brown underparts.  The bill, legs and feet are mainly grey. The Balearic Shearwater breeds only in Spain’s Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean.  Breeding colonies are known for the island groups of Cabrera, Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca.  Menorcan birds show signs of hybridisation with the closely related Yelkouan Shearwater which breeds elsewhere in the Mediterranean.  The species’ breeding population is not well known, due to difficulties in surveying its cliff-breeding habitats but recent estimates are of around 3000 pairs.  However, counts of birds on passage through the Straits of Gibraltar and a global at-sea estimate suggest a total population of 25 000, implying a larger breeding population of perhaps 7000 pairs; alternatively, there could be a substantial proportion of non-breeding birds.  The population trend is downward at all studied breeding sites, most recently estimated at 14% a year.  Adult survival is considered low for a shearwater. he species breeds in caves and rocky crevices in coastal cliffs and in burrows, laying a single white egg in March with chicks fledging in June and July.  It is migratory, flying through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic and northwards coastally to the Bay of Biscay and marginally into the North Sea. It is regular within territorial waters of France, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.  Prey is predominantly small pelagic fish (such as anchovies and sardines) caught by diving, often in flocks, to as much as 30 m.  Diet includes scavenging on discards from fishing vessels. The Balearic Shearwater faces threats both on land and at sea.  At some breeding sites it is at risk to predation by feral cats (on chicks and adults) and by rats (on eggs and chicks) leading to a lowered breeding success.  Light pollution in urban areas can down fledglings.  In the past birds were collected for human consumption.  At sea, the shearwater is killed predominantly by demersal longline fisheries, considered to be the main threat facing the species, but also by pelagic longline, purse-seine, set net and trawl, fisheries, affecting breeding birds within the Mediterranean and non-breeding birds in the Atlantic, such as in the Bay of Biscay.  Up to a hundred or more birds have been caught by a single fishing event.All breeding sites fall within Special |Protection Areas under Europe’s Natura 2000 network.  Some breeding sites fall within national parks.  Rodent eradication exercises have been successfully conducted at some localities, such as on the islands of Malgrats and Sa Dragonera.  Management plans or equivalents for the species exist at regional, national and international levels but require full implementation.  Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been declared within the species’ foraging range but do not yet have management plans.  Research into bycatch mitigation needs to be followed through into fisheries practices, such as setting longlines at night when the species appears not to forage. The Balearic Shearwater was listed within ACAP in 2015; it is also listed on Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species.  The species has a global threat category of Critically Endangered, placing it at a high risk of extinction. **Sources:** ACAP 2013.  [Balearic Shearwater Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus.*](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet:*Puffinus mauretanicus*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/balearic-shearwater-puffinus-mauretanicus/text)*.* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-balearic-shearwater.md) ## Wisdom’s "grandchick" gets a meal – watch the video!  ![N333 with chick Daniel Rapp](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/N333_with_chick_Daniel_Rapp.jpg)*N333 broods its chick; photograph by Daniel Rapp* *ACAP Latest News* has [regularly reported](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Wisdom) over the last decade or so on Wisdom, the world’s oldest-known [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis*, who at the age of at [least 70](https://medium.com/usfwspacificislands/worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-turns-70-and-returns-to-midway-atoll-23e95f7232e6) continues to visit and breed on the [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North Pacific.  Most recently, we heard not of Wisdom (who is taking a well-earned [year off](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4230-wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-atoll-in-her-eighth-decade?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsIid3aXNkb20nIiwiJ3dpc2RvbScsIiwiJ3dpc2RvbSIsMjAyMV0=) from breeding) but of one of her chicks now breeding on the island ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4283-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross-gets-a-grandchick?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsIid3aXNkb20nIiwiJ3dpc2RvbScsIiwiJ3dpc2RvbSIsMjAyMl0=)). “Hatched in December of 2010, [Wisdom's] chick was banded with identification number N333 before it took flight in June of 2011.  More than a decade later in March of 2022, N333 along with his mate, is now raising a chick of their own!” [https://youtu.be/21nZv-wwgoU?fbclid=IwAR3ww-Wq9WQBhHRBjwvQLEDWiOezWd00PnLchqzS2kmb0SpMmvXnCdSAReU](https://youtu.be/21nZv-wwgoU?fbclid=IwAR3ww-Wq9WQBhHRBjwvQLEDWiOezWd00PnLchqzS2kmb0SpMmvXnCdSAReU) Watch this short video of Wisdom's "grandchick" being fed its parents N333 (Wisdom’s 2010/11 chick) and mate DH00, produced by [USFWS](https://www.fws.gov/) volunteer Daniel Rapp.  Enjoy! And watch an [earlier video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJv1cKtvPy8) of Wisdom’s grandchick, also by Daniel Rapp. News from [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 06 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-s-grandchild-gets-a-meal-watch-the-video.md) ## Southern Giant Petrels get counted on Argentinia’s Isla Observatorio  ![Leigh Wolfaardt Southern Giant Petrel and chick](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2021/Leigh_Wolfaardt_Southern_Giant_Petrel_and_chick.jpg) *Southern Giant Petrel and chick on a South Atlantic island; artwork by Leigh Wolfaardt* * *Ulises Balza ([Laboratorio de Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre](https://cadic.conicet.gov.ar/ecologia-y-conservacion-de-la-vida-silvestre/), Ushuaia, Argentina) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Polar Biology](https://www.springer.com/journal/300)* on censuses of breeding seabirds, including Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus,*on [Isla Observatorio](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1568-acap-breeding-site-no-50-islas-de-los-estados-and-observatorio-argentina-each-support-colonies-of-southern-giant-petrels) in the [Isla de los Estados](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isla_de_los_Estados) (Staten Island) group: 387 pairs were counted in 2016. The paper’s abstract follows: “Continental islands are often sites of low diversity and endemism, as well as important areas for the protection of bird populations, especially seabirds. On Isla Observatorio and the Año Nuevo Islands, in the Southwestern Atlantic, the latest assessment of avifauna dates from more than 20 years ago. In this study, we use a combination of methods to update the status of the main seabird colonies and the most abundant avian terrestrial predator at Observatorio and Goffré Islands during the breeding season. In only 4.5 km2, the islands would harbour ~ 90,000 breeding seabirds. Seabird colonies occupied different areas of the islands and varied in their population status, with Imperial Shags (*Leucocarbo atriceps*) showing an increase and a decrease according to the last surveys. Magellanic Penguin (*Spheniscus magellanicus*) population estimations also suggest a decrease but the last survey was based on total, and not on occupied nest sites. We recorded and assessed one new breeding species: The globally near-threatened Striated Caracara (*Phalcoboenus australis*), which has an important breeding population of around 15 territorial pairs at Observatorio Island. These islands appear to be an important regional bird site and future studies would determine their trends and threats, especially those related with invasive species.” With thanks to Ulises Balza and Maro Favero. **Reference** Balza, U., Liljesthröm, M., Pimper, L., Franco-Navarro, I., Cañas-Barrovecchio, S., Zunino, F., Domato, I., Acardi, S., Iturraspe, R., Cano, J. & Raya-Rey, A. 2022.  Status of breeding birds at Observatorio and Goffré Islands, Argentina.  *[Polar Biology 45: 667-673](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-022-03019-2)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/southern-giant-petrels-get-counted-on-argentinia-s-isla-observatorio.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Westland Petrel - dedicated to Kerry-Jayne Wilson MNZM, 1950-2022 **Dedicated to the memory of Kerry-Jayne Wilson MNZM, 6 March 1950 - 29 March 2022** “Albatrosses and other seabirds are under threat, and climate change will further intensify that threat.  Imagine a world without these magnificent birds, is that the legacy we want to leave for generations to come?” - written for the inaugural World Albatross Day on 19 June 2020 What must be one of her last writings is her Photo Essay for the ACAP-listed Westland Petrel ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4154-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-westland-petrel-by-kerry-jayne-wilson)) *![Kitty Harvill Westland Petrel poem](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kitty_Harvill_Westland_Petrel_poem.jpg)**Westland Petrel by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) co-founder [Kitty Harvill](https://abun4nature.org/kitty-harvill/) for ACAP, acrylic on canvas; after a photograph by Frank Valckenborgh* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica*. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jane_Wilson_by_Susan_Waugh.JPG)*Kerry-Jayne Wilson with a Westland Petrel; photograph by Susan Waugh* The Westland Petrel is one of five medium-to-large petrels within the genus *Procellaria*, along with the Black, Grey, Spectacled and White-chinned.  Among all the petrels and shearwaters in the family Procellariidae they are the largest that dig and breed in burrows.  The species is overall dark brown to black, with black legs and feet.  The bill is pale yellow with a black tip.  It is similar in appearance to the smaller Black Petrel. The Westland Petrel is a New Zealand endemic that currently breeds at only one locality: in hills close to the small community of Punakaiki on the west coast of South Island.  It previously had a slightly larger known breeding range.  The species’ population has been estimated as consisting of *around* 3000-5000 annually breeding pairs; including non-breeders the species’ adult population may be up to 14 000 birds.  Population trend remains uncertain.  At-sea non-breeding range extends to the east coast of Australia (rarely) and to the Pacific coast of South America.  Satellite tracking reveals breeding birds tend to forage over the New Zealand continental shelf and slope.Westland Petrels breed colonially in the austral winter, laying their single eggs in burrows dug between tree roots in a dense mixed podocarp forest.  Diet includes fish and squid caught by surface seizing and shallow dives.  Scavenging on fisheries waste from both longline and trawl vessels also occurs. *![Kate Simister Westland petrel inside burrow on nest](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kate_Simister_Westland_petrel_inside_burrow_on_nest.jpg) A Westland Petrel inside its burrow; photograph by Kate Simister* The species is at risk to fishing, being occasionally caught on longlines and interacting with trawls when scavenging behind vessels.  Land-based threats include introduced mammals (Common Brushtail Possums, rats, feral cats, dogs and goats, and potentially feral pigs) at the breeding locality and nearby street and village lights and power lines downing fledglings which can then fall victim to road traffic.  Breeding birds are at risk to severe storms destroying burrows.  A 2014 storm damaged half the breeding colonies.  The Westland Petrel has a global threat category of Vulnerable and is nationally Naturally Uncommon. The Westland Petrel breeding site is largely contained within a Specially Protected Area which abuts the Paparoa National Park.  Entry, included by guided tourists via a walkway and viewing shelter, is by permit.  Traps are set alongside the walkway to catch Stoats and rats.  Recent efforts have been made to reduce downing by switching off streetlights during the fledging season with some success.  The species is listed within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP) and the Convention on Migratory Species on Appendix II.  The charity Westland Petrel Conservation Trust works to promote, support and actively engage in the conservation, preservation and protection of the Westland Petrel. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica*](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species)*.* Bell, E.A. 2013.  [Westland petrel.](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel)* In:*Miskelly, C.M. (Ed.)  *New Zealand Birds Online*. BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet: *Procellaria westlandica*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica/text)*.* Wilson, K.-J. 2021. Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Westland Petrel by Kerry-Jayne Wilson. [*ACAP Latest News*, 16 September 2021](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4154-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-westland-petrel-by-kerry-jayne-wilson) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-westland-petrel.md) ## A new Antipodean Albatross artwork is supporting conservation ![Antipodean Albatross Hannah Shand](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Hannah_Shand.jpg) *“Subantarctic Soaring”, Antipodean Albatross by Hannah Shand* Southland-based artist Hannah Shand of [Hannah Shand Art](https://www.hannahshandart.com/)has produced a [fine-tip black pen drawing](https://www.hannahshandart.com/originals) of a globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* to bring attention to the plight of one of New Zealand's most at-risk seabirds. Watch a video clip of the artwork being produced [here](https://www.facebook.com/HannahShandArt/videos/773794346931961). “The Antipodes albatross is one of NZ’s most at-risk seabirds, sadly now at the most severely threatened conservation status, and facing risk of extinction without our help. This artwork was created to advocate for the awareness of this endemic species and to raise funds to help protect them. It was inspired by Hannah’s voyage with [Heritage Expeditions](https://www.heritage-expeditions.com/) to the Subantarctic Islands – NZ’s most remote and unique islands, which collectively are a [UNESCO World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/877/) and a NZ National Nature Sanctuary.” ![Antipodean Albatross Hannah Shand 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Hannah_Shand_2.jpg) *Hannah Shand holds her drawing of an Antipodean Albatross* Limited edition prints of the artwork are available in A4, A3, A2 and A1 sizes.  A proportion of sales has been donated to the NGO [Forest & Bird](https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/), New Zealand’s [BirdLife partner](https://www.birdlife.org/partners/new-zealand-forest-bird/) ([read more here](https://shop.forestandbird.org.nz/subantarctic-soaring-hannah-shand-art?gn=Home&gp=1)).  According to the artist’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/HannahShandArt) NZ$ 1510 had been raised up to 25 March, with the offer ending on 4 April.  ![Antipodean Albatross Hannah Shand 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Hannah_Shand_4.jpg)     ![Antipodean Albatross Hannah Shand photo Jordan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Hannah_Shand_photo_Jordan.jpg) *The artwork under production and the guiding photograph by Hannah's brother, Jordan* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement regularly reports in *ACAP Latest News* on conservation issues affecting the Antipodean Albatross.  ACAP has also published a [species assessment](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), a [species summary](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries), a [photo essay](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4259-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-antipodean-albatross-by-kath-walker) and (with the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)) an [infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics), as well as several [artworks](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/76-artists-biologists-unite-for-nature-and-acap-collaborate-over-world-albatross-day-2020/3665-antipodean-albatross) marking [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), for the bird.  Most of these products are available in the three ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 31 March 2022* * * * *   * *   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-antipodean-albatross-artwork-is-supporting-conservation.md) ## Monitor threatened albatrosses! A Field Team Leader and a Field Officer are required for Gough Island  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_17.JPG)*Still at risk to mice?  A [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728364) Tristan Albatross*Diomedea dabbenena*pair tends its chick on Gough Island; photograph by Michelle Risi* The UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](https://www.rspb.org.uk/)) aims to recruit a Field Team Leader and a Field Officer to carry out bird monitoring and other field work over 15 months on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice), following the [unsuccessful House Mouse eradication operation](https://www.goughisland.com/) on the island lsast year.  Gough Island in the South Atlantic forms part of the [UK Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena,_Ascension_and_Tristan_da_Cunha) and is considered one of the world’s most important seabird breeding sites. “This position offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife, who can adapt well to small island living in a challenging and remote sub-Antarctic environment.  Work during the seabird breeding season is very intense, with frequent long hours of fieldwork and data entry and management, so it is important to be well organised.  Data are managed using databases and checked by creating and inspecting reports on a monthly basis, observing deadlines at frequent intervals.  The results underpin efforts to restore the [Gough and Inaccessible Islands World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740/).” Interviews for the two positions are planned for early May 2022.  For further information contact the RSPB’s Antje Steinfurth at[mailto:antje.steinfurth@rspb.org.uk](mailto:antje.steinfurth@rspb.org.uk)[antje.steinfurth@rspb.org.uk](mailto:antje.steinfurth@rspb.org.uk)[mailto:antje.steinfurth@rspb.org.uk](mailto:antje.steinfurth@rspb.org.uk). More details can be found in the [Field Team Leader](https://app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNbb-_rm-Fw6N1iv6kwnBs4BT7WdtuGkvoIJRI0jqgB6GOISHzdzJzzT-G3Ztzh1OH4&iframe=True&fbclid=IwAR0y3PiXaEuyQ4m1a3XILqrbdn_zuK-hCdMPBC9D-EqC_BjoJ8xLulDMzE0) and [Field Officer](https://app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNZWVjnMmNACtr3IIdBIcIzD81gQQKdNp1o-rMJmEo6noSXNNWd_2cq7TJ1ymBmbIZ4&iframe=True&fbclid=IwAR2tz7TjKyx3Ov6QJEq5QkKBtDbJfuGP4F2DX792YEzmga1EIodc2jnIQIA) adverts. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/monitor-threatened-albatrosses-a-field-team-leader-and-a-field-officer-are-required-for-gough-island.md) ## ACAP’s virtual Seventh Meeting of the Parties is now open for registration ![Tatiana Petrova Laysan Albatrosses pencils](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Tatiana_Petrova_Laysan_Albatrosses_pencils.jpg) *Laysan Albatrosses, coloured pencils, by*[*ABUN*](https://abun4nature.org/)*artist Tatiana Petrova for*[*World Albatross Day 2022*](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change) As [previously announced,](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4288-the-seventh-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-to-acap-will-be-a-virtual-one?highlight=WyJtb3A3Il0=) the Seventh Session of the Meeting of Parties to the Agreement ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) will be held virtually over 9-13 May 2022, with Australia acting as meeting host and Chair.  Further information is now available in a [second circular](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7) that gives details on timing and dates, technical arrangements, *ad hoc* meeting guidelines and registering. MoP7 will begin with a Heads of Delegation meeting.  An Annotated Provisional Agenda is available ([MoP7 Doc 02)](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7/mop7-meeting-documents) as are other [Meeting Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7/mop7-meeting-documents) and [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7/mop7-information-papers) that will be considered at the meeting. As was the case with the 12th Meeting of the Advisory Committee ([AC12](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12)), [Congress Rental](https://congressrentalnetwork.com/) has been chosen to manage the technical aspects of the meeting, which will use the [Interprefy](https://www.interprefy.com/) platform. Prospective participants should register by 15 April.  A registration form is available from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7). [French](https://acap.aq/fr/documents/reunion-des-parties/rdp7) and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/documentos/reunion-de-las-partes/rdp7-1) versions of Circular No. 2, meeting documents and the registration form are also available. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-virtual-seventh-meeting-of-the-parties-is-now-open-for-registration.md) ## Wedge-tailed Shearwater groundings caused by street lights in Hawaii *![Wedge tailed Sheareater Kaena Point Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_Sheareater_Kaena_Point_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) A Wedge-tailed Shearwater in its burrow, Kaena Point, Oahu; photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* Jennifer Urmston ([Migratory Bird Permit Office](https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-bird-permit), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon, USA) and colleagues have published in the online open-access journal [*PLOS ONE*](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0265832&fbclid=IwAR3BBMvZzyp3J63oHsoDK_80M4PjFRK2GvdSDyvXopNIATc84qb47z4c0pY) on fledging Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica* being grounded when disoriented by street lighting. The paper’s abstract follows: “Attraction to artificial light at night (ALAN) poses a threat to many fledgling seabirds leaving their nests for the first time. In Hawaiʻi, fledgling wedge-tailed shearwaters disoriented by lights may become grounded due to exhaustion or collision, exposing them to additional threats from road traffic and predation. While the timing and magnitude of shearwater fallout varies from year to year, little is known about how changing lighting and environmental conditions influence the risk of grounding for this species. We analyzed 8 years (2012–2019) of observations of road-killed shearwaters along the Kalanianaʻole Highway on Oʻahu to quantify the timing and magnitude of fallout during the fledging season (November–December). Our goal was to compare fallout before (2012–15) and after (2016–19) a transition in highway lighting from unshielded high-pressure sodium (HPS) to full-cutoff light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights. To detect the shearwater response to the lighting regime, we also accounted for three potential environmental drivers of interannual variability in fallout: moon illumination, wind speed, and wind direction. The effects of these environmental drivers varied across years, with moon illumination, wind speed and wind direction significantly affecting fallout in at least one year. Altogether, the interaction between moon illumination and wind speed was the most important predictor, suggesting that fallout increases during nights with low moon and strong winds. The lack of an increase in fallout after the change from HPS to shielded 3000K - 4000K LED streetlights suggests the new streetlights did not worsen the light pollution impacts on wedge-tailed shearwaters on Southeast Oʻahu. However, due to potential species-specific disparities in the behavior and light attraction of petrels, similar studies are needed before energy saving LED lights are implemented throughout the Hawaiian archipelago.” ![Urmston Wedgie PLOS paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Urmston_Wedgie_PLOS_paper.jpg) *|* *Wedge-tailed Shearwater carcasses observed during road surveys in each study year; from the publication.* Access earlier posts to *ACAP Latest News* on Jenn’s research on Wedge-tailed Shearwaters from [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Urmston). **Reference:** Urmston, J., Hyrenbach, K.D. & Swindle, K.  2022.  Quantifying wedge-tailed shearwater (*Ardenna pacifica*) fallout after changes in highway lighting on southeast Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.  [*PLOS*](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0265832&fbclid=IwAR3BBMvZzyp3J63oHsoDK_80M4PjFRK2GvdSDyvXopNIATc84qb47z4c0pY)[*ONE* doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265832.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0265832&fbclid=IwAR3BBMvZzyp3J63oHsoDK_80M4PjFRK2GvdSDyvXopNIATc84qb47z4c0pY) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 01 April 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedge-tailed-shearwater-groundings-caused-by-street-lights-in-hawaii.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Black Petrel *![Griselle Chock Black Petrel Gouache Virginia Nicol](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Griselle_Chock_Black_Petrel_Gouache_Virginia_Nicol.jpg) Black Petrel, gouache by [ABUN](https://www.artistsforconservation.org/) artist [Griselle Chock](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4300-grisselle-chock-supports-world-albatross-day-2022-with-her-evocative-artworks-illustrating-climate-change) for ACAP; photograph by Virginia Nicol* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni*. *![Biz Fledgling black petrel May 2019 Credit Biz Bell WMIL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Fledgling_black_petrel_May_2019_Credit_-_Biz_Bell_WMIL.jpg) A fledgling Black Petrel, Mount Hobson/Hirakimata, Great Barrier Island, May 2019; photograph by ‘Biz Bell’, Wildlife Management International* The Black Petrel is one of five medium-to-large petrels within the genus *Procellaria*, along with the Grey, Spectacled, Westland and White-chinned; it is the smallest of the five.  Among all the petrels and shearwaters in the family Procellariidae, they are the largest that dig and breed in burrows.  The species is overall dark brown to black, with black legs and feet.  The bill is yellowish to white with a black tip.  It is similar in appearance to the larger Westland Petrel. The Black Petrel is a New Zealand endemic that currently breeds on only two islands, Little Barrier (Hauturu; 28 km², 722 m) and around the summit of 627-m Mount Hobson (Hirakimata) on Great Barrier (Aotea; 285 km²) in the outer Hauraki Gulf of North Island.  In the past it bred in the mountains of both the North and South Islands – where it did not survive introduced mammalian predators.  At sea its range extends to the east coast of Australia (when breeding) and to the Pacific coast of South America as nonbreeders, as shown by tracking studies.  Estimates suggest there are less than 3000 breeding pairs with an overall population of around 11 000 birds, including juveniles.  Around 600 pairs breed on permanently uninhabited Little Barrier with 2000-2500 pairs on and around Great Barrier’s Mount Hobson where the petrel has been monitored from the 1995/96 breeding season.  The population is assumed to be stable on both islands, following recovery from cats on Little Barrier.  Black Petrels breed colonially, laying their single eggs in burrows dug within forested areas in the austral summer.  Diet includes fish caught by day and more rarely bioluminescent squid caught at night, both by mostly shallow dives to less than five metres. The species is at risk to fishing, being caught on longlines when scavenging behind vessels in both New Zealand and South American waters.  This, a calculated low adult survival rate, low juvenile recruitment and its restriction to only two breeding sites have given it both a global and a national threat category of Endangered.  It is listed both within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP) and the Convention on Migratory Species on Appendix II. Little Barrier Island is a Nature Reserve (New Zealand’s first, established in 1896) with the public requiring a permit to visit during the day only in limited numbers.  It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.  Great Barrier Island has a small resident community of under one thousand, high numbers of visitors, and large forested areas classified as a Scenic Reserve.  Little Barrier has no introduced predators following the removal of feral cats and Pacific Rats, whereas Great Barrier has Ship and Pacific Rats, feral cats and feral pigs; feral goats were eradicated in 2006.  Trapping to control rats and cats takes place within the Mount Hobson study site where visitors are restricted to walking tracks and boardwalks to avoid disturbing burrows by trampling.  Translocation of chicks from Great to Little Barrier took place in the past to bolster the population on the smaller island. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni*](https://acap.aq/en/resources/acap-species)*.* Bell, E.A. 2013.  [Black petrel](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/black-petrel). * In:*Miskelly, C.M. (Ed.)  *New Zealand Birds Online*. Bell, E.A. 2021. Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Black Petrel by Elizabeth Bell.  [*ACAP Latest News*, 01 October 2021](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4168-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-black-petrel-by-elizabeth-bell). BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet: *Procellaria parkinsoni*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blac-petrel-procellaria-parkinsoni/text)*.* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 April 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-black-petrel.md) ## BirdLife South Africa has supplied over 1000 bird-scaring lines to local fisheries with the help of people with disabilities *![OVAPD BSL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/OVAPD_BSL.jpg) Three OVAPD workers construct a bird-scaring line as BirdLife South Africa's Reason Nyengera looks on; photograph from the Albatross Task Force* [Reason Nyengera](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/meet-the-team/), [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/what-we-do/albatross-task-force/) Project Manager, BirdLife South Africa reports that over 1000 bird-scaring lines have been supplied by the ATF to vessels that fish within South African waters. He writes: “Each year thousands of seabirds are accidentally killed while foraging behind fishing vessels in the world’s oceans.  One of the most efficient solutions to reduce seabird bycatch is to use a device known as a bird-scaring line (BSL), or tori line, to deter birds from entering the danger zone behind fishing vessels.  One of the cornerstones of our work is to provide cost-effective, efficient and science-based seabird bycatch mitigation measures to the South African fishing industry, and ensuring that all vessels are equipped with BSLs is an integral part of this mission.  A collaborative BSL-manufacturing project has been initiated between BirdLife South Africa and the Ocean View Association for Persons with Disabilities ([OVAPD](https://www.facebook.com/OceanViewAPD/)), a registered non-profit institution that provides people with disabilities from in and around the local community with a place where they can interact, learn skills and make a small income.” *![Bird Scaring line Domingo Jimenez shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Bird_Scaring_line_Domingo_Jimenez_shrunk.PNG) A bird-scaring line flutters above a longline; photograph by Domingo Jimenez* Funding to purchase raw materials for the manufacture of BSLs has been funded by [Rand Merchant Bank](https://www.rmb.co.za/) over the last decade. “Since the beginning of this collaborative project we have supplied more than 1000 BSLs, effectively equipping 60% of the [South African] vessels that interact with seabirds.  The BSLs in South Africa have directly contributed to a 99% reduction in the deaths of albatrosses in the demersal hake trawl fishery and an 85% reduction in seabird mortality in one of our longline fisheries.  Since its inception, the project has prevented the deaths of approximately 58 000 seabirds in the South African trawl fisheries alone.  And 58 people with disabilities gain technical life skills, socio-economic welfare and upliftment every year through it.” Read the original news story [here](https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/enewsletter/) and access [earlier related posts](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Ocean+View+Association+for+Persons+with+Disabilities) to *ACAP Latest News*on the subject. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/birdlife-south-africa-has-supplied-over-1000-bird-scaring-lines-to-local-fisheries-with-the-help-of-people-with-disabilities.md) ## Waved Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels forage on discards from a Peruvian squid fishery *![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_3.jpg) Waved Albatross at sea; photograph by Ken Logan* Carlos Moreno ([Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas](https://facbio.unitru.edu.pe/), Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Peru) and Javier Quiñones have published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?p=idx)* on albatrosses and petrels associated with an artisanal squid fishery off Peru. The paper’s abstract follows: “We report on the occurrence of albatrosses (Diomedeidae) and petrels (Procellariidae) associated with an artisanal small-scale fishery (SSF) for Humboldt Squid *Dosidicus gigas* in waters of southern Peru during El Niño 2015-2016 and coastal El Niño 2017. We deployed as observers on a number of fishing trips to assess seabird interactions. White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* and Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irroata* were the most abundant species observed, followed by Salvin's *Thalassarche salvini* and Chatham albatross *T. eremita*, and Cape Petrels *Daption capense*. The majority of procellariid species (> 60% of total birds) visited while vessels were positioned over the continental slope. Salvin's and Chatham albatross, and White-chinned Petrels, were mostly absent during summer (only 5% and 15% of birds present, respectively), but Waved Albatross and Cape Petrels were present year-round. Thus, the prevalence of each of these species was disproportionate relative to expectation based on non-fishery surveys. All assessed species foraged on offal discards associated with the fishery (~17%), with a higher frequency of consumption among Salvin's (27%) and Chatham (21%) albatross; in contrast, Waved Albatross largely fed on pelagic fish at the surface. Bycatch rate was found to be low: one Chatham Albatross was hooked and released in a hand-held squid jig (0.042 By Catch Per Unit Effort [BPUE] per fishing trip, *n* = 16). Probably due to El Niño conditions, Waved Albatross were more abundant than expected (43.9% of albatross, and 2.8% of total seabirds observed) and were 1 300-1 400 km farther south than their usual southern limits. We report the first sighting of Southern Royal Albatross *Diomedea epomophora* in Peru. Bycatch in longline fisheries are a conservation concern, but the magnitude and constant growth of SSFs, especially for Humboldt Squid, needs to be further investigated.” **Reference:** Moreno, c. & Quiñones, J. 2022.  Albatross and petrel interactions with an artisanal squid fishery in southern Peru during El Niño, 2015-2017.  *[Marine Ornithology 50: 49-56](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1459)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/waved-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-forage-on-discards-from-a-peruvian-squid-fishery.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Spectacled Petrel *![Lea Finke Spectacled Petrel Charcoal chalk and sanguine Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/Lea_Finke_Spectacled_Petrel_Charcoal_chalk_and_sanguine_Peter_Ryan.jpg) Spectacled Petrel by Lea Finke of [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)for ACAP, charcoal, chalk and sanguine; after a photograph by Peter Ryan* **Note:** The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the genera public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*. ![Spectacled Petrel Peter Ryan 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/Spectacled_Petrel_Peter_Ryan_2.jpg) *Spectacled Petrel on Inaccessible Island; photograph by Peter Ryan* The Spectacled Petrel is one of five medium-to-large petrels within the genus *Procellaria*, along with the Black, Grey, Westland and White-chinned.  Among all the petrels and shearwaters in the family Procellariidae, they are the largest that dig and breed in burrows. The species is essentially all dark brown to black save for conspicuous white markings on the head, giving the bird its name, as well as its local name of ‘Ringeye’.  The bill is yellowish but with a darker tip than its close relative, the White-chinned Petrel.  Spectacled Petrels breed only on the plateau of uninhabited Inaccessible Island (12.65 km²), part of the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic.  It may have bred on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean in the past, but like several other species, was extirpated there following the introduction of several mammals to the island.  The petrel’s current at-sea distribution is largely confined to the South Atlantic with birds regularly reaching the continental waters of Brazil and southern Africa, although the few records in the southern Indian Ocean extend to Australia. The most recent survey of numbers on Inaccessible Island, made in 2018, resulted in an estimate of 30 000 breeding pairs, reflecting a steady increase since at least the 1930s following the disappearance of introduced pigs.  The species breeds in burrows in wet heath, bogfern heath and locally in *Phylica*woodland from 250 to 500 m above sea level, laying a single white egg and rearing the single chick through the austral summer. Diet is primarily squid, as well as crustaceans and fish, taken from the sea surface or by shallow dives. Past threats included feral pigs on Inaccessible, extirpated in the early 20th century; the island is now free of introduced mammals.  Currently, birds are killed by longline fisheries, notably of the coast of Brazil, but not at a rate to halt the ongoing population increase.  Despite this, the Spectacled Petrel’s single breeding site means it retains a conservation category of Vulnerable.  Introduction of rodents (present on the inhabited island of Tristan da Cunha 37 km away) remains a potential threat that needs to be continuously guarded against from landings, fishing vessels and shipwrecks.  Adoption of ‘best practice’ mitigation measures by longline fisheries in both national and international waters, including deployment of bird-scaring lines, line weighting and night setting, will reduce at-sea mortalities. Inaccessible Island and its territorial waters are a nature reserve declared by the Tristan da Cunha Government in 1997, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (from 2008), and with Gough Island a natural World Heritage Site since 2004.  Both islands have a combined management plan which controls landings by researchers and tourists.  In 2021 a Marine Protected Area extending to the edge of the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone is due to be formally declared around Inaccessible and the other islands of the Tristan-Gough group. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [Spectacled Petrel](https://acap.aq/en/resources/acap-species)*[Procellaria conspicillata](https://acap.aq/en/resources/acap-species).* [en/resources/acap-species2](https://acap.aq/en/resources/acap-species2)BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet:](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata/text)*[Procellaria conspicillata](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata/text).* Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J. & Ronconi, R.A. 2019.  Population trends of Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata* and other seabirds at Inaccessible Island.  [*Marine Ornithology* 47: 257-265](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1327). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-spectacled-petrel.md) ## Grisselle Chock supports World Albatross Day 2022 with her evocative artworks illustrating climate change *![Grisselle Chock Black footed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock_Black-footed_Albatrosses.JPG) “Climate Change 2” Black-footed Albatrosses, mixed-media/digital art; after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “**Climate Change**” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year  ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwid2FkMjAyMiJd)).  The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis.*  Both these Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-western Hawaiian Islands.  There they are at risk from sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change. ACAP is once more working with ABUN ([Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/)) over the first three months of the year on its [39th Project](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ABUN4Nature&set=a.453687336386439) (“World Albatross Day 2022 - Climate Change”) to produce artworks that will help increase awareness of the conservation plight facing the world’s albatrosses ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4241-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-paint-albatrosses-once-more-for-world-albatross-day?highlight=WyJhYnVuIiwiYWJ1bidzIiwyMDIyXQ==)).  The response to date, as for the previous two collaborations with ABUN, has been most pleasing, with many members producing to date a total of 66 artworks that depict the two species.  *ACAP Latest News* takes pleasure in featuring one of these artists with a selection of her evocative works for WAD2022. *![Grisselle Chock Laysan Albatross Climate Change](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock_Laysan_Albatross_Climate_Change.JPG) "Dance of the Laysan**”, a Laysan Albatross couple go through all their “dance moves”, after a photograph by Eric Vanderwerf* **![Grisselle Chock](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock.JPG)* Grisselle Chock works on her artwork of a Laysan Albatross (see the completed work below)* [Grisselle Chock](https://abun4nature.org/grisselle/) is an illustrator, painter and graphic artist, who recently joined Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature to lend her talents to the urgency of saving endangered species around the world.  Born in Puerto Rico, the warmth and bright colours of the tropics have followed her to Ohio, USA, where she now resides, and form an integral part of her  artistic style.    Grisselle’s mediums are oils, acrylics, watercolours and digital media. and her inspirations are nature, social and environmental causes.   She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the [University of Puerto Rico](https://www.uprrp.edu/) and an Associate Degree in Illustration *Magna Cum Laude*. *![Grisselle Chock Laysan Albatross Hob Osterlund 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock_Laysan_Albatross_Hob_Osterlund_2.JPG) A colour-banded Laysan Albatross in flight, Arteza gouache on Strathmore paper by Grisselle Chock, is the start for her poster “Climate Change 1” (below); after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* Grisselle describes her A2 poster below as first consisting of a gouache illustration painted from Hob Osterlund’s photograph (above).  She writes: “I then sat down and meditated for half an hour, thinking about the theme for WAD2022 and its purpose and I could see this colourful and interesting picture forming in my mind.  It shows a Laysan Albatross half-faded, as it tries to fly over the tipping point, my own version of the [global warming stripes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warming_stripes) graphic that portrays long-term temperature trends, with the words: “CLIMATE CHANGE” also fading behind it.  I then added all the elements together digitally, creating the stripes and the type and opacity effect and that’s how this poster was born.” She has also produced a second version, this time depicting the Black-footed Albatross (see the feature photograph above). *![Grisselle Chock Hob Osterlund WAD2022 logo](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock_Hob_Osterlund_WAD2022_logo.JPG) “Climate Change 1” Laysan Albatross, mixed-media/digital art; after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* *![Grisselle Chock Albatross at sunset Black footed Albatross gouache Laurie Smaglick Johnson ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock_Albatross_at_sunset_Black-footed_Albatross_gouache_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson_.JPG) “Albatross at Sunset”, a Black-footed Albatross, mixed-media/digital art; after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* With grateful thanks to Grisselle Chock and Kitty Harvill, Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature, and to the photographers, Laurie Smaglick Johnson, Hob Osterlund and Eric Vanderwerf. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/grisselle-chock-supports-world-albatross-day-2022-with-her-evocative-artworks-illustrating-climate-change.md) ## ACAP-listed Black Petrels on New Zealand's Great Barrier Island are having a good season *![Black Petrel Action Group](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_Action_Group.jpg) Black Petrel; photograph courtesy of the Black Petrel Action Group* [Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell](https://www.wmil.co.nz/team), Managing Director of Wildlife Management International ([WMIL](https://www.wmil.co.nz/)) has reported on the latest breeding season of the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) and ACAP-listed Black Petrels *Procellaria* *parkinsoni*that breed on Hirakimata/Mount Hobson on New Zealand’s [Great Barrier Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1361-acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel), via the Facebook page of the [Black Petrel Action Group](https://www.facebook.com/Black-Petrel-Action-Group-229756540415467). ![Biz Bell Ed Marshall](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Biz_Bell_Ed_Marshall.jpg)*'Biz' Bell; photograph by Ed Marshall* She writes “it’s been a good season so far, with 301 breeding pairs recorded within the 482 study burrows (slightly down from last year’s 319).  At the February check, 233 were still on eggs, 53 had chicks and 15 breeding attempts had already failed (due to infertile eggs, rat predation and other reasons).  There were also 98 burrows in use by non-breeding birds, some that were caught for the first time and now sport new individually numbered bands.  A number of young birds (not yet breeders) were caught for the first time back at the colony as well as some individuals that had not been seen for 12 or even 19 years!  The WMIL team will be back in the study colony around the end of April/early May to band surviving chicks and confirm just how well the breeding season has gone.” *![Virginia Nicol Black Petrel drawing graphite pencil own photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Virginia_Nicol_Black_Petrel_drawing_graphite_pencil_own_photo.jpg) A Black Petrel portrait by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Virginia Nicol for ACAP in graphite pencil; after her own photograph* *John Cooper, ACAP information Officer, 18 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-listed-black-petrels-on-new-zealand-s-great-barrier-island-are-having-a-good-season.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Grey Petrel  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Walt_Anderson_Grey_Petrel_12x18-_watercolour_Hadoram_Shirihai.JPG) *Grey Petrel at sea, watercolour by ABUN artist Walt Anderson for ACAP; after a photograph by Hadoram Shirihai* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the Grey Petrel*Procellaria cinerea*. ![Grey Petrel adut chick Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Grey_Petrel_adut_chick_Ben_Dilley.jpg)  *A Grey Petrel alongside its chick in their burrow on Marion Island, photograph by Ben Dilley* The Grey Petrel is one of five medium-to-large petrels within the genus *Procellaria*, along with the Black, Spectacled, Westland and White-chinned.  Among all the petrels and shearwaters in the family Procellariidae, they are the largest that dig and breed in burrows.  An ash-grey petrel with a white belly and darker underwings and tail, noticeably paler than the dark brown or black of the other species in the genus.  The bill is pale yellow with a black upper line. The Grey Petrel has a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Ocean.  It breeds on sub-Antarctic and sub-tropical islands belonging to Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic (Gough and Tristan da Cunha), southern Indian (Amsterdam, Crozets, Kerguelen and Prince Edwards) and southern Pacific (Antipodes, Campbell, Macquarie).  Grey Petrels from Antipodes migrate to South American Pacific waters after breeding. Population numbers, as for many burrowing petrels, are not well known; a rough global estimate is of 80 000 breeding pairs.  The largest population of an estimated 50 000 pairs (in 2001) is found on New Zealand’s Antipodes Island.  Amsterdam (which likely once had a large population), Campbell, Macquarie and Tristan da Cunha support less than 100 breeding pars each.  The other islands have estimated populations in the low thousands of pairs.  Population trends, although not known overall, vary between islands; the species is thought to be decreasing in numbers at Gough and Kerguelen, and recovering from a low base on Campbell and Macquarie.  The species breeds annually in loose colonies, laying a single egg and rearing the chick in burrows during the austral winter.  Diet of the Grey Petrel is primarily squid along with fish caught by surface seizing or shallow diving, augmented by scavenging behind fishing vessels. Although the Grey Petrel has been categorized as only globally Near Threatened, it faces ongoing threats both at sea and on land.  It is at risk (with a bias to females) of being caught by commercial longline fishing vessels, notably in Australian and New Zealand waters and around the French Kerguelen Islands.  On Gough Island and on Marion Island (Prince Edwards) introduced House Mice prey upon downy chicks in winter when other food resources are scarce, causing low breeding success.  On the plus side all introduced mammals have been removed from Antipodes, Campbell and Macquarie.  Eradication attempts to rid Gough and Marion of House Mice are currently due in 2021 and 2013, respectively. The Grey Petrel is listed both within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP) and the Convention on Migratory Species on Appendix II.  All breeding islands are national nature reserves with management plans or equivalents, restricting landings by permit only.  All but South Africa’s Prince Edward Islands are World Heritage Natural Sites and several are also Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.  Most are surrounded by Marine Protected Areas of varying sizes. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [Grey Petrel Procellaria cinerea](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species). Bell, E.A. 2018.  [Grey petrel](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/grey-petrel). * In:*Miskelly, C.M. (Ed.)  *New Zealand Birds Online*. BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet: *Procellaria cinerea.*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea/text) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-grey-petrel.md) ## Moult of Great and Sooty Shearwaters gets studied on their non-breeding grounds in the North Atlantic  ![Great Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Great_Shearwater.jpg)*A Great Shearwater on the wing* Paloma Carvalho ([Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba](https://sci.umanitoba.ca/biological-sciences/), Winnipeg, Canada) and colleagues have published in [Ibis International Journal of Avian Science](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1474919x) on aspects of the moult of Great *Ardenna gravis* and Sooty *A. grisea*Shearwaters The paper’s abstract follows: “Moult is an energetically demanding period, during which flight may be impaired and foraging ranges may become constrained. During the non-breeding period, Great *Ardenna gravis* and Sooty *A. grisea* Shearwaters migrate from South Atlantic breeding colonies to aggregate at North Atlantic feeding grounds. We investigated whether both shearwater species used coastal Newfoundland, Canada, as a moulting area and used stable isotope ratios (δ15N, δ13C) of recently moulted primary feathers (P1, P5, P10) to infer moult location/diet for both species. Moult scores indicated that both species finished their moult (i.e. P6-10) in coastal Newfoundland, which was further corroborated with similar stable isotope ratios for Great (δ15N = 15.17 ±1.13 ‰; δ13C = -18.66 ± 0.54 ‰) and Sooty Shearwaters (15.54 ±0.74 ‰; -18.43 ± 0.78 ‰); however, Sooty Shearwater moult was more advanced relative to Great Shearwater. In contrast, isotopic ratios of P1 and P5, which were grown before arriving in coastal Newfoundland, differed between and within species, suggesting divergent locations/diet during early moult. For Great Shearwaters, P1/P5 isotopic ratios were more variable (broader niche breadth) than P10, suggesting that some individuals started moulting in the South Atlantic prior to trans-equatorial migration, while others start moulting in the North Atlantic Ocean. Sooty Shearwaters had two distinct groupings of either higher or lower δ15N in P1/P5, suggesting that individuals began moulting either on the Newfoundland Shelf or further offshore based on comparisons to reference shearwater feathers grown in known locations. These findings illustrate distinct locations and/or diets at the start of primary feather moult, both within and between species, but diets converged when aggregated together at the end of moult in coastal North America, where growing feathers of both species were sampled. More importantly, we identified an important area for both Sooty and Great Shearwaters to complete their moult in coastal Newfoundland. Protecting this moulting area would minimize disturbance and the impacts of threats (e.g., by-catch) to both species during this energetically demanding period. The area has been suggested previously to be an important candidate area for protection due to annually persistent prey aggregations that can be spatiotemporally delimited based on specific prey habitat requirements.” **Reference:** Carvalho, P.C., Ronconi, R.A., Bugoni, L., Davoren, G.K. 2022.  Moult chronology and strategies of sympatric Great (*Ardenna gravis*) and Sooty (*A. grisea*) Shearwaters based on stable isotope janalysis.  [*Ibis International Journal of Avian Science*  doi:10.1111/ibi.13060](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ibi.13060?fbclid=IwAR1bjOqbNwfoj6TjUD1bEqx240pzovCrCvPE5FYOC1nayhD4bp3BGAH2_1g). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/moult-of-great-and-sooty-shearwaters-gets-studied-on-their-non-breeding-grounds-in-the-north-atlantic.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the White-chinned Petrel ![White chinned Petrel Kitty Harvill Seabird Sunset acrylic 27x35 cm Dimas Gianuca](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/White-chinned_Petrel_Kitty_Harvill_Seabird_Sunset_acrylic_27x35_cm_Dimas_Gianuca.JPG) *"*Seabird Sunset*“”, White-chinned Petrels by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) co-founder [Kitty Harvill](https://abun4nature.org/kitty-harvill/) for ACAP, acrylics, 27 x3 5 cm; after a photograph by Dimas Gianuca * **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis.* * ![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/White-chin_pair_Ben_Dilley.jpg)* *A White-chinned Petrel pair in its burrow on Marion Island; photograph by Ben Dilley* The White-chinned Petrel is one of five medium-to-large petrels within the genus *Procellaria*, along with the Black, Grey, Spectacled and Westland.  Among all the petrels and shearwaters in the tubenose family Procellariidae, the ‘White-chin’ is one of the largest to breed in burrows.  The species is dark brown to black, save for a white chin of varying size that is not always readily visible in flight.  The white chin is a diagnostic feature separating the species from the otherwise similar looking Black and Westland Petrels.  The legs and feet are black; the bill is pale yellow with a black saddle. ‘White-chins’ have a wide range in the Southern Ocean breeding on sub-Antarctic islands.  In the southern Indian Ocean birds breed in the Prince Edward Islands (South Africa), Crozets and Kerguelen (France), on islands south of New Zealand (Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell) and in disputed territories* in the South Atlantic (South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur) and in small numbers in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas.  At sea it ranges widely over the whole Southern Ocean south to the Antarctic pack ice and north to the coasts of southern Africa and southern South America.  The global population has been estimated at around 1.2 million breeding pairs representing three million adults, with the largest numbers (>100 000 pairs each) breeding on South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur, followed by Kerguelen and Auckland Islands. At localities where trends exist populations have decreased by a quarter to a third over two decades or so, corroborated by similar declines in at-sea counts. White-chinned Petrels breed colonially in burrows dug on vegetated peat slopes, usually with small ponds at their entrances. As for all other tubenose seabirds they lay a single white egg.  Breeding takes place in the austral summer.  Diet consists of fish, crustaceans and squid obtained by surface seizing and diving to a depth of 15 m, often feeding at night.  Scavenging behind fishing vessels is common, putting the bird at high risk to longline hooks and trawl warp collisions. Because of population declines and fishery mortality the species has a global threat category of Vulnerable, despite its overall large population.  Introduced mammals, including predatory cats and rodents, have been removed from most breeding islands where they occurred, leading to improved breeding success where studied, but not from all.  Introduced mammals require removal from French sub-Antarctic islands and from Auckland Island.  More widespread adoption of mitigation measures (such as deploying bird scaring lines) is required on fishing vessels within the species’ wide range in both national and international waters.  The White-chinned Petrel is listed both within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP) and the Convention on Migratory Species on Appendix II.  Nearly all breeding islands are national nature reserves with management plans or equivalents restricting landings by permit only.  Several are World Heritage Natural Sites and/or Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.  Most are surrounded by Marine Protected Areas of varying sizes. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species)*.* Bell, E.A. 2017.  [White-chinned petrel](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/white-chinned-petrel). * **In:*Miskelly, C.M. (Ed.)  *New Zealand Birds Online*. BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet: *Procellaria aequinoctialis*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis/text) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 March 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-species-summary-for-the-white-chinned-petrel.md) ## Early evidence of a mouse attack on an adult Northern Giant Petrel on Marion Island *![Northern Giant Petrel wounded by John Cooper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Northern_Giant_Petrel_wounded_by_John_Cooper.jpg) Exposed bone on the rump of an incubating Northern Giant Petrel on Marion Island, August 2003; photograph by John Cooper* Christopher Jones (**[FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/)**, University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues published in the journal **[*Polar Biology*](https://link.springer.com/journal/300)** in 2019 on what they considered to be the first record of an attack by introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* on an adult Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli* on Marion Island.  They photographed flank wounds consistent with a mouse attack in September 2017, noting that whereas mice are significant predators of seabird chicks on islands where they are the only introduced mammal, there are very few records of attacks on adult birds. In August 2003 John Cooper observed an incubating Northern Giant Petrel on Marion Island with a large rump wound that exposed bone.  The next day the colour-banded bird was no longer present and the abandoned egg was broken.  A long-lost photograph of this incident has recently been found in support of mice attacking an adult seabird at Marion Island 14 years earlier than the published record. *![Jones et al Fig 1a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Jones_et_al_Fig_1a.jpg) A flank wound on an incubating Northern Giant Petrel on Marion Island, September 2017; photographs by Christopher Jones* House Mice were first recorded attacking Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* chicks on Marion Island in 2003; subsequently attacks have been recorded on chicks of the other three albatross species that breed on the island, as well as on two species of burrowing petrels. #### **References:** Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2015.  ‘Scalping’ of albatross fledglings by introduced mice spreads rapidly at Marion Island.  **[*Antarctic Science* 28: 73-80](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/scalping-of-albatross-fledglings-by-introduced-mice-spreads-rapidly-at-marion-island/58C59257E83ADAC5D46A2AB8CA07F711)**. Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. ** **[*Antarctic Science* 30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Cleeland, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019. First evidence of mouse attacks on adult albatrosses and petrels breeding on sub-Antarctic Marion and Gough Islands.  **[*Polar Biology* 42: 619-623](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-018-02444-6)**. Jones, M.G.W. & Ryan, P.G. 2009.  Evidence of mouse attacks on albatross chicks on sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  **[*Antarctic Science* 22: 39-42](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/evidence-of-mouse-attacks-on-albatross-chicks-on-subantarctic-marion-island/FA02807B3011973762C0BFE418CB3B17)** *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/early-evidence-of-a-mouse-attack-on-an-adult-northern-giant-petrel-on-marion-island.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Northern Giant Petrel *![Andrea Siemt Northern Giant Petrel Schmincke Watercolour Guardi Artistico Torchon CP 300g 2525 cm Liezl Pretorius](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Andrea_Siemt_Northern_Giant_Petrel_Schmincke_Watercolour_Guardi_Artistico_Torchon_CP_300g_2525_cm_Liezl_Pretorius.jpeg) Northern Giant Petrel chick by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Andrea Siemt Schmincke for ACAP, in watercolours; after a photograph by Liezl Pretorius* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*continuing here with the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli.  *The Photo Essay series of the 31 listed species takes a more personal approach; [click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4160-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-giant-petrel-by-janine-schoombie) for the Northern Giant Petrel by Janine Schoombie. ![Janine Schoombie NGP 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_3.jpg)*After scavenging from a seal carcass, bloodied Northern Giant Petrels s are fastidious about bathing at sea![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_9.JPG) Protected from the prevailing weather by a rock face, a Northern Giant Petrel broods its downy chick on Marion Island Photographs by Janine Schoombie* The Northern Giant Petrel is one of the two largest petrels in the family Procellariidae.  They are so large they do not need to breed in burrows to be protected from predators.  The species was only recognized as separate to the closely related and similar looking Southern Giant Petrel in the 1960s. Unlike its sister species, which has a white phase, the Northern Giant Petrel exists in only one colour phase.  Juveniles are uniform dark brown, adults are paler, especially on the face.  The horn-coloured bill has a diagnostic reddish tip, separating it from the southern species which has a green tip.  Males are noticeably larger than females. The species has a more restricted breeding range than the near-Southern Ocean distribution of the Southern Giant Petrel.  It breeds on sub-Antarctic islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, including on islands south of New Zealand (where the Southern does not).  Unlike the Southern species it does not breed within Antarctica.  The bird breeds singly or in loose colonies, laying its single egg in nests on the ground, often made against the sides of protruding rocks.  Breeding commences about six weeks earlier than Southern Giant Petrels, although hybridisation has been reported at several breeding localities where both species coexist.  The global population is estimated at 11 800 breeding pairs; largest concentrations are found in the South Atlantic and in New Zealand waters (with an estimated 2000 pairs on tiny Forty-Fours/Motuhara Island).  At most breeding sites where studies exist, populations are increasing in numbers, leading to it being categorized as Least Concern. Banding and tracking studies show individuals can travel over great distances within the Southern Ocean.  As for its sister species, the diet of Northern Giant Petrels comes from scavenging on carcasses from increasing seal populations and preying on seabirds, including penguins, on land and feeding on marine life (squid, fish) caught at sea, as well as from scavenging behind fishing vessels. Threats included being killed as bycatch by longline fisheries, notably by IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fisheries for toothfish in the Southern Ocean in the 1990s; now largely eliminated by the adoption of mitigation measures (such as deploying bird-scaring lines) by the legal fisheries and concerted international action against the poaching vessels.  Birds have died from poisoning on several islands during introduced predator eradication programmes but have shown subsequent signs of recovery.  Human disturbance by researchers and tourists is largely controlled by management plans and guidelines on approach distances.  Most breeding sites are proclaimed nature reserves or equivalents, several with international status coming from the World Heritage and Ramsar Wetlands Conventions.  Nearly all breeding sites are surrounded by large Marine Protected Areas.  The Northern Giant Petrel is listed both within the Albatross and Petrel Agreement (ACAP) and the Convention on Migratory Species on Appendix II. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [Northern Giant Petrel](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species)*[Macronectes halli](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).* BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet:](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697859)*[Macronectes halli](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22697859).* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-northern-giant-petrel.md) ## Last call for a John and Pat Warham Studentship to study albatrosses and petrels ![John Warham](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/John_Warham.jpg) *The late John Warham MNZM, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, DSc (1919-2010) holds his Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions Medal* The [John and Pat Warham Studentships](https://bou.org.uk/warham-studentship/) administered by the [British Ornithologists’ Union](https://bou.org.uk/) support postgraduate studies of procellariiform and sphenisciform seabirds by citizens of Commonwealth countries.  Applications are now open for projects commencing in 2023.  Successful proposals will combine the development of skills useful for a future career in ornithology with a sound scientific research proposal. “This is our fourth and last studentship to be funded by the legacy left to us by John and Pat Warham.  The previous three rounds have seen applications from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and for this round we are particularly keen to see applications from the other Commonwealth jurisdictions (whose citizens form the majority within the Commonwealth). Whilst UK discrimination legislation prevents us from discriminating against any group on grounds of race, ethnicity or religion, we strongly wish our final studentship to better reflect the diversity of the Commonwealth, by making an award to an institute and student from a Commonwealth country other than the four we have received applications from to date.” Deadline for applications 29 May 2022.  Read more on the studentship and how to apply [here](https://bou.org.uk/warham-studentship/). Read *ACAP Latest News*’ [obituary](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/592-dr-john-warham-pioneer-albatross-and-petrel-researcher-11-october-1919-12-may-2010?highlight=WyJqb2huIiwiam9obidzIiwid2FyaGFtIiwiam9obiB3YXJoYW0iXQ==) for John Warham. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/last-call-for-a-john-and-pat-warham-studentship-to-study-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Amsterdam Albatross by Jean-Paul Roux with Jérémy Dechartre  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_Susan_Roux_cropped.jpg)*Painting of the first Amsterdam Albatross photographed by the author, by Susan Roux* **NOTE:** This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Jean-Paul Roux](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jean-Paul-Roux) writes about the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* he first identified and described as a new species in the 1980s.  His account is illustrated with photographs taken by [Jérémy Dechartre](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3385-france-s-amsterdam-island-joins-the-word-albatross-day-banner-challenge?highlight=WyJiYW5uZXIiLCInYmFubmVyIiwiYmFubmVyJyIsImJhbm5lcidzIiwiJ2Jhbm5lciciLCJiYW5uZXInLiIsImFtc3RlcmRhbSIsImFtc3RlcmRhbSdzIl0=) because Jean-Paul no longer has easy access to his own photos stored on another continent.  Jérémy  was the ornithologist and marine mammologist from the [Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en) (coordinated and supported by the [Institut Polaire Français Paul-Emile Victor](https://institut-polaire.fr/fr/)) with the 70th Mission to Amsterdam Island in 2019 with the project “Birds and Marine Mammals, Sentinels of Global Changes in the Southern Ocean”. *![J P Roux 1981](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/J-P_Roux_1981.JPG) Jean-Paul Roux on Amsterdam Island in 1981 (with a friend)* [Amsterdam Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZCdzIiwiaXNsYW5kJyIsIidpc2xhbmQnIiwibm8iLCInbm8iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0gaXNsYW5kIiwiaXNsYW5kIG5vIl0=) is a small (less than 7 x 10 km) volcanic island situated in the centre of the southern Indian Ocean 4500 km from southern Africa, 3200 km from western Australia and 3200 km from Antarctica; making it one of the most isolated islands in the world.  Despite this remoteness it was discovered extremely early in the age of southern exploration, being sighted by the Spanish Elcano in March 1522 during the first circumnavigation of the world (the Magellan Expedition).  Subsequently the Dutch van Diemen named the island after his ship the *Nieuw Amsterdam* in 1633; the first recorded landing was made in 1696.  During the 18th and 19th centuries the island was frequently visited by sealers who nearly exterminated the local population of the Sub-Antarctic Fur Seal *Arctocephalus tropicalis*.  These were followed by regular visits of fishing vessels (particularly from the island of Réunion).  At least seven vessels have been wrecked along the island shore. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Island_Thierry_Micol_2.jpg) Amsterdam Island from the air, Photograph by Thierry Micol* These early visits had a devastating effect on the fauna and flora of the island through direct depredation by humans, introductions of predators (cats, rats and mice) as well as several large fires which destroyed the original forest of *Phylica arborea* which covered most of the slopes of the island.  A failed attempt at settlement in 1871 left behind more introduced animals (including cattle) and plants which contributed to the severe environmental degradation of the island and the extinction of several species of seabirds (some probably endemic) and the only known terrestrial bird (an endemic flightless duck). The island was claimed by France in 1843 and, as a permanent settlement was required by international law to maintain this territorial claim,  a permanent station, [Martin-de-Viviès,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin-de-Vivi%C3%A8s) was built in 1949 for meteorological observations and radio communication in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  When France initiated in the 1950s biological and ecological research programmes in the region the focus and priorities were on higher latitude and less degraded archipelagos (Kerguelen Islands and Crozet Islands). As a result of this neglect the ecology and avifauna of Amsterdam Island remained poorly documented until the 1980s. **![Paulian 1953 Albatros 4 1 photo by R. Delon](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Paulian_1953_Albatros_4-1_photo_by_R._Delon.png)* The 1951 photograph of an Amsterdam Albatross; by R. Delon from Paulian (1953)* One of the early biologists of that era was Patrice Paulian who, at the end of a research mission on Kerguelen in 1951, had a short stop-over at Amsterdam during which he tried to document the avifauna of the island.  He heard from the station personnel of very few “great albatrosses” nesting on the high Plateau des Tourbières but failed to see them.  The following year he received a black and white photograph of a breeding adult on an egg taken by non-scientific personnel of the station on 6 April 1951 which he published in 1953, with the comment [in translation] “*Diomedea exulans ssp? … in the absence of any material… we can only affirm the presence at Amsterdam Island of a brown sub-species clearly different from the birds of Kerguelen*”. Unfortunately, Paulian had only access to this photograph and mistook the dark cutting edge of the bill for a shadow caused by what he thought was possibly a partially open bill.  He later returned to Amsterdam Island for a summer and produced a seminal work on the Sub-Antarctic Fur Seal, but again never managed to see an adult great albatross (because their breeding season is later than for the Kerguelen birds he knew).  As a great naturalist that he proved to be, I am convinced that, if he had had the opportunity to see a breeding adult, he would have recognized the uniqueness of these birds. *![Jérémy Dechartre Amsterdam Albatross 3a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Jérémy_Dechartre_Amsterdam_Albatross_3a.jpg) An Amsterdam Albatross broods its downy chick* During the following two decades, no trained ornithologist had spent more than a couple of days on Amsterdam Island.  After my first sub-Antarctic experience at the Crozets (late 1979 to early 1981), I was given the opportunity to visit Amsterdam Island for a “summer mission” (September 1981-March 1982), focusing on fur seal biology and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche carteri*.  During this time, I also documented the avifauna and the ecologically degraded state of the island.  As regularly as possible I visited the site of the Amsterdam Albatross breeding area on the floor of the remnant of an ancient caldera at an altitude between 500 and 600 m.  During those early visits, guided by some island station personnel, we located eight chicks that we banded, but I did not manage to observe an attending adult.  My first impression was that the chicks seemed at least two months behind in terms of development compared with the Wandering Albatrosses *D. exulans* I had observed on the Crozet Islands in the previous two seasons. These birds fledged in late December and January.  Finally, in early 1982 I had my first sighting of an adult feeding a pre-fledgling chick. The differences in plumage and the bill colouration were immediately strikingly different from the southern great albatrosses I knew.  I intensified the frequency of my visits to this seldom-visited area of the island until I documented photographically a pair displaying with a half-built nest leading, a week later in early March, to a first incubating bird.  The inferred laying date was more than a month later than all the documented laying dates for the Wandering Albatross *![Jérémy Dechartre Amsterdam Albatross 6a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Jérémy_Dechartre_Amsterdam_Albatross_6a.jpg) A pair of Amsterdam Albatrosses interact* With these preliminary observations, my return to mainland France was met with mixed reactions.  Whereas some colleagues were supportive, others were less so.  After more than a year gathering more information, measurements and observations from previous and current personnel at Amsterdam Island, I had accumulated enough evidence to propose a new species for this extremely rare albatross, with a first estimate being as low as 50 birds!  However, this idea was not accepted at the Museum national d’Histoire Naturelle ([MNHN](https://www.mnhn.fr/en)) in Paris on the grounds that it was not possible to describe a new species without at least a specimen (holotype).  After many visits to natural history museums around the world holding albatross specimens collected over the last two centuries from the central Indian Ocean with the help of friends and colleagues we still had no physical specimen.   Someone made the suggestion that to make a species proposal I should “sacrifice” at least one breeding adult, but preferably two (a male and a female) when initial estimates pointed to a population of only 13 breeding pairs between 1978 and 1983. *![Jérémy Dechartre Amsterdam Albatross 5a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Jérémy_Dechartre_Amsterdam_Albatross_5a.jpg) A feathering Amsterdam Albatross chick stretches its wings* In March 1982 an adult was found dead on the plateau where the birds were breeding.  Due to the poor state of the remains only the head and one wing could be preserved and shipped back to mainland France, arriving late in the year.  These remains were deemed acceptable as a holotype for the proposal of a new species, resulting in publishing this “description” in a French-language publication (*[L’Oiseau et R.F.O](https://www.worldcat.org/title/oiseau-et-la-revue-francaise-dornithologie/oclc/1761168)*, now defunct). This had the consequence of limiting the readership and impact of the discovery.  However, despite this the news spread throughout the seabird world.  Peter Harrison included the new species in the first revision of his seminal [*Seabirds and Identification Guide*](https://www.amazon.com/Seabirds-Identification-Guide-Peter-Harrison/dp/0395602912) as early as 1985. My first proposal was to name the new species as *Diomedea pauliani* in honour of Patrice Paulian and his early insight and for publishing the first photograph of Amsterdam’s great albatross, but in the end it became *Diomedea amsterdamensis.* *![Jérémy Dechartre Amsterdam Albatross 7a](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Jérémy_Dechartre_Amsterdam_Albatross_7a.jpg) Displaying Amsterdam Albatrosses* Subsequently, a long-term monitoring programme was set up for the Endangered Amsterdam Albatross, which then led to the production of a [species action plan](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3016-france-is-to-adopt-a-second-national-plan-of-action-for-the-amsterdam-albatross-later-this-year?highlight=WyJjYXR0bGUiLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyJd) and efforts to rehabilitate the island’s ecology.  The feral cattle which had contributed to vegetation degradation and soil erosion and were occupying more than 70% of the island area, were eventually limited to a smaller area by fences and then eliminated by 2010 ([click here](https://acap.aq/index.php/es/novedades/noticias-archivadas/57-2012-news-archive/205-bye-bye-moo-cows-and-bye-bye-mouflons-recent-conservation-and-restoration-efforts-at-the-french-sub-antarctic-islands)). With grateful thanks to Karine Delord, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, for information, including Paulian's historical photograph. **Selected Publications:** Jouventin, P., Martinez, J. & Roux, J.-P. 1989. Breeding biology and current status of the Amsterdam Island Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*.  [*Ibis* 131: 171-182](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1989.tb02760.x). Jouventin, P. & Roux, J-P. 1983.   Discovery of a new albatross.  [*Nature* 305: 181](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1983Natur.305..181J/abstract). Jouventin, P. & Roux, J-P. 1984.  L’Albatros d’Amsterdam va-t-il disparaître à peine découvert?  *La Recherche*, 15: 250-252. Paulian, P. 1953.  Pinnipèdes, cétacés, oiseaux des Iles Kerguelen et Amsterdam: mission Kerguelen 1951. *Mémoires de l’Institut Scientifique de Madagascar Série* A Tome VIII. Roux, J.-P., Jouventin, P., Mougin, J.-L., Stahl, J.C. & Weimerskirch, H. 1983.  Un nouvel albatros *Diomedea amsterdamensis* n. sp. découvert sur l’île Amsterdam (37°50’S, 77°35’E).  [*L’Oiseau et R.F.O*. 53: 1-11](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280133184_Roux_J-P_Jouventin_P_Mougin_J-L_Stahl_J-C_and_Weimerskirch_H_1983_Un_nouvel_albatros_Diomedea_amsterdamensis_n_sp_decouvert_sur_l'Ile_Amsterdam_37o_50'S_77o35'E_L'Oiseau_et_RFO_53_1-11). Roux, J.-P. `& Martinez, J. 1987.  Rare, vagrant and introduced birds at Amsterdam and Saint Paul Islands, southern Indian Ocean.* *[*Cormorant*14: 3-19](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=163). *Jean-Paul Roux, *Lüderitz*, Namibia, 10 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-amsterdam-albatross-by-jean-paul-roux-with-jeremy-dechartre.md) ## Automated bioacoustics can assess colony attendance in White-chinned Petrels ![Rosana Venturini PanPastels Andy Wood](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Rosana_Venturini_PanPastels_Andy_Wood.jpeg) *White-chinned Petrel in PanPastels by [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) artist Rosana Venturini for ACAP; photograph by Andy Wood* Carlos Linares ([Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University](https://www.boisestate.edu/biology/), Idaho, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal [Emu - Austral Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temu20) on using acoustic recorders to assess population densities of [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698140) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*in a breeding colony. The paper’s abstract follows: “Monitoring of population sizes and trends using conventional surveys is challenging for nocturnal, burrow-nesting seabirds. The White-chinned Petrel is the most commonly killed species in Southern Ocean fisheries and its breeding success at many sites is reduced because of predation by invasive cats and rodents. As adaptive management of such threats requires cost-effective and reproducible protocols for monitoring populations, we examined the potential of automated bioacoustic techniques for measuring colony attendance patterns (relative number of birds visiting at a given time) using data from acoustic recorders deployed over a breeding season at Bird Island, South Georgia. Generic recognition software was of limited utility, but a suite of acoustic indices in a random forest model reliably predicted the occurrence of vocalisations. Vocal activity showed clear temporal patterns, despite high day-to-day variability, and was lowest during the pre-laying period, in the early evening, and on moonlit nights. To facilitate estimation of population density using acoustic recorders, we determined the mean vocalisation rate of individuals (2.3 min−1), mean call length (~15.3 sec), and detection distance (~15 m based on signal to noise ratios of playbacks). Our results indicate that acoustic indices are a useful measure of colony attendance. If these indices can be linked to density, acoustic monitoring would provide a powerful and cost-effective census method for White-chinned Petrels and other nocturnal species.: With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Linares, C.G., Phillips, R.A. & Buxton, R.T. 2022.  Monitoring vocal activity and temporal patterns in attendance of White-chinned Petrels using bioacoustics.  *[Emu - Austral Ornithology DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2021.2018337](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2021.2018337)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/automated-bioacoustics-can-assess-colony-attendance-in-white-chinned-petrels.md) ## An ACAP Species Summary for the Southern Giant Petrel  ![Susanne Durchholz Southern Giant Petrel watercolour Michelle Risi Long Beach Gough](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Susanne_Durchholz_Southern_Giant_Petrel_watercolour_Michelle_Risi_Long_Beach_Gough.jpg) *Southern Giant Petrel breeding on Long Beach, Gough Island, watercolour by Susanne Durchholz; after a photograph by Michelle Risi* **Note:**  The illustrated [Species Summaries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries) have been written to help inform the general public, including school learners, of the biology and conservation needs of the 31 ACAP-listed species.  They serve to complement the more detailed and referenced [ACAP Species Assessments](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).  To date, summaries for the 22 species of albatrosses have been produced in in all three ACAP official languages, [English](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-summaries), [French](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/species-summaries-f)and [Spanish](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/species-summaries-s). Texts have also been prepared for the nine ACAP-listed petrels and shearwaters in English, but as yet have not been translated into French and Spanish.  As an interim service, the illustrated English texts are being posted to *ACAP Latest News,*starting here with the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus.* *![20151205 SGP chick and adult](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/20151205-SGP_chick_and_adult.jpg) A Southern Giant Petrel broods its small chick on Marion Island; photograph by John Dickens* The Southern Giant Petrel is one of the two largest petrels in the family Procellariidae.  They are so large they do not need to breed in burrows to be protected from predators.  The closely related and similar looking Northern Giant Petrel was only recognized as a separate species in the 1960s. The Southern Giant Petrel occurs in two colour phases.  Most birds are all-over brown with a yellowish to horn-coloured bill which has a diagnostic green tip, separating it from the northern species which has a reddish tip to its bill.  Brown-phase juveniles have a plain dark brown plumage, older birds become variously mottled with pale brown to grey feathers.  The rarer white-phase birds are overall white with a scattering of black body feathers.  Males are larger than females, most noticeable when the bills of a breeding pair are compared side by side. The species breeds in the austral summer on many Southern Ocean islands and on the Antarctic Continent, laying a single egg on the ground in colonies, that may vary greatly in size.  The global population was estimated at 48 000 - 54 000 pairs in 2008/09.  By far the largest numbers (19 500 pairs) are found in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas, a disputed territory* in the South Atlantic.  The northernmost breeding site is Gough Island, where a few hundred pairs breed.  Colonies also exist on the Antarctic Continent, including on islands along the Antarctic Peninsula – where more white-phase birds are present, compared with the sub-Antarctic island populations.  Population trends vary throughout the species’ range but are increasing in the large colonies in the South Atlantic, resulting in the species being categorized as of Least Concern. Southern Giant Petrels may be seen at sea throughout the Southern Ocean, as well as offshore along the coasts of southern Africa and southern South America.  Banding and tracking studies show individuals can travel great distances.  The species’ diet is catholic, scavenging on seal carcasses and preying on seabirds, including penguins, on land and feeding on marine life (krill, squid, fish) caught at sea, as well as scavenging behind fishing vessels.  The smaller females feed more than males do at sea, thought due to their avoiding competing with larger males scavenging ashore. Threats included being killed as bycatch by longline fisheries, notably by IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fisheries for toothfish in the Southern Ocean in the 1990s; now largely eliminated by the adoption of mitigation measures (such as deploying bird-scaring lines) by the legal fisheries and concerted international action against the poaching vessels.  Human disturbance at breeding sites, including from tourists, is largely addressed by way of management plans or equivalents defining minimum approach distances.  Most breeding sites are proclaimed nature reserves or equivalents, several with international status coming from the World Heritage and Ramsar Wetlands Conventions.  Most of the sub-Antarctic islands where the species breeds are surrounded by large Marine Protected Areas. **Sources:** ACAP 2012.  [Southern Giant Petrel](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species)*[Macronectes giganteus](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species).* BirdLife International 2021.  [Species factsheet: ](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus/text)*[Macronectes giganteus](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus/text).* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 March 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. * * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-acap-species-summary-for-the-southern-giant-petrel.md) ## The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to ACAP will be a virtual one  ![Marion Schön My Heart is Yours Laysan Albatross Hob Osterlund pastels](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Marion_Schön_My_Heart_is_Yours_Laysan_Albatross_Hob_Osterlund_pastels.jpg) *“My Heart is Yours”, [Laysan Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)*Phoebastria immutabilis*for World Albatross Day 2022 by Marion Schön of [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/), in pastels; after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)) will be held online from 9-13 May 2022 (UTC+10).  This follows on from the meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC12](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12)) and two of its working groups last year, held virtually due to travel and other restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting’s [First Circular](https://acap.aq/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7) (available in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish), gives key dates for notification of proposed amendments to the Agreement, circulation of meeting reports, submission of working documents and information papers, and for applications by entities to attend MoP7 as an international or non-international observer.  The circular also includes a provisional agenda for the meeting, which includes hearing a [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12) from [AC12](https://acap.aq/en/advisory-committee/ac12), itself reflecting reports from its Seabird Bycatch ([SBWG10](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10)) and Population and Conservation Status ([PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6)) Working Groups, held over August/September last year. ACAP last met in person at [AC11](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac11) in Florianópolis, Brazil during May 2019.  The previous Session of the Meeting of Parties ([MoP6](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop6)) was held in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa during May 2018. More information about the arrangements for MoP7 will be made available soon in Circular 2. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 07 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-seventh-session-of-the-meeting-of-the-parties-to-acap-will-be-a-virtual-one.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project receives two substantial donations totalling nearly four million Rand  ![MFM Logo Colour Trademark](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/MFM_Logo_Colour_-_Trademark.png) ![Grey headed Albatross 3 Ben Dilley shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/Grey-headed_Albatross_3_Ben_Dilley_shrunk.jpg)*An [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed Albatross*Thalassarche chrysostoma*chick has been scalped by mice on Marion Island: it will not survive; photograph by Ben Dilley* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) aims to eradicate seabird-killing House Mice *Mus musculus* on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the austral winter of 2024. “Mice were accidentally introduced to Marion Island, most probably by sealers in the early 19th century, and have had a devastating impact on the ecology of the island.  A warmer and drier climate over the last 30 years has contributed to an increase in the densities of mice on the island each summer, causing a shortage of invertebrates, upon which the mice had been surviving in the winter months.  This shortage of food has driven mice to find alternative food sources.  As on other oceanic islands, the mice found many of the seabirds had no defence against their attacks and were literally “sitting ducks”.  The scale and frequency of attacks has been increasing since they were first observed in the early 2000s and have escalated dramatically in the last few years.  Without immediate action, Marion Island’s seabirds face local extinction.  Left unchecked, the mice are predicted to cause the local extinction of 18 of the 28 species of breeding seabirds currently found on the island, some within the next 30 years.  Helicopters brought by sea across the ‘Roaring Forties’ from South Africa will spread rodenticide bait from underslung bait buckets in overlapping swathes across the entire island – the only method that has so far proven successful in eradicating rodents from large islands. At 30 000 hectares, Marion will be substantially larger than all previous rodent eradication efforts undertaken on islands in a single operation ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/about-the-project/)). At the same time as planning for the eradication progresses with the appointment of [Project and Operations Managers](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-team/), concerted efforts are being made to raise the considerable amount of funds required for such a big operation.  A global approach is being taken, aided by the appointment of a USA-based [Chief Philanthropy Officer](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-team/) to seek large donations.  In addition, a ‘crowd-funding’ [Sponsor a Hectare](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsors/) campaign is requesting South African Rand 1000 (or USD 70) a hectare to raise 30 million Rand towards the overall cost of the planned eradication. ![Flock to Marion pax on pool deck Michael Mason Mark Anderson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Flock_to_Marion_pax_on_pool_deck_Michael_Mason-Mark_Anderson.jpg) *Flock to Marion birders gather on the***[MSC Orchestra](https://www.msccruises.co.za/our-cruises/ships/msc-orchestra/itineraries?wiz_campaign=ZAF-EN-Search-Brand-MSC-Other&wiz_medium=SEM&wiz_source=Google&wiz_term=msc%20orchestra&gclid=CjwKCAiAsNKQBhAPEiwAB-I5zawc_boTdazmgDqAObhV3gMxBbkIrHd33l500gT3PdXhVLatdP7itBoCY2AQAvD_BwE)***’s pool deck to celebrate their sponsoring over 2200 hectares; photograph by Michael Mason/Mark Anderson* In the last month, the project has received a boost with two major donations totalling nearly four million Rand.  First came news that 600 birders travelling on [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/)’s [Flock to Marion 2022](https://www.facebook.com/groups/BLSAFlock) voyage, along with associated events, had raised over three million Rand, including sponsoring 2207 hectares of Marion Island, bringing the total sponsored to date to over 5000 hectares ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-flock-to-marion-voyage-raises-over-three-million-rand-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/)). Secondly, a donation of USD 55 000 from the Germany-based non-profit **[Caring for Conservation Fund](https://c4cfund.org/)****,**along with a personal sponsorship by its founders (who had travelled on the ‘Flock” cruise) has brought in 900 000 Rand ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/michael-and-tom-riffel-and-their-caring-for-conservation-fund-donate-rand-900-000-to-the-mouse-free-marion-project/))**.** To learn more about the project, visit its recently redesigned [website](https://mousefreemarion.org/) which gives information on ‘ways to give’ from its home page. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-receives-two-substantial-donations-totalling-nearly-four-million-rand.md) ## COMNAP, IAATO and SCAR Fellowships: calls for applications  ![Wandering Albatross PEIs Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_PEIs_Trevor_Hardaker.JPG)*Wandering Albatross at sea near South Africa's Prince Edward Islands; photograph by Trevor Hardaker* Three Antarctic organisations have once more announced opportunities for early-career professionals.  The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs ([COMNAP](https://www.comnap.aq/comnap-antarctic-fellowships)), the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators ([IAATO](https://iaato.org/supporting-science/the-iaato-antarctic-fellowship/)) and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research ([SCAR](http://www.scar.org/awards/fellowships/information/)) work together to support talented early-career researchers, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and other professionals.  The purpose is to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in fields such as climate, biodiversity, conservation, humanities and astrophysics research by providing annual funding opportunities.  In 2022, COMNAP and IAATO will each offer one Fellowship with funding of up to USD 15 000.  The Fellowships enable early-career persons to join a project team from another country, opening up new opportunities and often creating partnerships that last for many years and over many Antarctic field seasons. The deadline for the COMNAP and IAATO Fellowship applications is 30 June 2022. Following the recent launch of the [Polar Initiative](https://www.fpa2.org/en/initiatives/the-polar-initiative-012)) the [Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation](https://www.fpa2.org/en/) has funded an additional SCAR Fellowship and as a result SCAR will offer in total four to five Fellowships of up to USD 15 000 each for 2022.  The details for the SCAR scheme will be similar to previous years but with the opportunity for applicants to propose partly or entirely remote Fellowships to reflect the impact of Covid-19 related travel restrictions.  The deadline for the SCAR fellowship applications is 31 August 2022. **COMNAP**           The [Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs](https://www.comnap.aq/) brings together the National Antarctic Programmes of 31 Antarctic Treaty countries. Formed in 1988, the purpose of COMNAP is to develop and promote best practice in managing the support of scientific research in Antarctica. It does this by: Serving as a forum to develop practices that improve effectiveness of activities in an environmentally responsible manner; Facilitating and promoting international partnerships; Providing opportunities and systems for information exchange; and Providing the Antarctic Treaty System with objective and practical, technical and non-political advice drawn from the National Antarctic Programmes' pool of expertise.  ![COMNAPWhiteOnRed](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/COMNAPWhiteOnRed.jpg)  **IAATO**  ![IAATO](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/IAATO.jpg)     The [International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators](https://iaato.org/) is a member organisation founded in 1991 to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.  IAATO members work together to develop, adopt and implement operational standards that mitigate potential environmental impacts. These standards have proved to be successful including, but not limited to: Antarctic site-specific guidelines, site selection criteria, passenger to staff ratios, limiting numbers of passengers ashore, boot washing guidelines and the prevention of the transmission of alien organisms, wilderness etiquette, ship scheduling and vessel communication procedures, emergency medical evacuation procedures, emergency contingency plans, reporting procedures, marine wildlife watching guidelines, station visitation policies and much more.  IAATO has a global network of over 100 members.   **SCAR**     The [Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research](https://www.scar.org/) is an inter-disciplinary body of the International Science Council ([ISC](https://council.science/)). SCAR is charged with initiating, developing and coordinating high quality international scientific research in and from the Antarctic region, and on the role of the Antarctic region in the Earth system.  SCAR Science Groups represent the scientific disciplines active in Antarctic research.  They conduct the scientific business of SCAR and provide regular reports. In addition to carrying out its primary scientific role, SCAR also provides objective and independent scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and other policy-oriented organizations, on issues of science and conservation affecting the management of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.  ![SCAR](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/SCAR.jpg)   *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/comnap-iaato-and-scar-fellowships-calls-for-applications.md) ## Cats, rats, pigeons and Cory’s Shearwaters giving Bulwer’s Petrels a hard time  ![corys shearwater paulo catry](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/corys_shearwater_paulo_catry.jpg)*Cory’s Shearwater, photograph by Paulo Catry* Beneharo Rodríguez ([Canary Islands’ Ornithology and Natural History Group](https://www.gohnic.org/), Buenavista del Norte, Canary Islands, Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [Biological Invasions](https://www.springer.com/journal/10530) on effects of Introduced predators (cats and rats) and nest competitors (such as feral pigeons *Columbia livia* and [Cory’s Shearwaters](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22732244) *Calonectris borealis*) on [Bulwer’s Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698132) *Bulweria bulwerii* in the Canary Islands. Co-author Airam Rodríguez writes to *ACAP Latest News* "The bulk of Bulwer's Petrel breeding pairs is currently restricted to geographically small secure breeding sites (mostly marine rocks) due to predation by introduced mammal predators, collisions with electricity transmission wires, road casualties, habitat destruction, and attraction to artificial night lights. We highlight an overlooked threat to these petrel sanctuaries: pigeon competition for nesting sites that can cause more than 7.3% of breeding failure. In addition, we have also compiled a non-exhaustive list of evidence of interactions between feral pigeons and other seabirds (15 species!) across the world." **The paper’s abstract follows:** “Petrels are particularly sensitive to predation by introduced species.  Many populations have reduced their breeding ranges, currently mainly occupying predator-free sites.  Breeding range reduction leads to interspecific competition for nesting sites, which can be detrimental to petrels.  Here, we evaluate how the presence of introduced mammals (cats *Felis catus* and rats *Rattus* spp.) and potential competitors for nest sites (Cory’s shearwaters *Calonectris borealis* and feral rock pigeons *Columba livia*) shape the distribution, breeding density, and breeding performance of Bulwer’s petrel *Bulweria bulwerii* on Tenerife, the largest and most densely human populated of the Canary Islands.  We estimated nest density, assessed the role of nest location and physical characteristics of nests on breeding success, and determined causes of breeding failure by introduced predators and competitors.  Nest density was higher in predator-free colonies on marine rocks.  Cat presence was the best predictor of nest density, but it was not correlated with either presence or abundance of competitors.  Breeding success varied between years and colonies but was not related to nest characteristics.  Pigeon competition for nests was the most frequent cause of breeding failure (7.3%), followed by rat predation (6.3%). We also compared petrel and pigeon nest cavities and found considerable overlap in the physical size of nest sites.  Our study provides insights into an overlooked impact of the invasive rock pigeon: nest competition with small seabirds.  We encourage more research on the effects of pigeons on nest density, as well as disease and pathogen transmission, and vegetation changes within seabird colonies.” With thanks to Airam Rodríguez. **Reference:** Rodríguez, B., Rodríguez, A., Siverio, F., Martínez, J.M., Sacramento, E. & Acosta, Y. 2002.  Introduced predators and nest competitors shape distribution and breeding performance of seabirds: feral pigeons as a new threat.  *[Biological Invasions doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02746-1](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-022-02746-1)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information**Officer, 02 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cats-rats-and-pigeons-giving-breeding-cory-s-shearwaters-and-bulwer-s-petrels-a-hard-time.md) ## ACAP’s collaboration with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature is extended for another month *![Ilana Nimz Laysan Albatross James Campbell](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Ilana_Nimz_Laysan_Albatross_James_Campbell.jpg) Combating climate change: a translocated Laysan Albatross chick is hand-reared by [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org)* *in the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/search14?q=James+Campbell), a site safe from sea-level rise; artwork by ABUN artist, Ilana Nimz* Since the beginning of the year ACAP has been collaborating with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) over January and February on its [39th Project](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ABUN4Nature&set=a.453687336386439) (“World Albatross Day 2022 - Climate Change”) to produce artworks that will help increase awareness of the conservation plight facing the world’s albatrosses.  This the third such collaboration with ABUN. ABUN #39 was due to have ended yesterday after two months, but it has been extended by Kitty Harvill, ABUN’s co-founder, to the end of March 2022.  This will allow contributing artists to submit more artworks depicting two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis.*  These two species have been chosen to feature this year’s theme of Climate Change for World Albatross Day on 19 June ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4241-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-paint-albatrosses-once-more-for-world-albatross-day)). *![Flávia F. Barreto Black footed Albatrosses watercolout and gouache Eriic Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Flávia_F._Barreto_Black-footed_Albatrosses_watercolout_and_gouache_Eriic_Vanderwerf.jpg) At risk from storms: Black-footed Albatrosses breeding close to the shore, watercolour and gouache by Flávia Barreto; after a photograph by Eric Vanderwerf* In the first two months of the collaboration a total off 55 artworks has been received, 18 depicting Black-footed Albatrosses, and 37 Laysan Albatrosses.  ACAP looks forward to seeing what the ABUN artists will produce in the next four weeks. With grateful thanks to Kitty Harvill, Co-founder of ABUN and to all the contributing artists for supporting the conservation of albatrosses with their art. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 01 March 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-collaboration-with-artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-is-extended-for-another-month.md) ## Wisdom, the world’s oldest known albatross, gets a grandchick ![N333 Dan Rapp 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/N333_Dan_Rapp_2.jpg)*Wisdom's 2011 chick, marked with band number N333, survived the March 2011 tsunami on Midway Atoll and was sighted the first time on a nest of its own in December 2021,**photograph by Dan Rapp* Wisdom, a female [Laysan Albatross](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *Phoebastria immutabilis* who regularly breeds on the USA’s [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North Pacific, is the world’s oldest known banded wild bird.  With an estimated minimum age of 70, she has now reached her eighth decade ([click here](https://medium.com/usfwspacificislands/worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-turns-70-and-returns-to-midway-atoll-23e95f7232e6)).  This season she briefly visited Midway but has taken a year off from breeding ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4230-wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-atoll-in-her-eighth-decade?highlight=WyJ3aXNkb20iLCJ3aXNkb20ncyIsIid3aXNkb20nIiwiJ3dpc2RvbScsIiwiJ3dpc2RvbSIsMjAyMV0=)). However, this season her chick from 2011, identified by the leg band number red N333, has been sighted raising a chick of its own.  Wisdom was at least 59 years old when N333 hatched.  First sighted breeding in December last year, N333 (believed to be a male due to its larger bill size) is currently busy taking turns with its mate as they feed and care for Wisdom’s “grandchick”. ![N333 Dan Rapp 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/N333_Dan_Rapp_1.jpg) *Survivor of the 2011 tsunami, Wisdom's 2011 chick checks out its egg in January 2022; photograph by Dan Rapp* “Sighting N333 on a nest was a long shot because the nest is not located in a study plot and is approximately 176 yards [160 m] from Wisdom’s nest site near a path to North Beach.  What makes this discovery particularly extraordinary is because N333 as a young chick miraculously survived the [March 11, 2011 tsunami](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/941-tsunami-death-toll-for-laysan-and-black-footed-albatrosses-on-midway-atoll-increases-to-over-a-hundred-thousand-birds?highlight=WyJ0c3VuYW1pIiwidHN1bmFtaSdzIiwibWlkd2F5IiwibWlkd2F5J3MiLCJtaWR3YXknIl0=) triggered by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the northeastern coast of Japan.  A massive ocean swell surged across the Pacific that day eventually inundating with water and debris most of Eastern Island and parts of Sand Island killing an estimated 110,000 albatross chicks that were too young to fly plus two thousand adults.” “When Wisdom returned to Midway Atoll to feed her chick on March 20, 2011, it was a welcomed sigh of relief amidst the devastation. N333 also survived due in part to the location of Wisdom’s nest site.  The out-planting of native species created a protective dune barrier that guards against rising sea swells from flooding the northern side of Sand Island. Wisdom’s nest site is located just inland of this sand dune line.” *![N333 as a chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/N333_as_a_chick.jpg) Wisdom returns to feed her 2011 chick; photograph by U.S. Geological Survey* N333 was the first of Wisdom’s chicks banded and was previously sighted by Wildlife Biologist Jon Plissner each spring from 2018 through 2021 close to its parents’ nest. #### News from the Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR)). **Note:**  The ACAP Information Officer became a grandfather for the first time at the ripe old age of 74 last September, so the above story particularly resonates with him. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-known-albatross-gets-a-grandchick.md) ## The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna advertises for a Seabird Project Manager ![ccsbt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/ccsbt.jpg)  The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](https://www.ccsbt.org/)) is an intergovernmental organization responsible for the global conservation and management of Southern Bluefin Tuna. The CCSBT is inviting applications for a three-year part-time position of Seabird Project Manager for the CCSBT’s Project for Enhancing the Implementation of Ecologically Related Species Seabird Measures within CCSBT Fisheries. The Seabird Project Manager will be responsible for the management and reporting of the CCSBT Seabird Project, the main objective of which is to reduce seabird bycatch in CCSBT fisheries.  This will be achieved through a combination of educational outreach, capacity-building, and technical innovation to enhance the implementation and monitoring of the functional deployment of seabird bycatch mitigation measures by CCSBT Members. Deadline for applications is 31 March 2022.  Read more [here](https://www.ccsbt.org/en/content/vacancy-seabird-project-manager). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-commission-for-the-conservation-of-southern-bluefin-tuna-advertises-for-a-seabird-project-manager.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: Buller’s Albatross by Jean-Claude Stahl * ![1 Solander May 2013 0459](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/1_Solander_May_2013_0459.jpg) A pair of non-breeding Buller’s Albatrosses preen on Solander Island, the female (left) devoting all her attention to a rather contented-looking male, May 2013* **NOTE:** This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Jean-Claude Stahl writes on the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri) Buller’s Albatross*Thalassarche bulleri*that he has studied and photographed over many years. * ![7 Solander Island Albatross 191](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/7_Solander_Island_Albatross_191.jpg) Jean-Claude Stahl (right) and Dominique Filippi ([Sextant Technology](http://www.s-t.co.nz/)) at a sealers’ shelter on Solander Island; photograph by Michael Hall* Realistically, I have the French military service to thank for my involvement in albatross research.  My choice back in 1977 was between mud crawling on mock battlefields, or a civilian option to study King Penguins *Aptenodytes patagonicus* on the sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands.  I chose the latter after a nanosecond hesitation, unaware then that the penguin option would have its fair share of mud crawling.  Begging for more, I returned to the Crozets for two more seasons, with research undertaken on a community of 16 petrel species on East Island with Pierre Jouventin, Jean-Louis Mougin and Henri Weimerskirch.  We also undertook the first surveys of Penguin and Apostle Islands where we discovered new breeding localities of Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *T. carteri*. While roaming the penguin beaches on the main Possession Island ([Île de la Possession](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur)), I got the attention of a rather exotic (to French eyes) visiting bird curator from the [Museum of New Zealand](https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/), Sandy Bartle.  He invited me to his home country and museum; I went there “for a year” in 1986 and I still live in New Zealand.  I soon got involved in seabird research, briefly on the Auckland Islands with Graham Elliott and Kath Walker and more in-depth on Southern Buller’s Albatrosses *T. b. bulleri*with programme leader Paul Sagar of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research ([NIWA](https://niwa.co.nz/)), with whom I have enjoyed working for many years.  The research programme was prompted by worries about interactions with fisheries when little was then known about the bird’s at-sea distribution. *![5 Solander May 2016 373](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/5_Solander_May_2016_373.jpg) A two and half month-old Buller’s Albatross chick* Buller’s Albatross (known as Buller’s Mollymawk in New Zealand) is one of the smallest albatrosses.  The Southern nominate subspecies breeds only on the [Snares Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1336-acap-breeding-sites-no-15-snares-islands-new-zealand-home-of-buller-s-and-salvin-s-albatrosses)/Tine Heke (8700 pairs, 2002) and [Solander Islands](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1471-acap-breeding-sites-no-41-solander-islands-fiordland-national-park-new-zealand)/Hautere (4900 pairs, 2002) south of New Zealand.  Northern Buller’s Albatrosses *T. b. platei* breed on the Chatham Islands east of New Zealand (17 500 pairs, 1970s) and the [Three Kings Islands](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3915-acap-breeding-site-no-94-rosemary-rock-new-zealand-s-northernmost-albatross-colony) north of New Zealand (13 pairs, 1985).  Annually breeding Southern Buller’s Albatrosses start returning ashore in December and lay their single eggs in January-February. The egg hatches after 68-72 days, and chicks are reared for an average of 167 days through the southern winter, fledging mainly in August-September.  Northern Buller’s Albatross breeds about three months earlier.  Adults and chicks migrate to seas off Chile and Peru at the end of the breeding season. *![2 Paul Sagar Snares ED](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/2_Paul_Sagar_Snares_ED.jpg) Paul Sagar in a Buller’s Albatross study colony under Subantarctic Tree Daisies on the Snares* During our shared stint of research, Paul Sagar concentrated on demography and the Snares some 100 km south of Stewart Island, complete with a cosy hut.  My focus was on the telemetry of foraging birds, and on a study colony on the Solander Islands, which the [New Zealand Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) wishes to keep a wilderness (so no hut, although I sympathise with the policy).  Solander (1.6 km long, 33 m high) is the largest eroded remnant of an andesitic volcano, a bleak landmark some 40 km south of the Fiordland coast and 60 west of Stewart Island.  Hautere, the Māori name of the island, means “swift winds”, a rather apt description for an outpost close to the windiest weather station in New Zealand at South-west Cape.  Europeans first sighted the island in 1770, when Captain James Cook named them after Daniel Solander, the Swedish naturalist on Cook’s first voyage.  As did many southern islands, Solander had its share of sealing gangs and castaways, with one gang of five stranded there between 1808 and 1813, presumably plenty of time to hone their Buller’s Albatross recipes.  Solander is partly covered by “muttonbird scrub” *Brachyglottis rotundifolia* and *Veronica elliptica* scrub, below or adjacent to wind-blasted slopes of *Poa foliosa* and *P. astonii* tussock and a taller forest patch of [Subantarctic Tree Daisies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olearia_lyallii) *Olearia lyallii* on the summit plateau and *Brachyglottis stewartiae,*more widespread and down to sea level on the Snares. *![8 Solander May 2013 0389](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/8_Solander_May_2013_0389.jpg) The safest if horizontally challenged camping spot on Solander* Access to Solander is by permit only and after strict quarantine procedures by the Department of Conservation.  A helicopter can only land on the boulder beaches at low tide, and the first time we were left stranded was an eerie experience in misty weather, surrounded by fish bins of food and gear and hundreds of New Zealand Fur Seals *Arctocephalus forsteri* and desperately looking for a camping spot on the side of a pyramid.  Over time, we sampled various “promising” spots that turned out to be a waterfall base, a gravity-assisted boulder field, a seal haulout and a [Weka](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/weka-gallirallus-australis) *Gallirallus australis* playground, all accompanied by the deafening heavy swell.  Wekas (a flightless rail) were presumably introduced by sealers and have seriously depleted the burrowing petrel populations but seem to have little affected the Buller’s Albatrosses. **![3 Solander May 2016 375](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/3_Solander_May_2016_375.jpg)* Part of a study colony (foreground) among*Poa astonii*tussock and*Veronica elliptica*scrub vegetation on the north-west corner of Solander* Apart from the storms, the greatest spectacle on the Solander Islands was the synchronised return of non-breeding Buller’s Albatrosses to their prospective colonies - I had become particularly interested in non-breeders, which account for close to half of the birds coming ashore.  This was most spectacular in summer during incubation when flocks of over a thousand birds started wheeling off the cliffs at dawn before returning ashore and literally awakening the place (and us) with their piercing wails.  The by-then presumably exhausted birds trickled out to sea in mid-morning to form large rafts just offshore, with an eerie silence returning to the colonies of snoozing incubators.  In mid-afternoon, whole squadrons of non-breeders returned ashore, and all wailing hell broke loose once again, bodies circling each other, heads bobbing, tails fanning, fights and all, until the final dusk exodus.  Except at full moon, when the racket went on well into the night. *![9 Solander May 2016 172](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/9_Solander_May_2016_172.jpg) Non-breeding birds ready to take off into a wild Tasman Sea* Speaking of storms, one truly epic day was when collecting diet samples from chicks in the teeth of a massive winter storm in July.  In between sheets of sea spray ascending right past the top of the island, we fought our best to “stabilize” the collecting bucket bobbing frantically in the wind. During a relative lull, the knack was to get the near vomiting chick’s bill somehow aligned with the bucket before “release”.  Needless to say a few samples shot past the rim of the bucket on their way to outer space. *![4 Solander May 2013 0328](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/4_Solander_May_2013_0328.jpg) *Non-breeding birds displaying, attending nests and preening chicks in a study colony on Solander in May 2013** All in all, I made 11 trips to Solander (three-week trips in February and two-week trips in May and July), as well as eight trips to the Snares.  In the compact Solander study colony, I came to know quite a few birds personally; the placid incubators hardly moving when their bands were checked, the neurotic ones on the verge of nervous breakdowns.  I got particularly fond of a banded non-breeder, although getting close to it would be an overstatement.  From the top of his house-sized rock perch, this particular male kept a near daily watch on my wanderings in the colony - and presumably on passing Buller’s females.  I tried everything: slithering around the rock, whistling in mock disinterest, sprinting to beat the odds.  The cool bird just slid off its perch in a nonchalant glide, returning within sometimes seconds of me giving up the chase (French expletives omitted here). Telemetry of breeding and non-breeding birds from the Snares and Solanders has revealed a dynamic stage, sex, age and locality dependant pattern which, on present evidence, seems broadly consistent from year to year.  Breeding Southern Buller’s Albatrosses forage up to 1800 km from their colonies, from Tasmania in the west to the Chatham Rise east of New Zealand, and from the Auckland Islands north to the Cook Strait (usually) or top the northern tip of New Zealand (one bird).  Breeders of both sexes undertake mostly long trips during the incubation period, mostly short trips during the brood-guard stage, and a mix of short and long trips during the post-guard stage to mid-June (males, which revert to short trips later in the season) or late July at least (females).  The mid-June change coincides with the dispersal of White-capped Albatrosses *T. steadi*, although this may not indicate a causal relationship.  Males undertake more short trips than do females, and, during long trips, disperse less far along the New Zealand slope.  When heading into the Tasman Sea they forage over the Tasmanian slope, whereas females stay in the oceanic mid-Tasman.  Females also mostly forage in the mid-Tasman during the pre-laying period, when males undertake mostly short trips. Compared to Snares breeders, Solander breeders, especially females, disperse more frequently to the slope west of New Zealand, both during long and short trips.  Tracked six-to-seven year-old prebreeders dispersed to a staging area off Tasmania after their only documented visit ashore.  Older prebreeders (aged eight to nine years) either made mostly long trips to the same areas as breeders (Tasman Sea and New Zealand slope), or mostly undertook short trips throughout the season. *![6 Solander May 2013 0446](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Bullers/6_Solander_May_2013_0446.jpg)*Actively displaying non-breeders; the right-hand bird makes its piercing “wail” call.  Wails echoing in the cliffs are one of the great soundscapes of Buller’s Albatross colonies** Dietary studies (with Gavin James, also from NIWA) have revealed that fisheries discards (mostly of Jack Mackerel, Hoki and macrourids) accounted for two thirds of solid food by weight during the post-guard period at both Solander and the Snares.  The proportion of discards was greater during long trips, that of squid, salps and non-food items (wood and plastic gloves!) greater during short trips, suggesting that the latter are perhaps aimed at filling up the chick with just about anything.  One item that literally stood out from a chick regurgitation was the beak of a cephalopod subsequently identified as that of a giant squid.  An addiction to discards may well have been associated with the population increase observed on the Snares until about 2005, but the recent decline in adult casts some shadows on this sunny picture.  Watch this space. **Acknowledgements** As well as Sandy Bartle and Paul Sagar, I would like to acknowledge all who have contributed to our research, especially the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Dominique Filippi, Graeme Taylor, Alan Tennyson, Susan Waugh, Bernard West and Chrissie Wickes.  They have all facilitated my trips and made them great memories, despite the sometimes-testing conditions. **Selected Publications:** BirdLife International 2004.  *[Tracking Ocean Wanderers: the Global Distribution of Albatrosses and Petrels.  Results from the Global Procellariiform Tracking Workshop, 1–5 September, 2003, Gordon’s Bay, South Africa](http://seabirdtracking.org/sites/default/files/trackingoceanwanderers_tcm9-200236.pdf)*.  Cambridge: BirdLife International.  pp. 26-27. Broekhuizen, N., Stahl, J.-C. & Sagar, P.M. 2003.  Simulating the distribution of southern Buller’s Albatross using an individual-based population model.  *[Journal of Applied Ecology 40: 678-691](https://www.jstor.org/stable/3505841)*. James, G.D & Stahl, J.-C. 2000.  Diet of southern Buller’s albatross (*Diomedea bulleri bulleri*) and the importance of fishery discards during chick-rearing.  [*New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research* 34: 435-454](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00288330.2000.9516946). Sagar, P. M. & Stahl, J.-C. 2001.  Unusual items fed to southern Buller’s albatross chicks.  *Water and Atmosphere* 9: 5. Sagar, P.M. & Stahl, J.-C. 2005.  Increases in the numbers of breeding pairs in two populations of Buller’s Albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri bulleri*).  [*Emu* 105: 49-55](http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=MU04032). Sagar, P.M., Stahl, J.-C. & Molloy, J. 1998.  Sex determination and natal philopatry of Southern Buller’s Mollymawks (*Diomedea bulleri bulleri*).  *[Notornis 45: 271-278](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/sex-determination-and-natal-philopatry-of-southern-bullers-mollymawks-diomedea-bulleri-bulleri/)*. Sagar, P.M., Stahl, J.-C. & Molloy, J. 2002.  The influence of experience, pair bond duration, and partner change on breeding frequency and success in southern Buller's mollymawk (*Thalassarche bulleri bulleri*).  *[Notornis 49: 145-152.](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/the-influence-of-experience-pair-bond-duration-and-partner-change-on-breeding-frequency-and-success-in-southern-bullers-mollymawk-thalassarche-bulleri-bulleri/)* Sagar, P.M., Stahl, J.-C., Molloy, J., Taylor, G.A. & Tennyson, A.J.D. 1999.  Population size and trends within the two populations of Southern Buller’s Albatross *Diomedea bulleri bulleri*.  *[Biological Conservation 89: 11-19](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320798001293)*. Sagar, P.M., Unwin, M.J., Stahl, J.-C. & Warham, J. 2005.  Variation in the size of Buller's albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri*) eggs.  *[New Zealand Journal of Zoology 32: 171-180](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03014223.2005.9518410)*. Stahl, J.-C., Bartle, J.A., Cheshire, N.G., Petyt, C. & Sagar, P.M. 1998.  Distribution and movements of Buller’s albatross (*Diomedea bulleri*) in Australasian seas.  [*New Zealand Journal of Zoology* 24: 109-137](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03014223.1998.9518143). Stahl, J.-C. & Sagar, P.M. 2000. Foraging strategies of southern Buller's albatrosses *Diomedea b*. *bulleri* breeding on The Snares, New Zealand.  *[Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 30: 299-318](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03014223.2000.9517624)*. Stahl, J.-C. & Sagar, P. 2000.  Foraging strategies and migration of southern Buller’s albatrosses *Diomedea b. bulleri* breeding on the Solander Is, New Zealand.[  ](#.UgH_8fUaK1s)[*Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand* 30: 319-334](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03014223.2000.9517625). Stahl, J.-C. & Sagar, P.M. 2006.  Behaviour and patterns of attendance of non-breeding birds at the breeding colony in a Buller’s albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* population at The Snares.  *[Notornis 53: 327-338.](https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/publications/behaviour-and-patterns-of-attendance-of-non-breeding-birds-at-the-breeding-colony-in-a-bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri-population-at-the-snares/)* Stahl, J.-C. & Sagar, P.M. 2006. Long and short trips in nonbreeding Buller’s albatrosses: relationships with colony attendance and body mass. *[The Condor 108: 349-366](https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/108/2/348/5563488?login=true)*. Van Bekkum, M., Sagar, P.M.; Stahl, J.-C. & Chambers, G.K. 2006.  Natal philopatry does not lead to population genetic differentiation in Buller’s albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri bulleri*).  [Molecular Ecology 125: 73-79](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02776.x/abstract;jsessionid=8993F8B4EB35637426D817354B43625E.d01t01?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false). Waugh, S.M., Poupart, T.A., Miskelly, C.M., Stahl, J.-C. & Arnould, J.P.Y. 2017.  Human exploitation assisting a threatened species?  The case of muttonbirders and Buller’s albatross. *[PLoS ONE 12: e0175458](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0175458)*. *Jean-Claude Stahl, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand, 25 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-buller-s-albatross-by-jean-claude-stahl.md) ## Wandering Albatross interactions with fishing vessels mimic natural foraging ![graph abstract v3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/graph_abstract_v3.png)  Ana Carneiro ([BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), Cambridge, UK.) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Animal Conservation*](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14691795)on studying Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans*- fishing vessel interactions with immersion loggers. The paper’s abstract follows: “Advances in biologging techniques and the availability of high-resolution fisheries data have improved our ability to understand the interactions between seabirds and fisheries and to evaluate mortality risk due to bycatch.  However, it remains unclear whether movement patterns and behaviour differ between birds foraging naturally or scavenging behind vessels and whether this could be diagnostic of fisheries interactions.  We deployed novel loggers that record the GPS position of birds at sea and scan the surroundings to detect radar transmissions from vessels and immersion (activity) loggers on wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* from South Georgia.  We matched these data to remotely sensed fishing vessel positions and used a combination of hidden Markov and random forest models to investigate whether it was possible to detect a characteristic signature from the seabird tracking and activity data that would indicate fine-scale vessel overlap and interactions.  Including immersion data in our hidden Markov models allowed two distinct foraging behaviours to be identified, both indicative of Area Restricted Search (ARS) but with or without landing behaviour (likely prey capture attempts) that would not be detectable with location data alone.  Birds approached vessels during all behavioural states, and there was no clear pattern associated with this type of scavenging behaviour.  The random forest models had very low sensitivity, partly because foraging events at vessels occurred very rarely, and did not contain any diagnostic movement or activity pattern that was distinct from natural behaviours away from vessels.  Thus, we were unable to predict accurately whether foraging bouts occurred in the vicinity of a fishing vessel, or naturally, based on behaviour alone.  Our method provides a coherent and generalizable framework to segment trips using auxiliary biologging (immersion) data and to refine the classification of foraging strategies of seabirds.  These results nevertheless underline the value of using radar detectors that detect vessel proximity or remotely sensed vessel locations for a better understanding of seabird–fishery interactions.” With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Carneiro, A.P.B., Dias, M.P., Oppel, S., Pearmain, E.J., Clark, B.L., Wood, A.G., Clavelle, T. & Phillips, R.A. 2022.  Integrating immersion with GPS data improves behavioural classification for wandering albatrosses and shows scavenging behind fishing vessels mirrors natural foraging.  *[Animal Conservation doi.org/10.1111/acv.12768](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12768)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wandering-albatross-interactions-with-fishing-vessels-mimic-natural-foraging.md) ## Bird-scaring lines and reducing discards together will bring seabird mortality in an Uruguayan trawl fishery to negligible levels. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Uruguayan_Trawl_fishery._Pablo_Troncoso_shrunk.jpg) *Black-browed Albatrosses gather behind a Uruguayan trawler deploying twin bird-scaring lines either side of the warp cable; photograph by Pablo Troncoso* Sebastián Jiménez (Laboratorio de Recursos Pelágicos, [Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos](https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/tematica/direccion-nacional-recursos-acuaticos?form_build_id=form-cS_Kl_mPg15FZ8wml1bC7mLu4YKxmwNymP4gVVAgyqk&form_id=vote_form&page=44), Montevideo, Uruguay) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* on reducing seabird mortality due to warp cable collisions in a demersal trawl fishery in the South Atlantic. The paper’s abstract follows: “The incidental mortality in trawl fisheries is considered a conservation threat for many seabirds. We simulate management scenarios, combining bird scaring lines (BSL; zero, one and two) and variables describing discards (occurrence, levels, type, and mode), to predict the total seabird collisions with warp cables potentially produced by a demersal trawl fleet operating in a region and season of high seabird abundance. A total of 2067 collisions, including 439 heavy collisions and 53 fatal collisions, were recorded on five trips aboard the Uruguayan trawl fleet. One BSL reduced collisions and heavy collisions by 89%, and the associated mortality by 94%. Best management scenarios in terms of reducing collisions were those without discards, where the models with BSL outperformed the scenarios without BSL. Scenarios with two BSL presented slight improvements, likely caused by the small sample size. Under a scenario without discards, the mortality caused by the entire fleet is likely to be negligible. Given the inability to eliminate discards in most situations, we simulated scenarios of discharge produced in batches with BSL. This could drive mortality to negligible levels. We provide six recommended scenarios (S) ordered by expected reduction in seabird mortality. Fisheries implementing BSL as a single mitigation measure should present a strong reduction in seabird mortality. However, the ability to hold discards on board, at least partially, can drive mortality to negligible levels. This should occur without discards and BSL use (S1), without discards and without BSL (S2), and with batch discharge and BSL use (S3).” *![IMG 7505](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/IMG_7505.JPG) Black-browed Albatrosses behind a trawler in the South Atlantic, photograph by Graham Parker* With thanks to Sebastián Jiménez. **Reference:** Jiménez, S., Páez E., Forselledo, R., Loureiro, A., Troncoso, P. & Domingo, A. 2022.  Predicting the relative effectiveness of different management scenarios at reducing seabird interactions in a demersal trawl fishery.  [*Biological Conservation* 267.  doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109487](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320722000404). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/bird-scaring-lines-and-reducing-discards-together-will-bring-seabird-mortality-in-an-uruguayan-trawl-fishery-to-negligible-levels.md) ## Eye in the sky spots over a hundred pairs of Short-tailed Albatrosses on the Senkaku Islands * ![Short tailed Albatrosses by Hiroshi Hasegawa1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Albatrosses_by_Hiroshi_Hasegawa1.jpg) Short-tailed Albatross, photograph by Hiroshi Hasegawa* Nigel Brothers (Marine Ecology & Technology, Wonga Beach, Queensland, Australia) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org) on using satellite imagery to count [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses breeding on the [Senkaku Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senkaku_Islands). The paper’s abstract follows: “Accurate monitoring of vulnerable albatross populations is essential to their conservation. Herein, we explore the prospect of monitoring one particular remote albatross population with a view to promoting accurate worldwide monitoring of vulnerable albatross populations. We used very high-resolution (VHR) satellite images to count nesting Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* on two islands of the Senkaku group, western North Pacific Ocean, where conventional monitoring has not occurred for 19 years due to a geopolitical territory dispute. Despite count uncertainties across rocky terrain, many birds were clearly discernible using the highest resolution image available of Minami-kojima. The result was a count of 132 (109­-162) nesting pairs in the 2020/21 breeding season (the timing of the count indicates the presence of nesting birds); this compares to a count of 52 when the population was last surveyed in 2002. On Kita-kojima, no birds were counted in images available for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 breeding seasons; one bird (a chick) was counted in 2002. If accurate, these counts are inconsistent with existing projections of increasing abundance of this species at the Senkakus (190 breeding pairs by 2018/19). Based on our findings, we suggest that reliable satellite image-based counts, independent of ground verification, is an achievable goal for albatrosses. Images must be of the highest possible resolution, with angle and timing optimized appropriately for the breeding site.  There is a need for standardization of specific procedures and methodologies, a task that is well-suited to The Working Group of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.” ![Senkaku Maxar](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Senkaku_Maxar.png)*WorldView-3 30-cm resolution satellite image of Minami-kojima and Kita-kojima, Senkaku Islands, western North Pacific Ocean on 27 November 2020, with inset showing primary (P) and secondary (S) nest count areas of Short-tailed Albatrosses; ©2020 Maxar Technologies* Read about the taxonomic status of the Senkaku Short-tailed Albatrosses[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3884-are-short-tailed-albatrosses-two-cryptic-species-new-evidence?highlight=WyJzZW5rYWt1Il0=). With thanks to Nigel Brothers. **Reference:** Brothers, N., Bone, C. & Wellbelove, A. 2022.  Albatross population monitoring using satellite imagery, a case study:. [*Marine Ornithology* 50: 7-12](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1452). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/eye-in-the-sky-spots-over-a-hundred-pairs-of-short-tailed-albatrosses-on-the-senkaku-islands.md) ## Southern Giant Petrels ashore in winter are at potential risk to island rodent eradications  ![Susanne Durchholz Southern Giant Petrel watercolour Michelle Risi Long Beach Gough](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Susanne_Durchholz_Southern_Giant_Petrel_watercolour_Michelle_Risi_Long_Beach_Gough.jpg)*A Southern Giant Petrel on Gough Island, watercolour by Susanne Durchholz, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* Peter Ryan ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology,](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/) University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa) and Stefan Oppel ([RSPB Centre for Conservation Science](https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/centre-for-conservation-science/), Cambridge, UK) have published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on the winter presence of [Southern Giant Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus) *Macronectes giganteus* on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice). The paper’s abstract follows: “Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* are partial migrants, but the proportion of adult males and females that visit the colony on Gough Island during winter is poorly defined. A better understanding of winter colony attendance is important to predict the possible impact of non-target mortality during restoration efforts involving poison baiting to eradicate introduced mammals. We repeatedly checked the individual identity of all giant petrels attending the largest breeding colony on Gough Island for rings during April-May 2021. Although the maximum number of individually identifiable ringed adults in a single check was 202, overall, 353 ringed adults were recorded, including almost 90% of the individuals that bred in 2020. Males were more likely to be present than females, but the ratio of males to females decreased from the end of April (3.24:1) to the latter half of May (1.25:1). Many birds were paired with their previous breeding partners by the end of May, despite egg laying not starting until late August. Our observations indicate that most adult Southern Giant Petrels are present at their breeding colonies on Gough Island 3-4 months before breeding, and are thus potentially susceptible to non-target poisoning during mammal eradication operations.’ **Reference:** Ryan, P.G. & Oppel, S. 2022.  Winter colony attendance by adult Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus*: implications for rodent eradications.  *[Marine Ornithology 50: 1-4](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1451)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/southern-giant-petrels-ashore-in-winter-are-at-potential-risk-to-island-rodent-eradications.md) ## Abstract submissions to the 10th SCAR Open Science Conference now open  ![unnamed](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/unnamed.png) Abstract submission for the 10th SCAR Open Science Conference to held over 1-10 August 2022 is now open until 1 June.  The conference will be held online with the theme “Antarctica in a Changing World”. “Abstracts can be submitted electronically via the Abstract Submission Portal in English on the [SCAR 2022 Meetings website](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=50d9bbc002&e=1eca0c9437).  There is no abstract submission fee.  Before entering your abstract you will be asked to choose a session.  Take a look at the [full list of proposed parallel sessions](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=df8cbcd431&e=1eca0c9437) to find the best match.  Make sure to read the [abstract submission instructions](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=25deb18ab7&e=1eca0c9437) before starting the submission process. “The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research ([NCPOR](https://ncpor.res.in/)), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences ([MoES](https://www.moes.gov.in/)), Government of India, is hosting the SCAR Open Science Conference 2022.  The 10th SCAR Open Science Conference will feature a comprehensive schedule of meetings, symposia, virtual side events and social activities, daily plenary lectures and poster sessions in an innovative online format. “The [First Circular](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=e95871696c&e=1eca0c9437) for the 10th SCAR Open Science Conference  is now available.  The circular outlines some key pieces of information about [the] conference, including the opening of the [abstract submission system](https://scar.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821&id=8350ed2547&e=1eca0c9437) and more details on the content and program for the meetings.” *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/abstract-submissions-to-the-10th-scar-open-science-conference-now-open.md) ## The Nippon Foundation Strategic Fellowship Programme calls for 2022 applications  ![Grisselle Chock Laysan Albatross Hob Osterlund 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Grisselle_Chock_Laysan_Albatross_Hob_Osterlund_2.JPG)*Laysan Albatross, artwork by *Grisselle Chock*; after a photograph by Hob Osterlund* The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations (“[OLA/DOALOS](https://legal.un.org/ola/div_doalos.aspx)”) is accepting applications for the 2022 session of the United Nations - The Nippon Foundation Strategic Fellowship Programme. The objective of the Fellowship is to assists developing States, particularly least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, to address identified critical needs in the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and related instruments, as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and other related SDGs.  The Fellowship is targeted at Government officials with limited background in ocean affairs and the law of the sea who are filling key positions in their Administration and who are tasked to address the needs referred to above. Selected Fellows participate in a four-month training programme based on a foundation curriculum, integrated by a highly customized individual curriculum developed in consultation with the nominating State, at OLA/DOALOS at United Nations Headquarters in New York. To qualify, candidates must: - Be between the ages of 25 and 40 - Possess at least a first university degree or equivalent - Demonstrate an ability to undertake advanced academic research and studies - Be from a developing State - Be Government officials dealing directly with critical issues related to sustainable development of oceans and seas (e.g. the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; national and/or regional ocean policy; the establishment of maritime zones and/or the delimitation of maritime boundaries; coastal zone management; conservation and management of marine living resources; maritime transport and shipping; maritime security; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; and/or marine science). It is intended that 11 Fellowships will be offered, to take place between mid-August and mid-December 2022.  The application deadline is 01 April 2022. Find more information on the Fellowship [here](https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/unnf-strategic-fellowship). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-nippon-foundation-strategic-fellowship-programme-calls-for-2022-applications.md) ## France extends its Southern Territories Marine Protected Area by a million square kilometres  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Saint-Paul_Thierry_Micol.jpg)[*île Saint-Paul*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1430-acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater) “On the occasion of the [One Ocean Summit](https://www.oneoceansummit.fr/en/)on February 11, 2022, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, announced the extension of the National Nature Reserve (RNN) of the French Southern Territories [Terres australes françaises] to all maritime areas.  The Crozet and Kerguelen Archipelagos and the Saint-Paul and Amsterdam Islands [are] administered by the French Southern and Antarctic Lands [Terres australes et antarctiques françaises; [TAAF]](https://taaf.fr/en/).  With 1.6 million km², the national nature reserve of the French Southern Territories thus becomes the largest marine protected area in France and the second largest marine protected area in the world.  This extension of nearly one million additional km² allows France to exceed the objective of 30% of French maritime and land areas in protected areas (33%) and contributes thus strongly to the objective of protecting emblematic spaces in strong protection.” “The extension of the RNN also provides for the delimitation of a reinforced protection zone (strong protection of the integral reserve type) over nearly 50% of the waters of Saint-Paul and Amsterdam, in response to the ecological issues identified in this zone, to approximately 375,000 km2 (23%) the area of the marine reserve completely preserved from any industrial or commercial activity and any discharge. It thus ensures the highest level of protection for vulnerable environments of first-rate ecological and heritage importance.” [*![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Amsterdam_Island_Thierry_Micol_s.jpg) île Amsterdam*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross)*,*[news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross)*photographs from Thierry Micol* “The French Southern Territories (Crozet, Kerguelen, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam) are particularly well-preserved sanctuaries of biodiversity, which harbor an exceptional natural heritage. In order to conserve these unique ecosystems, France created the French Southern Territories National Nature Reserve (RNN) in 2006, which included the entire land surface of the islands (approximately 7,700 km2) and 52.5% of their territorial waters, or 15,700 km2. In response to scientific work carried out within the framework of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/organisation/home-page)), the RNN of the French Southern Territories was extended in 2016 to strengthen the protection of marine natural heritage. reaching an area of 672,969 km2.  This reserve was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019 under the name “French Southern Lands and Seas”. It was in 2019 that the work to carry out a second extension was launched. The consultation carried out with economic players, scientists and experts has made it possible to finalize an extension of more than 1 million km² covering all the waters under French jurisdiction in the southern zone.  The current national nature reserve of the French Southern Territories covers more than 1.6 million km², including 375,000 km² of reserves completely preserved from all industrial or commercial activities.” Watch a[video](https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=429907592248778) on the extension. [Translated via Google Translate.  Click [here](https://www.outre-mer.gouv.fr/emmanuel-macron-annonce-lextension-de-la-reserve-naturelle-des-terres-australes-francaises-la?fbclid=IwAR3S88beLRzkrCTKECWUe1vuYPZ3jrQ4wXSX16I63CJwSVOjUArcbmjByqo) for the original text in French]. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/france-extends-its-southern-territories-marine-protected-area-by-a-million-square-kilometres.md) ## Fluttering Shearwaters are reintroduced to the New Zealand mainland  ![Puffinus gavia](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Puffinus_gavia.jpg)*A Fluttering Shearwater at sea* The 2.5-ha [Wharariki Ecosanctuary](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/407719/photo-essay-cape-farewell-ecosanctuary-a-symbol-of-hope?fbclid=IwAR0oE7Rc-BZ6YPN9WCLlBgyCZh2PlMrAIjEzc1iUECcf4c2IRl7orFzB68A) at Cape Farewell, in Golden Bay, New Zealand has recently received 50 [Fluttering Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698249) *Puffinus gavia* chicks that have been translocated from Long Island, Marlborough Sounds.  The cape forms the northernmost tip of South Island.  The chicks are being hand fed until they fledge from artificial burrows behind a 200-m predator-proof fence built in 2019. “There are trapping lines inside and outside the sanctuary and a second internal predator proof fence was built to further protect the fluttering shearwater, which nest in burrows and are particularly vulnerable to predators. A week in, the chicks were doing well with around 10 of the biggest birds able to leave their burrows and stretch their wings in preparation for flight.”  ![Fluttering Shearwater translocation 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Fluttering_Shearwater_translocation_3.JPG)  ![Fluttering Shearwater translocation 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Fluttering_Shearwater_translocation_2.jpeg)  ![Fluttering Shearwater translocation 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Fluttering_Shearwater_translocation_1.jpg)*The sanctuary fence and the translocation underway* The shearwaters are the first species to be introduced to the fenced sanctuary, an initiative led by [HealthPost Nature Trust](https://www.healthpost.co.nz/) in partnership with the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) and [Manawhenua ki Mōhua](https://www.teatiawatrust.co.nz/resource-management/te-atiawa-rohe/manawhenua-ki-mohua-office/).  It is intended to introduce 250 chicks to the sanctuary in the hope of establishing a new colony on the mainland, where the species used to breed before becoming restricted to offshore islands. "Large seabird colonies on coastal cliffs were once common around mainland New Zealand before pests such as rats and stoats were introduced and land clearance destroyed the habitat they depended on.  These combined pressures decimated [*sic*] seabird numbers.  Significant populations of burrowing seabirds are now largely relegated to offshore islands.” Read more of the sanctuary and translocation [here](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/407610/predator-free-sanctuary-for-seabirds-rare-native-plants-opens-at-cape-farewell) and [here](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/460042/hope-seabirds-establish-new-colony-at-cape-farewell-sanctuary). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fluttering-shearwaters-are-reintroduced-to-the-new-zealand-mainland.md) ## Conserving the Black-capped Petrel of Hispaniola: the Diablotin gets an action plan *![Black capped Petrel with transmitter Tazio Taveres s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Black-capped-Petrel-with-transmitter_Tazio-Taveres_s.jpg) A Black-capped Petrel carries a transmitter; photograph by Tazio Taveres* In 2017 ACAP hosted a [workshop](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac10/ac10-meeting-documents/2882-ac10-doc-14-workshop-on-pterodroma-and-other-small-burrowing-petrels/file) in Wellington, New Zealand at the time of the Tenth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC10](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac10)) that discussed threats facing gadfly petrels in the genera *Pterodroma* and *Pseudobulweria*.  Although no gadfly petrels are currently listed by the Agreement, *ACAP Latest News* occasionally features important developments relating to their conservation. Here*ALN* reports the recent publication by the [International Black-capped Petrel Conservation Group](https://www.birdscaribbean.org/our-work/working-groups/black-capped-petrel-wg/) of an Action Plan for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-capped-petrel-pterodroma-hasitata) Black-capped Petrel or Diablotin *Pterodroma hasitata*, a species endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (made up of Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Read a popular account of the action plan [here](https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2022/01/conservationists-pen-action-plan-to-protect-extremely-elusive-and-endangered-seabird/?fbclid=IwAR0atJuftNeXcVzT2iR1WUdydq__uwqswEdJP36vqbDV8y5l94pipec_2Sw). **Reference:** Wheeler, J., Satgé, Y., Brown, A., Goetz, J., Keitt, B., Nevins, H. & Rupp, E. 2021.  [*Black-capped Petrel Conservation Update and Action Plan.  Conserving the Diablotin*](https://www.birdscaribbean.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-Black-capped-Petrel-Conservation-Update-and-Plan.pdf).  International Black-capped Petrel Conservation Group.  156 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conserving-the-black-capped-petrel-of-hispaniola-the-diablotin-gets-an-action-plan.md) ## Who knew? Black-browed Albatrosses can dive much deeper than thought *![Black browed Albatross 1 Kollette Grobler](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_1_Kollette_Grobler.jpg) Black-browed Albatross at sea; photograph by Kollette Grobler* Tim Guilford ([Department of Zoology, University of Oxford](https://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/), UK) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Current Biology](https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home)* on Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* diving actively to depths of as much as 19 metres. The paper’s abstract follows: “Albatrosses are the iconic aerial wanderers of the oceans, supremely adapted for long-distance dynamic soaring flight. Perhaps because of this they are considered poorly adapted for diving, in contrast to many smaller shearwater and petrel relatives, despite having amphibious eyes, and an *a priori* mass advantage for oxygen-storage tolerance.  Modern biologging studies have largely confirmed this view casting doubt on earlier observations using capillary tube maximum depth gauges, which may exaggerate depths, and emphasising albatrosses’ reliance on near-surface feeding.  Nevertheless, uncertainty about albatross diving remains an important knowledge gap since bycatch in human fisheries (e.g. birds becoming hooked when diving for longline bait fish) is thought to be driving many population declines in this most threatened group of birds.  Here we show, using miniature electronic depth loggers (TDRs), that black-browed albatross, *Thalassarche melanophris*, can dive to much greater depths (19 m) and for much longer (52 s) than previously thought — three times the maxima previously recorded for this species (6 m and 15 s), and more than twice the maxima reliably recorded previously for any albatross (from 113.7 bird-days of tracking).  Further evidence that diving may be a significant behavioural adaptation in some albatrosses comes from co-deployed 3-axis accelerometers showing that these deeper dives, which occur in most individuals we tracked, involve active under-water propulsion without detectable initial assistance from momentum, sometimes with bottom phases typical of active prey pursuit.  Furthermore, we find (from co-deployed GPS) that diving occurs primarily in the distal portions of long-distance foraging trips, with deeper dives occurring exclusively during daylight or civil twilight, confirming the importance of visual guidance.” Read a popular account of the publication [here](https://www.birdguides.com/articles/albatrosses-documented-diving-to-unparalleled-depths/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter070222&dm_i=73DM%2C3GO7%2CZVIAX%2CDML5%2C1&fbclid=IwAR1QVIj97AwF5Xw_P7Hy7ZFPY4JRb_nA721lNQ3yjCuIAxs-Zq6ZJ27kT7g). **Reference:** Guilford, T., Padget, O., Maurice, L. & Catry, P. 2022.  Unexpectedly deep diving in an albatross.  [*Current Biology.*doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.036](https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(21)01595-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982221015955%3Fshowall%3Dtrue). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/who-knew-black-browed-albatrosses-can-dive-much-deeper-than-thought.md) ## Updates on the conservation of albatrosses in the Hawaiian islands  ![Georg and Geraldine 2019 fledgling returns Jon Plissner](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Georg_and_Geraldine_2019_fledgling_returns_Jon_Plissner.jpg)*The 2019 fledgling Short-tailed Albatross (right) returns to Midway Atoll.  Its parents are on the left; photograph by Jon Plissner* **Note:**  *ACAP Latest News*aims to post on recent developments and findings in procellariiform science and conservation relevant to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels on five days a week, Monday to Friday.  To this end, the ACAP Information Officer trawls though social media, follows the scientific literature and corresponds with seabird researchers, conservationists and managers worldwide for snippets of news.  Sometimes, when there is a lot of news about, some coming from social media sources is shared directly to ACAP’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels).  But occasionally, so many news stories worthy of writing up in detail are around that by the time they get to receive a daily *ALN* post they are old and stale. News from the Hawaiian Islands is often an example of this problem, so here to clear the backlog somewhat are leads to eight stories about Hawaiian albatrosses that otherwise with less news about might have received individual treatments. **Short-tailed Albatross juvenile returns to Midway Atoll** The [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://friendsofmidway.org/) has posted on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) on the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* of [Midway](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) as follows: “Midway Atoll's 2019 chick has made a return visit!  With an “AA08” red and white band, this juvenile albatross very briefly appeared in 2021, the earliest return ever recorded of a short-tailed chick to its nesting site.  The bird has been observed spending much more time on Midway this year, always in the same general area on Sand Island as its nest was three years ago.  In this picture taken by Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Jon Plissner, the juvenile can be seen sitting within a few feet of its parents as they continue to brood their [failed egg](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4265-no-chick-for-midway-s-sole-short-tailed-albatross-pair-this-season) from this nesting season.  It’s mother, affectionately known as “Geraldine”, sits on the nest while “George” the father rests alongside.”  Read earlier *ALN* posts on George and Geraldine [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=George+Geraldine). **Annual albatross counts on Midway completed for another year** Also from the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://friendsofmidway.org/) [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR): "2022 Albatross Count numbers are in!  This year the team counted 423,758 Laysan albatross nests and 25,626 black-footed albatross nests on the three islands of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.  Nest numbers were down as compared to last year, a normal and expected fluctuation that generally happens in alternating years.  Laysan nests were down 13.9% and black-footed down 3.4%.  Lower numbers could also be partially attributed to increased coastal flooding of nests during what has been an exceptionally stormy winter.  Learn more about the process of counting every nest on Midway Atoll in this [video](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/videos/3194656174196051) by FWS Volunteer Daniel Rapp.” **The oldest Black-footed Albatross known is 62** The [U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory](https://www.usgs.gov/labs/bird-banding-laboratory) reports that the oldest known Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes* ([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes)) is at least 62 years old.  “The Bird Banding Lab finalizes work on a 20-year-old project to build a complete dataset of all banded and resighted pacific albatrosses.  This dataset spans 80 years and covers the efforts of the monitoring program initiated in 2001 to assess the Black-footed and Laysan Albatross population.  This collaborative project between USGS and FWS resulted in a curated dataset of 1 million records.” ([click here](https://www.usgs.gov/labs/bird-banding-laboratory/news/usgs-bird-banding-laboratory-curates-more-80-years-pacific?fbclid=IwAR1q0LvT6C0VEGwD7GIjSXjm-8nA2Q9AKwq4yMdUBLiwAd-lD0VnaNKOzMo)). **A Laysan Albatross visits the Anapuka Dune Restoration Project on Molokai** The Anapuka Dune Restoration Project of the [Moloka’i Land Trust](https://molokailandtrust.org/) in the Mokio Preserve on the Hawaiian island of Molakai will build a predator proof exclosure to protect a social attraction site to establish a new Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* ([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)) colony safe from sea level rise.  Decoys and sound have brought in an albatross for repeated landings recently (click [here](https://www.facebook.com/molokailandtrust) and watch a [video](https://www.facebook.com/molokailandtrust/videos/655789142450669)).  “This was the first documented landing in the social attraction site since it was deployed back in November 2017”.  Access earlier *ALN* posts on the project [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Anapuka). *![Molokai Laysan Albatross landing](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Molokai_Laysan_Albatross_landing.jpg) A Laysan Albatross (left) lands next to decoys in the Anapuka Dune Restoration site; photograph by Butch Haase* **Black-footed Albatross breed for the first time on Oahu** The NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)has posted on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation): “It's been 12 years since we started social attraction for Black-footed Albatross (Ka`upu) at Kaena Point, and this year, it finally paid off: the first wild pair of Black-footed Albatross started nesting in late November!  While their egg cracked and won't hatch this year, we are thrilled to have the start of an incipient colony.  This is the first record of these species nesting in the inhabited main Hawaiian Islands and bodes well for their ability to adapt to rising seas.”  Access many earlier *ALN*posts on the albatrosses of the predator-protected [Kaena Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1333-acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Kaena+Point). *![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Picture2.jpg) A Laysan Albatross flies over an incubating Black-headed Albatross at Kaena Point; photograph from Pacific Rim Conservation* Earlier, on 9 January the NGO reported on Facebook that “today there were four Black-footed albatross at Ka`ena Point: one unbanded, the female we banded at Kaena Point two years ago, one visiting bird from Tern Island 500 miles NW of Oahu, and, most excitingly, a returning female we translocated to Oahu as a chick in 2018!  V651 (our translocation chick) was moved from Tern Island in 2018 and spent more than 10 days aboard a ship to reach her new home.”  So it seems a new high-level colony protected from predicted sea level rise is on the way! **A translocated Black-footed Albatross returns to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge** And more from Pacific Rim Conservation, this time on its efforts to create a new breeding site for both Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses in the [J](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james_campbell/)[ames Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/james-campbell-national-wildlife-refuge)[https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james_campbell/](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james_campbell/)on Oahu: "Do you remember our translocated Black-footed Albatross Chick #16 in 2018?  She was one of our largest translocated chicks that year with one of the biggest attitudes.  About a month before fledging she was given the official ID band of V666.  Four years later, she is the first of the translocated Black-footed Albatross chicks to return to the translocation site that our staff has seen in person. Scroll through the photo series and see how V666 has changed from her first week with us to just last week! And make sure if you are able to see and take photos of ID bands of any Black-footed Albatross on Oahu, to send those our way!"  Access earlier *ALN* posts on the NGO's translocation work in the refuge [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=James+Campbell). ![16.1 PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/16.1_PRC.jpg)  ![16.2 PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/16.2_PRC.jpg) *V666 grows up; photographs from Pacific Rim Conservation*  ![16.3 PRC](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/16.3_PRC.jpg) **Feral cats kill more Laysan Albatross chicks on Kauai** The [Kilauea Point Natural History Assoc dba Friends of Kauai Wildlife Refuges](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZU9GPQcw7yoVM5ROcXpk53hHOUVX7G2QaxqAGdq3XZ2jA7Awg5VdZLJsHGilY49_h4pBOMc02d4LG68Nrdj4_mnUfXulXwq157ybCFQruVBbpNTJBXyTO5KQXdFtkZPI8Uyc6gX_HT9D6F-XYlrFP9PKMXVz8qONsSY97yR8Is_QfLAKCmeDPpi8_Sc2uVHxHA&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R) has reported this month of the ravages of feral cats on albatrosses on the Hawaiian island of Kaui: “We have learned that at least twelve mōlī [Laysan Albatross] chicks have been killed by feral cats in the past week alone here on the [North Shore](https://acap.aq/index.php/en/latest-news/1970-acap-breeding-site-no-75-north-east-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-on-private-lands-and-a-webcam-has-made-one-pair-and-its-chick-famous-with-two-million-hits) of Kauaʻi - pulled right out from under their parent on the nest.  Feral cat predation must be stopped.  Want to help?  Please email the Kauaʻi County Council at [counciltestimony@kauai.gov](mailto:counciltestimony@kauai.gov) and express your support of Bill #2842. This important piece of legislation prohibits feeding and abandoning cats on County property and prohibits abandoning cats on private property without landowner consent.”  Read an [earlier report](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2043-feral-cats-are-suspected-of-killing-22-laysan-albatross-chicks-on-hawaii-s-kauai-island?highlight=WyJjYXRzIiwiY2F0cyciLCJrYXVhaSIsImthdWFpJ3MiXQ==) in *ACAP Latest News* on feral cats preying upon Laysan Albatross chicks on Kauai. **A breeding count for Laysan Albatrosses in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai** "As of February 1st, we have a total of 92 nests at [Kīlauea Point NWR](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwicG9pbnQiLCJwb2ludCdzIiwicG9pbnQnLCIsImtpbGF1ZWEgcG9pbnQiXQ==), 20 mōlī (Laysan albatross) chicks have hatched with several pipping from 68 active nests." ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/KilaueaPointNWR)).  Access earler *ALN* posts on Laysan Albatrosses in the refuge [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Kilauea+Point). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/updates-on-the-conservation-of-albatrosses-in-the-hawaiian-islands.md) ## The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna advertises for a new Executive Secretary ![ccsbt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/ccsbt.jpg) The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](https://www.ccsbt.org/)) invites applications for the position of Executive Secretary. The CCSBT is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the global conservation and management of Southern Bluefin Tuna. The Secretariat of the CCSBT is a small team of administrative and professional staff, headquartered in Canberra, Australia.  The Executive Secretary is responsible for the management and supervision of the Secretariat, and for supporting the operation of the Commission, including its meetings and its conservation and management measures. The appointment will be for a term of three years with the possibility of renewal, subject to the approval of the Commission.  Applications should be emailed to the Executive Secretary, Robert Kennedy ([rkennedy@ccsbt.org](mailto:rkennedy@ccsbt.org)) by 4 March 2022.  Read more details [here](https://www.ccsbt.org/en/content/vacancy-executive-secretary-ccsbt). The Albatross and Petrel Agreement signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna in December last year ([click here](https://acap.aq/documents/mous)). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-commission-for-the-conservation-of-southern-bluefin-tuna-advertises-for-a-new-executive-secretary.md) ## Northern Royal Albatrosses are hatching their eggs at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head *![Northern Royal Albatross LGK Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Northern_Royal_Albatross_LGK_Sharyn_Broni.jpg) An incubating "Royal Cam"**Northern Royal Albatross at Taiaroa Head; photograph by Sharyn Broni* [Thirty-six pairs](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4218-thirty-six-eggs-new-zealand-s-mainland-northern-royal-albatrosses-start-a-new-breeding-season?highlight=WyJyb3lhbCIsIidyb3lhbCIsImNhbSIsImNhbSciLCJjYW0nLiIsImNhbScsIiwicm95YWwgY2FtIl0=) of globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* laid eggs in the [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) colony on the mainland of New Zealand’s South Island this 2021/22 season.  Chicks are now emerging, including the one that is being watched by the live-streaming ‘[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam)”. The colony’s Department of Conservation Ranger, [Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4150-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-royal-albatross-by-sharyn-broni), writes “While this news is exciting and the colony is doing well, this species still faces plenty of challenges out in the wild.  The latest bird threat classification report, released in December, saw the northern royal albatross’ conservation status worsen to [Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4240-northern-and-southern-royal-and-light-mantled-albatrosses-get-a-worsened-national-conservation-status-from-new-zealand-s-threat-classification-system-in-2021).  The report says fisheries bycatch (primarily outside of New Zealand’s waters), and droughts or storm events associated with climate change, appear to be causing the decline.  It’s a reminder that we can help by taking steps to reduce our contribution to climate change, and to dispose of plastic carefully, as once it’s in the ocean albatross can mistake it for food.” [Last season](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4170-record-breeding-season-for-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-new-zealand-s-taiaroa-head?highlight=WyJyb3lhbCIsIidyb3lhbCIsImNhbSIsImNhbSciLCJjYW0nLiIsImNhbScsIiwicm95YWwgY2FtIl0=) 41 eggs laid in the colony at the tip of the Otago Peninsula resulted in a record 30 chicks successfully fledging. Read more [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2022-media-releases/royal-cam-chick-hatches-as-albatross-breeding-season-ramps-up/?fbclid=IwAR2_RReVJpdoej_VLXIPkdrKNpUe8939Kvgosly3jqUK71a1j793aI4Hk-U). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 07 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/northern-royal-albatrosses-are-hatching-their-eggs-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head.md) ## No chick for Midway’s sole Short-tailed Albatross pair this season  ![Midway failed Short tailed Albatross egg January 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Midway_failed_Short-tailed_Albatross_egg_January_2022.jpg)*George and Geraldine (left) will not rear a chick in 2022; photograph by Jon Plissner, 20 January 2022* *ACAP Latest News* has been following the fortunes of George and Geraldine, the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* pair on the USA’s [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) for several years ([click here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=George+Geraldine)).  To date they have successfully fledged three chicks since first meeting up in 2016, laying their [most recent egg](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4217-short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-are-incubating-again-on-midway-atoll?highlight=WyJnZW9yZ2UiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUiLCJnZXJhbGRpbmUncyIsImdlb3JnZSBnZXJhbGRpbmUiXQ==) in October last year.  However, there will be no chick leaving the island this year as reported on the [Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUDs2cyrTKn5MdnoF4bu_3IbfyL-YppW2DSuX1PsV0c_teexjQxfZrA6Doh2Zff2VWjSWPMwRFNGflUdr4zA-NRXAxEHg4G4Qhg_3oRY6hKib_ULc54MbOpX8gWp41olGo4dN0DHUqj9_hnmk2Cmfvt5H0Vbzn1vRrjET1Ek4wyIktUAzwri-ipsE0iHfX7wqs&__tn__=-UC*F) Facebook page. “The current short-tailed albatross pair on Midway have successfully raised chicks for the past several years, always in the same location south of the runway on Sand Island.  This year their routine was progressing as expected while scientists monitored the nest from a distance and with a remote camera, all while waiting for the egg to hatch when it normally does around January 1st.  Though the actual hatching is generally not observed, the behavior of the attending parent clearly changes when there is a squirming chick under them instead of the egg. This year, it was noticed that a parent was still sitting firmly on the nest well after the 1st, which was not a good sign. By January 8th, both parents were attending to the nest together, the female "Geraldine" on the nest with her mate "George" sitting alongside. Scientists were unable to get a view inside of the nest to discern the egg's status.  With every passing day, it was less and less likely that the egg was viable. This picture was taken by Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Jon Plissner on January 20th, a first view to confirm that the egg had indeed failed. There are no guesses as to what might have happened. Short-tailed albatross are endangered and were once even thought to be extinct.  These two on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge are currently the only breeding pair outside of Japan and will hopefully return to have a successful egg again next year.” *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-chick-for-midway-s-sole-short-tailed-albatross-pair-this-season.md) ## Two Short-tailed Albatross chicks hatch at the Mukojima translocation site ![2022 chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2022_chick.jpg) *One of two Short-tailed Albatross chicks on Mukojima in January 2022; photograph from the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology* Two [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* chicks hatched on [Mukojima](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Mukojima) in the [Ogasawara Islands](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1362/) last month.  The locality is the site where 69 chicks were translocated from [Torishima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=) and hand-reared over five seasons by the [Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](http://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/index.html) ([click here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Mukojima)). “This is the first time that two chicks have hatched in one breeding season in Mukojima Island since the start of our project.  In addition, there is another piece of good news.  One of these The Ichicks is the first chick that belongs to the 3rd generation starting from the 69 Short-tailed Albatrosses translocated to this island from Torishima Island and fledged there.  We are nstiucelebrating the birth of a chick that is the first grandchild [*sic*] of the translocated birds.  This shows that the project has made another step forward towards the goal of establishing a self-sustained breeding population in Ogasawara Islands.” (from the Institute's [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/yamashina.inst)). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/two-short-tailed-albatross-chicks-hatch-at-the-mukojima-translocation-site.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Balearic Shearwater by ‘Pep’ Arcos  ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_8.jpg)*A Balearic Shearwater at sea* **NOTE:** This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [José Manuel ‘Pep’ Arcos](https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ntsu5tEAAAAJ&hl=en) ([SEO BirdLife](https://seo.org/)) writes about his efforts studying the Critically Endangered [Balearic Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728432) *Puffinus mauretanicus.* *![Pep Arcos Balearic Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Pep_Arcos_Balearic_Shearwater.jpg) Pep Arcos holds a Balearic Shearwater in  Ibiza in 2014; photograph by David García* My interest in seabirds started well over 30 years ago.  First as a young birder, later as a researcher, and nowadays as a conservationist, although I like to believe that I keep these three approaches ingrained in me as one, and the Balearic Shearwater has been always there as a common thread. *![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_3.jpg)*  ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_4.jpg) *A downy chick and an adult Balearic Shearwater at a marked study nest* The Balearic Shearwater is a threatened species endemic as a breeder to Spain’s [Balearic Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balearic_Islands) in the western Mediterranean.  With a global breeding population of about 3000 breeding pairs, it is experiencing a severe negative trend estimated at -14% per year, according to demographic modelling.  Adult survival is the weakest demographic parameter, and hence threats causing direct mortality are of main concern.  Current evidence points to fishing bycatch as the most acute threat, followed by predation by introduced mammals at breeding sites. *![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos underwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_underwater.jpg) Balearic Shearwaters are excellent divers, able to reach a depth of 30 m* From my first days as a young birdwatcher in the second half of the 1980s, I recall the large congregations of these shearwaters in winter near Barcelona where I lived, usually reaching a few thousand birds.  At the time the Balearic Shearwater was considered a subspecies of the more abundant and widespread (and non-threatened) [Manx Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/manx-shearwater-puffinus-puffinus/text) *P. puffinus*, and nobody paid much attention to these birds, but for me they were the closest thing to the mythical albatrosses in my “backyard”, and I was fascinated by them.  But most of my experience was limited to observations from the coast, and I wanted more.  So, after finishing my undergraduate degree in biology, I started my PhD focused on the use of fisheries discards by seabirds in the western Mediterranean.  This allowed me to get aboard fishing vessels regularly, and to enjoy close views of seabirds, with Balearic Shearwaters being among the most regular species observed.  During these years I enjoyed the life at sea in the company of fishers and became more and more interested in the ecology of this procellariiform.  The extensive use of discards by the species was remarkable compared to other shearwaters, and this implied a higher risk of bycatch, as fishers usually reported; although this was mainly related to longlines, a fishing modality with which I was not then familiar. *![Picture2 Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Picture2_Pep_Arcos.jpg) Seabirds, including Balearic Shearwaters, seek discards behind trawlers, one of the scenes I enjoyed photographing.  How much would I have enjoyed a digital camera in the late 1990s!* In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Balearic Shearwater started to gain attention.  First, because it had been recognized as a distinct species, and one that is restricted to a very small breeding area, the Balearic Islands.  Second, because the Balearic Government, along with SEO/BirdLife (the Spanish BirdLife partner), conducted a EU-funded LIFE Project focused on the species, and started to gain knowledge of its conservation status.  During that time my work kept me focused on the sea, but I was lucky to collaborate with the [LIFE project](https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en) (it was called “LIFE Virot”, as “virot” is the local name for the species in [Ibiza](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2550-acap-breeding-site-no-84-tagomago-and-the-western-islets-off-ibiza-cliff-homes-of-the-balearic-shearwater) and [Formentera](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2096-acap-breeding-site-no-78-formentera-balearic-islands-still-supports-a-population-of-the-once-exploited-balearic-shearwater), the southernmost Balearic Islands).  This collaboration allowed me to visit the breeding colonies for the first time in 2001, and I keep a strong memory of the first bird that I found face to face in a cave at night.  I was leaving when the bird landed in front of me on its way back from the sea.  It was after this project that SEO/BirdLife produced the first Spanish Red List Book in 2004, and I had the chance of writing the text for the Balearic Shearwater, along with my former PhD supervisor, Daniel Oro.  His expertise in demography, along with the data collected during the LIFE Virot project, allowed us to run the first Population Viability Analysis for the species. The results raised the alarm: an unusually low adult survival, most likely related with threats at sea, and a mean extinction time of 40 years. *![Picture3 Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Picture3_Pep_Arcos.jpg) In the last decade there has been increasing evidence of the threat that bycatch poses to Balearic Shearwaters, with several hundred reported killed by collaborative fishers, here including three Mediterranean Shags*Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii*, six*[*Scopoli’s Shearwaters*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/45061132) Calonectris diomedea*and one Balearic Shearwater* These raised concerns increased my interest in conservation biology and led me to apply for a position as a marine officer with SEO/BirdLife, where I started working in 2005 and started coordinating its marine programme shortly afterwards.  From this position, I’ve been able to keep working on applied research and conservation action, paying particular attention to the Balearic Shearwater.  Highlights include the elaboration of one of the first marine Important Bird Areas (mIBAs) inventories worldwide, which led to the designation of these sites as Marine Protected Areas by the Spanish Government in 2014; setting up a collaborative long-term breeding monitoring programme in Ibiza; revision of the international action plan of the species (2011); and ongoing collaborative work with fishers to understand and minimize bycatch.  All this work, often in collaboration with many other organizations, has provided novel information on the biology and the ecology of the species, as well as on its threats. *![Picture4 Pep Arcos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Picture4_Pep_Arcos.jpg) This is Quimera, the oldest known Balearic Shearwater, banded in 1986 as an “adult” in*[*Mallorca*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1300-acap-breeding-sites-no-3-sa-cella-sa-dragonera-mallorca-balearic-islands-home-of-the-balearic-shearwater)*.  I recaptured the bird in June 2021 with a hand net from a trawler off Barcelona, and deployed a GPS/GSM tracker that provided information for 45 days as it visited the colony and then left for the Atlantic, staying off*[*Aveiro*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aveiro,_Portugal)*, Portugal.  We also added a plastic alpha-numeric band* During this time, SEO/BirdLife has also been active in policy work, promoting the recognition of the species by several international agreements, including ACAP, and becoming involved in its conservation through several activities at Spanish and European Union levels. However, despite all these improvements in knowledge and gains in recognition, there has been little progress in monitoring and conservation action on the ground by local authorities.  There are no official monitoring programmes in place, and severe threats such as bycatch and predation by introduced mammals have been not systematically addressed.  Meanwhile, the large congregations of shearwaters that attracted my attention 30 years ago are almost a memory from the past, and new demographic models strengthen the evidence of a severe population decline.  It’s time to move on, and to pass from theory to practice! **Selected references:** Abelló, P., Arcos, J.M. & Gil de Sola, L. 2003.  Geographical patterns of seabird attendance to a research trawler along the Iberian Mediterranean coast.  [*Scientia Marina * 67 Suppl. 2: 69-75](https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/547/0). Afán, I., Arcos, J.M., Ramírez, F.,García, D., Rodríguez, B., Delord, K., Boué, A., Micol, T., Weimerskirch, H. & Louzao, M. 2021.  Where to head: environmental conditions shape foraging destinations in a critically endangered seabird.  [*Marine Biology * 168:23](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-021-03830-1). Arcos, J.M. (compiler) 2011.  *International species action plan for the Balearic shearwater,*Puffinus mauretanicus.  SEO/BirdLife & BirdLife International. Arcos, J.M. & Oro, D. 2002.  Significance of nocturnal purse seine fisheries for seabirds: a case study off the Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean).  [*Marine Biology*141: 277-286](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-002-0828-3). Arcos, J.M. & Oro, D. 2002.  Significance of fisheries discards for a threatened Mediterranean seabird, the Balearic shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series * 239: 209-220](https://www.jstor.org/stable/24866058). Arcos, J.M. & Oro, D. 2004. Balearic Shearwater, *Puffinus mauretanicus* (in Spanish, English summary).  In: Madroño, A., González, C. & Atienza, J.C. (Eds).  *Libro Rojo de las Aves de España*.  Madrid: Dirección General para la Biodiversidad & SEO/BirdLife.  pp. 46-50. Arcos, J.M., Arroyo, G.M., Bécares, J., Mateos-Rodríguez, M., Rodríguez, B., Muñoz, Ruiz, A., de la Cruz, A., Cuenca, D., Onrubia, A. & Oro, D. 2012.  New estimates at sea suggest a larger global population of the Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus*.  In: Yésou, P., Bacceti, N. & Sultana, J. (Eds).  *Ecology and Conservation of Mediterranean Seabirds and other Bird Species under the Barcelona Convention.  Proceedings of the 13th MEDMARAVIS Pan-Mediterranean Symposium, Alghero (Sardinia).*  pp. 84-94. Arcos J.M., Bécares J., Rodríguez B. & Ruiz A. 2009.  *Áreas Importantes para la Conservación de las Aves marinas en España*.  Madrid: Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife). Arcos, J.M., Bécares, J., Villero, D., Brotons, L., Rodríguez, B. & Ruiz, A. 2012.  Assessing the location and stability of foraging hotspots for pelagic seabirds: an approach to identify marine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Spain.  [*Biological Conservation*156: 30-40](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320711004745). Arcos, J.M., Louzao, M. & Oro, D. 2008.  Fishery ecosystem impacts and management in the Mediterranean: seabirds point of view.  In: Nielsen, J.L., Dods, J.J., Friedland, K., Hamon, T.R., Musick, J. & Verspoor, E. (Eds).  *Reconciling Fisheries with Conservation: Proceedings of the Fourth World Fisheries Congress*.  Bethesda: American Fisheries Society.  pp. 1471-1479. Arcos, J.M., Massutí, E., Abelló, P. & Oro, D. 2000.  Fish associated with floating drifting objects as a feeding resource for Balearic Shearwaters *Puffinus mauretanicus* during the breeding season.  [*Ornis Fennica*77: 177-182](https://lintulehti.birdlife.fi/#/pdfhakucrit). Cortés, V., Arcos, J.M. & González-Solís, J. 2017.  Seabirds and demersal longliners in the northwestern Mediterranean: factors driving their interactions and bycatch rates.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series ..*565: 1-16.](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v565/p1-16/) Genovart, M., Arcos, J.M., Álvarez, D., McMinn, M., Meier, R., Wynn, R., Guilford, T. & Oro, D. 2016.  Demography of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater: the impact of ries and time to extinction.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology * 53: 1158-1168](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.12622). Laneri, K.F., Louzao, M., Martínez-Abraín, A., Arcos, J.M., Belda, E., Guallart, J., Sánchez, A., Giménez, M., Maestre, R. & Oro, D. 2010.  Trawling regime influences longline seabird bycatch in the editerranean: new insights from a small-scale fishery.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series * 20: 241-252](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v420/p241-252/). Louzao, M., Hyrenbach, D., Arcos, J.M., Abelló, P., Gil de Sola, L. & Oro, D. 2006.  Oceanographic habitat of a critically endangered Mediterranean procellariiform: implications for the design of Marine Protected Areas.  [*Ecological Applications * 16: 1683-695](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40061742). Louzao, M. Arcos, J.M., Guijarro, B., Valls, M. & Oro, D. 2011.  Seabird-trawling onteractions: factors affecting species-specific to regional community utilisation of fisheries waste.  [*Fisheries Oceanography * 20: 263-277](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2419.2011.00579.x). Louzao, M., Delord, K. García, D., Afán, I., Arcos, J.M. & Weimerskirch, H. 2021.  First days at sea: depicting migration patterns of juvenile seabirds in highly impacted seascapes.  [*Peer J*9: e11054](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8121070/). Meier, R.E., Wynn, .B., Votier, S.C., McMinn Grivé, M., Rodríguez, A., Maurice, L., van Loon, E.E., Jones, .R., Suberg, L., Arcos, J.M., Morgan, G., Josey, S. & Guilford, T. 2015.  Consistent foraging areas and commuting corridors of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater *P**uffinus mauretanicus* in the northwestern Mediterranean.  [*Biological Conservation * 190: 7-97](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320715002074). Navarro, J., Louzao, M., Igual, J.M., Oro, D., Delgado, A., Arcos, J.M., Genovart, M., Hobson, K.A. & Forero, M.G. 2009.  Seasonal changes in the diet of a critically endangered seabird and the importance of trawling discards.  [*Marine Biology * 156: 2571-578](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-009-1281-3). Pérez-Roda, A., Delord, K., Boué, A., Arcos, J. M., García, D., Micol, T., Weimerskirch, H., Pinaud, D. & Louzao, M. 2017.  Identifying mportant Atlantic areas for the conservation of Balearic shearwaters: spatial overlap with onservation areas.  [*Deep-Sea Research Part II * 141: 285-293](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967064516303629?via%3Dihub). Ruiz, A. & Martí, R. (Eds.). 2004.  *La Pardela Balear*.  Madrid: SEO & BirdLife-Conselleria de Medi Ambient del Govern de les illes Balears. *Pep Arcos, Marine Officer, SEO/BirdLife, Spain, 02 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-balearic-shearwater-by-pep-arcos.md) ## Batch discarding helps reduce albatrosses and giant petrels contacting trawler warps in the South Atlantic *![IMG 7503](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/IMG_7503.JPG) Black-browed Albatrosses gather behind a trawler in the South Atlantic; photograph by Graham Parker* Amanda Kuepfer ([South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute](https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/)) and colleagues have published in the journal [Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation) on batch discarding of trawler offal as a mitigation measure to reduce seabird mortality. The paper’s abstract follows: “Incidental mortality in trawl fisheries is a serious threat to seabird sustainability.  Driven primarily by seabirds attracted to discards, limiting discard discharge through strategic batching is a best practice mitigation measure recommended by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP).  However, studies supporting the efficacy of batch discarding are rare, limited to the south-western Pacific, and assess seabird numbers attending vessels only, not gear contact rates.  The effectiveness of batch discarding in areas with different seabird communities, fishery assemblages, and natural prey availability is therefore unknown.  Here we quantify both seabird numbers and gear contact rates in response to strategic discard discharge in the Falkland Islands trawl fleet for two high-risk species groups: black-browed albatross (*Thalassarche melanophris*) and giant petrel species (*Macronectes* spp.).  Specifically, we test the effect of three different discharge treatments (zero, batch and continuous discarding) at two vessels.   Bird abundance and contact rates were positively related, but zero discarding consistently reduced seabird numbers attending trawlers and eliminated contacts with warp cables and tori-lines. Batching significantly reduced bird abundance and contact rates at the vessel that stored all discards between batches.  At the other vessel, however, intermittent release of hashed viscera diminished the mitigation effect.  Our findings validate the generality of batch discarding as an effective mitigation measure in trawl fisheries where zero discarding is not possible, whilst highlighting the importance of complete waste storage.” *![IMG 8491](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/IMG_8491.JPG) A Black-browed Albatrosses collides with a trawler warp in the South Atlantic; photograph by Graham Parker* **Reference:** Kuepfer, A., Sherley, R.B., Brickle, P., Arkhipkin, A. & Votier, S.C. 2022.  Strategic discarding reduces seabird numbers and contact rates with trawl fishery gears in the Southwest Atlantic.  [*Biological Conservation * 266.  doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109462](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320722000155?dgcid=author). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 01 February 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/batch-discarding-helps-reduce-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-contacting-trawler-warps-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Black-footed Albatross by Beth Flint *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure1_S.jpg) The Black-footed Albatross was the first new species I saw when I started my life-long love of the wildlife of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands* **NOTE:**  This post continues an [occasional series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) that features photographs of the [31 ACAP listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here Beth Flint  of the [US Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/) writes of the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes/text) Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* she has known and subsequently worked with since her days as a student. *![Figure 8 S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure_8_S.jpg) Beth Flint with a plastic decoy Short-tailed Albatross that was willing to pose with her in the off-season* My first encounter with a Black-footed Albatross came as I first stepped of the plane at Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals in January of 1980.  I was there to do fieldwork on Sooty Terns *Onychoprion fuscatus* and with the typical single-mindedness of a young graduate student had not even thought about the fact that I would be living in a breeding colony of magnificent Black-footed Albatrosses.  I was immediately smitten with these regal, aloof birds, sometimes stoic and sometimes exuberant.  I had fallen in love with colonial seabirds from reading about them during my studies in wildlife biology at the University of Montana and went on to study with Nicholas Collias, the ethologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), without ever having set foot in a seabird colony. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure2.jpg) Enthralled with their new egg, Laysan Island 26 November 2004; photograph by Mark MacDonald* My study site was located in one of the earliest major conservation areas protected in the United States.  Human exploitation of seabirds (particularly Laysan *P. immutabilis*and Black-footed Albatrosses) on the breeding grounds in the forms of guano mining, egg collection for albumin used in photography, and then feather hunting for stuffing mattresses started afflicting the populations of these birds in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in 1891.  In 1903 Teddy Roosevelt, moved by public outcry about the destruction caused by the feather hunters coming from Japan, placed the islands under Navy protection stationed at Midway Atoll and in 1909 declared the entire northern end of the archipelago from Nihoa 1200 miles [1930 km] north to Kure as the Hawaiian Islands Bird Reservation. Through the years, the name, the boundaries, and the mission have changed and today this area is known as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This enormous no-take Marine Protected Area protects the islands and waters out to the 200-mile [320-km] Exclusive Economic Zone boundary and is 583 000 square miles [1.5 million square km] in area.  It is managed by a Board containing the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, State of Hawaii, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  I work for the Department of Interior in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a wildlife biologist and am responsible for advising the Refuge Managers on technical issues that will help them make management decisions and monitoring populations and habitats in the Marine National Monuments of the central tropical Pacific. *![Figure3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure3.jpg) Midway Atoll in 2015* Although these islands are remote and most can only be reached by ship, they are much less rugged than are the breeding homes of many other species in this photo essay series.  A fair amount of research has been undertaken on the breeding biology, movement ecology, effects of contaminants, demography and survival rates of the Black-footed Albatross.  Tens of thousands [have been banded by refuge staff since the middle of the last century.  Citizen scientists have made a huge contribution to monitoring population size by undertaking a complete census of all the albatrosses at Midway Atoll each year since 1992. Over a century of land and sea-based protection has enabled these populations to recover from the insults of the beginning of the 20th century and current populations are stable.  As with the majority of seabird species, the dominant population level threats for Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses are introduced predators in the breeding colonies and fisheries interactions.  For almost 30 years the Fish and Wildlife Service and their partners have been tracking the effects of commercial fishing on Black-footed Albatross survival rates and working with colleagues to minimize the negative interactions between this species and fishing gear.  While other more localized problems also exist, it has become increasingly clear that the threat that will eclipse all others for Black-footed Albatrosses is climate change. Six of the sixteen Black-footed Albatross breeding islands in the world accommodate more than 95% percent of global population of less than 70 000 pairs and are lower in elevation than 25 metres above sea level.  These low islands are already showing periodic inundation due to storms of increased frequency and intensity and accelerating erosion and loss of entire islets.  At French Frigate Shoals three of 10 islets have already washed away completely during storms, rendering thousands of pairs of Black-footed Albatross homeless.  Adults and chicks in the colonies are also exhibiting increased levels of thermal stress and dying in greater numbers from heat injury and the birds face disruptions in prey availability due to hot water events and ocean acidification. **![Figure4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure4.jpg)* Black-footed Albatross colony (with Latsan Albatrosses and Masked Boobies) on Whaleskate Island at French Frigate Shoals in the spring of 1980.  The entire island was washed away in the 1990s* * *![Figure5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure5.jpg)* A Black-footed Albatross chick works hard to stay cool with Sooty Tern chicks taking advantage of its shade.  Northern hemisphere albatrosses (Black-footed, Laysan and Short-tailed*P. albatrus*) are winter breeders, possibly as a phylogenetic holdover from their relatives in the southern hemisphere or perhaps because they breed in the subtropics and tropics so cannot manage ambient temperatures in the summer months at their breeding sites.  Increasingly, there is high mortality when the adults return to the colony during the hot, windless days of early autumn or in the late spring when chicks die by the thousands* Colonial seabirds have had difficulty withstanding the many ecological insults caused by the rampant success of *Homo sapiens*.  Albatross-like seabirds have moved across the face of the earth for upwards of 60 million years.  They have persisted during sea levels more than 100 metres higher than today.  In some ways these birds possess characteristics that might make us predict they will be better equipped to survive the coming climate troubles than many more sedentary species.  They possess extraordinary mobility and forage over the entire North Pacific Ocean.  They will likely be able to adjust to changed conditions on their foraging grounds.  However, safe breeding sites for birds that cannot withstand mammalian predators have become rare during the age of man.  For Black-footed Albatrosses to persist into the future we may need to restore high islands at latitudes with appropriate thermal conditions by ridding them of rodents, ungulates and carnivores and resort to assisted colonization to help this species through the troubled times to come. *![Figure6 S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure6_S.jpg) Erosion at Midway Atoll has eliminated hundreds of albatross nests.  Black-footed Albatrosses tend to nest closer to the sea than do Laysan Albatrosses, so were likely affected disproportionately* A partnership involving U.S. Government Departments and NGOs such as Pacific Rim Conservation is implementing an innovaticonservation effort to establish new breeding colonies for seabirds affected by sea level rise and increased storm intensity.  A total of 511 chicks of four species (Laysan Albatross, Black-footed Albatross, Bonin Petrel *Pterodroma hypoleuca* and Tristram’s Storm Petrel *Hydrobates tristrami*) has been translocated to a predator-proof fenced area at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu, primarily from low islands in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, over the last six years.  Of those, 471 (92%) have fledged and adult birds of all four species have returned to the site.  Translocated Bonin Petrels have already started breeding and successfully fledging chicks from the refuge.  This conservation effort provides a climate-resilient nesting habitat for species threatened by sea level rise in the low-lying areas of the Monument.  Motivated by the same reasons as described above, USFWS and Pacific Rim Conservation, together with Mexico’s Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) and the Mexican environmental NGO Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas (GECI) collaborated to reintroduce Black-footed Albatrosses from the USA’s Midway Atoll National Refuge to Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.  In early 2021, they transferred 21 eggs and nine chicks to Guadalupe and the 27 surviving chicks were expected to fledge in June.  More birds will be moved in 2022 and 2023. *![Figure7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Figure7.jpg) My hope is that this chick preparing to fledge from Laysan Island will be able to live out its long life on its natal island but that its cousins survive on new high island sites to carry on the Black-footed Albatross way of life* **Selected Publications:** Batten, S.D., Chen, X., Flint, E.N., Freeland, H.J., Holmes, J., Howell, E., Ichii, T., Kaeriyama, M., Landry, M.R., Lunsford, C., Mackas, D.L., Mate, B., Matsuda, K., McKinnell, S.M., Miller, L., Morgan, K.H., Pen, A., Polovina, J.J., Robert, M., Seki, M.P., Sydeman, W.J., Thompson, S.A., Whitney, F.A., Woodworth, P. & Yamaguchi, A. 2010.  Status and trends of the North Pacific oceanic region 2003-2008.  In: McKinnell, S.M. & Dagg, M.J. (Eds).  [*Marine Ecosystems of the North Pacific Ocean, 2003-2008*](https://vdocument.in/marine-ecosystems-of-the-north-pacific-ocean-2003-pices-special-publication.html)*.*  PICES Special Publication 4. Brooke, M.de L., Bonnaud, E., Dilley, B.J., Flint, E.N., Holmes, N.D., Jones, H.P., Provost, P., Rocamora, G., Ryan, P.G., Surman, C. & Buxton, R.T. 2018.  Enhancing the value of future island eradications need improved understanding of past outcomes.  [*Animal Conservation* 21: 19-20](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12398). Dearborn, D.C., Anders, A.D. & Flint, E.N. 2001.  Trends in reproductive success of Hawaiian seabirds: is guild membership a good criterion for choosing indicator species*? *[*Biological Conservation* 101: 97-103](https://www.infona.pl/resource/bwmeta1.element.elsevier-0fe55cb8-84bb-3f58-9cc1-50b7f9ec2db3). Doherty, P.F. Jr., Kendall, W.L., Sillett, S., Gustafson, M., Flint, B. [E.N.], Naughton, M., Robbins, C.S. & Pyle, P. 2006.  Development of a banding database for north Pacific albatross: implications for future data collection.  [*Atoll Research Bulletin*543: 173-179](https://repository.si.edu/handle/10088/33866). Duhr, M., Flint, E.N., Hunter, S.A., Taylor, R.V., Flanders, B., Howald, G. & Norwood, N. 2019.  Control of house mice preying on adult albatrosses at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.  In: Veitch, C.R., Clout, M.N., Martin, A.R., Russell J.C. & West, C.J. (Eds).  [*Island Invasives: Scaling up to Meet the Challenge*](https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/48358).  Occasional Paper SSC No. 62.  Gland: IUCN.  pp. 21-25. Flint, E.N. 1997.  Interactions between albatrosses and pelagic longline fisheries in the North Central Pacific.  [*‘Elepaio * 57: 119-121](https://www.hawaiiaudubon.org/elepaio-journal). Flint, E.N. 1999.  Status of seabird populations and conservation in the tropical island Pacific.  In: Eldredge, L., Maragos, J., Holthus, P. & Takeuchi, H.F. (Eds).  [*Marine and Coastal Biodiversity in the Tropical Island Pacific Region: Population, Development, and Conservation Priorities*](https://www.eastwestcenter.org/publications/marine-and-coastal-biodiversity-tropical-island-pacific-region-volume-1-species-systema).  Vol. 2.  Honolulu: East-West Center. Flint, E.N. 2011.  Midway Atoll.  In: Gillespie, R. & Clegg, D.A. (Eds).  [*Encyclopedia of Islands*](https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520256491/encyclopedia-of-islands).  Berkeley: University of California Press.  pp. 631-633. Flint, E.N. & Fraiola, K. 2021.  Status and trends of albatrosses in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  In: Hyrenbach, K.D., Ishizaki, A., Polovina, J. & Ellgen, S. (Eds*). *[*The Factors influencing Albatross Interactions in the Hawaii Longline Fishery: Towards Identifying Drivers and Quantifying Impacts*](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/factors-influencing-albatross-interactions-hawaii-longline-fishery-towards). U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC 122.  163 pp. Gutowsky, S.E., Tremblay, Y., Kappes, M.A., Flint, E.N., Klavitter, J., Laniawe, L., Costa, D.P., Naughton, M.B., Romano, M.D. & Shaffer, S.A. 2014.  Divergent post-breeding distribution and habitat associations of fledgling and adult Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* in the North Pacific.  [*Ibis*156: 60-72](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.12119). Kendall, B., Flint, E., Naughton, M., Swift, R., Romano, N., Peterjohn, B. & Pearson, K. 2021.  Survival and breeding probability of Black-Footed and Laysan Albatrosses at Midway Atoll and Laysan Island, 2006-2015.  In: Hyrenbach, K.D., Ishizaki, A., Polovina J. & Ellgen S. (Eds).  [*The Factors influencing Albatross Interactions in the Hawaii Longline Fishery: Towards Identifying Drivers and Quantifying Impacts*](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/factors-influencing-albatross-interactions-hawaii-longline-fishery-towards).  U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC 122.  163 pp. Polovina, J., Mitchum, G., Graham, N., Craig, M., DeMartini, E. & Flint, E. 1994.  Physical and biological consequences of a climate event in the central North Pacific.  [*Fisheries Oceanography*3: 15-21](https://www.academia.edu/28358013/Physical_and_biological_consequences_of_a_climate_event_in_the_central_North_Pacific). Reynolds, M.H., Courtot, K.N., Berkowitz, P., Storlazzi., C.D., Moore, J. & Flint, E. 2015.  Will the effects of sea-level rise create ecological traps for Pacific island seabirds?  [*PLoS ONE * 10(9): e0136773](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0136773). Véran, S., Gimenez, O., Flint, E., Kendall, W.L., Doherty, P.F. Jr. & Lebreton, J. 2007.  Quantifying the impact of longline fisheries on adult survival in the Black-footed Albatross.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology * 44: 942-952](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01346.x). *Beth Flint,**Marine National Monuments of the Pacific, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 31 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-black-footed-albatross-by-beth-flint.md) ## Too much down? Shining a light on fledging Cory’s Shearwaters with GPS trackers *![Corys Shearwater grounded Beneharo Rodrguez](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Corys_Shearwater_grounded_Beneharo_Rodrguez.jpg)  A Cory's Shearwater grounded by artificial lighting; photograph by Beneharo Rodriguez* Airam Rodríguez ([Canary Islands’ Ornithology and Natural History Group](https://tethys.pnnl.gov/organization/canary-islands-ornithology-natural-history-group-gohnic), Buenavista del Norte & [Department of Ecology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid](https://www.uam.es/ss/Satellite/Ciencias/en/1234888218714/1242652468660/generico/detalle/Department_of_Ecology.htm), Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution)*on factors affecting grounding of Cory’s Shearwaters *Calonectris borealis* fledglings due to light pollution The paper’s abstract follows:. “Light pollution causes attraction and/or disorientation of seabirds, leading to mortality events due to multiple threats.  This is a poorly understood phenomenon, largely because of the challenge to track seabirds at night from their nests to the grounding light-polluted locations.  New tracking technologies can inform about this phenomenon.  Here, we used GPS transmitters with remote download to track the flights of Cory’s shearwater *Calonectris borealis* fledglings from an inland experimental releasing site to the ocean.  We released birds assigned to three experimental groups: GPS tagged, tape-labelled, and control birds.  We assessed how both intrinsic (such as body mass, body condition, body size, and down abundance) and extrinsic (i.e., flight descriptors, such as distance, straightness, and flight duration, wind speed, or moon luminance) factors influenced light-induced groundings by using two datasets: one including the three groups and another including just the GPS tagged birds (as GPS devices provide unique information).  We tested whether the probability of being grounded by artificial lights was related to intrinsic factors.  With the use of the whole dataset, we found that birds with a higher down abundance had a higher probability of being grounded.  GPS data revealed that the probability of being grounded was positively related to the tortuosity of flights and the overflown light pollution levels.  Also, birds with slower flights were more likely to be grounded than birds with fast flights.  Tortuosity increased with light pollution levels but decreased with the ambient light of the moon.  GPSs with remote data download provided information on birds reaching the ocean, this being a substantial improvement to previous studies requiring recapture of the individuals to retrieve the data.  GPS tracks of birds reaching the ocean allowed us to know that some birds overflew coastal urban areas so light-polluted as the landing sites of grounded birds.  We provide novel scientific-based information to manage seabird mortality induced by artificial lights.” *Movement trajectories of ten Cory’s Shearwater fledglings tracked with GPS-GSM devices. Ring refers to the unique ring codes of the birds. The animation shows the irradiance values (nW/cm2/sr), as a proxy of light pollution (bluish), taken from a cloud-free composite of VIIRS nighttime lights corresponding to November 2019*   With thanks to Airam Rodríguez Martín. **Reference:** Rodríguez, A., Rodríguez, B., Acosta, Y. & Negro, J.J. 2022.  Tracking flights to investigate seabird mortality induced by artificial lights.  *[Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.  doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.786557](https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.786557)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/too-much-down-shining-a-light-on-fledging-cory-s-shearwaters-with-gps-trackers.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Antipodean Albatross by Kath Walker * ![Fig 4 low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_4_low_res_S.jpg) A pair of young adult Antipodean Wandering Albatrosses.  The plumage of the female (on the left) remains dark despite age.  However, by the end of each breeding season the dark tips of the feathers are so worn the white below can show through, giving the bird a “spotty, leopard-like plumage” until she moults.  The dark feathers on the male’s neck will gradually lighten, leaving just faint pencilling, while the well-demarcated black cap remains, although gradually decreased in extent by old age* **NOTE:**  This post continues an [occasional series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) that features photographs of the [31 ACAP listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Kath Walker of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) writes from the field on Antipodes Island of her studies over many years of both the nominate and *gibsoni*subspecies of the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*.  In her photo essay Kath refers to these two taxa as Antipodean Wandering and Gibson’s Wandering Albatrosses. *![Kath Walker Graeme Elliott Anripodean Albatross S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Kath_Walker_Graeme_Elliott_Anripodean_Albatross_S.jpg) Kath Walker and Graeme Elliott with a male Antipodean Wandering Albatross on Antipodes Island* Like some others who’ve written these photo essays, my partner Graeme Elliott and I began working on albatrosses accidentally.  Although we were (and still are) biologists working for the New Zealand Department of Conservation researching ways to recover threatened land birds (Graeme) and large land snails (me), an expedition in 1989 in search of the elusive and [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22692529) Auckland Rail *Lewinia muelleri* on [Adams Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1599-acap-breeding-site-no-58-adams-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-antipodean-albatross) changed the course of our lives.  Whilst on Adams Island, we attempted very rough population estimates of all the other bird species, including the Gibson’s subspecies of the Antipodean Albatross. *![Fig 1 low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_1_low_res_S.jpg) Young Gibson’s Wandering Albatrosses courting on the southern slopes of Adams Island* The news that the Wandering Albatross *D. exulans* population on France’s [Possession Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur) in the southern Indian Ocean had halved in the 1980s made us worry about the trends in the wandering albatross (*sensu lato*) populations on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands.  While it was then thought the New Zealand birds comprised nearly half the world’s population of wandering albatrosses, their breeding grounds were seldom visited so there was little quantitative knowledge of the sizes, let alone the trends, of the albatross populations there. *![Fig 2.low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_2.low_res_S.jpg) An adult male Antipodean Wandering Albatross in flight, with characteristically black upper wing and sharply demarcated black cap on head* In 1991 on Adams Island with Peter Dilks and Jean-Claude Stahl, and later, on [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) with the help of Jacinda Amey, Gerry Clark and Gus McAllister, we started trying to count the numbers of pairs of breeding Gibson’s Wandering and Antipodean Wandering Albatrosses, respectively. However, both islands have such extensive albatross habitat and such deep tussock and scrub, it was difficult to obtain enough precision for trend calculations. * ![Fig 3.low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_3.low_res_S.jpg) A pair of Gibson’s Wandering Albatrosses, with the female, identified by the scattering of dark feathers on the head, on the left* *![Fig 6 low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_6_low_res_S.jpg) A pair of adult Antipodean Wandering Albatrosses (female on the right) displaying on Antipodes Island. The presence of a female - now outnumbered 3:1 by males on the breeding grounds - has inevitably attracted the attentions of another male (centre). The combination of black cap and black upper wings on the male are characteristic, and the easiest way to distinguish middle-aged male Antipodean from female Gibson’s Wandering Albatrosses at sea. Only old male Antipodean Wandering Albatrosses have some white on their “elbows”, by which time the black cap on their head is nearly gone.* So began the last 30 years of taking leave to organize and participate in annual expeditions to Adams and Antipodes Islands to study key population parameters in smaller better-defined portions of each island, as well as the bird’s at-sea distributions.  Many other colleagues have helped with the work over the years, particularly Peter McClelland, Sheryl Hamilton, Alan Wiltshire, Erica Sommer, Kalinka Rexer-Huber and Graham Parker.  At first both Gibson’s Wandering and Antipodean Wandering Albatross populations seemed to be recovering after declines during the 1980s.  But in 2005 these trajectories suddenly reversed, beginning a steep and long-lasting decline, particularly of the nominate population on Antipodes Island.  Research in recent years has concentrated on identifying the areas of overlap nowadays between longline fisheries and Antipodean Wandering Albatrosses, as changing oceanic conditions, and expanding ranges of both birds and fishers, seem to be increasing fatal bird/longliner interactions, particularly of females who use more northerly waters than do males. *![Fig 5 low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_5_low_res_S.jpg) A pair of older adult Gibson’s Wandering Albatrosses (female on the right) courting on the southern slopes of*[*Mount Dick*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Dick)*on Adams Island.  Note the characteristically large area of white feathers on both male and female’s “elbows”* Gibson’s Wandering and Antipodean Wandering Albatrosses behave more like separate species than subspecies, with distinctive plumage patterns and foraging distributions (albeit with a little overlap) and separate breeding grounds and timetables (Gibson’s breeding three weeks earlier than Antipodean).  Whereas this complicates description of a generalized “Antipodean” species in guidebooks, studying two discrete taxa at the same time using identical methods has proved helpful in untangling the causes of their differing population trajectories. *![Fig 7low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_7low_res_S.jpg) Flowering*[*Southern Rata*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrosideros_umbellata) Metrosideros umbellata*and*[*Turpentine Scrub*](https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/310769) Dracophyllum uniflorum*forest on the sheltered northern side of Adams Island, supplanted higher up by tussock and fellfield.  Although a few Gibson’s Wandering Albatrosses nest in the tussock on these northern slopes, most birds nest on the island’s southern slopes, necessitating a long walk for researchers from the boat landing over the summit ridge* For us the expense and difficulty of obtaining a 30-year dataset on a long-lived biennial species which breeds on remote uninhabited islands across angry seas and living for long periods in tents and basic huts are more than compensated for by the sheer joy of living where wild things and the natural world still predominate.  And the happiness is not just that we are lucky enough to be working with seabirds which live their lives on the surface of the land, rather than hidden deep within burrows.  Nor that these birds survive so long they’ve become familiar as individuals, with some observed for over 28 years as they fledged, partied with other teenagers, settled down 10 m from their parents, lost mates, and started again.  Equally it lies in the land itself, with Adams and Antipodes Islands as distinctive and addictive as their albatross inhabitants.  Adams Island at 11 000 ha is much bigger, higher, colder, wetter and grander than the more northerly 2000-ha Antipodes Island.  Although it does have a harsher climate, Adams Island at the southern end of the Auckland Island Group has an enviable sheltered harbour on one side which allows the growth of proper forest whilst Antipodes Island, farther from the New Zealand mainland, has a simpler vegetation of grasses, ferns and some low shrubland, and no safe anchorage.  With the [successful removal](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3114-antipodes-million-dollar-mouse-team-releases-a-video-of-its-successful-eradication-campaign?highlight=WyJhbnRpcG9kZXMiLCInYW50aXBvZGVzJyIsImFudGlwb2RlcyciLCJtdXMiXQ==) of introduced House Mice from Antipodes Island in 2016, both islands are now near-pristine, essentially weed-free, full of [megaherbs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megaherb) and teeming with birds.  The only way we’ve found to feel nearly comfortable about living in these “Gardens of Eden” continuing to bother the albatrosses with bands, tracking devices, counting, measuring and observing, is to work as hard as we can at ensuring these wonderful birds and wild places survive. *![Fig 8 low res S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Fig_8_low_res_S.jpg) The cliffs of Perpendicular Point and Hut Cove on Antipodes Island, with a depot for castaways in the foreground, first erected in 1894* The great albatrosses of the genus *Diomedea* comprise two distinct types: the two primarily shelf-feeding royal albatrosses and the more pelagic “wandering” albatrosses, treated as four species by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement.  Given the strong kinship within the wandering-type complex, we prefer to use “wandering” as part of each common name for these four species originally placed within *Diomedea exulans*, despite it becoming not a group descriptor but the common name for just one in the wandering group - *Diomedea exulans*.  We’re eternally hopeful that our preference, initially suggested by one of our heroes of albatross conservation, Graham Robertson, will catch on! **Selected publications:** Elliott, G. & Walker, K. 2005.  Detecting population trends of Gibson's and Antipodean wandering albatrosses. [*Notornis 5*2: 215-222](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/detecting-population-trends-gibsons-and-antipodean-wandering-albatrosses). Elliott, G. & Walker, K. 2018.  [Antipodean wandering albatross census and population study 2018](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/2017-18/antipodean-albatross-census-and-population-study-2018/).  Research Report prepared by Albatross Research for the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  18 pp. Elliott, G. & Walker K. 2019.  [Antipodean wandering albatross census and population study on Antipodes Island 2019](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/201819/antipodean-albatross-census-and-population-study-2019/?utm_source=Media&utm_campaign=8d3899fa33-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_12_24_09_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5e2be43a95-8d3899fa33-339910789).  Report prepared for the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  27 pp. Elliott, G. & Walker, K. 2020.  [Antipodean wandering albatross satellite tracking and population study Antipodes Island 2020](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/201920/antipodean-albatross-census-and-population-study-2020/).  Report prepared for the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  54 pp. Elliott, G.P., Walker, K.J., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K. & Miskelly, C.M. 2020.  Subantarctic Adams Island and its birdlife.  [*Notornis*67: 153-187](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4472). Francis, R.I.C.C., Elliott, G. & Walker, K. 2015. Fisheries risks to the viability of Gibson’s wandering Albatross *Diomedea gibsoni*.  [New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report 152](https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Page.aspx?pk=113&dk=23800).  48 pp. Nicholls, D.G., Robertson C.J.R., Prince, P.A., Murray, M.D., Walker, K.J. & Elliott, G.P. 2002.  Foraging niches of three *Diomedea* albatrosses.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series*231: 269-277](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v231/p269-277/). Walker, K. & Elliott, G. 1999.  Population changes and biology of the wandering albatross *Diomedea exulans gibsoni*at the Auckland Islands.  [*Emu*99: 239-247](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU99029). Walker, K. & Elliott, G. 2005.  Population changes and biology of the Antipodean Wandering Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*.  [*Notornis * 52: 206-214](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/population-changes-and-biology-antipodean-wandering-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis). Walker, K.J. & Elliott, G.P. 2006.  At-sea distribution of Gibson's and Antipodean wandering albatrosses, and relationships with longline fisheries.  [*Notornis* 53: 265-290](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/sea-distribution-gibsons-and-antipodean-wandering-albatrosses-and-relationships-longline-fisheries). Walker, K.J., Elliott, G.P., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G.C., Sagar, P.M., McClelland, P.J. 2020.  Shipwrecks and mollymawks: an account of Disappointment Island birds.  [*Notornis * 67: 213-245](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4474). *Kath Walker, Department of Conservation, New Zealand, 27 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-antipodean-albatross-by-kath-walker.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Southern Giant Petrel by Alexandra Dodds ![SGP white phase Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_white_phase_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg)  *A banded white morph Southern Giant Petrel, known as a ‘spirit geep’ on Bird Island* **NOTE:** This post continues an [occasional series](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here Alexandra Dodds writes about the Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus)) she studied and photographed on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic, while working with the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/). *![Alex Dodds Albatross ZFA 2019 21 Ana Carneiro 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Alex_Dodds_Albatross_ZFA_2019-21_-_Ana_Carneiro-1.JPG) Alex**prepares to fit a colour band to a breeding Wandering Albatross*Diomedea exulans*on Bird Island; photograph by Ana Carneiro* Walking around Bird Island you can’t help but see where the idea for the name came from.  There are birds in the air, on the cliffs, covering the beaches and all over the mossy, muddy surfaces of the island.  I spent eighteen months there undertaking albatross fieldwork for the British Antarctic Survey, and while the Wandering Albatrosses may be the largest birds on the island, they certainly aren’t the only large avian characters.  Almost everywhere on the island, there are nesting giant petrels. *![SGPs mating Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGPs_mating_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg) Southern Giant Petrels mating in the snow* *![SGP downy chick Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_downy_chick_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg) A recently hatched Southern Giant Petrel chick is kept warm on its parent’s foot* On the nest, Southern Giant Petrels are caring and protective of their chicks.  During my second summer, one pair decided to nest right in the middle of a scree slope path, and they weren’t moving, no matter how many times we had to scramble past them, they were sitting tight and protecting their egg.  However, having seen giant petrels in both predator mode and parental mode, I’m sure that they have some level of multiple personality disorder.  It always amazed me how voracious they can be when fighting their way through the crowd to scavenge on a dead fur seal or dive bomb a mollymawk colony to pinch a chick for dinner, and yet they are the complete opposite when rearing their young. *![SGP downy chick and adult Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_downy_chick_and_adult_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg) A Southern Giant Petrel rests next to its downy chick on a sunny day* *![SGPs Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGPs_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg) A hybrid breeding pair, Southern Giant Petrel on the left, with the green tinge to the end of the bill, and Northern Giant Petrel on the right, with the red tinge* Bird Island is towards the northernmost edge of the Southern Giant Petrels’ range, crossing over with the northern species, leading to some attempts at hybrid breeding.  The other natural phenomenon that the Southern Giant Petrels bring to the island is the ‘spirit geep’ as they are known in South Georgia (geep is a commonly used abbreviation for a giant petrel).  Spirit geeps are the white colour morph birds thar are more common the closer you are to the white continent of Antarctica but aren’t so commonly seen in the waters around Bird Island. Walking around the island to check on Wanderer chicks, survey a Black-browed Albatross colony or scan cliffs for Light-mantled Albatross nests, I had the daily pleasure of seeing the natural behaviours and life events of Southern Giant Petrels.  I may have gone to Bird Island to work with albatrosses but the ‘geeps’ are also intertwined with the memories of my time there. *![Wandering Albatross Bird Island Alex Dodds S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Wandering_Albatross_Bird_Island_Alex_Dodds_S.jpg) A post-guard white-morph Southern Giant Petrel chick and its Wandering Albatross neighbour* *Alexandra Dodds, Market Rasen, United Kingdom, 26 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-southern-giant-petrel-by-alexandra-dodds.md) ## Midway Atoll and its albatrosses take a battering from storms made worse by climate change ![Storm Damage 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Storm_Damage_2.jpeg) *“A large ironwood branch falls on both sides of perhaps the luckiest of albatross nests at Midway Atoll during the winter storms.  Hundreds of ironwood branches fell during the winter storms at Midway Atoll during December and early January, and several branches unfortunately crushed many albatross eggs”; photograph by Pam Repp, USFWS* In a year when [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on 19 June will be marked with the theme of “[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)”, increased winter storms thought due to climate change have been impacting Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* ([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)) and other seabirds that breed on USA’s  [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the low-lying North-western Hawaiian Islands. “Since December 1, 2021 Midway Atoll has been experiencing repeated high-wind storm events, some containing winds over 50 miles per hour [80 km/h] that have impacted several species of seabirds and some of the World War II era buildings.  Waves have overtopped seawalls and invaded the beaches, causing a large number of nest failures from eggs being washed away or nests being flooded.   Hundreds of nests and eggs have been impacted. Falling trees and large branches have killed adult albatross and eggs”. The low-lying islands and atolls in the Monument are extremely vulnerable to sea level rise, with some low-lying islands averaging only 3.2 meters in elevation.  Sea level at Midway Atoll rises at a rate of five millimeters per year, which is faster than the global average. This makes the impact of storms all the greater. *![Storm damage 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Storm_damage_1.jpeg) A Laysan Albatross nest near missed by fallen branches from Ironwood*[Casuarina equisetifolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casuarina_equisetifolia)*trees; photograph by Pam Repp, USFWS* The majority of seabirds in the Pacific Islands nest[s] at or near sea level, regardless of the maximum elevation of the island on which they nest. For albatrosses and other seabirds, some years are calmer than others when wintering at Midway Atoll. This winter has been a rough one for some seabirds with more frequent storms than usual at Midway Atoll. Even when exposed to winds over 50 miles per hour winds and torrential rain, albatrosses patiently sit through storms while devotedly incubating their eggs. Despite their fearless paternal instincts, some birds aren’t as lucky and won’t make it through the storms. Sea level rise and surge from storms and tsunamis put seabird nests at risk of flooding. In the winter of 2011 a tsunami wreaked havoc on Midway Atoll and nearly 300,000 albatrosses’ nests were destroyed [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2799-the-tohoku-tsunami-killed-280-000-albatrosses-and-petrels-on-laysan-and-midway-atolls?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJ0c3VuYW1pIiwidHN1bmFtaSdzIl0=)].  Climate change and consequent processes such as increased storm intensity are difficult to predict accurately and may prove impossible to manage. Midway Atoll is ecologically significant on a global scale. Altogether, nearly three million birds nest at Midway Atoll Refuge and Memorial each year, including the world’s largest population of albatrosses, nunulu (Bonin petrels), and endangered Laysan ducks. To stem the loss of nesting habitat for seabirds, whose primary nesting islands in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands may be lost to sea level rise, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) and other partners are working with the Monument co-managers to create new, safe nesting sites for them on high-islands. Such proactive partnerships created to establish more secure seabird colonies on high islands within the historical nesting range, provide hope for these seabirds to not disappear from the Hawaiian Islands.” Read more [here](https://medium.com/usfwspacificislands/another-winter-of-survival-at-midway-atoll-bda7eaaf9f62) and see an [earlier post](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3230-breeding-laysan-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-falling-trees-on-kauai-and-midway) in *ACAP Latest News* on falling trees affecting breeding Laysan Albatrosses. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/midway-atoll-and-its-albatrosses-take-a-battering-from-storms-made-worse-by-climate-change.md) ## Aerobic capacity is important to breeding fitness in Northern and Southern Giant Petrels *![Shary Weckwerth Southern Giant Petrel watercolour Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/Shary_Weckwerth_Southern_Giant_Petrel_watercolour_Michelle_Risi.jpg) A Southern Giant Petrel chick begs for food, watercolour by* [ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/) *artist Shary Weckwerth; after a photograph by Michelle Risi* Ted Lownie ([Department of Biology, Dalhousie University,](https://www.dal.ca/faculty/science/biology.html) Halifax, Canada) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10956433) on oxygen-carrying capacity of breeding giant petrels *Macronectes* spp, The paper’s abstract follows “Reproduction, and parental care in particular, are among the most energy-demanding activities within the annual cycle of adult birds. Parents that cannot meet the metabolic demands and other physiological costs of raising offspring may opt to abandon chicks in favour of self-maintenance and future reproduction. Recent work examining reproductive trade-offs in birds revealed an important role of oxygen carrying capacity in mediating variation in parental effort. This study explores the aerobic factors underlying the success or failure of parental care in two closely-related petrel species during their breeding season on Bird Island, South Georgia: northern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli*) and southern giant petrels (*M. giganteus*). Failed breeders of both sexes and species had significantly lower hematocrit levels (by 5.48 ± 0.64%) than successful breeders, and reticulocyte counts also tended to be lower in failed males, consistent with the hypothesis that parental care and workload depend on aerobic capacity. We discuss these results in relation to differences in the foraging ecology of both species and sexes.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Lownie, T., Jubinville, I., Williams, T.D., Phillips, R.A. & Crossin, G.T. 2022.  Varying aerobic capacity in relation to breeding stage and reproductive success in giant petrels (*Macronectes* spp.).  [*Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology * 266. 111155](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1095643322000137). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 24 January 2022* * * * * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/aerobic-capacity-is-important-to-breeding-fitness-in-northern-and-southern-giant-petrels.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Short-tailed Albatross by Naoki Tomita  ![10 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/10_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg)*Age-related variation in the plumage of Short-tailed Albatrosses* **NOTE:** * *This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Naoki Tomita](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3608-torishima-volcanic-home-of-the-short-tailed-albatross-marks-world-albatross-day-with-a-banner?highlight=WyJuYW9raSJd) illustrates the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* that he studies on [Torishima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=), the species’ main breeding locality.  Naoki is a Researcher in the Division of Avian Conservation at the [Yamashina Institute for Ornithology](http://www.yamashina.or.jp/hp/english/index.html) in Japan. *![Naoki Tomitsa on Torishims by Masayoshi Kamioki](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Naoki_Tomitsa_on_Torishims_by_Masayoshi_Kamioki.jpg) Naoki Tomitsa on Torishima; photograph by Masayoshi Kamioki* ![1 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/1_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg)*Torishima, home of the Short-tailed Albatross* *![4 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/4_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg) Landing and unloading on Torishima; photograph by Masayoshi Kamioki* *![5 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/5_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg) On the island we stay in a weather station that was used until 1965 and is being repaired* *![2 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/2_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg) The crater of Mount Iwo-yama, an active volcano on Torishima.  There were pyroclastic flow eruptions in 1902 and 1939, and a recent small eruption in 2002* **![15 by Miwa Konno S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/15_by_Miwa_Konno_S.jpg)* The Short-tailed Albatross was recently described as a species complex comprising two genetically and morphologically distinct populations (Torishima and Senkaku types), with assortative but incomplete mating between birds of both types on Torishima. (from left to right: a female and a male of the Torishima type, two females of the Senkaku type).  The Torishima type is larger in overall size than the Senkaku type.  Read more*[*here*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3884-are-short-tailed-albatrosses-two-cryptic-species-new-evidence?highlight=WyJlZGEiXQ==)*; photograph by Miwa Konno* **![6 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/6_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg)* The Tsubamezaki Colony in the distance where Short-tailed Albatrosses were rediscovered breeding in 1951.  It is necessary to descend the cliff using a rope* **![7 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/7_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg)* The Tsubamezaki Colony.  Because of the steep slope, eggs and chicks can roll out of the nest; in addition, heavy rains cause scoria to flow down from the cliff* *![13 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/13_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg) Young Short-tailed Albatrosses gather at sea near Torishima* *![11 Naoki Tomita S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/11_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg) Two Short-tailed Albatrosses engage in a courtship display* *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/16_Naoki_Tomita_S.jpg) Researchers (Naoki Tomita second left) with their*[*World Albatross Day 2020 banner*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3608-torishima-volcanic-home-of-the-short-tailed-albatross-marks-world-albatross-day-with-a-banner?highlight=WyJ0b21pdGEiLCJ0b21pdGEncyIsImJhbm5lciIsIidiYW5uZXIiLCJiYW5uZXInIiwiYmFubmVyJ3MiLCInYmFubmVyJyIsImJhbm5lcicuIl0=)*.  The Hatsunezaki Colony shown here was artificially established in 1995 by attracting birds using decoys and audio devices; photograph by Miwa Konno* Photographs by Naoki Tomita unless stated. **Selected Publications:** Eda, M., Yamasaki, T., Izumi, H., Tomita, N., Konno, S., Konno, M., Murakami, H. & Sato, F. 2020.  Cryptic species in a Vulnerable seabird: short-tailed albatross consists of two species.  [*Endangered Species Research .* 43: 375-386.](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v43/p375-386/) Nishizawa, B., Thiebot, J.-B., Sato, F., Tomita, N., Yoda, K., Yamashita, R., Takada, H. & Watanuki, Y. 2021.  Mapping marine debris encountered by albatrosses tracked over oceanic waters.  [*Scientific Reports *doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90417-x.](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-90417-x) Senzaki, M., Terui, A., Tomita, N., Sato, F., Fukuda, Y., Kataoka, Y. & Watanuki, Y. 2019.  Long-term declines in common breeding seabirds in Japan.  [*Bird Conservation International:*30: 434-446.](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/longterm-declines-in-common-breeding-seabirds-in-japan/D444B5C65545F38949D63ED965F54477) Thiebot, J.-B., Nishizawa, B., Sato, F., Tomita, N. & Watanuki, Y. 2018.  Albatross chicks reveal interactions of adults with artisanal longline fisheries within a short range.  [*Journal of Ornithology*159: 935-944](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10336-018-1579-3).  (video of metal detector in use in supplementary material). Tsukamoto, S., Nishizawa, B., Sato, F. & Tomita, N. & Watanuki, Y.  2019.  Determination of on-water and feeding activities of Black-footed Albatrosses using acceleration and images.  [*Japanese Journal of Ornithology* 68: 29-41](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jjo/68/1/68_29/_article/-char/en). *Naoki Tomita, Division of Avian Conservation, Yamashina Institute for Ornithology, Abiko, Chiba, Japan, 21 January 2022, updated 22 January 2022*     [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-short-tailed-albatross-by-naoki-tomita.md) ## Giant petrel skulls facilitate their feeding behaviour: a morphological study *![fulmarine skulls](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/fulmarine_skulls.jpg)From the publication giant petrel skull at the top* Mariana Mazzochi and Caio Carlos ([Laboratório de Sistemática e Ecologia de Aves e Mamíferos Marinhos](https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Laboratorio-de-Sistematica-e-Ecologia-de-Aves-e-Mamiferos-Marinhos-Poa-Caio-J-Carlos), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil) have published in the journal [*Polar Biology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/300) on the morphology of the skulls of fulmarine petrels, including giant petrels *Macronectes* spp. The paper’s abstract follows: Fulmarine petrels are top predators in the Antarctic region preying mostly on squid, fish, and carrion. Their diets have been widely studied, but less is known about the role of skeletal structures in the processes they use to obtain food. Here, we comparatively describe the skulls of fulmarine petrels, namely, the Giant Petrels (*Macronectes*), the Southern Fulmar (*Fulmarus glacialoides*), and the Cape Petrel (*Daption capense*), emphasizing those structures associated with the muscles responsible for opening/closing the jaws. The skull is dorsoventrally flattened and the bill is hooked-tipped and elongated in the studied species, but we found significant differences for relative bill length and relative cranium depth among them. These characteristics can be related to surface seizing and streamlining for diving and pursuing/capturing prey underwater. Longer bills also indicate that the mandible muscles are more posteriorly positioned relative to the bill tip, an adaptation for a fast bite, which is more pronounced in Giant Petrels. Nevertheless, there are broad areas of origin for the mandible muscles in the *fossa musculorum temporalium* and in the *Os palatinum*, especially in Giant Petrels. We thus infer that those muscles are well developed and hypothesize that, despite the adaptation for fast movements, their jaws are still capable of a relatively powerful bite. The Giant Petrels and Cape Petrel present a similar pattern of dorsoventral flattening of the skull, an adaptation for diving in pursuit of prey. In Giant Petrels, a flattened skull with a hooked-tipped bill also facilitates their feeding behavior of inserting the bill and head into carcasses for tearing flesh. We conclude that fulmarine petrels present variable morphological characters adapted to the different feeding strategies they employ in the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean.” **Reference:** Mazzochi, M.S. & Carlos, C.J. 2022.  Skull morphology of four Antarctic fulmarine petrels (Aves: Procellariiformes): insights into their feeding biology.  [*Polar Biology * doi.org/10.1007/s00300-021-02983-5](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-021-02983-5). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/giant-petrel-skulls-facilitate-their-feeding-behahttps-www-acap-aq-administrator-index-php-option-com-content-view-article-layout-edit-publishingviour-a-morphological-study.md) ## ACAP releases 12 free posters for World Albatross Day 2022 ![Blackfooted WAD22 3](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Blackfooted_WAD22_3.jpg) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “**[Climate Change](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)**” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year. The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  Both these globally Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands.  These atolls - and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from predicted sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have even caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, losing breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)); elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore. ![Laysan WAD22 2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2022/Laysan_WAD22_2.jpg) ACAP’s WAD poster designer, [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/77-wad2020-posters/3580-world-albatross-day-posters-from-gough-island-by-michelle-risi), now based on [Aldabra Atoll](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/185/) for two years after an extended stay on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice), has with the help of five excellent photographers produced a poster series for the two birds.  The 12 posters are being made [freely available](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change/world-albatross-day-2022-logos-posters/4253-wad-2022-posters) for printing during the build up to World Albatross Day on 19 June.  French and Spanish versions are to follow.  ACAP requests it be acknowledged in their use for conservation purposes.  They should not be used for financial gain.  *![Michelle Risi Gough](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Michelle_Risi_Gough.jpg)*Michelle Risi records the band number of a non-breeding [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728364) Tristan Albatross*Diomedea dabbenena*on Gough Island**     ![Michelle Risi Aldabra tortoise](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Michelle_Risi_Aldabra_tortoise.jpeg) *Michelle Risi on a beach at Aldabra with a Giant Tortoise*Aldabrachelys gigantea *Contrasting photographs by Chris Jones* With thanks to photographers Laurie Smaglick Johnson, J.A. Soriano, Eric Vanderwerf, Lindsay Young and Kirk Zufelt, and especially to Michelle Risi, for their support of albatross conservation. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-12-free-posters-for-world-albatross-day-2022.md) ## Overlaps between colonies and with fisheries: tracking Wandering Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels in the South Atlantic  ![Wanderer and White chin tracks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Wanderer_and_White-chin_tracks.jpg) *Wandering Albatross tracks in blue, White-chinned Petrel tracks in red* Satellite transmitters have been deployed this month on White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* ([Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-chinned-petrel-procellaria-aequinoctialis)) on [Cooper Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_Island) and on Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* ([Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)) on [Prion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1571-acap-breeding-site-no-51-prion-island-where-tourists-can-view-wandering-albatrosses-from-a-boardwalk), as part of a project on the spatial segregation of seabirds at South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*.  The project is being led by [Vicky Warwick-Evans](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/vicrwi/) of the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/spatial-segregation-of-seabirds-at-south-georgia/) and is funded by [Darwin Plus](https://dplus.darwininitiative.org.uk/).  ![Wandering Albatross near South Georgia 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering-Albatross-near-South-Georgia-2-Kirk-Zufelt.jpg)  ![White chinned Petrel 4 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/White_chinned_Petrel_4_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) *Wandering Albatross and White-chinned Petrel at sea in the South Atlantic; photographs by Kirk Zufelt* This is stated to be the first tracking of any flying seabird species at South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* from a colony other than those on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) (where both species are also being tracked this year).  The project aims to determine the degree of overlap in distribution of birds from different colonies, and the implications for fisheries overlap and population trends. To read more about the project and view the tracks in near real-time and compare distributions [click here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/spatial-segregation-of-seabirds-at-south-georgia/#about).  Click on the “[Data](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/spatial-segregation-of-seabirds-at-south-georgia/#data)” tab to see an animation. With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 January 2022* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/overlaps-between-colonies-and-with-fisheries-tracking-wandering-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## More mice have been recorded on Gough Island since last year’s eradication attempt ![Gough December mouse](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Gough_December_mouse.jpg) *The mouse captured on camera on Gough Island in December 2021; photograph by the Gough Island Restoration Programme* The Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) aimed to eradicate introduced House Mice on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in the South Atlantic to protect the island’s birdlife, including its ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  Following the [completion of the bait drop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4123-the-second-bait-drop-to-eradicate-gough-island-s-albatross-killing-mice-is-completed?highlight=WyJnaXJwIiwiZ2lycCdzIiwyMDIxXQ==) by helicopter in July last year the situation [looked promising](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4180-the-tristan-albatrosses-of-gough-island-get-some-relief-following-the-mouse-eradication-exercise?highlight=WyJnaXJwIiwiZ2lycCdzIiwyMDIxXQ==) until [a single mouse was seen](https://www.goughisland.com/post/news-update-mouse-found-on-gough) on a camera trap in mid-December.  Now [more live mice](https://www.goughisland.com/) have been recorded on the island as GIRP reported last week on its website: “Since we reported the camera trap footage of a mouse on Gough in mid-December, our team on island has been running a targeted monitoring and response operation to assess the extent of mouse presence across a range of locations and intercept any individuals identified. This work remains ongoing. The team has unfortunately caught a further four mice in two other locations. These records of multiple mice mean that the Gough Island Restoration Programme has not been successful in its primary objective to eradicate every single mouse from Gough, although it will bring some respite from the immense predation pressure experienced by the birds there. At this stage, our focus is on trying to gather as much information as possible as to how widespread mouse survival may be on the island, and across which habitats and elevations. This may help us understand the more likely cause(s) and possible ways to amend the operational approach in light of any findings so that a renewed attempt at eradication may be made at some point in the future. We will make sure that every lesson possible is learnt, not just to benefit future RSPB efforts, but those of the wider island restoration community. The RSPB remains resolute in its commitment to see Gough restored, and to other eradications more widely including Henderson Island in the Pacific and will continue to work closely with our partners. While we wish we could be sharing more positive news at this time, we want to express our deep gratitude to all those who have supported the Gough Island Restoration Programme.  We will endeavour to keep you all updated as and when we have further significant information.” *![DCIM\107GOPRO](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Tristan_Albatross_Michelle_Risi.jpg) Still at risk to mice?  A colour-banded*[*Critically Endangered*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text)*Tristan Albatross*Diomedea dabbenena*stands over*its chick *on Gough Island; photograph by Michelle Risi* *ACAP Latest News* will post more information on the situation on Gough as it become available. *John Cooper,* *ACAP Information Officer, 17* *January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/more-mice-have-been-recorded-on-gough-island-since-last-year-s-eradication-attempt.md) ## Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager Anton Wolfaardt receives a sponsorship in his name as a parting gift from ACAP  ![Anton Wolfaardt ACAP MFM certificate](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Anton_Wolfaardt_ACAP_MFM_certificate.JPG)*Anton Wolfaardt holds his Mouse-Free Marion Sponsor a Hectare certificate received in appreciation of his leadership of the ACAP Seabird Bycatch Working Group* In February last year Anton Wolfaardt was appointed [Project Manager](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3943-saving-albatrosses-from-attack-on-a-sub-antarctic-island-mouse-free-marion-appoints-anton-wolfaardt-as-its-project-manager?highlight=WyJ3b2xmYWFyZHQiLDIwMjFd) of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) that aims to rid South Africa’s sub-Antarctic island of its seabird-killing House Mice in 2024.  Previously Anton had served from 2013 as Convenor of ACAP’s  [Seabird Bycatch Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group), whose membership comprises experts and practitioners in the field of seabird bycatch and bycatch mitigation.  Anton was responsible for facilitating and co-ordinating the work of the SBWG to ensure that efforts to better understand and reduce the impacts of bycatch on seabirds, especially albatrosses and petrels, were progressed, and that ACAP remained responsive to emerging bycatch-related issues.  During his three-term convenorship the SBWG expanded its scope from a technical focus on mitigation approaches in industrial fisheries to include small-scale fisheries, monitoring and compliance requirements, and the socio-economic aspects of bycatch. On becoming MFM Project Manager, Anton stood down as SBWG Coordinator to devote his full efforts towards the eradication of Marion Island’s mice.  In grateful recognition of his long service the ACAP Secretariat [sponsored a hectare](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsors/) in his name.  On receiving his parting gift Anton has written “I am very grateful to my friends and colleagues at ACAP for their gift of a sponsorship towards the MFM Project.  Although I am no longer formally involved in ACAP work, the MFM Project is of direct relevance to ACAP, and South Africa’s commitment to albatross and petrel conservation.  Marion Island is an important breeding site for ACAP species.  The eradication of mice from the island will enable the globally important albatross and petrel populations that have been adversely impacted by mouse predation to recover to their original glory.  I look forward to keeping ACAP colleagues, and others, informed of our progress.” **NOTE:**  Originally published on the [Mouse-Free Marion website](https://mousefreemarion.org/mfm-project-manager-gets-a-sponsorship-in-his-name-as-a-parting-gift/) in a slightly different form. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer*, 14 January 2022** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/mouse-free-marion-project-manager-anton-wolfaardt-receives-a-sponsorship-in-his-name-as-a-parting-gift-from-acap.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Campbell Albatross by Peter Moore *![Campbell albatross Feb 2008 4 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_albatross_Feb_2008_4_Peter_Moore.jpg) A pair of Campbell Albatrosses displaying on Campbell Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here [Peter Moore](https://appliedeco.org/about/staff/peter-moore/) writes about his experiences with the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/campbell-albatross-thalassarche-impavida) and nationally [At Risk - Naturally Uncommon](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4240-northern-and-southern-royal-and-light-mantled-albatrosses-get-a-worsened-national-conservation-status-from-new-zealand-s-threat-classification-system-in-2021) Campbell Albatross *Thalassarche impavida*.  Peter worked for many years as a seabird scientist for New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), most recently in its then Marine Conservation Unit.  He is now with the [Institute for Applied Ecology](https://appliedeco.org/) in Oregon, USA.  See accounts for species so far covered in the series in the [Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) section on this website, including Peter’s [photo essay](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4192-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-southern-royal-albatross-by-peter-moore) on the Southern Royal Albatross *Diomedea epomophora.* ![Peter with mollymawk chick Mar 1988 1 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Peter_with_mollymawk_chick_Mar_1988_1_Peter_Moore.jpg)*Peter Moore holds a Campbell Albatross chick for weighing, measuring and banding on Campbell Island, March 1988* The Campbell Albatross breeds only on [Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels), one of the sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand and is found throughout Australasian waters.  The species is similar in appearance to the circumpolar Black-browed Albatross *T. melanophris* but has honey-coloured irises and broader black margins to its underwings.  Adults breed annually and arrive on the island in early August, lay a single egg in late September-early October and fledge chicks in mid-April.  Colonies are shared with the less numerous and biennially-breeding Grey-headed Albatross *T. chrysostoma*. ![Campbell albatross Jan 2009 2 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_albatross_Jan_2009_2_Peter_Moore.JPG)*Close-up of a Campbell Albatross, showing the honey-coloured iris* My first connection with Campbell Albatrosses, or Campbell Island Mollymawks, as we more commonly refer to them in New Zealand, came in 1987-88 when I spent a year on Campbell Island conducting research and monitoring projects for the Department of Conservation.  One of our main tasks was to record breeding success of the “mollies” at the “study square” at Bull Rock South.   This included banding breeding pairs and their chicks. Although sporadic observations of mollymawks had been made previously, and many thousands of chicks and adults had been banded since the 1950s, this was the first attempt at a more systematic study. *![Bull Rock South Jan 1998 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Bull_Rock_South_Jan_1998_Peter_Moore.jpg) Campbell Albatross adults and chicks at Bull Rock South, Campbell Island, January 1998* So began approximately weekly visits, from October to May, to the Bull Rock South mollymawk colony at the north-east tip of Campbell Island.  As you emerge from the scrub behind the colony, you are greeted by the cacophony of thousands of mollymawks calling and squabbling - a sound akin to many dueling chainsaws.  The busy city of birds covers many ledges perched above spectacular cliffs.  As with all albatrosses, Campbell Albatrosses show wonderful mastery of the wind, soaring gracefully over the waves.  Built for speed, however, they are not always able to land very gracefully, and the final run into a colony ledge can be a bit out of control.  With spacing between nests determined by pecking distance, any interloper must run the gauntlet of many annoyed birds defending their spot.  ![Campbell albatross chick 5 Dec 1987 Peter Moore 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_albatross_chick_5_Dec_1987_Peter_Moore_2.jpg) *A young Campbell Albatross chick, December 1987* *![Campbell albatross chick Jan 1996 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Campbell_albatross_chick_Jan_1996_Peter_Moore.jpg) A Campbell Albatross chick on its pedestal nest, February 2008* In 1987, we established a set of photo points to monitor changes in the population.    Notably, J.H. Sorensen, while stationed on the island with the ‘Cape Expedition’ during World War II, took several photographs of colonies. These have been invaluable for comparison with more recent photos.  The 1962 book by Bailey and Sorensen draws heavily on the latter author’s diaries and is a must-read for anyone interested in the wildlife of Campbell Island.  A field hut located close to the mollymawk colonies is also named in his honour. Incidentally, field huts sometimes had a resident pair of [Brown or Subantarctic Skuas](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/brown-skua-catharacta-antarctica)*Catharacta antarctica* that would visit us to see what was going on. On one occasion, we conducted a scientific experiment on the dietary preferences of “Mr and Mrs Chook”.  During a rigorous set of randomized trials, canned (and expired) Lancashire Hotpot won hands-down over Irish Stew.  Very curious birds, if you happen to lie down to rest in the tussock after a hard morning surveying albatrosses, a skua will soon arrive to check out if you have expired. One of my favourite routes on the island involved a return trip to Beeman Base from Sorensen Hut, near the Bull Rock colonies, via the colonies scattered above the north-western coastal cliffs. Along the way, there are stunning views of the inaccessible Courrejolles Peninsula.  The weather can be wild and exhilarating - wind thundering up cliff-faces can sound like an out-of-control train locomotive! *![Bull Rock North 11 Dec 1942 J. Sorensen](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Bull_Rock_North_11_Dec_1942_J._Sorensen.jpg) View of Bull Rock North mollymawk colony, 11 December 1942; photograph by J.H. Sorensen* *![Bull Rock North Oct 1995 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Bull_Rock_North_Oct_1995_Peter_Moore.jpg) The same view of Bull Rock North in October 1995* *![Courrejolles Peninsula Jan 2009 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Courrejolles_Peninsula_Jan_2009_Peter_Moore.JPG) Large colonies of Campbell and Grey-headed Albatrosses occur on the slopes of the inaccessible Courrejolles Peninsula on Campbell Island* During several seasons in the 1990s, with the help of several colleagues and volunteers, I conducted censuses of colonies and used counts of nests in photographs to estimate population change.  Visiting accessible colonies often entailed walking on steep slopes, and slippery rocks and muddy ledges, which at times felt a little hair-raising. There were approximately 31 000 nests of Campbell Albatrosses in the 1940s, decreasing 22% to 24 600 nests in the 1990s.  Campbell Albatrosses often follow fishing vessels and are vulnerable to bycatch.  Since the main population decline occurred between the 1960s and 1980s, the peak in tuna longline fishing in the New Zealand region may have had an impact.  A new population assessment in 2019 estimated there were 24 300 nests, suggesting relatively little change occurred over the intervening twenty-plus years.  In contrast, Grey-headed Albatrosses have continued to decline steadily in numbers on Campbell Island. There are probably few land-based threats to albatrosses on Campbell Island nowadays - feral cats *Felis catus*apparently disappeared after domestic sheep *Ovis aries* were culled in the early 1990s, and Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus*were eradicated in 2001.  Subantarctic Skuas remain the main predator of seabirds on the island. Over the years, it was a great privilege to spend time on Campbell Island, and my time with the “mollies” was a special highlight. It feels like a corner of the world that is relatively untouched by humans, yet it is not beyond the touch of climate change.  I hope these magnificent birds continue to thrive in the face of a changing world. *![Bull Rock North rainbow Oct 1996 1 Peter Moore](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Campbell/Bull_Rock_North_rainbow_Oct_1996_1_Peter_Moore.jpg) Rainbow off the Bull Rock North colony, October 1996* **Selected publications:** Bailey, A.M. & Sorensen J.H. 1962.  *[Subantarctic Campbell Island](https://books.google.co.za/books/about/Subantarctic_Campbell_Island.html?id=GsEbAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y)*.  Proceedings Number 10.  Denver Museum of Natural History.  305 pp. Frost, P.G.H. 2020.  Status of Campbell Island and Grey-headed Mollymawks on the Northern Coasts of Campbell Island, November 2019. Whanganui, New Zealand: Science Support Service.  24 pp.  [Final reports for BCBC2019-03: Seabird population research: Campbell Island 2019/20](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/201920/seabird-population-research-campbell-island-2019-20/). Conservation Services Program Reports, Department of Conservation. Moore, P.J. 2004.  Abundance and population trends of mollymawks on Campbell Island. *[Science for Conservation No. 242](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/sfc242.pdf)**.*  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  62 pp. Waugh, S.M., Weimerskirch, H., Moore, P.J. & Sagar, P.M. 1999.  Population dynamics of black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses *Diomedea* *melanophrys* and *D*. *chrysostoma* at Campbell Island, New Zealand, 1942-96.  [Ibis](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1999.tb07544.x)*[141: 216-225](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1999.tb07544.x)*. *Peter Moore, Institute for Applied Ecology, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, 13 January 2022*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-campbell-albatross-by-peter-moore.md) ## Fallout of Wedge-tailed Shearwater fledging peaks on moon-less nights ![Wedge tailed Sheareater Kaena Point Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_Sheareater_Kaena_Point_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) *A Wedge-tailed Shearwater in its burrow on Oahu, photograph from [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/)* “Moon, high and deep in the sky Your light sees far, You travel around the wide world, and see into people's homes. Moon, stand still a while and tell me where is my dear. Tell him, silvery moon, that I am embracing him. For at least momentarily let him recall of dreaming of me. Illuminate him far away, and tell him, tell him who is waiting for him! If his human soul is, in fact, dreaming of me, may the memory awaken him! Moonlight, don't disappear, disappear! “[Song to the Moon](https://www.liveabout.com/song-to-the-moon-lyrics-and-text-translation-724031)”, in translation, from the opera Rusalka by Antonin Dvorak [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WrXtnCX_9g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WrXtnCX_9g)[Patricia Janečková](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHuahlpHknSRKoF3sjefcgQ) performs “Song to the Moon” David Hyrenbach ([Hawai’i Pacific University](https://www.hpu.edu/), Oahu, Hawaii, USA) and colleagues have published in [‘Elapiao, Journal of the Hawaii Audubon Society](https://www.hawaiiaudubon.org/elepaio-journal), on an unusually high fallout of fledging Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica.*  “Working with USFWS, we documented unusually high wedge-tailed shearwater fallout in O'ahu (Hawai'i) during the 2011 fledging season using standardized road surveys.” **Reference:** Hyrenbach, K.D., Urmston, J. & Swindle, K. 2022.  Road surveys detect unusually high Wedge-tailed Shearwater fallout in SE O’ahu during the 2011 fledging season. [*‘Elapiao* 82(1): 1-5.](https://www.hawaiiaudubon.org/elepaio-journal) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fallout-of-wedge-tailed-shearwater-fledging-peaks-on-moon-less-nights.md) ## The 2020 Action Plan for Australian Birds shows an improved national conservation status for eight ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels ![Aussie Action Plan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Aussie_Action_Plan.jpg)  The Action Plan for Australian Birds is a once in a decade review of how Australia’s birds are faring, and the actions needed for their protection.  It brings together data collected by experts and citizen scientists across the country to provide a snapshot of how threatened birds are, why, and what is needed to improve their situation.  The 2020 Action Plan, a collaboration between Charles Darwin University and BirdLife Australia, provides an overview of the risk of extinction of all birds occurring in Australia and its territories.  Written by more than 300 experts, the book has been edited by Stephen Garnett and Barry Baker.  The 2020 Action Plan reveals that around one in six Australian birds are in peril.  The major drivers of their decline are the result of human activities and climate change ([click here](https://www.birdlife.org.au/media/action-plan-for-australian-birds-released/)). In contrast, the eight ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels that breed within Australia have been doing better than have many Australian birds.  All but one, the Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*, breed in the sub-Antarctic.  The [removal of introduced mammals](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2394-the-successful-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-programme-is-reviewed-by-its-manager?highlight=WyJtaXBlcCIsIm1pcGVwJ3MiXQ==) from Australia’s sub-Antarctic [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) has led to the national downlisting (improvement) of both Black-browed *T. melanophris*and Light-mantled Albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata* from Endangered to Least Concern, and Grey-headed Albatrosses from Critically Endangered to Endangered.  The population of Black-browed Albatrosses in Australia is estimated as over 1000 mature adults and there is no evidence of a decline or an identified threat, hence a Least Concern categorization at the national level, matching the species’ [global status](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698375).  The equally abundant Light-mantled Albatrosses has a [global status](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata) of Near Threatened.  The Australian breeding population of Grey-headed Albatrosses is a smaller one, less than 250 mature adults, and therefore it qualifies as Endangered (also [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma)). *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Mac_Male_Wanderer_Petrel_Peak_prior_to_egg.jpg) One of the few.  A colour-banded male Wandering Albatross stands over its nest at Petrel Peak, Macquarie Island, prior to egg laying; photograph by Kate Lawrence* Grey Petrels *Procellaria cinerea* that breed on Macquarie with an increasing, but still small, population have been downlisted from Endangered to Near Threatened (as [globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea)).  The Northern M*acronectes halli* and Southern *M. giganteus* Giant Petrels have both remained at Least Concern, as they do at the global level.  Against the above trends among ACAP species, the [tiny population](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3663-wandering-albatrosses-on-australia-s-macquarie-island-having-a-good-breeding-season?highlight=WyJ3YW5kZXJpbmciLCInd2FuZGVyaW5nIiwid2FuZGVyaW5nJyIsIm1hY3F1YXJpZSIsIm1hY3F1YXJpZSdzIl0=) of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* that breeds on Macquarie has remained as Critically Endangered ([globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans)). The Shy Albatross that breeds on three Tasmanian islands, considered nationally Vulnerable in 2010, is now categorized as Near Threatened, due to low breeding success on [Pedra Branca](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1382-acap-breeding-sites-no-29-pedra-branca-where-shy-albatrosses-compete-for-space-with-australasian-gannets) and indications of decreased juvenile recruitment on [Albatross Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1343-acap-breeding-sites-no-18-albatross-island-bass-strait-home-of-australia-s-endemic-shy-albatross) suggesting steep declines are plausible in the next three generations.  Its [global status](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta) is also Near Threatened. **Reference:** Garnett, S.T & Baker, G.B. (Eds) 2021.  [*The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2020*](https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7905/).  Clayton South: CSIRO Publishing.  816 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer & Barry Baker, Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 11 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-2020-action-plan-for-australian-birds-shows-an-improved-national-conservation-status-for-eight-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels.md) ## “Three Laysan Albatrosses”. First artwork in support of World Albatross Day 2022 comes from Germany’s Lea Finke ![Lea Finke Graphite drawing Three Laysan Albatrosses Eric Vanderwerf](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Lea_Finke_Graphite_drawing_Three_Laysan_Albatrosses_Eric_Vanderwerf.jpg)  *“Three Laysan Albatrosses”, graphite drawing by Lea Finke, after a photograph by Eric Vanderwerf* For the third year in a row, ACAP is collaborating with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) to produce artworks in support of World Albatross Day on 19 June.  This year’s theme of “Climate Change” is featuring two albatross species that breed in the North Pacific, the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*. both considered to be at risk from sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding of nests ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2022-climate-change)). ![Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Lea_Finke.jpg) *Lea Finke, wildlife artist* With [ABUN Project #39 “ACAP - World Albatross Day 2022 Climate Change”](https://www.facebook.com/ABUN4Nature) running during this and next month, *ACAP Latest News* is pleased to feature here the very first artwork received, a graphite drawing by wildlife artist, [Lea Finke](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3525-painting-albatrosses-the-extraordinarily-evocative-art-of-lea-finke?highlight=WyJmaW5rZSJd), who resides in Bergkamen, Germany.  Lea has already painted all 21 albatross species for ABUN and ACAP as part of World Albatross Day 2020 with its theme of “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)”. *![Eric Vandewerf Laysan Albatross Midway Apr 2018](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Eric_Vandewerf_Laysan_Albatross_Midway_Apr_2018.jpg) Laysan Albatrosses, Midway Atoll, April 2018; photograph by Eric Vanderwerf* In submitting her graphite drawing of three Laysan Albatrosses, Lea writes: “How nice that we have a new project with ACAP.  That is always a very nice collaboration.  Here comes my first contribution.”  Her drawing is after a photograph by [Eric Vanderwerf](https://pacificrimconservation.org/about-us/staff/), Director of Science of the Hawaii-based environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/). Read more about [Lea Finke](https://fineartamerica.com/art/lea+finke) [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3525-painting-albatrosses-the-extraordinarily-evocative-art-of-lea-finke?highlight=WyJmaW5rZSJd). With thanks to Lea Finke, Kitty Harvill, Marion Schön and Eric Vanderwerf. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/three-laysan-albatrosses-first-artwork-in-support-of-world-albatross-day-2022-comes-from-germany-s-lea-finke.md) ## Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature will paint albatrosses once more for World Albatross Day ![ABUN 39](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/ABUN_39.jpg)*Black-footed Albatross by Eric Vanderwerf and Laysan Albatross by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “**Climate Change**” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year.  ACAP is pleased to be able to work once more with Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)) over January and February on its [39th Project](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ABUN4Nature&set=a.453687336386439) (“World Albatross Day 2022 - Climate Change”) to produce artworks that will help increase awareness of the conservation plight facing the world’s albatrosses. In support of World Albatross Day and its annual themes ACAP highlights one or more of the 22 albatross species each year with posters, infographics and artworks in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish.  The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis.*  Both these Near Threatened albatrosses have most of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands.  These atolls - and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have even caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, taking with it breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)).  Elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore.  ![WALD Logo 2022 English](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD_Logo_2022-English.png)  ![ABUN logo hi qual](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/ABUN_logo_hi-qual.jpg) This year for WAD2022, ACAP will be working with the Hawaii-based environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), to feature its ongoing project to create a new albatross colony safe from predicted sea level rise by translocating and hand-rearing Black-footed and Laysan Albatross chicks on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  It is hoped ABUN’s artworks will help draw attention to this work. With thanks to Kitty Harvill, ABUN Co-founder. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/artists-and-biologists-unite-for-nature-will-paint-albatrosses-once-more-for-world-albatross-day.md) ## Northern and Southern Royal and Light-mantled Albatrosses get a worsened national conservation status from New Zealand's threat classification system in 2021 ![Southern Royal Albatross Campbell Islandn Kimberley Collins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Southern_Royal_Albatross_Campbell_Islandn_Kimberley_Collins.jpg) *Southern Royal Albatrosses on*[*Campbell Island*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels)*; photograph by Kimberley Collins* Unlike some national schemes, the [New Zealand's threat classification system](https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/conservation-publications/nz-threat-classification-system/) uses a different categorization system to that used for global assessments by the [IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](https://www.iucnredlist.org/), and for birds by [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/).  The latest bird threat classification report by the Department of Conservation ([DOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz)) assesses 491 taxa that occur in New Zealand, including on its sub-Antarctic islands, showing that 25 species have improved in status whereas 22 have declined since the last assessment was undertaken five years earlier in 2016.  Changes in the status of albatrosses that breed in New Zealand are described in extracts from the report below. “Observed declines in populations of southern royal albatross (*Diomedea epomophora*) [and], northern royal albatross (*Diomedea sanfordi*) … led to a worsened conservation status for each.  In the case of both albatross species, fisheries bycatch, which now mainly occurs outside Aotearoa New Zealand’s EEZ following improved national fisheries management within the EEZ, and storm events and/or droughts associated with climate change appear to have contributed to the observed declines. As a consequence, both species have been recategorized as At Risk – Nationally Vulnerable from At Risk - Naturally Uncommon.  Northern Royals are globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi/text), Southern Royals Globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora). *![Image6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Image6.jpg) Light-mantled Albatross on Campbell Island; photograph by Paul Sagar* “Light-mantled sooty albatross (*Phoebetria palpebrata*) nests are difficult to count on cliffs and other steep terrain on remote subantarctic islands, but recent evidence shows a serious long-term reduction in chick counts in two southern cliff areas on [Adams Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1599-acap-breeding-site-no-58-adams-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-antipodean-albatross) in the Auckland Islands.  Although the sample was small and from a single island, the panel considered that the conservation status warranted a shift from At Risk – Declining to Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable pending further population trend data.”  The species is categorized as globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata). Other changes for ACAP-listed species follow: Southern Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche b. bulleri* has been reassessed as At Risk- Declining rather than At Risk -Naturally Uncommon due to a recent drop in adult survivorship.  The species is categorized as globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/bullers-albatross-thalassarche-bulleri/text). “Campbell Island mollymawk (*Thalassarche impavida*) has ceased to decline and the population has been stable over the past 25 years, possibly due to reduced bycatch mortality as a result of improved fisheries practices in the Aotearoa New Zealand EEZ.  Consequently, it has been assessed as At Risk – Naturally Uncommon.”  The species is categorized as globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/campbell-albatross-thalassarche-impavida). Read more [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2021-media-releases/more-wins-than-losses-in-latest-bird-threat-report/). **Reference:** Robertson, H.A., Karen A. Baird, K.A., Elliott, G.P., Hitchmough, R.A., McArthur, N.J., Makan, T.D., Miskelly, C.M., O’Donnell, C.F.J., Sagar, P.M., Scofield, R.P., Taylor, G.A. & Michel, P. 2021.  *[Conservation Status of Birds in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021](https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/nztcs36entire.pdf)*.  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  43 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 06 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/northern-and-southern-royal-and-light-mantled-albatrosses-get-a-worsened-national-conservation-status-from-new-zealand-s-threat-classification-system-in-2021.md) ## Tracking a young Amsterdam Albatross from the Indian to the Pacific Ocean through regional fishery management organizations  ![Delord Amsterdam Albatross Marine Policy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Delord_Amsterdam_Albatross_Marine_Policy.jpg) *At-sea track of a transoceanic immature Amsterdam Albatross after fledging from Amsterdam Island, southern Indian Ocean, tracked up to age ~3 years* Karine Delord ([Centre d′Etudes Biologiques de Chizé](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en), Villiers-en-Bois, France) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Marine Policy](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/marine-policy)* on the implications for conservation of a juvenile Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* ([Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis)) travelling eastward to the Chilean coast of the Pacific Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: "Albatrosses are amongst the most globally-threatened species and fisheries bycatch is one of the major conservation issues worldwide. Among the albatrosses the Amsterdam albatross is listed as one of the most endangered species.  Within the current National Plan of Actions framework, the present study outlines the first results of a multi-year survey evaluating juvenile dispersal and immature at sea distribution using geolocation and conservation implications.  Here we report the first evidence of an Amsterdam albatross wandering for extensive periods outside the Indian Ocean, in the Pacific Ocean.  This unprecedented and novel finding is discussed in terms of overlaps with fisheries and conservations issues.   This study brings new insights on movements of vagrant stages of an endangered species, paving the way for refined assessments updates of species vulnerability to ongoing anthropogenic threats while providing basic conservation guidance. This makes it possible to point out the responsibility of the various management bodies both for the high seas regional fisheries management organisations and for exclusive economic zones." *![Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island 3 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam_Albatross_off_Amsterdam_Island_3_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) An Amsterdam Albatross at sea; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* With thanks to Karine Delord. **Reference:** Delord, K., Poupart, T., Gasco, N., Weimerskirch, H. & Barbraud, C. 2022.  First evidence of migration across the South Pacific in endangered Amsterdam albatross and conservation implications.  [*Marine Policy* 136. doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104921](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308597X21005327). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tracking-a-young-amsterdam-albatross-from-the-indian-to-the-pacific-ocean-through-regional-fishery-management-organizations.md) ## Light pollution still plagues Westland Petrels despite streetlights being turned off ![Newspaper clipping](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Newspaper_clipping.jpg)  The Westland Petrel Conservation Trust has reported on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/westlandpetrel) on the continued fallout of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica/text) and [nationally Naturally Uncommon](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel) Westland Petrels *Procellaria westlandica* fledging in November and December from their sole New Zealand breeding site at [Punakaiki](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1526-acap-breeding-sites-no-48-punakaiki-south-island-new-zealand-forest-home-of-the-westland-petrel) due to light pollution, despite street lights being switched off for the fledging season. *![Westland Petrel fallout victim near Greymouth](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland_Petrel_fallout_victim_near_Greymouth.jpg) Westland Petrel fallout victim near Greymouth in the 2020 breeding season, p**hotograph by Bruce Stuart-Menteath, Chair, Westland Petrel Conservation Trust* *.*“The *[Greymouth Evening Star](https://www.greystar.co.nz/)* article on 20 December about Westland petrel fallout reveals that greater efforts are needed to publicise the causes of the phenomenon.  Whilst there can be no doubt that turning off the streetlights through Punakaiki has resulted in a reduction of fallout casualties, to call this a "blackout" fails to acknowledge the many residential and commercial lights that remain a problem in the village, and at other fallout sites between Westport and Hokitika.  So far fallout numbers for Punakaiki, at 16, are about the same as last year, while those for Greymouth, at 9, are well below last year's 29.  The peak fledging period has long passed, but there will be a few more fallout cases to come yet.” Access earlier *ACAP Latest News* posts on light pollution affecting Westland Petrels from [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3867-fledging-westland-petrels-to-get-a-dark-sky-as-street-lights-to-be-switched-off-but-what-about-hutton-s-shearwaters?highlight=WyJ3ZXN0bGFuZCIsImxpZ2h0IiwiJ2xpZ2h0Il0=) and [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3908-street-lights-switched-off-but-westland-petrel-fledglings-are-still-being-downed?highlight=WyJncmV5bW91dGgiXQ==) and listen to a radio interview on the “blackout”[here](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018819934/blackout-for-endangered-native-black-seabirds). World Migratory Bird Day for 2022 will have the theme of [Light Pollution](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/news/2021/world-migratory-bird-day-2022-theme-focus-light-pollution) ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4222-light-pollution-to-be-the-focus-for-world-migratory-bird-day-in-2022)).[https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/news/2021/world-migratory-bird-day-2022-theme-focus-light-pollution](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/news/2021/world-migratory-bird-day-2022-theme-focus-light-pollution) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/light-pollution-still-plagues-westland-petrels-despite-streetlights-being-turned-off.md) ## Workshop reports on factors influencing Black-footed and Laysan Albatross interactions in the Hawaii Longline Fishery *![Black footed Albatross Colleen Laird](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Black-footed_Albatross_Colleen_Laird.jpg) Black-footed Albatross, artwork by Colleen Laird‎ of [Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/)for ACAP; after a photograph by Vicki Miller* In coordination with [NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/pacific-islands-regional-office) and the [Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/pacific-islands-fisheries-science-center), the [Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council](https://www.wpcouncil.org/)convened a workshop in November 2017 to explore the potential drivers and implications of the higher albatross interaction rates observed in 2015–2016 in the Hawaii longline fishery.  The workshop explored oceanographic variability, shifts in fishery effort and distribution, changes in albatross at-sea distribution, and demography and population trends for Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses. The report’s long Executive Summary ends: “In particular, tracking studies at the main breeding sites are needed to determine the degree to which birds overlap and interact with fisheries. While tracking has occurred at three breeding sites (French Frigate Shoals, Midway Island, and Kure Atoll), birds from several sites in the Northwestern (Laysan Island) and the main Hawaiian Islands (Necker, Nihoa, and Kaula Islands) have not been tracked.  Workshop participants also stressed the need for continued population monitoring at Midway Island to update the uninterrupted time series of breeding and reproductive success data. They also indicated the importance of resuming breeding population counts at French Frigate Shoals and Laysan Island, two colonies that were historically surveyed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) but are no longer monitored.” Read more [here](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/factors-influencing-albatross-interactions-hawaii-longline-fishery-towards). **Reference:** Hyrenbach, K.D., Ishizaki, A., Polovina, J. & Ellgen, S. (Eds). 2021.  [The Factors Influencing Albatross Interactions in the Hawaii Longline Fishery: Towards Identifying Drivers and Quantifying Impacts](https://doi.org/10.25923/nb95-gs31).  U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC-122.  163 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 07 January 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/workshop-reports-on-factors-influencing-black-footed-and-laysan-albatross-interactions-in-the-hawaii-longline-fishery.md) ## Seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2022 from the ACAP Secretariat  ![Seasonal Greetings 2022 E](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Seasonal_Greetings_2022_E.jpg) *ACAP-listed and**[*Vulnerable*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata) Spectacled Petrel*Procellaria conspicillata*; photograph by Peter Ryan* The ACAP Secretariat extends season’s greetings and its best wishes for an albatross- and petrel-friendly and a safe 2022 to all the readers of *ACAP Latest News*and to the over 5800 followers of the Agreement's [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/).  ![Seasonal Greetings 2022 F](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Seasonal_Greetings_2022_F.jpg) ![Seasonal Greetings 2022 S](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Seasonal_Greetings_2022_S.jpg) The Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/documents/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7))*,* is planned to be held in Hobart, Australia from 9-13 May 2022, unless COVID-19 restrictions preclude a meeting in person, in which case MoP7 will be held virtually In 2022 ACAP will continue to support World Albatross Day on 19 June for the third year with its chosen theme of [Climate Change](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4226-acap-s-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2022-is-climate-change), producing new artworks, infographics and posters to celebrate the day. *Christine Bogle, John Cooper and Wiesława Misiak, ACAP Secretariat, 27 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/seasonal-greetings-and-best-wishes-for-2022-from-the-acap-secretariat.md) ## A new predator-proof fence will protect Laysan Albatrosses in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii ![Kilauea Laysan fence Louise Barnfield](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kilauea_Laysan_fence_Louise_Barnfield.jpg) *Not proof to cats and rats: the existing Kilauea Point fence behind a Laysan Albatross chick close to fledging. The new gated fence will largely follow the line of the existing fence Photograph by Louise Barnfield* The [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kilauea_point/) has announced that work will soon begin on construction of a new 3.4 km-long predator exclusion fence around the refuge boundary, which will help protect the thousands of native birds nesting there from mammalian predators such as [feral cats](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2043-feral-cats-are-suspected-of-killing-22-laysan-albatross-chicks-on-hawaii-s-kauai-island?highlight=WyJkb2dzIiwia2F1YWkiLCJrYXVhaSdzIl0=) and pigs, [domestic dogs](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/40-the-perils-of-nesting-on-private-property-domestic-dogs-run-wild-and-kill-laysan-albatrosses-on-kauai?highlight=WyJkb2dzIiwia2F1YWkiLCJrYXVhaSdzIl0=), rodents and [mongoose](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/57-2012-news-archive/57-are-kauais-laysan-albatrosses-now-at-risk-to-a-new-alien-predator-the-indian-mongoose?highlight=WyJtb25nb29zZSIsImthdWFpIiwia2F1YWkncyJd).  “Construction will begin in early 2022 and is expected to be complete by September 2023.  The fence will enclose 168 acres [68 ha] of the Refuge and all non-native mammalian predators (cats and rats) will be removed from within the fence boundary.  The fence [will be] tall enough to prevent animals from jumping over, has a curved hood to prevent them from climbing over, mesh that is small enough to prevent animals as small as mice from squeezing through, and a skirt that extends underground to prevent them from digging under it.  All materials will be marine grade stainless steel.”  The total cost of the new fence is given as USD 1.09 million and will be built by [Pono Pacific LLC](https://www.ponopacific.com/), with the Hawaii-based environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), acting as project manager. ![Kilauea Point Laysan with egg 20 21 Jacqueline Olivera](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Kilauea_Point_Laysan_with_egg_20_21_Jacqueline_Olivera.jpg)*To be protected: a Laysan Albatross stands over its egg at Kilauea Point; photograph by Jacqueline Olivera* The Kīlauea Point NWR supported a total of 115 pairs of Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* ([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis)) in the 2019/20 breeding season, with an overall breeding success of 37.9% (36 fledglings).  This low figure is attributed in part to incursions by feral cats and pigs, the latter causing breaches in the old fence ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3801-in-need-of-a-new-fence-kilauea-point-s-laysan-albatrosses-have-a-poor-breeding-season-with-only-36-chicks-fledging)).  The [2020/21 season](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4156-feral-cats-continue-to-reduce-breeding-success-of-laysan-albatrosses-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwibGF5c2FuIiwiJ2xheXNhbiJd) within the refuge was somewhat better, fledging 61 chicks from 129 nests (47.3%,).  So far this season (2021/22) 90 occupied nests have been counted within the refuge. Pacific Rim Conservation writes on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation): “We are thrilled to be partnering with @ponopacific and [Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/) to be building a predator exclusion fence that protects the native ecosystems at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge from invasive mammalian predators.  Kilauea Point is home to tens of thousands of native birds ranging from the endangered Nene Goose, `Ua`u (Hawaiian Petrel), and A`o (Newell's Shearwater) to the Moli (Laysan Albatross) and `Ua`u Kani (Wedge-tailed Shearwater), and all of whom are vulnerable to predation.  Once complete, this will be the largest full predator exclusion fence in the Hawaiian Islands.” Existing predator-proof fences on Hawaiian islands that protect breeding seabirds, including Laysan Albatrosses, may be found on Oahu ([Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1333-acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) and the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3896-a-new-colony-gets-underway-wild-laysan-albatrosses-are-breeding-in-hawaii-s-james-campbell-national-wildlife-refuge?highlight=WyJqYW1lcyIsImNhbXBiZWxsIiwiY2FtcGJlbGwncyIsImphbWVzIGNhbXBiZWxsIl0=)) and elsewhere within the Kilauea Point NWR at [Nihoku](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Nihoku). News from Pacific Rim Conservation and *Wild Times*, newsletter of [Friends of Kaua’i Wildlife Refuges](http://www.kilaueapoint.org/about-us) for [December 2021](https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=de6a7469cf539fdbb8f9aeb26&id=0b110d41a5). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 31 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-new-predator-proof-fence-will-protect-laysan-albatrosses-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-hawaii.md) ## A southerly foraging area for Hutton’s Shearwaters deduced from stable isotopes  ![Huttons Shearwater flock Lorna Deppe](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Huttons_Shearwater_flock_Lorna_Deppe.jpg) *Hutton's Shearwaters at sea; photograph by Lorna Deppe* Della Bennet ([School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury,](https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/science/schools/biological-sciences/contact-us/) Christchurch, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the *[New Zealand of Ecology](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje)* on at-sea foraging behaviour of the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/huttons-shearwater-puffinus-huttoni/text) Hutton’s Shearwater *Puffinus huttoni.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Stable isotope analysis of feathers can provide an indirect method to investigate the diet and foraging locations of birds during the time the feathers were growing. We used the isotopic composition of experimentally-induced feathers to investigate the foraging locations of the Hutton’s shearwater (*Puffinus huttoni*), an endangered seabird that is a breeding endemic to the Kaikōura region of New Zealand. The isotopic composition of feathers was first compared with potential prey items collected from the near-shore marine environment near the breeding colony. By applying trophic fractionation factors (2–4 ‰ increase in δ15N for every 1 ‰ increase in δ13C) and comparing the isotopic composition of the induced tail feathers and sampled prey items, we found that feather isotopic compositions were not consistent with a diet based on feeding locally. Both the δ13C and δ15N from zooplankton and fish collected within 8 km of Kaikōura were significantly different than the isotopic composition of induced feathers and were outside of the range expected for consumed local prey items. Instead, we found the isotopic composition of Hutton’s shearwater feathers was more consistent with feeding on potential prey items in the seas north-east and around Banks Peninsula, an area c. 100 km south of the breeding colony and where they had been tracked previously. Stable isotope analysis can provide insight into the foraging behaviour of birds at sea and demonstrates the importance of isotopic research in pinpointing foraging locations in seabirds with large geographic ranges.” **Reference:** Bennet, D.G., Horton, T.W., Goldstien, S.J., Rowe, L. & Briskie, J.V. 2022.  At-sea foraging behaviour in Hutton’s shearwater (*Puffinus huttoni*) as revealed by stable isotope analysis.  *[New Zealand Journal of Ecology 46(1): 3462](https://dx.doi.org/10.20417/nzjecol.46.5)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-southerly-foraging-area-for-hutton-s-shearwaters-deduced-from-stable-isotopes.md) ## Ecological impact of breeding Westland Petrels on terrestrial ecosystems *![Westland petrel with egg on nest Reuben Lane](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland-petrel-with-egg-on-nest-Reuben-Lane.jpg) A burrow-nesting Westland Petrel beside its egg; photograph by Reuben Lane* David Hawke ([Ara Institute of Canterbury](https://www.ara.ac.nz/), Christchurch, New Zealand) has published an article in the [*New Zealand of Ecology*](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje) that reviews how breeding Westland Petrels *Procellaria westlandica*affect biogeochemical processes at their breeding sites. The paper’s abstract follows: The Westland petrel (*Procellaria westlandica*) is a 1200 g medium-sized seabird whose breeding colonies are dispersed across 700 ha of forest on the western coast of South Island, New Zealand. These birds represent the sole landscape-scale lowland remnant of formerly widespread petrel and shearwater colonies in mainland New Zealand and provide an opportunity to investigate maritime species’ impact on terrestrial ecosystems characteristic of pre-human New Zealand. This review develops a conceptual model of biogeochemical processes influenced by Westland petrels from a single burrow to individual colonies and thence to a catchment scale. Results show the distinctiveness of the Westland petrel system, with colonies moving around the landscape in response to local damage by earthquakes and storms. Based on monitored streams in forested landscapes elsewhere, storms also control N and P fluxes to streams. Non-seabird temperate forests are dominated by mycorrhizal plant-soil interactions, but the high N and P status of Westland petrel colony soils minimises the role of fungi in soil processes, including trace element (Se) uptake. The more N-rich C:N ratio in tree foliage within habitat occupied by the colony may provide nutritional support for terrestrial herbivorous animals, including those whose ranges extend beyond the colony. Overall, the review emphasises the spatial and temporal dynamics of the Westland petrel terrestrial ecosystem, and highlights potential ecological linkages that connect colonies to the wider landscape. **Reference:** Hawke, D. 2022.  The biogeochemistry and ecological impact of Westland petrels (*Procellaria westlandica*) on terrestrial ecosystems.  *[New Zealand Journal of Ecology 46(1): 3455](https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3455)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 December 2021*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/ecological-impact-of-breeding-westland-petrels-on-terrestrial-ecosystems.md) ## The annual Laysan Albatross egg swap takes place in Hawaii *![Egg swap 2021 candled egg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Egg_swap_2021_candled_egg.png) During the egg swap, all eggs get "candled" for fertility* The annual egg-swap exercise has taken place once more on the Hawaiian island of Kauai by the environmental NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation) who write on their Facebook page:  “The week before Christmas is always a busy one for us.  During that week we receive up to 45 Laysan Albatross [*Phoebastria immutabilis*] eggs from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, where the adults nest next to an aircraft runway.  Since large birds and large planes are a bad combination, we are given the eggs, and then they are placed in wild "foster nests" across Kauai and Oahu whose natural eggs have died.  We determine whether eggs are alive by candling them and looking for the embryo. ![Egg swap 2021 Eric and Lindsay](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Egg_swap_2021_Eric_and_Lindsay.jpg)*Egg swap in action on Oahu; photographs from Pacific Rim Conservation* Watch two short video clips by Hob Osterlund of Allene Henderson of Pacific Rim Conservation replacing a fertile egg after candling and replacing an infertile egg with a fertile one [https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/458034985868200](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/458034985868200)[https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/458034985868200](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/458034985868200) [https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/410293000793815](https://www.facebook.com/hob.osterlund/videos/410293000793815) Access previous egg swap posts [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=egg+swap+Kauai). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 24 December 2021* 2021-12-24 00:00:00 [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-annual-laysan-albatross-egg-swap-takes-place-on-kauai.md) ## Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are doing well on Maui ![Maui Nui Wedgie chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Maui_Nui_Wedgie_chick.jpg) *A W**edge-tailed Shearwater chick at at Kama'ole III* The Wedge-tailed Shearwater or 'ua'u kani *Ardenna pacifica* colony at [Kama'ole Beach Park III](https://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/Hawaii/Maui/Kihei/beaches/KamaoleIIIBeachPark.htm) on the Hawaiian island of [Maui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maui) has grown from 387 burrows in 2019 to 1069 burrows this season, an increase of 176%.  This increase has followed a predator control programme including against feral cats.  Habitat restoration efforts by the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project ([MNSRP](https://mauinuiseabirds.org/wedge-tailed-shearwater/)) have been directed at removing non-native vegetation that can shelter such predators ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/mauinuiseabirds)). “The Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP) began in March of 2006 when project staff documented the presence of a significant breeding colony of [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels (HAPE) [*Pterodroma sandwichensis*] in the upper reaches of the Lāna‘i watershed. This colony is the second largest known breeding colony of HAPE in Hawaii.  Project staff began work to protect the seabirds by removing predators and habitat altering plants that were taking over the breeding colony.  On Maui and [Moloka’i](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2900-another-high-rise-colony-for-laysan-albatrosses-planned-this-time-on-molokai?highlight=WyJtYXVpIiwibWF1aSdzIiwibnVpIiwibWF1aSBudWkiXQ==) MNSRP continues to search for seabird colonies, provide protections where funding and staffing permit and to provide public education about the importance of seabirds in our natural environment.  The project collaborates with researchers, managers and regulators to focus efforts as well as possible to benefit our seabirds.” Maui Nui Seabirds is a project of the [Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit](https://pcsuhawaii.org/) of the University of Hawaii at Manoa in association with the [Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resourcess](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/), [Division of Forestry and Wildlife](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/) and the NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedge-tailed-shearwaters-are-doing-well-on-maui.md) ## Wisdom, the oldest known Laysan Albatross, returns to Midway Atoll in her eighth decade ![November 2021 Wisdom 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/November_2021_Wisdom_1.jpeg)*Wisdom (Red Z333) on her nest site* Wisdom, the female Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*, who is the world’s oldest known banded wild bird, has been seen back on the USA’s [Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) in the North Pacific.  With an estimated minimum age of 70, she has now reached her eighth decade ([click here](https://medium.com/usfwspacificislands/worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-turns-70-and-returns-to-midway-atoll-23e95f7232e6)).  Wisdom was first seen at her nest usual nest site on the atoll’s Sand Island -on 26 November, one day earlier than in 2020.  The last sighting of Wisdom around her nest cup was made on 5 December. ![November 2021 Wisdom 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/November_2021_Wisdom_2.jpeg) *Wisdom does a wing stretch, photographs by Dragana Connaughton, Schoolyard Films* “There have been no observations of Akeakamai [her mate of the last few seasons] this year and no evidence of a nest cup; so it is unlikely that they will nest this year,” said Jon Plissner, Wildlife Biologist at Midway Atoll. “We will continue to monitor the area through the month of December, as a few new nest starts of Laysan Albatross can occur in December.” “It is normal for albatrosses take a year off from parenting between chicks.  Wisdom and her mate have met on Midway Atoll to lay and hatch an egg almost every year since 2006.  It is estimated that Wisdom has laid between 30–36 eggs in her lifetime.  In 2018, her chick that fledged in 2001 was observed just a few feet away from her current nest, marking the first time a returning chick of hers has been documented.  The chick returned to the same area each year since then but this December was found 200 yards [180 m] away on a nest of its own.” Access previous postings about Wisdom in *ACAP Latest News* [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Wisdom). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wisdom-the-oldest-known-laysan-albatross-returns-to-midway-atoll-in-her-eighth-decade.md) ## New Zealand and Spain sign an MoU to reduce seabird bycatch  ![Antipodean Albatross off North Cape NZ 4 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_off_North_Cape__NZ_4_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg)*Antipodean Albatross off North Cape, New Zealand, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Last week New Zealand’s Ambassador to Spain, Nigel Fyfe, on behalf of the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/) and the [Ministry for Primary Industries](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spanish Vice President Teresa Ribera yesterday in Madrid, Spain to reduce seabird bycatch.  The MoU will promote the adoption of bycatch mitigation measures, in particular those set out in the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  The two nations will also share information and collaborate on research on seabird conservation. “Highly migratory species may spend much of their time foraging in the high seas.  We can’t limit ourselves to protecting these taonga [treasure] species only when they are breeding on our islands or coast and foraging in our waters,” [New Zealand] Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan said. [New Zealand] Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker said fishing in international waters posed a challenge to seabird species.  “Spain is a major fishing nation.  Together, New Zealand and Spain can play an important role in promoting best practice for seabird bycatch mitigation across the world.   This advocacy will help to protect our migratory seabirds in Pacific fisheries and beyond.” The [key actions](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2021-media-releases/spain-new-zealand-collaborate-for-seabird-conservation/) in the MoU are to: - Promote the adoption of bycatch mitigation measures, in particular those advised in the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) - Share information and collaborate on research on seabird conservation - Cooperate in the implementation of the Antipodean Albatross Concerted Action According to Live Ocean the MoU is designed to promote the adoption of best practice fishing methods, including using what is known as ‘three of out three’ – weighted lines, bird-scaring lines and night setting. It also includes a commitment by the two nations to advocate internationally to promote the uptake of these fishing methods ([click here](https://liveocean.com/journal/new-zealand-and-spain-collaborate-to-boost-protections-for-threatened-seabirds/)). Three years ago, a similar partnership was established between New Zealand's Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries and Chile's  Undersecretaria of Fisheries and Aquaculture and its Ministry of Environment ([click here)](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3175-chile-and-new-zealand-to-produce-a-joint-action-plan-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross?highlight=WyJ1bmRlcnNlY3JldGFyaWF0Iiwib2YiLCJmaXNoZXJpZXMiLCJmaXNoZXJpZXMnIiwiZmlzaGVyaWVzJy4iLCJmaXNoZXJpZXMnLCIsInVuZGVyc2VjcmV0YXJpYXQgb2YiLCJ1bmRlcnNlY3JldGFyaWF0IG9mIGZpc2hlcmllcyIsIm9mIGZpc2hlcmllcyJd). Read more[here](https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300478008/international-agreement-to-stop-%20the-killing-of-endangered-antipodean-albatross). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-and-spain-sign-an-mou-to-reduce-seabird-bycatch.md) ## ACAP’s theme for World Albatross Day 2022 is Climate Change  ![WALD Logo 2022 English](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/WALD_Logo_2022-English.png) The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has chosen the theme “**Climate Change**” to mark the third [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day), to be celebrated on 19 June 2022.  This follows the inaugural theme “[Eradicating Island Pests](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests)” in 2020 and “[Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries)” last year. ![Black footed Albatross 2018 translocation chicks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Black-footed_Albatross_2018_translocation_chicks.jpg) Translocated Black-footed Albatross chicks await feeding in the [James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james_campbell/), Oahu in 2018; photograph from [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) In support of World Albatross Day and its chosen theme each year ACAP highlights one or more of the 22 albatross species with posters, infographics and artworks in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish.  The featured species chosen for 2022 are two of the three species of albatrosses that breed in the North Pacific: the [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and the [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis*.  Both these Near Threatened albatrosses have the majority of their breeding populations on the low-lying atolls of the USA’s North-Western Hawaiian Islands. These atolls – and their breeding seabirds - are all at risk from sea level rise and increases in the number and severity of storms that result in flooding, both considered a consequence of climate change.  Storm floods have even caused at least one small sandy islet to disappear into the sea, taking with it breeding sites for several thousand albatross pairs ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3165-where-to-for-its-birds-now-a-north-pacific-albatross-island-disappears-after-a-hurricane-hits?highlight=WyJzdG9ybSIsImJldGgiLCJiZXRoJ3MiXQ==)).  Elsewhere in the island chain, as on [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/1070-the-short-tailed-albatrosses-of-midway-americas-favourite-chick-survives-a-storm?highlight=WyJtaWR3YXkiLCJtaWR3YXkncyIsIm1pZHdheSciLCJmbG9vZGluZyJd), storms have caused flooding of albatross nests and loss of chicks close to the shore. ACAP will work with Lindsay Young of the Hawaii-based environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/), to design infographics to be produced by illustrator [Namasri 'Namo' Niumim](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics), for the two albatrosses.  Her ‘namographics’ will illustrate the NGO’s [ongoing work](https://pacificrimconservation.org/conservation/bird-translocations/) to create a new albatross colony safe from predicted sea level rise by translocating and hand-rearing chicks on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.  ACAP is also pleased to announce it will once more be working with Kitty Harvill of ABUN ([Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/)) in January and February next year; this time to produce artworks for WAD2022 that depict Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses.  Lastly, ACAP’s WAD poster designer, [Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/images-and-artwork/77-wad2020-posters/3580-world-albatross-day-posters-from-gough-island-by-michelle-risi), now moving to [Aldabra Atoll](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/185/) for two years after an extended stay on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice), will, with the help of a number of excellent photographers, produce a poster series for the two birds that will be freely downloadable next year. *![Light mantled Albatross Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Light-mantled_Albatross_Peter_Ryan.jpg) Attacked by mice on Marion: a ‘scalped’*[*Near threatened*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata/text)*Light-mantled Albatross*Phoebetria palpebrata*, photograph by Peter Ryan* World Albatross Day 2022 will also highlight other effects of climate change on albatrosses.  Examples include the warming climate of South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island, which has caused an increasing population of introduced House Mouse to turn to killing albatross chicks ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/)), and [recent research](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4212-divorce-rate-in-black-browed-albatrosses-is-increased-by-a-warming-sea) in the South Atlantic that suggests warming seas are increasing divorce rates in breeding pairs of [Black-browed Albatrosses](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) *Thalassarche melanophris. *Evidence is also building that climate change impacts on foraging opportunities and distributions of albatrosses, including causing range contractions, which may lead to [increased overlap with commercial fisheries](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ecog.02590?casa_token=mP3NcibkiAEAAAAA%3Adk-36ZlTOH1_t4wKNRJYwRNxmOyBFLM3BC6h5lfUTPdp8NqYJal01VOnp8I9gCeTenGrarGv6O-pdr5D) and greater risk of being bycaught. Climate change is impacting the world’s albatrosses in a variety of ways: sea level rise, invasive species, reproductive impacts and range shifts.  Scientists are only beginning to understand how these impacts interact with other marine threats, such as from pollution and fisheries, to affect populations. World Albatross Day is a small way to help keep the spotlight on the world's albatrosses and how they may be at risk from climate change.. You can follow these initiatives, and more, in [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news) and on the [ACAP Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossesandPetrels) up until World Albatross Day on 19 June 2022. With thanks to members of the ACAP World Albatross Day Group for their valued inputs to deciding a theme for 2022. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-theme-for-world-albatross-day-2022-is-climate-change.md) ## A mouse gets photographed on Gough Island four months after completion of the eradication exercise *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_16.JPG) A Tristan Albatross on its nest in Gonydale, Gough Island; photograph by Michelle Risi* Following the [completion of the bait drop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4123-the-second-bait-drop-to-eradicate-gough-island-s-albatross-killing-mice-is-completed?highlight=WyJ0cmlzdGFuIiwidHJpc3RhbidzIiwiJ3RyaXN0YW4nLCIsImdpcnAiLCJnaXJwJ3MiLDIwMjFd) on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in August this year, things started to look good for the island and its wildlife, especially its breeding seabirds, with no signs of introduced House Mice that had been wreaking devastation among both surface-nesting and burrowing seabird chicks.  [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) and near endemic Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* [had stopped having their chicks eaten](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4180-the-tristan-albatrosses-of-gough-island-get-some-relief-following-the-mouse-eradication-exercise?highlight=WyJ0cmlzdGFuIiwidHJpc3RhbidzIiwiJ3RyaXN0YW4nLCIsImdpcnAiLCJnaXJwJ3MiLDIwMjFd) alive in two study colonies, winter-breeding [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-petrel-pterodroma-incerta) and endemic Atlantic Petrels *Pterodroma incerta* had done well (breeding success of 63%) [after years of very low success](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU03037) due to mice predation, and the land birds taken into temporary captivity to avoid non-target poisoning had [all been successfully released](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland) back into the wild. *![Atlantic Petrel Gough Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Atlantic_Petrel_Gough_Chris_Jones.JPG) An Atlantic Petrel on Gough Island; photograph by Chris Jones* Sad news then to read this week that a trail camera has picked up the image of a surviving mouse, putting the whole eradication attempt into jeopardy., A press release by the UK’s Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) follows in its entirety. “Today, Tuesday 14 December, the Gough Island Restoration Team is devastated to report that following the mouse eradication attempt earlier this year, a single mouse has been spotted via monitoring equipment on the island. We are deeply upset by this news and know that the many people who supported us in our endeavour to restore the island will be equally saddened. It matters because the removal of every mouse from Gough Island was necessary to prevent the loss of more than 2 million seabird chicks and eggs each year and to protect endangered species like the Tristan albatross from extinction. Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB said: “This was one of the most ambitious island restoration programmes ever attempted, bringing together experts from around the world to protect globally endangered seabirds in what many would consider one of the most remote and difficult to reach locations on Earth. With over a decade of planning and given the logistics involved, this has been the conservation equivalent of landing on the Moon. “We needed to take this urgent action to save millions of eggs and chicks from predation, prevent extinctions and to undo the damage caused by mice which humans unwittingly allowed onto the island in the past. We are confident that through this partnership we put everything in place to give the project the best chance of being successful. Although only one mouse has been sighted so far, unfortunately experience would tell us that it is unlikely to be the only one. “Although it appears we have fallen short of our target, it is too early to know what this means or just how much time we might have bought the seabirds of Gough. We are continuing to monitor the island and assess the situation. The situation at Gough and threat to the unique seabirds of this island only serve to underline the importance of effective biosecurity measures on currently predator-free islands to prevent invasive species arriving in the first place and devastating native wildlife, and the need for island restoration projects to protect affected species from extinction.” More details come from GIRP Programme Executive, Andrew Callender: “The RSPB Overwintering Team has been monitoring for signs of mice since the eradication team demobilised off Gough Island in mid-August.  We are deeply concerned to report that on 11th December, a single mouse was recorded on one of the camera traps around 260 meters from Base – the team retrieved this camera on December 13th.  There has to date been no other sign of mouse activity.  We will continue to gather what evidence we can to ascertain the scale of survival and any breeding activity and are responding accordingly." *ACAP Latest News* will continue to report on developments on Gough Island as further information comes to hand. With thanks for additional information from Andrew Callender. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-mouse-gets-photographed-on-gough-island-four-months-after-completion-of-the-eradication-exercise.md) ## Evolution of the three genera of shearwaters  ![Balearic Shearwater Pep Arcos 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Balearic/Balearic_Shearwater_Pep_Arcos_9.jpg)*An ACAP-listed and [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728432) Balearic Shearwater*Puffinus mauretanicus*glides over a calm sea; photograph by ‘Pep’ Arcos* Joan Ferrer Obiol ([Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona](https://www.ub.edu/web/ub/es/universitat/campus_fac_dep/departaments/g/depgeneticamicrobiologiaestadis.html), Spain) and colleagues have published open access in the *[Journal of Biogeography](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652699)* on the  biogeography and the evolution of *Ardenna*, *Calonectris* and *Puffinus*shearwaters, a taxonomic group that includes two ACAP-listed species. The paper’s abstract follows: ### “Aim Palaeoceanographic changes can act as drivers of diversification and speciation, even in highly mobile marine organisms. Shearwaters are a group of globally distributed and highly mobile pelagic seabirds. Despite a recent well-resolved phylogeny, shearwaters have controversial species limits, and show periods of both slow and rapid diversification. Here, we explore the role of palaeoceanographic changes on shearwaters' diversification and speciation. We investigate shearwater biogeography and the evolution of a key phenotypic trait, body size, and we assess the validity of their current taxonomy. Location Worldwide. Taxa Shearwaters (Order Procellariiformes, Family Procellariidae, Genera *Ardenna*, *Calonectris* and *Puffinus*). Methods e generated genomic (ddRAD) data to infer a time-calibrated species tree for the shearwaters. We estimated ancestral ranges and evaluated the roles of founder events, vicariance and surface ocean currents in driving diversification. We performed phylogenetic generalised least squares to identify potential predictors of variability in body size along the phylogeny. To assess the validity of the current taxonomy, we analysed genomic patterns of recent shared ancestry and differentiation among shearwater taxa. Results We identified a period of high dispersal and rapid speciation during the Late Pliocene–early Pleistocene. Species dispersal appears to be favoured by surface ocean currents, and founder events are supported as the main mode of speciation in these highly mobile pelagic seabirds. Body mass shows significant associations with life strategies and local conditions. The current taxonomy shows some incongruences with the patterns of genomic divergence. Main Conclusions A reduction of neritic areas during the Pliocene seems to have driven global extinctions of shearwater species, followed by a subsequent burst of speciation and dispersal probably promoted by Plio-Pleistocene climatic shifts. Our findings extend our understanding on the drivers of speciation and dispersal of highly mobile pelagic seabirds and shed new light on the important role of palaeoceanographic events.” *![PJH 2667](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/PJH_2667.JPG) An ACAP-listed and [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-footed-shearwater-ardenna-creatopus) Pink-footed Shearwater*Ardenna creatopus*at sea; photograph by Peter Hodum* **Reference:** Ferrer Obiol, J., James, H.F., Chesser, R.T., Bretagnolle, V., González-Solís, J., Rozas, J., Welch, A.J. & Riutort, M. 2021.  Palaeoceanographic changes in the late Pliocene promoted rapid diversification in pelagic seabirds.  *[Journal of Biogeography doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14291.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.14291?fbclid=IwAR1aKDWRlY_76VtED8tEKwRcs0oBdtwwY1-Z6mXnnEZwGgLEjcLorFZSurk)* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/evolution-of-the-three-genera-of-shearwaters.md) ## South Africa’s Mouse-Free Marion Project receives a Ministerial endorsement *![Barbara Creecy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Barbara_Creecy.jpg) Barbara Creecy, Minister, South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) is a partnership between the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ([DFFE](https://www.dffe.gov.za)) and the environmental NGO, [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za).  In an ambitious undertaking, the MFM Project aims to remove the introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* which are endangering the long-term survival of the seabirds and other native species of South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels).  Thought accidentally brought to Marion by sealers in the early 19th century, the mice have been inflicting devastating impacts on the ecology of the island by attacking and literally eating alive the chicks and even adults of both surface-nesting and burrowing seabirds, including at least seven ACAP-listed species. The project has received the endorsement of the DFFE Minister [Barbara Creecy](https://www.gov.za/about-government/contact-directory/environment-forestry-and-fisheries-ministry/barbara-creecy-ms) who writes “Very few South Africans have visited, or will ever get a chance to visit, the country’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  Yet hundreds are making their donations towards eradicating the island’s albatross-killing mice via the Mouse-Free Marion Project.  As Minister of the Department, I wish it every success and urge you to support it in any way you can!” *![Grey headed HAlbatross mice injuries Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey-headed_HAlbatross_mice-injuries_Ben_Dilley.jpg) These*[*globally Endangered*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma)*Grey-headed Albatross*Thalassarche chrysostoma*chicks will not survive overnight ‘scalping’ by Marion’s House Mice; photograph by Ben Dilley* Marion Island is home to globally important populations of seabirds, including a quarter of the world’s entire population of [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*, an iconic species both famous in rhyme and for having the largest wingspan of any living bird.  Three other albatross species breed on the island, along with many species of burrowing petrels, some still in huge numbers, as well as four species of penguins.  Without immediate action, Marion Island’s seabirds face local extinction.  Left unchecked, the mice are predicted to cause the disappearance of 18 of the 28 species of breeding seabirds currently found on the island. *![Wandering Albatross mouse attack2 Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Wandering_Albatross_mouse_attack2_Stefan_Schoombie.jpg) A House Mouse feeds on the exposed head of a Wandering Albatross chick at night.  The birds have evolved no protection against this alien invader, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* Ongoing warming due to climate change is providing more favourable conditions for mice and intensifying their impacts on Marion’s seabirds.  Removing the mice will help secure the ecological integrity of this important sub-Antarctic island and a favourable future for its globally important seabirds.  The project will also build capacity within South Africa’s conservation community for ongoing restoration efforts. In the southern hemisphere winter of 2024 helicopters brought by sea across the ‘Roaring Forties’ from South Africa will spread rodenticide bait from underslung bait buckets in overlapping swathes across the entire island - the only method that has so far proven successful in eradicating rodents from large islands.  At 30 000 hectares, Marion will be substantially larger than all previous rodent eradication efforts undertaken on islands in a single operation. *![Sean Evans Wandering Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Sean_Evans_Wandering_Albatross_1.jpg) The MFM Project aims for a better future for this Wandering Albatross chick on Marion Island; photograph by Sean Evans* Read more endorsements of the MFM Project from within and outside South Africa [here](https://mousefreemarion.org/the-mouse-free-marion-project-gains-an-international-flavour-with-endorsements-from-home-and-abroad/).  To support the project though its ‘Sponsor a Hectare’ campaign [click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsor-now/). **NOTE:**  This news item has been adapted from one posted by the [Birds on the Brink](https://www.birdsonthebrink.co.uk/) charity ([click here](https://www.birdsonthebrink.co.uk/blog/mouse-free-marion-a-project-that-aims-to-save-seabirds-by-eradicating-albatross-killing-mice-from-this-globally-important-sub-antarctic-island)).  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/south-africa-s-mouse-free-marion-project-receives-a-ministerial-endorsement.md) ## The 2022 SCAR Open Science Conference will be hosted online by India in August  ![SCAR Open Science 2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/SCAR_Open_Science_2022.png) The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research ([NCPOR](https://ncpor.res.in/)), an autonomous organization under the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences, will host online the SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) [Open Science Conference 2022](http://www.scar2022.org/) over 1-10 August.  The theme of the conference is “Antarctica in a Changing World”. The SCAR Open Science Conference 2022 will feature a comprehensive schedule of meetings, symposia, virtual side events and social activities, daily plenary lectures and poster sessions in an innovative online format.  The conference will include a wide range of [parallel sessions](https://mcusercontent.com/a611f6f7c375923d8563a8821/files/c1705846-f172-eed2-7996-8532fd09a7c7/OSC_2022__Parallel_Sessions.pdf) from the Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Geosciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and on Cross-Disciplinary Topics. Proposals for additional sessions are welcomed.  Send suggestions to [info@scar.org](mailto:info@scar.org) for consideration and contact the [SCAR 2022 Project Management Team](mailto:scar2022@ncpor.res.in.) for more information. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-2022-scar-open-science-conference-will-be-hosted-online-by-india-in-august.md) ## Light Pollution to be the focus for World Migratory Bird Day in 2022 *![WMBD2022](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/WMBD2022.jpg)*     *![Westland Petrel street lights](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland_Petrel_street_lights.jpg)*   ![Westland Petrel road kill 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland_Petrel_road_kill_2.jpg) *Street lights down ACAP-listed Westland Petrel fledglings in New Zealand - resulting in road kills from traffic* World Migratory Bird Day**(**[WMBD](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/)) is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.  It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. The day is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturdays of May and October.  World Migratory Bird Day for 2022 will have the theme of [Light Pollution](https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/news/2021/world-migratory-bird-day-2022-theme-focus-light-pollution). “Artificial light is increasing globally by at least two per cent per year and it is known to adversely affect many bird species.  Light pollution is a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to undertake long-distance migrations. Solutions to light pollution are readily available. For instance, more and more cities in the world are taking measures to dim building lights during migration phases in spring and autumn. Best practice guidelines are also being developed under the [Convention on Migratory Species](https://www.cms.int/) to address this growing issue and ensure that action is taken globally to help birds migrate safely.” *![Westland Petrels for release](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Westland-Petrels-for-release.jpg) Downed Westland Petrels ready for release* Light pollution affects ACAP-listed species and other procellariiform seabirds in two main ways: during breeding on land and at sea.  On-land threats are related to breeding adults and especially fledglings becoming disoriented and falling to the ground (where they are at risk of being run over on roads or being killed by domestic or feral cats and other predators) or being killed by collisions with overhead wires when traversing from breeding site to the shore in the vicinity of well-lit areas.  Such events can happen on foggy nights and are related to phases of the moon.  ACAP-listed species known to be at risk are the [Westland Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica/text) *Procellaria westlandica*, the [Pink-footed Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) *Ardenna creatopus* and the [Balearic Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728432) *Puffinus mauretanicus*.  Other procellariiform species seriously affected include[Newell’s](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli/refs) *Puffinus newelli* and [Wedge-tailed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wedge-tailed-shearwater-ardenna-pacifica) *Ardenna pacifica* Shearwaters and [Hawaiian Petrels](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) *Pterodroma sandwichensis* on inhabited Hawaiian islands and [Hutton’s Shearwater](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698252) *Puffinus huttoni* that breeds inland on New Zealand’s South Island. Searching on these species’ names will lead to several news posts on the subject of light pollution on this website. At-sea threats relate to bright deck lighting at night attracting mainly the smaller procellariiform birds on fishing, expedition and cruise vessels, primarily in the Southern Ocean and especially during calm, foggy conditions in the vicinity of breeding islands (click [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4189-light-pollution-downs-tubenose-seabirds-on-fishing-vessels-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIiwiZ2xhc3MiXQ==) for an example). *![Green lights](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Green_lights.jpg) Te**sting green street lighting in Chile to reduce fall out of Pink-footed Shearwaters; photograph from Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge* To become involved with World Migratory Bird Day for 2022 and to register events visit the campaign’s [website](http://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org). With grateful thanks to the [Westland Petrel Conservation Trust](https://www.facebook.com/westlandpetrel/) for use of their photographs. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 December 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/light-pollution-to-be-the-focus-for-world-migratory-bird-day-in-2022.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Shy Albatross by Kris Carlyon  ![Shy Albatross Kris Carlyon 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Kris_Carlyon_3.JPG)*Two Shy Albatrosses interact* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Kris Carlyon, Section Head, Wildlife Health and Marine with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ([NRE Tas](https://nre.tas.gov.au/)), writes about the population research he has been involved with over the past 11 years on the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22729604) Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*, endemic to Tasmania, Australia. *![Kris Carlyon Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Kris_Carlyon_Macquarie_Island.JPG) Kris Carlyon on Macquarie Island* The long-term (now in its 42nd season) monitoring programme on Shy Albatrosses was instigated by Nigel Brothers in 1980/81.  Since then, there have been numerous contributions and collaborations from a range of government and university personnel (hence the attached publication list from several researchers). *![1. Albatross Island](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/1._Albatross_Island.JPG) Albatross Island from the air* I first visited 18-ha [Albatross Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1343-acap-breeding-sites-no-18-albatross-island-bass-strait-home-of-australia-s-endemic-shy-albatross) in the Bass Strait north-west of Tasmania, one of just three global breeding colonies for this species, in 2010.  This was my first field trip in my shiny new role with DPIPWE’s [Marine Conservation Program](https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/marine-conservation-program) (now NRE Tas) and set the tone for what has been an incredibly rewarding decade contributing to the long-term monitoring of Shy Albatrosses.  None of the three breeding islands is easy to visit.  However, access to Albatross Island in Tasmania’s north-west is relatively straightforward compared to the imposing rock pyramids of [Pedra Branca](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1382-acap-breeding-sites-no-29-pedra-branca-where-shy-albatrosses-compete-for-space-with-australasian-gannets) and the [Mewstone](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1378-acap-breeding-sites-no-28-mewstone-where-shy-albatrosses-get-vertical) off the southern Tasmanian coastline, and it is here that the bulk of our monitoring efforts is undertaken.  Aerial photography provides an option for the regular monitoring of the two south coast colonies. *![Shy Albatross Kris Carlyon 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Kris_Carlyon_7.JPG) Shy Albatrosses wheel above Albatross Island* A 90-minute boat ride through the [Hunter Island Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_Island_Group_Important_Bird_Area), followed by an intense offloading of the field team and a mountain of gear, heralds the start of one of two main monitoring trips to Albatross Island each year.  Watching the boat retreat into the agitated waters of the Bass Strait, leaving us to a week or more of living and working amongst these amazing birds, is a perpetual highlight.  A lengthy gear shuffle sees us set up camp in the huge sea cave at the north of the island, all the while welcomed by continuous chatter from the albatross colony above and barks from the island’s increasing fur seal *Arctocephalus*spp. residents; both species on the long road of recovery after sealers heavily exploited both the seal and albatross populations in the early 1800s.  As darkness falls and we eat dinner under torchlight, masses of Fairy Prions *Pachyptila turtur* return to the cave and commence their nightly and sometimes deafening chorus that continues unbroken until dawn.  I don’t sleep better anywhere else. *![Shy Albatross Kris Carlyon 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Kris_Carlyon_1.JPG) A Shy Albatross chick close to fledging (right) begs for a meal* The rest of the trip is a happy routine of long days amongst the wind and the birds.  On a good evening, some cheap wine amongst the tussock grass, watching curious albatross or an occasional White-bellied Sea Eagle *Haliaeetus leucogaster* glide overhead, is a great way to recover from hours of clambering over rough ground and dodging sharp beaks.  As the sun sinks below the waves of the western Bass Strait, evenings also offer the best light for photography and the addictive but unending pursuit of trying to capture a good image of these beautiful birds. *![Shy Albatross Kris Carlyon 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Kris_Carlyon_6.jpg) Shy Albatrosses on Albatross Island in the evening light* Our long-term population monitoring, including tracking and diet studies and investigation of climate-change impacts, tells the story of gradual colony recovery.  But these birds continue to face significant threats.  Like most procellariforms, the impacts from fisheries bycatch mortality and environmental change at breeding sites and foraging areas due to a changing climate are an increasing concern for the Shy Albatross.  Our precious trips to these island outposts certainly have a sobering serious purpose and become only more important as the impacts of global heating become more apparent.  Documenting population trends is now coupled with testing of climate adaptation tools to help ensure intervention options are available if needed. *![Shy Albatross Kris Carlyon 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Kris_Carlyon_2.JPG) Cleared for landing: a Shy Albatross returns to its nest site on Albatross Island,; photographs by Kris Carlyon* And, in the background, we continue to raise public awareness of our unique Tasmanian resident.  For this, a single photograph can prove invaluable. With thanks to Sheryl Hamilton. **Selected publications:** Alderman, R., Gales, R., Hobday, A.J. & Candy, S. 2010.  Post-fledging survival and dispersal of shy albatrosses from three breeding colonies in Tasmania.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series * 405: 271-285](http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v405/p271-285/). Alderman, R., Gales, R., Tuck, G. & Lebreton, J.D. 2011.  Global population status of shy albatross and an assessment of colony-specific trends and drivers.  [*Wildlife Research * 38: 672-686](https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/WR10199)[.](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000632070700081X) Alderman, R. & Hobday, A. 2016.  Developing a climate adaptation strategy for vulnerable seabirds based on prioritization of intervention options.  [*Deep Sea Research II* 140: 2960-2967](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967064516301850). Baker, G.B. 2016.  [*Demography of shy and white-capped albatrosses : conservation implications*](https://eprints.utas.edu.au/23103/).  PhD thesis. Hobart: University of Tasmania.  160 pp. Baker, G.B., Double, M.C., Gales, R., Tuck, G.N., Abbott, C.L., Ryan, P.G., Petersen, S.L., Robertson C.R. & Alderman, R. 2007.  A global assessment of the impact of fisheries-related mortality on shy and white-capped albatrosses: conservation implications.  [*Biological Conservation* 137: 319-333](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000632070700081X). Baker, G.B., Gales, R., Hamilton, S. & Wilkinson, V. 2002.  Albatrosses and petrels in Australia: a review of their conservation and management.  [*Emu*102: 71-97](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1071/MU01036). Brothers, N., Pemberton, D., Pryor, H. & Halley, V. 2001.  *Tasmania’s Offshore Islands: Seabirds and other Natural Features*.  Hobart: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.  641 pp. Hedd, A. & Gales, R. 2001.  The diet of Shy Albatrosses *Thalassarche cauta* at Albatross Island, Tasmania.  [*Journal of Zoology 2* 253: 69-90](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1017/S0952836901000073/abstract;jsessionid=A96B870DB53CAA13478FC8EA99AEBE7D.d03t02?systemMessage=Pay+Per+View+will+be+unavailable+for+upto+3+hours+from+06%3A00+EST+March+23rd+on+Wiley+Online+Library.+We+apologise+for+the+inconvenience). Hedd. A. & Gales, R. 2005.  Breeding and overwintering ecology of Shy Albatrosses in southern Australia: year-round patterns of colony attendance and foraging-trip durations.  [*The Condor * 107: 375-387](http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1650/7563). Mason C., Alderman, R., McGowan, J., Possingham, H.P., Hobday, A.J., Sumner, M. & Shaw, J. 2018.  Telemetry reveals existing marine protected areas are worse than random for protecting the foraging habitat of threatened Shy Albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*).  [*Diversity and Distributions *24: 1744-1755](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.12830)*.* McInnes, J.C., Alderman, R., Deagle, B., Lea, M.-A., Raymond, B. & Jarman, S.N. 2017.  Optimised scat collection protocols for dietary DNA metabarcoding in vertebrates.  [*Methods in Ecology and Evolution * 8: 192-202](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.12677/full). Thomson, R.B., Alderman, R.L., Tuck, G.N. & Hobday, A.J. 2015.  Effects of climate change and fisheries bycatch on Shy Albatross (*Thalassarche cauta*) in Southern Australia.  [*PLOS ONE *  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127006](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127006). *Kris Carlyon, Marine Conservation Program, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 10 December 2021, corrected 28 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-shy-albatross-by-kris-carlyon.md) ## A Bird Island calendar for 2022 supports the Albatross Task Force ![Alex Dodds calendar](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Alex_Dodds_calendar.jpg) An [A4 calendar](https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1129445115/albatross-of-bird-island-a4-calendar?ref=market_rv-1) of photographs of the albatrosses which breed on [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades), South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* has been produced by [Alex Dodds](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3751-and-the-winner-of-the-world-albatross-day-banner-challenge-is-alex-dodds-on-bird-island?highlight=WyJkb2RkcyJd) who writes “I spent 18 months based on this remote, sub-Antarctic island … undertaking research for the [British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/).” *![IMG 3213 resized Alex Dodds 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/IMG_3213_resized_-_Alex_Dodds-1.jpg) Aleks**Dodds**displays her ‘[World Albatross Day 2020’](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2020-eradicating-island-pests) banner in front of Wandering Albatross*Diomedea exulans*chicks on Bird Island* UK£1 from the sale of each calendar (priced at AU$29.44) will be donated to the [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org/projects/albatross-task-force/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 December 2021* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-bird-island-calendar-for-2022-supports-the-albatross-task-force.md) ## ACAP releases information for its Seventh Meeting of Parties, scheduled to be held in Hobart, Australia in May next year ![Shy Albatross Mewstone Jaimie Cleeland](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy/Shy_Albatross_Mewstone_Jaimie_Cleeland.jpg) *Globally*[*Near Threatened*](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/shy-albatross-thalassarche-cauta)*Shy Albatrosses*Thalassarche cauta*, a Tasmanian endemic, on*[*Mewstone*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1378-acap-breeding-sites-no-28-mewstone-where-shy-albatrosses-get-vertical)*; photograph by Jaimie Cleeland* The Seventh Session of the ACAP Meeting of the Parties ([MoP7](https://acap.aq/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7)), hosted by Australia, is scheduled to be held in Hobart, Tasmania, from 9 to 13 May 2022.  However, if restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic preclude holding the meeting in person then MoP7 will be held as a virtual meeting, with Australia remaining as host and Chair. The meeting’s [First Circular](https://acap.aq/meeting-of-the-parties/mop7), released last week in ACAP’s three official languages of English, French and Spanish, gives key dates for notification of proposed amendments to the Agreement, circulation of meeting reports, submission of working documents and information papers, and for applications by entities to attend MoP7 as an international or non-international observer.  The circular also includes a provisional agenda for the meeting, which includes hearing a [report](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12) from the Twelfth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC12)](https://acap.aq/en/advisory-committee/ac12), itself reflecting reports from its Seabird Bycatch ([SBWG10](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10)) and Population and Conservation Status ([PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6)) Working Groups, held over August/September this year. A further MoP7 Circular will be sent to Parties and participants after 2 January 2022  to give additional details about the meeting arrangements.  In the case of a virtual meeting, *ad hoc* guidelines will be proposed for adoption by ACAP Parties to take account of circumstances not envisaged in the MoP [Rules of Procedure](https://acap.aq/documents/instruments). *ACAP Secretariat, 06 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-releases-information-for-its-seventh-meeting-of-parties-scheduled-to-be-held-in-hobart-australia-in-may-next-year.md) ## Thirty-six eggs. New Zealand’s mainland Northern Royal Albatrosses start a new breeding season  ![Buttons NRA Taiaroa](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Buttons_NRA_Taiaroa.jpg)*‘Buttons’ (see text) in incubating position* A total of 36 eggs was laid in November to commence the 2021/22 breeding season for New Zealand’s only mainland population of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [nationally Naturally Uncommon](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* on the end of the Otago Peninsula at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland). Candling of eggs in the closely managed colony has revealed that 33 of the 36 eggs remain viable.  One egg was broken, with its parents then having left the headland for the season.  One pair laid an infertile egg, and one had an early dead embryo. One of the fertile eggs belongs to the male ‘Buttons', colour banded BOR (blue orange red).  “Buttons will be turning 33 early next year - let’s see if he lives as long as his amazing mum Grandma!”  Grandma reached a banded age of 51.5 years and an actual age of at least 60 years, regularly raising chicks until the year she disappeared ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/562-who-is-the-worlds-oldest-albatross-wisdom-is-now-catching-up-with-the-late-grandma?highlight=WyJncmFuZG1hIl0=)). The breeding birds also include OGK and YRK (Orange, Green, Black and Yellow, Red, Black) who are the live-streaming [Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam) pair for 2021/22, as they were two years’ previously when they fledged a chick named Atawhai ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3864-the-royal-cam-is-back-for-a-new-breeding-season-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-new-zealand-s-pukekura-taiaroa-head?highlight=WyJhdGF3aGFpIl0=)).  Successfully breeding Northern Royal Albatrosses take a year off and so only breed every second year.  In addition to the live-streaming service, the Royal Cam pair is on view to the COVID-19-vaccinated public from the Richdale Observatory; its fertile egg was laid on 9 November 2021. Information from [The Royal Albatross Centre Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre). With thanks to Sharyn Broni, [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) Wildlife Ranger at Taiaroa Head.  Read her photo essay on the birds she monitors [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4150-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-royal-albatross-by-sharyn-broni). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/thirty-six-eggs-new-zealand-s-mainland-northern-royal-albatrosses-start-a-new-breeding-season.md) ## Short-tailed Albatrosses George and Geraldine are incubating again on Midway Atoll ![George and Geraldine October 2021 Jon Brack and Friends of Midway Atoll 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/George_and_Geraldine_October_2021_Jon_Brack_and_Friends_of_Midway_Atoll_2.jpg) *George and Geraldine in October 2021* The globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus) Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* pair is back for another breeding season on the USA's [Midway Atoll](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) – the sole pair that currently breeds on the North Western Hawaiian island.  Known as George and Geraldine, George was first seen back on Midway’s Sand Island on 20 October this year.  Several days later, Geraldine was photographed together with George.  On 26 October the male was found sitting on their new egg close to last season’s nest site. They commenced breeding on the island in 2018 after first meeting up on the island in 2016 and have attempted breeding every year since.  So far, they have successfully fledged three chicks.  Read more about their years together [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Geraldine). ![George and Geraldine October 2021 Jon Brack and Friends of Midway Atoll 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/George_and_Geraldine_October_2021_Jon_Brack_and_Friends_of_Midway_Atoll_3.jpg) *George (in more adult plumage) displays to his sitting mate,* *photographs by Jon Brack and Friends of Midway Atoll* A trail camera funded by the [Friends of Midway Atoll](https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMidwayNWR) will capture exchanges in between incubation stints. *John Cooper, ACAP information Officer, 07 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/short-tailed-albatrosses-george-and-geraldine-are-incubating-again-on-midway-atoll.md) ## Could pelagic seabirds navigate by infrasound and how can it be tested?  ![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Flying_BBA_Martin_Collins.jpg) *Guided by infrasound?  A Black-browed Albatross leaves its South Atlantic breeding island for the open sea; photograph by Martin Collins* Samantha Patrick ([School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/), United Kingdom) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution*](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution) on whether seabirds use low-frequency sound generated by waves and the coastline to navigate – and how to test their hypotheses. The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds are amongst the most mobile of all animal species and spend large amounts of their lives at sea. They cross vast areas of ocean that appear superficially featureless, and our understanding of the mechanisms that they use for navigation remains incomplete, especially in terms of available cues. In particular, several large-scale navigational tasks, such as homing across thousands of kilometers to breeding sites, are not fully explained by visual, olfactory or magnetic stimuli. Low-frequency inaudible sound, i.e., infrasound, is ubiquitous in the marine environment. The spatio-temporal consistency of some components of the infrasonic wavefield, and the sensitivity of certain bird species to infrasonic stimuli, suggests that infrasound may provide additional cues for seabirds to navigate, but this remains untested. Here, we propose a framework to explore the importance of infrasound for navigation. We present key concepts regarding the physics of infrasound and review the physiological mechanisms through which infrasound may be detected and used. Next, we propose three hypotheses detailing how seabirds could use information provided by different infrasound sources for navigation as an acoustic beacon, landmark, or gradient. Finally, we reflect on strengths and limitations of our proposed hypotheses, and discuss several directions for future work. In particular, we suggest that hypotheses may be best tested by combining conceptual models of navigation with empirical data on seabird movements and in-situ infrasound measurements”. With thanks to Richard Phillips. **Reference:** Patrick, S.C., Assink, J.D., Basille, M, Clusella-Trullas, S., Clay, T.A., den Ouden, O.F.C., Joo, R., J., Zeyl, J.N., Benhamou, S., Christensen-Dalsgaard, J., Evers, L.G., Fayet, A.L., Köppl, C, Malkemper. E. Pascal, M., López, L.M., Padget, O., Phillips, R,A., Prior, M.K., Smets, P.S.M. & van Loon E.E. 2021.  Infrasound as a cue for seabird navigation.  [*Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution * doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.740027](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2021.740027/full). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/could-pelagic-seabirds-navigate-by-infrasound-and-how-can-it-be-tested.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Black-browed Albatross by Richard Phillips ![Richard Phillips Black browed Albatross 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Black-browed_Albatross_6.JPG)*Black-browed Albatross pair on Bird Island* **NOTE:** This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here Richard Phillips writes about his experiences with Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris*.  Although listed as [Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-browed-albatross-thalassarche-melanophris) globally, the population at South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, which is the third largest of any island group, has been in steep decline since the 1970s and is considered to be of high priority for conservation by the Albatross and Petrel Agreement.  Richard started his career working on UK seabirds at Glasgow and Durham Universities, and then joined the British Antarctic Survey ([BAS](https://www.bas.ac.uk/)) in 2000, where he is now the Head of the [Higher Predators and Conservation Group](https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/raphil/).  He has been Convenor or Vice-convenor of the ACAP [Population and Conservation Status Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group) or of one of its predecessors, the [Breeding Sites Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/breeding-sites-working-group), since 2007. ![Richard Phillips Shy Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Shy_Albatross.JPG)*Richard Phillips removes a tracking device from a Shy Albatross*T. cauta*on its nest on Albatross Island in 2013.  By using the armguard (made out a of rubber boot) and glove, the tape-mounted device can be removed in two minutes without any restraint.  The impacts of tracking are negligible, but provide data on movements and fisheries overlap with direct application to conservation; photograph by Rachael Alderman* The Black-browed Albatross is the most common albatross species, with a global population estimated at roughly 690 000 breeding pairs, and a circumpolar breeding range in the Southern Ocean. Most adults breed annually and, like all ACAP-listed species, lay a single egg. The egg hatches after 80 days of incubation and the chick is reared by both parents for four to five months. Black-browed Albatrosses feed mainly over shelf and shelf-slope waters, and at some sites, including South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, as well as over deep water farther offshore. Spatial segregation of birds from different populations (island groups) during the nonbreeding season is high, but not complete. ![Richard Phillips Black browed Albatross 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Black-browed_Albatross_3.JPG)*A Black-browed Albatross breeding colony on Bird Island, with the research station and La Roche (the highest peak on the island) in the distance.  The landmass on the right across Bird Sound is the main island of South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)** By this coming New Year (2022), I will have worked on seabirds for 30 years. The time has flown by and I could not have asked for a better group of field assistants, students, postdocs, other colleagues and collaborators! For around a decade my fieldwork was on skuas, fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes around the United Kingdom, and then from 2000 my attention shifted to the various albatross, petrel and skua species in the Southern Ocean. However, the place where I have spent by far the most time is Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)*, with seven trips so far, and hopefully more to come. ![Richard Phillips Black browed Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Black-browed_Albatross_2.JPG)*Black-browed Albatrosses display behind an empty nest on Bird Island* As for many sites with breeding seabirds, Bird Island is an incredible place.  The island was discovered in 1775 by Captain James Cook, who came up with the name for good reason.  These days, hundreds of thousands of seabirds, and tens of thousands of seals, share the island with around 10 human inhabitants during the summer, and just four in the winter. The first visits to study albatrosses at Bird Island were in 1958-1964, with pioneering work led by the late [Lance Tickell](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1819-obituary-william-lancelot-noyes-tickell-pioneer-albatross-researcher-1930-2014?highlight=WyJ0aWNrZWxsIiwidGlja2VsbCdzIl0=) (1930-2014), whose *magnum opus*, “[*Albatrosses*](https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300087413/albatrosses)” was published in 2000.  The island was then visited by field parties in the summer from 1971-1981, and year-round thereafter, with the seabird monitoring and research programmes led by the late [Peter Prince](https://www.falklandsbiographies.org/biographies/376) (1948-1998) and [John Croxall CBE, FRS](https://royalsociety.org/people/john-croxall-11282/).  Along with a succession of postdocs and collaborators, they produced a wealth of papers on ecology and population dynamics of the island’s seabirds. ![Richard Phillips Black browed Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Black-browed_Albatross_1.JPG)*Automatic nest balances are used to measure meal mass and growth rates of albatross chicks* I first visited Bird Island in November 2000, having started at BAS just a few weeks before.  I still remember walking for the first time through (sub) Colony J to identify banded adults and check breeding success of Black-browed Albatrosses with field assistant, Daf Roberts, trying to work out why it was only me that was being pecked repeatedly in the back of the calf.  I’ve since spent many days deploying automatic weighing platforms or tracking devices (geolocator-immersion and GPS loggers, time-depth recorders and satellite transmitters) on several hundred Black-browed Albatrosses.  Fortunately, I now only get pecked occasionally when one of the birds quite reasonably reminds me to pay better attention.  ![Richard Phillips Black browed Albatross 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Richard_Phillips_Black-browed_Albatross_5.jpg) *Colour-banded Orange 607 stands on its empty nest made ready for the egg with some green lining,  photographs by Richard Phillips* The research on Black-browed Albatrosses has revealed diverse aspects of their behaviour and ecology, including diet, energetics, regulation of provisioning, diving, activity budgets and other aspects of foraging behaviour at sea, and environmental drivers of marine distribution and population dynamics.  In the 20 years since I was first in Colony J, its number of Black-browed Albatrosses has declined by 50% from 258 to 132 breeding pairs. Black-browed Albatrosses elsewhere on South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur)* have declined at least as quickly as those on Bird Island, and over the same period that likely amounts to over 60 000 breeding adults lost without replacement from the island group.  A major focus of the work has therefore been on understanding threats to this species, which are changes in availability of Antarctic Krill *Euphausia superba* – one of their main prey items – and incidental mortality (bycatch) in longline and trawl fisheries.  We are particularly interested in identifying those fisheries that represent the greatest bycatch risk for Black-browed Albatrosses, accounting for sex, age and season.  This information has been used by ACAP, [BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), other NGOs and governments to press for improvements to fishing practices, better monitoring of bycatch rates and improved compliance with bycatch-mitigation regulations. **References:** Bentley, L., Kato, A., Ropert-Coudert, Y., Manica, A. & Phillips, R.A. 2021. Diving behaviour of albatrosses: implications for foraging ecology and bycatch susceptibility.  [*Marine Biology * doi.org/10.1007/s00227-021-03841-y](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-021-03841-y). Bonnet-Lebrun, A.-S., Collet, J. & Phillips, R.A. 2021. A test of the win-stay–lose-shift foraging strategy and its adaptive value in albatrosses. [*Animal Behaviour*182: 145-151](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347221003286). Catry, P., Phillips, R.A., Forster, I.P., Matias, R., Lecoq, M., Granadeiro, J.P. & Strange, I.J. 2010. Brood-guarding duration in black-browed albatrosses*Thalassarche melanophris:* temporal, geographical and individual variation. *Journal of Avian Biology* 41: 460-469. Clay, T.A., Small, C., Tuck, G.N., Pardo, D., Carneiro, A.P.B., Wood, A.G., Croxall, J.P., Crossin, G.T. & Phillips, R.A. 2019. A comprehensive large-scale assessment of fisheries bycatch risk to threatened seabird populations. *Journal of Applied Ecology* 56: 1882-1893. Crossin, G.T., Phillips, R.A., Trathan, P.N., Fox, D.S., Dawson, A., Wynne-Edwards, K.E. & Williams, T.D. 2012. Migratory carryover effects and endocrinological correlates of reproductive decisions and reproductive success in female albatrosses. *General and Comparative Endocrinology* 176: 151-157. Frankish, C.K., Manica, A. & Phillips, R.A. 2020. Effects of age on foraging behavior in two closely related albatross species. *Movement Ecology* 8: 7. Froy, H., Lewis, S., Nussey, D.H., Wood, A.G. & Phillips, R.A. 2017. Contrasting drivers of reproductive ageing in albatrosses. *Journal of Animal Ecology* 86: 1022. McInnes, J.C., Jarman, S.N., Lea, M.-A., Raymond, B., Deagle, B.E., Phillips, R.A., Catry, P., Stanworth, A., Weimerskirch, H. & Kusch, A. 2017. DNA metabarcoding as a marine conservation and management tool: A circumpolar examination of fishery discards in the diet of threatened albatrosses. *Frontiers in Marine Science* 4: 277. Mills, W.F., Xavier, J.C., Bearhop, S., Cherel, Y., Votier, S., Waluda, C.M. & Phillips, R.A. 2020. Long-term trends in albatross diets in relation to prey availability and breeding success. *Marine Biology* 167: 29. Pardo, D., Forcada, J., Wood, A.G., Tuck, G.N., Ireland, L., Pradel, R., Croxall, J.P. & Phillips, R.A. 2017. Additive effects of climate and fisheries drive ongoing declines in multiple albatross species. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA* 114: E10829-E10837. Phalan, B., Phillips, R.A., Silk, J.R.D., Afanasyev, V., Fukuda, A., Fox, J., Catry, P., Higuchi, H. & Croxall, J.P. 2007. Foraging behaviour of four albatross species by night and day. *Marine Ecology Progress Series* 340: 271-286. Phillips, R.A., Silk, J.R.D., Croxall, J.P., Afanasyev, V. & Bennett, V.J. 2005. Summer distribution and migration of nonbreeding albatrosses: individual consistencies and implications for conservation. *Ecology* 86: 2386-2396. Phillips, R.A., Silk, J.R.D., Phalan, B., Catry, P. & Croxall, J.P. 2004. Seasonal sexual segregation in two *Thalassarche* albatross species: competitive exclusion, reproductive role specialization or foraging niche divergence? *Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences* 271: 1283-1291. Poncet, S., Wolfaardt, A.C., Black, A., Browning, S., Lawton, K., Lee, J., Passfield, K., Strange, G. & Phillips, R.A. 2017. Recent trends in numbers of wandering (*Diomedea exulans*), black-browed (*Thalassarche melanophris*) and grey-headed (*T. chrysostoma*) albatrosses breeding at South Georgia. *Polar Biology* 40: 1347-1358. Tuck, G.N., Phillips, R.A., Small, C., Thompson, R. B., Klaer, N. L., Taylor, F., Wanless, R. M. & Arrizabalaga, H. 2011. An assessment of seabird-fishery interactions in the Atlantic Ocean. *ICES Journal of Marine Science* 68: 1628-1637. Wakefield, E.D., Phillips, R.A. & Matthiopoulos, J. 2014. Habitat-mediated population limitation in a colonial central-place forager: the sky is not the limit for the black-browed albatross. [Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.28833](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2013.2883). *Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 07 December 2021, updated 13 December 2021* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-black-browed-albatross-by-richard-phillips.md) ## Eradicating island mice: a webinar describes both the Gough Island Restoration Programme and the Mouse-Free Marion Project ![John Dickens Grey headed Albatross 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey_headed/John_Dickens_Grey-headed_Albatross_6.jpg) *At risk to House Mice.*  *A Grey-headed Albatross stands over its chick on Marion Island; photograph by John Dickens* A BirdLife South Africa [Conservation Conversations](https://www.birdlife.org.za/blsa-conversations/) webinar that was presented on the Gough and Marion Island mouse eradication projects on 23 November is now available on YouTube.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBO4Aeb1EPE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBO4Aeb1EPE) In the webinar Nini van der Merwe, Assistant Logistics & Procurement Manager, [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) gives an update on the project and shares her experience of being part of the on-island team during the recently completed baiting operation to rid the island of its albatross-killing House Mice.  Anton Wolfaardt joins in at the end of Nini’s talk to share some of the progress with the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/), of which he is the [Project Manager](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/). *John Cooper,* *ACAP Information Officer, 01*December 2021** [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/eradicating-island-mice-a-webinar-describes-both-the-gough-island-restoration-programme-and-the-mouse-free-marion-project.md) ## Geolocators, satellite trackers and biochemical markers inform on Sooty Albatrosses at sea in the southern Indian Ocean ![Stefan Schoombie Sooty Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_Albatross_1.jpg) *Sooty Albatrosses fly in unison off Marion Island, with Prince Edward Island on the horizon; photograph by Stefan Schoombie* Stefan Schoombie ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/about/introduction), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Polar Biology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/300) on aspects of the at-sea occurrence of [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca*breeding on [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean.. The paper’s abstract follows: “Sooty Albatrosses (*Phoebetria fusca*; Endangered) are biennially breeding birds with successful breeders typically spending at least 15 months at-sea (‘sabbatical’) before returning to their breeding grounds on sub-Antarctic islands. Stable isotope analysis of feathers suggests that non-breeding adult Sooty Albatrosses moult in sub-tropical waters, north of the Sub-Tropical Front (STF). The Prince Edward Islands (Marion and Prince Edward) provide nesting grounds for *ca* 24% of the world’s Sooty Albatrosses. We tracked 20 adult Sooty Albatrosses from Marion Island with geolocators (GLS loggers) and satellite transmitters (PTT) during their non-breeding sabbaticals between 2008 and 2014. Stable isotope analysis also was performed on feathers collected from GLS-tracked birds upon device retrieval. Adult birds mostly remained within international waters in the southern Indian Ocean during their sabbatical period, splitting their time between sub-tropical and sub-Antarctic waters. Sooty Albatrosses were more active during the day on average but spent similar time in flight during full moon periods. Periods of reduced flight activity, measured by time on water, suggest that moulting occurs mainly around the STF. Breeding success influenced moult phenology, with unsuccessful birds moulting in late summer, immediately following a failed breeding attempt (Feb–Mar), whilst successful breeders moulted early the following summer (Oct–Dec). Failed breeders spent more time flying between breeding attempts than successful breeders, particularly whilst moulting. Our study identifies key areas utilised by non-breeding Sooty Albatrosses, which is critical to implement appropriate management strategies that may help population recovery of this endangered species.” With thanks to Stefan Schoombie. **Reference:** Schoombie, S., Connan, M., Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Makhado, A.B. & Ryan, P.G.*.* 2021.  Non-breeding distribution, activity patterns and moulting areas of Sooty Albatrosses (*Phoebetria fusca*) inferred from geolocators, satellite trackers and biochemical markers. * **[*Polar Biology* doi.org/10.1007/s00300-021-02969-3](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-021-02969-3)*. *John Cooper, ACAP information Officer, 02 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/geolocators-satellite-trackers-and-biochemical-markers-inform-on-sooty-albatrosses-at-sea-in-the-southern-indian-ocean.md) ## Divorce rate in Black-browed Albatrosses is increased by a warming sea  ![Black browed Albatross Noa Leach Peter Ward](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Black-browed_Albatross_Noa_Leach_Peter_Ward.JPG) *Black-browed Albatross at sea; artwork for ACAP by Peter Ward, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/))* * *Francesco Ventura ([Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade de Lisboa](https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/pt/biologia-animal), Lisbon, Portugal) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rspb)* on divorce in Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris*in relation to environmental fluctuations.  The study concludes “Hence, in light of the dramatic extent of the current climatic changes, the environmentally driven disruptions of the breeding processes of socially monogamous populations might represent an overlooked consequence of global change, with repercussions on demography and population dynamics”. The paper’s abstract follows: “In many socially monogamous species, divorce is a strategy used to correct for sub-optimal partnerships and is informed by measures of previous breeding performance. The environment affects the productivity and survival of populations, thus indirectly affecting divorce via changes in demographic rates. However, whether environmental fluctuations directly modulate the prevalence of divorce in a population remains poorly understood. Here, using a longitudinal dataset on the long-lived black-browed albatross (*Thalassarche melanophris*) as a model organism, we test the hypothesis that environmental variability directly affects divorce. We found that divorce rate varied across years (1% to 8%). Individuals were more likely to divorce after breeding failures. However, regardless of previous breeding performance, the probability of divorce was directly affected by the environment, increasing in years with warm sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA). Furthermore, our state-space models show that warm SSTA increased the probability of switching mates in females in successful relationships. For the first time, to our knowledge, we document the disruptive effects of challenging environmental conditions on the breeding processes of a monogamous population, potentially mediated by higher reproductive costs, changes in phenology and physiological stress. Environmentally driven divorce may therefore represent an overlooked consequence of global change.” Read a popular account of the research [here](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/24/climate-crisis-pushes-albatross-divorce-rates-higher-study?fbclid=IwAR0xfSnajXlPoF3jo8LfoFUqMsfQefyf7umUWOGX3tok0twkExQ2Ns4-1p0) and listen to a [radio interview](https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018822269) about the publication with Graeme Elliot, Principal Science Adviser, Department of Conservation, New Zealand. **Reference:** Ventura, F., Pedro Granadeiro, J., Lukacs, P.M., Kuepfer, A. & Catry, P. 2021  Environmental variability directly affects the prevalence of divorce in monogamous albatrosses.  *[Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.2112](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2021.2112)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/divorce-rate-in-black-browed-albatrosses-is-increased-by-a-warming-sea.md) ## "Saving Ocean Wanderers": an online video talk by BirdLife’s Stephanie Prince and Yasuko Suzuki ![Brett Jarrett 9 Southern Ocean Wanderer](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Brett_Jarrett_9_Southern_Ocean_Wanderer.jpg)*“Southern Ocean Wanderer” by [Brett Jarrett](https://www.bayofwhalesgallery.com.au/)* Hosted by the [South Georgia Association](https://southgeorgiaassociation.org/) and live streamed on 18 November, a video talk entitled “Saving Ocean Wanderers” is now available via YouTube.  In their talk [Stephanie Prince](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/steph-winnard)(High Seas Bycatch Programme Manager, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and [Yasuko Suzuki](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/videos-and-lectures/3711-world-albatross-day-countdown-day-5-yasuko-suzuki) (BirdLife International in Japan) discuss their work educating Japanese tuna fishing fleets on the high seas to avoid incidental mortality of albatrosses in the South Atlantic Ocean. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/saving-ocean-wanderers-an-online-video-talk-by-birdlife-s-stephanie-prince-and-yasuko-suzuki.md) ## Conservation Conversations: describing research on seabirds on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island ![Stefan Schoombie Wandering Albatross 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Stefan_Schoombie_Wandering_Albatross_7.JPG) *A Wandering Albatross pair interacts near the weather station on Marion Island, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/)'s weekly webinar series ‘[Conservation Conversations](https://www.birdlife.org.za/blsa-conversations/)’ last week hosted [Tegan Carpenter-Kling](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tegan-Carpenter-Kling) and [Stefan Schoombie](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4174-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-sooty-albatross-by-stefan-schoombie?highlight=WyJzdGVmYW4iLCJzdGVmYW4ncyJd) who shared their experiences of living and working on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean.  Their illustrated talks describe some of the research towards their PhDs they undertook on the island’s seabirds, including on the ACAP-listed albatrosses and giant petrels that are at risk to introduced House Mice. *Conservation Conversations: Tegan Carpenter-Kling and Stefan Schoombie - Seabirds on Marion Island* The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) aims to eradicate the island’s seabird-killing mice in 2024, thus allowing the albatrosses and giant petrels described in the talks to breed unhindered by a terrestrial predator once more. *John Cooper, ACAP *I*nformation Officer, 26 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/conservation-conversations-describing-research-on-seabirds-on-south-africa-s-sub-antarctic-marion-island.md) ## The USA’s Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to become a national marine sanctuary?  ![Pap](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Pap.jpg) The USA’s [Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument](https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/) encompasses the atolls of the North West Hawaiian Islands chain, including [Laysan](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1715-acap-breeding-site-no-68-laysan-island-and-its-albatrosses-form-part-of-usa-s-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument), [Midway](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1434-acap-breeding-site-no-36-midway-atoll-black-footed-laysan-and-short-tailed-albatrosses-within-a-world-heritage-site) and [Kure](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1801-acap-breeding-site-no-73-kure-world-s-most-northerly-coral-atoll-supports-black-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses).  Between them they support by far the largest part of the global breeding populations of ACAP-listed and globally Near Threatened [Black-footed](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Laysan](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses, as well as large populations of petrels, shearwaters and other seabirds.  News is now to hand that an enhancement of the monument’s status is being considered by the US Government as described below. *![Wieteke Holzhausen Midway](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_footed/Wieteke_Holzhausen_Midway.jpg) A Black-footed Albatross broods its downy chick on Midway Atoll, photograph by Wieteke Holzhausen* “[NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries](https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea/?fbclid=IwAR3XTebq5q4jR5J_N3A4aVTEgkai3TL8JG6Pj8I5qRMRCY_Qtb4XzkbFsVo) is initiating the process to consider designating marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary.  [The] proposed national marine sanctuary designation would only consider marine waters of the monument, and not terrestrial areas.  This designation would add the conservation benefits and permanency of a national marine sanctuary to safeguard resources in the marine portions of the monument.  Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest contiguous fully-protected conservation area under the U.S. flag, encompassing an area of 582,578 square miles [1 508 870 km2] of the Pacific Ocean.” “There is a long history of considering this area for national marine sanctuary designation, beginning with an Executive Order in 2000 by President William J. Clinton. President George W. Bush designated the monument in 2006 based in part on the sanctuary designation process that was already underway. President Barack H. Obama's proclamation in 2016 that expanded the monument also called for initiating the process to designate a national marine sanctuary. In December 2020, Congress directed NOAA to initiate the sanctuary designation process.” *![Feeding chick Pete Leary](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/Feeding_chick_Pete_Leary.jpg) A Laysan Albatross feeds its chick on Midway Atoll, photograph by Pete Leary* “NOAA is inviting the public to comment on the range of issues to be considered for the designation of a national marine sanctuary, including potential boundaries; impacts on historic properties; resources that would be protected by a sanctuary; and the potential socioeconomic, cultural, and biological impacts of sanctuary designation.  The information the agency receives during the comment period will be used to develop draft designation documents including a draft sanctuary management plan, proposed sanctuary regulations, and terms of designation.” NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is a trustee of a system of 15 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments.  The public can[comment](http://www.regulations.gov./) on the proposal until 31 January 2022.  Read more on the proposed designation[here](https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/papahanaumokuakea/?fbclid=IwAR3XTebq5q4jR5J_N3A4aVTEgkai3TL8JG6Pj8I5qRMRCY_Qtb4XzkbFsVo). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 November 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-usa-s-papahanaumokuakea-marine-national-monument-to-become-a-national-marine-sanctuary.md) ## Foraging site fidelity in Black-browed Albatrosses is higher when the previous trip was more profitable  ![Black browed Albatross Lois Davis hi qual](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Black-browed_Albatross_Lois_Davis_hi-qual.jpg)*Black-browed Albatross at sea, artwork for ACAP by Lois Davis, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/))* Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, U.K.) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Animal Behaviou](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/animal-behaviour)[r](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/animal-behaviour)* on testing the “win-stay–lose-shift” strategy with Black-browed Abatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris* foraging at sea*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “Foraging site selection and site fidelity can have implications for many ecological processes. The degree of site fidelity differs greatly not just between species but also within populations. Some of this variation may be explained by a win-stay–lose-shift (WSLS) strategy, where an individual returns to its most recent foraging area only if the previous visit was profitable. However, the use and adaptive value of this strategy have mostly been tested in captivity, largely because of the difficulty in obtaining accurate measures of profitability (foraging efficiency) in the wild. Here, we used a rare combination of data on movements of breeding black-browed albatrosses, *Thalassarche melanophris*, tracked using satellite transmitters, and on chick meal mass obtained from automatic nest balances, to test whether individuals adopted a WSLS strategy, and how this strategy performed in terms of provisioning rate. We found results consistent with the use of a WSLS strategy, and that the strategy had some adaptive value, albeit rather limited. Our observational study of free-living seabirds corroborates previous experimental results suggesting that animals account for recent foraging success in their decision making and can adapt their strategy to local resource dynamics.” **Reference:** Bonnet-Lebrun, A.-S.,  Collet, J.& Phillips, R.A. 2021.  A test of the win-stay–lose-shift foraging strategy and its adaptive value in albatrosses.  [Animal Behaviour 182:145-151](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347221003286). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 24 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/foraging-site-fidelity-in-black-browed-albatrosses-is-higher-when-the-previous-trip-was-more-profitable.md) ## A Southern Giant Petrel banded on Gough Island takes a sabbatical off South Africa ![H19 Southern Giant Petrel Trevor Hardaker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/H19_Southern_Giant_Petrel_Trevor_Hardaker.jpg) *H18 off the Cape Peninsula, photograph by Trevor Hardaker* A colour-banded Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*was photographed approximately 32 nautical miles (59 km) offshore on a [Zest for Birds](https://www.facebook.com/groups/493212575281206) ‘pelagic’ bird-watching day trip out of Hout Bay on South Africa’s Cape Peninsula on 14 November 2021.  The bird was seen among a flock of seabirds attending a demersal hake trawler.  It was originally banded (with metal SAFRING 9-A69410 on its right leg and plastic Yellow H18 on its left) as a breeding female (determined by [culmen length](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/909-sexual-dimorphism-and-band-wear-in-the-northernmost-population-of-southern-giant-petrels?highlight=WyJjb29wZXIiLCJwYXJrZXIiXQ==)) of unknown age on 07 October 2016 in a monitoring colony below Low Hump on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in the South Atlantic, the most [northerly breeding locality](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus/text) for the species. *![H19 Southern Giant Petrel Trevor Hardaker Track](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/H19_Southern_Giant_Petrel_Trevor_Hardaker_Track.jpg) Track followed on 14 November 2021* The bird was recorded breeding again in the Low Hump colony in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons (successfully) and again in the 2020/21 season (unsuccessfully), being last seen there in May 2021.  Her partner since at least 2018/19, Yellow G93, had been recorded on an empty nest in the colony on 16 September this year but it seems no breeding took place.  So it appears H18 is on “sabbatical” for the current 2021/22 season as female Southern Giant Petrels are unlikely to travel that far away from home when breeding – although they have been seen around Tristan da Cunha 413 km away from Gough just a few days after being recorded incubating on the island ([click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/661-female-southern-giant-petrels-at-gough-island-visit-tristan-da-cunha-400-km-away-during-incubation?highlight=WyJjb29wZXIiLCJwYXJrZXIiXQ==)).  Taking years off from breeding is quite common for the species; indeed, the bird may also have missed the 2017/18 breeding season. The observation is of particular interest to ACAP’s Information Officer as he [initiated](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/23-2010-news-archive/650-demographic-study-of-southern-giant-petrel-commences-on-gough-island?highlight=WyJkZW1vZ3JhcGhpYyIsImdvdWdoIiwiZ291Z2gncyIsIidnb3VnaCciLCInZ291Z2giXQ==) the long-term monitoring study in the Low Hump colony in September 2010 with the support of a Captain Simpson Scholarship from the [Royal Naval Birdwatching Society](http://www.rnbws.org.uk/).   Good to know then that after a decade the study he set up colour- and metal-banding incubating birds and staking nests towards the end of his field-work years, with high hopes of it continuing, is being kept going by field researchers from the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](https://www.rspb.org.uk/)). With thanks to Trevor Hardaker, Zest for Birds and Steffen Oppel, RSPB. **Reference:** Cooper, J. & Parker, G.C. 2011.  Observations of sexual dimorphism among the Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* of Gough Island.  [*Sea Swallow* 60: 84-90](https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vqu4jraexxd89l8/AAB1vLlcQlJmYR-7CGhmTgupa?dl=0&preview=Sea+Swallow+60+2011.pdf). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-southern-giant-petrel-banded-on-gough-island-takes-a-sabbatical-off-south-africa.md) ## The trans-Atlantic loop migration by young Manx Shearwaters is genetically inherited ![Wynn Ibis](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Wynn_Ibis.png) *Tracks of fledging Manx Shearwaters (details in supporting information)* Joe Wynn ([Oxford Navigation Group](https://www.oxnav.org/), University of Oxford, UK) and colleagues have published in [*Ibis International Journal of Avian Science*](https://bou.org.uk/ibis/) on the migration pattern of juvenile Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Although mechanisms of genetic and social inheritance have been implicated in determining the migratory routes of birds, it is unclear what their relative contributions are in species where outbound and return migration routes differ (‘loop migrants’). Here, we used biologging devices to follow Manx Shearwaters (*Puffinus puffinus*), a long-lived seabird with a trans-Atlantic loop migration, from before their first migration until their 3rd calendar year. We found that shearwaters undertake first migration without their parents, setting off almost immediately upon fledging and moving along a more direct trajectory than adults, before wintering in same part of the South Atlantic as their parents and subsequently iteratively developing their return migration route over the next 3 years, each time returning—unlike their parents—via a Western Atlantic route. We propose that first outbound migration in Manx Shearwaters is broadly consistent with a genetically inherited vector, that both the outbound and return migration trajectories are unlikely to be learnt from experienced conspecifics, and that return migration in Manx Shearwaters (and perhaps loop migrants more generally) may be informed by genetically inherited information and/or local environmental conditions.” **Reference:** Wynn, J., Guilford, T., Padget, O., Perrins, C.M., Mckee, N., Gillies, N., Tyson, C., Dean, B., Kirk, H. & Fayet, A.L. 2021.  Early-life development of contrasting outbound and return migration routes in a long-lived seabird.  [*Ibis*doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13030](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.13030). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 November 2021* * * [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-trans-atlantic-loop-migration-by-young-manx-shearwaters-is-genetically-inherited.md) ## ACAP renews its Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ![David Agnew Christine Bogle CCAMLR MoU](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/David_Agnew_Christine_Bogle_CCAMLR_MoU.jpg) *David Agnew (CCAMLR) and Christine Bogle (ACAP) sign the new Memorandum of Understanding* The Albatross and Petrel Agreement has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/en)).  The new MoU was signed between the ACAP and CCAMLR Secretariats, represented respectively by Executive Secretaries Christine Bogle and David Agnew, on 9 November 2021.  The new MoU is the fourth since the original was signed in 2013 ([click here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=CCAMLR+MoU)).  The objective of the MoU with CCAMLR is to facilitate cooperation with a view to supporting efforts to minimise the incidental by-catch of albatrosses and petrels listed in Annex 1 of ACAP within the CAMLR Convention Area. ![CCAMLR Map2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/CCAMLR_Map2.jpg) The newly-signed MoU closely resembles the [previous MoU](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3161-acap-signs-a-new-memorandum-of-understanding-with-the-commission-for-the-conservation-of-antarctic-marine-living-resources?highlight=WyJjY2FtbHIiLCJjY2FtbHIncyIsIm1hcmNvIiwibWFyY28ncyJd) with CCAMLR, which expired in November 2021.  An important addition allows for CCAMLR to share routinely summarised seabird mortality data with the ACAP Secretariat in advance of annual CCAMLR Scientific Committee meetings.  The addition resulted from discussions at the recently concluded 40th Meeting of CCAMLR’s Scientific Committee ([SC CAMLR-40](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/sc-camlr-40)) and the 40th Meeting of the Commission ([CCAMLR-40](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/ccamlr-40)).  At these meetings the ACAP Secretariat stated that to prepare effectively for its participation in the annual CCAMLR Scientific Committee meetings it would be helpful if the CCAMLR Secretariat were able to share in advance the summaries of seabird incidental mortality data presented to the [Fish Stock Assessment Working Group](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/wg-fsa-2021), and to the Incidental Mortality in Associated Fisheries Working Group, the latter having been re-established at this year’s meetings. The re-established WG-IMAF is to be co-convened by Nathan Walker of New Zealand and Marco Favero from Argentina.  Both Nathan and Marco are well known to the ACAP community, being respectively the previous Chair of the ACAP Scientific Committee and previous Executive Secretary. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-renews-its-memorandum-of-understanding-with-the-commission-for-the-conservation-of-antarctic-marine-living-resources.md) ## Impacts of climate change on seabirds are influenced by study duration  ![Atlantic Yellow nosed Albatross Lynne Waters Hi qual](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Lynne_Waters_Hi-qual.jpg) *Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross artwork for ACAP by Lynne Waters, Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/))* Florian Orgeret ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published open view in the journal [*Ecology Letters*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14610248) on aspects of climate change impacting seabirds. The paper’s abstract follows: “Understanding climate change impacts on top predators is fundamental to marine biodiversity conservation, due to their increasingly threatened populations and their importance in marine ecosystems. We conducted a systematic review of the effects of climate change (prolonged, directional change) and climate variability on seabirds and marine mammals. We extracted data from 484 studies (4808 published studies were reviewed), comprising 2215 observations on demography, phenology, distribution, diet, behaviour, body condition and physiology. The likelihood of concluding that climate change had an impact increased with study duration. However, the temporal thresholds for the effects of climate change to be discernibly varied from 10 to 29 years depending on the species, the biological response and the oceanic study region. Species with narrow thermal ranges and relatively long generation times were more often reported to be affected by climate change. This provides an important framework for future assessments, with guidance on response- and region-specific temporal dimensions that need to be considered when reporting effects of climate change. Finally, we found that tropical regions and non-breeding life stages were poorly covered in the literature, a concern that should be addressed to enable a better understanding of the vulnerability of marine predators to climate change.” **Reference:** Orgeret, F., Thiebault, A.,  Kovacs, K.M., Lydersen, C., Hindell, M.A., Thompson, S.A., Sydeman, W.J. & Pistorius, P.A. 2021.  Climate change impacts on seabirds and marine mammals: the importance of study duration, thermal tolerance and generation time.  [*Ecology Letters* doi.org10.1111/ele.13920](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ele.13920). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/deducing-impacts-of-climate-change-are-influenced-by-study-duration-of-seabirds.md) ## ¿Habla español? Parlez-vous français? The Antipodean Albatross infographic is now available in all ACAP languages  ![coloured antipodeanalbatross es mediumposter 5mmbleed updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/coloured_antipodeanalbatross_es_mediumposter_5mmbleed_updated.jpg) In support of last year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries) on 19 June ACAP released [three infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) for the Critically Endangered Tristan *Diomedea dabbenena* and Waved*Phoebastria irrorata*Albatrosses and for the Vulnerable Wandering Albatross *D. exulans* ([click here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics)).  All three infographics were designed and illustrated by [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/).  The vision of ACAP is, in time, to produce infographics for all 31 ACAP-listed species; efforts are currently being directed at producing infographics for the 22 species of albatrosses, primarily in support of future World Albatross Days.  The fourth in the series, again illustrated by Namo Niumim, is of the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis.  *This species, endemic to New Zealand, is co-published by that country’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)*,*which has covered the costs of its production. ![coloured antipodeanalbatross fr mediumposter 5mmbleed updated](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/coloured_antipodeanalbatross_fr_mediumposter_5mmbleed_updated.jpg)  French and Spanish versions of the new ‘namographic’ have now been produced to complement the [English version](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4182-cap-and-the-new-zealand-department-of-conservation-co-publish-an-infographic-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross).  French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap). High-quality versions suitable for downloading and printing as either A3 or A2 posters in all three ACAP languages will soon be freely available on this website. It is intended to produce four more albatross infographics next year in conjunction with World Albatross Day on 19 June.  Those for the [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) Grey-headed *Thalassarche chrysostoma* and [Near Threatened](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4182-cap-and-the-new-zealand-department-of-conservation-co-publish-an-infographic-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross) Shy *T. cauta*Albatrosses will be sponsored by the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/).  Infographics for the [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes) Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses will be co-published with the Hawaiian environmental NGO, [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/). With thanks to Namasri Niumim for her artistic work, to Ian Angus, Igor Debski and Johannes Fischer of the New Zealand Department of Conservation, and to ‘Pep’ Arcos, Karine Delord and Federico Alfonso Méndez Sánchez for their valued help checking texts. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/habla-espanol-parlez-vous-francais-the-antipodean-albatross-infographic-is-now-available-in-all-acap-languages.md) ## Night-time flight by migratory seabirds increases during full moon  ![Black browed Albatross Dimas Gianuca Inge Eisenhauer](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Black-browed_Albatross_Dimas_Gianuca_Inge_Eisenhauer.jpg)*Black-browed Albatross at sea, artwork for ACAP by Inge Eisenhauer of [Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature](https://abun4nature.org/), from a photograph by Dimas Gianuca* Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun ([MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre](https://www.mare-centre.pt/en), ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal) and 33 colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Frontiers in Marine Science*](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science) on the migratory behaviour of 21 seabird species, including albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, tracked at sea with geolocation loggers. The paper’s abstract follows: “Every year, billions of birds undertake extensive migrations between breeding and non-breeding areas, facing challenges that require behavioural adjustments, particularly to flight timing and duration. Such adjustments in daily activity patterns and the influence of extrinsic factors (e.g., environmental conditions, moonlight) have received much more research attention in terrestrial than marine migrants. Taking advantage of the widespread deployment in recent decades of combined light-level geolocator-immersion loggers, we investigated diel organisation and influence of the moon on flight activities during the non-breeding season of 21 migrant seabird species from a wide taxonomic range (6 families, 3 orders). Migrant seabirds regularly stopped (to either feed or rest) during migration, unlike some terrestrial and wetland birds which fly non-stop. We found an overall increase for most seabird species in time in flight and, for several species, also in flight bout duration, during migration compared to when resident at the non-breeding grounds. Additionally, several nocturnal species spent more of the day in flight during migration than at non-breeding areas, and vice versa for diurnal species. Nocturnal time in flight tended to increase during full moon, both during migration and at the non-breeding grounds, depending on species. Our study provides an extensive overview of activity patterns of migrant seabirds, paving the way for further research on the underlying mechanisms and drivers.**”** **Reference:** # Bonnet-Lebrun,, A.-S*. et al.* 2021.  Seabird migration strategies: flight budgets, diel activity patterns, and lunar influence.  *Frontiers in Marine Science [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.683071/full](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.683071/full)* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/night-time-flight-by-migratory-seabirds-increases-during-full-moon.md) ## The long and the short of it. How do Manx Shearwater partners coordinate their nest visits during chick feeding?  ![Manx shearwater Nathan Fletcher s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Manx%20shearwater%20Nathan%20Fletcher%20s.jpg)*Manx Shearwater at sea, photograph by Nathan Fletcher* Natasha Gillies ([Department of Zoology](https://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/#/), University of Oxford, UK) and colleagues have published in the [*Journal of Avian Biology*](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1600048x) on how Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* partners coordinate their nest visits during chick feeding. The paper’s abstract follows: “Many species that provide care for their offspring in tandem with a partner coordinate their activities to maximise the efficiency of their investment. However, it is not well known exactly how this coordination is achieved. Manx shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* are Procellariiform seabirds that exhibit a dual foraging strategy during chick provisioning in which long foraging trips to maintain condition are alternated with short, frequent trips to feed the offspring. This strategy is employed in a coordinated manner between the parents, with one making short trips while the other takes a single long trip. Previous work revealed that a complementary switch in foraging trip type is initiated by the parents following a synchronous visit to the nest. We used a combination of observational data and experimental manipulation to examine the mechanisms that may underlie this behaviour. Specifically, we investigated the evidence that physical reunion is necessary to induce a switch in trip type, whether parents change their behaviour to maximise the probability of partner encounter, and whether indirect cues gained from the chick could inform a switch in behaviour. In our experimental approach, we manipulated the information adults had available to them by supplementarily feeding chicks to alter their begging behaviour. We found no support for the role of physical reunion or indirect cues in the coordination of care in this species. We discuss the possibility that the patterns of alternated provisioning observed during chick rearing in Manx shearwaters may emerge through entrainment during the well-coordinated incubation period preceding chick provisioning.” **Reference:** Gillies, N., Tyson, C., Wynn, J., Syposz, M., Vansteenberghe, C. & Guilford, T. 2021.  Exploring the mechanisms of coordinated chick provisioning in the Manx shearwater *Puffinus puffinus*.  [*Journal of Avian Biology*doi.org/10.1111/jav.02881](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jav.02881). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-long-and-the-short-of-it-how-do-manx-shearwater-partners-coordinate-their-nest-visits-during-chick-feeding.md) ## Effects of macroplastics, microplastics and plastic-derived chemicals on birds get reviewed ![PlasticIngestionAlbatrossMidway.Schreiber](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/PlasticIngestionAlbatrossMidway.Schreiber.jpg) Limin Wang (College of Life Sciences, [Hebei Normal University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebei_Normal_University), Shijiazhuang, China) and colleagues have reviewed open-access the effects of plastic pollution in birds (including albatrosses and petrels) in the journal [*Avian Research*](https://link.springer.com/journal/40657)*.* The paper’s abstract follows: Plastic waste and debris have caused substantial environmental pollution globally in the past decades, and they have been accumulated in hundreds of terrestrial and aquatic avian species. Birds are susceptible and vulnerable to external environments; therefore, they could be used to estimate the negative effects of environmental pollution. In this review, we summarize the effects of macroplastics, microplastics, and plastic-derived additives and plastic-absorbed chemicals on birds. First, macroplastics and microplastics accumulate in different tissues of various aquatic and terrestrial birds, suggesting that birds could suffer from the macroplastics and microplastics-associated contaminants in the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Second, the detrimental effects of macroplastics and microplastics, and their derived additives and absorbed chemicals on the individual survival, growth and development, reproductive output, and physiology, are summarized in different birds, as well as the known toxicological mechanisms of plastics in laboratory model mammals. Finally, we identify that human commensal birds, long-life-span birds, and model bird species could be utilized to different research objectives to evaluate plastic pollution burden and toxicological effects of chronic plastic exposure.” **Reference:** Wang, L., Nabi, G., Yin, L., Wang, Y., Li, S., Hao, Z. & Li, D. 2021.  Birds and plastic pollution: recent advances.  [*Avian Research *  doi.org/10.1186/s40657-021-00293-2](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40657-021-00293-2?fbclid=IwAR2ZZiuXn9ZDW2vb82UOUolz0Rm20ImXgr-9yc0oyT0sfqgTYAlzxMOw5ic#citeas). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/effects-of-macroplastics-microplastics-and-plastic-derived-chemicals-on-birds-get-reviewed.md) ## UPDATED. From Antarctica to New Zealand: a Southern Giant Petrel is recovered after 28 years  ![4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/4.jpg) *Southern Giant Petrel and chick, Pointe Geologie,**Dumont d’Urville Station, Antarctica, photograph by Christophe Sauser* The corpse of a banded [Southern Giant Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-giant-petrel-macronectes-giganteus/text) *Macronectes giganteus* was recovered from the shore at Flat Point, [Wairarapa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wairarapa), North Island, New Zealand around 10 June 2020.  Brent Plaisted writes: “I observed the petrel about 48 hours earlier on the beach alive but not very active, it walked to the sea and swam away, the next day was much the same but slightly more distressed.  I did consider capturing it and taking it for medical help but again it headed to the sea.  When I found it washed up dead it was fresh and in poor condition. It felt quite skeletal with not much meat on its bones.”  In correspondence he informs *ACAP Latest News* that there was no particularly bad weather at the time.  No autopsy was carried out so the cause of death remains uncertain.  ![SGP band 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_band_1.jpg)  ![SGP band 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/SGP_band_2.jpg) *Museum Paris  CF-30157* The bird was banded by Luc Jacquet while overwintering at France’s Dumont d’Urville Station in Adélie Land, Antarctica as a chick on 01 February 1992 with metal band CF-30157 and an engraved plastic band white 332 in the long-term monitoring colony at Pointe Géologie.  Banding activity at the colony forms part of the project “Seabirds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean” ([Project: 109 ORNITHOECO](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/programmes_soutenus/seabirds-and-marine-mammals-as-sentinels-of-global-changes-in-the-southern-ocean/)), supported by the French Polar Institute Paul Emile Victor ([IPEV](https://institut-polaire.fr/en/)).  Only the metal band was found on the corpse, but Southern Giant Petrels (especially the males) are known to be able to wear out both their metal and colour bands in a few years due to their habit of shuffling around on rocky ground.  However, the recovered band (see above) shows little sign of wear, so perhaps the recovered bird was a female.  No sightings of the petrel had been made in the 28 years between banding and recovery.  With thanks to Karine Delord, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, France; Nikki Gasson, Department of Conservation, New Zealand; and Brent Plaisted. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 November 2021, updated 15 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/from-antarctica-to-new-zealand-a-southern-giant-petrel-is-recovered-after-28-years.md) ## New Zealand Seabirds. A Natural History. A new book by Kerry-Jayne Wilson  ![New Zealand Seabirds cover 600px wide WEB](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/New-Zealand-Seabirds-cover-600px-wide-WEB.jpg) A new seabird book has been published this month.  Written by Kerry-Jayne Wilson of the [West Coast Penguin Trust](https://www.westcoastpenguintrust.org.nz/), the book features the many seabirds to be found in and around New Zealand.  In the current absence of an ACAP review copy, the publisher’s ‘blurb’ about the book and its author follows. “New Zealand is the seabird capital of the world – no other country has so many species of breeding seabirds, while about a third of them are only found here.  *New Zealand* *Seabirds*, the first book to be written specifically about these birds, describes the different groups of seabirds, where in New Zealand they occur, their breeding biology, feeding behaviours, the conservation threats they face, and the vast distances they often travel to feed and breed. Written using non-technical language by ornithologist Kerry-Jayne Wilson, this book is an essential companion for anyone who appreciates the wildlife of our coastlines and the oceans beyond.” *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Kerry-Jayne_Wilson_Volunteer_Point_Falklands.jpg) Kerry-Jayne Wilson MNZM, with King Penguins in the South Atlantic* “As an undergraduate student Kerry-Jayne Wilson stood on the cliffs of the sub-Antarctic Snares Islands and watched penguins, shearwaters, petrels and albatrosses head out to sea and wondered where they went, how they caught food and how they navigated the open ocean.  These questions have intrigued her ever since and led her to undertake conservation-related research on seabirds in New Zealand, the Chathams and sub-Antarctic islands, the Southern Ocean, Antarctica, Newfoundland and briefly in several other parts of the world. She was a Senior Lecturer in ecology and conservation at Lincoln University for many years and has worked for the last 12 years as an ornithologist, natural-history writer and educator. *New Zealand* *Seabirds* is her fourth book.  In 2019 she was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to seabird conservation.  She lives on the South Island’s West Coast.” Read about Kerry-Jayne’s work with the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica/text) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel) Westland Petrel *Procellaria westlandica* here. **Reference:** Wilson, K.-J. 2021.  [*New Zealand Seabirds.  A Natural History*](https://www.pottonandburton.co.nz/product/new-zealand-seabirds/).  Nelson: Potter & Burton.  140 pp.  Hardback.  ISBN: 9781988550 251.  NZD 49.99. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-zealand-seabirds-a-natural-history-a-new-book-by-kerry-jayne-wilson.md) ## Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in Hawaii are doing well behind a predator-proof fence * ![Wedge tailed Sheareater Kaena Point Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_Sheareater_Kaena_Point_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) A Wedge-tailed Shearwater in its burrow at Kaena Point* The [Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1333-acap-breeding-sites-no-14-kaena-point-oahu-hawaii-protects-its-laysan-albatrosses-and-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-behind-a-predator-proof-fence) on the Hawaiian island of Oahu has a predator-proof fence that protects a breeding population of [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis*from stray dogs, feral cats and introduced mongooses and rodents.  It also affords the birds a breeding site considered safe from predicted sea level rise.  The reserve also supports a growing population of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Puffinus pacificus*as the environmental NGO [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/) has recently reported on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/prconservation)*:* “We spent the day with @hawaii_dlnr [[Hawaii Department of and Land and Natural Resources](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/)] and [Pacific Islands: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/) conducting the annual Wedge-tailed Shearwater count at Kaena Point and the birds have set a huge new record!  13,479 nests that fledged 6,414 chicks!  Ten years ago before the predator exclusion fence was installed, there were 2,637 nests and only 345 chicks that fledged that year. It's amazing how Hawaii's birds can thrive once you remove predators from their breeding colonies.” *![Wedge tailed Shearwater survey Kaena Point Pacific Rim Conservation](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_Shearwater_survey_Kaena_Point_Pacific_Rim_Conservation.jpg) Wedge-tailed Shearwater survey at Kaena Point; photographs from Pacific Rim Conservation* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/wedge-tailed-shearwaters-in-hawaii-are-doing-well-behind-a-predator-proof-fence.md) ## UPDATED. No podium places for the Endangered Antipodean Albatross this year in competitions in New Zealand and Spain ![New Zealand SailGP Team co-helmed by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke in action during a practice session ahead of Spain SailGP, Event 6, Season 2 in Cadiz, Andalucia, Spain. 7th October 2021. Photo: Felix Diemer for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/LiveOcean_Albatross_decal.jpeg) *Up on its foils at speed: The New Zealand F50 catamaran with a Live Ocean Antipodean Albatross silhouette on its wingsail* **SailGP** A silhouette of a [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) and [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatross (Toroa) appeared on the [wingsail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingsail) of New Zealand’s entry in the [SailGP](https://sailgp.com/) races held last month in Spain’s Cádiz, as “a symbol of the team’s commitment to shining a spotlight on the plight of the Antipodean Albatross and working to stop their freefall to extinction.”  The New Zealand [F50 catamaran](https://sailgp.com/general/sailgp-f50/) (which can reach speeds of 50 knots – over 90 km/h) was given the name *Amokura*, the Maori word for the [Red-tailed Tropicbird](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-tailed-tropicbird-phaethon-rubricauda)*Phaethon rubricauda*. [https://vimeo.com/625754026](https://vimeo.com/625754026)*SailGP’s Albatross: a Live Ocean video* *Amokura* crew members Peter Burling (helm) and wing trimmer Blair Tuke (who are Olympic gold medallists and [America’s Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America%27s_Cup) champions) founded[Live Ocean](https://acap.aq/No%20podium%20places%20for%20the%20Endangered%20Antipodean%20Albatross%20this%20year%20in%20competitions%20in%20New%20Zealand%20and%20Spain,%20gaining%20fifth%20places%20in%20both%20events), a marine conservation organisation that supports the long-term monitoring programme designed to track Antipodean Albatross flight paths to understand where they overlap with fishing fleets. The event in Spain was won by Australia, with New Zealand winning one of the fleet races, finishing the regatta in fifth position out of eight competitors. ![Live Ocean govt meeting in Spain](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Live_Ocean_govt_meeting_in_Spain.jpg)*From left: Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Nigel Fyfe, New Zealand Ambassador to Spain and Jose Manuel Franco, Spanish Secretary of State for Sport* On the eve of racing in Cádiz, Burling and Tuke joined New Zealand Ambassador to Spain Nigel Fyfe at SailGP’s *Champions for Change* forum where they shared the story of founding Live Ocean and their first project on racing to save the Antipodean Albatross from extinction. *Champions for Change* is SailGP’sleadership programme where leaders and sustainability champions talk about their approach to tackling the climate crisis and share valuable insights and learnings.  Burling and Tuke’s role in using the power of sport to shine a light on the plight of the Antipodean lbatross has seen them become a symbol for the threats many albatrosses and seabirds face at sea.  In June the leaders of Spain and New Zealand, President Pedro Sánchez and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, declared their commitment that the two countries would work together on seabird conservation, and in particular they would develop an agreement by the time of the Spain Sail Grand Prix in Cadíz, for the better protection of the albatrosses and petrels of the Southern Ocean.  /*![LiveOcean Albatross racing](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/LiveOcean_Albatross_racing.jpg) New Zealand races against Spain in Cádiz* New Zealand Ambassador to Spain Nigel Fyfe confirmed at the *Champions for Change* event that work on the agreement was completed and would be signed later this year. Fyfe said: “This is a tangible commitment to ensure our fishing boats follow best practices to avoid the capture of seabirds in the southern fisheries. Our two countries will go out and work with other countries involved in that fishery to ensure those best practices are widely followed. This wouldn’t have happened without SailGP providing this moment of focus and without SailGP’s commitment through Champions for Change to lead by example and to invite others to seize the opportunity. It wouldn’t have happened without the commitment of Pedro Sánchez and Jacinda Ardern. And it wouldn’t have happened without the leadership and determination of Pete Burling and Blair Tuke.” View a second video by Live Ocean entitled *[The Race to Save the Antipodean Albatross](https://www.facebook.com/itsliveocean/videos/855571378469044)* and access earlier posts in *ACAP Latest News* about Live Ocean’s work for Antipodean Albatrosses [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Live+Ocean+Burling). **BOTY2021** Back in New Zealand, the official winner of the annual Bird of the Year competition ([BOTY2021](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/)) was announced earlier this week and surprisingly it's not a bird at all, it is a bat that was allowed into the competition by the organizers.  The [Long-tailed Bat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_long-tailed_bat) *Chalinolobus tuberculatus* (Maori mane Pekapeka-tou-roa) is one of only [two bats](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/bats-pekapeka/) to occur in New Zealand.  These two endemic species are in fact, the country’s only non-introduced mammals that are not of marine origin (such as are seals).  The Long-tailed Bat received the highest number of BOTY votes ever and won by 3000 votes, pushing the Antipodean Albatross, supported by [Team Toroa](https://www.facebook.com/VoteToroa), down to [fifth place](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018818598/bat-steals-robin-s-thunder-to-win-bird-of-the-year).  Hopes had been raised that this year the albatross would do better than last year’s [second place](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4176-vote-toroa-supports-the-antipodean-albatross-in-this-year-s-bird-of-the-year-competition), but in the event it slipped off the podium. ![BOTY Antipodean Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/BOTY_Antipodean_Albatross.jpg) However, public awareness of the plight of the Antipodean Albatross has been raised by both events that featured it, as has the recent co-production by ACAP and New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz) of an [infographic](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4182-cap-and-the-new-zealand-department-of-conservation-co-publish-an-infographic-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross) for the bird ![Antipodeam Kaikoura Kerry Jayne Wilson](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodeam_Kaikoura_Kerry-Jayne_Wilson.jpg) *And the bird in question: an Antipodean Albatross off Kaikoura; photograph by Kerry-Jayne Wilson* With thanks to Kelsey Hunter and Sally Paterson of Live Ocean. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 November 2021, updated 12 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/no-podium-places-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross-this-year-in-competitions-in-new-zealand-and-spain-gaining-fifth-places-in-both-events.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Southern Royal Albatross by Peter Moore ![Peter Moore 2008 Southern Royal Albatross 4](https://acap.aq/images/Peter_Moore_2008_Southern_Royal_Albatross_4.jpg) *A Southern Royal Albatross on Campbell Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here [Peter Moore](https://appliedeco.org/about/staff/peter-moore/) writes about his experiences with the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/southern-royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/southern-royal-albatross) Southern Royal Albatross *Diomedea epomophora*.  Peter worked for many years as a seabird scientist for New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/), most recently in its then Marine Conservation Unit.  He is now with the [Institute for Applied Ecology](https://appliedeco.org/) in Oregon, USA.  See accounts for species so far covered in the series in the [Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) section on this website. *![Peter Moore 1998 Southern Royal Albatross 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_1998_Southern_Royal_Albatross_2.jpg) Peter Moore about to band a Southern Royal Albatross chick on Campbell Island, September 1988*  The Southern Royal Albatross breeds on sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand, principally on [Campbell Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels), where approximately 8500 pairs nest each year, and on the Auckland Islands, where there are fewer than 100 pairs.  The breeding pattern is biennial, and during their non-breeding years, adults and juveniles travel to South American waters. Human activities have impacted the populations of Southern Royals.  Hunting of birds on [Enderby Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1469-acap-breeding-sites-no-40-enderby-island-auckland-island-group), Auckland Islands during the mid-1800s resulted in the demise of the species there, although the bird has subsequently returned to breed.  It is possible that depredations and habitat destruction during the farming era (1895-1931) caused a large reduction in the population on Campbell Island, since there were only 2300 nests in 1957.  The species is also vulnerable to fisheries bycatch, for example a peak in tuna long-line fishing in New Zealand region during the 1970s to early 1980s coincided with a decrease in the population on Campbell Island.  Overall, however, Southern Royal Albatrosses increased in number during the 20th Century and apparently levelled off during the early 2000s. A recent low count of nests in the Col study area on Campbell Island warrants further investigation. ![Peter Moore 1988 Southern Royal Albatross 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_1988_Southern_Royal_Albatross_4.jpg) *An approximately one-month-old chick being brooded by its parent, March 1988.  The egg is laid in November-December, chicks hatch in February and fledge in October* My first connection with Southern Royal Albatrosses came in 1987/88 when I spent a year on Campbell Island engaged in a wide range of Department of Conservation research and monitoring projects.  For one of our smaller tasks, Roger Moffat and I measured breeding success of Southern Royals in two study areas (Col and Moubray) by counting nests with eggs in January and hatchlings in March and then banding the fledglings in August.  It was always a treat to pass our regular “Albie” chicks and note their progress as we travelled along the ridgelines.  An enduring memory of that winter is seeing many albatross chicks sitting on their nests half buried during an unusually long period of snow accumulation. * ![Peter Moore 1988 Southern Royal Albatross 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_1988_Southern_Royal_Albatross_6.jpg) A downy post-guard chick in the snow with Mount Dumas in the background, May 1988* During several seasons in the 1990s, with the help of many colleagues and volunteers, I was able to continue monitoring and banding of Southern Royal Albatrosses at the study areas, add three new index count areas and conduct whole island censuses of nesting birds. *![Peter Moore 1995 Southern Royal Albatross 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_1995_Southern_Royal_Albatross_4.jpg) A nesting Southern Royal Albatross in the Col study area, with Northwest Bay and Dent Island in the background, February 1995* One thing we discovered was that it was less disturbing to apply and read bands to breeding birds while they sat on their nests than it was to remove them first.  Although this approach took care, it reduced the potential for eggs being damaged, abandoned or preyed upon by [Brown or Subantarctic Skuas](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/brown-skua-catharacta-antarctica)*Catharacta antarctica*.  On one occasion, when we did catch a bird for banding and measuring, the handler came off second best. Upon release, concerned that the bird was stumbling onto the nest, Gary leaned in a bit too close and the bird turned and tore a big slice out of his upper lip. Luckily, we had a well-stocked first aid room back at base.  Unluckily, one of the two people trained in suturing was the patient and the other person was not too proficient with a curved needle.  Fortunately, I was a good stand-in, but the lip is not easy to stitch up, and the operation took about two hours! *![Peter Moore removing band 2008 Southern Royal Albatross 1s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_removing_band_2008_Southern_Royal_Albatross_1s.jpg) Peter Moore working with a banded Southern Royal Albatross on its nest on Campbell Island, January 2008* More than 35 000 Southern Royal Albatrosses were metal banded between the 1940s and 1990s, mainly by staff of the Campbell Island meteorological station.  In the days before satellite tags and GPS loggers, this resulted in valuable information on the circumpolar dispersal of adolescent birds and non-breeding adults.  Unfortunately, poor training resulted in some bands not being closed properly and even when they were applied well, the large springy band sometimes opened over time.  Open bands embedded in birds’ legs, and the resulting injuries crippled them.  Overall, we found that 3.4% of birds had been injured by their bands.  To rectify this problem, I returned to Campbell Island for five seasons from 2004/05 to 2008/09.  Two teams of four people scoured the hillsides looking for nesting birds to remove their bands.  As a bonus, we gained plenty of data on band recoveries; for example, the oldest bird that we found was aged 43 years.  We also gained detailed information about nesting distribution and population size.  To retain a marked population, we applied new stronger bands or inserted transponders on birds in the Col study area. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_Southern_Royal_Albatross_3.jpg) A team surveying for nesting birds in a megaherb field *with the***[Campbell Island Daisy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurophyllum_speciosum)*Pleurophyllum speciosum*prominent, January 2007. For a large white bird, Southern Royal Albatrosses can be surprisingly well-hidden in the uneven terrain and tall vegetation* It was a great privilege spending so much time on Campbell Island over a 22-year period and it felt like a second home for me.  I shared these field trips with many other colleagues and friends, and one, Stacy, even became my wife - she returned for several albatross field trips.  There are too many anecdotes to go into detail, but they include three-day boat journeys - some which were pretty wild, laughing at the wind on ridge-tops, surveying “just one more hillside before dinner”, the antics and sounds of gamming albatrosses, games of [Phase10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_10) at the Moubray Hut, sharing songs, Norway Rats *Rattus norvegicus* burrowing into albatross nests before they were eradicated, tame [Auckland Island Pipits](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/new-zealand-pipit) *Anthus novaeseelandiae aucklandicus* coming into the huts after rat eradication, hosting National Geographic, the relative comforts of the DOC Annex (base camp), Campbell Island Olympics at New Year (featuring field-related events), and many more. *![Peter Moore 1988 Southern Royal Albatross 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_1988_Southern_Royal_Albatross_7.jpg) “Gamming” albatrosses provide a wonderful spectacle - young adolescent birds check each other out as they posture and call at these parties, which are always in a state of flux as birds come and go* The “royal” albatross seems well named to me - I have always been struck by its majesty.  It is hard to beat the feeling when a bird passes over your head on a ridge-top, effortlessly riding the wind, its wings outstretched.  Hopefully, we can continue to help the species rise above the challenges of a changing world. *![Peter Moore 2008 Southern Royal Albatross 8s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Southern_Royal/Peter_Moore_2008_Southern_Royal_Albatross_8s.jpg) The Southern Royal Albatross on the wing is truly majestic; photographs by Peter Moore* **Selected publications:** Moore, P.J. 2003.  Southern royal albatrosses (*Diomedea* *epomophora*) injured by bands. *[Notornis 50: 211-220](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/southern-royal-albatrosses-diomedea-epomophora-injured-bands)*. Moore, P.J. & Bettany, S.M. 2005.  Recoveries of banded southern royal albatrosses (*Diomedea* *epomophora*) from Campbell Island, 1943–2003. *[Notornis 52: 195-205](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/band-recoveries-southern-royal-albatrosses-diomedea-epomophora-campbell-island-1943-2003)*. Moore, P.J., Larsen, E.J., Charteris, M. & Pryde, M. 2012.  Southern royal albatross on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku - solving a band injury problem and population survey, 2004-08.  [*DOC Research and Development Series*No. 333](http://doc.org.nz/Documents/science-and-technical/drds333entire.pdf).  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  49 pp. *Peter Moore, Institute for Applied Ecology, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, 04 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-southern-royal-albatross-by-peter-moore.md) ## New trials for the Hookpod Mini planned for South Africa in 2022  ![Hookpod mini](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/Hookpod_mini.jpg)*The Hookpod Mini* The [Hookpod](https://www.hookpod.com/en/) is a hook-protection mechanism that stops seabirds getting caught in the pelagic longline fishery.  The reusable pod covers the baited hook and sinks rapidly until a release mechanism operated by water pressure automatically opens it, releasing the bait below a depth of 20 m, out of the normal reach of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  The [Hookpod Mini](https://www.hookpod.com/en/product/details/) is a smaller and lighter version without an LED light. The [Albatross Task Force](https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/seabird-conservation/what-we-do/albatross-task-force/) based within the environmental NGO [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.facebook.com/BirdLifeSouthAfrica/) has reported this week on trials planned (if funding allows) with the Hookpod Mini in South Africa. “South Africa together with Brazil and Australia participated in trialling the initial prototype in 2012 which led to significant improvements.  Ten years later and the Hookpod has been demonstrated to be the most effective method of preventing seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fleets. It is the recommended best-practice stand-alone bycatch mitigation measure by the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels and several fisheries management organizations.  In 2019, it was incorporated as part of the seabird bycatch mitigation measures included in the South African Longline Fisheries Permit Conditions. “In 2022, we are planning to initiate trials with the new mini-Hookpod and hope to demonstrate, as in other fisheries, that the Hookpod can be used as a standalone mitigation measure in this fleet.  Because each fishery and oceanic environment is unique, demonstrating that a new mitigation measure works requires working directly with the fishermen to ensure new measures work under their fishing conditions and methods.  In this project, we will be working with a fisher who is keen to try the Hookpod and meaningfully reduce the risk of seabirds dying.  If successful we hope others in the fleet will follow on the journey towards eliminating all seabird bycatch!” Once information on the 2022 trials with the Hookpod Mini becomes available it will be reported here *in ACAP Latest News*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/new-trials-for-the-hookpod-mini-planned-for-south-africa-in-2022.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the White-capped Albatross by Graham Parker ![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_3.jpg) *A White-capped Albatross on its nest on Disappointment Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series of photo essays that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here Graham Parker of the environmental consultancy [Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/) writes about the field work he has conducted on the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-capped-albatross-thalassarche-steadi/text) and nationally [Declining](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/white-capped-mollymawk) White-capped Albatross *Thalassarche steadi* on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands.  Access accounts for all the species covered so far in the series in the [Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) section on this website. * ![Graham Parker.Whitechin.GLS.Skua kill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker.Whitechin.GLS.Skua_kill.jpg) Graham Parker with a tagged White-chinned Petrel corpse killed by a skua on Adams Island, photograph by Kalinka Rexer-Huber* Long before I became an wildlife biologist with a strong interest in seabirds, I worked as a commercial fisher.  Whilst fishing I experienced firsthand the impact fishing gear can have on wildlife through incidental capture in nets and lines.  As is well recognised, wildlife interacting with fishing gear frequently results in mortality to the animals involved.  I never worked with any fishers that took this for granted, but equally it was frequently accepted as just part of fishing.  In my later twenties I went to university as a mature student, having left school at a young age some 12 years earlier.  I was interested in pursuing studies in wildlife management and applying my education and life experience to areas where wildlife interacts with natural resource extraction, in part due to my experience as a fisher.  I now run a small family business called Parker Conservation with my wife, [Kalinka Rexer-Huber](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4181-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-white-chinned-petrel-by-kalinka-rexer-huber) and brother, [Kevin Parker](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3915-acap-breeding-site-no-94-rosemary-rock-new-zealand-s-northernmost-albatross-colony?highlight=WyJrZXZpbiIsInBhcmtlciIsImtldmluIHBhcmtlciJd), where much of my work focuses on wildlife interactions with commercial fisheries, plantation forestry and farming. *![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_5.JPG) Disappointment Island* The White-capped Albatross is the most bycaught albatross in New Zealand commecial fisheries.  And although the entire breeding population occurs in New Zealand, it has also been reported as the most frequently bycaught albatross in South African commercial fisheries.  The main White-capped Albatross colonies occur on [Adams](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1599-acap-breeding-site-no-58-adams-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-antipodean-albatross) and [Disappointment](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1724-acap-breeding-site-no-69-disappointment-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-white-capped-albatross) Islands in the Auckland Islands group.  Both islands are free of introduced mammalian predators (and always have been), so threats to the conservation of their White-capped Albatrosses are entirely marine based.  The species also breeds on the main Auckland Island, where feral pigs depredate chicks and feral cats at the least scavenge in White-capped Albatross colonies, but may well be depredating chicks as well ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3402-a-feral-cat-is-observed-feeding-on-a-white-capped-albatross-chick-on-auckland-island?highlight=WyJjYXQiLCJjYXQncyIsImF1Y2tsYW5kIiwiJ2F1Y2tsYW5kJyIsImF1Y2tsYW5kJ3MiLCJ3aGl0ZS1jYXBwZWQiXQ==)).  House Mice are also present on [Auckland Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2358-acap-breeding-site-no-81-auckland-island-where-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-feral-pigs), but as yet there is no evidence that they attack the summer-breeding White-capped Albatrosses.  A population is present on Bollons Island in the [Antipodes Islands group](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species), but only of 50 breeding pairs or less. * ![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 6](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_6.JPG) A White-capped Albatross breeding colony among megaherbs on Disappointment Island* I have had the privilege of working on the conservation of White-capped Albatrosses over the past eight years.  My work with this species has been two-sided.  Firstly, working with Igor Debski of New Zealand’s Department of Conservation ([DOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)) and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurophyllum_speciosum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurophyllum_speciosum)Paul Sagar and David Thompson of [NIWA](https://niwa.co.nz/), Kalinka and I have been collecting population and phenological data for the species.  We established a leg-banded population of White-capped Albatrosses on Disappointment Island to allow survival rates and the breeding population size for the species to be estimated over time.  Estimating survival rates and population trends through repeated breeding population estimates are critical to understand the degree of management required for the species and the impact of incidental bycatch in commercial fisheries.  In addition we have deployed GLS tracking devices on breeding birds to understand their spatial and temporal use of the marine environment.  Lastly, trail cameras taking time-lapse photos for a year, have allowed us to describe basic phenology that was previously not known with any confidence. * ![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_4.JPG) *A White-capped Albatross on its nest on Disappointment Island** The second side of my work with White-capped Albatrosses is reducing the bycatch of the species in inshore commercial trawl and bottom longline fisheries in southern New Zealand.  Many of New Zealand’s inshore fisheries are very poorly observed, yet we know White-capped Albatrosses interact with bottom (demersal) surface (pelagic) and trawl fisheries throughout New Zealand’s entire EEZ.  Through a DOC Liaison Programme I work with inshore fishers to refine their fishing gear and practices to mitigate interactions with protected species such as seabirds and marine mammals.  Mitigation of protected species captures in inshore trawl fisheries is entirely voluntary in New Zealand.  Because White-capped Albatrosses exploit foraging opportunities as these vessels discard non-commercial fish species and fisheries waste they are at risk of trawl warp strike and net capture.  Likewise, the species is also vulnerable to capture on longline hooks.  Educating fishers about why albatross species like the White-capped are so vulnerable to population declines as a result of capture in commercial fisheries is an important part of my work. *![Graham Parker Disappointment Island 8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Graham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_8.JPG)* *Breeding site for White-capped Albatrosses on Disappointment Island, with the [Campbell Island Daisy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurophyllum_speciosum)*Pleurophyllum speciosum *Photographs by Graham Parker* It is a huge privilege to be able to spend time at seabird breeding colonies collecting data vital for conservation management.  Disappointment Island is one of the most spectacular seabird breeding colonies I have worked on.  There are some 100 000 breeding pairs of White-capped Albatrosses on a *c.* 380-hectare island. The island is also home to numerous other seabirds, so many that when Kalinka and I work on the island we use earplugs to sleep at night.  New Zealand or Hooker’s Sea Lions *Phocarctos hookeri* commonlyander through the nesting White-capped Albatrosses, as do New Zealand Fur Seals *Arctocephalus forsteri*on the coast.  The Gibson’s subspecies of the Antipodean *Diomedea antipodensis gibsoni* and Light-mantled *Phoebetria palpebrata* Albatrosses also call the island home.  Whilst I relish time spent on these wildlife packed islands, I also feel good when leaving them as they are not really for humans.  Our presence, although justified in the short term to collect important data, is disruptive to the locals.  Be that a Yellow-eyed *Megadyptes antipodes* or an Eastern Rockhopper Penguin *Eudyptes filholi* returning from a day’s fishing, a White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* displaying on a wet tussock at dusk, or an Antarctic Prion *Pachyptila desolata* disturbed by my headlamp as I make dinner after a long day in the White-capped Albatross colony. ![Grham Parker Disappointment Island III](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White_capped/Grham_Parker_Disappointment_Island_III.jpg)*Graham Parker checks White-capped Albatross nests *monitored by*trail cameras on Disappointment Island, photograph by Kalka Rexer-Huber* **Selected Publications:** Elliott, G., Walker, K., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K. & Miskelly, C.M. 2020.  Subantarctic Adams Island and its birdlife.  [*Notornis * 67: 153–187](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4472). Miskelly, C.M., Elliott, G.P., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K., Russ, R.B, Taylor, R.H., Tennyson, A.J.D. & Walker, K.J. 2020.  Birds of the Auckland Islands, New Zealand subantarctic.  [Notornis 67: 59–151](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4471).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3609-antipodean-light-mantled-northern-royal-and-white-capped-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-and-white-chinned-petrels-at-the-auckland-islands?highlight=WyJlbGxpb3R0IiwiYWRhbXMiLCJhZGFtcyciLCJub3Rvcm5pcyJd)]. Parker, G.C., French, R., Muller, C.G., Taylor, G.A.& Rexer-Huber, K. 2020.  First northern giant petrel (*Macronectes halli*) breeding population survey and estimate for the Auckland Islands, New Zealand.  [*Notornis *67: 357–368.](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4482) [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3570-an-estimated-340-pairs-of-northern-giant-petrels-breed-on-new-zealand-s-sub-antarctic-islands?highlight=WyJwYXJrZXIiLCJmcmVuY2giLCJmcmVuY2gncyJd)]. Rexer-Huber, K., Walker, K., Elliott, G., Baker, G.B., Debski, I., Jensz, K. & Sagar, P.M., Thompson, D.R. & Parker, G.C. 2020.  Population trends of light-mantled sooty albatross (*Phoebetria palpebrata*) at Adams Island and trial of ground, boat, and aerial methods for population estimates.  [*Notornis * 67: 341-355](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4481). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3575-testing-techniques-for-estimating-breeding-numbers-of-light-mantled-albatrosses?highlight=WyJlbGxpb3R0IiwicGFya2VyIiwibm90b3JuaXMiXQ==)]. Walker, K., Elliott, G.P., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G.C., McClelland, P. & Sagar, P.M. 2020. Shipwrecks and mollymawks: an account of Disappointment Island birds.  [Notornis 67: 213-245](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4474). G*raham Parker, Parker Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand, 01 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-white-capped-albatross-by-graham-parker.md) ## Light pollution downs tubenose seabirds on fishing vessels in the South Atlantic ![PrionOiledWithScuppersWater Marion Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Other_Birds/PrionOiledWithScuppersWater_Marion_Peter_Ryan.jpg) A Salvin's Prion *Pachyptila salvini* gets its plumage oiled after coming aboard a ship at night in the sub-Antarctic; photograph by Peter Ryan * *Peter Ryan ([FitzPatrick Institute](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa) and colleagues have published in [Ostrich Journal of African Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tost20/current) on procellariiform (tubenose) seabirds attracted to lights on fishing vessels around the Tristan da Cunha – Gough Islands.  Over half the downed birds were prions *Pachyptila*sp. and storm petrels Oceanitidae.  No ACAP-listed species were recorded (although over a quarter were not identified to species and some were misidentified). The paper’s abstract follow in English and in French: “Most of the millions of burrow-nesting petrels that breed at Tristan da Cunha are susceptible to light pollution. On dark, misty nights, petrels become disoriented by artificial lights, mainly from ships. From 2013 to 2021 at least 1 823 petrels were recorded coming aboard vessels fishing for rock lobsters. Despite limited deck lighting, bird strikes occurred on 13% of fishing nights, with 65% of birds recorded on seven nights (<1%). Strikes occurred more often in spring and autumn than in summer, probably as a result of seabird breeding phenology and seasonal weather patterns. At least 70 birds were killed (4% of those reported from the ships), mainly prions *Pachyptila* spp. and storm petrels of family Oceanitidae. These represent minimum estimates, because not all birds are detected by the ships’ crews. All vessels operating close to seabird breeding islands at night should be required to black out all but the most essential lights.” **Ébloui par la lumière: l›impact de la pollution lumineuse des navires sur les oiseaux marins à Tristan da Cunha** “La plupart des millions de pétrels nichant dans des terriers de l’archipel Tristan da Cunha et s’y reproduisant, est sensible à la pollution lumineuse. Lors des nuits sombres et brumeuses, les pétrels sont désorientés par les lumières artificielles provenant principalement des navires. Entre 2013 et 2021, au moins 1 823 pétrels ont été observés à bord de navires de pêche de langoustes. Des collisions d’oiseaux ont eu lieu 13% des nuits de pêche pour 65% des oiseaux observés pendant sept nuits (>1%), et ce malgré un éclairage réduit sur le pont. Les collisions étaient plus fréquentes au printemps et à l’automne, un phénomène probablement lié à la phénologie de reproduction des oiseaux marins et aux modèles météorologiques saisonniers. Au moins 70 oiseaux sont morts (soit 4% de ceux signalés par les navires); la plupart était des prions *Pachyptila* spp. et des pétrels tempête Oceanitidae. Ces chiffres sont des estimations à minima, étant donné que tous les oiseaux ne sont pas détectés par les équipages des navires. Il faudrait obliger les navires à éteindre tous les feux, sauf les plus essentiels, dès lors qu’ils opèrent à proximité des îles où se reproduisent les oiseaux marins.” With thanks to Peter Ryan. **Reference:** Ryan, P.G., Ryan, E.M. & Glass, J.P. 2021.  Dazzled by the light: the impact of light pollution from ships on seabirds at Tristan da Cunha.  *[Ostrich DOI: 10.2989/00306525.2021.1984998](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2021.1984998)*. *8 John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 02 November 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/light-pollution-downs-tubenose-seabirds-on-fishing-vessels-in-the-south-atlantic.md) ## Foraging in ‘hotspots’ - Wedge-tailed Shearwaters get tracked from Réunion Island ![Wedge tailed Shearwater held by Danielle Keys](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_Shearwater_held_by_Danielle_Keys.jpg) *Senior author, *Danielle Keys holds a Wedge-tailed Shearwater on Fouquet**Island; photograph by Luke Gordon** Danielle Keys ([Marine Apex Predator Research Unit](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/), Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Marine Biology*](https://www.springer.com/journal/227) on satellite tracking Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica*in the Indian Ocean. The paper’s abstract follows: “Seabirds are distributed widely over the world’s oceans and have adopted a range of foraging tactics to secure food resources necessary for survival and reproduction. To better understand the foraging tactics and at-sea distribution of tropical seabirds, 38 Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters, *Ardenna pacifica* (WTS) from Réunion Island (21.375° S; 55.569° E) were tracked during 81 foraging trips using GPS loggers deployed over three breeding seasons (2016–2019). Clustering algorithms, kernel density estimation and habitat models were applied to this tracking dataset. During incubation, WTS foraged in the open ocean towards the southeast of Madagascar. During chick rearing, however, WTS restricted their distribution and implemented a dual foraging tactic, where they executed several short trips near the colony before performing a single long trip (> 200 km) in a similar south-westerly direction observed for incubating birds. Birds did not seem to show a strong preference for specific environmental conditions or habitat features and arguably cue on marine predators, conspecifics, or fish-aggregating devices to find productive foraging grounds. This study confirmed that WTS foraged in areas that have previously been identified as ‘hotspots’ for other marine species which are threatened by anthropogenic pressures; further highlighting that these areas are important from a conservation perspective.” Dani Keys’ reearch on Wedge-taled Shearwaters gained her an [MSc](http://vital.seals.ac.za:8080/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31348?site_name=GlobalView). Read about her PhD research on Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4167-linking-foraging-behaviour-and-demographic-responses-of-wandering-albatrosses-on-marion-island-danielle-keys-describes-her-phd-research?highlight=WyJrZXlzIl0=). **Reference:** Keys, D.Z., Orgeret, F., Le Corre, M., Jaeger, A. & Pistorius, P.A. 2021.  At-sea distribution and foraging tactics in a monomorphic tropical seabird.  [*Marine Biology. *doi.org/10.1007/s00227-021-03978-w](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00227-021-03978-w). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/foraging-in-hotspots-wedge-tailed-shearwaters-get-tracked-from-reunion-island.md) ## The Mouse-Free Marion Project works towards a baiting operation in the austral winter of 2024  ![Marion base Anton Wolfaardt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Marion-base_Anton_Wolfaardt.jpg)*The Marion Island meteorological and research base; photograph by Anton Wolfaardt* **Note:**  The [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/) aims to rid South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) of its albatross- and petrel-killing House Mice.  Initially planned to take place in 2023, the MFM Project Manager, [Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) explains why the eradication attempt is now planned for 2024.  This news article was originally posted to the[project's website](https://mousefreemarion.org/mouse-free-marion-project-works-towards-a-baiting-operation-in-the-austral-winter-of-2024/) on 26 October.  It is reposted here with permission. “One of the critical issues that the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Management Committee has been discussing recently is the timing of the baiting operation.  Although we were initially working towards an operation taking place in the austral winter of 2023, we have always understood that this is a very ambitious target date and, consequently, that the operation may need to be deferred to 2024. After extensive and considered discussions regarding the time required to raise the necessary funds and for the multitude of planning, regulatory and procurement processes, the MFM Management Committee recently recommended that the baiting operation be deferred to 2024. This recommendation has been endorsed by the MFM Project Steering Committee and the respective partner organisations. A deferral of the operation to 2024 does not represent a pause in the project work. Rather, it provides additional, much needed, time to complete our planning and preparations to a level that will maximise the likelihood of a successful eradication outcome. Operational year postponements are not unusual in such large-scale and highly complex eradication projects and are generally a result of a considered assessment of likely readiness for the initial intended operational year. One of the common factors in successful eradications is that the quality and level of detail of the planning largely determines the quality and success of the outcome. This is partly a reflection of the time available to complete the requisite planning. Rushed planning tends to lead to items being overlooked, or planning not being fully completed, and usually has ramifications once on the island. The additional time also relieves pressure on the fundraising target, enabling more time for fundraising to be progressed whilst project planning continues. Conducting the baiting operation in 2024 gives us a better chance to bring all the required regulatory, logistical, procurement and fundraising needs to completion at the same point of readiness than if we were to aim for a 2023 operation. We are very grateful for all the interest and support the MFM Project continues to receive. We look forward to keeping you informed of our progress in working towards the goal of saving Marion Island’s seabirds and facilitating the ecological restoration of this globally important island. You can help save Marion Island’s seabirds by donating to the ‘[Sponsor-a-Hectare](https://mousefreemarion.org/sponsor-now/)’ crowdfunding initiative.” *Dr Anton Wolfaardt, Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager, 28 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-mouse-free-marion-project-works-towards-a-baiting-operation-in-the-austral-winter-of-2024.md) ## White-chinned Petrels beached in Brazil show signs of being hooked by longliners ![Anju Rajesh White chinned Petrel watercolour](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Anju_Rajesh_White-chinned_Petrel_watercolour.jpg) *White-chinned Petrel, watercolour for ACAP by Anju Rajesh of Artists & Biologists Unite for Nature ([ABUN)](https://abun4nature.org/)* Cristiane Kolesnikovas ([Associação R3 Animal](http://r3animal.org/), Vermelho, Florianópolis-Santa Catarina, Brazil) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/)* on two mass strandings of globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698140) White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis*in Brazil. The paper’s abstract follows: “Bycatch is a significant threat for albatrosses and petrels in general but especially within Brazilian waters. As part of a monitoring program, Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias da Bacia de Santos (PMP-BS), an unusually high number of White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* was recorded at Santa Catarina Island: 72 birds from August 2015 to July 2016 (60 dead and 12 alive) and 31 birds from 29 December 2015 to 05 January 2016 (28 dead and 3 alive). Evaluation of the carcasses showed that 12 birds had external evidence of anthropogenic interaction, and necropsy demonstrated that at least two had perforation of internal organs due to hook attachment. Hooks were identified as the type used by the Itaipava fleet. This fleet targets dolphinfish *Coryphaena hippurus*; tunas *Thunnus obesus*, *T. alalonga*, and *T. albacares*; and swordfish *Xiphias gladius*, and it typically operates in waters off southeastern Brazil. Although Brazil has strict laws to prevent albatross and petrel bycatch, enforcing bycatch mitigation measures has been a challenge. It is crucial to understand the dynamics of threats and their effects on populations, especially in terms of mass mortalities. For now, beach surveys can at least document the incidence of this problem.” **Reference:** Kolesnikovas, C.K.M., Ferreira, E.C., Assumpção, C.C.A. & Serafini, P.P. 2021.  Unusual mass stranding event of White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil.  *[Marine Ornithology 49: 183-187](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1421)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 October 2021, corrected 18 December 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/white-chinned-petrels-beached-in-brazil-show-signs-of-being-hooked-by-longliners.md) ## Field separation of Cory's and Scopoli's Shearwaters by underwing pattern  ![Flood Gutierez](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Flood__Gutierez.png)*Left and centre: Scopoli's, right Cory's; from the publication* Robert Flood ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa) and Ricard Gutiérrez have published in the open-access journal [*Marine Ornithology*](http://www.marineornithology.org/) on separating Scopoli's *Calonectris borealis* and Cory's *C. diomedea*Shearwaters from ther underwings. The paper’s abstract follows: “The genus *Calonectris* contains four species: Streaked Shearwater *C. leucomelas* (which breeds in the North Pacific mainly on islands off Korea, Japan, and Taiwan), Scopoli's Shearwater *C. diomedea* (which breeds mainly in the Mediterranean Sea), Cory's Shearwater *C. borealis* (which breeds mainly on islands in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean), and Cape Verde Shearwater *C. edwardsii* (which is an endemic breeder of the Cape Verde Islands).  In this study, we were concerned with the field separation of the cryptic pair Scopoli's Shearwater and Cory's Shearwater, only briefly considering the more easily recognised Streaked Shearwater and Cape Verde Shearwater.  Background information is summarised in Appendix 1, available on the website).” **Reference:** Flood, R.L. & Gutiérrez, R. 2021.  Field separation of Cory's *Calonectris borealis* and Scopoli's *C. diomedea* Shearwaters by underwing pattern. *[Marine Ornithology](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1437)[49: 311-320.](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1437)* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 26 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/field-separation-of-cory-s-and-scopoli-s-shearwaters-by-underwing-pattern.md) ## Female satellite-tracked Antipodean Albatrosses interact more with fishery vessels than do males, explaining difference in survival driving a population decrease ![Antipodean Albatross Kirk Zufelt Kitty Harvill](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Kitty_Harvill.jpg)*Antipodean Albatross, artwork by Kitty Harvill of*[ABUN](https://abun4nature.org/)*for ACAP, from a photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Samhita Bose and Igor Debski ([Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz), Wellington, New Zealand) have reported to the department’s [Conservation Service Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme) on the second year of satellite tracking [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) and [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis) Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis*from [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) to ascertain overlap with fisheries. The report’s abstract follows: “Bycatch in fisheries has been identified as the greatest known threat to the endangered Antipodean albatross (*Diomedea antipodensis antipodensis*), which is declining at 5% per year. Tracking birds to quantify overlap with fishing activity posing bycatch risk and identifying relevant fleets is a key conservation management task for the recovery of this population. We report on the second year of intensive satellite tracking, with 40 tags deployed on adult females and males during 2020, supplementing 63 tracked birds in 2019 (consisting of adult males, adult females, and juveniles). For each bird location obtained, we estimated the daily overlap with fishing effort, using individual vessel data derived by Global Fishing Watch from vessel monitoring systems. We made refinements to methods used to report on the 2019 tracking, including the use of updated fishing effort data sets and improved bird location filtering. Tag longevity was more consistent in 2020, providing information over the entire austral winter when most overlap with fishing activity occurs. These methods allowed us to quantify the overlap by geographic or jurisdictional area, year, season, and fishing fleet. Over both years, overlap with fishing activity was highest for pelagic longline fishing effort, primarily in the high seas of the Western Pacific, particularly in the mid-Tasman Sea and north-east of New Zealand. Adult females had higher overlap with pelagic longline fishing effort compared to males, which corresponded to recent research showing a higher relative reduction in female survival as an important driver of the Antipodean albatross population decline. Overlap by flag-state fleet showed that the same key fleets overlapped Antipodean albatross in both years. Some individual vessels overlapped with as many as one third of tracked Antipodean albatross in either year. In 2020, foraging ranges of birds extended further north than in 2019, with birds travelling up to 21°S, where there are no mandatory requirements for seabird bycatch mitigation use by relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. Individual birds may overlap with as many as 88 different pelagic longline fishing vessels per year, increasing their potential exposure to bycatch risk. A range of effective and proven seabird bycatch mitigation options are readily available, and we identified the ports used by vessels that overlapped with tracked birds to facilitate bycatch reduction outreach efforts to these vessels. Further tracking of Antipodean albatross in 2021 and beyond will provide for an expanded dataset to further improve our understanding of interannual variation and provide greater certainty on the range of fisheries that may pose potential bycatch risk to this endangered seabird.” Access the previous report for 2019 from[here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3858-foraging-antipodean-albatrosses-overlap-with-pelagic-longliners-in-the-tasman-sea?highlight=WyJib3NlIl0=). ![Antipodean Albatross Infographic English medium poster 5mm bleed FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Infographic_English_medium_poster_5mm_bleed_FINAL.jpg) See the newly released [ACAP/DOC infographic](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4182-cap-and-the-new-zealand-department-of-conservation-co-publish-an-infographic-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross) for the beleaguered Antipodean Albatross and click [here](https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2021/10/price-of-fish-albatross-extinction/?cid=app-iPhone&fbclid=IwAR1lA1ejYGEXVwPuaFakv1pTazkqMpXd6UsBG8zlipLNgDnbHh2nd9ZmjLI) to view a graphic depiction of the interactions of tracked juvenile Antipodean Albatross White 44J from Antipodes Island with the Taiwanese longliner *Kuan Huang Fa* that ultimately led to her demise. **Reference:** Bose, S. & Debski, I. 2021.  *[Antipodean albatross spatial distribution and fisheries overlap 2020](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202021/antipodean-albatross-spatial-distribution-and-fisheries-overlap-2020/)*.  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  36 pp.  *A set of supplementary data tables containing input data and detailed overlap results are available on request.* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/female-satellite-tracked-antipodean-albatrosses-interact-more-with-fishery-vessels-than-do-males-explaining-difference-in-survival-driving-a-population-decrease.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Spectacled Petrel by Peter Ryan  ![SpecP calling](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/SpecP_calling.jpg)*A Spectacled Petrel calls from outside its burrow on Inaccessible Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the [31 ACAP-listed species](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species), along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Peter Ryan](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/staff/director/ryan), Director of the University of Cape Town’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za), writes about the population research he has conducted over a span of three decades on the [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata) Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*, endemic to the South Atlantic’s [Inaccessible Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1294-acap-breeding-sites-no-2-inaccessible-island-tristan-da-cunha-group).  Professor Ryan’s account completes photo essays for the five members of the genus, all of which are ACAP listed.  Access accounts for all the species covered so far in the series in the [Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) section on this website. *![Peter Ryan weighing bunting Inaccessible Island 2018 Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/Peter_Ryan_weighing_bunting_Inaccessible_Island_2018_Ben_Dilley.jpg) Peter Ryan weighs a [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22735943) Inaccessible Finch*Nesospiza acunhae*on Inaccessible Island in 2018; photograph by Ben Dilley* I am often asked what is my favourite bird.  I don’t have an answer; there are so many cool birds that it’s impossible to pick just one.  One contender for the title is the Spectacled Petrel, although in truth, this is coloured as much by my fondness for Inaccessible Island, its sole breeding site, as it is for the bird itself. *![SpecP at sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/SpecP_at_sea.jpg) A Spectacled Petrel at sea, known as a ‘Ringeye’ to Tristan Islanders* I have been extremely privileged to visit many seabird breeding islands, but the island where I have spent most time is Inaccessible, the larger of the two uninhabited islands in the Tristan archipelago. I first visited Inaccessible for a few hours in 1984, and at the time didn’t think that I would ever get back there.  I was landed by helicopter at Blenden Hall, near the west point of the island, far from where Spectacled Petrels breed on the island plateau.  It was only in 1987, when I returned for a few weeks to study the metabolic rate of the endemic and [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22692556) Inaccessible Island Rail *Laterallus rogersi*, the world’s smallest surviving flightless bird, that I finally got to see a Spectacled Petrel at its nest burrow. *![Spectacled Petrel Peter Ryan 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/Spectacled_Petrel_Peter_Ryan_2.jpg) Out in the daytime: a Spectacled Petrel at its burrow entrance* I returned to Inaccessible the following two years, culminating in a summer-long stay while conducting the research for my PhD on the ecology and evolution of Tristan’s [Nesospiza finches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nesospiza), or buntings as they were known then.  However, with assistance from Coleen Moloney, I also made observations on Spectacled Petrels, including recording their calls, and testing their response to playback of White-chinned Petrel*P. aequinoctialis* calls.  This culminated in a paper splitting the two species, a decision that was later supported with genetic evidence by Mareile Techow.  This is the only time that I have seen Spectacled Petrel chicks – large bundles of down already bearing the distinctive white spectacle that they bear throughout their lives. *![SpecWCP](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/SpecWCP.jpg) Flying in unison: a White-chinned (left) and a Spectacled Petrel* I managed to spend another summer on Inaccessible in 1999/2000.  My main goal was to assess whether there had been any change in the distribution and abundance of hybrid finches on the island plateau in the decade since my PhD study.  But to help fund the visit, I obtained a grant to reassess the population size of Spectacled Petrels.  This was when concern about the impact of long-line bycatch on albatrosses and large petrels was at its peak, and there was real concern about the status of the petrel, given its modest population size and known mortality on long-lines off Brazil.  At that time, the most recent population assessment was Mike Fraser’s estimate of 1000 pairs, made during the [Denstone Expedition to Inaccessible](https://www.jstor.org/stable/633016) in 1982.  To our surprise, we found that there were at least 4000 occupied burrows on the island.  Either Mike’s estimate was very conservative, or the species was doing well despite the impacts of long-line bycatch. *![SpecP terrace Peter Ryan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/SpecP_terrace_Peter_Ryan.jpg) With no introduced cats or rodents, Spectacled Petrels can breed undisturbed* I returned in 2004 with Cliff Dorse to repeat the Spectacled Petrel survey.  We estimated a population of some 10 000 pairs, and further surveys in 2009 (with Rob Ronconi) and in 2018 (with Ben Dilley) confirmed that the population was increasing in leaps and bounds, with the most recent estimate as high as 30 000 pairs.  It appears that the Spectacled Petrel narrowly avoided extinction at the end of the 19th Century, when feral pigs roamed Inaccessible Island.  Fortunately, the pigs died out before they ate the last of the petrels, and the Spectacled Petrel population has been recovering ever since.  As a consequence, the species’ threatened status was moved from [Critically Endangered to Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata/details) in 2007.  It is likely that a sister population used to breed at [Amsterdam](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross) and perhaps also on [St Paul](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1430-acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater), French islands in the central Indian Ocean, but were extirpated by the menagerie of mammals introduced to those islands. *![SpecP at dusk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled/SpecP_at_dusk.jpg) A Spectacled Petrel glides over*[*Bog Ferns*](http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:33654-2) Blechnum palmiforme*on Inaccessible Island at dusk Photographs by Peter Ryan* Inaccessible Island is now formally protected as a Nature Reserve, and forms part of the [Gough and Inaccessible Islands World Heritage Site](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740/).  I applaud the foresight of the Tristan community for conserving these magnificent islands and their globally important biota. **Selected Publications:** Fraser, M.W., P.G. Ryan & B.P. Watkins 1988.  The seabirds of Inaccessible Island, South Atlantic Ocean.  [*Marine Ornithology * 16: 7-33](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=186). Reid, T.A., Ronconi, R.A., Cuthbert, R.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2014.  The summer foraging ranges of adult Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata*.  *[Antarctic Science 26: 23-32](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/summer-foraging-ranges-of-adult-spectacled-petrels-procellaria-conspicillata/2DD865599E78EE705737F565724C44D9)*.  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1398-spectacled-petrels-from-inaccessible-island-get-satellite-tracked-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJ0aW0iLCJyZWlkIiwidGltIHJlaWQiXQ==)]. Ryan, P.G. 1998.  The taxonomic and conservation status of the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*.  [*Bird Conservation International * 8: 223-235](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/taxonomic-and-conservation-status-of-the-spectacled-petrel-procellaria-conspicillata/40AAF492D38B75437FE1472314D5F650)**.** Ryan, P.G. & Moloney, C.L. 2000.  The status of Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata* and other seabirds at Inaccessible Island.  [*Marine Ornithology * 28: 93-100](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=469). Ryan, P.G. & Ronconi, R. 2011.  Continued increase in numbers of spectacled petrels *Procellaria conspicillata.  *[Antarctic Science 23: 332-336](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/continued-increase-in-numbers-of-spectacled-petrels-procellaria-conspicillata/4B8B3D3A622AC04901C8C4DF6C27658C).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/923-spectacled-petrel-numbers-continue-to-increase-on-pig-free-inaccessible-island?highlight=WyJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIiwicm9uY29uaSJd)]. Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J. & Ronconi, R.A. 2019.  Population trends of Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata* and other seabirds at Inaccessible Island.  [Marine Ornithology 47: 257-265](http://www.marineornithology.org/content/get.cgi?rn=1327).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3403-spectacled-petrels-continue-to-do-well-on-inaccessible-island?highlight=WyJtYXJpbmUiLCJvcm5pdGhvbG9neSIsIm9ybml0aG9sb2d5J3MiLDQ3LCI0NydzIiwiNDcndyIsIjI1Ny0yNjUiLCJtYXJpbmUgb3JuaXRob2xvZ3kiLCJtYXJpbmUgb3JuaXRob2xvZ3kgNDciLCJvcm5pdGhvbG9neSA0NyIsIm9ybml0aG9sb2d5IDQ3IDI1Ny0yNjUiLCI0NyAyNTctMjY1Il0=)]. Ryan, P.G., Dorse, C. & Hilton, G.M. 2006.  The conservation status of the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*.  [*Biological Conservation*131: 575-583](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320706000978). Techow, N.M.S.M., Ryan, P.G. & O'Ryan, C. 2009.  Phylogeography and taxonomy of White-chinned and Spectacled Petrels.  [*Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution * 52: 25-33](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790309001298?via%3Dihub).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/22-2009-news-archive/487-two-south-african-studies-confirm-specific-status-for-giant-and-procellaria-petrels?highlight=WyJ0ZWNob3ciLCJ0ZWNob3cncyJd)]. *Peter Ryan, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, 22 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-spectacled-petrel-by-peter-ryan.md) ## ACAP and the New Zealand Department of Conservation co-publish an infographic for the Endangered Antipodean Albatross ![Antipodean Albatross Infographic English medium poster 5mm bleed FINAL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_Infographic_English_medium_poster_5mm_bleed_FINAL.jpg) In support of last year’s [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries) on 19 June ACAP released [three infographics](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) for the Critically Endangered Tristan *Diomedea dabbenena* and Waved*Phoebastria irrorata*Albatrosses and for the Vulnerable Wandering Albatross *D. exulans*.  The last species was co-published with the NGO, [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/).  All three infographics were designed and illustrated by [Namasri ‘Namo’ Niumim](https://namasriniumim.cargo.site/). The vision of ACAP is, in time, to produce infographics for all 31 ACAP-listed species; efforts are currently being directed at producing infographics for the 22 species of albatrosses, primarily in support of future World Albatross Days.  The fourth in the series, again illustrated by Namo Niumim, is of the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis. *This species, endemic to New Zealand, is co-published by that country’s[Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)*,*which has covered the costs of its production.  The new infographic refers to the threats the Antipodean Albatross continues to face, notably from interactions at sea with fishing vessels which disproportionally kills females (as illustrated in a recent [news article](https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2021/10/price-of-fish-albatross-extinction/?cid=app-iPhone&fbclid=IwAR1lA1ejYGEXVwPuaFakv1pTazkqMpXd6UsBG8zlipLNgDnbHh2nd9ZmjLI)*).* Voting in New Zealand’s Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau/Bird of the Year ([BOTY](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/)) competition for 2021 is now open and continues until month end, with the Antipodean Albatross on the list ([click here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/antipodean-albatross?fbclid=IwAR1Zwbd55qo2akuBr_A2Rns2Bi2y2BhBVWrCPurgH6ez6NO1OZAyy2csi-w)).  ACAP’s and DOC’s infographic helps explain why the Antipodean Albatross would be a deserving winner this year, following its [second place](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3877-podium-position-the-antipodean-albatross-comes-second-in-new-zealand-s-boty2020?highlight=WyJib3R5IiwiJ2JvdHkiLDIwMjAsIjIwMjAncyIsIjIwMjAnLiIsIjIwMjAnIl0=) in BOTY2020 last year. English language versions of infographics, including those featuring the three previous albatrosses, are available to download [here](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/acap-species-educational-series/species-infographics), whilst French and Spanish versions can be found in their respective language menus for the website under, [Infographies sur les espèces](https://acap.aq/fr/world-albatross-day-fr/acap-infographie-des-especes) and [Infographía sobres las especies](https://acap.aq/es/world-albatross-day/infografia-de-especies-de-acap).  With thanks to Namasri Niumim for her artistic work, and to Ian Angus, Igor Debski and Johannes Fischer of the New Zealand Department of Conservation, for their valued inputs. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cap-and-the-new-zealand-department-of-conservation-co-publish-an-infographic-for-the-endangered-antipodean-albatross.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the White-chinned Petrel by Kalinka Rexer-Huber ![Rexer Huber white chin Dec15 Adams Fairchilds ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Rexer-Huber_white-chin_Dec15_Adams_Fairchilds_.JPG)  *W**hite-chinned Petrel,*[Fairchild’s Garden](http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/life-style/gardening/4205266/An-expedition-to-natures-garden)*,*[Adams Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1599-acap-breeding-site-no-58-adams-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-antipodean-albatross)*, Auckland Islands, December 2015* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Kalinka Rexer-Huber](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/index.php/staff/kalinka-rexer-huber/), of the New Zealand-based environmental consultancy [Parker Conservation](https://acap.aq/file:///C:/Users/John%20Cooper/AppData/Local/Temp/Parker%20Conservation) describes the research she has conducted on the [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698140) White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*. ![Grahan Parker White chinned Petrel 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Grahan_Parker_White-chinned_Petrel_1.JPG)*Kalinka Rexer-Huber holds a**White-chinned Petrel under permit on Adams Island preparatory to fitting a tracking device; photograph by Graham Parker* White-chinned Petrels hold a special fascination for me.  I first met them south of New Zealand, flying around effortlessly across an ocean that threw seas over the ship.  Then I encountered them on islets in the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas* - a small handful of burrows that felt like discovering buried treasure.  I was happy to find White-chinned Petrels abundant on South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur*, liberally spread out in colonies noisy with chatter and display.  But petrels were not on my dance card, so my interest had to wait.  Meanwhile there were more ships enabling at-sea surveys of various kinds in the Falklands/Isla Malvinas*and back in New Zealand with more White-chinned Petrels to be recorded.  I was alarmed to learn then that this burrowing petrel is the seabird species most caught as bycatch by fisheries in the Southern Hemisphere. *![Kalinka Rexer Huber White chinned Petrel 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Kalinka_Rexer-Huber_White-chinned_Petrel_3.JPG) A White-chinned Petrel flies past the cliffs of [Disappointment Island](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1724-acap-breeding-site-no-69-disappointment-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-white-capped-albatross)* My interest in White-chinned Petrels had to wait ten years until I could properly engage in all those brewing questions.  How many are there?  Where do they go to at sea?  Do different island populations forage in different areas, and how do they overlap with our fishing effort?  How are these different island populations related? It turns out that satisfactorily answering any one of these questions involved digging into the next, so I spent my PhD research at the [University of Otago](https://www.otago.ac.nz/) in Dunedin trying to pull together the lot. *![Kalinka Rexer Huber White chinned Petrel 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Kalinka_Rexer-Huber_White-chinned_Petrel_5.JPG) In flight over a breeding colony on Disappointment Island.  Unlike smaller burrowing petrels, White-chinned Petrel do come ashore and land during daylight hours* The how many are there question was least known for two of the New Zealand populations ([Auckland](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2358-acap-breeding-site-no-81-auckland-island-where-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-feral-pigs?highlight=WyJ3YWxrZXIiLCJkaXNhcHBvaW50bWVudCIsImRpc2FwcG9pbnRtZW50J3MiXQ==) and [Campbell](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels) Island groups).  Population size estimates involve getting a good count of all the burrows, and then finding out what is in them.  The challenges of vegetation, other wildlife and the White-chinned Petrel’s apparent preference for some steep and rugged country. **![Kalinka Rexer Huber White chinned Petrel 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Kalinka_Rexer-Huber_White-chinned_Petrel_2.JPG) ** *White-chinned Petrel breeding habitat on Adams Island; deep in lush vegetation, including the purple-flowering*[Campbell Island Carrot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anisotome_latifolia) Anisotome latifolia, *one of the island’s megaherbs* But questions about differences in island populations cannot be properly answered without data from all of them.  White-chinned Petrels breed on a number of island groups ringing the Southern Ocean: [Marion](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels), [Prince Edward](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1366-acap-breeding-sites-no-26-prince-edward-south-africa-s-alien-mammal-free-sub-antarctic-island), [Crozet](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur), [Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1435-acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species), [Auckland](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2358-acap-breeding-site-no-81-auckland-island-where-albatrosses-are-at-risk-to-feral-pigs?highlight=WyJ3YWxrZXIiLCJkaXNhcHBvaW50bWVudCIsImRpc2FwcG9pbnRtZW50J3MiXQ==), [Campbell](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1326-acap-breeding-sites-no-12-campbell-island-new-zealand-supports-nine-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels), [Antipodes](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species), Falklands/Islas Malvinas* and South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur*.  Researchers studying White-chinned Petrels at several of these localities have generously offered tracking data and blood samples from their work, and we did our best to fill the gaps by tracking and sampling at Auckland and Campbell Islands. **![Kalinka Rexer Huber White chinned Petrel 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Kalinka_Rexer-Huber_White-chinned_Petrel_4.JPG)* Out in the open on a rainy day on *Disappointment Island**[latest-news/1724-acap-breeding-site-no-69-disappointment-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-white-capped-albatross](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1724-acap-breeding-site-no-69-disappointment-island-auckland-islands-home-of-the-white-capped-albatross)*, Auckland Islands* We are finding that New Zealand is home to a good quarter of the global White-chinned Petrel population; that they are returning to the main Campbell Island after being extirpated by rats (now eradicated); that petrels from different island populations do not share much of their foraging areas during the breeding season, but do overlap during their down-time in wintering areas; and that genetic differences show the species divides by oceanic basin into three evolutionarily significant units for management purposes. ![Rexer Huber White chinned Petrel Disappointment Jan2015](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned/Rexer-Huber_White-chinned_Petrel_Disappointment_Jan2015.jpg) *White-chinned Petrel, Disappointment Island, Auckland Islands, January 2015* Those studies weren’t enough to get White-chinned Petrels out of my system.  I am now digging more into fisheries data to see what the tracked petrels can tell us about key areas and times when petrel fishing overlaps with human fishing, and what population(s) could benefit from targeted intervention there.  Our banding study in the Auckland Islands is simmering away.  There are limited opportunities to revisit the study colony, but every banded White-chinned Petrel in the hand adds to our ability to eventually look at adult survival. **Selected Scientific Publications:** Carneiro, A.P.B., Pearmain, E.J., Oppel, S., Clay, T.A., Phillips, R.A., Bonnet-Lebrun, A.-S., Wanless, R.M., Abraham, E., Richard, Y., Rice, J., Handley, J., Davies, T.E., Dilley, B.J., Ryan, P.G., Small, C., Arata, J., Arnould, J.P.Y., Bell, E., Bugoni, L., Campioni, L., Catry, P., Cleeland, J., Deppe, L., Elliott, G., Freeman, A., González-Solís, J., Granadeiro, J.P. Grémillet, D., Landers, T.J., Makhado, A., Nel, D., Nicholls, D.G., Rexer-Huber, K., Robertson, C.J.R., Sagar, P.M., Scofield, P., Stahl, J.-C., Stanworth, A., Stevens, K.L., Trathan, P.N., Thompson, D.R., Torres, L., Walker, K., Waugh, S.M., Weimerskirch, H. & Dias*,* M.P. 2020.  A framework for mapping the distribution of seabirds by integrating tracking, demography and phenology.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology*doi.org/10.1111/13652664.13568](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13568) [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3515-integrating-age-class-information-on-at-sea-distribution-of-southern-ocean-albatrosses-and-petrels-shows-an-increased-risk-from-fisheries?highlight=WyJjYXJuZWlybyJd)]. Dilley, B.J., Hedding, D.W., Henry, D.A.W., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G.C., Schoombie, S., Osborne, A. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Clustered or dispersed: testing the effect of sampling strategy to census burrow-nesting petrels with varied distributions at sub-Antarctic Marion Island. [Antarctic Science 31: 231-242](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/clustered-or-dispersed-testing-the-effect-of-sampling-strategy-to-census-burrownesting-petrels-with-varied-distributions-at-subantarctic-marion-island/A4F932E9B3866E60D9A0C82D9AD6EBD6).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3437-surveying-white-chinned-petrels-which-census-method-is-best?highlight=WyJkaWxsZXkiLCJoZWRkaW5nIl0=)]. Elliott, G., Walker, K., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K. & Miskelly, C.M. 2020.  Subantarctic Adams Island and its birdlife.  [Notornis 67: 153–187](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4472). Miskelly, C.M., Elliott, G.P., Parker, G.C., Rexer-Huber, K., Russ, R.B, Taylor, R.H., Tennyson, A.J.D. & Walker, K.J. 2020.  Birds of the Auckland Islands, New Zealand subantarctic.  [*Notornis * 67: 59–151](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4471). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3609-antipodean-light-mantled-northern-royal-and-white-capped-albatrosses-and-northern-giant-and-white-chinned-petrels-at-the-auckland-islands?highlight=WyJlbGxpb3R0IiwiYWRhbXMiLCJhZGFtcyciLCJub3Rvcm5pcyJd)]. Rexer‐Huber, K. 2017.  [White-chinned petrel distribution, abundance and connectivity have circumpolar conservation implications](https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/7778).  PhD thesis, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.  166 pp.  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2913-phd-awarded-to-kalinka-rexer-huber-for-her-research-on-acap-listed-white-chinned-petrels-in-new-zealand?highlight=WyJyZXhlci1odWJlciIsInBoZCIsInBoZCdzIiwicmV4ZXItaHViZXIgcGhkIl0=)]. Rexer-Huber. K., Parker, G.C., Sagar, P.M. & Thompson, D.R. 2017.  White-chinned petrel population estimate, Disappointment Island (Auckland Islands).  [Polar Biology 40: 1053-1061](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-016-2031-x).  [[click here].](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2572-155-500-pairs-of-white-chinned-petrels-make-new-zealand-s-disappointment-island-home?highlight=WyJyZXhlci1odWJlciIsIndoaXRlLWNoaW5uZWQiLCJwZXRyZWwiLCJwZXRyZWwncyIsInBldHJlbCcsIiwicmV4ZXItaHViZXIgd2hpdGUtY2hpbm5lZCIsInJleGVyLWh1YmVyIHdoaXRlLWNoaW5uZWQgcGV0cmVsIiwid2hpdGUtY2hpbm5lZCBwZXRyZWwiXQ==) Rexer-Huber, K., Thompson, D.R. & Parker, G.C. 2020.  White-chinned petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) burrow density, occupancy, and population size at the Auckland Islands.  [Notornis 67: 387-401](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4484).  [[click here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-016-2031-x)]. Rexer‐Huber, K., Veale, A.J., Catry, P., Cherel, Y., Dutoit, L., Foster, Y., McEwan, J.C., Parker, G.C., Phillips, R.S., Ryan, P.G., Stanworth, A.J., van Stijn, T., Thompson, D.R., Waters, J. & Robertson, B.C. 2019.  Genomics detects population structure within and between ocean basins in a circumpolar seabird: the white‐chinned petrel.  [Molecular Ecology doi:10.1111/mec.15248](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mec.15248).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3404-genetic-study-confirms-two-white-chinned-petrel-subspecies?highlight=WyJyZXhlci1odWJlciIsInBoZCIsInBoZCdzIiwicmV4ZXItaHViZXIgcGhkIl0=)]. Walker, K., Elliott, G.P., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G.C., McClelland, P. & Sagar, P.M. 2020. Shipwrecks and mollymawks: an account of Disappointment Island birds.  [Notornis 67: 213-245](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4474). *Kalinka Rexer-Huber, Parker Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand, 20 October 2021* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-white-chinned-petrel-by-kalinka-rexer-huber.md) ## The Tristan Albatrosses of Gough Island get some relief following the mouse eradication exercise ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_9.JPG) *A Tristan Albatross chick in the Gonydale monitoring colony on Gough Island, now safe from mice?  Photograph by Michelle Risi* How have [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text) Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* been fairing on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) since the [completion of the bait drop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4123-the-second-bait-drop-to-eradicate-gough-island-s-albatross-killing-mice-is-completed?highlight=WyJnaXJwIiwiZ2lycCdzIiwyMDIxXQ==) against introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* by the Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) earlier this year?  Seems there has been improvement in breeding success in some areas but not in others, as explained in a recent [blog post](https://www.goughisland.com/post/2021-a-mixed-bag-for-tristan-albatrosses?fbclid=IwAR26VORK6sO6hVGVAH2Z9ieSwnpY0kcfx8-jaeiUu6uHXGhsxsHWrooTK2U): “Every year our Overwintering Team conduct their ‘round island’ count at this time to establish how many Tristan albatross chicks survived the winter to reach a size and age at which they are likely to go on and fledge (in December). This year the weather was too poor for the team to complete the check in one (three-day long) trip and so we were made to wait on tenterhooks for a few days longer than usual. But the numbers are now in and it is fair to say it is a mixed bag. We always expected chicks would still be lost this year, but we hoped to be able to start baiting before the worst of the winter hardships hit the mice – and consequently, the albatross. During incubation and for the first couple of months of its life, Tristan albatross chicks have a parent close by at all times. At the end of this brood-guard phase, the parents are (largely) both away at sea, returning to provision the chick but not to stay with it. It is possible that albatross chicks are particularly vulnerable at this point, and on Gough this vulnerability is likely exacerbated as it coincides with the start of winter when food options for mice begin to run out. Our team do two round island counts – one at the start of the year and one in Sept/Oct. But between those times, they also make regular (approximately monthly) checks at two colonies that are closer to home – Tafelkop and Gonydale. At these two colonies, no fresh mouse wounds were observed after the first baiting in the area and chick survival was high. The figures from these sites are amazing – 70.9% at Gonydale and an astonishing 92.9% at Tafelkop – far higher than we’ve recorded before. But all in all, breeding success for this year across the whole island comes in at 39.7% - not much higher than last year’s 37.2%. It is crucial to appreciate that this is NOT indicative of the outcome of the eradication operation – most likely merely a reflection of the point at which we were able to distribute bait combined with the end of the brood-guard phase. Importantly, high breeding success across the island would not have been indicative of success either – if mice are still present on the island, they are likely to be few in number and may not need to attack albatross chicks to survive. This is part of the reason why we won’t be able to ascertain whether the eradication attempt was successful for at least two years. Hopefully we will, however, be able to report on greatly improved Tristan albatross breeding success before then.” **Note:**  The ACAP Information Officer (with the essential help of friends and colleagues in the field) established the Gonydale and Tafelkop monitoring colonies by staking nests and colour- and metal-banding incubating adults of the two Tristan Albatross demi-populations over the consecutive summers of 2006/07 and 2007/08.  The news of vastly improved breeding success in these two study colonies is thus especially pleasing to him. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-tristan-albatrosses-of-gough-island-get-some-relief-following-the-mouse-eradication-exercise.md) ## Albatrosses and petrels can accumulate chemicals from ingested plastics ![the unknown consequenc 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Mitigation/the-unknown-consequenc-1.jpg) *Figure from the publication* Rei Yamashita ([Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry](https://web.tuat.ac.jp/~gaia/english/english.html), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Environmental Monitoring and Contaminants Research](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/emcr/-char/en)* on the levels of pollutants in preen gland oil of albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and other seabirds. The paper’s abstract follows: “Plastic pollution, and its associated impacts on marine fauna due to chemical contamination, is an area of growing global concern. We analyzed 145 preen gland oil samples from 32 seabird species belonging to 8 families with different foraging habits and life history strategies from around the world for plastic additives and legacy persistent organic pollutants. The additives included two brominated flame retardants (decabromodiphenyl ether, BDE209; decabromo diphenyl ethane, DBDPE) and six benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs; UVP, UV326, UV329, UV328, UV327, and UV234). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites: DDTs and hexachlorocyclohexane: HCHs) were detected ubiquitously. High concentrations of PCBs (up to 20,000 ng/g-lipid) were observed in the seabirds from higher-trophic level taxa. These patterns can be attributed to PCB exposure via their diet and associated biomagnification. DDT concentrations showed strong positive correlations with PCB concentrations, suggesting that DDTs in seabirds are also a result of diet and biomagnification. Plastic additives were detected sporadically as BDE209 and DBDPE were detected in 16 seabirds from 10 species (range: 3–379 ng/g-lipid) and BUVSs were detected in 46% (67) of the examined individuals (range: 2–7,055 ng/g-lipid). UV stabilizers were more frequently detected than flame retardants because UV stabilizers are more widely applied to plastic products. None of the plastic additives were correlated to the presence of PCBs, nor were they explained by the foraging area or trophic level. High concentrations of additives were detected in the species with high levels of plastic in their digestive tracts. In some of these species, such as Hawaiian petrels (*Pterodroma sandwichensis*) from Hawaii and flesh-footed shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) from Western Australia, plastics were directly observed in the stomach. For other species, including great shearwaters (*Ardenna gravis*) from Gough Island, blue petrels (*Halobaena caerulea*) from Marion Island, and black-footed and Laysan albatrosses (*Phoebastria nigripes* and *P. immutabilis*) from Hawaii, plastic ingestion has been documented in literature. These patterns can be explained if the additives are mainly from ingested plastics rather than diet. The detection of BFRs and BUVSs demonstrated that a significant proportion of the examined seabirds accumulated chemicals from ingested plastics.” **Reference:** Yamashita, R., Hiki, N., Kashiwada, F., Takada, H., Mizukawa, K.,  Hardesty, B.D., Roman, L., Hyrenbach, D., Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J., Muñoz-Pérez, J.P.,  Valle, C.A., Pham, C.K., Frias, J., Nishizawa, B., Takahashi, A., Thiebot, J.-B., Will, A.,  Kokubun, N., Watanabe, Y.Y., Yamamoto, T., Shiomi, K., Shimabukuro, U. & Watanuki 2021.  Plastic additives and legacy persistent organic pollutants in the preen gland oil of seabirds sampled across the globe.  [*Environmental Monitoring and Contaminants Research*1: 97-112](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/emcr/1/0/1_20210009/_article). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/albatrosses-and-petrels-can-accumulate-chemicals-from-ingested-plastics.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Light-mantled Albatross by Jaimie Cleeland  ![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 15](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_15.JPG)*On ‘Macca’ Light-mantled Albatrosses breed among sub-Antarctic megaherbs, here the broad-leafed*[*Macquarie Island Cabbage*](https://www.citscihub.nz/Phil_Bendle_Collection:Stilbocarpa_polaris_(Macquarie_Island_cabbage)) Stilbocarpa polaris **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Jaimie Cleeland](https://au.linkedin.com/in/jaimie-cleeland-1ab973137), a Fisheries Scientist at the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au) and the [University of Tasmania](https://www.utas.edu.au/), describes her research conducted on the globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/light-mantled-albatross-phoebetria-palpebrata/text) Light-mantled Albatrosses *Phoebetria palpebrata* that breed on Australia’s sub-Antarctic [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site). *![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross.jpg) Jaimie Cleeland approaches Light-mantled Albatrosses breeding on the steep slopes of Macquarie Island; all such visits are conducted under a research permit* If you’re ever lucky enough to visit one of the many sub-Antarctic islands that Light-mantled Albatrosses breed on – you will mostly likely hear them before you see them!  Their Sky Point display, coupled with a distinctive – and evocative - “pee-aahh” call, is what first caught my attention and drew my eyes to the steep escarpments of Macquarie Island.  It is on these exposed cliffs that the Light-mantled Albatrosses breed – making it challenging for field biologists, such as myself, to access their nests to check their breeding status or read the number of a leg band.  Although it doesn’t usually take very long – perhaps just a few visits to the monitoring colony before you achieve “mountain goat” abilities and become comfortable working safely at heights. It is then your attention can turn to their aerial acrobatics as pairs whizz by in synchronized flight – a display of courtship. *![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_9.JPG) The light blue sulcus on the lower mandible distinguishes the Light-mantled from the Sooty Albatross with its yellow sulcus* During the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project ([MIPEP](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1930-the-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-project-gets-formally-assessed-as-a-great-result?highlight=WyJtYWNxdWFyaWUiLCJtYWNxdWFyaWUncyIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZCdzIiwiaXNsYW5kJyIsIidpc2xhbmQnIiwicGVzdCIsImVyYWRpY2F0aW9uIiwiZXJhZGljYXRpb24ncyIsIidlcmFkaWNhdGlvbiIsInByb2plY3QiLCJwcm9qZWN0J3MiLCJwcm9qZWN0JywiLCIncHJvamVjdCIsIm1hY3F1YXJpZSBpc2xhbmQiLCJtYWNxdWFyaWUgaXNsYW5kIHBlc3QiLCJpc2xhbmQgcGVzdCIsImlzbGFuZCBwZXN0IGVyYWRpY2F0aW9uIiwicGVzdCBlcmFkaWNhdGlvbiIsInBlc3QgZXJhZGljYXRpb24gcHJvamVjdCIsImVyYWRpY2F0aW9uIHByb2plY3QiXQ==)), I regularly visited several of the island’s research monitoring sites to conduct breeding surveys of Light-mantled Albatrosses from 2011 to 2014 ([click here](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/stations/macquarie-island/2013/22-november-2013/)).  In 2013, with the help of a dedicated team of rabbit and rodent hunters, we scoured the whole island, finding 2151 occupied nests.  A ground search of this magnitude, conducted over steep terrain, was a huge achievement for our team. *![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 8](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_8.JPG) A Light-mantled Albatross chick sits up to eye the photographer* Light-mantled Albatrosses then became a subject of my [PhD thesis](https://eprints.utas.edu.au/29563/1/Cleeland_whole_thesis.pdf) at the [University of Tasmania](https://www.utas.edu.au/).  Even though I was no longer living on “Macca”, as the island is affectionally called by its human visitors, I spent my days trying to understand their patterns in foraging behaviour and their vulnerability to invasive species, climate change and fisheries impacts.  I found that during breeding, Light-mantled Albatrosses foraged farther south than any of the other albatrosses that breed on Macquarie and during the non-breeding period some tracked individuals even circumnavigated the whole of Antarctica. *![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 13](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_13.JPG) Light-mantled Albatrosses gather to meet and greet* Like all albatrosses, Light-mantled Albatrosses spend the majority of their life at sea.  For the birds breeding on Macquarie I found large-scale climate cycles such as the El Nino – Southern Oscillation ([ENSO](https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/enso/what-el-ni%C3%B1o%E2%80%93southern-oscillation-enso-nutshell)) and the [Southern Annular Mode](http://www.antarcticglaciers.org/glaciers-and-climate/changing-antarctica/southern-annular-mode/) influenced their survival.  Despite their predominantly oceanic life.  I also found conditions at the colony can impact this species. Damage to nesting habitat on the steep slopes of Macquarie Island caused by heavy rabbit grazing reduced their likelihood of breeding. *![Jaimie Cleeland Light mantled Albatross 7](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Light_mantled/Jaimie_Cleeland_Light-mantled_Albatross_7.JPG) A Light-mantled Albatross fly by* Luckily the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project was successful in removing rabbits, rats and mice from the island and the slopes that the Light-mantled Albatross call home are lush and green once more! **Selected Publications:** Beal, M., Dias, M.P., Phillips, R.A., Oppel, S., Hazin, C., Pearmain, E.J., Adams, J. , Anderson, D.J., Antolos, M., Arata, J.A., Arcos, J.M., Arnould, J.P., Awkerman, J., Bell, E., Bell, M. Carey, M., Carle, R., Clay, T.A., Cleeland, J., Colodro, V., Conners, M. Cruz-Flores, M., Cuthbert, R., Delord, K., Deppe, L., Dilley, B.J., Dinis, H., Elliott, G., De Felipe, F., J. Felis, M.G. Forero, A. Freeman, A. Fukuda, J. González-Solís, J.P. Granadeiro, A. Hedd, P. Hodum, J. M. Igual, A. Jaeger, T.J. Landers, M. Le Corre, A. Makhado, B. Metzger, T. Militão, W.A. Montevecchi, V. Morera-Pujol, L. Navarro-Herrero, D. Nel, D. Nicholls, D. Oro, R. Ouni, K. Ozaki, F. Quintana, R. Ramos, T. Reid, J.M. Reyes-González, C. Robertson, G. Robertson, M.S. Romdhane, P.G. Ryan, P. Sagar, F. Sato, S. Schoombie, R.P. Scofield, S.A. Shaffer, N.J. Shah, K.L. Stevens, C. Surman, R.M. Suryan, A. Takahashi, V. Tatayah, G. Taylor, D.R. Thompson, L. Torres, K. Walker, R. Wanless, S.M. Waugh, H. Weimerskirch, T. Yamamoto, Z. Zajkova, L. Zango & P. Catry 2021.  Global political responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and large petrels.  [*Science Advances*(10).  DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd7225.](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/10/eabd7225) [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3984-over-10-000-at-sea-tracks-from-5775-albatrosses-and-petrels-show-that-their-conservation-requires-political-action-at-a-global-level?highlight=WyJiZWFsIl0=)]. Carneiro, A.P.B., Pearmain, E.J., Oppel, S., Clay, T.A., Phillips, R.A., Bonnet-Lebrun, A.-S., Wanless, R.M., Abraham, E., Richard, Y., Rice, J., Handley, J., Davies, T.E., Dilley, B.J., Ryan, P.G., Small, C., Arata, J., Arnould, J.P.Y., Bell, E., Bugoni, L., Campioni, L., Catry, P., Cleeland, J., Deppe, L., Elliott, G., Freeman, A., González-Solís, J., Granadeiro, J.P. Grémillet, D., Landers, T.J., Makhado, A., Nel, D., Nicholls, D.G., Rexer-Huber, K., Robertson, C.J.R., Sagar, P.M., Scofield, P., Stahl, J.-C., Stanworth, A., Stevens, K.L., Trathan, P.N., Thompson, D.R., Torres, L., Walker, K., Waugh, S.M., Weimerskirch, H. & Dias*,* M.P. 2020.  A framework for mapping the distribution of seabirds by integrating tracking, demography and phenology.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology *doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13568](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13568).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3515-integrating-age-class-information-on-at-sea-distribution-of-southern-ocean-albatrosses-and-petrels-shows-an-increased-risk-from-fisheries?highlight=WyJjYXJuZWlybyJd)] Cleeland, J. 2017. [Factors that drive demographic change in a community of albatrosses](https://eprints.utas.edu.au/29563/1/Cleeland_whole_thesis.pdf).  PhD thesis.  Hobart: University of Tasmania.  153 pp.  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3409-phd-awarded-to-australian-marine-ornithologist-jaimie-cleeland-for-her-study-of-macquarie-island-s-albatrosses?highlight=WyJjbGVlbGFuZCJd)] Cleeland, J.B., Alderman, R., Bindoff, A., Lea, M.-A., McMahon, C.R., Phillips, R.A., Raymond, B., Sumner, M.D., Terauds, A., Wotherspoon, S.J. & Hindell, M.A. 2019.  Factors influencing the habitat use of sympatric albatrosses from Macquarie Island.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series*609: 221-237](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v609/p221-237/). [[click here]](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3221-black-browed-albatrosses-most-at-risk-to-climate-change-at-sub-antarctic-macquarie-island-based-on-tracking-four-albatross-species?highlight=WyJjbGVlbGFuZCJd) Cleeland, J.B., Pardo, D., Raymond, B., Terauds, A., Alderman, R., McMahon, C.R., Phillips, R.A., Lea, M.-A. & Hindell, M.A. 2020.  Introduced species and extreme weather as key drivers of reproductive output in three sympatric albatrosses.  [*Scientific Reports:*10: 8199. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64662-5](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-64662-5).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3658-good-they-ve-gone-rabbits-were-not-good-for-macquarie-island-s-albatrosses?highlight=WyJjbGVlbGFuZCIsInBhcmRvIl0=)] Cleeland, J.B., Pardo, D., Raymond, B., Tuck, G.N., McMahon, C.R., Phillips, R.A., Alderman, R., Lea, M.-A. & Hindell, M.A. 2021.  Disentangling the influence of three major threats on the demography of an albatross community.  [*Frontiers in Marine Science*doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.578144](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.578144/full).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4001-major-threats-to-macquarie-island-s-albatrosses-terrestrial-or-marine?highlight=WyJjbGVlbGFuZCIsInBhcmRvIl0=)] Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Cleeland, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  First evidence of mouse attacks on adult albatrosses and petrels breeding on sub-Antarctic Marion and Gough Islands.  [*Polar Biology * doi.org/10.1007/s00300-018-02444-6](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-018-02444-6).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3195-invasive-mice-turn-to-attacking-adult-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-on-gough-and-marion-islands?highlight=WyJjbGVlbGFuZCJd)]. Requena, S., Oppel, S., Bond, A.L., Hall, A., Cleeland, J., Crawford, R.J.M., Davies, D., Dilley, B.J., Makhado, A., Ratcliffe, N., Reid, T.A., Ronconi, R.A., Schofield, A., Steinfurth, A., Wege, M., Bester, M.[N.] & Ryan, P.G. 2020.  Marine hotspots of activity inform protection of a threatened community of pelagic species in a large oceanic jurisdiction.  [*Animal Conservation * doi.org/10.1111/acv.12572](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acv.12572).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3562-identifying-marine-hotspots-around-the-tristan-da-cunha-gough-islands-by-tracking-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels?highlight=WyJjbGVlbGFuZCJd)] *Jaimie Cleeland, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston and University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 15 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-light-mantled-albatross-by-jamie-cleeland.md) ## “After the cats…tackling mice on Marion Island”- Professor Peter Ryan discusses eradicating House Mice in the sub-Antarctic ![PeterRyan Photo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/PeterRyan_Photo.jpg) *Peter Ryan, Director of the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology* [Professor Peter Ryan](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/staff/director/ryan), Director of the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/) at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and Chair of the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org)’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Group, recently presented an illustrated talk on the conservation of [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels)*. *The online talk on 7 October was in the [Unlocking Nature series](http://lcafrica.org/video-library/) arranged by the [Leadership for Conservation in Africa](http://lcafrica.org/).  The LCA invites a diverse range of speakers to share their conservation stories with global audiences. *After the cats…tackling mice on Marion Island* In his presentation, titled “*After the cats…tackling mice on Marion Island”***,** Peter discussed the devastating impacts introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* are having on the seabirds of the island in the southern Indian Ocean, attacking and killing both chicks and breeding adults of surface-nesting albatrosses and burrowing petrels.  He described the development of techniques that have enabled operations to eradicate mice and other rodents from sub-Antarctic islands successfully, such as [Antipodes](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3114-antipodes-million-dollar-mouse-team-releases-a-video-of-its-successful-eradication-campaign?highlight=WyJhbnRpcG9kZXMiLCInYW50aXBvZGVzJyIsImFudGlwb2RlcyciLCJtaWNlIiwibWljZSdzIiwiYW50aXBvZGVzIG1pY2UiXQ==) and [Macquarie](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1930-the-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-project-gets-formally-assessed-as-a-great-result?highlight=WyJtYWNxdWFyaWUiLCJtYWNxdWFyaWUncyIsImlzbGFuZCIsImlzbGFuZCdzIiwiaXNsYW5kJyIsIidpc2xhbmQnIiwibWlwZXAiLCJtaXBlcCdzIiwibWFjcXVhcmllIGlzbGFuZCJd), and this year’s effort to eradicate mice on [Gough Island](https://www.goughisland.com/).  He then went on to describe the plans currently underway by the Mouse-Free Marion Project to eradicate the mice on South Africa’s Marion Island.  If successful, Marion will be the largest sub-Antarctic island freed of its mice in a single operation. *![Grey headed Albatross 1 Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Grey-headed_Albatross_1_Ben_Dilley.jpg) Next in line?  A Grey-headed Albatross chick begs for food on Marion Island, with the carcass of a chick killed by mice on an adjacent nest; photograph by Ben Dilley* The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session, with Peter and [Anton Wolfaardt](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/), the Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager, answering the audience’s many questions.  The 80-minute recording of the whole presentation can also be found on Mouse-Free Marion website in the [interviews](https://mousefreemarion.org/interviews/) section. With thanks to [Robyn Adams](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-robyn-adams-communications-officer-and-project-assistant-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/), Communications Officer, Mouse-Free Marion Project. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/after-the-cats-tackling-mice-on-marion-island-professor-peter-ryan-discusses-eradicating-house-mice-in-the-sub-antarctic.md) ## “Vote Toroa” supports the Antipodean Albatross in this year’s Bird of the Year competition ![BOTY Antipodean Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/BOTY_Antipodean_Albatross.jpg) Voting in New Zealand’s Te Manu Rongonui o te Tau/Bird of the Year ([BOTY](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/)) competition for 2021 will be open from 18-31 October, and once again the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis* is on the list ([click here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/antipodean-albatross?fbclid=IwAR1Zwbd55qo2akuBr_A2Rns2Bi2y2BhBVWrCPurgH6ez6NO1OZAyy2csi-w)). New Zealand’s BOTY competition commenced in 2005 and despite the country being arguably the seabird capital of the world, with no less than 10 species of breeding albatrosses, none has ever come out as the top BOTY bird.  Time for a change according to the support group “[Vote Toroa](https://www.facebook.com/VoteToroa)” that is championing the New Zealand-endemic Antipodean Albatross, which breeds on only two island groups, and is threatened by fisheries bycatch in domestic international and South American waters.  In BOTY2020 the Antipodean Albatross came [second](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3877-podium-position-the-antipodean-albatross-comes-second-in-new-zealand-s-boty2020?highlight=WyJib3R5IiwiJ2JvdHkiLDIwMjAsIjIwMjAncyIsIjIwMjAnLiIsIjIwMjAnIl0=) after intially being in the lead.  This year albatross lovers are hoping it will gain the top step of the podium. *![Antipodean Albatross colour banded Kath Walker](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_colour_banded_Kath_Walker.jpg) A colour-banded Antipodean Albatross on*[Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species)*, photograph by Kath Walker* View all the candidates up for BOTY2021[here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/?fbclid=IwAR2hLBfum4SE4kgsM1Bi5c4ckXTfTHK0-ZViA_lZANXK-8uUQijMIR2cO6w), and find out how the voting will work following an “instant runoff voting system” by ranking up to five birds [here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/voting/).  Voting is world-wide and is not restricted to New Zealanders.  As before the ACAP-listed and both [globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) and [nationally](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/black-petrel) Vulnerable Back Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni is* on the list ([click here](https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/black-petrel)). ![BOTY Antipodean Albatross logo](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/BOTY_Antipodean_Albatross_logo.png) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/vote-toroa-supports-the-antipodean-albatross-in-this-year-s-bird-of-the-year-competition.md) ## The 15th International Seabird Group Conference will be held in Ireland next year ![15th Seabird Conference](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Logos/15th_Seabird_Conference.png)  The United Kingdom-based [https://www.facebook.com/TheSeabirdGroup/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXBkg2W6N2jrAziOI6DioOJqG1J-ZrnS3wKTgI9dzi9U4ySO4o4VaSaJH3iTBymn1UDL4FubE0Mch-QYbJka7T7VyyBZtp0eUxHiYpDD4fkpHEbm-gGXrNSUhMnQkeTcmoDl1kLYG712abJGqPgh2TC&__tn__=kK-y-R](https://www.facebook.com/TheSeabirdGroup/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXBkg2W6N2jrAziOI6DioOJqG1J-ZrnS3wKTgI9dzi9U4ySO4o4VaSaJH3iTBymn1UDL4FubE0Mch-QYbJka7T7VyyBZtp0eUxHiYpDD4fkpHEbm-gGXrNSUhMnQkeTcmoDl1kLYG712abJGqPgh2TC&__tn__=kK-y-R)[Seabird Group](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk) has announced that the 15th International Seabird Group Conference will be hosted by [University College Cork](https://www.ucc.ie/en/) over 22-25 August 2022 in Cork, Ireland.  The conference was originally due to be held in Cork this year but will now take place in 2022. “The Seabird Group, a registered charity, was founded in 1966 to promote and help coordinate the study and conservation of seabirds.  It maintains close links with other national and international ornithological bodies.  Members receive, and can contribute to, regular newsletters, and the colour journal [Seabird](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/publications), published annually.   The Group organises regular international conferences and provides small grants towards research and survey projects. It was part of the [SEABIRD 2000](https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/1dae7357-350c-483f-b14d-7513254433a5) partnership, a major initiative to census [*sic*] all the seabirds breeding in Britain and Ireland between 1998 and 2002.  The Group actively encourages its members to get involved in surveys of seabirds and other research work.” More information will be posted on the conference when it becomes available. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-15th-international-seabird-group-conference-will-be-held-in-ireland-next-year.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Sooty Albatross by Stefan Schoombie *![Stefan Schoombie Sooty Albatross closeup](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_Albatross_closeup.jpg) Portrait of a Sooty Albatross on Marion Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Stefan Schoombie](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/students/doctoral/schoombie) writes about his MSc and PhD research conducted on the [globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sooty-albatross-phoebetria-fusca) and [regionally](https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/the-eskom-red-data-book-of-birds/)Endangered Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca* breeding on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean.  See species so far covered in the series in the [Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) section on this website. *![OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Stefan_ropework.JPG) With breeding Sooty Albatrosses looking on, Stefan Schoombie abseils down a Marion Island coastal cliff to reach their nests* I have always had a keen interest in the ocean and taking pictures of its inhabitants.  However, it was only in 2013, when I joined the 70th Marion Island Overwintering Expedition (M70), that I was introduced to the wonders of the seabird.  The voyage to Marion Island involves a four- to five-day trip onboard South Africa’s Antarctic research and supply vessel, the [*S.A. Agulhas II*](https://acap.aq/Featuring%20ACAP-listed%20species%20and%20their%20photographers:%20the%20Sooty%20Albatross%20by%20Stefan%20Schoombie), from which one has the opportunity to witness the incredible flying capabilities of seabirds, ranging from the smallest storm petrel to the largest albatross, all co-existing in the same harsh conditions.  The capability of seabirds to thrive in the Southern Ocean, notorious for its strong winds, fascinated me from the start and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to further my studies with albatrosses and petrels as the   subject.  For the past eight years I have been studying the at-sea distribution and behaviour of a range of albatross and petrel species, and in between my academic studies I overwintered on Marion Island again in 2015/16 and 2019/20 as part of the M72 and M76 expeditions.  Although I have only seen albatrosses breeding on Marion Island, I hope one day to visit some of their other sub-Antarctic sites. *![Stefan Schoombie Sooty Albatross with chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_Albatross_with_chick.JPG) A Sooty Albatross stands over its chick* In 2013 I started an MSc project with the University of Cape Town’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za) looking at the demographics and movements of the Sooty Albatross*.*  This involved setting up long-term monitoring colonies at various sites on Marion Island, which was not an easy task. Sooty Albatrosses are cliff-nesting birds and accessing their nesting sites is often challenging and, in many cases, requires the use of climbing gear. *![Stefan Schoombie Sooty synchronous flight](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_synchronous_flight.jpg) Two Sooty Albatrosses fly synchronously along a coastal cliff on Marion Island* Working with Sooty Albatrosses is not for the faint-hearted, but it is very rewarding as these birds provide endless awe and entertainment.  Apart from their white eye ring giving them a surprised look, they produce an unmistakable call which can be heard from far away when echoed along the cliffs. Sooty Albatrosses are excellent flyers, but landing can be challenging when trying to land on a ledge in a gusting wind.  This results in the birds often circling their nesting sites for long periods of time, producing a spectacular sight in the sky with some impressive evasive flight manoeuvres when the air traffic is high.  Part of their courting rituals also involve a synchronous flight, where two birds closely follow each other’s flight patterns. *![Stefan Schoombie Sooty Albatross takeoff](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_Albatross_takeoff.JPG) “I’m off.” A Sooty Albatross takes flight above Marion Island’s Ship’s Cove* As part of my MSc project, I looked at the at-sea distribution of Sooty Albatrosses using GPS loggers, tracking the movement of the birds during a foraging trip.  I was astounded at the distances the birds were able to travel within a relatively short amount of time.  This prompted me to further my studies into the at-sea behaviour of albatrosses, specifically focusing on their fine-scale flight, which formed the basis of my recently awarded PhD thesis.  This project included the use of bird-borne video cameras on Sooty Albatrosses which produced a glimpse into their flying capabilities, as seen from their own perspective.  To me, these images highlighted the harsh conditions that albatrosses thrive in and just how incredible their flight really is. *![Stefan Schoombie Sooty chicks in row](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_chicks_in_row.jpg) Sooty Albatross chicks in a row sit up to watch the photographer* While spending time on Marion Island, it was encouraging to see that Sooty Albatross numbers seemed to have increased.  However, this may be short-lived as breeding seabirds have recently fallen prey to invasive House Mice *Mus musculus* which attack defenceless chicks, often leading to their death.  Unfortunately, the Endangered Sooty Albatross has also been affected by these mouse attacks on Marion Island and urgent intervention is now necessary. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty/Stefan_Schoombie_Sooty_Albatross_chick_with_mouse_wound.JPG) Not expected to survive: a Sooty Albatross chick bears a neck wound caused by Marion's House Mice All photographs by Stefan Schoombie* **Selected Publications:** Beal, M., M.P. Dias, R.A. Phillips, S. Oppel, C. Hazin, E.J. Pearmain, J. Adams, D.J. Anderson, M. Antolos, J.A. Arata, J.M. Arcos, J.P. Arnould, J. Awkerman, E. Bell, M. Bell, M. Carey, R. Carle, T.A. Clay, J. Cleeland, V. Colodro, M. Conners, M. Cruz-Flores, R. Cuthbert, K. Delord, L. Deppe, B. J. Dilley, H. Dinis, G. Elliott, F. De Felipe, J. Felis, M.G. Forero, A. Freeman, A. Fukuda, J. González-Solís, J.P. Granadeiro, A. Hedd, P. Hodum, J. M. Igual, A. Jaeger, T.J. Landers, M. Le Corre, A. Makhado, B. Metzger, T. Militão, W.A. Montevecchi, V. Morera-Pujol, L. Navarro-Herrero, D. Nel, D. Nicholls, D. Oro, R. Ouni, K. Ozaki, F. Quintana, R. Ramos, T. Reid, J.M. Reyes-González, C. Robertson, G. Robertson, M.S. Romdhane, P.G. Ryan, P. Sagar, F. Sato, S. Schoombie, R.P. Scofield, S.A. Shaffer, N.J. Shah, K.L. Stevens, C. Surman, R.M. Suryan, A. Takahashi, V. Tatayah, G. Taylor, D.R. Thompson, L. Torres, K. Walker, R. Wanless, S.M. Waugh, H. Weimerskirch, T. Yamamoto, Z. Zajkova, L. Zango & P. Catry 2021.  Global political responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and large petrels.  [*Science Advances*7(10). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd7225.](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/10/eabd7225) [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3984-over-10-000-at-sea-tracks-from-5775-albatrosses-and-petrels-show-that-their-conservation-requires-political-action-at-a-global-level?highlight=WyJiZWFsIl0=)]. Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Stevens, K., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Burrow wars and sinister behaviour among burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Ardea * 107: 97-102](https://bioone.org/journals/ardea/volume-107/issue-1/arde.v107i1.a5/Burrow-Wars-and-Sinister-Behaviour-among-Burrow-Nesting-Petrels-at/10.5253/arde.v107i1.a5.short).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3300-burrow-competition-among-great-winged-grey-and-white-chinned-petrels-at-marion-island?highlight=WyJzaW5pc3RlciJd)]. Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2016.  ‘Scalping’ of albatross fledglings by introduced mice spreads rapidly at Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science*28: 73-80](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/scalping-of-albatross-fledglings-by-introduced-mice-spreads-rapidly-at-marion-island/58C59257E83ADAC5D46A2AB8CA07F711).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2329-threatened-albatrosses-on-marion-island-are-being-scalped-by-mice?highlight=WyJzY2FscGluZyIsIidzY2FscGluZyciXQ==)]. Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science*30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4130-breeding-success-of-grey-petrels-is-reduced-by-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island?highlight=WyJicmluayJd)] Reisinger, R.R., Raymond, B., M.N., Hindell, M.A., Bester, M.N., Crawford, R.J.M., Davies, D., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Dilley, B.J., Kirkman, S.P., Makhado, A.B., Ryan, P.G., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Sumner, M.D., Tosh, C.A., Wege, M., Whitehead, T.O., Wotherspoon, S. & Pistorius, P.A. 2018. Habitat modelling of tracking data from multiple marine predators identifies important areas in the Southern Indian Ocean. [*Diversity and Distributions*DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12702](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.12702/full). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2939-tracking-14-albatross-petrel-and-seal-species-from-sub-antarctic-marion-island-identifies-foraging-hotspots?highlight=WyJyZWlzaW5nZXIiLCJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIl0=)]. Schoombie, S. 2015.  [*The population status, breeding success and foraging ecology of Phoebetria albatrosses on Marion Island*](http://hdl.handle.net/11427/19983).  MSc Thesis, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town.  85 pp. Schoombie, S. 2021*.  Remotely sensing motion: the use of multiple biologging technologies to detect fine-scale, at-sea behaviour of breeding seabirds in a variable Southern Ocean environment*.  PhD Thesis., FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town.  [Not yet online]. **Schoombie, S.****,** Crawford, R.J.M., Makhado, A.B., Dyer, B.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2016.  Recent population trends of sooty and light-mantled albatrosses breeding on Marion Island.  [*African Journal of Marine Science * 38: 119-127](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2989/1814232X.2016.1162750).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2480-up-and-down-down-and-up-trends-in-sooty-albatrosses-at-south-africa-s-marion-island?highlight=WyJzY2hvb21iaWUiLCJjcmF3Zm9yZCJd)]. **Schoombie, S.****,** Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Glass, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2017.  The distribution of breeding Sooty Albatrosses from the three most important breeding sites: Gough, Tristan and the Prince Edward Islands.  [Emu 117: 160-169](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01584197.2017.1289804).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2699-tracking-sooty-albatrosses-at-sea-from-gough-tristan-and-marion-islands?highlight=WyJzY2hvb21iaWUiLCJnbGFzcyJd)]. Schoombie, S. & Schoombie, J. 2017.  Pseudo-egg “fabrication” by Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* on Marion Island.  [Seabird 30: 71-74](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-30-71).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3003-a-grey-headed-albatross-incubates-a-pseudo-egg-made-of-vegetation?highlight=WyJwc2V1ZG8tZWdnIl0=)]. Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Stevens, K.L., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Automated extraction of bank angles from bird-borne video footage using open-source software.  [*Journal of Field Ornithology*90: 361-372](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jofo.12313).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4159-banking-on-it-mounted-cameras-reveal-details-of-dynamic-soaring-in-wandering-albatrosses)]. Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Oosthuizen, A., Suleman, E., Jones, M.G.W., Pretorius, L., Dilley, B.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2017.  Avian pox in seabirds on Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean.  [Antarctic Science 30: 3-12](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/avian-pox-in-seabirds-on-marion-island-southern-indian-ocean/712365173BEDCF06E3E47DEBAA10AB23).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2865-avian-pox-virus-recorded-in-wandering-albatrosses-at-marion-island?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsInBveCIsImF2aWFuIHBveCJd)]. *Stefan Schoombie, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, 11 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-sooty-albatross-by-stefan-schoombie.md) ## UPDATED. Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Grey-headed Albatross by Kim Stevens ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_6.jpg) *A Grey-headed Albatross guards its downy chick on Marion Island’s Grey-headed Albatross Ridge – site of a long-term monitoring colony* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Kim Stevens, currently on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) in the South Atlantic, writes about her PhD research on the [globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma) and [regionally](https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/the-eskom-red-data-book-of-birds/) Endangered Grey-Headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* of South Africa’s [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the southern Indian Ocean.  See species so far covered in the series in the [Photo Essays](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/photographers) section on this website. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_1.jpg) Kim Stevens carefully restrains a Grey-headed Albatross.  All research on seabirds on Marion Island is conducted under a research permit issued in terms of the island’s management plan; photograph by Jess Berndt* My journey with seabirds began in 2013 when I hopped on to South Africa’s Antarctic research and supply ship, the [*S.A. Agulhas II*](https://www.environment.gov.za/saagulhasii), and headed south for a year-long expedition as a member of the M70 Overwintering Team to sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  Unbeknownst to me, this adventure would turn into a deep love for seabirds and the special places they inhabit.  Before this I did my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology and Ocean and Atmosphere Science, followed by a BSc (Hons) specialising in Zoology, at the University of Cape Town ([UCT](https://www.uct.ac.za)).  Upon seeing a job advertised to work as a seabird field assistant in the sub-Antarctic, I could not resist applying. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_5.jpg) Not always good weather for both bird and researcher: incubating Grey-headed Albatrosses in a snowstorm* At Marion Island I spent the year working on several albatross, petrel and penguin species, with a specific focus on the Grey-headed Albatrosses – deploying geolocation and GPS tracking devices on them to understand where they go at sea during and outside of their breeding season.  I used these data towards an MSc on returning to South Africa, whcch I later upgraded to a PhD with UCT’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za) to incorporate an analysis of the species’ long-term population dynamics.  A few months after upgrading I returned to Marion Island for a second expedition over 2016/17 (M73) to collect more data.  It was on this second expedition that I was unfortunately greeted by many a Grey-headed Albatross chick with large wounds inflicted by introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* and it was part of my job to record and monitor them.  It was difficult to see these chicks, so close to fledging and so badly affected by mice. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_wounded_Grey-headed_Albatross_chick.JPG)*Right between the eyes: a Grey-headed Albatross chick has been badly wounded by House Mice at night* *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_3.JPG) Post-guard stage: a healthy - and - curious chick regards the photographer; eggshell fragments litter the nest bowl* Since then, I have continued my PhD journey grappling with data, with some short sea-birding stints in between, including volunteering as a seabird observer for [BirdLife South Africa](https://www.birdlife.org.za/)’s Atlas of Seabirds at Sea ([AS@S](http://seabirds.saeon.ac.za/intro.aspx)) on a winter research cruise to the Antarctic sea ice.  I also assisted researchers from the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ([DFFE](https://www.environment.gov.za/saagulhasii)) counting and deploying tracking devices on Snow Petrels *Pagodroma nivea* and Emperor Penguins *Aptenodytes forsteri* in Antarctica. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_7.JPG) Icicles frame a Grey-headed Albatross on its nest* When the exciting opportunity arose to play a role in the Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/the-project)) to rid that island of its albatross and petrel-attacking House Mice and protect its many threatened seabird species, I put my PhD on hold.  I am currently working – for a two-year stretch - as the Senior Field Assistant for the [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds](https://www.rspb.org.uk/) on Gough.  And now that the project is in its final phases, we wait with bated breath to see how the seabird populations recover and for the final call on the success of the project which will be at least two years from now.  It has been an invaluable experience and the knowledge learned through this project will inevitably help the seabirds of Marion Island, which include the wonderful Grey-headed Albatross. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/G/Kim_Stevens_Grey-headed_Albatross_2.JPG) A study animal one can easily love.  A Grey-headed Albatross stands proudly on its cliff-side home Photographs by Kim Stevens* **Selected Publications:** Beal, M., Dias, M.P., Phillips, R.A., Oppel, S., Hazin, C., Pearmain, E.J., Adams, J. , Anderson, D.J.,  Antolos, M., Arata, J.A.,  Arcos, J.M., Arnould, J.P., Awkerman, J., Bell, E., Bell, M. Carey, M., Carle, R., Clay, T.A., Cleeland, J., Colodro, V., Conners, M. Cruz-Flores, M., Cuthbert, R., Delord, K., Deppe, L., Dilley, B.J., Dinis, H., Elliott, G., De Felipe, F., J. Felis, M.G. Forero, A. Freeman, A. Fukuda, J. González-Solís, J.P. Granadeiro, A. Hedd, P. Hodum, J. M. Igual, A. Jaeger, T.J. Landers, M. Le Corre, A. Makhado, B. Metzger, T. Militão, W.A. Montevecchi, V. Morera-Pujol, L. Navarro-Herrero, D. Nel, D. Nicholls, D. Oro, R. Ouni, K. Ozaki, F. Quintana, R. Ramos, T. Reid, J.M. Reyes-González, C. Robertson, G. Robertson, M.S. Romdhane, P.G. Ryan, P. Sagar, F. Sato, S. Schoombie, R.P. Scofield, S.A. Shaffer, N.J. Shah, K.L. Stevens, C. Surman, R.M. Suryan, A. Takahashi, V. Tatayah, G. Taylor, D.R. Thompson, L. Torres, K. Walker, R. Wanless, S.M. Waugh, H. Weimerskirch, T. Yamamoto, Z. Zajkova, L. Zango & P. Catry 2021.  Global political responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and large petrels.  [*Science Advances*7(10).  DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd7225.](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/10/eabd7225) [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3984-over-10-000-at-sea-tracks-from-5775-albatrosses-and-petrels-show-that-their-conservation-requires-political-action-at-a-global-level?highlight=WyJiZWFsIl0=)]. Carneiro, A.P.B., Pearmain, E.J., Oppel, S., Clay, T.A., Phillips, R.A., Bonnet-Lebrun, A.-S., Wanless, R.M., Abraham, E., Richard, Y., Rice, J.,  Handley, J., Davies, T.E., Dilley, B.J., Ryan, P.G., Small, C., Arata, J., Arnould, J.P.Y., Bell, E., Bugoni, L., Campioni, L., Catry, P., Cleeland, J., Deppe, L., Elliott, G., Freeman, A., González-Solís, J., Granadeiro, J.P. Grémillet, D., Landers, T.J., Makhado, A., Nel, D., Nicholls, D.G., Rexer-Huber, K., Robertson, C.J.R., Sagar, P.M., Scofield, P., Stahl, J.-C., Stanworth, A., Stevens, K.L., Trathan, P.N., Thompson, D.R., Torres, L., Walker, K., Waugh, S.M., Weimerskirch, H. & Dias*,* M.P. 2020.  A framework for mapping the distribution of seabirds by integrating tracking, demography and phenology.  [*Journal of Applied Ecology *doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13568](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13568). Carpenter‐Kling, T., Reisinger, R.R., Orgeret, F., Connan, M., Stevens, K.L., Ryan, P.G., Makhado, A. & Pistorius, P.A. 2020.  Foraging in a dynamic environment: response of four sympatric sub‐Antarctic albatross species to interannual environmental variability.  [*Ecology and Evolution*doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6766](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.6766)*. *[[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3834-where-to-eat-foraging-behaviour-of-marion-island-s-albatrosses-shows-behavioural-plasticity?highlight=WyJvcmdlcmV0Il0=)]*.* Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Stevens, K., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Burrow wars and sinister behaviour among burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Ardea*07: 97-102](https://bioone.org/journals/ardea/volume-107/issue-1/arde.v107i1.a5/Burrow-Wars-and-Sinister-Behaviour-among-Burrow-Nesting-Petrels-at/10.5253/arde.v107i1.a5.short).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3300-burrow-competition-among-great-winged-grey-and-white-chinned-petrels-at-marion-island?highlight=WyJzaW5pc3RlciJd)]. Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science*30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4130-breeding-success-of-grey-petrels-is-reduced-by-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island?highlight=WyJicmluayJd)]. Reisinger, R.R., Raymond, B., M.N., Hindell, M.A., Bester, M.N., Crawford, R.J.M., Davies, D., de Bruyn, P.J.N., Dilley, B.J., Kirkman, S.P., Makhado, A.B., Ryan, P.G., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Sumner, M.D., Tosh, C.A., Wege, M., Whitehead, T.O., Wotherspoon, S. & Pistorius, P.A. 2018. Habitat modelling of tracking data from multiple marine predators identifies important areas in the Southern Indian Ocean. [*Diversity and Distributions*24: 535-550](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.12702). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2939-tracking-14-albatross-petrel-and-seal-species-from-sub-antarctic-marion-island-identifies-foraging-hotspots?highlight=WyJyZWlzaW5nZXIiLCJyeWFuIiwicnlhbidzIl0=)]. Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Stevens, K.L., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Automated extraction of bank angles from bird-borne video footage using open-source software.  [*Journal of Field Ornithology*90: 361-372](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jofo.12313).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4159-banking-on-it-mounted-cameras-reveal-details-of-dynamic-soaring-in-wandering-albatrosses)]. *Kim Stevens, Gough Island Restoration Programme. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, UK, 07 October 2021, updated 08 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-grey-headed-albatross-by-kim-stevens.md) ## Red best. Mitigating light pollution on Manx Shearwaters by varying wavelengths  ![Manx flowers Chris Perrins](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Manx_flowers_Chris_Perrins.jpg) *A Manx Shearwater rests among flowers on a breeding island, photograph by Chris Perrins* Msrtyna Syposz ([Department of Zoology](https://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/#/), University of Oxford, UK) and colleagues have published in the open-access journal *[Scientific Reports](https://www.nature.com/srep/)* on laspects of ight pollution affecting Manx Shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus.* The paper's abstract follows: “There is increasing evidence for impacts of light pollution on the physiology and behaviour of wild animals. Nocturnally active Procellariiform seabirds are often found grounded in areas polluted by light and struggle to take to the air again without human intervention. Hence, understanding their responses to different wavelengths and intensities of light is urgently needed to inform mitigation measures. Here, we demonstrate how different light characteristics can affect the nocturnal flight of Manx shearwaters *Puffinus puffinus* by experimentally introducing lights at a colony subject to low levels of light pollution due to passing ships and coastal developments. The density of birds in flight above the colony was measured using a thermal imaging camera. We compared number of flying shearwaters under dark conditions and in response to an artificially introduced light, and observed fewer birds in flight during ‘light-on’ periods, suggesting that adult shearwaters were repelled by the light. This effect was stronger with higher light intensity, increasing duration of ‘light-on’ periods and with green and blue compared to red light. Thus, we recommend lower light intensity, red colour, and shorter duration of ‘light-on’ periods as mitigation measures to reduce the effects of light at breeding colonies and in their vicinity.” Read about more published research on light pollution affecting Manx Shearwaters from [here](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Syposz). **Reference:** Syposz, M., Padget, O., Willis, J.,  Van Doren, B.M., Gillies, N., Fayet, A.L. Matt J. Wood, M.J., Alejo, A. & Guilford, T. 2021.  Avoidance of different durations, colours and intensities of artificial light by adult seabirds.[Scientific Reports 11, 18941. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97986-x](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97986-x#citeas)[.](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97986-x.) *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 October 2022* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/red-best-mitigating-light-pollution-on-max-shearwaters-by-varying-wavelengths.md) ## Second sighting of an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on Gough Island ![Indian Yellow nosed Albatross Gough Amy King](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Gough_Amy_King.jpeg)  *Second sighting: an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on Gough Island; photograph by Amy King* *ACAP Latest News* has [previously reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3219-an-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-visits-gough-island-in-the-south-atlantic?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCInZ291Z2gnIiwiJ2dvdWdoIiwiaW5kaWFuIiwiam9uZXMiLCJqb25lcyciXQ==) on the first record of an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* ([Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728372)) on Gough Island in the South Atlantic, photographed ashore in January 2019. Members of the [Gough Island Research Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) based on the island have now made the second sighting on 17 September 2021 of an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross as reported on the project’s [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland).  The vagrant albatross was seen and photographed in the same area where the first bird was observed, suggesting it could have been the same individual (noting that both birds were in adult plumage and that neither was banded).  Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses breed only on islands in the southern Indian Ocean. *![Gough second IYNA Sept 2021 Vonica Perold](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Gough_second_IYNA_Sept_2021_Vonica_Perold.jpg) The second Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross on Gough; photograph by Vonica Perold* Read about the genetics of the two yellow-nosed albatross species [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4025-atlantic-and-indian-yellow-nosed-albatrosses-breeding-on-different-islands-fall-into-genetically-distinct-groups?highlight=WyJ5ZWxsb3ctbm9zZWQiLCJnZW5ldGljcyJd). With thanks to Amy King and Vonica Perold, Gough Island Restoration Programme. **Reference:** Ryan, P.G., Dilley, B.J., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Osborne, A., Schofield, A., Repetto, J. & Ratcliffe, N. 2019.  Three new seabird species recorded at Tristan da Cunha archipelago. [Seabird 32: 122-125](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-32-122).[[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3873-far-from-home-an-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-visits-gough-island?highlight=WyJjYXJ0ZXJpIiwiZ291Z2giLCJnb3VnaCdzIiwiJ2dvdWdoJyIsIidnb3VnaCJd)]. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 06 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/second-sighting-of-an-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-on-gough-island.md) ## Record breeding season for Northern Royal Albatrosses at New Zealand’s Taiaroa Head  ![Tiaki 12 September 2021 Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Tiaki_12_September_2021_Sharyn_Broni.jpg)*The Royal Cam chick Tiaki in September 2021, a few weeks before fledging; photograph by Sharyn Broni* The 2020/21 breeding season of globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* in the mainland colony at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) on New Zealand’s South Island has been a record one with 30 chicks now having fledged.  The last chick took flight on 03 October 2021; the first having left around 6 September.  A total of 41 eggs (the second highest number of eggs recorded) had been laid of which 36 hatched, giving a hatching success of 87.8% ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3993-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-new-zealand-s-taiaroa-head-pukekura-are-having-a-good-season?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwyMDIxXQ==)), and an overall breeding success of 73.2%. *![Tiaki wingspread](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Tiaki_wingspread.jpg)***Tiaki spreads her wings, exposing the back-mounted satellite tracker; Royal Cam photograph** The second-last chick to fledge was the one that has been under observation by the live-streaming ‘[Royal Cam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam)’.  Named Tiaki, the female bird has been [fitted with a GPS satellite tracker](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4155-dunedin-rings-its-bells-today-for-the-return-of-pukekura-taiaroa-head-s-northern-royal-albatrosses-for-a-new-season-and-the-royalcam-chick-gets-a-satellite-tracker?highlight=WyJ0YWlhcm9hIiwidGFpYXJvYSdzIiwyMDIxXQ==), the first chick to be tracked from the colony.   Those interested can follow her at-sea movements[here](https://my.wildlifecomputers.com/data/map/?id=6008d9ba31af59139976bcfe&fbclid=IwAR27Nc_Ji8D_BGTrFwm9Q3MHbqIEsN3CmVvTdqCvWn2YWlt0HCOSDdn0cxQ). Information from [Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4150-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-royal-albatross-by-sharyn-broni), the [Royal Albatross Centre Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre) and from previous posts to [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/record-breeding-season-for-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-new-zealand-s-taiaroa-head.md) ## The current breeding population of Northern Royal Albatrosses in the Chatham Islands is estimated as 6000 pairs ![Northern Royal Albatross Shary Page Weckwerth](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Northern_Royal_Albatross_Shary_Page_Weckwerth.jpg)  *Northern Royal Albatross beside its chick, watercolour by Shary Weckwerth for ACAP* * *The [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/) of New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) works to reduce the impact of commercial fishing on protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters.  At regular meetings of the CSP’s Technical Working Group ([TWG](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/meetings-and-project-updates/)), reports on ongoing projects are considered, many of which deal with aspects of the biology and conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.  Two final reports tabled at last month’s meeting of the TWG dealt with counts of breeding Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* (globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross)) conducted in the Chatham Islands in 2020. The reports’ overall summary follows: “Aerial photographic surveys were carried out in September and December 2020 to provide estimates of the numbers of northern royal albatross (*Diomedea sanfordi*) fledglings and biennial breeding species nest on these islands, the other location being Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin. The population has been assessed sporadically since the 1970s through a mix of ground counts of nesting birds and counts of adults from aerial photographs. Assessments of breeding success have been equally sporadic, typically involving aerial surveys carried out just before the chicks start fledging. The 2020 trips were timed to coincide with fledging (September) and the start of incubation next breeding season (December). Because individuals breed biennially, two surveys are required to obtain the most accurate overall population estimate. The 3,994 pairs occupying nests in December 2020 (the start of the 2020/21 breeding season) can be added to the 2,043 pairs considered to have fledged a chick the previous year, derived from the September 2020 survey, to give an estimated current adult breeding population of 6,037 pairs. This is similar to the 5,908 pairs estimated by Bell et al. (2017) using the same method. This is ~37% lower than the average recorded in the late-1980s to mid-1990s and 24% lower than that estimated for the mid-1970s. The reasons for this are briefly discussed. Northern giant petrels (*Macronectes halli*) were also counted in September 2020, just after the start of this species’ annual breeding season. The counts were highly uncertain: 1,799–2,251 individuals. Comparison of this count with previous ones are complicated by differences in their seasonal timing and difficulties of distinguishing individuals from their backgrounds. Overall, however, they suggest a broadly stable trend. The Chatham Islands populations constitute around 17.5 % of this species’ global population. To enhance image quality and reduce uncertainty in image interpretation and therefore in future population estimates, several recommendations are made on amending survey features and procedures.” **References:** Frost, P.G.H. 2021a.  *Numbers of Northern Royal Albatross chicks on the Chatham Islands, September 2020*.  Whanganui: Science Support Services.  17 pp. Frost, P.G.H. 2021b.  *Status of Northern Royal Albatross*Diomedea sanfordi*nesting on the Chatham Islands, December 2020*.  Whanganui: Science Support Services.  20 pp. Access both reports from [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/202021/northern-royal-albatross-aerial-population-census-chatham-islands/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-current-breeding-population-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-in-the-chatham-islands-is-estimated-as-6000-pairs.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Black Petrel by Elizabeth Bell *![Biz Surface bird on Aotea Credit Biz Bell WMIL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Surface_bird_on_Aotea_Credit_-_Biz_Bell_WMIL.jpg) An adult Black Petrel rests on the surface at its forest breeding site* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell of [Wildlife Management Ltd](https://www.wmil.co.nz/) writes with feeling of the Black Petrel or Tākoketai *Procellaria parkinsoni* (both [globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698150) and [nationally](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/black-petrel) Vulnerable), which she has studied and photographed at its main breeding site in New Zealand for a quarter of a century. *![Biz with black petrel May 2020 Credit Paul Garner Richards WMIL s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_with_black_petrel_May_2020_Credit_-_Paul_Garner-Richards_WMIL_s.jpg) ‘Biz’ Bell carefully restrains a Black Petrel during burrow checks, May 2020; photograph by Paul Garner-Richards, Wildlife Management International* Established by my father, the late [Brian Bell QSM](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2602-island-and-seabird-conservation-pioneer-brian-bell-passes-away-at-his-home-in-new-zealand?highlight=WyJicmlhbiIsImJyaWFuJ3MiLCJiZWxsIiwiYnJpYW4gYmVsbCJd) in 1992, Wildlife Management International Ltd (WMIL) specialises in seabird research and island restoration around the world.  I now manage WMIL, supported by a team of excellent and passionate ecologists.  We undertake research on several seabirds (including ACAP-listed species) and other bird species to determine their demographics, behaviour and population status and trends, as well as eradicating invasive mammals as part of the New Zealand Predator Free 2050 vision and on islands around the world to protect seabirds and other resident native species.  The Tākoketai/Black Petrel project is one of the longest running seabird research studires still being undertaken by WMIL. I started working with Tākoketai/Black Petrels on [Aotea/Great Barrier Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1361-acap-breeding-sites-no-24-great-barrier-aotea-and-little-barrier-hauturu-islands-new-zealand-only-breeding-sites-of-the-black-petrel) in 1996 when the late [Mike Imber](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/24-2011-news-archive/970-obituary-michael-john-imber-new-zealand-procellariiform-seabird-researcher?highlight=WyJpbWJlciIsIm9iaXR1YXJ5Il0=) asked me to start a population monitoring project to help determine the status and trends of this iconic New Zealand species.  Little did I know then that I would be still walking up [Hirakimata/Mount Hobson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hobson_(Great_Barrier_Island)) each summer over 25 years later and planning to keep doing those trips as long as I physically can.  These birds get under your skin and their personalities and charisma are magic – making it easy to charm fishers and fishing industry management about their importance and of the need to protect them at sea with suitable mitigation measures. **![Biz Tiffany banding petrel fledgling with fishers May 2021 Photo Biz Bell WMIL](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Tiffany_banding_petrel_fledgling_with_fishers_May_2021_Photo_-_Biz_Bell_WMIL.jpg)* Banding a Black Petrel chick, with help from visiting fishers, May 2021* Visiting the Tākoketai/Black Petrel colony throughout the breeding season means we get the whole picture of their behaviour throughout from pre-egg laying pair bonding to egg laying, incubation, chick rearing and watching the chicks take their maiden flights as they fledge. Following adults as they carefully nurture an egg or small chick is wonderful; how they carefully roll the egg into position and settle on the egg or snuggle the chick underneath them for warmth and safety.  Or the cheek of little unguarded chicks practicing their aggressive moves by honking and snapping at the torch light as we check their status in the breeding burrows, often having to remove small chicks or eggs from the burrow for safety, keeping them warm in field hats, while we check adults for bands. ![Biz Satellite tracking of BP in October 2020 Credit Biz Bell WMIL s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Biz_Satellite_tracking_of_BP_in_October_2020_Credit-_Biz_Bell_WMIL_s.jpg)*A Black Petrel is fitted with a back-mounted satellite tracker in October 2020* We have also been adding a range of tracking devices to the birds – through all age classes and at all stages of the breeding cycle as well as on migration to South American waters for the non-breeding over-wintering period.  Data from these devices have helped us understand Tākoketai/Black Petrel behaviour at sea, including the discovery that they can dive up to 34 m while foraging, where they forage during the breeding season, and the migration routes to South American waters followed by both adults and fledglings.  This information can help us determine areas of risk from commercial and recreational fishers and other environmental factors (including climate change and pollution events) within the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, international high seas and in South American waters. *![4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/4.jpg) A Black Petrel pair revealed by flash at night* The field work on Aotea is a real mixture of peering into simple, accessible burrows to others that require inserting most of your body, or multiple people working through individual entrances to reach the resident parent or chick.  The island, terrain on the mountain, burrow types, interesting vegetation, and the special nature of the birds themselves makes it impossible not to have a wide range of images, interactions, and crazy memories collected over the course of the long-term study.  It is indeed both a real privilege and a pleasure to be working on Hirakimata/Mount Hobson to understand the behaviour, population dynamics and status of Tākoketai/Black Petrel on behalf of [Ngāti Rehua Ngāti Wai ki Aotea](https://ngatirehua.com/) and the New Zealand[Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz). *![Black Petrel chick Biz Bell](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/B/Black/Black_Petrel_chick_Biz_Bell.jpg) A downy Black Petrel chick in its burrow, photographs by ‘Biz’ Bell* **Selected Publications:** Bell, E.A. 2016.  Diving behaviour of black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) in New Zealand waters and its relevance to fisheries interaction.  [*Notornis 63: 57-65* 63: 57-65](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4346). Freeman, R., Dennis, T., Landers, T., Thompson, D., Bell, E., Walker, M. & Guilford, T. 2010.  Black Petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) patrol the ocean shelf-break: GPS tracking of a Vulnerable procellariiform seabird. [*PLoS ONE * 5(2): e9236. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0009236.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0009236) Gaskin, C.P., Harrison, P., Baird, K.A., Cunninghame, F., Ismar, S.F.H. & Bell, E.A. 2016.  An opportunistic sighting of a flock of black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) at Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.  [*Notornis * 63: 54-56](http://oceanrep.geomar.de/31934/1/Gaskin%20et%20al%202016_proofs.pdf). Imber, M.J., McFadden, I., Bell, E.A. & Scofield, R.P. 2003. Post-fledging migration, age of first return and recruitment, and results of inter-colony translocation of black petrels (*Procellaria parkinson*i).  [*Notornis*](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_4_183.pdf)[50: 183-190](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_4_183.pdf). Mischler, C.P., Bell, E.A., Landers, T.J. & Dennis, T.E. 2015.  Sex determination of black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*) using morphometric measurements and discriminant function analysis.  [*Notornis * 62: 57-62](http://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4304). Quinones, J., Calderon, J., Mayaute, L. & Bell, E. 2020.  Black petrel (*Procellaria parkinsoni)* congregations at sea off Perú during the Austral summer.  [*Notornis * 67: 573-576](https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/node/4510). Zhang, J., Dennis, T.E., Landers, T.J., Bell, E. & Perry, G.L. 2017.  Linking individual-based and statistical inferential models in movement ecology: a case study with black petrels (*Procellaria parkinsoni*).  [*Ecological Modelling * 360: 425-436](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304380016304860). *Elizabeth ‘Biz’ Bell, Wildlife Management International Ltd., Blenheim, New Zealand, 01 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-black-petrel-by-elizabeth-bell.md) ## “Linking Foraging Behaviour and Demographic Responses of Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island”. Danielle Keys describes her PhD research  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Danelle_Keys_holds_a_Wanderer_chick.JPG)*Danielle Keys holds a Wandering Albatross chick at its nest in the Goney Plain Monitoring Colony on Marion Island.  A special permit is required to allow access to the colony and to handle the birds for research purposes; photograph by Leandri de Kock* *“I have always been mesmerized by the ocean and the life in it.  Science allows us to unlock some of the ocean's secrets and helps us understand more about our world.  We can only protect what we understand.”* From a young age, I always wanted to find ways to help the ocean, so starting a career in marine biology was the obvious choice for me.   I have always been passionate about marine life and understanding why animals respond in particular ways.  I have also been drawn to the adventure and the possibility of discovering new things which is why I love working in the field.  I have been incredibly blessed to have been able to work on seabirds on several island for my postgraduate degrees, including Cape Gannets *Morus capensis* on [Bird Island](https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsec/bird-island-marine-protected-area.php), Eastern Cape, South Africa (BSc Honours *cum laude* in 2015 - using tracking and video data) and on the foraging ecology of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters *Ardenna pacifica* on [Reunion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9union), and [D'Arros](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Arros_Island) and Fouquet Islands, [Amirante Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amirante_Islands) belonging to the Seychelles during 2016-2018 ([MSc cum laude](http://vital.seals.ac.za:8080/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31348?site_name=GlobalView)). *![Wedge tailed Shearwater held by Danielle Keys](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Wedge_tailed/Wedge-tailed_Shearwater_held_by_Danielle_Keys.jpg) Danielle holds at Wedge-tailed Shearwater on Fouquet**Island; photograph by Luke Gordon* On South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island I have worked with basically every seabird that moves undertaking tracking, monitoring, diet sampling and camera work as a member of the M75 and [M77](https://acap.aq/fr/actualites/dernieres-nouvelles/3800-after-a-covid-19-break-long-term-monitoring-of-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-will-restart-at-south-africa-s-marion-island-from-next-month) Overwintering Teams of 2018/19 and 2020/21.  In between studies I have been able to work with other marine species including seals, turtles, corals and seals and even moved to drier parts (i.e. terrestrial fields) working with hornbills.  I have quickly been turned into an avid birder, while learning more about behavioural ecology and physiology. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Danelle_Keys_Wanderer_pair_2.jpg) A Wandering Albatross pair on Marion Island.  The larger, whiter bird is o*n the nest*, the the female beside him.* We know that nothing happens in isolation.  Where an animal forages, and the amount of time it spends performing a particular behaviour, will impact its life history.  This is the general premise for my PhD “Linking Foraging Behaviour and Demographic Responses of Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island” at the Marine Apex Predator Research Unit ([MAPRU](https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/)) at [Nelson Mandela University](https://www.mandela.ac.za/) in Gqeberha, South Africa, with [Prof. Pierre Pistorius](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pierre-Pistorius), [Prof. Peter Ryan](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/fitz/staff/director/ryan) and [Dr Chris Oosthuizen](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/W-Chris-Oosthuizen) as my supervisors.  My aim is to assess the extent to which variability in foraging behaviour affects life history and demographic rates of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* ([globally](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) and [regionally](https://www.birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/the-eskom-red-data-book-of-birds/) Vulnerable) on Marion.  This will be done by looking at how adult flight characteristics (e.g. trip duration and path length from six years of at-sea GPS tracking data) influence chick growth and survival.  The second aim is to assess the impacts of environmental variability and the demographic responses (survival and breeding success) of Marion’s Wanderers.  Here I will largely rely on the long-term demographic data (>37 years) to see how climate variability impacts their survival and breeding success.  We already know that fisheries have a really big impact on albatross populations; however, I will try to find what else influences their survival and breeding success. *![Danelle Keys incoming](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Danelle_Keys_incoming.JPG) Incoming!  A young bird joins a “*[*gam*](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=815432028811371)*” of pre-breeding juveniles for a group display* For now, I am homebound, and only volunteering occasionally where I can at the [SANCCOB EC Marine Rehabilitation Centre](https://www.facebook.com/sanccobeasterncape) and will hopefully finish my PhD over the next three years.  I would like to push to finish sooner so that I could be a part of the [mouse eradication team](https://mousefreemarion.org) for Marion Island.  I never knew that a place could steal one's heart like Marion has, and I want to be part of the team that helps restore this little piece of paradise. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Danelle_Keys_Wanderer_ready_to_fledge.jpg) Ready to fledge? A feathered Wandering Albatross chick approaches the photographer with determination Photographs by Danielle Keys* **Selected Publications:** Keys, D.Z. 2018.  [The foraging ecology of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna pacifica) in the tropical Western Indian Ocean](http://vital.seals.ac.za:8080/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31348?site_name=GlobalView).  MSc thesis, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.  103 pp. Orgeret, F., Reisinger, R.R., Carpenter-Kling, T., Keys, D.Z., Corbeau, A., Bost, C.-A., Weirmerskirch, H. & Pistorius, P.A. 2021.  Spatial segregation in a sexually-dimorphic central place forager: competitive exclusion or niche divergence?  [*Journal of Animal Ecology*doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13552](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.13552). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4091-you-go-this-way-i-go-that-way-spatial-segregation-in-wandering-albatrosses-at-sea?highlight=WyJvcmdlcmV0Il0=)]. *Danielle Keys, Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, 30 September 2021* **Editorial note:**  I set up the three long-term monitoring colonies of colour-banded Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island back in the early 1980s (when there was a thinking by some that "monitoring" was not really proper work for academics) so it is most pleasing indeed to see young scientists not then born use the ensuing decades of data to earn their doctorates.  It makes me happy.  *John Cooper,* *ACAP Information Officer* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/linking-foraging-behaviour-and-demographic-responses-of-wandering-albatrosses-on-marion-island-danielle-keys-describes-her-phd-research.md) ## UPDATED. A 45-year-old Northern Royal Albatross is found dead in Uruguay  ![Pablo Sena 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Pablo_Sena_5.jpg)*New Zealand band R30655 on the bird’s leg, photograph by Pablo Sena* **UPDATE:** Read a [newspaper article](https://lapalomahoy.uy/nota/4508/encontraron-en-la-playa-un-albatros-muerto-de-45-anos) on the recovery in a local newspaper in Spanish. The remains of a great albatross *Diomedea* sp. were photographed on the beach of [La Serena](http://turismorocha.gub.uy/en/attractions/beaches/la-serena-beach-in-la-paloma-uruguay-where-families-and-young-people-enjoy-the-open-sea-in-summer), Rocha, Uruguay on 16 September this year by Pablo Sena, as first reported to ACAP by Mauricio Silvera.  The bird carried a metal band inscribed R30655, Dominion Museum, New Zealand.  ![Pablo Sena 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Pablo_Sena_4.jpg)*The skull of the beached Northern Royal Albatross, *photograph by Pablo Sena** Information from the New Zealand National Bird Banding Scheme ([NZNBBS](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/bird-banding/)) via albatross doyen [Christopher Robertson](https://mousefreemarion.org/marine-ornithologists-and-conservationists-around-the-world-are-supporting-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) reveals that the bird was a 45-year-old Northern Royal Albatross *D. sanfordi* (globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross)). It was banded as a pre-fledged chick on 10 September 1976 by Chris on [The Little or Middle Sister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sisters_(New_Zealand)), Rangitatahi, one of three small islands some 16 km off the northern coast of New Zealand’s Chatham Island.  The bird was later confirmed as a male by size and plumage when first recorded back on at its natal island as an 18-year-old in November 1994 incubating an egg, and then again in November 1996, so the assumption is that breeding was successful in 1994, given the species’ biennial breeding habit.  ![Chris Robertson Northern Royal Albatross 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Chris_Robertson_Northern_Royal_Albatross_1.jpg)*Chris Robertson measures an egg besides a Northern Royal Albatross on Little Sister; photograph by Brian Bell* Chris Robertson writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “The elapsed age of the bird seems reasonably accurate as photos of the wrecked skeleton show the bill to still have attached plates and some colour in the lower mandible”. With thanks to Sharyn Broni, Marcel Calvar, Christopher Robertson QSM and Mauricio Silvera. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 September 2021, updated 04 October 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-45-year-old-northern-royal-albatross-is-found-dead-in-uruguay.md) ## Breeding seabirds have come back following the eradication of rabbits and rats 20 years ago on Saint-Paul Island *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Saint-Paul_Thierry_Micol.jpg) Saint-Paul Island with La Roche Quille, photograph from Thierry Micol* Christophe Barbraud ([Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé,](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en) Villiers en Bois, France) and colleagues have published in the *[Journal for Nature Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-for-nature-conservation)* on the recovery of France’s [Saint Paul Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1430-acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater) two decades after the eradication of two introduced mammals. The paper’s abstract follows: “The eradication of invasive mammals on islands is important for protecting seabird populations and insular ecosystems. However, the impacts of such eradications are insufficiently known because monitoring of potentially beneficiary species is often sporadic and limited. We performed a survey of all seabird species on Saint-Paul Island, southern Indian Ocean, 20 years after successful eradication of invasive black rat (*Rattus rattus*) and European rabbit (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*). Using complementary sampling designs including adaptive cluster sampling, stratified random sampling and entire sampling, we estimated population changes and colonization by new seabird species. A total of 13 seabird species were found breeding on Saint-Paul post-eradication compared to six before the eradication. Among the seven species that colonized the island, five (MacGillivray’s prion *Pachyptila**macgillivrayi*, fairy prion *P. turtur*, white-bellied storm petrel *Fregetta grallaria*, Antarctic tern *Sterna**vittata*, sooty tern *Onychoprion fuscatus*) had relictual populations breeding on a nearby islet, and one (brown skua Catharacta antarctica) was a new breeding species. We also found breeding subantarctic little shearwaters *Puffinus**elegans*. For species that were breeding on the Saint Paul pre-eradication, the mean annual population growth rate was 1.030 ± 0.093 (SE). Species known to be vulnerable to rat predation (prions, great-winged petrel *Pterodroma macroptera*, flesh-footed shearwater *Puffinus carneipes*, subantarctic little shearwater, white-bellied storm petrel, Antarctic tern) had the highest population growth rates. Two decades after the eradication of invasive mammals on a remote oceanic island, seabird populations were high beneficiaries. These findings further highlight the importance of invasive mammal eradication on islands as a conservation tool. Results are encouraging for the planned eradication of invasive mammals from nearby Amsterdam Island, and suggest this will mainly benefit terns and small burrowing petrels.” ![Saint Paul Island crater and La Roche Quille DEMAY JEREMIE s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Saint%20Paul%20Island%20crater%20and%20La%20Roche%20Quille%20-%20%20DEMAY%20JEREMIE%20s.jpg) *Saint-Paul Island's flooded crater with La Roche Quille behind, photograph by Jeremie Demay* **Reference:** Barbraud, C., Delord, K., Le Bouard, F., Harivel, R., Demay, J., Chaigne, A. & Micol, T. 2021.  Seabird population changes following mammal eradication at oceanic Saint-Paul Island, Indian Ocean.  *[Journal for Nature Conservation 63. doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126049.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126049)* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/breeding-seabirds-have-come-back-following-the-eradication-of-rabbits-and-rats-20-years-ago-on-saint-paul-islan.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by Karine Delord  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Karine_Delord_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_4.jpg)*An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick on the tussock slopes of the Entrecasteaux cliffs, Amsterdam Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Karine Delord](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/predateurs-marins/karine-delord/?lang=en) features the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-carteri) Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche carteri* which she has studied on the French Southern Ocean island of Amsterdam. ![Karine Delord](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Karine_Delord.jpg) *Karine Delord at the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross colony on the Entrecasteaux cliffs, Amsterdam Island; photograph by Thierry Boulinier* Being an ecologist and wanting to discover the French sub-Antarctic islands go hand in hand with becoming one of the links in a long-term observatory system.  The monitoring programme, initiated more than 60 years ago by the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé ([CEBC](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/?lang=en)), a [CNRS](https://www.cnrs.fr/) laboratory in France, allows for the study of the islands’ bird and marine mammal communities.  As a privileged witness to global changes and their impacts on the environment I particularly appreciate the maxim ‘*it is never too late to start long-term monitoring and it is always too early to stop*’.  However, I did not start my career on southern islands, but rather in the mountain ecosystems of the Pyrénées, far from seabirds.  From there I moved to the CEBC from where I was able to discover France’s southern territories and their species. The CEBC monitors the populations of 25 species of Southern Ocean top predators (particularly albatrosses and petrels) through a network of four research stations ranging from Antarctica ([Dumont d'Urville](https://institut-polaire.fr/antarctique/la-station-dumont-durville/), Terre Adélie), the sub-Antarctic [Crozet](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1582-acap-breeding-site-no-53-ile-de-la-possession-iles-crozet-home-of-l-albatros-hurleur) and [Kerguelen](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1435-acap-breeding-site-no-39-iles-kerguelen-300-islands-supporting-10-acap-species) Island Groups to the subtropical [Amsterdam](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1429-acap-breeding-sites-no-37-ileamsterdam-only-home-of-the-amsterdam-albatross) and [Saint-Paul](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1430-acap-breeding-site-no-38-ilesaint-paul-with-its-spectacular-flooded-crater) Islands.  Long-term individual information (in particular through the capture-mark-recapture method) is used to understand the processes by which climate variables affect species and to make predictive scenarios on population trajectories taking into account climate change. * ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Karine_Delord_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_6.jpg) Getting too large to brood.  An inquisitive* *Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross chick looks at the photographer* Our long-term programme, supported by the French Polar Institut Paul Emile Victor ([IPEV](https://institut-polaire.fr/fr/)) and entitled “Birds and Marine Mammals as Sentinels of Global Change in the Southern Ocean” ([Program: 109 ORNITHOECO](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/research/monitoring/ornithoeco/?lang=en)) led by [Christophe Barbraud](https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/predateurs-marins/christophe-barbraud/?lang=en), includes a conservation biology component and addresses, for example, issues related to the effects of fisheries on albatross and petrel populations.  This has led to collaborations with administrations and shipowners, enabling the implementation of effective conservation measures.  Every year we send volunteers to collect field data for our programme in the four districts (Crozet, Kerguelen, Amsterdam and Terre Adélie) for one year.  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Karine_Delord_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_1.jpg)*Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses breeding on the Entrecasteaux cliffs, Amsterdam Island* In 1998, I was able to join a scientific mission, jointly with a team of geologists from the University of Saint Etienne, which enabled me and my colleague Christophe Barbraud to carry out one of the few censuses of breeding petrel populations (Antarctic Fulmar *Fulmarus glacialoides*, Antarctic Petrel *Thalassoica antarctica* and Snow Petrel *Pagodroma nivea*) on the Antarctic coasts of [King George V Land](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_V_Land) to the east of Terre Adélie.  The crossing between Tasmania and the Antarctic Continent on board the ship [Astrolabe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ywam_Liberty) was for me an outstanding introduction to the Southern Ocean, where the exceptional diversity and density of seabirds (including albatrosses) seen remains a vivid memory. Since the mid-2000s, I have been involved in studies of the accidental mortality of ACAP-listed [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey *Procellaria cinerea* and [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698140) White-chinned *P. aequinoctialis* Petrels (both ACAP-listed species) linked to industrial fisheries (particularly by Patagonian Toothfish longliners).  These studies have led to major advances in the conservation of these two species in the French Southern Territories. Subsequently, I have become involved in annual or *ad hoc* monitoring.  This was notably the case for issues related to pathogens, in collaboration with the Centre d'Etudes Fonctionnelle et Evolutive ([CEFE](https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/), CNRS), at Montpellier, with the [ECOPATH Programme](https://institut-polaire.fr/programmes_soutenus/circulation-dagents-infectieux-en-sub-antarctique-dans-les-populations-de-vertebres-coloniaux-surveillance-comprehension-des-processus-et-implications-pour-la-gestion/) (led by [Thierry Boulinier](https://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/fr/recherche/ee/eee/850-c/3899-thierry-boulinier)) on the circulation of infectious agents in vertebrate populations.  I thus carried out a mission in 2013/14 on the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross population that breeds on the cliffs of [Entrecasteaux](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falaises_d%27Entrecasteaux) on Amsterdam Island.  This mission in collaboration with the [TAAF National Nature Reserve](https://taaf.fr/en/) aimed to identify and understand the modes of transmission of an infectious pathogen responsible for an epidemic, avian cholera, which kills a large proportion of the chicks each year and impacts the population.  The study also aimed to identify other top predator species that could be affected by the pathogen, such as the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/amsterdam-albatross-diomedea-amsterdamensis) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, a rare species endemic to the island.  This research is making progress on the knowledge of the infectious agent and its impact on the Indian yellow-nosed Albatross, although the Amsterdam population must also deal with other sources of threat. For example, this year was also marked by a major fire on the cliffs of Entrecasteaux which broke out in the middle of the breeding season (February 2021) and had devastating effects, affecting *c.* 95% of the surface area of the colony; as a result the reproductive success for this season is estimated at only 2%. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Karine_Delord_Indian_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_5.jpg)*An Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick at Entrecasteaux, with Cathedral Rock in the background* More recently, I carried out a multi-disciplinary mission with my colleagues Christophe Barbraud and Fabrice Le Bouard as well as agents of the [TAAF National Nature Reserve](https://taaf.fr/en/) on the island of Saint-Paul in 2018/2019 to estimate the seabird populations 20 years after the eradication of rats and rabbits.  The mission was an opportunity to observe the recolonisation of Saint-Paul by numerous species of seabirds, notably those known to be sensitive to predation by rats (MacGillivray’s Prion *Pachyptila macgillivrayi*, Fairy Prion *P. turtur*, Great-winged Petrel *Pterodroma macroptera*, Flesh-footed Shearwater *Ardenna carnepeis*, Subantarctic Shearwater *Puffinus elegans*, White-bellied Storm Petrel *Fregetta grallaria* and Antarctic Tern *Sterna vittata*) from their neighbouring refuge of [La Roche Quille](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138121000960).  This also allowed us to update the population estimate of Flesh-footed Shearwaters breeding on Saint-Paul at the western limit of their range.  These very encouraging results for conservation argue for the eradication of the remaining introduced mammals ([feral cats and rodents](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2929-research-starts-on-the-introduced-mammals-of-france-s-sub-antarctic-amsterdam-island-prior-to-developing-an-eradication-plan?highlight=WyJhbXN0ZXJkYW0iLCJhbXN0ZXJkYW0ncyIsImNhdHRsZSJd)) on the neighbouring island of Amsterdam. **Selected Publications:** Barbraud, C., Delord, K., Le Bouard, F., Harivel, R., Demay, J., Chaigne, A. & Micol, T. 2021.  Seabird population changes following mammal eradication at oceanic Saint-Paul Island, Indian Ocean.  *[Journal for Nature Conservation](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126049)[63. doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126049.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126049)* Barbraud, C., Marteau, C., Ridoux, V., Delord, K. & Weimerskirch, H. 2008.  Demographic response of a population of white‐chinned petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* to climate and longline fishery bycatch. [*Journal of Applied Ecology*45: 1460-1467](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2008.01537.x). Barbraud, C., Rolland, V., Jenouvrier, S., Nevoux, M., Delord, K. & Weimerskirch, H. 2012.  Effects of climate change and fisheries bycatch on Southern Ocean seabirds: a review.  [Marine Ecology Progress Series 454: 285-307](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v454/p285-307/)[.](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320718315994) Heerah, K., Dias, M.P., Delord, K., Oppel, S., Barbraud, C., Weimerskirch, H. & Bost, C.A. 2019.  Important areas and conservation sites for a community of globally threatened marine predators of the Southern Indian Ocean. [Biological Conservation 234: 192-201](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320718315994). Jaeger, A., Gamble, A., Lagadec, E., Lebarbenchon, C., Bourret, V., Tornos, J., Barbraud, C., Lemberger, K., Delord, K., Weimerskirch, H., Thiebot, J.-B., Boulinier, T. & Tortosa, P. 2020.  Impact of annual bacterial epizootics on albatross population on a remote island. [*EcoHealth*117: 194-202](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10393-020-01487-8). Ponchon, A., Gamble, A., Tornos, J., Delord, K., Barbraud, C., Travis, J.M.J., Weimerskirch, H. & Boulinier, T. In press. Similar at-sea behaviour but different habitat use between failed and successful breeding albatrosses. [Marine Ecology Progress Series](https://www.int-res.com/prepress/m13880.html)*.* *Karine Delord, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Villiers-en-Bois, France, 24 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-indian-yellow-nosed-albatross-by-karine-delord.md) ## No chumming! A Short-tailed Albatross “not seen locally for 40 years” is spotted off southern California ![Picture2](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Picture2.jpg) *The juvenile Short-tailed Albatross seen of southern California* An [online article in The Orange County Register](https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/09/short-tailed-albatross-not-seen-locally-for-40-years-spotted-off-southern-california/) dated 10 June 2021 describes the excitement when a juvenile Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* ([globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/short-tailed-albatross-phoebastria-albatrus)) was seem by avid birdwatchers off Los Angeles, California earlier this year.  The reporter, Laylan Connelly, writes: "A rare albatross that breeds on islands off Japan and hasn’t been documented near local waters for more than 40 years was spotted just a few miles from shore over the weekend, thrilling bird enthusiasts and experts who hope the sighting is a good sign for the endangered species.” The article continues: “Diane Alps, a naturalist for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro who typically studies whale species off the California coast, was first alerted to the unusual sighting three miles south of the Port of Los Angeles on Saturday [5 June] by a commercial fisherman who sent photos and video of the bird.  Similar laysan albatross and black-footed albatross are not uncommon sights locally, but the short-tailed albatross, known for its bubble gum-pink bill, is a rare sight.  And this bird had a pink bill.  Alps was able to charter a boat Sunday morning [6 June] and within 10 minutes sold the nearly 30 spots for an expedition to search for the bird – but finding it took a bit of ocean knowledge, and some luck.” *  ![Picture1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Picture1.jpg) The juvenile Short-tailed Albatross shows its damaged wing Photographs by Diane Alps*  "They went to a known fishing ground that was downwind from where it was seen a day before and looked for gull flocks feeding in the same area.  The Short-tailed Albatross wasn’t hard to spot among the other birds searching for food.  The young bird, which carried a metal band on its right leg, “had one wing that looked weathered, possibly injured from an entanglement.  The right wing was heavily beat up, but the left was pristine.” The article states that the “last known sighting in local waters was in 1977, far offshore west of San Clemente Island.  Prior to that was the early 1900s, records show.  The other sightings are typically off central and northern California.” A call has gone out from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to "pelagic" bird watchers not to disturb the albatross by too close an approach or by chumming (using fish or fish oil as an attractant):  "short-tailed albatross are a federally protected species under the [Endangered Species Act](https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act), and any form of harassment or disturbance is a violation of federal law" ([click here](https://usfws.medium.com/dont-chum-the-albatross-3c29ce75b48a)). ![Short tailed Albatross California Brad Lewis](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Short_tailed/Short-tailed_Albatross_California_Brad_Lewis.jpeg)*Not to be disturbed; photograph by Brad Lewis* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-short-tailed-albatross-not-seen-locally-for-40-years-is-spotted-off-southern-california.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Northern Giant Petrel by Janine Schoombie  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_9.JPG)*A Northern Giant Petrel broods its downy chick on Marion Island* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, [Janine Schoombie](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Janine-Schoombie) features the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli*, ([globally Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-giant-petrel-macronectes-halli) but considered [regionally Near Threatened](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2527-review-the-2015-eskom-red-data-book-of-birds-of-south-africa-lesotho-and-swaziland?highlight=WyJwZWFjb2NrIl0=)) which she has studied on [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels). ![Janine Schoombie NGP 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_1.jpg)*Armed with nest stakes and under research permit, Janine Schoombie approaches a curious Northern Giant Petrel on its rock-protected nest* When I started studying aeronautical engineering, I never imagined that I would find myself on Marion Island, working with seabirds. After completing an MSc, I was very fortunate to join the M72 Overwintering Team to Marion Island in 2015.  Working for the [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/) at the University of Cape Town as a research assistant I was tasked with monitoring the breeding success of four albatross and several petrel species, among them the Northern Giant Petrel.  I definitely did not consider myself a photographer (and still do not), but if you are on Marion Island and you have a camera you are bound to become obsessed with capturing all the spectacular sites and bird activity. ![Janine Schoombie NGP 12](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_12.JPG)*Giving the photographer the eye.  Iris colour in giant petrels can vary from near white to dark brown* From day one on the island I was fascinated by the Northern Giant Petrel.  Even outside their breeding season, there are always a couple flying around the research base.  When they glide past they often throw their heads back and call, which makes them look like winged horses, and their call is quite eerie and prehistoric.  They also have incredible eyes that look like cracks in the surface of some icy planet, which I could never capture properly with my camera.  I love their displays when they feed or defend their territories even though they can make quite a mess when they feed, which is probably not everyone’s favourite sight. *![Janine Schoombie NGP 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_10.jpg) An incubating Northern Giant Petrel in a Marion monitoring colony reveals its J10 colour band that allows identification without further handling* You’re not super fit yet by the time the Northern Giant Petrels come back to the island to breed in August, and this is when the real snow starts on Marion as well.  So it was very hard work for me to set up the monitoring colonies, but they are such lovely birds to work with and it was quite exciting to go exploring for their nests in the snow.  There are three monitoring colonies near the research base and towards the end of laying, we do a round-island count which is basically a four-day Easter egg hunt. And that’s how you get island-fit!  Of all the island experiences I had, working on the Northern Giant Petrel monitoring are still some of my fondest memories of working on Marion and these huge petrels will always have a very special place in my heart. *![Janine Schoombie NGP 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_3.jpg) Messy habits?  A bloody-faced Northern Giant Petrel on a Marion Island rocky beach Photographs by Janine Schoombie* Since being a member of the M72 Overwintering Team I have made it my mission to insert myself into the polar science community and I was again fortunate to join the M76 Overwintering Team of 2019/20.  This time I started working on a South African National Antarctic ([SANAP](https://www.sanap.ac.za/explore/research/previous-projects)) project entitled “[Modelling wind patterns and their ecological impacts on sub-Antarctic Marion Island](https://www.researchgate.net/project/Modelling-wind-patterns-and-their-ecological-impacts-on-sub-Antarctic-Marion-Island)”, towards my PhD at the University of Pretoria.  The project looks at the effects of wind on terrestrial ecology, combining my love for engineering and Marion Island.  Even though my focus is currently on how albatrosses interact with wind, I hope to extend my work to Northern Giant Petrels and to other seabirds in the future. *![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant/Janine_Schoombie_NGP_2.jpg) Janine Schoombie carefully approaches a Northern Giant Petrel to place a plastic ‘alphanumeric’ colour band on its leg for identification purposes* **Selected Publications:** Dilley, B.J., Davies, D., Stevens, K., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Burrow wars and sinister behaviour among burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Ardea*107: 97-102](http://ardea.nou.nu/ardea_show_abstract.php?lang=uk&nr=4272).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3300-burrow-competition-among-great-winged-grey-and-white-chinned-petrels-at-marion-island?highlight=WyJzaW5pc3RlciJd)]. Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2016.  ‘Scalping’ of albatross fledglings by introduced mice spreads rapidly at Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science*28: 73-80](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/scalping-of-albatross-fledglings-by-introduced-mice-spreads-rapidly-at-marion-island/58C59257E83ADAC5D46A2AB8CA07F711).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2329-threatened-albatrosses-on-marion-island-are-being-scalped-by-mice?highlight=WyJzY2FscGluZyIsIidzY2FscGluZyciXQ==)]. Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science*30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4130-breeding-success-of-grey-petrels-is-reduced-by-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island?highlight=WyJicmluayJd)]. Schoombie, S. & Schoombie, J. 2017.  Pseudo-egg “fabrication” by Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* on Marion Island.  [Seabird 30: 71-74](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-30-71).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3003-a-grey-headed-albatross-incubates-a-pseudo-egg-made-of-vegetation?highlight=WyJwc2V1ZG8tZWdnIl0=)]. Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Stevens, K.L., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Automated extraction of bank angles from bird-borne video footage using open-source software. [*Journal of Field Ornithology* 90: 361-372](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jofo.12313).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4159-banking-on-it-mounted-cameras-reveal-details-of-dynamic-soaring-in-wandering-albatrosses)]. Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Oosthuizen, A., Suleman, E., Jones, M.G.W., Pretorius, L., Dilley, B.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2017.  Avian pox in seabirds on Marion Island, southern Indian Ocean.  [*Antarctic Science* 30: 3-12](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/avian-pox-in-seabirds-on-marion-island-southern-indian-ocean/712365173BEDCF06E3E47DEBAA10AB23).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2865-avian-pox-virus-recorded-in-wandering-albatrosses-at-marion-island?highlight=WyJhdmlhbiIsInBveCIsImF2aWFuIHBveCJd)]. *Janine Schoombie, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, 23 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-giant-petrel-by-janine-schoombie.md) ## Banking on it. Mounted cameras reveal details of dynamic soaring in Wandering Albatrosses ![Wandering Albatross Chile Milena A. Maira Marchesse ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatross_Chile_Milena_A._Maira_Marchesse_.jpeg) *A banking Wandering Albatross, artwork with coloured pencils for ACAP by Milena A. Maira Marchesse* Stefan Schoombie ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa) and colleagues published in 2019 in the *[Journal of Field Ornithology](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15579263)* on detecting bank angles of [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans/details) Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*in flightwith bird-borne video cameras*.* The paper’s abstract follows: “The use of miniaturized video cameras to study the at-sea behavior of flying seabirds has increased in recent years. These cameras allow researchers to record several behaviors that were not previously possible to observe. However, video recorders produce large amounts of data and videos can often be time-consuming to analyze. We present a new technique using open-source software to extract bank angles from bird-borne video footage. Bank angle is a key facet of dynamic soaring, which allows albatrosses and petrels to efficiently search vast areas of ocean for food. Miniaturized video cameras were deployed on 28 Wandering Albatrosses (*Diomedea exulans*) on Marion Island (one of the two Prince Edward Islands) from 2016 to 2018. The OpenCV library for the Python programming language was used to extract the angle of the horizon relative to the bird’s body (= bank angle) from footage when the birds were flying using a series of steps focused on edge detection. The extracted angles were not significantly different from angles measured manually by three independent observers, thus being a valid method to measure bank angles. Image quality, high wind speeds, and sunlight all influenced the accuracy of angle estimates, but post-processing eliminated most of these errors. Birds flew most often with cross-winds (58%) and tailwinds (39%), resulting in skewed distributions of bank angles when birds turned into the wind more often. Higher wind speeds resulted in extreme bank angles (maximum observed was 94°). We present a novel method for measuring postural data from seabirds that can be used to describe the fine-scale movements of the dynamic-soaring cycle. Birds appeared to alter their bank angle in response to varying wind conditions to counter wind drift associated with the prevailing westerly winds in the Southern Ocean. These data, in combination with fine-scale positional data, may lead to new insights into dynamic-soaring flight.” With thanks to Janine Schoombie. **Reference:** Schoombie, S., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Stevens, K.L., Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Automated extraction of bank angles from bird-borne video footage using open-source software.  [*Journal of Field Ornithology*90: 361-372](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jofo.12313). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/banking-on-it-mounted-cameras-reveal-details-of-dynamic-soaring-in-wandering-albatrosses.md) ## Australian marine scientist Mike Double is the new Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee **![Mike Double](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Mike_Double.jpg)* Mike Double, as he writes “looking suitably cold down in Antarctica”* At the [12th Meeting](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12) of the ACAP Advisory Committee, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this month, its Chair, Nathan Walker ([Ministry for Primary Industries](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/), New Zealand) stood down.  The meeting then elected [Dr Michael Double](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/science/meet-our-scientists/dr-mike-double/) in his place. Mike Double is a Principal Research Scientist at the [Australian Antarctic Division](https://www.antarctica.gov.au/), based in Kingston, Tasmania where he leads the AAD’s Wildlife Ecology and Management Section (that conducts research on ACAP-listed species) and the [Australian Marine Mammal Centre](http://www.marinemammals.gov.au/).  Mike obtained his PhD from the United Kingdom’s [University of Leicester](https://le.ac.uk/) in 1995.  He then moved to Australia to take up a post-doctoral fellowship at the [Australian National University](https://www.anu.edu.au/) in Canberra, followed by a move to the Australian Antarctic Division in 2007.  His research interests include the movement, distribution and population ecology of both marine mammals and seabirds.  His more than 90 scientific publications include several papers on the biology, taxonomy and conservation of ACAP-listed Shy *Thalassarche cauta* and White-capped *T. steadi* Albatrosses. Mike writes to *ACAP Latest News*: "It’s an honour to be elected as Chair of the Advisory Committee and I look forward to serving ACAP and its Parties to progress the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.  These iconic birds of wild oceans continue to face many threats and although ACAP and its Parties have many conservation successes to celebrate, populations continue to decline.  ACAP’s role remains as critical as ever and I hope I can facilitate further steps towards reducing human-induced impacts on ACAP-listed species.” Prior to his appointment as AC Chair, Mike Double served as a member of the Agreement’s [Taxonomy Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/taxonomy-working-group) from 2005, a large part of that period as its Convenor.  He has also attended international meetings of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR](https://www.ccamlr.org/en/organisation/home-page)) and the International Whaling Commission ([IWC](https://iwc.int/home)) as a member of Australia’s delegations. At AC12 Sebastián Jiménez (Uruguay) was appointed Co-convenor and Dimas Gianuca (Brazil) Co-vice convenor of ACAP’s [Seabird Bycatch Working Group](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group), which had met virtually a week before AC12.  These appointments were occasioned by the resignation of the SBWG’s Co-convenor, Anton Wolfaardt, so that he may concentrate his efforts as [Project Leader](https://mousefreemarion.org/introducing-dr-anton-wolfaardt-project-manager-for-the-mouse-free-marion-project/) for the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/). The Advisory Committee took the occasion to thank Nathan for his leadership and dedication to the work of the Advisory Committee and Anton for his leadership and contributions to the Seabird Bycatch Working Group over many years. With thanks to Mike Double. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/australian-marine-scientist-mike-double-is-the-new-chair-of-the-acap-advisory-committee.md) ## Cameras reveal ACAP-listed Pink-footed Shearwaters face threats from introduced cats and rats  *![journal.pone.0254416.g006](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/journal.pone.0254416.g006.PNG)* *Trail camera image of a cat near two Pink-footed Shearwaters on Isla Mocha; from the publication* Ryan Carle ([Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge](https://oikonos.org/), Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile) and colleagues have published in the open access electronic journal *[PLoS ONE](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/)* on deploying trail cameras to record the presence of mammals within breeding colonies of the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698195) Pink-footed Shearwater *Ardenna creatopus*. The paper’s abstract in English and Spanish follows: “Biodiversity conservation planning requires accurate, current information about species status and threats.  Although introduced mammals are the greatest threat to seabirds globally, data on introduced species is lacking for many seabird breeding islands.  To inform conservation planning, we used trail cameras to document the presence, relative abundance, and seasonal and diel attendance of introduced and native vertebrates within pink-footed shearwater (*Ardenna creatopus*) breeding colonies on Isla Mocha (five colonies, 2015–2020) and Isla Robinson Crusoe (Juan Fernández Archipelago), Chile (one colony, 2019–2020).  The most commonly detected species were pink-footed shearwaters and introduced rats (*Rattus* spp.) on Isla Mocha, and European rabbits (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) and pink-footed shearwaters on Isla Robinson Crusoe.  Introduced mammals observed, in order of greatest catch-per-unit-effort, were rats, cats (*Felis catus*), dogs (*Canis lupus familiaris*), and European hares (*Lepus europaeus*) on Isla Mocha and European rabbits, cats, cattle (*Bos taurus*), rats, dogs, mice (*Mus musculus*), and southern coati (*Nasua nasua*) on Isla Robinson Crusoe.  Especially noteworthy results for pink-footed shearwater conservation were the presence of cats during all monitoring months in shearwater colonies on both islands, that catch-per-unit-effort of rabbits was greater than shearwaters on Isla Robinson Crusoe, and that rats were the most observed vertebrates after shearwaters on Isla Mocha.  Pink-footed shearwaters were regularly present on the islands from October through May.  Presence and relative catch-per-unit-effort of pink-footed shearwaters qualitatively matched the species’ known breeding phenology.  The regular presence and temporal overlap with shearwaters of cats, rats, rabbits, and cattle within shearwater colonies, coupled with the irregular presence of dogs, coati, hares, and mice, indicated a serious conservation threat for pink-footed shearwaters and other native insular fauna and flora.  Finally, our study provides a widely applicable model for analysis of multi-year trail camera data collected with unstandardized settings.” *![Pinkfoot cat Oikonos](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Pink_footed/Pinkfoot-cat-Oikonos.png) A feral cat inspects a Pink-footed Shearwater burrow, photograph from Oikonos* Resumen en Español: La planificación para la conservación de la biodiversidad requiere información precisa y actualizada sobre el estado de las especies y sus amenazas. Aunque los mamíferos introducidos son la mayor amenaza para las aves marinas a nivel mundial, faltan datos sobre especies introducidas presentes en muchas islas donde nidifican aves marinas. Para orientar la planificación de la conservación, utilizamos cámaras trampas que documentaron la presencia, abundancia relativa y visitación estacional y diaria de vertebrados introducidos y nativos dentro de las colonias reproductivas de fardela blanca (*Ardenna creatopus*) en Isla Mocha (cinco colonias, 2015-2020) e Isla Robinson Crusoe en el Archipiélago Juan Fernández (una colonia, 2019-2020), Chile. Las especies más comúnmente detectadas en Isla Mocha fueron la fardela blanca y ratas introducidas (*Rattus*spp.), y el conejo europeo (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) y la fardela blanca en Isla Robinson Crusoe. Los mamíferos introducidos más detectados, en orden de mayor captura por unidad de esfuerzo, fueron ratas, gatos (*Felis catus*), perros (*Canis lupus familiaris*) y liebres europeas (*Lepus europaeus*) en Isla Mocha y conejos, gatos, ganado bovino (*Bos taurus*), ratas, perros, ratones (*Mus musculus*) y coatíes (*Nasua nasua*) en la Isla Robinson Crusoe. Los resultados más relevantes para la conservación de la fardela blanca mostraron la presencia de gatos durante todos los meses de monitoreo en las colonias reproductivas en ambas islas, mayor captura por unidad de esfuerzo de conejos que de fardelas en la Isla Robinson Crusoe, y la gran presencia de ratas en Isla Mocha siendo los vertebrados más registrados después de las fardelas. Las fardelas blancas estuvieron presentes regularmente en ambas islas desde octubre hasta mayo. La presencia y captura relativa por unidad de esfuerzo de fardela blanca coincide cualitativamente con la fenología reproductiva conocida para la especie. La presencia regular y la superposición temporal de fardelas con gatos, ratas, conejos y ganado bovino dentro de las colonias de fardela, junto con la presencia irregular de perros, coatís, liebres y ratones, indican una amenaza seria para la conservación de la fardela blanca y otras especies nativas. Finalmente, nuestro estudio proporciona un modelo ampliamente aplicable para el análisis de datos recopilados por varios años a través de cámaras trampas con configuraciones no estandarizadas. **Reference:** Carle, R.D., Fleishman, A.B., Varela, T., Manríquez Angulo, P., De Rodt, G., Hodum, P., Colodro, V., López, V. & Gutiérrez-Guzmán, H. 2021.  Introduced and native vertebrates in pink-footed shearwater (*Ardenna creatopus*) breeding colonies in Chile.  *[PLoS ONE  doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254416](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254416)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/cameras-reveal-acap-listed-pink-footed-shearwaters-face-threats-from-introduced-cats-and-rats.md) ## Feral cats continue to reduce breeding success of Laysan Albatrosses on the Hawaiian island of Kauai ![LAALFirstTimeBack](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALFirstTimeBack.jpg) *Start of the season: a Laysan Albatross pair meets up* “From parents reuniting and mating, from egg-laying to chicks hatching, from fuzzy waddling to courageous fledging, the cycle has once again done a full spin on an axis of wind, squid and sheer perseverance.” - Hob Osterlund Globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* breed close to the human habitants on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Nests can be found in gardens, yards and on golf courses in the community of [Princeville](https://acap.aq/component/content/article/14-news/latest-news/1323-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-princeville-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-in-gardens-and-on-golf-courses) and along the [north-east coast](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1970-acap-breeding-site-no-75-north-east-kauai-where-laysan-albatrosses-breed-on-private-lands-and-a-webcam-has-made-one-pair-and-its-chick-famous-with-two-million-hits?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIl0=), as well as within a [military facility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Missile_Range_Facility) and a [wildlife refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population).  Each year [Hob Osterlund, albatross photographer nonpareil](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4129-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-laysan-albatross-by-hob-osterlund?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIl0=) and founder of the [Kaua`i Albatross Network](https://www.facebook.com/KauaiAlbatrossNetwork), tallies up the numbers of known nests for the whole island and reports on their success.  This year breeding success was 46.7%, following a hatching success of 68.8%, as she writes, accompanied by a selection of her superb photographs, on the [Safina Center website](https://www.safinacenter.org/blog/a-reminiscence-of-albatross-2021?fbclid=IwAR05UL9WDA7jn4UhqP1QCrw9b45WRnHBuqA2-KjclsA-DfdM5Jvp7MGwSKg): “This year’s totals: 317 nests produced 218 chicks; of those, 148 chicks survived to fledge. Scientists measure results by “reproductive success” (RS) and express it in a percentage of how many nests resulted in how many fledges. This year the RS is about 47%, nearly identical to the average RS of the last seven years, and up from about 38% in 2020. Thankfully, wild pig and unleashed dog predation have decreased with better fencing, hunting and deterrents.  Sadly, feral cat predation is a bigger problem; this year we lost a total of 23 chicks in several colonies.” *![LAALChickTalks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALChickTalks.JPG)A Laysan Albatross and its chick vocalize to each other* *ACAP Latest News* has previously reported on the harm cause by [feral cats](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2043-feral-cats-are-suspected-of-killing-22-laysan-albatross-chicks-on-hawaii-s-kauai-island?highlight=WyJob2IiLCJob2IncyJd) and [dogs](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1595-curb-that-cur-yet-more-laysan-albatrosses-are-killed-by-dogs-running-wild-on-kaua-i) running loose among Kauai’s albatrosses.  With dogs now reported as less of a threat, cats remain an ongoing problem, although the [intention](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3801-in-need-of-a-new-fence-kilauea-point-s-laysan-albatrosses-have-a-poor-breeding-season-with-only-36-chicks-fledging?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIiwicG9pbnQiLCJwb2ludCdzIiwicG9pbnQnLCIsImtpbGF1ZWEgcG9pbnQiXQ==) to erect a new predator-proof fence at the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population) on Kauai that will deter feral cats should lead to an improved breeding success for that population.  For the 2020/21 season within the refuge hatching success was [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4000-laysan-albatrosses-set-for-a-good-season-in-the-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-on-kauai?highlight=WyJraWxhdWVhIl0=) by the [Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges](http://www.kilaueapoint.org/) as 67.4% (87/129), similar to Hob’s percentage for the whole island (which includes the refuge figures).  Sixty-one of the 87 chicks fledged, giving an overall breeding success for the refuge of 47.3%, suggesting the value of having an improved fence that will keep out cats. *![LAALFenceWait](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALFenceWait.jpg) Not cat proof.  A Laysan Albatross chick rests by a fence on Kauai prior to fledging Photographs by Hob Osterlund* With thanks to Thomas Daubert, Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges and Hob Osterlund, Kaua'i Albatross Network. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/feral-cats-continue-to-reduce-breeding-success-of-laysan-albatrosses-on-the-hawaiian-island-of-kauai.md) ## Dunedin rings its bells today for the return of the Northern Royal Albatrosses - and the Royalcam chick gets a satellite tracker  ![Tiaki tracker 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Tiaki_tracker_1.png)*Tiaki, the Royalcam chick gets a satellite tracker; photograph by Theo Thompson* The [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland) has announced that the annual ‘ringing of the bells’ across the city of Dunedin will be taking place today to celebrate the first globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) Northern Royal Albatross *Diomedea sanfordi* returning to the mainland colony for the new breeding season and heralding the arrival of spring.  The centre writes on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre): “The city Churches and Schools will ring bells at 1pm [New Zealand Time Zone] on Monday the 13th September 2021 and we’d love lots of bell-ringers throughout Dunedin to join in and ring their bells as well to help us celebrate.”  View a [video of the bell](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/bells-ring-arrival-first-albatross?fbclid=IwAR16mP054Fquto8rT5MPtePmxJeQAost-MhmcHZ6KMFVxpKeea3TcMNR6yU) of Dunedin's St Paul's Cathedral sounding out.  Unusually, the first bird to return is a young male, colour banded as YL (yellow lime) on 7 September soon after its arrival - and not a bird that had already bred in an earlier season.  The bird had fledged in September 2017 from the colony and not been seen ashore previously. *![YL Northern Royal Albatross](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/YL_Northern_Royal_Albatross.jpg)Back from travels.  The four-year old YL; photograph by Theo Thompson* To add to the excitement the 2020/21 season’s livestreaming ‘[Royalcam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/)’ chick, named Tiaki and identified by DNA as a female, was fitted with a solar-powered GPS tracker on 9 September (at an age of 228 days) shortly before its expected fledging by researchers from [Parker Conservation](https://www.parkerconservation.co.nz/) and Department of Conservation ([https://www.doc.govt.nz/](https://www.doc.govt.nz/)[DOC](https://www.doc.govt.nz)) ranger Theo Thompson.  Tiaki forms part of a wider study of the at-sea movements of Northern Royal Albatrosses, including the birds nesting on the Chatham Islands where most of the species’population breeds.  “Tiaki's parents [LGL and LGK](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3998-pitt-island-s-sole-antipodean-albatross-fledgling-and-the-royalcam-pair-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-are-being-tracked-at-sea?highlight=WyJsZ2wiXQ==) received the same type of tracker earlier this year, both of which have given us valuable data.”  The first of this season’s 30 surviving chicks was thought to have fledged on 6 September. ![Tiaki wingspread](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Tiaki_wingspread.jpg) *Soon to fledge: Tiaki spreads her wings, exposing the back-mounted satellite tracker; Royalcam photograph* ![Tiaki 12 September 2021 Sharyn Broni](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Tiaki_12_September_2021_Sharyn_Broni.jpg) *Metal- and colour-banded Tiaki on 12 September, photograph by Sharyn Broni* *Still present on 14 September when she regurgitated a bolus and weighed in at 8 kg in the morning, 233 days since hatching on 24 January 2021 ([click here](https://www.facebook.com/albatrosscentre))* *![Tiaki tracker 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Tiaki_tracker_3.jpg) The back-mounted satellite tracker with its extended aerial in place; photograph by Theo Thompson* Read more about the management of the Northern Royal Albatross colony from DOC Ranger Sharyn Broni [here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4150-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-royal-albatross-by-sharyn-broni). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 September 2021, updated 14 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/dunedin-rings-its-bells-today-for-the-return-of-pukekura-taiaroa-head-s-northern-royal-albatrosses-for-a-new-season-and-the-royalcam-chick-gets-a-satellite-tracker.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Westland Petrel by Kerry-Jayne Wilson  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jayne_Wilson_Westland_Petrel_in_colony.JPG)*A Westland Petrel in the breeding colony* **NOTE:**  This post continues an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Kerry-Jayne Wilson MNZM* of the [West Coast Penguin Trust](https://www.westcoastpenguintrust.org.nz/) features the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/westland-petrel-procellaria-westlandica/text) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/westland-petrel) Westland Petrel or [Tāiko](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/westland-petrel-taiko/) *Procellaria westlandica*, endemic to New Zealand.  Because of the difficulty of photographing the bird at night in its densely forested breeding sites, photographs taken by Kerry-Jayne’s colleagues are included. * Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit ([click here](https://dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/ny2019-mnzm#wilsonke)).  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jane_Wilson_by_Susan_Waugh.JPG)*Kerry-Jayne Wilson with a Westland Petrel, photograph by Susan Waugh* The Westland Petrel (Māori name Tāiko) only nests in mixed podocarp forest in the [foothills](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1526-acap-breeding-sites-no-48-punakaiki-south-island-new-zealand-forest-home-of-the-westland-petrel) of the Paparoa Mountains a few kilometres south of the tourist town of [Punakaiki](https://punakaiki.co.nz/) on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.  It is considered the tenth most threatened seabird by fisheries in New Zealand waters - and that is just one of many threats facing the species.  ![Kate Simister Westland petrel inside burrow on nest](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kate_Simister_Westland_petrel_inside_burrow_on_nest.jpg)**An adult Westland Petrel inside its burrow, photograph by Kate Simister** The all-black petrel was only brought to the attention of scientists in 1945 when Bob Falla (later [Sir Robert Falla KBE CMG, 1901-1979](https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/4f4/falla-robert-alexander)) gave a talk on [muttonbirding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muttonbirding) on national radio.  He told of the muttonbirders heading to the breeding islands in April and May.  The children of the tiny, rural [Barrytown School](https://www.facebook.com/barrytownschoolnz/) told their teacher that Falla must be wrong because their dads go muttonbirding (illegally) in November.  They wrote to Falla, who not knowing of a petrel that would fledge young in November, investigated and ‘discovered’ and then named the Westland Petrel. * ![Kate Simister Westland Petrel on egg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kate_Simister_Westland_Petrel_on_egg.jpg) A Westland Petrel guards its egg, photograph by Kate Simister* The Westland Petrel came to my own attention in the 1970s when I went caving at Punakaiki.  At the time a mining company had established their plant directly beneath the main flyway used by the petrels when traversing between sea and colony.  They were prospecting for gold, titanium and other minerals in the adjacent Barrytown Flats and if economic the brightly lit processing plant would have operated 24 hours a day.  [Sandy Bartle](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/sandy-bartle-87474418b), then a curator at the then national [Museum of New Zealand](https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/), was researching the petrels and began a one-person campaign to raise awareness and protect the birds.  As more people came on board the dispute continued for decades until eventually the company gave up plans to mine and gifted the land and disused buildings to the [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz/). * ![Kate Simister Westland petrel female and month old chick in nest](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kate_Simister_Westland_petrel_female_and_month_old_chick_in_nest.jpg) A female Westland Petrel with its month-old chick, photograph by Kate Simister* The annual banding begun by Sandy in the 1970s continues; like a relay the baton handed from person to person.  In 1995 my student [Amanda Freeman](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amanda-Freeman-2) began her PhD thesis on the petrels.  This was my chance to get involved with a species that had interested me for 20 years.  Over the next few years we spent some memorable days and nights in the colony.  We became the first people to track something smaller than an albatross at sea.  There were some anxious times when one tracked bird did not return for 14 days.  To our enormous relief we did eventually retrieve the borrowed US$ 5000-unit it was carrying.  The Department of Conservation (DOC) managed the banding until [Susan Waugh](https://fr.linkedin.com/in/susan-waugh-a851064b), then employed at the [Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa](https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/) began her demographic studies.  By then I had taken early retirement, living in nearby Charleston.  I took every opportunity to join Sue in the field and filled in for her when work commitments kept her in the office.  During our watch the area was struck by three ex-tropical cyclones, two of which caused extensive treefall and landslides in the petrel colonies.  A third of one study colony was lost to a single landslide, with treefall obliterating part of what remained.  So much for further demographic studies.  Fortunately, the main study colony lost a few trees and some minor landslides around the perimeter, but few birds were killed or nesting burrows lost.  Once Sue Waugh moved on from Te Papa and my aging hips precluded further fieldwork in the steep, tangled rainforest in which they breed the baton was returned to DOC with fieldwork led by a young super-fit, super-keen ranger by the name of Kate Simister.  Under her guidance the annual banding begun by Sandy Bartle in the 1970s continues. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jayne_Wilson_landslide.JPG) *Stripped to bedrock.  A landslide caused by an ex-tropical cyclone; note person for scale*  ![Kerry Jayne Westland Petrel at sea](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jayne_Westland_Petrel_at_sea.JPG)*Westland Petrel at sea Photographs by Kerry-Jayne Wilson, unless stated* In 2015 the annual [Taiko Festival](https://www.facebook.com/TaikoFestival/) began to welcome the Westland Petrels home from their sojourns in South American seas.  The weekend festival begins with a walk down to the beach to wait beneath the flightpath for the birds to fly over at dusk.  While we wait, I give a talk about the birds, describing where they might have been and what they will do once ashore.  The birds have never let us down with several hundred appearing on cue, a sight to remember for the 80 or so people waiting below.  Next day there is a market, tree planting, clowns, and a children’s programme.  Late afternoon the music starts with a succession of bands, over the years attracting some of New Zealand’s biggest acts.  Between bands I take to the stage with another talk about the petrels, this time to hundreds of punters there for the music.  ![Kerry Jane Wilson at Taiko Festival by Jed Findlay](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/Westland/Kerry-Jane_Wilson_at_Taiko_Festival_by_Jed_Findlay.jpg)*On stage at the Taiko Festival: Kerry-Jayne lectures on Westland Petrels, photograph by Jed Findlay* The Westland Petrel is unique among the 31 ACAP species breeding on the mainland just 2.5 km from a town.  [Streetlights and road collisions](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3908-street-lights-switched-off-but-westland-petrel-fledglings-are-still-being-downed?highlight=WyJ3ZXN0bGFuZCIsInBldHJlbCIsInBldHJlbCdzIiwicGV0cmVsJywiLCJ3ZXN0bGFuZCBwZXRyZWwiXQ==), dogs, feral pigs and tourism developments pose current or potential threats.  Dogs have entered the colonies from time to time and killed birds, pigs have been released nearby by aspiring hunters but so far they have been killed before reaching the petrels.  Conservation on the colonies relies on the goodwill of locals, including [Paparoa Nature Tours](http://www.petrelcolonytours.co.nz/index.html) and the [Westland Petrel Conservation Trust](https://www.facebook.com/westlandpetrel).  Perhaps the Taiko Festival has done more than anything else to raise their profile and engender among the local people respect and guardianship of what many now consider ‘their special birds’. With thanks to Kate Simister, Ranger, Biodiversity, Department of Conservation for photographs. *Kerry-Jayne Wilson, West Coast Penguin Trust, Charleston, New Zealand, 16 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-westland-petrel-by-kerry-jayne-wilson.md) ## Open ocean habitats used by foraging Grey Petrels from Kerguelen and Antipodes Islands revealed by tracking ![Lea Finke Grey Petrel Ink wash Hadoram Shirihai 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Lea_Finke_Grey_Petrel_Ink_wash_Hadoram_Shirihai_2.jpg) *Grey Petrel, ink wash by Lea Finke for ACAP, after a photograph by Hadoram Shirihai* Daniel Jones ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK.) and colleagues have published in the journal [Global Change Biology](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652486) on the characteristics of two ocean habitats utilized by separate populations of [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrels *Procellaria cinerea*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Ocean circulation connects geographically distinct ecosystems across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales via exchanges of physical and biogeochemical properties. Remote oceanographic processes can be especially important for ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current transports properties across ocean basins through both advection and mixing. Recent tracking studies have indicated the existence of two large-scale, open ocean habitats in the Southern Ocean used by grey petrels (*Procellaria cinerea*) from two populations. during their nonbreeding season for extended periods during austral summer (i.e., October to February). In this work, we use a novel combination of large-scale oceanographic observations, surface drifter data, satellite-derived primary productivity, numerical adjoint sensitivity experiments, and output from a biogeochemical state estimate to examine local and remote influences on these grey petrel habitats. Our aim is to understand the oceanographic features that control these isolated foraging areas and to evaluate their ecological value as oligotrophic open ocean habitats. We estimate the minimum local primary productivity required to support these populations to be much <1% of the estimated local primary productivity. The region in the southeast Indian Ocean used by the birds from Kerguelen is connected by circulation to the productive Kerguelen shelf. In contrast, the region in the south-central Pacific Ocean used by seabirds from the Antipodes is relatively isolated suggesting it is more influenced by local factors or the cumulative effects of many seasonal cycles. This work exemplifies the potential use of predator distributions and oceanographic data to highlight areas of the open ocean that may be more dynamic and  previously thought. Our results highlight the need to consider advective connections between ecosystems in the Southern Ocean and to re-evaluate the ecological relevance of oligotrophic Southern Ocean regions from a conservation perspective.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Jones, D.C., Ceia, F.R., Murphy, E.J., Delord, K., Furness, R.W., Verdy, A., Mazloff, M., Phillips, R.A., Sagar, P.M., Sallée, J.-B., Schreiber, B., Thompson, D.R., Torres, L.G., Underwood, P.J., Weimerskirch, H. & Xavier, J.C. 2021.  Untangling local and remote influences in two major petrel habitats in the oligotrophic Southern Ocean.  *[Global Change Biology doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15839](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.15839)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/open-ocean-habitats-used-by-foraging-grey-petrels-from-kerguelen-and-antipodes-islands-revealed-by-tracking.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Tristan Albatross by Michelle Risi  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_16.JPG)*The setting sun over Gough Island’s West Rowett lights up a Tristan Albatross in the Gonydale monitoring colony* **NOTE:**  This is the seventh in an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Michelle Risi writes about the [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728364) and near-endemic Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* which she has monitored and photographed on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) over three seasons. ![created by dji camera](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_DJI_0619-01.jpeg) *Michelle Risi records the band number of a displaying Tristan Albatross on Gough Island; photograph by Chris Jones* Having focused my Master’s degree in the intertidal zone on the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa, I must confess that albatrosses were not on my radar.  I was incredibly lucky to make my way in 2014 to Gough Island in the South Atlantic, along with my now husband [Chris Jones](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4147-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-by-christopher-jones), as the conservation officer.  My main aim was to fight the invasive plant *Sagina procumbens* and do some bird monitoring work on the side.  Little did I know then that seabirds would become a true steering force in my life.  Ever since 2014 I have spent most of my time on far-flung islands working to study the amazing animals that live there and contribute research to the global efforts to protect the species that call these islands home.  I always have a camera on me and have been privileged to capture so many photos of these incredible birds, but it’s really not difficult when something so big and beautiful comes up to you simply begging to be photographed! ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_13.JPG) *Sky Point.  An adult male Tristan Albatross displays* Of the last seven years, just under four of those have been spent on Gough Island. After my first overwintering on Gough in 2014/15, I returned in 2018 as a field assistant to be a part of the mice eradication project.  The baiting phase was initially planned to go ahead in 2019 but was postponed to 2020 to allow for a solid logistical planning phase.  I stayed on Gough for two consecutive years to then be on the island in 2020, but our hopes were thwarted again due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it impossible for the rest of the team to travel to Gough with the global hard lockdowns in place.  So it is with huge satisfaction that I am currently typing this after returning from Gough in August 2021, having been part of the eradication team and witnessing the successful completion of the baiting phase of the project earlier this month. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_9.JPG) *At risk to mice no more?  A Tristan Albatross chick in the Gonydale monitoring colony in Gough’s highlands* After monitoring the dismal breeding success of the Critically Endangered Tristan Albatrosses for three seasons and watching countless chicks die after having mouse wounds, it was an extremely emotional moment when we visited the Tafelkop monitoring colony in July this year after the first bait drop by the [Gough Island Restoration Programme](https://www.goughisland.com/) had been completed and not a single nest had failed in the intervening period, especially as the majority of mouse attacks happened during this time in previous seasons.  Tristan Albatrosses hold a special place in my heart so I look forward to following the monitoring updates of this species on a now hopefully mouse-free Gough Island. ![Michelle Risi excited](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Michelle_Risi_excited.jpg)*Celebrating the bait drop.  A Tristan Albatross flies over Michelle in a moment of excitement; photograph by Chris Jones All photographs by Michelle Risi unless stated* I also look forward to celebrating [World Albatross Day](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/introduction-to-world-albatross-day) on the 19th of June each year.  The idea for this day was initially suggested by me to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([ACAP](http://www.acap.aq)) to raise awareness for albatrosses and the various challenges they face.  It is impossible to work with albatrosses and not fall in love with them, so the next step is to bring albatrosses to the world and make everyone else fall in love with them.  We need everyone to get behind the initiatives that are in place to protect these birds, such as fighting illegal fishing, climate change, plastic pollution and invasive species. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Risi_Tristan_Albatross_17.JPG) *Tending their chick on a misty Gough day; the browner female is on the left* It would be another dream come true to use the skills I have learnt working on the Gough Island Restoration Programme on South Africa’s [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org/); another huge milestone project which if successful will contribute to saving the lives of millions of seabirds, including albatrosses, in the years to come. **Selected Scientific Publications:** Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Cleeland, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  First evidence of mouse attacks on adult albatrosses and petrels breeding on sub-Antarctic Marion and Gough Islands.  [*Polar Biology*42: 619 -623](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-018-02444-6). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Osborne, A.M., Ryan, P.G. & Oppel, S. 2021.  Mouse eradication is required to prevent local extinction of an endangered seabird on an oceanic island.  [*Animal Conservation* 24: 637-645](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acv.12670). Jones, M.G.W., Techow, N.M.S., Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Hagens, Q.A., Taylor, F. & Ryan, P.G. 2020.  Hybridization and cuckoldry between black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses. [*Antarctic Science * 32: 10-14](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/hybridization-and-cuckoldry-between-blackbrowed-and-greyheaded-albatrosses/1AE29113DABBB5B6E1C6E61F7A21A9AC). Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Osborne, A.M., Steinfurth, A. & Oppel, S. 2021.  Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* depredating breeding Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* on Gough Island. [*Polar Biology*44: 593-599](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-021-02810-x). Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Schoombie, S. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Plumage and bill abnormalities in albatross chicks on Marion Island. [*Polar Biology* 42: 1615-1620](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-019-02528-x). *Michelle Risi, Durban, South Africa, 14 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-tristan-albatross-by-michelle-risi.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Wandering Albatross by Alexis Osborne ![Alexis Wandering Albatross Headshot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Wandering_Albatross_Headshot.JPG)*An old adult male Wandering Albatross on Marion Island* **NOTE:**  This is the sixth in an occasional series that aims to feature photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Alexis Osborne writes about his sojourns on two sub-Antarctic islands which included studying moult in the [globally Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wandering-albatross-diomedea-exulans) Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans* towards his M.Sc. degree. *![Alexis WAlb loafer 0030](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_WAlb_loafer_0030.JPG) Alexis Osborne approaches a non-breeding Wandering Albatross under research permit as part of his M.Sc. study on moult* ![Alexis Wandere Kim Stevens](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Wandere_Kim_Stevens.JPG) *Photographing wing moult in a Wandering Albatross on Marion Island, photograph by Kim Stevens* I started my journey to my first sub-Antarctic island in 2014, not knowing that this was going to be the start of big things.  As a young boy growing up in the arid Northern Cape of South Africa, I never dreamt of travelling at sea for days on end, let alone living on islands for major parts of my life.  My first voyage was to Marion Island where I spend a year and where I also fell in love with seabirds.  On Marion I was largely responsible for setting up a project examining moult patterns in Northern Giant Petrels *Macronectes halli* and Wandering Albatrosses.  Upon my return to South Africa I obtained a B.Sc. Honours in Biological Sciences at the [University of Cape Town](http://www.uct.ac.za/) and followed this with a M.Sc. through the university’s [FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/) that was based on the moult study I had worked on at Marion Island previously .  During 2017 I had the opportunity to travel back to Marion for a month to collect more data for my Master’s project and later in the year to Gough Island on the annual takeover.  I also spent the 2017/18 summer in Antarctica assisting the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment ([DFFE](https://www.environment.gov.za/)) to collect data on seabirds. ![Alexis Osborne Wandering Albatross 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Osborne_Wandering_Albatross_3.jpg)*Young Wandering Albatrosses display in a group, known as a ‘gam’* During my visit to Gough Island I knew immediately I wanted to stay for longer and when the opportunity presented itself in 2018 to return to Gough Island for a year, I grabbed it with both hands.  I was employed by the [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds](https://www.rspb.org.uk/) (UK’s BirdLife partner) as a seabird biologist monitoring the island’s threatened birds.  I enjoyed my time on the island so much that I decided to extend my stay for another year.  In 2020 I was awarded my Master’s degree, publishing my first paper from the thesis this year *![Alexis Wandering Albatross Incubating](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Wandering_Albatross_Incubating.JPG) A breeding pair; the larger and whiter male (left) incubates the single egg* In 2020 I returned to South Africa for a few months before I headed back to Gough Island to be part of the Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)), which entails an international team of experts working to eradicate invasive House Mice *Mus musculus* from the island.  I have recently returned from Gough Island once more.  Being part of the mouse eradication team has been such an amazing experience, just to be able to see no mice in sight has been the best feeling and I can’t wait for the rest of the wildlife to experience this and - if the eradication effort is proven successful in two years’ time - to see the island being restored to what it was before the mice arrived. *![Alexis Wandering Albatross Sunset](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering/Alexis_Wandering_Albatross_Sunset.JPG) The sun sets on a pair of Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island Photographs by Alexis Osborne* Next, we will be focusing our attention via the [Mouse-Free Marion Project](https://mousefreemarion.org) back to Marion Island where we hope that species such as the Wandering Albatross that I studied will also be able to experience a mouse-free environment. **References:** Dilley, B.J., Hedding, D.W., Henry, D.A.W., Rexer-Huber, K., Parker, G.C., Schoombie, S., Osborne, A. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  Clustered or dispersed: testing the effect of sampling strategy to census burrow-nesting petrels with varied distributions at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science * 31: 231-242](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/clustered-or-dispersed-testing-the-effect-of-sampling-strategy-to-census-burrownesting-petrels-with-varied-distributions-at-subantarctic-marion-island/A4F932E9B3866E60D9A0C82D9AD6EBD6).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3437-surveying-white-chinned-petrels-which-census-method-is-best?highlight=WyJoZWRkaW5nIl0=)] Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science*30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4130-breeding-success-of-grey-petrels-is-reduced-by-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island?highlight=WyJicmluayJd)] Osborne, A. 2020.  [Understanding Moult Patterns in Albatrosses and Petrels breeding on Marion and Gough Islands](https://open.uct.ac.za/handle/11427/32321).  MSc thesis.  Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town.  82 pp.  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3757-understanding-moult-patterns-in-albatrosses-and-petrels-breeding-on-marion-and-gough-islands-msc-awarded-to-alexis-osborne?highlight=WyJvc2Jvcm5lIiwib3Nib3JuZSdzIl0=)] Osborne, A. & Ryan, P.G. 2021.  Using digital photography to study moult extent in breeding seabirds.  [*Ostrich * doi10.2989/00306525.2021.1897699](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2021.1897699) plus two photographs in [supplementary information](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2989/00306525.2021.1897699?scroll=top).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4060-photographing-wing-moult-in-breeding-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-reduces-handling-stress?highlight=WyJvc2Jvcm5lIiwib3Nib3JuZSdzIl0=)] Ryan, P.G., Ferreira, C., Perold, V., Osborne, A. & Jones, C.W. 2015.  Failure to launch: evidence of protracted parental care in albatrosses.  [*Seabird* 28: 48-51](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/seabird-28-48).  [[click here](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2430-too-long-on-the-nest-delayed-fledging-in-sooty-and-wandering-albatrosses?highlight=WyJwZXJvbGQiXQ==)] *Alexis Osborne, 10 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-wandering-albatross-by-alexis-osborne.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Northern Royal Albatross by Sharyn Broni  ![dav](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/A_NRA_pair_at_the_start_of_the_breeding_season.jpg)*“A colour-banded Northern Royal Albatross pair at the start of the breeding season”* ****NOTE:**  **This is the fifth in an occasional series that aims to feature photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Sharyn Broni, a [Department of Conservation](https://www.doc.govt.nz) Wildlife Ranger at [Pukekura/Taiaroa Head](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1307-acap-breeding-sites-no-6-taiaroa-head-pukekura-new-zealand-an-albatross-colony-on-the-mainland), New Zealand, writes about the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/northern-royal-albatross-diomedea-sanfordi) and [nationally Naturally Uncommon](http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/northern-royal-albatross) Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomeda sanfordi* she has been caring for and monitoring for many years in a mainland colony. ![Sharyn Broni 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Sharyn_Broni_2.jpg) *Sharyn Broni, Wildlife Ranger, Pukekura/Taiaroa Head* My start in conservation work occured in 1990 when on a youth development conservation programme in the Catlins area of  New Zealand’s South Island.  I discovered a passion for marine mammals and penguins and spent much time helping out as a volunteer for the Department of Conservation.  Prior to working with albatrosses I had spent three summers working at the [Burwood Takahē Breeding Centre](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/takahe-recovery-programme/get-involved/where-takahe-live/burwood-takahe-centre/)with the [globally Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/south-island-takahe-porphyrio-hochstetteri/text) and [nationally Vulnerable](https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/south-island-takahe) South Island Takahe *Porphyrio hochstetteri*([click here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/takahe/)).  Although they are not a seabird, they are seriously cool!  I was travelling overseas during 1997 when offered  position at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head; I came back and have been there ever since. ![Adolescent albatross spend the summer months looking for a mate](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Adolescent_albatross_spend_the_summer_months_looking_for_a_mate.jpg)*“Adolescent Northern Royal Albatrosses spend the summer months looking for a mate.  The process takes three years before they mate for life”* I have been a wildlife ranger with the Taiaroa Head albatross team for 24 years.  The team is typically three to five people on a seven-day roster with overlap for two-person work and additional shifts during chick hatching.  Our tasks with the Northern Royal Albatrosses include banding, egg incubation, fostering, weighing, supplementary feeding, introduced pest trapping and irrigation of hot albatrosses to prevent heat stroke. Hatching of chicks is completely carried out in incubators these days to protect the vulnerable hatching chicks from almost certain and fatal fly strike.  Egg candling and DNA sampling also help us get the best results out of each nest, being able to foster eggs or young chicks increases chick fledging numbers.  ![Eggs are candled to determine fertility and viability a failed egg is replace with a dummy egg so the pair can be held as a potential foster pairjpg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/Eggs_are_candled_to_determine_fertility_and_viability_a_failed_egg_is_replace_with_a_dummy_egg_so_the_pair_can_be_held_as_a_potential_foster_pairjpg.jpg)  ![DNAISC1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/DNAISC1.JPG) *“Eggs are candled to determine fertility and viability.  A failed egg is replaced with a dummy egg so the pair can be held as a potential foster pair”*[LEFT] *“DNA is collected from egg shells to determine the sex of each chick.  This is helpful when supplementary feeding as male chicks will be up to 2 kg heavier than females during winter*” [RIGHT] In 2016 the live streaming event, [Royalcam](https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam), was set up. The world can now see a nest of a Northern Royal Albatross, close up, and in real time.  As breeding takes nearly a year there is nearly always some albatross activity to watch on the live stream.  In 2019 the Department of Conservation partnered with the [Cornell Bird Lab](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/) who provided a camera with panning options and night vision which has increased the advocacy for the Northern Royal Albatross hugely.  Big news this season is the [GPS tracking](https://docnewzealand.shinyapps.io/albatrosstracker/) of the Royalcam parents: click on the **Interactive map** tab and scroll down for LGK and LGL [named for their lime, green and black colour bands] at Taiaroa Head under ‘**Choose a Bird**’. ![A newly hatched chick ready to be returned to the nest. Hatching in the incubator prevents fly strike](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/A_newly_hatched_chick_ready_to_be_returned_to_the_nest._Hatching_in_the_incubator_prevents_fly_strike.jpg)*“A newly hatched chick ready to be returned to the nest.  Hatching in the incubator prevents fly strike”* I had spent seven years on the Education Team at the [Royal Albatross Centre](https://albatross.org.nz/) delivering albatross education programmes to school groups from ages three to 20.  This work and the sheer length of time spent working at Taiaroa Head has meant that by 2018 I had become the Royalcam spokesperson on the team.  You can find the Royalcam discussion page [here](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-2021-discussion/). where I provide regular updates of the featured Royalcam family as well as occasional ‘Colony’ news. ![The Richdale Observatory overlooks part of the albatross colony](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/The_Richdale_Observatory_overlooks_part_of_the_albatross_colony.jpg)*“The Richdale Observatory overlooks part of the albatross colony.  Here is where visitors can take a tour with the Royal Albatross Centre” Photographs by Sharyn Broni* The Northern Royal Albatross colony and its history are quite unique in the albatross world as it is situated on a mainland not too far from Dunedin, a sizable city.  This led to early research which greatly improved the understanding of albatrosses at a time when most colonies had huge accessibility issues.  The population at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head has grown from seven adults and one fledging chick in 1938 to over 250 adults and 30 chicks due to fledge in September 2021.  This colony growth would not have been possible without the protection they received in 1938 (prior to this there had been 20 years of complete breeding failure due to human interference) and the ongoing conservation efforts, first by the New Zealand Wildlife Service and then by the Department of Conservation. *![web cam chick](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/N/Northern_Royal/web_cam_chick.jpg)*Outgrowing the laundry basket? Sharyn Broni helps weigh a Royalcam chick at**Pukekura/Taiaroa Head Department  of Conservation webcam photograph** *South Island, New Zealand, 09 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-northern-royal-albatross-by-sharyn-broni.md) ## Dead or alive? Plastic loads vary with sampling technique in Flesh-footed Shearwaters  ![Lavers Env Pollution](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Lavers_Env_Pollution.jpg)*Graphical abstract from the publication* Jennifer Lavers ([Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies](https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/), University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Environmental Pollution](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02697491)*on plastic ingestion by Flesh-footed Shearwaters *Ardenna carneipes*on Australia’s [Lord Howe Island](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/186/). ![Flesh footed Shearwater 2 Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Flesh_footed/Flesh-footed_Shearwater_2_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) *Flesh-footed Shearwater at sea, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* The paper’s abstract follows: “The world's oceans are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities, including significant and rapidly increasing inputs of plastic pollution. Seabirds have long been considered sentinels of ocean health, providing data on physical and chemical pollutants in their marine habitats. However, long-term data that can elucidate important patterns and changes in seabird exposure to marine pollutants are relatively limited but are urgently eeded to identify and support effective policy measures to reduce plastic waste. Using up to 12 years of data, we examined the benefits and challenges of different approaches to monitoring plastic in seabirds, and the relationship between plastic and body size parameters. We found the mass and number of ingested plastics per bird varied by sample type, with lavage and road-kill birds containing less plastic (9.17–9.33 pieces/bird) than beach-washed or otherwise dead birds (27.62–32.22 pieces/bird). Beached birds therefore provide data for only a particular subset of the population, mostly individuals in poorer body condition, including those severely impacted by plastics. In addition, the mass and number of plastics in beached birds were more variable, therefore the sample sizes required to detect a change in plastic over time were significantly larger than for lavaged birds. The use of lavaged birds is rare in studies of plastic ingestion due to ethical and methodological implications, and we recommend future work on ingested plastics should focus on sampling this group to ensure data are more representative of a population's overall exposure to plastics.” **Reference:** Lavers, J.L., Hutton, I. & Bond, A.L. 2021.  Temporal trends and interannual variation in plastic ingestion by Flesh-footed Shearwaters (*Ardenna carneipes*) using different sampling strategies.  [Environmental Pollution 290. doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118086](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749121016687). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/dead-or-alive-plastic-loads-vary-with-sampling-technique-in-flesh-footed-shearwaters.md) ## Tracking pelagic birds at sea: limitations to accuracy of light-level geolocators investigated with Calonectris shearwaters ![Scopolis Searwater John Borg](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Corys/Scopolis_Searwater_John_Borg.jpg) *Scopoli's Shearwater*Calonectris diomedea*at sea, photograph by John Borg* Luke Halpin ([School of Biological Sciences](https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/biological-sciences), Monash University, Clayton, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Methods in Ecology and Evolution*](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/2041210x) on testing the accuracy of light-level geolocators on three species of *Calonectris* shearwaters. The paper’s abstract follows: 1. Light-level geolocators are popular bio-logging tools, with advantageous sizes, longevity and affordability. Biologists tracking seabirds often presume geolocator spatial accuracies between 186 and 202 km from previously innovative, yet taxonomically, spatially and computationally limited, studies. Using recently developed methods, we investigated whether assumed uncertainty norms held across a larger-scale, multispecies study. 2. We field-tested geolocator spatial accuracy by synchronously deploying these with GPS loggers on scores of seabirds across five species and 11 Mediterranean Sea, east Atlantic and south Pacific breeding colonies. We first interpolated geolocations using the geolocation package FLightR without prior knowledge of GPS tracked routes. We likewise applied another package, probGLS, additionally testing whether sea-surface temperatures could improve route accuracy. 3. Geolocator spatial accuracy was lower than the ~200 km often assumed. probGLS produced the best accuracy (mean ± *SD*= 304 ± 413 km, *n*= 185 deployments) with 84.5% of GPS-derived latitudes and 88.8% of longitudes falling within resulting uncertainty estimates. FLightR produced lower spatial accuracy (408 ± 473 km, *n* = 171 deployments) with 38.6% of GPS-derived latitudes and 23.7% of longitudes within package-specific uncertainty estimates. Expected inter-twilight period (from GPS position and date) was the strongest predictor of accuracy, with increasingly equatorial solar profiles (i.e. closer temporally to equinoxes and/or spatially to the Equator) inducing more error. Individuals, species and geolocator model also significantly affected accuracy, while the impact of distance travelled between successive twilights depended on the geolocation package. 4. Geolocation accuracy is not uniform among seabird species and can be considerably lower than assumed. Individual idiosyncrasies and spatiotemporal dynamics (i.e. shallower inter-twilight shifts by date and latitude) mean that practitioners should exercise greater caution in interpreting geolocator data and avoid universal uncertainty estimates. We provide a function capable of estimating relative accuracy of positions based on geolocator-observed inter-twilight period.” **Reference:** With thanks to Ken Morgan. Halpin, L.R., Ross, J.D., Ramos, R., Mott, R., Carlile, N., Golding, N., Reyes-González, J.M., Militão, T., De Felipe, F., Zajková, Z., Cruz-Flores, N., Saldanha, S., Morera-Pujol, V., Navarro-Herrero, L., Zango, L., González-Solís, J. & Clarke, R.H. 2021.  Double-tagging scores of seabirds reveals that light-level geolocator accuracy is limited by species idiosyncrasies and equatorial solar profiles.   [*Methods in Ecology and Evolution*doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13698](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.13698). *John Coo per, ACAP Information Officer, 06 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tracking-pelagic-birds-at-sea-limitations-to-accuracy-of-light-level-geolocators-investigated-with-calonectris-shearwaters.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross by Christopher Jones  ![Chris Jones 10](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_10.jpg)*An Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross broods its chick under a*Phylica*tree on Gough Island* **NOTE: ** This is the fourth in an occasional series that aims to feature photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from and about their photographers.  Here, Christopher Jones writes about the ACAP-listed and globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-thalassarche-chlororhynchos/text) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, a species he has studied on [Gough Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) in the South Atlantic. ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_7.jpg) *Chris Jones descends a coastal cliff on Gough* I grew up in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, spending a good chunk of my formative years visiting national parks where I developed an appreciation of the natural world.  This drove me to study Zoology and Ecology at the Universities of [Pretoria](https://www.up.ac.za/) and [KwaZulu-Natal](https://ukzn.ac.za/).  I did not really know much about pelagic seabirds until one of my lecturers, Prof. Marthan Bester, gave a presentation about [Marion](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels) and Gough Islands, where South Africa operates weather stations.  After learning about these far-flung places, I was determined to visit them as a researcher. ![Chris Jones 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_2.jpeg) *Losing its down: an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross chick* Once I completed my undergraduate studies, I was very fortunate to take up a position as a field biologist on Gough Island from 2014 to 2015.  I must admit that before heading down to Gough for the first time, I was most excited about penguins and seals.  But during my first walkabout on the island, the very first animal I encountered was an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross.  My first albatross up close on land!  Seeing their exceptional beauty, I soon became far more interested in albatrosses and petrels.  This first year on Gough was a life-changing experience for me.  During this time, part of my job was to closely monitor the breeding cycle of several seabird species, including Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, from egg laying to chicks fledging.  It was an incredible experience being able to follow their cycles over a whole year.  Amidst this fieldwork, I also collected data for my M.Sc. dissertation, supervised by Prof. Peter Ryan ([FitzPatrick Institute](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), University of Cape Town), on the comparative ecology of Broad-billed *Pachyptila vittata* ([Least Concern](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698106)) and globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/macgillivrays-prion-pachyptila-macgillivrayi/text) MacGillivray’s *P*. *macgillivrayi* Prions breeding sympatrically on Gough Island.  ![Chris Jones 5](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_5.jpeg)*A rare occurrence: attempting to raise two chicks* While writing up my M.Sc. I also worked on several remote islands in the Seychelles from 2015 to 2017 and as a seabird researcher on Marion Island from 2017 to 2018.  Then in 2018 I returned to Gough Island as Senior Field Biologist for the Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)); a mouse-eradication project run by the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](https://www.rspb.org.uk/)).  This time I spent two years on Gough until 2020, focusing on collecting pre-eradication baseline demographic data for seabirds, land birds and terrestrial invertebrates.  The eradication project was planned to be completed in 2020 but was unfortunately postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  So, I re-joined the project in 2021, involved with establishing captive founder populations for the endemic Gough Finch or Bunting *Rowettia goughensis* ([Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/gough-finch-rowettia-goughensis)) and Gough Moorhen *Gallinula comeri* ([Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/Gough-Moorhen)), which were at risk to non-target poisoning, as well as being involved in the baiting phase of the operation.  I hope to re-visit Gough in a few years’ time as see the ecosystem flourishing in the absence of invasive House Mice.  Until then I plan to continue island hopping around the world and contributing to the conservation of these special ecosystems ![Chris Jones 9](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_9.jpg) *Close to departure: an Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross fledgling spreads its wings close to the cliff edge ![Chris Jones 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow_nosed/Chris_Jones_3.jpeg) Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses are truly beautiful birds Photographs by Chris Jones* **Selected Scientific Publications:** Jones, C.W. P. 2018.  [*Comparative ecology of Pachyptila species breeding sympatrically at Gough Island*](https://open.uct.ac.za/handle/11427/29646?show=full).  M,Sc. thesis.  University of Cape Town.  81 pp. Jones, C.W., Phillips, R.A., Grecian, W.J. & Ryan, P.G. 2020.  Ecological segregation of two superabundant, morphologically similar, sister seabird taxa breeding in sympatry.  [*Marine Biology 167:*167: 1-16](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-020-3645-7). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M. & Bester, M.N. 2020.  Local extinction imminent for southern elephant seals *Mirounga leonina* at their northernmost breeding site, Gough Island – South Atlantic Ocean.  [*Polar Biology * 43: 893-897](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-020-02679-2). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Cleeland, J. & Ryan, P.G. 2019.  First evidence of mouse attacks on adult albatrosses and petrels breeding on sub-Antarctic Marion and Gough Islands.  [*Polar Biology* 42: 619 -623](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-018-02444-6). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Osborne, A.M. *et al*. 2020.  Abundance, distribution and breeding success of the endemic Gough Island Finch *Rowettia goughensis* between 2009 and 2018.  [*Emu - Austral Ornithology * 120: 230-238](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01584197.2020.1773859). Jones, C.W., Risi, M.M., Osborne, A.M., Ryan, P.G. & Oppel, S. 2021.  Mouse eradication is required to prevent local extinction of an endangered seabird on an oceanic island.  [*Animal Conservation* 24: 637-645](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/acv.12670). Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Osborne, A.M., Steinfurth, A. & Oppel, S. 2021.  Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* depredating breeding Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* on Gough Island. [*Polar Biology * 44: 593-599](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-021-02810-x). *Christopher Jones, 07 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-by-christopher-jones.md) ## An introduction to using Earth observation data from satellites to study albatrosses - and other seabirds ![Wandering Albatrosses Michelle Risi Ellyn Bousman Lentz](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatrosses_Michelle_Risi_Ellyn_Bousman_Lentz.jpg) *"Sing a Song" - paper collage for ACAP by Ellyn Bousman Lentz, after a photograph of *Wandering Albatrosses* by *Michelle Risi** Lonneke Goddijn-Murphy ([Environmental Research Institute](https://pure.uhi.ac.uk/en/organisations/follow-us-on-twitter-at-eriuhi), University of the Highlands and Islands, Thurso, United Kingdom) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/remote-sensing-applications-society-and-environment)on the value of utilizing `Earth Observation data via satellites for studies of seabird and their habitats, at breeding colonies and at sea. The paper’s abstract follows: “Remote sensing, the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, has the potential to contribute greatly to conservation, ecology and biodiversity studies. Here, we introduce remote sensing capabilities that could contribute to seabird studies, covering remoting sensing of seabirds directly, and indirectly through remote sensing of seabird habitats. We focus on satellite remote sensing, as these data are the most readily available, and are mostly freely available, and we also present some additional Earth observation (EO) data. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a selection of practical and user-friendly data and tools that are publicly available. At present, the spatial resolution of optical commercial satellite imagery is high enough to identify the largest seabirds such as penguins and albatrosses. Military satellites are capable of higher resolutions that can detect 10 cm objects, but these are not available to the general public. Satellite observation and other EO datasets containing geographic and sea surface condition variables are useful for complementing seabird sightings and tracking data, with their associations justifiable for certain species, breeding status and locations. This paper is aimed at researchers in the fields of seabird conservation, ecology, and biodiversity whose research would benefit from satellite data and from knowing what data sources are available.” See also a [report](https://acap.aq/latest-news/2754-spotted-from-space-counting-northern-royal-and-wandering-albatrosses-using-satellite-imagery?highlight=WyJmcmV0d2VsbCJd) on a publication in *ACAP Latest News* on counting albatrosses from space. With thanks to Alex Bond. **Reference:** Goddijn-Murphy, L., O’Hanlon, N.J., James, N.J.,  Masden, E.A. & Bond, A.L. 2021.  Earth observation data for seabirds and their habitats: An introduction.  [*Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment*24.doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2021.100619](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352938521001555?dgcid=coauthor). [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352938521001555?dgcid=coauthor](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352938521001555?dgcid=coauthor)*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/an-introduction-to-using-earth-observation-data-from-satellites-to-study-albatrosses-and-other-seabirds.md) ## 79 000 active Buller’s Shearwater burrows counted on New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands ![Bullers Shearwater off Mercury Islands MZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Bullers_Shearwater_off_Mercury_Islands_MZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) *Buller's Shearwater off Mercury Islands, New Zealand; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* * *Megan Friesen ([Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust](https://www.nzseabirdtrust.com/), Auckland, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Emu – Austral Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/temu20/current)*on a breeding census of the globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698182) and nationally [Naturally Uncommon](https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bullers-shearwater) Buller’s Shearwaters *Ardenna bulleri*. The paper’s abstract follows: “Accurate and repeatable population estimates are key to establishing population trends and conservation status. Rako, or Buller’s Shearwater (*Ardenna bulleri*) is a seabird endemic to New Zealand that breeds only on the Poor Knights Islands, but forages throughout wider areas of the Pacific Ocean during the non-breeding season. The lack of threats on the breeding grounds and the wide foraging range of Buller’s Shearwaters makes them ideal sentinels of ocean health. Although they are commonly seen at sea and the population in the 1980s was thought to be around 2.5 million birds, other rapid land-based surveys suggested a much lower figure (~100,000 pairs on Aorangi), and no thorough population estimate has been undertaken to date. We calculated a population estimate for Buller’s Shearwater based on burrow counts and state of occupancy conducted at the Poor Knights during either the 2016–2017 or the 2017–2018 breeding seasons. We incorporated information on habitat availability and preference in population models. Our estimate of 78,645 (95% confidence interval 67,176–89,178) active burrows, broadly representing breeding pairs, is lower than some previously published assessments. This is a repeatable quantitative study of the Buller’s Shearwater breeding population, including breeding activity, and provides critical baseline data to determine population trends for this potentially important marine indicator species.” **Reference:** Friesen, M.R., Simpkins, C.E., Ross, J., Anderson, S.H., Ismzar-Rebitz, S.M.H., Tennyson, A.J.D., Taylor,G.A., Baird, K.A. & Gaskin, C.P. 2021.  New population estimate for an abundant marine indicator species, Rako or Buller’s Shearwater (*Ardenna bulleri*).  [*Emu – Austral Ornithology*doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2021.1924066](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01584197.2021.1924066). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 02 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/79-000-active-buller-s-shearwater-burrows-counted-on-new-zealand-s-poor-knights-islands.md) ## The ACAP Advisory Committee starts its Twelfth Meeting today, held virtually for the first time  ![Light mantled Albatross Andrea Siemt](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Light-mantled_Albatross_Andrea_Siemt.jpg) *Preening Light-mantled Albatross, watercolour for ACAP by Andrea Siemt; after a photograph by Oli Prince* * *As for nearly all international meetings affected by COVID-19, the Twelfth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC12](https://acap.aq/en/advisory-committee/ac12)) and of two of its working groups are being held virtually; a first for ACAP.  This year’s meetings - delayed from last year by the pandemic - are now being held from 16/17 August to 1/2 September (depending on where one is in the world).** **Meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBWG10](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10)) and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6)) preceded AC12, from 16/17 to 18/19 August and 23/24 to 24/25 August, respectively.  These two working groups (and the Taxonomy Working Group) will give their reports to AC12. AC12 is meeting from 30/31 August to 1/2 September, preceded by a one-hour closed Heads of Delegation Meeting.  The meeting is being chaired by Nathan Walker (Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand), with the support of Vice-Chair Tatiana Neves (Projeto Albatroz, Brazil).  The Advisory Committee’s current membership may be viewed by scrolling down from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee). Nineteen [Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6/pacswg6-meeting-documents) (including [AC12 Doc 02: Annotated Meeting Agenda](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12/ac12-meeting-documents/3893-ac12-doc-02-annotated-meeting-agenda/file) and work programmes for the next several years) and nine [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/advisory-committee/ac12/ac12-information-papers) (including 2021 Implementation Reports from six Parties) have been tabled for consideration, leading to an expected busy meeting over the three days allotted.  All these documents can be downloaded from this website. Further information on the virtual meeting of AC12 is available in [AC12 Circular 5](https://acap.aq/advisory-committee/ac12/ac12-circulars) in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish, giving information on timing at different localities around the world.  [Congress Rental](https://congressrentalnetwork.com/) has been chosen to manage the technical aspects of the meeting, using the [Interprefy](https://www.interprefy.com/) platform.  Interprefy enables “relay interpretation” (involving multiple languages – three in the case of ACAP).  Congress Rental has been providing technical advice to Chairs, Secretariat, interpreters and to other participants. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 31 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-acap-advisory-committee-starts-its-twelfth-meeting-today-held-virtually-for-the-first-time.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Grey Petrel by Jeremy Bird  ![ ](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/5_gp_in_brw.JPG) *An incubating Grey Petrel in its burrow on Macquarie.  Burrows were visited throughout the season to estimate population size and breeding success, photograph by Jeremy Bird* **NOTE:** This is the third in an occasional series that aims to feature photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information from their photographers.  Here, Jeremy ‘Jez’ Bird writes about the ACAP-listed and globally [Near-Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*, a species he studied for his recently awarded PhD.  ![8 burrowscope](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/8_burrowscope.jpg)*Their burrow-nesting habit makes Grey Petrels difficult to survey.  Here Jez uses a dedicated ‘burrowscope’ on Macquarie’s steep slopes* The Southern Ocean islands are out of sight and out of mind for most of us, but they support some amazing wildlife and I’ve been passionate about the region since visiting on a travel scholarship as an 18-year-old.  Twenty years later, still inspired by that first experience, I’ve just completed a PhD studying the recovery of threatened seabirds on [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site), Australia.  This sub-Antarctic island is currently responding to the removal of invasive predators.  Pest management began with the eradication in 1998 of the Weka *Gallirallus australis* , a globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/weka-gallirallus-australis) species of rail native to New Zealand which was originally introduced as a food source for sealers, followed by feral cats in 2000 and rabbits, rats and mice in 2011.  ![7 grey petrel chick credit Jez Bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/7_grey_petrel_chick_credit_Jez_Bird.JPG)*A Grey Petrel chick starts to lose its down, photograph by Jeremy Bird* Among the birds I studied was the Grey Petrel.  Found on a number of sub-Antarctic islands, the largest recorded population is on [Antipodes Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1358-acap-breeding-sites-no-23-antipodes-island-new-zealand-supports-seven-acap-listed-albatross-and-petrel-species) south of New Zealand.  Grey Petrels were reported historically on Macquarie Island, but there was no evidence of breeding after the early 1900s.  In the 1990s, when the cat population was under control and on its way to eradication, Grey Petrels recolonised.  No island-wide surveys of the population had been undertaken since 2003 although the [Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service](https://parks.tas.gov.au/) has continued monitoring at some core breeding sites.  I completed a whole-island survey and found the population has increased to *c*. 250 breeding pairs today.  Based upon the current population size and trajectory we expect them to warrant removal from Australian state and federal threatened species lists within the next few years. ![spypoint03](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/9_cameratrap.JPG) *A camera trap positioned at a burrow entrance records an entering Grey Petrel* Petrels are notoriously difficult to study.  They typically breed on remote islands, often in rugged terrain.  Birds only frequent colonies in certain seasons, and they with few exceptions only visit their nesting burrows at night to avoid native avian predators such as skuas.  They mostly nest in underground burrows whose entrances can be obscured under dense vegetation.  As a result, much of my year was spent searching for and counting burrows, and then trying to figure out what was in them.  I used a dedicated ‘burrowscope’ to help with this and used camera traps to record activity at individual nests.  By following nests through the season I found that almost 80% of nesting attempts were successful – way higher than when invasive species are present, as for example on Macquarie in the past and currently on South Africa’s Marion Island where Grey Petrels remain at risk to House Mice ([click here](https://mousefreemarion.org/breeding-success-of-burrowing-petrels-is-reduced-by-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island/)). We also deployed geolocator tags on a number of birds.  These tags were attached to the legs and retrieved the next season when the birds returned to their breeding burrows.  Using an internal clock, each day the tag logs sunrise and sunset whose timings tell us longitude, whereas day length tells us latitude.  We are now using this information to illustrate potential overlap of Macquarie’s Grey Petrels with fisheries throughout their at-sea range, and to understand better their population structure.  For example, we know the recolonizing Grey Petrels have arrived from Macquarie from elsewhere and the rate at which the island population is growing suggests immigration is still occurring, but we don’t know where the source population is.  As the impact of climate change in the Southern Ocean intensifies understanding how connected species’ populations are and what capacity they have to move help decisions over island management to be made.   *![1 jb burrow searching credit Toby Travers](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/1_jb_burrow_searching_credit_Toby_Travers.JPG)*I spent most of my year on Macquarie Island searching for seabird burrows and trying to figure out what was in them, photograph b*y Toby Travers* I loved immersing myself in the lives of these birds for a year.  Learning from remote recording devices when they first arrived back at their colonies. Reading how males sit atop tussock heads and ‘hose’ their staccato calls at the night, before waiting after dark to see it for myself.  Watching hatching chicks, still wet and complete with egg tooth, gradually grow and transform into sleek fledglings, seen disappearing for the last time as I flicked through camera trap photos.  Following the annual cycle of Grey Petrels on Macquarie has given me immense enjoyment and respect for the hardships they endure year in year out. Much of my work reported here can be found in my two recent papers and in my thesis which has just been published online. **References:** Bird, J.P. 2021.  [*The Conservation Ecology of Burrowing Petrels on Macquarie Island.*](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4c0f21c?fbclid=IwAR0V79NZvfLauSz8AIPUtW_YYuPjfyIIfGvQLoh3KiFwFylcPGh-ylrNvwc) PhD Thesis.  Brisbane, Australia: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland.  216 pp. [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4142-phd-thesis-the-conservation-ecology-of-burrowing-petrels-on-macquarie-island)]. Bird, J.P., Fuller, R.A., Pascoe, P.P. & Shaw, J.D.S. 2021.  Trialling camera traps to determine occupancy and breeding in burrowing seabirds.  [*Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation*doi.org/10.1002/rse2.235](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rse2.235). [[click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4140-using-trail-cameras-to-study-breeding-grey-petrels-on-macquarie-island)] Bird, J.P., Woodworth, B.K., Fuller, R.A. & Shaw, J.D. 2021.  Uncertainty in population estimates: a meta-analysis for petrels. [https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2688-8319.12077](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2688-8319.12077)[Ecological Solutions and Evidence](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2688-8319.12077)*[doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12077](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2688-8319.12077)*. *Jeremy Bird, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 01 September 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-grey-petrel-by-jeremy-bird.md) ## The Seabird Restoration Database aims to improve knowledge transfer among practitioners ![laysan albatross social attraction jcnwr 12 jan 2016 8155 1 1 orig](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/laysan-albatross-social-attraction-jcnwr-12-jan-2016-8155-1_1_orig.jpg)*A Laysan Albatross lands next to two decoys at the*[James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/james_campbell/)*, photograph from the project website* A new initiative coming out of Hawaii aims to improve knowledge transfer among practitioners of seabird restoration around the world as the project’s website explains: “Seabirds are one of the most threatened bird groups on the planet, with approximately 30% at risk of extinction and with 84% of all species at risk from at least one threat, primarily from invasive alien species, bycatch, poaching, and/or climate change.  Active seabird restoration tools are used to recover seabird colonies, particularly where removal of threats is not enough for long-term species conservation, yet it is unknown which restoration methods are most likely linked to conservation success.  The [Seabird Restoration Database](https://www.seabirddatabase.org/) seeks to improve knowledge transfer of active restoration techniques among practitioners and enhance seabird conservation by documenting the methods and outcomes from social attraction and translocation activities applied to restore and recover seabird populations around the world.  Between 2020-2021 we will collate data from the literature, reports, databases and expert consultations to determine the species, locations, methods, and outcomes for active seabird restoration efforts.  Once completed, the database will be made publicly available.” The Seabird Restoration Database is being managed by [Pacific Rim Conservation](http://www.pacificrimconservation.org/) which is based in Oahu, Hawaii. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-seabird-restoration-database-aims-to-improve-knowledge-transfer-among-practitioners.md) ## PhD thesis. The conservation ecology of burrowing petrels on Macquarie Island ![Jeremy Bird Macquarie Andrea Turbett](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Jeremy_Bird_Macquarie_Andrea_Turbett.jpg)*Jeremy Bird on Macquarie, photograph by Andrea Turbott* Jeremy ‘Jez’ Bird has been awarded his PhD by the University of Queensland for a study of burrowing petrels, including the ACAP-listed and globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*, on Australia’s [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site). ![Grey Petrel Chick Macquarie Island Jeremy Bird](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Grey_Petrel_Chick_Macquarie_Island_Jeremy_Bird.jpg)*A Grey Petrel chick in its burrow on Macquarie Island, photograph by Jeremy Bird* The thesis abstract follows: “Many seabird populations are of conservation significance, either because they are rare and threatened with extinction, or because they are abundant and play an integral role in island-ocean systems. Procellariiform petrels in the families Procellariidae, Hydrobatidae and Oceanitidae are especially vulnerable to the impacts of alien invasive species on islands and as a result 45 of 97 species globally are threatened with extinction, a higher proportion than comparable bird groups. In their natural state petrels are also the most abundant seabirds, consuming prey volumes commensurate with commercial fisheries, and transferring nutrients from pelagic to terrestrial and coastal ecosystems on a scale equivalent to other global geochemical fluxes. Seabird nutrient inputs ramify to influence whole-island food-webs. To prevent seabird extinctions, and to restore nutrient pathways the whole-island eradication of invasive species has been developed as an effective conservation tool. In this thesis I explore the conservation ecology of a diverse group of petrels following the World’s largest multi-species eradication to date—the staged removals of Wekas *Gallirallus australis*, Feral Cats *Felis catus*, European Rabbits *Oryctolagus cuniculus*, Black Rats *Rattus rattus* and House Mice *Mus musculus* from subantarctic Macquarie Island. Petrels are particularly challenging to study, and few quantitative data on their responses to invasive species eradication are available. Petrels nest discontinuously across rugged terrain on remote islands. Their nests are in under-ground burrows, the entrances to which are often obscured under dense vegetation. Birds are not present year-round, and only return to or leave from colonies at night. Given these inherent challenges, I review in Chapter 1 what motivates people to collect and report population estimates for petrels. Because these species are cryptic and challenging to study I undertook a meta-analysis of uncertainty in published estimates to assess overall levels and drivers of uncertainty. I concluded that the primary motivation for estimating populations is to inform species status and trend assessments, but uncertainty in generated estimates is an impediment to reliable trend detection. The findings of the review provide the rationale for testing field methods that measure two key metrics that underpin population estimates: the proportion of burrows occupied by breeding pairs (Chapter 2), and the total number of burrows on an island (Chapter 3). Chapter 2 compares traditional techniques for estimating burrow occupancy and breeding status with my novel application of camera traps positioned at burrow entrances. I found that (i) camera traps are effective at collecting season-long activity patterns, with evidence that these can be used to distinguish breeding from non-breeding burrows, and (ii) cameras provide higher resolution data on breeding success than repeat visits to inspect burrows manually and are a low impact approach. To understand the current size and distributions of a diverse assemblage of petrels that includes common widespread species (Antarctic Prion *Pachyptila desolata*) and rare localised species (Blue Petrel *Halobaena caerulea* and Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*) a multi-method approach to surveys and analysis is required (Chapter 3).  I found that a model-based analysis of stratified randomised whole-island survey data was most effective for estimating Antarctic Prions, less effective for scarcer White-headed Petrels *Pterodroma lessonii*, but did not yield useful data for Blue or Grey Petrels, which required a targeted approach. In the final chapters I evaluate the outcomes that invasive species management has achieved for petrels to date (Chapter 4) and projected into the future (Chapter 5). The current distribution of petrels on Macquarie Island reflects the legacy of invasive species impacts and the removal of this threat. The two established species, Antarctic Prion and White-headed Petrel are confined largely to refugial habitat, while the recolonising species Blue and Grey Petrel are occupying optimal habitat on the island’s coastal slopes. While all four species occur in superficially similar habitats in terms of vegetation type, their realized niches defined by other environmental variables including slope, elevation, and aspect are starkly different. Each species is now increasing, but the two recolonising species are increasing much more rapidly than the two established ones, at rates suggesting immigration is an important mechanism facilitating initial population recovery. The eradication of invasive predators from Macquarie Island has achieved a major short-term goal: to prevent further seabird extinctions and facilitate threatened species recovery. I present a case for downlisting three species from state or federal threatened species lists. However, suitable habitat is currently under-utilised. Using habitat suitability modelling and inter-island inference I illustrate how the current size and distribution of petrel populations is well short of plausible carrying capacities. Full recovery of populations, and restoration of the ecological and societal benefits that they bring is decades away, but no long-term targets for population recovery exist. I present a future scenario based upon plausible model-derived population estimates to highlight the potential advantages of establishing long-term targets. The thesis concludes with my own narrative vision of a future Macquarie Island when the full post-eradication recovery has occurred in coming decades.” See also a [recent publication](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4140-using-trail-cameras-to-study-breeding-grey-petrels-on-macquarie-island) by Jeremy Bird from his thesis. With thanks to Jez Bird. **Reference:** Bird, J.P. 2021.  [The Conservation Ecology of Burrowing Petrels on Macquarie Island](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4c0f21c?fbclid=IwAR0V79NZvfLauSz8AIPUtW_YYuPjfyIIfGvQLoh3KiFwFylcPGh-ylrNvwc)*[.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4c0f21c?fbclid=IwAR0V79NZvfLauSz8AIPUtW_YYuPjfyIIfGvQLoh3KiFwFylcPGh-ylrNvwc)* PhD Thesis.  Brisbane, Australia: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland.  216 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/phd-thesis-the-conservation-ecology-of-burrowing-petrels-on-macquarie-island.md) ## Using trail cameras to study breeding Grey Petrels on Macquarie Island   ![Kitty Harvill Grey Petrel chick acrylic 18x24 Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Kitty_Harvill_Grey_Petrel_chick_acrylic_18x24_Ben_Dilley.JPG) *A Grey Petrel chick in its burrow, artwork in acrylics by *Kitty Harvill for ACAP;* after a photograph by Ben Dilley * Jeremy Bird ([School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland](https://biological-sciences.uq.edu.au/), Brisbane, Australia) and colleagues have published open access in the journal *[Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20563485)*on studying ACAP-listed and [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrels *Procellaria cinerea* and Blue Petrels *Halobaena caerulea* on Australia’s sub-Antarctic [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) using camera traps. ![Jeremy Bird paper](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Jeremy_Bird_paper.jpg) *Camera trap set-up and results: (A) checking Spypoint cameras in a Blue Petrel colony, (B) a Blue Petrel emerging from its burrow, (C) a Recconyx camera outside a Grey Petrel burrow and (D) a Grey Petrel chick close to fledging exercising outside its burrow.  From the publication* The paper’s abstract follows: “Burrowing seabirds are important in ecological and conservation terms. Many populations are in flux due to both negative and positive anthropogenic impacts, but their ecology makes measuring changes difficult. Reliably recording key metrics, the proportion of burrows with breeding pairs and the success of breeding attempts requires burrow-level information on occupancy. We investigated the use of camera traps positioned at burrow entrances for determining the number of breeding pairs in a sample to inform population estimates, and for recording breeding success. The performance of two cameras makes we tested differed markedly, with Spypoint Force 10 trail cameras prone to malfunction while Reconyx HC600 Hyperfire cameras performed well. Nevertheless, both makes yielded season-long activity patterns for individual burrows, eliminating uncertainty around successful fledging attempts. Dimensionality reduction of activity metrics derived from camera time series suggests breeding and non-breeding burrows may be identifiable using linear discriminant analyses but sample sizes from our trial were low and group means were only significantly different during certain breeding stages (permutational multivariate analysis of variance: early chick-rearing *f* = 3.64, *P* = 0.06; late chick-rearing *f* = 8.28, *P* = 0.009). Compared with traditional techniques for determining burrow occupancy (e.g. manual burrow inspection and playback of conspecific calls at burrow entrances), camera traps can reduce uncertainty in estimated breeding success and potentially breeding status of burrows. Significant up-front investment is required in terms of equipment and human resources but for long-term studies, camera traps may deliver advantages, particularly when unanticipated novel observations and the potential for calibrating traditional methods with cameras are factored in.” **Reference:** Bird, J.P., Fuller, R.A., Pascoe, P.P. & Shaw, J.D.S. 2021.  Trialling camera traps to determine occupancy and breeding in burrowing seabirds.  [*Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation*doi.org/10.1002/rse2.235](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rse2.235). [https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rse2.235](https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rse2.235)*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 26 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/using-trail-cameras-to-study-breeding-grey-petrels-on-macquarie-island.md) ## Genetic study suggests asynchronous breeding keeps Northern and Southern Buller’s Albatrosses apart ![Bullers Albatross Paul Sagar Shary Page Weckwerth](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Bullers_Albatross_Paul_Sagar_Shary_Page_Weckwerth.jpg) *Buller's Albatross, artwork by Shary Page Weckwerth for ACAP; from a photograph by Paul Sagar* Jana Wold ([School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington](https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sbs), New Zealand) and colleagues report in the journal *[Emu - Austral Ornithology](https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/temu20/current)* on genetic differences between Northern *Thalassarche bulleri platei* and Southern *T. b.* *bulleri* Buller’s Albatrosses. The paper’s abstract follows: “The Buller’s albatross species complex is composed of two asynchronously breeding subspecies, the Northern Buller’s albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri platei*) and Southern Buller’s albatross (*Thalassarche bulleri bulleri*). The aim of this study was to test for genetic differentiation between Northern and Southern Buller’s albatross and to reassess genetic connectivity between these populations. Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) was used to estimate gene flow and genome-wide divergence using 13 *T. b. platei* and 40 *T. b. bulleri* samples. The STACKS *de novo* and reference guided pipelines were used to call single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for three data sets: one each for Northern and Southern Buller’s and a third for both taxa together. The number of SNPs in each *de novo* data set was relatively consistent from 12,148 to 11,898 for Northern and Southern Buller’s albatross collections, respectively. A random subsample of 1000 SNPs from each of the two groups indicated that mean per-site nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity were slightly higher for Northern Buller’s albatross (π = 0.335; HE = 0.322) than for either of the two Southern Buller’s albatross breeding colonies (π = 0.286 and 0.294; HE = 0.275 and 0.288). Both STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) consistently showed differentiated clusters corresponding to Northern and Southern Buller’s but did not resolve population structure among Southern Buller’s breeding populations. These results indicate that an asynchronous breeding season likely limits gene flow between Northern and Southern Buller’s albatross and have important implications for the taxonomic status of Buller’s albatrosses.” **Reference:** Wold, J.R., Robertson, C.J.R., Chambers, G.K., Van Stijn, T. & Ritchie, P.A. 2021.  Genetic connectivity in allopatric seabirds: lack of inferred gene flow between Northern and Southern Buller’s albatross populations (*Thalassarche bulleri* ssp.).  *[Emu - Austral Ornithology 121: 113-123](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01584197.2021.1894406?fbclid=IwAR3bRjQ8A-ASZx1yDmSf_-YSbMPLcwxG0RkJEKnsBk_3sgpEQjiy5HFjbR4&journalCode=temu20)*. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/genetic-study-suggests-asynchronous-breeding-keeps-northern-and-southern-buller-s-albatrosses-apart.md) ## ACAP’s Population and Conservation Status Working Group starts its virtual Sixth Meeting today ![Shary Page Weckwerth Norfthern Giant Petrel 7 x 10 watercolour Laurie Smaglick Johnson](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Shary_Page_Weckwerth_Norfthern_Giant_Petrel_7_x_10_watercolour_Laurie_Smaglick_Johnson.jpg) *A Northern Giant Petrel  broods its chick, watercolour by *Shary Page Weckwerth for ACAP;*after a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* * *As for nearly all international meetings affected by COVID-19, the Twelfth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC12](https://acap.aq/en/advisory-committee/ac12)) and of two of its working groups are being held virtually; a first for ACAP.  This year’s meetings - delayed from last year by the pandemic - are now being held from 16/17 August to 1/2 September (depending on where you are in the world).** **Meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group are preceding AC12; [SBWG10](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10) (which has already met) from 16/17 to 18/19 August, and [PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6) from 23/24 to 24/25 August.  AC12 will meet from 30/31 August to 1/2 September. PaCSWG6 is being chaired by its Co-convenors, Marco Favero from Argentina and Patricia Serafini from Brazil, with the support of Vice- Convenor Richard Phillips (UK).  The working group’s full membership and Terms  of Reference may be viewed by scrolling down from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group).  Four [Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6/pacswg6-meeting-documents) (including a Draft Meeting Agenda, PaCSWG 6 Doc 01 Rev. 1) and 22 [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6/pacswg6-information-papers) have been tabled for consideration, leading to an expected busy meeting over the two days allotted.  All these documents can be downloaded from this website but note that some are password protected and so only their abstracts are available to be read. Further information is available in [AC12 Circular 5](https://acap.aq/advisory-committee/ac12/ac12-circulars) in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish on timing at different localities and lengths of the three meetings.  [Congress Rental](https://congressrentalnetwork.com/) has been chosen to manage the technical aspects of the meeting, using the [Interprefy](https://www.interprefy.com/) platform.  Interprefy enables “relay interpretation” (involving multiple languages – three in the case of ACAP).  Congress Rental is providing technical advice to Chairs, Convenors, Secretariat, interpreters and to other participants. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 24 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-population-and-conservation-status-working-group-starts-its-virtual-sixth-meeting-today.md) ## A tracked Campbell Albatross circumnavigates the Southern Ocean  ![Campbell Albatross Kirk Zufelt Annie Shoemaker Magdaleno hiqual](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Campbell_Albatross_Kirk_Zufelt_Annie_Shoemaker-Magdaleno_hiqual.jpg) *Campbell Albatross at sea; artwork by Annie Shoemaker-Magdaleno, after a photograph by Kirk Zufelt * David Thompson ([National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd](https://niwa.co.nz/)[.](https://acap.aq/Kirk%20Zufelt), Wellington, New Zealand) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10990755)* on the at-sea distribution of New Zealand’s endemic and globally [Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22728349) Campbell Albatross *Thalassarche impavida.* The paper’s abstract follows: 1. The use of miniaturized electronic tracking devices has illuminated our understanding of seabird distributions and habitat use, and how anthropogenic threats interact with seabirds in both space and time. To determine the year-round distribution of adult Campbell albatross (*Thalassarche impavida*), a single-island endemic, breeding only at Campbell Island in New Zealand's subantarctic, a total of 68 year-long location data sets were acquired from light-based geolocation data-logging tags deployed on breeding birds in 2009 and 2010. 2. During the incubation and chick-guard phases of the breeding season, birds used cool (<10°C) waters over the Campbell Plateau, but also ranged over deeper, shelf-break and oceanic waters (4,000–5,500 m) beyond the Plateau. Later in the breeding season, during post-guard chick-rearing, Campbell albatrosses exploited generally deep waters (4,000–5,000 m) beyond the Campbell Plateau. 3. During the non-breeding period, adults tended to move northwards into warmer (approximately 15°C) waters and occupied areas beyond western Australia in the west to offshore from Chile in the east. Overall, about 30% of adults spent some of their non-breeding period in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, substantially expanding the previously reported range for this species. 4. One bird, that failed in its breeding attempt in October 2009, departed Campbell Island and circumnavigated the southern oceans before being recaptured back at Campbell Island in October 2010. This is the first example of an annually-breeding albatross species completing a circumnavigation between breeding attempts. 5. Overlap with fishing effort, using data from the Global Fishing Watch database, was assessed on a monthly and seasonal basis. Generally, levels of overlap between Campbell albatross and fishing effort were relatively low during the breeding season but were approximately 60% higher during the non-breeding period, underlining the need for international initiatives to safeguard this species.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Thompson, D.R., Goetz, K.T., Sagar, P.M., Torres, L.G., Kroeger, C.E., Sztukowski, L.A., Orben, R.A., Hoskins, A.J. & Phillips, R.A. 2021.  The year-round distribution and habitat preferences of Campbell albatross (*Thalassarche impavida*). * [Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3685](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.3685)*. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.3685](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.3685)*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-tracked-campbell-albatross-circumnavigates-the-southern-ocean.md) ## Identifying bycatch hotspots: North Pacific albatrosses overlap with Canadian longline fisheries ![Black footed Albatross Colleen Laird](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Black-footed_Albatross_Colleen_Laird.jpg) *Black-footed Albatross, artwork by Colleen Laird‎ for ACAP* Caroline Fox ([Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html), Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada) and colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Marine Ecology Progress Series*](https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/) on spatial overlaps of Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes*, Laysan *P. immutabilis* and Short-tailed *P. albatrus* Albatrosses with Canadian longline fisheries. The paper’s abstract follows: “Fisheries bycatch mortality poses a primary threat to the majority of the world’s 22 albatross species, 15 of which are at risk of extinction. Although quantitative estimates of albatross bycatch are often unavailable due to a relative or total absence of monitoring, spatial overlap between fisheries and albatrosses is often used to estimate the extent of interaction, a proxy for exposure to bycatch, and to inform avoidance and mitigation actions. Using comprehensive records of commercial demersal longline and trap fishing and survey information for albatrosses (black-footed albatross *Phoebastria nigripes*, Laysan albatross *P. immutabilis*, short-tailed albatross *P. albatrus*), the extent of spatial potential interaction was estimated in Canada’s Pacific coast waters and examined across breeding and non-breeding seasons. The distributions of albatrosses and longline and trap fisheries were found to substantially overlap, with potential interaction hotspots concentrated along the continental shelf break. Trap fisheries reported 1 albatross bycatch incident, suggesting that these fisheries are responsible for negligible albatross mortalities. In contrast, >80% of recorded albatross bycatch incidents occurred within 10 km of albatross-longline fisheries hotspot locations, providing evidence that longline-albatross potential interaction hotspots represent actual areas of elevated bycatch mortality risk. Indicative of potential conservation concern, 60% of short-tailed albatross sightings occurred within 10 km, and 93% within 30 km, of longline-albatross potential interaction hotspots. By contributing knowledge regarding albatross-fisheries interactions, in addition to undertaking the first evaluation of albatross-fisheries hotspots with recorded bycatch incidents on Canada’s Pacific coast, this study represents a step towards enhancing albatross conservation through bycatch avoidance and mitigation.” With thanks to Ken Morgan. **Reference:** Fox, C.H., Robertson, C., O'Hara, P.D., Tadey, R. & Morgan, K.H. 2021.  Spatial assessment of albatrosses, commercial fisheries, and bycatch incidents on Canada's Pacific coast.  [*Marine Ecology Progress Series*672: 205-222](https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v672/p205-222/). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 August 2021*   [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/identifying-bycatch-hotspots-north-pacific-albatrosses-overlap-with-canadian-longline-fisheries.md) ## Efforts continue to rid Australia’s Lord Howe Island of its introduced rats  ![Lord Howe Ian Hutton](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Lord_Howe_Ian_Hutton.jpg) *A view of Lord Howe Island, photograph by Ian Hutton* The [Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project](https://lhirodenteradicationproject.org/) has worked to eradicate introduced Ship Rats *Rattus rattus* and House Mice *Mus musculus* from Australia’s inhabited Lord Howe Island.  In 2019 after a 15-year period of discussion and planning an attempt was made to eliminate the island’s rodents by a combined aerial- and ground-baiting campaign, as [reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3940-australia-s-lord-howe-island-is-flourishing-following-the-rodent-eradication-project?highlight=WyJsb3JkIiwiaG93ZSIsImhvd2UncyIsImVyYWRpY2F0aW9uIiwiZXJhZGljYXRpb24ncyIsIidlcmFkaWNhdGlvbiIsImxvcmQgaG93ZSIsImxvcmQgaG93ZSBlcmFkaWNhdGlvbiIsImhvd2UgZXJhZGljYXRpb24iXQ==) in *ACAP Latest News*.  The prevailing “rule of thumb” is that two years elapse before surveying for rat presence.  This allows for any survivors to breed up to more detectable levels. Only then can the success of an island eradication operation be officially announced.  Although a check was scheduled for August 2021 with success appearing promising, shortly before the two years were up a male and a pregnant female rat were caught on the island in April this year which led to a quick reponse ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4031-two-rats-caught-on-lord-howe-island-two-years-after-eradication-attempt?highlight=WyJsb3JkIiwiaG93ZSIsImhvd2UncyIsImxvcmQgaG93ZSJd)). The [Lord Howe Island Board](https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/) [reported on 4 June](https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/community/news/rodent-incursion-response): “Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) and the [New South Wales] National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) field crews are working together with rodent control experts undertaking rodent baiting and monitoring in and around the settlement area and on the fringes of the Permanent Park Preserve. The team currently working on the rodent response include[s] specialists from Lord Howe Island, mainland NSW, Tasmania and New Zealand.  Locations where rats have been detected continue to be actively monitored using detection dogs and field teams checking an extensive network of monitoring stations.  This complements the permanent monitoring stations in the settlement area and the Permanent Park Preserve.  Despite vigilant monitoring, no rats have been detected in the Permanent Park Preserve.  All detections to date have been in the northern settlement area. “The combination of detection, surveillance and removal techniques being used are proving successful.  Our Lord Howe Island based dog handlers and detection dogs have been joined by additional dogs from Port Macquarie, Tasmania and New Zealand.  These teams have been invaluable in detecting the rats and are integral to planning our response.  Detection dog handlers are targeting locations of recent rodent sightings or where monitoring stations indicate recent rodent activity.” According to the latest weekly *Rodent Response Update* (No. 19, 12 August 2021) sent to the island’s householders a total of 95 rats, made up of 43 adults and 52 juveniles, has been removed since the April detection.  To achieve this, the detection dogs and their handlers have walked over 2100 km.  The effort continues with more motion-detection trail cameras shortly to arrive on the island. Lord Howe supports breeding populations of Black-winged *Pterodroma nigripennis* and Providence *P. solandri* Petrels along with Flesh-footed *Ardenna carneipes*, Wedge-tailed *A. pacifica* and Little *Puffinus assimilis*Shearwaters. With thanks to Darcelle Matassoni, Project Officer and Keith Springer, Technical Advisor, Lord Howe Island Board. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/efforts-continue-to-rid-australia-s-lord-howe-island-of-its-remnant-rats.md) ## ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group starts its 10th Meeting today, this time virtually ![Laysan Albatross Laurie Johnson Anne Lyon ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2021/Laysan_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Anne_Lyon_.jpg) *A Laysan Albatross tends its chick, artwork by *Anne Lyon for ACAP, after a photograph by*Laurie Smaglick Johnson* As for nearly all international meetings affected by the COVID-19, the Twelfth Meeting of ACAP’s Advisory Committee ([AC12](https://acap.aq/en/advisory-committee/ac12)) and of two its working groups will be virtual ones.  This year’s meetings - delayed from last year by the pandemic - are now being held from 16/17 August to 1/2 September (depending on where you are in the world).** **Meetings of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group and the Population and Conservation Status Working Group will precede AC12; [SBWG10](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10) from 16/17 to 18/19 August, and [PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/en/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6) from 23/24 to 24/25 August.  AC12 will meet from 30/31 August to 1/2 September. SBGW10 is being chaired by its Convenor, Igor Debski from New Zealand, with the support of Vice-convenors Juan Pablo Seco Pon of Argentina  and Sebastián Jiménez of Uruguay; the working groups full membership may be viewed by scrolling down from [here](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group).  Nineteen [Documents](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10/sbwg10-meeting-documents) (including an Annotated Agenda, SBWG10 Doc 02) and 23 [Information Papers](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10/sbwg10-information-papers) have been tabled for consideration, leading to a busy meeting over the three days allotted.  All these documents can be downloaded from this website but note that some are password protected and so only their abstracts are available to be read.  Further information is available in [AC12 Circular 5](https://acap.aq/advisory-committee/ac12/ac12-circulars) in the three official ACAP languages of English, French and Spanish lengths on timing at different localities and lengths of the three meetings.  [Congress Rental](https://congressrentalnetwork.com/) has been chosen to manage the technical aspects of the meeting, using the [Interprefy](https://www.interprefy.com/) platform.  Interprefy enables “relay interpretation” (involving multiple languages – three in the case of ACAP).  Congress Rental is providing technical advice to Chairs, Convenors, Secretariat, interpreters and to other participants. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/acap-s-seabird-bycatch-working-group-starts-its-10th-meeting-today-this-time-virtually.md) ## Fledging Grey-headed Albatrosses in the South Atlantic head for a bycatch hotspot  ![Grey headed Albatross Dimas Gianuca Nancy Bryant](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Grey-headed_Albatross_Dimas_Gianuca_Nancy_Bryant.jpg) *Grey-headed Albatross, artwork by  Nancy Bryant for ACAP, after a photogaph by *Dimas Gianuca** Caitlin Frankish ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/), Cambridge, UK) and colleagues have published in the journal *[Biological Conservation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation)* on tracking juvenile Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* (globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-headed-albatross-thalassarche-chrysostoma)).  The study will help inform ACAP’s Seabird Working Group in its deliberations, currently taking place virtually at its [Tenth Meeting](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4133-acap-s-seabird-bycatch-working-group-starts-its-10th-meeting-today-this-time-virtually). The paper’s abstract follows: “Fisheries bycatch is a major threat to marine megafauna such as seabirds.  Population monitoring has revealed low survival of juvenile seabirds over recent decades, potentially because naïve individuals are more susceptible to bycatch than adults.  However, major gaps remain in our knowledge of behavior and interaction of juveniles with fisheries.  Here, we tracked juvenile grey-headed albatrosses (*Thalassarche chrysostoma*) from South Georgia - the largest global population of this endangered species, and in rapid decline - to investigate their at-sea distribution and assess bycatch risk.  Fledged juveniles dispersed to the northeast, overlapping with a bycatch hotspot for grey-headed albatrosses reported by the Japanese pelagic longline fleet in the southeast Atlantic Ocean.  Given adult grey-headed albatrosses use regions less exposed to fishing activity (< 40°S), the majority of birds bycaught in this area are probably juveniles, and possibly immatures, from South Georgia, likely representing a key factor explaining the sustained population decline.  Our study highlights the urgent need to uncover the ‘lost-years’ for marine megafauna to enable focused conservation efforts.” The British Antarctic Survey writes on its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/BritishAntarcticSurvey/) about the publication: "Tracking juvenile seabirds confirms a new fisheries-bycatch hotspot for endangered albatross population – New research led by ecologist Dr Caitlin Frankish shows that juvenile grey-headed albatrosses tracked from South Georgia [Islas Georgias del Sur]* disperse to a region in the southeast Atlantic where the Japanese pelagic longline fishing fleet has reported a high number of bycaught (unintentionally caught) individuals of the same species. Caitlin says, “As this region isn’t used by adults, this finding suggests that these bycaught birds are likely juveniles from South Georgia, which may be a key factor in explaining the continued decline in their population size. This study highlights the importance of uncovering the distribution of albatrosses of all ages and has important implications for focusing future conservation efforts.”  Learn more about the Grey-headed Albatross Juvenile Tracking project [here](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/grey-headed-albatross-juvenile-tracking/?fbclid=IwAR0NBsf1wCpuSUSgu6AoubiQexEOdFUHOChQ-jjG1IPT9Iv4Zzurul0Cf7Y)." With thanks to Richard Phillips, Brirish Antarctic Survey **Reference:** Frankish, C.K., Cunningham, C., Manica, A., Clay, T.A., Prince, S. & Phillips, R.A. 2021.  Tracking juveniles confirms fisheries-bycatch hotspot for an endangered albatross.  [*Biological Conservation *261. doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109288](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320721003402?dgcid=author#). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 August 2021* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/fledging-grey-headed-albatrosses-in-the-south-atlantic-head-for-a-bycatch-hotspot.md) ## A bycatch study reveals Back-footed and Laysan Albatrosses ingest fish, squid - and plastics  ![Black footed and Laysan Albatrosses Kure Atoll Conservancy](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/Black-footed_and_Laysan_Albatrosses_Kure_Atoll_Conservancy.jpg) * Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses, photograph from the Kure Atoll Conservancy* Sayaka Nakatsuka ([Fisheries Resource Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency](https://www.fra.affrc.go.jp/english/eindex.html), Shizuoka, Japan) and colleagues have published in the Japanese journal [*Ornithological Science*](https://bioone.org/journals/ornithological-science) on stomach contents of Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes*caught by pelagic longliners in the western North Pacific. The paper’s abstract follows: “The stomach contents (food and ingested plastics) of Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes* were examined by necropsy analysis of birds caught as bycatch in the pelagic longline fisheries in the Western North Pacific. The contents were classified separately for the proventriculus and gizzard. Undigested fish and cephalopods were found in the proventriculus, while hard objects such as cephalopod beaks, plastics, and pebbles were found in the gizzard. This indicates that the retention time of soft tissues in fish or cephalopods differs from that for hard objects. The main prey of both albatrosses consisted of mesopelagic cephalopods such as Cranchiidae, Gonatidae, Histioteuthidae, and Onychoteuthidae species. Laysan Albatrosses also foraged on small teleosts (Japanese Anchovy *Engraulis japonicus* and some Myctophidae fishes) as major prey items. The estimated dorsal mantle length of cephalopods preyed upon by the albatrosses was below 200 mm, which was smaller than the mature sizes of those cephalopods and the size class mainly preyed upon by cetaceans. This implies that the albatrosses may forage on immature cephalopods floating in the surface layer. Ingested plastics were found in 71.8% of Laysan and 31.8% of Black-footed Albatrosses and plastic fragments were the most abundant.” **Reference:** Nakatsuka, S., Ochi, D., Inoue, Y., Ohizumi, H., Niizuma, Y. & Minami, H, 2021.  The diet composition and ingested plastics of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses incidentally captured by the pelagic longline fishery in the western North Pacific.  [*Ornithological Science*20: 29-140](https://bioone.org/journals/ornithological-science/volume-20/issue-2/osj.20.129/The-Diet-Composition-and-Ingested-Plastics-of-Laysan-and-Black/10.2326/osj.20.129.short). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-bycatch-study-reveals-back-footed-and-laysan-albatrosses-ingest-fish-squid-and-plastics.md) ## BirdLife’s Albatross Task Force releases its Annual Report for 2020/21  ![Wandering Albatross Laurie Johnson April Grossruck](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_April_Grossruck.jpg) *Wandering Albatross by April Grossruck for ACAP, from a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* * *Rory Crawford, Bycatch Programme Manager, [BirdLife International Marine Programme](https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/programmes/marine) writes on the occasion of the release of BirdLife’s [Albatross Task Force](https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/policy-insight/marine-and-coastal/saving-seabirds-globally/the-albatross-task-force/) Annual Report for 2020/21: “There’s not a lot to say about 2020 that hasn’t been said already. But in spite of it all, the Albatross Task Force has continued its course through some choppy seas and this is your annual dose of what we’ve been able to achieve!  In the attached annual progress report you can find out all about our project activities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Namibia and South Africa between April 2020-March 2021, a year like no other.” “The big positive news of the past year was the publication of [our paper](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320720309733?dgcid=rss_sd_all) demonstrating a 98% reduction in seabird bycatch in the Namibian demersal longline fishery since we were successful in pushing for regulations back in 2015.  Over 20,000 seabird lives have been saved each year as a consequence – a reminder of why we do what we do, and huge credit due to the team in Namibia for making the magic happen! The paper picked up lots of great press coverage, including in [BBC Wildlife Magazine](https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/namibian-fishing-laws-cut-seabird-deaths/), [the Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/19/simple-change-to-fishing-gear-saves-thousands-of-birds-in-namibia) and on [the BBC World Service](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p094t71c) [and in [*ACAP Latest News*](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3911-off-the-hook-and-cable-mitigation-reduces-seabird-mortality-in-namibian-fisheries?highlight=WyJuaW5hIiwiZGEiLCJyb2NoYSIsIm5pbmEgZGEiLCJuaW5hIGRhIHJvY2hhIiwiZGEgcm9jaGEiXQ==)]. “The pandemic has, of course, presented many challenges, but the adaptive nature of our teams has meant that we’ve still be able to train over 400 fisheries observers (via outdoor or online events) and work with governments and industry to advance trials of electronic monitoring of bycatch.  Electronic monitoring is very much the future of ensuring that the collateral damage of fishing is properly understood and minimised, and the pandemic has accelerated efforts to test various systems – we’re either supporting or leading trials in Argentina, Chile and South Africa. “None of this would be possible without the collaborative efforts between our in-country partners and stakeholders, the RSPB and BirdLife International – as well as funding from the RSPB membership, foundations and generous individual donations.  We are extremely thankful for the continued support we receive from you, without which we wouldn’t be able to keep up the fight to save the albatross.” For regular updates follow @AlbyTaskForce on Twitter and read monthly updates on the [ATF blog](https://community.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/b/albatross/).  E-mail [marine@birdlife.org](mailto:marine@birdlife.org) to request the 15-page 2020/21 annual report. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/birdlife-s-albatross-task-force-releases-its-annual-report-for-2020-21.md) ## Breeding success of Grey Petrels is reduced by mouse attacks on Marion Island ![Coleen Laird Grey Petrel chick watercolour Michelle Risi Marion enhanced](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Coleen_Laird_Grey_Petrel_chick_watercolour_Michelle_Risi_Marion_enhanced.jpg) *Grey Petrel chick, watercolour by Coleen Laird for ACAP, after a photograph by Michelle Risi* Ben Dilley ([FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/), University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues published in 2018 in the journal [Antarctic Science](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science) on introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* preying upon burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic [Marion Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1371-acap-breeding-sites-no-27-sub-antarctic-marion-island-a-research-laboratory-for-albatrosses-and-petrels), including on chicks of the ACAP-listed and [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/grey-petrel-procellaria-cinerea) Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinerea*.  ![Fig3 Ben Dilley](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/G/Grey/Fig3_Ben_Dilley.jpg) *A House Mouse approaches a Grey Petrel chick at its cave breeding site on Marion Island, infrared video footage from the publication, photograph by Stefan Schoombie* The paper’s abstract follows: “We report the breeding success of four species of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island where house mice *Mus musculus* are the sole introduced mammal. Feral cats *Felis catus* were present on Marion for four decades from 1949, killing millions of seabirds and greatly reducing petrel populations. Cats were eradicated by 1991, but petrel populations have shown only marginal recoveries. We hypothesize that mice are suppressing their recovery through depredation of petrel eggs and chicks. Breeding success for winter breeders (grey petrels *Procellaria cinerea* (34±21%) and great-winged petrels *Pterodroma macroptera* (52±7%)) were lower than for summer breeders (blue petrels *Halobaena caerulea* (61±6%) and white-chinned petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* (59±6%)) and among winter breeders most chick fatalities were of small chicks up to 14 days old. We assessed the extent of mouse predation by monitoring the inside of 55 burrow chambers with video surveillance cameras (4024 film days from 2012–16) and recorded fatal attacks on grey (3/18 nests filmed, 17%) and great-winged petrel chicks (1/19, 5%). Our results show that burrow-nesting petrels are at risk from mouse predation, providing further motivation for the eradication of mice from Marion Island.” With thanks to Ben Dilley and Janine Dunlop, Niven Library, University of Cape Town. **Reference:** Dilley, B.J., Schoombie, S., Stevens, K., Davies, D., Perold, V., Osborne, A., Schoombie, J., Brink, C.W., Carpenter-Kling, T. & Ryan, P.G. 2018.  Mouse predation affects breeding success of burrow-nesting petrels at sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  [*Antarctic Science * 30: 93-104](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/abs/mouse-predation-affects-breeding-success-of-burrownesting-petrels-at-subantarctic-marion-island/738188E74C0785B51AAA6438FD9F3FB0). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/breeding-success-of-grey-petrels-is-reduced-by-mouse-attacks-on-marion-island.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Laysan Albatross by Hob Osterlund ![LAALSnuggleSweet2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALSnuggleSweet2.JPG) *A Laysan Albatross pair on Kauai* Author and photographer[Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/en/news/latest-news/2523-book-review-holy-moli-a-personal-journey-with-albatrosses?highlight=WyJvc3Rlcmx1bmQiLCJvc3Rlcmx1bmQncyJd) is a resident of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the founder of the [Kauai Albatross Network](http://www.albatrosskauai.org/wp/) and a [Fellow](https://www.safinacenter.org/abouthob)of the [Safina Center](http://safinacenter.org).  She is also a valued supporter of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement, assiduously helping *ACAP Latest News* with her photographs and information on interesting stories to post.  Fitting then for Hob and her compelling photos of globally [Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/laysan-albatross-phoebastria-immutabilis) Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis*to be the second in a new occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information on their photographers. * ![Hob Osterlund](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Hob_Osterlund.jpg)* *Hob Osterlund with some of her photographic subjects* Hob Osterlund writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “Many years ago when I was a student at [Cal-Berkeley](https://www.berkeley.edu/), I declared an individual major called “Ecological Geography.” My focus allowed me to take a wide range of courses, including topics related to wildlife biology and ornithology.  For my senior thesis I spent a summer backpacking in the Sierra Nevada range in California, specifically at a place called [Mineral King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_King).  At the time the Disney folks were hoping to build a ski resort there, so my topic was describing the negative impact on wildlife such a resort would have.  Entirely unrelated to my thesis, the resort was never built [the site now falls within the [Sequoia National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_National_Park)].  But that summer inspired my activism, my commitment and my photography.  My devotion to the craft grew deeper in the late 1970s when I happened upon a few Laysan Albatrosses (Mōlī) on the north shore of Kauaʻi.  At the time I had no idea they had only recently attempted nesting on the island after perhaps a thousand years’ absence. ![LAALKK1WeekOld](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALKK1WeekOld.jpg) *A Laysan Albatross guards its week-old downy chick* “As it happens, I am a sixth-generation resident of Hawaiʻi.  Back in the mid-20th century, Martha Warren Beckwith, my grandmother’s cousin, wrote a (still-in-print) book called [*Hawaiian Mythology*](https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/hawaiian-mythology/).  It was in that volume that I learned about the Hawaiian concept of [*ʻaumakua*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aumakua)*,*which can be interpreted as meaning an ancestor who appears in the form of an animal; an ancestor who protects and warns and advises.  Such was the kind of connection I felt to the Mōlī here, I began volunteering at the [Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population), and at one point the inestimable Beth Flint, PhD, lead a two-day course on how to band Mōlī.  The [USFWS](https://www.fws.gov/) concept was to have a small team of volunteers who could monitor albatross nesting on private lands.  One morning when we were in the field, Beth suggested I start a volunteer organization for Mōlī advocacy.  Ever obedient to Beth’s wisdom, I founded the [Kauai Albatross Network](http://www.albatrosskauai.org/wp/) not long after that.  I already knew some private landowners with mōlī on their properties, so I started there."At that time I was working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/ Nurse Manager at [The Queenʻs Medical Center](https://www.queens.org/the-queens-medical-center/queens-medical-center) in Honolulu, and ran a Pain and Palliative Care Department.  One of my passions in that role was to translate the language of science into a language non-medical people could understand.  That passion followed me into albatross advocacy, so I started using social media to share tidbits of the birds’ stories.  And of course, the better the photo, the better the story.  In 2013 I contacted [Cornell Lab of Ornithology](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/), and in 2014 we launched the “TrossCam” which ended up live streaming the lives of several albatross chicks from hatch to fledge for five seasons.  During that time I also wrote [*Holy Mōlī: Albatross and Other Ancestors*](https://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/holy-m%C5%8Dl%C4%AB) (Oregon State University Press, 2016, 4th printing, [read *ACAP Latest News’* [review](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/2523-book-review-holy-moli-a-personal-journey-with-albatrosses?highlight=WyJob2x5IiwibVx1MDE0ZGxcdTAxMmIiLCJtXHUwMTRkbFx1MDEyYidzIiwiaG9seSBtb2xpIl0=)]), and was able to include more than 20 of my photos.  From there I made a brief foray into filmmaking, and [Kalamaʻs Journey](https://vimeo.com/297216910) was the result, winning a [Telly Award](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3306-a-film-about-a-laysan-albatross-wins-a-telly-award?highlight=WyJ0ZWxseSIsImF3YXJkIiwiYXdhcmQnIiwidGVsbHkgYXdhcmQiXQ==) in 2018. ![LAALChickTalks](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALChickTalks.JPG) *A conversation is occuring ...* "What’s next?  I was asked by [Friends of Kīlauea Wildlife Refuges](https://www.facebook.com/FKWRKauai) to put together a book called *Birds of Kilauea Point.*  The book was essentially complete in 2020 when COVID-19 hit, and publication will be delayed until we can find a new publisher.  In the meantime, what brings me back to photography every day is the detail I can see through my lens that I cannot see with my naked eye.  Many bird behaviours happen quickly.  When I’m shooting a few frames per second, my brain cannot comprehend all that is going on.  When I look at the images later, it’s very common for me to be surprised by something funny, illustrative or glorious.  I take photos because I love doing it, and because I want to share what I discover.” ![LAALChickSoaked](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALChickSoaked.jpg) *A Laysan Albatross chick gets soaked by rain* ![LAALChickStarsMouth](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan/LAALChickStarsMouth.jpg) *A Laysan Albatross chick about to be fed* For more information produced by ACAP on the Laysan Albatross download a detailed [Species Assessment](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) and an illustrated [Species Summary](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries). [First in this series](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4124-featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-waved-albatross-by-ken-logan) is the globally [Critically Endangered](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3955) Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* by Ken Logan. With thanks to Hob Osterlund. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-laysan-albatross-by-hob-osterlund.md) ## A seabirding excursion photographs a satellite-tracked Black-browed Albatross off Cape Town ![Tracked BBA Estelle Smalberger shrunk](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Tracked_BBA_Estelle_Smalberger_shrunk.jpg) *Satellite-tracked juvenile Black-browed Albatross off Cape Town, South Africa; photograph by Estelle Smalberger* In April 2021, 19 satellite tags were attached to Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarchre melanophris* chicks prior to their departure from [Bird Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1339-acap-breeding-sites-no-16-bird-island-south-atlantic-where-albatrosses-and-petrels-have-been-studied-for-decades) in the South Atlantic by the British Antarctic Survey’s [Black-browed Albatross Juvenile Tracking project](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/black-browed-albatross-juvenile-tracking/).  The fledged birds are being tracked in near real-time using the [Argos system](http://www.argos-system.org/) with maps showing that the majority then travelled to the continental shelf and close inshore waters of southern Africa.  The project explains that the main aims of the tracking study are to map the birds’ distribution to determine their overlap with fisheries and the main environmental drivers of their movements, and to assess their survival rate in the critical months after fledging. The project aims to run to February 2022.  ![Tracked Black browed Albatrosses](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Tracked_Black-browed_Albatrosses.jpg)  *Tracks of the satellite-tagged Black-browed Albatrosses from Bird Island as at 07 August 2021* That one of these 19 birds has now been photographed at sea some three months after fledging is totally unexpected.  The story follows with Trevor Hardaker of the pelagic tour company [Zest for Birds](https://www.zestforbirds.co.za/) reporting to the *Pelagic birding in Cape Town with Zest for Birds*  [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/493212575281206/) of photographing a juvenile Black-browed Albatross wearing a back-mounted satellite tracker off Cape Town, South Africa. Trevor writes: “Some fantastic feedback received from James Crymble, the Zoological Field Assistant for the Black-browed Albatross Juvenile Tracking project[,](https://www.bas.ac.uk/project/black-browed-albatross-juvenile-tracking/) about the bird with the satellite tracker on it that we saw on our pelagic trip last Saturday, 31 July 2021.  James says: “Astronomical odds. This has caused quite a stir here on Bird Island.  Based on the info you provided (I sent him the date, time and GPS position that we recorded the bird at), the most likely candidate is Argos ID 205662.  Device was deployed on 23/04/2021 with the chick fledging on 02/05/2021. Has travelled 10,474 km as of today (06 August 2021)!”  Trevor continues: “How awesome is that news…?!  That bird only fledged from the nest 96 days ago and it has already travelled 10 474km!! That’s an average of just over 109 km that it has travelled every single day since it left the nest!!  It’s no small wonder that we all love these incredible ocean wanderers so much!” Read more in *[ACAP Latest News](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4034-tracking-black-browed-albatross-fledging-from-a-south-atlantic-island-in-near-real-time?highlight=WyJibGFjay1icm93ZWQiLDIwMjFd)* about the project. With thanks to Trevor Hardaker and Estelle Smalberger. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/a-seabirding-excursion-photographs-a-satellite-tracked-black-browed-albatross-off-cape-town.md) ## Global connectivity of the Southern Ocean ecosystem is shown by active dispersal of seabirds across fronts ![Wandering Albatross Grace Innemee ](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/Wandering_Albatross_Grace_Innemee_.JPG) *Wandering Albatross in flight, artwork by Grace Innemee for ACAP* Eugene Murphy ([British Antarctic Survey](https://www.bas.ac.uk/)) and colleagues have published in the journal [*Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution*](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution#)on the global connectivity of the Southern Ocean in a wide-ranging review.  Mention is made of the active dispersal of seabirds: “during both incubation and chick-rearing, albatrosses and petrels travel long distances during extended foraging trips.  For example, Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* that breed south of the APF [Antarctic Polar Front] … forage in shelf areas off South America and in oceanic waters around the subtropical convergence. Some species breeding on sub-Antarctic islands north of the APF do the opposite, flying south to forage in the Southern Ocean.” The paper’s abstract follows: “Southern Ocean ecosystems are globally important. Processes in the Antarctic atmosphere, cryosphere, and the Southern Ocean directly influence global atmospheric and oceanic systems. Southern Ocean biogeochemistry has also been shown to have global importance. In contrast, ocean ecological processes are often seen as largely separate from the rest of the global system. In this paper, we consider the degree of ecological connectivity at different trophic levels, linking Southern Ocean ecosystems with the global ocean, and their importance not only for the regional ecosystem but also the wider Earth system. We also consider the human system connections, including the role of Southern Ocean ecosystems in supporting society, culture, and economy in many nations, influencing public and political views and hence policy. Rather than Southern Ocean ecosystems being defined by barriers at particular oceanic fronts, ecological changes are gradual due to cross-front exchanges involving oceanographic processes and organism movement. Millions of seabirds and hundreds of thousands of cetaceans move north out of polar waters in the austral autumn interacting in food webs across the Southern Hemisphere, and a few species cross the equator. A number of species migrate into the east and west ocean-basin boundary current and continental shelf regions of the major southern continents. Human travel in and out of the Southern Ocean region includes fisheries, tourism, and scientific vessels in all ocean sectors. These operations arise from many nations, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, and are important in local communities as well as national economic, scientific, and political activities. As a result of the extensive connectivity, future changes in Southern Ocean ecosystems will have consequences throughout the Earth system, affecting ecosystem services with socio-economic impacts throughout the world. The high level of connectivity also means that changes and policy decisions in marine ecosystems outside the Southern Ocean have consequences for ecosystems south of the Antarctic Polar Front. Knowledge of Southern Ocean ecosystems and their global connectivity is critical for interpreting current change, projecting future change impacts, and identifying integrated strategies for conserving and managing both the Southern Ocean and the broader Earth system.” With thanks to Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey. **Reference:** Murphy, E.J., Johnston, N.M., Hofmann, E.E., Phillips, R.A., Jackson, J., Constable, A.J., Henley, S.F., Melbourne-Thomas, J., Trebilco, R., Cavanagh, R.D., Tarling, G.A., Saunders, R.A., Barnes, D.K., Costa, D.P., Corney, S., Fraser, C.L., Höfer, J., Hughes, K.A., Sands, C.J., Thorpe, S.E., Trathan, P. & Xavier, J.C. 2021.  Global connectivity of Southern Ocean ecosystems.  [*Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. * doi: 10.3389/fevo.2021.624451](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2021.624451/full?utm_source=F-NTF&utm_medium=EMLX&utm_campaign=PRD_FEOPS_20170000_ARTICLE). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/global-connectivity-of-the-southern-ocean-ecosystem-is-shown-by-active-dispersal-of-seabirds-across-fronts.md) ## At-sea tracking identifies a major hotspot for up to five million seabirds in the North Atlantic in need of protection ![Hotspot](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Hotspot.jpg)  *Location of identified hotspot in the middle of North Atlantic and summary information of species groups at the site (from the publication)* Tammy Davies ([BirdLife International](https://www.birdlife.org/), Cambridge, UK.) and many colleagues have published open access in the journal [*Conservation Letters*](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1755263x) on identifying a “major hot spot” for 21 seabird species, including 10 procellariiform species of fulmars, petrels and shearwaters, in the North Atlantic, that is recommended for Marine Protected Area status. The paper’s abstract follows: “The conservation of migratory marine species, including pelagic seabirds, is challenging because their movements span vast distances frequently beyond national jurisdictions. Here, we aim to identify important aggregations of seabirds in the North Atlantic to inform ongoing regional conservation efforts. Using tracking, phenology, and population data, we mapped the abundance and diversity of 21 seabird species. This revealed a major hotspot associated with a discrete area of the subpolar frontal zone, used annually by 2.9–5 million seabirds from ≥56 colonies in the Atlantic: the first time this magnitude of seabird concentrations has been documented in the high seas. The hotspot is temporally stable and amenable to site-based conservation and is under consideration as a marine protected area by the OSPAR Commission. Protection could help mitigate current and future threats facing species in the area. Overall, our approach provides an exemplar data-driven pathway for future conservation efforts on the high seas.” Read a [popular account](https://www.birdguides.com/articles/major-seabird-hot-spot-identified-in-north-atlantic/?fbclid=IwAR143Z-L4Ox26QELQpd5acPIHEjToOefEAmH3I8NUPmTLqwv-EYU7bm_FKc) of the publication:  "The hot-spot was of particular importance to Great Shearwater [*Puffinus gravius*], with 1.5 million or more spending the months of April-September there". ![Great Shearwater](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Great_Shearwater.jpg) *Great Shearwater at sea* **Reference:** Davies, T.E., Carneiro, A.P.B.*et al*. 2021.  Multispecies tracking reveals a major seabird hotspot in the North Atlantic. [*Conservation Letters. * doi.org/10.1111/conl.12824 and supplementary material](https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.12824). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 06 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/at-sea-tracking-identifies-a-major-hotspot-for-up-to-five-million-seabirds-in-the-north-atlantic-in-need-of-protection.md) ## Giant centipedes prey upon Black-winged Petrels on Australia's Norfolk Islands ![Black winged Petrel 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Black-winged_Petrel_2.jpg) *Black-winged Petrel* Luke Halpin ([School of Biological Sciences](https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/biological-sciences), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia) and colleagues have published in the journal *[The American Naturalist](https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/an/current)* on endemic giant centipedes preying upon chicks of the[Black-winged Petrel](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-winged-petrel-pterodroma-nigripennis)*Pterodroma nigripennis* on Phillip Island, Norfolk Islands, Australia. The paper’s abstract follows in English and Spanish: “On isolated islands, large arthropods can play an important functional role in ecosystem dynamics. On the Norfolk Islands group, South Pacific, we monitored the diet and foraging activity of an endemic chilopod, the Phillip Island centipede (*Cormocephalus coynei*), and used a stable isotope mixing model to estimate dietary proportions. Phillip Island centipede diet is represented by vertebrate animals (48%) and invertebrates (52%), with 30.5% consisting of squamates, including the Lord Howe Island skink (*Oligosoma lichenigera*) and Günther’s island gecko (*Christinus guentheri*); 7.9% consisting of black-winged petrel (*Pterodroma nigripennis*) nestlings; and 9.6% consisting of marine fishes scavenged from regurgitated seabird meals. Centipede predation was the principal source of petrel nestling mortality, with annual rates of predation varying between 11.1% and 19.6% of nestlings. This means that 2,109–3,724 black-winged petrel nestlings may be predated [*sic*] by centipedes annually. Petrels produce a single offspring per year; therefore, predation of nestlings by centipedes represents total breeding failure for a pair in a given year. Our work demonstrates that arthropods can play a leading role in influencing vertebrate reproductive output and modifying trophic structures and nutrient flow in island ecosystems. **La depredación de artrópodos sobre vertebrados estructura las dinámicas tróficas de ecosistemas insulares** En islas remotas, los artrópodos de gran tamaño pueden jugar un papel funcional importante en la dinámica del ecosistema. En las Islas Norfolk, en el Pacífico sur, monitoreamos la dieta y comportamiento de forrajeo de un quilópodo endémico, el ciempiés de Phillip Island (*Cormocephalus coynei*), y usamos isótopos estables para estimar la composición de su dieta. La dieta del ciempiés de Phillip Island está representada por animales vertebrados (48%), e invertebrados (52%): con un 30.5%, las especies del orden Squamata como el eslizón de Lord Howe Island (*Oligosoma lichenigera*) o el gecko de Günther’s Island (*Christinus guentheri*); un 7.9% pollos de petrel alinegro (*Pterodroma nigripennis*); y un 9.6% peces obtenidos de los regurgitados de las aves marinas. La depredación por parte de los ciempiés fue la principal causa de mortalidad de los pollos de aves marinas, con tasas de depredación entre el 11.1% y el 19.6%. Considerando el límite superior del tamaño poblacional estimado para el petrel alinegro, los ciempiés podrían estar depredando 2.109–3.724 pollos por año en este ecosistema. Como los petreles producen un solo huevo por año, la depredación del pollo representa el fracaso reproductivo total para una pareja en ese año. Nuestra investigación demuestra que los artrópodos pueden desempeñar un papel central en los ecosistemas insulares, al influir en el éxito reproductivo de vertebrados y modificar las estructuras tróficas y el flujo de nutrientes.” Read a [popular account](https://www.facebook.com/flx/warn/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftheconversation.com%2Fgiant-bird-eating-centipedes-exist-and-theyre-surprisingly-important-for-their-ecosystem-161744%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2XGvlwXyn6lua6bwKSmEAnANwdf0k8h6SNP_0qksqWY568Z73n4xPnIBE&h=AT3fGTs1JMr3SEdja-ffFsZjy2FVYFgPUYkT29_PZU6EfmxCxXJmZK_2EH2pOcRCs_UIlZrLh6tNvcpkj9WkG7pjc4BYxwhSBzR-0t68oEHo31adD_oZ37W26wOjprcqslhUBLzbeABsY6BRn-KF5MRiPxzhTQxvqeAXnPjaLjp9JSNtMR-XIspmWNNItYBx_4V9A42ezBMWAPxFlgPCNJkA4wtHAmOngmcqwzDE) of the research here, with video of centipede predation. **Reference:** Halpin, L.R., Terrington, D.I., Jones, H.P., Mott, R., Wong, W.W., Dow, D.C., Carlile, N. & Clarke, R.H. 2021.  Arthropod predation of vertebrates structures trophic dynamics in island ecosystems.  [*The American Naturalist * doi.org/10.1086/715702](https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/715702#_i2). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 05 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/giant-centipedes-prey-upon-black-winged-petrels-on-phillip-island-norfolk-islands.md) ## Featuring ACAP-listed species and their photographers: the Waved Albatross by Ken Logan  ![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 4](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_4.jpg) *A Waved Albatross at Punta Suárez,* [*Isla Española*](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1353-acap-breeding-sites-no-22-isla-espanola-galapagos-islands-home-of-the-waved-albatross)*, The Galapagos; photograph by Ken Logan, 2013* **A general introduction** With this post *ACAP Latest News* commences an occasional series that features photographs of the 31 ACAP-listed species, along with information on their photographers.  It is hoped the series will inspire readers to support the conservation of the world’s albatrosses and petrels. The series starts with the globally [Critically Endangered](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3955) Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* of Ecuador, photographed by South African amateur, but definitely serious, birder, Ken Logan.  For more information produced by ACAP on this species view freely downloadable [posters](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries/world-albatross-day-2021-logos-posters/3927-wad-2021-posters) and an [infographic](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries/species-infographics) produced for [World Albatross Day 2021](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/wad2021-ensuring-albatross-friendly-fisheries), as well as a detailed [Species Assessment](https://acap.aq/resources/acap-species) and an illustrated [Species Summary](https://acap.aq/world-albatross-day/species-summaries).  ![Ken Logan](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Ken_Logan.jpg) *Ken Logan, with his ever-present and at the ready camera* Kem Logan writes to *ACAP Latest News*: “I did not find birding until I was 40 - way too old to start when your ears and eyes are already past their best.  I was a chartered accountant by profession - and as a busy corporate guy based in Johannesburg only managed to bird locally here in Africa until I retired.  I was an active birder and was Chair of the Witwatersrand Bird Club for a number of years and Secretary of the Sandton Bird Club for some time as well. “”I retired in 2007 at the age of 63 and my wife and I have birded the world ever since.  Having seen most of the birds in southern Africa, I decided a great retirement project would be to try and photograph them all.  Today I never bird anywhere without my camera and have managed to photograph 4396 of the 6600 birds I have seen worldwide. We went to Antarctica in 2008, my first time at sea with a camera and only then did I realise the challenge that photography at sea really was.  By then I had already seen most of the Albatrosses that visit South African waters on “pelagics”, mainly with Ian Sinclair out of Durban and Cape Town, but it was when crossing the Drake Passage and watching those birds cope effortlessly with whatever the weather threw at them that I fell in love with albatrosses.  Maybe it was the Tristan Albatrosses that followed our ship from Gough and Nightingale Islands for three days across most of the Atlantic Ocean on our way back to South Africa in 2009 that made me realise just how special these birds really are. “I have seen them all but one - the Amsterdam Albatross - maybe I will get to visit Amsterdam Island one day - and I have photographed all the albatross species I have seen but one - Buller’s.  Maybe I will get lucky with another Buller’s when we travel down the west coast of South America next year.  ![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 15](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_15.jpg) *Waved Albatrosses display at at Punta Suárez* * ![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_2.jpg)* *A Waved Albatross chick losing its down prior to fledging* “We visited the Galapagos Islands in 2013, deliberately choosing the eastern islands as the Waved Albatross breeds only on Española in the Galapagos.  In 2017 we planned a pelagic trip out of Westport, Oregon, USA in the hopes of seeing Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses - and despite some seriously bad weather we did manage to get out and find them.  Australian and New Zealand waters are probably the best in the world for albatrosses. We have done pelagics out of New Zealand and have visited the country’s sub Antarctic islands with Heritage Expeditions.  It was off Australia’s [Macquarie Island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1347-breeding-sites-no-19-macquarie-island-a-recovering-sub-antarctic-world-heritage-site) on the same expedition that I saw my one and only Chatham Albatross as we have never visited the Chatham Islands themselves. “In 2019 we visited Japan and on our way by ferry to the Izu Islands we saw our first Short-tailed Albatrosses.  But it was only in the following month, having joined another Heritage Expedition trip and spent a month sailing from New Zealand past New Caledonia and the Solomons, on through Micronesia and back to Japan, that we had a wonderful morning with more Short-tailed Albatrosses off [Toroshima](https://acap.aq/news/latest-news/1679-acap-breeding-site-no-65-torishima-where-short-tailed-albatrosses-have-survived-both-feather-collectors-and-an-active-volcano?highlight=WyJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEiLCJ0b3Jpc2hpbWEncyIsIm5vIiwiJ25vIl0=) where they breed. ![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_3.jpg)  *A Waved Albatross in flight* * ![Waved Albatross Espanola Galapagos Ken Logan 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved/Waved_Albatross_Espanola_Galapagos_Ken_Logan_1.jpg)* *A Waved Albatross at Punta Suárez* “I have just completed my first photobook on albatrosses, a great project to while away the weeks we can no longer travel because of the COVID pandemic.” With thanks to Ken Logan. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 04 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/featuring-acap-listed-species-and-their-photographers-the-waved-albatross-by-ken-logan.md) ## UPDATE: BAITING COMPLETED! The second bait drop to eradicate Gough Island’s albatross-killing mice is completed ![Bait drop Gough Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan/Bait_drop_Gough_Michelle_Risi.jpg) *Future assured? A helicopter flies a bait bucket above a Tristan Albatross chick on Gough Island, photograph by Michelle Risi* **UPDATE: BAITING COMPLETED!**  “JOB DONE! Baiting on Gough is complete! Now there’s nothing more we can do to increase our chances of eradicating the mice – everyone has given this everything they’ve got!” - Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland). ![Gough baiting map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Posters_Books/Gough_baiting_map.jpg) *Full coverage attained! The colours refer to areas baited by the four different helicopters* For those amongst us who have been waiting anxiously to hear, the news has now arrived to much relief.  The Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](https://www.goughisland.com/)) announced yesterday on its [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland) that the second bait application to eradicate the island’s introduced House Mice was completed on the first of August.  This follows a long gap since the completion of the [first bait drop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4095-the-first-bait-drop-on-gough-island-to-eradicate-its-house-mice-is-completed?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCInZ291Z2gnIiwiJ2dvdWdoIiwiYmFpdCIsMjAyMV0=) back in June (the usual gap is around two weeks), with poor weather conditions having caused the delay. “The second bait application on Gough Island is complete!  The team finally got a decent enough break in the weather and managed to finish the second application yesterday.  Whilst the completion of the second drop is significant and means we now have a reasonable chance of the mouse eradication operation being a success, a supplementary application had always been planned over 'high-risk' areas - to ensure we did absolutely everything within our power to eradicate the mice.  The great news is that with two consecutive good days for baiting, most of this supplementary baiting has also been completed!” It seems South Africa’s Antarctic research and supply ship, the [*S.A. Agulhas II*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._A._Agulhas_II) will arrive at Gough to remove the eradication team around mid August, so there should be ample time to complete the supplementary drops. Here’s hoping that will signal the end of the “killer” mice and allow the island’s albatrosses and petrels to breed unhindered for the first time in decades. In fact, there Already early signs of success with [no losses](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4119-tristan-albatross-chicks-on-gough-are-doing-well-after-the-first-bait-drop-against-the-island-s-killer-mice?highlight=WyJnb3VnaCIsImdvdWdoJ3MiLCInZ291Z2gnIiwiJ2dvdWdoIiwiYmFpdCIsMjAyMV0=) of Tristan Albatross chicks to mice in two study areas after the first bait drop. Access the latest (No. 9, July 2021) and earlier editions of *Island Restoration News,* the GIRP newsletter, [here](https://www.goughisland.com/more-information). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 03 August 2021, updated 05 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/the-second-bait-drop-to-eradicate-gough-island-s-albatross-killing-mice-is-completed.md) ## Foraging behaviour of Streaked Shearwaters revealed by loggers  ![Streaked Shearwater 1](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Shearwaters/Shearwaters/Streaked_Shearwater_1.jpg) *Streaked Shearwater at sea* Aran Garrod ([Department of Natural Environmental Studies](http://nenv.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/), Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan) and colleagues have published in the open access journal [*PLoS One*](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/) on studying foraging behaviour of Streaked Shearwaters *Calonectris leucomelas* by deploying video and acceleration loggers. The paper’s abstract follows: “The study of seabird behaviour has largely relied on animal-borne tags to gather information, requiring interpretation to estimate at-sea behaviours. Details of shallow-diving birds’ foraging are less known than deep-diving species due to difficulty in identifying shallow dives from biologging devices. Development of smaller video loggers allow a direct view of these birds’ behaviours, at the cost of short battery capacity. However, recordings from video loggers combined with relatively low power usage accelerometers give a means to develop a reliable foraging detection method. Combined video and acceleration loggers were attached to streaked shearwaters in Funakoshi-Ohshima Island (39°24’N,141°59’E) during the breeding season in 2018. Video recordings were classified into behavioural categories (rest, transit, and foraging) and a detection method was generated from the acceleration signals. Two foraging behaviours, surface seizing and foraging dives, are reported with video recordings. Surface seizing was comprised of successive take-offs and landings (mean duration 0.6 and 1.5s, respectively), while foraging dives were shallow subsurface dives (3.2s mean duration) from the air and water surface. Birds were observed foraging close to marine predators, including dolphins and large fish. Results of the behaviour detection method were validated against video recordings, with mean true and false positive rates of 90% and 0%, 79% and 5%, and 66% and <1%, for flight, surface seizing, and foraging dives, respectively. The detection method was applied to longer duration acceleration and GPS datasets collected during the 2018 and 2019 breeding seasons. Foraging trips lasted between 1 − 8 days, with birds performing on average 16 surface seizing events and 43 foraging dives per day, comprising <1% of daily activity, while transit and rest took up 55 and 40%, respectively. This foraging detection method can address the difficulties of recording shallow-diving foraging behaviour and provides a means to measure activity budgets across shallow diving seabird species.” Garrod, A., Yamamoto, S., Sakamoto, K.Q. & Sato, K. 2021.  Video and acceleration records of streaked shearwaters allows detection of two foraging behaviours associated with large marine predators.  [*PLoS One *doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254454](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0254454). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 02 August 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/foraging-behaviour-of-streaked-shearwaters-revealed-by-loggers.md) ## Identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries: White-capped Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels predominated in 2019/2020 ![White capped Albatross Laurie Johnson Ellyn Bousman Lentz](https://acap.aq/images/WAD/White-capped_Albatross_Laurie_Johnson_Ellyn_Bousman_Lentz.jpg) *White-capped Albatross by Ellyn Bousman Lentz‎, from a photograph by Laurie Smaglick Johnson* Elizabeth (‘Biz”) Bell ([Wildlife Management International Ltd](http://wmil.co.nz/), Blenheim, New Zealand) has produced s report for the [Conservation Services Programme](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme) of the [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) on seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries over 2019/2020.  White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* ([Vulnerable](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22698140)) and White-capped Albatrosses *Thalassarche steadi* ([Near Threatened](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-capped-albatross-thalassarche-steadi/text)) accounted for half of the 250 returned corpses (comprising 24 taxa) examined; 173 from trawl fisheries and 82 from longline vessels.  The report is the latest of a series produced annually over the last two decades (see the report’s cited references). The report’s Abstract follows: “New Zealand w aters support a diverse range of seabird species, but much of the commercial fishing activity in the region overlaps with their ranges. The accurate identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries is vital for determining the potential impact of fisheries on these populations. Between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020, a total of 844 seabirds were reported as incidental interactions with commercial fishing vessels by on‐board New Zealand Government observers; of these 250 were returned for necropsy and 594 were interactions (298) or photographed (296) as dead or alive captures.  There were 250 seabirds comprising 24 taxa incidentally killed as bycatch and returned for necropsy. Birds were returned from 16 longline (n = 82 seabirds), 35 trawl (n = 163 seabirds) and five set net (n = 5 seabirds) vessels and were dominated numerically by five species: white‐chinned petrel (n = 80, 32%), New Zealand white‐capped albatross (n = 43, 17.2%), sooty shearwater (n = 28, 11.2%), Salvin’s albatross (n = 27, 10.8%) and Buller’s albatross (n = 27, 10.8%). These five species accounted for 82% of all returns. All birds returned from longline fisheries had injuries consistent with being hooked in the bill, throat, or wing. In contrast, most birds (74.2%) returned from trawl fisheries were killed through entanglement in the net, cod‐end, or pound, with 18.4% likely to have been killed by warp interaction or entanglement. Eight birds were killed by striking the deck of the trawl vessel. Birds had the same mean fat scores in comparison to birds from the last fishing year, and discards, including offal, appear to continue to be an attractant for many seabirds.  In addition to the seabirds that were returned for necropsy, examination of the Ministry for Primary Industries Central Observer Database (COD) and images provided by Government observers gave a total of a further 594 seabirds that were reported as interactions or photographed (as dead or alive captures) aboard 51 fishing vessels (and may include some non‐capture interactions). Almost half (47.3%) of the seabirds reported in these interactions were released alive.  Out of these 594 records of seabird interactions, photographs were taken of 296 seabirds consisting of 15 taxa. Image quality varied widely, with poor images being particularly common for birds that were alive and seen on‐board for short periods. Images of dead birds have improved with multiple images taken for each specimen. Recommendations are made to improve photo‐identifications in the future.” **Reference:** Bell, E.[A.]. 2021. *[INT2019-02:  Identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries, 1 July 2019- 30 June 2020](https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/conservation-services-programme/csp-reports/201920/identification-of-seabirds-captured-in-new-zealand-fisheries-2019-2020/)*.  Blenheim: Wildlife Management International Ltd.  32 pp. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/identification-of-seabirds-captured-in-new-zealand-fisheries-white-capped-albatrosses-and-white-chinned-petrels-predominated-in-2019-2020.md) ## Monitoring Black-browed Albatrosses and Southern Giant Petrels in the South Atlantic in 2020/21  ![Steeple Jason 5 Ian Strange](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_browed/Steeple_Jason_5_Ian_Strange.jpg) *Black-browed Albatrosses breeding on [Steeple Jason](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1484-acap-breeding-sites-no-43-steeple-jason-island-a-major-home-of-black-browed-albatrosses-in-the-south-atlantic)* [news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1484-acap-breeding-sites-no-43-steeple-jason-island-a-major-home-of-black-browed-albatrosses-in-the-south-atlantic](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1484-acap-breeding-sites-no-43-steeple-jason-island-a-major-home-of-black-browed-albatrosses-in-the-south-atlantic)Sarah Crofts and Andrew Stanworth ([Falklands Conservation](https://falklandsconservation.com/b)) have produced a report that details results of monitoring study populations of eight seabird species, including the ACAP-listed Black-browed Albatross *Thalassarche melanophris* and the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*, that bred in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)* during 2020/21. Extracts from the report’s summary follow: “The Falkland Islands support seabird populations that are of global importance; both numerically, and in terms of conservation status. Accordingly, fluctuations in local populations may substantially affect the global conservation status of these species. The Falkland Islands Seabird Monitoring Programme (FISMP) monitors Gentoo Penguin (*Pygoscelis papua*) at 11 sites (17 colonies), Southern Rockhopper Penguin (*Eudyptes c. chrysocome*) at five sites (14 colonies) and Magellanic Penguin (*Spheniscus magellanicus*) at one site (one colony). King Penguin (*Aptenodytes patagonicus*) and Black-browed Albatross (*Thalassarche melanophris*) are monitored at single, but key sites, in terms of population numbers.  Southern Giant Petrel (*Macronectes giganteus*) is monitored at one site (two colonies), Imperial Shag *(Phalacrocorax atriceps*) at three sites (four colonies) and Brown Skua (*Catharacta antarctica*) at one site (four colonies). **Black-browed Albatross** breeding pair numbers at the monitoring sites at Steeple Jason showed an overall decrease of 1 % when compared with 2019. Taking into account annual fluctuations, the overall FISMP trend suggests a stable population. The overall breeding success in 2020 remained below the annual average for the sixth consecutive year, although was improved when compared with 2019. ![Southern Giant Petrel Steeple Dec 70 Ian Strange 2](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Southern_Giant_Petrel_Steeple_Dec_70_Ian_Strange_2.jpg) *A Southern Giant Petrel breeding on Steeple Jason* *Photographs by Ian Strange* **Southern Giant Petrel** breeding pair numbers at Steeple Jason increased by 6 % when compared with 2019. The overall increase reflected the positive trend at the Neck colony, whereas the Northwest colony continued to decline. In 2020, breeding success of 15 % was well below the long-term annual average of 32 %.” With thanks to Michelle Winnard, Communications and Marketing Officer, Falklands Conservation.  45 pp. **Reference:** Crofts, S. & Stanworth, A. 2021.  [*Falkland Islands Seabird Monitoring Programme - Annual Report 2020/2021 (SMP28)*](https://falklandsconservation.com/downloads/).  Stanley: Falklands Conservation. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 July 2021* *A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas. [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/monitoring-black-browed-albatrosses-and-the-southern-giant-petrels-in-the-south-atlantic-in-2020-21.md) ## Tristan Albatross chicks on Gough are doing well after the first bait drop against the island’s killer mice ![Tristan Albatross 9 Tom McSherry](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_9_Tom_McSherry.jpg) *Yawning for the camera. A Tristan Albatross on Gough Island, photograph by Tom McSherry* To date, the Gough Island Restoration Programme ([GIRP](http://www.goughisland.com/)) has completed the [first bait drop](https://acap.aq/latest-news/4095-the-first-bait-drop-on-gough-island-to-eradicate-its-house-mice-is-completed) over the [island](https://acap.aq/news/news-archive/60-2013-news-archive/1322-acap-breeding-sites-no-11-gough-island-south-atlantic-hanging-on-against-the-onslaught-of-its-killer-mice) to eradicate the island’s albatross-killing mice and is waiting for good weather to undertake the required second drop.  In the interim researchers on the island have continued to monitor breeding by the *[Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tristan-albatross-diomedea-dabbenena/text)*(and near-endemic) Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena*, as recently reported via the [GIRP Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland/). “Our team just returned from two of our 11 Tristan Albatross monitoring sites– Gonydale and Tafelkop – and reported no nest failures since their last check!  This is literally unheard of at this time of year.  Even though we haven’t completed the second bait drop yet we can already get a sense of what life would be like on Gough without the mice.” Watch a [video](https://www.facebook.com/GoughIsland/videos/199048142070244) as GIRP Researcher Michelle Risi imparts the news in front of a Tristan Albatross chick in the Tafelkop monitoring colony, first set up in the 1980s. ACAP’s Information Officer has a particular interest in the fate of the Tristan Albatross on Gough.  He set up both long-term study colonies - on Tafelkop in the 1980s and in Gonydale in the 2006/07 and 2007/08 breeding seasons - when all the occupied nests in the two localities were staked and breeding adults metal and colour-banded during incubation, with their surviving chicks metal banded later in the year.  Monitoring has continued ever since with pairs of field workers being appointed on an annual basis. Access the latest (No. 8, May 2021) and earlier editions of *Island Restoration News,* the GIRP newsletter [here](https://www.goughisland.com/more-information). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 26 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/tristan-albatross-chicks-on-gough-are-doing-well-after-the-first-bait-drop-against-the-island-s-killer-mice.md) ## Pitt Island’s sole Antipodean Albatross fledgling is doing well at sea ![Pitt Island Antipodean Albatross map](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Pitt_Island_Antipodean_Albatross_map.jpg) *Flight map for Pitt Island's Antipodean Albatross fledgling as at 14 July 2021* A single pair of globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) and [Nationally Critical](http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/antipodean-albatross) Antipodean Albatrosses *Diomedea antipodensis* has bred on [Pitt Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitt_Island) in New Zealand’s [Chatham Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatham_Islands)group in recent years ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3931-acap-breeding-site-no-96-a-single-pair-of-antipodean-albatrosses-breeds-on-new-zealand-s-pitt-island?highlight=WyJwaXR0Il0=)). The latest chick was banded (R-50441) and [satellite-tagged](https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2021-media-releases/sole-antipodean-albatross-chick-from-chathams-being-tracked/?fbclid=IwAR3UOOgFzQL-HKNQG3uRDdEf1FoLNBNhlVFQcDUgny_N4SVZqc60Vw-utR0) on 23 December 2020.  By 9 March it had flown over 19 000 km, spending it’s time to the east of New Zealand ([click here](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3998-pitt-island-s-sole-antipodean-albatross-fledgling-and-the-royalcam-pair-of-northern-royal-albatrosses-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head-are-being-tracked-at-sea?highlight=WyJwaXR0Il0=)).  A [recent update](https://www.facebook.com/dave.boyle.963) on Facebook by David Boyle on the bird’s travels at sea shows that it has remained relatively close to New Zealand, within and outside the country’s Economic Exclusion Zone: “Just before Christmas we put a satellite tracker on the Antipodes Wanderer chick on Pitt Island - it fledged a few days later and seven months later it’s still going strong.  The map’s a bit of a mess but he went out east to the Louisville Ridge first off (the long chain of seamounts to the east of the Chathams), then headed west and spent some time off East Cape/Gisborne before doing a big loop south almost to Antipodes Island before heading back up the east coast of New Zealand and round the top into the Tasman for ages and now he's come back round the top of New Zealand and is currently about 500 km north of the Chathams.” ![Antipodean chick Pitt Island Dec 2020 3](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_chick_Pitt_Island_Dec_2020_3.jpg) *Pitt Island's Antipodean Albatross chick close to fledging in December 2020* View the Pitt Island albatross [flight map](https://docnewzealand.shinyapps.io/PittAlbatrossTracking/) that shows the bird (206373 R-50441) had flown nearly 45 000 km by 14 July. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/pitt-island-s-sole-antipodean-albatross-fledgling-is-doing-well-at-sea.md) ## Toroa! An Antipodean Albatross is competing in the Tokyo Olympics today ![Toroa on launch day 2](https://acap.aq/images/Toroa_on_launch_day-2.jpg) **Off to the Olympics:**Toroa**on its launch day, being sailed by Pete Burling and Blair Tuke; photograph from Ruby Dreifuss, Live Ocean** *ACAP Latest News* has [previously reported](https://acap.aq/latest-news/3479-racing-to-save-the-antipodean-albatross-with-live-ocean?highlight=WyJibGFpciJd) on medal-winning 2016 Olympic, [America’s Cup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America%27s_Cup) and Round-the-World sailors, [Peter Burling and Blair Tuke](https://liveocean.com/team/) from New Zealand, who have been sailing in support of the globally [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/antipodean-albatross-diomedea-antipodensis/text) Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*, a New Zealand endemic, via the marine conservation charitable trust, [Live Ocean](https://liveocean.com/).  This year they have been training for the [Tokyo 2020 Olympics](https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/), competing in their [49er skiff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49er_(dinghy)) named *Toroa*, the [Maori name](https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&phrase=&proverb=&loan=&histLoanWords=&keywords=toroa) for a great albatross in the genus *Diomedea*.  ![Antipodean Albatross off North Cape NZ Kirk Zufelt](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean/Antipodean_Albatross_off_North_Cape__NZ_Kirk_Zufelt.jpg) *Antipodean Albatross off North Cape, New Zealand; photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Read about the New Zealand team and their competitors at the 2020 Olympics [here](https://49er.org/blog/the-chase-for-burling-and-tuke-everybody-knock-down-the-champs/). Pete and Blair's first race in the [Men’s Skiff -49er](https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/sailing/entries-by-event-49er-men.htm) event is today in the Enoshima Yacht Harbour.  The [final medal race](https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/sailing/event-schedule-49er-men.htm) is on 2 August.  Here’s hoping *Toroa*will be moving fast in support of its namesake albatross! Thanks to Ruby Dreifuss and Sally Paterson, Live Ocean. *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/toroa-an-antipodean-albatross-is-competing-in-the-tokyo-olympics-today.md) ## Genomic study indicates the Southern Giant Petrel population went through a severe reduction in the early Pleistocene ![Shary Weckwerth Southern Giant Petrel watercolour Michelle Risi](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant/Shary_Weckwerth_Southern_Giant_Petrel_watercolour_Michelle_Risi.jpg) *Southern Giant Petrel watercolour by *Shary Weckwerth*, from a photograph by Michelle Risi * Sun-Hee Kim (Department of Biotechnology, [College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology](https://koreauniv.pure.elsevier.com/en/organisations/college-of-life-sciences-and-biotechnology), Korea University, Seoul, Korea) and colleagues have published in the open access online journal [*Animals*](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals) on the genome of the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*. The paper’s abstract follows: “The southern giant petrel *Macronectes giganteus**,* a large seabird of the southern oceans, is one of only two members of the genus *Macronectes* and is the largest species in the order Procellariiformes [*sic*].  Although these two families [*sic*] account for the vast majority of the avian fauna inhabiting the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, studies on the status of some populations and the associated genetic data are currently extremely limited.  In this study, we assembled the genome of *M. giganteus* by integrating Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time sequencing and the Chromium system developed by 10x Genomics.  The final *M. giganteus* genome assembly was 1.248 Gb in size with a scaffold N50 length of 27.4 Mb and a longest scaffold length of 120.4 Mb.  The *M. giganteus* genome contains 14,993 predicted protein-coding genes and has 11.06% repeat sequences.  Estimated historical effective population size analysis indicated that the southern giant petrel underwent a severe reduction in effective population size during a period coinciding with the early Pleistocene.  The availability of this newly sequenced genome will facilitate more effective genetic monitoring of threatened species.  Furthermore, the genome will provide a valuable resource for gene functional studies and further comparative genomic studies on the life history and ecological traits of specific avian species.” **Reference:** Kim, S.-H., Lee, S.-J., Jo, E., Kim, J., Kim, J.-U., Kim, J.-H., Park, H. & Chi, Y.-M.  2021.  Genome of the Southern Giant Petrel assembled using third-generation DNA sequencing and linked reads reveals evolutionary traits of southern avian [*sic*].  [*Animals*11.  doi.org/10.3390/ani11072046](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/7/2046/htm). *John Cooper. ACAP Information Officer, 23 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/genomic-study-indicates-the-southern-giant-petrel-population-went-through-a-severe-reduction-in-the-early-pleistocene.md) ## Relocated Hawaiian Petrels commence breeding at Nihoku on Kauai behind a predator-proof fence ![First Nihoku return 2020](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/First_Nihoku_return_2020.png) *The first translocated Hawaiian Petrel returns to Nihoku in May 2020, trail camera photograph by the [Nihokū Ecosystem Restoration Project](https://www.nihoku.org/)* [https://www.nihoku.org/](https://www.nihoku.org/)*ACAP Latest News* has [regularly reported](https://acap.aq/search14?q=Nihoku) on the efforts to establish a breeding colony of [Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/hawaiian-petrel-pterodroma-sandwichensis) Hawaiian Petrels *Pterodroma sandwichensis* and [Critically Endangered](http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newells-shearwater-puffinus-newelli/text) Newell’s Shearwaters *Puffinus newellii* at a lowland site protected by a predator-proof fence within the [Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge](https://acap.aq/latest-news/1654-acap-breeding-site-no-63-kilauea-point-national-wildlife-refuge-home-of-a-laysan-albatross-population) on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.  Last year the first five Hawaiian Petrels that had been hand reared at Nihoku after translocation from the island’s mountainous interior were seen back prospecting at the site.  Now this year breeding has been confirmed for a single pair from the 2017 cohort that were first seen back at Nihoku in 2020. This season they laid an egg in June.  In addition, the first translocated Newell’s Shearwater has been back at the site this year ![Nihoku](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/Petrels/Nihoku.png) *The fenced Nihoku restoration site from the air, photograph from the Nihokū Ecosystem Restoration Project* “After years at sea, the first ʻuaʻu, Hawaiian petrel, pair nests at Nihokū at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. These birds are the first of 110 translocated ʻuaʻu chicks to return and nest at the fence-protected area of Nihokū.  In 2020, trail camera footage and biologists confirmed that five ʻuaʻu were returning to the site while prospecting the area for nesting, an early sign that the young birds that fledged from Nihokū successfully imprinted on the site and would likely soon return to breed.  In addition to the returning ʻuaʻu pair now breeding at Nihokū, the first prospecting ʻaʻo, Newell’s shearwater, was recently observed on trail cameras at the site, confirming that both species have successfully imprinted on the translocation site. The project is part of a larger, island-wide effort to restore populations of ʻuaʻu and ʻaʻo, both threatened and culturally important species. “We are beyond thrilled to have confirmed breeding of the first Hawaiian petrel pair in a predator-free location, after six years of translocations.  This marks a major milestone towards the recovery of this imperiled species, and we hope that it is the first of many such announcements,” - Dr. Lindsay Young, Executive Director - [Pacific Rim Conservation](https://pacificrimconservation.org/). Read more [here](https://medium.com/usfwspacificislands/after-years-at-sea-first-hawaiian-petrel-pair-nests-at-nihok%C5%AB-28bc12dbb80e). *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/relocated-hawaiian-petrels-commence-breeding-at-nihoku-on-kauai-behind-a-predator-proof-fence.md) ## Hot dark wings believed to improve flight performance in gliding albatrosses and petrels *![Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island 9 Kirk Zufelt s](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam%20Albatross%20off%20Amsterdam%20Island%209%20%20Kirk%20Zufelt%20s.jpg)* *A dark-winged Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island, photograph by Kirk Zufelt* Svana Rogalla ([Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group](https://www.ugent.be/we/biology/en/research/eon), Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Belgium) and colleagues have published in the [*Journal of the Royal Society Interface*](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rsif) on a phylogenetic analysis and wind tunnel experiments to show that the dark wings of seabirds (including those of albatrosses and petrels) improve flight efficiency when undergoing radiative heating. The paper’s abstract follows: "Seabirds have evolved numerous adaptations that allow them to thrive under hostile conditions. Many seabirds share similar colour patterns, often with dark wings, suggesting that their coloration might be adaptive. Interestingly, these darker wings become hotter when birds fly under high solar irradiance, and previous studies on aerofoils have provided evidence that aerofoil surface heating can affect the ratio between lift and drag, i.e. flight efficiency. However, whether this effect benefits birds remains unknown. Here, we first used phylogenetic analyses to show that strictly oceanic seabirds with a higher glide performance (optimized by reduced sink rates, i.e. the altitude lost over time) have evolved darker wings, potentially as an additional adaptation to improve flight. Using wind tunnel experiments, we then showed that radiative heating of bird wings indeed improves their flight efficiency. These results illustrate that seabirds may have evolved wing pigmentation in part through selection for flight performance under extreme ocean conditions. We suggest that other bird clades, particularly long-distance migrants, might also benefit from this effect and therefore might show similar evolutionary trajectories. These findings may also serve as a guide for bioinspired innovations in aerospace and aviation, especially in low-speed regimes.” Read an interview with the senior author of the study [here](https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/bird-wing-colour-affects-flight-efficiency?fbclid=IwAR1CFi9yGZTgt9fY2DiLwRanrziy4ndlYra0qUntrjdv5mwjpoamPoGU-Kk). With thanks to Janine Dunlop, Niven Librarian, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town. **Reference:** Rogalla, S., Nicolaï, M.P.J., Porchetta, S., Glabeke, G., Battistella, C., D'Alba, L., Gianneschi, N.C., van Beeck, J. & Shawkey, N.D. 2021.  The evolution of darker wings in seabirds in relation to temperature-dependent flight efficiency.  *[Journal of the Royal Society Interface](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsif.2021.0236)[doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2021.0236](https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rsif.2021.0236).* *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 July 2021* [Read more...](https://acap.aq/acap-latest-news/hot-dark-wings-believed-to-improve-flight-performance-in-gliding-seabirds.md) ## Documents are now online for ACAP’s 2021 Working Group meetings to be held virtually next month  ![Lea Finke Pink footed Shearwater watercolour Peter Hodum](https://acap.aq/images/WAD2021/Lea_Finke_Pink-footed_Shearwater_watercolour_Peter_Hodum.jpg) *Pink-footed Shearwater, watercolour by Lea Finke, from a photograph by Peter Hodum* The Tenth Meeting of ACAP’s Seabird Bycatch Working Group ([SBG10](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/seabird-bycatch-working-group/sbwg-10)) will be held as a virtual meeting from 17 to 19 August 2021 (AEST/UTC+10).  Likewise, the Sixth Meeting of the Population and Conservation Status Working Group ([PaCSWG6](https://acap.aq/documents/working-groups/population-and-conservation-status-working-group/pacswg6)) will be