---
title: "2009 News Archive"
---

# 2009 News Archive

## Albatrosses and Petrel Conference - 1st Announcement

FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF ALBATROSSES AND PETRELS 

 First Announcement - It is intended to hold the Fourth Albatross and Petrel Conference in Cape Town, South Africa over a five-day period during August 2008.


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news4.md)

## The U.S.A.’s "ACAP Team" wins an award

The U.S.A.'s "ACAP Team" (see full list of names below) has received a 2008 NOAA General Counsel Award. Each year, NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce) recognizes attorneys, support staff, line and staff office personnel, and other Federal Agency employees, for their exceptional performance and contributions ([click here](http://www.fsl.noaa.gov/media/awards.html)).

 Two of the ACAP Team members, Nicole le Bouef and Kin Rivera, both of the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service ([NMFS](http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/)), have attended a number of ACAP meetings representing the United States and are thus well-known to delegates. Nicole also worked as an intern at the ACAP Secretariat's office in Hobart, Australia, during 2006, helping organize and run several ACAP meetings, including the Second Advisory Committee meeting in Brasilia, Brazil in June 2006 and the Second Session of the Meeting of the Parties in Christchurch, New Zealand in November, 2006. In addition, Pamela Toschik of NOAA's Office of International Affairs attended, along with Kim, the Fourth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, held in South Africa in August 2008.

 Kim Rivera is the NMFS National Seabird Coordinator based in Alaska ([click here](http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds.htm)). Kim and Nicole both serve on the U.S. Interagency Seabird Working Group ([ISWG](http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/ISWGlist0207.pdf)).

 The ACAP Secretariat would like to extend its congratulations to Kim and to Nicole, as well as to all the other members of the U.S. ACAP Team, for this well-deserved award, that comes as the U.S.A. works towards acceding to ACAP (see earlier news items).

 The award-winning ACAP Team:

 Derek Campbell, Stephanie Hunt, Nicole LeBoeuf, Stacey Nathanson, Peter Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lukens, Kim Rivera, Frank Sprtel and Pamela Toschik.

 Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 1 April 2009


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/the-usas-qacap-teamq-wins-an-award.md)

## Waterbird Society’s 2009 annual conference to be held in New Jersey, U.S.A. in November

The Waterbird Society is an international scientific, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of waterbirds. The Society was established in 1976. The Waterbird Society's interest includes all aquatic birds, and thus all seabirds. The society was created to establish better communication and coordination between the growing number of people studying and monitoring aquatic birds, and to contribute to the protection and management of stressed populations or habitats of these species. The 33rd Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society will be held over 4-7 November 2009 at Cape May, New Jersey, U.S.A. and will be hosted by the New Jersey Audubon Society.

 The following symposium topics are among those under consideration:

 Citizen Science Projects  
Waterbirds as indicators of environmental health  
Waterbirds and offshore wind turbines

 Go to [http://www.waterbirds.org/annual_meeting](http://www.waterbirds.org/annual_meeting) for more information.

 The Waterbird Society publishes the journal Waterbirds.

 Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 2 April 2009


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## U.S. fishing association adopts voluntary seabird mitigation measures UPDATED

The Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association ([FVOA](http://www.fvoa.org/index.html)[)](http://www.fvoa.org/index.html) is a trade association of longline vessel operators in the North Pacific and based in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.. Its mission is to promote safety at sea, ensure competitive pricing, and promote habitat-friendly gear with minimum bycatch.

   The FVOA has taken the voluntary action of instructing its members from this year to use bird-scaring streamer lines when fishing in Washington, Oregon and Californian waters ([http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/02/fishing_vessels_agree_to_save.html](http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/02/fishing_vessels_agree_to_save.html).)

   The action should lead to a reduction in mortality of seabirds, including of the Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes*. Along the west coast of the U.S. bycatch of the Black-footed Albatross in the Sablefish longline fishery is considered the primary problem.

   

 The Black-footed Albatross will be considered for inclusion within ACAP at the Third Session of the Meeting of Parties, to be held at the end of next month in Bergen, Norway (for the proposal by three ACAP Parties (Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom) [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=113&Itemid=33) and open Document 26).

   Measures to prevent seabird bycatch are already required by U.S. longliners operating in Alaska, where albatross deaths have been reduced by the use of streamer lines ([http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds.htm](http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds.htm)).

  

 See also: [http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090212.html](http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090212.html).

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=203&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item on ACAP producing species accounts for the three North Pacific albatrosses, including for the Black-footed.

  

  *Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 March 2009, updated 29 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/us-fishing-association-adopts-voluntary-seabird-mitigation-measures-updated.md)

## ACAP’s 14th Party? Progress with the U.S.A.’s intention to join the Agreement

 

 On 16 January 2009, the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Interior jointly forwarded to the U.S. Congress proposed legislation to implement the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.  The legislation, entitled the "Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act of 2009," follows up on the 26 September 2008 transmittal by President George W. Bush of ACAP to the U.S. Senate recommending that it gives early and favourable consideration to the Agreement and gives its advice and consent to U.S. accession.

   The U.S.A. participated actively in the negotiation of ACAP due to its interest in seabird conservation in general and its status as a "Range State" for several of the listed species, and has participated as an active observer at ACAP meetings since the Agreement entered into force.

   In October 2007 President Bush directed Federal Agencies to increase U.S. involvement in ACAP, setting in motion the Administration's efforts to join the Agreement.

  

   Go to [http://www.gc.noaa.gov/gcil_seabirds.html](http://www.gc.noaa.gov/gcil_seabirds.html) for more news, including a PDF of the U.S.A.’s draft act. Also see earlier news items on the U.S.A.’s intention to accede to ACAP at: [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=28](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=28)and on the proposal to list the three North Pacific Albatrosses in the Agreement at: [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=203&Itemid=28](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=203&Itemid=28)

   *News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 27 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/acaps-14th-party-progress-with-the-usas-intention-to-join-the-agreement.md)

## Uruguay welcomed as ACAP’s 13th Party

{mosimage}

 The Oriental Republic of Uruguay becomes a Party to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels today, following the deposition of its instrument of accession with the Australian Government on 9 October 2008 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=131&Itemid=28)), which in turn followed the adoption of the necessary domestic legislation by Uruguay’s Senate and Chamber of Representatives on 16 July 2008 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=28))**.**  

Thirteen Parties to ACAP ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=47)) are now able to attend the Third Session of its Meeting of Parties, due to be held in Bergen, Norway from 27 April to 1 May 2009.

 

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 1 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/uruguay-welcomed-as-acap-s-13th-party.md)

## ICES Working Group on Seabird Ecology reports on longline mitigation

 {mosimage}

 

The Working Group on Seabird Ecology of ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; [http://www.ices.dk/indexfla.asp](http://www.ices.dk/indexfla.asp)) held a workshop in March 2008 in Portugal, *inter alia*, to review the problem of the incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries within European Union waters, including in the Mediterranean.  The report of the workshop may be found at [http://www.ices.dk/reports/LRC/2008/WGSE/WGSE2008.pdf](http://www.ices.dk/reports/LRC/2008/WGSE/WGSE2008.pdf).

  The report includes consideration of several species of northern hemisphere shearwaters which have been identified as possible candidates for listing within ACAP, such as the Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater *Puffinus mauretanicus* (Cooper & Baker 2008).

  The workshop report also reviews mitigation measures in use to reduce seabird bycatch on longlines worldwide, and thus is of relevance to addressing the problem as it pertains to ACAP-listed species.

  Reference:

  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](http://www.marineornithology.org/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?vol=current)).

 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 4 January 2009, updated 7 Januaary 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/ices-working-group-on-seabird-ecology-reports-on-longline-mitigation.md)

## Seabird journals and bulletins: a listing

 A number of scientific journals and bulletins are dedicated to publishing articles on seabirds, and several of them regularly contain material of relevance to the biology and conservation of ACAP-listed species.  A list follows.  Readers are requested to e-mail the ACAP Information Officer ([**John.Cooper@acap.aq**](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq)) with information on relevant publications not listed. Note: a separate listing is available for newsletters that deal with procellariiform species and/or bycatch issues [[click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=58)].

**Atlantic Seabirds** 

Published three or four times a year by the (UK) Seabird Group and the Dutch Seabird Group in eight volumes from 1999 to 2006 (but last issue mailed in 2008).  ISSN 1388-2511.  No longer published.  Abstracts may be viewed at [**http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/?page=journalcontents**](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/?page=journalcontents) and at [**http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/**](http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/).

**Australasian Seabird Bulletin** 

Published twice a year by the Australian Seabird Group ([**http://home.vicnet.net.au/%7Eseabird/**](http://home.vicnet.net.au/~seabird/)), a special interest group of Birds Australia ([**www.birdsaustralia.com**](http://www.birdsaustralia.com/)).  First issue January 1973.  Current issue No. 48/49 of November 2008.  Editor: André Chiaradia ([**a.chiaradia@penguins.org.au**](mailto:a.chiaradia@penguins.org.au)).  See also:  [**http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/the-organisation/australasian-seabird-group.html**](http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/the-organisation/australasian-seabird-group.html).

**Marine Ornithology** 

Published twice a year by subscription and as a free electronic journal (from Vol. 16 of 1988; **[www.marineornithology.org](http://www.marineornithology.org/)**) by the Pacific Seabird Group on behalf of a consortium of six seabird groups.  First issue (as *Cormorant*) 1976; current issue Vol. 36, No. 1 of 2008.  Managing Editor: Tony Gaston ([**marineornithology@ec.gc.ca**](mailto:marineornithology@ec.gc.ca)).  ISSN 1018-3337.  Articles are refereed.

**Pacific Seabirds** 

Published twice a year by the Pacific Seabird Group ([**www.pacificseabirdgroup.org**](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/)).  First issue (as *Pacific Seabird Group Bulletin*) January 1974.  Current issue Vol. 34, No. 2 of 2007.  Editor:  Vivian Mendenhall ([**fasgadair@attalscom.net**](mailto:fasgadair@attalscom.net)).  ISSN 10899-6317.  Go to [**http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=pub_pacificseabirds&t=Pacific%20Seabirds&s=1**](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=pub_pacificseabirds&t=Pacific%20Seabirds&s=1) for online issues up to 2006.  Main articles are refereed.

**Sea Swallow** 

Published annually by the Royal Naval Birdwatching Society ([**www.rnbws.org.uk**](http://www.rnbws.org.uk/)).  Current issue: Vol. 57 of 2008.  Editor:  Gary Lewis ([**gary@cornwt.demon.co.uk**](mailto:gary@cornwt.demon.co.uk)).  ISSN 0959-4787.  Go to [**http://www.rnbws.org.uk/pdfs/20061120%20Sea%20Swallow%20contents%20pages.pdf**](http://www.rnbws.org.uk/pdfs/20061120%20Sea%20Swallow%20contents%20pages.pdf) for contents pages up to 2005.

**Seabird**** **

Published annually by the Seabird Group (**[www.seabirdgroup.org.uk](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/)**).  Current Editor:  Martin Heubeck ([**martinheubeck@btinternet.com**](mailto:martinheubeck@btinternet.com)).  Published (as *Seabird Bulletin*) from August 1965 until 1998 (as *Seabird*) when replaced by *Atlantic Seabirds* and is to recommence publication from Vol. 21 in 2008.

**Sula** 

Published by the Dutch Seabird Group (Nederlandse Zeevogelgroep; [**www.zeevogelgroep.nl**](http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/)).  Twelve volumes published from 1987 to 1998 ([**http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/Sula/NZG_Index_Sula_1-12.pdf**](http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/Sula/NZG_Index_Sula_1-12.pdf) for contents pages and index), when replaced by *Atlantic Seabirds*.  *Sula* recommenced publication as a quarterly from Vol. 21 in 2008 (English abstracts at [**http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/Sula/SULA-21-1_Abstracts.pdf**](http://www.zeevogelgroep.nl/Sula/SULA-21-1_Abstracts.pdf)).  ISSN 0926-132X.  Editor: C.J. (Kees) Camphuysen ([**kees.camphuysen@wxs.nl**](mailto:kees.camphuysen@wxs.nl)).  Mainly in Dutch with English summaries.  Not refereed.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 6 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/seabird-journals-and-bulletins-a-listing.md)

## Books, monographs and meeting reports on longline fishing and fisheries, bycatch and mitigation

{mosimage} 

 

The following “mixed-bag” of publications offers reference or background reading to those working with or interested in the threats that face ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels at sea.

 

Please look elsewhere within the web site’s Resources Section for other lists of publications of relevance to the biology and conservation of albatrosses and petrels, such as of National Plans of Action – Seabirds, conservation plans, seabird bycatch mitigation manuals, books, monographs, journals and newsletters.

 

Please send details of similar publications to add to the list to [[John.Cooper@acap.aq](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq)](mailto:%20<script%20language='JavaScript'%20type='text/javascript'>%20<!--%20var%20prefix%20=%20'ma'%20+%20'il'%20+%20'to';%20var%20path%20=%20'hr'%20+%20'ef'%20+%20'=';%20var%20addy68757%20=%20'John.Cooper'%20+%20'@';%20addy68757%20=%20addy68757%20+%20'acap'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'aq';%20document.write(%20'<a%20'%20+%20path%20+%20'''%20+%20prefix%20+%20':'%20+%20addy68757%20+%20''>'%20);%20document.write(%20addy68757%20);%20document.write(%20'</a>'%20);%20//-->
%20</script><script%20language='JavaScript'%20type='text/javascript'>%20<!--%20document.write(%20'<span%20style='display:%20none;'>'%20);%20//-->%20</script>This%20e-mail%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spam%20bots,%20you%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it%20<script%20language='JavaScript'%20type='text/javascript'>%20<!--%20document.write(%20'</'%20);%20document.write(%20'span>'%20);%20//-->%20</script>) 

 

Information on relevant postgraduate theses will also be welcomed.

*Agnew, David J. 2004.  *Fishing South.  The History and Management of South Georgia Fisheries.*  St Albans: Penna Press.  123 pp.  ISBN 0-9547948-0-X. 

Alexander, Karen, Robertson, Graham & Gales, Rosemary 1997.  *The Incidental Mortality of Albatrosses in Longline Fisheries.  A Report on the Workshop from the First International Conference on the Biology and Conservation of Albatrosses Hobart Australia – September 1995*.  Kingston: Australian Antarctic Division, Commonwealth of Australia.  44 pp.  ISBN 0 642 25332 3.

 

Baird, S.J. (Ed.) 2001.  *Report on the International Fishers’ Forum on Solving the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries Auckland, New Zealand 6-9 November 2000.*  Wellington: Department of Conservation.  71 pp.  ISBN 0-478-22054-5.  [www.doc.govt.nz](http://www.doc.govt.nz/).

Bjordal, Åsmund & Løkkeborg, Svein 1996.  *Longlining*.  Oxford: Fishing News Books.  156 pp.  ISBN 0-85238-200-6.  [http://www.onefish.org/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND0xOTYzLjY4MjcmNj1lbiYzMz1kb2N1bWVudHMmMzc9aW5mbw~~#koinfo](http://www.onefish.org/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND0xOTYzLjY4MjcmNj1lbiYzMz1kb2N1bWVudHMmMzc9aW5mbw~~#koinfo).

Brothers, **Nigel P., Cooper, John & Løkkeborg**, Svein 1999. *The Incidental Catch of Seabirds by Longline Fisheries: Worldwide Review and Technical Guidelines for Mitigation*.  FAO Fisheries Circular No. 937.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  100 pp.  ISSN -429-9329.  [http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/W9817E/W9817E00.HTM](http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/W9817E/W9817E00.HTM) 

Chardine, John W., Porter, Julia M. & Wohl, Kenton D. 2000.  *Workshop on Seabird Incidental Catch in the Waters of Arctic Countries. 26 – 28 April 2000. Report and Recommendations.*  Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Technical Report No. 7.  65 pp.  ISBN 0079-9476-4-0.  [www.grida.no/caff](http://www.grida.no/caff).

 

Cooper, John (Ed.). 2000.  *Albatross and Petrel Mortality from Longline Fishing International Workshop, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 11-12 May 2000.  Report and Presented Papers*.  Marine Ornithology 28: 153-190.   [http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/28_2/28_2_9.pdf](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/28_2/28_2_9.pdf).

 

Cousins, Katherine & Cooper, John 2000.  *The Population Biology of the Black-footed Albatross in Relation to Mortality Caused by Longline Fishing.  Report of a Workshop held in Honolulu, Hawaii, 8-10 October 1998 under the auspices of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.*  Honolulu: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.  120 pp.  ISBN 0-615-11594-2.  [www.wpcouncil.org](http://www.wpcouncil.org/). 

 

 

*Falklands Conservation 2006.  *Albatross and Petrels in the South Atlantic: Conservation Priorities.  Proceedings of an International Meeting for UK Overseas Territories Falkland Islands 12-16 March 2006.* Stanley: Falklands Conservation  92 pp.  ISBN 100 95383 717 5.  [www.falklandsconservation.com](http://www.falklandsconservation.com/).

FAO 1998.  *Report of the Preparatory Meeting for the Consultation on the Management of Fishing Capacity, Shark Fisheries and Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries Rome, Italy, 22-24 July 1998*.  FAO Fisheries Report No. 584.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  48 pp.  ISBN 92-5-004189-6.  [trilingual, also in French and Spanish].  [http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=65743](http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=65743).  [abstract only].  

FAO 1999.  *Report of the Consultation on the Management of Fishing Capacity, Shark Fisheries and Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries Rome, Italy, 26-30 October 1998.*  FAO Fisheries Report No. 593.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  122 pp.  ISBN 92-5-004266-3.  [trilingual, also in French and Spanish].  [http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=64111](http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=64111).  [abstract only].

 

FAO 1999.  *International Plan of Action for reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries.  International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management  of Sharks.  International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity*.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  26 pp.  ISBN 92-5-104332-9.  [ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/006/x3170e/X3170E00.pdf](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/006/x3170e/X3170E00.pdf)  [also published in Arabic, French and Spanish].

 

FAO 2008.  *Report of the Expert Consultation on Best Practice Technical Guidelines for IPOA/NPOA Seabirds, Bergen, Norway, 2-5 September 2008*.  FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 880.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  37 pp.  [http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=170042](http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=170042) [abstract only].

 

George, J.P. 1993.  *Longline Fishing*.  FAO Training Series No. 22.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 81 pp.  ISBN 92-5-103078-2.  [http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/T0478F/T0478F00.HTM](http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/T0478F/T0478F00.HTM). 

Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society (Ed.) 2004.  *Regional Technical Workshop on Seabird By-catch and Mitigation January 13-14,  2004.  Deep Sea Fishery Research and Development Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.*   Taipei: Wild Bird Federation Taiwan & Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society.  144 pp.  [www.bird.org.tw](http://www.bird.org.tw/) & [www.kwbs.org.tw](http://www.kwbs.org.tw/).

 

Knecht, G. Bruce. 2006.  *Hooked.  A True Story of Pirates, Poaching and the Perfect Fish*.  Crows Nest: Allen & Unwin.  244 pp.  ISBN 978174114 3881.  [http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781741143881](http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781741143881).

Løkkeborg, Svein & Thiele, W. (Eds) 2004.  *Report of the FAO/BirdLife South American Workshop on Implementation of NPOA-Seabirds and Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels Valdivia, Chile, 2-6 December 2003*.  FAO Fisheries Report No. 751.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  33 pp. ISBN 92-5-105235-2.  [ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/007/y5742e/y5742e00.pdf](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/007/y5742e/y5742e00.pdf). 

Melvin, Edward F. & Parrish, Julia K. (Eds) 2001.  *Seabird Bycatch: Trends, Roadblocks, and Solutions*.  Fairbanks: University of Alaska Sea Grant.  206 pp.  ISBN 1-56612-066-7.  [https://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-01-01.html](https://seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/AK-SG-01-01.html). 

Neves, Tatiana, Mancini, Patricia Luciano, da Silva, Samantha Okubo, Gomes da Silva, Heloisa Azevedo & Martins, Iuri Neves 2008. *1st South American Fishers Forum to Reduce the Incidental Capture of Seabirds December 12 – 14, 2006 Delphin Hotel, Guarujá-SP, Brazil*.  Santos-SP: Editora Comunnicar.  258 pp.  ISBN 978-85-99561-57-7.  [trilingual, also in Portuguese and Spanish].

 

Parkes, Noreen M. (Ed.) 2005[?].  *Proceedings of the Second International Fishers Forum November 19-22, 2002 Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, Hawaii*.  Honolulu: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council.  210 pp.  [www.wpcouncil.org](http://www.wpcouncil.org/).

 

Petersen, Samantha, Nel, Deon & Omardien, Aaniyah (Eds) 2007.  *Towards an Ecosystem Approach to Longline Fisheries in the Benguela: an Assessment of Impacts on Seabirds, Sea Turtles and Sharks.*  WWF South Africa Report Series-2007/Marine/001.  94 pp.  [http://www.panda.org.za/?section=Publication_LivingWaters&archive&type](http://www.panda.org.za/?section=Publication_LivingWaters&archive&type).

 

Petersen, Samantha, Nel, Deon, Ryan, Peter & Underhill; Les (Eds) 2008. *Understanding and Mitigating Vulnerable Bycatch in Southern African Trawl and Longline Fisheries*.  WWF South Africa Report Series – 2008/Marine/002.  225 pp.  [http://www.panda.org.za/?section=Publication_LivingWaters&archive&type](http://www.panda.org.za/?section=Publication_LivingWaters&archive&type).

Small, Cleo 2005.  *Regional Fisheries Management Organisations.  Their Duties and Performance in Reducing Bycatch of Albatrosses and other Species*.  Cambridge: BirdLife International 103 pp. 

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council 2006.  *Proceedings of the International Conference on Responsible Fisheries & the Third International Fishers Forum July 25-29, 2005 Inter-Continental; Grand, Yokohama, Japan*.  Honolulu: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council.  156 pp.  ISBN 1-934061-00-X.  [www.wpcouncil.org](http://www.wpcouncil.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.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 7 January 2009, updated 14 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/books-monographs-and-meeting-reports-on-longline-fishing-and-fisheries-bycatch-and-mitigation.md)

## White-chinned Petrel Species Assessment published

{mosimage} 

The ACAP Species Assessment for the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis* has been published on the web site.

This is the eighth species to be so treated.  Assessments for the remaining 18 ACAP-listed species are in preparation at the ACAP Secretariat, and will be posted to the web site as they are completed.

To find the PDF go to:

 [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=184&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=184&Itemid=58).

 For a list of all the ACAP species with links to the eight published assessments [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46).

*Posted 8 January  2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/white-chinned-petrel-species-assessment-published.md)

## USA designates new marine protected areas in the Pacific UPDATED

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President George Bush has this week designated three areas of the Pacific Ocean as Marine National Monuments.  Combined, the designations are said to represent the largest fully protected area in the world - with an area of 195 274 square miles (over half a million km2).

One of the three new marine protected areas, the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, now protects the pristine coral reef ecosystems around Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, Howland, Baker and Jarvis Islands, Johnston Atoll and Wake Island in the central Pacific.  The boundaries around each of these seven remote islands and atolls extend seaward for 50 nautical miles, rather than the full 200 nautical miles representing the Exclusive Economic Zone.   

The Rose Atoll Marine National Monument protects a remote atoll in American Samoa.  Together these two MPAs support large numbers of 19 species of tropical seabirds, notably over three million pairs of Sooty Terns *Sterna fuscata*.  The third MPA is the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, the site of the world’s deepest ocean floor.

Wake Island has supported tiny (<five pairs) breeding populations of Laysan *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed *P. nigripes* Albatrosses within the last 10 years.  Both these North Pacific Albatrosses will be considered for listing within ACAP at the [Third Session](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=112&Itemid=3) of the Meeting of Parties, to be held in Bergen, Norway from 27 April to 1 May.  Wake falls near the southern boundary of the two albatross species’ at-sea distributions.

Destruction or extraction of protected resources within the boundaries of the monuments will be prohibited, as will commercial fishing in the coral reef ecosystem areas. Scientific and recreational activities may be permitted consistent with the care and management of protected resources.

President Bush also announced the USA’s first new UNESCO World Heritage ([http://whc.unesco.org/](http://whc.unesco.org/)) Site nominations in 15 years. One of the two sites to be nominated is the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument declared in 2006 (in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands; [http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov/](http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov/)), which supports large populations of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, on such as islands as Midway and Kure Atolls, Laysan and Lisianski and the French Frigate Shoals ([click here](http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov/images/maps/State_ExpandMap_WebLrg.jpg) for a map).

For more information on the new US Marine National Monuments go to:

[[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090106-4.html](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090106-4.html)](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090106-4.html)

 [http://www.matangitonga.to/article/usa_090109_1024_pf.shtml](http://www.matangitonga.to/article/usa_090109_1024_pf.shtml) 

[http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/stories/090107.html](http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/stories/090107.html).

For information on the conservation of North Pacific albatrosses visit [http://www.fws.gov/pacific/migratorybirds/Albatross%20Action%20Plan%20ver.1.0.pdf](http://www.fws.gov/pacific/migratorybirds/Albatross%20Action%20Plan%20ver.1.0.pdf)

The USA has announced its intention to accede to ACAP.  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=116&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with inputs from Jessica Hardesty, American Bird Conservancy and Mark Rauzon.  9 January 2009, updated 20 January 2009.*   


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/usa-designates-new-marine-protected-areas-in-the-pacific-updated.md)

## Albatross doyen awarded a honorary doctorate

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  Christopher J.R. Robertson was awarded a honorary Doctorate of Science by the [Victoria University of Wellington](http://www.victoria.ac.nz/home/), New Zealand in December 2007 ([http://www.vuw.ac.nz/annualreports/2007-Documents/The-Year-in-Review.pdf](http://www.vuw.ac.nz/annualreports/2007-Documents/The-Year-in-Review.pdf)).  See also the latest issue (No. 42, December 2008) of *The Albatross*, newsletter of the Southern Ocean Seabird Study Association at [www.sossa-international.org](http://www.sossa-international.org/).

 

  Chris is well known to marine ornithologists, especially among those who have studied and worked with the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.  His research has been instrumental in leading to the currently adopted classification of the albatross family, with the general recognition of the genus *Thalassarche* for the mollymawk group, and the presence of several species within the wandering group of great albatrosses of the genus *Diomedea*.  He has also been much involved over the years with the conservation of the breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatrosses *Diomedea sanfordi* at Taraioa Head on New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula near Dunedin: one of the very few albatross colonies anywhere in the world that is readily accessible to the public ([http://www.albatross.org.nz/](http://www.albatross.org.nz/)).

  His more recent work has included studying 4000 carcasses of albatrosses and petrels killed by New Zealand longliners over the last decade and working with a long-term study on the Chatham Albatross *T. eremita*.  Read of this work at [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/ecocenter/alba.html](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/ecocenter/alba.html) and at[http://www.fishinfo.co.nz/Newsletters/13_Mar07.pdf](http://www.fishinfo.co.nz/Newsletters/13_Mar07.pdf)

  ACAP (albeit belatedly!) congratulates Chris on this most worthy award that recognizes his life-long achievements towards an understanding of the biology of albatrosses and their conservation.

 

 *Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 January 2008*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/albatross-doyen-awarded-a-honorary-doctorate.md)

## Albert Times – a mitigation newsletter with a difference

{mosimage}

  *Albert Times* is a near-monthly electronic newsletter produced in New Zealand by Clement and Associates Ltd.

 

Quoting from its web site ([http://www.fishinfo.co.nz/albertross.htm](http://www.fishinfo.co.nz/albertross.htm)) the newsletter “is written to promote, and help resolve, issues surrounding seabird interactions with deep sea fishing vessels.  The information given is directed to all parties interested in saving seabirds, but mostly for vessel operators and fishermen in general.” 

What is unusual is the that the two-page newsletter, first published in February 2006, is written under a pseudonym: that of “Admiral Albert Ross MBE”, whose cartoon appearance graces the front page.  However, the contents are more serious, with short articles and reports written by and about experts in the field of albatross biology and conservation, especially relating to the trialling and adoption of mitigation methods in New Zealand waters.

Worth a look, both for its serious content and for its excellent page-two cartoons by Daryl Crimp.  All 33 issues are available for viewing at the web site.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/albert-times-a-mitigation-newsletter-with-a-difference.md)

## Seabird identification and bycatch mitigation: a list of field manuals and guides/UPDATED

{mosimage}

  Over the last decade or so, a number of publications, suitable for use aboard fishing vessels, has been produced to aid in identifying seabirds caught on longlines and in reducing seabird bycatch in longline fisheries.  A bibliographic list follows.

  Please e-mail [John.Cooper@acap.aq](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq)  with bibliographic details of manuals and guides to add to the list.

 

Biswell, Shelly F. 2007.  *A Fisher's Guide to New Zealand Seabirds*. [Wellington]: Department of Conservation.  55 pp.  [http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/fishing/fishers-guide-to-new-zealand-seabirds.pdf](http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/fishing/fishers-guide-to-new-zealand-seabirds.pdf).

  Brothers, Nigel [1990s].  *Catching Fish not Birds.  A Guide to Improving your Longline Fishing Efficiency*.  [Hobart]: Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania.  73 pp.  ISBN 0 7246 4282 X

  Brothers, Nigel & Hoy, Dawn [1990s].  *Longline Fishing Dollars and Sense.  Catching Fish not Birds using Bottom Set or Mid Water Set Longlines. **Pesca de Palangreros los Dolares y en Sentido Comun.  Capturando Peces en Vez de Aves Marinas usando Palangreros de Profundidad*.  80 pp.   Stanley: Consolidated Fisheries Ltd.  ISBN 0 7242 4538 8.  A Chinese version was published in 1998.

  CCAMLR 1996.  *Fish the Sea Not the Sky.  How to Avoid by-catch of Seabirds when Fishing with Bottom Longlines*.  Hobart: Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. 46 pp.  Also published in French, Russian and Spanish.

  Onley, Derek & Bartle, Sandy 1999.  *Identification of Seabirds in the Southern Ocean.   A Guide for Scientific Observers aboard Fishing Vessels.* Wellington: Te Papa Press & Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.  81 pp.  ISBN 0 909010 47 1.  Also published in French, Russian and Spanish.

  Petersen, Samantha & Honig, Maria [2000s]. *A Practical Guide to Understanding & Reducing Vulnerable Bycatch.  Keeping our Endangered Marine Life off the Hook*.  [Cape Town]: WWF South Africa & BirdLife South Africa.  103 pp. + illustrations.

 

 *Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 January 2009, upadted 21 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/seabird-identification-and-bycatch-mitigation-a-list-of-field-manuals-and-guides-updated.md)

## Report of the Expert Consultation on IPOA/NPOA-Seabirds published UPDATED

{mosimage}

  The Report of the Expert Consultation on Best Practice Technical Guidelines for IPOA/NPOA-Seabirds, held in Bergen, Norway in September 2008 has now been published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

  The abstract of the expert consultation’s report may be read at: [http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=251169](http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=251169). Note that a downloadable PDF of the whole report is not currently available on the FAO web site.

 

The report of the Expert Consultation will be made available to the 28th Session ([click here](http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/NEMS/events/detail_event.asp?event_id=38478)) of the FAO's Committee on Fisheries (COFI), to be held in Rome, Italy over 2-6 March 2009.

  Reference:

  FAO 2008.  *Report of the Expert Consultation on Best Practice Technical Guidelines for IPOA/NPOA–Seabirds. Bergen Norway, 2–5 September 2008*.  FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report. No. 880.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 37 pp.  ISBN 978-92-5-106124-4.

 

Document available from [publications-sales@fao.org](mailto:publications-sales@fao.org)

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 January 2009, updated 9 February 2009* 


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/report-of-the-expert-consultation-on-ipoa-npoa-seabirds-published-updated.md)

## Gough’s killer mice attack a second ACAP-listed species UPDATED

 {mosimage}

 

It is now well known that the introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* on Gough Island in the South Atlantic kill large numbers of Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* chicks every year, directly leading to the species’ recent re-designation as Critically Endangered [(http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3967&m=0](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3967&m=0)

  The latest news from Gough is of a Sooty Albatross *Phoebastria fusca* chick killed on its nest by mice, as reported by field personnel of the United Kingdom’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) this summer, who are currently based on the island.

  Although this may well be an isolated event, it remains significant, because up to now all the attacks on Gough’s albatrosses have occurred during the winter months, when the mouse’s usual diet of fruits, seeds and invertebrates are in short supply.  Predation directed at Sooty Albatrosses, which rear their chicks in summer, may mean that the summer-breeding Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* (both ACAP-listed species) are now also at risk.

  Research being conducted at Gough by the RSPB  on both mice and albatrosses is directed at gathering the necessary information to design an eradication programme for the island’s unwelcome aliens.

 For background reading on the effects of rodents and plans to eradicate them in the Tristan da Cunha Islands, of which Gough is a part, go to [http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/index.asp](http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/index.asp).

Research on ACAP-listed species and mice on Gough is conducted in conjunction with South Africa’s University of Cape Town and with the financial support of ACAP, Birds Australia and the UK’s Overseas Territories Environment Programme.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with news from Richard Cuthbert, Henk Louw and Paul Visser, 14 January 2009, updated 2 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/gough-s-killer-mice-attack-a-second-acap-listed-species-updated.md)

## OBIS-SEAMAP maps ACAP species

{mosimage}

Established by the [Census of Marine Life](http://www.coml.org/) programme  in 2001, OBIS-SEAMAP is a consortium of organizations and individuals who share a vision to make marine biogeographical data freely available over the World Wide Web.

[OBIS-SEAMAP](http://seamap.env.duke.edu) (Ocean Biogeographic Information System Spatial Ecological Analysis of Megavertebrate Populations) is an interactive, online digital database of marine mammal, seabird and sea turtle data.  The global database includes observations made from line-transect surveys, photo-identification work, shore-based counts, strandings and satellite telemetry.

OBIS-SEAMAP currently hosts over 2.25 million records from 237 datasets on the global distribution of marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds, including large datasets such as the European Seabirds at Sea database ([ESAS](http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1547)).

A search of the OBIS-SEAMAP data base reveals it currently contains a total of 7939 at-sea records of 11 ACAP-listed taxa (not all the recent taxonomic splits are recognized), ranging from just one record for Buller’s Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri* to 2360 for wandering albatrosses *Diomedea exaulans* (*sensu lato*) and 2622 for the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*.  The bulk of these records comes from the international BIOMASS (Biological Investigations of Marine Antarctic Systems and Stocks) at-sea surveys conducted in the first half of the 1980s, data held by the [Antarctic Environmental Data Centre](http://www.antarctica.ac.uk//about_bas/our_organisation/eid/aedc.php) of the [British Antarctic Survey](http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/).

Support from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program is fostering the continued growth and  refinement of OBIS-SEAMAP.  The OBIS-SEAMAP team has made a call for new data to be submitted.  For more information, please visit [http://seamap.env.duke.edu/about/provider_faq](http://seamap.env.duke.edu/about/provider_faq). 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 January 2009*

[http://www.antarctica.ac.uk//about_bas/our_organisation/eid/aedc.php](http://www.antarctica.ac.uk//about_bas/our_organisation/eid/aedc.php)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/obis-seamap-maps-acap-species.md)

## World Seabird Conference calls for session proposals

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  The 1st World Seabird Conference will be held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada from 7-11 September 2010 with the overall theme “Seabirds: Linking the Global Oceans”.  The conference is being organized by the [Pacific Seabird Group](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/) with the support of a large number of other seabird groups and allied bodies, including ACAP.   [Click here](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=WSC2010&t=&s=1) for the conference’s home page.

  The WSC International Organizing Committee is now calling for proposals for sessions, including symposia, special paper sessions and workshops, with a deadline of 15 February 2009.

 

Information on how to make a session proposal may be found at [http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/WorldSeabirdConference/CallForSymposia_WSC2010.doc](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/WorldSeabirdConference/CallForSymposia_WSC2010.doc).

 

A symposium theme already proposed is “Global Seabird/Fisheries Interactions”, of relevance to the conservation of ACAP-listed species.

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with input from David Irons, WSC International Organizing Committee Chair.  16 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/world-seabird-conference-calls-for-session-proposals.md)

## 2nd International Forum on the Sub-Antarctic: draft programme and registration details available

{mosimage}

The **[2nd International Forum on the Sub-Antarctic](http://www.sub-antarctic.org/index.html)** will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia over 26-27 April 2009 under the auspices of [**Antarctic Tasmania**](http://www.development.tas.gov.au/antarctic/index.html) (a business unit within the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development and Tourism, housed in the same suite of offices as ACAP) with the overall theme of "Environmental Change in the Sub-Antarctic".

The draft programme, registration form and advice on accommodation are now available on the forum’s web site at [**http://www.sub-antarctic.org/ifsa2009.html**](http://www.sub-antarctic.org/ifsa2009.html).

The meeting will follow on from the first Forum, held in Hobart in July 2006, which resulted in a [**Proceedings**](http://www.sub-antarctic.org/docs/subantproceedings.pdf) published by and available from the Royal Society of Tasmania.

The sub-Antarctic and southern cool-temperate islands of the Southern Ocean are the core breeding sites for nearly all the species of albatrosses and petrels currently listed by ACAP.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/2nd-international-forum-on-the-sub-antarctic-draft-programme-and-registration-details-available.md)

## Resources/Education Section on website restructured

{mosimage} 

The [Resources/Education](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=9&Itemid=58) section of the web site has been restructured to make it easier to use.

  The [ACAP Species Assessments](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=9&id=120&Itemid=58) and [ACAP Conservation Guidelines](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=9&id=119&Itemid=58) are products of the Agreement itself.

  [Management Plans](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=9&id=119&Itemid=58) and [Publications on ACAP Species](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=9&id=121&Itemid=58) provide listings of publications and web sites from sources outside ACAP that are of relevance to the conservation of ACAP-listed species and their habitats.

  Under [Education](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=9&id=77&Itemid=58) you can find information on the Agreement itself and on albatrosses and petrels, aimed primarily at scholars and students.

  The Resources/Education section is kept up to date as new publications and documents become available.

  Suggestions for new topics and bibliographic details of items for listing in the Resources/Education section are always welcome: e-mail them to [John.Cooper@acap.aq](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq).

  Information on ACAP-listed species may also be found by exploring the 78 [links](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&Itemid=23) on this web site.

 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 January 2009* [index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=9&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=9&Itemid=58)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/resources-education-section-on-website-restructured.md)

## Tuna RFMO recommends adopting mitigation measures

{mosimage}  The Extended Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](http://www.ccsbt.org)), at its Fifteenth Annual Meeting held in October 2008, adopted a **Recommendation to Mitigate the Impact on Ecologically Related Species of Fishing for Southern Bluefin Tuna**([http://www.ccsbt.org/docs/pdf/about_the_commission/Recommendation_ERS.pdf](http://www.ccsbt.org/docs/pdf/about_the_commission/Recommendation_ERS.pdf)).

  The CCSBT recommends that Members* and Cooperating Non-Members** implement FAO National Plans of Action – Seabirds – if they have already not done so.

  The recommendation also seeks Members and Cooperating Non-Members to comply with all the current binding and recommendatory measures aimed at protecting seabirds (and sea turtles and sharks) which are adopted from time to time by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission - when they are fishing within [IOTC](https://www.acap.aq/www.iotc.org) and [WCPFC](https://www.acap.aq/www.wcpfc.int) areas.

 

 The IOTC’s **Resolution on Reducing the Incidental Bycatch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries** ([09/03](http://www.iotc.org/files/proceedings/misc/ComReportsTexts/resolutions_E.pdf)) and the WCPFC’s **Conservation and Management Measure to Mitigate the Impact of Fishing for Highly Migratory Fish Stocks on Seabirds** ([2007-04](https://www.acap.aq/www.wcpfc.int)) are the applicable measures.  The recommendation also addresses the issue of collecting and reporting data on ecologically related species to the Commission.

  For earlier news items on the IOTC and its mitigation work [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=28) and [here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=161&Itemid=28).

  *Australia, Fishing Entity of Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea

**European Community, The Philippines, South Africa

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/tuna-rfmo-recommends-adopting-mitigation-measures.md)

## Seabird Group’s 10th International Conference:  programme of talks available

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The (United Kingdom) Seabird Group ([http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/)) will hold its 10th International Conference in Bruges, Belgium over the period 27-30 March 2009.

  The preliminary programme of talks is now available at [http://www.vliz.be/events/seabirdconference2009/programme.html](http://www.vliz.be/events/seabirdconference2009/programme.html).

  One oral presentation is on an ACAP-listed species, with the title “**Breeding distribution of the Black-browed Albatross***Thalassarche melanophrys***– global observation and prediction of the use of space by a wide-ranging, generalist marine predator”**byEwan Wakefield of the British Antarctic Survey.* *

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/seabird-group-s-10th-international-conference-programme-of-talks-available.md)

## Ninth Species Assessment published: Spectacled Petrel

{mosimage}   

The ninth assessment of an ACAP-listed species, the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*, endemic to Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha Group, is now on available on the web site.  To view the text, go to: [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=201&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=201&Itemid=58).

  With this posting, assessments are now available for a third of the 26 species listed within the Agreement.  For a view of all the species with those with published assessments high-lighted [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46).

   *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/ninth-species-assessment-published-spectacled-petrel.md)

## Species accounts for the three North Pacific albatrosses published by ACAP

{mosimage}  Species accounts, prepared as Information Papers for the Third Session of the ACAP Meeting of Parties (MoP3), for the three North Pacific albatrosses (Short-tailed *Phoebastria albatrus*, Black-footed *P. nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis*) have now been posted to the web site at

[http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=115&Itemid=33](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=115&Itemid=33).

  The three accounts have been prepared in a collaboration between the USA and the ACAP Secretariat to aid MoP3 in considering a proposal to be then made by Australia and the United Kingdom for the species to be listed within the Agreement.  For a background account of this proposal go to MoP3 Information Paper [04](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=115&Itemid=33) “Listing of New Species”.

.

  The Third Session of ACAP’s Meeting of Parties will be held in Bergen, Norway over the period 27 April to 1 May 2008.  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=112&Itemid=33) for more information on the meeting.

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 January 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/species-accounts-for-the-three-north-pacific-albatrosses-published-by-acap.md)

## BirdLife International’s Albatross Task Force to conduct at-sea mitigation research in 2009 UPDATED

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The BirdLife Albatross Task Force ([ATF](http://www.savethealbatross.net/)) met over 19-23 January 2009 in Coquimbo, Chile to hold its first workshop.  Delegates from the seven Task Force countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador (under establishment), Namibia, South Africa and Uruguay) attended the meeting.

A significant part of the week’s programme was devoted to a day carrying out demonstrations and research on three pelagic longline vessels from the fishing port of Coquimbo, with the support of Ed Melvin, Washington Sea Grant and Graham Robertson, Australian Antarctic Division.  The workshop agreed that the Task Force’s remit will increasingly include an emphasis on at-sea research to develop mitigation measures.  To this effect members of the six established national task forces signed the “Coquimbo Declaration” at the workshop, committing themselves to undertake experimental mitigation research projects aimed at reducing seabird mortality in both longline and trawl fisheries during the course of 2009.

It is intended that the results of these at-sea experiments will be presented in a series of papers at next year’s Fifth Meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee, currently planned to be held in Argentina.  A link to ACAP at the ATF workshop was the presence of the Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee, Dr Marco Favero of Argentina.

For more news of the Coquimbo Workshop go to:

[http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/02/ATF_chile.html](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/02/ATF_chile.html)

 and

[http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-209321](http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-209321)

A report of the workshop is due in February.

*News from Ben Sullivan, BirdLife Global Seabird Programme Coordinator and John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer; posted 29 January 2009, updated 4 February 2009*

*{mosimage}*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/birdlife-international-s-albatross-task-force-to-conduct-at-sea-mitigation-research-in-2009-updated.md)

## WWF announces its fourth International Smart Gear Competition

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A $US 30 000 grand prize (with two US$ 10 000-runner-up prizes) is on offer for the best new fishing equipment designed to reduce bycatch in the fourth International Smart Gear Competition, offered by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature, [www.wwf.org](http://www.wwf.org/)).

The Smart Gear Competition seeks real-world fishing solutions that allow fishers to fish 'smarter', better targeting their intended catch while safeguarding birds, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life from being unintentionally caught The 2007 grand prize went to a team of US inventors from Rhode Island, USA, who designed fishing gear to target species of bottom fish.

One of the 2007 runner-up prize winners was Diego Gonzalez Zevallos, Centro Nacional Patagónico, Argentina, who studied the accidental death of seabirds struck by trawling cables. His device, a modified plastic traffic cone attached to the warp cables, has been successfully tested (see [http://www.smartgear.org/smartgear_winners/smartgear_winner_2007/smartgear_winner_2007runner1/](http://www.smartgear.org/smartgear_winners/smartgear_winner_2007/smartgear_winner_2007runner1/)).

Information on a 2006 runner-up winner who invented the “Flying Bottlebrush”, also designed to reduce seabird mortality during trawling, can be found at [http://www.smartgear.org/smartgear_winners/smartgear_winner_2006/smartgear_winner_2006runner/](http://www.smartgear.org/smartgear_winners/smartgear_winner_2006/smartgear_winner_2006runner/). 

The competition is open to eligible entrants from any profession, including fishers, professional gear manufacturers, teachers, students, engineers, scientists and backyard inventors. The winner of the Smart Gear Competition will be decided by a diverse set of judges, including fishers, researchers, engineers and fisheries managers from all over the world.  Entries will be judged on innovation, practicality, cost-effectiveness, their ability to reduce bycatch of any species and the overall contribution the invention makes to conservation.

  The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Foundation and the Lemelson Foundation are supporting this year's competition.  The competition begins on 27 January 2009 and ends on 30 June 2009.  For more information, official competition rules and instructions on how to enter visit [[www.smartgear.org](http://www.smartgear.org./)](http://www.smartgear.org/).

 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 2 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/wwf-announces-its-fourth-international-smart-gear-competition.md)

## SEAFO appoints a new Executive Secretary

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  The South East Atlantic Fishery Organisation ([SEAFO](http://www.seafo.org/)) is a regional fisheries management organisation established in line with the provisions of the United Nations Law of the Sea (Article 118) and the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA).

  The Convention was signed in April 2001 in Windhoek, Namibia and entered into force in April 2003.  As at October 2008, the five Contracting Parties to SEAFO are Angola, the European Union, Namibia, Norway and South Africa.

 The Chairperson of SEAFO's Commission, Jan Pieter Groenhof of Norway, has announced the appointment of SEAFO’s new Executive Secretary, Dr Ben van Zyl, formerly Deputy Director: Applied Research within the National Marine Information & Research Centre of Namibia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, based in Swakopmund. Dr van Zyl has also previously served as Vice-Chairperson of SEAFO’s Scientific Committee.

Ben van Zyl is no stranger to ACAP, having represented Namibia as an observer at several ACAP meetings, most recently that of the Fourth Advisory Committee in Cape Town in August 2008.

In October 2006 SEAFO adopted **Conservation Measure 05/06 on Reducing Incidental By-catch of Seabirds in the SEAFO Convention Area** ([http://www.seafo.org/Cons%20&%20Mngt%20Measures/2006%20conservation%20measures/conservation%20measure%2005_06.pdf](http://www.seafo.org/Cons%20&%20Mngt%20Measures/2006%20conservation%20measures/conservation%20measure%2005_06.pdf)). The measure calls for Contracting Parties to use bird-scaring lines on all longline vessels fishing line south of 30º South, as well as to restrict line setting to night-time and avoid the dumping of offal during setting. Fish hooks should also be removed from discards, and birds caught alive should be released.  The measure also calls for statistics to be collected on seabird interactions.  Measure 05/06 is to reviewed at the Commission’s 2009 meeting, when adopting additional measures shall be considered.

ACAP congratulates Dr van Zyl on his appointment, wishes him well for his move to SEAFO’s Headquarters in Walvis Bay on Namibia’s desert coast, and looks forward to working closely with him and with SEAFO in reducing the incidental mortality of seabirds within the region covered by the regional fisheries management organization.

*News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer and Warren Papworth, ACAP Executive Secretary, 3 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/seafo-appoints-a-new-executive-secretary.md)

## One hundred links achieved!

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The [links](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&Itemid=23)page of this web site continues to expand and now includes over 100  links to sites that contain information on procellariiform seabird species listed within, or of interest to, ACAP.

Links to organisations and bodies that are relevant to the conservation of marine life are also included.

A special effort has been made to include links to organisations based in the 13 countries which  are Parties to ACAP.

The links have now been re-catalogued into the following nine groups for ease of searching:     

[Government Agencies ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=71&Itemid=23) 
[Inter-Governmental Organisations ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=69&Itemid=23)  
[International Scientific Organisations ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=96&Itemid=23) 
[Miscellaneous ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=100&Itemid=23) 
[National Plan Of Action - Seabirds ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=82&Itemid=23) 
[ ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=72&Itemid=23)[Non-Governmental Organisations](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=70&Itemid=23)
[Online Data Sources ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=123&Itemid=23) 
[Regional Fisheries Management Organisations ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=73&Itemid=23)
[Seabird Groups](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=86&Itemid=23)  The list remains open for the addition of new web sites.  Send details of your favourite  procellariiform and related web sites not yet listed to:  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer* at  [John.Cooper@acap.aq](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq).
 *Posted 6 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/one-hundred-links-achieved.md)

## International Ornithological Conferences, 2009-2010  UPDATED

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A list of international ornithological conferences planned to be held this and next year follows in date order.  Visit their websites for further information, including on previous conferences in the series.

36th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, 18-26 February 2009 [http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=WSC2010&t=&s=1](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=WSC2010&t=&s=1)

Seabird Group 10th International Conference, Bruges, Belgium, 27-30 March 2009 [http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=meeting&t=Annual%20Meeting&s=1](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=meeting&t=Annual%20Meeting&s=1) 

7th Conference of the European Ornithologists' Union 2009, Zurich, Switzerland, 21-26 August 2009

 

[www.eou2009.ch](http://www.eou2009.ch/)

 

33rd Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society, 4-7 November 2009, Cape May, New Jersey, U.S.A., 4-7 November 2009.  [http://www.waterbirds.org/annual_meeting](http://www.waterbirds.org/annual_meeting).

 

 

Fifth Australasian Ornithological Conference, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, 29 November to 4 December 2009.

[http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/whats-on/australasian-ornithological-conference.html](http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/whats-on/australasian-ornithological-conference.html)

 

25th International Ornithological Conference, [Campos do Jordão, SP, Brazil, 22-28 August 2010](http://www.ib.usp.br/25ioc/venue3.htm) [http://www.ib.usp.br/25ioc/](http://www.ib.usp.br/25ioc/)

First World Seabird Conference, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, 7-11 September 2010 [http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=WSC2010&t=&s=1](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/index.php?f=WSC2010&t=&s=1)

Send information on additional international ornithological conferences to be held in 2009-2010 for listing to: [John.Cooper@acap.aq](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq).

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 7 February 2009, updated 2 April 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/international-ornithological-conferences-2009-2010-updated.md)

## French Southern Ocean islands designated a Wetland of International Importance

 

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On 15 September 2008 the French sub-Antarctic/cool temperate island groups in the southern Indian Ocean of Crozet, Kergeulen, Amsterdam and St Paul were listed as a Wetland of International Importance in terms of the [Ramsar Convention](https://www.acap.aq/www.ramsar.org) with the name **Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Terres Australes Françaises (**[http://www.ramsar.org/profile/profiles_france.htm](http://www.ramsar.org/profile/profiles_france.htm)).

The total area of the Ramsar Site is 2 270 000 ha.  The site includes a great variety of inland and marine coastal wetland types such as peatlands, marshes and lakes but also rocky shores, estuaries and fjords.  The four island groups support breeding populations of 12 ACAP-listed species, including the rare and [Critically Endangered](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMFindResults.asp&hdnAction=SEARCH&hdnPageMode=0&cboFamily=-2&txtGenus=&txtSpecies=&txtCommonName=Amsterdam%20Albatross&cboRegion=-2&cboCountry=-2) Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis*, which is endemic to Amsterdam Island.

[Click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/Species_Assessments/acap_species_assessment_amsterdam_albatross_en.pdf) for the ACAP Species Assessment for the Amsterdam Albatross.

The South African Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean were listed as a Ramsar site in 2007 ([http://www.ramsar.org/profile/profiles_southafrica.htm](http://www.ramsar.org/profile/profiles_southafrica.htm)).

In October 2008 the United Kingdom announced that the cool temperate Gough and Inaccessible Island Nature Reserves in the UK's Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic will be added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance (see earlier [news item](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=28)).  These sites are to include the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters surrounding the two islands.

*News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 8 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/french-southern-ocean-islands-designated-a-wetland-of-international-importance.md)

## FAO publishes mitigation measures review  UPDATED

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  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.acap.aq/www.fao.org)) has published a review of mitigation measures to reduce seabird bycatch in longline, trawl and gillnet fisheries.  The report was written by Svein Løkkeborg of Norway’s Institute of Marine Research in support of effective implementation of the FAO's International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Capture of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries ([IPOA-Seabirds](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/006/x3170e/X3170E00.pdf)).

  An abstract of the report is available at

[http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=251197](http://www.fao.org/fi/oldsite/eims_search/1_dett.asp?calling=simple_s_result&lang=en&pub_id=251197).

  To order the whole report contact [publication-sales@fao.org](mailto:publication-sales@fao.org).

  Reference:

  Løkkeborg, S. 2008.  *Review and Assessment of Mitigation Measures to Reduce Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline, Trawl And Gillnet Fisheries*.  FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1040.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  24 pp.  ISBN 978-92-5-106120-6.

 

See also:

 

Gilman, Eric,  Moth-Paulsen, Thomas and Bianchi, Gabriella  2007.  *Review of  Measures taken by Intergovernmental Organizations to address Sea Turtle and Seabird Interactions in Marine Capture Fisheries*.  FAO Fisheries Circular No. 1025.  Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 42 pp.  ISBN 978-92-5-105855-8. [ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1426e/a1426e00.pdf](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1426e/a1426e00.pdf)

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 9 February 2009, updated 16 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/fao-publishes-mitigation-measures-review-updated.md)

## Alliance for Zero Extinction lists four sites for ACAP species

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  The Alliance for Zero Extinction ([AZE](http://www.zeroextinction.org)) is a joint initiative of biodiversity conservation organizations from around the world.  It aims to prevent extinctions by identifying and safeguarding key sites, each one of which is the last remaining refuge of one or more Endangered or Critically Endangered species.

 AZE’s goal is to create a front line of defense against extinction by eliminating threats and restoring habitat to allow wildlife populations to rebound.  To date, AZE has identified 595 sites that each represent the last refuge of one or more of the world’s most highly threatened species.  Four AZE sites support breeding populations of ACAP-listed species, endemic or near-endemic to the identified sites.  They are:

  Amsterdam Island (France), Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* (Critically Endangered)

Chatham Islands (New Zealand), Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita* (Critically Endangered)

Gough Island (Tristan da Cunha, UK), Tristan Albatross *D. dabbenena* (Critically Endangered)

Inaccessible Island (Tristan da Cunha, UK) Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata* (Vulnerable, previously Critically Endangered)

  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=9&id=120&Itemid=58) for ACAP Species Assessments for the above four species.  Information on the species’ threatened status may also be found by searching at [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html).

  Summary information on the sites listed above may be found by searching at [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html).

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 12 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/alliance-for-zero-extinction-lists-four-sites-for-acap-species.md)

## Allie the Albatross takes flight in South Africa  UPDATED

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A new children’s book on albatrosses was launched yesterday at a function in Cape Town, South Africa.  “Allie makes a Difference”, written by Nikki James and illustrated by Richard Mackintosh, tells the story of Allie, a Wandering Albatross and his adventures in the Southern Ocean.  Interwoven into the story are important conservation messages: on fishery mortality, pollution and global warming, with the overall theme that every individual can make a difference.

 {mosimage}

The author accompanied the annual relief voyage with the South African National Antarctic Programme to sub-Antarctic Marion Island in 2006 as a guest of the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, where she got to see (and hold) Wandering Albatrosses when helping with conservation research on the species.  This experience has enabled her to write factual accounts of the various animals mentioned in the book and the threats they face as a companion text to Allie’s story.

  The Albatross and Petrel Agreement gets a mention in the book’s Foreword, written by the ACAP Information Officer, who accompanied the author on a round-island hiking trip at Marion, staying each night in a different field hut and working with the albatrosses each day.

  The book is the first in a new “Save the Planet” series, and has been endorsed by a number of South African governmental and NGO bodies.

  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid=58) for a list of children’s books on albatrosses and petrels.

  Citation:

 James, Nikki & Mackintosh, Richard 2009. *Allie makes a Difference*. Wynberg: Don Nelson Publishers. 104 pp. ISBN 978-1-86806-278-2.

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 13 February 2009, updated 17 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/allie-the-albatross-takes-flight-in-south-africa-updated.md)

## Southern Giant Petrel: Species Assessment published

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The tenth assessment of an ACAP-listed species, for the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*, has now been published on the web site ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/Species_Assessments/ACAP_Species_Assessment_Southern_giant_petrel_EN.pdf) for the 24-page PDF).

 

For a listing of all the 26 ACAP-listed species with those with published assessments high-lighted [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46).

   *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/southern-giant-petrel-species-assessment-published.md)

## Endangered Species Research publishes a theme issue on Fisheries Bycatch: Problems and Solutions

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 The on-line open-access journal *Endangered Species Research* (ISSN 1613-4796) has published a theme issue on Fisheries Bycatch: Problems and Solutions.

Volume 5, Number 2-3 of 2008, published in print form in December, contains a total of 24 papers over 268 pages on bycatch of seabirds, turtles and marine mammals in longline, trawl and gillnet fisheries. 

Six papers deal specifically with bycatch of seabirds.  Three of these address bycatch of ACAP-listed albatrosses in Brazilian and South African waters, and two cover North Pacific albatrosses.  One paper reviews the population status of the Critically Endangered Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*, an ACAP-listed species.

  To view the contents of the issue and to download PDFs, go to:

  [**http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/fisheries-bycatch-problems-and-solutions/**](http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/fisheries-bycatch-problems-and-solutions/). 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/endangered-species-research-publishes-a-theme-issue-on-fisheries-bycatch-problems-and-solutions.md)

## FAO’S Committee on Fisheries to meet in March 2008

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 The **28th Session of the Committee on Fisheries ([COFI](http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/17000/en))** will be held at the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.acap.aq/www.fao.org)) in Rome, Italy from **2-6 March 2009****.**

 COFI, a subsidiary body of the FAO Council, was established in 1965 and meets biennially. COFI negotiates international agreements and non-binding instruments, such as the 1995 **Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries** ([CCRF](http://www.fao.org/fishery/ccrf/en)) and the **International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries** ([IPOA-Seabirds](http://www.fao.org/fishery/publications/seabirds/npoa)) adopted in 1999.

 Some of the issues to be discussed at the 2008 Session include:

 · Management of deep sea fisheries in the high seas,

 · Combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing, including through a legally binding instrument on port State measures and the establishment of a global record of fishing vessels, and

 · Climate change and fisheries.

 It is expected that COFI-28 will also discuss the Report of the Expert Consultation on Best Practice Technical Guidelines for IPOA/NPOA-Seabirds, held in Bergen, Norway in September 2008 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=191&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item on this report).

 At the opening of each COFI session, [The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture](http://www.fao.org/fishery/sofia/en), the flagship publication ([http://www.fao.org/fishery/sofia/en](http://www.fao.org/fishery/sofia/en)) of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, is presented.

 ACAP will be represented at COFI-28 by its Executive Secretary, Warren Papworth. He will also attend the Regional Fishery Body Secretariat's meeting which follows on from COFI.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 19 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/faos-committee-on-fisheries-to-meet-in-march-2008.md)

## Tristan da Cunha establishes a Conservation Department

 

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Tristan da Cunha, an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic, is one of the World’s smallest communities, with a permanent population of just 264 islanders.  Impressive then, that it has this month created its first Conservation Department, with a staff of three, led by Trevor Glass as Head of Department and Norman Glass as his assistant (see [http://www.tristandc.com/newsconservation.php](http://www.tristandc.com/newsconservation.php)).

  Previously conservation issues were covered by the Tristan Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, led by James Glass.  The TANRD will continue to cover Tristan fisheries, including conducting research, issuing of licenses and arranging for observers aboard vessels.

  The Tristan Conservation Department will be active in several spheres relating to ACAP-listed species, including monitoring of banded populations of Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* on the main island of Tristan and on Nightingale Island, as well as working closely with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the University of Cape Town on monitoring of Tristan *Diomedea dabbenena* and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses on Gough Island.  Three other ACAP-listed species are monitored in the Tristan Group: Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata* on Inaccessible Island, and Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* and Dark-mantled Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca* on Gough.

  No less than three of Tristan’s five ACAP-listed breeding species are endemic to the island group, and all face serious conservation issues.  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46) to find up-to-date accounts of two of them, the Tristan Albatross and the Spectacled Petrel.

  Information on monitoring and research projects on Tristan’s birds, and plans to eradicate Tristan’s rodents, may be found at [http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/publications.asp](http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/publications.asp).

Tristan da Cunha was included within the United Kingdom’s ratification of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement by diplomatic note on 13 April 2006.

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 22 February 2008* 


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/tristan-da-cunha-establishes-a-conservation-department.md)

## The Prince of Wales supports albatross conservation

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The Prince of Wales is a passionate supporter of albatross conservation.  At a function hosting supporters of BirdLife International’s [Albatross Task Force](http://www.savethealbatross.net/) this week at Clarence House, his official residence in London, he told a specially invited audience about his memories of seeing the birds when he served in the Royal Navy.

The Prince said: "I remember sailing long distances across the oceans and one of the most marvellous treats of those long passages was to come out on deck and see another albatross or two circling around or following the wake of the ship.  There was something encouraging and heartening about the fact you were being escorted by these extraordinary birds." 

The Prince considered it our duty to find a way of ensuring that our grandchildren have the same thrill of seeing and knowing about the existence of these birds.  He admitted to what he described as "a certain amount of meddling" in the issue by writing to heads of state around the world, asking them to support it.

For more information on the Prince’s reception go to:

  [http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/hrh_hosts_a_reception_for_the_albatross_task_force_at_claren_724987502.html](http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/hrh_hosts_a_reception_for_the_albatross_task_force_at_claren_724987502.html)

  and

  [http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/02/atf_prince_charles_event.html](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/02/atf_prince_charles_event.html).

  The United Kingdom, including its Overseas Territories in the southern hemisphere, is a Party to ACAP.  These territories  support large populations of a number of ACAP-listed species, three of  which are endemic to the Tristan da Cunha Group in the South Atlantic, including the Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena*([click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/Species_Assessments/acap_species_assessment_tristan_albatross_e.pdf) for the ACAP Species Assessment).

 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/the-prince-of-wales-supports-albatross-conservation.md)

## Southern Seabird Solutions Review Workshop report published

{mosimage}

 The [Southern Seabird Solutions](https://www.acap.aq/www.southernseabirds.org) Review Workshop was held from 10-11 November 2008 in Nelson, New Zealand.  A 20-page “Summary Record” of the workshop is now available at [http://www.southernseabirds.org/f1388,67954/67954_Summary_Notes_Review_FINAL.pdf](http://www.southernseabirds.org/f1388,67954/67954_Summary_Notes_Review_FINAL.pdf). 

The following text is taken from the report’s Executive Summary.

 The objectives of the workshop included:

·        review the work of the Trust to date,

·        look at international and domestic issues and actions around seabird bycatch, in particular existing and developing fisheries that overlap with seabirds, trends in seabird bycatch in New Zealand and overseas fisheries, and actions being taken by others, and

·        clarify the strengths of the Trust, and use the outcomes to agree on where and how the Trust can make the biggest contribution to solving seabird bycatch over the next five years both domestically and internationally.

Presentations were made on the current seabird bycatch situation in New Zealand and internationally.  Participants then identified the main steps that need to be taken in each New Zealand fishery and internationally. Following this, the strengths and networks of the Trust were considered, and using this combined set of information, the main ways in which the Trust can contribute to solving the issue were identified.

A key message from participants was that Southern Seabird Solutions has built a strong support base and an excellent reputation, and is now well placed to make an even greater contribution to solving the seabird issue in New Zealand and elsewhere. 

Several new mitigation measures were showcased and two participants built a Kiwi version of the Chilean *cachaloteras*and presented this at the workshop.

For earlier news of the workshop [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=157&Itemid=28).

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 February 2008*

[http://www.southernseabirds.org/f1388,67954/67954_Summary_Notes_Review_FINAL.pdf](http://www.southernseabirds.org/f1388,67954/67954_Summary_Notes_Review_FINAL.pdf)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/southern-seabird-solutions-review-workshop-report-published.md)

## Australia reports on Macquarie Island’s remaining Wanderers

{mosimage}   Australia’s Macquarie Island supports the smallest breeding population of the Wandering Albatross *Diomedea exulans.*

  A 2008 review recently published by Birds Australia ([http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/soab/state-of-australias-birds.html](http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/soab/state-of-australias-birds.html)) focuses on trends in Australian bird populations revealed by about 50 long-term monitoring programmes running for up to 40 years.

  The Wandering Albatross is the only ACAP-listed species included.  Information in the review supplied by Rosemary Gales (who convenes ACAP’s Status and Trends Working Group, [STWG](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=42)) shows that only five pairs now breed annually on the island, down from about 10 pairs five to ten years ago and a peak of 28 pairs in the 1960s.  The review identifies longline bycatch and feral pests as the two greatest threats facing the birds.

  The breeding birds are protected from human disturbance ashore by a closed-access system, and an attempt to eradicate the introduced mammals will be made in 2010 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=163&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item on the eradication plans).

  See also [http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/02/soab_report.html](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/02/soab_report.html)

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 February 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/australia-reports-on-macquarie-island-s-remaining-wanderers.md)

## Review of rat invasion biology by New Zealand available

{mosimage}

  ACAP has recognized from its inception that alien species, especially mammalian predators such as rats and cats, are a major threat to albatrosses and petrels listed within the Agreement.  To commence to address this issue, Dr Richard Phillips, Convenor of ACAP’s Breeding Sites Working Group, has written a document entitled “Guidelines for eradication of introduced mammals from breeding sites of ACAP-listed seabirds” ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=135&Itemid=58) for the PDF).

  It is well known that New Zealand, an ACAP Party, is a world leader in researching the effects of introduced predators on seabird islands, and in undertaking successful eradication exercises, as witnessed by the eradication of rats from Campbell Island and from many smaller new Zealand offshore islands.

  New Zealand’s’ Department of Conservation ([www.doc.govt.nz](http://www.doc.govt.nz/)) has recently published on line (and in hard copy available free on request) a review of how rats disperse to and invade islands, along with a discussion on the methods used to detect and prevent their arrival.  The report recommends that multiple devices need to be used to detect and prevent such invasions, including poisons, traps, passive detection devices and trained dogs (see [http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc286entire.pdf](http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sfc286entire.pdf)).

  The Department of Conservation’s web site catalogue of past publications ([click here](http://www.doc.govt.nz/publications/science-and-technical/online-catalogue/)) can be searched for a number of other publications that deal with the problems of rodents on islands – and what to do about them.

  **Reference**

 Russell, J.C., Towns, D.R. & Clout, M.N. 2008.  Review of rat invasion biology: implications for island biosecurity.  *Science for Conservation*No.286.  Wellington: Department of Conservation 53 pp.  ISBN 978–0–478–14410–9.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 4 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/review-of-rat-invasion-biology-by-new-zealand-available.md)

## Giant petrel population reviews published by Marine Ornithology

*{mosimage}*

  The latest issue of the international journal *Marine Ornithology* (Vol. 28, No. 2 of 2008) is now available online ([click here](http://www.marineornithology.org/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?vol=current) for the Table of Contents and to access PDFs of individual papers).

  Two papers in the issue give information on population numbers of ACAP-listed Northern *Macronectes**halli* and Southern *M. giganteus* Giant Petrels.

  Heather Lynch and co-authors report on counts suggesting increasing populations made at four sites on the Antarctic Peninsula from 2001 to 2006, two of which (Barrientos Island and Hannah Point) have had [Visitor Guidelines](http://www.ats.aq/e/ats_other_siteguidelines.htm) published by the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat.  A listing of Antarctic protected sites supporting Southern Giant Petrel breeding colonies is at [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=58).

  In the second paper Donna Patterson and co-authors review population data up to 1999/2000 and estimate global population sizes of 11 210 breeding pairs for Northern and 30 575 pairs for Southern Giant Petrels, both regarded as conservative estimates.

  Both species of giant petrels have recently been considered for re-listing from Near-threatened to Least Concern by BirdLife International on behalf of the World Conservation Union, due to increasing numbers and the discovery of new populations (see [earlier new item](https://www.acap.aq/index.php)).  These proposed changes have now been adopted and will be published in the 2009 Red Data List later in the year ([http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6747](http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6747)).

  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=213&Itemid=58) for the ACAP Species Assessment for the Southern Giant Petrel.

**References**

Lynch, H.J., Naveen, R. & Fagan, W.F. 2008.  Censuses of penguin, Blue-eyed Shag *Phalacrocorax atriceps*and Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*populations on the Antarctic Peninsula, 2001–2007.  *Marine Ornithology*36: 83–97.  [http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_2/36_2_83-97.pdf](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_2/36_2_83-97.pdf).

Patterson, D.L., Woehler, E.J., Croxall, J.P., Cooper, J., Poncet, S., Peter, H.-U., Hunter, S. & Fraser, W.R. 2008.  Breeding distribution and population status of the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli*and Southern Giant Petrel *M. giganteus.  Marine Ornithology*36: 115–124.  [http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_2/36_2_115-124.pdf](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_2/36_2_115-124.pdf).

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 7 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/giant-petrel-population-reviews-published-by-marine-ornithology.md)

## Tuna commission to hold a seabird meeting

{mosimage}

  The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission ([IATTC](https://www.acap.aq/www.iattc.org)) will hold a Technical Meeting on Seabirds at Del Mar, California, USA on 11 May 2009 ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/Seabirds-Provisional-agenda-May-09.pdf) for the meeting agenda).

  The technical meeting will *inter alia* review the geographical distribution of seabirds in the eastern Pacific Ocean; consider available information on seabird-fishery interactions in longline, purse-seine and artisanal fisheries; and consider available information on trends in seabird abundance.

  Three documents relating to seabird-fishery interactions recently published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.acap.aq/www.fao.org)) will be tabled at the meeting (go to [http://www.iattc.org/Meetings2009/IATTCandAIDCPMeetingMay09ENG.htm](http://www.iattc.org/Meetings2009/IATTCandAIDCPMeetingMay09ENG.htm) for PDFs of these documents).

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/tuna-commission-to-hold-a-seabird-meeting.md)

## FAO’s Committee on Fisheries progresses seabird conservation in Rome

{mosimage}

Progress in the implementation of the [FAO](https://www.acap.aq/www.fao.org) [Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries](http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/v9878e/v9878e00.HTM) and related international plans of action was reported to the 28th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Committee On Fisheries (COFI) held in Rome, Italy from 2–6 March 2009 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/meeting/015/k3833e.pdf)).

Over a third of Members who responded to FAO’s questionnaire (33 percent of FAO Members) concerning implementation of the Code of Conduct had assessed longline fisheries and incidental seabird bycatch problems, and two-thirds of that number had conducted assessments concluding that a National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (NPOA-Seabirds) was required.

Seven RFMOs (including CCAMLR, CCSBT, IATTC, SEAFO and WCPFC) gave information on their efforts to assist in the implementation of the [IPOA-Seabirds](http://www.fao.org/fishery/ipoa-seabirds/en) at COFI-28.  These efforts included the implementation of conservation measures aimed at mitigating seabird bycatch, the introduction of devices to minimize seabird interaction such as bird-scaring lines, the establishment and implementation of NPOA-Seabirds, monitoring and research programmes such as data collection on seabird interaction and ecological risk assessment, and the further development and refinement of measures to mitigate seabird bycatch.

In response to a request made at the 27th Session of COFI in 2007, an Expert Consultation on Best Practice Technical Guidelines for IPOA/NPOA-Seabirds was held in Bergen, Norway in September 2008 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=191&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item). The Consultation recommended that FAO publish and disseminate best-practice technical guidelines and other FAO draft technical texts on seabird mitigation measures.  This recommendation was supported at COFI-28, with the Committee encouraging FAO to proceed with the publication of the best-practice technical guidelines.  The new guidelines extend the scope of the FAO’s IPOA-Seabirds from longline fisheries to include trawling and gill-netting.

Read related news items on the FAO’s involvement with seabird conservation at:

 [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210&Itemid=28](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210&Itemid=28)

[http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/03/fao_guidelines.htm](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/03/fao_guidelines.htm)

[http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-211680](http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-211680)

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with input from Warren Papworth, ACAP Executive Secretary, 8 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/fao-s-committee-on-fisheries-progresses-seabird-conservation-in-rome.md)

## Re-launched journal Seabird publishes on giant petrel identification

{mosimage}

  *Seabird* (ISSN 1757-5842) is the newly re-launched annual journal of the [Seabird Group](https://www.acap.aq/www.seabirdgroup.org.uk) (see [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=181&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=181&Itemid=58) for its previous publication history).

  *Seabird* publishes papers on seabird biology, conservation, identification and status, with an emphasis on the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas.  Guidelines for contributors may be found at [www.seabirdgroup.org.uk](http://www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/).

  Volume 21 of 2008 carries an illustrated paper on the identification of Southern *Macronectes giganteus* and Northern *M. halli* Giant Petrels by Caio Carlos of Brazil and Jean-Francois Voisin of France.  Both birds are ACAP-listed species ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=213&Itemid=58) for the ACAP Species Assessment of the Southern Giant Petrel).

**Reference** 

Carlos, C.J. & Voisin, J.-F. 2008.  Identifying giant petrels, *Macronectes giganteus* and *M. halli*, in the field and in the hand.  *Seabird* 21: 1-15.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with information from Martin Heubeck, Editor,*Seabird*.  15 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/re-launched-journal-seabird-publishes-on-giant-petrel-identification.md)

## World Migratory Bird Day: “Barriers to Migration”

{mosimage}

  World Migratory Bird Day ([WMBD](http://www.www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/)), the fourth to be held, will this year take place over 10-11 May.

  This year’s theme will be “Barriers to Migration” – and aims to raise awareness of man-made obstacles to migratory birds.

  This year the WMBD aims to raise awareness on barriers to migration by encouraging national authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), clubs and societies, universities, schools and individuals around the World to organize events and awareness-raising programmes which will help draw attention to the many man-made obstacles migratory birds face.  Planned activities may include bird-watching events, educational programmes, lectures, art exhibitions or public events.

  The WMBD was first initiated by the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement ([AEWA](http://www.unep-aewa.org/home/index.htm)) together with the Convention on Migratory Species ([CMS](http://www.cms.int/)) in 2006 as a global awareness-raising campaign with the aim to promote conservation of migratory birds and their habitats worldwide.

  All ACAP-listed species are migratory, in the sense that while at sea away from their breeding sites they regularly travel into international waters, crossing territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone boundaries on their way.

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/world-migratory-bird-day-barriers-to-migration.md)

## United States releases State of the Birds report  UPDATED

{mosimage} 

The USA Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has this week released the first-ever report on the state of USA birds ([click here](http://www.stateofthebirds.org/)). The report reveals troubling declines of bird populations over the past 40 years—a warning signal of the failing health of US ecosystems.

At least 39% of USA bird species restricted to ocean habitats are declining and almost half are of conservation concern.  Management policies and sustainable fishing regulations are considered essential by the report to ensure the health of the oceans.

  The report states that mortality from incidental capture in commercial fisheries is the most significant source of mortality for Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* albatrosses.  Regulations and voluntary measures to minimize bycatch have been established for USA fisheries in Alaska and Hawaii, resulting in significant decreases in mortality, including for the Short-tailed Albatross *P. albatrus*. To address these problems, the report considers international efforts, such as by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), can set a standard for cooperative management of seabirds.

  At the Third Session of the Meeting of Parties, to be held in Bergen, Norway from 27 April to 1 May 2009, ACAP will consider a proposal jointly made by Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom to include the three North Pacific albatrosses of the genus *Phoebastria* within the Agreement ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=113&Itemid=33) and open Doc 26 on proposed amendments to Annex 1).

  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=115&Itemid=33)) for ACAP Species Assessments for the three North Pacific Albatrosses.

  For commentary visit:

 

[[http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/03/State_of_the_Birds.pdf](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/03/State_of_the_Birds.pdf)](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/03/State_of_the_Birds.pdf) 

 

and

 

[http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090320.html](http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090320.html).

 

**Reference**

North American Bird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Committee 2009. *The State of the Birds, United States of America, 2009*. Washington, DC.: U.S. Department of Interior. 36 pp.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 March 2009, updated 29 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/united-states-releases-state-of-the-birds-report-updated.md)

## Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross: ACAP Species Assessment published

{mosimage}

  
|  |
| --- |
| The eleventh assessment of an ACAP-listed species, for the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos,* has now been published on the web site ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=58) for access to the 12-page PDF). For a listing of all the 26 ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels  with those with published ACAP Species Assessments high-lighted [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46).

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 March 2009* |

  [index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=58)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-acap-species-assessment-published.md)

## CERF conference session on long-term trends in marine birds and environmental change planned

{mosimage}

  The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation’s ([CERF](http://www.erf.org)) 20th biennial conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, USA over 1-5 November 2009 with the theme of “Estuaries and Coasts in a Changing World”.  [Click here](http://www.sgmeet.com/cerf2009/) for the conference web site.

  A conference session with the title “Long-term trends in marine birds and environmental change” is being planned.  Marine birds are numerous and conspicuous organisms in the marine ecosystem.  They breed on coastal areas or offshore islands, and spend most of their lives at sea, where they obtain most of their food by travelling some distance over its surface.  There is compelling evidence suggesting that climate change is affecting marine birds around the globe. The session will examine long-term changes in marine birds and their association with anthropogenic and climate change.

  The session will be convened by Jaime Jahncke ([jjahncke@prbo.org](mailto:jjahncke@prbo.org), Nina Karnovsky (nina.karnovsky@pomona.edu) and Mark Herzog ([mherzog@prbo.org](mailto:mherzog@prbo.org)).  Abstracts are due by 15 May 2009.

  The mission of CERF is to advance understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide.

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 24 March 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/cerf-conference-session-on-long-term-trends-in-marine-birds-and-environmental-change-planned.md)

## Agreement between ACAP and tuna commission proposed

A formal agreement has been proposed between the Albatross and Petrel Agreement and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](https://www.acap.aq/www.iotc.com)).  The proposed agreement is to be considered at the 13th Session ([http://www.iotc.org/English/meetings/comm/comcurrent.php](http://www.iotc.org/English/meetings/comm/comcurrent.php))

 of the Commission, being held this week in Bali, Indonesia from 30 March to 3 April 2009.

  The proposed agreement ([click here](http://www.iotc.org/files/proceedings/2009/s/IOTC-2009-S13-03%20[E]%20%20Proposed%20Agreement%20ACAP-IOTC%20.pdf)) calls for ACAP and the IOTC to establish and maintain consultation, co-operation and collaboration in respect of matters of common interest to both organisations for the:

  a) development of systems for collecting and analysing data, and exchanging information concerning the incidental by-catch of seabirds in the IOTC Area;

  b) exchange of information regarding management approaches relevant to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels;

  c) implementation of education and awareness programmes for fishers who operate in areas where albatrosses and petrels may be encountered;

  d) design, testing and implementation of seabird by-catch mitigation measures relevant to fishing operations in the IOTC Area;

  e) development of training programmes on conservation techniques and measures to mitigate threats affecting albatrosses and petrels;

  f) exchange of expertise, techniques and knowledge relevant to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in the IOTC Area;  and

  g) reciprocal participation with observer status at the relevant meetings of each organisation.

  ACAP signed a similar Agreement with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission ([WCPFC](https://www.acap.aq/www.wcpfc.int)) on 7 December 2007 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/Core_Documents/MOU_ACAP_WCPFC_Final_Signed.pdf) for text).

  Further agreements between ACAP and Regional Fishery Management Organizations, including CCAMLR, CCSBT, IATTC, ICCAT and SEAFO ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=73&Itemid=23) to access RFMO links), will be discussed at the Third Session of ACAP’s Meeting of Parties, to be held in Bergen, Norway over 27 April to 1 May 2009 (see MoP3 Doc. 19 at [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=113&Itemid=33](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=113&Itemid=33)).

  

 *Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer and Warren Papworth, ACAP Executive Secretary, 1 April 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/agreement-between-acap-and-tuna-commission-proposed.md)

## The U.S.A.’s "ACAP Team" wins an award

{mosimage}  The U.S.A.’s “ACAP Team” (see full list of names below) has received a 2008 NOAA General Counsel Award.  Each year, NOAA ([National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration](http://www.noaa.gov/), U.S. Department of Commerce**)**recognizes attorneys, support staff, line and staff office personnel, and other Federal Agency employees, for their exceptional performance and contributions ([click here](http://www.fsl.noaa.gov/media/awards.html)).

  Two of the ACAP Team members, Nicole le Bouef and Kin Rivera, both of the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service ([NMFS](http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/)), have attended a number of ACAP meetings representing the United States and are thus well-known to delegates.  Nicole also worked as an intern at the ACAP Secretariat’s office in Hobart, Australia, during 2006, helping organize and run several ACAP meetings, including the Second Advisory Committee meeting in Brasilia, Brazil in June 2006 and the Second Session of the Meeting of the Parties in Christchurch, New Zealand in November, 2006.  In addition, Pamela Toschik of NOAA’s Office of International Affairs attended, along with Kim, the Fourth Meeting of the Advisory Committee, held in South Africa in August 2008.

  Kim Rivera is the NMFS National Seabird Coordinator based in Alaska ([click here](http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds.htm)).  Kim and Nicole both serve on the U.S. Interagency Seabird Working Group ([ISWG](http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/ISWGlist0207.pdf)).

  The ACAP Secretariat would like to extend its congratulations to Kim and to Nicole, as well as to all the other members of the U.S. ACAP Team, for this well-deserved award, that comes as the U.S.A. works towards acceding to ACAP (see earlier news items).

  The award-winning ACAP Team:

  Derek Campbell, Stephanie Hunt, Nicole LeBoeuf, Stacey Nathanson, Peter Oppenheimer, Jennifer Lukens, Kim Rivera, Frank Sprtel and Pamela Toschik.

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 1 April 2009*  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/the-u-s-a-s-acap-team-wins-an-award.md)

## News stories now on the web site in French and Spanish

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French and Spanish speakers will now be able to find news stories that have been posted to the English version of the ACAP web site in their own languages, by going to the site's home page at [http://www.acap.aq/](http://www.acap.aq/) and choosing their preferred language version.

We are endeavouring to post translated news items within a week of their being published on the English site.

Also, please note that the French and Spanish Resource/Education sections are being steadily populated with translations of the various texts that can be found on the English version of the site.

* John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 1 April 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-stories-now-on-the-web-site-in-french-and-spanish.md)

## Does the Tristan Albatross still breed on Inaccessible Island?  UPDATED

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The Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* is endemic to the Tristan da Cunha Group in the South Atlantic, with nearly its whole population now occurring on Gough Island ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item on the bird's serious conservation plight).  The bird no longer breeds on the main island of Tristan, but a tiny relict population has survived at Inaccessible Island in the group for the last three quarters of a century or so.  However, the last survey at the right time of the year was made back in 2000, when a single incubating pair was present.  The highest number of incubating pairs recorded since 1937 has been three, with complete absences of breeding attempts in some years, not unexpected with such low numbers as the species is a biennial breeder when successful.

The newly-established Tristan Conservation Department ([TCD](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=217&Itemid=28)) now has a rigid inflatable boat donated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the *Arctic Tern*, allowing a survey party to be landed safely on the island.  Over the period 27 February to 3 March Norman Glass and Brad Robson of the TCD (the latter on secondment from the UK's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) thoroughly explored Inaccessible’s uplands, where the albatrosses are known to breed.

  Although no breeding birds were found, during their visit an adult male landed near an old nest site and commenced displaying and a second bird was seen flying overhead for some time without landing. So it seems the Tristan Albatross may still be keeping a tenuous toe-hold on Inaccessible.  A further island visit in summer 2009/2010 is planned to confirm this.

 

[Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46) to find the ACAP Species Assessment for the Tristan Albatross.

 

*Information from Brad Robson and Norman Glass, posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 7 April 2009, updated 16 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/does-the-tristan-albatross-still-breed-on-inaccessible-island-updated.md)

## South African expeditioners arrive at Marion Island to study  ACAP species  UPDATED

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April is the month that South Africa conducts the annual relief at its weather/research station on sub-Antarctic Marion Island in the Prince Edward Island Group.  This year three research groups are working with ACAP-listed species.

The University of Cape Town is continuing its long-term demographic studies of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*, Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma* and Northern Giant Petrels *Macronectes halli*.  New remote-sensing loggers (known as "daily diaries") are being placed on Wanderers to learn more of their activities at sea. If any can be found, loggers will also be placed on the rare (for Marion) winter-breeding Grey Petrel *Procellaria cinera*.

Marine & Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism will continue with their annual whole-island counts of all the ACAP-listed surface-nesting species that breed on the island, including both species of sooty albatrosses *Phoebetria*.  In addition, satellite trackers are being placed on both sooties, continuing deployments that commenced during a summer survey conducted at the island group last December.

Rhodes Univerity has commenced a study of the diets of Sooty and Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, that requires some rope work to reach their cliff nests.

All of this research is conducted under the guidance and advice of the "Relief Conservation Officer", appointed by the Prince Edward Islands Management Committee, a position which this year, as for last year, has been filled by myself.

Regular visitors to this news section of the ACAP web site will thus know that  the slowing down of news items this month is due to the ACAP Information Officer getting his "annual fix" with the albatrosses of Marion.

In a few day's time I will be leaving the station on a nine-day "round-island" hike, conducting environmental audits of the eight coastal field huts but also contributing to the first-ever (for Marion Island) survey of the distribution and numbers of burrows of the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*.  This ACAP-listed species is severely affected by long-lining and it is important to establish a population base line from which future trends at the island can be assessed.

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 April 2009, updated 21 April 2009*

 

  

 


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/south-african-expeditioners-arrive-at-marion-island-to-study-acap-species-updated.md)

## Signs of the times for the Tristan Albatrosses of Gough Island

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  The Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* was recently upgraded to Critically Endangered, due to the double blow of fishing mortality to birds at sea (mainly on long-lines) and House Mouse predation on chicks at its sole significant breeding site, Gough Island. The latter problem seems to be getting worse, with the 2008 chick production at an all time low. In the north of the island, where more than a quarter of all pairs breed, barely 1% of chicks survived to fledge!

  The very low breeding success results in an aging population, with too few recruits entering the breeding population to balance the deaths of old birds. And old birds are dying. On 7 April 2009, a banded Tristan Albatross was found washed up on the beach near Gouritzmond in the southern Cape. This is the first confirmed record for the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, although we know that Tristan Albatrosses occasionally reach Australia. The bird, a male, was first banded as G-12523 in February 1976 on Tafelkop, a small colony close to the weather station on Gough Island. At the time, he was just visiting, but must have been at least five years old, because Tristan Albatrosses only return to their colonies from this age. This means he was at least 38 years old when he died, making him the oldest Tristan Albatross on record. Quite why he died is unclear. Long-term studies of albatrosses show that as they age their breeding success decreases and their survival falls. But the fate of G-12523 is symptomatic of one of the many problems facing Tristan Albatrosses.

  Coincidentally, another ringing recovery of a Tristan Albatross arrived on the same day as the one from Gouritzmond. At the start of 2007, John Cooper colour-banded all the adults breeding in Gonydale on Gough as the first year of a new study to monitor the demography of this threatened species. Although chicks from Gonydale have been ringed for more than 20 years, some unmarked adults were still present in 2007, including the female then ringed as J-15717/yellow B43. She probably was another old bird, hatched before regular ringing commenced in the early 1980s. She lost her chick in 2007 and again in 2008, presumably to mouse predation. After two arduous breeding attempts in a row, both of which failed, she apparently planned to take a year off, because neither she nor her mate (yellow B45) were recorded in the colony during early 2009. And we now know that she won’t be making an appearance in 2010, because on 10 January 2009 she was drowned on a long-line off southern Brazil.

  Unfortunately, the sorry saga of J-15717 is typical of the sad lot faced by this species. Unless urgent steps are taken to both reduce long-line mortality at sea and eradicate mice from Gough Island, the future for the Tristan Albatross looks increasingly bleak.

 

[Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=28) and [here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=28) for related news stories on the Tristan Albatross.

 

 

 

 *News from Peter Ryan, FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, posted 21 April 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/signs-of-the-times-for-the-tristan-albatrosses-of-gough-island.md)

## ACAP Meeting of the Parties meets in Bergen, Norway

Mr Rune Fjeld, Acting County Governor of Hordaland, on behalf of Norway formally welcomed delegates to the Third Session of the Meeting of the Parties to ACAP.  Mr Fjeld emphasised the importance of the Agreement and the need for all States to work cooperatively for the conservation of albatrosses, petrels and their environment. He wished all participants a successful and productive meeting.

Eleven Parties were represented at MoP3: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) and Uruguay. Apologies were received from Chile and Ecuador, which were not represented. Three Range States were represented: Canada, Japan and the United States of America (USA).

Relevant RFMOs, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations were invited to attend the meeting as observers.  The United Nations Environmental Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Africa-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), BirdLife International, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) were present.

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[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/mop3-meeting.md)

## ACAP delegates to MoP3 enjoy the sights of Norway

Delegates attending the Third Meeting of the Parties to ACAP enjoyed the hospitality of the Norwegian Government. Delegates enjoyed activities such as tours of local birding sites, a dinner at the Bergen Aquarium, and a full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. The highlights of the 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour included the spectacular train ride on the the Flam Railway to Myrdal in the Hardanger-vidda Mountains, many waterfalls, and a range of local wildlife.

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[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/norway-in-a-nutshell.md)

## All albatross species now covered by ACAP UPDATED

On 29 April 2009, ACAP’s Meeting of Parties agreed to add the three North Pacific albatrosses to the list of species covered by the Agreement.  The addition of these three species now means that all albatross species worldwide are covered by the Agreement. The additions – Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes,*Laysan *Phoebastria immutabilis*andShort-tailed *Phoebastria albatrus* albatrosses – have been the subject of conservation actions by countries around the North Pacific for many years.  USA, Canada and Japan were all present in the meeting where the additions were made, offering substantial information to the Parties in their consideration of the listing. Although the Canada and USA have contributed to a number of important ACAP initiatives to date, the additions will enhance the mutual exchange of lessons and experiences and will lead to a seamless convergence of knowledge between the two hemispheres.


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/all-albatross-species-now-covered-by-acap.md)

## ACAP represented at the Second International Forum on the Sub-Antarctic  UPDATED

The Second International Forum on the Sub-Antarctic was held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on 26-27 April 2009.  The conference was hosted by Antarctic Tasmania at CCAMLR and titled *Environmental Change in the Sub-Antarctic*.  Approximately 60 attendees from five countries attended.  ACAP was represented at this conference by Drs Heidi Auman and Wiesława Misiak from the Secretariat.

 

The first day’s theme was *Overview of the Sub-Antarctic System (Biota and Physical World)*with the morning session covering change in the Sub-Antarctic system during the recent past, *circa* 1800 - mid 20th century, and the afternoon focusing on change in the modern era of science and environmental consciousness.  On the second day, the conference explored dynamic interactions in the Sub-Antarctic system, including atmosphere, water and land, and managing and adapting to environmental and ecological changes.  The final session discussed what the future holds for the Sub-Antarctic and was titled *A Mirror on the Future.* 

Poster sessions were held for both professionals and institutions and also for students, sponsored by the Tasmanian Polar Network.  ACAP displayed a poster titled *Threats to Sub-Antarctic Seabirds: Conservation Challenges in the Southern Seas* and received positive feedback from many attendees.

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[Click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/Posters_Books/mop3_poster_by_heidi_auman.pdf) to see the ACAP poster in a readable size

 

Two interesting links resulting from the Forum:

 

[http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2008/s2557373.htm](http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2008/s2557373.htm)

and 

[Sub-Antarctic changing quicker than expected](http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2553557.htm&ct=ga&cd=u6hAAY2i9Mo&usg=AFQjCNGYwRLX3N6I4mDxpnNtkoPMEYMj4A)

 

 

*Information from Heidi Auman, ACAP Secretariat, posted 8 May 2009, updated  16 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/acap-represented-at-the-second-international-forum-on-the-sub-antarctic-updated.md)

## Canada lists the Black-footed Albatross as a Special Concern species

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The Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes* has now been added to Canada's Species at Risk Act with a category of Special Concern ("Species at risk of becoming threatened or endangered", roughly equivalent to IUCN’s Near Threatened status).

Visit [http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/document/dspHTML_e.cfm?ocid=7390](http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/document/dspHTML_e.cfm?ocid=7390) for the legal document.

 This news follows closely on ACAP having added the species to the list of albatrosses it covers at its recent Third Session of the Meeting of Parties [[click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=243&Itemid=28)].

See earlier news items on Canada's activities with albatrosses at: 

[http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=28](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=28)

and

[http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=28](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=28)

*News from Louise Blight, posted 08 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/canada-lists-the-black-footed-albatross-as-a-special-concern-species.md)

## South Africa designates the World’s fourth largest MPA in the sub-Antarctic

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[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/south-africa-designates-the-world-s-fourth-largest-mpa-in-the-sub-antarctic.md)

## Brazil tracks the Spectacled Petrel to its home

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Visit [http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090506.htm](http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090506.htm)[http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090506.html](http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/090506.html) for news of the successful satellite-tracking of a Vulnerable Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata* from Brazilian waters to its single breeding site on Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha Group. 

The research has been conducted by Leandro Bugoni ([Projeto Albatroz](http://www.projetoalbatroz.org.br/default.aspx) and University of Glasgow).  Leandro presented information on the marine habitat of the Spectacled Petrel and its overlap with Brazilian longline fisheries at the Fourth International Albatross & Petrel Conference in Cape Town in August 2008 ([http://iapc4.adu.org.za/](http://iapc4.adu.org.za/)). His presentation has now been published in *Marine Ecology Progress Series*([click here](http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v374/p273-285/) for the abstract.).

  [Click here for the ACAP Species Assessment for the Spectacled Petrel](https://www.acap.aq/images/Species_Assessments/acap_species_assessment_spectacled_petrel_en.pdf)

  See also [http://www.getbirding.com/?p=155](http://www.getbirding.com/?p=155).

 

.

 *News posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/brazil-tracks-the-spectacled-petrel-to-its-home.md)

## Australian Recovery Plan for Albatrosses and Giant Petrels being updated

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 The Australian Commonwealth Government has had in place a “Recovery Plan for Albatrosses and Giant-Petrels” since 2001.  That plan identified the actions necessary to ensure the recovery of all albatross and giant-petrel species occurring (or potentially occurring) within areas under Australian jurisdiction. Under the Commonwealth *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999*, recovery plans must be reviewed at five-year intervals.  The review of the 2001 Plan began in 2008 and a new draft plan has now been released for a three- month public comment period.

The new draft plan and an accompanying background paper are available  at:  [www.aad.gov.au/albatross](http://www.aad.gov.au/albatross).

Comments up to31 August 2009 should be sent [here](mailto:albatross.recoveryplan@aad.gov.au).

Once comments have been received and incorporated, and relevant State Ministers have approved the plan, a revised draft plan will be submitted to the Commonwealth Threatened Species Scientific Committee for its advice prior to submission to the Commonwealth Environment Minister for approval.

*Information from Ian Hay, Australian Antarctic Division, posted 15 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/australian-recovery-plan-for-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-being-updated.md)

## News from the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project  UPDATED

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  The second issue of the “Macquarie Dispatch”, newsletter of the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project, has now been issued.  Number two introduces the dog-training team (and some of their dogs) that will attempt to remove any remaining rabbits after next year’s poison bait drop.

 

Go to [http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=7444](http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=7444) for electronic versions of Newsletters Nos 1 and 2 and to read more on the eradication programme.

  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=163&Itemid=28.) for an earlier news item on Issue Number One and how to get on the mailing list.

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 May 2009, updated 17 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-from-the-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-project-updated.md)

## Grey Petrels being tracked at sea by South African scientists

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South African marine ornithologists have now returned from the annual relief expedition to sub-Antarctic Marion Island ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item) and report a successful effort addressed at several ACAP species.

  After some searching for this now rare species on the island, two incubating Grey Petrels *Procellaria cinerea* were fitted with archival loggers by a team led by Associate Professor Peter Ryan of the University of Cape Town’s FitzPatrick Institute.  It is the first time this ACAP species will be tracked at sea: very little is known of its at-sea distribution while breeding.  Field Assistant Ben Dilley, who remains on the island for a year, is now watching the two nest sites closely, with the aim of fitting loggers to the partners once changeovers occur.

  It is thought that the winter-breeding Grey Petrel was particularly hard hit by introduced cats at Marion, now thankfully eradicated from the island.  The tracking study is being conducted in conjunction with the British Antarctic Survey and with financial support coming from BirdLife International’s Global Seabird Programme following a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation (see [http://www.birdfair.org.uk/pp/pressrelease/pressdetail.asp?id=8072](http://www.birdfair.org.uk/pp/pressrelease/pressdetail.asp?id=8072)).

  In addition, a survey of the breeding distribution and numbers of the White-chinned Petrel *P. aequinoctialis* was successfully initiated with the major part of the suitable habitat visited and burrows counted over a three-week period.  Ornithologists staying on Marion for a full year will now complete the survey, allowing the first real estimate to be made.  A survey conducted at nearby Prince Edward Island in December 2008 ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=175&Itemid=28)) will enable a population figure for the group to be calculated.

 

 *News from Peter Ryan, University of Cape Town, posted 15 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/grey-petrels-being-tracked-at-sea-by-south-african-scientists.md)

## Black Petrel report published by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation

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New Zealand’s [Department of Conservation /Te Papa Atawhai](http://www.doc.govt.nz/) publishes *DOC Research & Development Series.* Each year several titles cover research conducted on ACAP-listed species.  Go to [http://www.doc.govt.nz/publications/science-and-technical/online-catalogue/](http://www.doc.govt.nz/publications/science-and-technical/online-catalogue/) and search by species.

  A recent [report](http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/drds307entire.pdf) in the series forms part of a long-term study of the Black Petrel *Procellaria parkinsoni*on Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island), New Zealand.  During the 2005/06 breeding season, 366 burrows were monitored.  Breeding success was 67%.  Eleven geo-locator data-loggers were deployed on breeding birds.

  A search on “Black Petrel” reveals eight publications dating from 2000, all of studies conducted on Great Barrier Island by the same research group.  These reports are available on-line.

 

**Reference** 

Bell, E.A., Sim, J.L. & Scofield, P. 2009. Population parameters and distribution of the Black Petrel (*Procellaria parkinsoni*), 2005/06*. DOC Research & Development Series* 307: 1-47.

 *News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 17 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/black-petrel-report-published-by-new-zealand-s-department-of-conservation.md)

## Northern Giant Petrel Species Assessment published

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The 12th assessment of an ACAP-listed species, for the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes halli*, has now been published on the web site ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/Species_Assessments/acap_species_assessment_northern_giant_petrel_e.pdf) for the 16-page PDF).

 

For a listing of all the 29 ACAP-listed species with those with published Species Assessments high-lighted [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=46).

  

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer,  18 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/northern-giant-petrel-species-assessment-published.md)

## Laysan Albatross in better shape?  UPDATED

[BirdLife International’s](http://www.birdlife.org) Globally Threatened Bird Forum for seabirds is currently giving consideration to downlisting the Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* (now an ACAP-listed species, [click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=243&Itemid=28)) from a “Vulnerable” to a “Near Threatened” status (see [**http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6549**](http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6549)).

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The global population is estimated to number *c*. 1 180 000 mature individuals, but the species is currently listed as Vulnerable because declines first noted in the 1990s were predicted to continue into the future and equate to an overall decrease in excess of 30% over a three-generation period.  These predicted declines have not materialized and the overall population trend for 1992-2005 has been stable.

The Globally Threatened Seabird Forum allows viewers to register and to add their own comments on listing proposals, which can then be read by all. These postings will be taken into account in making a decision on any change to the species' threatened status.

 

 

BirdLife International is also currently considering downlisting the two giant petrel *Macronectes* species from "Near Threatened" to "Least Concern".

 

 

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 May 2009*

 


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/laysan-albatross-in-better-shape-updated.md)

## Washington Sea Grant works to save albatrosses around the World

The Washington Sea Grant Program ([WSG](http://www.wsg.washington.edu/)) based at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA sponsors research that aims to maximize the productive use of marine resources while preserving and helping to restore the essential qualities of a healthy marine environment.

An important component of its work has been related to seabird bycatch in North Pacific fisheries, both longline and trawl, working off the US Pacific seaboard, both in Alaskan waters and off California, Oregon and Washington (see the titles listed below, available on-line at [http://www.wsg.washington.edu/communications/onlinepubs.html](http://www.wsg.washington.edu/communications/onlinepubs.html)).

In the last few years, the WSG has extended its research on seabird mitigation techniques to the southern hemisphere with collaborative efforts taking place in New Zealand and South African waters. 

All of this work has been led by Edward Melvin, a worthy recipient of the [Pacific Seabird Group’s](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/) Special Achievement Award in 2007 (see *Pacific Seabirds* 35: 29-32, 2008).

 

Grateful thanks from all the albatrosses, Ed.

 

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 **Selected WSG publications on seabird mitigation**

 Dietrich, K.S.& Melvin., E.F. 2007. *Alaska**Trawl Fisheries: Potential Interactions with North Pacific Albatrosses*. Seattle: Washington Sea Grant Program. 43 pp. [http://www.wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/TrawlAlbaInterLR.pdf](http://www.wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/TrawlAlbaInterLR.pdf).

Melvin, E.F. & Wainstein, M.D.2006. *Seabird Avoidance Measures for Small Alaskan Longline Vessels*. Seattle: Washington Sea Grant Program. 21 pp. [http://wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/smallvesselslr.pdf](http://wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/smallvesselslr.pdf).

Melvin, E.F. & Walker, N. 2008. *Optimizing Tori Line Designs for Pelagic Tuna Longline Fisheries. Report of Work under New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries Special Permit 355.*Seattle:Washington Sea Grant Program. 18 pp. [http://www.wsg.washington.edu/mas/pdfs/tori_line_optimization.pdf](http://www.wsg.washington.edu/mas/pdfs/tori_line_optimization.pdf).

Melvin, E.F., Heinecken, C. & Guy, T.J. 2008. *Optimizing Tori Line Designs for Pelagic Tuna Longline**Fisheries: South Africa. Report of Work under Special Permit from the Republic of South Africa Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marine and Coastal Management, Pelagic and High Seas Fishery Management Division (29 September 2008).* Seattle: Washington Sea Grant Program. 18 pp**.**[http://www.wsg.washington.edu/mas/pdfs/ToriLinesLR.pdf](http://www.wsg.washington.edu/mas/pdfs/ToriLinesLR.pdf).

Melvin, E.F., Parrish, J.K., Dietrich, K.S. & Hamel, O.S. 2001 *Solutions to Seabird Bycatch in Alaska’s Demersal Longline Fisheries*. Seattle: Washington Sea Grant Program. 53 pp. [http://wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/seabirds/seabirdpaper.html](http://wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/seabirds/seabirdpaper.html).

Melvin, E.F., Wainstein, M.D., Dietrich, K.S., Ames, K.L., Geernaert, T.O.& Conquest, L.L. 2006. *The Distribution of Seabirds on the Alaskan Longline Fishing Grounds: Implications for Seabird Avoidance Regulations*. Seattle: Washington Sea Grant Program. 41 pp. [http://wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/seabirds/seabirddistlr.pdf](http://wsg.washington.edu/communications/online/seabirds/seabirddistlr.pdf).

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/washington-sea-grant-works-to-save-albatrosses-around-the-world.md)

## ICCAT to discuss saving Atlantic seabirds in Brazil

  The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ([ICCAT](http://www.iccat.int/en/) ) will hold an inter-sessional meeting of its SCRS (Standing Committee on Research and Statistics) Sub-committee on Ecosystems in Recife, Brazil from 8-12 June 2009.

 

  {mosimage}   The objectives of the meeting include finalizing the evaluation of the impact of ICCAT fisheries on seabird populations.  The degree of overlap between fishing effort and bird distribution and an estimation of the total numbers of birds caught will form part of this evaluation.

  A planned outcome is preparing advice to the Commission on modifications to Recommendation 07-07 on Reducing Incidental By-Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries ([click here](http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Recs/compendiopdf-e/2007-07-e.pdf)).  The recommendation requires all vessels fishing south of 20°S to carry and use bird-scaring lines (tori poles) – although vessels fishing for swordfish may be exempted under certain conditions.

 

  Visit [http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/Announce/839-09_ENG.pdf](http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/Announce/839-09_ENG.pdf) for more information on the meeting.

 

  *News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 20 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/iccat-to-discuss-saving-atlantic-seabirds-in-brazil.md)

## TOPP marks for albatross trackers

**Tagging of Pacific Predators** (TOPP [http://www.topp.org/](http://www.topp.org/)) began in 2000 as one of 17 projects of the Census for Marine Life, an ambitious 10-year, 80-nation endeavour to assess and explain the diversity and abundance of life in the oceans, and where that life has lived, is living, and will live.  Several dozen TOPP researchers from eight countries began venturing into offshore waters, remote islands, and along rugged coastlines to attach satellite tags to 22 different species of top predators that roam the Pacific Ocean. As of 2007, they have tagged more than 2000 animals, including elephant seals, white sharks, leatherback turtles, squid - and albatrosses. 

{mosimage} 

Tracking of seabirds within TOPP is led by Scott Shaffer of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California Santa Cruz, USA. Collaborators include Melinda Connors, Dan Costa, Don Croll, Bill Henry, Michelle Kappes, Yann Tremblay and Lindsay Young.

 

Tagging efforts of ACAP-listed species include following Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan Albatrosses *P. immutabilis* from Midway Atoll National Wildlife Reserve, Tern Island and French Frigate Shoals (Northwestern Hawaii Islands) and Laysan Albatrosses from Kaeana Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands and Guadalupe Island, Mexico. In addition the foraging ecology of the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche carteri* is being studied at French Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean.

Satellite, GPS and archival geolocation loggers are used in the above studies, allowing juveniles as well as breeding adults to be followed at sea.

Research on Guadalupe has included protecting the Laysan Albatross colony (established in 1983) from feral cats and removing introduced goats from the island, working with the Island Conservation and Ecology Group ([http://www.islandconservation.org/](http://www.islandconservation.org/)) in the United States and Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas in Mexico. 

NOAA’s Pacific Fisheries Ecosystems Laboratory, Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Laboratory and the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Long Marine Laboratory, all in the USA, manage the programme.

 

 

[Click here](http://npawg.wikispaces.com/file/view/TOPPUpdate_PSG2009.doc) for a 2009 update on TOPP's tracking of North Pacific albatrosses.

 

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 22 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/topp-marks-for-albatross-trackers.md)

## The North Pacific Albatross Working Group

The North Pacific Albatross Working Group ([NPAWG](http://npawg.wikispaces.com/)) was formed in 2000 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, during a meeting sponsored by the [Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council](http://www.wpcouncil.org/) and the US [National Marine Fisheries Service](http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/). The focus of the working group is the conservation of the three North Pacific albatrosses: Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes*, Laysan *P. immutabilis* and Short-tailed *P. albatrus*. These three species are now listed from this month within ACAP.

{mosimage}

 The goal of the NPAWG is to improve albatross conservation in the North Pacific through enhanced communication and coordination for protection, management, monitoring, outreach and research activities, both nationally and internationally. 

The objectives of the group are to:

  1)  identify current and emerging albatross protection, management, monitoring, outreach and research issues and corresponding priority activities and information needs,

  2)  promote the exchange and publication of albatross information of mutual interest to scientists and managers across the North Pacific Ocean,

  3)  implement data collection and analyses of compatible protocols based on the best available science,

  4)  facilitate the development of cooperative and collaborative protection, management, monitoring, outreach and research activities and plans based on an interdisciplinary understanding of North Pacific albatross ecology and marine habitats, and

 

            5)  outline all information gaps relevant for a sustainable management of North Pacific albatrosses.

  NPAWG is run with an open membership.  Participation in NPAWG is open to all resource managers, industry representatives, scientists, education/outreach specialists and others with an interest in North Pacific albatrosses, especially from Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan and the United States.  Meetings of the group are held at least once a year, usually in association with annual meetings of the [Pacific Seabird Group](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/.).

  The [NPAWG Listserver](http://npawg.wikispaces.com/Listserver) serves to keep contact between members.  The newly-elected Chair of the NPAWG is Jo Smith of [The Nature Conservancy](http://www.nature.org/).

 

 

*Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/the-north-pacific-albatross-working-group.md)

## Brazil and Uruguay work together to develop the best Tori line for the South Atlantic

 A joint experimental assessment of the performance of Tori (bird-scaring) line models in longline fisheries is being conducted between Brazil ([Projeto Albatroz](http://www.projetoalbatroz.org.br/default.aspx)) and Uruguay (Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos ([DINARA](http://www.dinara.gub.uy/web_dinara/)) within the framework of the [Albatross Task Force](http://www.savethealbatross.net/), supported by [BirdLife International](http://www.birdlife.org/), the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](http://www.rspb.org.uk/)) and the Sociedade para a Conservação das Aves do Brasil ([Save Brasil](http://www.savebrasil.org.br/ingles/1save.asp)).

{mosimage} 

The first stage of the project is addressing methods to improve the performance of Tori lines by including towed devices (such as road cones) at the end of the lines in order to avoid entanglements with the longline.  A first pilot study was conducted in Brazilian waters onboard the F/V*Kospesca IV**, and a second phase is being conducted by the Uruguayan team aboard a national research vessel.*

*Methods to be used in the next 10 trips will be based on these pilot studies.  Results from the experiments will be presented at the end of 2009.*

For more news on the bi-national project go to:

[http://www.projetoalbatroz.org.br/news.aspx?newsId=32](http://www.projetoalbatroz.org.br/news.aspx?newsId=32)

and

[http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/albatross/archive/2009/05/18/Traffic-cones_2C00_-ropes-and-streamers.aspx](http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/albatross/archive/2009/05/18/Traffic-cones_2C00_-ropes-and-streamers.aspx)

*Juan Pablo Seco Pon, South American News Correspondent, 23 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/brazil-and-uruguay-work-together-to-develop-the-best-tori-line-for-the-south-atlantic.md)

## All albatross  species now listed under international agreement

**{mosimage}**

  

  

 **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:**

 **ALL ALBATROSS SPECIES NOW LISTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT**

 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 13 May 2009 - The Norwegian Government recently hosted the Third Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) in Bergen, Norway.  ACAP is a multilateral agreement that seeks to improve the conservation status of albatrosses and petrels, many of which are threatened with extinction, mainly as a result of bycatch in fishing operations. 

 There are currently 13 countries who are Parties to the Agreement, following the accession of Brazil, Norway and Uruguay since the last meeting.  Valuable contributions were made to the meeting by Canada, Japan and the USA who are all Range States under the Agreement and attended the meeting in an Observer capacity, as well as by a number of non-governmental organisations.

 A significant milestone was achieved at the meeting with the decision to include all three species of albatrosses from the northern hemisphere under the Agreement.  As a result, all albatross species are now listed under ACAP, providing a global focus for the Agreement’s work, where previously it concentrated on species found in the southern hemisphere.  It is hoped that one consequence of this action will be to foster the participation of more countries from the northern hemisphere, and particularly those that have significant high-seas fishing fleets that have the potential to catch albatrosses and petrels.

 Another key outcome from the meeting was the decision to strengthen the Agreement’s links with regional fisheries management bodies (RFMOs) and other international organisations through the development of Memoranda of Understanding and through the exchange of specialist knowledge and expertise.  This will enable better coordination of activities and harmonise conservation and policy approaches in order to provide better protection for seabirds listed under the Agreement.

 The meeting also adopted an ambitious three-year work programme for the Agreement’s Advisory Committee, the scientific and technical body responsible for implementing the Action Plan to conserve albatrosses and petrels listed under ACAP.  Under this work programme, efforts will be focused on improving the development and adoption of seabird bycatch mitigation measures in relevant fisheries, both domestic and on the high seas.

 Attention will also be focused on addressing threats to albatrosses and petrels at their breeding sites, particularly with the eradication of introduced animals from island habitats that impact on the breeding success of these birds.

 Parties resolved to continue to build on the high levels of cooperation fostered by the Agreement through the development of further capacity-building initiatives, particularly in the transference of knowledge and the building of partnerships.

 Contact:

 Mr Warren Papworth

 Executive Secretary

 Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels

 Email: [Warren Papworth](https://www.acap.aq/index.php/en/contacts/acap-secretariat-contact?alias=warren-papworth&catalias=4) Web site:  [www.acap.aq](http://www.acap.aq/)

 *Posted 26 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/all-albatross-species-now-listed-under-international-agreement.md)

## Helping seabirds in the Eastern Pacific:  the IATTC holds a successful meeting

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission ([IATTC](http://www.iattc.org/)) held a one-day Technical Meeting on Seabirds at Del Mar, California, USA on 11 May 2009.  The aim of the meeting was to review the distribution of seabirds within the region covered by the Commission (the Eastern Pacific Ocean), consider information on seabird-fisheries interactions (purse-seine, longline and artisanal), look at seabird population trends, and list data requirements for assessing the level of incidental mortality ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/Seabirds-Provisional-agenda-May-09REV.pdf) for the meeting agenda).

 

 {mosimage} 

ACAP was represented at the meeting by the Chair of its Advisory Committee, Dr Marco Favero from Argentina, who presented three papers:

Albatross and petrel distribution within the IATTC area ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/SARM-9-11b-ACAP-Albatross-and-petrel-distribution-EPO.pdf) for PDF).

  Conservation status and at-sea threats for the Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata* ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/WAAL-document-IATTC-May-2009-v3.pdfhttp://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/WAAL-document-IATTC-May-2009-v3.pdf) for PDF).

  Mitigation measures for pelagic longline gear: a report on the work of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/Mitigation-advice-ACAP-IATTC-Seabird-WS-May-2009.pdf) for PDF).

  Other papers presented at the meeting were produced by BirdLife International, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Washington Sea Grant ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/Meetings2009/IATTCandAIDCPMeetingMay09ENG.htm) for the full list of tabled papers).

  The history of the IATTC’s progress towards adopting a resolution containing mitigation measures to reduce seabird mortality was set out for the meeting in a paper entitled “Status and distribution of seabirds in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and interactions with fisheries” ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/Seabird-Mtg-May-2009-Status-of-seabirds-in-EPO.pdf) for PDF).

  The report of the technical meting will be considered at the 80th Meeting of the IATTC, to be held in La Jolla, California, USA from 8-12 June 2009 when the adoption of mitigation measures will be discussed ([click here](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/IATTC-80-Agenda-provisional-Jun2009ENG.pdf) for the agenda).

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 May 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/helping-seabirds-in-the-eastern-pacific-the-iattc-holds-a-successful-meeting.md)

## Japan and South Africa publish their NPOA-Seabirds

  Countries which undertake longline fishing are encouraged to produce a National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (NPOA-Seabirds), following guidelines set out by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ([FAO](https://www.acap.aq/www.fao.org)**).**

 {mosimage}   Japan produced its first NPOA-Seabirds in 2001.  The Japanese Fisheries Agency has now published (March 2009) a revised version, available as a PDF ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/FI/DOCUMENT/IPOAS/national/japan/NPOA-seabirds.pdf)).  In it, Japan sets out mitigation measures required on Japanese longliners in different fishing regions, including the Western and Central Pacific (north of 23ºN and south of 30ºS), the Indian Ocean (south of 30ºS) and in the Atlantic south of 20ºC.  In Japan’s coastal and offshore waters mitigation measures are required in the vicinity of Torishima Island during October to May, where the bulk of the Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* population breeds.

  In 2008 South Africa produced its National Plan ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118&Itemid=28I) for an earlier new item).  The full text of the plan, which also covers trawl fisheries (despite its title), is now available on-line on the FAO web site ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/ftp://ftp.fao.org/FI/DOCUMENT/IPOAS/national/southafrica/NPOA-Seabirds.pdf) for the PDF).

  Other nations that have produced NPOA-Seabirds and had them listed (with PDFs) on the FAO web site at [http://www.fao.org/fishery/ipoa-seabirds/npoa/en](http://www.fao.org/fishery/ipoa-seabirds/npoa/en) include Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Uruguay and the USA.  In addition, Australia’s assessment report for its NPOA-Seabirds is also available, as are reports of several FAO meetings held to develop and discuss National Plans.

  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=82&Itemid=23) for an English summary of Chile’s NPOA-Seabirds and [click here](http://www.subpesca.cl/template/tablas_chicas/04.asp?IDSECCION=2015) for its full text in Spanish.

  For a news item on South American NPOA-Seabirds go to [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=5](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=5).

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 May 2009* [index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=5](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=5)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/japan-and-south-africa-publish-their-npoa-seabirds.md)

## ACAP appoints a second news correspondent – this time for the North Pacific

Dr Lindsay Young has this month joined the ACAP Secretariat team ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=197&Itemid=40)), as its North Pacific News Correspondent.  Now that the three northern *Phoebastria* albatrosses are listed within the Agreement ([click here)](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=243&Itemid=28)) it is necessary to expand the scope of the news reporting on the ACAP web site to cover the North Pacific.

 

  {mosimage}   Lindsay recently completed her PhD at the University of Hawaii, U.S.A., where her dissertation research was on the population genetics, at-sea foraging ecology and conservation needs of the Laysan Albatross *P. immutabilis*.  Lindsay has worked as an advisor to both the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on various North Pacific albatross conservation issues, and is currently overseeing the construction of the first predator-proof fence in the U.S. geared towards protecting albatross habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands.

  Lindsay will act in a honorary capacity and will work closely with John Cooper, the ACAP Information Officer, and Juan Pablo Seco Pon, ACAP’s South American News Correspondent.

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 08 June 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/acap-appoints-a-second-news-correspondent-this-time-for-the-north-pacific.md)

## A good START:  translocating the Short-tailed Albatross  UPDATED

There is certainly no shortage of bad news in the world of albatross conservation.  But for a spot of sunny news, look no further than the increasingly common sightings of golden-crowned Short-tailed Albatrosses *Phoebastria albatrus* in the North Pacific.  Sure, the species had its brush with extinction back in the late 1930s, when no breeding birds were known to exist for several years.  And sure, the world population is still somewhere south of 3000 individuals.  But it is coming back strong, at least for an albatross.

 

Since the 1970s, Short-tailed Albatrosses have been increasing at a fairly steady 7% a year, thanks in large part to habitat conservation efforts at its main breeding colony on the Japanese island of Torishima.  Unfortunately, this robust colony sits in the shadow of a very active volcano, and is perched precariously on a steep slope that is subjected to torrents of monsoon-generated flash floods.  The flood waters wash volcanic ash right through the middle of the colony, sometimes taking out eggs and chicks in the process.  But efforts are underway to fix this problem.

 

The Short-tailed Albatross Recovery Team (START) has identified a few high-priority recovery tasks, such as attracting breeding birds to a safer site on Torishima and establishing a new colony of birds on a non-volcanic island through translocation and hand-rearing of chicks.  The recovery team was formed under the auspices of the U.S. Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and is comprised of North Pacific albatross experts from the Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S.A.  START’s mission is to prioritize and guide recovery efforts for this Endangered species.  Forming new colony sites is the team’s top priority.

 

{mosimage}

 

Translocated Short-tailed Albatross chicks are introduced to their new home on Mukojima

  With financial support from Japan’s Ministry of Environment and several private corporations, Japan’s Yamashina Institute has already established a new colony on a gently sloping and well-vegetated portion of Torishima.  Decoys and a continuously-playing recording of colony sounds initially attracted birds to the area, with a small number of birds breeding there for about a decade.  But in the past few years, the colony size has grown dramatically, with 50 breeding pairs fledging 37 chicks in 2009.  The colony is now considered large enough that the decoys and sound system have been removed from the area and redeployed.

  The new mission of the decoys is to assist in generating a new colony on non-volcanic Mukojima Island, the receiving site for translocated Short-tailed Albatross chicks.  In 2008, 10 nine-week-old chicks were moved by helicopter from Torishima to formerly-occupied Mukojima, where they were hand-reared by crews from the Yamashina Institute, the USFWS, and the New Zealand Department of Conservation.  All the chicks fledged.  In 2009, the operation was repeated with 15 chicks, and they have all fledged as well.  This effort, jointly funded by the Japanese Government, the USFWS, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the North Pacific Research Board, will continue through 2012.  At that time, after 70 or so chicks have been moved, the first translocated chicks should be returning to their new home on Mukojima to attempt breeding for the first time.  Already, young birds are visiting the site to practice their courtship dancing skills, so the future looks bright for the Land of the Rising Sun’s newest albatross colony.

 

See also:  [http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/usfws_stal_translocation_%20factsheet.pdf](http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/seabirds/usfws_stal_translocation_%20factsheet.pdf)

 

[http://leopardshark.nmfs.noaa.gov/search?q=albatross+conservation&btnG=Search&entqr=0&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&ud=1&oe=UTF-8&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&site=default_collection](http://leopardshark.nmfs.noaa.gov/search?q=albatross+conservation&btnG=Search&entqr=0&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&ud=1&oe=UTF-8&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&site=default_collection)

*News from Greg Balogh, START Chair, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska.  08 June 2009, updated 14 June 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/a-good-start-translocating-the-short-tailed-albatross-updated.md)

## The IATTC continues to work towards a seabird bycatch mitigation resolution

 The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission ([IATTC](http://www.iattc.org/HomeENG.htm)) is meeting this week for the 80th time in La Jolla, California, U.S.A.  On the [agenda](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/IATTC-80-Agenda-provisional-Jun2009ENG.pdf)  is a consideration of the now-available report ([IATTC-80-08a](http://www.iattc.org/PDFFiles2/IATTC-80-08a-Seabird-meeting-report.pdf)) of the IATTC Technical Meeting on Seabirds held in Del Mar, California on 11 May ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=262&Itemid=28) for an earlier news item on this meeting).  

{mosimage}

 

Following on from the technical meeting, the Director and staff of IATTC will prepare a draft resolution for the consideration of the IATTC that will “…likely express the need for more information, call for more observer coverage of industrial longliners, and suggest appropriate mitigation measures.”

 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 June 2009* [http://www.iattc.org/HomeENG.htm](http://www.iattc.org/HomeENG.htm)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/the-iattc-continues-to-work-towards-a-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-resolution.md)

## Proceedings of the Fourth International Fishers Forum published

The Proceedings of the Fourth International Fishers Forum, held over 12-14 November 2007 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, have now been published electronically by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council ([WPRFMC](http://wpcouncil.org)) in both English and Spanish ([click here](http://www.wpcouncil.org/news/IFF4_composite_v6_Final_w-cvr.pdf) for PDF).

 

{mosimage}

  The keynote address was delivered by Mr James Leape, Director General, WWF-International on “Reducing bycatch in longline fisheries as a step towards keeping jobs, protecting nature and building a market”.

  The Proceedings includes abstracts of papers delivered in sessions entitled “State of Knowledge to Reduce Sea Turtle, Marine Mammal and Seabird Interactions in Gillnet Fisheries, and Research Priorities” and “Seabird Bycatch and Artisanal Fisheries”.

  The First and Second International Fishers Forums were held in Auckland, New Zealand in November 2000 and in Honolulu, Hawaii in November 2002, respectively.  The third forum was held in Yokohama, Japan in 2005 in conjunction with the International Tuna Fishers Conference on Responsible Fisheries.  Proceedings of these three were also published by the WPRFMC.

 

 

*John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 June 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/proceedings-of-the-fourth-international-fishers-forum-published.md)

## Call for Project Applications for ACAP funding 2009

Applications are sought for research and project applications that will assist the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) meet its objective of achieving and maintaining a favourable conservation status for albatrosses and petrels. 

 Total funding of AUD $113,000 is available for allocation in 2009.  

 Research and/or project applications must be submitted on an [ACAP Project Application Form.](https://www.acap.aq/images/NEWS_CIRCS/acap_2009_project_application_template_en.doc)  When assessing project applications preference will be given to research/projects that address the following elements of the Advisory Committee Work Programme.   

 High Priority Projects (with the level of indicative funding available) 

 WP Item 2.7     Undertake a review of the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) whose fishing operations overlap with the range of albatrosses listed under Annex 1 of the Agreement and prepare distribution maps for inclusion in species assessments  (AUD $5,000)

 WP Item 4.5     Develop materials (both generic and specific) to assist RFMOs and other relevant international and national bodies in reducing seabird bycatch.                           

 
- Project 1 – develop observer programme designs including protocols for the collection of seabird bycatch data, with consideration of analytical methods for assessing seabird bycatch (AUD$20,000).
-                            
- Project 2 – develop summary of ecological risk assessment methods with references (AUD$20,000).

 WP Item 4.2     Estimate seabird mortality in fisheries that operate without observer coverage in the range of the Waved Albatross (AUD$20,000).

 WP Item 5.2     Improve seabird bycatch data collection from observer programmes operating in relevant South American fisheries (AUD$25,000).

 Other                 Innovative projects that will make a substantive contribution to the Agreement’s objective (AUD $15,000).  Limited funding is also available for projects which address other elements of the Advisory Committee’s Work Programme.   

 Applications open on 10 June 2009 and close on 3 July 2009.  Completed application forms are to be submitted to relevant [ACAP National Contact Points](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=40)in either paper or electronic format.   Applications from international organisations may be submitted directly to the ACAP Secretariat

 c/-: Executive SecretaryACAP SecretariatGPO Box 824Hobart  7001TasmaniaAUSTRALIA  Or by email to: [Warren Papworth ](https://www.acap.aq/index.php/en/contacts/acap-secretariat-contact?alias=warren-papworth&catalias=4)Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications by 17 August 2009.  {mosimage}


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/call-for-project-applications-for-acap-funding-2009.md)

## Albatross Task Force releases Coquimbo Declaration to undertake mitigation research

BirdLife International held the first meeting of Albatross Task Force (ATF) Instructors in Coquimbo, Chile from 19-23 January 2009.  The report of the meeting is now available at [http://www.birdlife.org/downloads/seabirds/ATF_first_Instructors_Workshop_Report_2009.pdf](http://www.birdlife.org/downloads/seabirds/ATF_first_Instructors_Workshop_Report_2009.pdf). 

  

 Members of the ATF came together from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Namibia, South Africa and Uruguay.  The workshop was also attended by Dr Marco Favero, Chair of ACAP’s Advisory Committee, as well as by several experts in ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/ATF/ATF_Meeting_2009_by_BirdLife_International.jpg "ATF Meeting in progress,  Photograph by BirdLife International")mitigation research.

 Following presentations from each national ATF team and from the invited experts, and at-sea demonstrations of mitigation techniques, the workshop adopted the Coquimbo Declaration, which committed the ATF teams to undertake experimental mitigation research to reduce seabird mortality on longline and trawl fisheries during the course of 2009.  The results of this research is to be presented to ACAP at the Fifth Meeting of its Advisory Committee, planned to be held in Argentina in 2010.

  

 **Reference**

 BirdLife Global Seabird Programme 2009.  *Proceedings of the Albatross Task Force 1st Instructors Workshop*.  Sandy: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  41 pp.

 (also available at [http://www.acap.aq/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=58](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=58))* *

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 16 June 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/albatross-task-force-releases-coquimbo-declaration-to-undertake-mitigation-research.md)

## ACAP and BirdLife hold a Technical Capacity Building Workshop for onboard observers in Ecuador

An ACAP- BirdLife International workshop jointly organised by Aves y Conservación (BirdLife in Ecuador) and Aves Argentinas (BirdLife in Argentina) was held in Manta, Ecuador from 26-28 May 2009 to provide instruction and develop onboard protocols for the Ecuadorian fisheries observer programmes. This capacity-building exercise was aimed at introducing concepts and methods for seabird conservation associated with fisheries in Ecuador.

 Presentations were given by delegates from the Argentinean National Institute of Fisheries Research (INIDEP) observer programme, Aves Argentinas, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (by Dr Marco Favero, ACAP Advisory Committee Chair) and representatives from BirdLife International's Global Seabird Programme.

 Ecuadorian representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, the Fisheries Under-Secretary and the National Fisheries Institute, as well as 37 scientific fishery observers from four programmes, totalling approximately 47 attendees participated in the workshop.

 Outcomes included:

 
- Seabird identification guides were produced;

 
- At-sea protocols for recording abundance estimates and seabird mortality were developed;

 
- Observers provided current knowledge and insights into seabird interactions related to specific fishing gears and operations;

 
- Fishing operations and practices, including gear configurations were elaborated; and

 
- Jimmy Martinez, Fisheries Under-Secretary representative responsible for fisheries bycatch initiatives in Ecuador officially committed at-sea protocols into the government's national observer programmes.

 Next steps were identified as

 
- Formalise collaboration between stakeholders to ensure active collection of standardised at-sea protocols and the provision of data analysis support;

 
- Continued reinforcement and strengthening of activities between BirdLife International, Aves y Conservación and national observer programmes in Ecuador; and

 
- Selection and preparation of observers for the second stage of capacity building to take place in Argentina with INIDEP and Aves Argentinas.

 *News from Marco Favero, Chair, ACAP Advisory Committee, 17 June 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/acap-and-birdlife-hold-a-technical-capacity-building-workshop-for-onboard-observers-in-ecuador.md)

## BirdLife’s Albatross Task Force produces a seabird mitigation leaflet in Spanish

BirdLife International’s Albatross Task Force ([ATF](http://www.savethealbatross.net/)) currently works in five South American countries that experience seabird bycatch in their longline fisheries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay, all of which are Parties to ACAP.

    To improve communication with South American fishers, the ATF has produced an illustrated leaflet in Spanish ([click here](http://www.birdlife.org/seabirds/folleto_ATF.pdf)).  The eight-page leaflet identifies the problem of seabird mortality on longlines and introduces the ATF’s South American instructors.

   For more news from the South American section of the ATF [click here](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/07/atf_callingcard.html).  Also search on “Albatross Task Force” for earlier ACAP news items on the ATF.

    *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 August 2009*

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_Browed_Albatross_by_Luke_Finley.jpg "Black-browed Albatross by Luke Finley")


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/birdlifes-albatross-task-force-produces-a-seabird-mitigation-leaflet-in-spanish.md)

## The new ACAP web site goes live

In mid June it was discovered that the old ACAP web site was being repeatedly hacked into, causing serious difficulties with its operation, so much so that it had to be shut down.

 The opportunity was taken while fixing the problem to redevelop the web site to a more modern and user-friendly design.![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/ACAP office_web2.jpg "All six members of the ACAP Secretariat gather to fix the web site")

 So our apologies are given to all for the lack of communication of late but welcome to the new site. Over the next few weeks we will be working to get all the documents previously available back on the site. As part of this the various resource and education documents have been updated, both to include recent publications and to take account of the inclusion of the three North Pacific albatrosses within the Agreement. A number of news stories that has accumulated of late will soon be posted to bring you up-to-date with the conservation of albatrosses and petrels.

  *The ACAP Secretariat, posted 18 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/the-new-acap-web-site-goes-live.md)

## Feasibility study for eradicating Gough’s mice published

![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_chick_by_Ross_Wanless.jpg "Tristan Albatross being attacked by House Mice at night.  Photograph by Ross Wanless") It is now well known that the introduced House Mouse *Mus musculus* on Gough Island in the South Atlantic's Tristan da Cunha Group, is driving the near-endemic and Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* towards extinction - by active predation of post-guard downy chicks during the winter months when their normal food supply of invertebrates and plant fruits and seeds becomes scarce (see earlier ACAP news items by searching on "Tristan Albatross").

 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](http://www.rspb.org.uk/)) commissioned a feasibility study for the eradication of Gough's mice by [John Parkes](http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biocons/genetics/staff_page.asp?staff_num=245), a vertebrate eradication expert working with New Zealand's Landcare Research, with the support of the United Kingdom's Overseas Territories Environment Programme ([OTEP](http://www.ukotcf.org/OTEP/)) . His study (Parkes 2008), based on a site visit in September/October 2007, is now available ([click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/goughisland_tcm9-220539.pdf)).

  For RSPB reports dealing with the effects of rodents in the Tristan da Cunha Group, and efforts towards their eradication [click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/publications.asp).

 With new OTEP funding, in September this year two researchers will be placed on the island by the RSPB for 13 months, to continue the work recommended by John Parkes' study before an eradication exercise take place. Their work will include looking at aspects of protecting the two endemic terrestrial birds (the Gough Bunting and the flightless Gough Moorhen) from non-target poisoning (see [project summary](http://www.ukotcf.org/infoDB/infoSourcesDetail2.cfm?module=projects&refID=226)).

  **Reference**

 PARKES, J. 2008. *A Feasibility Study for the Eradication of House Mice from Gough Island. RSPB Research Report No. 34*. Sandy: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. 52 pp.

  *John Cooper ACAP Information Officer, posted 18 August 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/feasibility-study-for-eradicating-goughs-mice-published.md)

## News from the ACAP Secretariat in Hobart

![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Staff-Photo/warren_sml.jpg)

     **Warren Papworth appointed ACAP's first Executive Secretary**

 Following on from interviews conducted during the time of the Third Session of the Meeting of Parties of ACAP in Bergen, Norway in April/May 2009, the Chair of the Session, Gunn Paulsen of the Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management, has advised Parties that Warren Papworth has accepted an offer of Employment to the position of Executive Secretary to the Agreement.  The appointment took effect from 19 June.

 Warren has served as Executive Secretary to the Interim Secretariat of ACAP since May 2005.  His new appointment will ensure a continuity of activity at and service from the Secretariat's Offices in Hobart, Tasmania.

 **Who is visiting the Secretariat?**

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Staff-Photo/jc2_sml1.jpg)

 ACAP's honorary Information Officer, John Cooper is making his second annual visit to work in the Secretariat's offices in the months of July and August this year.  With the redesigned ACAP web site planned to go live during his stay a steady flow of news items is once more expected.  At times during his visit, the Secretariat's offices contained up to six staffers, leading to some crowding, but also to valuable interactions.

 *ACAP Secretariat, 19 August 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-from-the-acap-secretariat-in-hobart.md)

## APECO releases video about mortality of Waved Albatrosses at sea

One of the videos is entitled "Albatros Gigantes del aire y del mar en peligro" ([Albatross: giants of air and sea in danger](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UET7OhXsjNs&feature=channel_page)).

 The multimedia material has been produced in Spanish and contains valuable information on the diversity of seabirds attending the waters off Peru, as well as the threats this group of birds suffers as result of interactions with longline fisheries.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved Albatross I Espagnola by Ron LeValley.jpg "Waved Albatross on Espagnola. Photograph by Ron LeValley")

 The video demonstrates the efforts of the Project "Incidental Capture of Albatross and Petrels" by APECO to reduce the mortality of "pajarotes", especially the Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*, the most abundant albatross species occurring in the waters off Peru and Ecuador, and considered to be Critically Endangered.

 For more information, contact [Liliana Ayala (APECO)](mailto:leayala@apeco.org.pe)[mailto:leayala@apeco.org.pe](mailto:leayala@apeco.org.pe) or [Raul Sanchez-Scaglioni](mailto:eymard@speedy.com.pe).

 [Click here](http://www.apeco.org.pe/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=112) for more news of APECO's work with seabirds.

 *News from Juan Pablo Seco Pon, ACAP South American Correspondent, 19 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/apeco-releases-video-about-mortality-of-waved-albatrosses-at-sea.md)

## New study shows Black-footed Albatrosses are more at risk to longlines than are Laysan Albatrosses

A new study on the overlap of the at-sea ranges of Black-footed *Phoebastria nigripes* and Laysan *P. immutabilis* Albatrosses captured in Alaska (Karen Fischer *et al*. 2009) has found that Black-footed Albatrosses have a higher potential for fisheries interactions as a result of spending more time in coastal waters where fishing effort is highest.

 Albatrosses of both species were satellite-tagged at-sea in the Central Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA and tracked during the post-breeding season, July- October 2005 and 2006. Satellite tracking data was integrated with data on fishing effort and distribution from commercial fisheries in the North Pacific.  In Alaskan waters, fishing effort occurred almost exclusively within continental shelf and slope waters.  Potential fishery interaction for Black-footed Albatrosses, which most often frequented shelf-slope waters, was greatest with Sablefish *Anoplopoma fimbria* longline and pot fisheries and with the Pacific Halibut *Hippoglossus stenolepsis* longline fishery. In contrast, Laysan Albatrosses spent as much time over oceanic waters beyond the continental shelf and slope, overlapping less with fisheries in Alaska than did Black-footed Albatrosses.

 Regionally, Laysan Albatrosses had the greatest potential fishery interaction with the Atka Mackerel *Pleurogrammus monopterygius* trawl fishery in the Western Aleutian Islands and the Sablefish pot fishery in the Central Aleutian Islands.  Black-footed Albatrosses ranged farther beyond Alaskan waters than did Laysan Albatrosses, overlapping west coast Canada fisheries and pelagic longline fisheries in the subarctic transition domain; Laysan Albatrosses remained north of these pelagic fisheries.

 Due to inter-specific differences in oceanic distribution and habitat use, the overlap of fisheries with the post-breeding distribution of Black-footed Albatrosses is greater than that for Laysan Albatrosses, highlighting inter-specific differences in potential vulnerability to bycatch and risk of population-level impacts from fisheries.

 The results of this study are consistent with bycatch statistics and previous studies which indicate that a higher proportion of the Black-footed Albatross population is being impacted by fisheries bycatch compared to the more numerous Laysan Albatross. Notably, the authors found a strong male-bias in their at-sea captures of both species and suggest that either sex-segregated foraging occurs (which is not supported by previous tracking work) or that gender differences in behaviour or size may also lead to competitive displacement of females by males behind vessels.  Potential sex-biased mortality in fisheries bycatch could have significant population-level consequences for both species.

 Several upcoming studies that integrate year-round tracking data with fisheries overlap information will soon be available and will provide a greater understanding of the potential bycatch risk for all three of the North Pacific albatrosses.

 **Reference**

 Fischer, K.N., Suryan, R.M., Roby, D.D. & Balogh, G.R. 2009.  Post-breeding season distribution of Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses satellite-tagged in Alaska: inter-specific differences in spatial overlap with North Pacific fisheries*.  Biological Conservation* 142: 751-760. 

 *Lindsay Young, ACAP North Pacific News Correspondent, 19 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/new-study-shows-black-footed-albatrosses-are-more-at-risk-to-longlines-than-are-laysan-albatrosses.md)

## BirdLife publishes 14 Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Fact-Sheets

The Global Seabird Programme of BirdLife International has this month produced a set of 14 fact-sheets ([click here)](http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/marine/international/publications.asp) designed to describe the range of potential mitigation measures available to reduce seabird bycatch in both longline and trawl fisheries.  The fact-sheets, which have also been printed on glossy paper and filed loose-leaf within a card folder, assess the effectiveness of each measure, highlight their limitations and strengths, and make best-practice recommendations for their effective adoption.  They are designed to help decision-makers choose the most appropriate measures for their longline (both pelagic and demersal) and trawl fisheries.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/ATF/ATF_Workshop_2009_by_BirdLife_International3.jpg "Bird-scaring streamer lines")

 Mitigation measures covered include streamer (bird-scaring) lines, line weighting, night setting, underwater setting chutes, side-setting, using blue-dyed bait, and reducing warp strikes and net entanglements.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/birdlife-publishes-14-seabird-bycatch-mitigation-fact-sheets.md)

## News of the First World Seabird Conference

The First World Seabird Conference, to be held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada from 7-11 September 2010 is only a little over a year away.

 The conference now has its own web site [[click here](http://www.worldseabirdconference.com)].

 A call for abstracts will be sent out in September 2009 and details of registration for the conference will be made available in early 2010**.**All those that are part of the World Seabird Conference Community (sign up on the web site) will receive direct notifications.

 The primary symposia planned are:

 
- Climate Change and Seabirds: Comparative Ecosystem Dynamics of the World's Oceans
- Interactions between Seabirds and Fisheries: a Global Perspective
- Spatial Ecology at Sea: Opportunities and Challenges for Seabird Marine Protected Areas
- Seabird Colonies: Restoration and Engineering of Seabird Nesting Habitat

 Special Paper Sessions will be held on:

 
- Technological and Analytical Innovation in Seabird Research
- Marine Debris
- Interactive Effects of Chemical Contaminants, Parasites and Stressors on Seabirds
- Energetics, Physiology and Nutrition
- Seabird Demography
- Seabird Informatics, Databases and Long-term Monitoring

 [Click here](https://www.confmanager.com/communities/c1813/files/hidden/docs/WSCsummary_26May09.pdf) for details of symposia and sessions.

 ACAP is one of the conference partners, along with 24 other organizations.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-of-the-first-world-seabird-conference.md)

## North Pacific albatross breeding sites head for World Heritage status

The USA's Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, encompassing eight of the most important breeding sites of the Laysan *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed *P. nigripes*Albatrosses in the north-western chain of Hawaiian islands, is likely to become a World Heritage Site next year, adding a further level of international protection to these two ACAP-listed species.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan Albatross Pair by James Lloyd.jpg "Laysan Albatrosses. Photograph by James Lloyd")

 This month the monument is being evaluated by UNESCO, on behalf of the World Heritage Convention.  This action follows the USA submitting its nomination in January this year, following placement on its Tentative List (a necessary prerequisite) a year previously ([click here](http://hawaii.gov/gov/news/events/2009/august/papahanaumokuakea) for the latest news).

 Laysans and Black-foots also breed on the Ogasawara Islands, which Japan placed on its [Tentative List](http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5095/) for World Heritage status in 2007). It now intends nominating the island group to the Convention in 2010. [Click here](http://www.env.go.jp/en/headline/headline.php?serial=1080) and [here](http://ogasawara-info.jp/pdf/panphlet/panphlet_tokyo.pdf) for more information.

 As well as these initiatives by Japan and the USA, Mexico's Archipíelago de Revillagigedo, home to small numbers of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses on Clarión and San Benedicto Islands, are also on that country's World Heritage [Tentative List](http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelist/5395/) from 2008. The island group already has an international status as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/north-pacific-albatross-breeding-sites-head-for-world-heritage-status.md)

## ACAP signs an Arrangement with a second Regional Fishery Management Organization

ACAP has now completed an Arrangement by exchange of notes with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](http://www.iotc.org/English/index.php)).  This is the second such arrangement with an RFMO, one previously having been made with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission ([WCPFC](http://www.wcpfc.int)).

 The objective of the Arrangement is to facilitate cooperation between the two bodies, with a view to supporting efforts to minimize the incidental bycatch of albatrosses and petrels listed in ACAP's Annex 1.  Cooperation may take place *inter* *alia* by the development of systems for collecting and analysing data, by designing, testing and implementing mitigation measures for reducing seabird bycatch, and by implementing education and awareness programmes for fishers.  The arrangement also makes provision for reciprocal participation with observer status at relevant meetings of each organisation.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam_Albatross_by_Scott_Shaffer.jpg "Amsterdam Albatross. Photograph by Scott Shaffer") Following discussion at the Third Session of the Meeting of Parties to ACAP, held in Bergen, Norway in April/May 2009 (MoP3), it was agreed that arrangements, to be known as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), will be sought with the a further four RFMOs, as well as with  the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living resources ([CCAMLR](http://www.ccamlr.org/pu/e/gen-intro.htm)) and the Latin American Organization for Fisheries Development ([OLDEPESCA](http://www.fao.org/fishery/rfb/oldepesca/en)).  In doing this a template for future MoUs adopted at MoP3 would be followed.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/acap-signs-an-arrangement-with-a-second-regional-fishery-management-organization.md)

## News

### News from ACAP

 Read all the Latest News on recent developments in albatross and petrel conservation, with an emphasis on action taken under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.

 
### [Latest News](https://www.acap.aq/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=227:latest-news&Itemid=10)

  

 [News from 2010](https://www.acap.aq/2010-news-archive)

 [News from 2009](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive)

 [News from 2008](https://www.acap.aq/2008-news-archive)

 [News from 2007](https://www.acap.aq/2007-news-archive)

 [News from 2006](https://www.acap.aq/2006-news-archive)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news.md)

## CCSBT to hold a meeting of its Ecologically Related Species Working Group in South Korea

The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna ([CCSBT](http://www.ccsbt.org/)) will hold the Eighth Meeting of its Ecologically Related Species Working Group in Busan, South Korea over 1-3 September 2009.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed_Albatross_Prince_Edward_Island1_by_Peter_Ryan.jpg "Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross colony on Prince Edward Island. Photograph by Peter Ryan")

 The Albatross and Petrel Agreement will be represented at the working group meeting by Barry Baker, Technical Advisor to the ACAP Secretariat.

 ACAP will present at the meeting Information Paper CCSBT-ERS/0909/Info03 entitled "Mitigation Measures for Pelagic Longline Gear: a Report on the Work of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels".

 [Click here](http://www.ccsbt.org/docs/pdf/meeting_reports/ccsbt_14/report_of_erswg7.pdf) for the report of the Seventh ERSWG meeting, held in Tokyo, Japan in July 2007.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/ccsbt-to-hold-a-meeting-of-its-ecologically-related-species-working-group-in-south-korea.md)

## Sea Change No. 5 published

The 5th issue, dated August 2009, of *Sea Change*, Newsletter of the BirdLife Global Seabird Programme, has been published ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/white-chinned petrel_by_Ben Palan.JPG "White-chinned Petrels. Photograph by Ben Phalan")

 The newsletter reports on the Albatross Task Force, now active in seven southern hemisphere countries, the Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* of Gough Island, marine IBAs (Important Bird Areas), bycatch mitigation fact-sheets (see earlier news item) and the restoration of seabird islands in the Pacific.

   [Click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Seachange_tcm9-223358.pdf) for the newsletter.

 *Posted 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/sea-change-no-5-published.md)

## Spain appoints its representative to ACAP's Advisory Committee

ACAP extends a warm welcome to Roberto Sarralde Vizuete, the newly-appointed member of the Agreement's Advisory Committee from Spain.

 Roberto Sarralde is based at the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (Spanish Institute of Oceanography) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands.

 The Instituto Español de Oceanografía ([IEO](http://www.ieo.es)) is a public research organization, with a variety of activities:

 
1. conducting oceanographic research;
2. advising the Spanish Government on its oceanographic and fishing policies;
3. representing Spain in international oceanography and fishing organisations;
4. promoting co-operation in marine research at the regional, national and international levels; and
5. training oceanographers and disseminating oceanographic knowledge.
6. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 21 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/spain-appoints-its-representative-to-acaps-advisory-committee.md)

## Atlantic tuna commission meeting recommends stronger measures on bird bycatch

Atlantic tuna commission meeting recommends stronger measures on bird bycatch

 At a meeting of the Ecosystems Sub-committee of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ([ICCAT](http://www.iccat.org)), held in Recife, Brazil over 8-12 June 2009 ([click here](http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/Announce/839-09_ENG.pdf) for agenda) scientists recommended that stronger measures be taken to combat bird bycatch on the high seas.  The Sub-committee considered the output from models of the impacts of fishing on populations of four albatross species that breed in the South Atlantic.  These species were selected on the basis of availability of relevant data on bird distribution and demography from a list of 22 seabird populations considered to be at high risk from ICCAT fisheries.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Spectacled_Petrel_by_Ross_Wanless.jpg "Spectacled Petrel. Photograph by Ross Wanless")

 After examining the available evidence (relative overlap of bird distribution with fisheries, observed bird bycatch rates, model outputs and projections), the Sub-committee concluded that ICCAT fisheries have measurable impacts on some seabird populations, including several that are threatened with extinction, and that minimizing seabird mortality in ICCAT fisheries could result in improved population status and reduced conservation concerns.

 The Sub-committee recommended that the existing ICCAT regulations on mitigation be strengthened to include a wider suite of cost-effective measures that, if properly applied, have been demonstrated to reduce levels of bird bycatch.  These were that the exemption from use of bird-scaring lines during darkness in swordfish fisheries be removed, given the risks to nocturnal petrels and other birds active during moonlight.  In addition, that bird-scaring lines in combination with weighted branch lines should be used by pelagic longliners throughout the ICCAT area, until such time that it can be demonstrated through direct observation that bycatch levels are of insignificant magnitude for seabird populations.  The Sub-Committee also endorsed a suggestion by ACAP that more research be carried out into increasing the efficacy of existing mitigation measures and the development of additional measures, which, if shown to work, should be adopted in the ICCAT area.

 There was agreement that analyses of impacts of fisheries on seabirds are hampered by the exceedingly low level of seabird observer coverage in most ICCAT fisheries.  Consequently, the Sub-committee recommended that much more extensive information on bird bycatch rates be collected, particularly in order to assess the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures.  Although no minimum level of observer coverage was stated, it was noted that the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](http://www.iotc.org)) had recently instituted an observer programme with 5% coverage of fishing effort.

 The recommendations of the Sub-committee will now be considered and adopted by the parent committee (the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics) and then by the Commission before they can come into effect.

 The modelling project was an international collaboration between researchers from BirdLife International (BLI), British Antarctic Survey (BAS, UK), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO, Australia), Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South Africa (PFIAO) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB, UK).  Funding was provided by the UK Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (defra), CSIRO and the US National Marine Fisheries Service, with in-kind support from BAS, BLI, PFIAO and the RSPB.

 *News from Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey, 20 June 2009, posted 27 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/atlantic-tuna-commission-meeting-recommends-stronger-measures-on-bird-bycatch.md)

## Australia releases a rodent threat abatement plan for offshore islands

Human dispersal and colonization over the last few millennia has spread four species of Eurasian rodents to many of the world's islands.  These rodents are: ship or Black Rats *Rattus rattus,* Norway or Brown Rats *R. norvegicus*, Pacific Rats *R. exulans* and House Mice *Mus musculus*.  Together with other exotic pests, they are a major threat to native biodiversity on islands.  Australian islands have been no exception, especially since European colonization.  Exotic rodents, particularly ship rats and perhaps mice, have been a key (and often the critical) cause of extinction, extirpation (local population loss) and decline of many native species, adverse changes to island ecosystems, as well as economic damage to island peoples' livelihoods and potentially to their health.  The presence of rodents on islands also precludes many positive options to restore island values, and their presence on mainland Australia and elsewhere presents an ongoing risk to biodiversity.  For Australian islands not currently invaded there is also a high risk.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_by_Aleks_Terauds.jpg "Wandering Albatross on Macquarie Island")

 Managing the threat from exotic rodents to island biodiversity therefore requires *in situ*management, by eradication or sustained control on invaded islands, education of the risk that rodent-free islands will be invaded, and/or timely reaction to invasions when quarantine is breached.

 In 2006 the Australian Government listed exotic rodents on islands as a key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 and initiated the development of a threat abatement plan for rats and mice on islands less than 100 000 ha in area.  This plan and its background document [[click here](http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/exotic-rodents.html)] provide a national framework to guide and coordinate Australia's management of exotic rodents on islands to remove, mitigate and prevent their impacts on native species and ecological communities.

 Currently, the only Australian island which supports both ACAP-listed species and introduced rodents is sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, for which a rodent (and rabbit) eradication project is in progress [[click here](http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/protecting/macquarie-rabbit-eradication-plan.html)], with the actual eradication exercise to take place in winter 2010.

 *Information edited from plan summary.  Posted 27 August 2009*


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## Status Assessment of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses published by the USA  UPDATED

The U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Discipline has recently published a formal status assessment of  Laysan *Phoebastria immutabilis* and Black-footed *P. nigripes* Albatrosses. In response to the growing concerns over the impacts of these threats on albatross populations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracted with the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct an assessment of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross populations. This assessment includes a review of the taxonomy, legal status, geographical distribution, natural history, habitat requirements, threats, and monitoring and management activities for these two species. The second part of the assessment is an analysis of population status and trends from 1923 to 2005.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/laysan_black-footed_midway_ eric vanderwerf.jpg "Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses flying together at Midway Island.  Photograph by Eric VanderWerf")

  The assessment found that over the past century, Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses have been subjected to high rates of mortality and disturbance at their breeding colonies and at sea. Populations were greatly reduced and many colonies were extirpated around the turn of the 20th century as a result of feather hunting. At sea, thousands of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses were killed each year in high-seas driftnet fisheries, especially from 1978 until the fisheries were banned in 1992. During the 1990s, other anthropogenic factors, such as predation by non-native mammals and exposure to contaminants, also were documented as reducing productivity or increase mortality.

 The primary threats to Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses include interactions with commercial fisheries, predation by introduced mammals, reduced reproductive output due to contaminants, nesting habitat loss and degradation due to human development and invasive plant species, and potential loss and degradation of habitat due to climate change and sea-level rise. Incidental mortality (bycatch) in commercial fisheries is the greatest anthropogenic source of mortality for both species. The researchers found that longline fishing effort prior to the 1980s was greater than previously estimated and a very significant source of mortality.

 The researchers also evaluated the status and trends of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross populations using linear regression, population viability analysis (PVA), and age-structured matrix models. Analyses were predominantly based on nest-count data gathered at French Frigate Shoals, Laysan Island, and Midway Atoll. At these three colonies, nest counts were greater than 75% of the World's population of Black-footed albatrosses and greater than 90% of Laysan Albatrosses.

 The Laysan Albatross population increased from an estimated 18 000 pairs in 1923 to 590 000 pairs in 2005. The large population increase during the past 83 years is likely a response to the end of persecution by feather hunters, decrease in conflicts with military activities, and an increase in nesting areas at some colonies. The population showed a positive change over 1923 to 2005 and 1957 to 2005 and a stable size from 1992 to 2005. The Laysan Albatross population, summed across all three colonies (Midway Atoll, Laysan Island, and French Frigate Shoals), increased 6.7% a year from 1992 to 2005, and the estimated bycatch of 2500 birds per year is less than the estimated Potential Biological Removal (PBR)-the maximum number of mortalities, not including natural deaths, while maintaining an optimum sustainable population.

 The Black-footed Albatross population increased from an estimated 18 000 pairs in 1923 to 61 000 pairs in 2005. As with Laysans, the increase in the Black-footed Albatross population over the past 83 years probably is in response to the end of persecution at breeding sites. Trends in population size showed a positive change from 1923 to 2005, no change from 1957 to 2005, and no change from 1998 to 2005. The Black-footed Albatross population is stable, or slightly increasing, with a population growth rate of 0.3% a year. The 2005 estimate of bycatch is 5228 birds a year, but if this value is doubled, a safeguard for underestimating bycatch, it approaches the PBR of 11 980 birds per year, although the upper 95% confidence limit (17 486) exceeds the PBR.

 Researchers found their knowledge of interactions of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses with fishing operations is imperfect, partly because of the difficulty of obtaining reliable bycatch data from all fleets. Results from the modelling indicate that fishery bycatch is not significantly affecting the size of the Laysan Albatross population, but may be causing a decrease in Black-footed Albatross populations. 

 **Citation:** 

 Arata, J.A., Sievert, P.R. & Naughton, M.B. 2009.  Status assessment of Laysan and black-footed Albatrosses, North Pacific Ocean, 1923-200.  U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5131. 80 pp.  The document can be downloaded from the USGS website ([click here](http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5131/pdf/sir20095131.pdf)).

 *Lindsay Young, ACAP North Pacific News Correspondent, 21 September 2009*

  


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## Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission discusses seabird mitigation in Vanuatu

The Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean ([WCPFC](http://www.wcpfc.int)) held the fifth Regular Session of its Scientific Committee (SC5) in Porta Vila, Vanuatu over the period 10-21 August 2009.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham_Albatross_by_Graham_Robertson.jpg "Chatham Albatrosses. Photograph by Graham Robertson")

 [Click here](http://www.wcpfc.int/meetings/2009/5th-regular-session-0) for the provisional agenda for the Committee's Ecosystem and Bycatch Specialist Working Group, along with a number of working and information papers relevant to the conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.

 ACAP was represented at the meeting by its Executive Secretary, Warren Papworth, and submitted an Information Paper (WCPFC-SC5-2009/EB-IP-9) entitled "Mitigation measures for pelagic longline gear: a report on the work of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels".  Following a detailed assessment by the group, the report considers that some of the mitigation measures currently listed by RFMOs (Regional Fishery Management Organizations) would benefit from further development and testing as they currently have little empirical support for their efficacy.

 An encouraging outcome from the meeting was the support given for the ongoing development of an ecological risk-assessment process using spatial risk indicators to identify areas where seabirds are most likely to interact with longline fisheries.

 The analysis (WCPFC-SC5-2009/EB-WP-06) provides a useful mechanism to identify areas where increased observer coverage is desirable in order to determine the effectiveness and compliance with mitigation measures.  It also suggested possible hot spots in which mitigation measures might be refined, and where increased observer coverage may be required in areas where high bird interactions occur or where endangered species are present.

 The meeting encouraged ongoing research on the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation measures. It also encouraged the use of data from the Regional Observer Programme in order to validate spatial risk assessments so that a recommendation can be brought before SC6 to determine initial spatial zones for the differential management and monitoring of seabird bycatch**.**

 *Warren Papworth, ACAP Executive Secretary and John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer; posted 27 August 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/western-and-central-pacific-fisheries-commission-discusses-seabird-mitigation-in-vanuatu.md)

## Petition to list the Black-Footed Albatross as Threatened or Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced the reopening of a request for information from the public on a petition to list the Black-footed Albatross *Phoebastria nigripes* as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.

 In October 2004, the USFWS received a petition requesting the Black-footed Albatross be listed as a threatened or endangered species and that critical habitat be designated concurrently with the listing.  In October 2007 the USFWS published a finding that the petition presented substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Black-footed Albatross may be warranted.  The agency then began a status review of the species.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black-footed Albatross by James Lloyd.jpg "Black-footed Albatrosses on Midway Island. Photograph by James Lloyd")

 The reopening of this request for additional information and comment does not change the petition finding, but allows additional time for interested parties to provide valuable input that will be an important source of information for the status review and decision on whether to propose listing the Black-footed Albatross for ESA protection.  During the review, a species may be determined to be endangered or threatened due to one or more of the following five factors:

 
1. the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range;
2. overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes;
3. disease or predation;
4. the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and
5. other natural and manmade factors affecting its continued existence.

 Threats to the Black-footed Albatross are incidental mortality from longline fishing and from mercury and organochlorine contaminants such as PCBs and DDTs.  These substances, used in industry and agriculture, pose a toxicological risk and interfere with reproduction.  Rising sea levels and the loss of low-lying oceanic islands due to climate change is another threat.

 The total breeding population of the Black-footed Albatross numbers roughly 61 000 pairs, with 97% of the population breeding in the predator-free Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, now included within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.  The majority of those are found on Midway Atoll and Laysan Island.  The remaining 3% of the birds nest on several remote Japanese islands.  Exploitation of the species for eggs and feathers in the 19th and early 20th centuries eliminated breeding colonies on four islands or atolls and in two island groups across the Pacific.

 The USFWS is soliciting data and other information regarding the species to ensure a comprehensive review.  To be considered in the 12-month finding for this petition, data, information, and comments must be submitted to the USFWS by 25 September 2009. Comments may be sent via the Internet [[click here](http://www.regulations.gov)].

 Copies of the Federal Register notice may be downloaded from the USFWS's [website](http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/).

 *Lindsay Young, North Pacific News Correspondent, 28 August 2009*


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## Southern Seabird Solutions launches South American seabird fact sheets

The [Southern Seabird Solutions Trust](http://www.southernseabirds.org), a New Zealand-based NGO, working with [Pro Delphinus](http://www.prodelphinus.org) of Peru has produced a series of fact sheets covering seabird conservation concerns in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.  The sheets have been prepared as an educational resource addressed to fishing communities and to fishing schools.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham_Albatross_by_Graham_Robertson.jpg "Chatham Albatrosses. Photograph by Graham Robertson")

 Chatham Albatrosses.  Photograph by Graham Robertson

 The illustrated fact sheets have been produced in the Spanish language and cover several ACAP-listed species, including the Waved Albatross *Phoebastria irrorata*, Chatham *Thalassarche eremita* and Buller's *T. bulleri* Albatrosses and the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*, as well as other threatened seabirds that breed within South America or occur within the waters of the four countries.

 Subjects covered include impact of longline and trawl fisheries and pollution, as well as aspects of the birds' biology (e.g. population numbers, breeding, diet and migration).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 August 2009*

   


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/southern-seabird-solutions-launches-south-american-seabird-fact-sheets.md)

## Multi-national expedition sails to study ACAP species in the mid-Atlantic

A multi-national expedition departs today on the South African Antarctic supply ship, the  *S.A. Agulhas*, from Cape Town to continue conservation research on ACAP-listed species in the United Kingdom's Tristan da Cunha Group.

 Nearly three weeks will first be spent on Gough Island, where the 28th year of a demographic study of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* will be initiated.  Island-wide censuses of Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* chicks and incubating Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes  giganteus* will also be undertaken.  Two field assistants from New Zealand (Graham Parker and Kalinka Rexer-Huber) will be left on the island for a full year: among their work programme will be continuing the Tristan Albatross demographic study of colour-banded birds into its fourth year, as well as undertaking research on the introduced House Mice *Mus musculus*, required to plan their eventual eradication.  These studies are providing information on the extremely low breeding success of several seabirds on the island from predation by the mice. They will also deploy GLS loggers on pre-breeding Tristan Albatrosses as well as on Grey Petrels *Procellaria cinerea*.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_female_by_John_Cooper2.jpg "Female Tristan Albatross incubating on Gough. Photograph by John Cooper")

 Female Tristan Albatross incubating on Gough. Photograph by John Cooper

 Ornithological research on Gough during the September/October relief will be led by Peter Ryan of the University of Cape Town, supported by John Cooper (CORE Initiatives, South Africa) and Rob Ronconi (Dalhousie University, Canada).  In addition, Jacob Gonzalez-Solis  (University of Barcelona, Spain) will endeavour to retrieve GLS loggers placed on Great Shearwaters *Puffinus gravis*the previous breeding season.

 The expedition then moves to spend roughly two months on Inaccessible Island where Peter and Rob will undertake the third 5-yearly survey of the endemic Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata,* as well as placing satellite trackers on Great Shearwaters, Spectacled Petrels and Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca*in an endeavour to follow both their foraging movements while breeding and then their post-breeding dispersal.  The Inaccessible party is due to return to Cape Town on the *Baltic Trader* in mid December.

 Search on "Gough" for earlier stories on the effects of mice on Gough's birds on this web site.

 *News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer and Peter Ryan, FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, 3 September 2009*

  

   

   


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## United Kingdom's ACAP Officer makes first visit to Tristan da Cunha

In March 2008 the United Kingdom appointed Dr Anton Wolfaardt as its first ACAP Officer, to address issues relating to the conservation of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels in the South Atlantic.

 Anton is based within the UK's Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC; [www.jncc.gov.uk](http://www.jncc.gov.uk/)) and works closely with Mark Tasker, also with the JNCC, who is past Chair and current Vice-Chair of the ACAP Advisory Committee.

 In early September Anton travelled to the main island of Tristan da Cunha on South Africa's Antarctic supply/research vessel, the *S.A. Agulhas*, for a three-week visit.  While at Tristan he will hold consultations and undertake site visits with the Heads of the Tristan Departments of Conservation (Trevor Glass) and of Fisheries (James Glass).

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross by Wanless&Angel.jpg "Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross. Photograph by Ross Wanless/Andrea Angel")

 Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross on Gough Island

 A prepared document "ACAP Implementation Plan for the Tristan da Cunha islands: review of current work and a prioritised work programme for the future" will be discussed in detail on the island.  It is then intended to submit the document as an Information Paper to the Fifth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee, due to be held in Argentina in April 2010.

 During the outward voyage opportunity was taken to liaise with ACAP's Information Officer, John Cooper, who was on his way to Gough Island (part of the Tristan Group) with the annual relief of the South African meteorological station, where he is assisting with the continuation of long-term demographic studies of several ACAP-listed species (see previous news item).

 The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland extended its ratification of the Agreement to the Tristan Group on 13 April 2006.  Tristan and Gough both fall within the newly constituted UK Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 September 2009*


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## Two important seabird islands for ACAP species listed as Ramsar Wetlands

Gough and Inaccessible are two island nature reserves in the mid South Atlantic that are part of the United Kingdom's Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.  Together they form a single World Heritage Site.  Most recently they have been afforded the status of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention as sites Nos. 1868 (Gough) and 1869 (Inaccessible), being designated on 20 November 2008.

 Brief descriptions of the sites have this month been listed on the Ramsar web site in its Bulletin Board section at [www.ramsar.org](http://www.ramsar.org/) (scroll down to entry for 5 September), following processing by the Convention's Secretariat.  The sites total over 256 000 ha and extend to territorial limits of 12 nautical miles.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_by_Ross_Wanless_and_Andrea_Angel.jpg "Tristan Albatross and chick on Gough Island")

 Gough and Inaccessible together support six ACAP-listed species, including two endemics: the Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* and the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*.  In addition, the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* which occurs on both islands is endemic to the Tristan Group.

 Search on Gough and Inaccessible for earlier stories on these two islands and the threats faced by their seabirds.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 13 September 2009*


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## Responsible Fisheries Alliance launched in South Africa

WWF South Africa, together with four major fishing industry players (I&J, Oceana, Sea Harvest and Viking) this month launched the Responsible Fisheries Alliance (RFA).  This is the first alliance of its kind in the history of South African marine conservation.  The Alliance is a bid to achieve the common goal of ensuring that all stakeholders understand and support the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) management in South Africa's fisheries.

 An EAF seeks to protect and enhance the health of marine ecosystems on which life and human benefits depend.  The approach depends on balancing the diverse needs and values of both present and future generations.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_Browed-Albatross-by-Luke-Finley_gallery.jpg "Black-browed Albatross in South African waters. Photograph by Luke Finley")

 The goals of the Alliance include promoting responsible fisheries practices, influencing policy on fishery governance, skills development to enable the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach and facilitating high quality ecological, socio-economic and governance related research to inform the implementation of an EAF.

 The RFA was created on the basis of a strong ecological, market, operational and governance case agreed upon by both the fishing companies and WWF.  The many years of good working relations between WWF and the key Alliance partners has already resulted in the development of a number of projects, including the development of the responsible fisheries training programme, various bycatch assessments such as of seabirds and vulnerable finfish, amongst others.

 The RFA will facilitate the support of the regulatory framework by sharing the responsibility for the wise management of our oceans and providing additional resources to furthering the World Summit for Sustainable Development Goal of implementing an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management by 2012.

 Information taken from WWF-South Africa ([http://www.panda.org.za/?section=News_LivingWaters&id=220](http://www.panda.org.za/?section=News_LivingWaters&id=220)).

 *13 September 2009*


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## Pacific Seabird Group annual meeting: call for papers

The Pacific Seabird Group will hold its 37th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California over 17-21 February 2010.

 A call for oral or poster presentations has now been made with a deadline for submission of abstracts of 13 November.  Abstracts should be sent to Tom Good at [tom.good@noaa.gov](mailto:tom.good@noaa.gov).

 Two of the three planned special paper sessions are:

 Life and death: identification, quantification and reduction of mortality in seabirds

 and

 Seabird habitat restoration

 For more information on the meeting visit the PSG's web site at [http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/)*.*

 *Posted 17 September 2009*


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## Australian team wins Smart Gear Competition with Underwater Bait Launcher

This year's WWF International Smart Gear Competition, the fourth, has been won by an Australian team of Phil Ashworth (Amerro Engineering) and Graham Robertson (Australian Antarctic Division) for their Underwater Bait Launcher.  The grand prize, awarded out of 72 entries from 27 countries, is worth US$ 45 000.  The competition has been running since 2004.

 The results of the competition were announced in Vigo, Spain at the [World Fishing Exhibition](http://www.worldfishingexhibition.com/) on 16 September.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy_Albatross_by_Alex_Teraudsl.jpg "Shy Albatrosses")

 The Underwater Bait Launcher uses a capsule to carry baited hooks six metres below the sea surface before release, out of reach of most albatrosses.  It has been designed for use with pelagic longliners, targeting tuna and swordfish.

 To read more about the Smart Gear Competition visit [www.smartgwear.org](http://www.smartgwear.org/). The next competition will be in 2011.

 Graham is a member of ACAP's Seabird Bycatch Working Group.

 Click [here](http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2009/WWFPresitem13681.html) and [here](http://www.aad.gov.au/default.asp?casid=36842&source=17&rank=1) for more news of the Underwater Bait Launcher.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, posted 17 September 2009*


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## Tristan Albatrosses have another poor breeding year  UPDATED

It is now well-known that the Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* of Gough Island are facing a double onslaught from longline mortality at sea and from chick predation by introduced House Mice on land.

 A measure of breeding production for the whole island for this near-endemic Critically Endangered Species has now been obtained for the sixth year out of the last nine (since 2001).  A total of 488 large chicks was counted this month by a six-person team led by Peter Ryan of the FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town.  With 1794 incubating birds present during the January count, this equates to a maximum breeding success of 27.2%.  Actual breeding success will be lower, with further mortalities expected prior to fledging.  This year's chick count is double last year's, which was the lowest of all the six years studied, but is considered still far too low to sustain the island's population.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/ronconi.jpg "Rob Ronconi with a Tristan Albatross chick attacked by mice.  Photograph by Peter Ryan")

 Research is continuing on the island for a further year to obtain necessary information prior to an attempted mouse-eradication exercise ([click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/publications.asp) for the mouse eradication feasibility study).

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/gonygps.jpg "Southern Giant Petrels surround a Tristan Albatross chick attacked by mice")

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer and Peter Ryan, University of Cape Town, posted 18 September 2009, updated 30 September 2009*


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## Tracking procellariiform seabirds at sea

 At any time, a number of procellariiform seabirds (albatrosses and petrels) are flying the World's oceans carrying tracking devices, either satellite transmitters or loggers.  Some of these birds are of ACAP-listed species.

  At [www.wildlifetracking.org](http://www.wildlifetracking.org/) the fortunes of several species can be followed in real time.  Wildlifetracking.org is a partnership of more than 200 projects, tracking 32 species (including seabirds and turtles). 

 Currently, three species of shearwaters are being tracked by satellite with daily updates to the maps: Flesh-footed *Puffinus creatopus* and Sooty *P. griseus* Shearwaters in the North Pacific and Great Shearwaters *P. gravis* in the Atlantic on their way home to the islands of Tristan da Cunha.

  The Great Shearwaters are being tracked by Rob Ronconi of Dalhousie University, Canada who is currently on Gough Island in the Tristan Group with the ACAP Information Officer.  During their time at Gough geolocators are being collected and new ones will be deployed on Great Shearwaters and on Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* by a number of different researchers.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern Giant Petrel_pair Graham Robertson.jpg "A Southern Giant Petrel pair.  Photograph by Graham Robertson")

  Earlier information at the Wildlife Tracking web site shows the movements of Black-footed Albatrosses *Phoebastria nigripes* in the North Pacific from 2004 to 2008.

  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 22 September 20009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/tracking-procellariiform-seabirds-at-sea.md)

## Five more ACAP Species Assessments published on the web

So far 27 of the 29 ACAP-listed species have had their Assessment texts posted to the web site.

 The Species Assessments listed most recently are for the Antipodean Albatross *Diomedea antipodensis*, Buller's Albatross *Thalassarche bulleri*, Grey-headed Albatross *T. chrysostoma*, Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus* and the White-capped Albatross*T. steadi.*

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Antipodean_Albatross_by_Mike_Double.jpg "Antipodean Albatross.  Photograph by Mike Double")

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) or on "Species Assessments" on the Home Page to view the 27 texts.

 *Posted 25 September 2009*


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## South Africa to hold a "Save our Seabirds Festival"

A "Save our Seabirds Festival" is to be held in Cape Town, South Africa over the period 12-18 October 2009, jointly organized by BirdLife South Africa's Seabird Division, the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Two Oceans Aquarium. 

 The programme of events includes a photographic competition, an educational programme for under-privileged school children, evening lectures, a "gala evening cocktail party" and various birding outings, including a two-day pelagic trip and a visit to Robben Island. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_Browed-Albatross-by-Luke-Finley_gallery.jpg "Black-footed Albatross off Cape Town.  Photograph by Luke Finley")

 The Festival will launch BirdLife South Africa's Marine Important Birds Areas Programme. 

 [Click here](http://www.birdlife.org.za/page/5614/save_our_seabirds_festival_2009) for more information. 

  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 September 2009*

 [http://www.birdlife.org.za/page/5614/save_our_seabirds_festival_2009](http://www.birdlife.org.za/page/5614/save_our_seabirds_festival_2009) 


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/south-africa-to-hold-a-qsave-our-seabirds-festivalq.md)

## Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross study on Gough Island goes into its 27th year

In 1982 on my first visit to Gough Island, part of the UK Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic, I marked a number of nests of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and banded the incubating birds.

 Twenty-seven years later this study colony is still being followed, with all the breeding birds colour-banded and nest sites permanently marked.  Surviving chicks are metal-banded every year, and when they recruit as breeders to the study colony (near the South African weather base at Transvaal Bay) they are then colour-banded.

 Following my retirement from active marine ornithological research at the end of 2006 the study is now managed by Peter Ryan of the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town.  Given the life expectancy of albatrosses (over 50 years for some individuals) it is crucial that such long-term studies are inherited by a new generation of researchers.

 The yellow-nosed albatrosses of Gough are now yielding information that confirms that calling albatrosses monogamous for life is an over-simplification. The occasional laying by two females in one nest, "extra-marital affairs" and males taking up temporary partners for a year ("divorce and remarriage") are all adding spice to the study.

 ![Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Gough_Island](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Atlantic_Yellow-nosed_Albatross_Gough_Island.jpg "Female Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross B14: first bred 2001. Photograph by Peter Ryan")

 The fortunes of the colony (in terms of breeding numbers and success) over more than 25 years are also revealing trends that may be related to both climate change and anthropogenic mortality from long-line fishing. Teasing out these connections will be the task of the next quarter-century and hopefully a third generation of albatross researchers.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 2 October 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/atlantic-yellow-nosed-albatross-study-on-gough-island-goes-into-its-27th-year.md)

## United Kingdom's ACAP Officer wraps up his Tristan visit on Gough Island

With support from Ovenstone's fishing vessel, *Edinburgh*, Dr Anton Wolfaardt, United Kingdom's ACAP Officer, took the opportunity at the end of his September liaison visit to Tristan da Cunha and its Conservation and Fisheries Departments to visit Gough Island for a few days over the first week of October.

 As a guest of the South African National Antarctic Programme he has been staying in the weather station at Transvaal Bay.  During his visit he has been shown two long-term studies of ACAP-listed birds: Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*.  He has also had the opportunity to view, and photograph, Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca* breeding on the island's coastal cliffs.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/norman_anton_gough1.jpg "Norman Glass, Tristan Conservation Department (left) introduces Anton Wolfaardt to a Tristan Albatross study chick in Gonydale, Gough Island")

 Norman Glass, Tristan Conservation Department (left) introduces Anton Wolfaardt to a Tristan Albatross study chick in Gonydale, Gough Island. Photograph by Donovan Willis

 Following his consultations with Tristan's Conservation and Fisheries Departments, his visit to Gough has enabled him to hold fruitful discussions with a number of researchers working with seabirds on the island ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/multi-national-expedition-sails-to-study-acap-species-in-the-mid-atlantic)).

 Anton is employed by the UK's Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC; [www.jncc.gov.uk](http://www.jncc.gov.uk/)).

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/united-kingdoms-acap-officer-makes-first-visit-to-tristan-da-cunha) for an earlier news item on Anton's visit to Tristan da Cunha. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 3 October 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/united-kingdoms-acap-officer-wraps-up-his-tristan-visit-on-gough-island.md)

## Southern Giant Petrels doing well on Gough Island

With attacks by introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* killing a large proportion of Tristan Albatross chicks *Diomedea dabbenena* (and Atlantic Petrel chicks *Pterodroma incerta*), it is pleasing to report that the population of at least one ACAP-listed species appears to be remaining stable on Gough Island in the South Atlantic.

 Gough is the most northerly extant breeding locality for Southern Giant Petrels *Macronectes giganteus* (the species went extinct on Tristan during the 19th century).  In 2001/02, the population was estimated as 225-245 annually-breeding pairs (Cuthbert & Sommer 2004). See also the ACAP Species Assessment at [http://www.acap.aq/acap-species](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species).

 ![Southern_Giant_Petrel_Gough_Island_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant_Petrel_Gough_Island_by_John_Cooper.jpg "Southern Giiant Petrel at the Low Hump colony, Gough Island, 28 September 2009.  Photograph by John Cooper")

 During September 2009 all known colonies at four main localities on the island were visited during the incubation period, yielding a total count of 317 pairs.  The difference between this and the published account is thought largely due to the discovery of a breeding colony on the west coast side of the island in 2005/06.

 ![Southern_Giant_Petrel_colony_Gough_Island_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant_Petrel_colony_Gough_Island_by_John_Cooper.jpg "Southern Giant Petrel breeding colony among bog ferns near Low Hump, 28 September 2009. Photograph by John Cooper")

 At the largest colony, below Low Hump, breeding birds have been banded opportunistically since the 1980s. A check of incubating birds on 28 September 2009 retrapped 54 banded birds. In addition, 13 GLS loggers (of 20 deployed the previous season) have been recovered so far from incubating birds at the Low Hump colony, that will yield information on where the birds went away from the island over a year's period.

 CUTHBERT, R.J. & SOMMER, E.S. 2004. Population size and trends of four globally threatened seabirds at Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean. *Marine Ornithology* 32: 97-103. [http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/32_1/32_1_97-103.pdf](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/32_1/32_1_97-103.pdf).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, Marthán Bester, University of Pretoria, and Peter Ryan, University of Cape Town, 04 October 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/southern-giant-petrels-doing-well-on-gough-island.md)

## Research party landed on Inaccessible Island to study Spectacled Petrel

Peter Ryan (University of Cape Town, South Africa) and Rob Ronconi (Dalhousie University, Canada) were successfully landed on uninhabited Inaccessible Island in the South Atlantic from South Africa's Antarctic supply ship, the *S.A. Agulhas* during the early morning of 5 October 2009.  The transfer was made by *Kamov* helicopter of Titan Helicopters in misty but calm conditions from close to the island's impressive coastal cliffs.

 ![Peter_Ryan_&_Rob_Ronconi_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/People/Peter_Ryan_&_Rob_Ronconi_by_John_Cooper.jpg "Rob Ronconi and Peter Ryan about to depart to Inaccessible")

 The *Agulhas* had sailed from Gough Island the previous day, on completion of the annual relief of South Africa's weather station on that island.  Gough and Inaccessible form part of the UK Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic. Together the two island nature reserves form a single World Heritage Site, as well as being individual Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.

 ![Inaccessible_Island_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Inaccessible_Island_by_John_Cooper.jpg "The eastern coastal cliffs of Inaccessible Island")

 During its projected seven-week stay in the research hut at Blenden Hall on Inaccessible, the research team will conduct the third-ever census of the numbers of Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata*, an ACAP-listed species endemic to the island.  In addition, satellite tags will be employed on Spectacled Petrels, Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca*(also an ACAP-listed species) and Great Shearwaters *Puffinus gravis*.

 The partywill also map the distribution of alien plants on the island, following previous surveys in 1989 and 1999, and will continue with the eradication of New Zealand Flax *Phormium tenax*, which has been slowly invading the island's coastal cliffs. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 October 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/research-party-landed-on-inaccessible-island-to-study-spectacled-petrel.md)

## Gough and Inaccessible Islands World Heritage Site to get a new management plan

Gough and Inaccessible Islands in the South Atlantic form part of the UK Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic.  Together the two island nature reserves (including their 12-nautical mile territorial waters) form a single World Heritage Site, as well as being individual Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.

 Between them the two islands support six ACAP-listed species, including the Critically Endangered Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* and the Vulnerable Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*, both of which are endemic.  They also hold a large proportion of the breeding population of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *Thalassarche chlororhynchos*, which is endemic to the Tristan da Cunha Group.

 ![Gough_Island_Met_Base_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Islands/Gough_Island_Met_Base_by_John_Cooper.jpg "The South African weather base above the cliffs at Transvaal  Bay, Gough Island")

 Separate management plans were adopted for Gough in 1993 and Inaccessible in 2001.  Following a grant to the Royal Society for the Protection of Seabirds ([RSPB](http://www.rspb.org.uk)) from the UK's Overseas Territories Environment Fund ([OTEP](http://www.ukotcf.org/otep/awards.htm)) a series of workshops are being held to help draft a new single management plan for the World Heritage Site for the five-year period, 2010-2015. 

 The first two workshops were held on Tristan da Cunha during August 2009, hosted by the island's Conservation Department.  The third workshop will be held in Cape Town South Africa on 15 October under the auspices of the RSPB and will be hosted by the South African National Antarctic Programme of the Department of Environmental Affairs.  This workshop will be attended by several members of T-BAG (the Tristan Biodiversity Advisory Group). 

 The final workshop is to be held later in the year at the RSPB Headquarters at Sandy, United Kingdom, with further members of T-BAG in attendance.  The workshops will also work towards producing a 25-50-year vision for the World Heritage Site. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 October 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/gough-and-inaccessible-islands-world-heritage-site-to-get-a-new-management-plan.md)

## Scientists Find 'Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch' thought to impact North Pacific Albatrosses

Scientists recently completed a journey into the vast and little-explored "Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch" which is thought to be the source of much of the plastic ingested by Black-footed, Laysan and Short-tailed Albatrosses.

 ![laysan_black-footed_midway_by_eric_vanderwerf](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/laysan_black-footed_midway_by_eric_vanderwerf.jpg "Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses. Photograph by Eric Vanderwerf")

 On the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition (SEAPLEX), researchers got the first detailed view of plastic debris floating in a remote ocean region.  The expedition was led by a team of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) graduate students, with support from University of California Ship Funds, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Project Kaisei.

 The Scripps research vessel R.V. *New Horizon* left its San Diego homeport on 2 August 2009, for the North Pacific Ocean Gyre, located some 1000 miles off California's coast, and returned on 21 August. Scientists surveyed plastic distribution and abundance, taking samples for analysis in the lab and assessing the impacts of debris on marine life.

 Before this research, little was known about the size of the "garbage patch" and the threats it poses to marine life and the gyre's biological environment. After transiting for six days aboard the research vessel, the researchers reached their first intensive sampling and began 24-hour sampling periods using a variety of tow nets to collect debris at several ocean depths.

 "We targeted the highest plastic-containing areas so we could begin to understand the scope of the problem," said Miriam Goldstein of SIO, chief scientist of the expedition. "We also studied everything from phytoplankton to zooplankton to small midwater fish."  The scientists found that at numerous areas in the gyre, flecks of plastic were abundant and easily spotted against the deep blue seawater.

 Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses in particular are well known for their tendency to ingest plastic items and feed these to their chicks. However, it is unclear how often albatrosses encounter or ingest plastic, whether plastic is mistaken for prey, has natural food attached to it, or is consumed to assist in digestion as is sometimes done with pumice. Unfortunately, plastic ingestion leads to mechanical blockage of the digestive tract, reduced food consumption, satiation of hunger, and potential exposure to toxic compounds. Although there have been documented detrimental effects on the growth rates and fledging masses of chicks, it is still unclear what levels of mortality are caused by plastic ingestion and further work should focus on answering these questions.

 Adapted from materials provided by the [National Science Foundation](http://www.nsf.gov/).  [Click here](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827180747.htm) for more information.

 *Lindsay Young, North Pacific New Correspondent, 15 October 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/scientists-find-great-pacific-ocean-garbage-patch-thought-to-impact-north-pacific-albatrosses.md)

## A new management plan (and vision) for an albatross and petrel World Heritage Site

 On 15 October, the third workshop in a series of four was held to develop a management plan for the Gough and Inaccessible Islands World Heritage Site.  The Site is part of the United Kingdom's Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic.

 Gough and Inaccessible Islands support breeding populations of six ACAP-listed species, including the endemic and threatened Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* and the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*.

 The mew management plan is intended to cover the period 2010 to 2015, and will build on the existing 1994 Gough and the 2001 Inaccessible plans.  It is aimed the new plan will have defined targets for improved conservation management, most especially the eradication of House Mice *Mus musculus* on Gough and of several species of invasive alien plants at both islands.

 The workshop continued to develop a vision statement for what the World Heritage Site should be like in 25 to 50 years' time.  It was agreed the aim would be to manage the islands in as near a pristine state as possible, with efforts directed at eradicating alien species the main management activity required.

 ![Gough_Inaccessible_Manplan_Workshop_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/Misc/Gough_Inaccessible_Manplan_Workshop_by_John_Cooper.jpg "Attendees at the Cape Town workshop.  Photograph by John Cooper")

 The workshop was held in Cape Town in the board room of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP).   Attendees were from or represented the City of Cape Town's Biodiversity Management Branch, the UK's Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Tristan Biodiversity Advisory Group, the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, SANAP, the Government and community of Tristan da Cunha, and the University of Cape Town.  Among the Tristan delegation was the Chief Islander, Conrad Glass and the Head of the new Conservation Department, Trevor Glass.  The meeting was convened by the RSPB under the facilitation of Doug Gilbert, a RSPB Reserves Ecologist based in Edinburgh, Scotland.  The next and last workshop in the series will be held in Sandy, England on 6 November.  The first two were held on Tristan da Cunha in August this year under the auspices of the Tristan Conservation Department.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 October 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/a-new-management-plan-and-vision-for-an-albatross-and-petrel-world-heritage-site.md)

## Fifth meeting of the ACAP Advisory Committee to meet in Argentina in April 2010

ACAP's Advisory Committee will hold its fifth meeting in Mar del Plata, Argentina over the period 13 -17 April 2010.  Prior to this three of the Advisory Committee's Working Groups (Breeding Sites, Seabird Bycatch, and Status and Trends) will meet from 8 to 10 April.

 Visit the ACAP home page for the first meeting circular with information on the meeting venue (the Uthgra Sasso Hotel), submission of documents and applications for observer status.


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/fifth-meeting-of-the-acap-advisory-committee-to-meet-in-argentina-in-april-2010.md)

## Dining out in an ocean of plastic: rates of plastic ingestion in Laysan Albatrosses at different colonies

The North Pacific Ocean contains an area the size of the continental United States covered in plastic debris. The highly mobile Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis*, which forages throughout the North Pacific, is quickly becoming the poster child for the effects of plastic ingestion on marine animals due to their tendency to ingest large amounts of plastic.

 In a recent paper, Dr. Lindsay Young (ACAP's North Pacific News Correspondent) and her colleagues examined whether Laysan Albatrosses breeding on Kure Atoll and Oahu, Hawaii, 2150 km away, ingested different amounts of plastic by putting miniaturized tracking devices on birds to follow them at sea and by examining their regurgitated stomach contents. Birds from Kure Atoll ingested almost 10 times the amount of plastic compared to birds from Oahu. Data from the tracking devices revealed that the birds were distributed over separate areas of the North Pacific during the breeding season and that birds from Kure overlapped considerably with the area of the "western garbage patch" off Asia which resulted in their greatly increased plastic ingestion.

 The results are considered surprising because researchers had suspected that there may be some differences in the amounts of plastic ingested between colonies, but not on the level of an order of magnitude. Particularly since the colony on Oahu is less than an hour outside of urban Honolulu, and is much closer to the garbage patch in the Eastern Pacific between Hawaii and California that has received so much attention.

 Unfortunately, whereas the albatrosses examined in this study were able to purge themselves of the plastic by regurgitating it, an unknown number of albatrosses die each year in the North Pacific as a result of ingesting plastic debris. Plastic ingestion can lead to blockage of the digestive tract, reduced food consumption, satiation of hunger, and potential exposure to toxic compounds, to name but a few of its detrimental effects. This study highlights that garbage generated by human activities on land clearly impacts ocean ecosystems and the animals that rely on them, thousands of kilometres away.

   
 Reference

 **Young, L.C., Vanderlip, C., Duffy, D.C., Afanasyev, V. & Shaffer, S.A. 2009.  Bringing home the trash: do colony-based differences in foraging distribution lead to increased plastic ingestion in Laysan Albatrosses? PLoS ONE 4(10): e7623. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007623.  [http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0007623](http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0007623)**

 *News from Lindsay Young, North Pacific News Correspondent, 1 November 2009, updated 8 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/dining-out-in-an-ocean-of-plastic-rates-of-plastic-ingestion-in-laysan-albatrosses-at-different-colonies.md)

## Pacific Seabird Group's 37th Annual Meeting announces programme

The Pacific Seabird Group will hold its 37th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California, USA in the Westin Hotel from 17 -21 February 2010.

 Special Sessions will be held on Seabird Habitat Restoration and Life and Death: Identification, Quantification, and Reduction of Mortality in Seabirds.

 Abstracts are due by 13 November 2009

 Go to [www.pacificseabirdgroup.org](http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/) for further information on the 2010 meeting, and from where a short report of the 2009 meeting (the 36th) held in Hakodate, Japan may be found.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 09 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/pacific-seabird-groups-37th-annual-meeting-announces-programme.md)

## ACAP gets its own offices in Hobart

The Tasmanian Minister for Economic Development, Mr Michael Aird, formally opened the new offices in Hobart for the Secretariat of the international Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) on Friday 6 November.  The offices, at 27 Salamanca Square, Hobart, are situated immediately next door to the previous shared offices, which had become too small for the Secretariat's staff.

 Mr Aird said that the Tasmanian Government was proud to host the prestigious international Secretariat which works to address the conservation of vulnerable seabirds.  "The Agreement seeks to conserve albatrosses and petrels by coordinating international activity to mitigate known threats to albatross and petrel populations.  Nineteen of the 22 species of albatross are under threat of extinction.

 ![opening_new_office_by_wieslawa_misiak_1](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/opening_new_office_by_wieslawa_misiak_1.jpg)

 *Minister Michael Aird opens the Secretariat's new offices, with Dr Marco Favero, Chair, ACAP Advisory Committee and Warren Papworth, ACAP Executive Secretary to his left and Valeria Carvajal, ACAP's National Contact Point for Chile, to the far right.  Photograph by Wiesława Misiak, ACAP Science Officer*

 The Tasmanian Government, through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, assists ACAP by providing office facilities, communication systems and administrative support.  Further activity occurs through the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment, with important conservation management programmes underway on eight of the 29 albatross and petrel species that are listed by ACAP".

  

 ![opening_new_office_by_wieslawa_misiak_2](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/opening_new_office_by_wieslawa_misiak_2.jpg)

 *Marco Favero presents a framed photograph to the Minister, as a token of ACAP's appreciation to the Government of Tasmania for its continued support.  Photograph by Wiesława Misiak, ACAP Science Officer.*

  

 Mr Warren Papworth, Executive Secretary of ACAP, said that it was fitting for the Secretariat to be housed in Hobart as it was a Tasmanian scientist, Nigel Brothers, who first identified the threat to albatross and petrel populations from long-line fishing operations. His efforts galvanised international action for the creation of ACAP.

 "We now have the facilities to house visiting scientists, increasing the opportunities for collaborative efforts in the critical work of the ACAP Agreement," Mr Papworth said.

 *News from the ACAP Secretariat, 09 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/acap-gets-its-own-offices-in-hobart.md)

## "Wings and waves": working to protect albatrosses in Peruvian waters

The marine fauna of Peru is threatened by several factors.  Some of the threatened species are seabirds (especially albatrosses) for which there is little information available from Peruvian waters.

  APECO (the Peruvian Association for the Conservation of Nature) is developing a project: "Albatrosses, Petrels and Fisheries in Peru", with funding by ACAP, the American Bird Conservancy and the Rufford Small Grants Foundation. 

  Information on the "Alas y Olas" (Wings and Waves) Project of APECO can be found at [http://www.apeco.org.pe/web/](http://www.apeco.org.pe/web/) and [http://sites.google.com/site/alasyolas/](http://sites.google.com/site/alasyolas/).

  *News from Liliana Ayala, Peruvian Association for the Conservation of Nature, 10 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/qwings-and-wavesq-working-to-protect-albatrosses-in-peruvian-waters.md)

## "Critter-cam" shows Black-browed Albatrosses follow Killer Whales

Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey, Japan's National Institute of Polar Research and Hokkaido University have published results from the first deployments of a combined animal-borne camera and depth data logger on free-ranging Black-browed Albatrosses *Thalassarche melanophris*.  The study took place at a South Atlantic breeding colony of Black-browed Albatrosses in January 2009, as part of a UK-Japan International Polar Year project.

 Four birds had tiny (82 g) cameras developed by the Japanese National Institute for Polar Research taped to their back feathers. More than 28 000 pictures were obtained as the albatrosses undertook foraging trips to feed their chicks. 

 The images obtained show albatrosses actively following a Killer Whale *Orcinus orca*, possibly to feed on food scraps. The camera images, together with the depth profiles, showed that the birds dived only occasionally, but that they actively dived when other birds or the Killer Whale were present.  This association with diving predators or other birds may partially explain how albatrosses find their prey more efficiently in an apparently featureless ocean, with a minimal requirement for energetically costly diving activities.

 The study, by Kentaro Sakamoto, Akinori Takahashi, Takashi Iwata and Philip Trathan, appears in the open-access journal *PLoS ONE* at [http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0007322](http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0007322).

 See also [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/revealed-the-albatrosss-unlikely-dinner-date-1798724.html](http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/revealed-the-albatrosss-unlikely-dinner-date-1798724.html).

 *News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/qcritter-camq-shows-black-browed-albatrosses-follow-killer-whales.md)

## Collaborative research on solving longline fishery bycatch in South Africa UPDATED

The preliminary results of collaborative research conducted on reducing bird bycatch in pelagic tuna fisheries have been recently published by the Washington Sea Grant.

 The work entailed comparing the performance of two bird-scaring streamer (tori) lines: light lines with short streamers and one with both short and long streamers.  A secondary objective was to assess the value of weighting branch lines, summarized here.

  The research was carried out in South African waters by a team of USA and South African scientists, led by Ed Melvin of Washington Sea Grant of the University of Washington in Seattle, USA.  The collaborative nature of the project was enhanced by it being undertaken aboard two joint-venture Japanese fishing vessels.

  Preliminary findings showed that weighted branch lines (with "safe leads"; see [www.fishtekmarine.com/safeleads.php](http://www.fishtekmarine.com/safeleads.php)) sank nearly three times faster than did unweighted branchlines.  Further, they sank to a 10-m depth considered beyond the reach of most diving seabirds within 100 m of the vessel's stern (and thus still within the reach of the bird-scaring line, as against unweighted branch line reaching a similar depth as much as 300 m behind the vessel, well away for the protection of the streamers.

 ![safe_leads_acap_by_graham_robertson](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Fishing_Gear/safe_leads_acap_by_graham_robertson.jpg)

 Tuna branchlines weighted with safe-leads sink baited hooks quickly away from foraging seabirds. Photograph by Graham Robertson 

 The value of weighting was emphasised by only two birds being killed on the weighted sets, compared to no less than 126 killed on unweighted lines.  This translates to rates of 0.070 and 0.975 birds killed/thousand hooks, respectively.  Significantly, there was no difference in catch rates of tuna and Swordfish between weighted and unweighted branch lines.

  The report discusses the efficacy of the safe leads, making recommendations for their improvement both in design and deployment.  In this regard Fishing Master Kazuhiro Yamazaki of the F/V *Fukuseki No.*5 made important suggestions (principally using double weights) to allow the use of weighted branch lines without compromising crew safety from flying weights following "bite-offs", which are known sometimes to cause serious injuries. His ideas are planned to be tested in collaboration with Japan Tuna and Tuna South Africa in 2010.

 ** **The final report of the research is expected early in 2010, in time to be tabled at the Fifth Meeting of ACAP's Advisory Committee, to be held in Argentina in April 2010.

  **Reference**

  Melvin, E., Guy, T. & Rose, B. 2009.  *Branchline weighting on two Japanese joint venture vessels participating in the 2009 South Africa tuna fishery: a preliminary report*. Seattle: Washington Sea Grant. 10 pp.  [http://wsg.washington.edu/mas/resources/seabird.html](http://wsg.washington.edu/mas/resources/seabird.html).

  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 November 2009, updated 19 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/collaborative-research-on-solving-longline-fishery-bycatch-in-south-africa.md)

## Translocated Short-tailed Albatross chick from Japan photographed off California five months later UPDATED

On 12 October 2009 a pelagic birdwatching trip off San Francisco, California, USA was treated to a prized sighting of a Short-tailed Albatross *Phoebastria albatrus*.  But at the time, they didn’t know just how special the bird was.  According to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, a band on the bird's leg and a transmitter taped to the bird's back indicated that it was one of the 15 chicks that had been translocated from Torishima to Mukojima Island in Japan, and hand-reared by scientists seeking to establish a new breeding colony on this formerly occupied island.  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/a-good-start-translocating-the-short-tailed-albatross-updated) for an earlier ACAP news item on the Japanese translocation efforts.

 ![](http://www.nprb.org/images/home/stal1_lg.jpg)

 A translocated Short-tailed Albatross, in juvenile plumage, fledged from Japan's Mukojima Island seen off the coast of California, USA on 12 October 2009.  Photograph by Alvaro Jaramillo, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

 In February this year, the 15 albatross chicks were moved to Mukojima Island, part of the Ogasawara Islands some 350 kilometres away from their original nesting site on Torishima. After a few months of hand-feeding, all of them successfully had left the hopeful breeding colony by 25 May.

 Researchers had attached satellite transmitters to seven of the chicks prior to them leaving to follow their migration routes, and when the individual was observed off the coast of California in October, its satellite tag was still intact and relaying its position to Japanese and USA scientists.

 The bird was tracked to the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula in early July. From there, it crossed the Pacific Ocean toward the Gulf of Alaska via the Aleutian Islands, and then flew along the western coast of Canada down to California, researchers said.

 ![](http://www.nprb.org/images/home/stal_map_lg.jpg)

  Movements of the translocated Short-tailed Albatross photographed in Californian waters.  Courtesy of Rob Suryan and the North Pacific Research Board.

 Of the seven banded birds, two were located in the Bering Sea, while one was confirmed to be in the Gulf of Alaska. However, the remaining three have not yet been spotted at sea. The transmitters are attached in such a way that as the birds moult their back feathers, the devices are shed.  It is possible that some of the devices had been shed in this way or had malfunctioned prematurely. 

 Short-tailed Albatrosses that fledge from Torishima and the Senkaku Islands migrate to the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands or to the coast of Alaska in summer, before coming back to their breeding colony after several years.  Early indications suggest that the translocated chicks behave in the same manner, although it is not yet known to which colony site they will return.  Scientists are hopeful that they will return to Mukojima, the site from which they fledged, where they can jump-start the formation of a new colony away from the volcanic threats that exist at the colony from which they hatched on Torishima.

 The Short-tailed Albatross was added to the list of species listed within ACAP earlier this year, along with the two other North Pacific albatrosses, the Laysan *P. immutabilis* and Black-footed *P. nigripes*.  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) for the ACAP Species Assessment for the Short-tailed Albatross.

 For more information on the translocation programme and satellite-tracking the birds go to [http://www.nprb.org/](http://www.nprb.org/).

 *Lindsay Young, North Pacific News Correspondent, 18 November 2009, updated 20 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/translocated-short-tailed-albatross-chick-from-japan-photographed-off-california-five-months-later.md)

## ICCAT committee recommends tightening its seabird bycatch recommendation

The full report of the October 2009 meeting of ICCAT's (International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) held in Madrid, Spain is now available at [http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/Docs/2009-SCRS_ENG.pdf](http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/Docs/2009-SCRS_ENG.pdf).  The following information giving advice to ICCAT's Commission has been adapted from the SCRS report.

 The Recommendation by ICCAT on *Reducing Incidental By-Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries* (Rec. 07-00) incorporates measures intended to reduce seabird by-catch, focused on the southern hemisphere.  However, it is of particular concern that no bird-scaring lines are required for swordfish fishing using night setting as an alternative. This concern is because there is clear empirical evidence from night-time fishing operations that a number of seabird species are vulnerable to by-catch during periods around full moon and still others have high vulnerability during dark nights.

 Considering the wide-ranging interactions between seabirds and pelagic longline fisheries in the Convention Area, including species of critical conservation concern in areas north of 20ºS latitude, and in the absence of information showing that there is no significant seabird interactions with Contracting Parties' national pelagic longline fisheries, the Commission should, at a minimum, require Contracting Parties to use tori (bird-scaring) lines in combination with at least one other effective mitigation measure throughout the Convention area, until such time that it can be demonstrated through direct observation of the longline fisheries, that bycatch levels are of insignificant magnitude for seabird populations. The Commission should also encourage research into increasing the efficacy of existing mitigation measures and development of additional measures, which, upon demonstrating proof of concept, should be adopted by Contracting Parties. The Commission should also work towards harmonizing these measures with the other tuna RFMOs to the degree possible.

 The ICCAT Commission has now met in Recife, Brazil and information on its decision in relation to seabird bycatch will be published on the ACAP web site once it comes available.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/iccat-committee-recommends-tightening-its-seabird-bycatch-recommendation.md)

## News from the First World Seabird Conference: Seabirds: Linking the Global Oceans

The First World Seabird Conference: Seabirds: Linking the Global Oceans, will be held over 7-11September 2010 at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

 **Call for Abstracts**

 The call for abstracts is now open.  The abstract submission deadline is 8 January 2010.

 **Travel Awards**

 In seeking to make the conference a truly global meeting, the Travel Awards Committee will search for representation from many countries and organizations.  Students and scientists who wish to present their research and are in need of travel support to attend the Conference are encouraged to apply.

 **Conference Information**

 Registration will open in January 2010.

 **Conference Secretariat**

 [wsc@dearmondmanagement.com](mailto:wsc@dearmondmanagement.com)

 [www.WorldSeabirdConference.com](http://www.worldseabirdconference.com/)


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-from-the-first-world-seabird-conference-seabirds-linking-the-global-oceans.md)

## Lead poisoning threatens the Laysan Albatrosses of Midway

A modelling study published online in the journal *Animal Conservation* has shown how removing sources of lead-based paint on an albatross breeding island will give the population a respite while international efforts continue to reduce mortality from fisheries at sea: considered to be a harder problem to address.

 A simple deterministic modelling approach was used to evaluate the impact of chick mortality from ingestion of lead-based paint on the population growth rate of Laysan Albatrosses *Phoebastria immutabilis* breeding on Sand Island, Midway Atoll (part of the USA's Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and a nominated World Heritage Site to be considered for listing next year, [click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/north-pacific-albatross-breeding-sites-head-for-world-heritage-status) for earlier news item). Up to 7% of the chicks on the island fail to fledge as a result of lead poisoning each year, estimated to result in a 16% reduction in population size ( some 190 000 less birds) 50 years in the future. 

 Myra Finkelstein, an environmental toxicologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who co-authored the publication, has been reported as saying she hopes that the recent findings will help spur cleanup efforts on Midway Atoll, where lead-based paint from abandoned military buildings contaminates nearby nests.

 In 2003, Finkelstein identified the source of lead poisoning on Sand Island as 95 decaying buildings covered in lead-based paints. Chicks eat the paint chips that blow or fall into their nests. She also observed chicks eating peeling paint directly from the buildings.  The most visible symptom of lead poisoning in chicks, called "droopwing," is an inability to lift their wings as a result of the toxic effects of lead on the nervous system. Chicks with droopwing are not able to fledge and die from starvation or complications of lead poisoning.

 About half of the world's 2.5 million Laysan Albatrosses breed on Sand Island.  According to the study, removal of lead paint from the island could increase the island's population by some 100 000 birds within 25 years.

 See also:  [http://www.physorg.com/news175962474.html](http://www.physorg.com/news175962474.html) to view a picture of a Laysan Albatross chick with "droopwing".

 **Reference**

 Finkelstein, M.E., Doak, D.F. Nakagawa, M., Sievert, P.R. & Klavitter, J. 2009. Assessment of demographic risk factors and management priorities: impacts on juveniles substantially affect population viability of a long-lived seabird. *Animal Conservation*DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00311.x.  [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122655647/abstract](http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122655647/abstract). 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 20 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/lead-poisoning-threatens-the-laysan-albatrosses-of-midway.md)

## Australia's Macquarie Island gets more funding to eradicate its alien mammals in 2010

The Australian Federal Government will invest over AU$38 million in the conservation and preservation of Australia's unique World Heritage places through the Caring for our Country programme.  A share of this sum will be spent on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, home to a number of ACAP-listed species.

 AU$7.4 million of the allocation will be invested over the next four years to eradicate the rabbit and rodent populations that are currently threatening the island's fragile sub-Antarctic environment.  The project is jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments.  It will help restore the fragile natural beauty of the island and provide long term protection for its wildlife and vegetation.

 Search this web site using the key word "Macquarie" to find out details of the eradication plan and the project's newsletter.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Shy_Albatross_on_Albatross_Island_by_Drew_Lee.jpg "Shy Albatross.  Photograph by Drew Lee")

 A further sum of AU$ 13.6 million goes to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which includes two of the only three breeding sites of the Shy Albatross *Thalassarche cauta*.

 [Click here](http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091116a.html) for the funding announcement by The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP, Australian Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 November 2009*

 * *


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/australias-macquarie-islands-gets-more-funding-to-eradicate-its-alien-mammals-in-2010.md)

## Atlas of the Patagonian Sea published

Two conservation groups have jointly produced the *Atlas of the Patagonian Sea: Species and Spaces*, the first for a South American marine ecosystem.

 The atlas, the work of Wildlife Conservation Society and BirdLife International, contains maps for the Patagonian Sea region, revealing key migratory corridors for penguins, albatrosses, sea lions and other marine animals.

 Data for the atlas were gathered by a team of 25 scientists over a 10-year period, using radio collars and satellites to track 16 species of marine animals, producing some 280 000 individual uplinks of data from the Patagonian Sea, from southern Brazil to southern Chile.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_Browed-Albatross-by-Luke-Finley_gallery.jpg "Black-browed Albatross.  Photograph by Luke Finley")

 The 300-page book, written in both English and Spanish, has been edited by Valeria Falabella and Claudio Campagna of the Wildlife Conservation Society and John Croxall of Birdlife International.

 [Click here](http://www.wcs.org/new-and-noteworthy/new-atlas-of-the-patagonian-sea.aspx) for more details of the atlas.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/atlas-of-the-patagonian-sea-published.md)

## News from the ACAP Secretariat

ACAP's North Pacific News Correspondent, Dr Lindsay Young, who is based in Hawaii, USA, is taking six-months' maternity leave from her position.   Until further notice, ideas for news items from the North Pacific region should be sent directly to the ACAP Information Officer, at [john.cooper@acap.aq](mailto:john.cooper@acap.aq).

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/lindsay_young_and_friend.jpg "Lindsay Young and friend")  The ACAP Secretariat wishes Lindsay all the best and looks forward to welcoming her back and to its first ACAP baby!

  *News from John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 21 November 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-from-the-acap-secretariat.md)

## New Regional Fisheries Management Organization adopted for the South Pacific

The international consultations over the proposed South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation have been successfully concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of the High Seas Fishery Resources of the South Pacific Ocean in Auckland, New Zealand on 14 November 2009 ([http://www.southpacificrfmo.org](http://www.southpacificrfmo.org/)).  The Convention will be open for signature from 1 January 2010.

  When the Convention enters into force, the gap that exists in the international conservation and management of non-highly migratory fisheries ("non-tuna stocks") and protection of biodiversity in the marine environment extending from the most eastern part of the southern Indian Ocean through the Pacific towards the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of South America will be closed. 

 The new RFMO  has come about  after three and a half years of negotiations and the holding of eight  diplomatic conferences.  The Convention text represents one of the most modern examples of fishery management legal instrument, encompassing ecosystem considerations together with the precautionary approach principle.  The fish regulated under the new Convention include both demersal and pelagic species, such as Jack Mackerel, Orange Roughy, oreos, Alfonsino and Bluenose.

 [Click here](http://www.southpacificrfmo.org/assets/Convention-and-Final-Act/2272946-v1-SPRFMOConvention.pdf)for the convention text.

  The new RFMO allows for a consideration of reducing effects on non-target species. It will come into force after eight Parties have ratified or acceded to the Convention.

 Se also [http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press_corner/press_releases/2009/com09_70_en.htm](http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press_corner/press_releases/2009/com09_70_en.htm).

  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 23 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/new-regional-fisheries-management-organization-adopted-for-the-south-pacific.md)

## ICCAT meeting does not reach consensus on bird bycatch  UPDATED

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas met for the 21st time in Recife, Brazil in November this year.  A press release of the meeting's decisions may be read at [http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/COMM2009/PressReleaseCom2009-ENG.pdf](http://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/COMM2009/PressReleaseCom2009-ENG.pdf).

 The meeting did not reach consensus on proposals to reduce bird bycatch put to it by its Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/iccat-committee-recommends-tightening-its-seabird-bycatch-recommendation) for an earlier ACAP news item).

 Form more information on the ICCAT meeting in relation to bird bycatch [click here](http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2009/11/iccat_albatross_failure.html).

 See also [http://www.birdlife.org.za/data/files/iccat_seabirds26nv09_20091130080019.pdf](http://www.birdlife.org.za/data/files/iccat_seabirds26nv09_20091130080019.pdf).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/iccat-meeting-does-not-reach-consensus-on-bird-bycatch.md)

## Rodent eradication plan for a shearwater island

 Although not an ACAP-listed species, the Flesh-footed Shearwater *Puffinus carneipes*scored relatively highly in an assessment conducted by ACAP's Advisory Committee designed to identify procellariiform species whose conservation status might be improved by international action ([click here](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_1/36_1_1-8.pdf) for a paper on the assessment exercise). 

  The Flesh-footed Shearwater breeds on Australia's Lord Howe Island where its declining population is considered to be at risk from both bycatch at sea and from land-based conservation issues ([click here](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V5X-4HNSGB1-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1112820775&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=7965b443789e83a0bf99a91f827c2553)). 

  A draft plan has now been released to eradicate the introduced rodents of Lord Howe ([click here](http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/pestsweeds/draftLHIrodentplan.pdf)) which, if carried out successfully, should help improve the conservation status of the shearwater.

  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 November 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/rodent-eradication-plan-for-a-shearwater-island.md)

## New web site links regional seabird groups

Go to [http://www.seabirds.net/](http://www.seabirds.net/) to access the web sites of 14 regional seabird groups or similar bodies. 

 This site, still under development, is planned to be a "one-stop" internet gateway for information on the world's seabirds. 

 *28 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/new-web-site-links-regional-seabird-groups.md)

## South Orkneys Marine Protected Area declared

A Marine Protected Area (MPA) covering a large area of the Southern Ocean south of the South Orkney Islands was declared at the 28th annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources ([CCAMLR](http://www.ccamlr.org)).  The South Orkney Islands MPA encompasses an area of nearly 94 000 square kilometres.  It will come into force in May 2010.

  

 The new MPA will prohibit all fishing activities, as well as waste disposal and discharge from fishing vessels within its boundaries, and will allow for improved coordination of scientific research activities.  The South Orkneys MPA will be the world’s first entirely High Seas Marine Protected Area.

   ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern_Giant_Petrel_by_Flavio_Quintana.jpg "Southern Giant Petrel.  Photograph by Flavio Quintana")

   

 The new MPA will give added protection to a number of ACAP-listed species that forage within the area, including Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris* and Grey-headed *T. chrysostoma* albatrosses and the Southern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus*.  The Southern Giant Petrel is the only ACAP-listed species that breeds within the Antarctic Treaty Area, including on the South Orkney Islands ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/management-plans/mgmt-plans-sgp)).

  

 See also:

  

 [http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/about_bas/news/news_story.php?id=1054](http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/about_bas/news/news_story.php?id=1054)

  

 and

  

 [http://www.fishnewseu.com/latest-news/world/2333-antarctic-commission-approves-establishment-of-south-orkney-marine-protected-area.html](http://www.fishnewseu.com/latest-news/world/2333-antarctic-commission-approves-establishment-of-south-orkney-marine-protected-area.html)

  

  *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 November 2009*

   


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/south-orkneys-marine-protected-area-declared.md)

## Calls to protect Mediterranean shearwaters from longline mortality acknowledged by EU

Prior to a recent meeting of the European Commission's [Agriculture & Fisheries Council](http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press_corner/press_releases/2009/com09_71_en.htm)in Brussels, Belgium calls ([click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-228959)) have been made by NGOs for the Council to adopt measures to reduce seabird mortality from longlining in European (including Mediterranean) waters, especially of Cory's Shearwaters *Calonectris diomedea* and Balearic *Puffinus mauretanicus* and Yelkouan or Mediterranean *P. yelkouan* Shearwaters.

 Although not currently ACAP-listed species, these three shearwater species have been identified by ACAP's Advisory Committee as potential candidates for listing ([click here](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/36_1/36_1_1-8.pdf)).

 Additionally, the United Kingdom's Fisheries Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, has been reported as saying ([click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-235344)) that it was a tragedy that so many seabirds were lost each year in fishing operations that were placing a considerable strain on their populations.  He noted the work that was taking place in the Southern Ocean but stated that action in Europe was long overdue and that he therefore supported the need for an EU Seabird Plan of Action.

 Following the Council meeting the Commission will launch a study to collect data next year, as a first step towards fully addressing fishing's effects on seabird populations ([click here](http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press_corner/press_releases/2009/com09_72_en.htm)).

 See also:

 [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-bycatch-downed-by-industrial-fishing-1828765.html](http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-bycatch-downed-by-industrial-fishing-1828765.html)

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/calls-to-protect-mediterranean-shearwaters-from-longline-mortality.md)

## North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program

North Star Science and Technology, LLC and American Bird Conservancy announce the 7th bi-annual North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program.  North Star will award a total of eight battery-powered or solar satellite transmitters (Argos Platform Transmitter Terminals; PTTs), to one to three recipients.  The programme is open to projects throughout the world.  Research that contributes to knowledge of avian biology and that provides data useful for bird conservation, particularly of threatened species, will receive preference in the selection process.  The American Bird Conservancy ([http://www.abcbirds.org](http://www.abcbirds.org/)) will handle the proposal submission process, review proposals, and select the winning projects.

 ![Laysan Albatross by James Lloyd](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/L/Laysan Albatross by James Lloyd.jpg "Laysan Albatross.  Photograph by James Lloyd ")

 Visit [http://www.northstarst.com](http://www.northstarst.com/) for more information and for the proposal guidelines.  The deadline for proposals is 5 February 2010.  Queries may be directed to George E. Wallace, American Bird Conservancy at [gwallace@abcbirds.org](mailto:gwallace@abcbirds.org).

 *Posted 5 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/north-star-science-and-technology-transmitter-grant-program.md)

## News of the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project

Visit [http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=13013](http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=13013) to read the latest news of Australia's efforts to eradicate introduced rabbits and rodents from sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island - a breeding site for seven ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.

 The fourth issue (dated November 2009) of the project's newsletter, *Macquarie Dispatch*, has now been published, and reports on a project visit to Macquarie with members of the project's steering committee, along with two Springer spaniels trained to hunt the remaining rabbits after the poison-bait drop, scheduled for May next year.  The project's [blog](http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=15267) is full of detail of these two dogs:

 "Happy to be back on land, Gus and Ash were overwhelmed with excitement.  They virtually ignored the welcome party of noisy elephant seals lolling around the boat landing area.  Trained to target only bunnies, they took off for the rabbit infested hills with trainer Steve Austin and eradication project assistant manager Geoff Woodhouse for a day of sheer bliss."

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black-browed Albatross Preening by Aleks Terauds.jpg "Black-browed Albatrosses breed on Macquarie Island.  Photograph by Aleks Terauds")

 The successful eradication of rabbits and rodents at Macquarie Island will be a significant step forward for the enhanced protection of the island' fauna and flora, including its ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels.

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/PDF_Docs/En/acap_eradication_guidelines_en1.1.pdf) for ACAP's "Guidelines for eradication of introduced mammals from breeding sites of ACAP-listed seabirds".

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 5 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-of-the-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-project.md)

## Latest version of the IUCN Red List released

The latest update (Version 2009.02) of the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) [Red List of Threatened Species](http://www.iucnredlist.org/) shows that 17 291 species out of 47 677 assessed are threatened with extinction ([click here](http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/red_list/?4143/Extinction-crisis-continues-apace)).** **The results reveal 21% of mammals, 30% of amphibians, 12% of birds, 28% of reptiles, 37% of freshwater fishes, 70% of plants and 35% of invertebrates assessed so far are under threat. 

 Of the currently 29 ACAP-listed species 18 albatrosses and four petrels are considered threatened by IUCN, an overall percentage of 76, far higher than the overall 12% for all the World's birds.  Of the 22 threatened ACAP species three are considered to be Critically Endangered (i.e. in extremely high danger of of extinction in the wild) and six have been categorized as Endangered and 13 as Vulnerable.  Of the remaining seven listed species five have been categorized as Near Threatened and two (both giant petrels *Macronectes* spp.) are currently considered to be of Least Concern. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_female_by_John_Cooper2.jpg "The Tristan Albatross, one of the three Critically Endangered ACAP species.  Photograph by John Cooper")

 Threat-categorization of birds is undertaken by BirdLife International ([click here](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html)) on behalf of IUCN. 

 See  also: [http://www.iucnredlist.org/news/north-pacific-albatrosses-acap](http://www.iucnredlist.org/news/north-pacific-albatrosses-acap).** **

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) for ACAP's assessment texts of its listed species. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 6 November 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/latest-version-of-the-iucn-red-list-released.md)

## Two South African studies confirm specific status for giant and Procellaria petrels

Genetic (cytochrome*b*) research recently published in the journal *[Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution](http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ympev)* supports specific status for Northern *Macronectes halli* and Southern *M. giganteus* Giant Petrels and for the Spectacled Petrel *Procellaria conspicillata*.

 The multi-authored giant petrel study (with authors from no less than eight countries) estimates the two species diverged about 0.2 million years ago (mya).  The giant petrels of Gough Island in the South Atlantic, the northernmost breeding site for the genus, are confirmed to be Southerns.

 Spectacled and White-chinned *P. aequinoctialis* Petrels are deemed to have diverged approximately 0.9 mya.  Two regional populations for White-chins are identified, one centred around New Zealand and the other throughout the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, thought to have diverged 0.35 mya.

 ![Southern Giant Petrel by Rowan Treblico](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/Southern Giant Petrel by Rowan Treblico.jpg "Southern Giant Petrel.  Photograph by Rowan Treblico")

 The two publications form part of Dr Mareile Techow's PhD research at the University of Cape Town ([click here](http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/docs/mareile.html)).

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/english/english/working-groups/taxonomy-working-group/taxonomy-meeting-2/view-category) for reports of the ACAP Advisory Committee's Taxonomy Working Group.

 **References:**

 Techow, N.M.S.M.. O'Ryan, C., Phillips, R.A., Gales, R., Marin, M., Patterson-Fraser, D., Quintana, F., Ritz, M.S., Thompson, D.R., Wanless, R.M., Weimerskirch, H. & Ryan P.G. 2009.  Speciation and phylogeography of giant petrels *Macronectes.* *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution**.** *[doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2009.09.005](http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2009.09.005).

 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.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 11 December 2009*

  


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/two-south-african-studies-confirm-specific-status-for-giant-and-procellaria-petrels.md)

## Seabird bycatch in southern African pelagic and demersal longline fisheries

Two recent publications in the *[African Journal of Marine Science](http://www.nisc.co.za/journals?id=10)* quantify seabird bycatch in southern African longline fisheries.  The details below have been summarized from the papers' abstracts.  The two publications  emanate from Dr Samantha Petersen's PhD research at the University of Cape Town. 

 The waters around South Africa support a pelagic longline fleet targeting tunas *Thunnus*spp. and swordfish *Xiphias gladius*.  Fisheries observers collected seabird bycatch data from 2 256 sets (4.4 million hooks) and recorded a total of 1 954 birds of 11 seabird species, eight of which are considered threatened.  Birds were caught at an average rate of 0.44 per 1 000 hooks, resulting in an average of 2 900 seabirds killed a year, decreasing from approximately 5 900 in 1998 to 1 800 in 2005.  Estimates of the numbers of seabirds killed per year were lower than in other studies, an improvement most likely linked to the termination of foreign bilateral agreements, as well as to improved awareness among fishers as a result of ongoing education campaigns. Some of the apparent decreases in catch rate could reflect reduced numbers of seabirds at sea, the result of ongoing population decreases in several key species. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Meetings/AC4/AC4_Cruise_Trawler_ by_Luke_Finley.jpg "Seabirds attracted to a South African fishing vessel.  Photograph by Luke Finley")

 Seabird bycatch in the demersal longline hake (*Merluccius capensis*and *M. paradoxus*) fishery in the southern Benguela region was recorded from 2 412 sets (14 million hooks).  Of the 107 seabirds caught, at a rate of 0.008 per 1 000 hooks, 41 were killed (0.003 per 1 000 hooks).  There was a significant decrease in catch rate from 2000 to 2006.  An estimated 225 birds were killed a year by the South African fishery.  The White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*was the species most commonly caught by the South African fleet.  Seabird bycatch in the Namibian demersal longline fishery was estimated at 0.05-0.13 birds per 1 000 hooks.  The South African hake longline fishery has a relatively small impact on pelagic seabird populations compared with the Namibian fishery. 

 **References:**

 Petersen, S.L., Honig, M.B., Ryan, P.G. & Underhill, L.G. 2009.  Seabird bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery off southern Africa.  *African Journal of Marine Science* 31: 191-204.  ([click here](http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nisc/ajms/2009/00000031/00000002/art00007) for full abstract)

 Petersen, S.L., Honig, M.B., Ryan, P.G., Underhill, L.G. & Goren, M. 2009.  Seabird bycatch in the demersal longline fishery off southern Africa.  *African Journal of Marine Science* 31: 205-214.  ([click here](http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nisc/ajms/2009/00000031/00000002/art00008) for full abstract).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/seabird-bycatch-in-southern-african-pelagic-and-demersal-longline-fisheries.md)

## News of field research on the Waved Albatross of the Galapagos Islands

![Waved_ Albatrosses_by_Kate_Huyvaeart](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved_ Albatrosses_by_Kate_Huyvaeart.jpg)

 Waved Albatrosses *Phoebastria irrorata* in early June 2009 at Punta Cevallos, Espanola, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.  Nearly 4500 albatrosses have been banded at Punta Cevallos since 1999.  This site is the focus of continued work by Drs. Kate Huyvaert, Dave Anderson, and Jill Awkerman and colleagues at the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos National Park Service. 

 ![Waved_Albatross_banding_by_Kate_Huyvaert](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved_Albatross_banding_by_Kate_Huyvaert.jpg)

 Gustavo Jimenez (middle) and field assistants from the Galapagos National Park Service and Charles Darwin Foundation taking measurements and banding a Waved Albatross at Punta Suarez, Espanola. 

 ![Waved_ Albatross_incubating_by_Kate_Huyvaert](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Waved_ Albatross_incubating_by_Kate_Huyvaert.jpg)

 A Waved Albatross chick makes its way out of the egg, mid-June 2009.  The field-readable plastic band on the adult's left leg is used for re-sighting surveys conducted annually at Punta Cevallos, Espanola. 

 *News and pictures from [Kate Huyvaert](http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/~huyvaert/), [Department of Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Biology](http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/fwcb-home/),  Colorado State University, USA.  Posted 12 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/news-of-field-research-on-the-waved-albatross-of-the-galapagos-islands.md)

## Wildlife Monitoring Manual published for Tristan and Nightingale Islands

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ([RSPB](http://www.rspb.org.uk)) has published in its *RSPB Research Report* series a monitoring manual for birds and seals, including ACAP-listed albatrosses, at Tristan da Cunha and Nightingale Islands in the South Atlantic.

 The report joins a number of others ([click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/projects/tristandacunha/publications.asp)) that deal with aspects of the conservation of seabirds at the Tristan da Cunha and Gough group of islands, including the eradication of introduced rodents.

 The report, authored by Erica Sommer, Richard Cuthbert and Geoff Hilton, gives information on Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca*, which breed on both islands.  It has been written to aid the [Tristan Conservation Department](http://www.tristan-da-cunha.com/tristan-da-cunha/conservation) in undertaking long-term monitoring of vertebrate species of conservation concern - such as the two albatross species, of which, the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, is endemic to the Tristan -Gough Islands.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty albatross (3) R. Wanless & A. Angel.jpg "Sooty Albatross.  Photograph by Andrea Angel and Ross Wanless")

 Similar monitoring manuals have been previously published for both Gough and Inaccessible Islands (click here), the other two major islands in the Tristan Group, which together form a single [World Heritage Site](http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740) and additionally are separately [Ramsar International Wetland Sites](http://www.ramsar.org/cda/ramsar/display/main/main.jsp?zn=ramsar&cp=1-26-76^23979_4000_0__).

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) for the ACAP Species Assessments for these two albatross species.

 **Reference:**

 Sommer, E., Cuthbert, R. & Hilton, G. 2008.Tristan and Nightingale Islands Wildlife Monitoring Manual. RSPB Research Report No. 33. 35 pp.  [Click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/tristan_nightingale_manual_tcm9-220540.pdf) to access the PDF.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/wildlife-monitoring-manual-published-for-tristan-and-nightingale-islands.md)

## Island Invasives: Eradication and Management Conference: programme and list of papers now available

[Click here](http://www.cbb.org.nz/Instructions/Draft-Conference-Programme2.pdf) to view the programme and titles and authors of both oral and poster papers to be presented at the conference ([http://www.cbb.org.nz/conferences.asp](http://www.cbb.org.nz/conferences.asp)).

 A number of papers will deal with ongoing or planned eradication efforts directed at especially rodents at Southern Ocean islands that support threatened ACAP-listed species.  Islands to be covered will include Australia's Macquarie Island, the United Kingdom's Tristan and Gough Islands, New Zealand's Campbell Island, the French sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean, and the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas and South Georgia/Islas Georgia del Sur in the South Atlantic.

 The conference will be held at the Tamaki Campus, University of Auckland, New Zealand, from 8 to 12 February 2010, hosted by the Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity (University of Auckland & Landcare Research), in collaboration with the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group.

 [![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/Tristan_Albatross_chick_by_Ross_Wanless.jpg "Tristan Albatross chick being attacked at night by introduced House Mice on Gough Island.  Photograph by Ross Wanless")](http://www.cbb.org.nz/Instructions/Draft-Conference-Programme2.pdf)

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/2008-news-archive/conference-on-island-invasives-planned-for-new-zealand) for an earlier ACAP news item on this conference.

 ACAP's "Guidelines for eradication of introduced mammals from breeding sites of ACAP-listed seabirds" may be viewed at: [http://www.acap.aq/images/stories/PDF_Docs/En/acap_eradication_guidelines_en1.1.pdf](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/PDF_Docs/En/acap_eradication_guidelines_en1.1.pdf).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 14 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/island-invasives-eradication-and-management-conference-programme-and-list-of-papers-now-available.md)

## Tristan's Chief Islander presents albatross book to UK Minister for Overseas Territories  UPDATED

The Chief Islander of Tristan da Cunha, Police Inspector Conrad Glass, has presented a book on albatrosses to UK Minister Chris Bryant, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Overseas Territories in the Foreign Office.

 The occasion, the Eleventh Meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, took place in London on 9 December 2009.  Conrad was representing the UK Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha at the annual meeting.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/untitled.jpg "Chief Islander Conrad Glass presents Minister Chris Bryant with an albatross book")

 Chief Islander Conrad Glass presents Minister Chris Bryant with an albatross book

 The book "Albatross: their World their Ways", written and illustrated by Tui de Roy, Mark Jones and Julian Fitter and published in 2008, contains a two-page chapter by Conrad, entitled "The Plight of the Albatross on Tristan da Cunha".  Conrad Glass is no stranger to popular writing, having published his book "Rockhopper Copper" in 2005 that details his role as the island's only full-time policeman as well as his long-time contributions to conservation (such as by undertaking regular counts of Tristan's penguins).

 Another copy of the same book was presented to Huw Irranca-Davies, who as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the Minister responsible for conservation and biodiversity in the UK's Overseas Territories.

 Both ministers were briefed by Conrad on the subject and took time to discuss his chapter on albatross conservation on Tristan da Cunha with him.

 It is believed that the presentation has helped raise awareness of the serious conservation concerns facing ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels in the Tristan-Gough group of islands.  For more information, visit the ACAP Species Assessments for Tristan, Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Sooty Albatrosses and Spectacled, Grey and Southern Giant Petrels on this web site at [http://www.acap.aq/acap-species](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species).

 See also:

 [http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/](http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/)[http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/](http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/)[http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/](http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/)[http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/](http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/4171877074/)

 [http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=21377795](http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=21377795)

 [http://www.tristandc.com/newschiefislander.php](http://www.tristandc.com/newschiefislander.php)

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with the help of Clare Stringer, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Chris Bates, UK Represenatative, Tristan da Cunha, 17 & 24 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/tristans-chief-islander-presents-albatross-book-to-uk-minister-for-overseas-territories.md)

## Successfully counting Spectacled Petrels:  Inaccessible Island Expedition returns to Cape Town

Peter Ryan (University of Cape Town, South Africa) and Rob Ronconi (Dalhousie University, Canada) returned last week from a 60-day sojourn on uninhabited Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha Group, South Atlantic ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/research-party-landed-on-inaccessible-island-to-study-spectacled-petrel ) and [here](http://www.tristantimes.com/artd_7210_12_2009_3.html) for previous news items on the expedition).  Along with Gough Island, the Inaccessible Island Nature Reserve is a [World Heritage Site](http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/740), as well as being a [Ramsar Wetland of International Importance](http://www.ramsar.org/cda/ramsar/display/main/main.jsp?zn=ramsar&cp=1-26-76^23979_4000_0__).

 During their stay they lived in the research hut at Blenden Hall, but also camped on the island's plateau for a total of 21 nights.  Highlights of their stay included successfully completing the third five-yearly census of Spectacled Petrels *Procellaria conspicillata*, which are endemic to the island.  A preliminary analysis of the census data shows the population continues to increase in size.  Other ACAP-listed species monitored were the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross*Thalassarche chlororhynchos* and the Sooty Albatross *Phoebetria fusca*.

 ![spectacled_petrel_inaccessible_island_by_peter_ryan](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/S/spectacled_petrel_inaccessible_island_by_peter_ryan.jpg "[Spectacled Petrel on Inaccessible Island. Photograph by Peter Ryan]  Spectacled Petrel on Inaccessible Island. Photograph by Peter Ryan")

 A single male Tristan Albatross *Diomedea dabbenena* was discovered holding a site near Cairn Peak, a new locality on the island for this species.  If this results in a breeding attempt it will be the first confirmation for some years that this Critically Endangered species, endemic to the Tristan Group, continues to breed at more than the single locality of Gough Island.  [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/does-the-tristan-albatross-still-breed-on-inaccessible-island-updated) for a previous report on Inaccessible's Tristan Albatrosses.

 ![tristan_albatross_inaccessible_island_by_peter_ryan](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/T/tristan_albatross_inaccessible_island_by_peter_ryan.jpg "Inaccessible's solitary male Tristan Albatross: waiting for a mate? Photograph by Peter Ryan")

 In addition, satellite tags were deployed on breeding Spectacled Petrels, Sooty Albatrosses and Great Shearwaters *Puffinus gravis*.  Time-depth recorders were also deployed on the shearwater.

 [Click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/InaccessibleIslandseabirdmon_tcm9-181044.pdf) for the Inaccessible Island bird monitoring manual and [here](http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/InaccMP02.pdf) for the Inaccessible Island management plan.

 *John Cooper ACAP Information Officer, with Peter Ryan, Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town and Rob Ronconi, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 23 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/successfully-counting-spectacled-petrels-inaccessible-island-expedition-returns-to-cape-town.md)

## Non-breeding diets of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels in the South Atlantic

Most studies of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels have been undertaken at breeding localities and much less is known of the birds' diets in their non-breeding seasons and away from the islands where they breed. 

 Published information on the diets of  procellariiform seabirds off the coast of Brazil obtained by stomach-content analysis of birds found washed ashore and killed by longline fisheries has been reviewed by Fernanda Colabuono of the Departamento de Oceanografia, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rio Grande.  Her findings, published in the 2009 edition of *Sea Swallow*, the Annual Report of the [Royal Naval Birdwatching Society](http://www.rnbws.org.uk), show that fish (mainly Family Scianidae) are important items in the diets of Black-browed *Thalassarche melanophris* and Atlantic Yellow-nosed *T. chlororhynchos* Albatrosses whereas squid (mainly Family Histioteuthidae) predominate in the diets of White-chinned *Procellaria aequinoctialis* and Spectacled *P. conspicillata*Petrels. Squid also predominated in the diets of three species of *Puffinus* shearwaters and the Antarctic Fulmar *Fulmarus glacialoides* in Brazilian waters. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/B/Black_Browed-Albatross-by-Luke-Finley_gallery.jpg "Black-browed Albatross in the South Atlantic.  Photograph by Luke Finley")

 [Click here](http://www.marineornithology.org/PDF/35_1/35_1_9-20.pdf) for an earlier publication by Fernanda Colabuono on the non-breeding diets of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels off Brazil. 

 **Reference:** 

 Colabuono, F.I. 2009. The diet of albatrosses and petrels in Brazil: a review of current knowledge. *Sea Swallow* 58: 59-74. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 24 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/non-breeding-diets-of-acap-listed-albatrosses-and-petrels-in-the-south-atlantic.md)

## Recent population estimates and trends in numbers of albatrosses and giant petrels breeding at the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands

South Africa's Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean are an important locality for a total of nine regularly breeding ACAP-listed species.  The results of a recent survey of the seven surface-nesting ACAP species have now been published in the *African Journal of Marine Science*.  The full abstract follows below.

  ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_by_John_Cooper2.jpg "Wandering Albatross and chick on Marion Island, with Prince Edward Island in the background.  Photograph by John Cooper")

 The second mid-summer survey of surface-nesting seabirds at the Prince Edward Island group (Marion and Prince Edward islands) was conducted during December 2008, seven years after the initial mid-summer survey.  Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans*may have decreased slightly at Prince Edward Island, mirroring a decrease of roughly 2% per year at Marion Island from 1998 to 2005, a decline that has since reversed.  Numbers of Grey-headed Albatrosses *Thalassarche chrysostoma*on Marion Island have remained stable, whereas the population on Prince Edward Island decreased by 20% from 2001 to 2008 (3% per year).  The estimate of Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses *T. carteri*at Prince Edward Island was similar in 2001 and 2008.  Counts of both sooty albatrosses *Phoebetria*spp. were substantially higher at Prince Edward Island in 2008, possibly as a result of better coverage compared to 2001.  Sooty Albatrosses *P. fusca*on Marion Island have decreased by almost 2% per year since 1996, continuing a negative trend from the early 1980s, whereas Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses *P. palpebrata*have increased by almost 6% per year at Marion Island since 1996.  Counts of both giant petrels increased at Prince Edward Island (Northern *Macronectes halli*by 44%; Southern *M. giganteus*by 28%), whereas their numbers have remained stable at Marion Island.  Current best estimates for annual breeding populations (pairs) at the two islands are 3650 Wandering Albatrosses, 9500 Grey-headed Albatrosses, 7000 Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, 2900 Sooty Albatrosses, 800 Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, 750 Northern Giant Petrels and 2800 Southern Giant Petrels, confirming the global importance of the Prince Edward Islands for these seven species.  Apart from the Sooty Albatross, their populations are reasonably healthy despite fishing mortality.

 **Reference:**

 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. [http://www.nisc.co.za/oneAbstract?absId=3305](http://www.nisc.co.za/oneAbstract?absId=3305).

 [Click here](http://www.nisc.co.za/oneAbstract?absId=1014) and [here](http://www.nisc.co.za/oneAbstract?absId=1015) for abstracts of papers on the previous survey of surface-nesting ACAP species at the Prince Edward Islands, conducted in 2001.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 December 2009*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/recent-population-estimates-and-trends-in-numbers-of-albatrosses-and-giant-petrels-breeding-at-the-sub-antarctic-prince-edward-islands.md)

## Another island at risk?  Mice have commenced to attack albatross chicks on sub-Antarctic Marion Island  UPDATED

A paper published on-line in 2009 and in the February 2010 issue of the journal *[Antarctic Science](http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=ans)* by researchers at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa has shown that it is not only Gough Island in the South Atlantic where introduced House Mice are attacking large seabirds ([click here](http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/ReviewofImpacts_tcm9-181568.pdf)).  The problem now seems to be developing at sub-Antarctic Marion in the Southern Ocean, raising a new conservation concern for the island.

 The abstract is given in full:

 Introduced House Mice *Mus musculus* have recently been discovered to be significant predators of chicks of Tristan Albatrosses *Diomedea dabbenena* and several burrowing petrels at Gough Island.  We summarize evidence for mouse attacks on albatross chicks at sub-Antarctic Marion Island, where mice are also the only introduced mammal following the eradication of feral cats *Felis catus* in the early 1990s.  Wounds consistent with mouse attacks have been found on Wandering Albatrosses *D. exulans* since 2003 and Sooty Albatrosses *Phoebetria fusca* in 2009. To date, attacks on Wandering Albatross chicks have been infrequent, affecting <1% of chicks in study colonies, and only about half of the attacks have been fatal.  Small chicks may also die when mouse burrows collapse under chicks, trapping them.  Mouse attacks appear to be a recent phenomenon, supporting the contention that mice pose a significant threat when they are the only introduced mammal species.  Ongoing monitoring is needed to assess whether the impacts of mice increase over time.  Our observations add impetus to calls for the eradication of mice from Marion Island.

 ![Northern_Giant_Petrel_wounded_by_John_Cooper](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/N/Northern_Giant_Petrel_wounded_by_John_Cooper.jpg "Attacked by a mouse?  This Northern Giant Petrel's back shows a characteristic wound.  Photograph by John Cooper")

 ACAP's Information Officer can tentatively add the Northern Giant Petrel *Macronectes giganteus* to these two albatross species, based on a characteristically wounded adult he found sitting beside a broken egg within the long-term study colony at Marion Island in September 2003.  The bird's back had a large fresh wound exposing the bone.  The bird and egg had disappeared by the next nest check a few days later. 

 **Reference:**

 Jones, M.G.W. & Ryan, P.G. 2010.  Evidence of mouse attacks on albatross chicks on sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  *Antarctic Science* 22: 39-42*. * [doi:10.1017/S0954102009990459](http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=6315348).[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=6315348](http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=6315348)

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 25 December 2009, updated 18 February 2010*


[Lees meer...](https://www.acap.aq/2009-news-archive/another-island-at-risk-mice-have-commenced-to-attack-albatross-chicks-on-sub-antarctic-marion-island.md)

## White-capped Albatrosses occur regularly in the south-western Atlantic - where they are at risk from longlining

A paper recently published in the journal *[Emu](http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/96.htm)* by a group of Uruguayan researchers (Sebastián Jiménez, Andrés Domingo, Alejandro Marquez, Martin Abreu, Alejandro D'Anatro and Alfredo Pereira) reveals that the White-capped Albatross *Thalassarche steadi* is more common in the south-western Atlantic Ocean than hitherto thought.

 Genetic analysis of five "shy-type" albatrosses caught on longlines on the continental slope off Uruguay revealed them all to be White-capped Albatrosses.  Observations of birds at sea in the region and identified only as "shy-type" were thus likely to be White-capped Albatrosses.  Most of them were immature birds but adults were also seen.  Apart from a single bird seen ashore in a breeding colony at Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur), and also confirmed genetically ([click here](http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/96/paper/MU03057.htm)), these appear to be the first definite records of the species from the region.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White-capped Albatross nest byDavid Thompson.jpg "White-capped Albatross.  Photograph by David Thompson")

 The paper shows that the normal non-breeding range for the White-capped Albatross should be extended to include the south-western Atlantic as well as the waters off southern Africa and Australia ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) to view the ACAP Species Assessment for the White-capped Albatross and for more details and references to its at-sea distribution).

 **Reference:**

 Jiménez, S., Domingo, A., Marquez, A., Abreu, M., D'Anatro, A. & Pereira, A. 2009.  Interactions of long-line fishing with seabirds in the south-western Atlantic Ocean, with a focus on White-capped Albatrosses (*Thalassarche steadi*).  *Emu*109: 321-326. [http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/96/paper/MU09048.htm](http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/96/paper/MU09048.htm).

 See also a companion paper by Sebastián Jiménez and colleagues in the journal *Polar Biology* ([click here](http://www.springerlink.com/content/d223846875766843/?p=0a8e66ae881c4a6f865484e9fcef03f8&pi=5)).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 27 December 2009*


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## SCAR Fourth Open Science Conference calls for abstracts

The [First Circular for the 4th SCAR Open Science Conference](http://www.scar.org/conferences/BuenosAires/SCAR31_OSC_1st_Circular.pdf) is now available.  The conference will be held from 3-6 August 2010 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has the theme "*Antarctica - Witness to the Past and Guide to the Future**".*  Abstracts may be submitted up to 1 March 2010 and should address the session themes. 

 [Click here](http://www.dna.gov.ar/scar2010.htm) for more information on the conference. 

 The area of interest of [SCAR](http://www.scar.org/), The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, is given in its constitution: 

 "For the purpose of SCAR the Antarctic Region is considered to include Antarctica, its offshore islands, and the surrounding ocean including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the northern boundary of which is the Subantarctic Front. Subantarctic islands that lie north of the Subantarctic Front and yet fall into SCAR's area of interest include Ile Amsterdam, Ile St. Paul, Macquarie Island and Gough Island." 

 Thus SCAR covers much of the breeding and at-sea ranges of ACAP-listed albatrosses and petrels. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/S/Sooty_Albatross_by_Ross_Wanless.jpg "Sooty Albatross in flight.  Photograph by Ross Wanless")

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 December 2009*


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## Mixed news for the Amsterdam Albatross - ACAP's rarest species

The Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedea amsterdamensis* is endemic to France's Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean and is ACAP's  rarest listed species.  When first described as a full species (as recently as 1983) there were only nine breeding pairs present on the island, with a low of five in 1984.  The breeding population has risen over the years to 26 annually breeding pairs in 2007 (with a peak of 32 pairs in 2001 after a previous poor breeding season).

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam_Albatross_by_Scott_Shaffer.jpg "Amsterdam Albatross.  Photograph by Scott Shaffer")

 The good news of this approximate five-fold increase is offset by continuing concern that the bird remains at risk from the twin effects of longline mortality and climate change.  This concern is discussed in a paper published on-line in the January 2010 issue of the ornithological journal [*Ibis* ](http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0019-1019)by Phillipe Rivalan and colleagues at the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé in France ([www.cebc.cnrs.fr](http://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/)).  The paper concludes that an additional annual mortality of only six birds would "rapidly put this species at risk of extinction" and calls for the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](http://www.iotc.org)) to address the longlining mortality issue.

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) to view the ACAP Species Assessment for the Amsterdam Albatross.  See also [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120817408/abstract](http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120817408/abstract).

 **Reference:**

 Rivalan, P., Barbraud, C., Inchausti, P. & Weimerskirch, H. 2010.  Combined impacts of longline fisheries and climate on the persistence of the Amsterdam Albatross *Diomedia*[sic] *amsterdamensis*.  *Ibis*152: 6-18.  [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/122684273/PDFSTART](http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/122684273/PDFSTART).

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 28 December 2009*


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## The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission's Scientific Committee recommends a northerly increase to its seabird mitigation measure area

The Scientific Committee of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](http://www.iotc.org)) has published online ([click here](http://www.iotc.org/files/proceedings/2009/sc/IOTC-2009-SC-R[E].pdf)) the report of its Twelfth Session, held in Victoria, Seychelles over 30 November to 4 December 2009.

 The Scientific Committee's report notes that the northerly range of vulnerable seabirds in the Indian Ocean was greater than previously acknowledged, and as a consequence endorsed the SC's Working Party on Ecosystems and Bycatch (WPEB) recommendations on seabirds listed in the [report](http://www.iotc.org/files/proceedings/2009/wpeb/IOTC-2009-WPEB-R[E].pdf) of its 2009 meeting, particularly highlighting the recommendation to extend the area in which longliners are required to use mitigation measures farther north from latitude 30°S to 25°S.  This recommendation was based on newly provided information on the at-sea distribution of juvenile albatrosses and petrels.

 Consequently, the Scientific Committee recommended to the Commission that IOTC Resolution 08/03 "On reducing the incidental bycatch of seabirds in longline fisheries" by slightly amending its Paragraph 3 to include this new latitudinal limit.  The proposed Paragraph 3 will then read:

 "CPCs shall ensure that all longline vessels fishing south of 25°S use at least two of the mitigation measures in Table 1 below, including at least one from Column A.  Vessels shall not use the same measure from Column A and Column B."

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/I/Indian_Yellow_nosed_Albatross_Prince_Edward_Island2_by_Peter_Ryan.jpg "Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross - at risk within the IOTC area.  Photograph by Peter Ryan")

 The Scientific Committee regretted that no update on National Plans of Action - Seabirds from IOTC members were presented at the 2009 WPEB meeting.  The SC also noted that few countries had reported on incidental bycatch of seabirds and reminded them that it is mandatory that all members report on non-IOTC species, including seabirds.

 An Executive Summary on the Status of Seabirds was adopted by the Scientific Committee for the first time in 2009 (see Appendix VI of the SC's 2009 report, pp. 181-186), outlining the current state of knowledge for seabird distributions, the current understanding of interactions between IOTC fisheries and seabirds, current management concerns, management measures currently in place by the IOTC to enhance the conservation of seabirds, and gaps in our knowledge of fishery impacts with seabirds.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 29 December 2009*


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## ACAP web site's Link Section improved

The Links Section on this website has been rearranged into alphabetical order between and within categories.  A number of links have been retitled to make them easier to find.

 In addition, a new category, Scientific Journals, has been created and currently includes links to 15 journals which regularly publish on ACAP-listed species.

 The web site now lists 163 links.

 Suggstions for new links to relevant web sites should be sent to the ACAP Information Officer at [John.Cooper@acap.aq](mailto:John.Cooper@acap.aq).

 ![acap_office](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Secretariat/acap_office.gif)

 *30 December 2009*

  

  


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## Chatham and Laysan Albatrosses to have their formal conservation status improved?

BirdLife International's [Globally Threatened Bird Forum for Seabirds](http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/Globally%20Threatened%20Bird%20Forums/Threatened%20Seabirds/) is currently considering whether to downlist the Chatham Albatross *Thalassarche eremita* from **Critically Endangered** to **Vulnerable** based on the believed current stability or upward trend of its population ([click here](http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6b21) for the proposal). 

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) to access the ACAP Species Assessment for this New Zealand endemic albatross. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/C/Chatham_Albatross_by_Graham_Robertson.jpg "Chatham Albatrosses: no longer Criticilly Endangered?  Photograph by Graham Robertson")

 The forum is also considering downlisting the Laysan Albatross *Phoebastria immutabilis* from **Vulnerable** to **Near Threatened**, based on evidence that the population trend is currently stable ([click here](http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6549)).   BirdLife's current assessment for the Laysan Albatross may be seen at [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3958&m=0](http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3958&m=0).

 The ACAP Species Assessment for the Laysan Albatross is still under review, but is expected to be posted to the web site in the near future, along with that for the Black-footed Albatross *P. nigripes*.  Once done, Species Assessments will then be available on-line for all 29 of the currently ACAP-listed species: an important milestone for the Agreement. 

 Comments to the forum on these two proposals are encouraged and will be published on the forum on-line.  Follow the instructions on the forum site. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 December 2009*


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## Vagrant mollymawk albatrosses attempt to breed outside their normal ranges

Visits to colonies of breeding mollymawk albatrosses sometimes turn up unexpected records of vagrant species.  A recent publication reports an adult Salvin's Albatross *Thalassarche salvini* ashore in October 2008 on Gough Island in the South Atlantic - photographed immediately adjacent to an incubating Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross *T. chlororhynchos* (Visser *et al*. 2009).

  In the southern Indian Ocean, a "Shy-type" (thought probably a White-capped *T. steadi*) Albatross was observed incubating among Grey-headed Albatrosses *T. chrysostoma* on Prince Edward Island in December 2008 and a Black-browed Albatross *T. melanophris* has attempted breeding with a Grey-headed Albatross partner on nearby Marion Island intermittently since 2002 (Ryan *et al*. 2009).

  To add to these three recently published records, in 1982 and 1983 at Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) single Salvin's Albatrosses, possibly the same bird, were observed from within (when the bird was banded) and flying over a Grey-headed Albatross colony, respectively (Prince & Croxall 1983, 1996).  A Salvin's Albatross was photographed ashore near a Black-browed Albatross colony on Gonzalo Island, Diego Ramirez Group (Chile) at the southern tip of South America in November 2001 (Arata 2003).  This species has also been recorded at sea on the Patagonian Shelf (Seco Pon *et al*. 2007).  Finally, a Salvin's Albatross has "regularly built a nest within a Black-browed Albatross colony on Kerguelen [southern Indian Ocean] in recent years" (Shirihai 2007).

  A White-capped Albatross was first observed in a Black-browed Albatross colony on Bird Island, South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) in the south-western Atlantic in February 2003, when identified as a male *T. steadi* by DNA analysis (Phalan *et al*. 2004).  This bird has been present every season since, and first bred with a female Black-browed Albatross in 2007/08.  It probably has the same partner each time, but the female remains unbanded to confirm this.  The mixed pair raised a chick to several weeks of age in both 2007/08 and 2008/09, but then failed for unknown reasons.  They currently have an egg in their third season.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/White-capped Albatross nest byDavid Thompson.jpg "White-capped Albatross.  Photograph by David Thompson")

  It remains to be seen whether the presence of any of these vagrant albatrosses will in time result in new breeding colonies becoming established, although it seems unlikely, with only singletons being recorded at each locality to date.  However, a colony of four pairs of Salvin's Albatrosses was discovered in the Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean in 1986 (Jouventin 1990).  One of these birds was the individual banded at South Georgia in 1982 (Prince & Croxall 1996).  But it seems this small colony may no longer be extant ([click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) for the ACAP Species Assessment).

  **References:**

  Arata, J. 2003.  New record of Salvin's Albatross (*Thalassarche salvini*) at the Diego Ramirez Islands, Chile.  *Notornis* 50: 169-171.

 Jouventin, P. 1990.  Shy Albatrosses *Diomedea cauta salvini* breeding on Penguin Island, Crozet Archipelago, Indian Ocean.  *Ibis* 132: 126-127.

 Phalan, B., Phillips, R.A. & Double, M.C. 2004.  A White-capped Albatross, *Thalassarche [cauta] steadi*, at South Georgia: first confirmed record in the south-western Atlantic.  *Emu* 104: 359-361.

 Prince, P.A. & Croxall, J.P. 1983. Birds of South Georgia: new records and re-evaluations of status.  *British Antarctic Survey Bulletin* 59: 15-27.

 Prince, P.A. & Croxall, J.P. 1996.  The birds of South Georgia.  *Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club* 116: 81-104.

 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.

 Seco Pon, J.P., Wienecke, B. & Robertson, G. 2007.  First record of Salvin's Albatross (*Thalassarche salvini*) on the Patagonian Shelf.  *Notornis* 54: 49-51.

 Shirihai, H. 2007.  *A Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife.  The Birds and Marine Mammals of the Antarctic Continent and the Southern Ocean*.  London: A & C Black.

 Visser, P., Louw, H., Cuthbert, R. & Ryan, P. 2009.  Salvin's Albatross *Thalassarche salvini* on Gough Island, South Atlantic.  *Bulletin of the African Bird Club* 16: 215-216. 

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, with input from Richard Phillips, British Antarctic Survey, 30 December 2009*


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## Satellite tracking Wandering Albatross fledglings in the south-west Atlantic

With some exceptions, albatrosses currently face few threats on land, and the widespread population declines in many species have been attributed primarily to incidental mortality in marine fisheries.  Although there is no doubt that many albatrosses are killed behind fishing vessels, there is often a lack of information on which fleets are responsible; how fast birds are being killed; where, when and exactly how the mortality is occurring, and; which age class or status of bird is most vulnerable to capture.  In 2004, comprehensive surveys of all islands of South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) in the south-west Atlantic Ocean revealed that breeding pairs of Wandering Albatrosses *Diomedea exulans* had declined by an average of 1.8% per year in the previous two decades.  At the main site, Bird Island, annual monitoring indicates a halving of the population since the early 1960s (1% decline per year to the late 1990s, and a 4% decline per year thereafter). 

 The only two larger breeding populations of this species, at Iles Crozet and the Prince Edward Islands in the south-west Indian Ocean, have, by comparison, shown some recent recovery after earlier declines. 

 Research being carried out at Bird Island is attempting to understand the underlying causes of decline in the local population.  Land-based threats to Wandering Albatrosses at South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) are negligible, and breeding success is high and on average has increased since the late 1970s.  Detailed demographic monitoring at Bird Island indicates that survival of adults decreased by 1-2%, and of juveniles has approximately halved since the mid to late 1990s.  Tracking data indicate that adults from South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) have probably the widest non-breeding distribution of any albatross, hence greatly overlap with Wandering Albatrosses that breed on islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  Much less is known about the distribution of juveniles, which from the analysis of return rates to the colony are potentially even more vulnerable to bycatch in fisheries. 

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/W/Wandering_Albatross_Rainbow_by_Marienne_de_Villiers1.jpg "Wandering Albatross and chick.  Photograph by Marienne de Villiers")

 In order to address this lack of knowledge, satellite-transmitters were attached in early December 2009 to 12 Wandering Albatross chicks at Bird Island.  The devices are duty-cycled to transmit for 12 hours on, 36 hours off, in order to preserve battery life in the hope that locations will be available for several months.  The project has started well; all chicks fledged successfully, and although one device has already stopped transmitting, it may have been pulled off by the bird's powerful beak, or that chick may have died.  This would not be unusual, as the risk of mortality is greater during the days immediately after fledging when the bird is learning to fly and feed, than at any other time in an albatross's life.  Only time will tell if the rest of the tracked birds will successfully make it through this critical period. 

 The project was part-funded by grants from the [Antarctic Research Trust](http://www.antarctic-research.de) and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators ([IAATO](http://www.iaato.org)) Protect Our Poles Fund.

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species) to access the ACAP Species Assessment for the Wandering Albatross. 

 *News from Richard Phillips, Convenor, ACAP Breeding Sites Working Group, 31 December 2009, updated 4 Jnauary 2010*

  


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## How many White-chinned Petrels are out there?

Compared to albatrosses and giant petrels, the global populations of burrowing petrels are poorly known.  For many of them, only order of magnitude estimates can be given.

 However, recent surveys are moving towards attaining a global population figure for at least one ACAP-listed species, the White-chinned Petrel *Procellaria aequinoctialis*.

 Two papers published in 2009 give estimates based on transect surveys for two of the major breeding localities: the Kerguelen Archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean and South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) in the south-western Atlantic.  A 2008 paper gives a total of 23 600 breeding pairs for the Crozet Islands.  Put together, these three island groups support an estimated 1.15 million pairs of White-chinned Petrels, with the bulk (*c.* 0.9 million pairs) occurring in the South Atlantic.

 ![](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Petrels/W/White_chinned_Petrel_by_Ben Phalan.jpg "White-chinned Petrels.  Photograph by Ben Phalan")

 In addition to these three completed surveys, counts of occupied burrows were made at Marion Island during the 2008/09 breeding season by researchers at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town.  Along with a survey of the distribution and densities of burrows on nearby Prince Edward Island made in December 2008, an estimate can then be made for the island group.  However, this still leaves breeding localities on three New Zealand southern island groups (Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell) without published population surveys, and so no global estimate is as yet possible.

 The White-chinned Petrel remains at serious risk to being killed on longlines, so estimates of its global population size (and regional trends) are important statistics to obtain.

 **References:**

 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.  [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122268484/abstract](http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122268484/abstract)

 Barbraud, C., Marteau, C., Ridoux, V., Delord, K. & Weimerskirch, H. 2008.  Demographic response of a population if White-chinned Petrels *Procellaria aequinoctialis* to climate and longline fishery bycatch.  *Journal of Applied Ecology* 45: 1460-1467.  [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121371929/abstract](http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121371929/abstract)

 Martin, A.R., Poncet, S., Barbraud, C. Foster, E., Fretwell, P & Rothery, P. 2009.  The White-chinned Petrel (*Procellaria aequinoctialis*) on South Georgia: population size, distribution and global significance.  *Polar Biology* 32: 655-661.  [http://www.springerlink.com/content/e416r1p26423752v/?p=3c6d1962b5ab4543b2746dcef0429bbf&pi=13](http://www.springerlink.com/content/e416r1p26423752v/?p=3c6d1962b5ab4543b2746dcef0429bbf&pi=13)

 [Click here](https://www.acap.aq/acap-species ) for the ACAP Species Assessment for the White-chinned Petrel.

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 31 December 2009*


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