|
Falklands Conservation |
Albatross Appeal
The world's albatross population is facing dramatic decline. Latest research reveals a 30% fall in numbers over the last 20 years. This Appeal is to fund research to identify the reasons for this decline and to develop an Island-wide strategy to reverse it.
Why This Work is So Important
At the moment there are no clear explanations to account for the decline. Two possible causes need investigation: a decrease in the availability of food and/or an increase in the death of adults and young birds in their first years at sea. This may occur either during the breeding season or during the winter (May - August), and could happen either close to or far from breeding grounds in the Falklands.
Threats to Falkland Albatrosses
Large scale commercial fisheries operate in the waters surrounding the Falkland Islands. These may have an adverse impact on albatross populations, either because of incidental mortality or competition for the same food. Black browed albatrosses are vulnerable to long line fishing because they often attempt to feed on baited hooks as they leave the vessel. Although the Falklands fishery is well managed and has a responsible attitude to seabirds, 'native' seabirds do not stay in these waters. 'Pirate' fishing is widespread throughout the Southern Ocean with many illegal and unregulated longliners sailing under flags of convenience which are known to kill huge numbers of seabirds.
About the Appeal Project
A full census of the Falkland albatross population will be undertaken. A number of adult birds will be ringed. Diet will be examined to determine the interactions between albatross and local fishing activities, and further investigations into foraging behaviour (particularly distribution during the winter months) will be undertaken using satellite tracking devices. Information on albatross killed by fishing activity will be collected and assessed. This vital research will need to be carried out over a 20 month period to incorporate two field seasons beginning September 2000.
About the Appeal
A total of £70,000 is needed to pay for investigations into the decline of Falkland albatrosses - work which is vital to their future. Please give generously to make this project succeed.
|
Patron: HRH The Duke of York CVO ADC Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature | BirdLife International Representative |