Falklands Conservation

New Report Spells Out How UK Can Save Its Albatrosses

A newly published report calls for urgent action to prevent further declines in the fast dwindling populations of albatrosses and petrels in the South Atlantic - for which the UK has a leading responsibility. One third of the world’s albatrosses nest on three of its Overseas Territories (The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha), but numbers in this region are dwindling faster than anywhere else.

Steeple Jason has a massive colony of 150,000 breeding pairs of Black-browed Albatross which stretches along 2 1/2 miles of coast. Surveys show a population decline of 85,000 in the Falklands Black-browed Albatross numbers since 1995. The paint, which lasts 3-4 months, will be used to help monitor the birds. It is a totally harmless yet effective way of tracking and will aid in the search as to why there is such a decline.

An international workshop organised by Falklands Conservation, held in the Falkland Islands earlier this year, brought together 35 experts and key players to discuss what steps and resources are necessary to implement an effective rescue plan.

Decision makers, particularly in the UK and Overseas Territory Governments, are now being presented with a list of tasks to address to save albatrosses on UK Territories. These prioritise action for conservation on land and at sea, research needs, inter-territory relationships, and multilateral co-operation between nations and organisations to implement effective fishery mitigation measures - commercial fishing is the single most damaging influence on these seabird populations.

With the right action, impact can be minimised. The report provides a model for all key areas of the world to emulate in their efforts to protect seabirds.

Altogether 118 recommendations are included in the detailed and authoritative report. Of particular importance are:

• More effective engagement by the EC and UK (on behalf of its Overseas Territories) in Regional Fishery Management Organisations. These Organisations have the potential to regulate the environmental impact of fisheries including for seabird interactions.
• Appointment of a dedicated person in UK to represent Overseas Territories on ACAP and fisheries issues, particularly the environmental aspects.
• Establishment of an effective fishery protection regime for the Tristan da Cunha group.
• Protection to be given for breeding sites, including extension to adjacent marine areas, via appropriately managed Marine Protected Areas.
• Improved biosecurity measures to prevent introduction of pests and diseases including within island groups.
• Programmes implemented to eradicate rodents from breeding sites.
• Regular monitoring to be undertaken of population trends for all species at risk.
• Investigation of the potential for extension of EU Birds and Habitats Directive to UK OTs.

An agreed resource-based action plan, incorporating all the recommendations, is now needed to ensure that the UK and its Overseas Territories meet their obligations to protect albatrosses and petrels. There are major issues to address not least the costs, which are far beyond the very limited resources of these small countries.

Alistair Gammell, director of the RSPB's International Division, said: "The level of support shown by the UK Government to this Report will be a clear indication of its commitment to protecting the exceptional biodiversity of its Overseas Territories and, in this case, arguably their most spectacular and iconic inhabitants.

"Will the UK Government let albatrosses become extinct, or will it take action necessary to give them a future?"

Download the Report

As a Partner-designate of BirdLife International Falklands Conservation makes an active contribution to its Global Seabird Programme. For further information on the status of albatrosses and petrels worldwide go to: www.birdlife.org/action/campaigns/save_the_albatross/index.html, and/or www.savethealbatross.net.

Agreement on the Conservation for Albatross and Petrels: www.acap.aq.

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