Falklands Conservation

Recent studies by Falklands Conservation reveal a dramatic decrease in numbers of Black-browed albatross breeding in the Falklands, which hold most of the world population of this beautiful bird. Breeding pairs have dropped 76,000 from 458,000 in 1995 to 382,000 today. This decrease is likely to assess their global status as a 'Vulnerable' species.

The most staggering decline of all, a loss of 41,200, is at the largest colony of albatross in the Falklands archipelago, on Steeple Jason Island, one of a chain of nature reserves to the north west of the islands. The results confirm a suspected decline reported last year by Falklands Conservation following a survey of the second largest breeding site for albatross on Beauchene Island.

The latest figures are the result of a census of Black-browed albatross in the Falklands carried out during October and November 2000. A Falklands Conservation team of ship based surveyors estimated the numbers of breeding birds at each site using photography, transects and direct counts for comparison.

The albatross has made headlines recently, attracting royal support from Prince Charles for their protection. They are globally under threat from long-line fisheries which hook and drown the birds as they dive for the baited lines. "Illegal and unregulated fisheries around the world are having a disastrous effect on these birds" said Dr Nic Huin, albatross scientist working for Falklands Conservation and leader of the census team. "This decline in the Falklands albatross population may well reflect the numbers of birds dying each year in Patagonian Shelf longline fisheries. It is essential that control is taken over unregulated fisheries and every possible mitigation measure put into place to stop this downward trend".

The birds breeding in the Falkland Islands travel vast distances during their winter migration. Recent satellite tracking studies by Falklands Conservation have shown they are exposed to threats from longline fisheries in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and out into international waters, for both toothfish and tuna. Dr Huin, who has been studying the albatross in the Islands for three years, adds "The safeguarding of these populations is something that requires a huge international effort. While every attempt can be made within the Falklands to protect them and their habitat, co-operation and international agreement will be needed to make this effective".

Black-browed Albatross