The Falkland Islands are internationally important for their seabirds. But these birds, which occur in huge numbers, are threatened by commercial fishing, offshore hydrocarbon developments, pollution from shipping, marine debris and increasingly from harmful algal blooms, viruses and disease. A key role of Falklands Conservation is to protect these populations and in particular address the decline of the black-browed albatross and the rockhopper penguin.

The Albatross and Petrels Programme forms a central part of our work. Its achievements have drastically reduced seabird mortality at sea and considerably improved our knowledge and understanding seabirds in and around the Islands.

Efforts to safeguard the penguins of the Falkland Islands are described in Penguin Protection . Direct action includes rescuing oiled birds, clearing beaches of marine debris, and putting in place measures to lessen disturbance at breeding sites. Steps taken to address outbreaks of disease, viruses and algal blooms are included.

The Wild Bird Rescue (507kb PDF) leaflet gives detailed practical advice on handling and first aid guidelines for injured birds in the context of the Falkland Islands.