Falklands Conservation

In January 2003, the Sea Mammal Research Unit from St Andrews University sent a two-man team to the Falkland Islands to conduct the second census of Southern sea lions (Otaria flavescens). The number of breeding sea lions has increased significantly, by over 25%, since the last first census, which took place in 1996. The majority of breeding sea lions were recorded on offshore islands, with large colonies on the mainland being limited to Seal Bay on East Falkland and White Rock on West Falkland.

Following the death of many thousands of penguins around the islands in the early part of the summer, it was reassuring to see that there were relatively few dead pups around the sea lion colonies. There had been some fears that if the deaths were linked to a red tide event in the Falklands, it may travel further up the food chain and begin to affect sea lions. No traces were seen of this and all animals appeared in good health. This, and the population increase, is excellent news following reports of recent severe declines in the Southern sea lion population off the South American coast.

The survey provided a rare opportunity to circumnavigate the Falklands archipelago, which comprises 782 islands, and record additional information. Most sea lion counts were carried out from a small boat, but sometimes the team landed on individual islands to ensure they had counted all the sea lions and pups. During these brief landings, observations were taken to detect which of the islands were rat-free (judged by the presence of Cobb's wrens and Tussacbirds) and where possible, assessments of breeding populations of birds were made.

The Falkland Islands Sea Lion Survey was supported by funding from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (Environment Fund for Overseas Territories). Euan Dunn, Marine Policy Advisor with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, accompanied the team for the last week of the survey.

Southern Sealion

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