Albatrosses endangered on British Overseas territories.

September 2006. A new report calls for urgent action to stop further degradation of the dwindling albatross and petrel populations in the South Atlantic. 1/3 of the world’s albatrosses nest on 3 of Britain’s Overseas Territories (Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha), but populations in this area are declining quicker than elsewhere.

‘Results from the latest albatross census in the Falkland Islands show that the islands’ black-browed albatross population has declined by more than eighteen pairs every day over the last decade, and it is now listed as an Endangered species. This report comes at a crucial time to save this magnificent bird and it pulls together international efforts to protect them across the southern oceans.’ said Grant Munro, Chief Executive of Falklands Conservation.

 

Falklands Conservation organized and hosted an international workshop in the Falklands in 2006, bringing together thirty five experts and key players to talk through the steps and resources that are necessary to implement an effective rescue plan. The meeting was a key part of the Falkland Islands Albatross and Petrel Programme.

Sir David Attenborough, a Vice-President of both the RSPB and Falklands Conservation, said: ‘The chance of an individual albatross surviving to old age now seems as remote as the ability of many albatross species to exist beyond the end of this century.’
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.

 

Dr Michael Rands, Director of BirdLife International, said: ‘The recommendations coming out of this meeting represent a breakthrough in the contribution the UK and its Overseas Territories can make in solving a very serious situation faced by seabirds in the South Atlantic. Of course, such wide-ranging proposals will not have the desired effect unless others sit up and take action. The major fishing nations, particularly from Asia, must also be committed to take the right steps to save these birds from extinction.’
118 recommendations were 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 Organizations. These Organizations 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.
● Greater 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 on within island groups.
● Eradication of rodents from breeding sites.
● Regular monitoring of population trends for all species at risk.
● Investigation of the potential for extension of EU Birds and Habitats Directive to UK OTs.

A resource-based action plan, with all the recommendations, is now required to ensure that the UK and its Overseas Territories meet their obligations to protect albatrosses and petrels. Key issues to address include the costs, which are way beyond the limited resources of these small countries.

Falklands Conservation is the BirdLife International partner for the Falkland Islands, the RSPB is the BirdLife International partner for the UK and its overseas territories.