PACIFIC SEABIRDS

A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group

Volume 46, Number 2 2019 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment

The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is a society of professional seabird researchers and managers dedicated to the study and conservation of seabirds. PSG was formed in 1972 out of a need for increased communication among academic and government seabird researchers. The principal goals of PSG are to (1) increase the quality and quantity of seabird research through facilitating exchange of information; (2) identify and assess the importance of threats to seabird populations; and (3) provide government agencies and others with expert advice on managing populations of seabirds. PSG is headed by an Executive Council composed of members volunteering their time. Members include biologists, wildlife managers, students, and conservationists from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan and 12 other countries. PSG annual meetings and publications provide forums where members can share their findings on all research topics relating to Pacific seabirds and discuss local and large scale conservation issues. Abstracts for meetings are published on our website. PSG publishes the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin; www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the Ornithological Council and the American Bird Conservancy. Annual dues for membership are US$50 (individual); US$35 (student, undergraduate and graduate); and US$1,500 (Life Membership, payable in five US$300 installments). Two-year memberships are also available for individuals for US$90 and for sudents for US$55. Dues are payable on our website or by check to the to the Treasurer; see the PSG website or the Membership Information at the back of this issue. Website http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

Donations The Pacific Seabird Group is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of California. Contributions to the Pacific Seabird Group are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law (IRS Section 501[c][3]).

Pacific Seabirds This on-line bulletin reports on the work and committee activities of the Pacific Seabird Group, conservation news, and other items of importance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The bulletin is published twice-yearly on the PSG website and reports membership news and archives PSG activities. This issue provides current and recent seabird work to PSG members for 2019. Back issues of Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s website.

Pacific Seabirds Editor Jennifer Lang, [email protected]

Associate Editors Theodore Squires, Jane Dolliver, Olivia Bailey

Marine Ornithology Marine Ornithology is published by the Pacific Seabird Group on behalf of a consortium of seabird groups: African, Aus- tralasian, Dutch, Japanese, Pacific, and UK. The journal is published two times a year and publishes contributed papers, forum articles, and book, website and software reviews, on all aspects of marine ornithology worldwide. For details on submitting to the journal, please go to marineornithology.org.

Change of Address Send changes of address to the PSG Membership Coordinator, Emma Kelsey, [email protected]

Photo Credit All photographs in this issue were generously provided by PSG members. Photo credits are attributed to each image. PACIFIC SEABIRDS A Publication of the Pacific Seabirds Group Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment

Volume 46 2019 Number 2

Regional Reports for 2019 Alaska and Russia...... 48 Washington and Oregon...... 52 Northern California...... 56 Southern California...... 61 Hawaiʻi...... 62 Non-Pacific United States...... 64 Latin America...... 64 Canada...... 66 Asia and Oceania...... 70 Europe and Africa...... 72 Circumpolar...... 72 Antarctica...... 72 Global...... 72

PSG’s Treasurer’s Report for FY2019...... 74

General Information Information on the Pacific Seabird Group...... Inside Front Cover Publications of the Pacific Seabird Group...... 79 PSG Committee Coordinators...... 81 PSG Life Members and Recipients of Awards...... 83 Membership Information...... 84 PSG Executive Council for 2019...... Inside Back Cover REGIONAL REPORTS FOR 2019 Compiled by: Robb Kaler, Edited by: Jennifer Lang

Regional Reports summarize current and recent seabird work to PSG members. Regional Reports generally are organized by location of the work, not affiliation of the biologist. They should not be cited without permission of the researchers.

ALASKA & RUSSIA Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and glaucescens), Fork-tailed and Leach’s Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Compiled by Marc Romano Storm-petrels; and Double-crested, In 2019, seabird observers for the Red-faced, and Pelagic Cormorants Bering and Arctic surveys included ALASKA PENINSULA (Phalacrocorax aurius, P. urile, and P. Kathy Kuletz, Liz Labunski, Brendan Annual seabird monitoring at Chowiet pelagicus). Higgins, Marty Reedy, Charlie Island (Semidi Islands group) was led by Jonathan Plissner (Island Wright, Linnaea Wright, and Tamara Nora Rojek (Alaska Maritime National Conservation) and volunteers Abby Zeller. Seabird observers were placed Wildlife Refuge) with summer-long field Newman, Megan Vynne, and Christy on eight research cruises from July crews consisting of McKenzie Mudge Wails (Northern Illinois University to early December and conducted and Kevin Pietrzak. They collected graduate student) with support from the approximately 11,273 km of transects; productivity, diet, and population data on U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) Alaska these data will be archived in the North a variety of species including Common Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database. and Thick-billed Murres (Uria aalge and staff completed an 11-year post-rat Kathy, Liz, Dan Cushing (Pole U. lomvia), Rhinoceros and Parakeet eradication monitoring trip to Hawadax Star Ecological Research LLC), and Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata and Island in June 2019. Automated acoustic collaborators will continue to examine Aethia psittacula), Horned and Tufted sensors were deployed on the island to seabird distribution and abundance with PuffinsFratercula ( corniculata and monitor for nocturnal seabirds with respect to environmental conditions in F. cirrhata), Black-legged Kittiwake a focus on Leach’s Storm-petrel, and this rapidly changing sub-Arctic and (Rissa tridactyla), Glaucous-winged searches for Tufted Puffin and Glaucous- Arctic ecosystem. Gull (Larus glaucescens), and Northern winged Gull nests were conducted. The Alaska Maritime National Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis). Peter Kappes joined Nora Rojek Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) conducted (USFWS) and Heather Renner a research cruise to St. Matthew Island ALEUTIAN ISLANDS (USFWS) on a research cruise in in late July and early August aboard Annual seabird monitoring at Buldir the central and western Aleutians to the R/V Tiĝlax̂ . The cruise was led by and Aiktak Islands was led by Nora assess presence/absence of invasive Marc Romano and Captain John Faris Rojek (Alaska Maritime National rodent populations as part of feasibility (USFWS-AMNWR) and supported by Wildlife Refuge) with summer-long studies for possible rodent eradication the crew of the R/V Tiĝlax̂ . field crews consisting of Stacie Evans, projects on several islands managed by Brie Drummond and Tony DeGange Daniel Schultz and Reina Gavin on the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife (USFWS-AMNWR) both collected Buldir. They collected productivity, Refuge. population and productivity data for diet and population data on a variety of Common Murres (Uria aalge), Thick- species including Common and Thick- BERING AND CHUKCHI SEAS billed Murres (Uria lomvia), Black- billed Murres (Uria aalge and U. lomvia); Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), Parakeet (Aethia psittacula), Least (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax (A. pusilla), Whiskered (A. pygmaea), [USFWS]) completed another year of pelagicus). Marc Romano, Aaron and Crested (A. cristatella) Auklets; offshore seabird surveys (now spanning Christ, and Robb Kaler (USFWS) Horned and Tufted PuffinsFratercula ( 2006-2019) in the Bering, Chukchi, and completed an island-wide census for corniculata and F. cirrhata); Black- Beaufort Seas, with support of the Bureau Pelagic Cormorants and Red-legged legged and Red-legged Kittiwakes of Ocean Energy Management. Surveys Kittiwakes (Rissa brevirostris). The (Rissa tridactyla and R. brevirostris); were coordinated as part of several team also conducted additional seabird and Fork-tailed and Leach’s Storm- multidisciplinary research projects observations and explored methodology petrels (Hydrobates furcatus and H. with a variety of partners including to recensus Alaska seabird colonies. leucorhous). Sarah Youngren and the North Pacific Research Board In March 2019, the Circumpolar Dan Rapp on Aiktak Island monitored Arctic Integrated Ecosystem Study, Seabird Group (CBird; an Arctic Council Common and Thick-billed Murres; Environment Canada, National Oceanic Expert Network) met in Iceland, and Ancient Murrelets (Synthliboramphus and Atmospheric Administration- Kathy Kuletz participated as the U.S. antiquus); Horned and Tufted Puffins; Alaska Fisheries Science Center, representative, remotely from Alaska.

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Kathy worked with others in CBird to submit a draft seabird section for the ICES/PICES/PAME Working Group on Integrated Ecosystem Assessment for the Central Arctic Ocean, which includes ‘gateway’ regions linked to the Central Arctic. The revised draft assessment will be submitted to the Arctic Council in December 2019. In May, the USFWS began receiving reports of dead and dying seabirds from the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas. From late June to early August, thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris) were reported dead and washing up on beaches in the Bristol Bay region, or observed weak and attempting to feed from salmon gillnets in inland waters. By mid-August, the Black-legged Kittiwake. Photo credit: David Pereksta shearwater die-off had extended north, in smaller numbers but widespread the toxins in emaciated, dead birds. but it is not clear whether the biotoxins locations, into the northern Bering and Annual seabird monitoring at St. Paul played a role. These same specimens Chukchi Seas along the coasts of Alaska and St. George Islands was led by Marc are being examined for quantification and the Chukotka Peninsula of Russia. Romano (USFWS-AMNWR) with of presence, type, and abundance of Puffins, murres, and auklets were also summer-long field crews consisting micro- and nano-plastics by UAA reported, but at much lower numbers of Sarah Tanedo and Briana Bode undergraduates Jannelle Trowbridge than shearwaters. The USFWS worked (St. Paul), and Frank Mayer, Erin and Danielle Owens, and their work was closely with partners at the National Lefokowitz, and Kacey Srubas (St. recently highlighted in October 2019 at Park Service, Alaska Sea Grant Marine George). Both crews collected data on the Plastic in the Arctic Workshop at Advisory Program, Alaska Department a variety of species including Common Harvard University organized by the of Fish & Game, Alaska Migratory Murres, Thick-billed Murres, Least Icelandic Chair of the Arctic Council. Bird Co-management Council, Tribal Auklets (Aethia pusilla), Black-legged They are using a variety of methods for partners, and the Coastal Observation Kittiwakes, Red-legged Kittiwakes, and detection and identification, including and Seabird Survey Team to collect Red-faced Cormorants (Phalacrocorax broadspectrum and focused ultraviolet information, synthesize records, and urile). The crews collected productivity, rays, and so far it appears that most submit carcasses for testing to the diet, adult survival and population data. seabird species in most areas have U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Douglas Causey (University of detectable levels of contamination. National Wildlife Health Center and Alaska Anchorage [UAA]) and Veronica Veronica Padula is continuing Alaska Science Center. Initial results Padula (University of Alaska Fairbanks study of the presence and diversity of indicate starvation as the cause of [UAF]) travelled to St. Matthew and Hall the associated phthalate plasticizers death for most locations. However, in Islands in July to August 2019 aboard the in breeding seabirds throughout southeast Alaska, exposure to saxitoxin USFWS-AMNWR vessel R/V Tiĝlax.. ˆ to the Bering Sea region that are now (a biotoxin associated with paralytic continue their multiyear multiplex study understood to directly affect embryonic shellfish poisoning) was linked in June of the dynamics of ecosystem change development and reproductive success. to a localized die-off of breeding Arctic on Beringian Seabirds. Initial results Veronica is working to understand Terns (Sterna paradisaea). With the of a 2-year study in this area indicates the relative effects of trophic level exception of the localized die-off of that biotoxins (saxitocins, dimoic acid) foraging, geographic location, and age terns in southeast Alaska, starvation has associated with Harmful Algal Blooms on phthalate exposure, and anticipates been identified as the cause of death. (HABs) are increasingly prevalent in submitting a substantial update early The USGS is actively investigating how Least Auklets (Aethia pusilla), Crested next year to the first publication on their algal bloom biotoxins like saxitoxin Auklets (Aethia cristatella), and presence and effect (Causey D, Padula affect birds. Little is known about the Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis). V. 2015. Phthalates in western Aleutian occurrence or effects of these toxins on Some of the birds were malnourished, Islands seabirds. AccessScience https:// wild seabirds, and it is difficult to detect with significantly reduced body mass, www.accessscience.com/content/

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YB150685). Yumi Arimitsu, Sarah Schoen, States. The work was overseen by Kyle Alexzandrea DePue and Brittney John Piatt, Caitlin Marsteller, and Elliott (McGill University), Morgan DePue (UAA Causey Lab) are Gary Drew (U.S. Geological Survey Benowitz-Fredericks (Bucknell reconstructing the food web dynamics of [USGS]) completed another year of University), and Scott Hatch (Institute the Aleutian and the northern Bering Sea seabird and forage fish monitoring in for Seabird Research and Conservation). seabird community using stable isotope Lower Cook Inlet during summer 2019. Scott and Martha Hatch, joined by analyses of food, tissue, and feathers of This project, supported by the USGS Shawn and Kelly Pummill, opened archival specimens collected in the last Outer Continental Shelf program and the season in early April for spring decade. Preliminary results suggest that Bureau of Ocean Energy Management cleaning, facility maintenance, and diet and foraging patterns are becoming aims to document the status and trends camp set-up. The core research team— increasingly more variable, with some of seabirds and forage fish by repeating Kyle, Morgan, camp leaders Shannon species (e.g., Black-legged Kittiwakes, surveys conducted in the late 1990s. Whelan (McGill), Drew Sauve Pigeon Guillemot [Cepphus columba]) The work includes at-sea surveys for (Queen’s University, Canada), and appearing to feed at lower trophic levels marine birds, acoustic-trawl surveys Jenna Schlener (McGill), with Hannes than previously known. for forage fish, physical and biological Schraft (McGill), Hannah Weipert Maile Branson (UAA, UAF) oceanography, as well as monitoring of (Texas), Abe Turner (Michigan), continues her PhD research focused population and productivity of Common Dan Netti (New York), Sierra Pete on the diversity of Avian Influenza Murres (Uria aalge) and Black-legged (Bucknell), Catherine Lee-Zuck, subtypes among Beringian seabirds, Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) at two Frederique Tremblay, and Emily primarily from the Pribilof and St. colonies. Choy (McGill), Naya Sena (Hokkaido Matthew Islands. Her work with Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski University), Akiko Shoji (University Douglas Causey and Eric Bortz (UAA) (USFWS) worked with Dan Cushing of Tsukuba), Emma Lachance indicates that new subtypes associated (Pole Star Ecological Research LLC), Linklater (Queen’s), Ethan Hermer with Black Guillemots (Cepphus to continue the Seward Line long-term (University of Ottawa), and Baptiste grylle) and Glaucous Gulls (Larus monitoring in the northern Gulf of Garde (Swansea University) arrived at hyperboreus) may have origins in High Alaska (GOA), funded by the North intervals from early May through July Arctic circumpolar regions. High titres Pacific Research Board. In 2018, this and continued the work through August were observed in birds with elevated project was expanded to three seasons 15. Jonathan Green (University of biotoxins, which are known to suppress over a larger area, and in 2019, Kathy Liverpool) provided on-site training for immune function, but it is not clear at and others continued to conduct seabird the implantation of heart-rate monitors this time whether these are related. surveys as part of the Northern Gulf of in Black-legged Kittiwakes and Alaska-Long Term Ecosystem Research Common Murres. Kristen Gorman and (NGA-LTER) study, with funding Anne Schaefer (Prince William Sound GULF OF ALASKA from National Science Foundation Science Center) launched a second year Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf Watch Alaska. The team of seasonal tracking of Tufted Puffins biologist Robin Corcoran (U.S. also began collaboration with the (Fratercula cirrhata) using geolocators. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS]) California Current Ecosystem LTER Lingering effects—or a re-emergence— completed breeding nearshore marine team, to compare seabird response of the recent marine heatwave were bird surveys in June and August on to changes in the two systems. As evident in 2019, especially in exceptional the east side of Kodiak Island. This is part of the USFWS offshore program, wide-range foraging by Black-legged a skiff-based line transect survey with Callie Gesmundo (USFWS) joined a Kittiwakes from spring arrvial through the goal of determining population University of Alaska Fairbanks project chick-rearing. estimates, long-term trends, and to explore seamount communities in the With primary financial support habitat associations for key marine bird GOA. Callie conducted seabird surveys from the National Fish and Wildlife species including Marbled Murrelet during the 14-day expedition on board Foundation, the PSG Aleutian Tern (Brachyramphus marmoratus), Pigeon the R/V Sikuliaq. Crews completed Technical Committee convened a Guillemot (Cepphus columba), Arctic approximately 5,622 km of surveys Conservation Planning meeting in and Aleutian Tern (Sterna paradisaea during the GOA projects, and those Anchorage, Alaska, April 8-10, and Onychoprion aleuticus), Harlequin data will be added to the North Pacific 2019. Jan Caulfield facilitated, and Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), and Pelagic Seabird Database. statisticians Trent McDonald and Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus Seabird research and monitoring Jason Carlisle (Western Ecosystems, bachmani). Approximately 20% of the continued on Middleton Island in 2019, Inc.) served as project consultants. 1,600 km shoreline was systematically conducted by an international team from The meeting objective was to surveyed. Canada, Japan, Britain and the United facilitate a common understanding of

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 50 REGIONAL REPORTS alternative sampling and population chicks on the Kodiak road system, in Prince William Sound from May estimation methods for Aleutian Terns a record high since banding efforts 22 to July 3 and on Alaganik Colony (Onychoprion aleuticus) at breeding began in 2017. They also collected from June 6 to 26. A total of 45,335 colonies, including assumptions, habitat data at 75 Aleutian Tern nests photos were collected on the Alaganik advantages, and limitations. and corresponding paired points. Jill Colony and 67,568 on the Ternagain Melissa Gabrielson (U.S. Forest Tengeres, Melissa Gabrielson, Susan Colony. Reconyx camera footage Service [USFS]) conducted the Copper Oehlers (USFS), and others deployed indicated the presence of chicks, River Delta Aleutian Tern aerial 16 Song Meter units at 13 Aleutian Tern provisioning of chicks by adults, and survey on May 21, 2019. The survey colonies for a total of 1,446 recording adult presence/absence. Susan Oehlers encompassed the entire Copper River days. Acoustics data will be analyzed deployed 23 nest cameras. Nine nests Delta from the Heney Mountain Range by Conservation Metrics, Inc. were depredated during incubation, to Controller Bay. Approximately 15 Mike Goldstein (USFS), Susan seven nests had unknown fates, six different congregations were observed Oehlers, Trent MacDonald, Jason nests successfully hatched chicks, and during the aerial survey, and at least Carlisle, and Jill Tengeres continued one nest was abandoned during the 4 colonies were identified. Most were work initiated in 2018, testing the use of incubation period. observed on the west Copper River drones to survey tern colonies in Yakutat Jill Tengeres, Robin Corcoran, Delta (n=13). Pictures were taken to (Black Sand Spit, Italio, Ankau) and Andrea Mendez-Bye, Morgan document flock size. Approximately Kodiak. They collected approximately Barnes, and Melissa Crews placed nest cameras on 54 Aleutian Tern nests, and monitored an additional 62 nests without cameras. Nest cameras provided data on nest survival rates, causes of nest failure, and chick provisioning. Martin Renner conducted photographic sampling of prey delivery to establish a baseline diet for Aleutian Tern chicks. Sampling took place in Yakutat, Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak. Comparative opportunistic images of Arctic Tern bill loads were taken at Yakutat, Kodiak, and Anchorage. Image review and prey sample identification continues. Mike Goldstein recovered two geolocators from birds tagged in 2010, and sent the tags to the British Antarctic Rhinoceros Auklet. Photo credit: David Pereksta Survey to ascertain whether they can acquire the data stored on board. This 116 birds were observed, and flock size 6,500 photos in Yakutat using a mix of is a total of four new tags in addition to ranged from 1 to 20 birds. census and survey sampling methods. the six discussed in the 2019 publication Kelly Nesvacil (Alaska Department They completed visual surveys (direct (Goldstein, M.I., Duffy, D.C., Oehlers, of Fish and Game [ADFG]), Don Lyons counts) during all flights to estimate the S., Catterson, N., Frederick, J. and S. (Audubon/Oregon State University number of flying birds and the species Pyare. 2019. Interseasonal movements [OSU]), Robin Corcoran (USFWS), ratio. and non-breeding locations of Aleutian Jill Tengeres (OSU), and Tori Rhodes Martin Renner (Tern Again Terns Onychoprion aleuticus. Marine (ADFG) deployed ten 2-gram solar Consulting) surveyed using a drone Ornithology 47: 67-76). Platform Transmitting Terminal tags on in Yakutat, Homer, Kenai Peninsula, Sanjay Pyare (University of Alaska Aleutian Terns (five terns at the Middle and Kodiak. Some way-points sampled Southeast) completed five months of Bay colony and five terns at the Burton earlier by West, Inc. were replicated Aleutian Tern international research and Ranch colony). Jill Tengeres and and alternative sampling protocols were networking with Indonesian researchers, USFWS Volunteers Andrea Mendez- tested. All photographs collected from government agencies, and students, Bye, Morgan Barnes, and Melissa drones are under review. supported by a 2018-2019 Fulbright Crews banded 29 Aleutian Tern adults Melissa Gabrielson deployed a award entitled “Aleutian Tern migration and 12 Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) Reconyx camera on Ternagain Colony research as a flagship for Indonesian-

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U.S. collaboration, conservation and harvest for the eighth season (for Monitoring Common Murre (Uria aalge) education.” He worked with local background see Lewis et al., Marine and Brandt’s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax students, non-government organizations, Ornithology 45:165-174). After four penicillatus) Breeding Colonies in the agencies, researchers, and community years of collaborative experimental egg California Current System” at sites in members, promoting migratory bird harvests (2015-2018), 2019 marked the Oregon and Washington. Andy Royle research and conducting surveys for first year of a tribally-led egg harvest. (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]) and wintering terns. An additional tern Four members of the Hoonah Indian Nadav Nur (Point Blue Conservation publication includes: Yordan, K., B. Association harvested all eggs at a Science), worked with refuge biologists Emannuel, F.N, Tirtaningtyas, S. Pyare, single gull colony (Geikie Rock) on Shawn Stephensen (U.S. Fish and and M.I. Goldstein. 2019. Locating and May 30, 2019. Tania met harvesters and Wildlife Service [USFWS]), Sue identifying non-breeding Aleutian Terns trained them how to collect required Thomas (USFWS), and other partners Onychoprion aleuticus in Indonesia. monitoring data including the number of to design select elements of protocols BirdingASIA 31: 28-32. nests encountered and number of eggs that align with the aforementioned Sam Stark (MSc student, Oregon per nest as they harvested. Harvesters Protocol Framework. These sampling State University) completed fieldwork collected 119 eggs from 95 nests. Tania designs will allow both large-scale for his thesis research with Dan Roby and Kiana Young (NPS, Glacier Bay (California Current System-wide) and at Oregon State University and will National Park and Preserve) returned local inference on population trends defend his thesis in December 2019. to the colony on June 25 and conducted and distribution of both species. Steve His research, which was funded by the a ground survey to assess the colony’s Holzman (USFWS), the USFWS’ National Fish and Wildlife Foundation success in replacing clutches and Pacific Seabird Program Data Manager, and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee recorded 207 eggs in 97 nests. Tania worked on a number of priority data Council, is part of a long-term effort and Kiana also conducted a vessel- management projects, including the led by David Irons (USFWS, retired) based survey on August 6 and counted Pacific Seabird Monitoring Database, and Robb Kaler (USFWS) to restore 270 adults and 65 chicks of the year, updating the California Seabird Colony the breeding population of Pigeon indicating a successful breeding season Catalog, supporting the Hawaii Seabird Guillemots in Prince William Sound, at this location despite the complete egg Colony Catalog update (USGS), Alaska, in the aftermath of the Exxon removal in May. assembling a Geospatial Information Valdez oil spill. Sam’s project found At St. Lazaria Island, Brendan System (GIS) Seabird Colony database, that the removal of introduced mink Higgins and Jillian Soller (U.S. Fish designing field data entry apps for (Neovison vison) from the Naked Island and Wildlife Service Alaska Maritime Tufted PuffinFratercula ( cirrhata), Group in central Prince William Sound National Wildlife Refuge) collected and advising the USFWS Albatross resulted in an immediate and sustained productivity, population, and diet data Demography Program. Work is ongoing increase in guillemot abundance and on Common Murres (Uria aalge), Thick- to fill a Coordinator position for the nesting success. Sam’s work also billed Murres (Uria lomvia), Rhinoceros USFWS Pacific Seabird Program evaluated the use of artificial social Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), to advance seabird monitoring, attraction to encourage both Pigeon Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata), conservation and coordination among Guillemots and Parakeet Auklets Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus USFWS regional offices in California, (Aethia psittacula) to nest in historical bachmani), Glaucous-winged Oregon, and Washington. Roberta habitat that was abandoned following Gulls, Fork-tailed Storm-petrels Swift, Rob Doster, and Holly Freifeld mink introduction and the Exxon Valdez (Oceanodroma furcata), Leach’s Storm- (all USFWS) did consecutive 120-day oil spill. Social attraction resulted in at petrels (O. leucorhoa), and Pelagic details, where each served as Interim least one nesting attempt by Parakeet Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus). Coordinator in 2019. Auklets in 2018, the first on Naked In April 2019, the Marbled Murrelet Island since the oil spill, and increased Effectiveness Monitoring Program attendance by Pigeon Guillemots at sites provided a summary report on where social attraction was deployed. WASHINGTON & monitoring results from at-sea surveys OREGON for Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus SOUTHEAST ALASKA Compiled by Rachael Orben marmoratus; MAMU), which occurred in nearshore waters in the Strait of Juan Tania Lewis (National Park Service OREGON & WASHINGTON-WIDE de Fuca, Puget Sound, and at the San [NPS], Glacier Bay National Park and Work continued to develop sampling Juan Islands (i.e., Conservation Zone 1), Preserve) monitored Glaucous-winged designs and data analysis procedures and off northern & central Oregon (i.e., Gull (Larus glaucescens) productivity for site-specific protocols to implement Conservation Zone 3) in 2018. Reports in Glacier Bay to inform native egg the “National Protocol Framework for are completed every five years to assess

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Wildlife Service [USFWS] Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex [WMNWRC]) continued their long-term study of reproductive success patterns of Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) on Protection (13th year) and Destruction (10th year) Islands, Washington. Burrow occupancy was comparable to long-term averages on both islands, suggesting that the breeding population on Protection Island has recovered following the adult mass mortality event of 2016. Fledging success on Protection (87%) was slightly higher than the long-term average of 79%. On Destruction, fledging success was comparable to long-term averages. Dietary studies were conducted during Brandt’s Cormorant. Photo credit: David Pereksta the early and late chick-rearing stages on both islands, with diet composition population trends and nesting habitat in habitat trend) underwent peer-review on both islands similar to previous the Northwest Forest Plan area, which in late 2019, and online publication years. The diet on Protection continues includes most of the murrelet’s range of the report (Forest Service General to be dominated by Pacific sand lance in Washington, Oregon, and California. Technical Report) is expected in 2020. (Ammodytes personatus), with the This and other program reports can Other contributors to the monitoring Destruction diet characterized by be accessed online at: https://www. program include: Kim Nelson (Oregon a much wider variety of forage fish fs.fed.us/r6/reo/monitoring/murrelet/. State University); Jim Baldwin, Nels species. The goal of this monitoring program Johnson, Teresa Lorenz, Martin In addition to the Rhinoceros is to estimate MAMU populations Raphael (U.S. Forest Service), Deanna Auklet study, they also continued their and trends and to evaluate the Lynch, Bill McIver (coordinator), and conservation research program on effectiveness of the Northwest Forest Rich Young (USFWS). Many qualified Tufted PuffinsFratercula ( cirrhata), Plan in conserving MAMU from the seasonal biologists made the population focusing on mapping of active breeding Canada-Washington border to central surveys possible in 2019, including: burrows on Smith and Destruction California. The program has used boat- Kelly Beach, Caanan Cowles, Chad islands and breeding season monitoring based transects in the coastal waters Norris, Jessica Stocking, Danielle and foraging ecology of puffins on of this area since 2000 to monitor Devincezni, and Darrel Warnock. The Destruction Island. Sue Thomas, MAMU, and other seabird species are Population team includes Bill McIver, Lorenz Sollmann, and Juliana also recorded. In 2019, at-sea surveys Scott Pearson, Craig Strong, Deanna Merluccio (WMNWRC) conducted two were continued under this program, as Lynch, Martin Raphael, Rich Young, Tufted Puffin burrow count and forage follows: surveys off the western coast of Nels Johnson, and Jim Baldwin. The fish surveys off Smith Island within Washington were led by Scott Pearson Habitat team includes Teresa Lorenz, the San Juan Islands National Wildlife and Monique Lance (WDFW), and Martin Raphael, Rich Young, Deanna Refuge in August. The objectives of surveys along the coasts of southern Lynch, Kim Nelson, and Bill McIver. these surveys were to provide data to Oregon and northern California (from Peter Hodum’s university research Coos Bay to the southern Humboldt WASHINGTON lab for the development of a minimal County line) were led by Craig Strong Scott Pearson (Washington breeding population estimates and (Crescent Coastal Research). In 2019, Department of Fish and Wildlife analysis of chick diets prior to fledging. the MAMU Effectiveness Monitoring [WDFW]), Thomas Good On Destruction Island, undergraduate Program continued analyses of status (National Oceanic and Atmospheric research student Lilli Patton (University and trend of MAMU population and Administration [NOAA] Northwest of Puget Sound) conducted a study of habitat over the 1994–2018 time period, Fisheries Science Center), Peter puffin diet by photographing arriving for the program’s “25-year Report”; Hodum (University of Puget Sound and adults with bill loads of prey. She is chapter drafts of the report (one chapter Oikonos), Eric Wagner (independent currently analyzing bill load photos for population trend and one chapter for writer), and Sue Thomas (U.S. Fish and from the 2017-2019 breeding seasons.

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The team also began a complementary the 2003 Georgia Basin/Puget Sound in the future. study of diet using a genetic barcoding Research Conference. The objective Anna Wuest (NOAA Hollings approach on fecal samples collected at is to periodically reassess abundance Scholar), Jason E. Jannot (NOAA puffin burrows. of breeding guillemots on refuge Northwest Fisheries Science Center), They also initiated a long-term islands every 5-10 years and gauge the and Thomas Good embarked on a seabird monitoring program on Jagged need for an additional comprehensive modeling project to develop more and Alexander islands during the 2019 survey throughout the Salish Sea. accurate and less volatile estimates breeding season, deploying trail cameras They also participated in the Pacific of seabird bycatch in U.S. West Coast and acoustic recording units and Flyway Double-crested Cormorant groundfish fisheries. The team used establishing initial burrow monitoring (Phalacrocorax auritus) survey of seven Bayesian time-series models, which have plots to begin long-term monitoring islands in the San Juan Islands and been shown to provide better precision of population trends among multiple Quillayute Needles National Wildlife and more stable inter-annual estimates species, including Tufted Puffins, Refuges in July. Objectives have been than ratio estimators, to estimate Rhinoceros Auklets, Fork-tailed and expanded to monitor all cormorant Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria Leach’s Storm-petrels (Oceanodroma species breeding on select refuge nigripes) bycatch in the U.S. West furcata and O. leucorhoa), and Cassin’s islands including Pelagic and Brandt’s Coast (Washington, Oregon, California) Auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus). Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus demersal longline fishery targeting Sue Thomas (WMNWRC) and P. penicillatus). Once again, a sablefish Anoplopoma( fimbria). Results participated in two worst-case scenario limited number of Brandt’s Cormorants from this work are being prepared for oil spill drills at oil refineries within 8 nests were observed (rare for the Salish presentations and a publication. nautical miles of seabird colonies in the Sea). Salish Sea. She is also providing input Scott Pearson, Martin Raphael, and OREGON to initial response strategies for seabird Teresa Lorenz conducted nighttime Researchers from Oregon State colonies in updates of two Geographic captures for Marbled Murrelets for a University (OSU) and cooperators Response Plans in the area. Sue Thomas study of murrelet diet in Puget Sound. continued to study interactions between also participated in a pilot study to Martin Raphael, Teresa Lorenz, seabirds and forage fish in the Pacific monitor breeding success of burrow- and Tom Bloxton published an article Northwest in 2019. This year, research nesting seabirds on Quillayute Needles on outcomes of monitored Marbled and monitoring was focused on the National Wildlife Refuge. Murrelet nests from a 5-year telemetry Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Sue Thomas, Juliana Merluccio, study in Washington, 2004-2008 colony at East Sand Island in the and Lorenz Sollmann conducted (Lorenz et al. 2019, Marine Ornithology Columbia River estuary. Investigations one aerial surface nesting seabird 47:157-166). into the effects of avian predation survey of 27 islands within Flattery Elizabeth Phillips is a National on survival of juvenile salmonids Rocks, Quillayute Needles, and Research Council postdoctoral research (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the Columbia Copalis National Wildlife Refuges on associate, based at NOAA Fisheries River basin were a continuing emphasis July 9. Through a Memorandum of Northwest Fisheries Science Center of this research. Management by the Understanding with the Makah Tribe, in Seattle. She is working with Sandy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their Sue, Juliana, and Lorenz worked with Parker-Stetter (NOAA) to quantify the cooperators continued to limit Caspian Tribal Biologist, Shannon Murphy, to spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, Tern nesting habitat at East Sand Island incorporate aerial surveys of Common and drivers of euphausiids (krill) in to 0.4 hectares (1 acre) as part of efforts Murres (Uria aalge) on Tatoosh Island the California Current using acoustic to reduce Caspian Tern predation on as well. Minimal to no activity was noted data collected during the Integrated threatened and endangered Columbia on murre colonies with the exception of Ecosystem and Pacific Hake Acoustic- River salmonid populations. The Carroll and Tatoosh Islands while a new Trawl Survey. The time series (2003- research team monitored the response colony was established on Silversides 2019) being developed will inform of terns to this management using a (Washington Seabird Colony #155039). research on recent seabird die-offs combination of banded tern resighting, Staff from WMNWRC also completed and colony abandonment events, and identification of forage fish prey types, one early morning survey each of 26 facilitate predictions of krill abundance unmanned aerial vehicle photography Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) and distribution during marine heat of the East Sand Island tern colony, colonies on Protection Island and San waves and under various climate change and aerial surveys of other potential Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges scenarios. Protocols for processing nesting sites within the region. In 2019, in May. They followed the methodology acoustic data for krill classification are because of competition for nesting developed by Joe Evenson (WDFW) being formalized so that these data will territories with Glaucous-winged/ and presented in the proceedings of be standard outputs of NOAA surveys Western Gulls (Larus glaucescens x L.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 54 REGIONAL REPORTS occidentalis), Caspian Terns occupied efforts to complete the Monitoring of nests to determine chick provisioning only 0.35 hectares (0.86 acres) of the Strategy for the Western Population of rates and diet. This work is supported prepared colony area at East Sand Double-crested Cormorants within the by funding from the Institute for Island. The research team estimated the Pacific Flyway for 2019. The Oregon Working Forest Landscapes within the size of the tern colony within the 0.35 Department of Fish and Wildlife and College of Forestry at OSU and the U.S. hectares at about 3,800 breeding pair; the Washington Department of Fish and Department of Agriculture National nesting success was fair to poor, despite Wildlife provided funding. Institute of Food and Agriculture, hundreds of young terns being fledged. The Oregon Marbled Murrelet McIntire Stennis project 1014995. The The research team included Dan Roby Project, led by OSU, continued project principle investigators are Jim (Professor – retired, OSU), Tim Lawes their research on Marbled Murrelet Rivers, Kim Nelson, Dan Roby, and (Senior Faculty Research Assistant, (Brachyramphus marmoratus) space Matt Betts. Research assistants are OSU), Olivia Bailey (Field Crew use along the central Oregon Coast. In Lindsay Adrean, Ethan Woodis, Leader, OSU), Kirsten Bixler (Faculty 2019, 46 murrelets were captured and and Jon Dauchenhaus. The project is Research Assistant, OSU), Don Lyons deployed with Very High Frequency managed by Jenn Bailey-Guerrero and (Assistant Professor–Senior Research, (VHF) telemetry tags and four active assisted by a post-doc, Sophie Garcia- OSU; Director of Conservation Science, nests were found (two successful, two Heras. A field crew of 10-15 technicians Seabird Restoration Program, National failed). To date, 190 adult murrelets s helped collect field data. Audubon Society), Adam Peck- have been captured and marked during 2019 was the 13th consecutive year Richardson (Research Associate, the 2017-2019 breeding seasons and 12 of monitoring at the Yaquina Head OSU), and Emily Scott (Seasonal Field active nests have been located (no birds colony in Newport, Oregon. Jessica Technician, OSU). The Bonneville nested in 2017). Research focuses on Porquez (Faculty Research Assistant, Power Administration and U.S. Fish and exploring breeding season movements OSU), Robert Vargas (Environment Wildlife Service provided funding. and marine space use, looking at the for the Americas Intern), Cassidy Dan Roby and Tim Lawes collected synergistic effects of nesting habitat Turner (OSU undergraduate, URSA aerial photography and provided colony loss and changing ocean conditions on Engage Intern), Jane Dolliver (MSc size enumeration from aerial imagery murrelet occupancy, and determining Student, OSU), and Rachael Orben for colony locations in interior Oregon inland habitat characteristics at a variety (Assistant Professor, Senior Research, and Washington of Double-crested of spatial scales. In addition, customized OSU) monitored nesting Common Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) digital video cameras are being used to Murres (Uria aalge) and Pelagic and in 2019. This work contributed to the provide around-the-clock surveillance Brandt’s Cormorants (Phalacrocorax

Laysan Albatrosses. Photo credit: David Pereksta

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 55 REGIONAL REPORTS pelagicus and P. penicillatus). In 2019, installed two nest boxes for Pigeon the two smaller North Pacific species, higher hatching rates (0.69) of Common Guillemots (Cepphus columba) Black-footed Albatross (P. nigripes) and Murres and comparable fledging rates underneath the ship operations dock Laysan Albatross (P. immutabilis) are (0.79 of hatched eggs) to 2018 marked at the Hatfield Marine Science Center only identifiable on the WorldView-3 a second year of higher reproductive for education, outreach, and research platform. Panchromatic image counts success following sustained years of purposes for the fourth year. This year can accurately model in-field counts near failure (2015-2017). The median three chicks fledged. A live feed was when accounting for platform, species, hatch date (July 9) was later than the available (http://webcam.oregonstate. and vegetation cover. Using the best- long-term mean. Predator disturbances edu/pigu). performing, panchromatic model the (primarily Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus Adam Peck-Richardson, Rachael team estimated a colony of Short-tailed leucophalus) at the colony were the Orben, and Don Lyons completed the Albatross breeding in the Senkaku lowest in 2019 in ten years. Disturbance first full year of an interdisciplinary Islands has expanded to a minimum of events at one sub-colony (Flat Top project using novel biologging tags 166 adult birds. Rock) however, led to abandonment of on diving seabirds (Phalacrocorax the rock, a response that monitors have spp.) to collect oceanographic data. In consistently observed from 2013-2019. 2019, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants NORTHERN Both Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants were captured in the Columbia River CALIFORNIA had high chick fledging rates (1.89 and estuary and fitted with integrated Global Compiled by Kirsten Lindquist 2.36 fledglings/nest, respectively). The Positioning System - Global System for median hatch date for both species was Mobile Communications tags (GPS- In April 2019, the Marbled Murrelet slightly earlier than the long-term mean GSM) to measure pressure (depth), Effectiveness Monitoring Program (LTM); Brandt’s Cormorants began temperature, and inertial motions posted a summary report on the hatching July 5 (LTM: July 9), and (acceleration and compass bearing). monitoring results from at-sea surveys Pelagic Cormorants on July 10 (LTM: Jim Lerczak (Professor, OSU), Greg for Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus July 15). Wilson (Assistant Professor, OSU), marmoratus; MAMU), which occurred Ray Martin (OSU Undergraduate) Tuba Ozkan-Haller (Associate Vice in nearshore waters in 2018. This and and Rachael Orben monitored Western President for Research Administration other program reports can be accessed Gulls (Larus occidentalis) at the Cleft- and Development, OSU), Doruk online at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/ in-the-Rock colony south of Yachats, Ardag (Postdoc, OSU), and Dylan reo/monitoring/murrelet/. In 2019, Oregon, at the Yaquina Head colony, Winters (Faculty Research Assistant, at-sea surveys were continued under and on various buildings in Newport, OSU) are processing bird-derived data this program in southern Oregon and Oregon. This year the colony at Cleft-in- to describe water column properties, northern California (from Coos Bay to the-Rock failed due to eagle predation. surface gravity waves, currents, and the southern Humboldt County line) Ray piloted the use of trail cameras to bathymetry and to calibrate satellite and were led by Craig Strong (Crescent monitor nest attendance by Western derived oceanographic models. Planning Coastal Research). Details surrounding Gulls. This effort was funded by the began for future biologging work with this work, including a project overview PSG Student Research Grant. Pelagic Cormorants at Middleton and the complete list of contributors, is Jason Piasecki (OSU undergraduate) Island, Alaska, and Socotra Cormorants included in the Washington & Oregon continued research on marine plastics (Phalacrocorax nigrogularus) in the report above. accumulation by analyzing stomach United Arab Emirates. This effort is In addition to conducting marine contents of beached birds along the funded by the Office of Naval Research. monitoring surveys for the Northwest central Oregon coast. Methodology was Jane Dolliver with major advisor Forest Plan Marbled Murrelet developed to assess the buoyancy of Rob Suryan (OSU) and collaborators population monitoring effort, Craig plastic particles. Both diving and surface Chris Noyles (BLM), Leah Kenney Strong monitored Pelagic and Brandt’s foraging birds were found to have (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus ingested both negatively and positively [USFWS]), Beth Flint, Jenny Johnson and P. penicillatus) colonies and buoyant plastic particles, suggesting (USFWS), Lindsay Young (Pacific Rim generally tracked seabird nesting that forage fish may be a source of Conservation), and Hiroshi Hasegawa in northern California and southern plastics. Results were presented at (Toho University), completed her thesis, Oregon (ca 40 to 43 degrees N on the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the “Using Satellite Imagery to Count U.S. west coast). The 2019 season 2018 Pacific Estuarine Research Society Nesting Albatross from Space.” Short- was remarkable for over 90% nesting conference. tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) failure of both cormorant species, and Jason Piasecki, Adam Peck- are identifiable on both WorldView-2 over 97% failure for Common Murres Richardson, and Rachael Orben and WorldView-3 satellite platforms, but (Uria aalge) in this region. Where

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 56 REGIONAL REPORTS birds attended colonies at reduced Most murrelets tracked by radar were with California Department of Fish numbers and laid eggs into June, very at Humboldt Redwoods State Park and and Wildlife), and Daniel Barton few cormorants fledged chicks (none in the Cooper Mill MMCA. Final analyses continued an ongoing Double-crested monitored plots), and the proportion of of the 2019 data have not yet been Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) and chicks in at-sea Common Murre counts conducted. The 2018 data indicated that Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) in July was 0.0018 (n=1650; the mean of after 16 years of monitoring, trends in diet study in Humboldt Bay into its 2000-2015 was 0.190). This is the second radar counts of murrelets in the MMCAs third year, obtaining numerous pellets widespread seabird failure in this region and Reserves have differed during the at local colonies as well as locating in the last three years, and was worse for study period; there has been a decline several thousand Passive Integrated both cormorants than the 2017 season, in radar counts in both the Reserves and Transponder tags from salmonid tagging which was affected by the 2015-2016 the MMCAs since the 2002 baseline, but efforts in local seabird colonies. marine heat wave (Di Lorenzo and the decline in radar counts in MMCAs Mike Johns and Pete Warzybok Mantua. 2016. Nature Climate Change has been smaller. (Point Blue Conservation Science) in 6: 1-7.). No ready explanation for the Claire Nasr (Bureau of Land coordination with Gerry McChesney poor conditions has surfaced; however, Management, Humboldt State (USFWS Farallon Islands National lag effects from the marine heat wave University [HSU]) and Daniel Barton Wildlife Refuge) continued the long- on higher trophic levels and ongoing (HSU) continued field monitoring term program monitoring the population anomalies are possible contributing efforts of nesting success and habitat use size, reproductive success, and diet factors. of nearshore seabirds around Trinidad for 13 species of breeding seabirds. Humboldt Redwood Company, LLC Head and Patrick’s Point for the seventh 2019 was a very poor breeding year (HRC) continued the conservation consecutive year, in collaboration for most species. A moderate El Niño activities for the Marbled Murrelet under with the Trinidad Chapter of the that developed during the previous the company’s Habitat Conservation Seabird Protection Network (SPN) and winter persisted into the breeding Plan (HCP). Project leaders were Sal Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Claire season leading to anomalously warm Chinnici and Mark Freitas of HRC. Nasr completed an HSU MSc thesis sea surface temperatures, late season The HCP requires tracking of murrelet on methodology for and application storms, reduced upwelling, and overall occupancy and numbers over time using of seabird spatial disturbance risk low ocean productivity around the both radar and audio-visual (AV) survey modeling. Daniel Barton continued islands. The planktivorous Cassin’s techniques. Surveys were continued work monitoring seabirds in the region Auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), in 2019 at the Headwaters Forest using unmanned aerial vehicles to which had been experiencing above Reserve and Humboldt Redwoods State estimate abundance and change in average productivity for the past 10 Park (the Reserves), and also at the abundance over time at colonies in the years, had their lowest breeding success Marbled Murrelet Conservation Areas Humboldt Bay and Trinidad area. They since 2006 with fewer than 10% of sites (MMCAs) on HRC forestlands, with observed near-complete reproductive successfully fledging a chick. Cassin’s the collaboration of Sean McAllister failure of Common Murre at the also bred nearly a full month later than (O’Brien Biological Consulting) and Trinidad Complex, one of the largest last season and three weeks later than Adam Brown. complexes of murre colonies in the state, the long-term median laying date. The Since the inception of HCP in early June 2019, the cause of which majority of breeding attempts were monitoring (1999), occupied behaviors was unclear. This observation was subsequently abandoned. Likewise, have been observed in the MMCAs corroborated by minimal observations Common Murre productivity was and Reserve stands using AV surveys. of murre checks at sea in the region greatly reduced this season with the In 2019, surveyors conducted 141 during June and July. The monitoring lowest productivity since 2009 and the surveys at 33 stations and observed efforts at these site intersects with a fourth lowest on record for this colony. occupied behaviors (below canopy citizen scientist project coordinated by There was both reduced breeding effort flight or circling) in the Headwaters the SPN, and compliments outreach and reduced chick survival observed Forest Reserve, Humboldt Redwoods efforts by the SPN to reduce seabird relative to previous years. Rhinoceros State Park, and the Allen Creek, Bell disturbance risk at these sites, now in its Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), Lawrence, and Cooper Mill MMCAs. third year. Principal species monitored Pigeon Guillemots, and Western Radar surveys track murrelets by these projects include cormorants Gulls also had reduced breeding traveling to and from nesting areas (three Phalacrocorax spp.), Western success in 2019 when compared to within the MMCAs and Reserves. Gull (Larus occidentalis), Pigeon last season and to the long-term mean Radar counts are considered indices Guillemot (Cepphus columba), and productivity for these species. Pelagic of the breeding population. In 2019, 56 Common Murre. Rebecca Garwood, Cormorants were present around the radar surveys were conducted at 14 sites. Justin Garwood, James Ray (all island throughout the season but very

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 57 REGIONAL REPORTS few pairs attempted to breed and no than the long-term mean (1993-2018) During the July cruise, during peak chicks fledged from followed nests. In for these months. During the months of upwelling, they observed high levels of contrast, Brandt’s Cormorant breeding April and May, murres were aged: 88% phytoplankton, zooplankton and krill success, though slightly reduced of birds were adult, 5% second year, and in the prey samples. Humpback whales compared to last season, was above 7% unknown (n=201). Post breeding were observed throughout the region average for the seventh consecutive mortality in August-November was 48% and across the shipping lanes. No blue year. The California Gull (Larus of the long-term mean, and young of the whales (Balaenoptera musculus) were californicus) population continues to year were almost completely absent. observed during this cruise, which is decline on Southeast Farallon Island, Contact Kirsten Lindquist (Greater somewhat uncommon. They observed with only 9 likely nests observed, one of Farallones Association in contract with lower than average numbers of Common which contained eggs. No chicks were the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Murres with chicks. observed in 2019. Northern anchovy Administration [NOAA]), KLindquist During the fall cruise, they found (Engraulis mordax) were by far the [at] farallones [dot] org or Jan Roletto typical oceanographic conditions most dominant prey item in chick diet (NOAA GFNMS) Jan.Roletto [at] noaa and productivity, with scattered bait for Common Murres and Rhinoceros [dot] gov for access to Beach Watch balls of krill and fish, copepods and Auklets. Juvenile rockfish Sebastes ( data. gelatinous invertebrates. Humpback spp.) were virtually absent with the 2019 marks the 16th field sampling and blue whales were distributed mostly lowest abundance observed in chick season of the Applied California Current along the 200-meter isobath, and some diet since 2006/2007. Overall ocean Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS; www. humpbacks were obviously feeding on productivity appeared to be poor for accessoceans.org) surveys. ACCESS is small schooling fish across the shelf. much of the season with clear blue water a collaborative effort of Cordell Bank There were surprisingly high numbers observed around the island and very National Marine Sanctuary, Greater of Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea), little krill in the auklet diet. Canada Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Sabine’s Gulls (Xema sabini), South Geese (Branta canadensis) nested on and Point Blue Conservation Science for Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki), the Farallones for the ninth consecutive ongoing data collection to understand and various jaegers (Stercorarius spp.) year and fledged several chicks from at status and trends of sanctuary resources, throughout the sanctuaries. For more least four nests. In addition to regular ecosystem health, and response to information, contact the principal monitoring work, this was the fifth climate change. Scientists collect investigators, Jaime Jahncke (Point season of geolocator deployments seabird and marine mammal data, Blue Conservation Science) jjahncke on Cassin’s Auklets, third season on oceanographic measurements, marine [at] pointblue [dot] org, Dani Lipski Pigeon Guillemots, and second season debris, and sample for prey availability (NOAA Cordell Bank National Marine on Rhinoceros Auklets in an effort to along predetermined transect lines. Sanctuary) Danielle.lipski [at] noaa [dot] better understand the winter dispersal This year, spring upwelling conditions gov, or Jan Roletto, Jan.Roletto [at] patterns of alcids from the Farallones. made for rough seas and multiple delays noaa [dot] gov. They also continued Global Positioning but good ocean productivity indicated by Farallon Institute (FI) conducted at- System (GPS) tracking studies on abundant zooplankton and whales. Most sea seabird surveys seasonally as part Rhinoceros Auklets, Western Gulls, and notable were abundant krill (Euphausia of the California Cooperative Oceanic now Common Murres during the chick spp.) in both Tucker trawls and some Fisheries Investigation (CalCOFI), rearing period to examine interannual hoop net tows. There were a fair number California Current Ecosystem - Long- changes in their foraging behavior. of humpback whales (Megaptera term Ecological Research (CCE-LTER), 2019 marks the 26th year of Beach novaeangliae) foraging along the and Southern California Coastal Watch, the coastal monitoring program shelf break and over the continental Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) of Greater Farallones National Marine shelf. Scientists also collected data programs. These cruises take place Sanctuary (GFNMS) and Greater on the locations of Dungeness crab in the Southern California Bight and Farallones Association. In 2019, Beach (Metacarcinus magister) pot buoys, a along the Central California Coast. Watch monitored 62 survey sites commercial fishery that closed early For each cruise, a seabird observer is over five counties in North Central this year due to increased risk of whale stationed on the bridge of the ship and California. 2019 was largely a quiet entanglements. ACCESS data are records the number and species of birds year for seabird and marine mammal provided to the Dungeness Crab Fishing they see. The data software records the mortality in central California. One Gear Working Group to inform the Risk geographic position of the ship for each notable exception, Common Murre Assessment and Mitigation Program to seabird observation and can analyze deposition was atypically high in April- look at risk to humpback whales and seabird density by location. Initiated July, with two peaks of deposition in locations of out of season commercial by other agencies, Farallon Institute April (157%) and June (157%) higher gear. has been responsible for this surveying

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LETE colony: a diet study using both collected dropped fish and pellets, and a provisioning study using camera traps. Caspian Terns were first observed at VA Alameda Point in late February 2019. First nests were observed on April 22, and the highest number of CATE nests (581) was counted on May 14, the same day the first chicks were observed. The highest number of live chicks counted while inside the colony was 245 on May 28. Nesting observations were made during walking-in-colony surveys within the CATE colony for only part of the breeding season (April 24 to May 31). The remaining observations were made from a vehicle blind at a distance and using scope and binoculars to Roseate Tern. Photo credit: David Pereksta minimize disturbance. Unfortunately, fast growing invasive plants disrupted since 2008; full time series extend back to August nesting season. In addition, much of the view into the colony for the to 1987. Susan conducted observations from a remainder of the season. They estimated FI also conducted at-sea seabird vehicle blind outside the colony using 500 to 600 CATEs attended this colony. surveys annually on the National scope and binoculars 4 days/week A minimum of 98 fledglings were Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to track nest activity and predator observed on July 18, but this number is Rockfish Recruitment and Ecosystem presence. The first California Least Tern expected to be low. This was the fifth Assessment Survey (RREAS) off the in 2019 was seen at VA Alameda Point year in a row for the CATEs to nest at central-northern California coast and on April 17. Although the first LETEs VA Alameda Point. extending up the Oregon coast. Time arrived on time, the bulk of the LETEs On May 1, 50-60 Elegant Terns were series extend back to 1996, and FI did not arrive and begin nesting until observed flying around and landing observers have done the surveys since the first week of June, at least 3 weeks within the CATE colony. A walk- 2008. Survey methods are the same as later than in prior years. The first LETE through survey confirmed the first for the Southern California observations. nest was discovered on June 4, and the ELTE nest that day. This was the first Susan Euing (USFWS employee and first chicks hatched on June 29. The first time for ELTEs to nest at VA Alameda contractor to Department of Veterans’ fledgling was observed on July 19. The Point and possibly on San Francisco Bay. Affairs [VA]) and Taylor Pantiga last LETE observed on VA Alameda On May 22, there were 240 nests and 5 (USFWS intern) monitored the nesting Point was on August 27. This year’s live chicks. They had to cease entering colonies of three tern species at VA breeding season experienced fairly the CATE-ELTE colony after May 31 to Alameda Point in Alameda, California, low predation (18 LETEs and 2 eggs) minimize disturbance. On July 27, 1,832 (the former Naval Air Station Alameda): mostly by Peregrine Falcons (Falco ELTEs were counted, of which 31 were California Least Terns (Sternula peregrinus), high chick mortality (33%), young of the year. At least 72 chicks/ antillarum browni; LETE), Caspian and 23% nest failure. However, the nest fledglings were counted on July 18, but Terns (CATE) and Elegant Terns hatching rate was 77% and surviving this number is expected to be low due (Thalasseus elegans; ELTE). Susan fledgling rate was 43%, compared to to poor visibility from invasive plant led seven volunteer work parties from 74% and 44%, respectively, from 2018. encroachment. CATEs and ELTEs were September 2018 through April 2019, Despite 2019’s shorter nesting season, last seen at this property on August 30 clearing weeds and preparing the (12 weeks vs. 15 weeks in 2018), the and September 5, respectively. nesting sites prior to the nesting seasons productivity numbers were very similar Mark Rauzon (Marine Endeavors) for these species. between 2019 and 2018: number of has joined with marine engineering firm Meredith Elliott and Rachel breeding pairs (311 vs. 314 in 2018), Moffitt Michols to conduct a feasibility Banuelos (Point Blue scientist and minimum number of fledglings (182 vs. study to determine if the old Berkeley intern, respectively) assisted USFWS 190 in 2018) and fledgling-to-breeding Pier can support artificial nesting twice weekly with walking-in-colony pair ratio (0.544 vs. 0.595 in 2018). platforms. This project is funded with surveys of the LETE colony for the May There are two on-going studies at the penalty fines stemming from the 2007

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Cosco Busan oil spill. Mark is also season, from mid-April to mid-August. and mainland), Brandt’s Cormorants, writing a book about the Bering Sea In 2019, productivity values (chicks Pigeon Guillemots, Western Gulls, and climate chaos likely to be published fledged per pair) for Common Murres Black Oystercatchers during weekly by University of Washington Press. were among the lowest recorded at PRH visits to the island. Research for the book took him to the and DSRM but were similar to the long- Breeding Rhinoceros and Cassin’s Russian Far East in summer 2018 where term average at CHCC. Murre breeding Auklet populations continued to rise, few seabirds were noted breeding. site attendance was generally low consistent with the general pattern over Notably however, he photographed and unusually large numbers of birds the past 9 years of restoration efforts. an unbanded Short-tailed Albatross skipped breeding. Productivity was Rhinoceros Auklet productivity was (Phoebastria albatrus), suggesting also below the long-term averages for slightly above average. Cassin’s Auklets it came from the off-limits Senkaku Pelagic Cormorant and Western Gulls at had a particularly poor year with almost Islands. DSRM and CHCC. Brandt’s Cormorant total egg abandonment, and not a single David Ainley, and collaborators productivity was near average at PRH fledged chick in the study subsample. recently finished analysis of all the at-sea and DSRM but below average at CHCC. This suggests poor foraging conditions aerial and ship-board survey data that Numbers of Brandt’s Cormorant nests and reduced krill availability in the have been collected off California, 1980- appeared to be greater in 2019 than in area. The annual Rhinoceros Auklet 2017 (497,000 km), as well as reports 2018 at PRH and DSRM, and similar diet study shows a continued reliance from more than 1,000 “birder” pelagic to 2018 at CHCC. Disturbance to on young Northern Anchovy (Engalulis trips during the same time period, to seabirds from human sources were from mordax), with a slight increase in derive a report titled “At-sea distribution primarily aircraft. incidence of juvenile salmon spp. patterns and population size of the Ashy 2019 marked the 27th consecutive (Oncorhynchus spp.). Storm-petrel Oceanodroma homochroa year of seabird monitoring at Año Nuevo In fall 2019, Oikonos continued (with contributions from R. Glenn Island, located 1 km off the coast in San restoration efforts on the island, Ford, Scott Terrill, Margot Tollefson, Mateo County, California. Oikonos installing erosion control material and Janet Casey, Debi Shearwater, Linda Ecosystem Knowledge’s Ryan Carle 25 habitat enhancement platforms over Terrill, David G. Ainley) and plan to and Jessie Beck (Project Managers), fragile auklet burrows, intended to submit the report, and data analysis Rozy Bathrick (Project Ecologist), mitigate burrow erosion and damage (funded by National Fish and Wildlife Sierra Kohls and Kelly Goedde- from thousands of roosting Brown Foundation) to Marine Ornithology. Matthews (Seasonal Interns), and David Pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis). The Common Murre Restoration Calleri (Project Volunteer) monitored Oikonos continued collaboration with Project completed its 24th season of breeding populations and productivity Nathan Lynch of California College of monitoring as part of a program to restore of Rhinoceros Auklets, Cassin’s the Arts in the design and deployment of Common Murre colonies damaged by Auklets, Pelagic Cormorants (island artificial ceramic nests, built to provide oil spills, led by principal investigators Gerry McChesney (USFWS) and Richard Golightly (HSU) with funding from the Luckenbach Oil Spill Trustee Council. The project monitors productivity, breeding population size, and disturbance to Common Murres as well as Brandt’s Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants, Western Gulls, Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) and Pigeon Guillemots. Monitoring took place at three central California coast colonies: Point Reyes Headlands (PRH), Devil’s Slide Rock & Mainland (DSRM), and the Castle-Hurricane Colony Complex (CHCC). Biologists Cassie Bednar, Shannon Carvey, Amy Wilson, and Derek Harvey along with field technicians Emily Schmidt and Aspen Ellis (HSU) conducted field Pink-footed Shearwater. Photo credit: David Pereksta observations throughout the breeding

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 60 REGIONAL REPORTS erosion-proof burrows for Rhinoceros Ballance (NOAA Southwest Fisheries scholar in the department of Integrative and Cassin’s Auklets. Science Center and Marine Mammal Biology at OSU working with Rebecca Corinne Gibble (California Institute, Oregon State University), Terry. Sarah is researching ecosystem Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office Trevor Joyce (NOAA Southwest change in the California Current over of Spill Prevention and Response, Marine Fisheries Science Center), and Dave the last ~1,500 years via stable isotope Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Pereksta (Bureau of Ocean Energy analysis of seabird skeletal remains Center [CDFW/OSPR/MWVCRC] in Management [BOEM]) to procure (mostly Cassi n’s Au k let [Ptychoramphus Santa Cruz, CA) continues to monitor the and process seabird survey datasets to aleuticus] and Scripps’s Murrelet morbidity and mortality of seabirds in model at-sea density of marine birds to [Synthliboramphus scrippsi]) collected California through systematic necropsy. support renewable energy planning on from a sea cave site on Santa Barbara In 2019, she investigated 2 notably the U.S. Pacific outer continental shelf Island, Channel Islands National Park. large mortality events in California off the western U.S. (California Current Josh Adams, Emma Kelsey, and worked with several collaborators Region). Amelia DuVall (U.S. Geological including Richard Grewelle (PhD Scott Shaffer and students Cole Survey [USGS]/California Institute Candidate, Stanford University), who Jower and Sean Gee (San Jose State of Environmental Studies), David is examining Acanthocephalan parasite University), are continuing research Mazurkiewicz (Channel Island infections in seabirds and sea otters. with Pete Warzybok, Mike Johns, National Park), Matthew McKown, Josh Adams, Emma Kelsey, Cheryl and Jamie Jahncke of Point Blue Jeff Schlueter, and Kerry Dunleavy Horton, and Laney White (U.S. Conservation Science at the Farallon (Conservation Metrics Inc.) are Geological Survey [USGS]), with Islands to examine the foraging and compiling and comparing mistnetting observer support from Alex Rinkert breeding ecology of Western Gulls, and acoustic analyses for Ashy Storm- (California State Parks) conducted Rhinocerous Auklets, and Common petrels (Oceanodroma homochroa) at-sea Marbled Murrelet surveys Murres. Scott and his student Anqi within the California Channel Islands in Conservation Zone 6 in Central Chen are collaborating with Josh 1994 - 2018. Funding was provided California to estimate abundance and Ackerman (USGS) to examine the by the National Fish and Wildlife juvenile ratios for murrelets in 2019. This foraging ecology of California Gulls in Foundation. project was funded by the Luckenbach San Francisco Bay. Josh Adams, Jonathan Felis Oil Spill Trustee Council. Jonathan (USGS), and Emma Kelsey, in Felis (USGS), Josh Adams, and Emma collaboration with Bill Standley Kelsey are preparing an annual report SOUTHERN (Bureau of Land Management [BLM] for 2019 surveys and have published the California Coastal National Monument), findings from 2018 murrelet surveys as CALIFORNIA Matthew McKown, Jeff Schlueter, part of their data series publication and Compiled by Cristián Suazo and Kerry Dunleavy are finalizing data release for this project: their analysis of acoustic presence and 1. Felis JJ, EC Kelsey, J Adams. Jeff Davis, Phil Capitolo, Dave distribution of storm-petrel species on 2019. Abundance and Lewis, Peter Gaede, Mike Parker, 30 rocks and islands off the California productivity of marbled murrelets and Glenn Ford (all University of coast (primarily within the California (Brachyramphus marmoratus) California, Santa Cruz [UCSC]; J e ff Coastal National Monument). Funding off central California during the Davis, Principal Investigator) continued was provided by BLM and the National 2018 breeding season. U.S.G.S. conducting aerial surveys of marine Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The final Data Series 1107, 12 p. birds and mammals in California report will be published December 2019. 2. Felis, J.J., Adams, J., Peery, continental shelf waters under contract Josh Adams, Laney White, Amelia M.Z., Henry, R.W., Henkel, L.A., with California Department of Fish DuVall, and Cheryl Horton (USGS), in Becker, B.H., and Halbert, P., and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention collaboration with Matthew McKown, 2019, Annual marbled murrelet and Response (CDFW-OSPR) Holly Jeff Schlueter, and Abram Fleishman abundance and productivity Gellerman. The surveys are designed (Conservation Metrics Inc.), and support surveys off central California to collect baseline distribution and from David Pereksta (Bureau of Ocean (Zone 6), 1999-2018 (ver. 2.0, abundance data and to maintain rapid- Energy Management), continue aerial March 2019): U.S. Geological response capabilities for oil spills. photographic surveys of seabirds Survey data release, https://doi. During the past year, surveys were and marine mammals off Southern org/10.5066/F75B01RW. conducted in the Santa Barbara Channel California, while developing machine Josh Adams and Jonathan Felis and throughout the nearshore zone of learning methods to process, extract and continued to work with Jefferey Leirness Southern California. classify objects in images. (NOAA Biogeography Branch), Lisa Sarah Thomsen is a postdoctoral

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(Island Conservation) completed a place at this site from 2015-2017, and H AWAI’I second year of baseline population the first returning translocated chick, Compiled by Cristián Suazo monitoring for several seabird species raised in 2015, has been returning to (as well as other native and invasive the predator exclusion fence for the At Midway Atoll National Wildlife plants and animals) in order to assess past two years. PRC continues to do a Refuge (MANWR), U.S. Fish and impacts of the mouse eradication. In variety of seabird monitoring surveys Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff, addition to the albatross demographic across Hawai’i and the Pacific as well volunteers, and collaborators continued monitoring and in collaboration with as working on the critically endangered to monitor populations of three species Conservation Metrics, they assessed Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus of albatross. Under the direction of acoustic activity of Tristram’s Storm- newelli) and endangered Hawaiian Roberta Swift (USFWS) and Beth petrels (Oceanodroma tristrami) and Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) Flint (USFWS), and in collaboration Bulwer’s Petrels (Bulweria bulwerii) translocations on Kaua’i which are in with Bill Kendall (U.S. Geological on both Sand Island and Eastern their 5th year (visit www.nihoku.org for Survey [USGS]) and Bird Banding Island. Tristram’s Storm-petrels were details). Lab staff, Jonathan Plissner (Island found nesting at several sites on both Andre F. Rainé, Jennifer Rothe, Conservation) and other Midway islands; but Bulwer’s Petrels do not Scott Driskill, and the rest of the team personnel contributed to the completion appear to have re-established breeding from the Kaua’i Endangered Seabird of a 14th consecutive year of the populations at Midway. A single bird Recovery Project (KESRP) continued long-term Albatross Demographic was heard calling from a burrow over a number of long-running conservation Monitoring Project for the Hawaiian several nights in July. Although no and research programs on the island of Islands and finished an extensive evidence of nesting was found, it was Kaua’i, focused on the three endangered quality review of survivorship data for the first Bulwer’s Petrel detected on seabirds breeding on the island: Newell’s all years of the project. Results of the Midway since 2009 and offers hope Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, and Band- 2018-2019 breeding season included the for the species to eventually return to a rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma lowest reproductive success for Laysan rodent-free atoll. castro). Seabird monitoring continued Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) Lindsay Young, Eric VanderWerf, at Upper Limahuli Preserve, Upper recorded to date for the project; and Robby Kohley from Pacific Rim Manoa Valley and five sites in Hono O although Black-footed Albatross Conservation (PRC) have continued Na Pali Natural Area Reserve, to assess (Phoebastria nigripes) reproductive to expand upon their “no net loss” the effectiveness of cat, rat, pig, and success was near the average rate for program where the goal is to create introduced Barn Owl (Tyto alba) control. the same time period. Rachael Orben equal amounts of predator-free high The results at the end of the 2018 breeding (Oregon State University) and Melinda island habitat to match what is currently season continued to show increasing Conners (Stony Brook University), being lost to erosion and sea level rise reproductive success rates and call in collaboration with Scott Shaffer in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. rates across most sites, highlighting the (San Jose State University) and Lesley In 2019, 25 Black-footed Albatrosses positive effects of seabird management Thorne (Stony Brook University), (BFAL), 78 Bonin Petrels (Pterodroma in these areas. A translocation project returned to Midway in 2019 to continue hypoleuca, BOPE), and 42 Tristram’s for Newell’s Shearwater and Hawaiian monitoring of foraging ecology Storm-petrel (TRSP) chicks from Petrel continued for the fifth year in and physiology of albatross using Papahānaumokuākea Marine National 2019, with 20 Newell’s Shearwater and Global Positioning System (GPS) and Monument were translocated by ship 20 Hawaiian Petrel being translocated accelerometer dataloggers. During the and plane to James Campbell National from mountain colonies to the predator- season, MANWR staff also monitored Wildlife Refuge on O’ahu. The birds proof fence at Nihokū (Kīlauea Point nesting of the first Short-tailed Albatross were placed in a predator exclusion fence National Wildlife Refuge) as part of a (Phoebastria albatrus) pair to produce where the PRC team of biologists raised multi-partner project including KESRP, a chick on Sand Island. The chick was them on a diet of fish and squid slurry, Pacific Rim Conservation, American banded and subsequently fledged in late and closely monitored their health and Bird Conservancy, National Fish and May 2019. growth. Fledging success was 95% Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Preparations also continued for a (138/145) overall, including 100% for Wildlife Service, State of Hawai’i’s large-scale Midway Seabird Protection BFAL (25/25), 97% for BOPE (76/78) Department of Land and Natural Project, focusing on eradication of and 88% for TRSP. This is the third Resources (DLNR), Pacific Studies Co- house mice (Mus musculus) from year of BFAL translocations at this site operative Unit, and National Tropical Sand Island, with implementation and the second year of BOPE and TRSP Botanical Garden. With this year’s planned for summer 2020. Beth Flint, translocations. Three years of Laysan chicks, a total of 90 Hawaiian Petrel and Jonathan Plissner, and Coral Wolf Albatross (LAAL) translocations took 65 Newell’s Shearwater have now been

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 62 REGIONAL REPORTS translocated since 2015. term population trends for both species. lepturus). Her goal is to make species- KESRP also carried out seabird As part of KESRP’s Underline specific models of vision to better monitoring on Moku’ae’ae Islet and Monitoring Project, Marc Travers, understand juvenile light attraction Lehua Islet. In the case of Lehua Islet Angela Stamen, Theresa Geelhoed, behavior and seabird perception of the the main focus is on seabird monitoring Adam Elzinga, and André F. Raine environment. related to the on-going rat eradication continued to investigate seabird take Peter Kappes (U.S. Department and ecosystem restoration project on through power line collisions on Kaua’i. of Agriculture) is currently working the islet that was initiated in 2017. The Using acoustic monitoring of power as rodent island eradication biologist dramatic reduction of rats on the islet has line collisions, direct observations of for the Wildlife Services’ National led to immediate responses from smaller seabird collisions and dead birds under Wildlife Research Center at the Hilo seabird species nesting on Lehua, wires, data collected indicate that power Field Station, where he is conducting particularly Bulwer’s Petrel. The project line collisions are the single greatest feasibility studies for a proposed rat is run by the Hawai’i DLNR Division documented source of mortality for eradication on Wake Atoll, serving of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian on the Lehua rat eradication steering in conjunction with federal sponsor Petrels on Kaua’i and are having committee, preparing environmental USFWS, technical partner Island population-level effects. Working with monitoring protocols for the upcoming Conservation (IC), and the cooperating funding from the Kauaʻi Island Utility mouse eradication on MANWR, and members of the Lehua Island Restoration Co-operative (KIUC), the team has been conducting research on controlling and Steering Committee (LIRSC). In developing a number of ways to reduce eradicating invasive island predators. conjunction with Rachel Sprague and these collisions, including the creation Josh Adams, Emma Kelsey, Grazel Carceres of Pulama Lana’i, of laser fences at key collision hot spots Jonathan Felis, and Laney White KESRP has also continued in its fifth (to create a visual barrier for birds to (all USGS), in coordination with year of monitoring the Hawaiian Petrel fly over power lines) as well as using Kim Uyehara, Heather Tonneson, colonies of the island of Lana’i, using bird diverters (including blinking LED Daniel Dewey (Kilauea Point National a combination of song meters, burrow Diverters), removal of the top power Wildlife Refuge), Thomas Kaʻiakapu checks, auditory surveys, and burrow lines and the potential for relocation (State of Hawai’i, DLNR, DoFAW), cameras. Reproductive success rates or realignment of existing lines. All and Jessica Behnke (Pacific Missile have improved dramatically on Lana’i three of these tools have now resulted Range Facility [PMRF]) with support since the initiation of a new predator in significant reductions in seabird from David Pereksta (Bureau of control project by Pulama Lana’i. Data collisions and are very promising Ocean Energy Management [BOEM]), loggers were also deployed on breeding avenues to pursue further. Lastly, they counted numbers of nesting Red-tailed Hawaiian Petrels for the second year continue to promote the simple solution Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), to chart overland flyways to and from of maintaining or promoting tall trees White-tailed Tropicbird, Wedge-tailed colonies in the mountains; flyways in on the landscape to force birds to fly up Shearwater, and Red-footed Booby 2019 were the same as those found in and over power lines. This last point is (Sula sula) at Kilauea Point National 2018. particularly important now that Kaua’i Wildlife Refuge. In addition, Wedge- Song meters were deployed by KESRP has a wood burning power plant that has tailed Shearwater nests were counted at multiple sites along the ridges and slot greatly reduced standing tree height at at PMRF and other state lands across canyons of the Na Pali coast. Call rates low elevations, resulting in increased Kaua’i. for Newell’s Shearwater, Band-rumped seabird power line collision risk in areas Josh Adams, Jonathan Felis, Storm-petrel, and Barn Owl will be that were formerly estimated to have and Max Czapanskiy (USGS), in analyzed from these units to assess the low risk. collaboration with David Pereksta, effectiveness of Barn Owl control in the Graduate student Hannah Moon are finalizing a report and data release area. KESRP also continued its work (under the supervision of Megan Porter on tracking of seabirds in the Main at the Kokee Air Force Station (the site at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Hawaiian Islands to support renewable of a major fallout event of adult birds on O’ahu) is studying the visual ecology energy planning: in 2015), monitoring the new lights at of Hawai’i’s endangered and threatened 1. Adams, J, JJ Felis, M Czapanskiy. the site to assess potential attraction seabirds. She is using physiological and [In Press]. Habitat Affinities and effects. As with the previous year, there molecular techniques to investigate At-Sea Ranging Behaviors among was no fallout recorded. Lastly, KESRP visual system differences among Main Hawaiian Island Seabirds: reinitiated its long-term radar project, species, particularly in the Newell’s Breeding Seabird Telemetry, undertaking radar surveys for Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, Wedge- 2013–2016. Camarillo (CA) U.S. Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel at 15 tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica), Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of locations around Kaua’i to assess long- and White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon Ocean Energy Management,

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Conservation of the Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) was held in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos by Christian Sevilla of Galapagos National Park, Gustavo Jiménez-Uzcátegui of Charles Darwin Research Center, Carolina Proaño, and Sebastian Cruz of TierraMar, and Hannah Nevins, Brad Keitt, and George Wallace of American Bird Conservancy, Paula Castaño of Island Conservation, and Michael Moen and Lucia Norris of Jocotoco Foundation. The group was joined by Christine Bogle, Secretariat for the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), and Tatiana Neves of Projecto Albatroz, Brazil. The purpose Black Oystercatcher. Photo credit: David Pereksta of this meeting was to bring together researchers, governmental agencies, and Pacific OCS Region. OCS Study non-profit groups with the shared interest BOEM 2019-051. 111 pp. In July 2019, Hannah Nevins, of coordinating future conservation 2. Felis JJ, M Czapanskiy, J Holly Robertson, and Dan Lebbin actions for Ecuador endemic Galápagos Adams. [In Press]. At-sea (American Bird Conservancy), Jennifer Petrel to draft a plan of action. The group ranging behavior of seabirds Wheeler (BirdsCaribbean), Adam made recognition the 30-year effort of breeding in the main Hawaiian Brown (Environmental Protection in work of Kleber Aquilar and the other Islands: Bio-logger data release: the Caribbean), Yvan Satgé (Clemson park guards of Galapagos National Park U.S. Geological Survey data University), and Antoine Chabrolle who work to protect petrel nests. A release, https://doi.org/10.5066/ (Muséum National D’Histoire special dedication was made by Eliecer P9NTEXM6. Naturelle), Anderson Jean (Jeunes en Cruz to the memory of Felipe Cruz, Josh Adams and Emma Kelsey, Action pour la Sauvegarde de l’Ecologie who was one of the first Galapagos- in collaboration with Jay Penniman, en Haiti [JACSEH]) convened an based biologists to work on the biology Jenni Learned, Martin Frye (Maui international stakeholder meeting for and advance conservation actions for Nui Seabird Recovery Project), and the Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma the Galapagos Petrel. Rachel Sprague (Pulama Lana’i) with hasitata) with 28 participants of 10 Fernando Medrano, Rodrigo support from David Pereksta, initiated countries at the BirdsCaribbean Silva, Ronny Peredo, George boat-based visual and islet-based Meeting in Guadeloupe. A special Wallace, and Brad Keitt (American acoustic surveys of Lanai and Maui to focus of the discussion was given to Bird Conservancy), Rodrigo Silva of inform a new seabird colony atlas of the areas where petrels are suspected to Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Main Hawaiian Islands. be nesting, but yet to be confirmed Silvestre de Chile (ROC), and the team Scott Shaffer (San Jose State within the Lesser Antilles: Guadeloupe, of Red de Observadores de Aves y University) is continuing to study the Martinique and Dominica. These Vida Silvestre de Chile, with support foraging ecology of Laysan and Black- notes are posted at: https://www. of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) footed Albatrosses from Midway Atoll birdscaribbean.org/our-work/black- and the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) (in collaboration with Lesley Thorne capped-petrel-working-group/ along are still working on understanding the of Stony Brook University and Leigh with other unpublished reports, notes, natural history of storm-petrels and Torres, Rachael Orben, and Rob and presentations relating to the petrel. arranging for their conservation in Suryan at Oregon State University). the Atacama Desert. They found new breeding sites and improved knowledge LATIN AMERICA on population estimations, phenology NON-PACIFIC Compiled by Cristián Suazo and threats for Markham’s Storm- petrel (Oceanodroma markhami) and UNITED STATES Hornby’s Storm-petrel (O. hornbyi) Compiled by Mary Cody In November 2019, a 3-day first international meeting for the (Medrano et al., Revista Chilena de

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Ornitología 25:1, 2019; https://aveschile. fisheries. Among these, the team has the collaboration of the Institute for cl/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ worked on modifications that contribute Fisheries Development (IFOP) based Medrano-et-al-21-30.pdf). They also to reducing the entanglement and in Chile (Suazo et al., SBWG9 Doc obtained the first audio recordings entrapment of seabirds in purse seine 14, 2019; https://acap.aq/en/working- for the Hornby’s Storm-petrel near and trawl fisheries (both in industrial groups/seabird-bycatch-working- Diego de Almagro and Quiuña, using and small-scale fleets). In experiments group/seabird-bycatch-wg-meeting-9/ autonomous recorders provided by the onboard these fisheries, it has been sbwg9-meeting-documents/3338- Bioacoustics Research Program of the possible to reduce bycatch events by sbwg9-doc-14-chile-argentina-an-at- Cornell Lab of Ornithology (available >95%, which supports new regulations sea-classroom-for-mitigation-in-trawl- here: https://ebird.org/media/catalog? established by the Chilean government fisheries-summary-only/file). taxonCode=rispet1&mediaType=a& (https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/ ACAP brings together 13 countries q=Ringed%20Storm-Petrel%20-%20 news/chile-announces-vital-new- with a focus on the conservation of Oceanodroma%20hornbyi). Recently, regulations-protect-seabirds)...These 31 species of albatrosses, petrels, and they started monitoring the breeding actions are supporting the conservation shearwaters. ATF-Chile has also shared population of Markham’s Storm-petrel status of target seabird species like the recommendations on best practices colonies using autonomous recording Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche for purse-seine fisheries including a devices in collaboration with ABC and melanophrys) , G r a y - h e a d e d A l b a t r o s s (T. review of the effectiveness of available Conservation Metrics. For conservation chrysostoma), Pink-footed Shearwater mitigation measures and complementary pursposes, they led a review on the (Ardenna creatopus), Sooty Shearwater actions on board, such as rescue and effect of light pollution on seabirds in (A. grisea), and White-chinned Petrel handling recommendations for fishing Chile, proposing technical measures to (Procellaria aequinoctialis), among crews (Suazo et al., SBWG9 Doc 26, prevent and mitigate this impact (Silva other threatened species. 2019; https://acap.aq/en/working- et al., Ornitología Neotropical, in press). For this work, the collaboration with groups/seabird-bycatch-working- They have also promoted an update fisheries has been important. Thus, a group/seabird-bycatch-wg-meeting-9/ on the national light pollution policy. key milestone towards the promotion sbwg9-meeting-documents/3436- In Arica (~18°S) they are running a of compliance of mitigation measures sbwg9-doc-26-best-practice-advice- rescue program with the support of the in Chile was the first collaboration for-mitigating-seabird-bycatch-in- local county, focused on Markham’s agreement between ATF-Chile and the purse-seine-fisheries-summary/file). Storm-petrel fledglings, having rescued Chilean Industrial Fisheries Association The inclusion of this research by ATF- >1,100 individuals during the 2018- (https://acap.aq/en/latest-news/3372- Chile in the context of the SBWG has 2019 season and >1,000 in the current birdlife-international-s-marine- been strongly supported by Cristián season. To support these efforts, they programme-and-the-association-of- becoming an official member of this are working along with the Ministerio industrial-fisheries-of-chile-sign-a- group in May 2019. de Medio Ambiente de Chile (MMA) cooperation-agreement-to-reduce- In October 2018, Nick Holmes and other key stakeholders in drafting a seabird-bycatch). This cooperation (The Nature Conservancy) and Coral conservation plan for the storm-petrels plan has allowed ATF-Chile to collect Wolf (Island Conservation) along breeding in northern Chile. This plan seabird bycatch information during with volunteers Claudia Fernández includes the two species mentioned commercial operations and transfer (Universidad Católica del Norte, post- above in addition with Elliot’s Storm- knowledge so deck crews can deploy doc), and Trevor Joyce (NOAA) petrel (Oceanites gracilis) and Wedge- mitigation measures, as well as seabird conducted surveys of all known Peruvian rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma rescue and handling protocols. Diving-petrel (Pelecanoides garnotii) tethys). Regarding other seabird In the international context, ATF- breeding colonies on Isla Choros. They species, they are starting to work with Chile has participated in the 9th mapped the breeding area to determine the Peruvian Tern (Sternula lorata), meeting of the Seabird Bycatch colony size, estimated nest density and mapping threats on breeding colonies Working Group (SBWG9) of the occupancy, and measured acoustic of the Tarapacá Region (northern Chile) Agreement on the Conservation of activity rates at colony and non-colony and proposing priority conservation Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The sites. All metrics increased significantly actions for this area. team shared recommendations about since 2010 (except acoustic activity Cristián G. Suazo and Patricio training on mitigation techniques which is currently being analyzed). Ortiz-Soazo (Albatross Task Force- for trawl crews (e.g. the use of bird- In September 2019, Claudia Chile [ATF-Chile]), along with their scaring lines) through in-situ promotion Fernández (Universidad Católica del fisheries and research collaborators, while onboard. These activities were Norte), María José Vilches (Island have conducted experimental trials to developed in south-central Chile, with Conservation), Ivan Torres, and reduce the seabird bycatch in Chilean the support of ATF-Argentina and Cristian Rivera (both with Corporación

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Nacional Forestal) initiated social units (ARUs) & trail cameras could completed for the storm-petrel colony attraction activities on Isla Chañaral augment CWS’s long-term monitoring on Hippa Island (west coast Haida where the Peruvian Diving-petrel was of population trends of burrow-nesting Gwaii). Dan Shervill (ECCC-CWS, extirpated by introduced foxes. The seabirds continued. Field crew included Delta, BC) led a field crew conducting team deployed two sound systems with Laurie Wilson, Erika Lok (ECCC- the quadrat-transect survey on Rock artificial burrow entrances plus camera CWS, Delta, BC), Madelyn de la Rama Islet and Skincuttle Island; field crew traps to monitor any diving-petrel (ECCC-CWS, Delta, BC), Glen Keddie included David Bradley (Bird Studies visitation. (contractor, Smithers, BC), and Vivian Canada) and Kerrith McKay (ECCC- Jonathan Felis and Josh Adams Pattison (MSc. Candidate, University Wildlife Research Division [WRD], (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]) of Victoria, BC [UVIC]). Delta, BC). worked with Ryan Carle (Oikonos) and Global Positioning System (GPS) In addition, Laurie Wilson continues Chilean collaborators to study foraging tracking devices were deployed with her assessment of seabird bycatch ecology, diving behavior, fisheries on incubating Ancient Murrelets in commercial salmon gillnet fisheries. overlap, and migratory behavior of (Synthliboramphus antiquus) on Reports of bird entanglements from Pink-footed Shearwaters (Ardenna George Island (south Haida Gwaii). Department of Fisheries and Oceans creatopus). Multiple manuscripts were Single foraging trips for one bird of (DFO) test fisheries with observer published this year: mated pairs were tracked. Vivian programs and bycatch events reported 1. Carle RD, JJ Felis, R Vega, J Pattison will analyze the tracklogs by fishers will be tallied; these data Beck, J Adams, V López, PJ as part of her graduate work at UVIC. will be used to derive seabird bycatch Hodum, A González, V Colodro, Specifically, she will determine how estimates. T Varela. 2019. Overlap of Pink- to identify Ancient Murrelet behavior Mark Hipfner (ECCC-WRD, Delta, footed Shearwaters and central states from GPS track logs, use these BC) reports that summer 2019 marked the Chilean purse-seine fisheries: logs to determine home range and 26th year of operation of the Centre for Implications for bycatch risk. The potential foraging locations, and explore Wildlife Ecology’s seabird research and Condor 121. whether biophysical variables (such as monitoring program on Triangle Island. 2. Felis JJ, J Adams, R Carle, P bathymetry, sea surface height anomaly, The 2019 field crew consisted of Kim Hodum. 2019. Eastern Pacific and chlorophyll-a) correlate with the Dohms and Josh Green (both ECCC- migration strategies of pink- foraging locations. Field crew included CWS, Delta, BC), Nik Clyde, Sarah footed shearwaters Ardenna Laurie Wilson, Glen Keddie, Vivian Hudson, Kerrith MacKay, Megan creatopus: implications for Pattison, and Dan Shervill (ECCC- Ross, Ken Wright (all ECCC-WRD, fisheries interactions and CWS, Delta, BC). Delta, BC), Catherine Jardine (Bird international conservation. Baseline colony surveys for Leach’s Studies Canada), and Mark Hipfner. Endangered Species Research Storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) As in past years, the Triangle Island field 39:269–282. and Fork-tailed Storm-petrels (O. crew monitored breeding chronology, furcata) in British Columbia have been breeding success and nestling diet in limited since the original surveys in the Cassin’s Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, CANADA 1980s. In response to noted population and Black Oystercatcher (Haemotopius Compiled by Kerry Woo declines for Leach’s Storm-petrels on bachmani), and banded songbirds in the east coast of Canada, the Oceans the vicinity of the cabin. The crew also WESTERN CANADA Protection Plan has prioritized colony conducted a pilot project investigating Laurie Wilson (Environment and surveys on key storm-petrel colonies the feasibility of using cameras to Climate Change Canada [ECCC]- in British Columbia over the next few monitor oystercatcher nests, deployed Canadian Wildlife Service [CWS], years. In 2019, ECCC-CWS ran a pilot audio recording units to index seabird Delta, British Columbia [BC]) project to evaluate the efficacy of both nesting density and the presence/ coordinated the Pacific CWS Seabird the original quadrat-transect method absence of bats, and deployed GPS tags Colony Monitoring Program in 2019, and the emerging distance sampling on 10 Tufted Puffins, obtaining complete revisiting permanent plots and assessing method of surveying seabird colonies. (24-hour) tracks for six birds. occupancy rates at the Cassin’s Auklet Both survey approaches were conducted Research also continued on several (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), Rhinoceros on Rock Islet 1 (Copper Islands, Haida other major Rhinoceros Auklet colonies Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), and Gwaii), while a single survey using in BC in 2019, including Pine Island, Tufted PuffinFratercula ( cirrhata) the quadrat-transect approach was Lucy Island, S’Gang Gwaay, and Cleland colonies on Triangle Island within the completed on Skincuttle Island (Copper Island. The primary objective of this Anne Vallee Ecological Reserve, BC. Islands, Haida Gwaii) and a single program, which was initiated in 2006, Investigation into how audio recording survey using distance sampling was is to study the effects of oceanographic

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 66 REGIONAL REPORTS variation on multiple trophic levels – as some other cliffs and islands near In May and June, monitoring of the diets fed to nestling auklets and the Ladysmith. Mason King and Megan Ancient Murrelet chick departures from diets of their major fish prey, Pacific Willie (ECCC-CWS, Delta, BC) the Limestone Island colony took place sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), surveyed Vancouver Bridges as part of for the 30th consecutive season. Similar Pacific herring Clupea ( pallasii), and the Pacific Flyway Council long-term to 2017 and 2018, very few chicks were Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus ( spp.). monitoring sites and where proposed counted leaving this colony. The number Collaboration on this project continues nesting closure may occur. Other of chicks has been declining over with researchers in Washington State, cormorant counters included Marilyn time, in part, due to severe predation and with the Department Fisheries and Lambert for Mandarte Island, Alison by raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the Oceans Canada (DFO) in Nanaimo. Watt, Nancy Baron, Don Griffiths, 1990s, and windfall in approximately They also deployed GPS tags on and Peggy Sowden (volunteers for the 40% of the colony area. From 1990 10 Rhinoceros Auklets on S’Gang Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team). to 2018, manual capture of Ancient Gwaay, and collected blood samples Trudy also spent nearly a month Murrelet chicks was the primary means and feathers from adult auklets on all volunteering as a field assistant for of counting, but in 2019 monitoring colonies visited in 2019 for baseline Luke Halpin (PhD candidate, Monash became completely automated through health assessments in collaboration University) on Phillip Island located the use of thermal motion cameras. with researchers with Washington in the South Pacific off Norfolk Monitoring for raccoons throughout Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Island. Luke is researching feeding the murrelet breeding season is also University of California, Davis. They and breeding range of White-necked conducted with this technology. Black also completed the seventh year of a Petrels (Pterodroma cervicalis) and Oystercatcher surveys found that 73% of project investigating the consumption Black-winged Petrels (Pterodroma known territories in Laskeek Bay were of salmon by seabirds in BC waters, nigripennis). It was a great experience occupied. At the end of June, LBCS staff in collaboration with Strahan Tucker to work among so many seabirds and a and volunteers were joined by the science (DFO, Nanaimo-Pacific Biological link to Trudy’s blog can be found here: advisor Tony Gaston (LBCS, Ottawa, Station), and completed the tenth year of https://trudyspacificadventures.travel. ON) who helped attach 15 geolocators a project investigating the ingestion of blog/. to adult Pigeon Guillemots occupying microfibres/microplastics by forage fish, The Laskeek Bay Conservation nestboxes. This project, conducted in in collaboration with Moira Galbraith Society (LBCS), based in Skidegate, conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife (DFO, Sidney - Institute of Ocean BC, completed their 30th field season Service, is attempting to identify Sciences). The field crew for the BC (May 3 - July 18) of monitoring marine important wintering and stopover areas portion of the work consisted of Mark and terrestrial ecology in Laskeek Bay, of the Pigeon Guillemots. Currently, Hipfner, Nik Clyde, Megan Ross, Kirk Haida Gwaii. Neil Pilgrim and Sonya there are no data on where Pigeon Hart (Coast Mountain College, Prince Panozzo (both of LBCS, Skidegate, Guillemots breeding in Haida Gwaii Rupert), Eric Gross, Andrew Huang, BC) coordinated the various research spend the winter. Agathe Lebeau, and Kate Shapiro (all and monitoring projects at the field Kerry Woo (ECCC-CWS, Delta, BC) ECCC-CWS, Delta, BC). station on East Limestone Island, continued work on recovery planning Trudy Chatwin (retired biologist) including Ancient Murrelet colony for federally-listed species and at risk carried on with Double-crested monitoring, Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus marine birds in the Pacific region, Cormorants (Phalocrocorax auritus) columba), and Cassin’s Auklet nestbox with a focus on Marbled Murrelets. In surveys in the Strait of Georgia monitoring, Glaucous-winged Gull 2019, those efforts continued to support (Canadian section of the Salish Sea). The (Larus glaucescens) colony censuses, completion of an amendment to the purpose of the surveys is to contribute and Black Oystercatcher surveys. Seven federal recovery strategy for Marbled to understanding of Double-crested boat surveys for seabirds were conducted Murrelets (Environment Canada. 2014. Cormorant populations and distribution throughout the season, monitoring Recovery Strategy for the Marbled across western North America in relation trends of at-sea Marbled Murrelets Murrelet [Brachyramphus marmoratus] to management decisions (especially (Brachyramphus marmoratus) and in Canada. Species at Risk Act in relation to cormorant control in the other seabirds. Marbled Murrelet Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Columbia River estuary and bridge sightings were very high this year with Canada, Ottawa. v + 44 pp.), with the nesting sites in Vancouver). With 681 sightings during all surveys. Many intent to include a partial identification assistance from Jenna Cragg (Ministry volunteer and student assistants joined of marine critical habitat. In support of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource the field staff this season, and there were of this, collaborations with Doug Operations and Rural Development, BC visits from local school and tour groups, Bertram (ECCC-WRD, Sidney, BC) [MFLNRORD, BC]) surveys were also who learned about seabird biology, local and Cliff Robinson (DFO, Nanaimo, carried out at Gabriola Island as well ecology, and conservation issues. BC) continued to develop modeling

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 67 REGIONAL REPORTS and partial mapping of candidate surveys. These surveys included a Nesting Habitat’ (CWS Technical marine critical habitat for Marbled study comparing radar counts between Report No. 536. Manning, et al. 2018) Murrelets in coastal British Columbia two differently modified antennas to for Kerry Woo in February 2019. waters. Additional work to support data account for equipment used historically Daryl Henderson (volunteer, Port collection on at-sea distributions of vs. presently as part of the project - Alberni, BC) and Spencer Sealy Marbled Murrelets (and other species), surveyed locations included Comox (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) included at-sea surveys in Barkley Lake, Lake Cowichan, Kelsey Bay and have been monitoring Marbled Murrelet Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Sooke Lake. In addition, Bernard and attendance on Sproat Lake near Port Island in August with Doug and Bruce Lisa Bland conducted a third season of Alberni on Vancouver Island. Initial Evans (vessel charter). Marbled Murrelet radar and concurrent observations of multiple birds on the Other work in 2019 included AV surveys for Louise Waterhouse lake were made in January and February continued collaboration with Laurie (MFLNRORD, BC) in the Klanawa, 2018, and later observations were made Wilson to support monitoring of Sooke Lake and Tsitika watersheds in November and December 2018. Ancient Murrelets in Haida Gwaii, BC, of Vancouver Island. Studies were Monitoring of Sproat Lake (Klehkoot and support of at-sea bird surveys with designed to compare Marbled Murrelet Arm) continued throughout 2019, with Caroline Fox (ECCC-CWS, Delta, radar counts and AV observations with at least one visit per week, weather BC) to collect baseline distribution and vocal activity sampled with ARUs in permitting. Combining both years, occurrence of marine birds throughout discrete habitat patches. Marbled Murrelets were recorded on the Canadian portion of the Salish sea Bernard, Dave Baird (BKSC), Lisa the lake in all four seasons, but with and Juan de Fuca Strait. Bland, and Guy Monty conducted highest numbers in winter (particularly In addition, Kerry worked together Marbled Murrelet radar and AV surveys December and January). Plans are with Ken Morgan (ECCC-CWS, for Jenna Cragg (MFLNRORD) in East to continue monitoring Sproat Lake Sidney, BC) and Caroline Fox to provide Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland and to check other nearby lakes (e.g. funding and support for conservation locations. Marbled Murrelet abundance Great Central Lake, Nahmint Lake) to initiatives for Pink-footed Shearwaters was measured in watershed areas that establish the species’ attendance on (Ardenna creatopus) at their breeding had not been previously surveyed, or had freshwater lakes. colonies in Chile by Oikonos Ecosystem not been repeated in >15 years. This is a Louise Blight (Procellaria Knowledge. step in the Province led implementation Research & Consulting; and School of Bernard Schroeder (Bernard K. planning stage (BC MFLNRORD 2018) Environmental Studies, University of Schreoder Consulting [BKSC]) together regarding the Federal Marbled Murrelet Victoria [both BC, Canada]) continues with Alec Wilson, Wylie Middleton, Recovery Strategy (Environment working with Douglas F. Bertram and and Ryan Adams of SKY Helicopters Canada 2014) to inform the Provincial Edward Kroc (University of British (SKY) conducted a Low Level Aerial strategy in allocating habitat for species Columbia, Vancouver) on population Survey (LLAS) of areas of potential protection. trends and demography of urban- suitable Marbled Murrelet nesting Bernard and Dave Baird conducted nesting Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus habitat for Christine Petrovcic and seabird transect surveys throughout the glaucescens) in British Columbia. Daniel Guertin of the Ministry of Salish Sea for Caroline Fox to sample Earlier results just published as Blight et Forests, Lands, Natural Resource seabird densities as part of the federal al., Evaluating unmanned aerial vehicle- Operations and Rural Development Oceans Protection Plan. based techniques to census an urban- (MFLNRORD, BC) in the lower Bernard and Guy Monty conducted nesting gull population on Canada’s mainland (Vancouver, BC area) and Marbled Murrelet radar and AV surveys Pacific coast (Journal of Unmanned adjacent islands of the Southern in the Squamish and Indian River areas Aerial Systems, early online. https://doi. Mainland Coast Conservation Region, with support from Pablo Jost and org/10.1139/juvs-2019-0005). in prioritized areas of Provincial Crown Yonase Gulbot of EDI-Environmental Ken Morgan continued as the land, tenured woodlots and parks. Dynamics and Sara McLaughlin of PSG’s Delegate to the Agreement on Bernard conducted Marbled Jacobs Consultancy Canada Inc. to the Conservation of Albatrosses and Murrelet radar counts at four long- investigate murrelet abundance along Petrels (ACAP); the (Alternate) PSG term population trend monitoring proposed Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Delegate to the World Seabird Union locations in the East Vancouver Island gas pipeline project. (WSU), with Kathy Kuletz (U.S. Fish (EVI) Conservation Region of British Bernard and Todd Manning and Wildlife Service [USFWS]) as the Columbia for Kerry Woo, Lisa Bland, (Strategic Resource Solutions) held a Primary Delegate; and as a member of Avryl Brophy, Devan Johnson, and training workshop presenting ‘Guidance the PSG’s Election Committee. Ken Guy Monty (all contractors - BKSC) and Tools to Support the Identification also continues as the (Alternate) North provided audio visual (AV) support of Potential Marbled Murrelet Suitable American WSU Board Member, with

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Kim Nelson (Oregon State University) WAD is to provide “...greater visibility were deployed during the incubation as the Primary North American WSU to the conservation crisis that continues and chick-rearing periods to determine Board Member. For the third time in to face albatrosses and petrels.” During foraging effort of murres. Murres were a row, Ken is a member of the Third the AC, an intersessional working group also blood sampled before and after GPS World Seabird Conference (WSC3) was established to progress the WAD. deployments to measure stable isotopes, Travel Awards Committee. The WSC3 Shortly after returning home, Ken energetic hormones (corticosterone), will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, accepted an invitation to join the WAD and energetic metabolites (non-esterified in October 19-23, 2021 (https:// working group. For more information fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and worldseabirdconference.com/). about WAD see: https://acap.aq/en/ triglycerides) to determine foraging In addition, Ken Morgan, Caroline latest-news/3440-in-their-own-words- success. Fox, and Kerry Woo, are collaborating acap-s-working-group-convenors- EASTERN CANADA with Valentina Colodro, Michelle signal-their-support-for-next-year-s- Dave Shutler (Acadia University) Hester, and Peter Hodum (Oikonos world-albatross-day. studies Leach’s Storm-petrels Ecosystem Knowledge, Chile, Hawaii Alan Burger (University of Victoria (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) in Atlantic and Washington [respectively]) on Pink- and independent consultant) is mostly Canada, and collaborates with other footed Shearwater (PFSH) conservation retired but continues some work on the researchers in the region to identify initiatives. Through a 3-year agreement, Marbled Murrelet including contracts, causes of recent, significant population ECCC is contributing funding support reviews, conservation and publishing. declines. Rielle Hoeg (MSc candidate, for Oikonos-led initiatives including: Alan also does sporadic gigs as a Acadia University), aided by Safyha building a mammal-proof fence to naturalist/lecturer in the Antarctic with Bryan (BSc, Acadia University) and protect a PFSH breeding colony on Aurora Expeditions. volunteers, completed a second field Isla Robinson Crusoe (Juan Fernández season quantifying predation at a few Archipelago, Chile); developing ARCTIC CANADA storm-petrel breeding colonies in Nova community outreach materials, and In summer 2019, Kyle Elliott (McGill Scotia. Rielle Hoeg began investigating assessing PFSH chick provisioning. University) and Grant Gilchrist whether presumed herbivorous meadow These initiatives closely align with (Environment and Climate Change voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) are Canada’s Pink-footed Shearwater Canada-Wildlife Research Division, consuming petrel eggs and chicks based recovery objectives (Environment Ottawa, Ontario [ECCC-WRD, Ottawa, on telemetry and stable isotopes. Canada. 2008 [Recovery Strategy ON]) continued work at Coats Island, Field work on Bon Portage (Outer) for the Short-tailed Albatross Nunavut, on Thick-billed Murres (Uria and Country Island, Nova Scotia, (Phoebastria albatrus) and the Pink- lomvia) and Glaucous Gulls (Larus used transects to count the remains of footed Shearwater in Canada. Species hyperboreus). Post-doctoral researcher predation events from May to October, at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Emily Choy (McGill University), PhD and used live traps to capture meadow Environment Canada, Ottawa]; students Allison Patterson (McGill voles to collect their fur and feces available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/ University) and Shannon Whelan for stable isotopes analysis. Rielle environment-climate-change/services/ (McGill University), and MSc student Hoeg collected coastal vegetation species-risk-public-registry/recovery- Alyssa Eby (University of Windsor, and opportunistic tissue samples from strategies/short-tailed-albatross-pink- supervised by Oliver Love) were deceased petrels for background isotope footed-shearwater-final.html). present. Alongside contractors Sarah signatures. There was proportionately As well, in May 2019, Ken attended Poole, Sam Richards, Russel Turner, more predation on Bon Portage than meetings of ACAP’s Advisory and Douglas Noblet, and Inuit field Country Island, which may be because Committee (AC), the Seabird Bycatch technicians Josiah Nakoolak and Jupie there is a predator control program on Working Group and the Population Angootealuk. In addition to continuing Country Island, although there are fewer and Conservation Working Group, long-term population monitoring, transect checks there. However, egg in Florianopolis, Brazil. During the researchers are using Global Positioning predation was proportionately higher AC meeting, a proposal was tabled System (GPS) tracking, accelerometers, on Country Island, possibly due to the to establish a World Albatross Day heart-rate loggers, and geolocators dense, stressed meadow vole population (WAD, see: https://www.acap.aq/ to study movements, behaviour, and there. Meadow vole samples are being en/latest-news/3328-acap-proposes- physiology of both species during the prepared for stable isotope analysis and a-world-albatross-day-to-increase- breeding and non-breeding season. results will inform future studies and global-awareness-of-the-conservation- As part of the research at Coats Island, potentially predator management. crisis-facing-albatrosses-and-petrels Alyssa Eby is studying foraging ecology Safyha Bryan, aided by Rielle Hoeg to be marked annually on June 19 and energetic physiology of Thick- and volunteers, measured the sub- (commencing in 2020). The goal of the billed Murres. GPS accelerometers lethal effects of mercury on petrels by

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 69 REGIONAL REPORTS collecting feathers and blood from adults transects performed further from the cue used by Procellariiforms to locate and chicks, monitoring reproductive island. Counts in 2019 were lower than foraging grounds. Recent studies have success, and measuring blood glucose in the previous year. Rats were detected indicated a relationship between DMS and hemoglobin levels. Initial results on the island in 2018 (S. Sakamoto, responsiveness and frequency of plastic indicate that methylmercury levels pers. comm.). An annual report will be ingestion, suggesting that seabirds may were higher in feathers than in blood completed by the end of February 2020. be unable to identify between plastic for both adults and chicks. Preliminary Masayoshi Takeishi, Shigeho debris and prey. DMS response tests results also suggest that glucose and Sato, and Kuniko Otsuki (all from were conducted in August - September hemoglobin concentrations were lower Marine Bird Restoration Group, 2019 at the Daikoku Island Leach’s for birds with higher body mass. There Japan), with Noriyuki Yamaguchi Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) was a strong negative correlation (Nagasaki University), as well as colony and Awashima Island Streaked between chick feather methylmercury Darrell Whitworth and Mike Parker Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) and blood glucose levels; the relationship performed surveys from March 29-31 colony, both located in Japan. was not significant in adults. Feather to assess the current status of Japanese Experiments on adult birds involved methylmercury was positively correlated Murrelets breeding at 3 islands the use of a Y-maze with DMS in one with blood hemoglobin in chicks and (Tsushima, Kainage-jima, and the North testing arm, and a control substance in negatively so in adults. Additional and South Islets of Kotsu-shima) off another testing arm. Individuals were analyses are underway. Mugi-cho in Tokushima Prefecture, off placed in the maze and the birds choice the east coast of Shikoku, Japan. Nest and behavioral response was recorded. searches, nocturnal at-sea spotlight In collaboration with Akiko Shoji, surveys, and diurnal boat surveys were Kyle H. Elliott, and Scott A. Hatch ASIA & OCEANIA performed. The project was funded (all from Institute for Seabird Research Compiled by Luke Einoder by Pro-Natura Group. Nest searches and Conservation, USA) the response confirmed incubating murrelets at both of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa ASIA the North and South Islets of Kotsu- tridactyla) chicks to DHS was tested at Kuniko Otsuki, Yutaka Nakamura, shima and Kainage-jima for the second the radar towers colony of Middleton Yoshitaka Minowa, and Takehiro consecutive year. At Kainage-jima many Island, Alaska in July 2019. Chicks on Yoshimoto (all from the Marine Bird eggshell fragments were found scattered their nest were presented with three Restoration Group, Japan), as well as on the ground suggesting depredation of different odors, distilled water, capelin Darrell Whitworth and Mike Parker nests. Motion sensor cameras deployed (Mallotus villosus), and DMS, and (both from California Institute of at the entrances to several nests detected their behavioral response was recorded. Environmental Studies, USA) performed egg predation by crows. No rodents Results allowed the asessment of a surveys of Japanese Murrelets were detected on camera, although potential sensory mechanism of plastic (Synthliboramphus wumizusume) at rodent feces were detected on the ingestion during foraging. Research Biro Island, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. island the previous year. In addition, a findings and a detailed discussion will be The project was funded by the Suntory ground search of Tsushima – considered presented at the Pacific Seabird Group Group. Three complementary survey a potential breeding site – revealed Meeting in 2020. techniques were used: (1) spotlight several murrelet carcasses, but no nests Jeong-hyeon Park (PhD candidate, surveys on three concentric round-island were found. Small mammal feces were Waterbirds Network, Korea) monitored transects and seven radial transects to detected on Tsushima, although the breeding behavior of the Black-faced determine the number and density of deployment of wax tags and motion Spoonbill (Platalea minor) at Mae-do murrelets congregating around Biro sensor cameras failed to confirm the Island, in Incheon, Korea. Motion- Island at night; (2) at-sea captures presence of rodents. During round- sensor cameras were used to monitor to examine the breeding status of island transects 200 m from shore, 194– nest-attendance and breeding success. murrelets in the congregation; and, (3) 635 murrelets were counted at Kotsu- Female Black-faced Spoonbills looked nest monitoring to determine timing of shima and 68 murrelets were counted after eggs and chicks during the daytime breeding. Surveys were conducted on at Kainage-jima. An annual report was while males stayed with their eggs and April 1-8, 2019. Previous surveys have completed in November 2019. chicks at nighttime. Spoonbill parents revealed that Biro Island is home to the Naya Sena (MSc Candidate, that performed longer foraging trips had largest known Japanese Murrelet colony Hokkaido University) and Yutaka lower reproductive success. in the world. The combined numbers Watanuki (Hokkaido University) Yangmo Kim and Chang-uk Park counted on round-island transects conducted research on seabird (both at Korea National Park Research ranged from 1,612 to 2,487 murrelets responsiveness to Dimethyl Sulfide Institute, Korea) performed a nocturnal while only 42 were counted on the radial (DMS) – a proven olfactory navigational boat-based seabird survey on April

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16, 2019 near Baekdo Islet, South Seribuat Archipelago, Johor, Malaysia. behaviour, demography etc – plus several Korea. A total of 450 Crested Murrelets Marine Ornithology 47: 49-53; and at-sea multi-species surveys. He has (Synthiboramphus wumizusume) were more recently, HAMZA, A., CHEE HO, large amounts of quantitative data. Most recorded. W. (In press) Updates on Seabirds of of these papers are in draft and will be Miran Kim and Young-soo Kwon the northern Seribuat Islands, Pahang, submitted to the premier New Zealand (both at Korea National Park Research Malaysia. Marine Ornithology 48: xx- ornithological journal Notornis and thus Institute, Korea) with Mijin Hong xx. available online. The geographical scope (Kyung Hee University) monitored Dan Roby, Don Lyons, Kirsten of these papers is mainly the Southwest Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris) Bixler, and Tim Lawes (Oregon Pacific. It is possible – but uncertain – breeding at colonies on Hongdo Island State University) continued to provide that he will also publish more ecological in the Straits of Korea, Nando Island technical support and assistance work on the seabirds of the Poor Knights in Yellow sea, and the Liancourt Rocks for efforts to restore the critically Islands, especially the relationship of in the East Sea. Black-tailed Gulls on endangered Chinese Crested Tern petrel colony distribution and changes Hongdo tend to breed earlier than the (Thalasseus bernsteini) in the People’s in density to vegetation, soils and other other colonies (2003-2019). Republic of China. Project leaders environment parameters, since 1812, Miran Kim (Korea National Park in China included, Zhongyong Fan, on a predator-free island. Nine petrel Research Institute, Korea), Mijin Hong, Yiwei Lu, and Siyu Wang (Zhejiang species breed there on 168 acres. But his and Kibaek Nam (both Kyung Hee Museum of Natural History). The fieldwork is at an end. University, Korea) investigated the team, with the assistance of two dozen extent of marine microplastic ingestion volunteers, banded 317 fledglings of by seabirds in Korean Waters. Corpses Greater Crested Terns (T. bergii) and of several seabird species were collected one fledgling Chinese Crested Tern with EUROPE & AFRICA from 2016 to 2019 and dissected to field-readable leg bands at a restored Compiled by Ross Wanless assess plastic ingestion. Half of the breeding colony on Tiedun Dao in the species studied had ingested micro/meso Jiushan Islands, Zhejiang Province. This Scott Shaffer (San Jose State plastics, with the main type of plastics year, about 70 adult Chinese Crested University) is collaborating with Mike being polypropylene and polyethylene. Terns attended the colony on Tiedun McFarlin and Cleber Ouvnery (San Abdulmaula Hamza (University of Dao, which was established using social Jose State University) and Stefan Malaysia, Terengganu/Malaysian Nature attraction techniques six years ago, and Garthe (University of Kiel) to compare Society) continued a second year of 24 young Chinese Crested Terns were the foraging ecology of gulls in the Baltic monitoring a recently established colony fledged from the colony this year. This Sea using Global Positioning System of Little Terns (Sternula albifrons) on a Chinese Crested Tern restoration project logging, combined with metagenomics rock breakwater at Terengganu beach. is a past recipient of a grant from PSG’s to examine the microbiomes of two gull The colony moved from another site due Craig S. Harrison Conservation Small species. Scott is also collaborating with to disturbance and potential predation Grants Program. Olivier Chastel, Pierre Blevin, Henri by feral cats and rats and continues to Weimerskirch, Fredric Angelier, grow in size. Under the supervision OCEANIA and Christophe Barbraud of Centre of Abdulmaula Hamza, Kong Mei Peter Kappes (Oregon State National de la Recherche Scientifique - Shuet (University of Malaysia) University) spent a week on Lord Howe Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé recently completed research on the Island, Australia, where he observed the (CNRS-CEBC) in France to examine egg breeding ecology and hatching success Lord Howe Rodent Eradication Project. attendance behavior and contaminants in of Little Terns, while Diyana Arissa Since retiring as the Curator of Birds high latitude species. binti Anuar (University of Malaysia) at the Museum of New Zealand in 2009 While not about seabirds, Craig studied colony habitat selection, and after a 33 year stint, Sandy Bartle Harrison published his travelogue Mohamed Amirulfahmi (University of relocated to the city of Palmerston Dreams of a Vanishing Africa: A 1970s Malaysia) studied the growth rate of the North and has published a few papers, Transcontinental Trek. Craig spent a year Asian breeding population. Results are including biographical notes. His traveling with a friend on a shoestring intended to be presented at the upcoming lifetime interest in procellariiform within the fabric of African societies in third International Seabird Conference ecology worldwide remains undiluted 1971-1972, avoiding safe, well-trodden in Tasmania 2020. Two publications but conservation and related issues have routes. Instead, Craig depended on were published on Malaysian seabird lately absorbed most of his free time. He decrepit trains, cargo trucks, rattletrap surveys: HAMZA, A., MAMAT, I.B.H. hopes to eventually publish his 30-year buses, jammed bush taxis, dugout & ABDULLAH, M.T. 2019. Results study on Westland Petrels (Procellaria canoes, and ferries. Craig lived out of of a seabird survey at the southern westlandica) – all aspects, distinctive a backpack and was eager to experience

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 71 REGIONAL REPORTS the land and people of Africa up close. OREGON Geological Survey [USGS]) continued He was mesmerized by the continent’s Jane Dolliver (Oregon State University a project with funding from the Bureau beauty and its wildlife, and came to [OSU]), Jessica Porquez (Faculty of Ocean Energy Management to use appreciate Africa’s struggles, history, Research Assistant, OSU), Christian individual tracking to characterize and injustices. This account of a grand Cortez (Intern, Environment for the resident and migrant seabird distribution adventure delivers the unvarnished truth Americas), Ana Paula Medina Roman, and three dimensional movement in the tradition of travel writers such as Alyssa Nelson, Makenzie Weber patterns during winter, night, and Paul Theroux, Shiva Naipaul, Peter (undergraduates at OSU), Don Lyons inclement weather for species off Matthiessen, and V. S. Naipaul. Craig’s (Assistant Professor – Senior Research, Oregon. Stephanie Loredo successfully website has additional information OSU), Rachael Orben (Assistant defended her MSc thesis at Oregon State https://www.craigsharrison.net/. Professor – Senior Research, OSU), University, entitled “Movement, dive and Rob Suryan (National Oceanic behavior, and habitat-use of Common and Atmospheric Administration) Murres (Uria aalge) in the Northern conducted studies of Common Murres California Current System”. (Uria aalge) and Pelagic and Brandt’s Alayna Lawson and Melanie Birch CIRCUMPOLAR Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus (OSU Undergraduates), Rachael Orben, (National Oceanic Elizabeth Phillips and P. penicillatus) at the Yaquina Head and Don Lyons monitored Western Gulls and Atmospheric Administration) colony in Newport, OR. This is the (Larus occidentalis) at the Cleft-in-the- participated in two research cruises twelfth consecutive year of collaborative Rock colony south of Yachats, Oregon, at led by Kristin Laidre (Polar Science studies at this site between Oregon the Yaquina Head colony, and on various Center, Applied Physics Lab, University State University, the Bureau of Land buildings in Newport, Oregon. This year of Washington) of Melville Bay, Management, and the U.S. Fish and nest success was highest at Yaquina Head Northwest Greenland in August 2018 Wildlife Service (USFWS). In 2018, and similar at Cleft-in-the-Rock and and August 2019 to collect fisheries they observed increased hatching (54%) Newport. acoustic data near three glacier sites. and reproductive (fledglings per eggs Rachael Orben completed a report She also conducted line transect surveys laid; 43%) success for Common Murres comparing three methods of remote for seabirds and marine mammals near at Yaquina Head. Success rates in 2018 monitoring of Leach’s Storm-petrels the glacier sites, and in 2019, collected highlighted a marked shift away from (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) at Oregon diet and tissue samples from five several years of total reproductive Coast National Wildlife Refuge seabird species (Glaucous Gull [Larus failure at the colony (2015-2017) and low (OCNWR): time-lapse cameras, passive hyperboreus], Iceland Gull [Larus success in the years preceding (2011- acoustic monitoring, and radar. This glaucoides], Black Guillemot [Cepphus 2014; 17-22%). Although there are no report describes the results of data grylle], Black-legged Kittiwake [Rissa comparable hatching data from recent analyses and comparisons of these tridactyla], and Northern Fulmar years (2015-2017) hatching phenology methods using data collected over three [Fulmarus glacialis]) for further in 2018 (median hatch date July 15) was years by several partners, and presents analysis. later than all previous study years (June ways that these could allow for more 28, 2012; July 4, 2013; July 3, 2014). effective monitoring. The combined Frequency of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus projects contributing to this report were ANTARCTICA leucocephalus) disturbances at the colony funded by several funding streams Peter Kappes completed his PhD this declined steadily from June through the through USGS and USFWS and were spring at Oregon State University, where end of August. Anecdotally, the murres coordinated by Roberta Swift (USFWS), he worked with Katie Dugger (adviser, appeared more resilient to disturbances Rob Suryan, Dan Roby, and Shawn U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative than in recent years, with faster recovery Stephensen (OSU). Songmeter, remote Fish and Wildlife Research Unit) times of cleared/disturbed areas. A camera data and burrow occupancy data investigating the reproductive ecology subset of these results were presented were collected by Shawn Stephensen, and population dynamics of Adélie by undergraduates at PSG 2018 and Bill Bridgeland, Amelia O’Conner Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding at Oregon State University’s Summer (USFWS), Rob Suryan, Peter Hodum on Ross Island, Antarctica. Undergraduate Research Symposium, (University of Puget Sound), Roberta Fisheries and Wildlife Research Swift, Amanda Gladics (OSU) and Advances in Fisheries, Wildlife and Jessica Porquez. Image counts were Ecology Symposium, and the College Of conducted by Jessica Porquez and Ian 2018 ADDENDUM Agriculture Experiential Expo. Throckmorton (OSU). Radar data Compiled by Rachael Orben Rachael Orben, Stephanie Loredo, were collected and analyzed by Peter Don Lyons, and Josh Adams (U.S. Sanzanbacher, Chris Swingley, and

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 72 REGIONAL REPORTS

Brian Cooper (ABR, Inc.). Songmeter possible locations around the world. data were analyzed by Matthew Rachael Orben also joined this effort McKown, Abram Fleishman, and as co-PI to explore future opportunities. David Savage (Conservation Metrics, This effort is funded by the Office of Inc.). Naval Research. Kirsten Bixler (Faculty Research Don Lyons accepted a new position Assistant, OSU), Tim Lawes (Faculty with the National Audubon Society as Research Assistant, OSU), Don Lyons, Director of Conservation Science for the and Rachael Orben installed two nest Seabird Restoration Program. He will boxes for Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphus continue to be affiliated with Oregon State columba) underneath the ship operations University’s Department of Fisheries dock at the Hatfield Marine Science and Wildlife as an Assistant Professor - Center for education, outreach, and Senior Research, and live in Oregon, but research purposes for the third year. expand his field work to include seabird This year three chicks were banded and studies in the Gulf of Maine. presumably fledged. A live feed was Leigh Torres (Assistant Professor, available (http://webcam.oregonstate. Marine Mammal Institute, OSU) and edu/pigu). Rachael Orben in collaboration with Kirsten Bixler, Jess Porquez, and Rob Suryan, Josh Adams, Michelle Don Lyons continued assisting Shawn Hester (Oikonos), and Scott Shaffer(San Stephenson on a multi-year project Jose State University), are assessing the to estimate colony sizes of Common fine-scale overlap between albatrosses Murres and Brandt’s Cormorants from and fishing vessels in the North Pacific photos collected over the past several using tracking data and Global Fishing decades by the OCNWR. Manual Watch (http://globalfishingwatch.org/). counting of digitized slides using This effort is funded by NOAA-Bycatch Geographic Information System (GIS) Reduction Engineering Program. software has begun. Future work will include continuing manual counts and ALASKA investigating tools to automate counting. Rachael Orben, Alexander Kitaysky This project is supported by funding (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Rosana from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Paredes (Oregon State University), Management. Abram Fleishman (San Jose State Don Lyons, Adam Peck-Richardson University), and Scott Shaffer (San (Faculty Research Assistant, OSU), Jose State University), in collaboration and Alexa Piggott (Visiting Research with Marc Romano (Alaska Maritime Scholar, OSU) continued the specification National Wildlife Refuge), completed a and testing of novel integrated tags to study of carry-over effects on movements measure pressure (depth), temperature, and life-history responses of Red-legged and conductivity (salinity) and Kittiwakes (Rissa brevirostris) at St. provide physical oceanographic data George Island, Alaska. In late May and collected using diving seabirds (e.g., June 2018, Ann Harding (Seabird Youth Phalacrocorax spp.) to oceanographers at Network), and two interns resighted OSU and elsewhere. Planning proceeded kittiwakes that were banded during this for multiple future deployments at project.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 73 TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2019 Kirsten Bixler

Our Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 extended from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019. The FY 2019 budget was approved by the Executive Council on 21 August 2018. It is in the black by $5,836.15 not including endowment fund gains or Marine Ornithology’s income and expenses. A complete summary of financial accounts (incomes and expenditures) is provided below.

The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) completed the first year of quarterly internal financial statements in FY2019 which required basic proofing by the accountant and provided confirmation to EXCO that accounting was up-to-date.

Financial accounting was completed for Marine Ornithology for the second year in FY2019. A bank account was opened for Marine Ornithology and the PayPal account was linked to it instead of to PSGs general fund checking account.

A Square account was opened for PSG to receive credit card payments and an online store was opened to accept donations and sell merchandise.

Financial Accounts PSG maintains a number of accounts to allow the organization to fulfill its mission.

REGULAR CHECKING ACCOUNT PSG policy requires three years’ worth of unrestricted operating funds be kept in the checking account.

September 30, 2015 $68,154.50 September 30, 2016 $52,164.86 September 30, 2017 $44,027.81 September 30, 2018 $74,728.29 September 30, 2019 $90,678.67

PAYPAL A PayPal account is used to accept membership dues, annual meeting registration, and donations but are part of the general fund. Funds are transferred into and out of the PayPal account as needed (e.g. student award donation is transferred to the student award account). September 30, 2015 $8,072.97 September 30, 2016 $10,560.16 September 30, 2017 $450.65 September 30, 2018 $5,348.72 September 30, 2019 $165.00

STUDENT TRAVEL FUND The student travel fund is kept in a savings account and is restricted to student travel awards. September 30, 2015 $2,906.21 September 30, 2016 $3,094.55 September 30, 2017 $3,096.10 September 30, 2018 $3,018.05 September 30, 2019 $5,686.97

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 74 TREASURER’S REPORT FOR 2019

CRAIG HARRISON CONSERVATION FUND The Conservation fund is kept in a savings account and are restricted funds. September 30, 2015 $6,507.23 September 30, 2016 $7,235.43 September 30, 2017 $8,114.31 September 30, 2018 $7,114.94 September 30, 2019 $6,626.85

FORMER CHAIRS FUND The Former Chairs fund is kept in a savings account and is a restricted fund. $2,500 of this fund is a loan from the regular checking account to avoid bank fees. The account type was changed so that there was no minimum required and the loan was returned to the checking account. September 30, 2018 $2,501.64 September 30, 2019 $244.63

ENDOWMENT FUND Our Endowment funds are kept in a mutual fund managed by Neuberger and Berman and are restricted funds. September 30, 2015 $181,268.22 September 30, 2016 $200,190.51 September 30, 2017 $237,195.93 September 30, 2018 $240,467.22 September 30, 2019 $252,247.01

MARINE ORNITHOLOGY Pacific Seabird Group completed financial accounting for Marine Ornithology beginning in FY2018 and includes all accounts with the exception of a PayPal account (see above) as of August 2019. The most recent available information is presented below. September 30, 2018 $14,476.34 September 30, 2019 $11,280.99

Total Assets as of September 30, 2015 $266,909.13 Total Assets as of September 30, 2016 $273,245.50 Total Assets as of September 30, 2017 $292,884.80 Total Assets as of September 30, 2018 $347,655.20 Total Assets as of September 30, 2019 $366,930.12

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 75 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS FY19 ACTUAL INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES

A. INCOME Budgeted Actual Surplus/Loss (as of 9/30/19) Unrestricted: Membership (annual regular, student):1 $15,050.00 $24,351.26 $9,301.26 General Fund Donations2 $500.00 $3,582.49 $3,082.49 Annual Meeting: Kauai 2019 $122,760.00 $130,875.60 $8,115.60 Meeting sponsorships3 $6,000.00 $22,050.00 $16,050.00 Restricted:

Student travel4 $3,000.00 $10,384.25 $7,384.25 Publications5 $12,000.00 $0.00 -$12,000.00 Lifetime Memberships $500.00 $2,700.00 $2,200.00 Conservation Fund $600.00 $3,381.41 $2,781.41 Former Chairs Fund $0.00 $2,142.76 $2,142.76 A. TOTAL INCOME: $160,410.00 $199,467.77 $39,057.77 B. EXPENSES: Administrative Operations Budgeted Actual Underspent/ (as of 9/30/19) Overspent Chairs Discretionary Fund $0.00 $1,432.13 -$1,432.13 Insurance premium $1,500.00 $1,595.74 -$95.74 Other6 $0.00 $3,665.46 -$3,665.46 Online Services: Website/Email hosting $63.00 $46.92 $16.08 Survey Monkey $348.00 $417.00 -$69.00 QuickBooks online $780.00 $750.00 $30.00 Operations: Postage $50.00 $39.85 $10.15 Fax $0.00 $4.95 -$4.95 Telephone $500.00 $155.32 $344.68 Office supplies $30.00 $0.00 $30.00 USPS P.O. Box Rental $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Professional services: Accountant/Bookkeeper7 $5,000.00 $13,065.44 -$8,065.44 Quarterly Internal Statement $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $0.00 Service fees: Cvent Fees8 $1,050.00 $1,079.35 -$29.35 Bank Fees $200.00 $366.04 -$166.04 Government Registration Fees $50.00 $70.00 -$20.00 B. TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS $11,071.00 $24,188.20 -$13,117.20 EXPENSES:

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 76 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS FY19 ACTUAL INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES

C. EXPENSES: Society Services (meetings, Budgeted Actual Underspent/ publications, support) (as of 9/30/19) Overspent Unrestricted: Annual Meeting: Conference venue, food, etc.9 $126,729.13 $134,512.86 -$7,783.73 Cvent fees10 $1,950.00 $5,228.59 -$3,278.59 PayPal fees $400.00 $788.27 -388.27 Square fees11 $0.00 $982.44 -$982.44 Compilation of scientific program $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 Student travel awards12 $0.00 $1,083.68 -$1,083.68 International travel awards13 $0.00 $2,528.00 -$2,528.00 Early career scientist awards $0.00 $4,674.00 -$4,674.00 Other: Former chairs fund grants14 $0.00 $1,800.00 -$1,800.00 WSTC award15 $0.00 $200.00 -$200.00 Dues and Subscriptions: Ornithological Council $2,650.00 $2,460.00 $190.00 Paid through restricted funds: Grants: Student travel grants16 $2,665.00 $8,500.32 -$5,835.32 Conservation grants $0.00 $3,870.00 -$3,870.00 Former chairs fund grants $0.00 $1,800.00 -$1,800.00 Publications: Marine Ornithology (layout, printing, mailings)17 $6,000.00 $0.00 $6,000.00 Pacific Seabirds (layout, website) for 4 editions $1,500.00 $0.00 $1,500.00 InDesign Subscription $150.00 $377.88 -$227.88 Listserv $300.00 $299.88 $0.12 Website transition and maintenance services (Anne $1,500.00 $337.50 $1,162.50 Francis) C. TOTAL SOCIETY SERVICES EXPENSES: $144,844.13 $169,443.42 -$24,599.29 D. TOTAL PSG BUDGET SUMMARY TOTAL INCOME (A) $160,410.00 $199,467.77 TOTAL EXPENSES (B + C) $155,915.13 $193,631.62 RESULT: SURPLUS/-LOSS $4,494.88 $5,836.15

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 77 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS FY19 ACTUAL INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES

1 Life membership income is not included (restricted to the Endowment Fund) 2 Includes $1050 for travel awards and $1000 repayment of loan to International Ornithological Congress 2018 3 Includes $2500 sponsorship for 2020 meeting 4 Includes $4,977 from silent auction in 2018 and $5,407.25 in student travel donations 5 Funds for publications (Marine Ornithology and Pacific Seabirds) are derived from endowment fund. 6 Includes expenses for Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee Inland Survey Protocol, life member pins, and PSG stickers. 7 Includes $4,188.48 incurred during FY2018 but paid during FY2019 8 Includes membership related fees only. Cvent fees associated with the meeting are included in meeting expenses. 9 From Local Committee budget. Includes $7,875 in expenses for 2021 meeting paid during FY2019. Does not include $3,461.08 in 2019 meeting expenses paid during FY2018. 10 Includes meeting related fees only. Cvent/RegOnline fees related to membership are included in administrative expenses. 11 Square account opened so that PSG could accept credit card payments. 12 Student travel awards equal to amount of student travel income generated through silent auction in 2018, donations up to the 2019 meeting, and funds contributed from general fund. This item includes amount contributed from the general fund. 13 Travel awards to non-US/Canadian scientists. 14 Former chairs fund fund-raising amount matched by PSG general fund. 15 World Seabird Twitter Conference award. 16 Student travel awards equal to amount of student travel income generated through silent auction in 2018, donations up to the 2019 meeting, and funds contributed from general fund. This item includes silent auction and donation totals. 17 Includes amount transferred from general fund to Marine Ornithology account only.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 78 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP The Pacific Seabird Group publishes symposia and other works. PSG Symposia are occasionally held at Annual Meetings; those which have been published are listed below. Technical Reports prepared by PSG working groups are also listed. To order one of these PSG publications, please see instructions after each item. Abstracts of papers and posters given at PSG meetings are published annually. Abstracts for meetings of 1974 through 1993 appeared in the PSG Bulletin (Volumes 2-20); for meetings of 1994 through 2003, in Pacific Seabirds (Volumes 21-30); and for meetings of 1997 and later, at www. pacificseabirdgroup.org. PSG publishes the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Current and past issues of both journals are available online.

SYMPOSIA

SHOREBIRDS IN MARINE ENVIRONMENTS. Frank A. Pitelka (Editor). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group. Asilomar, California, January 1977. Published June 1979 in Studies in Avian Biology, Number 2. Available free of charge at http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Condor/cooper/sab.php

TROPICAL SEABIRD BIOLOGY. Ralph W. Schreiber (Editor). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Honolulu, Hawaii, December 1982. Published February 1984 in Studies in Avian Biology, Number 8. Available free of charge at http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Condor/cooper/sab.php

MARINE BIRDS: THEIR FEEDING ECOLOGY AND COMMERCIAL FISHERIES RELATIONSHIPS. David N. Nettleship, Gerald A. Sanger, and Paul F. Springer (Editors). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Seattle, Washington, January 1982. Published 1984 as Canadian Wildlife Service, Special Publication. Out of print; available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

THE USE OF NATURAL VS. MAN-MODIFIED WETLANDS BY SHOREBIRDS AND WATERBIRDS. R. Michael Erwin, Malcolm C. Coulter, and Howard L. Cogswell (Editors). Proceedings of an International Symposium at the first joint meeting of the Colonial Waterbird Society and the Pacific Seabird Group, San Francisco, California, December 1985. Colonial Waterbirds 9(2), 1986. $12.00. Order from: Ornithological Societies of North America, PO Box 1897, Lawrence, Kansas 66044; phone (800) 627-0629; no online orders.

ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF GULLS. Judith L. Hand, William E. Southern, and Kees Vermeer (Editors). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Colonial Waterbird Society and the Pacific Seabird Group, San Francisco, California, December 1985. Published June 1987 in Studies in Avian Biology, Number 10. $18.50. Available free of charge at http://elibrary. unm.edu/sora/Condor/cooper/sab.php

AUKS AT SEA. Spencer G. Sealy (Editor). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Pacific Grove, California, December 1987. Published December 1990 in Studies in Avian Biology, Number 14. Available free of charge at http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Condor/cooper/sab.php

STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF THE MARBLED MURRELET IN NORTH AMERICA. Harry R. Carter and Michael L. Morrison (Editors). Proceedings of a Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Pacific Grove, California, December 1987. Published October 1992 in Proceedings of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, Volume 5, Number 1. $20.00. Available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

THE STATUS, ECOLOGY, AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE BIRDS OF THE NORTH PACIFIC. Kees Vermeer, Kenneth T. Briggs, Ken H. Morgan, and Douglas Siegel Causey (editors). Proceedings of a Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Canadian Wildlife Service, and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, British Columbia, February 1990. Published 1993 as a Canadian Wildlife Service Special Publication, Catalog Number CW66-124 1993E. Order free of charge from: Publications Division, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A OH3, Canada

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 79 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

BIOLOGY OF MARBLED MURRELETS—INLAND AND AT SEA. S. Kim Nelson and Spencer G. Sealy (Editors). Proceedings of a Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Seattle, Washington, February 1993. Published 1995 in Northwestern Naturalist, Volume 76, Number 1. $12.00. Available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY OF THE SEA DUCKS. Ian Goudie, Margaret R. Petersen and Gregory J. Robertson (editors). Proceedings of the Pacific Seabird Group Symposium, Victoria, British Columbia, 8-12 November 1995. A special publication compiled by the Canadian Wildlife Service for the Pacific Seabird Group. Published 1999 as Canadian Wildlife Service Occasional Paper number 100, catalog number CW69-1/100E. Order free of charge from: Publications Division, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A OH3, Canada, or available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

SEABIRD BYCATCH: TRENDS, ROADBLOCKS AND SOLUTIONS. Edward F. Melvin and Julia K. Parrish (editors). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Blaine, Washington, 26-27 February 1999. Published 2001 by University of Alaska Sea Grant, Fairbanks, Alaska. Publication no. AK-SG-01-01. $40.00. Order from publisher.

BIOLOGY, STATUS, AND CONSERVATION OF JAPANESE SEABIRDS. Yutaka Watanuki, Harry R. Carter, S. Kim Nelson and Koji Ono (conveners) and Nariko Oka (editor). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Japanese Seabird Group and Pacific Seabird Group, Lihue, Hawaii, February 2001. Journal of the Yamashina Institute of Ornithology 33(2); Symposium (5 papers), pp 57-147, other papers pp. 148-213. In English with Japanese abstracts. $75.00. Order from PSG - contact the Chair at [email protected]

OIL AND CALIFORNIA’S SEABIRDS. Harry R. Carter (convener) and Anthony J. Gaston (editor). Proceedings of a Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Santa Barbara, California, February 2002. Published 2003 in Marine Ornithology 31(1). Available free of charge at www.marineornithology.org

THE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. Daniel W. Anderson, D. Tommy King, and John Coulson (editors). Proceedings of a Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group. Waterbirds, Volume 28. Special Publication 1, 2005. Published by the Waterbird Society. $15.00. Order from PSG - contact the Chair at Chair@ pacificseabirdgroup.org.

BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF XANTUS’S MURRELET. Harry R. Carter, Spencer G. Sealy, Esther E. Burkett, and John F. Piatt (editors). Proceedings of a symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Portland, Oregon, January 2005. Published 2005 in Marine Ornithology 33(2):81-159. Available free of charge at www.marineornithology.org

SEABIRDS AS INDICATORS OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS. John F. Piatt and William J. Sydeman (editors). Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Girdwood, Alaska, February 2006. Published 2007 in Marine Ecology Progress Series Volume 352:199-309. Available free of charge at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v352/#theme

THE SALISH SEA ECOSYSTEMS: STATUS AND IMPACTS OF CHANGES ON MARINE BIRDS. Scott Hatch (editor), Douglas F. Bertram, John L. Bower, and Patrick D. O’Hara (guest editors.) 2009. Marine Ornithology, Salish Sea Symposium Issue 37: 1-76. Available free of charge at http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/publications/Hatch.etal.2008.pdf

______Information on presenting symposia: Pacific Seabird Group Symposia or Paper Sessions may be arranged by any member who is interested in a particular topic. Before planning a special session, refer to Meetings/Symposia Guidelines at www.pacificseabirdgroup. org; also contact the Scientific Program Chair for the annual meeting. ______

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 80 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL SEABIRD RESTORATION WORKSHOP. Kenneth I. Warheit, Craig S. Harrison, and George J. Divoky (editors). Exxon Valdez Restoration Project Final Report, Restoration Project 95038. PSG Technical Publication Number 1. 1997. Available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org METHODS FOR SURVEYING MARBLED MURRELETS IN FORESTS: A REVISED PROTOCOL FOR LAND MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH. Pacific Seabird Group, Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee. PSG Technical Publication Number 2. 2003. Available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP COMMITTEE COORDINATORS FOR 2019-2020

Committees do much of PSG’s business, as well as the conservation work for which PSG is respected. The committees wel- come (and need) information concerning their issues. Please contact one of these Coordinators with input, updates, to apply for a small grant (see PSG’s website for eligibility), or if you wish to help a committee with its work.

AWARDS COMMITTEE Adrian Gall, email: pastchair[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org; David Craig, email: chair[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org; and Rob Suryan, email: programchair[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Jane Dolliver, email: communications[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Peter Hodum, email: conservation[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS COMMITTEE Kyle Elliot, email: haliaeetus[at]gmail dot com

CRAIG S. HARRISON CONSERVATION SMALL GRANTS COMMITTEE Verena Gill, email: verena dot gill[at]gmail dot com

ELECTION COMMITTEE Katie O’Reilly, email: PSG_Elections[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

ENDOWMENT FUND TRUSTEES COMMITTEE Kirsten Bixler, email: Treasurer[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org; Kenneth T. Briggs; and Jim Kushlan

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Emma Kelsey, email: membership[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

LISTSERV COORDINATOR Verena Gill, email: listserv[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 81 PSG COMMITTEE COORDINATORS FOR 2019-2020

WEBSITE COORDINATOR Jane Dolliver, email: communications[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

MARINE ORNITHOLOGY EDITOR Louise Blight, email: marine dot ornithology dot manager[at]gmail dot com

ALEUTIAN TERN TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Susan Oehlers, email: soehlers[at]fs dot fed dot us and Michael Goldstein, email: migoldstein[at]uas dot alaska dot edu

KITTLITZ’S MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE John Piatt, email: jpiatt[at]usgs dot gov and Sarah Schoen, email: sschoen[at]usgs dot gov

MARBLED MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Kim Nelson, email: kim dot nelson[at]oregonstate dot edu

NORTHEAST ASIA SEABIRD CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Gregg Howald, email: gregg dot howald[at]islandconservation dot org and Daisuke Ochi, email: otthii[at]affrc dot go dot jp

SCRIPPS’S MURRELET AND GUADALUPE MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Yuliana Bedolla-Guzman, email: yuliana dot bedolla[at]islas dot org dot mx and David Mazurkiewicz, email: daveymaz[at]gmail dot com

SEABIRD MONITORING COMMITTEE Robb Kaler, email: robbkaler[at]gmail dot com

TUFTED PUFFIN TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Mark Hipfner, email: mark dot hipfner[at]canada dot ca and Peter Hodum, email: conservation[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

PSG DELEGATE TO THE AGREEMENT ON THE CONSERVATION OF ALBATROSS AND PETRELS (ACAP) Ken Morgan, email: ken dot morgan[at]dfo_mpo dot gc dot ca

PSG DELEGATE TO THE AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY Reggie David, email: davidr003[at]hawaii dot rr dot com

PSG DELEGATE TO THE NORTH PACIFIC MARINE SCIENCE ORGANIZATION (PICES) Rob Suryan, email: rob dot suryan[at]noaa dot gov

PSG DELEGATE TO THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL Pat Baird, email: pab7[at]sfu dot ca

PSG DELEGATES TO THE WORLD SEABIRD UNION Kathy Kuletz, email: kathy_kuletz[at]fws dot gov and Ken Morgan, email: ken dot morgan[at]dfo_mpo dot gc dot ca

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 82 PSG LIFE MEMBERS 2019

David Ainley Judith Latta Hand Katie O’Reilly Sarah G. Allen Craig S. Harrison Julia Parrish Daniel W. Anderson Scott A. Hatch Robert Pitman Edgar P. Bailey* Mónica Herzig Zurcher Jennifer Provencher Pat Baird Nancy Hillstrand C. John Ralph Lisa Ballance Joel D. Hubbard Martin Renner Don Bishop David B. Irons William P. Ritchie Jennifer Boyce Ronald Javitch Chad Roberts Kenneth T. Briggs Sarah Keller Lee Robinson Joanna Burger James G. King Daniel D. Roby Douglas Causey John Konecny Jan Roletto Ellen W. Chu Kathy Kuletz Gerald A. Sanger Roger B. Clapp James Kushlan Palmer C. Sekora* Gary Collar Lora Leschner Nanette Seto Cheryl Conel* David B. Lewis Kouzi Shiomi Kathy Cousins Peter Major Joanna Smith Theodore L. Cross* Eugene Y. Makishima William E. Southern Jeff Davis Sara Maxwell Jeffrey A. Spendelow Robert H. Day Vivian Mendenhall Craig Strong Tony DeGange Godfrey Merlen Takaki Terasawa Jan Dierks Patrick Mock W. Breck Tyler George Divoky Ken Morgan Gus Van Vliet David Duffy Edward C. Murphy Richard Veit Kyle Elliott Maura Naughton Enriqueta Velarde Gonzalez Stewart Fefer S. Kim Nelson Kees Vermeer Lloyd Fitzpatrick Yasuaki Niizuma Ignacio Vilchis Elizabeth Flint David R. Nysewander John and Jane Warriner Douglas J. Forsell Daisuki Ochi Yutaka Watanuki Gail Fraser Harou Ogi Jennifer Wheeler Michael Fry Koji Ono Jeff Williams Adrian Gall Steffen Oppel Lisa Haggblom Rachael Orben *deceased HONORARY MEMBER

John Cooper

RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

David Ainley Malcolm Coulter* James G. King Daniel W. Anderson John Croxall Haruo Ogi Philip and Myrtle Ashmole David C. Duffy John F. Piatt James C. Bartonek Elizabeth Flint Spencer G. Sealy P. Dee Boersma Anthony Gaston Larry B. Spear* W.R.P. Bourne Charles Guiguet* Robert E. Ricklefs Richard G.B. Brown* Michael P. Harris Miklos D.F. Udvardy* G. Vernon Byrd Thomas R. Howell* Enriqueta Velarde Gonzalez Harry R. Carter* George L. Hunt, Jr. Sarah Wanless John Cooper Karl W. Kenyon* John Warham* *deceased

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 83 RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Malcolm Coulter* Lora Leschner Steven M. Speich* Franklin Gress Edward Melvin Mark J. Rauzon George J. Divoky Vivian Mendenhall Gus B. Van Vliet Craig S. Harrison S. Kim Nelson Yutaka Watanuki Hiroshi Hasegawa Arthur L. Sowls Lindsay C. Young

*deceased

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Members receive the following benefits: announcements of meetings, reduced rates on conferences and some publications, subscription to the PSG listserv, and most importantly, the knowledge of contributing to the study and conservation of Pacific seabirds wherever they occur. Annual memberships are available for one year or two years and expires on the date of purchase. Lifetime memberships are also available. All Life member contributions are dedicated to PSG’s Endowment Fund, a fund to support the publications of the PSG, principally Marine Ornithology.

MEMBERSHIP RATES Individual membership: US$50 Two-year individual membership: US$90 Student membership: US$30 Two-year student membership: US$55 Life membership: US$1,500 (can be divided into 5 annual payments of $300)

TO JOIN OR RENEW MEMBERSHIP To join the Pacific Group or renew your membership, please go to: http://tiny.cc/psgmember

To edit information on an existing membership, please follow the link above and login using the e-mail address that you used to renew your membership (which may be different from your mailing-list e-mail address).

If you have any questions, please notify our Membership Coordinator: [email protected] The Membership Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the membership database, assisting members with updating their information, sending new member information to the listserv coordinator, and other member assistance as needed.

MEMBER RESOURCES To subscribe to the Pacific Seabird Group Listserv, please go to: lists-psg.org/mailman/listinfo/pacificseabirds_lists-psg.org For access to the Pacific Seabird Group mailing list, please contact the coordinator at: [email protected].

Connect with the Pacific Seabird Group through our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PacificSeabirdGroup Follow PSG on: Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/pacificseabirds Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pacific_seabird_group/

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 84 PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2019

OFFICERS

Chair David Craig, email: [email protected]

Past Chair Adrian Gall, email: [email protected]

Chair-Elect Rob Suryan, email: [email protected]

Vice-Chair for Conservation Peter Hodum, email: [email protected]

Treasurer Kirsten Bixler, email: [email protected]

Secretary Olivia Bailey, email: [email protected]

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Alaska and Russia Marc Romano, email: [email protected]

Canada Kerry Woo, email: [email protected]

Washington and Oregon Rachael Orben, email: [email protected]

Northern California Kirsten Lindquist, email: [email protected]

Latin America, Hawai’i Cristián Suazo, email: [email protected]

Non-Pacific United States Mary Cody, email: [email protected]

Europe/Africa Ross Wanless, email: [email protected]

Asia and Oceania Luke Einoder, email: [email protected]

Student Representative Corey Clatterbuck, email: [email protected]

COORDINATORS (non-voting)

Communications Jane Dolliver, email: [email protected]

Listserv Coordinator Verena Gill, email: [email protected]

Membership Coordinator Emma Kelsey, email: [email protected]

Elections Coordinator Katie O’Reilly, email: [email protected]