PACIFIC SEABIRDS
A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group
Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 Spring and Fall 2011 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) was formed in 1972 due to the need for better communication among Pacific seabird researchers. PSG provides a forum for the research activities of its members, promotes the conservation of seabirds, and informs members and the public of issues relating to Pacific Ocean seabirds and their environment. PSG members include research scientists, conservation professionals, and members of the public from all parts of the Pacific Ocean. The group also welcomes seabird professionals and enthusiasts in other parts of the world. PSG holds annual meetings at which scientific papers and symposia are presented; abstracts for meetings are published on our web site. The group is active in promoting conservation of seabirds, include seabird/fisheries interactions, monitoring of seabird populations, seabird restoration following oil spills, establishment of seabird sanctuaries, and endangered species. Policy statements are issued on conservation issues of critical importance. PSG’s journals are Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin) and Marine Ornithology. Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ornithological Council, and the American Bird Conservancy. Annual dues for membership are $30 (individual and family); $24 (student, undergraduate and graduate); and $900 (Life Membership, payable in five $180 installments). Dues are payable to the Treasurer; see the PSG web site, or the Membership Order Form next to inside back cover. World Wide Web Site 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 US law (IRS Section 501[c][3]).
Pacific Seabirds This journal publishes short peer-reviewed articles, reports of ongoing work, conservation news, and other items of importance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The journal is published twice a year in spring and fall. Materials should be submitted to the Editor, except that conservation-related material should be submitted to the Associate Editor for Conservation. Information for contributors to Pacific Seabirds is published in each Fall issue and is on PSG’s web site. Ediorial policies accord with those of PSG’s Executive Council; in other matters the journal aims for an unbiased point of view. Back issues of the PSG Bulletin and Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s web site or may be ordered from the treasurer (see Membership/ Order Form next to inside back cover for details). Submission deadlines are 20 March for the spring issue and 20 September for the fall issue; manuscripts may be submitted at any time.
Pacific Seabirds Editor Vivian M. Mendenhall, 4600 Rabbit Creek Rd., Anchorage, AK 99516, USA. Telephone (907) 345-7124; e-mail: fasgadair@ attalascom.net. Associate Editor Patricia Baird
Associate Editor for Conservation Joanna Smith, 408-9000 Birch St., Chilliwack, BC, V2P 8G2, Canada. Telephone: (604) 795-9332; mobile: (604) 813-9200; e-mail: [email protected] Assistant Editors for Conservation: S. Kim Nelson and Mark Rauzon.
Assistant Editor for Regional Reports for This Issue Jennifer Boyce
Marine Ornithology Marine Ornithology presents peer-reviewed contributions concerning international seabird science and conservation. The journal is published two times a year. It is available on its web site or by subscription. The journal is supported by a partnership of global seabird societies, including the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG), African Seabird Group, Australasian Seabird Group, the Seabird Group (UK), Dutch Seabird Group, and Japan Seabird Group. For further information see www.marineornithology.org
Change of Address Send changes of address to the PSG Treasurer, Ron LeValley, P.O. Box 324, Little River, CA 95456-0519, USA. Telephone: (707) 496-3326 (cell), (707) 937-1742 (work); fax: (707) 442-4303; e-mail: [email protected] or ron@ madriverbio.com PACIFIC SEABIRDS A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group
Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment
Volume 38 2011 Numbers 1 and 2
Special Section: How the Pacific Seabird Group and its Executive Council Work How PSG Runs. By Pat Baird and Vivian Mendenhall ...... 2 How the PSG Executive Council Works. By Pat Baird ...... 4 What Are the Obligations of EXCO Members to PSG? By Craig S. Harrison ...... 7 Legal Obligaations of a Director. By James P. Joseph ...... 8
Conservation Report ...... 12
PSG News Long-running EXCO to Change in February ...... 16 This Is a Special Issue of Pacific Seabirds ...... 16 New Associate Editor of Pacific Seabirds ...... 16 New Associate Editor for Conservation ...... 16
Regional Reports for 2011 (first installment) Canada ...... 17 Washington and Oregon ...... 21 Non-Pacific United States and Caribbean ...... 26 Hawai‘i ...... 27 Asia ...... 29
General Information Information on the Pacific Seabird Group ...... Inside Front Cover Information for Contributors to Pacific Seabirds ...... 30 Publications of the Pacific Seabird Group ...... 32 PSG Committee Coordinators ...... 34 PSG Life Members and Recipients of Awards ...... 35 Membership Application and Order Form ...... 36 PSG Executive Council for 2009 ...... Inside Back Cover SPECIAL SECTION: HOW THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP AND ITS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WORK
Questions have been raised recently about how PSG functions, what keeps it afloat financially, how EXCO runs, and about the duties and legal obligation of EXCO members. The following articles provide insight and some expert answers.
HOW PSG RUNS By Pat Baird and Vivian Mendenhall
PSG is a group of people—scien- Harrison Conservation Fund. PSG also PSG comments regularly on con- tists, conservationists, students—who (5) educates the scientific and general servation issues that concern seabirds. are passionate about seabirds. We get public about the ecology and importance PSG’s public statements are highly together at Annual Meetings to share new of Pacific seabirds and their environment, respected, because we are conservative research, make contacts, and have a great by holding our open meetings and by and make sure that all statements are time. Annual meetings are one of PSG’s publishing journals and symposia. backed up by science. This means we most important functions. PSG has once EXCO is obligated to follow the can often make a difference in events every year since 1973 (on average, that objectives and to carry out the duties that impact seabirds. Letters to agencies, is—there have been occasional years outlined in the Bylaws and Handbook. corporations, and others are coordinated with two or zero meetings). EXCO, in essence, keeps the ship of PSG by the Vice-Chair for Conservation, in But PSG is much more, too. Many on course—heading towards its goals, consultation with the current Chair. Our members aren’t aware that PSG is an making sure that it follows the Bylaws, expertise is provided by PSG members, important player in national and interna- reflects the members’ priorities, and stays particularly PSG’s specialist committees. tional conservation. The group is also a fiscally sound. PSG has always been Some of these committees also produce legal entity, a not-for-profit corporation fiscally conservative, because it relies technical manuals, draft Endangered (NGO) under the laws of the state of on its financial security to accomplish Species petitions, and do other work. California; this status carries both ben- important things, from scientific meet- Most committee members are not on efits and special obligations. ings to conservation. EXCO, and of course they are 100% The objectives of PSG are exclu- PSG members are welcome to volunteer. (They would welcome your sively scientific, educational, conserva- observe EXCO meetings (see accom- help!). tion-oriented, and nonprofit. In essence, panying articles for further information PSG also has representatives to the PSG does several things: (1) PSG brings about EXCO.) The Minutes of each American Bird Conservancy and the Or- researchers together annually to discuss EXCO meeting, once they are approved nithological Council (OC). They inform their latest findings; (2) PSG comments by EXCO (which is usually done at the the conservation community of PSG’s publicly on various conservation issues following meeting) are posted on PSG’s concerns, and they help keep EXCO that EXCO deems important to seabirds website. A summary of each Minutes informed of current issues (one example (more digestible than the full original) is the OC’s recent work on federal rules and marine biology; (3) PSG provides also appears in Pacific Seabirds. for collecting permits). mentoring for people who are just start- EXCO meets twice a year to over- ing out in the field of seabird biology, by What does PsG do, and Who does it? see the activities and finances of PSG. putting them in contact with established What most members associate with Among other things, EXCO reviews researchers at the annual meetings; PSG are annual meetings (see below), and approves all plans and budgets for and (4) PSG supports conservation publications, our web site, and (for some annual meetings, reviews the activities of throughout the Pacific region, through members) our Twitter account. But a committees, and approves (or sometimes the Corresponding Members Commit- large share of PSG’s important work rejects) public statements proposed by tee and via small grants from the Craig happens in the background. PSG committees.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 2 SPECIAL SECTION • How PSG runs hoW does PsG Fund itselF? which is a major source of revenue for the Business Meeting), near the end of The main sources of income for PSG PSG. Most of the money raised for each each Annual Meeting. The Chair informs are the annual meetings and, secondarily, meeting is used to run it, paying for such the members of PSG’s current affairs, as members’ dues. We occasionally do things as rental of meeting spaces and dealt with in the EXCO meeting held a get small grants from the government audio-visual equipment, travel costs for few days previously. This is the mem- or foundations. However, these are plenary speakers, small travel grants to bers’ chance to speak out to EXCO and often explicitly directed to a particular students and others, hors d’oeuvres at the Chair on any PSG issue. product (such as travel to meetings, to evening receptions, and those coffee and PSG members as a whole sometimes run a particular meeting, or to mount a snack breaks between papers. vote on resolutions at the Members specific symposium). Some of the dona- Each meeting is the result of over a Meeting. As an early example, PSG’s tions raised for the Girdwood meeting in year of work by the Local Committee. conservation initiatives for Marbled 2006 are examples of “restricted” dona- The Chair-Elect also spends months on Murrelets began in 1982, when a reso- tions for a specified purpose. Other small the scientific program. EXCO and other lution was sent to government agencies donations arrive year-round, but most are experienced members review all arrange- that stated the birds were declining and also “restricted”; these include donations ments and approve the meeting’s budget should be taken into account during the to the Craig S. Harrison Conservation well beforehand. management of forests. Resolutions are Fund for small grants; and Lifetime Income for a meeting comes from submitted to EXCO for approval before Memberships, which are dedicated in the going to the Membership Meeting. Bylaws to the Endowment Fund. registration (the largest portion), exhibi- Please note that most donations tors’ fees, auctions, and donations. Any endoWment Fund result from huge efforts on the part of profit that PSG makes from a meeting The Endowment Fund is used to PSG’s volunteers, especially the Local goes into the General Operating Fund to support production of PSG’s publica- Committees that arrange each annual run PSG (except that proceeds from the tions. It receives all dues from Lifetime meeting. (Big nonprofits rely on a full- Student Auction are dedicated to student Memberships, plus donations, bequests, time “Development Officer” to raise travel awards). The Operating Fund also and other sources. The fund’s invest- money, but that’s out of our league!) provides the Local Committee with start- ments are managed by the Treasurer and The annual dues of members pro- up money when they first book a hotel two other Trustees. They recommend vide a stable income for PSG—enough (as much as a year before the meeting) to pay for accounting, and for filing of and for other “up-front” expenses such a very conservative annual ceiling on the fiscal reports that are required by as travel grants. The Operating Fund expenditures from the fund, so as to California and the federal government. is reimbursed later from the meeting’s protect its principal over time. The actual One can think of dues as PSG’s stable income. expenditure of funds is recommended by foraging source. Annual meetings are the icing on the Communications Committee and de- cided by a majority vote of the Executive the cake, but they also provide part of Council. Money from the Endowment What are PsG’s exPenses? the funding for the necessities of running Fund can be used only for the production PSG’s principal expense each year an organization. Think of meeting profits of Pacific Seabird Group-sponsored pub- is the Annual Meeting. Our next largest as an opportunistic but fluctuating source lications, including Marine Ornithology. expenditures are for publications (Pacific of food—sometimes superabundant, but Seabirds, Marine Ornithology, and oc- in occasional years next to nothing. The CraiG harrison Conservation Fund casional symposia), and grants from the profit from annual meetings is necessary (small Grant ProGram). Craig S. Harrison Conservation Fund to keep PSG running, and to cushion it This fund was started because wor- (described below). from unexpected events (like the 2007 thy seabird conservation projects could Our regular operating expenses Recession). include prosaic items such as telephone be accomplished at minimal cost in many Some PSG annual meetings have bills, postage, board liability insurance, locations in the Pacific, yet most regions made money; some have broken even; and accountants’ fees. PSG’s annual lacked a vehicle for providing even small but a few have lost money. Local Com- budget is usually published in Pacific grants. This lack of support is most acute mittees work hard at raising money to Seabirds. in developing nations. The objective of help run each annual meeting. Some- PSG’s fund is to advance the conser- times they succeed in raising a lot (e.g., annual meetinGs vation of seabirds by offering modest Meetings are important for sci- at Girdwood in 2006), but occasionally support for conservation projects in de- ence and communication. They also are they have little success. veloping countries bordering the Pacific members meetinG PSG’S largest financial undertaking, with Ocean. Applications are also considered All PSG members are invited to the budgets usually in the low six figures. On from people who reside elsewhere but annual Members Meeting (also called average, meetings make a modest profit, are primarily working in those countries.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 3 SPECIAL SECTION • How PSG runs
Applications for Conservation Small is ineligible. Among other priorities, membership, registering for annual meet- Grants can be made at any time; informa- PSG wants to support development of ings, or at any time via PSG’s website. tion is on PSG’s website. The committee in-country seabird expertise in develop- The Conservation Fund is admin- accepts applications, reviews them for ing nations. istered by a committee of seven people merit and for consistency with the goals The Conservation Fund’s money (including the Vice-Chair for Conserva- of the Small Grant Program, and decides comes from specified donations to PSG, tion, who is an ex officio member). on awards. The committee evaluates applications plus any general funds that EXCO wishes Projects must promote conservation and makes decisions on grants, except to authorize. In general the Conservation and restoration activities that benefit that grants above $2000 must be ap- Fund tries to be independent of PSG’s seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. (Projects proved by EXCO. The number of grants in seas adjacent to the Pacific also may Operating Fund by relying on donations. approved each year is limited by the be considered.) Pure research (not im- Specific donations to the fund can be amount of money in the Conservation mediately applicable to conservation) made by members when renewing PSG Fund’s account.
HOW THE PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WORKS By Pat Baird
As the Elections Chair, I often ask The role of each EXCO member is to views to be discussed, and (together with people if they want to be on the Execu- work for the maintenance and advance- the Secretary) that EXCO’s decisions are tive Council (EXCO) of PSG. I am most ment of PSG as an organization. EXCO properly approved and recorded. often met with a question similar to, is vested with a fiscal responsibility The Chair acts as official spokesper- “Well, what exactly does EXCO do, and to PSG. If there is a conflict of inter- son for the group. S/he plays a central what would be my role on it?” This is a est between what any EXCO member role in initiating, editing and distributing valid question, and below is a summary proposes, and the objectives of PSG, PSG policy statements, keeps abreast of what EXCO does and the role of each the interests of PSG must come first and of conservation issues (in cooperation board member. foremost. (This is explained further with the Vice-Chair for Conservation), below and in an accompanying article.) and takes the lead on PSG concerns and What EXCO DOEs issues. The Chair is also an ex officio The Executive Council is PSG’s DutiEs Of EXCO mEmbErs member of all committees and reviews Board of Directors. (As a nonprofit Chair—The Chair of PSG is re- Committee decisions before major pub- corporation, PSG is required to have a sponsible for carrying out the objectives, lic action. The Chair investigates and Board of Directors.) Specific duties of policies, and programs developed by the pursues sources of funding and oversees PSG’s officers and the regional represen- Executive Council and membership for contracts. S/he creates an annual work tatives can be found in the Bylaws and all administrative decisions, duties, and plan, in conjunction with the Secretary, handbook; both are available on PSG’s activities. The Chair presides over meet- based on Action Items noted at the EXCO website. In essence, EXCO runs PSG ings of EXCO and the full membership meeting. The Chair sits on the Awards and makes sure that PSG is fulfilling its at PSG’s annual meetings, and over mid- Committee. mission statement and goals. EXCO also year EXCO meetings held as conference The Chair is responsible for the An- is required by law to ensure that PSG is calls. The Chair ensures that meetings nual Meeting, working closely with the fiscally sound. are run efficiently, while allowing all Chair-Elect and the Local Committee.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 4 SPECIAL SECTION • How EXCO works
S/he is Mistress/Master of ceremonies report a conservation issue of concern fiscally, and the objectives of PSG, PSG’s at the banquet. Finally, the Chair writes to the Vice-Chair for Conservation, who objectives of PSG must come first and a “Message from the Chair” for Pacific will decide whether just to summarize foremost. Seabirds each year. the issue in the next volume of Pacific Secretary—The Secretary takes Chair-Elect—The Chair-Elect Seabirds, or to start the process of writing minutes at all Executive Council meet- will become Chair in the following a formal statement from PSG to agencies ings, both at the annual meeting and year. S/he also has the major duty of and others involved in the issue. The during mid-year conference calls. S/he Scientific Program Chair for the annual Vice-Chair for Conservation identifies is responsible (together with the Chair) meeting. S/he helps select plenary speak- and keeps informed on issues pertain- for recording the motions and votes of ers, chooses symposia, sends out the ing to the conservation of seabirds, and EXCO correctly. The Secretary distrib- call for papers, organizes the scientific prepares information on high-priority utes the minutes to all EXCO members, program, and works with the Local Com- conservation issues. S/he distributes who may suggest corrrections, and who mittee to organize the Annual Meeting. that information to the membership and will approve the minutes at the next The Chair-Elect also sits on the Awards others interested in seabird conserva- meeting. The Secretary writes up a sum- Committee. tion, and acts for PSG as directed by the mary of the minutes for publication in Past Chair—The Past Chair (who Chair on priority conservation issues at Pacific Seabirds. was the previous year’s Chair) aids the public forums and through written com- The Secretary assists the Chair and Chair in running PSG. S/he gives in- ment. The Vice-Chair for Conservation others with a variety of other duties, formation EXCO on the location of the (or a designated assistant) compiles a and s/he creates an annual work plan in next Annual Meeting, the proposed site Conservation Report for each issue of conjunction with the Chair, as a result of the meeting to be held two years in Pacific Seabirds, and s/he holds a Con- of Action Items developed at the EXCO the future, and a choice of two or three servation Committee meeting at each meeting. The Secretary coordinates with sites for the meeting to be held in three Annual Meeting. the Elections Committee chair on prepar- years. S/he assists the Chair-Elect and Treasurer—The fiscal affairs of ing a notice of request for nominations. Local Committee Chair to make sure PSG are under the supervision of the The Secretary maintains and updates the Executive Council and are handled by that the Annual Meeting runs smoothly, PSG Handbook, investigates the need the Treasurer. S/he keeps a list of current and that the budget and registration fees to update the Bylaws, and provides the members and maintains an accounting of are accurate and appropriate. S/he chairs Bylaws and Handbook to new EXCO PSG funds. S/he receives applications the Awards Committee (whose other members. members are the Chair and Chair-elect); for individual and institutional member- Regional Representatives—Re- the committee solicits nominations for ships, as well as requests for back issues gional Representatives have been mem- the PSG awards, recommends nominees of Pacific Seabirds. The Treasurer also bers of EXCO since its inception, to to EXCO for approval, and arranges serves on the Investment committee. The ensure geographic diversity on the board. payment for recipients’ travel, food, and Treasurer receives money from dues and They function as clearing-houses for lodging. The Past Chair solicits applica- sales of all PSG publications, and s/he region-specific information. However, tions for travel awards and organizes the designs and mails membership renewal like all board members, they are obli- judging of student paper awards. S/he so- notices. S/he reimburses persons au- gated to do what is best for PSG and its licits grants and donations to help pay for thorized to spend PSG money, and com- members as a whole, not for their regions travel awards to the Annual Meeting. The pletes income tax statements and annual or for local members. Past-Chair also recommends to the Chair reports for the state of California and the how much money should be used from the federal government. The treasurer also Each Regional Representative con- current meeting budget. S/he hands out provides information to granting entities tacts his or her members for information travel awards and student paper awards at and completes the paperwork for various on the past year’s research and other the banquet, as well as the Lifetime and grants and donations that PSG receives. activities, compiles a summary of the Special Achievement Awards. Finally, The Treasurer provides an annual report responses, and sends it to the editor of The Past Chair attends the Former Chairs to EXCO and the PSG members, and Pacific Seabirds for publication in the Committee meeting. proposes the next year’s budget for Fall issue each year. Regional Repre- Vice-Chair for Conservation— EXCO’s approval. The Treasurer espe- sentatives send information on important The Vice-Chair for Conservation acts cially, as well as the entire EXCO, is conservation issues in their regions to the on priority conservation issues at public vested with a fiscal responsibility to PSG, Chair or Vice-Chair for Conservation. forums and through written comments. and therefore must keep PSG’s interests They maintain contact with local conser- S/he is responsible for initiation and in mind during any financial transaction. vation groups, so that these groups and coordination of conservation-related If there is a conflict of interest between PSG are aware of each other’s activities. activities of PSG. Any member can what any of the EXCO members propose They are the local PR for PSG.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 5 SPECIAL SECTION • How EXCO works
Student Representative—A cur- hoW do PsG members CommuniCate Other issues that pertain to the rent student (undergraduate or graduate) With exCo? long-term success of PSG may also be is elected by other students in PSG to EXCO welcomes (indeed, hopes discussed by the Former Chairs. Exam- represent their concerns on EXCO. for) the involvement of other PSG’s ples could be how to improve our major (Note: Students are eligible to run for all members in the affairs of PSG. Members journal, Marine Ornithology, or whether other positions on EXCO as well, from can express their concerns to EXCO in it would strengthen the governance of Regional Representative to Chair-elect.) several ways. PSG to add members to EXCO from Communications Coordinator and Any member can attend a meeting professions other than seabird work, if Editor of Pacific Seabirds—These two of EXCO and observe it in action. Non- they had former board experience and members are appointed by EXCO (so members of the council can comment skills that could benefit PSG. The chair you won’t be asked to run for election on an issue by contacting an EXCO of the Former Chairs is the most recent to the positions). They are both ex officio member, who can bring the comment to Past Chair. The current Past Chair attends (non-voting) members of EXCO. the council’s attention, or may arrange the meeting, so that s/he knows what to for the member to speak. (People who are expect on joining this august group. not members of EXCO normally need an hoW lonG do exCo members serve, invitation to speak at a council meeting, obliGations oF the members oF exCo and hoW are they seleCted? in the interests of efficiency.) Since EXCO is the Board of a Most EXCO members are elected A member can also attend the an- for a two-year term, and can be re-elected corporation, its members have certain nual Members Meeting (also called the obligations. (Over the years, EXCO indefinitely. A Chair-Elect is chosen Business Meeting), hear what EXCO members have normally done these each year; s/he is the Chair the follow- has recently done, and speak to EXCO things without needing to think about ing year, Past Chair the next year, and and the Chair. The Members Meeting is them.) Essentially, every member of a then can relax again (except for joining described in the previous article. board—whether that of a big for-profit the Former Chairs Committee). Half the The best way to interact with EXCO corporation or a small nonprofit—is Regional Representatives are elected in is, of course, to run for a position on the required act in the best interests of the even-numbered years, the other half the council! organization. They have a duty to keep following year. informed about the organization’s affairs, Each EXCO serves for approxi- Former Chairs do their best to keep the organization on mately one year, from the end of an After serving the three-year series of Chair-Elect, Chair, and Past Chair, PSG a sound footing (both structurally and Annual Meeting banquet until the end of still doesn’t let you go—it welcomes you financially), and act in the best interests the next one. A list of EXCO members to the realm of the Former Chairs, who of the organization. The last duty means for each year is on PSG’s website and on meet once a year at the Annual Meet- they must carefully avoid conflicts of the inside back cover of Pacific Seabirds. ing. The idea is to bring the wisdom interest. If any member has interests or The Elections Chair looks for EXCO and experiences of PSG Former Chairs concerns that could conflict with his/her candidates among PSG members, and together to advise and guide the organiza- duty to PSG, that person should abstain then sends out ballots, usually near the tion on key issues. There is a need for from EXCO’s discussions and voting end of each calendar year. Regional Rep- institutional memory in PSG, and the on the issue. This important point is ex- resentatives are elected only by members Former Chairs group satisfies this need. plained further in the next article. in their Regions, and the Student Rep- The main duty for the Former Chairs is A successful board, such as EXCO resentative only by students; the rest to oversee nominations of candidates for has always been, consists of members of EXCO is selected by the entire PSG PSG Lifetime Achievement and Special working together do what is best for membership. Achievement Awards. PSG.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 6 SPECIAL SECTION THE LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF EXCO MEMBERS
There have been questions recently about the duties of Executive Council members, if some members also belong to another organization—especially if PSG and the second group disagree about money. The Chair of the Pacific Seabird Group, Pat Jodice, requested in January 2012 that Craig Harrison provide legal information to EXCO about the members’ duties in such a situation. Harrison is a member of EXCO and a practicing attorney.
WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS OF EXCO MEMBERS TO PSG? By Craig S. Harrison, January 2012
(Explained more fully in the following legal memorandum from Arnold & Porter; the memo and other information also are available on the Web by entering “Fiduciary duties and conflicts of interest” in Google)
1. FiduCiary duty. All officers and directors of nonprofit corporations have fiduciary obligations to the corporation. This means that EXCO members must act at all times to protect the interests of PSG in a prudent manner. A fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care and a fiduciary must put the interests of PSG over any personal interests, whether or not that personal interest involves actual or potential financial or other benefit.
2. duty oF loyalty. As fiduciaries, all EXCO members owe a duty of undivided loyalty to PSG, good faith, full disclosure and fair dealing. Any proposed transaction must actually be in the best interest of PSG.
a. Conflicts of Interest. The duty of loyalty includes a director’s obligation to avoid conflicts of interest. Anyone with dual loyalties must disclose the situation and in most cases be excluded from participating in decisions. A breach of this duty may result in personal liability for the director. A conflict generally exists when PSG does business with an entity in which a director or officer of PSG is also a director, officer, employee, consultant or agent of the second entity, or with an individual or group of individuals undertaking activities that are or may be contrary to the best interests of PSG. (See pages 8-11 for further details on conflicts of interest.)
b. Good Faith. The duty to act in good faith prohibits members of the board of directors from: (1) failing to act in the face of a known duty to act; (2) acting in a manner unrelated to a pursuit of PSG’s best interests; and (3) maintaining a sustained or systematic failure to provide oversight.
3. duty oF Care. The directors have a responsibility to inform themselves about an issue before making a business decision about that issue. Where expertise is not available on the EXCO, they should consult outside experts. They must ensure that PSG has adequate resources to carry out its mission. EXCO members must act with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances.
4. duty oF obedienCe. The directors must insure that PSG does not engage in activities that applicable law, its articles of incorporation, or its bylaws forbid. Any funds spent should be consistent with PSG’s mission as stated in its articles of incorporation and bylaws and its priorities.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 7
LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF A DIRECTOR
The following memo provided by Craig Harrison gives a full description of an EXCO member’s duties, especially if there is a conflict of interest. The memo and other information also are available on the Web by entering “Fiduciary duties and conflicts of interest” in a search engine.
Memorandum
From: James P. Joseph Arnold & Porter LLP
Date: May 8, 2006
Re: Fiduciary Duties of a Director and Conflicts of Interest
The following is an overview of the duties of a member of a board of directors of a nonprofit corporation (“Corporation”), with particular emphasis on the financial management of the Corporation. A director owes a fiduciary duty to the Corporation. In performing his or her duties, a director must act in the best interests of the Corporation (e.g., work to fulfill the Corporation’s tax-exempt purposes and maintain its tax-exempt status). The director may not act in a way that is detrimental to the Corporation in an effort to benefit any third party. The director must disclose to the other members of the board of the Corporation when the board’s actions may have a material impact on the director or another corporation or entity in which the director has a financial interest. The director must not participate in any board discussion or vote on such issues, unless the board determines that the director may so participate. If the board determines that the director may participate, the director may still decide that a conflict exists and that he or she should not participate in any discussion or vote.
I. General Duties That a Director Owes to the Corporation
The duties that a director owes the Corporation are the duty of obedience, the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. In general, under the “business judgment rule,” if a board of directors properly exercises these duties, its members will be protected from liability for their actions on the board. In effect, there is a presumption that, in making a business decision, the directors acted on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action was taken in the best interest of the Corporation. This presumption can be overcome with a showing that the board acted with gross negligence.
A. Duty of Obedience
• The directors of the Corporation must not engage in ultra vires acts—acts that the corporation, under its charter and applicable law, can not perform because such acts are prohibited or beyond the scope of the corporation’s powers.
B. Duty of Care
• The duty of care generally describes the level of attention required of a director in all matters related to the Corporation. The duty of care is perhaps more accurately described as a “duty to be informed.”
• A director has the responsibility to be informed about an issue before making a business decision relating to the issue.
A director will fulfill the duty of care if, prior to making a decision, he or she considers all material information reasonably available to him or her.
To fulfill the duty of care, the directors of a Corporation should follow deliberate procedures and consult with appropriate committees, officers, or employees of the Corporation or other outside experts in making corporate decisions.
C Duty of Loyalty
• The duty of loyalty requires a director to act solely in the best interests of the Corporation rather than in his or her own interests, or those of his or her associates.
• One important aspect of the duty of loyalty is to retain the confidentiality of information that is explicitly deemed confidential by the Corporation, as well as information that appears to be confidential from its nature or matter.
• The duty of loyalty also encompasses a director’s obligation to avoid conflicts of interest.
For a director, a violation of this duty may result in personal liability for a breach of fiduciary duty.
For the Corporation, such a breach may allow a court to void the corporate transaction in which a conflict was present.
II. Conflicts of Interest
• In general, a conflict of interest exists when the Corporation does business with:
a director of the Corporation;
another entity in which a director of the Corporation is also a trustee, director, officer, employee, consultant, or agent; or
another entity in which a director has a financial interest (a “financial interest” can generally be defined to include an ownership or investment interest in the entity with which the Corporation is contracting, or a compensation arrangement with such entity).
• To avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, a director may want to treat as a conflict any transaction between the Corporation and (i) the director’s spouse, descendants, or ascendants, (ii) any entity in which such a relative is a trustee, director, officer, employee, consultant, or agent, or (iii) any entity in which such a relative has a financial interest.
• In addition, the Corporation may have its own conflict of interest policy that must be followed.
• If a conflict of interest is or may be present, the director must:
Disclose to the board of directors or relevant committee of the board the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest.
Not participate in any board discussion or vote, unless the Corporation’s board determines that the director may participate in such discussion or vote.
• If the board determines that the director may participate, the director may still decide that a conflict exists and that he or she should not participate in any discussion or vote.
• If a director follows these disclosure and recusal procedures, a party challenging a transaction on the grounds of a conflict of interest/breach of fiduciary duty will face a heightened burden. III. The Duty of Care: Financial Management Obligations
In general, under the “business judgment rule,” if a board of directors properly exercises the fiduciary duties discussed above, its members will be protected from liability for their actions on the board. In effect, there is a presumption that, in making a business decision, the directors acted on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action was taken in the best interest of the Corporation. This presumption can be overcome with a showing that the board acted with gross negligence. Despite the relatively significant burden of trying to prove gross negligence by a nonprofit director, and despite the protections of the business judgment rule, nonprofit directors can be held responsible when an organization’s finances are poorly managed.
A. General Mismanagement. This type of mismanagement is characterized by a pattern of actions or inactions that result in significant harm over a period of time. In one case, Lynch v. John H. Redfield Foundation, 88 Cal. Rptr. 86(Cal. Ct. App.1970), the directors of a foundation allowed the organization’s income to accumulate in non-interest bearing accounts for over five years. This investment decision was made as a result of longterm disagreements among the directors that resulted in their inability to productively manage the foundation’s assets. As stated by the court: “All three directors, in concentrating on their feud, left the foundation in a state of suspended animation for several years, ignoring their obligations to carry on its charitable purposes and to manage its assets with a degree of care and diligence which a prudent man would exercise in the management of his own affairs.” Id. at 88. Although in the above case a feud was to blame for the financial mismanagement, more often such mismanagement is a result of neglect. More rarely, claims are made challenging the directors’ decision-making. These claims often involve a single action, such as sale of an asset below value, and also often involve specific action by a board, rather than simply inattention.
B. General Neglect. The term “good faith” most obviously means an absence of any intent to take advantage of the corporation. It is largely a state of mind characterized by both “honesty” and “faithfulness to the director's duties and obligations.” “Honesty” has been appropriately interpreted to mean “pureheartedness.” “Faithfulness to the director's duties and obligations,” however, is more than a mindset. It means some level of diligence in actually seeking to discharge the director's responsibilities. General neglect in decision-making, therefore, would not be good faith. In the leading case of Stern et al. v Lucy Webb Hayes National Training School for Deaconesses and Missionaries, et al., 381 F. Supp. 1003 (D.D.C. 1974), the board of directors was found to have breached its fiduciary duty in part for allowing, through inaction and inattention, the reserve fund of the corporation to languish in investment vehicles that paid very low interest rates or no interest at all.
C. Bad Business Decisions. These type of claims are often characterized as a “waste of corporate assets.” Because of the business judgment rule, discussed above, these claims are difficult to prove. In one case, Mary v. The Lupin Foundation, 609 So.2d 184 (La. 1992), a non-profit corporation sold its sole asset, a hospital, to a for-profit health care company for $17.5 million. A member of the non-profit board who objected to this sale sued his fellow board members, alleging that the market value of the hospital was as much as $5 million above the sale price, and that the sale below value was a breach of their fiduciary duty. This director further alleged that the board never solicited other offers or made an attempt to value the hospital. The court held that these allegations, if true, would constitute a violation of the directors’ fiduciary duty.
D. Mismanagement of Investments. The duty of care includes, and in fact mandates, that the board protect the assets of the Corporation. This includes the general management and investment of all of the Corporation’s funds.
• A Reasonable Plan. A board is not an insurer of the adequate performance of a Corporation’s funds in an investment vehicle, but investment decisions must be reasonable and defensible. The leading case in this area is Johnson v. Johnson. 516 A.2d 255 (N.J. Super. 1986). In this instance, the dispute involved the investment of funds owned by two charitable foundations. After a detailed review of various investment approaches, the court concluded that the individual in charge of investments had pursued a reasonable investment strategy. What is important about this case is that the defendant’s investment approach was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, the court found that the defendant had pursued a reasonable course of action.
• Outside Advice. Directors are not expected, or legally required, to be experts in the stock market or other investment vehicles. Retention and reliance on an investment advisor with a good reputation is more than reasonable; it is an effective protection for the board, even if the advice given ultimately is flawed. For example, in one case, a court found that a nonprofit board’s failed investment decisions did not violate its fiduciary duties where they were “based, in part, on research provided by the [organization’s] analysts and conforming to guidelines set forth by various investment strategy groups composed of senior portfolio managers, who regularly monitored the suitability of equity investments and rate securities in various categories based upon performance.” In the Matter of Bankers Trust Company, 636 N.Y.S.2d 741 (A.D.2d 1995).
• Oversight. In the vast majority of cases, nonprofit directors have incurred liability related to investments not because investments knowingly made simply underperformed, but rather, when the directors have delegated investment responsibility to an individual or committee, and then failed to oversee or supervise that person/entity. The leading case is Stern v. Lucy Webb Hayes National Training School For Deaconesses & Missionaries, discussed above, where the delegation of authority was permissible, but the board never sought or received a report as to the status or performance of the invested funds.
• Delegating or Abdicating Authority. While, as discussed above, it is not unusual for a nonprofit board to delegate investment responsibility (e.g., to a committee or individual director or staff member), boards should document such a delegation and be clear as to the scope of the delegation. A number of cases involving negligent investment liability arise out of the conduct of just one corporate officer or director who, through neglect or otherwise, is granted broad discretion which he or she ultimately abuses. In Hoye v. Meek, 795 F.2d 893 (10th Cir. 1986), the president of a company delegated investment responsibility to his son, also an employee of the company. While the son was subject to a board policy restricting investments to supposedly-safe government securities, he managed to make such investments in a very risky manner, with disastrous results. Although the President and other board members received monthly reports as to the finances of the organization, no action resulted from reviewing the reports that were provided. The court found the president liable for the losses.
• Uniform Act. Virtually all States have adopted the Uniform Management of Institutional Funds Act, which is generally applicable to directors of charitable corporations. This legislation essentially codifies a corporate standard of care for investment activity. A typical State statute provides as follows: In the administration of the powers to appropriate appreciation, to make and retain investments, and to delegate investment management of institutional funds, members of a governing board shall exercise ordinary business care and prudence under the facts and circumstances prevailing at the time of the action or decision. In so doing they shall consider long- and short-term needs of the institution in carrying out its educational, religious, charitable, or other eleemosynary purposes, its present and anticipated financial requirements, expected total return on its investments, price level trends, and general economic conditions. D.C. Code § 32-406. CONSERVATION REPORT Compiled by Jo Smith
This Conservation Report marks a change for Pacific Seabirds: Jo Smith is taking over the task of compiling the report from Craig Harrison. This report covers the period 1 August to 31 December 2011.
NEW ZEALAND breeding site locations. They also hope Penguins (Eudyptula minor), have been SCIENTISTS CONFIRM for the species to become a conservation cleaned and are in temporary captivity. EXISTENCE OF STORM- priority, which would lead to a recovery Te Papa curators Sandy Bartle, program. Colin Miskelly, and Alan Tennyson, as PETREL THOUGHT TO BE well as Karen Baird of Forest and Bird, EXTINCT have worked tirelessly to identify the birds. About 25 seabird species have Bruce Robertson, University of BAY OF PLENTY SPILL IN been affected by the oil so far, from the Otago, confirmed on 26 September 2011 NEW ZEALAND KILLS AT locally-breeding Fluttering Shearwaters that the New Zealand Storm-Petrel is a LEAST 2000 SEABIRDS (Puffinus gavia) and Diving Petrels distinct species of seabird, rather than an (Pelecanoides sp.) to non-breeding visi- extinct plumage variant or subspecies, tors from the Indian Ocean, such as Blue Sandy Bartle, Te Papa curator, Wel- and hence is worthy of a species recovery Petrels (Halobaena caerulea), Antarctic lington, New Zealand writes to confirm program. The news was published on- Prions (Pachyptila desolata), and a Wan- that close to 2000 seabirds have been line in the journal Molecular Phylogenet- dering Albatros (Diomedea exulans). recovered dead off the beaches in the ics and Evolution by Bruce Robertson, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, following Brent Stephenson of Eco-Vista, and the Rena shipwreck earlier this year. Sharyn Goldstien of Canterbury Univer- On 5 May 2011, the Rena, a 47,000-ton sity. The authors used DNA to confirm this finding conclusively, using samples container vessel, struck a well-charted INCIDENTAL TAKE taken from museum skins and recently reef while cruising at 17 knots towards the nearby port of Tauranga. Both the OF SHORT-TAILED captured birds. ALBATROSSES IN The history of this story dates back Master and Officer of the Watch have to two events in 2003: storm-petrels been charged. The vessel is registered FISHERIES OFF ALASKA flew into the wheelhouse of a fishing in Liberia, owned by a Greek firm, and AND OREGON vessel operating in the Hauraki Gulf, chartered by an Italian one. New Zealand, and in a separate event, Over 350 tons of oil have been On 31 October 2011, the National several birdwatchers photographed and released into the sea to date, much of it Oceanographic and Atmospheric Admin- videotaped at least 10 more individuals soaking onto the popular beaches nearby; istration (NOAA)–Fisheries reported the north of Little Barrier Island. All of these at least another 1000 tons of bunker oil incidental take of an endangered Short- birds were identified as the extinct storm- remain on board. Tidal movements and tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus; petrel species. wind have spread the oil along about STAL) in the hook-and-line groundfish Fortunately, evidence for the New 96 km (60 miles) of coast, from Waihi fishery in the Bering Sea. This brings the Zealand Storm-Petrel is curated at mu- to Matata. Oil also has gone out to sea, documented number of STAL dead from seums in England and France. However, as far as White Island, a large gannet fisheries bycatch in Alaska to three since the evidence exists only as three museum (Morus serrator) colony. the start of 2010. The bird was taken on skins collected in the 1800s. Samples According to Bartle, a well-orga- 25 October 2011 at 56° 35’ N and 172° from two of the three 150-year-old skins nized bird-recovery effort is operating 52’ W. Seabird bycatch in the hook and were tested and matched against blood under Massey University’s National Ma- line fishery usually occurs while the gear samples collected from the birds in 2003. rine Oil Spill Contingency Plan. All the is being set behind the stern of the vessel; The authors found the tissues matched endemic and rare New Zealand Dotterels the bird seizes bait from a hook, becomes and confirmed that all of these birds are (Charadrius obscurus) that breed in the caught, and is drowned when the line Oceanites maoriana. New Zealand sci- area have been captured and are being sinks. The bird had an identifying leg entists are interested in gathering more cared for on the site; none were oiled. band from its natal breeding colony in information, in particular identifying the Fewer than 70 seabirds, mostly Blue Japan and was less than two years old.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 12 CONSERVATION REPORT
The previous two STAL were caught in Another Short-tailed Albatross was that also is biologically or ecologically this fishery in August and September killed in a different longline fishery off significant. The ESA allows USFWS to 2010; the August 2010 take was located the coast of Oregon in April 2011, ac- add individual populations of species very close to this recent one. The world cording to a report released by the Pacific that meet DPS criteria to the endangered population of the endangered Short- Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) species list, even if the overall population tailed Albatross is currently estimated at in September. It was the first incidental of the species across its range does not about 3,500 individuals. For information take of the species in the Pacific North- warrant protection under the act. on the 2010 bycatch of STAL, see Pacific west. NOAA–Fisheries initiated a new Loyal Mehroff of USFWS said, Seabirds 37(2):28. consultation with USFWS in response “Although at this time we believe the The Short-tailed Albatross is listed to this incident. Hook-and-line fisheries scientific information shows the Black- as endangered under the US Endan- of both Alaska and Hawai’i are required footed Albatross does not warrant listing gered Species Act (ESA), which gives to use bycatch deterrents (thanks in part as an endangered or threatened species, it protection in US waters. The U.S. to lobbying for these regulations by the we encourage the public to continue to Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is fishing industry itself). However, the submit any new information concerning responsible for evaluating threats to the PFMC has relied on voluntary efforts the status of or threats to the species. STAL. The agency issues Biological by the fleet. The Fishing Vessel Owners New information will help us monitor Opinions on potential threats from fish- Association, based in Seattle, has par- the status of the species and encourage ing in federal waters (between 3 and 200 ticipated in research and development conservation efforts.” miles from US shores), and it can dictate of deterrents for the Pacific Northwest, The review process began in Octo- limits on fishing operations. The limit and is urging that the PFMC require ber 2004, when USFWS received a peti- on incidental take of STAL hook-and- their use. Further information is at http:// tion requesting that the albatross be listed line groundfish fisheries of the Bering www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/re- as a threatened or endangered species, Sea/Aleutian Islands Management Area leases/110909.html and that critical habitat be designated (BSAI) and the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) is concurrently. The petition was filed by four STAL during each two-year period. the environmental law firm EarthJustice, If the number of incidentally taken STAL on behalf of Turtle Islands Restoration reaches this limit, NOAA must re-initiate Network and the Center for Biological formal consultation with USFWS under USFWS DECLINES TO Diversity, In October 2007, USFWS pub- the ESA. The STAL taken in October LIST BLACK-FOOTED lished its 90-day petition finding in the 2011 is the first in the two-year period ALBATROSS UNDER ESA Federal Register, stating that the petition that began on 16 September 2011. presented substantial information indi- NOAA–Fisheries, their Groundfish After six years of consultation, cating that listing might be warranted, Observer Program, and USFWS are USFWS has determined that listing the and a status review was initiated. In Au- actively communicating with each other Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria gust 2009 USFWS reopened the period in response to this incident, and are co- nigripes) as endangered or threatened for collecting information, in response ordinating efforts to minimize the risk throughout its range is not warranted. to the publication by the U.S. Geologi- of further bycatch. NOAA–Fisheries is The finding was published in the Fed- cal Survey of “Status assessment of the also working closely with the Pacific cod eral Register on 6 October 2011. The Laysan and Black-Footed Albatrosses, (Gadus macrocephalus) freezer longline agency’s review of the best scientific North Pacific Ocean, 1923-2005.” fleet in which the bird was taken, to and commercial information available USFWS considered three options evaluate what additional actions can be led them to conclude that a population during the petition review: (1) listing the taken by the fleet to avoid further prob- decline in the Black-footed Albatross of Black-footed Albatross throughout its lems. NOAA–Fisheries also is conduct- a type that would merit listing under the range, (2) listing the Hawaiian breeding ing outreach to all hook-and-line vessels ESA could not be demonstrated. population of the Black-footed Albatross in the BSAI and GOA, to remind them Although USFWS determined that as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS), that they are required to employ multiple the Hawaiian and Japanese populations or (3) listing the Japanese breeding popu- deterrents to minimize the risk of taking of the species meet the criteria to be con- lation of the Black-footed Albatross as a seabird. “Hook-and-line vessel opera- sidered as Distinct Population Segments DPS. The agency evaluated the petition tors should be alert to the presence of (DPS) under the ESA, they concluded by examining five factors: (1) present Short-tailed Albatrosses in this area and that listing was not warranted for either or threatened destruction, modification, fish with all due caution to avoid further breeding population. A DPS is a portion or curtailment of its habitat or range; incidental take of this endangered spe- of a vertebrate species’ or subspecies’ (2) overutilization for commercial, cies,” said Jim Balsiger, Alaska Regional range that is geographically discrete, and recreational, scientific, or educational Administrator for NOAA–Fisheries. purposes; (3) disease or predation;
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 13 CONSERVATION REPORT
(4) inadequacy of existing regulatory elements of physical or biological fea- because studies showed one bird could mechanisms; and (5) other natural and tures, in appropriate quantity and spatial have been harmed every two years.” The manmade factors affecting its continued arrangement, to make it essential for the utilities’ decision to terminate the Radar existence. Current threats that they eval- conservation of the species. Ridge Wind Project was unanimous and uated include incidental mortality from Critical habitat is defined in the ESA was posted on the agency’s website. longline fishing, ingestion of plastics, as “geographic areas containing features Termination of the Radar Ridge and comtamination by mercury and by essential for the conservation of a threat- project illustrated the problems of try- organochlorines such as PCBs and DDT. ened or endangered species, and which ing to build a major energy facility in Rising sea levels and loss of habitat on may require special management consid- the critical habitat of a threatened spe- low-lying oceanic islands due to climate erations or protection”. Designating land cies. Energy Northwest had tried to find change are a potential threat of uncertain as critical habitat does not affect land ways to lessen the project’s impacts on magnitude and effect. ownership, establish a refuge or preserve, murrelets; however, in the end, none of For further information contact and has no impact on private landowners the well-intentioned mitigation measures Loyal Mehrhoff, Field Supervisor, Pa- when they take actions on their land that that were proposed could overcome the cific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, do not require federal funding or permits. problems of a project that was simply in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 USFWS is also finalizing their ac- the wrong place. The direct environmen- Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-122, ceptance of the scientific name of the tal harm of the project, including impacts Box 50088, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96850; Marbled Murrelet, formerly Brachyram- to Marbled Murrelets, would have far telephone (808) 792-9400, fax (808) phus m. marmoratus, as Brachyramphus outweighed its benefits. 792-9581. marmoratus. This reflects the change in Radar Ridge is centrally located taxonomy of the genus in 1998 that sepa- within an area known as the Nemah rated the North American and Asiatic Block. A 2008 report commissioned Marbled Murrelets into separate species by the state of Washington identified (the latter is now Brachyramphus per- the Nemah Block as the single best USFWS REVISES dix). The two were previously classified place on state-managed lands to restore MARBLED MURRELET as subspecies (B. m. marmoratus and B. Marbled Murrelet habitat. As part of a CRITICAL HABITAT m. perdix, respectively). 1997 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), The final rule, maps and descriptions which allows timber harvest on public IN OREGON AND of the areas proposed for critical habitat lands in areas where threatened wildlife WASHINGTON can be found in the Federal Register at species could potentially be impacted, http://www.fws.gov/wafwo/ Contact for the Washington Department of Natural On 5 October 2011, the U.S. Fish further information is Doug Zimmer, Resources (WDNR) committed to “make and Wildlife Service (USFWS) an- (360) 753-4370. a significant contribution to maintaining nounced a revision of critical habitat for and protecting marbled murrelet popula- the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus tions in western Washington over the marmoratus), a threatened species life of the HCP.” The report highlighted under the ESA. The revision removes the pressing need for substantial habitat approximately 189,671 acres (76,757 RADAR RIDGE WIND restoration on much of the state-managed ha) of forest land in northern California FARM PROPOSAL lands, if the HCP’s conservation objec- and southern Oregon from the 3,887,800- CANCELED DUE TO tives were to be achieved. acre (1,573,336 ha) 1996 critical habitat PSG wrote several letters about this designation. Approximately 95% of the MARBLED MURRELET wind farm, raising our concerns with its 1996 designation remains in place. impacts on the Marbled Murrelet. The rationale for revising the criti- On 17 November 2011, plans for cal habitat comes from intensive surveys the first major wind farm in Western conducted by the USFWS since 1997, Washington were canceled because of which have provided a more compre- federal restrictions to protect the threat- BI-NATIONAL SEABIRD ened Marbled Murrelet. Richland-based hensive understanding of the species’ RESTORATION EFFORT biological needs and the specific areas Energy Northwest and four southwest that are essential for its recovery. The Washington utilities spent four years OFF BAJA CALIFORNIA areas removed were deemed not to be and more than $4 million trying to put On 29 November 2011, the Mon- essential to the conservation of the spe- 32 wind turbines on Radar Ridge near trose and Luckenbach Trustee Councils cies, and not to meet the definition of Naselle. Energy Northwest says, “The and the Government of Mexico an- critical habitat. USFWS concluded that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service imposed nounced a $4 million dollar award to a the habitat in these areas does not contain untenable restrictions on the wind farm
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 14 CONSERVATION REPORT
US–Mexico partnership whose purpose California Department of Fish and Henderson Island is an uninhabited is a five-year program to restore seabird Game, California State Lands Com- forested atoll of 43 km2 in the Pitcairn populations on off the Pacific coast of mission, and California Department of group of the south-central Pacific. It is Mexico. Improvement of nesting habitat Parks and Recreation. The National Fish one of the United Kingdom’s most re- on seven islands in Mexico will create and Wildlife Foundation will provide mote territories and a UNESCO World more stable and viable populations of administrative support for the program. Heritage Site. The island had been rav- seabirds in both California and Baja “The Trustee Councils are thrilled to aged by Pacific rats Rattus( exulans; California. support this partnership between leading formerly known as Polynesian rats) since The target islands support a di- conservation organizations in both Mex- they were indroduced by settlers eight verse group of breeding seabirds and ico and the US,” said Dan Ashe, Director centuries ago. The rats were destroying are known for high levels of biological of USFWS. “Seabirds cross freely over the island’s habitats, driving the endan- diversity. Seventeen species of seabirds international boundaries and so must our gered Henderson Petrel (Pterodroma breed on the islands, ten of which also restoration efforts. This bi-national proj- atrata) towards extinction, and signifi- breed on the Channel Islands of Cali- ect on the Baja California Pacific Islands cantly damaging the populations of four fornia. Most of the seabirds that nest in will benefit seabird populations in both other endemic bird species—Henderson colonies of northwest Mexico are part of countries for years to come.” Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus insularis), Hen- a larger population that breeds, forages, The partnership that will implement derson Lorikeet (Vini stepheni), Hender- and disperses into California. the restoration program is comprised son Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus taiti), The partnership will begin work in of the National Audubon Society, Cor- and Henderson Crake (Porzana atra). January 2012 on Coronado, Todos San- nell Laboratory of Ornithology, Grupo There was also concern for rare plants, tos, San Martín, San Jerónimo, Nativi- de Ecología y Conservación de Islas insects, and snails. It is estimated that dad, Asunción, and San Roque Islands. (GECI), and the Mexican Fund for the before rats were introduced there were Seabird species that will benefit include Conservation of Nature. This partnership millions of ground-nesting seabirds, but the California Brown Pelican (Peleca- will strengthen an ongoing conservation just 40,000 pairs remain today. Early re- nus occidentalis californicus), Cassin’s program conducted by GECI on the is- sults indicate that the seabird population Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), Ashy lands during the past 15 years. will boom if the rats have been success- Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma homoch- Contacts are Jane Hendron, US- fully removed. roa), and Xantus’s Murrelet (Synthlibor- FWS; Steve Hampton, CDFG; and Jen- Pre-eradication research included amphus hypoleucus). These populations nifer Boyce, NOAA. verifying that baits were not toxic to face threats such as non-native predators, endemic snails, and holding 20 Hender- nest and burrow destruction, and distur- son Crakes captive during the project to bance from lights and other man-made prevent their exposure to bait. problems. The eradication project involved Restoration projects will use decoys, AIRCRAFT CARRIERS AND a purpose-built “aircraft carrier” that mirrors, and broadcast of calls to attract HELICOPTERS TO THE was capable of handling two helicopters birds to the colonies, and will construct from its temporary flight deck. Poison artificial nests to improve nesting oppor- RESCUE ON HENDERSON rat pellets were dropped on the island tunities. The partners will also conduct ISLAND from giant hoppers suspended beneath habitat restoration, reduce human distur- the helicopters. The bait drop aimed to bance and artificial lights, and support The first multi-island, multi-nation, deposit pellets every few feet across the environmental education in surrounding multi-agency rat eradication voyage entire island. communities. undertook the extermination of rats on Although the RSPB will have to wait The Montrose and Luckenbach Henderson Island in December 2011. The two years to be certain whether all the Trustee Councils manage funds that 27,000-mile voyage across the Pacific rats are gone, there are already encour- were received in settlements from pol- also included rat eradication projects on aging signs that the island is returning lution releases, specifically DDT from Palmyra Atoll and in the Phoenix Islands to a natural state. Richard Cuthbert is the Montrose Chemical Corporation and of Kiribati, which were conducted ear- an RSPB scientist with the project who oil from the SS Jacob Luckenbach. The lier in 2011 by other organizations. The spent three months on the island. He trustees act on behalf of the public, under £1.5 million ($2.3 million) project on said, “The rats were eating an estimated state and federal law, to recover funds Henderson Island was coordinated by 25,000 seabird chicks each year. . . . Be- and to direct projects that will support the Royal Society for the Protection of fore the eradication attempt, almost no restoration of the natural resources in- Birds (RSPB), a British nonprofit group Murphy’s Petrel (Pterodroma ultima) jured by the contaminants. The trustees chicks escaped rat predation. The latest that is similar to the Audubon Society in in these councils include USFWS, surveys suggest that since the [bait] drop, North America. US National Park Service, NOAA, over 85% of Murphy’s Petrel chicks have
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 15 CONSERVATION REPORT gone on to fledge . . . Henderson Reed- aerial operation to remove Pacific rats Sir David Attenborough, seabird expert Warbler has also responded extremely has failed. Peter Harrison, and generous donors. quickly, with . . . a five-fold increase since Project partners and donors included More information can be found the bait drop.” the Pitcairn Islanders, United Kingdom at http://www.birdlife.org/commu- Final results of the eradication proj- government, David and Lucile Packard nity/2011/12/aircraft-carrier-and-heli- ect will not be known until 2013, when Foundation, the Critical Ecosystems copters-come-to-unique-islands-rescue/ rat surveyors revisit the island. However, Partnership Fund, BBC Wildlife Fund, Editor’s note the RSPB is extremely hopeful that the [ : Contrary to a typo on the project has eradicated the rats from and the Royal Zoological Society of BirdLife website, the RSPB is a separate Henderson Island, since no previous Scotland. Individual support came from group from BirdLife International.]
PSG NEWS
LONG-RUNNING EXCO this issue (22 January 2012), but will NEW ASSOCIATE EDITOR WILL CHANGE IN be announced at the meeting, on PSG’s OF PACIFIC SEABIRDS FEBRUARY website, and in the Spring 2012 issue of Pacific Seabirds. Patricia Baird, PhD has agreed to PSG’s current Executive Council assist the editor of Pacific Seabirds. This (see inside back cover for a full list of role was suggested by PSG Chair Pat EXCO members) has been in office for Jodice, along with assistants to some of 16 months, since 10 September 2010. THIS IS A SPECIAL ISSUE the Committee Coordinators, because of That is because each EXCO serves from the heavy workload that all of us some- OF PACIFIC SEABIRDS the end of one Annual Meeting until the times take on. end of the next one, as specified in PSG’s Pat has already proven herself a Pacific Seabirds is trying some- Bylaws (see the article on “How EXCO great assistant to the Editor, who thanks thing new with this issue. For one thing, works” in this issue). And PSG’s most there is a special section on how PSG her sincerely! It’s especially appreciated recent Annual Meeting coincided with functions: (1) how PSG works for its because of her in-depth knowledge of the 2010 World Seabird Conference in members “in the background” (including PSG and her long service as coordinator Victoria, British Columbia. how we meet our financial needs); and of the Elections Committee. That’s in The current EXCO has served for (2) how the Executive Council works, addition to her research and her position this heroic length of time because PSG including the obligations of its members at Simon Fraser University. had no annual meeting during 2011. That as PSG’s board of directors. The Editor continues to take final gap in meetings offset the two that were The second “new departure” is a responsibility for the content of Pa- held in 2010 (at Long Beach, California double issue—Volume 38, Numbers 1 cific Seabirds, in particular all errors and in February, and in September). A newly and 2. We hope this won’t happen again omissions. elected EXCO took office at the end of for awhile; we’re doing it in order to the February 2010 meeting, as usual. But catch up, because the volume year of at the next Annual Meeting in Victoria Pacific Seabirds has been lagging behind (in September, only nine months later), it the calendar year. The Editor apologizes NEW ASSOCIATE EDITOR was replaced by the current EXCO mem- for the delays, and she will do her best to FOR CONSERVATION bers. Therefore the current EXCO will keep up to date in the future. have served for more than 16 months. Contributors: please note that this Joanna Smith has agreed to com- With the upcoming Annual Meeting means the Editor will try to give you pile the Conservation Report for Pacific of February 2012 in Hawai‘i, PSG will plenty of notice regarding deadlines— Seabirds, starting with this issue. She is return to the more-or-less regular yearly but then she intends to enforce them! If working closely with Craig Harrison, the schedule of meetings and EXCO suc- your submission hasn’t arrived by the Vice-Chair for Conservation, who has cessions. Elections for the new EXCO deadline, it will have to wait until the provided the report since 1993. Thank were not available as of press time for next issue. you to both!
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 16 REGIONAL REPORTS
Some reports were not received in time for this issue and will appear in the near future. Work is generally reported in the region where it took place; if the researcher is based in a different region, the work is mentioned there briefly as well. For work in regions that are not reported in this issue, a full description of the work is published in the researcher’s home region.
CANADA Resource Operations [MFLNR], Na- coauthors have recently published sev- Compiled by Ken Morgan naimo, BC) and Alvin Cober (BC Min- eral papers: (1) Carter, H.R., and S.G. istry of Environment (BCMOE), Queen Sealy, 2008. Ancient Murrelets breeding Western Canada Charlotte City, BC) on the application of at Triangle Island, British Columbia, Louise Blight (University of British helicopter habitat surveys for land-use in 1949. Wildlife Afield 6:201-211. (2) Columbia [UBC], Vancouver, British planning in Haida Gwaii, BC. Carter, H.R., and S.G. Sealy, 2010. Columbia [BC]) continued her PhD work Monica Mather (MFLNR, Na- Re-evaluation of the first three Marbled with Peter Arcese (Centre for Applied naimo, BC) is working on Marbled Murrelet nests reported in British Colum- Conservation Research, UBC) on long- Murrelet nesting habitat mapping and bia. Northwestern Naturalist 91:1-12. term population trends of the Glaucous- habitat losses in BC. A recent publication (3) Carter, H.R., and S.G. Sealy, 2011. winged Gull (Larus glaucescens). Louise by Monica is: Mather, M., T. Chatwin, Historical breeding records of four alcids is using stable isotope analysis and mu- J. Cragg, L. Sinclair, and D.F. Bertram, in British Columbia and southeastern seum records to examine changes in gull 2010. Marbled Murrelet nesting habitat Alaska, 1858-1910. Northwestern Natu- diet and numbers over the last 150 years. suitability model for the British Colum- ralist 92:37-49. Louise also is in the process of revising bia Coast. BC Journal of Ecosystems and Dan Esler (Centre for Wildlife a draft Canadian Management Plan for Management 11(1&2):91–102 (http:// Ecology, SFU [CWE]) reported that, the Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria journals.sfu.ca/forrex/index.php/jem/ along with his students and collabora- nigripes) (more details under the Short- article/viewFile/11/27). tors, he continues to evaluate sea duck tailed Albatross/Pink-footed Shearwater Jenna Cragg (UVic) conducted ecology throughout the annual cycle. Recovery Team, later in this section). radar surveys for Marbled and Kittlitz’s Projects include: Mikaela Davis (Simon Fraser Uni- (Brachyramphus brevirostris) murrelets (1) Evaluations of energetic, nu- versity [SFU], Burnaby, BC) is study- on Kodiak Island (AK) for her MSc pro- tritional, or demographic constraints ing spatial and temporal dietary trends ject. She was assisted by Alan Burger imposed during the remigial molt stage in of Glaucous-winged Gulls) at colonies (UVic), Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge several states and provinces. Surf Scoters along the BC coast. The project incorpo- biologist Robin Corcoran (USFWS), (Melanitta perspicillata) and White- rates both conventional dietary sampling and John Piatt of the U.S. Geological winged Scoters (M. fusca) were studied and stable isotope analysis. Mikaela has Survey (USGS), Anchorage, AK. Jenna in Washington (WA), BC, and Alaska completed the fieldwork and is now in is developing radar monitoring protocols (AK), with students Rian Dickson and the data-analysis phase. Upon comple- for Brachyramphus murrelets in Alaska. Brian Uher-Koch, researchers Eric tion, her results will be used to interpret Harry Carter (Carter Biological Anderson and Jenn Barrett (CWE), contaminant-monitoring data collected Consulting, Victoria, BC) continued and collaborators Jerry Hupp (Alaska by Mikaela, John Elliott (Environment working on several projects in BC: his- Science Center, USGS, Anchorage, AK) Canada [EC], Delta, BC), and others. torical alcid breeding summaries, with and Joe Evenson (Washington Depart- Alan Burger (University of Victoria Spencer Sealy (University of Manitoba, ment of Fish and Wildlife [WDFW], [UVic], Victoria, BC) continues research Winnipeg, Manitoba [MB]); Pelagic Olympia, WA). Barrow’s Goldeneyes on Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) (Bucephala islandica) were studied in marmoratus) in BC. Alan is revising the surveys in the Strait of Georgia, BC, with Alberta (AB) by student Danica Hogan status review of the Marbled Murrelet Trudy Chatwin (BCMOE, Nanaimo, (CWE), in collaboration with Jonathon in Canada for the Committee on the BC); and seabird restoration planning Thompson (Ducks Unlimited, Canada, Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) at Seabird Rocks, Barkley Sound, BC, at Edmonton, AB) and Sean Boyd (EC, COSEWIC). As well, Alan continues with Peter Clarkson and Yuri Zharikov Delta, BC). to work with Louise Waterhouse (BC (Pacific Rim National Park and Reserve, (2) Delineation of population struc- Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Ucluelet, BC). Harry reports that he and ture, migratory connectivity, and site
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 17 REGIONAL REPORTS • Canada fidelity throughout the annual cycle in Bay (on the west coast of Haida Gwaii). nocturnal seabirds (Ancient Murrelets, Surf Scoters. Co-collaborators included They carried out censuses on Helgeson, Leach’s Storm-petrels [Oceanodroma David Ward and Jerry Hupp (Alaska Little Helgesen, Lihou and Carswell leucorhoa], Fork-tailed Storm-petrels, Science Center), John Takekawa and islands. The Ancient Murrelet popula- and Cassin’s Auklets) on various islands Susan de la Cruz (Western Ecologi- tion of islands they visited appeared to that are undergoing rat eradication in cal Research Center, USGS, Vallejo, have diminished from approximately Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve California [CA]), Joe Evenson and Dave 15,000 breeding pairs (1986) to a little and in Haida Heritage Site (Haida Gwaii, Nyeswander (WDFW, Olympia, WA), over 3,000 pairs (2011). This comes BC). Luke is working towards his Mas- and Sean Boyd. Similar evaluations were on top of the disappearance of Ancient ters Degree in Resource and Environ- done for Barrow’s Goldeneyes, with col- Murrelets from Saunders Island, where mental Management at SFU. laborators Jonathon Thompson, Sean several thousand pairs apparently nested Anne Harfenist (Harfenist En- Boyd, Tim Bowman (Migratory Bird at some time prior to 1986. The survey vironmental Consulting, Smithers, BC) Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife could not assess the status of the other and John Kelson (contractor, Smithers, Service [USFWS], Anchorage, AK), burrow-nesting auks in the area, but no BC) conducted at-sea surveys for bird Malcolm McAdie (BCMOE, Nanaimo, recovery was apparent in numbers of species abundance and behavior along BC), and the Pacific Wildlife Foundation Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca mon- transects and also in proximity to gill- (http://www.pwlf.org/index.htm). ocerata) and Cassin’s Auklets (Ptychor- net fishing vessels at the mouth of the (3) Latitudinal variation in wintering amphus aleuticus) affected by raccoon Skeena River during the gillnet fishery ecology of Surf Scoters from Mexico to (Procyon lotor) predation in the 1990s. for sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus Alaska, with students Corey VanStratt Conversely, the status of storm-petrels, nerka). Laurie Wilson (CWS, Delta, and Brian Uher-Koch, researcher probably mainly Fork-tailed Storm- BC), Karen Barry, and Christopher Di Kathy Brodhead (CWE), and collabo- Petrels (Oceanodroma furcata), on Little Corrado (Bird Studies Canada, Delta, rators David Ward, Jerry Hupp, and Helgesen and Lihou islands appeared un- BC) conducted similar surveys in north- Sean Boyd. changed since 1986. Additional surveys ern Johnstone Strait during the gillnet (4) Consideration of the effects of need to be undertaken to assess the status fisheries for sockeye and chum (O. keta) offshore wind farm development on habi- of major Ancient Murrelet colonies on salmon. Data will be used by the CWS tat quality for White-winged Scoters and the west coast of Haida Gwaii. to assist in determining how, when, and Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis), Tony also reported that the Laskeek where gillnet fishing may impact local with student Eric Palm, researcher Eric Bay Conservation Society (LBCS) field seabirds, and for identifying potential Anderson, and collaborators Sean Boyd camp at East Limestone Island, 6 km ways to mitigate impacts. and Nai Kun Wind Energy Ltd. from Reef Island, was affected by the Mark Hipfner (CWE and EC) re- Tony Gaston (EC, Ottawa, Ontario blow-down that devastated Reef; but ported that summer 2011 marked the 18th [ON]) and Sarah Wallace (Queen’s their cabins were spared, and a portion of year of operation of the CWE’s seabird University, Kingston, ON) visited Reef the forest occupied by Ancient Murrelets research and monitoring program on Island, Haida Gwaii, in early May. was left standing. The LBCS ran their Triangle Island, BC. The 2011 field crew Although they had heard that there had usual seabird and marine mammal mon- consisted of Hipfner, Allison Henderson been a major blow-down of trees in the itoring program, led by Jake Pattison (PhD candidate, University of Saskatch- colony area, they were not prepared for and Ainsley Harrison (both from Haida ewan [U of S], Saskatoon, Saskatchewan total devastation that greeted them. In Gwaii). Numbers of Ancient Murrelets [SK]), Greg Jones and Saul Schneider the main study area, few trees were left continued to decrease as they have been (CWS, Delta, BC), Amy-Lee Kouwen- standing; most of the nearly 100 seabird doing since 2000, but numbers of Cas- berg (PhD candidate, Memorial Univer- nest boxes were destroyed or displaced; sin’s Auklets and Pigeon Guillemots sity of Newfoundland [MUN], St. John’s, and the field cabin and cookhouse were (Cepphus columba) in nest boxes both Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Jim flattened, forcing Tony and Sarah to increased sharply this year, and breeding Lamont (volunteer), Herbert Prins camp under a tarpaulin. They anticipate success appeared to be good. Numbers (Wageningen University and Research that the Ancient Murrelet (Synthlibor- of Marbled Murrelets observed on at- Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands), amphus antiquus) colony area will be sea transects were higher than in recent Ron Ydenberg (CWE), and Ernesto rapidly blocked by dense regeneration years. This year was the 22nd year of the the elephant seal (of no fixed address). of saplings, making it unsuitable for LBCS’s operations. Tony and Sarah vis- The crew monitored timing, success of nesting. ited Laskeek Bay, where Sarah collected breeding, and a suite of related ecological Tony and Sarah joined Dan Shervill blood samples from Cassin’s Auklets for and demographic parameters in Cassin’s and Megan Harrison (Canadian Wild- a phylogeographic study of the species. Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Black Oys- life Service [CWS], Delta, BC) for a sur- Luke Halpin continued to work tercatcher (Haematopus bachmani), and vey of burrow-nesting auks at Englefield on automated acoustic monitoring of Glaucous-winged Gull. Productivity was
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 18 REGIONAL REPORTS • Canada normal for a cold-water year in Cassin’s being the lead author. The Black-footed of Marbled Murrelets, disturbance of Auklets and Black Oystercatchers, but Albatross is listed as “Special Concern” Pelagic Cormorants, and patterns in because the spring phytoplankton bloom under Canada’s Species At Risk Act. Black Oystercatcher behavior. was late in 2011, Rhinoceros Auklets The team, now (unofficially) referring Jo Smith reported that she left The suffered a poor breeding season. to itself as the Canadian Albatross and Nature Conservancy (Seattle, WA) in The CWS also continued their Shearwater Recovery Team, consists of May and returned to BC to work with seabird monitoring program elsewhere Heather Brekke (Fisheries and Oceans the Pacific North Coast Integrated Man- in BC. Moira Lemon (CWS, Delta, Canada, Vancouver, BC), Peter Hodum agement Area Initiative. In her position BC) and Mark Hipfner led field crews (University of Puget Sound and Oikonos- as Science Coordinator, she directs all consisting of Mark Drever, Dan Sher- Ecosystem Knowledge, Seattle, WA), science and technical efforts for a ma- vill, and Courtney Albert (all of CWS, Nadine Parker (EC, Vancouver, BC), rine planning partnership between the Delta, BC), as well as Glen Keddie Danielle Smith (Canadian Department province of British Columbia and First (CWS contractor) in resurveys of the of National Defence, Victoria, BC), Nations on the North Coast. The partner- Rhinoceros Auklet colonies on Pine Joanna Smith (Birdsmith Ecological ship uses an ecosystem-based manage- Island (BC central coast), Lucy Island Research, Chilliwack, BC), and Ross ment framework to address issues that (BC north coast) and SGang Gwaay Vennesland (Parks Canada, Vancouver, include spatial conflicts between marine (Haida Gwaii, BC). The crews also BC), as well as Louise and Ken. users and cumulative ecosystem effects. banded adult Rhinoceros Auklets as part Ken Morgan, Cynthia Pekarik While Jo was still at The Nature of an ongoing demographic study on the (CWS, Gatineau, Québec [QC]), Erin Conservancy in Seattle, WA, she worked population-level impacts of fisheries by- Hagen (Island Conservation, Santiago, with federal and state agencies, treaty catch. They collected blood and feather Chile), Jessica Hardesty Norris (Ame- tribes and coastal communities in WA samples for analysis of corticosterone rican Bird Conservation, The Plains, to advance coastal and marine spatial levels and stable isotopes as part of Virginia), Peter Hodum (Oikonos- planning (see regional report for Wash- Kouwenberg’s PhD thesis (described Ecosystem Knowledge, Seattle, WA) ington and Oregon). She also assisted in previous paragraph); collected whole and numerous Chilean government Anna Weinstein (Audubon California, salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) smolts from and non-government employees and Emeryville, CA) with marine Important birds that were provisioning chicks, as academics traveled to Isla Mocha, Chile Bird Area designations on the west coast part of a pilot project to quantify preda- to participate in a 2-day workshop with of the US. tion by seabirds on Fraser River sockeye Mocha residents. The attendees dis- Pat Baird (SFU) reported that she salmon; and collected sandlance (Ammo- cussed conservation issues impacting mentored students in Panama, Mexico, dytes hexapterus) stomachs for analysis Pink-footed Shearwaters and possible and California (CA), teaching them vari- of geographic variation in diet in this solutions. The highlight of the trip was ous field methods including mist-netting, important forage fish. visiting the shearwater colony in the late banding, drawing blood, radio-tagging, Ken Morgan (CWS, Sidney, BC) evening and witnessing birds returning to conducting at-sea surveys, identifying continued to monitor seabirds in the their burrows. food samples, and monitoring of fora- western Arctic with a cruise conducted In August, Ken also participated as ging. The birds used for these projects by Michael Bentley (CWS contract- an observer in the meeting of the Agree- were California Least Terns (Sternula or, Victoria, BC) (see Arctic Canada, ment on the Conservation of Albatrosses antillarum) and Western Sandpipers below). Ken also continued collaborat- and Petrels Advisory Committee and (Calidris mauri). She also mentored ing with others on a variety of projects associated workshops in Guayaquil, graduate students at SFU and California including oil-spill planning, seabird by- Ecuador. State University (Long Beach and Fuller- catch assessment, marine protected area Jennifer Provencher (PhD candi- ton, CA). Pat collaborated with scientists planning, and identification of marine date, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON) from Occidental College (Los Angeles, Important Bird Areas. assisted Joel Heath (UBC, Vancouver, CA) in an ecological assessment of San Ken also continued as the chair BC) teach the Marine Birds course at Diego Bay, CA. of Canada’s Short-tailed Albatross the Bamfield Marine Science Centre Pat also noted that she is the book (Phoebastria albatrus) / Pink-footed (west coast of Vancouver Island, BC) in editor for Marine Ornithology, so if you Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus) Re- June and July. Class projects included have any books that you would like to covery Team. The Recovery Team also repeating at-sea bird surveys done by read on any aspect of ecology, marine has taken on the role of developing a Alan Burger in the 1990s, the dissection biology and science in general, or on Management Plan for the Black-footed of a Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus), seabirds or shorebirds, please let her Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes), with and an examination of the plastic debris know ([email protected]). As well, Louise Blight (UBC and Procellaria Re- found in its stomach. Other student pro- Pat is the PSG Elections Chair; if you search and Consulting, Vancouver, BC) jects included observing at-sea behavior have an interest in running for office
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 19 REGIONAL REPORTS • Canada or you know someone who might be a Puffins. Arctic and Common Terns to prey availability. Paul Regular (PhD good candidate for a position on the PSG (Sterna paradisaea and S. hirundo) again student, MUN) completed fieldwork on Executive Council, please let her know. nested sporadically but abandoned their the foraging behavior of chick-rearing Michael Force (private contrac- nests by the end of June, as they have Common Murres, recovering five GPS tor) reported that he spent 298 days at done each year since 2006. loggers on Gull Island. Laura McFar- sea conducting pelagic bird and marine Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) lane Tranquilla completed fieldwork mammal surveys in the Hawaii Exclusive nests have increased sharply around MSI this summer on the Gannet Islands, re- Economic Zone (EEZ) for Lisa Ballance in recent years, as has bold predatory trieving 19 GLS loggers from Common (Protected Resources Division, South- behavior. In an effort to reduce preda- and Thick-billed (U. lomvia) Murres, west Fisheries Science Center [SWFSC], tion on other birds, the team destroyed toward her study on wintering areas and La Jolla, CA); off the South Shetland 53 nests on Gull Rock (near MSI) and habitat associations of these species. Islands, Antarctica, for George Watters eight on MSI itself. April Hedd (Adjunct Professor, MUN) (Antarctic Ecosystem Research Group, Forty-six adult puffins were completed her eighth season of a study SWFSC); and in the northwest Atlantic swabbed for Avian Influenza Virus test- of Leach’s Storm-Petrel population and Ocean, for Debra Palka (Protected Spe- ing. Kirsten Bowser’s project on the foraging ecology on Gull Island, and re- cies Branch, Northeast Fisheries Science role of herring in the seabird food web covered GLS loggers from ten Common Center, Woods Hole, Massachusetts). has been modified to take advantage of Murres on Funk Island, thus retrieving advances in next-generation sequencing, multiple years of data on movements. Central and eastern Canada which should allow her to obtain a more April published the research group’s first Alex Bond wrote that he is in a comprehensive view of both herring paper on the winter movement ecology Post-doctoral Fellowship position at U and seabird diet. Erin Whidden has of Common Murres, and a second paper of S, where he has begun a study of the started a project on factors affecting on migration and winter movements of harvest of murres (Uria spp.), with field puffin fledging and recruitment.Lauren Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) work on Gull and Cabot Islands, NL. Scopel is expected to start more detailed from the Falkland Islands. In collabora- Collaborators are from the Circumpolar research in January on the fate of Arctic tion with Al Baylis (Falklands Conserva- Seabird Group throughout the North Terns that abandoned MSI in 2006 and tion, Stanley, Falkland Islands), April Atlantic. Early spawning by capelin spread widely into the Gulf of Maine is also studying winter movements of (Mallotus villosus) meant a great year metapopulation. Black-browed Albatrosses (Thalassarche for murre chicks. Tony also reports that Sarah Trefry melanophrys) nesting on Steeple Jason Tony Diamond (University of New (ALAR) is approaching her last field Island in the Falklands. Brunswick [UNB], Fredericton, New season on Magnificent Frigatebirds Also during summer 2011, William Brunswick [NB]) reports on work in (Fregata magnificens) in the Caribbean Montevecchi retrieved tracking devices summer 2011 by the Atlantic Labora- (see regional report for the Non-Pacific from breeding Northern Gannets at Bac- tory for Avian Research (ALAR; for- US and northwest Atlantic). calieu (n=2) and Funk Islands (n=9). merly the Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Laura McFarlane Tranquilla Devices from 2010 tracked breeding Ecology Research Network, at UNB). (PhD student, MUN, St. John’s, NL) Gannets from these islands, and also ALAR continued long-term research submitted this year’s update of long-term recently fledged juveniles from Cape St. and monitoring at the seabird colony on seabird research by a team of students Mary’s and Funk Islands, along the east- Machias Seal Island (MSI) in the Bay of and fellows who are directed by William ern seaboard of the US, with some going Fundy, NB. A census of occupied Atlan- Montevecchi, Research Professor, MUN. to the Gulf of Mexico. Dave Fifield tic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) burrows The group is working on seabird colonies (MUN) completed his MSc on migration indicated about 6500 breeding pairs this around NL, including Funk, Baccalieu, and wintering areas of Northern Gannets season. Kevin Kelly’s MSc research on Gull, and Gannet Islands and at Cape St. (Morus bassanus) from North American physiological indicators of condition in Mary’s, and at colonies in the Falkland colonies, in collaboration with Stefan puffins continued, in collaboration with Islands. Chantelle Burke (PhD student, Garthe (University of Kiel, Germany). Becky Holberton (University of Maine, MUN) retrieved eight tracking devices Alejandro Buren (PhD student, Orono, Maine). Herring (Clupea haren- with pressure sensors on adult Common MUN), as part of his study of the dynam- gus), the highest-energy diet item, was Murres (Uria aalge); she deployed 12 ics of capelin, cod (Gadus morhua), and again scarce in the diet of both puffins more devices. At Gull and Funk Islands, harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and Razorbills (Alca torda); juvenile she is investigating sex differences in found evidence of bottom-up regula- haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) fall migration patterns, comparing males tion in the Newfoundland and Labrador showed up in auk diets for the first time. with chicks vs. independent females, and Shelf ecosystem. Emily Wilson (MSc Chick growth was the lowest recorded seasonal foraging behavior in relation to student, MUN/Canadian Healthy Oceans in Razorbills, and the third lowest in environmental cues that may be related Network) completed ship-based seabird
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 20 REGIONAL REPORTS • Canada surveys, including mid-winter trans- study Thick-billed Murres and Glaucous WASHINGTON AND Atlantic crossings, toward her research Gulls (Larus hyperboreus). Extremely OREGON on marine seabird communities and warm weather made things unpleasant Compiled by Don Lyons foraging areas. for researchers and seabirds alike as the Samantha Richman has been high number of mosquitoes caused nest Colonies, breeding surveys, and nest- working as a post-doc at the Univer- abandonment and mortality in murres. ing habitats sité du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), Early sea-ice retreat this year may have Scott Pearson, Tom Good, and Rimouski, QC, continuing her work been associated with the numerous Peter Hodum continued their multi-year with captive sea ducks at the Maurice polar bears (Ursus maritimus) around comparative study of reproductive suc- Lamontagne Institute (Fisheries and the colony; they consumed many eggs, cess of Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, QC). In col- chicks, and adult birds. Regular ongoing monocerata) on Protection and Destruc- laboration with Magella Guillemette monitoring (breeding success, counts, tion Islands, Washington (WA). Their (UQAR) and Sveinn Are Hanssen (Nor- feeding watches) was supplemented work on the two islands was in its sixth wegian Institute for Nature Research, with measurements of metabolism, and fourth year, respectively. Unlike in Tromsø, Norway), they are developing blood sampling for hormones, and mea- the previous three years, diet data were conservation-friendly and cost-effective surements of immunocompetence. In not collected during the 2011 season. solutions to reduce sea duck predation conjunction with Yan Ropert-Coudert Results have not yet been analyzed, but on mussel aquaculture. In addition, Sa- (Centre National de Recherches Scien- it appears that burrow occupancy by mantha and Elisabeth Varennes (PhD tifiques, Strasbourg, France), the camp breeding pairs was lower in 2011 than in student, UQAR) are studying foraging was able to deploy GPS loggers, accel- previous years, especially on Destruction energetics and prey-size selection for erometers, and time-depth recorders to Island. In addition, Tom Good coordi- captive Common Eiders (Somateria examine foraging behavior. nated preliminary contaminants analyses mollissima) feeding on mussels, and Ken Morgan (CWS, Sidney, BC) on multiple seabird species, primarily Anouck Viain (PhD student, UQAR) is continued to monitor seabirds in the alcids, and on Rhinoceros Auklet prey examining molting physiology, chronol- western Arctic, with a single cruise species—sandlance (Ammodytes hexa- ogy, and growth rates on her captive flock from Victoria (BC) to Kugluktuk, NU, ptera), surf smelt (Hypomesus pretio- of imprinted eiders. conducted by Michael Bentley (CWS sus), herring (Clupeidae), and anchovy Rob Ronconi (Acadia University, contractor, Victoria, BC). (Engraulidae). Wolfville, Nova Scotia [NS]) reported Jennifer Provencher Lee Robinson’s work with Pigeon that he has initiated a project studying (PhD can- didate, Carleton University, Ottawa, Guillemots (Cepphus columba) con- the gulls of Sable Island, NS, with Phil tinued for the 17th straight season on Taylor (Acadia University).The study ON) wrote that along with Jane Harms (U of S, Saskatoon, SK), Sam Iverson Protection Island National Wildlife Ref- is using telemetry and other technolo- uge, although with a different focus this gies to monitor bird interactions with (Carleton University) and Mark Travers (contractor with EC), she visited the season. We looked at breeding success offshore oil and gas platforms on the in nests located in drift logs, burrows, Scotian Shelf. Along with collaborators communities of Cape Dorset and Coral Harbour, NU, during the spring duck and native grass clumps, as well as 15 at the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird of her artificial nest boxes. The oldest and goose hunt in May. Snow Geese Research Station (Grand Manan Island, Pigeon Guillemot on record with the Bird (Chen caerulescens), and Common and NB), Rob conducted his 7th season of Banding Lab (“Double Yellow”) returned King (Somateria spectabilis) Eiders banding and sampling Great Shearwaters again this season (its 15th), nested again were collected in collaboration with the (Puffinus gravis) in the lower Bay of in its same nest box, and successfully local hunter and trapper organizations. Fundy (NB). Rob and Marty Leonard fledged a single chick. Many of the birds were dissected in the (Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS) co- Shawn Stephensen, David Ledig, communities, including several used in supervised Dalhousie honours student Erin Kunisch, Bill Bridgeland, Bar- demonstrations at the local school. Birds Rolanda Steenweg, who completed her bara Taylor, and Coty Krebs, of the thesis on dietary partitioning between will also be dissected in collaboration Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Herring and Great Black-backed (Larus with the Arctic College in Iqaluit, NU. Complex (OCNWR),conducted a study marinus) Gulls (in press, Condor). All tissues collected will be used for that documented the effects of the In- PhD research by Jane (pathology and dependence Day fireworks display on arCtiC Canada epidemiology of avian cholera in eiders), seabird colonies at Depoe Bay and Ban- Kyle Elliott (PhD candidate, Uni- Sam (harvest and disease perturbations don, Oregon (OR). The study period was versity of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB), in waterfowl populations), and Jennifer from 1 June to 2 September 2011, with and Tony Gaston (EC, Ottawa, ON) (arctic marine bird parasites and multiple a core monitoring period from 27 June visited Coats Island, Nunavut (NU) to stressors). to 9 July. Monitoring was focused on
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 21 REGIONAL REPORTS • Washington and Oregon populations of surface-nesting seabirds the number of active burrow sites used Deborah Jaques (Pacific Eco Logic) at the Pirate Cove colony and Coquille during an intensive census period in early conducted a pelican survey of East Sand Point colony complex, particularly the spring, when puffins are most visible. Island, in the Columbia River estuary, by Common Murre (Uria aalge), Brandt’s In 2010, we documented 122 breeding boat on the same day we conducted the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicilla- individual birds, 58% breeding success, aerial survey. Jaques estimated a total of tus), Pelagic Cormorant (P. pelagicus), and 377 burrows or potential nest sites at 12,887 pelicans, which was incorporated Western Gull (Larus occidentalis), Haystack Rock. We have not completed into the overall total. East Sand Island and Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus 2011 data analysis; however, initial data continues to be the site of the largest con- bachmani). We examined the responses review indicates that puffin numbers are gregation of pelicans during the summer and effects on reproductive success from slightly depressed compared to last year, on the Oregon coast. the large-scale community fireworks and fewer birds appeared to have nested. Shawn Stephensen, David Ledig, display. Surveys included four daily We also documented many negative Madeleine Vander Heyden, Amanda bird counts and behavioral observations interactions with gulls (Larus spp.) and Gladics, Jason Ziegler, and Coty of all seabird species, and monitoring disturbances by Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus Krebs (OCNWR) conducted a census of visible nests of Brandt’s and Pelagic leucocephalus), as well as interesting of Leach’s Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma Cormorants, Western Gulls, and Black social behaviors between puffins. leucorhoa) on Goat Island, within the Oystercatchers from two mainland ob- Shawn Stephensen and David OCNWR. A precise population estimate servation points. Aerial photographic Ledig (OCNWR) conducted an aerial was obtained by determining burrow surveys of the colonies were conducted seabird colony survey on June 9-10, density, burrow occupancy, and nesting on eight occasions with a helicopter or 2011 that extended along the entire Or- area, calculated with the aid of Light fixed-wing aircraft to document numbers egon coast. The aircraft used was a Bell Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) images. of nests and relative nest success for the Jet Ranger III helicopter operated by Transects with multiple 1x1 m quadrats entire colony. Photographs were taken Trevor Walker of Northwest Helicop- were delineated on the island, in order from the mainland vantage points at the ters (Olympia, WA). Total flight time was that data can be compared among years. same time and location each day to docu- approximately 10 hours. All cliff-nesting The 2011 estimated breeding population ment seabird distribution, densities, and seabird colonies were photographed us- of Leach’s Storm-Petrels at Goat Island behavior. Video and still-frame photos ing digital cameras; birds were counted was over 300,000 individuals. were taken with infrared camera equip- on the digital images utilizing GIS Rob Suryan, Amanda Glad- ment to examine bird behavior prior to computer software. Thousands of digital ics, Cheryl Horton, Alex Gulick (all and during the fireworks display. In ad- images were organized and archived for of Oregon State University [OSU]) dition, a sound-level meter was used to future reference. Colony attendance by and Laura Filliger (National Science document decibel levels of the fireworks murres was slightly depressed in compar- Foundation intern) conducted studies of reports. We have not completed 2011 ison to previous years; however, murres Common Murres at the Yaquina Head data analysis; however, during the study returned to nest at several historical colony in Newport, OR. This is the fifth period, 189 Brandt’s Cormorant nests colony sites that had not been attended consecutive year of collaborative stud- were documented at Pirate Cove colony; for the last ten years. ies among OSU, U.S. Fish and Wildlife of these, nine (4.8% of the total) were Shawn Stephensen also conducted Service (USFWS), and the Bureau of abandoned after the fireworks display. a coastal aerial survey of California Land Management (BLM) at this site. Nest abandonment was not noted at the Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occiden- Reproductive success (fledglings per Coquille Point colony. talis californicus) on 15-16 September eggs laid) for murres in 2011 (0.22) was Michael Brownlee and Shawn 2011. A total of 17,495 individual birds greatly reduced compared to the previ- Stephensen (OCNWR) conducted a were counted in 2011, in comparison to ous four years (0.54–0.77). As in 2010, population status assessment of Tufted 18,769 in 2007, 12,425 in 2008, 17,926 hatching phenology in 211 was 2 weeks Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) at Hay- in 2009, and 12,313 in 2010. The survey later than in previous years. The most stack Rock, Cannon Beach, which is in extent was from Smith River, Del Norte striking difference in diets this year was the OCNWR. The project also included County, northern California (CA) to an increase in flatfishes (Pleuronectidae). a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility Tunnel Island, Grays Harbor County, While murres may have experienced of monitoring additional reproductive central WA. We included all rocks, reefs, suboptimal foraging conditions at times parameters at the island, such as breed- islands, coastal beaches, and waters up to during 2011, the greatest reproductive ing phenology and data collection suc- 0.5 mile offshore. Survey altitude ranged loss can be attributed to increased Bald cess from shore-based vantage points. A from 200 to 800 feet. The aircraft used Eagle disturbance. Disturbance by eagles precise breeding population estimate was was a fixed-wing Cessna 185 operated by tends to be concentrated in specific areas obtained by determining total numbers commercial pilot/owner Jack Christo- of the colony and declines in mid-June of puffins attempting to nest, based on pherson of Wilderness Air Charters, Inc. (late incubation), lessening the impact
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 22 REGIONAL REPORTS • Washington and Oregon on overall murre reproductive output. the Turnstone project manager. District Murrelets at a remote mainland fjord in However, this year eagle disturbances representatives for ODF were Jenny Southeast Alaska”. He was working with continued through the nesting season, Johnson in Astoria, Nick Stumpf in Kim Nelson (OSU) and Scott Newman were more widespread throughout the Tillamook, Jason Hazlett in Western (Food and Agriculture Organization) on colony, and much more frequent. In Lane, Ryan Greco in Coos Bay, Dan a larger project studying the inland and 2011, we witnessed a disturbance every 2 McMinds in West Oregon; Matt Gostin at-sea ecology of Marbled Murrelets at hours, compared to frequencies in previ- was the ODF contract administrator and Port Snettisham, Alaska. ous years of one event every 5–11 hours. primary contact. William Ritchie continued to work While eagles caused the majority of dis- Turnstone Environmental biologists with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to turbances, the number of other predators, also conducted Marbled Murrelet surveys design and implement forestry prescrip- which cause the greatest amount of egg for three landholders in the coast range tions and thinning strategies on forest and chick loss, also increased in 2011. of Oregon. These were pre-management lands managed by TNC in the Ellsworth These species included Western Gulls, surveys in support of proposed timber Creek watershed, and by Willapa Nation- Common Ravens (Corvus corax), Brown management areas. Biologists completed al Wildlife Refuge in forests adjacent to Pelicans, and Turkey Vultures (Cathartes 210 surveys at 35 unique sites, resulteing Willapa Bay in southwest WA. The aim is aura). Brown pelicans and Turkey Vul- in 140 detections. Jeff Reams was the to enhance and restore suitable Marbled tures, in particular, were more disruptive Turnstone project manager. Murrelet nesting habitat on these lands. of murre breeding than in previous years. Brian Cooper and Rich Blaha of Treatment sites consist of small patches Jan Hodder, Oregon Institute of ABR, Inc. conducted the second year of of legacy trees, and the goal is to enhance Marine Biology (OIMB), noted that the a study funded by the U.S. Department the forest surrounding these stands of OIMB Pelagic Cormorant colony did not of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) to older trees. Elsewhere, second-growth attempt to nest this year, with the excep- determine Marbled Murrelet use of the forests are being thinned to accelerate the tion of four nests that cormorants began drier habitats located east of the coastal onset of older forest conditions. Large- building in late May but abandoned redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) fog scale thinning of young plantation forests within days. zone. The study area was in the Six Riv- is also being undertaken. Peter and Michelle Kappes relocat- ers National Forest (SRNF) in northern Ritchie, as Coordinator of PSG’s ed to Corvallis, OR from the Université CA; summer 2011 was the second year of Marbled Murrelet Technical Commit- de la Réunion in March; Peter began a two-year radar survey of 50 sites along tee (MMTC), and many other MMTC working on a PhD with Katie Dugger the western boundary of the SRNF. The members are involved in several ongo- at OSU, investigating the reproductive primary objective of the study is to use ing conservation and survey related is- ecology and population dynamics of radar techniques to: (1) collect baseline sues. These include conservation of the Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). information on locations, flight direc- Marbled Murrelet population in the Santa Michelle is now Courtesy Faculty in the tions, and passage rates of murrelet tar- Cruz Mountains, CA (Recovery Zone 6) ; Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at gets flying into habitat east of the coastal development of a tree-climbing protocol; OSU, and is currently teaching and work- fog belt; (2) help determine murrelet revisions to the Marbled Murrelet forest ing to develop future seabird research distribution and abundance in the SRNF. survey protocol; and participation in sev- projects. Kim Nelson, of the Oregon Cooper- eral USFWS recovery initiatives whose The Oregon Department of For- ative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at aim is to identify and prioritize research estry (ODF) contracted with Turnstone OSU, continued her work on a coopera- and conservation actions within the listed Environmental Consultants to conduct tive project with BLM, USFS, USFWS, range of the murrelet. surveys of Marbled Murrelets (Brachy- ODF, and Oregon Department of Fish Martin Raphael and Tom Blox- ramphus marmoratus) on state lands in and Wildlife (ODFW). She is develop- ton continued collaborative studies on the Coast Range of Oregon in 5 ODF dis- ing a geo-spatial database for Marbled Marbled Murrelets and other seabirds tricts (Astoria, Tillamook, Western Lane, Murrelets in Oregon, based on existing in the Puget Sound area (WA) under the Coos Bay, and West Oregon). Visiting a data from forest surveys, nest sites, and Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) during mixture of first, second and multi-year locations where eggshells and grounded 2011 (see “Pelagic studies,” below). survey sites, surveyors conducted more birds have been found. The database will Dan Roby of OSU and the U.S. than 1600 surveys at 202 unique sites be important for landscape planning, Geological Survey (USGS), with his and 995 unique stations. Murrelets were modeling murrelet habitat preferences, research team from OSU, the Oregon detected during 137 surveys and “oc- and minimizing disturbance to nesting. Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research cupied” behavior was observed during Blake Barbaree, graduate student Unit, Real Time Research (RTR), and co- 31 surveys. All surveys were conducted in the Fisheries and Wildlife Depart- operators continued to study interactions according to the PSG’s 2003 protocol ment at OSU, completed his thesis on between seabirds and forage fish in the requirements. Tom Williamson was “Nesting season ecology of Marbled Pacific Northwest, particularly predation
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 23 REGIONAL REPORTS • Washington and Oregon on juvenile salmonids (Oncorhynchus in 2011, after initial colonization of the Lake in California’s Klamath Basin, and spp.) in the Columbia River basin. This site in 2010. in Oregon’s Crump Lake and the East included research on the largest known In 2011, the two largest colonies of Link Impoundment of the Summer Lake breeding colonies of Caspian Terns (Hy- Caspian Terns in eastern WA were again Wildlife Area. A total of 260 pairs of droprogne caspia) and Double-crested at Crescent Island, on the mid-Columbia Caspian Terns nested at these restoration Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) on River near its confluence with the Snake sites in 2011, with generally poor produc- the west coast, both on East Sand Island River, and at Goose Island in Potholes tivity (0.0 – 0.4 fledglings/pair). Limiting in the Columbia River estuary. They also Reservoir. Each colony consisted of factors in 2011 included climate (a cold worked on on colonies of Caspian Terns, about 420 pairs, with productivity some- and wet spring), presumed poor forage Double-crested Cormorants, American what greater at Crescent Island (0.32 fish availability, nest depredation by White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhyn- fledglings/pair) than at Goose Island gulls, and disturbance by Great-horned chos), and several gull species elsewhere (0.28 fledglings/pair); data were com- Owls (Bubo virginianus). in the region. parable to recent years for both colonies. Participants in the study included In 2011, the size of the Caspian Tern At least several hundred Caspian Terns (OSU), Real Time Research (RTR), colony on East Sand Island was approxi- also attempted to nest at multiple sites USGS, and the interagency Caspian mately 7000 pairs, down from approxi- in coastal WA; however, terns were not Tern Working Group, including National mately 8300 pairs in 2010. For the first successful at any site. Large numbers of Oceanographic and Atmospheric Admin- time since this colony was restored in terns that previously nested at the Port of istration (NOAA)–Fisheries, U.S. Army 1999, terns experienced complete breed- Bellingham (at least 1300 pairs in 2010) Corps of Engineers, USFWS, ODFW, ing failure at the site. The proximate were prevented from using this site in Washington Department of Fish and cause of colony failure was late-evening 2011, as the Port prepares to redevelop Wildlife (WDFW), Idaho Department of disturbance by Bald Eagles, along with the area used by terns during 2009–2010. Fish and Game, Columbia River Inter- the associated depredation of tern eggs Foundation Island, located 9 km Tribal Fish Commission, and others. This and chicks by Glaucous-winged/West- upriver from Crescent Island, is the site year’s research team included Dan Roby ern hybrid gulls (Larus glaucescens x of the largest Double-crested Cormorant (USGS/OSU); Jessica Adkins, Kirsten L. occidentalis). Despite nest failure, breeding colony on the mid-Columbia Bixler, Stefanie Collar, Tim Lawes, most terns remained in the area during River. This tree-nesting colony con- Pete Loschl, Don Lyons, Allison Ma- the breeding season and used East Sand sisted of at least 318 nesting pairs in horic, Allison Patterson, Adam Peck- Island as a night roost. Some terns that 2011, similar to recent years. The largest Richardson, Yasuko Suzuki, and James did leave the Columbia River Estuary Double-crested Cormorant colony in Tennyson (OSU); Ken Collis, Brad attempted to nest at sites in coastal WA the Columbia Plateau region, however, Cramer, Allen Evans, Mike Haw- but also failed there. continues to be at Potholes Reservoir, becker, and Nathan Hostetter (RTR); The size of the Double-crested Cor- where around 900 pairs nested in trees and numerous seasonal technicians and morant colony on East Sand Island in at the north end of the reservoir in 2011. volunteers. This study was funded by the 2011 was approximately 13,000 nesting Implementation of the Caspian Tern Bonneville Power Administration and the pairs (compared to approximately 13,600 Management Plan continued in 2011. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. pairs in 2010). Eagles also disturbed the Available habitat at the East Sand Island Kim Nelson, of the Oregon Co- East Sand Island cormorant colony to a colony in the Columbia River estuary operative Fish and Wildlife Research greater extent than in previous years, and was incrementally decreased to 2.0 acres, Unit at OSU, continued her research on the preliminary estimate of productivity down from 3.1 acres in 2010. Two newly the traditional ecological knowledge of (1.33 fledglings/pair) was lower than in constructed islands became available in seabirds and marine mammals at King recent years (1.92–2.80 fledglings/pair the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Island in the Bering Sea, in cooperation during 2006-2010). Refuge Complex in northeast CA, at with Deanna Kingston (Department East Sand Island continues to be Tule Lake and Orems Lake. A total of of Anthropology, OSU), the National the largest known post-breeding roost seven islands constructed by the U.S. Science Foundation, and the Elders site for California Brown Pelicans. Over Army Corps of Engineers in recent years of King Island on a project entitled 14,200 Brown Pelicans were counted on were available in 2011, including three “Documenting the Cultural Geography, the island in mid-August. The Brandt’s in the Klamath River basin in northeast Biogeography, and Traditional Ecologi- Cormorant colony on East Sand Island California, two at the Summer Lake cal Knowledge of King Island, Alaska”. continued to grow rapidly, with 1490 Wildlife Area plus one at Crump Lake in Using extensive interviews with Elders pairs nesting in 2011, up from 985 in southeastern OR, and one at Fern Ridge combined with meetings and visits to 2010. Around 100 pairs of American Reservoir near Eugene in western OR. King Island and Nome/Cape Woolley, White Pelicans again nested on Miller Four of these sites were used by nesting she is compiling information on the birds Sands Spit in the Columbia River estuary terns: islands in Sheepy Lake and Tule and marine mammals on and around
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 24 REGIONAL REPORTS • Washington and Oregon
King Island, creating a bird guide for use within-season and annual changes in Bering Sea, and investigating long-term by the Elders and their families, associat- distributions, densities, and productiv- patterns in cross-shelf and along-shelf ing bird and mammal habitat with place ity indices (as estimated from ratios of distributions and abundance. We plan names on King Island, and summarizing juvenile to adult birds) of murrelets in to examine decadal-scale variability in traditional uses of birds and mammals on the San Juan Island archipelago—a data number of seabirds using the eastern King Island and the Seward Peninsula. set that goes back to 1995. Analysis Bering Sea, and to relate observed pat- Integrating seabird ecology with Inupiat of population trends in other species terns to those of zooplankton with the folklore is a current priority. surveyed (e.g. Ancient Murrelet [Synth- help of Ken Coyle (University of Alaska, Dee Boersma, University of Wash- liboramphus antiquus], Cassin’s Auklet Fairbanks). We will have several papers ington, is in year 29 of studying the [Ptychoramphus aleuticus], Common in the works by the end of spring 2012. Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus mag- Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros ellanicus) colony at Punta Tombo, Ar- Auklet, and Tufted Puffin) for all of WA Fisheries byCatCh gentina. (This colony is on an Atlantic is being conducted in collaboration with Ed Melvin, Troy Guy and Sarah coast and hardly should be considered Scott Pearson of WDFW. Jennings of Washington Sea Grant, under PSG interests, but the species for- Emily Runnells, a Masters student along with Rob Suryan of OSU, are ages well into the nearby Pacific.) The in the School of Aquatic and Fishery in the final stages of assessing spatial Galapagos Penguin (S. mendiculus) was Sciences at the University of Wash- and temporal overlap of albatrosses and her first love, and Boersma returned to ington, with the assistance of George groundfish fisheries along the west coast. determine whether the penguins are nest- Hunt, has been working to repeat the They are working with Tom Good and site limited. She built 120 “condos” with earlier study of Jen Zamon (now with others at the NOAA’s Northwest Fisher- lava rocks on the islands. The penguins NOAA–Fisheries). Jen quantified the ies Science Center to draft a risk assess- have should have had a great breeding foraging activities of seabirds in the ment in these fisheries for seabirds that year in 2010-11, a La Niña year, but southern end of San Juan Channel (Cattle are listed under the federal Endangered surface water temperatures were unusu- Pass), in the San Juan Islands. Emily’s Species Act. They are developing plans ally warm in the Galapagos, with heavy Masters research has been document- to continue education outreach in fishery rainfall—more like what happens in an ing the foraging activities of seabirds in sectors where fishing effort has high El Niño year. The La Niña is supposed Cattle Pass and quantifying the distribu- overlap with albatross foraging ranges. to continue, so maybe the upwelling will tion and abundance of forage fish, using Ed Melvin and Troy Guy continue return and penguins can breed this year a four-frequency quantitative acoustic to collaborate with the Japanese tuna in 2011-12. Boersma hopes they’ll vote array. She also has been sampling zoo- fishing industry, and with scientists with their feet on how well they like the plankton with a small ring net, and as- from the National Research Institute condos. sessing hydrography with a CTD from a of Far Seas Fisheries, to develop best- 13.5-foot Boston whaler. This whaler has practice mitigation of seabird bycatch PelaGiC studies an interesting past, having supported not for pelagic longline fisheries. Results Martin Raphael and Tom Bloxton only Jen Zamon’s research, but also that of the USFS Pacific Northwest Research from our recent studies in South Africa of Libby Logerwell and George Hunt, showed that seabird bycatch is reduced Station in Olympia, WA, continued col- in Maine and at Mandarte Island, British laborative studies on Marbled Murrelets dramatically by the simultaneous use of Columbia. Emily gathered data in 2010 and other seabirds in Puget Sound, Strait branchline weighting, paired bird scaring and 2011, with the help of two Research of Juan de Fuca, and Hood Canal (WA) lines, and night setting of fishing gear. Experiences for Undergraduates/Blinks during 2011. This was their twelfth year These results have been adopted as best Fellows in each year. The project is of long-term population monitoring of practice by the multi-national Agreement scheduled to be finished in 2012. murrelets at sea under the Northwest for the Conservation of Albatrosses and George Hunt, Martin Renner, and Forest Plan, along with researchers Petrels, and the findings are informing elsewhere in WA, OR, and northern CA. Kathy Kuletz (USFWS, Anchorage) are the management process in Regional The NWFP is a large-scale ecosystem working with the North Pacific Pelagic Fisheries Management Organizations management plan for federal lands in Seabird database, assessing changes in throughout the southern hemisphere. the Pacific Northwest of the US. Raphael the distribution and abundance of sea- A fishing master with whom the team and Bloxton surveyed murrelets and birds over 35 years (since 1975), the worked during the South Africa research other seabirds and marine mammals in period for which quantitative at-sea data was awarded the grand prize and the tuna Recovery Zone 1, from the San Juan have been gathered in Alaskan waters. prize in the World Wildlife Fund’s 2011 Islands to Olympia in Puget Sound and We are examining changes for Northern Smart Gear competition. This award is the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They also Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) and alba- likely to hasten adoption of branchline continued collecting baseline data on trosses (Phoebastria spp.) in the eastern weighting in world tuna fisheries.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 25 REGIONAL REPORTS • Washington and Oregon other Work of “Cut-off” lighting fixtures and dis- and North Carolina, funded by BOEM Jo Smith (then at The Nature Con- cussions on development of the “Dark and USFWS. Veit, Simon Perkins, and servancy, Seattle, WA) worked with fed- Skies” ordinance. The Seminar was Tim White have also been granted a eral and state agencies, treaty tribes and attended by 75 people from the Bandon contract from the Massachusetts Clean coastal communities in WA to advance area. Public comments were gathered and Energy Commission to conduct aircraft coastal and marine spatial planning. She will be presented with a draft ordinance surveys of seabirds on the continental was helping to develop marine spatial for review by the City of Bandon Plan- shelf south of Nantucket and Martha’s planning objectives, which included ning Commission. Vineyard. conservation targets such as breeding and Lora Leschner continued in her Scott Johnston (USFWS) will be migratory seabirds and ocean habitats, role as the Washington coordinator for overseeing a four-year project aimed at and she helped the Quinault Indian Na- Pacific Coast Joint Venture (www.pcjv. determining fine-scale occurrence and tion to secure a grant from the NOAA to org), a public-private partnership for local movement patterns of diving birds remove derelict nets from waters within conservation of migratory birds. in federal waters of the mid-Atlantic. Project collaborators, including Tim their Usual and Accustomed Areas. Bowman (Sea Duck Joint Venture), Lu- Roy Lowe, Khem So, and Shawn cas Savoy, Jim Paruk, Iain Stenhouse Stephensen of OCNWR, with Rob of the Biodiversity Research Institute Suryan (OSU), are working with ODFW NON-PACIFIC UNITED (BRI), and William Montevecchi (Me- on conservation efforts for seabirds that morial University of Newfoundland could be affected by marine spatial plan- STATES AND CARIBBEAN [MUN]), will attach satellite transmitters ning for renewable energy development Compiled by Iain Stenhouse to Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata), in the Territorial Sea (0-3 miles offshore). Surf Scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), They attended a workshop on Ecologi- PelaGiC studies and Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) cal Data Atlas Science, along with other Tim Jones, Melanie Steinkamp, beginning in winter 2012. Movement interested agencies, individuals, and data and Emily Silverman (U.S. Fish and data will be used to inform permitting contributors. The workshop reviewed Wildlife Service [USFWS]) coordinated and regulation of future offshore energy data and methods used in the Ecological and participated in a massive survey ef- development in the region. Atlas project, a marine spatial plan- fort to collect baseline information on BRI is currently in negotiation ning tool that will be incorporated into marine bird distributions and abundance with the U.S. Department of Energy to Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan process. along the Atlantic coast in August 2011. carry out broad-scale baseline surveys The Ecological Atlas is a collection of The survey is part of the multi-agency for marine birds, marine mammals, and data sets (biological, oceanographic, Atlantic Marine Assessment Program sea turtles in the mid-Atlantic region over and habitat) that can be displayed and for Protected Species, a coordinated the next two years, using a combination analyzed in a spatially explicit way to effort among the National Oceanic and of boat-based and high-definition digital determine ecological hotspots in the Ter- Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)– video aerial surveys. Among others, Iain ritorial Sea. We submitted data from the Fisheries; USFWS; Bureau of Ocean Stenhouse (BRI) and Richard Veit Oregon Seabird Colony Catalog, which Energy Management (BOEM; a suc- (CUNY) are co-principal investigators lists important breeding sites and popu- cessor to the agency that was known in on this project. lation numbers of seabirds in Oregon. 2010–2011 as BOEMRE), and the U.S. Patrick Jodice of the U.S. Geo- These important bird areas will receive Navy. The survey extends from Cape Ca- logical Survey [USGS] Cooperative naveral, Florida, to the Canadian border. special consideration during the planning Research Units and Clemson University Three USFWS pilot-biologists flew 195 of renewable energy development. [CU], along with Will Mackin, contin- transects perpendicular to the coastline, David Ledig, together with Nancy ues to expand tracking studies of pelagic spaced at 5 nautical miles (nm), with data seabirds breeding in the Bahamas and Post of the City of Bandon and the Ban- being collected on almost 7200 nm. Sur- Caribbean. Pat is also working with don Committee for Involved Citizens, vey crews recorded all seabirds, marine Chris Haney (Defenders of Wildlife) put on a seminar concerning the devel- mammals, and sea turtles. Preliminary and Ann Sutton and Lisa Sorenson opment of a “Dark Skies” ordinance. reports on data collected are anticipated (Society for the Conservation and Study Presentations at the seminar included: early in 2012. Two further surveys will of Caribbean Birds) on a grant to enhance “Effects of Light Pollution on Seabirds be flown in 2012 (spring and fall), with the capacity of seabird science in the and Wilderness Characteristics of Or- funding from NOAA–Fisheries. Caribbean. Funding was by the National egon Islands National Wildlife Refuge”; Richard Veit (City University of Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife,” by New York [CUNY]), and PhD students Free Flight Wildlife Education Center; Tim White, Marie Martin and Holly Colony-based studies and “Effects of Urban Light Pollution Goyert, continue ship-based surveys of Linda Welch (Maine Coastal Is- on Astronomy.” There were displays the US continental shelf between Maine lands National Wildlife Refuge), Steve
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 26 REGIONAL REPORTS • Non-Pacific US and Caribbean
Kress (National Audubon Society, Sea- Research on seabird colonies in studied the endangered Hawaiian Petrels bird Restoration Program), and others South Carolina continued under the (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and threat- recaptured 11 Arctic Terns (Sterna para- guidance of Patrick Jodice (USGS- ened Newell’s Shearwaters (Puffinus disaea) that were equipped with geoloca- CU). Lisa Eggert (PhD candidate at auricularis newelli) in Kohala Mountain tors at two Maine colonies in 2010. The CU) assessed effects of predation and during June and July, using ornithologi- data are currently being processed. Linda disturbance of reproductive success of cal radar, visual, and auditory surveying and others have also deployed 11 satellite Black Skimmers (Rhynchops niger) at methods. They assessed flight-corridor transmitters (7 in 2010 and 4 in 2011) on two colonies in South Carolina. Gil- populations and coastal movement pat- Greater Shearwaters (Puffinus gravis). lian Brooks (CU) completed her MS terns, and assisted the Hawai‘i Division The birds were tagged off the coast of research, which assessed reproductive of Forestry and Wildlife in documenting Maine in August of both years. The units success of Black Skimmers and Least the presence of Hawaiian Petrels. Radar are programmed to transmit each day (6 Terns (Sternula antillarum), particularly results indicated a 76% decline in pas- hr on/18 hr off) and have lasted an aver- in relation to predation and flooding. sage rates at Waipi’o Valley since 2001. age of 112 days, with a maximum of 180 In the Caribbean, Sarah Trefry Auditory surveys, undertaken in col- days. The maximum distance traveled (Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research, laboration with the Kaua’i Endangered was 44,456 km. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada) Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP), Iain Stenhouse (BRI) started what is approaching her last field season on identified areas of localized Hawaiian he hopes will become a long-term moni- Barbuda Island. She is studying Magnifi- Petrel calling that probably signify breed- toring program on mercury exposure in cent Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens), ing by this species within Pu’u O ‘Umi Black Guillemots (Cepphus grylle) and and is writing up the results of a study Natural Area Reserve. Cary is currently Leach’s Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma of effects of wing-tags on frigatebird working with Christopher Lepczyk at leucorhoa) at Little Duck Island, Maine breeding success. the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa to (owned by NAS). conduct radar surveys in Waimanu Valley Jeff Spendelow (USGS) contin- oil sPill damaGe assessment for improving population assessments in David Evers Jen- ues to oversee the long-term studies of Along with and the region. The method should also help nifer Goyette (BRI), Patrick Jodice and Patuxent Wildlife Research Center on the with studies of coastal and inland move- Lisa Eggert (CU) completed a Natural metapopulation dynamics and ecology of ment patterns to assist colony searches, Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii). Since improve productivity monitoring, and study of injury to water birds from the 1987, the focus has been on Roseate further investigate declining trends in Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Terns nesting in the MA-Connecticut Waipi’o Valley. of Mexico (April 2010). They deployed (CT)-New York (NY) region. In 2011, Marie Morin, Tracy Anderson, radio and satellite transmitters on Black however, chicks from colony sites in Marilou Knight, Megan Dalton, Em- Skimmers and Brown Pelicans (Pele- CT, New Hampshire, Maine, and Nova ily Pollom, and Elisa Weiss of the Save canus occidentalis) to monitor survival Scotia (NS) were banded with plastic Our Shearwaters Program on Kaua’i and movements of birds captured in the field-readable bands (3 characters). continue to coordinate with other groups Over 270 chicks (and 16 adults in NS) northern Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic Bight. on Kaua‘i working on the conserva- were color-banded. A pilot study was tion of Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian conducted during the post-breeding dis- Iain Stenhouse (BRI) and Wil- liam Montevecchi (MUN) co-led an Petrel, and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel persal period (mid July to September) on (Oceanodroma castro). With the addi- the use of staging sites in southeastern NRDA project to assess the oiling rates of Northern Gannets wintering in the tion of Tracy, the rehabilitation capabil- MA by birds from different parts of the ity has expanded to include some other breeding range. In 2011, Jeff was as- Gulf of Mexico. Using standard strip transects, they also collected information high-priority migratory birds, including sisted by David Monticelli (post-doc seabirds and endangered Hawaiian water from Belgium) and other volunteers on the distribution of all marine birds in the study area. birds, when budget allows. and cooperators (Michelle Avis, Ellen Lindsay Young (Pacific Rim Con- Jedrey, Vern Laux, Edie Ray, Nuray servation) finalized construction of a Taygan, Richard Veit). Almost 60% predator-proof fence to protect Laysan of young birds color-banded in 2011 HAWAI‘I Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) were resighted. In early September, 51 Compiled by Holly Freifeld and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus color-banded birds (more than 20% of pacificus) at Kaena Point, on the island of those banded in the northern part of Colonies O‘ahu, followed by removal of five spe- their breeding range) were resighted in Cary Deringer and William Pitt of cies of predators, which occupied most a 5-hour period at Cape Cod National the National Wildlife Research Center, of 2011. All predators except mice (Mus Seashore, MA. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) musculus) were removed within three
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 27 REGIONAL REPORTS • Hawai‘i months, and even mice are believed to be seabird colonies throughout the Pacific Pacific. Trevor is working with at-sea gone now from the reserve. Wedge-tailed Islands. Testing has occurred on Johnston survey data from the NOAA Southwest Shearwaters had a record-setting year Atoll and Kaneohe Marine Corps base. Fisheries Science Center, and is using at Kaena in 2011, producing more than YCA are a scourge of seabirds and drasti- global location sensing (GLS) to track 1700 fledglings. This increase is due in cally reduce nest success and numbers of movements and habitat-use patterns of large part to the fence, which is the first nesting birds in colonies that they invade. Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian of its kind in the United States. Hopefully Lee Ann participated in developing and Petrels on Maui and Kaua‘i. Collabora- Laysan Albatross will experience simi- implementing a YCA eradication project tors are Josh Adams (USGS, Western lar benefits and have high reproductive on Johnston Atoll. The ants were discov- Ecological Research Center) and Jay success in 2012, and other seabirds may ered on Johnston in January 2010, and Penniman (Pacific Cooperative Studies now colonize this protected area. Lind- a Crazy Ant Strike Team (CAST) was Unit). Trevor also recently took part in a say continues long-term demographic formed and deployed in August of that Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center monitoring of Red-tailed Tropicbirds year to begin eradication of the infesta- expedition to document the distribution (Phaethon rubricauda) with Eric Vander- tion, which covers about 40 acres of the and abundance of seabirds and marine Werf, and Laysan Albatrosses on O‘ahu. 260-acre atoll. Eradication is proving to mammals in the Exclusive Economic She recently started working on surveys be a challenge, but the CAST is making Zone around Palmyra Atoll. Lindsay Young for Hawaiian Petrels and Newell’s Shear- progress and efforts will continue. (Pacific Rim Con- servation) continues at-sea tracking of waters on Maui. Beth Flint (USFWS, Pacific Reefs track Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Red- Since 2007, Eric VanderWerf National Wildlife Refuge Complex) is tailed Tropicbirds, and Red-footed and (Pacific Rim Conservation) has been collaborating with scientists from US- Brown Boobies (Sula sula and S. leuco- controlling predators, including black FWS and the U.S. Geological Survey gaster) on Lehua Islet off of Kaua‘i, with rats (Rattus rattus), small Indian mon- on management responses to the loss co-principal investigators. goose (Herpestes auropunctatus), and of breeding habitat for the Black-footed feral cats (Felis sylvestsris), to protect the Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) due other Work small colony of Red-tailed Tropicbirds to climate change effects. The group Linda Elliott, founder, president and on the Ka Iwi coast of O‘ahu, in close is using Structured Decision Making Center Director of the Hawai’i Wildlife proximity to the southeastern suburbs techniques to formulate strategies. Beth Center (HWC) presided over its grand of Honolulu. The number of nesting at- also participated in a workshop organized opening on 19 November 2011. This is tempts and chicks fledged has increased by the National Oceanographic and the first state-of-the-art response facility steadily since predator control began, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)– in the Pacific islands exclusively for na- from only five chicks fledged in 2005 to Fisheries, USFWS, and the Marine Con- tive wildlife. The center is the culmina- 26 in 2011. All monitoring and predator servation Institute to prescribe research tion of her work since 1995 to bring this control at this colony have been done needed to improve understanding of resource to the “extinction capital of the by volunteers, but starting in 2012 this relationships between seabirds and tuna world.” The wildlife that will be treated project will be supported by the Hawai‘i populations in pelagic areas of the Pacific at the HWC include seabirds, shore- Division of Forestry and Wildlife. It is Remote Islands Marine National Monu- birds, water birds, birds of prey, and the hoped that as this colony continues to ment. She was part of a large team from Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus grow, it can serve as a source of colo- USFWS, The Nature Conservancy, and semotus). The HWC will provide the nists for other locations on O‘ahu. Up to Island Conservation (IC) that conducted best achievable medical and husbandry seven Red-tailed Tropicbirds have been a rat eradication operation at Palmyra care for sick, injured, contaminated, observed courting at Kaena Point, O‘ahu, Atoll. She is currently working with the and orphaned native wildlife, including and completion of the predator-fence and U.S. Air Force and IC on preparations those affected by natural and man-made removal of all predators in 2011 may for a similar effort at Wake Atoll, which disasters, and aims to return rehabili- encourage these birds to begin nesting is scheduled for 2012. tated animals back to the wild. HWC at Kaena Point. continues collaborating with the Save Lee Ann Woodward of the U.S. PelaGiC Our Shearwater program on Kaua‘i and Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Trevor Joyce just completed the provides oiled seabird response train- Pacific/Remote Islands National Wild- first year of his PhD at Scripps Institution ing, preparedness and consultation to life Refuge Complex) collaborated with of Oceanography in La Jolla, California the Pacific Islands region. The HWC’s Sheldon Plentovich (USFWS Pacific (CA). His thesis research will investi- mission—to protect, conserve and aid in Islands Office) to identify and test for- gate the impacts of tuna fisheries and El the recovery of Hawaii’s native wildlife micides and application methods that Nino-Southern Oscillation variability on through hands-on treatment, research, can be used to eradicate yellow crazy the ecological and behavioral associa- training, science education and cultural ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes; YCA) from tions of tuna and seabirds in the tropical programs—will be achieved through
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 28 REGIONAL REPORTS • Hawai‘i the integrated operation of three related ASIA his team continued long-term moni- components: the wildlife treatment facil- Compiled by Yutaka Watanuki toring of chick diets and breeding ity, an interpretive lanai, and an education performance of three seabird species. pavilion. Colony Work and surveys Nobuhiro Katsumata and Drs. David Kuhn, of SoundsHawaiian Tadashi Fujii and his team inves- Yukiko Inoue, Noriyoshi Sato, Daisuke (www.soundshawaiian.com) is involved tigated the distribution of seabirds in Ochi and Hiroshi Minami are working in gathering and archiving recordings of the Seto Inland Sea of Japan to collect to develop effective seabird bycatch Hawaii’s seabirds, especially Newell’s fundamental data on habitat utilization. mitigation gear for tuna longline fish- Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, and Band- Data will be used for seabird preserva- eries. They are collecting data on the rumped Storm-Petrel. These record- tion in this highly developed area. The distribution and foraging ecology of ings are being used in various projects Gavia team focused on Arctic Loons ( incidentally caught seabirds, mainly al- throughout the islands, including social arctica), Pacific Loons (G. pacifica), and batrosses (Phoebastria spp.) and petrels attraction projects for Newell’s Shear- Japanese Murrelets (Synthliboramphus (Pterodroma spp.), through on-board water at Kilauea Point National Wildlife wumizusume). Refuge (with KESRP) and at Kaena Drs. Kentaro Kazama and Aki- research. Point Natural Area Reserve (with Pacific hiko Niizuma started a new project to Rim Conservation, http://pacificrimcon- examine the influence of nutrient inputs imPaCts oF nuClear PoWer Plants servation.com), and various education by the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Researchers are evaluating the im- tools and programs of the Conservation carbo) and Black-tailed Gull (Larus pact on seabirds of the tsunami disaster Council for Hawai’i (http://conservehi. crassirostris) to rice paddies and the and the emission of radioactive materi- org). SoundsHawaiian offers support shore ecosystem. als from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear in the efforts of KESRP, including the Many projects on the Streaked power plant in the Tohoku area. The route search for active colonies of these imper- Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) survey group of the Japan Seabird Group iled seabirds in the difficult mountainous were carried out in 2011, including GPS (JSG), led by Dr. Akihiko Niizuma, terrain of Kaua‘i, and ongoing conserva- tracking (Drs. Ken Yoda, Carlos Za- started an at-sea survey of seabird dis- tion work at known breeding colonies. valaga, Katsufumi Sato), year-round tribution from ferries, supported by the Notable gaps in the archives of Sound- tracking with geolocators (Takashi Ya- sHawaiian include recordings of Christ- Japan Seabird Group fund. Drs. Kiyoaki mamoto, Dr. Akinori Takahashi), chick Ozaki and Yasuyuki Shibata measured mas Shearwater (Puffinus navitatis) and growth, and energy consumption (Drs. Bulweria bulwerii the level of radioactive isotopes in regur- Bulwer’s Petrel ( ), now Maki Yamamoto and A. Niizuma). elevated to high-priority goals. gitations and eggs of albatrosses. The Short-tailed Albatross (Phoe- David Duffy (University of Hawai‘i) The JSG and the Pacific Seabird bastria albatrus) colony restoration Group agreed to send a letter to Japa- has review articles in press: one on feral project, led by Dr. Tomohiro Deguchi cat ecology and management in the Pa- and his colleagues (Yamashina Institute nese Government about the planned cific (inPacific Science), and another on for Ornithology) and team members Kaminoseki Nuclear Power Plant, whose responses to climate change in Oceania from the USA, was very successful this construction is proposed on landfill (in Pacific Conservation Biology). A year. The final year of the project will be within a national park in Yamaguchi review of climate change and Hawaiian starting soon. Prefecture, southern Honshu. The letter seabirds with Lindsay Young and Roger At Teuri Island, Dr. Yutaka Wata- focuses on research and conservation of Lukas remains chronically unfinished. nuki Ochi and Hiroshi Minami and seabirds in the adjacent Seto Inland Sea.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 29 INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Pacific Seabirds is a journal of the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG). The journal appears twice a year, in spring and fall (autumn). Manuscripts and news items are welcome on any topic relating to Pacific seabirds or to their conservation. Short manuscripts are preferred (about 1000 to 5000 words for major submissions). Submit materials to the Editor (except as noted below): Dr. V.M. Mendenhall, 4600 Rabbit Creek Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99516; e-mail fasgadair@attalascom. net. Deadlines are normally 20 March for the spring issue and 20 September for the fall issue.
EDITORIAL POLICY SUBMISSION OF MANUSCRIPTS Give the scientific name (italicized) Pacific Seabirds welcomes contri- Material may be submitted by e-mail after the first mention of any genus or butions on work and issues relevant to or regular mail (addresses above). Mate- species. English names of bird species seabirds anywhere in the Pacific region. rials sent by e-mail should be attached to are capitalized (e.g., Fork-tailed Storm- Pacific Seabirds reflects the policies of the main message and should be in Word Petrel). Names of mammals, other taxa, PSG’s Executive Council. On issues or Rich Text Format, except that materi- and English names of bird groups are for which such a policy has not been als less than 300 words long may be sent lowercase, except for proper names expressed, the journal aims for an unbi- in the body of the e-mail. For manuscripts (e.g., blackbirds, shield fern, Steller’s ased presentation of all points of view. submitted by e-mail, figures must also be sea cow). The editor welcomes letters and other sent as separate files or via regular mail. If you use an acronym, give the feedback. If a manuscript is submitted by regular entity’s full name the first time it is men- mail, include a CD. The language of tioned. Avoid excessive use of acronyms. CONTRIBUTIONS Pacific Seabirdsis English; an abstract or Use the 24-hour clock without a Contributors are invited to submit summary may be duplicated in a second colon (e.g., 1830). Give dates as day- the following: language, if desired. month-year. Use metric measures, except • Articles on original research (to be when quoting informal statements. For peer-reviewed) PEER-REVIEW OF MANUSCRIPTS quantities less than 1, use an initial 0 (P • Reports on current topics (e.g., Articles and review articles will = 0.95, not P = .95). research in progress or seabird con- be submitted to two peer reviewers for Typographical conventions follow servation issues; not peer-reviewed) technical review. Authors are invited to Scientific Style and Format, 6th edition, • Forum articles are columns on a suggest reviewers. Other submissions by the Style Manual Committee of the current topic, either in research and may also be sent for review, if (a) the Council of Biology Editors; Cambridge conservation, or other issues within author requests this, or (b) at the editor’s University Press (1999). or outside PSG. If a topic may be discretion. controversial, the editor reserves orGanization the right to invite comment or an ac- FORMAT OF MANUSCRIPTS Articles should contain the fol- companying article that may present Contributors should follow these lowing sections, in this order: Title, another viewpoint. guidelines. For other details, consult Author(s), Authors’ affiliations (includ- • Review articles (these may cover the format in a recent issue of Pacific ing e-mail for corresponding author), seabirds worldwide) Seabirds. Back issues are online at www. Abstract, Key words, Introduction, Meth- • Conservation News (submit to Jo ods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledg- Smith, Associate Editor for Conser- pacificseabirds.org ments, Literature Cited, Tables, Figure vation; [email protected]) legends, and Figures. Other types of • News items (short news relating to General Format manuscript may use a different orga- seabird research, conservation, or Manuscripts should be double- the Pacific Seabird Group spaced with 1-inch margins. If your paper nization (e.g., a review or report could • Book reviews size is A4 (European), the bottom mar- contain sections on various locations); • Letters commenting on content of gin must be at least 1¾ inch (including however, the same formats for Literature Pacific Seabirds or other issues in electronic files), to ensure that it will Cited, Tables, and Figures will apply. • Art work, such as sketches or photos print properly on US equipment. Pages Abstract—An abstract is required of seabirds, either accompanying a should be numbered, except for Tables for longer articles and suggested for text or for publication alone and Figures. short ones. It should contain essential
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 30 INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS information from each section of the text, title and journal reference. Include page Shading in figures should be black, without statistics. One or more additional numbers for all cited works, including white, or coarse cross-hatching; do not abstract(s) may be provided in languages the total number of pages in a book. Use use half-tone shading or background other than English. standard abbreviations for journal titles; (pattern of fine dots). Key words—Five to 10 words for if you are unsure, spell them out. Spell For each figure, a high-quality use in computerized searching. Species out names of agencies and institutions. graphics file or original drawing must names in both Latin and English should The first line of each citation should be submitted with the final version of the be included. be justified to the left margin; subsequent manuscript. Graphics files should be in Introduction—Present the aims and lines may be left-justified or indented. Do TIFF (preferably), GIS, or EFS format, significance of the work, and place it in not use all-capital letters or italics in the separate from the text document. A high- the context of pre-existing information. Literature Cited, except that scientific resolution JPG file may work; graphics in State hypotheses that are being tested, names should be in italics. Examples: Word format are not acceptable. if any. Pratt, H.D., P.L. Bruner, and D.G. Berrett. Photographs—Pacific Seabirds Methods—Describe the methods, 1987. A field guide to the birds of Ha- occasionally publishes photos. The best location, time, and personnel of the study. waii and the tropical Pacific. Princeton ones are very sharp, with good detail and Include statistical methods, if any. University Press, Princeton, NJ. 409 pp. a range of dark/light values. Digital im- Results—Present results that are ages submitted by e-mail must be at least Schreiber, E.A., and R.W. Schreiber. 1988. pertinent to aims given in the Introduc- 250 ppi (when reduced to publication Great Frigatebird size dimorphism on two tion. Where feasible, summarize infor- size). The common low-resolution snap- Central Pacific atolls. Condor 90:90-99. mation and give the full data in Tables shot (often 72 ppi) does not reproduce or Figures. Give sample sizes and the Verify that all items in the Literature well in publication; most cameras give significance levels of statistical tests. Cited are referenced in the article, and the option of higher resolution. Do not Literature citations normally should not vice versa. submit a half-tone print (published image be in the Results section. For articles that you have read in a that’s actually a pattern of tiny dots), if Discussion—Summarize the results language other than English, list the cita- possible. If the original is in color, submit briefly, then evaluate the results, and de- tion in the original language. An English it in that format; the editor will convert velop their importance in relation to other translation of the title [in brackets] is it to black and white. work. Do not include primary results and optional. Art work—Original art work is statistical tests, which belong in Results. welcomed. The original or a high-reso- Citations in the text should be suPPortinG materials lution scan should be sent. Ink drawings “Surname year.” Two authors are “Sur- Tables—Tables should be numbered should be scanned in “black-and-white” name and surname year”; 3 or more in the order they are first mentioned in mode, pencil or charcoal in “gray-scale” authors are “Surname et al. year” (but all the text. Refer to each table at least once. mode. authors should be given in the Literature Use horizontal lines below the main heading(s); do not use vertical lines in Cited). E.g., (Pratt et al. 1987, Schreiber REVISIONS AND PROOFS tables. The Table (including its head- and Schreiber 1988). If appropriate, Materials that are sent for peer ing) should be comprehensible without specify page number(s) in a book or long review will be returned to the author, immediate reference to the text. Data in article (Pratt et al. 1987:32-34). along with reviewers’ and editorial sug- Tables should not be repeated in the text, Use the “Name–Year” format for gestions. If the Editor has accepted the except to summarize. citations (common in ornithological Figures—Figures should be num- article, he or she will endeavor to return journals), not the “Citation–Sequence” bered in the order they are first mentioned the manuscript within 60 days. If the format (e.g., Science). in the text. Refer to each figure at least article needs major work, the author may Literature Cited—List all refer- once. Figures should be drawn at least be invited to revise and re-submit it for ences in alphabetical order of the authors’ 50% larger than they will appear in print. future acceptance. surnames. Surname of the first author Make all lettering, numbers, and symbols For peer-reviewed articles, proofs should be listed first, then initials; sub- large enough to be read easily after they will be sent to the author before publi- sequent authors’ names should be listed are reduced. The figure (including cap- cation. Corrections should be returned as Initial(s), Surname. List all authors tion) should be comprehensible without within one week. Proofs of other materi- in the Literature Cited (do not use “et immediate reference to the text. Define als will not usually be sent to the author al.”). Year of publication follows, then all symbols in a legend or the caption. unless he or she requests them.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 31 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 also are 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 journals Pacific Seabirds (www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and Marine Ornithology (www. marineornithology.org). Current and past issues of both journals are available online or by subscription. Back issues may be obtained online; those of Pacific Seabirds also are available from the PSG Treasurer (order form on last page).
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 C. 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. Order from PSG Treasurer (order form on last page), or 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
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 32 PSG PUBLICATIONS
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.
BIOLOGY OF MARBLED MURRELETS—INLAND AND AT SEA. S. Kim Nelson and Spencer G. Sealy (Editors). Pro- ceedings of a Symposium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Seattle, Washington, February 1993. Published 1995 in Northwestern Naturalist, Volume 76, Number 1. $12.00. Order from PSG Treasurer (order form on last page), or 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. Nariko Oka (editor). Proceedings of an Inter- national 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 Treasurer (order form on last page).
OIL AND CALIFORNIA’S SEABIRDS. Harry R. Carter (convener) and Anthony J. Gaston (editor). Proceedings of a Sym- posium of the Pacific Seabird Group, Santa Barbara, California, February 2002. Published 2003 inMarine 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 Treasurer (order form on last page).
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
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 Coordinator of the Publications Committee and the Scientific Chair for the meeting.
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 Publi- cation 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 Pub- lication Number 2. 2003. Available free of charge at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 33 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP COMMITTEE COORDINATORS
Committees do much of PSG’s business, as well as the conservation work for which PSG is respected. The committees welcome (and need) information concerning their issues; please contact the coordinators with input and updates, or if you wish to help.
AWARDS COMMITTEE The Awards Committee consists of the Past Chair, Chair, and Chair-Elect. Committee members from September 2010 until February 2012 are Tom Good (Past Chair), Pat Jodice (Chair), and Kim Rivera (Chair-Elect). Their contact information is on the inside back cover.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Craig S. Harrison, 4953 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA. Telephone: (202) 778‑2240, e-mail: [email protected] CRAIG S. HARRISON CONSERVATION SMALL GRANTS COMMITTEE Verena Gill, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS 341, Anchorage, AK 99503-6199, USA. Telephone: (907) 786-3584; fax: (907) 786-3816; cell phone: (907) 250-3721; e-mail: [email protected]
ELECTION COMMITTEE Pat Baird, Simon Fraser University, Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6. Telephone: (604) 928-5510, e-mail: [email protected]
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Verena Gill, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS 341, Anchorage, AK 99503-6199, USA. Telephone: (907) 786-3584; fax: (907) 786-3816; cell phone: (907) 250-3721; e-mail: [email protected]
PSG DELEGATES TO THE AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY Craig S. Harrison, 4953 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA. Telephone: (202) 778‑2240, e-mail: [email protected] and Malcolm C. Coulter, P.O. Box 48, Chocorua, NH 03817 USA. Telephone: (603) 323‑9342, e-mail: [email protected] CHINESE CRESTED TERN WORKING GROUP Verena Gill, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS 341, Anchorage, AK 99503-6199, USA. Telephone: (907) 786-3584; fax: (907) 786-3816; cell phone: (907) 250-3721; e-mail: [email protected]
JAPAN SEABIRD CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Motohiro Ito, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1, Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan. Telephone and fax: 0138-40- 8863, e-mail: [email protected]
KITTLITZ’S MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Michelle L. Kissling, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 3000 Vintage Blvd, Suite 201, Juneau, AK 99801, USA. Telephone: (907) 780-1168, Fax: (907) 586-7154, e-mail: [email protected]
MARBLED MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE William P. Ritchie, P.O. Box 1102, Port Angeles, WA 98362-0209, USA. Telephone: (360) 902-2365, fax: (360) 417-3302, e-mail: [email protected] SEABIRD MONITORING COMMITTEE Scott Hatch, Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Biological Science Center, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503 USA. Telephone: (907) 786‑3529, fax: (907) 786‑3636, e-mail: [email protected]
XANTUS’S MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Shaye Wolf, Center for Biological Diveristy, 351 California St., Ste. 600, San Francisco, CA 94104. Telephone: (415) 632- 5301 (office), (415) 385-5746 (cell), fax: (415) 436-9683, e-mail: [email protected] and Harry R. Carter, Carter Biological Consulting, 1015 Hampshire Road, Victoria, BC V8S4S8, Canada; [email protected]; phone (250) 370-7031
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 34 PSG LIFE MEMBERS 2011 ______David Ainley Adrian Gall Koji Ono Sarah G. Allen Lisa Haggblom Steffen Oppel Daniel W. Anderson Judith Latta Hand Katie O’Reilly Edgar P. Bailey Craig S. Harrison Julia K. Parrish Pat Herron Baird Scott A. Hatch Robert Pitman Lisa Ballance Monica Herzig Zürcher Jennifer Provencher Mrs. Don Bishop Nancy Hillstrand C. John Ralph Kenneth T. Briggs Joel D. Hubbard William P. Ritchie Joanna Burger David B. Irons Chad Roberts Douglas Causey Ronald Javitch Daniel D. Roby Ellen W. Chu Sarah Keller Gerald A. Sanger Roger B. Clapp James G. King Palmer C. Sekora Cheryl Conel Kathy Kuletz Nanette Seto Malcolm C. Coulter James Kushlan Scott A. Shaffer Kathy Cousins Lora Leschner Kouzi Shiomi Theodore L. Cross David B. Lewis Joanna Smith Jeff Davis Peter Major William E. Southern Robert H. Day Eugene Y. Makishima Arthur L. Sowls Tony DeGange Vivian Mendenhall Jeffrey A. Spendelow Jan Dierks Godfrey Merlen Takaki Terasawa George J. Divoky Pat Mock W. Breck Tyler Kyle Elliott Ken Morgan Enriqueta Velarde Gonzalez Stewart Fefer Edward C. Murphy Kees Vermeer Lloyd C. Fitzpatrick Maura Naughton John S. Warriner Elizabeth Flint S. Kim Nelson Yutaka Watanuki Douglas J. Forsell Yasuaki Niizuma Jennifer Wheeler Michael Fry David R. Nysewander Jeff Williams Haruo Ogi
HONORARY MEMBER John Cooper
RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Daniel W. Anderson John Croxall James G. King Philip and Myrtle Ashmole Charles Guiguet = Haruo Ogi James C. Bartonek Michael P. Harris Spencer G. Sealy W.R.P. Bourne Thomas R. Howell = Robert E. Ricklefs Richard G.B. Brown= George L. Hunt, Jr. Miklos D.F. Udvardy = G. Vernon Byrd Karl W. Kenyon = John Warham=
RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Malcolm Coulter Hiroshi Hasegawa Arthur L. Sowls = Franklin Gress Lora Leschner Steven M. Speich George J. Divoky Edward Melvin Mark J. Rauzon Craig S. Harrison S. Kim Nelson Yutaka Watanuki =Deceased
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 35 Pacific Seabird Group Membership Application/Publication Order Form (Please copy)
Membership (includes subscription to Pacific Seabirds) (You may also join or renew online at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) Individual and Family $30.00 Student (undergraduate and graduate) $24.00 Life Membership1 $900.00 (optional payment plan: five $180 installments) Sponsored Membership $30.00 Name of Sponsored Member______$______
Donations2 To the Endowment Fund1 $______Other (please specify)______$______
Pacific Seabird Group publications A full list of PSG publications appears on preceding pages. If the publication you want is not listed on this page, please order according to information in the publications list.
Back issues of Pacific Seabirds (can also be downloaded from www.pacificseabirds.org) Vols. 1-8 (1974-1981) ______x $2.50 $______Vols. 9 (1982 to present) ______x $5.00 $______
PSG Symposia Status and Conservation of the Marbled Murrelet in North America ______x $20.00 $______Biology of Marbled Murrelets: Inland and at Sea ______x $12.00 $______Biology, Status, and Conservation of Japanese Seabirds______x $75.00 $______The Biology and Conservation of the American White Pelican ______x $15.00 $______TOTAL ENCLOSED $ Prices include postage (surface rate) and handling.
SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER (payable in US dollars to the Pacific Seabird Group) to: Ron LeValley, PSG Treasurer, P.O. Box 324, Little River, CA 95456-0519, USA.
MEMBERSHIPS (new and renewing) and DONATIONS may also be paid online at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org ______1 Proceeds from Life Memberships go to the Endowment Fund, which supports the publications of the Pacific Seabird Group. Contributions may be given for a specified purpose; otherwise they also go to the Endowment Fund. 2 Donations may be tax-deductible; see inside front cover for more information. Member/Sponsor or Order Deliver/Ship to (if different) Name______Name______Address______Address______Telephone______Telephone______Fax______Fax______E-mail______E-mail______
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 38, Numbers 1 and 2 • Spring and Fall 2011 • Page 36 PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2011 For Executive Council members in current year (if different), see PSG’s web site, http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org
Officers Chair Pat Jodice, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, G27 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA. Phone: (864) 656-6190; e-mail: pjodice@ clemson.edu Past Chair Tom Good, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd. E., Seattle, WA 98112, USA. Phone (206) 860-3469; fax: (206) 860-3335; e-mail: [email protected]
Chair-Elect Kim Rivera, NOAA Fisheries, National Seabird Program, Alaska Region, P.O Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, USA. Telephone: (907) 586-7424; e-mail: [email protected] Vice-Chair for Conservation Craig S. Harrison, 4953 Sonoma Mountain Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA. Phone: (202) 778-2240; e-mail: [email protected] Treasurer Ron LeValley, P.O. Box 324, Little River, CA 95456-0519, USA. Phone: (707) 496-3326 (cell), (707) 937-1742 (work); fax: (707) 937-2868; e-mail: [email protected] Secretary Heather Major, Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. Telephone: (867) 920-2291; e-mail: [email protected] Editor, Pacific Seabirds Vivian Mendenhall, 4600 Rabbit Creek Rd., Anchorage, AK 99516, USA. Phone: (907) 345- 7124; fax (907) 345-0686; e-mail: [email protected]
regiOnal representatives Alaska and Russia Adrian Gall, ABR, Inc.–Environmental Research & Services, P.O. Box 80410, Fairbanks, AK 99708, USA. Phone: (907) 455-6777 x125; fax: (907) 455-6781; e-mail: [email protected] Canada Ken Morgan, Institute of Ocean Sciences. P.O. Box 6000, 9860 W. Saanich Rd., Sidney, BC, Canada V8L 4B2. Phone: (250) 363-6537; fax: (250) 363-6390; e-mail: [email protected]. gc.ca Washington and Oregon Don Lyons, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. Phone: (503) 791-2958; e-mail: [email protected] Northern California Hannahrose M. Nevins, Moss Landing Marine Labs, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039. Phone: (831) 771-4422; fax (831) 632-4403; e-mail: [email protected]
Southern California and Latin Jennifer Boyce, NOAA Restoration Center–Montrose Settlements Restoration, 501 West Ocean America Blvd., Suite 4470, Long Beach, CA, USA. Phone: (562) 980-4086; cell: (562) 243-5015; e-mail: [email protected] Hawai‘i Holly Freifeld, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 50088, Honolulu, HI 99515, USA. Phone: (808) 792-9400; e-mail: [email protected] Non-Pacific United States Iain Stenhouse, Biodiversity Research Institute, 625 Main St., Gorham, ME 04038, USA. Telephone: (207) 839-7600; fax: (207) 839-7655; e-mail: [email protected] Europe/Africa Linda Wilson, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Dunnet House, 7 Thistle Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1UZ, Scotland. Phone: +44 (0) 1224 655713; Fax: +44 (0) 1224 621488; e-mail: Linda. [email protected] Asia and Oceania Yutaka Watanuki, Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato- cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan 040-8611. Phone: +81 (138) 46-8862; fax: +81 (138) 46-8863; e-mail: [email protected] Student Representative Laura McFarlane Tranquilla, Dept. of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, A1B 3X9. Phone: (709) 737-7668, fax: (709) 737-4000; email: [email protected] or [email protected]