2019 Pacific Seabird Group 46Th Annual Meeting

2019 Pacific Seabird Group

46th Annual Meeting

Kaua’i Beach Resort

Lihue, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

27 FEBRUARY – 3 MARCH 2019

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM FULL ABSTRACTS

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MARBLED MURRELET A CONSERVATION ROADMAP FOR OCEAN (BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS) NESTING WANDERERS SUCCESS IN WESTERN OREGON Karel Allard ([email protected])1 and Carina Lindsay J. Adrean Gjerdrum ([email protected])2 ([email protected])1*, S. Kim Nelson ([email protected]) 2, Marie-Sophie Garcia- 1Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, 17 Heras ([email protected])1, Daniel D. Waterfowl Lane, Sackville, NB E4L 4N1 Canada; Roby ([email protected]) 3, Matthew G. 2Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Betts ([email protected])4, and James W. Dartmouth, NS Rivers ([email protected])1 Procellariiformes wander over extensive expanses of 1Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, ocean, regularly spanning geo-political boundaries, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA and facing different anthropogenic threats along the 2Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State way. Today, the International Union for the University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers this bird 3Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, group to be the most threatened on the planet. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Conservation strategies focus on improving University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA knowledge and addressing threats, on breeding 4Forest Biodiversity Network, Department of Forest colonies and at sea. However well designed and Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, collaboratively developed, these strategies can remain Corvallis, Oregon, USA species-centered and structurally disjoint from broader conservation work and related opportunities. Management of habitat in Oregon’s coastal forests for the threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus Our primary goal is to share an increasingly adopted, marmoratus) requires information on nesting success comprehensive approach to overcoming barriers to and on factors that may affect nesting outcome. The informing and integrating conservation efforts across cryptic breeding behavior of this species is a challenge species, mandates, and jurisdictions, toward for nest searching; prior to 2018, just 30 active nests improving overall conservation outcomes. Through had been found in Oregon, preventing precise coordinated questionnaires, online and in-person conclusions on the factors responsible for successful workshops, interested parties will develop a reproduction. During the April–September breeding comprehensive Situation Analysis for seasons in 2017 and 2018, we used a combination of Procellariiformes, following the steps outlined within VHF telemetry and visual dawn surveys to track 137 the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation. murrelets radio-tagged at sea and identify their nest Outputs will include transferable guidance and sites in the Oregon Coast Range. We collected blood decision-support to enhance partner efficiency and samples to assess the physiological condition of the effectiveness in implementation of new and ongoing birds, and used nest cameras and automated telemetry work, with clear avenues for connecting systems to monitor nesting activities. In contrast to Procellariiforme projects to broader conservation 2017, when no inland movements by tagged birds initiatives. were detected, we detected inland movements of 12 murrelets tagged in 2018 (16%) and 8 nest sites were Using common language, common metrics and a identified. Nest initiation dates ranged from May 2 to common framework, we propose to enhance efficient July 11, extending much later into the summer than development and implementation of conservation expected. All nests were located on federal lands, but strategies, with an emphasis on monitoring to the positions within mature forest patches varied. Of demonstrate effectiveness. International partners, the 7 active nests monitored, 3 fledged young. With including the World Wildlife Fund, IUCN, Nature just this small sample of nests, we confirmed a Conservancies, and more recently government agency previously undocumented nest predator, documented managers, planners and conservation practitioners, a new nest tree species for Oregon, and increased the have recognized the benefits of accessible and number of active nests with known fates in the state by standardized conservation roadmaps, as these can 20%. Subsequent years of this long-term study will present needed context, while enhancing allow for robust analysis of physiological and communication, scalability, transferability, and overall environmental factors affecting nest success and legitimacy of efforts. provide valuable information to land managers.

POPULATION GENETICS OF THE BAND-RUMPED 1Department of Ocean Sciences, University of STORM PETREL (OCEANODROMA CASTRO), AN California, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN SEABIRD 2NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Carmen C. Antaky ([email protected])1*, Emily E. 3Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santa Cruz, CA Conklin ([email protected])2, Robert Toonen 95062 ([email protected])2, Ingrid Knapp 4NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA ([email protected])2, and Melissa R. Price 98115 ([email protected])1 5Present address: American Bird Conservancy, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 1Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 1910 Pacific Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis rodgersii) East-West Road, Honolulu, HI USA 96822 overlap with U.S. North Pacific groundfish fisheries 2 Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, University of while foraging, resulting in incidental take of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Rd., Kāne‘ohe, HI thousands of fulmars annually. The majority of these USA 96744 birds breed at four major colonies in the Bering Sea (Pribilofs, St. Matthew, Hall Is.), western Aleutians The Hawaiian Band-rumped Storm Petrel (‘Akē‘akē; (Chagulak Is.) and Gulf of Alaska (Semidi Is.). Oceanodroma castro), listed in 2016 as federally Previously, it was demonstrated that, despite low Endangered, nests in remote locations that are difficult levels of genetic differentiation, a set of 141 genetic to access and spends most of its life at sea. As such, markers can be used to link individual fulmars back to very little is known about the movement among their natal colonies. We used these markers to evaluate islands and the potential for establishing new breeding the colony of origin for 1,536 fulmars caught as colonies in managed areas with predator controls. As a bycatch between 2006 and 2016. After quality first step in assessing connectivity, in this study we filtering, 1,501 bycatch samples remained in the evaluated patterns in genetic diversity among dataset and 47% of birds were assigned to one of the populations on the Main Hawaiian Islands. We four colonies at a 90% likelihood (high confidence) performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on DNA threshold. Of these birds, 35% originated from the from blood, feather, or tissue samples collected from Semidi Is., 20% from the Pribilofs, 25% from St. breeding colonies or downed individuals found on Matthew and Hall Islands, and 20% from Chagulak Is. Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi islands. Results These results suggest that among the samples tested, suggest minimal differences between the Kaua‘i and bycatch is not equally distributed among breeding Hawaiʻi island populations. Genetic analyses revealed colonies and is not proportional to colony size. In strong differentiation between the Maui population particular, fulmars from the Pribilof Is. make up about and those on Kaua‘i and Hawaiʻi islands. Findings from a fifth of the bycatch specimens sampled, but comprise this study may be used to inform seabird conservation less than 10% of the overall breeding population of the efforts in Hawai'i. The maintenance of genetic species. Spatial and temporal collection information diversity in future generations is an important paired with genetic stock identification can help consideration for conservation management of the elucidate potential impacts of bycatch to individual Endangered O. castro. colonies and the overall population of Pacific Northern Fulmars.

GENETIC ASSIGNMENT OF NORTHERN FULMAR BYCATCH REVEALS CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MAJOR RESTORING OFFSHORE ISLANDS: LESSONS BREEDING COLONIES LEARNED FROM LEHUA, HAWAII. Also alphabetized by Beck Patricia Baiao ([email protected])1*,

1 Diana Baetscher ([email protected])1,2, Jessie Mele Khalsa ([email protected]), 2 Beck ([email protected])3*, Michelle Hester Josh Atwood ([email protected]) , Sheri 2 ([email protected])3, Shannon Fitzgerald Mann ([email protected]) , Patrick Chee

2 ([email protected])4, Hannah Nevins ([email protected]) , Shane Siers 3 ([email protected])3,5, and John Carlos Garza ([email protected]) , Michael Fry 4 ([email protected])1,2 ([email protected]) , Gregory Howald ([email protected])1

1Island Conservation: 2100 Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz, 1Oregon Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, CA. 95060 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, 2 Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803 Forestry & Wildlife, 3060 Eiwa St # 306, Lihue, HI USA 96766 or Kalanimoku Building 1151 Punchbowl St. Room 325 Honolulu, HI 9681 A number of factors may explain differences in 3 USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife reproductive success among individual colonial Research Center, Hawaii Field Station, Hilo, HI nesting seabirds, including age, experience, nest site, 4USFWS and nest initiation date. We investigated the relative importance of these factors for explaining Islands are small, but they represent a significant reproductive success of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne proportion of biological diversity. They are the site of caspia) at East Sand Island in the Columbia River recently recorded species extinctions (Tershy et al. estuary. During 2015 and 2016, we monitored the 2015) and invasive species play a prominent role nesting attempts of a sample of individually marked being linked to 86% of all recorded island extinctions. terns and used a precise surveying instrument to The Hawaiian Islands are home several threatened measure the location of each nesting attempt relative species, many of which are threatened by Invasive to the colony edge and density of neighbor nests. Date Alien Species (IAS). Therefore, restoring offshore of nest initiation explained greater variation in island ecosystems represent an unprecedented individual reproductive success over the two breeding opportunity, and conservation interventions, such as seasons than other variables investigated. the eradication of invasive species, have been Reproductive success was strongly negatively demonstrated to result in benefits to native species in associated with nest initiation date and was strongly the terrestrial and marine habitats, as well as to local positively associated with the density of nearby tern communities. However, eradication of IAS on islands nests, although nest density was ranked below nest are complex technical, social, and political exercises. A initiation date in relative importance. Nest location multi partner initiative to remove rats from Lehua relative to the colony edge, age, and breeding Island is a representative example of the complexities experience each explained some, but less variation in that are encountered, with a thorough regulatory reproductive success. Individuals that initiated nests process at both federal and state level including earlier were more likely to re-nest if their initial compliance with the National Environmental nesting attempt failed; some individuals re-nested up Protection Act (NEPA) and Hawaii Environmental to three times after failure of their first nesting Policy Act (HEPA), as well as formal consultations on attempt. Birds that re-nested for a second time were risk assessment to endangered species. Finally, an more successful than terns initiating their first attempt extensive community engagement strategy, that at similar times later in the season, suggesting that included a public-private steering committee with early nesters are more fit compared to those that representatives from potentially affected initiated first nests later in the season. Overall, the communities, public meetings, radio shows, and timing of initiation of first nesting attempts in a season printed media with the goal of providing transparency explained most of the variation in individual and the best available information on the potential reproductive success. benefits of the operation as well as the potential risks to native species and humans which revealed underlying conflict that created uncertainty. NOAA’S NATIONAL SEABIRD PROGRAM: ADVANCING CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES, AND TIME AFTER TIME: EARLY NEST INITIATION IS ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT THROUGH A ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN AND PROBABILITY OF RE-NESTING BY CASPIAN TERNS IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER ESTUARY Lisa T. Ballance ([email protected])1, 2* , Annette E. Henry ([email protected])1, Trevor Joyce Olivia A. Bailey ([email protected]) 1*, ([email protected])1, Thomas P. Good Daniel D. Roby ([email protected])1, ([email protected])3, Robert M. Suryan Donald E. Lyons ([email protected])1, and ([email protected])4, Jeannette E. Zamon Yasuko Suzuki ([email protected])1 ([email protected])5 , Shannon Fitzgerald

([email protected])6, and Jason E. Jannot Garwood ([email protected]) 2, Darren ([email protected])3 Ward ([email protected]) 1, and Colin Anderson ([email protected]) 2 1Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA 92037 1Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, 2Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 8622 Kennel CA 95521 Way, La Jolla, CA, USA 92037 2California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 619 2nd 3Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Street, Eureka, CA 95501 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA, USA 98112 4Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Predation by seabirds on fish is a key ecological 17109 Pt. Lena Loop Rd., Juneau, AK, USA 99801 process implicated in structuring marine and 5Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, freshwater communities, and population growth of Pt. Adams Research Station, PO Box 155, Hammond, fish and bird species alike. Seabird predation on OR, USA 97121 juvenile salmonids is difficult to observe directly, yet 6Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, salmonid populations marked with passive integrated 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 transponder (PIT) tags allow indirect observations of seabird predation when seabirds deposit these tags NOAA Fisheries’ National Seabird Program (NSP) was into nesting colonies after consuming them. In 2017- created in response to Executive Order 13186 18, we searched five Double-crested Cormorant (Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect (Phalacrocorax auritus) and Caspian Tern Migratory Birds) and the U.S. National Plan of Action (Hydroprogne caspia) colonies in the vicinities of for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Humboldt and Trinidad Bays, Humboldt County, Longline Fisheries. The NSP is a crosscutting group of California, and located 2521 PIT tags. We conducted managers and scientists who work domestically and repeat systematic surveys and excavated pits at one internationally to protect and conserve seabirds as site (Sand Island, which had the majority of tag guided by statutes and emerging agency priorities. In recoveries) to estimate detection probability. We May 2018, the NSP convened a two-day meeting to determined the provenance of 2439 of these tags via share ongoing research and goals, revisit and refine collaboration with public agencies, tribal entities, and the NSP mission and vision, and draft a strategic plan. private groups in California, Oregon, Washington. Most NSP representatives from every NOAA Fisheries identified tags were used to mark coho salmon science center, regional and headquarters offices, and (Oncorhynchus kisutch; 93.3%) and other salmonids invited participants from NOAA’s National Ocean (6.5%), and most (84.0%) were used to mark fish in Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of the Humboldt Bay watershed. Some identified tags Ocean Energy Management, and regional Fishery were last seen in fish in the Okanogan River in Management Councils attended. Five strategic Washington, or Santa Cruz County, California. It is initiatives were developed: (1) monitor and estimate unclear if tags from distant watersheds were seabird bycatch; (2) mitigate seabird bycatch; (3) deposited by migrating local breeders or transient strengthen key partnerships; (4) promote seabirds in birds from other sites. Identified tags originated in advancing ecosystem-based fisheries management; 2004-2018, and mean salmonid length at time of and (5) elevate awareness of and support for NSP. marking was 99 mm (range 50-243 mm). We report These initiatives will form the framework for a five- tag population estimates corrected for recapture year strategic plan that will promote awareness and probability and provide what is likely a novel method value of seabirds, foster collaboration, and coordinate for estimating abundance of pit tags at seabird colonies and direct resources to accomplish the goals and based on spatial capture-recapture. objectives established in the strategic plan.

GENETIC ASSIGNMENT OF NORTHERN FULMAR PREDATION BY SEABIRDS ON SALMONIDS IN THE BYCATCH REVEALS CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MAJOR HUMBOLDT BAY REGION REVEALED BY COLONY BREEDING COLONIES RECOVERIES OF PIT TAGS Alphabetized by Baetscher and also by Beck

Daniel Barton ([email protected])1*, Diana Baetscher ([email protected])1,2, Jessie Rebecca Garwood ([email protected]) Beck ([email protected])3*, Michelle Hester 2, James Ray ([email protected]) 2, Justin ([email protected])3, Shannon Fitzgerald

([email protected])4, Hannah Nevins Kordesch ([email protected])3, Paul Hobi ([email protected])3,5, and John Carlos Garza ([email protected])3, Karen Reyna ([email protected])1,2 ([email protected])3

1Department of Ocean Sciences, University of 1Humboldt State University, Dept. of Wildlife, Arcata, California, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 California 95521 USA. 2NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Santa 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Francisco Bay Cruz, CA 95060 National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Fremont, California 3Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santa Cruz, CA 94555 USA. 95062 3Seabird Protection Network, Greater Farallones 4NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA National Marine Sanctuary, San Francisco, California 98115 94129 USA 5Present address: American Bird Conservancy, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 In central California, colonies of Common Murres (Uria aalge) and Brandt’s Cormorants (Phalacrocorax Pacific Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis rodgersii) penicillatus) are impacted by human disturbance from overlap with U.S. North Pacific groundfish fisheries aircraft and watercraft. The Common Murre while foraging, resulting in incidental take of Restoration Project has conducted monitoring since thousands of fulmars annually. The majority of these 2005 at three key colonies: Point Reyes Headlands birds breed at four major colonies in the Bering Sea (PRH), Devil’s Slide Rock & Mainland (DSR) and the (Pribilofs, St. Matthew, Hall Is.), western Aleutians Castle-Hurricane Colony Complex. All potential (Chagulak Is.) and Gulf of Alaska (Semidi Is.). sources of human disturbance within 460 m horizontal Previously, it was demonstrated that, despite low distance and 305 m vertical distance from colonies levels of genetic differentiation, a set of 141 genetic were recorded as detection events. Any events that markers can be used to link individual fulmars back to caused agitation (or, alarm), displacement, or flushing their natal colonies. We used these markers to evaluate of seabirds were recorded as disturbance events. In the colony of origin for 1,536 fulmars caught as addition, types and affiliations of detection and bycatch between 2006 and 2016. After quality disturbance sources were recorded whenever filtering, 1,501 bycatch samples remained in the possible. Using these data, the Seabird Protection dataset and 47% of birds were assigned to one of the Network (SPN; Greater Farallones National Marine four colonies at a 90% likelihood (high confidence) Sanctuary) has conducted outreach to relevant user threshold. Of these birds, 35% originated from the groups, specifically pilots and boaters, to increase Semidi Is., 20% from the Pribilofs, 25% from St. awareness of seabird colonies, impacts of disturbance Matthew and Hall Islands, and 20% from Chagulak Is. to seabirds in the region. Results of monitoring since These results suggest that among the samples tested, 2005 show significant declining trends in annual bycatch is not equally distributed among breeding detection rates (detections/hour) for all aircraft at colonies and is not proportional to colony size. In PRH and DSR and for fixed-wing planes at all three particular, fulmars from the Pribilof Is. make up about colonies. Results for aircraft disturbance appear to a fifth of the bycatch specimens sampled, but comprise show a declining trend, although not less than 10% of the overall breeding population of the significant. Significant declining trends were found for species. Spatial and temporal collection information annual watercraft detection rates at PRH and paired with genetic stock identification can help watercraft disturbance rates at PRH and DSR, elucidate potential impacts of bycatch to individual including within a state Special Closure (no entry colonies and the overall population of Pacific Northern zone) established at DSR in 2010. These results Fulmars. indicate that the cooperative efforts of monitoring and outreach may be making positive strides toward reducing human disturbance at central California COOPERATIVE MONITORING AND OUTREACH colonies. EFFORTS LEAD TO DECLINING HUMAN DISTURBANCE TO SEABIRD NESTING COLONIES MODELLING CANDIDATE MARINE CRITICAL Cassie M. Bednar ([email protected])1*, HABITAT FOR MARBLED MURRELET Gerard J. McChesney ([email protected])2, (BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS) IN THE Richard T. Golightly NORTHERN SALISH SEA. ([email protected])1, Wendy

suggests that flight speed (easy to measure) could be Bertram, D.F.( [email protected]) 1* used as a parameter of estimating net intake rate (hard O’Hara, P.D.( [email protected])1, Robinson, C.L.K.R. to measure). The prey consumed by Pacific Dunlins ([email protected]) 2, McCartney, L.( (Calidris alpina pacifica) presumably reproduce little [email protected])1, Morgan, K.H. or not at all during winter in the Fraser River Estuary, ([email protected]))1 Faust, D BC. Consequently, the prediction was that foraging ([email protected])1, and Woo, K intake rate declines over the course of the winter due [email protected]) 3 to food depletion.

1ECCC, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, BC, V8L A radar unit was used, custom built for measuring 4B2 flight speed of dunlins over the course of a full 2DFO, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7 nonbreeding season. This enabled accurate 3ECCC, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, BC, V4K measurements made throughout an entire tidal cycle. 3N2 With help of a simple foraging model, translating easily-measured foraging flight speeds into estimates Canada’s Marbled Murrelet Recovery Strategy uses a of difficult-to-measure energy consumption rates, it robust coast-wide model of suitable terrestrial nesting was possible to assess whether the feeding of dunlins habitat and now requires information on marine along habitats measured declined over the course of a Critical Habitat for British Columbia. Here we model winter. candidate marine Critical Habitat in the northern Preliminary results indeed show a significant decline Salish Sea to test methods which, if robust, could be in flight speed as well as power expenditure, although used on a broader, coast-wide scale. We compare the the fit is low for now. This and earlier research support results of MaxEnt and Random Forest models which the method we are developing which can potentially each used 10 variables: bird distribution and be used in many contexts, such as environmental abundance (KDEs from at-sea surveys adjusted for impact survey effort), bathymetry, bycatch of sand lance from assessment and development of new conservation juvenile salmon surveys, distance of each cell centroid strategies. (1km2 resolution) to the closest suitable nesting habitat, distance of each cell centroid to closest shore, distance of each cell centroid to closest estuary, SOME HARD-WORKING CASPIAN TERNS TAKE A percent seabed slope, bottom current speed, and SABBATICAL Pacific Sand Lance burying habitat. The sand lance burying layer was derived from a MaxEnt model Kirsten S. Bixler ([email protected])1*, driven mainly by a sand-shell layer bottom patch Yasuko Suzuki ([email protected])1, model, and including distance to terrestrial sand bluff, Timothy J. Lawes ([email protected])1, distance to sand and gravel beaches, depth, bottom Donald E. Lyons ([email protected])2, and tidal current, distance to estuary, shoreline exposure, Daniel D. Roby ([email protected])1 and seabed slope. We discuss the model results in the Salish Sea and the utility of the techniques for 1Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, application to other coastal regions. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA 2National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration SEASONAL FOOD DEPLETION IN SHOREBIRD Program and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, HABITATS Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803 USA Joachim Bertrands ([email protected])1,2* Skipped breeding can affect both parental survival and 1Wageningen University & Research Center, 6708 PB lifetime reproductive success in long-lived seabirds, Wageningen, The Netherlands but has not been well documented in most tern 2Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, species. We placed field-readable leg-bands on nearly Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada 7500 Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) in Oregon from 2001 to 2011 and used this banded cohort to Foraging flight speed theory suggests that birds adapt examine the proportion of Caspian Terns that skipped their flight speed to habitat quality. Earlier research breeding at the East Sand Island colony during a 3-year

7 period when colony size was fairly stable (~6000- POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE OF RED-FACED 7500 nesting pairs) and nesting density was >1 AND PELAGIC CORMORANTS IN THE ALEUTIAN AND nest/m2. Although the detection probability of banded PRIBILOF ISLANDS terns at East Sand Island was high, confirmation of nesting attempts by banded individuals was more Dustin Carl ([email protected])1* and Douglas Causey difficult. We used a proxy measure to substitute for ([email protected])1,2 confirmed breeding activity; any banded individual resighted at East Sand Island on 5 different days within 1Dept Biological Sci, U Alaska Anchorage, 3211 a 90-day breeding period was considered a “breeder.” Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 Of 246 “breeders” documented in both 2012 and 2016 2Dept Fisheries, U Alaska Fairbanks College of at East Sand Island, an average of 22 (8.9%, Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Fairbanks, AK 99775 range=4.1% to 12.2%) took a sabbatical from breeding in each of the 3 intervening years. A total of 48 Recent local declines in population numbers of Red- “breeders” (19.5%) took a sabbatical from breeding faced and Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax for at least 1 of the 3 years; 13% took a sabbatical for urile and P. Pelagicus) have prompted increasing 1 year, 5.7% for 2 years, and 0.8% for all 3 years. All attention on understanding the possible factors “breeders” were resighted at least once at East Sand affecting the breeding success and ecological Island in all years suggesting that the decision to take correlates of population distribution and abundance. a sabbatical from breeding may be based on conditions Rapid and severe regional declines of Red-faced at the colony, such as availability of nest sites or forage Cormorants, particularly in the Western Aleutian fish. Islands and the Pribilof Islands, have prompted its designation as a Priority Species by USFWS Region 7. Although both Red-faced and Pelagic Cormorants have SEA BIRDS IN MAKAH CULTURE a widespread distribution and are sometimes locally abundant, little is known about the population Kylee Butler* ([email protected]) dynamics of either species. In order to best manage these species it needs to be determined whether Makah Tribal Member observed declines in abundance and breeding success require local, regional, or species -wide conservation Birds were part of the marine food tradition but not efforts. To determine the appropriate level for much is known about the specifics of hunting management and conservation efforts for these techniques, which species and in what abundance or species, it must first be determined whether these the use of various parts of the birds. Through species have an ecological or genetic metapopulation discussions with Makah tribal elders who have structure. participated in sea duck hunting on the Waatch, and examination of some of the artifacts currently located Genetic differentiation of seabird populations between at the Makah Cultural and Research Center (MCRC) I separate archipelagos or regions has been reported for will piece together what is known about this tradition several species, particularly for species where and examine how marine birds fit into current culture dispersal is limited Winter studies suggest Red-faced in Neah Bay, WA. Preliminary interviews with elders Cormorants are resident year-round throughout their provide indigenous insights into which tools were breeding range, and many birds remain near their used and how they were used. Bows found at the breeding colony in winter. In addition, peripheral Ozette excavation in the 70's have been identified as populations are more likely to be genetically distinct bird hunting bows. It is known that common from populations nearer to the center of a species mergansers (Mergus merganser) were hunted as distribution due to the limited dispersal options for recently as 30 years ago on the Waatch River. The birds on the periphery. This is especially true for a Makah language for marine birds and their product species like Red-faced Cormorants with a geographic will be explored. range that is latitudinally compressed. Given the perceived low rate of dispersal of Red-faced Cormorants it is very possible that genetic structure exists within the species, particularly for populations near the edge of the species distribution such as the Western Aleutian and Pribilof Islands.

The results of this study will be used to determine if trophic structure, and possibly with different species significant genetic population structure exists for composition. Analysis of archival specimens collected either Red-faced or Pelagic Cormorants. Further, if over 150 years show that these patterns appear to be population structure does exist, the results of this similar throughout the Arctic, but with the effect study will help determine if separate populations of gradient increasing with latitude and time. We discuss these species are distinct to the point that they need to the potential fine-scale implications of change on High be managed as discrete conservation units, in order to Arctic coastal ecosystems and the effect on seasonal best preserve genetic diversity at the species level. breeding populations of marine and terrestrial animals.

THE EFFECTS OF RAPID DESTABILIZATION OF COASTAL MARINE ECOSYSTEMS SEABIRDS SAMPLE PLASTIC POLLUTION: BONIN PETRELS (PTERODROMA HYPOLEUCA) AS Douglas Causey ([email protected])1*, Ashley BIOINDICATORS OF PLASTIC IN THE NORTH PACIFIC Stanek ([email protected])1, Kate Sheehan (KateSheehan@saumag.,edu)2, Kurt Burnham Lauren Chamberlain1* ([email protected]) and ([email protected])3 David Hyrenbach1

1Dept Biological Sci, U Alaska Anchorage, 3211 1Hawaii Pacific University, 1164 Bishop St, Honolulu, Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 HI 96813 2Dept Biological Sci, Southern Arkansas Univ, Magnolia AR USA Bonin Petrels (Pterodroma hypoleuca) have been 3High Arctic Institute, 603 10th Avenue, Orion, IL characterized by high incidence of marine plastic 61273 ingestion with 75 – 100% of sampled individuals containing debris. We contend that Bonin Petrels are Understanding the complex dynamics of ideal bioindicators of pelagic plastic pollution for the environmental change in northern latitudes is Northwestern Hawaiian Islands due to their breeding particularly critical for Arctic coastal communities, phenology, stomach anatomy, and foraging ecology. which are at the interface between land and sea. Our goal was to create baseline data for this species, Coastal marine foodwebs are more complex and develop necropsy protocol for the future and gain interconnected—even in the High Arctic—by insight to the types of plastic consumed. Necropsies comparison to those found in adjacent terrestrial and were performed on 84 Bonin Petrel specimen offshore marine ecosystems. Quantitative assessment collected from Midway Atoll to characterize body of marine foodweb structure and dynamics is condition and plastic ingestion. Samples remained challenging given the difficulty in direct sampling of separate by age class and stomach chambers. Plastic organisms in the water column, particularly so in samples were categorized by type, size, and polymer Arctic regions. We utilize instead indirect methods that composition. 95% of hatch-year birds had ingested allow reconstruction of foodweb structure and plastic (n=42); 83% had plastic in the gizzard and 60% entropic stability within a broad range of spatial and had plastic in the proventriculus. Among this sample, temporal scales using birds as proxy indicators of 79% of the birds ingested fragments with an average change. Avian communities of marine and terrestrial mass of 0.0099 ± 0.0157 g. 88% of the birds ingested Arctic environments represent a broad spectrum of line with an average mass of 0.0042 ± 0.0078 g. 93% of trophic levels, from herbivores, planktivores, after-hatch-year birds had ingested plastic (n=42), insectivores, nearshore and offshore fish, even other 93% had plastic in the gizzard and 19% had plastic in bird species. the proventriculus. Among this sample, 69% of the birds ingested fragments with an average mass of We have been reconstructing the foodweb ecology 0.0086 ± 0.0146 g. 83% of these birds ingested line using stable isotopes (d13C, d15N, d34S), parasites, and with an average mass of 0.0025 ± 0.0019 g. Fragments diet reconstruction of contemporaneous coastal bird and line make up the majority of ingested plastic types, communities in High Arctic (Northwest Greenland) giving insight into the types of plastic floating in their and Low Arctic (Aleutian and Bering Sea islands, AK). foraging region. Overall, there was more plastic in the Initial findings indicate that in the past decade Arctic gizzard than the proventriculus as well as more plastic coastal foodwebs are increasingly less predictable in hatch-year birds compared to after-hatch-year with higher structural variance, less complex, simpler

9 birds, expressing the need to keep these factors Levy4 ([email protected]), Andreanna J. Welch4 separate to avoid sampling bias. ([email protected])

1Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Geological THE PHYLOGENETIC POSITION AND GENETIC Survey EVIDENCE OF HYBRIDIZATION OF THE CRITICALLY 2National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian ENDANGERED CHINESE CRESTED TERN Institution Alphabetized by Chen 3Equipe AGRIPOP, CEBC-CNR 4Dept. of Biosciences, Durham University Jia Yang ([email protected])1, Guoling Chen([email protected])2, Leyang The Procellariiformes are by far the largest group of Yuan([email protected])1, Qin oceanic birds, but no complete phylogeny of the order Huang([email protected])1,2, Zhongyong is available. Most previous molecular studies of the Fan([email protected])1, Yiwei Lu([email protected])1, group have been based on small amounts of data, Siyu Wang([email protected])1, Yang generally sequences of the mitochondrial gene Liu([email protected])2*, Shuihua cytochrome-b, and have suffered from a lack of Chen([email protected])1* resolution owing to the small amount of sequence data, especially at deeper phylogenetic levels. In 1 Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, Hangzhou, contrast, recent large-scale genomic studies of avian 310014, China phylogenetics have necessarily included only a few 2 State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life representatives of the Procellariiformes. Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, We are using genomic sequence capture of UCEs to China study evolutionary relationships of all extant and recently extinct Procellariiformes, sampling 2-4 Determining the phylogenetic relationship among individuals of all ca. 130 extant and recently extinct species is central to understanding their evolution and species. Our overarching goal is to develop a biodiversity. Paradoxically, the phylogenetic position phylogenomic framework for studying the of threatened species, such as the critically evolutionary and ecological history of oceanic birds. A endangered Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus well-resolved species- and subspecies-level tree will bernsteini), is often unresolved because of their rarity. enable us to perform comparative studies of Here we examine mitochondrial loci data and diversification and trait evolution in the demonstrate that the Chinese Crested Tern and Great Procellariiformes, which vary tremendously in body Crested Tern (T. bergii) are sister species. These two size, wing morphology, ecological niche, foraging species appear to have diverged approximately 0.75 behavior, and extinction risk. Preliminary data from mya and are members of the genus Thalasseus. We selected species produced a well-resolved and well- argue that the diversity in the genus Thalasseus arose supported backbone phylogeny, enabling us to due to allopatric speciation in glacial age. Further our address relationships among families and the multi-locus analyses suggest the possibility of relationships of problematical taxa such as the hybridization occurred between the Chinese Crested fulmarine petrels and the Kerguelen Petrel Terns and Great Crested Terns, and might be the Aphrodroma brevirostris. gravest current threat to the endangered the Chinese Crested Tern. Our findings also call the need of monitoring hybridization in the conservation A NEW PROTOCOL FOR MONITORING TUFTED management of the Chinese Crested Terns. PUFFINS IN THE ALASKA MARITIME NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

TOWARD A COMPLETE PHYLOGENY OF THE Aaron Christ ([email protected])* and Brie PROCELLARIIFORMES Drummond ([email protected])

R. Terry Chesser1 ([email protected]), Helen F. James2 Alaska Maritime NWR, 95 Sterling Hwy Suite 1, ([email protected]), Vincent Bretagnolle3 Homer, AK 99603 ([email protected]), Andrea Estandía4 ([email protected]), Max A. Tufted puffins have attracted substantial recent concern due to population declines and colony

10 abandonment in parts of their range, and the species is ranging animals. However, when combined with currently being considered for endangered species additional foraging data, mercury may be an ideal protection. However, population status and trend tracer to link contaminant load to exposure risk among information from colonies in Alaska, where most of the colonies and associated foraging pathways or sites. world’s tufted puffin population breed, are limited and Here, we pair blood mercury concentrations and GPS difficult to collect because of the large number of tracking data in breeding western gulls (Larus colonies, vast expanse of the area, and remoteness of occidentalis, N=156) from five colonies in coastal most sites. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife California and Oregon, USA, to explore the extent to Refuge, which supports the majority of Alaska’s tufted which blood mercury burdens reflect short-term gull puffin colonies, is developing a new monitoring foraging spatial patterns. We used a Hidden Markov protocol to better assess changes in tufted puffin Model to identify putative behaviors and foraging populations in Alaska. We present a pilot study of this locations from GPS tracks. We then compare individual protocol from six islands in 2018, three with ongoing and colony movement metrics to measured blood annual seabird monitoring camps and three at less mercury values both within and among colonies. Our frequently monitored sites. We also discuss further results connect mercury concentrations with marine refinements for improvements based on this year’s and terrestrial foraging in gulls and provide insight results. into the foraging differences and differences in mercury exposure among breeding western gulls across their range. CONTAMINANTS AS ECOLOGICAL TRACERS: DOES MERCURY LOAD REFLECT FORAGING HABITS OF A GENERALIST SEABIRD? PREDATOR CONTROL ON A NAVY INSTALLATION: KEEPING THE ENEMY AT BAY Corey Clatterbuck ([email protected])1,2*, Rebecca Lewison ([email protected])1, Rachael Marcus A. Collado*, Caleb J. Morrison, and Gordon Orben ([email protected])3, Rob Suryan Willson-Naranjo ([email protected])3, Leigh Torres ([email protected])3, Josh Ackerman Research Corp of the University of Hawaii/US Navy ([email protected])4, Hillary Young Pacific Missile Range Facility, PO Box 128 PMRF ([email protected])5, and Scott Shaffer Public Works Office Bldg. 395, Kekaha, HI 96752 ([email protected])6 The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Natural 1.San Diego State University, Biology Department, San Resources Predator Control Program is a Department Diego CA USA of the Navy project, administered through the Pacific 2.University of California-Davis, Graduate Group in Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) of the University of Ecology, Davis CA USA Hawai‘i. The Navy is committed to managing its lands 3.Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries responsibly and protecting the species that live upon it and Wildlife, Hatfield Marine Science while furthering the various missions and goals. PMRF Center, Newport OR USA is a small US Navy base located on Kaua‘i that serves as 4.U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research an instrument and missile testing range, with facilities Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon CA in Koke‘e State Park, Makaha Ridge, Barking Sands, and USA Ni‘ihau Island. Many protected species visit, breed, or 5.University of California Santa Barbara, Department transit through these facilities, and the PMRF Predator of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Control team is tasked with protecting these species by Biology, Santa Barbara CA USA reducing the numbers of introduced non-native 6.San Jose State University, Department of Biological predators and ungulates on Navy lands. Intensive Sciences, San Jose CA USA trapping of feral cats and rodents has been the focus of the program, in addition to controlling loose dogs and Mercury is a commonly monitored contaminant in Barn Owls. Since the inception of the PMRF Predator seabirds because of its adverse impacts on avifaunal Control program in Nov 2016, 208 feral cats have been reproduction and survival, but is rarely used as an removed from PMRF using a combination of methods. ecological tracer. Biogeochemical processes can alter 94 rats have been caught as by-catch in feral cat traps, mercury bioavailability at multiple spatial scales and and an array of 30 Goodnature A24 traps has been in habitats, resulting in complex signatures among free- operation since Aug 2017, with each trap capable of up

11 to 24 activations before servicing. We also respond sooty shearwaters (Ardenna grisea) to demonstrate immediately to any sightings of loose dogs, which have range dynamics across various life history stages and been responsible for massacres of seabirds such as to identify when and where feasibility of protection is Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Laysan Albatrosses at the greatest. We found that 88.7% of MPAs are large PMRF in the past. Loose dogs are caught by hand via enough to protect localized species, but only 6.7, 3.9, noose-pole or trapped in a large cage trap and either and <1% are suitable for protecting intermediate, returned directly to their owner or sent to the Kaua‘i large, and vast-ranged species. However, life history Humane Society. We are committed to increasing our had a strong influence on home range size across the abilities to more effectively protect species present on annual cycle, and we highlight spatial patterns that base and are actively pursuing permissions to use increase feasibility for protection of highly mobile high-powered airguns, firearms, and different species in certain times of the year (e.g. molting, chick- trapping methods for Barn Owls, feral pigs, and feral rearing). Though protecting entire ranges of wide- goats. ranging seabirds is an intractable challenge, we emphasize that systematic protection may be feasible when isolating discrete life history phases. USING LIFE HISTORY TO INFORM MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING FOR THE PROTECTION OF WIDE- RANGING PELAGIC SEABIRDS STATUS AND NEST SURVIVAL OF ALEUTIAN AND ARCTIC TERNS BREEDING IN THE KODIAK Melinda Conners ([email protected])*1, ARCHIPELAGO, 2016-2018 Sara Maxwell ([email protected])1, Scott Shaffer ([email protected])2, Rachael Orben Alphabetized by Corcoran and also by Tengeres ([email protected])3, Alastair Baylis ([email protected])4,5. Jill E. Tengeres1 ([email protected]), Robin M. Corcoran2, and Donald E. Lyons3 1University of Washington, 18115 Campus Way NE, ([email protected]) Bothell, WA 98011 USA 2San Jose State University, San Jose CA 95192-0100 1 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State 3Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR. Center, Newport, OR 97365 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kodiak National 4South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin River Rd., Kodiak, AK. Stanley FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands 3 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 5Falklands Conservation, Stanley FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Program and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Islands Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR.

Large and persistent declines in seabird populations Aleutian terns (Onychoprion aleuticus) are colonial have led to conservation action, including the nesting seabirds that breed in coastal Alaska and the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs). MPAs Russian Far East, often in association with Arctic terns are a critical tool for conserving marine systems; (Sterna paradisaea). Tern colonies in the Kodiak however, their effectiveness is debatable for Archipelago have been the focus of periodic protecting highly mobile species. Given that many monitoring and research since the 1970s, providing seabird species cover vast areas, MPA design often valuable information on the status and ecology of both focuses on species that aggregate in space and time species. Seabird colony records from the 1970s-2018 and whose home ranges fall within political EEZs. identify 53 sites in the Archipelago with a history of Nonetheless, concerns over significant population tern nesting. During the 2016-2018 breeding seasons declines and growing interests in high seas MPAs we surveyed for terns at all 53 colony sites and underscore the need to understand spatio-temporal searched for new colonies. Across the three breeding dynamics of occurrence in wide-ranging species. We seasons, Arctic terns were active at 28 colonies, and measured home ranges from 15 tracking datasets from Aleutian terns were observed at 12 colonies. We 11 seabird species whose ranges vary from localized monitored nest survival through hatch by placing (103 km2) to vast (>106 km2), and we compared home digital game cameras at 68 Aleutian tern nests at seven range with sizes of existing MPAs. We then isolated colonies, and 11 Arctic tern nests at five colonies. Only three wide-ranging species: Laysan and black-footed seven camera nests survived to hatch (six Aleutian albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis, P. nigripes) and tern and one Arctic tern nest), and to our knowledge

12 none of these nests successfully fledged chicks. >15 maximum detections per dawn survey Predation was the leading cause of nest failure, (“abundant”) also had the strongest activity peaks in followed by nest abandonment, often associated with July, corresponding to timing of chick-rearing and flooding of nests at the high tide. Red fox were the most fledging; and 5 of 6 sites classified by AV as “occupied” common nest predator for both tern species, but the also had “abundant” ARU detections, suggesting that nest predator assemblage was diverse and included these metrics have some association to local breeding glaucous-winged gulls, mew gulls, black-billed effort. Patterns of abundance observed by radar did magpies, northwestern crows, brown bears, and short- not match ARU detections, with high-activity ARU sites tailed weasels. Due to high predation rates, variable (30, 79 maximum detections) having low radar nest initiation dates and re-nesting propensity, and detections (12-17). This suggests that the smaller frequent colony abandonment it was challenging to sampling radius of ARUs (approximately 200 m) can confirm nesting or determine nest success despite provide a more reliable indication of local stand camera deployment and multiple visits to most activity relative to radar surveys. colonies each season.

CALCULATING CARBON-AWARE CONFERENCE SEASONAL PATTERNS AND METRICS OF MARBLED LOCATIONS FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE MURRELET (BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS) PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP. VOCAL ACTIVITY FROM AUTONOMOUS RECORDING UNITS David Craig ([email protected]) and Angel Espinoza Robles ([email protected]), Jenna L. Cragg1*, F. Louise Waterhouse2, Frank I. Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, OR Doyle3, Monica H. Mather1, Bernard K. Schroeder4 USA 97301

1Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Pacific Seabird Group annual meetings allow for the Operations, 2080 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo BC V9T 6J9 rapid sharing of new ideas and are a vital part of our 2Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource scientific community, but these meetings also generate Operations, 2100 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo BC V9T 6E9 greenhouse emissions that contribute to climate 3Wildlife Dynamics Consulting. P.O. Box 3596. changes that are harming seabirds. Scientists Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0 including conservation oriented biologists often 4Bernard K. Schroeder Consulting. 351 Howard Ave. generate much greater greenhouse admissions that Nanaimo BC V9R 3R8 the average non-scientist primarily because of travel to conduct research or to attend professional The Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) meetings. Using attendance data for the current is a Threatened species under the Species At Risk Act in annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group I estimate Canada. In support of meeting regional habitat greenhouse gas emissions for all attendees using the retention targets for the British Columbia Marbled shortest possible direct flight or drive to the meeting Murrelet Implementation Plan (2018), we assessed site in Hawaii. Estimates of the future greenhouse the utility of autonomous recording units (ARUs) to emissions that will be generated for upcoming meeting sample murrelet vocal activity in potential nesting in Portland, Oregon (2020) and San Diego (2021) are habitat from 2016-2018. We compared results of also modeled. I do not suggest that meetings should be season-long ARU sampling to detections from audio- done away with, but as responsible members and visual (AV) and radar surveys to describe murrelet participants, we should clearly do what we can to vocal behaviours related to nesting across a range of minimize the ecological costs of our meetings. I forest patch sizes (n = 36, range 4.4 – 70 ha), in 5 propose including ecological costs related to travel landscapes ranging in levels of fragmentation. In 2016- distances and greenhouse gas emissions as a 2017, AV and radar surveys were conducted at 16 and significant factor in choosing future meeting 13 sites, respectively. Murrelet presence was detected locations. by ARUs at all 11 AV, and 13 radar sites where murrelets were detected by these methods, and at 2 sites where AV detections were absent due to low GLOBAL META-POPULATION VIABILITY ANALYSIS sampling effort. Murrelets were detected by ARUs DETERMINES RELATIVE EXTINCTION RISK AMONG throughout deployment (May-August), an average of THREATENED SEABIRDS 40% of sampled days (range 0-82%). ARU sites with

Donald Croll ([email protected])1*, Kelly (Newton) 1Universidad Veracruzana, Instituto de Ciencias Zilliacus ([email protected])1, M. Tim Tinker Marinas y Pesquerías, 617 Hidalgo Street, Col. Río ([email protected])2, Diana Ruiz Jamapa, Boca del Río, Veracruz, MX 94290 ([email protected])1, and Bernie Tershy 2Universidad Veracruzana, Instituto de Biotecnología ([email protected])1 y Ecología Aplicada, 101 USBI Avenida de las Culturas Veracruzanas, Xalapa, Veracruz, MX 91090 1 University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA USA 95060 Reproduction is one of the most important factors in 2 Nhydra Ecological Consulting, 11 Parklea Drive, the life history of organisms. In iteroparous and long- Head of St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada B3Z lived species, such as seabirds, the age of first 2G6 reproduction, parental care, reproductive success, self-maintenance (survival), longevity, and diet play a To prevent additional seabird extinctions, crucial role in their life history. Isla Rasa, located in the conservation practitioners need to know where to take Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California, is the action and what actions are most effective. We nesting site for 95% of the world’s Hermann’s gull combined a global database on the breeding location, (Larus heermanni) population. This species has population meta structure, and anthropogenic threats demonstrated high fidelity to the nesting site, as well with a detailed demographic and population database as reproductive strategies such as avoiding to develop a spatially explicit meta-population reproduction until favorable food conditions exist, viability analysis (mPVA) model for all IUCN longevity, late sexual maturation and low reproductive threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, rate. However, differences in the effect of cohort, and Vulnerable) seabirds. We completed an extinction risk environmental anomalies on chick productivity, have analysis for all extinction probability models for 94 not been individually characterized. The objective of insular threatened seabird species to determine which this preliminary study is to assess the effect of the species are at Extreme (>75% Risk Index) or High (50 cohort on the total chicks produced by female, and – 75% Risk Index) risk of extinction across a 100 year chicks produced by females between normal and high time horizon. Our analysis identifies six types of sea surface temperature (SST) conditions. For this, we conservation opportunities: 1) seabird species at analyzed 61 females from seven cohorts, ringed at the extreme or high risk of extinction in the next century, fledging age, between 1984 and 1993, and recaptured 2) families of seabirds (Procellarids) that include the in years subsequent to their sexual maturation until largest proportion of species with extreme or high risk 2013. Preliminary results show that in normal years of extinction, 3) the potential mitigation in extinction average chick production per female is 0.83, while in risk to be gained by conducting all feasible anomalous years average chick production per female eradications of damaging invasive vertebrates on at is 0.065. Moreover, the most important factor that least one breeding island of extreme/high risk determines reproductive success is the anomaly of seabirds, 4) the potential mitigation in extinction risk SST. This suggest that gulls prioritize self- to be gained by potentially conducting maintenance, by reducing or cancelling breeding in translocations/reintroductions to establish new anomalous years as a reproductive strategy, both, breeding colonies of extreme/high risk seabirds, and because of its specialized diet of forage fish, and 5) fundamental new tools or competencies necessary limited nesting site. to maximize the potential impact of seabird conservation. DETERMINANTS OF POST-FLEDGING SURVIVAL IN TRANSLOCATED ALBATROSS CHICKS INDIVIDUAL REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES OF HEERMANN’S GULL (Larus heermanni), NESTING IN Tomohiro Deguchi ([email protected])1*, RASA ISLAND, GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO Robert M Suryan ([email protected])2, Fumio Sato ([email protected]) and Kiyoaki Ozaki Gabriela De la Cruz-Pino ([email protected])1 ([email protected])1*, Enriqueta Velarde ([email protected])1, Mark Marín- 1Yamashina Institute for Ornithology, 115 Konoyama, Hernández ([email protected])1, Ernesto Ruelas- Abiko, Chiba Japan 270-1145 Inzunza ([email protected])2

2NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 3Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Auke Bay Laboratories, 17109 Point Lena Loop Rd., Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H4R2 Juneau, AK USA 99801 Understanding the fine-scale movements and habitat Post-fledging survival rate of translocated chicks is an use patterns of marine predators is critical for important factor determining seabird restoration identifying important foraging habitat and guiding success. We translocated 70 short-tailed albatross effective conservation planning. Here, Global chicks from source colony, Torishima, to a historical Positioning System (GPS) loggers were used to track breeding site, Mukojima, and hand-reared them during chick-rearing Cassin’s auklets (Ptychoramphus 2008-2012. Sixty-nine chicks fledged and 37 birds aleuticus) at their largest breeding colony, located on (54%) were observed at least once on Torishima or Triangle Island, British Columbia, Canada. Analyses Mukojima by 2018. Of the fledglings that returned to were conducted at both the individual and population Torishima, 99% were resighted by 6 years of age. We level to assess whether inter-annual variation in analyzed the effects of sex, translocation age, growth habitat use (2014, 2015, and 2017) could be explained rate, fledging age, fledging size, transmitter by dynamic oceanographic features, such as sea attachment method, and sea wave height after fledging surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll a on the return probability of translocated birds. Our concentrations, or by static bathymetric features. At results indicate high sea wave height decreased the both scales of analyses, the foraging behaviour of return probability of translocated birds (62% return Cassin’s auklets was most strongly influenced by SST. probability with wave height less than 1.5m and 43% At the individual level, birds spent more time foraging with more than 1.5m). The return probability was in areas with lower SST, relative to other areas visited lower in birds with transmitters attached by harness over the course of a foraging trip. At the population (25%) than birds with transmitters attached by tape level, the at-sea distribution of Cassin’s auklets varied (57%) or without transmitters attached (58%). across years, with birds using areas northwest of Reduced probability with transmitters attached by colony in 2014 and areas west of the colony in 2015 harness was also confirmed in naturally reared and 2017. Furthermore, the probability of foraging fledglings from Torishima during the same study across the study area was higher in areas with lower period (harness: 25%, tape: 56%). Whereas SST, suggesting that SST influences the broad-scale transmitter attached by harness provided information foraging distribution of Cassin’s auklets. Identification on migration and multi-year at-sea distribution, of the environmental drivers of habitat use across transmitter attached by tape were sufficient in multiple years can be used to help predict suitable at- providing valuable short-term (< 6 months) survival sea habitat across time, leading to more effective information post fledging while we developed hand- conservation management. rearing techniques - without compromising long-term survival as harness did. We recommend considering transmitter attachment method, if used, and sea PRELIMINARY EFFECTS OF THE 2016-2017 conditions near translocation site in planning seabird ERUPTIONS OF BOGOSLOF VOLCANO ON AT-SEA translocation projects. DENSITIES OF LOCAL SEABIRDS

Gary S. Drew ([email protected])1*, Nora Rojek HABITAT PREFERENCES OF CASSIN’S AUKLETS ([email protected])2, John F. Piatt REVEALED THROUGH GPS TRACKING ([email protected])1

1 Alice Domalik ([email protected]) *, Mark Hipfner 1USGS Alaska Science Center, 4200 University Dr., ([email protected])2, Katharine Studholme Anchorage AK 99508 3 ([email protected]) , Glenn Crossin 2USFWS Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, ([email protected])3, and David Green Homer AK 99603 ([email protected])1 Prior to its eruption on 12 December 2016, Bogoslof 1Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University, Island was a colony site for Fork-tailed Storm-petrels 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A1S6 (Oceanodroma furcata), Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus 2Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate glaucescens), Kittiwakes (Rissa spp.), Murres (Uria Change Canada, 5421 Robertson Rd., Delta, BC, spp.) and Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata). Canada V4K3N2 Repeated eruptions over the next eight months

15 reshaped the island, destroying vegetation and nesting other reasons; 23.6% of re-encountered birds were habitat through the deposition of large quantities of alive at the most recent encounter. Time to re- ash and pyroclastic debris. The extended nature of the encounter was compared by petroleum oiling status, eruption as well as different species composition species, year, age and sex (when available), and (primarily piscivores) differentiated this event from biomedical parameters. Data from petroleum oiled the recent Kasatochi Island eruption. Eruptions began birds were directly compared to values reported in prior to the 2017 nesting season and continued Sharp (1996) and showed 2.5- to 10-fold increases in through to late August, and so we expected that some mean time to re-encounter. Considering dead re- small amount of seabird mortality could be directly encounters alone, oiled birds showed significantly attributable to the eruptions. However, densities at sea shorter time to re-encounter than non-oiled birds for Tufted Puffin and Glaucous-winged Gulls did not (p=0.0092), but in California Brown Pelicans indicate changes from a pre-eruption survey in 2012. (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) and Common In contrast, Kittiwake (spp.) densities were lower and Murres (Uria aalge), oiled birds showed longer Fork-tailed Storm-petrels disappeared completely. intervals. Species was a highly significant factor in time Murre (spp.) densities were unexpectedly higher to re-encounter, as was year of admission, body following the eruption. We suspect this was due to condition at arrival into care, and total plasma protein failed or skipped nesting birds aggregating near the at release. With rare exception, all species included colony. No fledglings of any species were observed at- individuals surviving 2-14+ years after release. Live sea, though Glaucous-winged gull chicks were re-encounters of birds from this time period, observed on land. The immediate aftermath of the especially from Brown Pelicans, continue to occur. 2016-2017 eruptions has led to a loss of two breeding This study presents data regarding post-release seasons for local seabirds. However, like the survival of rehabilitated birds and found marked planktivorous auklets on Kasatochi, most of the improvement in post-release survival over previous common piscivorous species at Bogoslof have studies. This project informs treatment and euthanasia displayed a strong site fidelity, limiting short-term guidelines during future oil spills. changes in local abundances. Future surveys will allow us to separate the effects of nesting habitat and foraging resource limitations on these populations. ONCE AND FUTURE SEABIRDS OF HAWAI‘I POST-RELEASE SURVIVAL OF OILED AND NON- OILED AQUATIC BIRDS REHABILITATED IN David Cameron Duffy ([email protected]) CALIFORNIA 1997-2011 Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit/Makamakaʻāinana, Rebecca Duerr1* ([email protected]) Department of Botany, University of Hawaii/Ke Julie Skoglund1 ([email protected]) Kulanui o Hawaiʻi, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu Hawaii Jay Holcomb1 96822 USA Michael Ziccardi2 ([email protected]) The archipelago of Hawai‘i extends from Kure Atoll 1 International Bird Rescue, 4369 Cordelia Rd, (28o24`N; 178o20`W) at the northwestern end of the Fairfield, CA 94534, USA chain, to the southernmost island of Hawai‘i (19o31`N; 2 Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Ctr, One Health 155o30`W) 2,500 km away. Seabird breeding habitats Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of range from sea level on northern islands to 3055 m on California, Davis, CA 95616, USA Haleakala Volcano, Maui. We do not know how many seabirds were present before the arrival of humans International Bird Rescue has banded both oiled and but with no mammalian predators on the only land non-oiled rehabilitated aquatic birds in California masses in the North Central Pacific, the numbers must since the 1970s. We examined post-release re- have been large. Polynesians arrived in Hawaii around encounter information from birds banded during 400 AD, with Europeans following in 1778. Direct 1997-2011, with resightings included through Oct harvesting for food and feathers, introduction of 2017. Briefly, 23,061 bands were applied to 123 mammalian predators, land clearing, military bases, aquatic avian species, including 3998 petroleum oiled bombing and civilian disturbance must have greatly birds. There were 1,924 re-encountered individual reduced or extirpated breeding populations. Today, birds from 58 species, including 205 petroleum oiled the vast majority of Hawai‘i’s seabirds nest on low- and 1718 non-petroleum oiled birds rehabilitated for lying, predator-free islands in the Northwestern

Hawaiian Islands or on the islets and highlands of the FMR for any population of breeding seabird. We larger islands. The islands now hold 22 species totaling encourage the use of this app to complement approximately six million breeding individuals with a behavioural studies and increase understanding of total population of fifteen million. Contemporary how energetic demands influence the role of seabirds threats include human disturbance, plastics in the food as driving components of marine systems. chain, and introduced predators. Anthropogenic climate change in the form of sea level rise, increases in extreme rain events, and shifts in foraging areas ORNITHOGENIC SOILS AS A LONG-TERM present new challenges. Management began with the ‘BIOLOGICAL ARCHIVE’ OF ADÉLIE PENGUIN Native Hawaiians, but western-style conservation was (PYGOSCELIS ADELIAE) TISSUES IN ANTARCTICA begun by Teddy Roosevelt in response to uncontrolled plumage and egg exploitation, and continues by Steven D. Emslie ([email protected]) county, state, and federal agencies and NGOs. Today these agencies use predator control and eradication of University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department predators on small offshore islands to protect of Biology and Marine Biology, 601 S. College Road, surviving seabird populations. Increasingly exclusion Wilmington, NC USA 28403 of predators by fencing on larger islands and transplant of nestlings is being used to establish safe Ornithogenic soils are common in coastal ice-free nesting areas on the larger islands. These exclosures areas around Antarctica, especially those formed by may also become an effective response to loss of the Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae). Because of the nesting habitat on low-lying islands because of sea dry, cold environment that characterizes east level rise. Persistence of nesting seabird populations in Antarctica and the Ross Sea, these soils can provide an Hawaii will require continued investment in archive of well preserved penguin tissues and prey management on land; however, changes in the marine remains that date from hundreds to thousands of years environment and food supplies of Hawaiian seabirds old. Mummified chick carcasses as well as penguin may be of a scale that defies human intervention. bones, feathers, skin, and eggshell fragments are A MODEL TO ESTIMATE SEABIRD FIELD METABOLIC recovered from these soils and available for a suite of RATES analyses including radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA, stable isotopes, and most recently compound-specific Ruth E Dunn ([email protected])1* , Jonathan stable isotope analysis of past diet and fluctuations in A Green ([email protected])1, and Craig R White the marine environment. In addition, prey remains ([email protected])2 from guano including fish bones, otoliths, and squid beaks provide a sample of past marine conditions and 1 School of Environmental Sciences, University of sea surface temperatures. No other living seabird has Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK such a long record of tissues in sedimentary deposits 2 Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological from the same region where that species occurs today. Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria This unique record for the Adélie Penguin allows 3800, Australia investigation of ecological responses to climate change over multiple major to minor climatic events over For free-ranging animals, field metabolic rate (FMR) is millennia. New results from the Ross Sea where this the sum of their energy expenditure over a specified record extends to >45,000 years before present (B.P.) period. This quantity is a key component of ecological indicate frequent changes in colony distribution in processes at every biological level. We applied a relation to sea ice conditions and climate, and that phylogenetically informed meta-analytical approach most active colonies today are relatively young in age. to identify the large-scale determinants of FMR in Comparative studies of tissues from modern and seabirds during the breeding season, utilising data museum specimens provide additional context to this from 64 studies of energetics in 47 species, and use long-term record. these data to create a model to estimate FMR for any seabird population. We found that FMR was positively influenced by body mass and colony latitude and that it increased throughout the breeding season from incubation to brood to crèche. FMR was not impacted by colony-relative predation pressure or species average brood size. Based on this model, we present an app through which users can generate estimates of

GENOME-WIDE DATA REVEAL THE DEEP 1Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, Hangzhou, EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF OCEANIC SEABIRDS China (PROCELLARIIFORMES) 2Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China 3Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Andrea Estandía ([email protected])1*, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State R. Terry Chesser ([email protected]) 2, Helen F. James University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA ([email protected])3, Vincent Bretagnolle 4National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration ([email protected])4, Andreanna J. Program, Corvallis, Oregon, USA Welch ([email protected])1 Nest site selection plays a critical role in reproductive 1Department of Biosciences, Durham University success at seabird breeding colonies. Since 2013, we 2USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center have conducted a tern restoration project at the 3National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Jiushan Archipelago in the East China Sea to establish Institution a new breeding colony of Chinese Crested Terns 4Equipe AGRIPOP, CEBC-CNRS (Thalasseus bernsteini) and Greater Crested Terns (T. bergii). To develop a mechanistic understanding of With a striking 600-fold difference in weight between nest site selection and the causes of nesting failure in its smallest and largest members, the order this mixed-species tern colony, we divided the colony Procellariiformes—which encompasses petrels, storm site into 52 3m X 3m plots. In each plot we measured petrels and albatrosses—is the most diverse among vegetation cover, slope, distance to the nearest audio the oceanic birds; it is also one of the most threatened. playback speaker, and distance to the observation Despite this, their molecular phylogeny remains blind, factors that we suspected would influence tern unresolved. Previous order-wide studies have suffered nest site selection and breeding success. We then from poor taxon sampling and lack of resolution due to recorded the timing and rate of nest site occupancy the small amount of sequence data used—generally and subsequent nesting success in each plot to test restricted to a single mitochondrial gene. We are using whether those factors influenced nest site selection genome-scale nuclear DNA sequence data from 4365 and reproductive success. The results indicated that loci in 53 species, representing all genera and major vegetation cover, distance to audio playback speaker, lineages, to build a phylogeny and examine the deep distance to the observation blind, and the number of relationships within the order. We have confirmed other active nests in the plot had significant effects on that albatrosses are basal, and that the two lineages of nest site selection; terns tended to nest on plots with storm petrels are not sister to each other. We also greater vegetation cover, less rock and bare soil cover, found that diving capacity has likely evolved more closer to audio playback speakers, and further from than once, with the diving petrels being nestled within the observation blind. But plots with greater the Procellariidae but well separated from the other vegetation cover and greater slope had significantly diving taxon, the shearwaters. Our future work will lower nesting success. Our results suggest that by include representatives of all extant and recently managing the nesting substrate, controlling vegetation extinct species to investigate how ecology has growth, and keeping observation blinds a minimum influenced divergence and examine characteristics distance from the colony site, more suitable nesting that may be related to extinction risk. habitat could be provided and breeding success of the mixed-species tern colony could be enhanced.

NEST SITE SELECTION AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN A MIXED BREEDING COLONY OF A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SEABIRD SPECIES CHINESE CRESTED TERNS AND GREATER CRESTED FAILS TO RESPOND TO ERADICATIONS OF TERNS MULTIPLE INVASIVE PREDATORS

Zhongyong Fan([email protected])1, Xiao Johannes H. Fischer ([email protected])1*, Zhou([email protected])2, Yiwei Graeme A. Taylor ([email protected])2, Rosalind Lu([email protected])1, Daniel D. Cole ([email protected])3, Igor Debski Roby([email protected])3, Donald E. ([email protected])2, Doug P. Armstrong Lyons([email protected])4, and Shuihua ([email protected])4, and Heiko U. Chen([email protected])1* Wittmer ([email protected])1

1 School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ON THE DIET OF LAYSAN Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New ALBATROSSES, PHOEBASTRIA IMMUTABILIS, IN THE Zealand. EASTERN BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS 2 Aquatic Unit, Department of Conservation, PO Box REGION 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand. 3 Murikihu District Office, Department of Alphabetized by Fitzgerald and also alphabetized by Conservation, PO Box 743, Invercargill 9840, New Walker Zealand.

4 Wildlife Ecology Group, Massey University, Private William A. Walker ([email protected])1, Shannon Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Fitzgerald ([email protected])2, Jessie Beck ([email protected])3, and Erica L. Donnelly- The eradication of invasive predators from islands is a Greenan ([email protected])3 common technique to safeguard seabird populations, but post-eradication monitoring of those species is 1 Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science often lacking. The Whenua Hou Diving Petrel Center, NMFS, NOAA. (Pelecanoides whenuahouensis; WHDP) is a small, 2 Resource Ecology and Management Division, Alaska recently-described and ‘Critically Endangered’ Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA. Procellariiform seabird, currently restricted to Codfish 3 Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santa Cruz, CA. Island (Whenua Hou). Invasive predators, considered the major threat to WHDP, were eradicated on Codfish Stomach contents were analyzed from 125 Laysan Island in 2000; however, pre- or post-eradication albatrosses, Phoebastria immutabilis, collected from estimates of WHDP population size and trends remain the fisheries bycatch in the eastern Bering Sea and unknown, hindering assessments of the success of the Aleutian Islands region during the years 2008 – 2017. eradications. To estimate population sizes, we collated Food items obtained from fisheries sources and from simple intermittent field data (burrow counts [40 the natural environment were readily identifiable and years] and capture-mark-recapture [CMR] data [16 are treated separately in the analyses. Twenty species years]) and retrospectively accounted for various scavenged from fisheries sources were present in 92 sources of uncertainty. We then applied log-linear samples with an overall frequency of occurrence (FO) models to assess the population growth rate (λ) before of 89.0 %. Of these, three species utilized as bait in the and after predator eradications. The WHDP population demersal longline fisheries; Argentine short-fin squid, was estimated at 205 (184-226; CMR-based) adults in Illex argentinus, Pacific saury, Cololabis saira, and 2018. The pre-eradication λ was estimated at 1.022 Pacific herring, Clupea pallasi, were the most common (0.962-1.081; burrow-count-based), while the post- with an FO of 46.0 %. The remaining 16 species had a eradications λ was estimated at 1.018 (0.997-1.040; collective FO of 78.6 % and were scavenged from trawl burrow-count-based) and 1.043 (1.018-1.068; CMR- fisheries bycatch discards (offal). Within the naturally based). These results indicate no apparent difference occurring diet component there were 28 species between pre- and post-eradication λ, in contrast with present with an overall FO of 96.1 %. Twenty-five the responses of other (small) Procellariiformes. The species of mesopelagic squid made up the bulk of the lack of change between pre- and post-eradication λ, naturally occurring diet with an overall frequency by combined with the low post-eradication λ, indicates number of 99.0 % and FO of 96.1 %. Fishes played a that other threats may be limiting WHDP population minor role in the natural diet with a frequency by recovery. Our results illustrate that, contra prevalent number of only 0.9 % with an FO of 4.0 %. Of the assumptions, invasive predator eradications do not naturally occurring food components, Taonius borealis guarantee to recovery of remnant native populations. dominated the diet making up by number 43.5 % Provided historic data exists, we advocate the followed by ten species of the family Gonatidae with a continuation of simple, albeit imperfect, monitoring 29.3 % contribution by number. Collectively they methods, with retrospective corrections, to assess dominated the natural diet with a contribution of population recoveries. 72.8% by number and occurrence of 89.3%. We see a distinct bias toward adult-size mesopelagic squid, revealing these were probably scavenged at the surface as dead or moribund.

PINCH POINTS AND SCALE: IMAGINING A NEW ETHNO-ORNITHOLOGY IN RAPA NUI (EASTER BIOGEOGRAPHY FOR SEABIRDS OF THE CENTRAL ISLAND): THE IMPORTANCE OF PACIFIC SEABIRDS FOR CONSERVATION AND LANGUAGE STRENGTHENING. Elizabeth Flint ([email protected]) Marcelo Flores ([email protected])1*, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine National Pedro Hito-Hito2, Graciela Campbell2 Monuments of the Pacific, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite ([email protected])2, and Pedro Lazo 5-231, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 USA ([email protected])2

Conservationists identify threats to wildlife and 1Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad. Facultad ecosystems, prioritize them, and manage de Ciencias de la Vida. Universidad Andrés Bello, them. Pelagic seabirds present a challenge to Santiago, Chile. practitioners because their natural history includes 2Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) Rapa Nui both intense fidelity to nesting sites that may not vary more than a few meters during an individual’s lifespan Coexistence of the human and bird dimension has and vast foraging ranges that encompass entire rarely been considered in avian conservation, hemispheric ocean basins. Both our scientific especially regarding the ancestral knowledge of native understanding of seabird biology and our ability to people. Rapa Nui has historically experienced multiple moderate threats from human-induced changes are alterations of anthropic origin that led its people influenced by our own limitations as terrestrial almost to extinction, the loss of both written language creatures in that we have learned much more about and their strong connection with nature, such as the seabird behavior, physiology, and ecological Tangata manu ritual. vulnerabilities in the breeding colonies than we have Today, oral communication from the older to younger in the oceanic habitats of these species. Human generations is the only source of transmissional introductions of mammals to oceanic islands have knowledge that evidences loss of ancestral cognition determined the current breeding map of central Pacific about biodiversity. This has led to the use of generic seabirds because mammalian predation at the nest is a names for different wildlife groups, thus hindering selective force that oceanic island breeders are unable species identification. In this sense, correct to withstand. Existing breeding distributions are identification of species according to the original relicts of the spread of human commensal mammals context and language is imperative to incorporate the starting a few thousand years ago. The realization that local community in conservation tasks and the simply removing or excluding mammals from an area protection of Rapa Nui's natural heritage. can restore seabird breeding, either with natural In recent years, we managed to create a database of recolonization or by translocation, has opened up local, common and scientific names. By incorporating thrilling opportunities for us. The looming specter of children from schools, through talks and workshops, climate change with its multiple overwhelming threats we have achieved that these names can be used to seabirds on land and at sea has increased the regularly and transmitted to their families. In this way urgency to use the tools of eradication, translocation, we contribute to the knowledge and identification of and assisted colonization in combination with our different species of seabirds, increasing their interest understanding of foraging habitat requirements more in this taxon and the Rapanui language. An example is aggressively to assist as many species as possible the case of Tropicbirds (Tavake), having proposed new through the rapid changes to come. names that allow to differentiate the two species present on the island, such as Tavake hiku mea-mea for the Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda) and Tavake hiku tea-tea for the White-tailed Tropicbird (P. lepturus).

DIVING DEPTHS OF CASSIN’S AUKLETS IN A CHANGING A SPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF ALBATROSSES, CLIMATE FISHERIES, AND BYCATCH EVENTS IN COASTAL BRITISH COLUMBIA Clare Flynn1* ([email protected]), Pete Warzybok2 , ([email protected]), Andre Cavalcanti1, Caroline Fox ([email protected])1*, Colin ([email protected]), Nina Karnovsky1 Robertson ([email protected])2, Patrick O’Hara ([email protected])**, Jaime Jahncke2 ([email protected])3, Rob Tadey ([email protected]) ([email protected])4, Ken Morgan ([email protected])3 1Pomona College, Department of Biology, 175 W. 6th St. Claremont, CA USA 91711 1Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate 2Point Blue Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive, Change Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Suite #11 Petaluma, CA USA 94954 5421 Robertson Rd., Delta, BC, Canada, V4K 3N2. 2Department of Geography and Environmental Cassin’s auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave., reproductive success has been monitored on Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3C5. Southeast Farallon Island (SEFI) for the past 47 years. 3Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Their annual productivity has varied with Change Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 W. oceanographic conditions from years with 0 chicks Saanich Rd., Sidney, BC, Canada, V8L 4B2. 4Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 401 Burrard Street, raised (e.g. 2005 and 2006) to years with many double Vancouver, BC Canada, V6C 3S4. broods (e.g. 2010). Cassin's auklet reproductive success is dependent their ability to find high densities A primary threat faced by the majority of the world’s of zooplankton (primarily Thysannoessa spinifera and albatrosses is fisheries bycatch mortality. Although Euphausia pacifica) close to the colony during chick quantitative estimates of albatross bycatch are often rearing. The purpose of this study was to understand unavailable due to a relative lack of monitoring, spatial how oceanographic conditions affect Cassin’s auklet overlap between fisheries and albatrosses is diving behavior. We hypothesized that lower commonly used to estimate the extent of spatial upwelling and/or higher sea surface temperatures interaction, a proxy for bycatch risk. Using records of (SSTs) lead Cassin’s auklets to dive to greater depths. commercial longline and trap fishing and survey We assumed that deeper dives reflect lower food information for albatrosses (Black-footed Albatross, availability and increased searching effort for prey. We Phoebastria nigripes; Laysan Albatross, P. immutabilis; deployed time depth recorders (TDRs) on 85 Cassin’s Short-tailed Albatross, P. albatrus), the extent of spatial interaction was estimated in Canada’s Pacific auklets on SEFI from 2008-2017 for 268 foraging trips. coast waters. Overall, the distributions of albatrosses We programmed the TDRs to record temperature and and longline and trap fisheries were found to pressure every 5 seconds, and every 0.5 seconds when substantially overlap, with interaction hotspots diving. We used the Pacific Fisheries Environmental concentrated along the continental shelf break. Trap Laboratory derived upwelling index (UI) from three fisheries reported only one albatross bycatch event, months prior to the early chick-rearing season, and suggesting that these fisheries are responsible for SST measured from SEFI during the days the TDRs negligible albatross mortalities despite substantial were deployed. We found that in years with higher overlap. In contrast, >80% of recorded albatross SSTs and in years with less upwelling, the Cassin’s bycatch events occurred within 10 km of longline auklets made deeper dives. These results show that the fisheries-albatross hotspot locations, providing physical conditions that drive the development of the evidence that longline-albatross interaction hotspots California Current system food web influence the and adjacent areas represent actual areas of elevated foraging behavior of top predators. risk. Indicative of a potentially significant conservation concern, 45% of Short-tailed Albatross sightings occurred within 10 km, and 67% within 30 km, of longline-albatross interaction hotspots. Contributing knowledge regarding the extent of albatross-fisheries interactions, in addition to undertaking the first evaluation of albatross-fisheries hotspots with recorded bycatch events on Canada’s Pacific coast, this

21 study informs albatross bycatch mitigation efforts in to alleviate or influence human-induced effects. The Canadian waters. information will assist with proactively resolving human-wildlife management across the state of Hawai‘i concerning a federally protected species. THE IMPACTS OF LIGHT POLLUTION ON WEDGE- TAILED SHEARWATERS ALONG SOUTHEASTERN OʻAHU POSITIVE TRENDS IN RECRUITMENT AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF ʻUAʻU (PTERODROMA Brooke Friswold([email protected])1*, Keith SANDWICHENSIS) ON LEEWARD HALEAKALĀ Swindle ([email protected])2, David Hyrenbach ([email protected])3, Tiana Bolosan Martin Frye ([email protected])1*, George Akau ([email protected])4, Melissa Price ([email protected])2, Benjamin Campbell ([email protected])1 ([email protected])2, Jenni Learned ([email protected])1, Jay Penniman 1Natural Resource and Environmental Management, ([email protected])1 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 1910 East-West Road, Sherman Laboratory 101; 1Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, PO Box 903, Honolulu, HI 96822 Makawao, HI 96768 2Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands U.S. Fish and Wildlife 2Auwahi Wind Energy, PO Box 201364, Kula, Hi 96790 Service, 300 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96850 3Marine Conservation, Hawai‘i Pacific University, 41- The endangered ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian petrel, Pterodroma 202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795 sandwichensis) has suffered population decline due to 4Offshore Management, Hawai‘i Division of Forestry habitat change and introduced alien mammals. The and Wildlife, Kalanimoku Building 1151 Punchbowl most significant remaining colony is located within St. Room 325 Honolulu, HI 96813 Haleakalā National Park, with birds nesting in lower densities in surrounding buffer zones. Maui Nui The attraction to light was a previously beneficial Seabird Recovery Project works to protect ʻUaʻu by behavior for seabirds. The invention of artificial light is monitoring burrows and controlling predators in now negatively impacting their survival due to Kahikinui Forest and Nakula Natural Area Reserves on distraction and disorientation, leading to fallout and the leeward slope of Haleakalā. Auwahi Wind Energy often death. Hundreds of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters utilizes comparable methodology in the adjacent (Ardenna pacifica) experience fallout each fledging Kahikinui Petrel Management Area. We provide a season across O‘ahu, possibly due to artificial light combined analysis of recent trends in recruitment and pollution. We hypothesized the presence of artificial demographic patterns across three buffer zone field light was a significant factor contributing to fallout, sites using game camera, burrow activity, automated and that fallout increased over time. From 2002 to acoustic monitoring, and systematic ground search 2010 standardized surveys were conducted on the data. Southeastern shore of O‘ahu during the Wedge-tailed Shearwater fledging season (November-December). We calculate reproductive success of ʻUaʻu burrows The location of downed birds as well as the presence (N=131) using two metrics: R1=fledged chicks/total or absence of an artificial light source or fallout factor active burrows; and R2=fledged chicks/breeding within 25 feet was analyzed along transects. We burrows. Results from R1 are low due to an increase in employed spatial and temporal analyses to determine the number of prospecting birds. Results from R2 are if a correlation existed between likelihood of fallout increasing annually due to a relative increase in with presence of artificial light and other fallout fledged chicks. Low R1 accompanied with increasing factors. The effects of wind and power lines were also R2 rates are suggestive of a sub-colony in the early analyzed. We found that artificial light was present in stages of recruitment via immigration. Birds may be 94% of recovered Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, power recruiting into the study area from the larger colony lines in 83% and that fallout has been steadily within Haleakalā National Park, where predator increasing over time despite some years of decline. control efforts and ungulate exclusion have been This research suggests artificial lights are negatively ongoing for decades. Automated acoustic monitoring impacting fledging seabirds; the most endangered and systematic ground search data within taxonomic group. The results may be used to improve Kahikinui/Nakula support this interpretation of R1 management of seabird colonies near urban areas and and R2. Overall results indicate positive trends in

22 demographic composition of ʻUaʻu sub-populations in movements and nesting propensity were associated the buffer zone around Haleakalā National Park. with differences in ocean conditions, ultimately affecting food availability for Marbled Murrelets. Our results highlight the importance of understanding how BREEDING SEASON MOVEMENTS AND MARINE inter-annual variation in ocean conditions influences HABITAT USE BY THE MARBLED MURRELET habitat use, movements, and breeding propensity to (BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS) IN OREGON. inform future effective conservation planning and management for this threatened seabird. Garcia-Heras Marie-Sophie ([email protected])1*, Lindsay J. Adrean ([email protected])1, S. Kim BEHAVIOURAL CLASSIFICATION IN SHALLOW Nelson ([email protected])2, Daniel D. DIVING SEABIRDS INDICATES NEW SEARCH Roby ([email protected])3, Matthew G. BEHAVIOUR Betts ([email protected])4, and James W. Rivers ([email protected])1 Aran Garrod ([email protected])1*, Kentaro Sakamoto ([email protected])1, 1Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Sei Yamamoto ([email protected])1, Yoshinari Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA Yonehara ([email protected])1, Katsufumi 2Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Sato ([email protected])1 University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA 3US Geological Survey-Oregon Cooperative Fish and 1University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Sciences, 5 Chome-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, Prefecture, Japan 277-8561 USA 4Forest Biodiversity Network, Department of Forest The use of miniaturised data loggers for investigating Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, at-sea behaviours in seabirds has uncovered greater Corvallis, Oregon, USA detail about seabird movement and foraging. Behaviour can be classified using three-dimensional Identifying habitat use and movement patterns during acceleration recorded by animal-borne tags. the breeding season is essential for effective Classification of flapping and gliding phases in birds conservation. The Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus has improved knowledge of avian ecology, allowing marmoratus) is a threatened seabird in the Pacific estimates of energy usage and time budgets to be Northwest region that forages in nearshore waters and calculated. Similar behavioural derivation in deep nests in adjacent mature forest habitat. Despite its diving seabirds has advanced the study of seabird extensive geographic range, there are few data foraging energetics. However, shallow diving seabirds regarding movements and marine habitat use by this provide a more complex challenge given the shorter species. We captured at-sea and marked 137 adult and less distinct acceleration signals produced whilst Marbled Murrelets with VHF-telemetry tags during the surface diving. To improve description of shallow dive 2017-2018 breeding seasons along the central Oregon behaviour, 5 streaked shearwaters (Calonectris Coast. Birds were monitored for 59.6 ± 29.5 days leucomelas) were fitted with video and acceleration during the breeding season (May-August) by data loggers (Little Leonardo, Tokyo). An algorithm to conducting regular ground- and aerial-based discern behaviours from these acceleration signals has telemetry surveys to relocate individuals along the been generated. Preliminary results indicate a coast. Overall, we collected >1100 GPS locations using previously unreported behaviour. Dive bouts were aerial-based telemetry and >7300 bearings at ground- observed where birds made multiple landings to the based telemetry stations. We found large differences in sea surface in quick succession, typically taking off movements between the two study-years: in 2017, no within 1-2 seconds. Acceleration signals of these birds were detected moving inland to nest and the intermittent take-offs differed from take-off signals majority of individuals dispersed long distances to the when returning to transit flight. Further refinements in north or south, outside the 120-km core study area. In the interpretive algorithm will provide additional contrast, nesting was confirmed or likely for 11 detail of this behaviour and provide better evidence of individuals in 2018, with tagged birds clustering at-sea behaviours of shallow diving seabirds and our around specific marine areas and conducting shorter- understanding of their energetics and foraging distance movements. These inter-annual differences in patterns.

occupancy, hatching success) but slow chick SOME IMPORTANT AND UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS IN development and poor chick fledging success. Dead SEABIRD SCIENCE auklets examined by labs in the U.S. and Canada were emaciated and showed signs of pneumonia and Anthony Gaston ([email protected]) septicemia. Breeding performance in 2017-2018 returned to long-term averages, except for extremely Environment and Climate Change Canada, National low burrow occupancy in 2017, a possible holdover Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, effect. In 2016, auklet bill loads were considerably Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada lighter, contained fewer fish, and contained less energy than other years. To explore which might have come We can carry out research on most topics in zoology first—emaciation or disease—we analyzed fish using seabirds as our subjects, but certain aspects of condition calculated from auklet diet data as well as seabird research raise questions that are peculiar to from a 2016 Puget Sound trawl survey. Herring in the marine ornithology as a sub-discipline. These auklet diet in 2016 were smaller and in poorer questions mainly derive from the peculiarities of condition than herring from trawl sampling, but both seabird biology, especially the ‘seabird syndrome’ of herring and sandlance condition in the auklet diet in deferred reproduction, low fecundity, high survival 2016 did not differ from other years. Auklets may and delayed senescence. These characteristics are all regularly select smaller and lower condition fish than associated with a single feature of seabird ecology: available, as has been found elsewhere. Local foraging range during reproduction. The empirical environmental conditions and poor foraging observation that seabirds feeding far offshore have conditions may have led to a pathogen outbreak, or lower fecundity than those using inshore waters dates immunocompromised auklets may have provisioned to David Lack in the 1950s. However, ideas on the lighter and lower-energy bill loads, leading to poor contributing causes of the seabird syndrome are rarely reproductive performance. We are exploring factors explicitly proposed and even more rarely tested. I will such as contaminants and local environmental examine those theories that do exist in the light of indicators to address this “chicken or egg” conundrum. recent information relating to seabird foraging behaviour created by the deployment of tracking devices. I will also deal with some undescribed SEX RATIO IS VARIABLE AND INCREASINGLY MALE- demographic consequences of the typical seabird life BIASED AT TWO COLONIES OF MAGELLANIC history strategy. PENGUINS

Natasha Gownaris1* ([email protected]) and Dee UNRAVELING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Boersma1 ([email protected]) RHINOCEROS AUKLET MORTALITY EVENT OF 2016 1Department of Biology and Center for Ecosystem Thomas Good ([email protected])1*, Scott Pearson Sentinels, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, ([email protected])2, and Peter Hodum 98103 ([email protected])3 Sex ratios are commonly skewed and variable in wild populations, but few studies track temporal trends in 1Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA USA 98112 sex ratio. We examined sex ratio patterns at two breeding colonies of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus 2Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA USA 98501 magellanicus) in Chubut, Argentina. Penguins from both colonies spend the non-breeding season at sea 3Biology Department, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St., Tacoma, WA USA 98416 and oceanographic conditions during this period disproportionately influence female survival and Identifying causes of usual mortality events is critical skipped breeding rates. We predicted similar trends in to understanding marine ecosystem health. In the sex ratio at these breeding colonies (Prediction 1) spring and summer of 2016, >400 dead Rhinoceros driven by variation in the number of females returning Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) washed ashore in the (Prediction 2), poorer female reproductive eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. performance in years when fewer females returned to Meanwhile, auklets on nearby Protection Island breed (Prediction 3), and more male fights and lower showed normal early breeding performance (burrow male breeding rates in years when sex ratio was more male-biased (Prediction 4). We found support for all

24 but Prediction 3. Interannual variation in female reproductive performance was uncorrelated with sex ASSESSMENT OF PERSISTENT, BIOACCUMULATIVE ratio, possibly because females breeding in years of AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES (PBTS) IN BLACK-TAILED low female return rates are of high quality. Because GULL EGGS FROM SOUTH KOREA non-breeders influence colony dynamics and because ignoring skewed sex ratios can mask population Gi Myung Han ([email protected])1*, Sang Hee Hong declines, effective conservation of wild populations ([email protected])1,2, Won Joon Shim requires tracking adult sex ratios. ([email protected])1,2, Mi Jang ([email protected])1,2 , You Na Cho ([email protected])1,2, Sung Yong Ha ([email protected])1 MAPPING CONSENSUS ON GLOBAL MARINE PRIORITY REGIONS: IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES 1Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of FOR FUTURE PROTECTION Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea Gownaris, N.J.1* ([email protected]), Pikitch, 2Department of Marine Environmental Sciences, E.K.2,3 ([email protected]) Santora, C.M.2,3 Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon ([email protected]), Davis, J.4 34113, Republic of Korea. ([email protected]) Eggs have been used successfully as a non-destructive 1Department of Biology and Center for Ecosystem monitoring tool for persistent organic pollutants Sentinels, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, (POPs) and heavy metals. Seabird eggs have long been 98103 used as biomonitors for long-term monitoring of 2School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony environmental contaminants in the Europe and North Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794 America. In South Korea, national monitoring program 3Institute for Ocean Conservation Science, Stony on environmental contaminants has been run Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794 primarily for coastal sediment and bivalves, while 4Open Communications for the Ocean, Woodinville, biomonitoring program for high-tropic marine species WA, 98072 such as marine mammals and seabirds has not been established yet. The purpose of this study was to To effectively safeguard biodiversity, marine monitor seabird eggs inhabiting along the Korean protected areas (MPAs) must be placed using the best coasts to identify the levels and profiles of available science. There are numerous ongoing United contaminants. Black-tailed gull eggs were collected Nations and nongovernmental initiatives to map from breeding places located in the southern (Hongdo global marine priorities, but they have never been Island), eastern (Dokdo Island), and western considered in sum. Using a spatial meta-analysis of ten (Seomando Island) coasts of South Korea and egg such initiatives, we highlight important but content was used for chemical analysis. Among the unprotected areas of the ocean. We found that 55% of target analytes, PCBs and DDTs showed highest levels the ocean has been identified as a priority region by at at all sites, indicating their great bioaccumulation and least one initiative and that as many as seven biomagnification potential. The concentrations of initiatives overlap in a region. The selection criteria PBDEs and HBCDs in eggs were found to be relatively used by these initiatives vary greatly. Unprotected higher at Seomando compared to other two sites and regions identified by two to four initiatives cover the levels of PCBs and OCPs were similar among 12.5% of the ocean and represent excellent locations. The concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDs opportunities for future MPAs. Regions with five or were still lower than PCBs and DDTs, but relatively more overlapping initiatives are largely within MPAs higher than other POPs. The relatively persistent already, lending support to our approach to isomers or congeners of each compound such as p,p’- highlighting priority regions. We found that 10% of DDE, β-HCH, BDE-47, α-HBCD were dominantly nearly every EEZ lies in identified but unprotected accumulated in seabird eggs compared to in their regions and that there are many global opportunities preys. Key-word: seabird, egg, persistent organic for large (>100 km2) to very large (>100,000 km2) new pollutants, biomonitoring. MPAs. Our simple yet novel analysis represents an immediate and powerful tool to examine areas of importance for new MPAs.

BYCATCH OF BANDED SEABIRDS IN THE PACIFIC USING SEQUENCE CAPTURE AND ILLUMINA OCEAN, 1945-2018 SEQUENCING FOR POPULATION GENOMICS IN SEABIRDS Autumn-Lynn Harrison ([email protected])1* and

Sarah Poulin ([email protected])2 Michael G. Harvey ([email protected])1*

1Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute, 1Dept. Of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 430 Washington, D.C., USA Hesler Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 2Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA With the advent of short read sequencing technology, it is now feasible to obtain DNA sequences from across The use of leg bands on seabirds to provide knowledge the genomes of many individuals. Still unclear, of longevity, fidelity, connectivity, and impacts has a however, is which set of genomic markers to use and more than 80-year history in the Pacific Ocean. Today, what wet lab approach is best for subsampling whole most band encounters are reported electronically, genomic DNA. Seabirds pose particular challenges however, letters, postcards, and forms were because they breed in scattered and remote locations historically sent. For seabirds incidentally caught by that are difficult to reach for obtaining fresh samples, fisheries, paper records often included information necessitating the combination of samples from sources that was never entered electronically into the North like blood, feathers, muscle tissue, or skin at various American bird banding database including fishery stages of degradation. A laboratory method called type, name and flag state of the vessel, and sometimes, sequence capture uses custom RNA probes to extract personal stories. We reviewed North American genomic regions of interest and works well with all electronic encounter records of banded, incidentally manner of samples, even highly degraded material. caught seabirds in the Pacific Ocean spanning 1945- RNA probes designed to target conserved genomic 2018 (>10,000) to summarize longitudinal and regions can be used to obtain data from thousands of geographic patterns in reported fishery encounters loci in any seabird species without any prior with banded birds. To provide further insights on the knowledge of their genomic makeup. I will provide a fisheries themselves, we also transcribed information complete overview of sequence capture and Illumina from relevant USGS scanned and paper files (n=271) sequencing including sampling strategies, laboratory and cards in the archives of the Pacific Ocean Biological equipment and methods, and best practices for Survey Program at the Smithsonian Institution (n=35). downstream bioinformatics and analysis. Presentation Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes, 56%), material will be paired with an online tutorial on the Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis, 40%), and platform Github that can be used by researchers for Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus, 2%) assembling their own data. I will discuss the were the most frequently reported species. applications of this approach to a range of studies on Longitudinal and colony-specific patterns in reported seabird systematics, ecology, and conservation. bycatch were evident. Fishing vessels used ten gear types, targeted at least 11 fish species, and originated from eight countries with Japanese and United States AT-SEA FLOCK SIZE OF SEABIRD IN THE NORTHERN vessels accounting for over half of available records. BERING SEA Ninety vessel names were extracted from the records, primarily of Japanese tuna fishing vessels and U.S. Haruka Hayashi ([email protected])1*, Bungo government ships and including one U.S. whaling boat. Nishizawa1, Nodoka Yamada1, Charlie Wright2, Tohru This information will be presented together with Mukai1, Toru Hirawake1, Yutaka Watanuki1 examples of the colorful stories contained within the archives. 1Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate,Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan 2Washington Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, US Geological Survey, Seattle, WA, USA

Seabirds may vary their flock size according to their prey abundance. We conducted boat-based seabird

26 observations concurrently with acoustic survey (fish species. We are currently compiling data for the and zooplankton biomass) and CTD measurements in NPPSD v3, which will include more recent (2013- the northern Bering Sea during July 2018. We defined 2018) at-sea surveys of marine birds in the Gulf of “seabird flock” as the distance between nearest Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and the Bering, Chukchi and individuals <10 m. For Short-tailed shearwater Beaufort seas, and from locations beyond Alaska Puffinus tenuirostris (STSH) and Murres Uria spp. including Canada, Russia and the U.S. Pacific Coast. (MURRE), the size of flying and feeding flocks were not With collaborators at the Bureau of Ocean Energy different. The sizes of flying flocks of Crested auklet Management (BOEM), the NPPSD v3 will be used to Aethia cristatella (CRAU; 5.2 birds/flock) and Least model and map the distribution and abundance of auklet Aethia pusilla (LEAU; 5.3) were larger than common seabirds that use U.S. territorial waters off these of feeding flocks (CRAU 3.2, LEAU 3.0), while Alaska. In collaboration with partners at the National opposite trend was observed in Northern Fulmer Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), we will also compile Fulmarus glacialis (NORF; Flying 1.2, Feeding 4.7). data on the distribution of key forage species (e.g., NORF may search prey individually, while auklets do sand lance, capelin, age-0 pollock) in Alaska from with flocks. Flock size of foraging CRAU and LEAU were several available fisheries databases. This effort is also largest in Bering Shelf Water where zooplankton supported by BOEM to evaluate potential risks to fish biomass was the largest, while density of CRAU and and wildlife in oil and gas development areas. LEAU were highest in Anadyr Water (AW). Flock size of foraging MURRE and NORF were largest in AW where fish biomass was highest, while flock size of PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF A WIDESPREAD SEABIRD forging STSH was highest in Alaskan Coastal Water (ARDENNA PACIFICA) USING GENOME-WIDE where prey biomasses were lowest. Our study MARKERS indicates that seabird flock size may vary depending on their foraging type (i.e. surface feeders or divers) Rachael Herman ([email protected])1*, and/or prey biomass. Donna Dittman2, and Michael Harvey3

1Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY USA 11794 NORTH PACIFIC PELAGIC SEABIRD DATABASE V3 – 2Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA USA DATA COMPILATION EFFORT TO FACILITATE 70803 SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSES OF AT-SEA 3University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN USA MARINE BIRD SURVEYS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC 37996

Brielle Heflin ([email protected])¹*, Gary Drew Pelagic seabirds are highly mobile, reducing ([email protected])², Mayumi Arimitsu opportunities for population isolation that might ([email protected])¹, and John Piatt promote differentiation and speciation. At the same ([email protected])² time, many species are philopatric, and their tendency to return to their natal islands to breed may reduce ¹USGS Alaska Science Center, 250 Egan Drive, Juneau, gene flow sufficiently to permit local adaptation and AK USA 99801 differentiation. There are few well-sampled studies of ²USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, geographic patterns of genetic differentiation in Anchorage, AK USA 99508 seabirds, partly due to a shortage of fresh genetic samples from their remote breeding locations. The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) is Museum specimens provide a ready source of DNA currently the largest single source of data on seabirds from otherwise un-sampled regions and even at-sea in the North Pacific. The NPPSD v2, currently degraded material can be sequenced using new available online, contains at-sea survey data collected sequence capture methods. We studied the between 1973 and 2012. Data from a wide variety of phylogeography of a widespread seabird, the Wedge- researchers and organizations were binned into tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica), using a sequence transects (most ~3-4 km), standardized, reformatted, capture approach. We sampled A. pacifica from and compiled to create the NPPSD. The database has throughout its distribution, using a combination of been used by various investigators to map seasonal tissue samples, blood, and toepads from museum distribution and abundance of marine birds, specimens. We successfully recovered data from all investigate seabird energetics, identify important bird samples, representing a total of 2,402 loci from across areas, and to assess status and trends of threatened the genome containing 20,780 SNPs. There are no deep

27 divergences within A. pacifica, however a principle Here we report on promising preliminary results after component analysis of genotypes identified modest the first year of observation. differentiation among breeding areas. This differentiation was sufficient for assigning individuals LIVING WITH SEABIRDS IN A COMPLEX LANDSCAPE: sampled away from breeding areas to their likely JUAN FERNÁNDEZ ISLANDS, CHILE source populations. Estimated Effective Migration Alphabetized by Hester Surfaces (EEMS) reveal reduced migration between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, presumably due to Peter Hodum ([email protected])1, Héctor Gutiérrez land barriers, and across the equator in the Pacific ([email protected])1, Pablo Manriquez Ocean, perhaps due to differences in breeding ([email protected])1, Paola González schedule. Our results highlight the potential of (paola@oikonos)1, Valentina Colodro sequence capture methods for genetic studies in ([email protected])1, Michelle Hester species for which recent samples are not widely ([email protected])1*, Ryan Carle available. ([email protected])1

1Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Valparaíso, Chile REPORT ON THE SEABIRD RECOVERY EFFORT ON DESECHEO ISLAND, PUERTO RICO The Juan Fernández Islands, a Chilean national park and UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve, are Also alphabetized by Spatz home to six breeding species of seabirds, four of which Jose Luis Herrera are globally listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. In addition, ([email protected])1, Cielo the waters of the archipelago are used by dozens of Figuerola ([email protected])1, other seabird species. Importantly, the islands are also Susan Silander ([email protected])2, Coral Wolf home to a community of approximately 900 people. ([email protected])1, Dena Spatz Given the anthropogenic threats to the archipelago’s ([email protected])1*, Nick Holmes seabirds, lasting conservation actions require the ([email protected])1 engagement, commitment and support of the local community. This presents both a challenge and an 1 Island Conservation, 2100 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz opportunity. We have intentionally engaged the local CA 95060 community for nearly 20 years to build local capacity, 2 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service – Caribbean National increase commitment to act and help change values Wildlife Refuge Complex, PO Box 510, Boqueron, required for long-term conservation efforts. Several Puerto Rico 00622-0510 priority conservation actions have required us to *Presenting Author overcome initial resistance from various stakeholders in the community. To build support for the On Desecheo Island National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto construction of fences to protect seabird breeding Rico, the introduction of invasive mammals such as colonies from non-native mammal species, including feral goats, cats, black rats and rhesus macaques, as cattle (Bos taurus) and European rabbits (Oryctolagus well as the use of the island as a bombing range, has cuniculus), we worked closely with the cattlemen’s nearly extirpated all seabird species that once association on the island. This collaboration resulted regularly bred on the island. Restoring the island in their interest in building additional fences to ecosystem has been a clear goal for US Fish and improve pasture for cattle. The installation of seabird- Wildlife Service, with emphasis on native seabirds, friendly lights in key neighborhoods required that we endemic reptiles and threatened plants. In 2017, after develop close relationships with residents in the 10+ years of significant effort, Desecheo was declared neighborhoods. A free workshop on seabird free of invasive mammals, providing a foundation to identification and biology that we offered to island begin additional restoration action for native species. residents increased community capacity to use Working with U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, we seabirds as an economic resource through pelagic examined the historic breeding distribution of birding trips and guided visits to breeding colonies. seabirds on the island, then applied that knowledge to Establishing partnerships and trust relationships is the planning and implementation of a social attraction paramount to long-term conservation efforts. project for Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) and Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) in 2018.

NON-BREEDING SEASON DISTRIBUTIONS AND BREEDING COLONY PREDATION AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO POPULATION GENETIC REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN LEACH’S STORM- STRUCTURING IN THE RHINOCEROS AUKLET PETRELS (OCEANODROMA LEUCORHOA)

Mark Hipfner ([email protected])1*, Katie Rielle Hoeg ([email protected])1* Studholme ([email protected])2, Marie Prill ([email protected])3, Alice Domalik ([email protected])4, 1Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, Strahan Tucker ([email protected])5, NS, Canada, B4P 2R6 Mark Drever (mark.drever@canada .ca)1, Glenn Crossin ([email protected])2, and Theresa Burg Many seabirds nest on islands to avoid mammalian ([email protected])3 predators, and some nest underground and move to and from colonies at night to avoid diurnal avian 1Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate predators. I am investigating the length of time that Change Canada, 5421 Robertson Rd., Delta, BC, carcasses remain before disturbance (residence time) Canada V4K 3N2 and predation rates in Leach’s storm-petrels 2Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), a colonial seabird that nests NS, Canada B3H 4R2 underground on offshore islands. Trail cameras were 3Department of Biology, University of Lethbridge, used to monitor petrel carcasses and determine Lethbridge AB, Canada T1K 3M4 scavenger type. Five 2-meter wide transects were 4Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University, monitored approximately biweekly on Bon Portage 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6 Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, with one or more 5Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological transects being monitored on other Atlantic Canadian Station, Nanaimo BC, Canada V9T 6N7 colony islands, such as in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick. Leach’s storm- One of the leading hypotheses to explain the extent of petrel carcasses, as well as gull and owl pellets, were population genetic structuring in seabirds revolves counted and removed from transects on each visit, around their non-breeding season distributions: with pellets being collected for content analysis. species with multiple non-breeding areas are expected Analyses are underway. to exhibit structuring. We set out to test this hypothesis, and to document variation in migratory behavior, in the Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca NESTLING OF SEAGULL AS AN INDICATOR OF monocerata). To do this, we deployed light-level RECENT CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION IN THE geolocator tags on auklets breeding on 13 MARINE ENVIRONMENT Northeastern Pacific Ocean colonies – three in Alaska, six in British Columbia, two in Washington State, and Sang Hee Hong ([email protected])1,2*, Gi Myung Han two in California – and collected blood samples from ([email protected])1, Mi Jang ([email protected])1,2, untagged auklets on colonies spanning the North Won Joon Shim ([email protected])1,2, Sung Yong Ha Pacific. We detected significant genetic structuring, ([email protected])1, Miran especially between the eastern Pacific (North Kim([email protected])3 America) and western Pacific (Japan), but also a complex pattern within the eastern Pacific. There was 1Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of marked individual variation in migratory behavior, Ocean Science and Technology, 391 Jangmok- from local residency around breeding colonies to myon, Geoje 656-834, South Korea long-range dispersal, but contrary to our hypothesis, 2Korea University of Science and Technology, inter-colony overlap was extensive; some individuals Daejeon 305-320, South Korea from all colonies spent winter in common areas. 3Korea National Park Research Institute, South Korea Further research will be needed to explain population genetic structuring in this species, a process that will Seabirds can be useful indicators for current aid conservation efforts. contamination and long-term trends in the marine environment. To investigate the contamination status and accumulation characteristics of persistent organic contaminants, eggs and dead nestlings (ages: < one week, about three weeks, > one month) were collected from a breeding site of black-tailed gulls located in the

29 southern part of Korea. In addition, dead adult gulls unpredictable prey is energetically costly. Therefore, a were collected nearby coastal regions. The egg content decline in physiological ability with age may manifest and liver tissues of nestling and adult gulls were in various aspects of foraging behavior, and be an subjected to the analysis of persistent organic important mechanism for senescence. Our long-term pollutants including polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), study of Nazca boobies (Sula granti) on Isla Española, organochlorine pesticides (DDTs, HCHs, chlordans and Galápagos, Ecuador, with known-aged individuals, hexachlorobenzene), polyborominated diphenyl allows us to evaluate the relationship between age and ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecanes foraging performance in a long-lived bird. We tested (HBCDs). The concentration of contaminants in the hypothesis that specific foraging parameters (i.e., nestling was highest immediately after hatching (< one trip distance and duration, forager’s weight change, week) due to maternally deposited contaminants in and core foraging areas) change with age in Nazca eggs, then rapidly declined as nestling grew (three boobies. Foraging data were collected during the weeks and one month of age). It is likely due to dilution incubation period in five seasons: 2011-2012 and of contaminant body burden through growth in size 2014-2016. GPS units were deployed on adult males (namely, bio-dilution effect). Overall, isomeric (or and females of ages that fell between transitions in congener) compositions were similar across all age reproductive success: young (5-7 years), middle-aged groups with the high abundance of persistent isomer (12-14), old (18-20), and oldest (21+) age groups. We (or congener) of each compound such as PCB-153, β- extracted parameters from foraging tracks using HCH, DDE, PBDE-47, and α-HBCD). It is interesting to continuous time movement models that accounted for note that γ-HBCD and BDE-209 that are dominant autocorrelation and variation in sampling frequency. components of PBDDE and HBCD commercial We used mixed-effects models with Age, Sex, and Body mixtures, respectively, but less bioaccumulative and Size as fixed effects and Bird (individual from band less persistent in the environment were detected in all number) and Year as random effects to evaluate any sample groups, implying the recent use of those flame relationship with foraging behavior as measured by retardants. Moreover, the proportion of γ-HBCD was GPS loggers. Preliminary results indicate age-related enhanced as nestling grew after hating (10% in egg to variation in the use of tail winds during the return to 31% in nestling), which is likely related to the high the colony post-foraging trip. abundance of γ-HBCD in anchovy (their potential prey) collected nearby the breeding site. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS (MPAs), OCEAN Adult bird integrates a long-term environmental WILDERNESS AND SEABIRDS OFF NORTHERN contamination, while nestlings may represent recent PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG): MULTI-YEAR SURVEYS, and local contamination because chicks are fed with SOCIO-ECONOMICS AND ECOLOGY prey collected within a few kilometers of the nesting colony. Falk Huettmann ([email protected])*

1EWHALE lab- Inst. of Arctic Biology, Biology & EFFECTS OF AGING ON THE FORAGING BEHAVIOR Wildlife Dept. University of Alaska Fairbanks AK UAS OF A LONG-LIVED SEABIRD IN GALÁPAGOS 99775

Jennifer L. Howard ([email protected])1*, Felipe A. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is world-renowned for its Estela ([email protected])2, David J. Anderson ocean wilderness but it’s also known to be driven by ([email protected])1 international fisheries and mining. Humans lived in the area for over 30,000 years and subsistence lifestyles 1Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, still dominate. However, many of the marine details Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA. are poorly known and the region remains widely 2Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Físicas y unprotected. Here I show results and real-world socio- Matemáticas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana - Cali, economic insights from over three years of field Valle del Cauca, Colombia surveys -beach and marine- of northern Papua New Guinea (covering the coast and reefs for the area Sepik Although growing evidence indicates that actuarial River -Manang - Lae). This area is known to feature a and reproductive senescence are universal in long- high diversity of tropical seabirds -some endemic lived vertebrates, the underlying processes remain others migratory. A connection with the North elusive. Foraging across a wide area searching for American Pacific exists (e.g. El Nino, migratory sea

30 turtles) and the occurrence of wintering Aleutian terns kawa). Together, these results underscore the value of (Onychoprion aleuticus) is suspected but remains seabirds as bio-indicators of marine plastic pollution, unconfirmed. I present how the findings relate to the within a broader framework incorporating Convention of Migratory Species (CMS, Bonn information from other pelagic predators and their Convention) and what climate change will predict in shared prey. the light of ongoing MPA work. I am concluding with elaborations on ‘ridge to reef’ work, the world seabird colony registry, GBIF and MOVEBANK as being HUMAN PRESENCE NEAR WEDGE-TAILED indicative for such wilderness regions and their wider SHEARWATER BURROWS AND ITS IMPACT ON sustainability. NESTING SUCCESS

Jessica L. Idle ([email protected])¹*, Brooke M. DEVELOPING ECOSYSTEM METRICS OF PLASTIC Friswold ([email protected])¹, Kristen C. Harmon INGESTION BY MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLAND SEABIRDS ([email protected])¹, Melissa R. Price ([email protected])¹ David Hyrenbach ([email protected])1* and Michelle Hester ([email protected])2 Natural Resource and Environmental Management, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 1910 East-West Road, 1Marine Science Program, Hawai‘i Pacific University, Sherman Laboratory 101, Honolulu, HI 96822 Waimanalo, HI 96795 USA 2Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Kailua, HI 96795, Due to previous management actions such as predator USA control and outplanting of native plants on Oʻahu’s offshore islets, Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna Since 2009, we have studied marine plastic debris pacifica, WTSH) populations have increased to the ingestion in seabirds from the Main Hawaiian Islands point that new WTSH colonies have formed on Oʻahu to assess community-wide patterns in locally-breeding coastal areas. While there is limited human access to species and to develop local pollution most of the offshore islets of Oʻahu, a beach such as metrics. Between 2009 and 2018, we have necropsied Kailua Beach Park with unrestricted access and where over 1000 birds of 12 species and have documented new WTSH colonies are forming was hypothesized to ingestion in 7 species, belonging to 4 families have significantly lower nesting success compared to (Diomedeidae, Hydrobatidae, Procellariidae, beaches that have little to no human activity. Nesting Phaethontidae) and representing a variety of foraging success, nest-site characteristics, and human presence guilds. We have documented low levels of plastic data was collected from occupied WTSH nests at a high ingestion in White-tailed Tropicbirds, and Newell’s human activity area, Kailua Beach Park, and minimal Shearwaters (< 50% incidence); high levels (50 – 75 % human activity area, the Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi - incidence) in Hawaiian Petrels and Wedge-tailed Kāneʻohe Bay. The Mayfield Method was utilized to Shearwaters; and very high levels (> 75 % incidence) calculate nesting success. Human activity was in Band-rumped Storm-petrels, Bulwer’s Petrels, and recorded as the amount of human presence within five Laysan Albatross. In particular, we propose that the meters of the burrow over a five-minute period of Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica) is an ideal time. Using a chi-square test, WTSH nesting success bioindicator species of plastic in the epipelagic food was significantly different between the two study sites. web. During the breeding season, this species forages Wildlife managers can utilize this result to make in association with subsurface-predators near their decisions regarding protection of nesting seabirds on nesting colonies, is characterized by high rates of public beaches. plastic ingestion in chicks (72.5%) and adults (71.4%), and can be readily sampled opportunistically by salvaging fledging chicks and accidentally-killed SEARCHING FOR ECOLOGICAL HISTORY IN OLD adults. To place the plastic ingestion data of these BONES AND FEATHERS “tuna-birds” in a broader ecological context, we quantified the ingestion rates for island-associated Helen James ([email protected])* predatory fishes caught by pole-and-line fishers around the Main Hawaiian Islands, and documented National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian plastic ingestion in five species (mahi-mahi, albacore Institution, Washington, DC, 20013-7012 tuna, skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, and kawa

Range shifts of pelagic species and other rapid cable strikes. Trawl nets and cables rarely capture ecological changes in the oceans are expected due to injured or dead birds. Our goal was to identify and warming sea surface temperatures, exacerbated by the quantify the magnitude of seabird cable strikes on ongoing effects of industrial fishing and perhaps by these vessels. Each observer monitored randomly anthropogenic nutrient enrichment. Some seabird selected cables at randomly selected times and populations will respond by successfully shifting their documented strikes for two entire fishing seasons diets and distributions, but others will decline (or in (2016-17). Observers also recorded variables many cases continue to decline) in numbers. It is well- associated with bird strikes, including strike type recognized that many species of pelagic seabirds also (hard vs. light), vessel operations, environmental face ongoing threats on land. This talk will highlight conditions, and local bird abundance. All strikes the value of the extended timelines and baseline (100%) occurred when offal discharge from the vessel ecological data that can be recovered from archived was present. Hard strike rates were higher on vessels materials, specifically from subfossil and when a fish meal plant was operating. Observers archaeological bones and museum specimens, for witnessed 12 (2016) and 3 (2017) hard strikes of documenting and understanding these phenomena. black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes). We For pelagic seabirds in Hawaii, subfossil bones show estimate that there were 394 (±95% CL: 32-811; 2016) that many species’ breeding distributions have and 101 (±95% CL: 29-183; 2017) hard cable strikes contracted but that relatively few extinctions have of this species during these two fishing seasons occurred, a cause for optimism about the ability of respectively. In contrast, fishery observers on these these birds to elude extinction. Ancient DNA and stable vessels only documented two (2016) and one (2017) isotopes preserved in the old bones can provide black-footed albatross carcasses, suggesting a baseline data on historical population structure, and potential bias in black-footed albatross mortality on stability vs. change in foraging habits across estimates in this fishery. We will discuss on-going millennia. Stable isotopes from feathers sampled from partnerships with industry to develop mitigation museum study skins provide a way to detect change strategies and improve data collection. across decades in seasonal foraging habits, going back as many as 150 years. Species with sequential molt of flight feathers can be sampled in a way that enables MODELING THE WINTER HABITAT USE AND study of change in the level of individual foraging MORTALITY RISKS OF CASSIN’S AUKLETS specialization within a population, on a centennial (PTYCHOORAMPHUS ALEUTICUS) AND PIGEON timescale. Seabird biologists have an opportunity to GUILLEMOTS (CEPPHUS COLUMBA) IN THE NORTH preserve fresh samples every year, to extend these PACIFIC valuable historical timelines into the future. Michael E. Johns ([email protected])1,2, Pete Warzybok ([email protected])2*, Jaime CRYPTIC SEABIRD MORTALITY ON U.S. WEST COAST Jahncke ([email protected])2, Mark Lindberg PACIFIC HAKE FISHING VESSELS ([email protected])1, Greg Breed ([email protected])1 Jason E. Jannot ([email protected])*, Tom Good ([email protected]), Vanessa Tuttle 1Department of Biology and Wildlife and Institute of ([email protected]) Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, PO BOX 756100, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, Seattle, 2Point Blue Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive, WA USA Suite 11, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA

Seabirds of conservation concern, including three For seabirds with seasonal reproductive patterns, species of albatross, occur on the US west coast and conditions experienced during the non-breeding interact with the Pacific hake at-sea catcher processor winter months can be the most limiting. Reduced prey, vessels using midwater trawl nets. Seabird mortalities severe weather, and an increased risk of oil spill caused by striking trawl warps and cables is a known exposure from shipping traffic can all lead to a greater source of cryptic mortality in trawl fisheries, resulting risk of mortality. Advances in animal tracking in underestimates of seabird bycatch in trawl fisheries. technologies have revealed much about the winter Fishery observers do not routinely monitor cables for distribution of marine top predators, allowing seabird interactions and thus witness few seabird researchers to make inferences on habitat use and

32 environmental hazards during this critical period. mammal removal globally, with in-depth findings from Using archival light sensing tags, or geolocators, we New Zealand for nearly a decade. Our global analysis aim to characterize the non-breeding range of Cassin’s looks at seabird responses to invasive mammal auklets and pigeon guillemots from Southeast Farallon removal documented on islands globally as revealed Island, two species for which we have limited through a systematic review. In New Zealand, we information on non-breeding movements. A total of collected museum and field specimens, and used stable 123 tags were deployed on Cassin’s auklets from 2015- isotopes and soil nutrient measurements to gauge 2018, and 60 tags on pigeon guillemots from 2017-18. island response to seabird recovery in a Position estimates from raw light-level data were chronosequence of times since mammal removal, and calculated with the R package “FlightR”. With these compared those values to invaded and never invaded movement data, step selection functions and islands. To understand historical baselines, we used conditional logistic regression were applied to model museum specimens to gauge seabird-derived nutrient habitat use, and identify important environmental cycling before mammal eradications for some islands. covariates that best describe their winter movement We are quantifying intra-and inter-specific seabird patterns. Cassin’s auklets dispersed further from the competition via nest site and foraging partitioning island during periods of warmer than average sea between seabird species recolonizing an island surface temperatures, likely searching for frontal following mammal eradication. Lastly, we regions with high productivity. Pigeon guillemots, in experimented with the potential of using drone contrast, migrated north to British Columbia following imagery to remotely quantify seabird nutrient the breeding season, concentrating inside of Haida influence in island food webs. Our global analysis Gwaii. We would like to use this method to model showed over half of critically endangered and nearly dispersal patterns of Alcids throughout their range, three quarters of endangered seabird species likely and predict how threats from climate change and benefited from mammal eradication. In New Zealand, potential oil spills will influence future movement we find that island size could play a critical role in the patterns and survival rates for these and other species. extent of seabird influence into nutrient cycling; larger islands do not exhibit strong seabird-derived nutrient influences compared to smaller islands, suggesting SEABIRD RESPONSES TO INVASIVE MAMMAL there may be unexpected outcomes for ecosystem REMOVAL AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON TERRESTRIAL responses despite seabird recovery. We find seabirds AND NEARSHORE ISLAND ECOSYSTEM RECOVERY are spatially partitioning their niches interspecifically and hypothesize they may intraspecifically partition Holly P. Jones1* ([email protected]), Stephanie Borrelle2 dietary niches. In the nearshore environment, we find ([email protected]), that algal community structure and nitrogen content is Lyndsay Rankin1 ([email protected]), Christy influenced by invasion histories: nearshore habitats N. Wails1 ([email protected]) appear more similar to never invaded islands as time since eradication increases. Lastly, we find drone 1Northern Illinois University Department of Biological imagery is promising for gauging seabird influence on Sciences and Institute for the Environment, islands remotely but that more research is necessary Sustainability, and Energy. 155 Castle Dr., DeKalb, IL to understand the potential for this application at 60115, USA scale. We emphasize the importance of understanding 2University of Toronto Department of Ecology and how seabird influence changes with time since Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St, Toronto, ON mammal removal, and when and where active seabird M5S3B2, Canada restoration may be necessary to spark ecosystem recovery. Seabirds are integral to terrestrial and nearshore ecosystem functioning on and around the islands on which they breed. However, invasive mammal ESTIMATES OF NEWELL’S SHEARWATER (PUFFINUS introduction on seabird islands has resulted in NEWELLI) AND HAWAIIAN PETREL (PTERODROMA reduction, extirpation, and even extinction of some SANDWICHENSIS) ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION seabirds. This fundamentally alters island and BASED ON DATA COLLECTED AT SEA, 1998-2017 nearshore ecosystems, through the reduction in seabird-derived nutrient inputs and in Trevor W. Joyce ([email protected])1*, Robert biopedturbation and disturbances associated with L. Pitman ([email protected])1 and Lisa T. breeding activity. We have been studying island Balance ([email protected])1,2 responses to seabird recovery following invasive

1Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine 1Pūlama Lāna‘i Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 1311 Fraser Ave., P.O. Box 630310, Lanai City, HI Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 96763 CA 92037, U.S.A. 2Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, 3900 2Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716 California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A. To monitor and protect endangered species, researchers need to gather accurate information on Colony-based estimates of Newell’s Shearwater population size, population trends and breeding (Puffinus newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma distribution. However in Hawai‘i, the terrain that some sandwichensis) abundance have to-date been hindered of these species inhabit, coupled with some of their by nocturnal colony attendance patterns, cryptic natural history characteristics, make direct nesting strategies, and inaccessible breeding habitats, observation challenging. For Hawaii’s nocturnal forcing a reliance on at-sea estimates dating to the seabirds, the use of automated acoustic recording 1980s-1990s (e.g., Spear et al. 1995). Here we present devices (“song meters”) has revolutionized the way in updated model-based estimates of abundance for which monitoring and conservation efforts take these two endangered, endemic Hawaiian seabirds place. They have allowed researchers to gather based on at-sea surveys in the Central and Eastern important information about distribution and relative Tropical Pacific. Strip transect survey data was density, while limiting the amount of disturbance on collected aboard National Oceanic and Atmospheric sensitive native habitat and the need for personnel to Administration (NOAA) research cruises during 13 be in remote and potentially dangerous terrain at field seasons over the period 1998 to 2017 and night. On the island of Lāna‘i, we used song meters at covered a substantial portion of marine habitats for 30 locations between 2015 and 2017 to survey 376 each species. Species distribution and density models hectares of the approximate 606 hectares of remained were developed using zero-inflated negative binomial native mesic forest on Lāna‘i. We analyzed recordings (ZINB) generalized additive models (GAM), which from three endangered seabird species: Hawaiian allowed the simultaneous overdispersion of counts petrels (Pterodroma sandwichensis), Newell’s and extra zeros in the strip transect sampling shearwaters (Puffinus newelli), and Band-rumped process. Summing ZINB GAM predicted counts within storm-petrels (Oceanodroma castro). We show how our sampling domain yielded an estimate of 65,856 P. the use of song meters has given us important insights sandwichensis with the central 95th percentile of a into relative density, phenology, and specific locations non-parametric bootstrap distribution surrounding upon which to focus and prioritize our management, this estimate ranging from 19,717 to 91,097. A ZINB monitoring, and protection efforts. GAM for P. newelli yielded an estimate of 28,779 with a bootstrap 95th percentile range of 17,574 - 43,011. Neither estimate encompassed the entire at-sea range COLLECTING FEATHERS AND CREATING KAHILI AS of either species and thus should be interpreted as HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTICE minima of global average populations during our sampling period 1998-2017. Despite this limitation Shad Kane ([email protected])* these estimates still provide valuable information in evaluating extinction risk, assessing conservation Daughters of Hawaiʻi, Queen Emma Summer Palace status, and setting recovery targets. 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817

Kahili are feathered standards that are important USE OF ACOUSTIC RECORDING DEVICES TO DIRECT symbols of Hawaiian ali’i (royalty). During the SEABIRD MONITORING AND CONSERVATION monarchy period kahili served as a royal standard for EFFORTS ON THE ISLAND OF LĀNA‘I, HAWAI‘I. a king or queen. Anciently it defined a level of governance. The highest rank chiefs made their kahili Elizabeth C. Kain ([email protected])1*, Rachel of seabird feathers while lesser rank chiefs made them S. Sprague ([email protected])1, André F. from forest bird feathers. During ancient times chiefs Raine ([email protected])2, Megan Vynne would have their kahili precede them; it announced ([email protected])2, Scott their presence and allowed people time to prostrate Driskill ([email protected])2 themselves. If they did not, they would be executed. In

34 modern times, most feather workers make kahili or disappearance). By decomposing these processes we kahili pa'alima using chicken or goose feathers (as documented the relative contribution of each process native birds are protected). Few are able get access to to age-specific breeding performance of Adélie seabird feathers; those that do get them from dead penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at three different- sized seabirds on Midway Island where the birds colonies. To our knowledge this is the first study to unfortunately die as a result of birds ingesting trash consider age-specific performance at multiple and plastics floating on our oceans. In 2012 the colonies. Overall improvement in performance was Daughters of Hawaii (DOH) and the Queen Emma due to both selective disappearance and within- Summer Palace needed new kahili made of traditional individual improvement at the two smaller colonies, feathers. Since there was an interest in partnering with and exclusively the latter at the largest colony. Relative Native Hawaiian Cultural Practitioners, Queen Emma contribution varied by colony relative to life stage, Summer Palace and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs with similar contributions early in life at each colony, (OHA) provided a grant for a trip to Midway. With the but important differences between the smaller and assistance of staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife largest colonies late in life. Late-life performance at the Service, we were able to gather bodies of mōlī (Laysan two small colonies was primarily driven by Albatross, Phoebastria immutabilis) chicks. As sad as population-level changes as individuals that had lower the death of these birds was, we were able to use their reproductive performance disappeared, while within- feathers to create new kahili. To us, their feathers gave individual improvement and disappearance of the birds a new way of flying again. individuals of high reproductive performance both contributed at the largest colony. These results DECOMPOSING AGE-SPECIFIC REPRODUCTIVE indicate tradeoffs associated with different life history PERFORMANCE IN A META-POPULATION OF ADÉLIE strategies and colony size, and highlight the need to PENGUINS: COLONY SIZE MATTERS. account for different processes that could contribute to age-specific reproductive performance. In addition, Peter Kappes ([email protected])1*, incorporating replication relative to multiple colonies Katie Dugger ([email protected])2, highlights the variation in age-specific performance Amélie Lescroël ([email protected])3,4, David that can occur within a meta-population. Ainley ([email protected])5, Grant Ballard

([email protected])3, and Phil Lyver

([email protected])6 KAWAIOLA CEREMONY (“WATER IS LIFE”)

1Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon Sabra Kauka ([email protected]) Hawaiian Studies State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA Kumu at Island School & DOE Hawaii 2U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries To start off the PSG2019 conference, we have a very and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR special event for everyone. Kumu Sabra Kauka will 97331, USA hold a Kawaiola ceremony (Water is Life) for all 3Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA attendees of the Welcome Reception at 18:00 sharp in 94954, USA the Jasmine Ballroom. 4Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université What is a Kawaiola Ceremony? Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, Montpellier 3, France The ceremony has been created to acknowledge the 5H.T. Harvey & Associates Ecological Consultants, Los importance of fresh water to all life and to increase Gatos, CA 95032, USA everyone’s awareness about where their water comes 6Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Lincoln 7640, from. On Kaua’i we are blessed with fresh water, in our New Zealand rain and in our streams. In fact, the Hawaiian definition of wealth is ‘wai wai’, which amply highlights the Age-specific reproductive performance is well- importance of water – if you have an abundance of fresh documented in long-lived seabirds. Determining water, you have wealth. mechanisms that produce these patterns is difficult because contributing processes may operate at both What do you have to do to take part? the individual- (within-individual change) and  Attendees should bring a small amount of population-level (selective appearance and fresh water (a thimble full) from their home country. For attendees from Hawaii, bring

fresh water from your study site or Red-throated Loon in the east Atlantic are in Delaware management area. Bay and off of North Carolina. There are few studies on  Water should be collected from a spring or the habitat requirements of where Red-throated Loon direct fresh water source (not from a tap!). winters, and those few indicate there is some variation  For those coming from overseas please boil in habitat choice. It is unknown if the Red-throated your water before transporting it to Kaua’i to Loon chooses specific habitat characteristics or if they prevent any bugs from making the trip with are highly adaptable. I am conducting shoreline point you! count surveys along the Delaware side of the bay to  It is really important that we know how many identify the relationship between loon abundance and people are going to bring water with them, so habitat characteristics. I have point counts at thirteen please email André at [email protected] if locations along the Delaware side of Delaware Bay and you intend to directly take part in this. Let three along the Atlantic Coast of Delaware Bay. In my André know where your water will come analysis, I will focus on the Red-throated Loon, but will from! If we do not hear from you by record other members of Gaviidae (loons), FEBRUARY 24th we will assume you aren’t Podicipedididae (grebes), Anatidae (ducks and geese), taking part. and Laridae (gulls and terns). I hypothesize that salinity is the most important factor, affecting the What will happen during the Kawaiola Ceremony? amount of prey that are available, and that there will  Everyone will gather in the Jasmine Ballroom, be more Red-throated Loons found in areas of high with those presenting water seated in the salinity. reserved section up front.  Kani Ka Pu - sounding of the conch at the front of the conference hall. This announces the ENGAGING PILOTS TO PROTECT SEABIRD COLONIES beginning of the welcoming ceremony. ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST: LESSONS LEARNED  Oli Aloha - welcoming chant and FROM TEN YEARS OF OUTREACH AND EDUCATION introductions.  Ho Mai Ka Wai - Participants will bring their Wendy E. C. Kordesch ([email protected])1*, water up to the front, say their name and the Paul S. Hobi ([email protected])1, Karen Reyna location where the water came from, then ([email protected])1, Gerard J. McChesney place the water in the collecting bowl. ([email protected])2, Cassie M. Bednar  Ho’opomaikaʻi Me Ka Wai - Water blessing. ([email protected])3, and Richard T.  O Kau Ola - Closing chant asking for long life. Golightly ([email protected])3

After the ceremony is over, there will then be a hula 1Seabird Protection Network, Greater Farallones (the Pule Ho’āla “O Nā Kumu Akua with Kehaulani National Marine Sanctuary, San Francisco, California Kekua and Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai), followed by a 94129 USA. presentation by Kumu Sabra. 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Fremont, California 94555 USA. RED-THROATED LOON WINTER HABITAT 3 Humboldt State University, Dept. of Wildlife, Arcata, CHARACTERISTICS California 95521 USA.

One challenge in addressing human disturbance to Nicole Kleponis ([email protected])* seabirds is a lack of awareness of the problem. This challenge is exacerbated when human interactions are Delaware State University, 1200 N Dupont Hwy, indirect, as is the case with pilots who fly over the coast Dover, DE 19901 unaware of seabird colonies below. At Devil’s Slide Rock near Pacifica, California, monitoring since 2005 The Red-throated Loon is listed in the North American has shown that a colony of Common Murres (Uria Waterbird Conservation Plan as the highest aalge) consistently experiences greater levels of conservation priority among waterbirds in the U.S. human disturbance from aircraft than other Northeast and mid-Atlantic Region, covering monitored colonies in the region. The Seabird Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Protection Network, a program aimed at reducing New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Studies have human disturbances to breeding seabirds, has shown that the densest wintering populations of the

36 conducted outreach, education and enforcement many chicks died, but those that survived received efforts informed by a long term monitoring project ample feedings during a return to more moderate (known as the Common Murre Restoration Project). conditions in later August and many ultimately fledged Here, we provide insight into how working directly at normal mass. The puffin’s capacity to defer with stakeholders (pilots, airport management) has migration and extend their chick-rearing season improved our efforts to engage target audiences and proved advantageous. These observations suggest that allowed us to forge successful partnerships with local the timing of even short-term thermal events, and the airports and pilot communities. Examples of widely capacity of individual species for adaptive behavioral applicable environmental behavior change design compensation, will play large roles in determining methods and lessons learned from trial and error in which seabird species persist in a warming Gulf of communication strategy will be discussed. Maine.

DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE OF GULF OF MAINE SEABIRD BYCATCH AND MITIGATION EFFORTS IN SEABIRDS TO THE 2018 OCEAN HEAT WAVE ALASKA FISHERIES SUMMARY REPORT: 2007 THROUGH 2017 Stephen Kress ([email protected])1 *, Don Lyons ([email protected])2, Paula Shannon Joseph R. Krieger, Ph.D. ([email protected])1*, ([email protected])3 Jennifer Roberts ([email protected])1, Shannon M. Fitzgerald 1 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration ([email protected])2, Anne Marie Eich, Program, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY Ph.D. ([email protected])1 14850 USA 2 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 1NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Program, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 USA Region, 709 W. 9th St. Juneau, AK. 99802 3 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 2NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Program, 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, ME 04551 USA Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 4, Seattle, Washington 98115 Seabirds nesting in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) are dependent on abundant and accessible forage fish Fishermen sometimes catch and discard animals they during summer months to feed and fledge young. do not want, cannot sell, or are not allowed to keep. Previously, anomalously warm years (e.g., 2012 and This is known as bycatch. In waters off Alaska, hook- 2013) have been associated with reduced productivity and-line (sometimes called longline) fishing vessels for seabird species in the GOM. During the summer of use seabird avoidance measures that minimize seabird 2018, GOM sea surface temperatures (SST) varied bycatch; no such measures are required for vessels dynamically between long-term average levels and fishing with trawl or pot gear. Despite these avoidance daily maximums not seen in the last two decades. In measures, seabirds are caught unintentionally as particular, in early August daily mean SST exceeded bycatch in certain commercial fisheries off Alaska. the long-term average by >4°C and previous daily NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA maximums by >2°C. This thermal event (ocean heat Fisheries) is responsible for managing coastal and wave) apparently had significant impacts on the marine habitats through statutory authorities and distribution and potentially the abundance of forage agency policies. Additionally, NOAA Fisheries views fish in the Gulf. We saw a variable response among seabirds as important ecosystem indicators and different seabird species, with impacts related to monitors seabird bycatch in many Federal fisheries for breeding biology and foraging mode. Razorbill (Alca changes of interest to scientists and managers. Seabird torda) nesting success was least impacted, presumably populations can indicate the state of marine and due to their early fledging (mid-July) and capacity for coastal ecosystems. Changes in seabird bycatch could deep diving where they can find herring and other reveal long-term ecosystem effects or changes in forage fish seeking cooler temperatures . Common coastal and marine habitats that seabirds depend on Tern (Sterna hirundo) nesting was heavily impacted, for various life stages. A summary of seabird bycatch consistent with their surface foraging mode and need and mitigation efforts in Alaska fisheries will be to finish raising chicks during late July and early presented. This reviews seabird bycatch in August. Puffin (Fratercula arctica) chick growth commercial groundfish and halibut fisheries in the slowed considerably during the thermal event and

37 exclusive economic zone off Alaska from 2007 through headwinds (> 12 ms-1), more daily water take-offs, 2017. greater post-trip body condition, and younger chick age. Additionally, daily energy expenditure was non- linearly correlated with low sea surface temperatures AT-SEA ENERGETICS OF CAMPBELL AND GREY- (<4 °C) and the relationship varied with sex. We HEADED ALBATROSSES IN RELATION TO SOUTHERN suggest that differences in wing loading between OCEAN WIND VARIABILITY species and sexes also influence these relationships. Poleward winds are forecasted to intensify over the Caitlin E. Kroeger ([email protected])1*, Daniel E. next century, which may decrease daily energy Crocker ([email protected])2, David R. Thompson expenditure for grey-headed albatrosses that heavily ([email protected])3, Leigh G. Torres utilize this region during early-chick rearing. Female ([email protected])4, Paul M. Sagar Campbell albatrosses that do not utilize poleward ([email protected] )5, Rachael A. Orben regions, may be negatively impacted by forecasted ([email protected]))4, and Scott A. slackening winds in more northern regions that could Shaffer ([email protected])6 force the use of less energy efficient sit-and-wait foraging strategies.

1Department of Ocean Sciences, 1156 High St., University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA 95064 SEABIRD DISTRIBUTION RELATIVE TO BIOPHYSICAL 2Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, OCEANOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES IN NORTH PACIFIC 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA USA 94928 ECOSYSTEMS 3National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), 301 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai, Kathy Kuletz ([email protected])1*, Brian Hoover Wellington 6021, New Zealand ([email protected])2 , Daniel Cushing 3 4Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine ([email protected]) , Jarrod Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Santora ([email protected])4, William Sydeman Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR USA 97365 ([email protected])2, Russell Hopcroft 5 5National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research ([email protected]) , Seth Danielson Ltd (NIWA), 10 Kyle St, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, ([email protected])5, Elizabeth Labunski New Zealand ([email protected])1 6Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA USA 1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., 95192 Anchorage, AK, USA, 99503 2 Farallon Institute, 101 H. St., Petaluma CA, USA, Understanding environmental and behavioral factors 94952 that influence how organisms maintain energy balance 3 Pole Star Ecological Research LLC, Anchorage, AK, can inform us about their potential resiliency to rapid USA, 99501 environmental changes. This is particularly relevant to 4 University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA, 95060 long-lived, central-place foraging seabirds that are 5 College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University constrained when locating food for offspring in a of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA, 99775 dynamic ocean environment while facing variable environmental conditions. We used doubly-labelled Seabirds are indicators of mesoscale changes in water to measure the at-sea daily energy expenditure oceanographic properties and prey. Among the 28 of two sympatrically breeding seabirds, Campbell Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites within (Thalassarche impavida) and grey-headed (T. the National Science Foundation LTER system, two chrysostoma) albatrosses, during early chick-rearing encompass marine ecosystems that allow us to in two consecutive seasons to understand the role of examine broad-scale seabird distribution and species environmental interactions, behavioral flexibility, and composition with respect to changes in the eastern morphological constraints on energy balance. We Pacific Ocean. The Northern Gulf of Alaska LTER (NGA) found that grey-headed albatrosses had greater started in April 2018, with the main study area foraging costs and that year was an important monitored since 1998 (21 years) via other programs. predictor of daily energy expenditure. Greater daily The California Current Ecosystem LTER (CCE) has energy expenditure was also predicted by larger been monitored via multiple programs since 1987 (32 proportions of flight in slack winds (< 5 ms-1), strong years). In the NGA, seasonal and long-term shifts in

38 cross-shelf seabird distribution have varied among 12 Delta Waterfowl, Bismarck, ND, USA seabird species, with ‘inshore’ species showing greater 13Sciences and Technology, Environment Canada, temporal and spatial changes. The same seabird Sainte-Foy, QC, Canada species or ecological equivalents occur in the CCE, 14Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA where changes in species abundance, richness, and 15Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, community composition have been shown to be State University of NY College of Environmental related to long-term changes in forage fish availability Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA and climate change. The two LTERS vary in species richness (CCE is higher), intensity of seasonal variation Conservation of long-distance migratory species poses (NGA is greater) and species composition, but they are unique challenges. Migratory connectivity—that is, the linked by large-scale processes and impacts from extent to which groupings of individuals at breeding climate change. Preliminary examination of density sites are maintained in wintering areas—is frequently anomalies suggest that, for some species, birds in both used to evaluate population structure and assess use LTERs co-vary in the same direction during ‘colder’ of key habitat areas. However, for species with years, but in opposite directions during generally complex or variable annual-cycle movements, this ‘warmer’ years. By comparing seabird-oceanographic traditional bimodal framework of migratory relationships between these two large offshore marine connectivity may be overly simplistic. Like many other ecosystems, we intend to inform predictions about the waterfowl, sea ducks often travel to specific pre- and impact of rising ocean temperatures on upper trophic post-breeding sites outside their nesting and levels. wintering areas to prepare for migration and, in some cases, molt their flight feathers. These additional molt migrations may play a key role in population structure, SPATIALLY-EXPLICIT NETWORK ANALYSIS REVEALS but are not included in traditional models of migratory MULTI-SPECIES ANNUAL-CYCLE MOVEMENT connectivity. Network analysis, which applies graph PATTERNS OF SEA DUCKS theory to assess landscape connectivity, offers a powerful tool for quantitatively assessing the Juliet S. Lamb ([email protected])1*, Peter W.C. Paton1, contributions of different sites used throughout the Jason E. Osenkowski2, Shannon S. Badzinski3, Alicia M. annual cycle to complex spatial networks. We collected Berlin4, Tim Bowman5, Chris Dwyer6, Luke J. Fara7,8, satellite telemetry data on annual cycle movements of Scott G. Gilliland9, Kevin Kenow7, Christine Lepage10, over 500 individual sea ducks of five species from Mark L. Mallory11, Glenn H. Olsen4, Matthew C. Perry4, throughout eastern North America and the Great Scott A. Petrie12, Jean-Pierre L. Savard13, Lucas Savoy14, Lakes. From these data, we constructed a multi-species Michael Schummer15, Caleb S. Spiegel6, and Scott R. network model of migratory patterns and site use over McWilliams1 the course of the breeding, molting, wintering, and migration periods. Our results highlight inter- and 1Department of Natural Resources Science, University intra-specific differences in the patterns and of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA complexity of annual-cycle movement patterns, 2Rhode Island Department of Environmental including the central importance of staging and Management, Kingston, RI, USA molting sites in James Bay and the St. Lawrence River 3Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, ON, Canada to multi-species habitat connectivity. We also discuss 4USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD, potential applications of network migration models to USA conservation prioritization, identification of 5 Sea Duck Joint Venture, US Fish and Wildlife Service, population units, and integrating different data Anchorage, AK, USA streams. 6U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Birds Division, Hadley, MA, USA 7U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest JOINING THE AIRSPACE ABOVE SEABIRD COLONIES – Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA DRONE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN COASTAL 8Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, OREGON Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA Timothy J. Lawes 9Canadian Wildlife Service, Sackville, NB, Canada ([email protected])1*, Daniel D. Roby 10Canadian Wildlife Service, Québec City, QC, Canada ([email protected])1, James Tennyson 11 Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, ([email protected])2, Aaron Turecek NS, Canada

([email protected])2, and Donald E. Lyons TWENTY YEARS OF BANDING WEDGE-TAILED ([email protected])3 SHEARWATERS (ARDENNA PACIFICA, ʻUAʻU KANI) IN MAUI NUI 1Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State Jennifer Learned ([email protected])1*, Fern University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803 Duvall ([email protected])2, Jay Penniman USA ([email protected])1 2Real Time Research, Inc., 1000 SW Emkay Drive, Bend, OR 97702 USA ¹Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 903, 3National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration Makawao, Hawai‛i 96768 Program and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, ²Hawaii Division of Forestry & Wildlife, 1955 Main Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR Street, #301, Wailuku, Hawai‛i 96793 97331-3803 USA ʻUaʻu kani (Ardenna pacifica, Wedge-tailed The ubiquitous availability of unmanned aerial shearwater) breeding colonies persist across Maui Nui vehicles (UAVs), along with rule changes at the FAA despite unremitting pressure from anthropogenic that better codify UAV access to airspace, have development, introduced predators, and sea level rise. increased opportunities to obtain high resolution Over the past decade, colonies benefiting from active aerial imagery of seabird colonies without the use of predator control (Moʻomomi, Hawea) have been manned aircraft. In 2018, we used UAVs to take aerial expanding, while others remain static or decline with imagery of a Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) predation (Hoʻokipa, Kamaʻole). Colonies on offshore colony and a Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) colony islets (Molokini) are free of pressures from introduced in coastal Oregon while monitoring for disturbance predators and habitat loss, and likely serve as source effects or aggressive responses to UAV over-flights. In populations as burrow space is limiting. Maui Nui addition, we compared resulting image quality from Seabird Recovery Project leads chick banding and manned and UAV photographic flights of the tern adult recapture efforts annually at five sites. colony, and evaluated the relative performance of low- Altogether, banding data from seven colonies and from end and mid-range UAV models produced by the same intermittently recovered fallout birds create a 20-year manufacturer. We found that Caspian Terns and record of ʻuaʻu kani movement patterns. Western Gulls tolerated UAVs overhead and did not Data indicate the majority of recaptured birds return initiate anti-predator responses at our study sites. to their home colony; however, emigration does occur, Compared to the manned flights, orthomosaics of the primarily from Molokini. Recapture rates increase at tern colony generated using UAV imagery provided all sites, most significantly at Hawea and Mo’omomi, higher contrast imagery that was easier to count in a where predator control supports colony expansion. GIS environment, and UAVs allowed for the creation of Recapture data also support the fallout bird recovery additional imagery products such as 3D and Digital effort, revealing several cases of breeding birds Elevation Models. Orthomosaics created from UAV returning 3-5 years after being grounded as juveniles. imagery can, however, contain photo artifacts created The ongoing ʻuaʻu kani banding project is significant by moving subjects (i.e. “ghost birds”), if not properly in many ways. Mark-recapture data reveal addressed and corrected during image processing. We demographic and movement patterns, and show how found that coastal weather challenged flight management at the colony level can impact the larger performance of small UAVs, and the higher-end UAV population. In addition, it brings together partnership generated better orthomosaic imagery. Although not a agencies and volunteers from the community, substitute for exploratory flights to locate seabird allowing for outreach and education about the native colonies, UAVs appear to be an excellent alternative for ecosystem, and for participation in conservation. photographing surface nesting breeding colonies of These efforts are critical as ʻuaʻu kani and other native tolerant species, while reducing the risk of human species adapt within a rapidly changing environment. injury associated with manned survey flights.

MODELING AT-SEA DISTRIBUTIONS OF MARINE spatial planning and minimize potential conflict BIRDS ON THE U.S. PACIFIC OUTER CONTINENTAL between human activities such as renewable energy SHELF development and seabirds. A second phase of the project is currently underway that includes Jeffery Leirness ([email protected])1,2*, Brian contributed data from additional survey programs in Kinlan1, Josh Adams ([email protected])3, Lisa an effort to expand and improve the modeling and Ballance ([email protected])4, Jonathan Felis results presented here. ([email protected])3, Trevor Joyce ([email protected])4, David Pereksta ([email protected])5, Michael Coyne PELAGIC CORMORANT REPRODUCTIVE STATUS – ([email protected])1,2, Arliss Winship 2018 SEASON. ([email protected])1,2 Ron LeValley ([email protected])* 1US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, P.O. Box 332, Little River CA 95456 National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Marine Spatial Ecology Division Pelagic Cormorants (Phalocrocorax pelagicus) breed in 2CSS, Inc. small and scattered locations along the coast of North 3US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey, America from Alaska to Southern California. A citizen Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz Field science project has been monitoring selected colonies Station in Northern California for ten years and has 4US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and documented dramatic annual and spatial variation in Atmospheric Administration, National Marine breeding success. Some colonies have been occupied Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, every year and others have been occupied Marine Mammal & Turtle Division sporadically. Estimating the long term population 5US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean status of this species will require a long effort and a Energy Management, Pacific Outer Continental Shelf broad geographic scope. Here we present the results of Region the past ten years and document the very bad season that occurred in 2018. In 2018 we monitored many We report on the first phase of a multi-year effort to nests along the Mendocino and Sonoma County coast. characterize the at-sea spatial distributions of marine Few of them hatched chicks and few chicks fledged. It birds on the US Pacific outer continental shelf (OCS). was likely because there was no food in the ocean this Results of this study will inform spatial planning and spring and summer. risk assessment for marine renewable energy in the region. We developed seasonal habitat-based spatial models of the at-sea distribution for 41 species of CONSTRUCTING THE COMPLETE PROCELLARIIFORM marine birds throughout the US Pacific OCS. A TREE OF LIFE USING GENOME-SCALE DATA statistical modeling framework was used to estimate relationships between bird sighting data and a range Max Levy ([email protected])1*, Andrea of temporal and spatial environmental variables. The Estandia ([email protected])1, Terry Chesser estimated relationships were then used to predict the ([email protected])2, Helen James ([email protected])3, long-term spatial distribution of each species Vincent Bretagnolle ([email protected])4, Andreanna throughout the study area in each season. Bird sighting Welch ([email protected])1 data came from five scientific survey programs and consisted of at-sea counts of birds collected between 1Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South 1996 and 2014 using fixed-wing aerial and boat-based Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK transect survey methods. Environmental variables 2USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, National included temporal climate indices such as the Pacific Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Decadal Oscillation index, bathymetric variables such MRC 111, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA as depth and slope, and dynamic oceanographic and 3Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum atmospheric variables such as chlorophyll of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, MRC 116, concentration, surface current velocities, sea surface Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA temperature, wind stress, and others. We present 4Equipe AGRIPOP, CEBC-CNRS, 79360, Beauvoir-sur- results for example species and discuss how the Niort, France information can be interpreted to help guide marine

eggs. In 2017-2018, we conducted the second The seabird order Procellariiformes presents many experimental egg harvest to determine whether egg taxonomic uncertainties, which has served to hinder quality, as determined by human consumption of the conservation of a group that is amongst the most harvested eggs, varies depending on the number of threatened of all bird clades. Previous attempts to eggs present in a nest. In 2017 harvesters collected 75 reconstruct Procellariiform phylogeny have been eggs from 1 or 2-egg nests and 68 eggs from 3 egg characterized by incomplete taxon sampling and nests. Survey results from egg recipients found that reliance on single mitochondrial markers, namely 13% of the eggs from 3-egg nests were considered cytochrome b. These works have been unable to fully inedible due to chick development compared to 3% elucidate the systematics and evolution of this from 1 and 2-egg nests. In 2018 harvesters collected taxonomically complex order both at broad and fine 58 eggs from 1 or 2-egg nests and 69 eggs from 3 egg scales. Here I present preliminary results of work to nests, of which all 127 eggs (100%) were edible. In produce a genome-scale phylogeny of all both experiments the number of eggs laid in Procellariiform taxa. Using regions from across the replacement clutches were lower than the number of avian genome we will create a species tree for almost eggs harvested at all locations. This information will all extant, and some recently extinct taxa of the order. help harvesters make decisions on nest selection to This will provide high-resolution insights into ancient maximize edibility of eggs as well as inform future and recent divergences within the clade and answers collaborative egg harvest plans by joining traditional to currently unresolved taxonomic questions. This ecological knowledge and practices with park research dataset will also allow the mapping of ecological, to ensure long-term stability of gull resources. morphological, and behavioral phenotypes onto the phylogeny to assess the evolution of these traits. Moreover, following a history of flux, approaching a standardized classification of Procellariiformes should ASSOCIATIONS AMONG MASS MORTALITY EVENTS, enable better management and conservation of SEABIRD DEMOGRAPHY, AND OCEAN CLIMATE seabird populations in future. TRENDS IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Kirsten Lindquist([email protected])1*, Pete TRIBAL-FEDERAL COLLABORATION ON Warzybok([email protected])2, Nadav EXPERIMENTAL HARVESTS OF GULL EGGS IN Nur([email protected])2, Jan GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK Roletto([email protected])3, Taylor Nairn([email protected])1, and Jaime Tania Lewis (presenter; [email protected])1*, Jahncke([email protected])2 Darlene See ([email protected])2 and Mary Beth Moss ([email protected])1 1Greater Farallones Association, 991 Marine Drive San Francisco, CA 94129 1Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 140, 2Point Blue Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Dr., Gustavus AK 99826 #11, Petaluma, CA 94954 2Hoonah Indian Association, 254 Roosevelt St. Hoonah 3Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, ONMS, AK 99829 NOS, NOAA, 991 Marine Drive San Francisco, CA 94129 In 2014, congressional legislation was passed to allow harvest of glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens) Over the past two decades there have been a growing eggs at up to 15 locations in Glacier Bay National Park number of Unusual Mortality Events (UME) along the by Hoonah Indian Association (HIA) tribal U.S. West Coast and Alaska. In central California, members. Since 2015, park biologists and HIA have seabird UMEs included Brandt’s cormorants collaborated on two experimental harvests to (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) in 2009, Cassin’s auklets determine best-practices and potential impacts of a (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) in 2005 and 2014, and harvest. In 2015, we examined the effects of harvest on common murres (Uria aalge) in 2015. These resulted egg size in first clutches verses replacement clutches in large numbers of birds washing up on area beaches, as decreasing egg size has been correlated with lower causing concern among the public, and signaling chick survival and may indicate limited food ecosystem disruption. However, what drives these resources. We found no significant difference in egg mortality events and how they impact local size of harvested (n=97) verses replacement (n=20) populations is unclear. To assess this, we integrated

42 long-term carcass deposition data from NOAA’s Beach 1Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team Watch Program with regional seabird population and (COASST), 1122 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105 productivity data as well as basin- and local-scale 2NPS Arctic Network Inventory and Monitoring, 4175 ocean climate indices to better understand beach Geist Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709 survey data from an ecosystem perspective. We first 3Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, used negative binomial regression to determine Abbotsford Agricultural Centre, Abbotsford, British associations between carcass count, oceanographic Columbia, Canada variables, climate indices, prey availability, and 4Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Ecosystem seabird demography for each species of interest. We Conservation Office, 2050 Venia Minor Road, Saint found significant relationships between increased Paul Island 99660 carcass deposition and decreased or delayed 5Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State upwelling and during periods of warm ocean University, Corvallis, OR, USA temperatures associated with El Niño. Next, we used 6California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 151 generalized linear models to examine the relationship McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 between carcass deposition and subsequent changes 7Coastal Ocean Mammal and Bird Education and in breeding population size. We found significant Research Surveys (BeachCOMBERS), Moss Landing relationships between carcass density and magnitude Marine Laboratories, California State University, Moss of population change but the relationships varied Landing, CA, USA among species and age classes examined. When ocean 8University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416 climate indices were added to the model, most 9USFWS, Migratory Bird Management, 1011 East estimates of mortality dropped out, indicating that the Tudor Road, MS 201, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 ocean climate variables explain seabird population 10Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, 991 trends better than carcass deposition. Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129 USA 11American Bird Conservancy, Santa Cruz, CA, USA 12Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 THE “NEW NORMAL” OF SEABIRD MASS Capitol Wy N, Olympia, WA 98501 MORTALITY EVENTS 13USGS, 616 Marrowstone Pt Rd, Nordland, WA 98358 14Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, 95 Jackie Lindsey ([email protected])1*, Tim Sterling Highway, Suite 1, Homer, Alaska 99603 Jones ([email protected])1**, Hillary 15University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Sea Grant, Burgess ([email protected])1, Julia K Parrish 400 East Front Street, Nome, AK 99762 ([email protected])1, Stacia Backensto 16USFWS, Washington Maritime National Wildlife ([email protected])2, Victoria Bowes Refuge Complex, 715 Holgerson Rd, Sequim, WA ([email protected])3, Lauren Divine 98382, USA ([email protected])4, Jane E. Dolliver 17Marine and Terrestrial Unit, Canadian Wildlife ([email protected])5, Corinne Gibble Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, ([email protected])6, James T. Harvey Delta, British Columbia, Canada ([email protected])7, Peter Hodum ([email protected])8, Robert Kaler Recent research has highlighted that the frequency ([email protected])9, Kathy Kuletz and magnitude of animal mass mortality events ([email protected])9, Aaron Lestenkof (MMEs) have increased over the last half a century, ([email protected])4, Pamela Lestenkof and that mortality events are likely to become more ([email protected])4, Kirsten Lindquist frequent with an increasingly variable climate. Since ([email protected])10, Paul Melovidov 2014 the North Pacific has experienced 7 seabird mass ([email protected])4, Hannahrose M. Nevins mortality events, starting with Cassin's Auklets ([email protected])11, Scott Pearson (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) along the West Coast in ([email protected])12, John Piatt 2014-15, through a suite of species - chiefly murres ([email protected])13, Heather Renner (Uria) and fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) - in the Bering ([email protected])14, Jan Roletto Strait region in 2018. In total, these events resulted in ([email protected])10, Marc Romano millions of mortalities. Although these regions have ([email protected])14, Gay Sheffield experienced MMEs in the past, the frequency, duration ([email protected])15, Sue Thomas and magnitude of MMEs increased sharply following ([email protected])16, Laurie Wilson the onset of a series of warming forces, including the ([email protected])17 northeast Pacific marine heatwave, a weak El Niño, and continued Arctic warming (indicated by changes

43 in sea ice extent, the Bering Sea cold pool, and sea perceptions and needs of the different stakeholders surface temperatures). Despite the general linkage involved, we present the positive and negative between a warmer ocean and seabird MMEs, the outcomes of the harvest, the prosecution, and operational relationship between elevated sea approaches taken by the government and NGOs to temperatures and the observed effects on seabirds is resolve the conflict. One outcome was the currently poorly understood. Causative factors are development of multi-disciplinary strategies to likely to be multifactorial, including but not limited to: reestablish trust, as some Mocha residents felt (1) Shifting Prey Base; (2) Disease; (3) Harmful Algal abandoned by Oikonos and the agencies who exposed Blooms; (4) Extreme Weather; and (5) Shifting the harvest. Another outcome was an increased Physical Cues (e.g. freeze-up and break-up). We used commitment by government agencies to engage in data from a citizen science survey program focused on solutions upon realizing the high level of national and beached birds (COASST), as well as information from international concern for this species. Environmental coastal communities; state, federal and tribal agencies; conflicts can create opportunities to adjust and other beached bird programs to provide an perspectives common, approaches, and improve overview of seabird mortality events affecting the relationships between stakeholders that are crucial for North Pacific and northern Alaskan coastal regions over the seabird conservation. last 16 years.

SEASONAL CHANGES IN TERN COLONY CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN ATTENDANCE AND LOCATION AT A PREDATOR- ADDRESSING HUMAN HARVEST OF PINK-FOOTED RICH MAINLAND AREA IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA SHEARWATERS ON ISLA MOCHA, CHILE.

Janelle Lopez ([email protected])1*, Donald E. Verónica López ([email protected])1* , Tiare Lyons ([email protected])2, Susan Oehlers Varela1, Matías Portflitt-Toro ([email protected])3 ([email protected])2, Cristián Cornejo ([email protected])³, Guillermo Reyes 1Yakutat Ranger District, Ocean Cape Rd, Yakutat, AK ([email protected])⁴, Manuel Contreras⁵. 99689

2Tongass National Forest, Yakutat Ranger District, 1Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Valparaíso, Chile. Ocean Cape Rd, Yakutat, AK 99689 2Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable 3Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI). Universidad 97331 Católica del Norte. ³Ministerio de Medio Ambiente (MMA). Chile. For the past decade, the size and location of a mixed ⁴Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF), Chile. colony of Aleutian terns (Onychoprion aleuticus) and ⁵Centro de Ecología Aplicada (CEA). Chile. Arctic terns (Sterna paradisea) has been quite variable both during and across breeding seasons on Black To demonstrate how extreme wildlife-human conflicts Sand Spit, an approximate eight-mile barrier spit can generate new approaches to conservation, we located near Yakutat, Alaska. This colony is the largest present a case study of a seabird harvest event on Isla colony of Aleutian terns known to exist in Alaska, Mocha, Chile. Isla Mocha is home to approximately sometimes reaching several thousand individuals. To 70% of the world population of the globally threatened track colony size and location, modified direct count Pink-footed Shearwater (Ardenna creatopus) and to a surveys have been conducted annually across areas community of 600 residents. Shearwater chicks were with nesting terns. The modified survey consists of harvested annually by residents until the hunting was two observers conducting independent direct counts prohibited by Chilean law. Illegal hunting events of 20 of adult terns and nests sighted within ~50m from the to 40 individuals were recorded almost every year colony boundary during a 60 second time interval. since the ban, but, in 2018, about 300 carcasses were Nesting has occurred across many locations on the found at one time. This event created a subsequent spit, with the number of breeding pairs highly variable. conflict in the island community and a conflagration A significant predator presence has been documented via social media. Social media posts were seen by more during the 2017 and 2018 breeding seasons using trail than 400,000 people, shared 2600 times, and received cameras deployed to monitor nest attendance and 1700 comments, with 83% of more than 10,000 success. High nest depredation rates were observed reactions strongly condemning the event. To throughout the colony and photos revealed common demonstrate the importance of understanding

44 ravens (Corvus corax), coyotes (Canis latrans), and bald visited the colony site frequently during the breeding eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) predating on nests. seasons of 2014, 2015 and 2017, and were Presumably, terns shift locations and/or abandon documented depredating at least 5 Greater Crested nesting efforts at high rates in response to this Terns. Disturbances to the colony by hunting falcons predation pressure, but they have not abandoned the also caused a significant increase in nest failures. Our site despite repeated nesting failures. results provide further insight to the threats and obstacles to restoration of the Chinese Crested Tern, and suggest that king rat snakes may be a major and CLOSE COLONY MONITORING UNCOVERS NEW previously overlooked threat to seabird nesting THREATS TO NESTING SUCCESS IN THE CRITICALLY success at colonies on coastal islands in East and ENDANGERED CHINESE CRESTED TERN Southeast Asia.

Yiwei Lu([email protected])1*, Dongdong Chen([email protected])2, Xiao Zhou([email protected])2, Zhongyong QUANTIFYING THE PROSPECTING BEHAVIOR AND Fan([email protected])1, Daniel D. BREEDING NETWORKS OF TERNS NESTING IN Roby([email protected])3, Donald E. EPHEMERAL HABITATS Lyons([email protected])4, Siyu Wang([email protected])1, Jia Donald E. Lyons ([email protected])1*, Allison Yang([email protected])1, and Shuihua Patterson ([email protected])2, Timothy J. Chen([email protected])1* Lawes ([email protected])3, and Daniel D. Roby ([email protected])3 1Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, Hangzhou, China 1National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 2Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China Program and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 3Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State 97331-3803 USA University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA 2Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill 4National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9 Program, Corvallis, Oregon, USA Canada 3Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini) is a Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State critically endangered seabird breeding mainly in the University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803 East China Sea. Previous studies uncovered major USA threats to the species, including illegal egg harvest and typhoons. Since 2013 we have conducted a tern Ground-nesting waterbirds that breed colonially on restoration project in the Jiushan Archipelago using islands in estuaries, wetlands, rivers, and lakes must social attraction techniques (decoys and audio be adapted to deal with high inter-annual variability in playbacks) to establish a new breeding colony of habitat availability. To quantify the degree of regional Greater Crested Terns (T. bergii) and Chinese Crested connectivity and prospecting behavior of Caspian Terns. Close monitoring allowed us to detect other Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), a coastal and continental potential threats to any new tern breeding colony at tern species that nests in sparsely vegetated insular the restoration site. We used direct observation by habitats, we used a combination of network and spatial resident colony monitors from blinds at the edge of the analyses to evaluate a satellite tracking dataset from colony site, surveillance video cameras, and snake 64 Caspian Terns tagged at two colonies in central traps deployed next to the colony to investigate factors Washington State, USA. Tagged terns visited 21 known limiting the size and nesting success of the newly colonies from Alaska to southern California. Over the restored tern colony. We discovered that king rat entire tracking period, each colony was visited by 26 snakes (Elaphe carinata) and Peregrine Falcons (Falco terns on average. Twenty of the 21 colonies were peregrinus) were two major predators at the new tern directly linked to at least 10 other colonies. The colony. The snake, a common species on coastal average shortest path between pairs of sites was two islands in East and Southeast Asia, ate tern eggs on the sites; three colonies served as network centers colony early in the 2016 nesting season until all adult connecting multiple colonies. Terns tracked for at least terns abandoned the colony site. Peregrine Falcons two breeding seasons visited an average of 10 colonies

45 overall, and each year individual terns visited more these species, and others, have fluctuated considerably than 70% of all colonies in their personal network. throughout the two decades of study. However, 2018 Prospecting activity was more intense during the post- was a particularly unusual year in that densities of breeding period, with individual terns visiting seven both common and uncommon species declined colonies during post-breeding and five colonies during dramatically, and the overall density of all species was the pre-breeding period in the same year. The the lowest ever recorded. In our recent studies, we also networks of individual terns occurred over large collected ancillary data on forage fish abundance and spatial extents; the area encompassing all sites visited breeding success of murres and kittiwakes at local each year averaged 235,000 km2 per individual. colonies. This combined data suggests a major Consistent with predictions based on their nesting perturbation of food webs in lower Cook Inlet habitat selection, colonies within the Pacific Coast following the 2014-2016 marine heat wave, with a region showed strong connectivity and Caspian Terns persistent effect manifested in the extreme low regularly sampled a significant proportion of all densities of seabirds at sea in 2018. potential breeding colonies across their entire breeding range. NOVEL USE OF MINK FARMS AND CONTAMINANT BIOTRANSPORT BY GULLS IN SOUTHWESTERN NOVA WHERE HAVE ALL THE BIRDS GONE?: CHANGES IN SCOTIA, CANADA AT-SEA DENSITIES OF SEABIRDS IN KACHEMAK BAY, ALASKA FROM 1996 TO 2018 Jessie McIntyre ([email protected])*, Mark Mallory Caitlin Marsteller ([email protected])1*, Mayumi Arimitsu ([email protected])2, John Piatt 1Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, ([email protected])1, Kathy Kuletz Nova Scotia, Canada, B4P 2R6 ([email protected])3, Sarah Schoen ([email protected])1, Brielle Heflin Seabirds are effective biotransporters of ([email protected])2, and Elizabeth Labunski contaminants, moving them from marine food chains ([email protected])3 to terrestrial environments around breeding colonies, and these processes can have marked impacts on the 1USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, receiving environments and biota. As generalist Anchorage, AK USA 99508 predators, herring gulls (Larus argentatus) can exploit 2USGS Alaska Science Center, 250 Egan Drive, Juneau, a wide range of natural and anthropogenic food items AK USA 99801 including exposed crops and waste at agricultural 3U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, sites. Mink (Mustela vision) farming is an economically Anchorage, AK USA 99503 important agricultural industry in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada which produces wastes in the form of Seabirds are useful indicators of changing ocean carcasses and fishmeal, but the potential broad conditions and prey resources in marine ecosystems. environmental impacts of this localized food source, Accordingly, the status and trends of seabird including the spread of contaminated materials by populations in Kachemak Bay have been used to assess gulls, have not been properly assessed. To track potential effects from events such as the 1989 Exxon herring gulls, I deployed solar-powered GPS tags on Valdez oil spill and the 2014-2016 marine heat wave, gulls caught using drop traps at two breeding colonies. both of which resulted in large mortalities of Common During the incubation and chick rearing period, gulls Murres (Uria aalge) in this region. To track long-term displayed specialized foraging patterns with some changes in various populations, at-sea surveys were birds frequenting mink farms. This establishes that used to document summer (May – August) distribution gulls are foraging at farms and are likely moving and abundance of seabirds in Kachemak Bay during 11 contaminated materials from farms to distant coastal years between 1996 and 2018 (1996-1999, 2005- colonies (>50 km) broadening the spatial 2007, 2011, and 2016-2018). The most abundant environmental impacts of mink farming in the region. species over all years were shearwaters (Ardenna Surface and soil cores were collected from colonies spp.), Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus and nearby gull-free reference sites to compare trace marmoratus), Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa elements and persistent organic pollutants deposited tridactyla), Common Murres, and Glaucous-winged by gulls. This work, along with collaborative Gulls (Larus glaucescens). Densities (# birds/km2) of limnological and paleolimnological work on receiving

46 watersheds below the mink farms, will help measure creating a range-wide, long-term survey network for impacts of this industry to inform government and monitoring these elusive species. industry of the scale of impacts of such anthropogenic activities that produce abundant foods for generalist predators. LESSONS FROM SEABIRD CONSERVATION IN ALASKA LONGLINE FISHERIES

ACOUSTIC SURVEYS OF STORM-PETRELS IN THE Edward F. Melvin ([email protected])1*, Kimberly S. CALIFORNIA COASTAL NATIONAL MONUMENT: Dietrich ([email protected])2, Robert M. Suryan DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF VOCAL ([email protected])3, and Shannon M. Fitzgerald ACTIVITY ([email protected])4

Matthew McKown 1Washington Sea Grant, 3716 Brooklyn Ave NE, ([email protected])1*, Jonathan Seattle, WA 98105 USA Felis2, Emma Kelsey2, Kerry Dunleavy1, and Josh 25091 Starfish Drive SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 USA Adams2 3NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratories, Ted Steven’s Marine Research 1 Conservation Metrics, 145 McAllister Way, Santa Institute, 17109 Pt. Lena Loop Rd., Juneau, Alaska, Cruz, CA 95060 USA 99801, USA 2US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research 4Resource Ecology and Fisheries Management Division, Center, Santa Cruz Field Station, 2885 Mission Street, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA Fisheries Service, NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WA 98115 Passive acoustic surveys can be useful for documenting the distribution of rare and elusive Although the incidental mortality (bycatch) of seabirds seabirds at sites that are difficult to access. Here we and other long-lived species ranks among the most present results from a large-scale passive acoustic critical conservation issues in world fisheries, case survey to document Ashy Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma studies documenting significant reductions in the homochroa), Leach’s Storm-petrel (O. leucorhoa), mortality of these low productivity species in a fishery Fork-tailed Storm-petrel (O. furcata), and Black Storm- are rare. We present a case history of seabird petrel (O. melania) at potential breeding sites conservation in one of the largest and most diverse throughout California. Specifically, we are evaluating demersal longline fisheries in the world, Alaska the cost-effectiveness of acoustic surveys for longline fisheries. Our analysis of 23 years of fisheries monitoring storm-petrels in the California Coastal observer data spans pre and post adoption of streamer National Monument (CCNM; includes over 20,000 lines – a seabird bycatch prevention measure rocks, stacks, and islands stretching for 1,100 miles developed in an intensive collaborative research from San Diego to Oregon). We deployed 23 sensors at program with industry. Following adoption of sites inside and outside the CCNM between March 1 streamer lines, at first voluntarily and then by and October 24, 2017. We detected Ashy Storm-petrel regulation, seabird bycatch per unit effort (BPUE) was calls (15 of 23 survey sites), Leach’s Storm-petrel calls reduced by 77% to 90% preventing the mortality of (5 of the 23 survey sites), Black Storm-petrel calls (2 of thousands of birds per year. Despite this clear success, 10 sites analyzed, both on Santa Barbara Island). Fork- our models also showed significant increasing trends tailed Storm-petrel calls were only detected north of in the BPUE in two of four target fisheries since Cape Mendocino at Castle Rock North (Del Norte Co.) streamer lines were adopted. Our finding that a small and Little River Rock (Humboldt Co.). We repeated number of vessels accounted for a disproportionate surveys in 2018, and present preliminary data for this number of seabird captures in the observed bycatch year. We compared our results with acoustic data may partially explain these trends. Although night from other known storm-petrel breeding colonies setting yielded significant reductions (74% to 97%) in outside the Monument and with published seabird BPUE and significant increases (7% to 11%) in observational data from previous surveys conducted target fish catch per unit effort compared to daytime by Harry Carter (and colleagues). Finally, we discuss setting, nighttime setting increased the BPUE of additional research to improve interpretation of northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) by 40%. Our acoustic activity rates by comparing activity to mist- findings suggest that best practices to prevent seabird net capture rates, and the address feasibility of mortalities in longline fisheries vary by seabird species

47 assemblage and fishery. This case study informs global southeastern United States. Finally, we are regularly fisheries bycatch reduction efforts by illustrating that detecting black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) successful conservation requires: fishery specific using the offshore Gulf, a finding most notable for the solutions, strong industry support, constant vigilance fact that this threatened species is currently petitioned in analysis and reporting of observer data, as well as for protection under the Endangered Species Act. ongoing outreach to fleets, especially to those vessels These novel insights into the habitat use and with anomalously high BPUE. distributions of the seabirds using the Gulf of Mexico provide an important ecological context for current regional activities and can inform the development of DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF MARINE BIRDS future activities. IN AN INDUSTRIALIZED SEA: VESSEL-BASED SURVEYS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO ENVIRONMENTAL VARIANCE AND DIET- Pamela E. Michael ([email protected])1*, DEPENDENT SEXUAL ORNAMENTS IN BROWN Jeffery S. Gleason ([email protected])2, J. Chris. BOOBY POPULATIONS Haney ([email protected])3, Y. Satgé ([email protected])1, Patrick G. R. Jodice Nathan Michael ([email protected])1, Anne ([email protected])4 Wiley([email protected])1, Roxanna Torres2, Andreanna J. Welch3, Mario Erandi Bonillas-Monge3,

1 2 1South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Samantha Hodgson , Laura Lopez-Marquez , Alejandro Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Martínez-Flores2, Jonathan Felis4, Josh Adams4 Environmental Conservation, 238 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA 29634 1University of Akron, 302 Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH USA 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gulf Restoration Office, 44325 16450 NW 31 Place, Chiefland, FL USA 32626 2Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto 3Terra Mar Applied Sciences LLC, 1304 Rittenhouse de Ecología, México City, México Street, NW, Washington, DC USA 20011 3Durham University, Durham DH1, UK 4U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative 4United States Geological Survey, Western Ecology Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson Research Center, 2885 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA USA University, 238 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC USA 95060 29634 We often assume conspecifics experience similar Seabird surveys associated with the Gulf of Mexico limitations when generating sexual ornaments. Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species However, populations of seabirds in close proximity (GoMMAPPS) are uncovering previously unknown may experience different environments that lead to aspects of the distribution, abundance, and seasonality distinct foraging behaviors, which may influence for these apex predators. From April 2017 - October production and selection of diet-linked carotenoid 2018 we have conducted ~ 165 days of surveys on 13 ornaments. We studied the relationship between diet NOAA cruises. Using standard, transect-based and carotenoid-based skin ornaments in three methodology we have amassed ~ 5,700 detections of populations of Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) along 36 seabird species totaling ~ 25k seabirds. an environmental gradient on the west Mexican coast. Preliminary results suggest a significant number of the We combined stable isotope analysis of blood plasma continent’s black terns (Chlidonias niger) use the with GPS tracking data from males nesting at Isla San Mississippi River delta as staging, migratory, and Jorge & Isla San Pedro Mártir the high-productivity nonbreeding habitat for up to eight months of the year. Gulf of California, and from Islas Marietas located in a Although commonly associated with tropical coastal lower-productivity, oceanic area. Marietas boobies environments, we have observed the brown booby showed a strong negative relationship between gular (Sula leucogaster) to be widespread in pelagic Gulf skin color (green chroma) and d13C, with greener, waters, even more so than the regionally-breeding presumably more attractive ornaments corresponding masked booby (Sula dactylatra). Seasonal use of the with lower carbon isotope values. GPS tracking results Gulf by Macaronesian-breeding band-rumped storm- corroborated that lower d13C values were indicative of petrels (Oceanodroma castro) span at least March to more offshore foraging. In contrast, San Jorge birds September, more than two months longer than showed no relationship between gular color and d13C , recorded for this species elsewhere off the but a revealed a positive relationship between foot green chroma and d13C. Whereas these results indicate

48 that pelagic prey influence formation of carotenoid- three species and one adult A. pacifica have been tested rich ornaments in Marietas, the reverse is true for by the end of the first field season. All species were birds within the shallow waters of the northern Gulf of sensitive to 385nm light at bright intensities, California. Furthermore, foot skin color appears to be suggesting a violet sensitive visual system. Preliminary a reliable indicator of diet on the rocky island of San analyses suggest a flicker fusion frequency of about Jorge, whereas gular skin color is clearly linked to diet 30Hz in the violet-sensitive photoreceptor of P. on the grass-covered islands of Marietas. Our study newelli. Preliminary results also suggest variation in demonstrates the importance of considering response of the eye to different colors of light between environmental variance in the study of taxonomically- species and life stages. Ultimately, a greater widespread carotenoid-ornaments. understanding of the physiology of visual systems in seabirds may help us reduce artificial light attraction and groundings in the future. HOW DO SEABIRDS PERCEIVE LIGHT? SPECTRAL EFFECTS ON THE TEMPORAL SENSITIVITY OF HAWAIIAN SEABIRDS DECADAL AND MILLENNIAL-SCALE FORAGING HABITS OF THREE HAWAIIAN SEABIRDS: AMINO Hannah Moon ([email protected])1*, Tracy ACID δ15N, δ13C, AND δD ANALYSES Anderson ([email protected])2, Marc Travers ([email protected])3, Ellis Loew Kaycee Morra ([email protected])1*, Marilyn Fogel

4 1 ([email protected]) , Megan Porter ([email protected]) , Peggy Ostrom ([email protected]) 1 ([email protected])2, Anne Wiley ([email protected])3, Yoshito Chikaraishi 1Department of Biology, 2538 McCarthy Mall, EDM ([email protected])4, Helen James ([email protected])5, 216, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI Sam Rossman([email protected])6 96822 2Save Our Shearwaters, Kauai Humane Society, P.O. 1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Box 3330 Lihue, HI 96766 California, Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, 3Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, 3900 CA, 92404 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, Kaua'i 96716 2Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State 4Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, 288 Farm Lane, MI, 48824, USA University, Ithaca, NY 14853 3Department of Biology, University of Akron, 185 East Mill St., Akron, OH, 44325, USA Artificial lights at night cause high mortality in 4Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido fledgling seabirds due to attraction and subsequent University, Kita-19, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060- grounding. The seabirds most affected by grounding 0819, Japan; 3Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science are Procellariformes, including shearwaters and and Technology, 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, petrels. Of concern on Kaua'i are the Hawaiian Petrel 237-0061, Japan (Pterodroma sandwichensis), Newell's shearwater 5Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum (Puffinus newelli), and the Wedge-tailed shearwater of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box (Ardenna pacifica). Newell's Shearwater fledglings 37012, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, have the highest susceptibility, which suggests Washington, D.C., 20560 differences in behavior and/or vision between species 6Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 3830 S. Highway as well as between fledglings and adults. Previous A1A #4-181, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 studies on migratory birds suggest that the color of light can affect attraction. To better understand visual We document differences in foraging habits among perception in seabirds and drivers of fatal light Newell's shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Laysan attraction, the temporal sensitivity of the target albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Hawaiian species was tested in different spectra and intensities petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) using amino acid of light. Flashing LED lights were used in up to five δ13C, δD and δ15N analyses. Our isotope chronologies intensities in three wavelengths- violet (385nm), blue extend back as far as 100 years for the first two (450nm), and white light (peak at 594nm). species, and thousands of years for the Hawaiian Electroretinography was used to measure the petrel. magnitude of response in the eye to each intensity and identify the flicker fusion frequency. Juveniles of all

δ15N proxies for nutrient regime use (e.g. nitrogen we used a truck mounted radar to identify areas with supplied by marine nitrate vs. nitrogen fixation) and possible bird activity and placed an array of acoustic trophic position reveal that all three species have recorders in likely locations to pick up vocalizations. exhibited persistent foraging segregation and have Radar was largely carried out in the summer and fall of experienced a significant trophic decline (probability 2017 and acoustic monitoring was completed in spring ≥ 0.97) within the past 100 years. By generating δD and summer 2018. From April to September 2018, and δ13C fingerprints, rarely investigated outside ʻuaʻu were detected at three different locations on primary producers or in marine systems, we explore Maunakea. Calls were detected on several different dietary explanations behind the unexpected variation nights from June through August at one location found in whole tissue δD among these oceanic indicating the possible presence of breeding seabirds, and investigate whether δ13C values of 6 individuals. More on the ground surveying is needed to essential and 6 nonessential amino acids reveal new identify if remnant populations of ʻuaʻu persist on information about foraging location or diet in marine Maunakea but this study has provided promising predators. evidence that the birds have either persisted or recolonized through a 60-year absence. Information regarding foraging habits is necessary for conservation managers to assess at-sea risks and is especially critical for endangered species like the FORAGING MOVEMENT AND DIET OF TWO Hawaiian petrel and Newell's shearwater, which have SYMPATRICALLY-BREEDING TERN SPECIES ON experienced steep population declines in recent COUNTRY ISLAND, NS decades. Our study directs us to the perspective that a marked trophic decline was indiscriminate, affecting Avery Nagy-MacArthur ([email protected])1* and three Pacific seabird species that have distinct feeding Mark Mallory ([email protected])1 strategies and population dynamics, and exhibit several other divergent morphological and behavioral 1Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, traits. Collectively, our comprehensive isotopic NS, B4P 2R6, Canada approach provides much needed insight into the foraging habits and diets of these wide-ranging Colonial-nesting seabirds may exhibit niche seabirds. partitioning of diet or habitat to reduce competition and maximize resource use. Breeding seabirds require separate habitats for nesting and foraging, hence DOCUMENTATION OF ENDANGERED ʻUAʻU understanding marine habitat use beyond the colony (PTERODROMA SANDWICHENSIS) ON MAUNAKEA, is essential for effective conservation. GPS tracking FIRST RECORD SINCE 1963 technology has been successfully used to track movement of larger seabirds, but has only recently Bret Mossman ([email protected])1*, Ann been available for tracking tern-sized seabirds. Tanimoto-Johnson ([email protected])1, Patrick Hart Country Island, Nova Scotia, hosts regionally ([email protected])1, and Fritz Klasner significant numbers of breeding Arctic Tern (Sterna ([email protected])2 paradisaea) and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), and although a monitoring program has existed since 1University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 1998, knowledge gaps exist regarding marine habitat 2Office of Maunakea Management use and diet of adult terns. This project integrates diet analysis with GPS tracking to generate new insight into Seabirds have experienced global declines around the relationships between habitat use and diet in Arctic world and many have been pushed to the brink of and Common Terns, and assess interspecific spatial or extinction. In Hawaiʻi the ʻuaʻu (Pterodroma dietary partitioning. I am tracking Arctic and Common sandwichensis) has declined dramatically since the Terns during incubation in 2018 and 2019 to identify arrival of humans in the islands. Once distributed foraging ranges and determine habitat use in relation across the archipelago ʻuaʻu now only remain in a few to oceanographic features. I am also using stable isolated populations and number in the low thousands. isotope analysis of tern blood plasma and collected Historically breeding populations of these birds prey items to investigate interspecific dietary persisted on Maunakea as late as 1953 but no records partitioning during the tracking period. Preliminary of the birds on the mountain have been reported since results suggest both species forage farther from the 1963. To locate possible remnant populations of ʻuaʻu colony than previously thought and exhibit some

50 spatial partitioning, with Arctic Terns foraging farther offshore than Common Terns. As the first GPS-tracking study of Arctic and Common Terns in a Canadian USING AGE TO ASSESS RETENTION TIME OF colony, this study will provide novel baseline data on INGESTED PLASTIC IN SEABIRDS dietary and habitat requirements, key information required for marine spatial planning and conservation Tessa Nania ([email protected])1*, Gary activities in Atlantic Canada. Shugart ([email protected])1, and Peter Hodum ([email protected])1

POPULATION TRENDS OF STREAKED 1University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner Street, SHEARWATERS IN SASU ISLAND, UNDER HIGH Tacoma, WA USA 98416 PREDATION RISK For the past 30 years, plastic pollution research has Ki-Baek Nam ([email protected])*, Jong-Sung used plastic ingested and retained in seabirds’ Son ([email protected]), Jae-Woong Hwang gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as indicators of pollution ([email protected]), and Jeong-Chil Yoo on different spatial and temporal scales. However, the ([email protected]) length of time that birds retain plastic is unknown, making the use of ingested plastic as bioindicators Dep. of Biology & Korea Institution of Ornithology, questionable. Addressing retention time of plastic is Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, problematic due to difficulties in controlling factors Dongdeamun-gu, Seoul, South Korea 02447 related to uptake, morphology, and the plastisphere the birds exist or move through. In natural situations, Introduced predators are one of the main threats to juvenile birds have a known time for ingesting plastic island avifauna because island avifauna is particularly (fledging to death) while adults have an unknown vulnerable to predation by introduced species due to time. We predicted that if retention times were long, the absence of the native mammalian predator. the adults would have smaller and greater density of Especially, invasive rats severely impact on seabirds, plastic than juveniles due to grinding in the GIT reducing their populations and in many cases wearing down pieces. If retention times were short, triggering their extinction. Nowadays, the biggest the size and density of plastic pieces would be similar threat to the Korean seabird colonies is from in adults and juveniles. We studied two seabird introduced predatory mammals such as rats, domestic species, the Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) and cats and dogs. In particular, Rattus spp. is the invasive the Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) using species with the greatest impact on the seabird volume and density of individual pieces of plastic in breeding population of South Korea. This study had ventriculi. Plastic from two fulmars age classes were been carried out at 2001-2002, 2012-2016 breeding similar size, suggesting that fulmars do not retain season at the Sasu island, one of the biggest seabird plastic for long. Adult auklets’ GIT contained smaller colony in South Korea, to investigate the breeding pieces than juveniles, indicating adults retain plastic success and population trend of streaked shearwaters beyond the approximate four month period that (Calonectris leucomelas). In our results, breeding juvenile were exposed to plastic. If larger samples of success has been low during all study years, and birds can be obtained from one place and time, Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) has been the single comparison of juveniles, with known periods of greatest cause of the breeding failure. However, we exposure to plastic to other ages provides a found that the breeding population was not likely to comparative approach to the assessing retention for decline. Our result showed that the breeding consideration of biological significance and for use as population was estimated at about 15,000 breeding bioindicators. pairs in 2001 and about 16,000 breeding pairs in 2016. Therefore, we suggest that the breeding population has not been changed. Although rats’ predation has MEASURING RELATIVE DISTURBANCE RISK TO been affecting the breeding success, the high predation MARINE WILDLIFE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA by rats is not likely to drive the decrease of breeding population of streaked shearwaters in Sasu Island. We Claire Nasr ([email protected])1*, Daniel C. need a further study for considering the possible Barton ([email protected])1, and Shannon causes for the maintenance of the breeding population Brinkman ([email protected])2 of streaked shearwaters in Sasu Island.

1Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, 2Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State CA USA 95521 University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 2Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office, 3Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA USA 95521 University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA

4NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Rocky coastlines incur high impacts from human use, Auke Bay Laboratories, 17109 Pt. Lena Loop Rd., and marine wildlife use these same coastlines to breed, Juneau, AK 99801, United States. rest, and engage in social interaction, creating risk of disturbance that can be difficult to quantify. Peak Seabird colonies in the Pacific Northwest continue to timing of human use occurs in spring/summer, adapt to the 20-fold increase in bald eagle (Haliaeetus coinciding with breeding seasons for colonial seabirds leucocephalus) populations in the contiguous United and gregarious pinnipeds. The high potential of spatial States. We investigated the impact of bald eagle and temporal overlap between human and marine disturbance on the largest common murre (Uria aalge) wildlife use of rocky coastlines could lead to high risk colony in Oregon, at Yaquina Head Outstanding of disturbance events such as flushing individuals from Natural Area (Newport, OR). Across four years, May- nests or separating mom-pup pairs. We measured the July, 2015-2018, we closely monitored nest contents relative risk of disturbance to 8 species of seabirds and for approximately 180 common murres within a pinnipeds from human use to inform science-based colony of ~60,000 individuals. During these cooperative management in areas where humans and reproductive plot checks we recorded the duration, wildlife overlap. We estimated space sharing between cause, and impact of all predation events across marine wildlife and human use activities using approximately 250 person-hours/year. Adult and sub- utilization distributions and spatial overlap methods, adult eagles perpetrate predation events in about including the volume of intersection (VI) test statistic equal numbers, resulting in few adult murres killed, in Trinidad, California. Preliminary results indicated but secondary scavenging by gulls resulted in large egg moderate space sharing between Western Gull (Larus losses. In years of poor food availability (2016 and occidentalis), Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) and human 2017), murres abandoned early, and the impact to use (VI score = 0.463, 0.318 respectively). This method adults and eggs sharply decreased throughout the allows relative comparison of risk across species and season. In 2015 and 2018, Yaquina Head murres were human use types and identification of “hotspots” of able to withstand high numbers of eagles and gulls and risk via overlay of the utilization distributions. This still produce young, suggesting that the bottom-up project will identify targeted management areas, factors like food supply are important in determining provide a risk assessment based on seasonal use murre reproductive success. Egg loss was the most patterns, and help target specific user groups for significant, immediate impact of disturbance on the education, outreach and enforcement for marine Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area common wildlife protection. The analytical approach described murre colony. and applied here may be broadly applicable to other situations where a quantitative approach to measuring disturbance is needed for management. INVESTIGATING ALEUTIAN TERN BREEDING ECOLOGY IN WESTERN ALASKA TO INFORM FUTURE STATEWIDE SURVEYS QUANTIFYING TOP DOWN EFFECTS OF BALD EAGLE (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) DISTURBANCES ON Kelly Nesvacil ([email protected])1*, Donald A COMMON MURRE (URIA AALGE) COLONY E. Lyons ([email protected])2, Susan Oehlers ([email protected])3, and Grey W. Pendleton Alyssa Nelson ([email protected])1*, Jane ([email protected])1 Dolliver ([email protected])2, Rachael A. 3 Orben ([email protected]), Robert M. 1Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of 3,4 Suryan ([email protected]) , Don Lyons Wildlife Conservation, 1255 W. 8th Street, Juneau, AK, ([email protected])2 USA 99801 2National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 1Department of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State Program and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA 97331

3U.S. Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, Yakutat sustainability goals and targets for green energy. Ranger District, 712 Ocean Cape Road, Yakutat, AK, Among the environmental community there is support USA 99689 for these efforts to combat climate change through responsible renewable energy development, and we During the 2017 and 2018 breeding season we will be challenged to find solutions where seabirds and deployed satellite telemetry tags on Aleutian terns wind power can co-exist. We propose a bird smart (Onychoprion aleuticus) in the vicinity of Dillingham, framework for the offshore wind industry to adopt Alaska. Local scale movements were noted in both practices and standards that protect birds, sets up years and were primarily within 150 km of the tagging mitigation funds, and includes appropriate site, although locations extended up to 300 km away. engagement and oversight by the scientific and Within this region, we found previously conservation communities. These standards should undocumented Aleutian tern colonies in both 2017 include: site-specific research and predictive mapping and 2018 using location data from tagged individuals. to carefully site wind energy facilities in locations that We conducted opportunistic flights to all colonies avoid bird ‘hotspots’ (important foraging or staging found in 2017, and in 2018, flights to colonies found in areas, migratory paths); determine whether there are either year. Nesting attempts at the capture site any high risk areas within the call areas that should be outside Dillingham were short-lived, but tagged excluded; implementation of an avian monitoring and individuals led us to colonies elsewhere that did fledge minimization plan that is subject to public review; and young, suggesting that later initiated nesting efforts efforts should also be made to foster the innovation of and/or renesting may be important contributors to the detection and deterrent technology. population’s productivity in this region. During flights to locations suggested by tracking data, we discovered additional areas of nesting and loafing, which suggests DIVING IN! FIRST REPORT OF THE UNDERWATER that aerial flights may be more useful than expected BEHAVIOR OF CHRISTMAS SHEARWATERS and an additional tool to identify previously unknown (PUFFINUS NATIVITATIS) ON KURE ATOLL colonies. Identifying patterns of colony occupancy within and between seasons can help interpret Ilana Nimz ([email protected])1* and K. David historical Aleutian tern colony data, as well as assist in Hyrenbach ([email protected])1 planning a future state-wide monitoring effort. 1Hawaii Pacific University, 41-202 Kalaniana’ole Highway, Waimanalo, Hawai'i 96795 CHALLENGES AT SEA: DO SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS BENEFIT SEABIRDS? Morphologically, the Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) is a highly-aquatic tropical shearwater Hannah Nevins ([email protected])1* and Holly with laterally compressed tarsi and a high wing Goyert2 loading for its body mass. While this species engages in pursuit plunging and diving, there are no published 1 American Bird Conservancy 190 Benito Ave., Santa reports quantifying their sub-surface foraging Cruz. California 95062 behavior. We obtained information from Lotek-1500 2 Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign Director, time-depth-recorders deployed on eight chick-rearing American Bird Conservancy, 4301 Connecticut Ave, Christmas shearwaters on Kure Atoll, during June- NW, Suite 451, Washington, D.C. 20008 August of 2017. We recorded 1,519 dive events during thirty-three tagging days. Individual deployment Green economy is transforming our uses of landscape durations ranged from three to eight days, and were and seascapes, creating challenges on land and at sea independent from the maximum depth attained (r= for wildlife while meeting human needs. In the last 40 0.004). Individual maximum depths ranged from 10.7 years, industrial extraction of fish for a growing human to 24.1 meters, with a mean of 15.4 +/- 4.2 S.D. meters. population has challenged the seabird community to While the deepest and longest recorded dive reached find solutions for bycatch, and over-exploitation. On 24 meters and lasted 31 seconds, the majority of the the horizon is industrial production of ocean energy dives were shallower than three meters (64%), and resources is an emerging threat to seabirds. For lasted three seconds or less (53%). Overall, deeper example, offshore wind energy farms are proposed for dives were longer (r = 0.910). Diving occurred call areas in California, Hawaii and in the Atlantic US. exclusively during daylight hours, with peak hourly Meanwhile there are multiple politically-driven diving activity (13%) during the evening (1700-1800

HST). This study provides the first insights into the ANCESTRAL AND CONTEMPORARY BIOCULTURAL diving behavior of the Christmas Shearwater, and INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ALBATROSSES AND highlights the epipelagic foraging habitat of this HUMAN BEING IN THE SUB-ANTARCTIC REGION species of concern within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Jaime Ojeda ([email protected])1,2,3* and Cristián G. Suazo4

WHAT’S IN A PELLET? A DIET ANALYSIS OF DOUBLE- 1School of Environmental Studies, University of CRESTED CORMORANTS USING PELLETS IN SOUTH Victoria, Victoria, Canada. HUMBOLDT BAY, CA 2Instituto de Ecología & Biodiversidad, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile. Karen Oakden ([email protected])1* 3Laboratorio de Macroalgas Antárticas y 1Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Subantárticas (LMAS), Casilla 113-D, Universidad de 1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521, USA Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile 4Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics,

Justus Liebig University Giessen, There are many different reasons to study diets with Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392 Giessen, Germany various species around the world.You can understand population dynamics using the predators’ diet or help Chilean Sub-Antarctic ecoregion holds around 20% of with the management of endangered species by black-browed albatrosses’ (BBA; Thalassarche finding the prey species. Double-crested cormorants melanophrys) world population. This has enormous (Phalacrocorax auritus) are known to be primarily ecological and cultural importance. For example, since piscivorous. Starting about a decade ago, there have 6,000 before present, indigenous people (Yagan been conflicts between Double-crested cormorants culture) have been profoundly related to albatrosses and endangered species of Salmonids around East by ecological indicators, traditional food, ceremonial Sand Island in Oregon. I wanted to know if prevalent and spiritual proposes. Today, this albatrosses-human predation with the Teal Island Double-crested link continues in different forms in the Sub-Antarctic cormorant colony and the endangered Salmonid region. For instance, albatrosses feed the hake fishery’s offal. Even, this socio-ecological footprint has species in South Humboldt Bay, CA. I dissected 21 been found in albatrosses’ colonies where fishing’s pellets collected from the Humboldt Bay National offal seems to be one of the most important feeding Wildlife refuge and identified otoliths and other pieces items. One relevant aspect is that artisanal hake fishery of organisms. Ultimately I found that this colony had has a low negative impact, especially in seabirds’ been eating about equal portions of fish and decapods. incidental capture. This albatrosses-artisanal fishers’ Within the fish species I found that the Double-crested relationship has a substantial difference if we compare cormorants ate primarily rockfish (Sebastes sp.) it with industrial operations in the Southern Ocean, followed by Chinook Salmon (Oncorhyncus where still there are high mortality of seabirds. In turn, tshawytscha) and Coho Salmon (Oncorhyncus artisanal fishers mention to have a positive perception kisutch). This could lead to possible management plan of seabirds because they are useful indicators of being instituted on the double-crested cormorants in marine productivity. In several occasions, artisanal Humboldt Bay, due to the somewhat high amount of hake fishery can generate win-win biocultural interactions, in where the fishermen use the flock of endangered Salmonids in Humboldt Bay. However, the birds as ecological indicators, and seabirds feed of the possible management plan should be fairly mild discards (offal) associated with fishing operations. because the cormorants were eating a large amount of Taking into account the ancestral and contemporary decapods and rockfish. albatrosses-fishers relationship, we aim to make a review with ecological, historical, social information. That is why our target has three sources: ethnographical literature, semi-interviews, ecological data in order to describe the albatrosses-fishers relationship. In conclusion, we want to show a biocultural approach to contribute a stewardship management and biocultural conservation in the Sub- Antarctic region.

SAMPLING THEIR SURROUNDINGS: USING SEABIRDS PHTHALATE EXPOSURE IN BERING SEA SEABIRDS AS OCEANOGRAPHIC SAMPLING PLATFORMS Veronica M. Padula ([email protected]) 1,2*, Birgit Rachael A. Orben ([email protected])1*, Adam Peck- Hagedorn ([email protected])3, Anne Richardson ([email protected])2, Don Beaudreau ([email protected])2, and Douglas Lyons ([email protected])2, Jim Lerczak Causey ([email protected]) 1,2 ([email protected])3 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of 1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508 University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE 2College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, USA Alaska Fairbanks, Juneau, AK 99801 2Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State 3Sustainable Earth Research LLC, Anchorage, AK University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 99508; 3College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, 104 CEOAS Administration The plastic debris that enters the Pacific Ocean Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA eventually reaches Bering Sea ecosystems, and many researchers are investigating the potential impacts of Seabirds use a diversity of marine habitats and offer plastics on the physical environment and organisms in unprecedented access to dynamic environments in the the Bering Sea. Specifically, seabirds and the prey upon surface ocean. However, there are few examples of which they feed may be come into contact with plastics biologging devices carried by seabirds being used to in several ways. They may mistake plastic debris for collect data about surrounding conditions that are food items and ingest them, may become entangled in then integrated into larger earth monitoring networks. plastic debris or may incorporate debris into nests. To effectively use seabirds as oceanographic sampling Birds are consequently exposed to numerous plastic- platforms further innovations in miniaturization and associated chemical adjuncts, particularly endocrine- sensor design are needed to develop tags that are <3% disrupting compounds like phthalates. We aim to build of body mass (ideally <1% for long duration a foundation of knowledge of phthalate exposure in deployments), and diversify the data being collected Bering Sea seabirds that leads to better understanding from birds. We are currently developing methods of their correlative effects on ecosystem health. Our data collection and processing to integrate seabird study has two objectives: (1) Describe occurrence of derived in situ data in oceanographic models. Our goal plastic particles in seabird stomachs and is to deploy cormorants with CTD tags carrying fast concentrations of phthalates in seabird tissues; and (2) response temperature and conductivity sensors to Quantify variation in patterns of exposure by make water column measurements during foraging geographic location, year, feeding/foraging, and dives. Benthic dives, characterized by flat bottom dive species. We analyzed 6 phthalate congeners, and profiles, will be used as depth soundings and tags δ13C/δ15N stable isotopes from 111 individuals, carrying 3-axis accelerometers and magnetometers representing nine seabird species that breed in the will be used to measure wave height, period, and Bering Sea ecosystem. ANCOVA analyses and direction. Finally, GPS locations during surface preliminary non-parametric multi-dimensional intervals will be used to estimate surface currents. scaling analyses show no clear and geographic This integrated research approach should lead to new patterns of exposure, but ANCOVA analyses suggest insights into seabird foraging ecology in relation to that species or foraging behavior may influence risk of fine-scale environmental conditions. Identifying viable phthalate exposure. This suggests that these plastic- and practical uses for seabird biologging data, in associated chemicals are distributed throughout the addition to ecological and conservation needs of Bering Sea ecosystem, and that a large proportion of seabirds, offers opportunities for multidisciplinary seabird species breeding within the region are at risk science and maximizes the use of data from these of exposure, although some species, such as loggers. planktivorous auklets, may be at higher risk of exposure than others.

A (12-MINUTE) REVIEW OF NEARLY 5-DECADES OF HABITAT UTILIZATION OF MARBLED MURRELETS CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN BREEDING IN HAIDA GWAII, BC: USING LONG-TERM AND PERFORMANCE AT CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL ADDITIONAL DATA FROM LASKEEK BAY PARK, 1969 - 2018 Sonya Pastran ([email protected])1*, David Lank Michael Parker ([email protected])1*, ([email protected])2 and Ronald Ydenberg Frank Gress ([email protected])1, Jim Howard ([email protected])3 ([email protected])1, David Mazurkiewicz ([email protected])2, Amelia DuVall 1Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, ([email protected])1, Peter Larramendy Burnaby British Columbia V5A 1S6 ([email protected])1, Katy Carter 2Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, 6-848 Highway ([email protected])1, Dan Anderson 16, Skidegate, B.C. Canada. VOT 1S1 ([email protected])1, and Andrew Yamagiwa ([email protected])1 Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) nest high in the canopies of old growth coniferous 1California Institute of Environmental Studies trees but spend the majority of their lives on water. In 2Channel Islands National Park Canada, they are listed as threatened, with their numbers apparently continuing to drop. Both After being listed under the U.S. Endangered Species terrestrial and marine habitats are vital for survival Act in 1970, the California brown pelican (Pelecanus and reproduction. No marine habitat association occidentalis californicus) breeding subpopulation studies have been conducted in the northern coastal within the Channel Islands National Park increased islands of Haida Gwaii, BC. I am using archived and nesting effort and nesting success from the late-1970s ongoing at-sea monitoring data collected by the through the mid-2000s. The pelican was delisted in Laskeek Bay Conservation Society along 2009 and breeding populations appeared to fixed transects (1990-2017) plus additional data immediately decline, although monitoring efforts were (2018 and 2019) to (1) map out their annual and limited. Since 2014, increased censusing effort has interannual local abundance and distribution along recorded nesting effort and reproductive success at transect lines, defining hot- and coldspots and annual levels observed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A variability, (2) test for relationships between at sea major difference in breeding performance over the last usage and static and dynamic oceanographic variables 48-year span appears to be timing of breeding. The obtained from existing environmental databases, and pelican nesting season has been protracted in recent (3) examine fine-scale distributional relationships years with nest initiation occurring earlier and with respect to dynamic variables, including local prey extending later than previously recorded. abundance/availability and the effect of avian Environmental conditions impacting observed trends predation, based on 2018 and 2019 data; Prey may include changes in prey resources and impacts of abundance and fine-grained environmental variables climate change. We briefly discuss the importance of of interest are being collected on the same routes as the Southern California Bight subpopulation in the at-sea bird surveys. The effect of avian predation relation to factors impacting other California brown danger was measured experimentally using replica pelican subpopulations (e.g., Gulf of California). While raptor kites along the shoreline of Louise Island the Southern California Bight population is estimated Murrelet counts along nearshore transects were on to represent less than 20% of the metapopulation, the average 30% lower when kites were flown. Thus, the above average chick production in recent years is presence of avian predators should be considered as a likely playing an important role in maintaining the variable of interest when examining breeding season population, particularly as the larger subpopulation in inshore marine habitat preferences for this Murrelet. the southern Midriff region of the Gulf of California has experienced near reproductive failure over the past five years.

USING DIGITAL VHF TELEMETRY TO MONITOR WHY DO ANCIENT MURRELETS FROM THE SAME OFFSHORE MOVEMENTS OF TERNS AND PLOVERS COLONIES WINTER 8000 KM APART? ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST Alphabetized by Paton Allison Patterson ([email protected])1*, Laurie Wilson ([email protected])2, Yuriko Pamela H. Loring ([email protected])1, Peter Hashimoto2 ([email protected]), and Kyle W.C. Paton ([email protected])2*, James D. McLaren H. Elliott ([email protected])1 ([email protected] )3, and Hua Bai ([email protected])4 1Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Rd, 1U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada Birds, Charlestown, RI, 02813 2Pacific Wildlife Service Centre, Canadian Wildlife 2Department of Natural Resources Science, University Service, Environment and Climate Change of Rhode Island, Kingston RI 02881 Canada, 5421 Robertson Rd, Delta, BC, Canada 3Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch Latitudinal migration in seabirds usually tracks 4University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of seasonality in marine resources, while the causes of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Amherst MA longitudinal migration are more obscure. Optimizing 01003 energy intake or expenditure are two potential explanations. Ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus We investigated offshore movements and flight antiquus) that breed in Haida Gwaii, Canada, can use altitudes of Common Terns (Sterna hirundo), one of two migration strategies. Adults travel north to Federally-endangered Roseate Terns (Sterna moult in the Bering Sea in late summer, and then birds dougallii), and Federally-threatened Piping Plovers either travel west, to winter in the Japan and Yellow (Charadrius melodus) within the Atlantic Outer Seas, or return to the Eastern Pacific to winter along Continental Shelf. Currently, 5,492 km² is under BOEM the West Coast of North America. We tracked 46 lease agreement for commercial-scale offshore wind ancient murrelets using light-level geolocators in and an additional 12,976 km² is in the planning stages 2014-15; 72% (33) of birds wintered in the Western in the U.S. Atlantic. We attached digital VHF Pacific and 28% (13) returned to the Eastern Pacific. transmitters to adult Roseate Terns (n=150), Common We examined differences in habitat use for murrelets Terns (n=266), and Piping Plovers (n=150) in in these two regions, to explore potential drivers and southern New England from 2014 to 2017. We consequences of this unusual migration pattern. developed 3-D movement models, estimated their Murrelets wintering in the west were farther south exposure to BOEM Lease and Planning Wind Energy (38o vs 51oN). There were no differences in average SST Areas (WEAs), and quantified the effects of between the two regions, which is consistent with meteorological conditions, temporal variation, and patterns of ocean circulation in the North Pacific; demographic variation on the occurrence of these however, murrelets wintering in the west used areas three species in federal waters and WEAs. For terns, with greater variation in SST (2.3 vs 0.8 oC). Murrelets the highest probability of exposure occurred during in the west also used areas with deeper water (608 m post-breeding dispersal. Tern flights across Federal vs 136 m), were farther from the coast (52 vs 3 km), waters and WEAs occurred during fair weather (high and experienced higher average wind speeds (7.4 vs. atmospheric pressure) with high visibility and low 4.7 km/hr). Given these difference in habitat use, we precipitation. Offshore flight altitudes of terns were propose that murrelets using these two regions face generally below the Rotor Swept Zone (RSZ; 20 to 200 different constraints during winter, specifically in m asl) of offshore wind turbines. Piping Plovers terms of energetic costs and predation risk. departed from their breeding grounds on evenings with strong supportive tail winds and primarily used offshore routes to stopover areas in the mid-Atlantic. INVESTIGATING ANCIENT MURRELET MOVEMENT Offshore flight altitudes of Piping Plovers generally DURING THE BREEDING SEASON USING GPS TAGS occurred above the RSZ. The geographic coverage and AT A COLONY IN HAIDA GWAII, BRITISH COLUMBIA, scope of digital VHF telemetry can be further extended CANADA through the coordinated efforts of the Motus Wildlife Tracking System. Vivian Pattison ([email protected])1,2*, Laurie Wilson ([email protected])3, Dan Shervill

([email protected])3, Patrick O’Hara SEASONAL AND ANNUAL CHANGES IN MARBLED ([email protected])1,4, Christopher Bone MURRELET ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION IN ([email protected])1, and Laura Cowen PUGET SOUND ([email protected])5 Scott F. Pearson ([email protected])1* 1Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC Canada, V8W 2Y2 1Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 2Laskeek Bay Conservation Society, Queen Charlotte, Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA USA 98501 BC Canada, V0T 1S0 3Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific Wildlife Research Long-term trends (2001-2018) suggest that the Centre, RR1 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC Canada, Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is V4K 3N2 declining in the Puget Sound Region. In this region, it 4Canadian Wildlife Service, Institute of Ocean appears that both marine and terrestrial-nesting Sciences, 9860 W Saanich Rd, Sidney, BC Canada, V8L habitat factors influence changes in murrelet 4B2 population abundance and distribution. To gain 5Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University insights into winter distribution and abundance, we of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC conducted fall-winter line transect surveys from the Canada, V8W 2Y2 fall of 2012 through the winter of 2018. This work was funded by the U.S. Navy as part of an effort to gain a The Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquaas) is better understanding of the murrelet’s on-the-water a seabird of conservation concern, with half of its densities in areas near Puget Sound and Hood Canal global population breeding on forested islands Naval facilities. Preliminary results indicate that throughout the Haida Gwaii archipelago in Canada. similar to spring-summer trends, murrelet density is Recent studies have identified non-breeding areas and decreasing over time, with the most pronounced fall- migration routes of these birds using light level winter decreases occurring in Hood Canal and geolocation telemetry. Now, with the availability of Admiralty Inlet regions. However, there is no apparent lighter-weight GPS logging devices we are correlation between fall-winter and spring-summer investigating localized movement and behavior trends, suggesting that the factors influencing patterns during the breeding season. Here, we present population trends differ between seasons or that birds, the preliminary results of a GPS tagging study from one other than just local breeders, influence the winter colony in south-east Haida Gwaii. Twenty-six population. In general, murrelet density increases in individuals were tagged during incubation at their the fall-winter relative to the spring/summer, but this burrows in the Ramsay Island colony. Six loggers were contrast between seasons appears to be decreasing successfully recovered and the tracks demonstrated over time. Murrelet density is relatively and that adults travel much farther during one foraging consistently high in November and again in March, trip than previously suspected. They were found to be which may reflect pre- and post-breeding movements, travelling large distances throughout Hecate Strait, up and is more variable in the winter (Dec – Feb). These to 140 km from their nest sites, and often eastwards seasonal differences in distribution and abundance towards the mainland coast which is contrary to what suggest the need for season-specific conservation was anticipated. Other burrow-nesting seabirds strategies in this dynamic region. breeding in a similar area were found to travel away from the mainland coast towards the continental shelf- break during foraging expeditions. In order to ECOSYSTEM-LEVEL CHANGES IN THE NORTH understand foraging range and behaviour of Ancient AMERICAN TUFTED PUFFING BREEDING Murrelets, parameters such as total foraging trip POPULATION distance, maximum distance travelled, and maximum speed were calculated. Methods such as residence in Scott F. Pearson ([email protected])1*, Ilai space and time and hidden Markov models were Keren ([email protected]) 1, and Peter Hodum implemented to categorize behaviour and determine if ([email protected])2 foraging locations can be identified from GPS tracks. Results will be used by the Canadian Government in 1Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 support of their Ocean Protection Plan and successful Washington St. SE, Olympia, WA USA 98501 management of this species under the Species at Risk 2University of Puget Sound, Department of Biology, Act. University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA, 98416, USA

been identified as one factor limiting the recovery of Regional and local studies suggest that the iconic several anadromous salmonid (Oncorhynchus spp.) Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) is undergoing a populations listed under the U.S. Endangered Species major range contraction. However, it is possible that Act. In response, management efforts were initiated to the North American population is contracting with reduce the number of Caspian Terns nesting in the little change to the overall population size. To examine Columbia River basin and redistribute the population population trends throughout its North American to other nesting locations in the Pacific Coast region. A range, we assembled 11 datasets that spanned 111 transition from a complete census-based approach, years (1905-2016) and ranged in latitude from the used in past assessments, to a sampling-based Farallon Islands (37.70N, -123.00 W) in the south, approach was undertaken to reduce costs and to north to Prince William Sound (60.67N, -147.43W), ensure a known ability to detect population change and west to Nizki Island (52.744N, -17.972W). These between assessments. Beginning in 2015, the U.S. Fish data included at-sea density or encounter estimates and Wildlife Service implemented this long-term and on-colony counts. To assess trends, we conducted regional monitoring strategy. Under this strategy, a a meta-analysis for the California Current, Gulf of subset of all known Caspian Tern colony sites are Alaska, and Aleutian Island large marine ecosystems. surveyed every three years and the regional breeding We found that the Tufted Puffin has been declining population is estimated using a dual-frame sampling- across approximately 70% of its geographical range based methodology. In 2018, we completed the second and two of the three ecosystems assessed. Rates of region-wide survey using this approach. Based on 38 decline since 2000 are greater than declines prior to active and historical colony sites pre-selected as part 2000. At the same time, the puffin’s population was of the sampling framework, we calculated a increasing in the Aleutian Islands. Although not part of preliminary 2018 population estimate of 9,232 our analysis, our review of the literature suggests a breeding pairs (95% confidence interval: 6,364 – variety of factors could be responsible for declines 12,099 breeding pairs); not significantly different from including warmer ocean conditions, increasing bald the 2015 estimate of 10,270 breeding pairs (95% eagle populations, past oils spills and fisheries bycatch, confidence interval: 7,614 – 12,926 breeding pairs). In and introduced mammals. Increases in the Aleutians addition, we used monitoring data from a total of 71 could be the result of a release from past arctic fox tern colonies in 2018 to calculate a minimum estimate predation and Japanese gill net fishery bycatch of 10,580 breeding pairs; consistent with the estimate mortality, positive intrinsic growth and/or emigration generated using the sampling framework. Both the from adjacent ecosystems where populations are 2015 and 2018 dual-frame sampling-based estimates declining. are lower than pre-management complete censuses; however, available evidence suggests declines occurred prior to 2015 rather than during the recent CASPIAN TERN POPULATION MONITORING: 2018 2015-2018 period. UPDATE FOR THE PACIFIC COAST REGION

Adam G. Peck-Richardson SEABIRDS, FERAL CATS, & PEOPLE - WORKING ([email protected]*, Donald E. Lyons TOWARD BALANCE, STRIVING FOR HARMONY ([email protected])1, Timothy J. Lawes ([email protected])1, Daniel D. Roby Jay Penniman ([email protected])¹ ([email protected])1, and Michelle K. D. Christine Costales ([email protected])² McDowell ([email protected])2 Dr. Fern Duvall ([email protected])²

1Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, ¹ Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 903, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Makawao, Hawai‛i 96768 Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803 ² Hawaii Division of Forestry & Wildlife, 1955 Main USA Street, #301, Wailuku, Hawai‛i 96793 2Migratory Birds and Habitat Program, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Seabirds were once the most numerous animals in the Portland, OR 97232-4181 USA Hawaiian Islands. The arrival of Homo sapiens resulted in displacement of the majority of them from Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) nesting in the their terrestrial habitats. Habitat change and Columbia River basin of Oregon and Washington have introduction of mammalian predators has driven the

59 decline and extinction of seabird species. In 2006 Maui their populations have not yet reached critically low Nui Seabird Recovery Project and the state of Hawai‛i, numbers. However, they are in decline worldwide. On Division of Forestry & Wildlife went to the island of the high Hawaiian Islands ‛Ua‛u kani numbers are Lāna‛i to determine if there were Hawaiian petrel minimal and the islands may be considered sinks as (‛Ua‛u, Pterodroma sandwichensis) remaining in the they draw birds from predator free offshore islets to highlands of Lāna‛ihale. That exploration resulted in areas where predators and human activity result in documentation of, what is perhaps, the second largest high levels of mortality. Maui Nui Seabird Recovery remaining population of the species. It was Project has engaged for the past 13 years in providing immediately apparent that predation, primarily by support for these two species as they struggle with feral cats (Felis cattus), was a serious problem. On the predation by mammalian predators for whom they island of Maui, colonies of Wedge-tailed shearwater have no defense mechanisms. Additionally, (‛Ua‛u kani, Ardenna pacifica) have been constantly modifications to the habitat that these species evolved subject to predation by feral cats resulting in total in have compounded their struggle. We describe reproductive failure in colonies where no predator successful methods, for predator control, limiting control is performed. We engaged the community and habitat modifying alien mammals and plants, and the then owner of the island of Lāna‛i to build a feral restoring native vegetation communities, that are cat “sanctuary” where animals were removed from the showing promise for bolstering seabird survival. The landscape and placed within a fenced enclosure. On project attributes many successes to engagement with Maui, community engagement in the form of a state and federal agencies, community organizations yearlong attempt at dialogue and stakeholder position and individual volunteers. Providing secure breeding sharing failed to bring the parties to productive sites to these and other seabird species will require resolution. The Maui Humane Society maintains additional community support and collaboration, we adherence to a trap, neuter, & return policy that describe developing projects that seek to capitalize on provides no relief to seabirds and other native and partnerships with Hawaiian cultural practice, endangered species from feral cat predation. We ecological restoration and open space preservation. explore the differences in the two situations and identify important elements of the Lāna‛i experience that led to success verses possible elements that have TO CATCH A KILLER: EFFECTIVELY TARGETING thwarted positive movement on the island of Maui. SEABIRD HUNTING CATS ON KAUA‘I

Kyle Pias ([email protected])1, Alex Dutcher ONE PETREL, ONE SHEARWATER, STORIES OF ([email protected])1 PROGRESS IN RESTORATION ON MAUI AND MOLOKAI 1 Hono o Na Pali NARS Seabird Mitigation Project, 1544 Haleukana, Bay 2, Lihue HI 96766 Jay Penniman ([email protected])¹ Jenni Learned ([email protected])¹ Hono O Nā Pali (HONP) Natural Area Reserve is an Martin Frye ([email protected])¹ important breeding site for the federally threatened Karla Trigueros ([email protected])1, 2 Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), the federally endangered Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma ¹ Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 903, sandwichensis), and the federally endangered Band- Makawao, Hawai‛i 96768 rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro). Breeding ² KUPU (AmeriCorps), 677 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite colonies of these seabirds elsewhere on the island of 1200, Honolulu, HI 96813 Kaua‘i face threats from anthropogenic sources such as light pollution and power-line strikes. While the Hawaiian petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis, ‛Ua‛u) colonies in HONP are relatively unaffected by such and Wedge-tailed shearwater (Ardenna pacifica, ‛Ua‛u threats given the lack of human habitation and kani) are two iconic procillariform species of the infrastructure on the northwest coast of the island, Hawaiian archipelago. ‛Ua‛u are endemic to the they do face predation from a variety of invasive southern seven high islands and ‛Ua‛u kani are predators. Feral cats (Felis catus) can be especially indigenous to the entire archipelago. ‛Ua‛u are listed as damaging to seabird colonies as they are wide-ranging, endangered by the state of Hawai‛i and the US Fish & efficient hunters and target both adult birds and chicks Wildlife Service; the ICUN lists them as threatened. alike. Cats that have learned to effectively hunt ‛Ua‛u kani are considered species of least concern as seabirds are even more difficult to manage as they

60 often are uninterested in traditional baits. To deal with creates an “ectothermic vise” on intermediate taxa these problem cats, we aimed to take advantage of one whose dual role as predator and prey increases of the most limited resources used by these cats in the simultaneously. In short, it appears that extreme ocean steep topography and thick vegetation of HONP; trails. warming promotes wasp-waist regulation of seabirds We set un-baited pass-through (referred to as “blind in high latitude marine ecosystems. sets”) traps in trail bottlenecks in and around five seabird colonies in HONP from 2016-2018. We found that we were three times more likely to capture a UPDATE ON ALBATROSS POPULATION MONITORING seabird-killer cat in a blind set trap than a traditionally AT MIDWAY ATOLL NWR baited trap. This suggests that trapping techniques must be target and environment specific to most Jonathan Plissner effectively protect seabirds from depredation. ([email protected]) 1, Kelly Goodale ([email protected])2, Beth Flint ([email protected])3, William Kendall THE ECTOTHERMIC VISE: REGULATION OF ([email protected])4, Roberta Swift SEABIRDS BY FORAGE FISH IN HOT WATER ([email protected])5

John Piatt ([email protected]), Mayumi Arimitsu 1Island Conservation, USFWS Midway Atoll NWR, ([email protected])2 1082 Makepono St., Honolulu, HI USA 96819 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midway Atoll NWR, 1USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, 1082 Makepono St., Honolulu, HI USA 96819 Anchorage, AK USA 99508 3U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine National 2USGS Alaska Science Center, 250 Egan Drive, Juneau, Monuments of the Pacific, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite AK USA 99801 5-231, Honolulu, HI 96850 4U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Cooperative Fish Why do we observe large die-offs of some seabirds and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, during periods of intense ocean warming (e.g., El Niño, 1484 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1484 the “Blob”)? Temperature anomalies usually don’t 5U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Pacific Region, impact seabirds directly because, as endotherms, they Migratory Birds and Habitat Program, 911 NE 11th can regulate internal temperatures against external Ave., Portland, OR 97232-4181 extremes. Such flexibility comes with a high cost: seabirds must eat a large mass of fish every day to fuel Population studies of albatross on Midway began their fast metabolisms. Absent fuel, seabirds emaciate nearly a century ago with the Tanager Expedition of quickly and die within days. Occasionally, this occurs 1923. Currently, studies continue following on a grand scale when large “wrecks” of seabirds occur standardized protocols for conducting an annual in association with warm-water events. Such wrecks census of nesting pairs and for monitoring suggest a scarcity of forage fish on the same scale, and survivorship and reproductive success. Numbers of so we ask: How does warm water affect forage fish? nesting Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) Unlike seabirds, fish are ectotherms and very sensitive have increased in recent years, and black-footed to temperature change. A large positive temperature albatross (P. nigripes) numbers have also shown a anomaly can increase fish metabolic rate and food slight, increasing trend since atoll-wide censuses demands enormously. Existing food supplies may then began in 1992. Preliminary results, however, suggest become inadequate, leading to adult mortality or declines in reproductive success for both species since recruitment failure. Or, less of what forage fish eat may 2006. Recent advances in monitoring methodology go towards growth or fat storage, thus reducing and data management have improved data quality for nutritional quality for predators. Elevated metabolic future analyses. Additional information on longevity, and food demands of large predatory fish, which philopatry, mate fidelity, and other life history traits typically out-consume seabirds by >10:1 on shelf are also provided from opportunistic resightings of the systems, intensifies competition with seabirds for >270,000 Laysan and black-footed albatross banded at forage fish. The entire ectothermic food web, from Midway since 1936. Individuals >50 years old of both small zooplankton to large predatory fish is species have been observed nesting on Midway in the profoundly affected by warm anomalies, tightening past two years, as have several birds originally banded bottom-up constraints on prey biomass and quality, at other breeding sites in the Hawaiian Islands and the and loosening control of top-down consumption. This Mukojima Islands. In November 2018, a short-tailed

61 albatross (P. albatrus) pair that first appeared together were important predictors of habitat use in in 2016 produced the first egg at Midway since 2013 winter. We have thus identified important habitats for and the first ever confirmed on Sand Island. USFWS these birds outside the breeding season. staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors work together to document and quantify the effects of threats such as nest loss to inundation, ingestion of A SEASON OF ‘MURRE-TH’: INCREASED plastics and other contaminants, disease, and fishery REPRODUCTION OF COMMON MURRES (URIA bycatch; and address some of them with management AALGE) AT YAQUINA HEAD COLONY, OREGON, USA, and restoration of nesting habitat, control of predatory FOLLOWING CONSECUTIVE FAILED BREEDING mice, removal of lead paint, and reduction of collision YEARS. hazards. Jessica Porquez1 [email protected] (presenting author) MIGRATION ROUTES AND STOPOVER AREAS OF Jane Dolliver 2 [email protected] LEACH’S STORM PETRELS OCEANODROMA Rachael Orben1 [email protected] LEUCORHOA Don Lyons2 [email protected] Rob Suryan3 [email protected] Ingrid L. Pollet ([email protected])1,2, Robert A. 1 Ronconi ([email protected])3, Marty L. Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State Leonard ([email protected])2, Dave Shutler University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE ([email protected])1* Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, USA 97365 2Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oregon State University, 2820 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR, USA 1Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada 97331 3NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada Auke Bay Laboratories, 17109 Pt. Lena Loop Rd, Juneau, AK, USA 99801 3Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, 45 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada Since 2010, reproductive success of common murres Information about movements of seabirds during (Uria aalge) has steadily declined at the Yaquina Head migration is important for their conservation, but we Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Oregon. From are only now obtaining these data for birds weighing < 2014-2017, near or total breeding failures were 50 g. Leach’s storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa is related to increased predation and unfavorable the most abundant seabird in Atlantic Canada, but its foraging conditions (e.g. a positive Pacific Decadal numbers have declined in recent years. Here, we Oscillation, PDO, the ‘Warm Blob’ and El Niño). The describe trans-equatorial and trans-Atlantic migration 2018 breeding season, however, coincided with a movements of 13 Leach’s storm-petrels from two sustained shift toward a cooler, negative PDO and we breeding colonies in Nova Scotia, Canada, tracked with observed the highest hatching (0.51, se ± 0.04) and geolocators. Leach’s storm-petrels had low migratory reproductive (0.79, se ± 0.04) success rates at the site connectivity and they used multiple stopover areas in 8 and 10 years, respectively. Smelts (Osmeridae) and overwintering destinations. Birds with stopover continued to be a dominant prey species provisioned areas at higher latitudes overwintered in the North to chicks. Murre egg (0.77/hr, se ± 0.02) and adult Atlantic Ocean, either in areas associated with the (0.15/hr, se ± 0.01) predation rates were both lower North Equatorial Current or in waters off than in previous years although there was an increase Newfoundland and Labrador. Birds with lower in unique events (120 total), indicating greater latitude stopover areas overwintered in the South resilience of nesting murres to disturbances in 2018 Atlantic Ocean, in areas associated with the Benguela than in recent years. Chick predation in 2018 (0.04/hr, Current off southwestern Africa. We observed greater se ± 0.008) was consistent with previous years δ15N values (indicating higher trophic levels) in (barring a devastating event in 2012). Improved feathers from birds that migrated south compared to foraging conditions in 2018 appeared to support birds that stayed in the Northern Hemisphere, but we greater resilience to predators for nesting murres. observed no difference in δ13C (which may be Unfortunately, improved breeding success at Yaquina interpreted in multiple ways). High sea surface Head may be short-lived, as a second warming event temperatures and high chlorophyll a concentrations intensifies in the North Pacific, possibly migrating to the Oregon coast in 2019.

success rates and breeding distribution for multiple species. In particular, the smaller seabird species SEABIRD RESPONSE TO AN ON-GOING RAT appear to have benefited the most from the eradication ERADICATION PROJECT ON LEHUA ISLET, KAUA’I. effort, with the number of breeding Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii burrows and their respective Raine, A.F.¹ ([email protected]), VanderWerf, E.⁵ reproductive success being significantly higher in ([email protected]), Atwood, J.P.² 2018 than previously. With these results in mind, we ([email protected]), Chee, P.C.² discuss possible directions for the Lehua Islet ([email protected]), Chow, C.K.² Restoration Project in 2019 and beyond. ([email protected]), Baiao, P.³ ([email protected]), Khalsa, M.³ ([email protected]), Howald, G.³ SHIFTS IN STABLE ISOTOPE VALUES OF STORM ([email protected]), S.R. Siers⁴ PETREL FEATHERS FROM 1880S TO TODAY ([email protected]) & Mann, S.S.² ([email protected]) Lyndsay Rankin ([email protected])1, Holly Jones ([email protected])1, Michael Wunder ¹ Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, 3900 ([email protected])2, Matt Rayner Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, Kauai, HI 96716 ([email protected])3 ² Department of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Wildlife, 3060 Eiwa St # 306, Lihue, HI 1Northern Illinois University, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy, 96766 or Kalanimoku Building 1151 Punchbowl St. DeKalb, IL 60115 Room 325 Honolulu, HI 96813 2University of Colorado Denver, 1201 Larimer St, ³ Island Conservation, 2100 Delaware Ave., Suite 1 Denver, CO 80204 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 U.S.A. 3Auckland War Memorial Museum, The Domain, ⁴ USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand Research Center, Hawaii Field Station, Hilo, HI ⁵ Pacific Rim Conservation, PO Box 61827, Honolulu, Stable isotope analysis (SIA) is often used to infer Hawaii 96839 animal foraging location, prey sources, and ecological changes. In seabird ecology, SIA of historic and Lehua Islet is a Bird Sanctuary situated 19 miles off the contemporary samples has provided information on coast of Kauaʿi. Considered the most important shifts in prey trophic position and foraging seabird islet in the main Hawaiian Islands, Lehua has preferences in response to changing ocean conditions. nine confirmed breeding seabird species including the As pelagic feeders with extensive ranges, only U.S. breeding population of Black-footed Procellariiformes are heavily impacted by ocean Albatross Phoebastria nigripes outside of the north- conditions such as fisheries and climate change. western Hawaiian Islands and a breeding population Expansive industrial fishing has resulted in prey of the endangered Band-rumped Storm-petrel trophic shifts over time as species either avoid fishing Oceanodroma castro. However, seabirds on the islet vessels or are attracted to discards. These studies have have been heavily impacted by the introduced focused on larger, mostly fish-consuming Polynesian Rat Rattus exulans, which have also Procellariiformes, with little research on foraging prevented native plant restoration efforts. In 2017 an changes of the smaller, crustacean-consuming ambitious multi-partner project was initiated to seabirds. We collected white-faced storm petrel eradicate rats off Lehua, using aerial drops of (Pelagodroma marina) feathers from 5 museums, Diphacinone. To assess the impact of this island spanning 130 years. Carbon isotope values (δ13C) were restoration effort, we present data on rat prevalence analyzed for potential shifts in foraging locations and and seabird response by the end of 2018 using nitrogen values (δ15N) were used to determine prey multiple techniques including burrow cameras, trophic level changes. Steadily decreasing carbon seabird plots, burrow monitoring and acoustic values are consistent with changing oceanic carbon recording devices. Remote cameras indicate that a values. Prior to 1950, nitrogen values exhibited little small number of rats are still present indicating that variability. Variance in δ15N increased greatly following total eradication may not have been achieved. Despite 1950, around the time of industrial fishing expansion. this, the rat population has been dramatically Between 1950 and 1980, higher δ15N values indicate a suppressed and seabird response to this is considered shift to higher trophic level prey. After 1980, δ15N in terms of estimated population sizes, reproductive values were lower on average than before 1950. These

63 trophic level shifts in storm petrel diet could indicate ([email protected]), Yves Letourneur2 that industrial fishing or other human-related ([email protected]), Eric Vidal1 activities have the potential to impact even the ([email protected]) smallest Procellariiformes. 1 IMBE Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, UAPV, Centre IRD Nouméa - BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, THE LEGACY OF THE PACIFIC PROJECT: THE SECRET New-Caledonia BIO-WEAPONS TESTING PROGRAM AND THE ROLE 2 University of New Caledonia / ISEA, New-Caledonia SEABIRDS PLAYED IN IT 3Centres d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé – CNRS, France Mark J. Rauzon ([email protected]) Laney College, Geography Department, 900 Fallon Moon phase and illumination are known to affect Street, Oakland, CA 94704 nocturnal behavior of many organisms, particularly through predator-prey interactions. Visual predators The Pacific Project began in 1962 under the Kennedy can benefit from higher light levels to increase their Administration as a broad-based program to activity, while preys may decrease it to avoid determine the effects of a biological and chemical predation. Nocturnal seabirds can tune their foraging weapon attack. The Pacific Project was managed by the trip duration to attend colony under moonless U. S. Army who contracted with the Smithsonian conditions. This has been mostly perceived as a Institution to conduct surveys over vast ocean areas. predation avoidance strategy. But this could also be The resultant Pacific Ocean Biological Survey Program related to a higher nocturnal foraging ability allowed (POBSP) sent ~70 scientists to remote islands in the by a higher moonlight intensity thus a greater Pacific Ocean to inventory flora and fauna, band birds, visibility. Miniaturized GPS-loggers allowed us to collect blood samples and to conduct at-sea surveys. obtain 180 tracks from 99 Wedge-tailed shearwaters Live birds were also sent to Fort Detrick, MD. to be breeding in New-Caledonia and to investigate challenged with disease. The data was used to moonlight effects on individual behavior. Moon phase determine where seabirds would be less likely to significantly predicted self-feeding trip duration, when spread Tularemia and Q fever that was being tested on adults target more productive and distant areas. and around ships. Insights obtained by the Freedom of However, this relationship was not significant during Information Act prove sailors were exposed to harsh chick-feeding trips when adults have to frequently chemicals and biological agents, and incipient return to the colony. Adults did not significantly return radiation for the ships that were previously used in to the colony during moonless periods. Tracked atomic testing. In Ship Hazard and Defense (aka individuals showed an unexpectedly high nocturnal SHAD), ships would be sprayed with benign chemicals foraging activity, which was positively correlated with and bacteria simulating a real attack, and how a ship moonlight. The individuals feeding mostly during the might be affected. Lethal germs were sprayed on night performed longer trips, reached farther areas, barges towed by the ships that carried monkeys. The and departed the colony under a higher moon SHAD veteran’s long-term illnesses and premature illumination than the individuals feeding mostly deaths have not been recognized nor compensated for during daylight. Stable isotope analyses revealed that by the Veteran’s Administration, while many POSPB adults fed on different prey when foraging during the biologists become leading marine researchers and day or at night whereas their foraging areas were program administrators. similar. This study showed that lower colony attendance by wedge-tailed shearwaters during moonlit night might be rather linked to a higher foraging opportunity at sea than a higher predation MOONLIGHT AFFECTS COLONY ATTENDANCE AND risk on land. NOCTURNAL FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF THE WEDGE- TAILED SHEARWATER (ARDENNA PACIFICA) TAHITI PETREL (PSEUDOBULWERIA ROSTRATA): Andreas Ravache1,2 ([email protected]), Karen TRYING TO LIFTING THE VEIL ON A MYSTERIOUS Bourgeois ([email protected]), Sylvain AND THREATENED PACIFIC SEABIRD Dromzée ([email protected]) , Henri Weimerskirch3 Andreas Ravache1,2 ([email protected]), ([email protected])3, Sophie de Angélique Pagenaud1,2 ([email protected]), Grissac3 ([email protected]) , Aurelien Prudor3

Karen Bourgeois1 ([email protected]), 2National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration Pauline Palmas1 ([email protected]), Sylvain Program, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis OR 97331 Dromzée1 ([email protected]) , Éric Vidal1 3Tern Again Consulting, 811 Ocean Drive Loop, Homer ([email protected]). AK 99603

1 IMBE Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, UAPV, Steep declines of Aleutian terns (Onychoprion Centre IRD Nouméa - BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, aleuticus) at known colonies across Alaska in recent New-Caledonia decades have contrasted with reports from Russian 2 University of New Caledonia/ISEA, New-Caledonia colonies of stable or increasing trends. During June 2018, we visited three major island colonies on the Seabirds are among the most threatened vertebrate northeast coast of Sakhalin Island, Russia, and taxa and among them, the Pseudobulweria genus is one conducted surveys with Russian experts. We assessed of the least known and most threatened, with one colony size using counts of flushed individuals, the size species already extinct and three out of four species and density of nesting areas, and aerial imagery critically endangered. The Tahiti petrel (P. rostrata) is obtained using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Both the only Pseudobulweria species currently listed in the Aleutian and common terns (Sterna hirundo) were Near Threatened IUCN category. However, in reality present at all colonies surveyed, so we also estimated little is known about its biology and ecology, both on species ratios by counting individuals of each species land and at sea, making particularly questionable the in the air. For each of the three colonies, we estimated assessment of its true conservation status along with that the numbers of Aleutian terns present and nesting the implementation of effective conservation during our visit were less than reported for the years strategies. In New Caledonia, a major research effort is 2011–2012, although colonies were of significant size currently dedicated to this species, combining (i) at- relative to colonies in Alaska. Analyses of aerial sea tracking both during the breeding and inter- imagery to confirm and refine this result is ongoing. In breeding periods, (ii) colony survey and breeding cycle at least one instance, we observed numbers more than monitoring (2 study sites), (iii) evaluation of feral cats an order of magnitude lower than reported previously. predation on Tahiti petrels (6 study sites), along with We consider it unlikely, that this was due to a long- the assessment of mining activities. Indeed, (i) GPS and term demographic decline, but more likely due to short GLS tracking allow us to determine important marine term factors. These could include unusually cold water areas for this species, where individuals may be temperatures in early June, disturbance by bears, or exposed to bycatch and competition with fisheries; (ii) discrepancies in methods. Short-term and long-term land based monitoring helps to shed the light on the actions have been identified to maintain engagement reproduction phenology, rate of activity and between Russian and American experts and to demographic parameters of the Tahiti petrel; (iii) feral improve population assessments across the entire cat predation rates highlights a high threat of this species range. invasive predator for this seabird species. Moreover, some investigations about burrows and breeding habitat characteristics will help to design artificial UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND SEABIRD burrows and to identify possible translocation areas. INTERACTIONS Finally, these unprecedented results will make it Karen Reyna ([email protected])1 possible to reassess its conservation status, and to restore and conserve this elusive species through 1Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 991 action plans on land and at sea. Marine Dr., San Francisco, CA 94129

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have become ALEUTIAN TERN SURVEYS ON SAKHALIN ISLAND, increasingly prevalent in the last decade. Despite this RUSSIA rapid growth, there have been a limited number of studies examining the effects of UAS operations on seabirds, particularly when flown at lower Heather M. Renner ([email protected])1, altitudes. Nevertheless, there is enough information Donald E. Lyons2*, Martin Renner3 related to observed wildlife reactions that can help us draw recommendations to promote responsible UAS 1USFWS Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, 95 use for both recreational users and researchers. This Sterling HWY, Suite 1, Homer AK 99603, presentation will highlight how West Coast National Marine Sanctuaries have learned about frequently

65 used UAS flown in close proximity to wildlife and used Migratory Bird Sanctuary could be contributing that information to minimize wildlife disturbance. We sources of microplastics in the local food web. will discuss recommendations related to permit conditions for UAS low overflight research permits. We will showcase examples of effective ways to work with IMPACTS OF THE DECEMBER 2016 TO AUGUST 2017 UAS hobbyists. We will highlight studies regarding BOGOSLOF ISLAND ERUPTION EVENT ON A MAJOR behavioral impacts to date and offer several ALASKAN SEABIRD COLONY recommendations for ways to minimize the impacts of UAS usage on seabirds and marine mammals. Nora A. Rojek ([email protected]) 1 and Gary S. Drew ([email protected])2

MICROPLASTIC INGESTION BY PACIFIC SAND LANCE 1USFWS Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, 95 (AMMODYTES PERSONATUS) IN AN IMPORTANT BIRD Sterling HWY, Suite 1, Homer AK 99603 AREA AND MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY IN THE 2USGS Alaska Science Center, 4200 University Dr., SOUTHERN SALISH SEA Anchorage AK 99508

Robinson, C.L.K, ([email protected]) 1, Bogoslof Island, managed by the Alaska Maritime Bertram D.F.( [email protected]) 2, M. National Wildlife Refuge, is an important breeding site Sizer2, M. Hennekes 3, M. Galbraith3 , S. Gauthier 3, K. for seabirds and marine mammals in the southeastern Woo4 and P.S. Ross5 Bering Sea. Importantly, it includes one of only four major breeding sites for red-legged kittiwakes (Rissa 1DFO, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7 brevirostris). Periodic eruptions of Bogoslof volcano 2ECCC, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, BC, V8L result in a changing landscape and alters seabird 4B2 nesting habitat. The most recent event of at least 64 3DFO, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2 eruptions over eight months increased island area by 4ECCC, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, BC, V4K 300% and buried vegetation and soil. Continuous 3N2 eruptive activity in summer 2017 likely prevented 5CORI, West Vancouver Laboratory seabirds from successfully breeding that season. In August 2018, a site visit detected the presence of most We report on microplastic concentrations in the guts seabird species known to previously occupy the island of Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes personatus) which but with little evidence of successful breeding except were captured in Sidney Channel Important Bird Area by glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens). Species ( IBA, 2013-2017), and more recently, Victoria that build nests, such as kittiwakes (Rissa spp.) and Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary (2017) within the cormorants (Phalacrocorax spp.), lost access to nest Salish Sea, Canada. We collected fish (n= 201) which materials. The main pre-eruption breeding area for were buried in the subtidal habitats using a van Veen murres (Uria spp.) was altered and unoccupied and grab. Suspected microplastic fibres were consistently only a small number of eggs and chicks were observed. found in over 70 % of Pacific Sand Lance stomachs and Tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata), which typically individual fish with suspected plastics had between 1 rely on soil and vegetation for burrows, lost all nesting and 63 pieces in their gut. Coloured fibres ( black, blue, habitat; birds attempted to dig new burrows but could clear, green, red, orange, yellow) averaged 2.8 mm and not excavate far into hard surface layers and a subsample were analyzed for chemical composition unconsolidated subsurface layers. Because most long- determination using FTIR microscopy. The samples lived seabirds exhibit colony site fidelity, we expected contained fibres of plastics (polyester, acrylic, nylon, them to return with limited impact on population polypropylene), cotton; rayon, cellulose, regenerated numbers. However, given that no fine ash was cellulose and modified cellulose, silk, ribbon rubber, deposited during the eruptions, soil development is mineral and clay. At-sea densities of Rhinoceros expected to be prolonged. Species relying on Auklet are high in our study area during the breeding vegetation for nests and soil for burrows may be season and microplastic fibres have independently constrained from breeding until soil develops. been found in sand lance collected in nestling diets on Protection Island, a large colony in nearby Washington State. Many other fish eating birds are seasonally abundant and in our study region. Wastewater outfalls in the Sidney Channel IBA and in the Victoria Harbour

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH SEABIRDS IN THE TROPHIC ECOLOGY OF TWO SYMPATRIC PRIBILOFS?: PUTTING RECENT POOR BREEDING ENDANGERED SEABIRDS: THE HEERMANN´S GULL PERFORMANCE INTO A BROADER TEMPORAL AND LARUS HEERMANNI AND THE ELEGANT TERN SPATIAL PERSPECTIVE THALASSEUS ELEGANS IN THE GULF OF CALIFORNIA

Marc D. Romano1,2, Aaron M. Christ1, Donald E. Dragoo1, Rigoberto Rosas-Luis ([email protected])1, Heather M. Renner1 Enriqueta Velarde2 ([email protected])2, Joan Navarro3 1Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, 95 Sterling ([email protected]) Highway, Suite 1, Homer, AK 99603 2 [email protected] 1 CONACYT-Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Chetumal. Av. Insurgentes No. 330, The seabird colonies at St. Paul and St. George islands, Col. David Gustavo Gutiérrez., 77013 Chetumal, Pribilof Islands, Alaska have been monitored by the Quintana Roo, Mexico. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners for 43 2 Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Pesquerías, years. Data have been collected on breeding Universidad Veracruzana, Hidalgo 617, Col. Río chronology, reproductive success, and colony Jamapa, Boca del Río, Veracruz, CP 94290, Mexico. attendance of murres (Uria spp.) and kittiwakes (Rissa 3 Instituto de Ciencias del Mar CSIC, Barcelona 08003, spp.). These species have experienced poor breeding Spain. performance during one or more years since 2015. This coincides with several years of Development and good state of seabird populations anomalously warm water temperatures in the Bering depend on factors such as climate conditions, food Sea, and several seabird die-offs in the region. Against availability, and habitat structure. In the Gulf of this backdrop, we described long term patterns and California, Isla Rasa is the main breeding area for T. variability in reproductive performance and evaluated elegans and L. heermanni, and the availability of small the relative frequency of complete, or near complete, pelagic fishes seems to be the main factor that reproductive failures to determine if these failures are determines their breeding success. Due to the within normal variability or are unprecedented events. importance of small pelagic fishes for seabirds, in this From 2015-18 both kittiwake species suffered near work we analyzed the δ13C and δ15N isotopic complete reproductive failure (productivity ≤5%) on composition of chick down of both seabird species, and both islands. Murre reproductive success was compared with prey regurgitated by adults during the significantly below the long-term mean (50%) on St. breeding season 2017. Results showed that small Paul for both species in 2016 and 2017, and near pelagic fishes were the main prey caught by adults and complete failure (reproductive success ≤5%) of both that E. mordax, S. sagax, and S. japonicus were the most murre species, at both islands, occurred in important contributors of δ13C and δ15N in the chick 2016. Kittiwakes have experienced multiple down. T. elegans can be catalogued as a specialist concurrent years of reproductive failure in the past, predator with a narrower trophic niche than L. especially in the early 1980s (1982-85), which heermanni. Both species used small pelagic fishes as preceded a population decline. In contrast, murre prey during the breeding season, but L. heermanni reproductive success for both species and islands included other feeding sources, promoting a combined had not been observed below 24% prior to segregation of the foraging area and reduced 2016, and the near complete breeding failure competition between both species. The strong trophic experienced in 2016 was unprecedented for the relationship found between small pelagic fishes and Pribilofs. Data gathered from multiple seabird seabirds enforces the convenience of the creation of colonies throughout the Bering and Chukchi seas in areas of fishing exclusion in the central Gulf of 2018 suggests that poor seabird breeding California, which would favor the nesting success of performance in the Pribilof Islands might be part of a these species during the breeding season. larger, regionwide signal.

QUANTIFYING PATTERNS OF INTRASPECIFIC the dramatic reduction in breeding colonies was FORAGING VARIATION IN PELAGIC SEABIRDS PAST concurrent with a loss in ecological diversity. AND PRESENT

Sam Rossman ([email protected])1, Anne E. Wiley ACOUSTIC DETECTIONS OF ASHY STORM-PETREL ([email protected])2, Peggy H. Ostrom ON SAN NICOLAS ISLAND, CALIFORNIA ([email protected])3, and Helen F. James ([email protected])4 Martin Ruane ([email protected])¹ , William Hoyer ([email protected])¹, Josh Adams 1Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 3830 S. Highway ([email protected])², Emily A1A #4-181, Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951, USA Kelsey ([email protected])², Matthew McKown 2Department of Biology, University of Akron, Auburn (matthew.mckown@conservation metrics.com)³, Science Center, 235 Carroll Street, Suite D401, Akron, Paige Roberts ([email protected])³, Ohio 44325, USA and Kathryn Norris ([email protected])4 3Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, 203 Natural Science Building, 288 Farm ¹Naval Base Ventura County, 311 Main Rd. Point Lane, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA Mugu, CA USA 93042 *presenter Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum ²WERC Santa Cruz Field Station, 2885 Mission St. of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box Santa Cruz, CA 95060 37012, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, ³Conservation Metrics Inc., 145 McAllister Way, Santa Washington, D.C. 20560, USA Cruz, CA 95060 4 Tetra Tech Inc., 825 West Custer Avenue, Helena, MT Conspecifics within a population are not ecologically 50602 equivalent; individuals often use a subset of population-level resources thus demonstrating Acoustic recording units (ARUs) can help identify “individual specialization”. Maintaining this ecological presence and relative abundance of rare or cryptic diversity is critically important to conservation species in remote habitats that present logistical planning as it promotes resilience to disturbance and challenges. Little effort has been applied to survey provides variation natural selection can act upon. Naval Base Ventura County San Nicolas Island (SNI) for However, documenting historical measures of Ashy Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma homochroa, ASSP). individual specialization, by which to compare current Previous biologists suggested SNI lacks suitable values, is extremely difficult as most common nesting habitat for storm-petrels, and none likely nest approaches (i.e. regurgitation) are unavailable for there (Hunt et al. 1979, Carter et al. 1992). In 2016, historical studies. We present a new method suitable during an effort to document Scripps’s Murrelet for modern and museum specimens which quantifies (Synthlyboramphus scrippsi), researchers deployed individual specialization using stable isotope analysis three ARUs opportunistically in “potential storm- on sequentially grown flight feathers. By repeatedly petrel habitat”. Recordings from all sites contained sampling feathers we parameterize a normal ASSP aerial calls. A single ASSP “purr” call (typically distribution with mean and standard deviation for made on the ground or inside a burrow) was also every individual. We then hierarchically specify that detected. Based on 2016 results, in 2017 we deployed each individual mean is observed from a mean 10 ARUs in similar habitat; aerial calls were detected population-level normal distribution. We ground this at 9 sites and ground calls detected at one site. Few model in a case study of the endangered Hawaiian sites had regular vocalizations during 3 to 4 months of petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis). We compared the the known ASSP breeding season, while other sites had degree of individual specialization between nesting few calls. To follow up in 2018, we deployed 11 ARUs populations in Lānaʻi and Haleakalā, Maui. We found and habitats were again evaluated at ARU and that while the two colonies used very different non- additional sites. We found limited crevice, rock pile, breeding season foraging locations, they both and lithified sandstone habitat, but no nesting storm- demonstrate a high degree of individual generalization petrels. Although much habitat may be accessible to where individuals use a large portion of the island foxes (Urocyron littoralis dickeyi), repeated, population-level resources. We further demonstrate adaptive deployments of ARUs has confirmed the utility of this approach to historical ecology by Grinnell’s (1897) observations that storm-petrels visit comparing our measures of individual specialization SNI, and that at some sites, ASSP vocalizations persist to those obtained from museum specimens to test if throughout the breeding season. Furthermore,

68 acoustic survey techniques have provided a baseline from this study indicate UAS can contribute to filling and focus for additional survey activities including the current data gap and may provide additional mist-netting and additional nest searching in potential fledgling data for monitoring least terns at NBVC Point storm-petrel habitat on SNI. Mugu.

USING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR PROTECTING BIRDS AND PILOTS: LAYSAN MONITORING CALIFORNIA LEAST TERN NESTING ALBATROSS MANAGEMENT ON A NAVY COLONIES AT NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY INSTALLATION

Martin Ruane ([email protected])¹ , Dr. Jean Katherine Rubiano ([email protected])1*, Rachel Pan ([email protected])², and Alan Jaeger Herring (NAVFAC HI), Brooke McFarland ([email protected])³ 1Katherine Rubiano, United States Navy, United States ¹Naval Base Ventura County, 311 Main Rd. Point Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, Naval Mugu, CA USA 93042 *presenter Facilities Engineering Command Hawai‘i, Pacific ²NAVFAC Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Missile Range Facility, PO Box 128, PMRF Air Center, 1000 23rd Ave., Port Hueneme, CA USA 93043 Operations Bldg. 384, Kekaha, HI 96752 ³Naval Sea Systems, Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, CA USA 93043 The Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Program is a Department of the Naval Base Ventura County conducts field monitoring Navy program administered by the United States of the endangered California least terns (Sterna Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (USDA- antillarum browni) to assess nesting colony size and WS) with support from the PMRF Natural Resources hatching success. Field surveys consist of biologists Program. An important aspect of this program involves walking through the nesting colonies and collecting the reduction in strike risks posed by a Laysan data 2-3 times per week. To reduce disturbance to Albatross breeding colony within the PMRF airfield chicks, field crews discontinue walking through the and surrounding areas. These efforts strive to reduce colony after the first chicks begin to hatch. Only a small the population utilizing the site while bolstering subset of the nests that are visible from blinds or roads populations of Laysan Albatross far from the PMRF can then be tracked, leading to a data gap between the airfield. This talk will detail Laysan Albatross egg incubation stage and hatching for a majority of management practices at PMRF, the collaborative nests. PMRF Albatross Egg Swap program, and preliminary findings from observational data collected over the To address this data gap, we investigated the use of years. unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to collect data from the air on incubation status of least tern nests. Our objectives were to determine whether: 1) UAS would MALE STREAKED SHEARWATERS (CALONECTRIS disturb incubating terns, 2) eggs, chicks, fledglings, LEUCOMELAS) ADJUSTED THEIR TRIP DURATIONS and adults could be identified from UAS imagery, and BASED ON PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF PAIRED 3) UAS data can be used to address the current data FEMALES. gap and provide additional data on fledgling success. During this project various UASs, flight speeds and Miho Sakao ([email protected])1, Yusuke elevations, software programs, and sensors were used Goto ([email protected])1, to determine the best platform to capture data. Akinori Takahashi([email protected])2, Katsufumi Sato([email protected])1 We found that terns were not disturbed, with adults continuing to incubate when the UAS was overhead. 1 The Atmosphere and Ocean Reasearch Institute, The We were able to identify from imagery different life University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwa-no-ha, stages of least terns, with adults incubating eggs Kashiwa-city, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan and/or brooding chicks easiest to identify, followed by 2National Institute of Polar Research 10-3 Midori-cho, fledglings, then eggs, and lastly chicks. By Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo, 190-8518, Japan incorporating geospatial information from ground surveys, it was possible to track nest status. Results

The optimal allocation of time between one’s own range and has recently been proposed for listing under survival and current breeding is critical for the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and iteroparous animals such as seabirds. In breeding Wildlife Service. Interactions with anthropogenic period, males and females are expected to allocate activities at sea have been under-studied although their time to self-conditioning behavior and breeding they are likely to impact the survival of the species. behavior such as mate and nest guarding, mating, and During April 2018 we tracked three chick-rearing provisioning for their chick. For central-place foragers, petrels nesting in the Dominican Republic using foraging trip durations may reflect this allocation. In remote-download GPS technology. Tracked petrels the mating period, seabirds are central-place foragers travelled between 2,000 and 4,000 km and engaged in and they need to allocate their time to mate at the area-restricted search 34.5% of the time they were colony and to forage at sea. However, few studies away from nest sites. While our results showed investigated how seabirds manage their time during differences in individual choices of foraging areas they the mating period. Especially, among streaked demonstrated regular use of the Caribbean basin but shearwaters (Calonectris leucomelas), extra-pair infrequent use of Gulf Stream associated waters. For paternity frequently occurs. Therefore, time allocation two of the birds, foraging areas appeared to be for mating or foraging should have significant associated with physical processes such as the Guajira ecological implications for them. In this study, we upwelling, and climatological fronts in the outer examined male’s and female’s allocation of their time continental shelf of the South Atlantic Bight. These two during mating period using geolocators in streaked areas overlapped with fishing effort in the region for shearwaters. We found that 64.1 % of male commercial longline and trawling. In the Caribbean shearwater’s foraging trip was one-day trip and they Sea, use areas of Black-capped Petrels overlapped with foraged at close area to the colony. We also found that oil and gas activities offshore of Colombia. Implications males extended their trip length after they met their for future research include assessing at-sea threats partners at the nest. However, females took longer associated with fisheries and oil and gas activities and trips than males and went to the more distant and those associated with urban lighting and terrestrial highly productive area of the sea. Females did not wind farms near flight paths to and from colonies. change their trip length regardless of the presence or absence of their partners. This suggests that male shearwaters adjust their trip length based on the USING PREDICTIVE HABITAT MODELLING TO presence or absence of paired female to control their LOCATE UNKNOWN NESTING AREAS OF THE time between mating and foraging and to secure their ENDANGERED BLACK-CAPPED PETREL IN THE paternity. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Yvan G. Satgé ([email protected])1, Ernst Rupp INDIVIDUAL TRACKING INFORMS EXPOSURE OF THE ([email protected]) 2, and Patrick G.R. ENDANGERED BLACK-CAPPED PETREL TO MARINE Jodice ([email protected]) 3. THREATS DURING THE BREEDING SEASON 1South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Yvan G. Satgé ([email protected])1, Ernst Rupp Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA ([email protected]) 2, and Patrick G.R. 29634 Jodice ([email protected]) 3 2Grupo Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 3U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative 1South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA Clemson, SC USA 29634 29634 2Grupo Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic The Diablotin (Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma 3U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative hasitata) is one of only two extant seabird species Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, endemic to the Caribbean. The species has a Clemson, SC USA 29634 fragmented and declining population. While at-sea records suggest a population of ca. 5,000 individuals, The Diablotin Black-capped Petrel, (Pterodroma the nesting population is estimated at ca. 1,000 hasitata) is a gadfly petrel endemic to the Caribbean. breeding pairs. Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular The species has a fragmented and declining on their breeding grounds, Black-capped Petrels nest population, is considered Endangered throughout its underground, in steep ravines characterized by dense

70 and humid understory vegetation with loose rocks and intent to eliminate the atoll’s most destructive plant soil allowing for burrow excavation. Until 2017, the species. Native plant propagation and establishment only confirmed breeding sites were located in the has complemented these efforts by replacing invasive mountain ranges of Haiti and the western Dominican species with soil-stabilizing native plant communities. Republic, where habitat loss and degradation are In October 2017, field teams broke ground on a project primary threats to the species and continuing to convert the decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard conservation concerns. Recent work using radar has runway (7.3 ha) into suitable seabird nesting areas. led to the discovery of a previously undetected nesting This interior space is important for species susceptible area in the central mountain range of the Dominican to sea level rise and storm surge such as Black-footed Republic. Other nesting populations may still remain albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) and will provide 10% undiscovered but in situ nest searches, which must be more nesting space away from the exposed periphery conducted over expansive geographical areas, are of the island. With the ongoing management and laborious and greatly limited by the undisturbed restoration practices, Kure Atoll will continue to natural habitat being prospected. To focus nest-search provide critical wildlife habitat while capacity is being efforts more efficiently we predicted suitable nesting built to expand species ranges to higher islands. areas for Black-capped Petrel in the Dominican Republic. Using openly available environmental datasets we determined the significant habitat NESTING ATTEMPTS AND POST-BREEDING ROOST characteristics of active nest sites. We then applied the SITE USE OF CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICANS ON best habitat suitability model to the GIS raster layers EAST SAND ISLAND, OREGON and classified all available habitat in the Dominican Republic. Future plans include testing this model with Jordan Scheibe ([email protected])1*, Kirsten nest sites in Haiti before applying it to other Caribbean Bixler ([email protected])1, Timothy countries suspected to host nesting populations of Lawes ([email protected])1, Daniel Black-capped petrels. Roby ([email protected])1

1Oregon Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, ADAPTING MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES TO BUFFER Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AT KURE ATOLL, University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA HAWAI‘I California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis Matthew Saunter ([email protected])1, californicus) were federally listed as endangered in Naomi Worcester ([email protected])1, 1970 and delisted in 2009 following population Cynthia Vanderlip ([email protected])1 recovery, but close monitoring of this species of conservation concern is still warranted. East Sand 1Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Island, located in the Columbia River estuary in Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 2135 Makiki Oregon, is the largest known post-breeding nighttime Heights Drive, Honolulu HI 96822 USA roost site for California brown pelicans, situated Kure Atoll is the State of Hawai‘i’s most significant approximately 1500 km north of their nearest seabird sanctuary providing habitat for 18 seabird breeding colony. Since 2000, we have monitored species, the critically endangered Laysan teal (Anas brown pelicans on East Sand Island from mid-May to laysanensis) and Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus mid-September using boat-based surveys to count schauinslandi). Kure, the Pacific’s northernmost atoll, roosting pelicans in conjunction with land-based is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National surveys of breeding activities. We observed brown Monument and lies 2,200 km northwest of Honolulu at pelicans displaying pre-breeding behaviors as early as a unique location referred to as the Darwin Point 2009, but the first egg-laying did not occur until 2013. where coral accretion is equal to the rate of atoll In 2013, 2014, and 2016, we documented 24 active subsidence. Considering this and the added effects of nests and at least 10 eggs laid, all of which failed to climate change, the State of Hawai‘i is committed to produce young. The distribution of pelican roosting prioritizing management objectives to reduce the and nesting on East Sand Island has remained dynamic potential for habitat loss and improve the island’s over the years, due in part to management activities resiliency. Management priorities include invasive associated with other nesting colonial waterbirds on plant eradication, native plant establishment, and the island. Since 2010, there has been a decline in the reclaiming habitat on the interior of the island. peak counts of pelicans roosting on the island; the Eradication programs were initiated in 2010 with an number of pelicans using the island during the last

71 three seasons has been at nearly half of the long-term in the region displayed considerable flexibility in nest average. Also, pelican use of the island has peaked site selection by nesting either at a previously smaller, earlier in the year; peak counts occurred 37 days intermittently successful breeding colony or at a small earlier on average during the last 5 years than the first new colony where nesting activity had not previously 5 years of monitoring. Earlier migration to northern been recorded. post-breeding roost sites may be indicative of failed nesting attempts at California breeding colonies, which may also offer an explanation for the nesting COMMON MURRE AND BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE attempts observed on East Sand Island. BREEDING FAILURES IN COOK INLET, ALASKA FOLLOWING THE NORTH PACIFIC MARINE HEAT WAVE THE RESPONSE OF CASPIAN TERNS TO MANAGED REDUCTIONS IN NESTING HABITAT IN THE Sarah Schoen ([email protected])1, Mayumi Arimitsu COLUMBIA PLATEAU REGION, WASHINGTON, USA ([email protected])2, John Piatt ([email protected])1, Brielle Heflin ([email protected])2, and Caitlin Ethan Schniedermeyer Marsteller ([email protected])1 ([email protected])1, Daniel D.

1 Roby ([email protected]) , Donald E. 1USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Lyons ([email protected])1, and Yasuko Anchorage, AK USA 99508 1 Suzuki ([email protected]) 2USGS Alaska Science Center, 250 Egan Drive, Juneau, AK USA 99801 1Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State The largest die-off of Common Murres (Uria aalge) University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA ever recorded in the Pacific Ocean (2015-2016) followed a prolonged and extreme marine heat wave Predation on smolts by Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne (MHW) in the North Pacific during 2014-2016. The caspia) has been identified as a factor limiting the evident cause of mortality was starvation, presumably restoration of some populations of anadromous due to insufficient forage. To detect population level salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) from the Columbia effects following the MHW, we studied Common Murre River basin that are listed under the U.S. Endangered and Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) Species Act. Implementation of a management plan to demographics at two breeding colonies in Cook Inlet, prevent nesting by Caspian Terns at the two largest Chisik and Gull islands, during summers 2016-2018 breeding colonies for the species in the Columbia and compared our findings with earlier demographic Plateau region began in 2014 and is ongoing. We studies from 1995-1999. We censused whole colony investigated the response of Caspian Terns to populations and estimated productivity (# chicks reductions in nesting habitat during 2014-2016. fledged/eggs laid). Census counts for murres at Gull Management prevented terns from nesting at both steadily declined from 7636 birds in 2016, when they colonies in 2015 and 2016, but failed to reduce the were lower than historic levels (mean 8937±1852), to number of terns nesting in the region to the the lowest ever count of 3147 in 2018. In contrast, management target of less than 200 pairs. The number kittiwake counts at Gull increased from 5141 birds in of nesting pairs in the region declined, however, from 2016 to 7479 in 2018, similar to historic levels (mean a historical average of 878 to 769 in 2015 and 675 in 6988±1179). At Chisik, counts for both species were 2016; there was no significant change in nesting below historic estimates in all years. For the first time success. Analysis of resightings of banded individuals on record, murres at both colonies completely failed to indicated that most Caspian Terns that nested in the fledge chicks from 2016-2018. Similarly, kittiwake Columbia Plateau region pre-management returned to productivity was at or near zero at both colonies in the region in 2015 and 2016 (> 80%), but the 2016 and 2018, and at Chisik in 2017. In 2017, proportion that returned as breeders decreased while however, kittiwake productivity at Gull was above the proportion that returned as non-breeding floaters average. In addition to these metrics, we also observed or went unobserved increased compared to pre- very emaciated murres attending colonies, which is management. The unexpectedly high regional unprecedented in our experience, and avian predators philopatry exhibited by Caspian Terns during (eagles, falcons, gulls) disrupted nesting birds and management years was likely a reflection of the low consumed eggs with unusual frequency. Overall, availability of suitable alternative nesting habitat seabird populations in Cook Inlet have not recovered outside the region. Most Caspian Terns that remained

72 following the MHW, and continued breeding failures suggest a chronic scarcity of forage fish. 1 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration Program, 12 Audubon Rd, Bremen, ME USA 04551 2 Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, SPECIES RICHNESS PATTERNS AND INTERACTIONS Portland, ME USA 04103 AMONG ANTARCTIC BREEDING BIRDS Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) Michael Schrimpf1* colonies in Atlantic Canada have experienced ([email protected]), Heather Lynch1 significant declines in the past 20 years, yet no population surveys have been conducted on the 1Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook Atlantic coast of the United States since the mid-1990s. University, Stony Brook, NY, USA 11794-5245 More than 99% of the U.S. population in the Northwest *Presenting author Atlantic breeds in Maine, and was estimated at 10,366 pairs when last surveyed (1994-1996). At that time, Many seabirds nest together in dense multi-species burrows were found on 36 islands. Only seven of these colonies, which raises the question as to the relative had more than 100 pairs, with 76% of the population role of habitat and interspecific interactions in breeding at just two sites - Great Duck Island and Little determining the location of breeding sites. The Duck Island. Both of these colony islands were Antarctic Peninsula contains hundreds of seabird surveyed again in 2018, using similar methods to the colonies that are free from invasive land predators and previous survey. Parallel transects were run every 50 most human-induced habitat loss, and therefore they m across each island, with 3 m radius circular plots set provide an opportunity to investigate how the pattern every 50 m along the transects. The number of burrow of species overlap at those sites relates to habitat, bird openings were counted in each plot. A separate index abundance, and potential interactions among species. to calculate burrow occupancy rate was determined by With opportunistic data on presence and absence surveying additional areas. Direct extrapolation of collected over 22 years, we used an occupancy active burrow density across all petrel habitats on each modeling approach that accounted for probability of island suggests that the number of active burrows on detection to create the first set of comprehensive maps Little Duck Island and Great Duck island have describing the pattern of breeding for the Antarctic increased significantly (more than doubled) since the Peninsula region’s entire seabird community. Three mid 1990’s. Occupancy rates on Great Duck Island areas (the South Shetland Islands, Northeastern were lower (0.43) than on Little Duck Island (0.55), Peninsula, and southern Gerlache Strait) had the perhaps due to the presence of introduced Snowshoe highest concentration of breeding species, the latter hares (Lepus americanus) which have removed much two of which represent sea-ice ecotones. Each of those of the forest understory there. Our preliminary results three areas also contained high concentrations of a suggest that the declining trends seen in Atlantic different member of the Pygoscelis spp. penguins, Canada’s Leach’s Storm-Petrel population may not be suggesting both competitive exclusion among mirrored in peripheral colonies in the Gulf of Maine. penguins, as well as a link between penguin abundance and the diversity of other seabirds. We believe the union of opportunistic surveys with modeling POTENTIAL TO TRACE CHEMICALS IN LAYSAN techniques normally applied to terrestrial fauna (i.e., ALBATROSS (PHOEBASTRIA IMMUTABILIS) SIBLING occupancy) can help researchers disentangle the EGGS forces driving breeding distributions of seabird Alphabetized by Schuur communities in regions with networks of colony locations. Colleen E. Bryan ([email protected]) and Stacy S. Schuur ([email protected])

LEACH’S STORM-PETRELS IN THE GULF OF MAINE: National Institute of Standards and Technology, CURRENT POPULATION ESTIMATES FOR THE Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings, Marine REGION’S TWO LARGEST COLONIES Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 Susan Schubel ([email protected]) 1, Paula Shannon ([email protected]) 1, and Iain Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) have high Stenhouse ([email protected]) 2 site fidelity and generally maintain strong partner

73 bonds, which combined with banding, allows for plasticizers, flame retardants, and UV stabilizers to repetitive monitoring of individuals. Abandoned eggs wildlife. We chose to examine northern fulmars from female-female pairs and from BASH program (Fulmarus glacialis) due to their known ingestion of relocation in Hawaii have been collected, processed, plastic debris. Fulmars that were incidentally caught in and banked for contaminant analysis and for use by nine North Pacific fishery cruises were examined for requesting scientists as part of the interagency Seabird plastic ingestion. As well, liver and samples fat were Tissue Archival and Monitoring Project (STAMP). Of removed and frozen at -80 oC for later analysis to the 215 eggs collected from Oahu and Kauai between include plastic associated chemicals. Of the 43 birds, 2010 and 2017, 118 (55 %) have potential siblings 27 had plastics in the digestive tract ranging from a collected in subsequent years. Of these, 55 eggs single piece to 20 pieces and 0.0012 g to 1.95 g. The collected between 2010 and 2014 with potential majority were post-consumer fragments (68 %) siblings were analyzed for mercury. There was no followed by fibers (20 %), pellets (8.6 %) and film (3.4 difference among colonies (p > 0.05), so all data were %). Polymer types of the ingested plastics were combined. Eggs collected in 2010 and 2013 had confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy significantly (p < 0.05) greater mercury than those (FTIR). Polyethylene dominated with 73 % of the collected in 2014. The potential sibling pairs generally pieces and the rest were polypropylene (26 %) and followed similar trends between years, but due to eggs nylon (0.6 %). Chemical contaminants will be from the same mother not being collected every year examined in the fat and liver samples and correlated to and the potential unknown of which mother laid the amount of the ingested plastics and chemicals egg, statistical analysis was not feasible. Genetic associated with them this summer. testing to determine mother and analysis of organic contaminants would be useful. Aliquots of all banked eggs are available to other researchers through a CONTRIBUTIONS OF DIET COMPOSITION AND DAILY published access policy. PROVISIONING RATES TO THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF ATLANTIC PUFFIN CHICKS

PLASTIC INGESTION IN NORTHERN FULMARS Paula Shannon ([email protected])1*, Keenan (FULMARUS GLACIALIS) CAPTURED IN FISHERIES Yakola ([email protected])1,2, Stephen Kress ([email protected])3, and Susan Schubel Stacy S. Schuur ([email protected])*1, Shannon F. ([email protected])1 Fitzgerald ([email protected])2, Sung Young Ha ([email protected])3, Sang Hee Hong 1 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration ([email protected])3, John R. Kucklick Program, 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, ME USA 04551 ([email protected])1, Won Joon Shim 2 University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA ([email protected])3 USA 01003 3 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Program, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd, Ithaca, NY USA Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings, Marine 14850 Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC * Presenting and corresponding author 29412 2National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seabird chick growth and survival depends on the Alaska Fisheries, Science Center, 7600 Sand Point quality and quantity of provisioned prey items. After Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 many of Maine’s Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) 3Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Oil chicks starved in 2013, despite receiving a diet and POPs Research Group, Geoje, 53201, Republic of composed primarily of “good” forage fish, it became Korea apparent that a lack of provisioning rate data was limiting our understanding of the relationship Ubiquitous distribution of plastic debris around the between diet and productivity. To investigate the world and the ingestion by seabirds is a growing relative importance of prey quality and quantity to environmental concern. As part of an international puffin chicks, we collected data on chick provisioning collaboration between Korea Ministry of Fisheries and rates, diet composition, growth parameters, and the US Department of Commerce, we are investing if survival at three mid-coast Maine colonies from 2015- plastic debris ingested by marine organisms can 2018. Provisioning rates were calculated from twice- transfer plastic-associated chemicals such as per-week, all day feeding watches; diet composition

74 was determined from photographed bill-loads suggests that plastics could influence parasites. recorded over four 3-hour observation periods each Because parasites and consumed plastics persist in the week; and growth parameters and survival estimates same environment within seabirds, parasites are were derived from chicks measured every 4-5 days. exposed to concentrations of toxic compounds like Productivity, chick growth, diet composition, and daily phthalates. We found a positive relationship between provisioning rates exhibited significant interannual the prevalence of plastics found and the phthalate variation and we found a strong correlation between concentration of seabirds, and in birds with higher the number of feedings per day and chick growth phthalate concentrations, found fewer parasites. parameters. Provisioning rates and diet composition These differences could also be related to trophic varied throughout the nesting season, likely driven by position of a seabird: higher order predators tended to a combination of prey availability and the energetic have fewer microplastic particles, lower phthalate, and needs of chicks. We explored the relationship between a higher infection rates of parasites. This preliminary provisioning rates, diet composition, and growth using research shows promising prospects for further generalized additive models to test which avenues for further research on seabirds as predators, combinations of prey and provisioning rates best hosts to parasites, and consumers of plastic pollution. explained chick growth. The results will provide insight into the adaptability of puffins to a changing prey base, as well as inform seabird and fisheries TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF NUTRITIONAL STRESS managers regarding the importance of forage fish for AND DIET OF RHINOCEROS AUKLETS BREEDING ON integration into ecosystem based fisheries TWO DISTANT COLONIES IN JAPAN. management. Ui Shimabukuro ([email protected])1, Akinori Takahashi ([email protected])1, 2, Jumpei Okado PARASITES AND MICROPLASTICS OF SEABIRDS ([email protected])3, Nobuo Kokubun FROM THE WESTERN ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, AK ([email protected])2, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot ([email protected])2, Alexis Will Kate L. Sheehan ([email protected])1, Ryan F. ([email protected])2,4, Yutaka Watanuki Hechinger ([email protected])2, Veronica Padula ([email protected])3, Alexander Kitaysky ([email protected])3, Douglas Causey ([email protected])4 ([email protected])3, 4 1Department of Polar Science, SOKENDAI (The 1Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia AR USA Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 10-3, 2University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA USA Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan 3Dept Fisheries, U Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 2National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori- 99775 cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan 4Dept Biological Sciences, U Alaska Anchorage, 3Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido Anchorage, AK 99508 University, Minato-cho 3-1-1, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611, Japan While foraging, seabirds can consume food items that 4Department of Biology and Wildlife, Institute of transmit parasitic worms and they also can consume Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 311 N. plastic particles. Here, we document the prevalence, Koyukuk Dr., Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, USA abundance, and interactions of plastics and parasites within the digestive tracts of Pacific seabirds collected Oceanographic regime shifts are known to affect the from the western Aleutian archipelago in Alaska USA. food availability and reproductive success of We found a trend for parasite prevalence to be piscivorous seabirds. In the northwestern Pacific, negatively associated with the prevalence of breeding rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) microplastics. When seabirds consumed plastic have been relying on the Japanese Anchovy as a particles, parasites were found in fewer components of primary food source for the last two decades, but the the digestive tract. We also found a negative stock of anchovies has declined in recent years. To association between plastic consumption and species understand the effect of anchovy shortages on richness of parasites in seabirds. The mechanism that nutritional stress levels of rhinoceros auklets, we could be driving a reduction of parasites in seabirds measured corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in that consume plastics has not been tested; however, blood plasma samples of birds breeding on Teuri phthalate concentrations for the same dataset (northern Japan Sea) and Daikoku (western Pacific

75 coast) Islands, Japan, in 2015-2017. We also sampled August to September while they were in the Sea of food loads brought by adults to feed their chicks. We Okhotsk, suggesting that they molted primary feathers found that plasma CORT levels were elevated on Teuri during this period. During this molt period, daily dive and Daikoku compared to those in rhinoceros auklets times were shorter and maximum dive depth breeding on other colonies under favorable foraging shallower, suggesting that the molt of primary feathers conditions. This indicates that birds breeding on Teuri slightly compromised their diving ability. Dives and Daikoku colonies were negatively affected by the occurred mostly between sunrise and sunset, and decline in anchovies. CORT levels were also higher on were deeper during winter, when auklets were in the both colonies in 2016 than in 2015 and 2017, which Sea of Japan. They increased daily dive time in winter, was associated with the lower average mass of food presumably to gain energy stores in preparation for loads delivered by parents in 2016 compared to 2015 the return migration to the breeding colony and and 2017. The species composition of food loads, upcoming reproductive effort. Our results suggest that however, differed between the two locations, and did rhinoceros auklets adjust their diving activity and not correlate with nutritional stress. During the study behavioral time budget in response to molt and energy period no single species appears to have replaced demanding pre-breeding period in winter. anchovy as the preferred prey. We suggest that these consistent patterns in inter-annual changes in the birds’ food load mass and nutritional stress between SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT STORM-PETRELS two distant colonies may reflect a recent large-scale BETWEEN MINING DEVELOPMENT, MILITARY oceanographic regime shift in the northwestern EXERCISES AND AN ARTIFICIALLY ILLUMINATED Pacific. This ecological change might negatively affect LANDSCAPE the regional population of rhinoceros auklets. Rodrigo Silva1 ([email protected]), Fernando Medrano1, Ivo Tejeda1, Daniel Terán1, Ronny DIVING AND FLYING ACTIVITY OF RHINOCEROS Peredo1, Rodrigo Barros1, Peter Hodum2, Hannah AUKLETS (CERORHINCA MONOCERATA) DURING THE Nevins3, Brad Keitt3, Vinko Malinarich4, Frederick NON-BREEDING PERIOD Toro5, Verónica González6 and Pedro Sanhueza7.

Ui Shimabukuro ([email protected])1 and 1 Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Akinori Takahashi ([email protected])1, 2 Chile 2 Oikonos 1Department of Polar Science, SOKENDAI (The 3 American Bird Conservancy Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 10-3, 4 Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero Tarapacá Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan 5 Panthalassa 2National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori- 6 Voluntarios por las Golondrinas de mar de Iquique cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-8518, Japan 7 Observatorio de la calidad de los cielos del norte de Chile Seabirds adjust their behavioral time budget in response to changes in food conditions during the Light pollution is an emergent threat for seabirds breeding period, but less is known about their throughout the world, affecting especially petrels and responses to conditions during the non-breeding shearwaters. In South America there does not exist any period. Rhinoceros auklets (Cerorinca monocerata) on analysis compiling the available information on Teuri Island, Japan, migrate to the Sea of Okhotsk and affected species, and only a few management measures Sea of Japan after breeding, and molt their primary have been implemented. We present a synopsis of feathers in autumn. Their diving activities have been affected species in Chile, the experiences trying to studied extensively during the chick-rearing period, reduce the impact of light pollution, and proposals for but not during the non-breeding period. Here we approaching the issue from technical and political recorded the diving depth and immersion time of three standpoints. We found that 12 species have been rhinoceros auklets during the non-breeding period affected, including Shearwaters, Gadflies, Diving- using leg-mounted geolocators with depth sensors. petrels and Storm-petrels. Two remarkably findings Depth and immersion data (recorded every two are: (i) the massive fallout events recorded for minutes) were used to infer daily dive and flight times Markham’s Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates markhami) and as well as maximum dive depths. The auklets showed (ii) the affection of Peruvian Diving-petrel little flight time (<1 hr/day) for about 7 weeks in mid- (Pelecanoides garnotii), classified as endangered at

76 national level even without consider the light pollution Caspian Tern chicks required rescue and rehabilitation threat. Most of the experiences in mitigation are after falling and/or fledgling from the deck of the boat related to the rescue and release of individuals, but into the water. Recently we have obtained band there is uncertainty about their effectiveness. There is observations of several of the rescued and just one effective experience of replacement of rehabilitated Caspian Terns in southern California conflictive lights, near the Pink-footed shearwater rejoining a breeding population following (Ardenna creatopus) colonies in Juan Fernandez rehabilitation and showing subsequent nest-site Archipelago. We propose that the reduction of light fidelity. This poster will review the details of their pollution is possible, especially near the colonies, by rescue and rehabilitation in addition to presenting the turning off the lights during breeding seasons, band observations. replacing cold lights by warm lights and avoiding massively-lighted sporting events at night. Monitoring programs including active searches are required to REPORT ON THE SEABIRD RECOVERY EFFORT ON increase the scope of rescue programs, but also to DESECHEO ISLAND, PUERTO RICO improve the understanding of fallout in Chile. This Alphabetized by Spatz and also by Herrera could be regulated by national public policies, but it will be important to work with local administrations to Jose Luis Herrera ensure promotion and inspection. ([email protected])1, Cielo Figuerola ([email protected])1, Susan Silander ([email protected])2, Coral Wolf SURVIVAL AND NEST-SITE FIDELITY OF ([email protected])1, Dena Spatz REHABILITATED CASPIAN TERNS IN SOUTHERN ([email protected])1*, Nick Holmes CALIFORNIA ([email protected])1

1 Julie Skoglund ([email protected]) and 1 Island Conservation, 2100 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz Charles T. Collins ([email protected])2 CA 95060 2 U.S Fish and Wildlife Service – Caribbean National 1International Bird Rescue, Los Angeles Center, 3601 Wildlife Refuge Complex, PO Box 510, Boqueron, South Gaffey Street, San Pedro, California 90731 Puerto Rico 00622-0510 2Department of Biological Sciences, California State *Presenting Author University Long Beach, California 90840-3702 On Desecheo Island National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Every year nationwide, thousands of wild animals, are Rico, the introduction of invasive mammals such as brought into care centers for rehabilitation and, feral goats, cats, black rats and rhesus macaques, as hopefully, return to the wild (McRuer et al. well as the use of the island as a bombing range, has 2017). Prominent among the birds rehabilitated are nearly extirpated all seabird species that once victims of oil spills and other anthropogenic activities regularly bred on the island. Restoring the island (Duerr et al. 2016, Henkel and Ziccardi 2018). In ecosystem has been a clear goal for US Fish and southern California, International Bird Rescue Wildlife Service, with emphasis on native seabirds, (hereafter “IBR”) rehabilitates and releases 300-500 endemic reptiles and threatened plants. In 2017, after aquatic birds on average annually. Terns are 10+ years of significant effort, Desecheo was declared uncommon patients at IBR, and are almost always free of invasive mammals, providing a foundation to admitted due to fishing gear injuries or entanglement begin additional restoration action for native species. (IBR, unpublished data). Although IBR bands all birds Working with U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, we at release and has banded more than 24,000 examined the historic breeding distribution of rehabilitated birds since 2002, band recoveries are not seabirds on the island, then applied that knowledge to common, typically 0.5-8.0% of released birds the planning and implementation of a social attraction depending on species (Duerr et al., in prep.). It is not project for Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) and known how many survive and rejoin breeding Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) in 2018. populations. In 2007 a sea-going barge docked in Long Here we report on promising preliminary results after Beach Harbor (California) became a nesting colony for the first year of observation. approximately 100 pairs of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia). Due to various factors (height of barge, harbor activity, etc.) a number of the fledgling

CREATING A GLOBAL DATABASE OF ACTIVE EVALUATING CURRENT LIMITING FACTORS AND SEABIRD RESTORATION PROJECTS FUTURE THREATS TO RECOVERY OF ENDANGERED ROSEATE TERNS Dena Spatz ([email protected])*1, Nick Holmes Jeff Spendelow ([email protected]) ([email protected])1, Lindsay Young ([email protected])1, Eric 12421 Galway Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904 VanderWerf ([email protected])1, [Emeritus Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS] Holly Jones ([email protected])2, Brad Keitt ([email protected])3, Steve Kress The endangered Northwest Atlantic breeding ([email protected])4 population of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) dropped by >25% from a high of about 4,300 “peak 1. Pacific Rim Conservation, PO Box 61827, Honolulu, period” breeding pairs in 2000 to about 3,000 “peak Hawaii, 96839 period” pairs in 2008. The most important factors that 2. Northern Illinois University, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy, caused the decline have not been determined, but the DeKalb, IL 60115 relatively slow rate of population growth from 2008- 4. American Bird Conservancy, 4301 Connecticut Ave, 2013 compared to the greater rate of growth from NW Suite 451 Washington, D.C. 20008 1992-2000 indicated that there had been a major 5. National Audubon Society, Seabird Restoration change in one or more aspects of the population Program, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 dynamics of this species. The US Geological Survey – Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s Cooperative Seabirds are globally threatened, yet there are Roseate Tern Metapopulation Project (CRTMP) has abundant examples of positive outcomes following been integrating results of several research studies to management actions, such as the removal of invasive evaluate the relative importance of current factors and species from breeding islands. Active restoration - future threats to population recovery operating social attraction by acoustic or visual stimuli, and chick throughout the species range, but with a special focus translocation – can be applied where removal of key on the factors operating at the major staging sites in threatening processes like invasive species is not the Massachusetts-New York area where most of the enough for the long-term conservation of a species. population concentrates for several months before These activities can increase seabird populations and migrating to South America. aid in species extinctions. Additional benefits include expanded ranges and reestablished marine and terrestrial connectivity and function, because seabirds CHANGES IN PREDATOR ACTIVITY AND HAWAIIAN are ecosystem engineers in these two systems. PETREL REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN RESPONSE TO However, there is a lack of common knowledge of how LANDSCAPE-LEVEL PREDATOR CONTROL to select and apply active restoration methods with the greatest chances of success. An opportunity exists to Rachel S. Sprague ([email protected])1, build on a previous review by Jones and Kress (2012), Tyler Bogardus ([email protected])2, and which was the first attempt to consolidate active André F. Raine ([email protected])3 seabird restoration activities and provide case studies to help optimize re-colonization tools. We seek to 1Pūlama Lāna‘i Department of Natural Resources, undertake a global synthesis of seabird translocation 1311 Fraser Ave., P.O. Box 630310, Lanai City, HI and social attraction projects in partnership with other 96763, [email protected] seabird restoration practitioners and experts to enable 2Grey Boar Wildlife Services, Honolulu, HI, broader use of these techniques. The review will result [email protected] in a dataset of active seabird restoration projects from 3Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, 3900 around the world – where they are happening, the Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716, species and objectives targeted, the methods and costs [email protected] of the activity, and the restoration outcome. We will also provide basic analyses of trends and knowledge The island of Lānaʻi is home to an important nesting gaps to enhance seabird conservation activities and colony of endangered Hawaiian petrels (Pterodroma assist seabird managers and researchers worldwide. sandwichensis). A growing landscape-level predator trapping network has been implemented to protect the colony from depredation by non-native rats and cats. Over 3 years, the trap network has grown to include

120 cat traps over 17+ km of trails in an approximate mink removal we also observed a 206% increase in the 250m x 1km spacing, and nearly 400 Good Nature A24 number of active guillemot nests and a 4-fold increase automatic rat traps covering ~130 ha of nesting in the proportion of active nests in sites vulnerable to habitat in spacing ranging from 50x100 m to 50x50 m mink predation. Overall predation rates on guillemot depending on the topography. With this protection, nestlings at the Naked Island Group decreased from an black rat visitations to camera-monitored petrel average of 34% pre-mink removal to 6% post-mink burrows in proximity to A24 traps significantly removal, similar to the average predation rate of 10% decreased, as did cat visitations and depredations of observed pre-mink introduction. Our results indicate petrels by rats and cats. From just 2016 to 2017, that the removal of mink from the Naked Island Group Hawaiian petrel reproductive success more than has been successful in initiating recovery of the local tripled, from 22% to 78.4% in the area with the most guillemot breeding population. Future monitoring will concentrated predator control, and an increase from determine if current trends in population growth of 17% to 67% in the secondary areas with moderate the Pigeon Guillemot population at the Naked Island predator control. Since the initial trapping network Group continue. expansion, we are now starting to look spatially at the instances of predator sightings and depredations within the colony to inform potential modifications to the trapping grids to improve protection. INFLUENCE OF BODY CONDITION AND ARRIVAL DATE ON BREEDING SUCCESS OF THE ADÉLIE PENGUIN (PYGOSCELIS ADELIAE) PIGEON GUILLEMOTS REBOUND AS INTRODUCED MINK ARE REMOVED Katelyn Stoner ([email protected])1, Amélie Lescroël ([email protected])1, Annie Schmidt ([email protected])1, Grant Ballard Sam B. Stark ([email protected])1*, Daniel ([email protected])1, Katie M. Dugger D. Roby ([email protected])1, and David B. ([email protected])2, Megan Elrod Irons ([email protected])2 ([email protected]) 1, and David Ainley ([email protected])3 1Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 104 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA 1Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (retired), Migratory Bird Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, 2U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Anchorage, AK 99503 USA Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, Removal of introduced predators is a widespread and USA effective tool for restoration of island nesting birds. 3H.T. Harvey & Associates Ecological Consultants, Los Despite its pervasive use, the effects of predator Gatos, CA 95032, USA removal on target species for conservation remains understudied. Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphus columba) Investigations of Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) are a crevice-nesting alcid native to the northeastern ecology have primarily been conducted during the Pacific that has experienced local declines where breeding season. However, experiences in one period predators were introduced to breeding islands. The of the annual cycle may influence outcomes and population of guillemots at the Naked Island Group in processes at a later period. Individuals vary in their Prince William Sound, Alaska declined 95% from 1979 responses to environmental conditions, and some to 2008, concurrent with reports of the intentional appear more capable of buffering adverse winter introduction of American mink (Neovison vison) to the conditions, possibly leading to earlier arrival dates on Group. Although mink removal from an island had not their breeding grounds, better condition on arrival, been previously attempted in North America, removal and higher subsequent breeding success. We explored commenced in 2014. We monitored guillemots at the potential impacts of winter conditions on Adélie Naked Island Group from 2012 to 2018. During that penguins at Cape Crozier on Ross Island, Antarctica. time, we observed a 145% increase in the number of The Cape Crozier colony is one of the largest known guillemots attending breeding colonies on the Naked colonies of Adélie penguins, and breeding ecology has Island Group, an increase not observed at other nearby been continuously monitored at this location for over guillemot colonies on mink-free islands. Following 20 years. As part of an intensive, ongoing tagging effort, body condition and arrival date were recorded

79 for ~100 individuals of known-age, breeding history, system by vessel captains (mean probability 62.7%). and breeding quality in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Body Whilst sea lions were negatively recognized as causing condition was calculated from mass and torso damage to both catches and fishing gear as gillnets circumference measurements taken within 1-2 days of (97.1%). Among different potential measures to arrival at the breeding colony and corrected for reduce conflicts with non-target taxa suggested by structural body size using measurements of bill and fishermen, night fishing and Marine Protected Areas flipper length. We used these data to test 1) if better were seen as the least probable measures (6% and body condition at the beginning of the breeding season 13.1%, respectively). In contrast, economic led to greater breeding success, possibly through compensation and culling of currently protected sea higher investment in parental care and 2) if birds of lions were the most popular but also sensitive higher breeding quality arrived at breeding sites measures (31% and 33%, respectively). Different earlier and/or in better body condition. dimensions of experiences and perceptions of fishermen are key to the bottom-up understanding of interactions in small-scale fisheries, especially when LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND measures to mitigate their impacts do not have any PERCEPTIONS OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERS ON NON- consolidated installation/monitoring, a contingent TARGET TAXA CONSERVATION IN CHILE challenge for these types of fisheries globally. This study emphasizes the role of small-scale fishermen as Cristián G. Suazo ([email protected])1,2,*, Cristóbal a source of diverse ecological experiences and Anguita ([email protected])3, Guillermo perceptions to complement knowledge on sensitive Luna-Jorquera ([email protected])4, Maritza Sepúlveda conservation issues. ([email protected])5,6, and Jaime Ojeda ([email protected])7 SEABIRD BYCATCH IN PURSE SEINE FISHERIES: THE 1Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, CASE OF THE MODIFIED PURSE SEINE AS A NOVEL Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring MITIGATION MEASURE 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany 2Albatross Task Force, BirdLife International-CODEFF, Cristián G. Suazo ([email protected])1,*, Patricio Chile Ortiz ([email protected])2, Rory Crawford 3Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad ([email protected])3, and Esteban Frere de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés ([email protected])4 Bello, República 470, Santiago, Chile 4Universidad Católica del Norte, Millennium Nucleus 1Albatross Task Force, BirdLife International-CODEFF, of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Chile Island (ESMOI), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile 2BirdLife International Marine Programme, c/o RSPB, 5Centro de Investigación y Gestión de los Recursos The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 Naturales (CIGREN), Instituto de Biología, Facultad de 2DL, UK Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Gran Bretaña 3Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado, 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, 6Millennium Nucleus of Invasive Salmonids CONICET. Av. Prefectura Naval S/N Puerto Deseado, (INVASAL), Concepción, Chile Santa Cruz, Argentina 7School of Environmental Studies, University of *Presenter Victoria (BC), Canada *Presenter Purse seine fisheries are globally distributed but scarcely understood in regard to their impacts on non- Plans to reduce the negative impacts of fisheries on target species. Knowledge on bycatch issues was ecosystems, often come into conflict with fishermen restricted to interactions with purse seine vessels who hold different experiences and perceptions on targeting tuna and the conservation actions focused biodiversity. We interviewed fishermen along 2400 mainly on megafauna such as dolphins. However, ~35 km of the Humboldt Current System, assessing their species are by caught in coastal purse seine (industrial perceptions of the impacts of marine megafauna on and small-scale) targeting mainly on forage fish fishing, and proposals to reduce conflicts with small- identified for eight countries in seven FAO’s marine scale net fisheries. Seabirds were positively areas being a phenomenon at international scale. The recognized as indicators of fish presence along this "Modified Purse Seine (MPS)" is one of the first

80 experimental measures to mitigate seabird bycatch in 4U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, purse seine fisheries, where the modification of critical Anchorage, Alaska, USA interaction structures in the fishing gear accounted in 5University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka, Alaska, USA a reduction by ~98% in the seabird bycatch rates 6National Park Service, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA between modified nets and control (unmodified) 7Coastal Resources Associates, Carlsbad, California, fishing gear. Species involved in such reduction were USA plunge and pursuit diving seabird species such as 8University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, Peruvian pelican Pelecanus thagus and pink-footed USA shearwater Ardenna creatopus, respectively. The MPS 9Marine Biological Association of the UK, Nanaimo, BC, is derived from collaborative work between fishers, Canada vessel owners, fishing gear manufacturers and seabird 10NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, researchers. Thus, empirical data from in situ Fisheries Behavioral Ecology Program, Newport, monitoring under commercial conditions identified Oregon, USA sources of seabird bycatch in purse seine gear and 11Prince William Sound Science Center, Cordova, informed the design of innovative technical mitigation Alaska, USA measures, with an emphasis on different seabird 12U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, species in the assemblage associated with this fishery Anchorage, Alaska, USA in south-central Chile. Multiple seabird mortality events have been attributed to a marine heatwave in the Northeast Pacific that ECOSYSTEM RESPONSE TO A MARINE HEAT WAVE began during the winter of 2013/14. The effects of the IN THE GULF OF ALASKA: SEABIRDS ARE THE TIP OF heatwave were far-reaching, from offshore pelagic to THE ICEBERG nearshore intertidal species and across multiple life stages. Diverse biological responses in the Gulf of Robert Suryan([email protected])1, Stephani Alaska (GOA) included reproductive failures and Zador ([email protected])2, Mandy Lindeberg starvation in seabirds and marine mammals, changes ([email protected])1, Mayumi Arimitsu in predator foraging behavior, changes in prey ([email protected])3, John Piatt ([email protected])4, availability and energy content, presence of species John Moran ([email protected])1, Janice Straley not often found in Alaska, and wide-spread effects on ([email protected])5, Heather Coletti typically resilient intertidal organisms. The timing and ([email protected])6, Dan Monson magnitude of responses varied, however, and is likely ([email protected])5, Scott Hatch due at least in part to ecosystem complexity and ([email protected])5, Thomas Dean heterogeneity across the GOA. For example, while ([email protected])7, Russell Hopcroft upper water column temperature in large portions of ([email protected])8, Sonia Batten the GOA trended back toward long-term mean values ([email protected])9, Seth Danielson by the spring of 2017, temperatures at depth and in ([email protected])8, Brenda Konar some inside waters such as Prince William Sound ([email protected])8, Katrin Iken remained elevated through 2017 and 2018. ([email protected])8, Benjamin Laurel Furthermore, many biological responses persisted ([email protected])10, Robert Campbell into 2018. Densities of forage fish, marine birds, killer ([email protected])11, Mary Anne Bishop whales, and humpback whales were below normal in ([email protected])11, Anne Shaefer coastal areas through fall of 2018. Our results indicate ([email protected])11 Scott Pegau that while the onset of the marine heatwave may be ([email protected])11, Kathy Kuletz well defined, the end is uncertain given that the return ([email protected])12, Robb Kaler to baseline for many metrics, particularly biological, ([email protected])12, David Irons has not yet occurred. This large-scale marine climate ([email protected])12 event offers an opportunity to understand variability in ecosystem response, which is especially relevant 1NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, given a predicted increase in the frequency of marine Auke Bay Laboratories, Juneau, Alaska, USA heatwaves under climate change projections. 2NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington, USA 3U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Juneau Alaska, USA

SO REALLY, WHAT ARE MAJOR THREATS TO A SPATIALLY AND LIFE-HISTORY EXPLICIT MODEL SEABIRDS? COMPREHENSIVE GLOBAL ASSESSMENT TO INFORM MANAGEMENT OF CASPIAN TERNS IN Alphabetized by Suzuki THE PACIFIC FLYWAY OF NORTH AMERICA

Maria Dias ([email protected])1 and Yasuko Yasuko Suzuki ([email protected])1*, Suzuki ([email protected])2* Julie A. Heinrichs ([email protected])2, Donald E. Lyons ([email protected])1, Daniel D. Roby 1BirdLife International Marine Programme, The David ([email protected])1, and Nathan H. Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, Schumaker ([email protected])3 CB2 3QZ UK 2BirdLife International Marine Programme, 1-13-1 1 Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Nihonbashi Kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0014 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Japan University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA 97331 * Presenting author 2 Computational Ecology Group, Canmore, Alberta, Canada T1W 3L4 Previous reviews of threats to seabirds at a global level 3 Western Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental have focused on understanding the major drivers of Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon, USA declines of specific seabird groups, or on the impact of 97331 a single threat. The only global review of threats to * Presenting author seabirds to date focused solely on globally threatened species. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated 18 Several of the largest breeding colonies of Caspian categories of threats to 360 extant species of seabirds, Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) in the Pacific Flyway of the first comprehensive global review to also include North America are now actively managed to reduce non-threatened species. We revealed that five threats colony size and increase survival of juvenile salmonids have been the major drivers of the overall decline of in the Columbia River basin. To evaluate effects of seabird species globally: invasive alien species, prospective management options on future trends of bycatch, climate change/severe weather, the Flyway metapopulation of Caspian Terns, we hunting/trapping, and overfishing. Collectively, these developed a comprehensive, individual-based, stage- threats affect almost 80% of seabird species and structured model using HexSim. The model several millions of individuals globally. Each seabird incorporated a range of empirical data, including species is affected by ca. three threats on average. region-specific demographic parameters and dispersal Comparing to findings from a previous study focusing rates estimated in a mark-resighting framework. A only on globally threatened species, the threat from status quo management scenario projected an marine pollution has decreased, whilst threats related increasing Flyway population. When regional carrying to fishing, such as bycatch and overfishing, increased. capacity in the Flyway was reduced either singly or in The presence of invasive alien species at colonies is the combination to simulate prospective management main terrestrial threat to seabirds, affecting almost actions, projected population size after 30 years was half of the species across different groups. Bycatch is lower by 6-29% compared to the status quo scenario. the major threat in the marine realm and the threat A hypothetical elimination of the largest breeding causing higher impacts on average. Most threats, even colony in the Flyway, located in the Columbia River the well understood ones with practical solutions, estuary, projected a persistent decline of the Flyway continue to drive decline both in globally threatened population, suggesting this one colony serves as an species and currently still common and abundant important source that sustains the entire Flyway-wide species. Findings of this study emphasize the need to population. Projections from our model indicate understand cumulative impacts of multiple stressors resiliency of the Pacific Flyway population to a variety on seabirds, as well as to further conservation efforts of prospective management options, but also suggest through wider use of best practices to mitigate threats that the population is currently limited by the quantity to seabirds. and quality of nesting habitat available in the Pacific Flyway, and sustained by at least occasional high fledgling production by the colony in the Columbia River estuary. This robust model can serve as a valuable tool for resource managers in developing future adaptive management plans to meet long-term goals for conservation and management of the population.

THE ALBATROSS DEMOGRAPHY PROGRAM: AN and to inform future sampling schemes for albatross UPDATE demography.

Roberta Swift ([email protected])1, Bill Kendall ([email protected])2, Beth Flint EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE OF ACCUMULATION OF ([email protected])3, Bruce Peterjohn PLASTIC-DERIVED CHEMICALS INTO SEABIRDS’ ([email protected])4, Matt Rogosky TISSUE ([email protected]) 4, Jennifer McKay

2 5 ([email protected]) ,Kelly Goodale Kosuke Tanaka ([email protected])1, Yutaka 5 ([email protected]) , Kim Uyehara Watanuki ([email protected])2, Hideshige 6 ([email protected]) . Takada ([email protected])3*, Yoshinori Ikenaka ([email protected])1, Shouta M.M. 1 th U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MBHP, 911 NE 11 Ave, Nakayama ([email protected])1, Rei Portland, OR 97232 Yamashita ([email protected])3, Mayumi Ishizuka

2 Colorado State University, 1484 Campus Delivery, ([email protected])1 Fort Collins, CO 80523-1484 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Blvd. 1Hokkaido University, Kita18, Nishi9, Kita-ku, Suite 5-231, Honolulu, HI 96850 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan 4 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 2Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708 3Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 5Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, 1082 Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan Makepono Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 *Corresponding Author 63500 Kilauea Road; P.O. Box 1128, Kilauea, HI 96754 Ingestion of marine plastic debris by seabirds has been The Albatross Demography Program (ADP) is a long- globally observed. Marine plastics contain term collaboration between U.S. Fish and Wildlife anthropogenic chemicals which are applied as Service and U.S. Geological Survey. The ADP began in additives and also absorbed from seawater. The 2002 as a means for standardizing monitoring of assessment of the impacts of plastic-derived chemicals Laysan and black-footed albatross populations in to seabirds who ingest plastics is needed. remote atolls of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Accumulation of chemical additives from plastics to now designated as Papahanaumokuakea Marine seabirds’ tissue has been indicated by some previous National Monument. After assessment of historic data, studies, which analyzed polybrominated diphenyl the team developed a standardized protocol in 2005 to ethers (PBDEs), one kind of flame retardants, in wild provide robust estimates of survival, breeding seabirds’ tissues and ingested plastics. In addition, probability, and reproductive success. Data have been many additives other than PBDEs, such as UV collected under this protocol since 2006 at Midway absorbers, flame retardants, and anti-oxidants were Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Tern Island, Laysan detected by comprehensive analysis of chemicals in Island, within the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife plastics found in seabirds’ stomach. These chemicals Refuge and Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on can be exposed to seabirds in the same way as PBDEs. Kauai Island. Recent progress includes the addition Because some of them are known to have toxic effects, and updating of 75,000 banding records into Bird e.g. endocrine disruption, on animals, there is concern Banding Lab’s (BBL) database. We error-checked and about exposure risks to seabirds. incorporated more than 250,000 demography data To assess the exposure of chemicals from ingested records into a newly-designed BBL database. We plastics to seabirds in the environment, it is important trialed and deployed a field data entry system that to determine the transfer rate and accumulated reduced data entry time and error rates. We provided concentration after plastic ingestion experimentally. preliminary estimates of survivorship and breeding In addition, to assess toxic risks caused by plastic probabilities using partial data sets and a multi-state ingestion, toxicological test is definitely necessary. For model. Survival tended to be higher for Laysan these reasons, administration experiment using chicks albatrosses than black-footed albatrosses at both sites. of streaked shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) was The probability of skipping breeding was higher for conducted. Plastic pellets applied 5 kinds of additives Laysan than black-footed albatross. Goals in the were administered to the birds. The results of the coming year include vetting the remaining data and to chemical analysis and toxicological analysis will be finalize analyses to elucidate patterns in demographic presented at the conference. parameters between breeding populations over time,

STATUS AND NEST SURVIVAL OF ALEUTIAN AND PASSIVE MONITORING TO INVESTIGATE PREDATION ARCTIC TERNS BREEDING IN THE KODIAK PRESSURE AT ALEUTIAN TERN COLONIES IN ARCHIPELAGO, 2016-2018 COASTAL ALASKA Also alphabetized as Corcoran Jill E. Tengeres ([email protected])1, Jill E. Tengeres1 ([email protected]), Donald E. Lyons ([email protected])1, Robin Robin M. Corcoran2, and Donald E. Lyons3 M. Corcoran ([email protected])2, Matthew ([email protected]) McKown ([email protected])3, and 1 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Kelly Nesvacil ([email protected])4 University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR. 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kodiak National 1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin River Rd., Kodiak, AK. University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR. 3 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kodiak National Program and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin River Rd., Kodiak, AK. Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR. 3Conservation Metrics, Inc., 145 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA. Aleutian terns (Onychoprion aleuticus) are colonial 4Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Threatened, nesting seabirds that breed in coastal Alaska and the Endangered, and Diversity Program, 1255 West 8th Russian Far East, often in association with Arctic terns Street, Juneau, AK. (Sterna paradisaea). Tern colonies in the Kodiak Archipelago have been the focus of periodic Trend analyses indicate that the Alaskan population of monitoring and research since the 1970s, providing Aleutian terns (Onychoprion aleuticus) has declined by valuable information on the status and ecology of both more than 80% at known colonies over the past three species. Seabird colony records from the 1970s-2018 decades, and the causes for this decline remain identify 53 sites in the Archipelago with a history of unknown. Due to isolated nesting locations, multiple tern nesting. During the 2016-2018 breeding seasons visits to colonies over the nesting season are often we surveyed for terns at all 53 colony sites and unfeasible. Because of this, standard methods used to searched for new colonies. Across the three breeding monitor other species of nesting terns are not seasons, Arctic terns were active at 28 colonies, and applicable. During the 2018 nesting season, we Aleutian terns were observed at 12 colonies. We employed multiple passive monitoring technologies, monitored nest survival through hatch by placing including acoustic recording devices and game digital game cameras at 68 Aleutian tern nests at seven cameras, to remotely monitor Aleutian tern colonies colonies, and 11 Arctic tern nests at five colonies. Only across the Kodiak Archipelago. We deployed passive seven camera nests survived to hatch (six Aleutian acoustic recording units at 11 colony sites, for a total tern and one Arctic tern nest), and to our knowledge of 657 recording days. The acoustic units were none of these nests successfully fledged chicks. programed to record for one minute out of every 6 Predation was the leading cause of nest failure, minutes for the duration of the deployment period. At followed by nest abandonment, often associated with seven of the 11 acoustically monitored colonies, we flooding of nests at the high tide. Red fox were the most also placed game cameras at a total of 44 Aleutian tern common nest predator for both tern species, but the nests. Three colonies with both acoustic units and nest nest predator assemblage was diverse and included cameras also had game cameras mounted above glaucous-winged gulls, mew gulls, black-billed vegetation height for a colony-wide view. The hatching magpies, northwestern crows, brown bears, and short- success of nests was extremely low, due largely to tailed weasels. Due to high predation rates, variable predation by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), brown bears nest initiation dates and re-nesting propensity, and (Ursus arctos middendorffi), northwestern crows frequent colony abandonment it was challenging to (Corvus caurinus), black-billed magpies (Pica confirm nesting or determine nest success despite hudsonia), and glaucous-winged gulls (Larus camera deployment and multiple visits to most glaucescens). By pairing game cameras with acoustic colonies each season recorders, we seek to develop acoustic markers of predator disturbance (e.g., prolonged and/or elevated . alarm calling) that can be applied broadly at colonies monitored solely with acoustic devices.

(often winter). The conservation of key wintering JELLY BELLIES: WHY DO MARINE ENDOTHERMS EAT habitats, which are essential in supplying food and JELLYFISH? suitable wintering conditions, is thus expected to benefit to these populations. However, it is required to Jean-Baptiste Thiebot*1 ([email protected]) and examine repeatability in these habitats’ use, both Julie C. McInnes2 ([email protected]) among years and populations, to assess whether these areas are important indeed for the conservation of the 1National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3 Midori-cho, species. In this study, we used light-based geolocation Tachikawa, 190-8518 Tokyo, Japan loggers to track rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca 2Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, monocerata) during their annual migration, from Teuri Kingston, TAS 7050, Australia Island (Sea of Japan) across seven years, and from *Presenter Daikoku Island (western Pacific) across three years. We examined spatial overlap in the core areas used by There is growing evidence that gelatinous zooplankton the birds across years and colonies. Finally, we built a (“jellies”) are a regular prey for a wide array of marine predictive model of habitat suitability to evaluate endotherms including seabirds. This interaction has whether other areas could also be suitable for the been documented across the world’s oceans and using birds. We found a remarkable spatial consistency in varied techniques. Consumption of jellies is intriguing the auklets’ wintering distribution across years: in the in terms of energy reward, given endotherms have Sea of Okhotsk (in autumn), then in the southern Sea relatively high energy demands and jellies would of Japan (in winter). Moreover, the two populations provide little energy as prey. Here we show that many had similar at-sea distribution core areas. Modelled of the intuitive hypotheses commonly raised to explain habitat suitability suggested that there was no other predation on jellies have already been tested and most major suitable area for the birds in their flying range. of them are unsupported. We emphasize that jellies are In conclusion, our study shows that these areas are generally a non-anomalous prey (i.e., not reflecting a important because they are consistently used by collapse in the trophic webs), and propose that they rhinoceros auklets, across years and populations. might be beneficial to marine endotherms for non- Considering the globally significant bird numbers in energetic reasons, such as enhancing physiological this region and the threats to these birds there, we processes. Changing the “junk-food” hypothesis for a provide the scientific basis to flag these areas as “green tea” framework may thus allow to better important for the conservation of rhinoceros auklets. understand the widespread predation on jellies, although further biochemical analyses are needed to clarify this point. NO FLUFFY CAKES: ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND SEABIRDS RESPOND TO HISTORIC LOW WINTER SEA ICE Alphabetized by Thiebot and also alphabetized by Will MULTI-YEAR TRACKING FROM TWO COLONIES HIGHLIGHTS KEY MARINE HABITATS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF RHINOCEROS AUKLETS Alexis Will1,3 ([email protected]), Jean-Baptiste (CERORHINCA MONOCERATA) Thiebot*1 ([email protected]), Aqef Waghiyi2 ([email protected]), Michael Toolie2 ([email protected]), Punguk Shoogukwruk2 Jean-Baptiste Thiebot*1 ([email protected]), ([email protected]), Akinori Takahashi1 Akinori Takahashi1 ([email protected]), Ui ([email protected]), Alexander Kitaysky3 Shimabukuro1 ([email protected]), Nobuo ([email protected]) Kokubun1 ([email protected]) and Yutaka

Watanuki2 ([email protected]), 1National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan 2Savoonga, Alaska 1National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3 Midori-cho, Tachikawa, 190-8518 Tokyo, Japan 3Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 2Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Minato-cho 3-1-1, Hakodate, 041-8611 *Presenter Hokkaido, Japan By April 29th, 2018 sea ice was completely absent from In long-lived organisms, population dynamics are the Bering Strait, marking an unusually early start to affected by survival over the non-breeding period spring marine primary production in the region. Such

85 a sudden transition from a system with ice in the Seabirds on islands in the California Current are often spring to one without any ice provides an opportunity heralded as indicators of ocean climate variability. to examine the responses of Arctic species to severe However, far less is known about the responses of environmental perturbations and to understand how seabirds at time scales of hundreds to thousands of those changes may affect culturally significant food years. Near the southern end of the California Current resources of Arctic communities. We studied the in the Channel Islands National Park, two small reproductive success, diet, and physiological state of nocturnal alcids breed on Santa Barbara Island. This five migratory seabird species that breed on St. includes the zooplanktivorous Cassin’s Auklet Lawrence Island in 2016-2018, and in 2018 surveyed (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) as well as the more egg harvesters to measure the impact ocean conditions generalist Scripps’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus had on murre egg collection. The responses of these scrippsi). Adults of both seabirds are consumed by species to ocean conditions in 2018 encompassed a Barn Owls (Tyto alba), and one particular owl roost in spectrum from a mass mortality event (thick-billed a sea cave contains a record of accumulated prey bones murres, Uria lomvia), to wide-spread reproductive spanning at least the last ~1500 years. As part of a failure (least and crested auklets, Aethia pusilla and A. larger ongoing project detailing the faunal remains cristatella), to less affected (black-legged kittiwakes, from the cave, we compared the isotopic niche Rissa tridactyla). Murre eggs are of particular dynamics for auklets and murrelets over the last importance to the community of Savoonga, Alaska. millennium. We used stratigraphy and AMS 14C dated Reports from this past summer suggest that murre egg samples to determine ages of the seabird bones and harvests were 1/10th or lower than what is normally extracted bone collagen for stable isotope analysis collected. Here we discuss the insights these seabird (훿13C and 훿15N). We also compiled data on marine species provide on what ecosystem changes may have paleoclimate to determine how changing conditions occurred in the wake of a winter with historically low may have affected niche dynamics and partitioning concentrations of sea ice, and highlight how sudden between the two alcids. We also evaluated the impacts changes in seabird reproduction can immediately of more recent historical changes to the island such as affect local communities. the introduction of non-native plants and animals and the advent of commercial fisheries. Finally, we discuss these findings in the context of ongoing climate change A COMPARISON OF THE ISOTOPIC NICHES OF TWO and implications for the future. ALCIDS OVER ~1500 YEARS OF CHANGE IN THE CALIFORNIA CURRENT NOVEL METHODS DESCRIBE FINE-SCALE Sarah K. Thomsen1 ([email protected]); ALBATROSS-FISHERIES INTERACTIONS IN THE Paul W. Collins2 ([email protected]), René L. NORTH PACIFIC Vellanoweth3 ([email protected]), Amira F. Ainis4 ([email protected]), Jessica Rodriguez3 Leigh G. Torres ([email protected])1*, ([email protected]), Santos Ceniceros3 Rachael A. Orben ([email protected])2, Josh ([email protected]), Tara Smiley5 Adams ([email protected])3, Michelle Hester ([email protected]), Jen Cotton6 ([email protected])4, Scott A. Shaffer ([email protected]), & Rebecca Terry ([email protected])5, Melinda Conners ([email protected])1 ([email protected])6, Kiyoaki Ozaki ([email protected])7, Fumio Sato

7 1 Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State ([email protected]) , Tomohiro Deguchi University ([email protected])7, Robert Suryan 8 2 Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Santa Barbara ([email protected]) , David Koordesma Museum of Natural History ([email protected])9 3 Department of Anthropology, California State University, Los Angeles 1 Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab (GEMM 4 Department of Anthropology and Museum of Natural Lab), Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science and Cultural History, University of Oregon, Eugene Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 5 Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Indiana University 97365, USA, 6 Department of Geological Sciences, California State 2 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University Northridge University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365, USA

3 U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research environmental variables, are used to describe drivers Center, Santa Cruz Field Station, 2885 Mission St., of albatross interaction events and distance between Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA bird and boat. 4 Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, Hawai‘i, 96795, USA, 5 Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State LASERS, DIVERTERS AND POWER LINE REMOVALS: University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO KAUAI’S SEABIRD 95192-0100, USA POWER LINE MORTALITY CRISIS 6 Department of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Bothell Campus, 18115 Marc Travers1*( [email protected]), Adam Campus Way NE, Bothell WA, 98011 USA Elzinga1 ([email protected]) , M. Tim

7 Division of Avian Conservation, Yamashina Institute Tinker2,3([email protected]), Scott Driskill1 for Ornithology, 115 Konoyama, Abiko, Chiba 270-11, ([email protected]), Matthew McKown3 Japan ([email protected]),

8 NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Theresa Geelhoed1 Auke Bay Laboratories, Ted Steven's Marine Research ([email protected]), André F. Institute, 17109 Pt. Lena Loop Rd., Juneau, Alaska Raine1 ([email protected] 99801, USA 9 Global Fishing Watch, Global Fishing Watch, ¹Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, 3900 Washington, DC 20036, USA Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, Kaua’I, HI 967162 *Presenting author 2 Nhydra Ecological Research, 11 Parklea Dr, Head of St Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia, B3Z 2G6 While seabird-fisheries overlap has been documented 3Conservation Metrics Inc. 145 McAllister Way, Santa at many scales, identification of interaction events has Cruz, CA 95060 lagged due to a lack of high resolution vessel *Presenter & Corresponding author: email – movement data, particularly in the high-seas. Here, we [email protected] develop methods that reveal North Pacific albatross- fisheries interactions. We compiled GPS tracks Seabird mortality from power line collisions on Kauai representing foraging trips conducted by Laysan has significantly contributed to the massive historical (n=2,398 days; Phoebastria immutabilis) and black- decline of both Newell’s Shearwater Puffinus newelli footed (n=1,095 days; P. nigripes) albatrosses breeding and Hawaiian Petrels Pterodroma sandwichensis (94 in the Hawaiian islands, and juvenile short-tailed and 78% respectively) and continues to suppress their albatross (n=6,497 days; P. albatrus) from Japan. We populations. This problem has been documented since developed methods to assess albatross movements 1994. Work undertaken by the Kauai Endangered associated with fishing vessel activity derived from Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) has shown that Global Fishing Watch (GFW) data. GFW uses detection there are an estimated 10,552 seabird power line algorithms to process dense vessel-AIS datasets to collisions annually, resulting in a minimum of 981- identify commercial fishing operations. GFW provides 1600 dead adult Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian vessel location, movements, fishing method, flag Petrels each year. While undergrounding power lines nation, and MMSI number (vessel ID). We identified is the only way to ensure zero collisions, this is costly. overlap between bird and boat at daily and 80 km We therefore examine readily available alternatives scales. We quantified encounter events at scales of 10 and provide an estimated reduction in mortality if min and from 30 to 3 km based on the assumed these methods were to be deployed at key areas. To distance at which birds are able to perceive a boat, and study efficacy we use data from observations of birds interaction events when associations were <3 km. (>5000 hours) at power lines and our Acoustic Strike Short-tailed albatross had the most overlap, Monitoring system (>300,000 hours). We report on encounter, and interaction locations (n=11,464; the efficacy of the Wildlife Laser Fence (a novel n=4,552; n=1,161, respectively) relative to Laysan technology developed and tested by KESRP) and two (n=246; n=69; n=27, respectively) and black-footed types of bird diverters (reflective and LED). We fit a (n=68; n=31; n=15, respectively) albatrosses. mechanistic model of seabird collisions to However, black-footed (48%) and Laysan (39%) observational data, incorporating powerline albatrosses had greater interaction rates (interactions characteristics as well as spatial, temporal, and ÷ encounters) than short-tailed albatrosses (26%). environmental covariates, and use this to assess the Multivariate modeling, including albatross species, conservation benefit of removing non-essential wires fishing vessel method and flag, and temporal and

87 and lowering wires. With a combination of all habitat the populations will have the capability to solutions we show that the impact of power lines on thrive and provide ecosystem functions. endangered seabirds can be minimized to manageable levels rapidly by these cost-effective methods and should be considered a priority conservation measure. RAT AND FERAL CAT DIETARY SPECIALIZATION ON ENDANGERED SEABIRDS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PROTECTING SEABIRD POPULATIONS ON KAUA’I HABITAT RESTORATION FOR SEABIRDS AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN SPECIES AT HOʿOKIPA – MAUI Ryan John Trimbath ([email protected])1, Dr. Anne Wiley ([email protected])1, Megan Munyon Karla Trigueros ([email protected])1 , Martin ([email protected])1, Kyle Pias Frye ([email protected]) 1, Jennifer Learned ([email protected])2, Alex Dutcher ([email protected]) 1, Jay Penniman ([email protected])2, Galen Reid ([email protected]) 1 ([email protected])3 and Dr. Andre Raine ([email protected])4 ¹ Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 903, Makawao, Hawai‛i 96768 1University of Akron, Department of Biology, Akron, OH USA 44333 Although their distribution is widespread, 2Hono O Nā Pali Seabird Mitigation Project, 1544 development and introduction of invasive species has Haleukana St, Lihue, HI USA 96716 impacted the ʿuaʿu kani (wedge-tailed shearwater; 3University of Hawaii - Pacific Cooperative Studies Ardenna pacifica), leaving the main Hawaiian Islands Unit, Department of Land and Natural Resources, with remnant populations. Ecological restoration at Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 3060 Eiwa Street, Hoʿokipa is a continuous effort aiming to protect the Room 306, Lihue, HI USA 96766 ʿuaʿu kani colony, prevent erosion and reef 4Kaua’i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, 3900 degradation, provide future nesting habitat for Hanapepe Rd Hanapepe, HI USA 96716 seabirds displaced by sea-level rise, and also to support endangered Hawaiian yellow-faced bees Invasive rats (Rattus spp.) and cats (Felis catus) are a (Hyleaus species). Fifteen years of ʿuaʿu kani colony major contributor to global seabird decline, data demonstrate that the Hoʿokipa colony is static, particularly on islands. Although total eradication is and suffers from predation and trampling. An ungulate preferred, predator control within seabird colonies exclusion fence, built in 2017, has assisted in the has successfully reduced predation on endangered protection of the colony. Continued tracking will seabirds on Kaua’i and other islands. Both cats and rats determine how restoration enhances the population. can show dietary specialization and if a subset of cats or rats specialize on seabirds, targeted removal of With the support of numerous organizations and these individuals could be a viable strategy to protect volunteers, this is a community based effort in the seabird colonies. Our research uses stable isotopes to regeneration of coastal strand vegetation. Project identify and quantify the prevalence of specialization goals include extensive weeding, cultivation and by cats and rats on Hawaiian Petrels (Pterodrama outplanting of native plants such as Kāwelu (Eragrostis sandwichensis) and Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus variabilis) and ʿAkiʿ aki (Sporobolus virginicus). newelli) nesting in the mountains of the Hono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve in Kaua’i. Stable isotope ratios differ predictably between terrestrial and marine food Annual vegetation community assessments webs, such that significant consumption of seabirds demonstrate regeneration of the native plant should result in increased δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S in predator community. With continued success, this restoration tissues. In Black Rats (Rattus rattus) (n>75), we project will be used as a template as we work to observed a seasonal shift of isotope values during the identify potential areas for future seabird habitat that nesting season, suggesting a dietary shift to will be critical as they lose breeding habitat incorporate more marine-derived nutrients elsewhere to sea-level rise. Seabirds have an (presumably, seabirds). However, stable isotope important role in the ecosystem as vectors for sea- mixing models suggest that at a population-level, it is derived nutrients and Hawaiian yellow-faced bees rare for rats to obtain >50% of their diet from seabirds. pollinate native Hawaiian plants. By protecting the In contrast, stomach content and video evidence populations through restoration and management of suggest that individual cats on Kaua’i can become

88 seabird-specialists. We analyzed serial samples from advanced UV and IR autofluorescence techniques to cat whiskers (n>30) to determine the prevalence of characterize the composition and abundance of seabird specialization through a 10-week period. Our microplastics in stomach samples and body tissues. isotope data suggest that seabirds are a significant diet We also test the significance of the type of plastics and item of a subset of Kaua’i rats and cats and highlights their association with detectable presence of the need to detail the ecology of these invasive immunocompromising chemicals. predators.

COLONIAL WATERBIRD MONITORING USING UAS IN QUANTIFYING THE ABUNDANCE AND IDENTITY OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN MICROPLASTICS IN BREEDING BIRDS OF THE BERING SEA Aaron Turecek ([email protected])1, James Tennyson ([email protected])1, Ken Jannelle Trowbridge* ([email protected]) 1, Collis ([email protected])1, Brad Cramer Veronica Padula ([email protected]) 1,2, and Dr. ([email protected])1, Pete Loschl Douglas Causey ([email protected]) 1,2 ([email protected])2

1University of Alaska Anchorage, UAA Biological 1Real Time Research, 1000 SW Emkay Dr., Bend, Sciences, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, OR 97702 99508, United States 2Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 2University of Alaska Fairbanks, 505 South Chandalar 97331-3803 Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775 The recent and rapid advancement of cost-effective Plastic fragments are found in all terrestrial, and reliable small unmanned aircraft platforms and freshwater, and marine ecosystems, extending from sensors, along with the 2016 modernization of the the Arctic to Antarctica. A variety of animals including governance of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the fish, seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals get national airspace, has led to a boon in UAS use in a wide entangled in plastics or ingest them. In the case of range of applications. Following a 2016 pilot study, we seabirds, they mistake plastic for prey items, or as food replaced our manned aerial photography surveys with to give to their chicks. Ingestion can result in unmanned surveys in 2017 and 2018, surveying 14 ulcerations, starvation, or death. bird species at 18 sites across the Columbia River The most problematic is what we cannot see: the Basin and San Francisco Bay, totaling nearly 100 "microplastics." Plastics degrade through exposure to missions. The primary target species surveyed were sunlight and the ocean, and quickly become double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), microscopic. The microplastics act as sponges and Brandt’s cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), absorb numerous chemical contaminants, particularly Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia), California gulls endocrine-disrupting compounds like phthalates, (Larus californicus), ring-billed gulls (Larus PCBs, and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs). delawarensis), and American white pelicans (Pelecanus Microplastics can pass through a bird’s stomach and erythrorhynchos). The benefits gained from using UAS intestine, where chemicals leach off these particles and platforms are numerous, including cost savings, get incorporated into the animal’s tissue. These effects mission and method flexibility, image quality, and may be exacerbated in humans through personal and workflow expedience. The greater image resolution subsistence harvest of these marine organisms, achieved with UAS’s compared to manned survey particularly of top-level members of the coastal food flights has improved our ability to leverage object- web, such as salmon and egg harvests. based classification tools to automate feature extraction to quickly and accurately derive bird counts The majority of studies that have examined and other colony metrics while reducing manual image microplastics and nanoplastics have identified them interpretation time. As UAS technology and machine visually, either by eye or under a microscope. The learning methods continue to evolve, our ability to problem with identifying microplastics only visually is quickly and accurately survey, inventory, and analyze multifold. Many microplastics, especially in sediment, avian colonies will continue to progress. Additionally, are covered in a biofilm and resemble biotic material, as guidelines for the use of UAS in the national airspace and can thus be underestimated when being visually expand to accommodate currently restricted flight sorted. We report here the further results of using characteristics like “beyond visual line of sight” flight, we will be able to extend the autonomy of these types

89 of surveys, and realize greater gains in human safety, WHAT DO LARGE SCALE REGIME SHIFTS IN THE further cost savings, and faster workflows from survey NORTH ATLANTIC MEAN FOR ICELANDIC SEABIRDS? to analytical products. Freydis Vigfusdottir ([email protected])

TRANSLOCATION OF HAWAIIAN SEABIRDS TO HIGH University of Iceland, Gimli – Sæmundargata 10, 101 ISLANDS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE Reykjavik, Iceland CHANGE The Northeast Atlantic is strongly affected by climate Eric A. VanderWerf1* change, and shifts in abundance and distribution of ([email protected]), Lindsay C. Young1, many organisms has been observed including C. Robby Kohley1, Megan Dalton1, Leilani Fowlke1, northward range shift of many fish species and Sarah Donahue1 and Erika Dittmar1 changes in euphausiid abundance. Increasing frequency of widespread seabird breeding failure and 1 Pacific Rim Conservation, P.O. Box 61827, Honolulu, population decline is evident. Seabirds are of special HI 96839, USA value for their status as higher predators: *presenting author demographic changes reflect impacts in ecosystems, making them indicators of changes to marine The majority of the worldwide populations of Laysan resources. Iceland supports a large proportion of and Black-footed Albatrosses (LAAL and BFAL), Bonin North Atlantic breeding seabirds and, while surveys of Petrels (BOPE) and Tristram's Storm-Petrels (TRSP) Icelandic seabird abundance and demography are nest on low-lying atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian limited, some data exists, mostly in grey literature, Islands (NWHI) that are threatened by sea level rise. revealing declines in several species. Here we present Establishing new colonies on higher islands is among an overview of recent research on Icelandic marine the highest priority conservation actions for these environment, in relation to a review of Icelandic species. From 2015- 2018, we translocated 50 LAAL, seabird data available to date. At least 10 seabird 50 BFAL, 53 BOPE and 25 TRSP chicks from the NWHI species South and West of Iceland experienced and 50 LAAL from Kauai to James Campbell National particularly poor breeding success, but some studies Wildlife Refuge on Oahu. The birds were placed in a 16- indicated better success in the North. However, most acre predator exclusion fence where a team of recent case studies indicate a worsening situation in biologists raised them on a diet of fish and squid slurry, the North during a period of northward movement of and closely monitored their health and growth. main prey after a displacement of the polar sea front. Fledging success was 95% (169/178) overall; 92% for Although, particularly one species has benefitted from LAAL, 90% for BFAL, and 100% for BOPE and TRSP. influx of new southerly fish species in Icelandic waters, Three years of LAAL translocations took place from available information for 24 species show that the 2015-2017. 2018 was the second year of BFAL most important prey species overall was sandeel and translocations and the first year of BOPE and TRSP then capelin in the North. Icelandic capelin and sandeel translocations. Due to their high natal philopatry, we stocks have been at low levels for over a decade and as expect the translocated chicks to begin returning to the long as that situation persists, poor performance of release site in 3-5 years and to start nesting there in 5- most Icelandic seabird species is expected. 8 years. One chick translocated in 2015 returned in 2018. We also employed social attraction for each species using decoys and/or a sound system. The PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ON THE DIET OF LAYSAN number of wild adult LAAL visiting the refuge ALBATROSSES, PHOEBASTRIA IMMUTABILIS, IN THE increased each year, with a peak of 348 visits in 2018 EASTERN BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS and up to 13 adults present simultaneously. A pair of REGION wild LAAL nested on the refuge in 2018. No wild adult Also alphabetized by Fitzgerald BFAL, BOPE, or TRSP visited. The methods we are developing for translocating and rearing seabirds will William A. Walker ([email protected])1, Shannon be useful for similar projects involving other species. Fitzgerald ([email protected])2, Jessie Beck ([email protected])3, and Erica L. Donnelly- Greenan ([email protected])3

1 Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science predators. We sampled the bill-loads for chicks and Center, NMFS, NOAA. monitored the fledging success and growth of chicks of 2 Resource Ecology and Management Division, Alaska Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata (RHAU) at Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA. Teuri Island, northern Japan Sea in 1984-1987 and 3 Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, Santa Cruz, CA. 1992-2018. RHAU switched fish species in the bill- loads from the cold-water species (sardine Sardinops Stomach contents were analyzed from 125 Laysan melanostictus, sandlance Ammodytes personatus) to albatrosses, Phoebastria immutabilis, collected from warm-water species (Japanese anchovy Engraulis the fisheries bycatch in the eastern Bering Sea and japonicus) and juvenile greenling Pleurogrammus Aleutian Islands region during the years 2008 – 2017. azonus between 1988 and 1992, then switched to Food items obtained from fisheries sources and from anchovy in 1997/1998 when the Pacific Decadal the natural environment were readily identifiable and Oscillation (PDO) index changed to be negative and are treated separately in the analyses. Twenty species SST in the Japan Sea shifted to be warmer. In 2013/14 scavenged from fisheries sources were present in 92 when PDO shifted to be positive, though SST in the samples with an overall frequency of occurrence (FO) Japan Sea did not show apparent shift, RHAU switched of 89.0 %. Of these, three species utilized as bait in the fish species to juvenile greenling and squids and demersal longline fisheries; Argentine short-fin squid, decreased the chick productivity dramatically. In 2018 Illex argentinus, Pacific saury, Cololabis saira, and RHAU switched fish species to the cold-water species, Pacific herring, Clupea pallasi, were the most common though information of climate and fish stock is not with an FO of 46.0 %. The remaining 16 species had a currently available. Thus seabird could be a prompt collective FO of 78.6 % and were scavenged from trawl and useful sentinel of the change of marine ecosystem fisheries bycatch discards (offal). Within the naturally that may be driven by decadal climate regime shift. occurring diet component there were 28 species present with an overall FO of 96.1 %. Twenty-five species of mesopelagic squid made up the bulk of the VARIATION IN PHENOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE naturally occurring diet with an overall frequency by SUCCESS OF THREE CORMORANT SPECIES IN number of 99.0 % and FO of 96.1 %. Fishes played a CENTRAL OREGON minor role in the natural diet with a frequency by number of only 0.9 % with an FO of 4.0 %. Of the Makenzie Weber ([email protected])1,2, naturally occurring food components, Taonius borealis Christian Cortez ([email protected] )2,3, Jane dominated the diet making up by number 43.5 % Dolliver ([email protected])1,2, Rachael followed by ten species of the family Gonatidae with a Orben([email protected])1,2, Don Lyons 29.3 % contribution by number. Collectively they ([email protected])1,2 dominated the natural diet with a contribution of 72.8% by number and occurrence of 89.3%. We see a 1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State distinct bias toward adult-size mesopelagic squid, University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 revealing these were probably scavenged at the 2Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State surface as dead or moribund. University, 2050 Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365. 3Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Bureau of PREY SWITCHING AND CHANGE OF PRODUCTIVITY Land Management, 750 NW Lighthouse Drive OF RHINOCEROS AUKLETS IN THE JAPAN SEA: LINK Newport, OR 97365. WITH DECADAL CLIMATE REGIME SHIFT? Wildlife populations are often strongly influenced by Yutaka Watanuki1, Mariko Yamamoto1, Jumpei Okado1 breeding habitat conditions and human activity. On the and William Sydeman2 Oregon coast, we are interested in how these factors 1Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan. E-mail: may influence nesting seabirds. The Yaquina Head [email protected] Outstanding Natural Area mixed-species cormorant 2Farallon Institute, Petaluma, CA, USA colony has been monitored since 2008. In 2018, we added two additional sites, Pirate Cove and the Decadal climate regime shift is believed to induce the Yaquina Bay Bridge to better understand how habitat, change of the dominant forage fish species (sardine vs disturbance from predators, and human activities may anchovy for an example), a key component of marine influence phenology (the timing of breeding stages like ecosystem, and hence prompt responses of marine top egg laying and chick hatching) and nesting success (as

91 measured by maximum chicks viewed per nest). Using foraging behavior in contrasting environments, or if a spotting scope, we recorded the contents of visible there are predictable fitness consequences to these nests from standardized viewing platforms weekly, adjustments. Here, we describe the foraging behavior June through August 2018. By making these and reproductive success of the pantropical brown observations across the breeding season, we can booby (Sula leucogaster) along a gradient in quantify both the phenology and success of individual productivity and oceanographic parameters along the nests. The resulting dataset includes 483 nests of three west coast of Mexico. We tracked >200 incubating and species; 259 Brandt’s cormorant nests (Phalacrocorax chick-rearing individuals with igotU GT-120 GPS penicillatus), 181 pelagic cormorant nests (P. loggers and used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope pelagicus), and 43 double-crested cormorant nests (P. ratios from blood to further characterize diet and auritus). We found that the Yaquina Bay Bridge colony foraging location at three breeding colonies. Our produced chicks significantly earlier than the Yaquina results show considerable inter-colony variation in Head and Pirate Cove colonies. Cormorants at the foraging behavior, including a large difference in Yaquina Head colony also produced chicks maximum range between birds on San Pedro Mártir significantly earlier than the Pirate Cove colony. and those nesting on San Jorge and Islas Marietas (ca. Brandt’s cormorants had significant differences in 200 km vs. 100 km). Birds on San Pedro Mártir were productivity across all three colonies. At the Yaquina also more likely to spend nights away from their Bay Bridge, there was a significant difference in the breeding colony, with incubating males passing as productivity of all three species present. many as 50% of their nights on the ocean or other Our findings indicate a possible relationship between islands. Our stable isotope data show variable phenology and latitude with colonies located further contribution of benthic prey to brown booby diet and south hatching chicks significantly earlier than indicate that in some cases, the degree of inshore colonies to the north. versus offshore foraging is predictive of reproductive success. Overall, our data revealed considerable intraspecific foraging variation. Advancing our FORAGING BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS understanding of such foraging variation and its link to OF BROWN BOOBIES (SULA LEUCOGASTER) ACROSS fitness will provide valuable insights into the AN ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENT adaptability of seabirds and their ability to cope with environmental change. Anne Wiley ([email protected])1*, Nathan Michael ([email protected])1, Roxanna Torres ([email protected])2, Andreanna Welch NO FLUFFY CAKES: ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND SEABIRDS ([email protected])3, Josh Adams RESPOND TO HISTORIC LOW WINTER SEA ICE ([email protected])4, Jonathan Felis Also alphabetized by Thiebot ([email protected])4, Mario Erandi Bonillas-Monge ([email protected])3, Samantha Hodgson Alexis Will1,3 ([email protected]), Jean-Baptiste ([email protected])1, Laura Lopez-Marquez Thiebot*1 ([email protected]), Aqef Waghiyi2 ([email protected])2, and Alejandro ([email protected]), Michael Toolie2 Martínez-Flores ([email protected])2 ([email protected]), Punguk Shoogukwruk2 1University of Akron, Auburn Science Center, 235 E ([email protected]), Akinori Takahashi1 Carroll St., Suite D401, Akron, OH USA 44325 ([email protected]), Alexander Kitaysky3 2Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, ([email protected]) Laboratorio de Conducta Animal, Institute of Ecology, México City, México 1National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan 3Durham University, Department of Biosciences, South 2Savoonga, Alaska Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom 3Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska 4United States Geological Survey, Western Ecology Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska Research Center, 2885 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA, *Presenter USA 95060 *presenting and corresponding author By April 29th, 2018 sea ice was completely absent from the Bering Strait, marking an unusually early start to Many seabird species forage across pronounced spring marine primary production in the region. Such environmental gradients in productivity, sea surface a sudden transition from a system with ice in the temperature, and depth. Nevertheless, relatively little spring to one without any ice provides an opportunity is known about how individual species adjust their

92 to examine the responses of Arctic species to severe Chile and Peru. In 2010 and 2016-18, we conducted environmental perturbations and to understand how surveys of all known diving petrel breeding colonies those changes may affect culturally significant food on Choros Island, estimated to host approximately resources of Arctic communities. We studied the 95% of the total diving petrel breeding population in reproductive success, diet, and physiological state of Chile. We mapped the breeding area to determine five migratory seabird species that breed on St. colony size, estimated nest density and occupancy, and Lawrence Island in 2016-2018, and in 2018 surveyed measured acoustic activity rates at colony and non- egg harvesters to measure the impact ocean conditions colony sites. All metrics increased significantly had on murre egg collection. The responses of these between 2010 and 2016-18, except acoustic activity species to ocean conditions in 2018 encompassed a (which showed a positive trend), indicating the spectrum from a mass mortality event (thick-billed breeding population on the island is growing – a likely murres, Uria lomvia), to wide-spread reproductive a result of factors including protection of the island, failure (least and crested auklets, Aethia pusilla and A. food availability, and a rabbit eradication completed in cristatella), to less affected (black-legged kittiwakes, 2013. Future conservation efforts should include Rissa tridactyla). Murre eggs are of particular reestablishing a diving petrel breeding colony on importance to the community of Savoonga, Alaska. nearby Chañaral Island. Reports from this past summer suggest that murre egg harvests were 1/10th or lower than what is normally collected. Here we discuss the insights these seabird LONG-TERM TRENDS, AND POTENTIAL DRIVERS OF species provide on what ecosystem changes may have CHICK DIET IN FOUR TERN SPECIES IN THE GULF OF occurred in the wake of a winter with historically low MAINE, USA concentrations of sea ice, and highlight how sudden changes in seabird reproduction can immediately Keenan Yakola ([email protected])1,2,3*, Adrian affect local communities. Jordaan2([email protected]), Paula Shannon ([email protected])1, Stephen Kress ([email protected])1, & Michelle ENDANGERED PERUVIAN DIVING-PETREL Staudinger2,3([email protected]) BREEDING POPULATION INCREASING DRAMATICALLY ON ITS MAIN BREEDING SITE IN 1 National Audubon Society Seabird Restoration CHILE Program, 12 Audubon Road, Bremen, ME USA 04551 2 Department of Environmental Conservation, Coral Wolf ([email protected])1, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA Claudia Fernandez ([email protected]) 2, Matthew USA 01003 McKown 3 DOI Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, ([email protected]) 3, and Amherst, MA USA 01003 Nick Holmes ([email protected]) 1 The Gulf of Maine, USA is home to four colonial co- 1Island Conservation, 2100 Delaware Ave St 1, Santa nesting tern species; the Least Tern (Sternula Cruz, CA 95060 USA antillarum), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Arctic 2Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de tern (S. paradisaea), and Roseate Tern (S. dougalii). As Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, a relatively diverse taxonomic group, terns provide an Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile ideal system to study ecological separation and 3Conservation Metrics, 145 McAllister Way, overlap of sympatric species at local, regional, and Coastal Science Campus, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA broader geographic scales. Furthermore, terns are effective ecosystem sentinels, providing information The historically large population (~200,000 on ecosystem productivity, forage fish availability, and individuals) of Peruvian diving-petrels (Pelecanoides young-of year recruitment in fisheries. Using over 30 garnotii) has declined in the last century due to factors years of chick provisioning data from seven different including guano extraction, over-exploitation of islands, we conducted a variety of multivariate fisheries, the introduction of invasive predators, and analyses to evaluate variation in the provisioning the increasing frequency of El Niño events. The habits among tern species and across nesting colonies. Peruvian diving-petrel, listed as Endangered by the We explored potential climatic and biotic drivers of the IUCN and endemic to the Humboldt Current System, long-term trends in major prey species using breeds on a subset of its original nesting islands in generalized linear mixed models. Significant

93 differences in diet were found among tern species and Netherland, and preen gland oil from seabirds globally intraspecific variation was detected across islands. collected. UV absorbers, especially benzotriazoles, are Despite spatial differences in provisioning, three prey widely detected in large plastic fragments on the species- hake (Urophycis sp.), herring (Clupea sp.), and beaches and plastic fragments in seabirds’ stomach. sand lance (Ammodytes sp.) - comprised the majority They are also detected in preen gland oil from some (48-74%) of chick diet across all island-tern species species of seabirds such as black footed albatross from combinations. In addition, both broad-scale and local Tern Island, Hawaii. Brominated flame retardants such climatic conditions, including the position of the Gulf as BDE-209 and DBDPE were also detected in the Stream current and seasonal oceanographic plastic fragments from the stomach of northern parameters, played an important role in determining fulmar. They are also detected in preen gland oil from the relative contributions of prey species in tern chick several species of seabirds from some locations in the diets. Our results improve the understanding of tern’s world such as Hawaii, Western Australia, and Marion vulnerability to climate change through foraging Island. These suggest transfer of plastic additives from plasticity, and provide needed information to guide ingested plastics to the tissue of seabirds. Among conservation and ecosystem-based fisheries beached microplastics, plastic fragments contained management in the Gulf of Maine. more BDE-209 than pellets. In buoyant microplastics even from open ocean, BDE-209 was significantly detected. This means that hydrophobic additives, i.e., OCCURRENCE OF WIDE-RANGE OF ADDITIVES IN BDE-209, is retained in microplastics even after MARINE PLASTICS AND THEIR EXPOSURE TO fragmentation and suspension in seawater. These SEABIRDS hydrophobic additives could be source of chemical exposure to small marine organisms in remote Rei Yamashita1 ([email protected]), Hideshige Takada1 ecosystem. ([email protected]), Nagako Hiki1 ([email protected]), Hiroya Sato1 ([email protected]), Kosuke Tanaka2 RESULTS OF A GAP ANALYSIS FOR SEABIRD ([email protected]), Fumika Kashiwada1 MONITORING IN THE US TROPICAL PACIFIC ([email protected]), Yutaka Watanuki3 ([email protected]) Lindsay C. Young1* ([email protected]) and Eric A. 1 Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Faculty of VanderWerf1 ([email protected]) Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183- 1 Pacific Rim Conservation, P.O. Box 61827, Honolulu, 8509, Japan HI 96839, USA 2 Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Science, Faculty of The U.S. Tropical Pacific (USTP) is a globally important Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, area for seabirds with at least 31 seabird species Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan breeding in five geographic regions: Main Hawaiian 3 Laboratory of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Fisheries Islands (MHI), Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Science, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1, Minato-cho, (NWHI), Mariana Islands (MI), American Samoa (AS), Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (Remotes). A questionnaire was Additives are essential components of plastic distributed to 30 resource managers and biologists products. Some of them are hazardous to marine throughout the USTP to conduct a gap analysis on organisms and human. They can be also utilized as species (and regions) being monitored and monitoring indicators of plastic-mediated chemical exposure to techniques. Responses received characterizing seabird marine organisms. The present study measured wide monitoring at 43 sites on 30 islands. Goals of range of additives including plasticizers (phthalates), individual monitoring programs varied and all UV absorbers (benzotriazoles and benzophenones), programs had multiple goals; the most common being flame retardants (PBDEs, DBDPE, HBCDs, and monitoring population size and trend and measuring tetrabromo bisphenol A) in large plastic fragments and effects of threats and/or management. The 31 seabird microplastic fragments and pellets on sandy beaches, species in the USTP varied in their distribution, with and buoyant microplastics in coastal and open ocean, some species being widespread (e.g., Wedge-tailed plastic fragments from northern fulmar from the Shearwater, Red-tailed Tropicbird, Black Noddy), and

94 other species being restricted to just one or a few In an effort to characterize ecological change in the islands in one region (e.g., Short-tailed Albatross, Antarctic system as reflected in the Adélie penguin Tahiti Petrel, Tropical Shearwater, White-throated (Pygoscelis adeliae), a principal marine predator in the Storm-petrel). Thirty species (97%) were monitored Southern Ocean, we develop a novel method that in at least a portion of their range, but significant gaps combines remote sensing, field spectroscopy, and existed for White-tailed Tropicbird, Gray Noddy, Tahiti stable isotope analysis, to quantify penguin diet over Petrel and White-throated Storm-petrel. The the entirety of the species’ global range, from 1984- proportion of islands where each species was 2013. Using a hierarchical Bayesian approach to monitored varied considerably- from all islands to just account for uncertainty in our analyses, we find that one. Species were monitored on an average of 64% of Adélie penguin diet has not changed substantially in the islands on which they occurred in all geographic recent years but does vary spatially across the regions combined. Monitoring levels were highest in continent. We further find that diet is linked to the MHI (65%), NWHI (63%), and Remotes (91%), and population trends at breeding colonies across the lower in the MI (26%) and AS (33%). Species Antarctic. monitored most were larger ground nesting species, and those listed under the Endangered Species Act. These results suggest that, despite recent changes in The results serve as a starting point from which to the physical Antarctic environment, food web prioritize species and regions for seabird monitoring. dynamics, as they pertain to the Adélie penguin, have not shifted substantially over the period analyzed. However, spatial differences in Antarctic food-web MULTI-DECADAL ASSESSMENT OF PENGUIN DIET dynamics are associated with population processes FROM SPACE – LINKING ANTARCTIC FOOD WEB and may be reflective of past resource exploitation. DYNAMICS TO POPULATION CHANGE This work represents a general framework for assessing future ecological change in Antarctic food Casey Youngflesh ([email protected])1,2,*, web dynamics at unprecedented spatial and temporal Christian Che-Castaldo ([email protected])1,3, scales and has important implications for management Matthew Schwaller ([email protected])1, practices and our understanding of the Antarctic Shawn Serbin ([email protected])4, Michael Polito ecosystem. ([email protected])5, Heather J. Lynch ([email protected])1 UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE USE IN NEST SITE 1Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11790 USA CENSUS OF GREATER CRESTED TERN AND 2Current Address: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT CRITICALLY ENDANGERED CHINESE CRESTED TERN 06269 USA 3Current Address: Mount Saint Helens Institute, Chung-Hang, Hung1, Kung-Kuo, Chiang1,2, Li-Hao, Kuan3, Amboy, WA 98601 USA Le-Ning, Chang1, Hsiao-Wei, Yuan 4Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973 ([email protected])1* USA

5 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 1School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, USA National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan *Presenting author 2Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan 3Aerial Survey Office, Forestry Bureau, Taipei, Taiwan Rapid climatic change is driving a multitude of ecological shifts around the globe. In Antarctica, The Chinese Crested Tern, Thalasseus bernsteini (CCT), changes are apparent in both the distribution and is the most critically endangered seabird species in abundance of organisms throughout the food web. Taiwan. CCT nests sympatrically with the Great However, despite these observations, a holistic Crested Tern, T. bergii (GCT), among seven protected understanding of changes in the underlying dynamics islands within the Matsu Island Tern Refuge (MITR). of the Antarctic system is lacking. Drawing inference To minimize disturbances during breeding season, we on such processes requires research efforts on large used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to locate CCT spatial and/or temporal scales, which is often nests and built digital surface models of the protected logistically difficult at high latitudes. islands in the MITR. In 2017, we found 10 CCT nests and 1643 GCT nests on Tiejien Island on 8 June, and another 4 CCT nests and 970 GCT nests on 6 July. We

95 also used generalized linear models to distinguish the effects of elevation, slope, and vegetation coverage on the probability of CCT and GCT nest distribution. The model indicated that GCT prefers to nest on high (>13 m above high tide line), flat (slope < 25°), and less vegetation cover (< 22%) ground, while CCT prefer to nest within higher GCT nest density areas. In addition, we also found that GCT nest density significantly increased with the distance to bird blind, which may imply a negative impact of human disturbance on terns’ nest site preference. Overall, we found that the removal of more vegetation on Tiejien Island would provide more nesting areas for CCT and GCT colonies. UAVs also served as an important tool in improving the accuracy and efficiency of seabird colony and habitat monitoring on hard to reach islands.