PACIFIC SEABIRDS

A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group

Volume 45, Number 1 2018 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment

The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is a society of professional seabird researchers and managers dedicated to the study and conservation of seabirds. PSG was formed in 1972 out of a need for increased communication among academic and government seabird researchers. The principal goals of PSG are to (1) increase the quality and quantity of seabird research through facilitating exchange of information; (2) identify and assess the importance of threats to seabird populations; and (3) provide government agencies and others with expert advice on managing populations of seabirds. PSG is headed by an Executive Council composed of members volunteering their time. Members include biologists, wildlife managers, students, and conservationists from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan and 12 other countries. PSG annual meetings and publications provide forums where members can share their findings on all research topics relating to Pacific seabirds and discuss local and large scale conservation issues. Abstracts for meetings are published on our website. PSG publishes the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin; www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the Ornithological Council and the American Bird Conservancy. Annual dues for membership are $40 (individual); $30 (student, undergraduate and graduate); and $1,200 (Life Membership, payable in five $240 installments). Dues are payable to the Treasurer; see the PSG website or the Membership Information at the back of this issue.

Website http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org

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

Pacific Seabirds This on-line bulletin reports on the work and committee activities of the Pacific Seabird Group, conservation news, and other items of importance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The bulletin is a twice-yearly on-line news bul- letin and archive of PSG activities. This issue summarizes the proceedings of the annual PSG Conference and reports on the work committees have completed or have in progress in the previous year. Back issues of the PSG Bulletin and Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s web site.

Pacific Seabirds Editor Jennifer Lang, [email protected]

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

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

PACIFIC SEABIRDS A Publication of the Pacific Seabirds Group Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment

Volume 45 2018 Number 1

Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Enriqueta Velarde, by J.A. Sandy Bartle and Daniel W. Anderson...... 4 Harry R. Carter, by Gerry McChesney, Spencer Sealy, Percy Hébert, Mike Parker, Kim Nelson, Phil Capitolo, Bill McIver, Rick Golightly, and Darrell Whitworth...... 8 Special Achievement Award Dr. Alfonso Aguirre-Muñoz , by Federico Méndez-Sánchez, Mark Rauzon, Annie Little, Jennifer Boyce, and Mariam Latofski-Robles...... 12 Student Presentation Awards...... 15 Reports of PSG Officers for 2017 Chair’s Report...... 17 Chair-elect’s Report...... 18 Past Chair’s Report...... 19 Vice-Chair for Conservation’s Report...... 19 Secretary’s Report for 2017...... 21 Reports to PSG Executive Council for 2017 Northeast Asia Seabird Conservation Committee...... 23 Kittlitz’s Murrelet Technical Committee...... 24 Scripps’s Murrelet and Guadalupe Murrelet Technical Committee...... 24 Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee...... 26 Aleutian Tern Technical Committee...... 26 Seabird Monitoring Committee...... 27 Tufted Puffin Technical Committee...... 28 Craig S. Harrison Conservation Fund Committee...... 29 Elections Committee...... 29 Communications Committee...... 31 Website Report...... 32 Facebook Report...... 33 Twitter Report...... 33 Instagram Report...... 34 Listserv Report...... 34 Pacific Seabirds Report...... 34 Marine Ornithology Report...... 35 Student Representative Report...... 36 Membership Report...... 37 Corresponding Membership Committee...... 38 World Seabird Union ...... 38 Ornithological Council...... 39 Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) ...... 41 PSG News...... 43 Meeting News...... 44 Summary of Executive Council Meeting Minutes...... 46 General Information Information on the Pacific Seabird Group...... Inside Front Cover Publications of the Pacific Seabird Group...... 48 PSG Committee Coordinators...... 50 PSG Life Members and Recipients of Awards...... 52 Membership Information...... 53 PSG Executive Council for 2015...... Inside Back Cover LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Pacific Seabird Group occasionally honors major contributors to seabird science and conservation with Lifetime Achievement or Special Achievement awards. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose outstanding work for seabirds influenced the course of research, conservation, and/or education throughout the world.

DR. ENRIQUETA VELARDE By J. A. (Sandy) Bartle and Daniel W. Anderson

Dr. Enriqueta Velarde is the first Latin American biologist to be honoured by the Pacific Seabird Group with our highest award for outstanding work in research, conservation and education. She was presented with this award at the 45th Annual Meeting of PSG at La Paz, México on February 23rd, 2018 in recognition of her being a pioneer seabird ecologist in México and an inspirational model for conservation biologists everywhere.

Beginnings Enriqueta was born in México City and always had an interest in animals, plants and nature conservation. Her parents LAA presentation to Enriqueta at the 45th PSG Conference at La Paz by Sandy Bartle and were intellectuals. Her father, Emilio Dan Anderson. Photo credit: Anaidalia Esquivel Velarde Dondé, was a high-ranking actuary who analysed demographic determine trends at an early age. It was Dan Anderson. Much of this work was data statistically to establish insurance a logical leap from this to modelling later published in Auk (116: 513-519). systems and programs for both populations which was later to become Villa-Ramírez had been active with government and private institutions such an important part of her life work. Mexican and US biologists and agencies in Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica Enriqueta’s undergraduate biology in conservation and research in the and other countries. He also taught at studies were undertaken at UNAM and at Gulf of California for many years and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, became a PSG member, publishing de México (UNAM) for many where she gained her Bachelor’s degree. a note on conservation issues on Isla years, until his retirement c.1970. For her Master’s she worked on the Rasa in Pacific Seabirds (6, No. 2: The UNAM, founded in 1551, is the behaviour and ecology of baboons 32). Earlier, due to the influence of oldest university in America and the (Papio papio) in the Knoxville Zoo and prominent US individuals and agencies largest in Latin America. Enriqueta’s on howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) and noted Mexican conservationists, mother, Enriqueta González Baz, was and spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) Isla Rasa was proclaimed a Migratory of independent character, the first both in the wild and in captivity at Seabird Sanctuary by Federal woman in México to receive a degree Veracruz and Chiapas in México. Decree in 19641, the second such in mathematics. She taught at UNAM From 1979, Enriqueta’s Ph.D., later Mexican island to be protected mainly in physics, mathematics and research work, and teaching was (Isla Tiburon was the first, in 1963). Actuarial Studies, until retirement in undertaken at the prestigious Instituto However, Villa-Ramírez remained 1969. The significance of Enriqueta’s de Biologia (UNAM) under the direction concerned about both egg-harvesting parents’ orientation and professions and encouragement of the late Bernardo and ecotourism activities on this small meant that Enriqueta learned the Villa-Ramírez. She completed her Ph.D. (c.56 ha) low (33 m) island and was keen importance of keeping accurate records, degree on the near-endemic Heermann’s to have a biologist caretaker stationed especially of population parameters, Gull (Larus heermanni) on Isla Rasa. there during the birds’ breeding season. and the power of statistical analysis to Enriqueta’s external supervisor was So when Enriqueta enrolled at UNAM

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 4 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Enriqueta Velarde to study under Villa-Ramirez in 1979, people visited the Midriff islands for at Isla Rasa by Enriqueta in 1995 and her course was set. In that first year least 13,000 years and both large- and carried out by the late Jesus Ramirez. she and Bernardo visited the island small-scale exploitation of seabird eggs Once rats and mice were removed, together and she stayed on to conduct continued until recently. Today up to other seabirds recolonised. First to research and to dissuade human 300 tourists/year visit these islands, and be identified from the mtDNA of harvesting of eggs and disturbance. they need supervision. Students also an eggshell remnant was Craveri’s Most of her next 39 summers were to continue to add biological knowledge Murrelet (Synthliboramphus craveri) in be spent doing fieldwork on Isla Rasa, and insight to the island’s unique 2010 (Marine Ornithology 39: 271-275). sometimes staying in a local volcanic systems. For example, plant diversity Later the same year the Black-vented rock hut built there in 1964, often and ecology was been described in Shearwater (Puffinus opisthomelas) was alone. After her PhD was awarded, she detail by Enriqueta and collaborators also discovered (Marine Ornithology was appointed Associate Researcher in 2014 (Botanical Sciences 92: 1-13). 43: 249-254). This was the first recent at UNAM and continued to teach The depauperate xerophytic vegetation breeding record of this endangered there until 1992 plus undertaking contains only 14 vascular plants. shearwater in the Gulf of California. research at Isla Rasa and elsewhere. Enriqueta also initiated an educational Then, after previous biological surveys by an extensive network of scientists working on the Gulf of California Islands, Enriqueta´s co-publications became a major force in helping get all 244 islands declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1995. In 2002, the Mexican government recognised her long achievement in island conservation by an Environmental Merit Award from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). In an ambitious 2017 paper with Mexican and US colleagues (Auk 134: 308-316), mtDNA sequences within 286 individual Heermann’s Gulls from two different Midriff populations were compared to measure the degree of haplotype diversity and estimate Isla Rasa colonies of Elegant Terns surrounded by Heermann’s Gulls. Photo credit: Fulvio cytochrome β nucleotide diversity. Eccardi The authors found highly conserved exchange with the indigenous Comcáac sequences, with most birds being of a Protecting the biodiversity of the people, as well as local citizens in places single haplotype, and others separated Midriff islands such as Bahiá de los Ángeles and other by only 1-3 mutations, suggesting that From 1984 on, Enriqueta co- local ports, training them in science and the populations were of single recent authored a series of major publications conservation and learning from them. A origin but had expanded rapidly since on the biodiversity of the Midriff list of traditional Comcáac bird names about 120,000 years BP and further islands. Working mostly through the was assembled by one of her students, again since about 90,000 years BP. The Mexican Ministry of Environment Thor Morales, together with songs, fables mtDNA sequences also suggested that and Natural Resources, with support and traditional stories about the birds2. numbers had been relatively constant from the Fondo Méxicano para la Isla Rasa was heavily mined for (i.e. large) for 25,000 years. Estimated Conservación de la Naturaleza, guano from at least the 1870s until expansion times were compared with National Geographic, Lindblad after 1912. It has been estimated that molecular markers in other animals Expeditions, Packard Foundation, 70,000 tons were removed, and it was and in particular fish from the Gulf of and the Walton Family Foundation, likely during this period that black rats California and the Pacific. Agreement Enriqueta (with support from many (Rattus rattus) and house mice (Mus with Pacific sardine Sardinops ( sagax) others, including PSG) pressed for musculus) were accidentally introduced. and northern anchovy (Engraulis several Marine Reserves in the Gulf of These predators had significant effects mordax) was especially close. California, and these were established. until their removal by an intensive Although they don’t specifically assert Isla Rasa is not pristine; indigenous poisoning campaign, promoted at it in this paper, the results of Enriqueta

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 5 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Enriqueta Velarde

and co-workers suggest that the Gulf and breadth of her scientific work and (Ecological Applications 14: 607-615). of California marine systems, although conservation-related accomplishments. A predictive model linking the seabird subject to powerful climatic events and Enriqueta found that most seabirds and fishery data was developed (ibid.). human impacts, nevertheless represent, which bred on the Midriff Islands, up to recently, a resilient post-glacial especially the 240,000 Heermann’s Gulls Links between seabird survival and ecosystem of great richness that is well a nd t he 45,0 0 0 Elega nt Te r n s (Thalasseus productivity with abundance of small worth preserving, particularly now that elegans), had coupled their constant pelagic fish generate fishery interest overfishing of forage fish is perhaps the breeding season with the availability in seabird research only major threat that this ecosystem is of small pelagic fish, especially Pacific In an important series of papers facing. sardine and northern anchovy in their during the two decades after 1994, Enriqueta and co-workers demonstrated that frequency in the birds’ diet closely tracked sardine and anchovy landings. By 2004 they had developed two sophisticated models integrating total commercial catches and CPUE, percent sardines in the diet, reproductive success of Heermann’s Gull, spring SSTs, and SOI values (ibid.). CPUE was predicted with an accuracy of 73% by the proportion of sardines in the diet of Elegant Terns and the accuracy of the predictive model rose to 96% once all the above factors were included. This meant that Enriqueta could advise the fishery five months in advance of what their optimum fishing effort should be. Nowhere else had such a predictive model been developed based on seabird data. Enriqueta and co-workers also showed that, in the decade after 1989, Enriqueta surveys Isla San Pedro Martir, 1986. Photo credit: Fulvio Eccardi catch and effort were unrelated. Up to 5,200 boat-days were wasted in Enriqueta’s vision breeding area (CalCOFI Reports 35:137- poor sardine years. Heermann’s Gulls Right from the start, Enriqueta’s 143). Mist-netting these birds on arrival also wasted effort in trying to breed approach to seabird biology was after dark caused them to regurgitate during severe El Niño years3. Enriqueta holistic. This thread runs through all their prey. The relative proportions of transferred from UNAM to the Institute her papers - even the first - on predation different fishes in these regurgitations of Marine Sciences and Fisheries at the of Heermann’s Gull chicks by Yellow- were analysed. Between 32 and 207 University of Veracruz on México’s footed Gulls (Larus livens, Colonial birds/year were sampled during the Atlantic coast in 2000, where she Waterbirds 15: 8-13) - and how this is decade after 1983 and compared with became a full Professor. Improved reduced by breeding habitat and density. commercial landings of small pelagic resources to study oceanography and She concluded that large gull predation fish. Consumption of sardines, the fisheries were available compared with was one reason for the exceptional preferred food of these seabirds, tracked the more terrestrial focus of the Institute density of Heermann’s nests – up to 110 such landings, except after 1989, when of Biology at UNAM. Promotion also per 100 m2 - and for the synchronicity anchovies began to replace sardines in enabled her to undertake full-time of their laying and hatching. Without her their diet (CalCOFI Reports 35:137-143). sabbatical years at the Department of initial research strategy to look at both During the next nine years, more Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology habitat and synchronicity, she couldn’t intensive work on diet, weight, clutch- at UC Davis with Dan Anderson; then, have reached this early conclusion. size and productivity of known- at the Biodiversity Research Center We cannot review all of Enriqueta’s age Heermann’s Gulls and diet of of the Californias, San Diego Natural outstanding research accomplishments Elegant Terns was compared with History Museum; and at the Institute here but instead list specific more detailed fishery, SST and for Mexico and the United States, UC publications that illustrate the depth Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) data Riverside. Méxican ecologist and long-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 6 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Enriqueta Velarde term collaborator Exequiel Ezcurra Warm oceanographic anomalies and to come, as will all the seabirds of (2002 onwards) was based at the latter. fishing pressure drive Elegant Terns Isla Rasa and the Midriff Islands. And By 2013 this seabird diet/fishery work north to California will another talented and dedicated was extended also to pelicans. It was Very few Elegant Terns were recorded Méxican come forward to carry on this found that pelicans feed on the same breeding on Isla Rasa until 1951. From vital research? We certainly hope so. adult fish taken by the fleet – so are then until 2013 the population on Rasa less accurate for advance predictions, continued growing rapidly, especially 1 Case, T. J., M. L. Cody, and E. Ezcurra. but useful for same-year predictions after rodent eradication in 1995. 2002. A New Island Biogeography of – whereas Heermann’s Gulls and However, since 1991, three new colonies the Sea of Cortés. Oxford, New York Elegant Terns take mostly juvenile fish3. in southern California have grown twice 2Morales Vera T., E. Velarde González. Across seabird species – and in the as fast as Rasa, with peaks coinciding 2014. Las aves y cantos tradicionales de fishery – the proportions of sardine and with locally high SST years south in the los Comcáac de Sonora, México. Pp. anchovy vary inversely, with sardines Gulf. In 1998, 2003 and 2009, 2010, and 285-298 In: Vásquez-Dávila, M.A. (ed.) preferred by both birds and humans. 2014 no Elegant Terns bred on Rasa, but Aves, personas y culturas. Estudios Small pelagic fish now make up 20 - numbers peaked in California. All years de Etno-ornitología 1. CONACYT/ 40% of fishery landings in México. Of when terns abandoned Rasa were also ITVO/Carteles Editores/UTCH. these, and before they were overfished, preceded by seasons of exceptionally Oaxaca, México. https://xa.yimg.com/ sardines used to make up 70%. The high (1.5x normal) fishing effort in the kq/groups/17088170/198727459/name/ sardine fishery in the Gulf of California Gulf (Science Advances 1 (5): 1-7 (2015)) Aves+culturas+y+personas+Vol+1.pdf began in 1969/70 with 11,000 tons, but by 1980/81 reached almost 100,000 tons. It expanded to 300,000 tons in 1988/89; collapsing by 98% to around 7,000 tons after the 1991/92 El Niño. After further El Niño-related fluctuations, the catch rose to almost 530,000 tons in 2008/09 before again collapsing. Enriqueta’s analysis3 showed that above 300,000 tons, the catch remained independent of effort, an indication of over-fishing. Increasing fishing effort in the Gulf of California has led to seabird breeding declines. In 2009, only 30% of the normal number of elegant terns returned to Rasa, and all abandoned their eggs. Only 60% of Heermann’s Gulls returned, with clutch-size barely half the average. Most chicks died because their parents were forced to abandon them. Enriqueta frees Elegant Tern from mistnet on Isla Rasa, 1986. Photo credit: Fulvio Eccardi The population dynamics of Heermann’s Gull varies according to As we write (May 2018), Enriqueta 3Velarde, E., Ezcurra, E., Anderson, ENSO events. Under normal conditions, is back on Isla Rasa and reports that D. W. 2014. Seabirds and pelagic colony productivity is the main factor in Elegant Terns have returned to breed fish abundance in the Midriff Island maintaining the population; but during El in high numbers. Hopefully, most of Region. In: Wehncke, E. V., Lara-Lara, Niño adult survival is key. A simulation their chicks will fledge and next year J. R., Álvarez-Borrego, S., Ezcurra, showed that the population can withstand the sardine fleet will have an adequate E. (eds.) Conservation Science in just one El Niño event every 4 years, catch. La Niña conditions still prevail. Mexico´s Northwest: Ecosystem Status but not more than that. With global If the fishermen catch 300,000 tonnes, and Trends in the Gulf of California. warming or sardine overfishing all Enriqueta believes that they will have University of California Institute for Midriff seabird populations are at risk3. embraced sustainability; if they instead Mexico and the United States, Riverside. catch over that amount of Pacific sardines in the Gulf of California; they will have instead embraced greed and can expect hardship in the years

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 7 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

HARRY R. CARTER By Gerry McChesney, Spencer Sealy, Percy Hébert, Mike Parker, Kim Nelson, Phil Capitolo, Bill Mc- Iver, Rick Golightly, and Darrell Whitworth

skills as a boat driver (especially inflatables), a talent that benefitted many seabird projects throughout his career. In August 1976, Harry enrolled in a course on seabird ecology offered at the Bamfield Marine Station, instructed by Dr. Spencer Sealy. Harry’s interests in seabirds were now sealed. After completing his BSc degree in 1978, Harry was accepted into the graduate lab of Dr. Sealy at the University of Manitoba. Stemming from his interests in seabirds of British Columbia and Dr. Sealy’s interest in the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), Harry conducted his MSc thesis research on Marbled Murrelets in Barkley Sound, British Columbia. His thesis Harry Carter (right) with Keith Hobson, Spencer Sealy and Percy Hébert (right to left) at (1984), titled “At-sea biology of the the Pacific Seabird Group annual meeting in Portland, Oregon, 22 January 2005. Photo Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus credit: Gerry McChesney marmoratus),” was one of the first detailed studies of the species and In February 2018 in La Paz, Baja Harry’s superb writing skills and resulted in several publications on topics California Sur, Mexico, the Pacific dedication to preserving and interpreting such as fish-holding behaviour, foraging Seabird Group (PSG) honored Harry data yielded a large and diverse behaviour, and gill-net mortality. The Carter with a Lifetime Achievement publication record on these and other latter paper was one of the first studies Award. He was presented with the award topics. Just as importantly, his strong on the impact of gill-nets on seabird in April 2017, just before his death. sense of camaraderie and encouragement mortality. This work started a life-long Harry dedicated his career of had a deep influence on the many passion for Marbled Murrelets and more than 40 years to furthering our researchers with whom he collaborated awareness of the potential impacts of knowledge of seabirds and enhancing and the many biologists he mentored. humans (especially logging) on seabird their conservation around the North Harry’s passion for seabirds began in populations and the need for more Pacific and beyond. A passion for the mid-1970s while an undergraduate information on the species. Harry’s MSc seabirds took Harry to many places, student at the University of British research was a catalyst for many research from Alaska to Baja California on the Columbia, fostered initially by Ian and conservation efforts to come. Pacific Coast of North America, to McTaggart Cowan. He took a summer In 1983, while completing his Japan, Korea, and the Cook Islands. He internship at the British Columbia MSc thesis, Harry took a seabird was an expert on the breeding seabirds Provincial Museum (now Royal British biologist position with Point Reyes of California, British Columbia, and Columbia Museum) with a team of Bird Observatory (now Point Blue Japan, most notably the Brachyramphus biologists led by Charles Guiguet Conservation Science), spending 4-6 and Synthliboramphus murrelets, and Wayne Campbell, initiating the months on Southeast Farallon Island Ashy Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma first comprehensive survey of seabird each year during 1983-1986. It was homochroa), and Common Murres colonies in British Columbia. Harry, here that Harry began developing his (Uria aalge), and effectively addressed along with his father Harry Sr., expertise on the breeding seabirds of many conservation issues such as the purchased the vessel (Ted Mac MV) California. While there, a dramatic impacts of oil spills, gill-net fisheries, that was used to visit the islands and decline in Common Murres breeding on organochlorine contamination, logging coast of B.C. This is where Harry began the Farallones was noted. Harry, along and other human-caused disturbances. to develop what became remarkable with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 8 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Harry R. Carter

(USFWS) biologist Jean Takekawa, projects in California California Department of Fish and and abroad. In 1992- Wildlife (CDFW), and others discovered 1994, Harry, Gerry the decline was due largely to murres McChesney, Tracy being killed in a gill net fishery. This Miner Ames and spurred efforts to regulate the fishery others worked with that over time helped halt the murre the U.S. Navy’s Tom decline. In winter 1986, Harry, Gary Keeney to look at the Page, Glenn Ford, and others led efforts potential impacts of to document seabird mortality from Navy activities on the the Apex Houston oil spill along the seabirds nesting on California coast, before any coordinated San Nicolas Island. efforts for oil spill response existed. They Documentation of helped show that murre mortality from extensive disturbance the spill exacerbated declines caused by led to area closures to the gill-net fishery and resulted in the protect seabirds and extirpation of a murre colony on Devil’s helped the island’s Slide Rock. Later, Harry served as the Brandt’s Cormorant expert witness in litigation against the ( Phalacrocorax oil company for damages to natural penicillatus) colony resources. Harry worked with Steve grow to be one of the Kress (National Audubon Society), Mike world’s largest. Parker (USFWS) and others to design a While juggling plan to restore breeding murres to the these myriad projects, extirpated colony using social attraction. Harry’s interest in When the restoration project finally Marbled Murrelets began in 1996, Harry was a crucial part never waned. Harry Carter during his undergraduate days surveying of the team that implemented the first Concerned about the Cassin’s Auklets on Byers Island, British Columbia, in 1976. successful social attraction restoration demise of their forest Photo credit: R. Wayne Campbell. project anywhere for Common Murres breeding habitat, and the first for any species in the Harry helped catalyze efforts to begin administration, Harry’s expertise Pacific. Today, the colony at Devil’s assessing the biology, status, and threats was tapped to help protect Marbled Slide Rock is considered restored. of this (then) almost unknown seabird. Murrelet habitat in the Northwest In 1989, Harry was hired by Part of that effort was co-founding Forest Plan as well as to protect the Humboldt State University (HSU) in the PSG Marbled Murrelet Technical now famous Headwaters Forest in cooperation with USFWS to conduct Committee, enlisting government northern California. This 30 km2 area a comprehensive survey of California agencies to fund baseline surveys, was the largest remaining grove of seabird colonies. Harry trained and encouraging young seabird biologists privately owned old-growth redwood worked with Gerry McChesney, Craig such as Kim Nelson, Nancy Naslund forest and was slated for logging. Harry Strong, Deborah Jaques, Mike Parker, and Beck Becker to conduct those continued to be an active member on Darrell Whitworth, Dave Lewis and surveys, and co-editing (along with the PSG Marbled Murrelet Technical others to complete the daunting three Mike Morrison) the first comprehensive Committee and collaborated on year survey, an effort that has not been assessment of the species, Status and several studies with researchers such repeated since. The resulting 1992 update Conservation of the Marbled Murrelet as Kim Nelson and Rick Golightly. of the catalog of California seabird in North America, published by the Harry also aimed to develop a colonies remains an indispensable Western Foundation of Vertebrate long-term monitoring program for source of information on the state’s Zoology. This led to the recognition that Common Murres, Brandt’s Cormorants breeding seabird species. Harry was Marbled Murrelets truly were imperiled and Double-crested Cormorants associated full time with HSU until as a species mostly due to logging (Phalacrocorax auritus) in coastal 2003, working in collaboration with of their old-growth breeding habitat California using aerial photographic Dr. Rick Golightly and with the U.S. and subsequent filing for protections surveys. He worked with Paul Kelly at Geological Survey-Biological Resources under the Endangered Species Act. CDFW, Tom Keeney at the U.S. Navy, Division’s Dixon Field Station. During Over the years, Harry has continued Jean Takekawa at USFWS, and others and following the statewide seabird working for the conservation of to help fund surveys in the mid-1990s. survey, Harry began working on other Marbled Murrelets. During the Clinton Aerial photographic surveys have

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 9 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Harry R. Carter

studies of Scripps’s Murrelets in the Channel Islands, including documenting the recovery of breeding murrelets at Anacapa Island following the eradication of black rats in 2003 and the status of the species at San Miguel, San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands. Radio tracking studies conducted with Darrell Whitworth, Christine Hamilton, John Takekawa and Rick Golightly described Scripps’s Murrelet foraging ecology. Harry was also a co-founder of the PSG Xantus’s Murrelet Technical Committee (now called the Scripps’s and Guadalupe Murrelet Technical Committee) and served as co-chair in 2009-2016. Motivated by his intense passion and Harry and friends during the 2010 Pacific Seabird Group conference in Victoria, British concern for murrelets, Harry turned Columbia. From left: Barbara Del Mastro, Darrell Whitworth, Laurie Harvey,Harry his attentions to the rare Japanese Carter, Phil Capitolo, Frank Gress, Kim Nelson, Kyra Mills, Bill McIver, Sarah Thompson, (Crested) Murrelet (Synthliboramphus and Gerry McChesney. Photo credit: Emma Carter. wumizusume). Harry contacted Japanese researchers such as Koji Ono continued, led by others such as Phil the species. Working with Bill McIver, Kuniko Otsuki, and others from the Capitolo, Gerry McChesney, and Mike Laurie Harvey, David Mazurkiewicz Wild Bird Society of Japan and the Parker, with Harry’s involvement and and others, his mentorship helped Japan Alcid Society (now Japan Seabird encouragement. Published results have this monitoring work to continue Group) to seek potential collaborations helped show the importance of California nearly uninterrupted for 23 years; it is and learn about existing studies and to Common Murres and Brandt’s one of only two long-term studies of conservation efforts. In 1993, Harry Cormorants, the decline and partial Ashy Storm-Petrels. Harry’s efforts made the first of what would be many recovery of murres in central California, also demonstrated the potential long- trips to Japan to conduct surveys and and the status and distribution of term impacts of organochlorine assist with conservation efforts. Over Double-crested Cormorants on the west pollution on storm-petrels, the years, Harry worked with a number coast of North America. In 2001, Harry demonstrating that these chemicals of researchers from Japan, South led publication of a comprehensive were still present in storm-petrel eggs. Korea, and North America to study summary of murre breeding Also in the mid-1990s, Harry this rare seabird, including John Fries, population trends in British Columbia, spearheaded efforts to examine the John Piatt, Yutaka Nakamura, Leigh Washington, Oregon, and California status and distribution of another rare Ochikubo, Masayoshi Takeishi, Chang- through 1995. Harry was also a co- crevice-nesting seabird in the Channel uk Park, Darrell Whitworth, and Nina principal investigator and coordinated Islands, Xantus’s Murrelet (now split Karnovsky. Harry’s interests in Japan with Gerry McChesney, John Mason, into Scripps’s -Synthliboramphus were not limited to Japanese Murrelets. Bill McIver and others on a three- scrippsi- and Guadalupe murrelets - In 1993, he and Kim Nelson organized year aerial at-sea survey of California Synthliboramphus hypoleucus). Harry the first inland surveys of Long-billed seabirds in southern California, and colleagues Darrell Whitworth, Murrelets (Brachyramphus perdix) on published in Studies in Avian Biology. Tom Hamer and others explored better Hokkaido. In 1995, Harry co-founded In 1994, Harry, and others initiated murrelet survey methods which led the PSG Japan Seabird Conservation efforts in the California Channel Islands to the development of the spotlight Committee and served as co-chair with to examine the status and distribution survey technique to count murrelets Kuniko Otsuki until 2015. Harry was of the rare and secretive Ashy Storm- in nocturnal at-sea congregations invited to Japan in winter 1997 along Petrel, which resulted in discovery of near breeding colonies, the use of with Scott Newman and Roger Helm to the important colonies in sea caves spotlights for nocturnal at-sea capture assess the impacts of the large Nakhodka at Santa Cruz Island. Harry then of murrelets, and radar for examining oil spill on seabirds in northwest Honshu. facilitated funding for and development colony visitation. These techniques are In 2003, Harry returned home of a nest monitoring program at Santa now widely used for studying murrelets to British Columbia to be with his Cruz Island and participated in a throughout the Pacific. These initial future wife, Emma, and started Carter collaborative restoration project for surveys set the foundation for long-term Biological Consulting. While continuing

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 10 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Harry R. Carter with many of his previous studies, Harry comprehensive analyses focused on the National Park Service Regional expanded his geographic scope to the the post-breeding movements of family Director’s Award for Partnerships. west coast of Baja California, Mexico. groups and the inland records of Ancient But perhaps Harry’s most lasting Working with Darrell Whitworth, Frank Murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus); professional legacy will be the powerful Gress, Eduardo Palacios, and others, a final paper remains to be completed. influence he had on the many people with he conducted the most comprehensive Harry also spent a good deal of his “free” whom he collaborated and the inspiration surveys of Synthliboramphus murrelets time over several summers re-surveying he provided to those he mentored around and Ashy Storm-Petrels in the region to seabird colonies around Vancouver the world. He was especially passionate date. These surveys discovered Craveri’s Island, focusing attention on populations about assisting early career biologists Murrelets (Synthliboramphus craveri) of Double-crested, Brandt’s and Pelagic to further their experience with the breeding at 4 islands off western Baja cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus). natural world as well as to develop their and Scripps’s Murrelets colonies thought Harry left a body of more than formal education. To many he suggested to have been extirpated by introduced 100 (and growing) published articles potential thesis ideas and often worked predators. Genetic studies led to covering a multitude of species and behind the scenes to facilitate their recognition of Scripps’s and Guadalupe topics, including breeding biology, connections with academia and murrelets (former subspecies of the distribution and abundance, status consequently to better their lives. His Xantus’s Murrelet) as separate species. and trends, gill-net impacts, oil spill knowledge of seabirds, tenacity for Ashy Storm-Petrels were found breeding impacts, human disturbance impacts, collecting seabird data, never-ending as far south as the Todos Santos Islands, molt, at-sea biology, techniques, and passion for the conservation of seabirds, extending their known breeding range. conservation. He was a passionate field ability to collaborate, and unique and Following on his early experience at biologist and tireless conservationist. keen ability to celebrate the little things the Royal British Columbia Museum His efforts were recognized by in life will surely be missed by those and during his master’s work, Harry numerous awards throughout his career, who were fortunate enough to have recognized the value of museum including a Recognition from USFWS worked with him. He is most deserving collections, particularly bird and egg for Contributions to the Conservation of this award and the PSG thanks him specimens and field notes of early of the Common Murre in California, for his 40+ years of innumerable, naturalists and researchers, to further Oregon and Washington, Recognition distinguished contributions to our understanding of molt patterns, for Service on the President’s Ecosystem seabird biology and conservation. seabird distribution, and changes in Management Assessment Team, Special populations over time. Harry’s delving Achievement Award from the USFWS into museum collections resulted in the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife discovery of otherwise unknown nesting Refuge Complex for Contributions to locations for the Ashy Storm-Petrel, the Restoration of the Devil’s Slide clarifying the earliest nesting records Rock Common Murre colony, Greater for Marbled Murrelets, and historical Farallones National Marine Sanctuary compilations on the distribution of other Lifetime Achievement Award, and seabirds including Ancient Murrelets. In at least one case, Harry visited sites with early egg records of Ashy Storm- Petrels and discovered the species still nesting there, over 130 km north of their previously known range. Working largely with Spencer Sealy, Harry published a vast array of his findings on early seabird records in British Columbia and other Pacific Coast locations. While a master’s student, Harry joined Sealy in a long-term series of compilations and analyses of records of vagrancy, characterized by movements of alcids into the interior of North America and beyond. These analyses have focused on the Long-billed Murrelet, Kittlitz’s Harry Carter receiving a Special Achievement Award from the USFWS San Francisco Bay Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris), National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2003. From left: Dan Welsh, Harry Carter, Jen Boyce, and Dovekie (Alle alle), but the most Kyra Mills, Mike Parker, and Rick Golightly. Photo credit: Gerry McChesney.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 11 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PSG’s Special Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has performed outstanding, long-term service for the Pacific Seabird Group, or who has achieved an outstanding and significant exemplary accomplishment for the betterment of seabird research, education, and/or conservation, or both.

DR. ALFONSO AGUIRRE-MUÑOZ By Federico Méndez-Sánchez, Mark Rauzon, Annie Little, Jennifer Boyce, and Mariam Latofski-Robles

During its 45th Annual Meeting held Bank (Banpesca), in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico where he pioneered in February 2018, the Pacific Seabird Mexico’s aquaculture Group awarded Dr. Alfonso Aguirre- in harmony with coastal Muñoz with a Special Achievement conservation. He Award. This was done in recognition founded “Agromarinos”, of Alfonso’s efforts to preserve a flourishing family seabird biodiversity on Mexico’s business in San islands, including the eradication of 60 Quintin Bay dedicated populations of invasive mammals from to oyster aquaculture 39 Mexican islands and the protection and artisanal seaweed of over 200 threatened seabird nesting harvesting, a sustainable colonies. Beyond his significant model that has been contributions to the conservation of replicated and generates seabirds, Alfonso has also fostered and hundreds of jobs in the inspired many young professionals who region. He also served will continue his important work for as consultant to the preserving seabird populations and the Mexican Government, islands they depend upon. In summary, private companies and Alfonso’s dedication, strategic vision, international agencies. and leadership have made him a For 15 years (2002 champion for seabird conservation, and to 2017), Alfonso was a model for us all. the Executive Director For the past four decades, Alfonso has of “Grupo de Ecología Alfonso on Bancho Chinchorro (Mexican Caribbean) during tirelessly worked for the conservation y Conservación de the black rat eradication in 2015. Photo credit: GECI Archive of Mexico’s coasts, oceans, islands and Islas, A.C. (GECI)”, / J.A. Soriano. the biodiversity they harbor. Alfonso a successful science- initially studied as an Oceanographer based Mexican non-profit organization. 39 Mexican islands, thus protecting at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja GECI’s goal is to ensure that the more than 200 highly threatened California (UABC). Afterwards, restoration, use, and conservation of the seabird nesting colonies. Furthermore, he attended a graduate course in Mexican islands are done in an effective his work on public policies provided Aquaculture at Kagoshima University, way, attending priorities, and using the the foundation for the creation of two Japan, where he met his wife Joana best science, always in collaboration significant protected areas by Mexico’s Bielschowsky-Gottlieb, with whom with local communities, government Federal Government: Guadalupe he has been married for 38 years and agencies, international organizations, Island Biosphere Reserve and the Baja has two daughters, Ikerne and Julene. and academic institutions. The California Pacific Islands Biosphere He holds a Ph.D. in Regional Studies organization supports field work, having Reserve. Thanks to his tenacity, all and Sustainable Development from El restored nearly 60 thousand hectares of Mexican islands are now protected Colegio de la Frontera Norte (COLEF), island surface within Mexico. During since December 2016. Moreover, he led where he graduated with the highest his time as Executive Director, Alfonso the formulation and implementation of honors (Suma cum laude). fostered significant milestones on island Mexico’s National Island Strategy—a Early in his career, Alfonso served conservation for Mexico and the world. first of its kind worldwide—that defines as the Northwest Regional Manager Tangible results are the eradication of 60 management and conservation actions for the Mexican Government Fisheries populations of invasive mammals from with a long term vision. He had also

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 12 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Alfonso Aguirre-Muñoz coordinated the successful nomination from predation. other publications dealing with island and integration of the Archipiélago de For Alfonso, the social sciences conservation. He has been a mentor for Revillagigedo as a UNESCO World have also been important. Early on, he more than 100 young professionals he Heritage Site. understood that for GECI’s valuable has inspired and those concerned with Since 2008, Alfonso and his team restoration actions to endure, the local island and seabird conservation. have been leading what is probably communities had to be a part of the In 2016, Alfonso became the first the most important and ambitious transformation. The development Mexican to receive the prestigious Seabird Restoration Program both of a National Program on Island MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, in Mexico and Latin America. This Biosecurity, in collaboration with local presented by the AEON Environmental comprehensive program includes communities, has been key to maintain Foundation and the Secretariat of the monitoring the natural recovery of the conservation gains. Alfonso is also Convention on Biological Diversity from seabird populations following invasive a very cultured man, who truly loves the United Nations. The award honors mammal eradications; implementing the arts. Therefore, he sought to bond individuals who have made outstanding social attraction techniques to induce environmental learning through art and contributions to the conservation of recolonization of extirpated populations; culture, thus providing opportunities biodiversity. He has also received other the removal of introduced vegetation for for children from isolated communities distinctions, such as the Recognition habitat enhancement; interdisciplinary to express themselves through music, from the Society of the Ancient research; environmental education painting and story-telling, with beautiful California and Ensenada’s Municipality and outreach; and island biosecurity results. (2015), and the Love to the Planet Award to prevent reinvasion. Thanks to His strategic vision and abilities for Environmental Conservation from these restoration efforts, 12 extirpated to form strong ties with government the Volkswagen Foundation (2014). seabird populations have returned to agencies, universities, research His legacy will continue in the team he breed to their historic sites; several institutes, fishing cooperatives and a so wisely formed, trained, consolidated diminished populations have increased wide donor network, have been vital for and now counsels as a member of the their numbers; and there have also been all the achievements in his trajectory. board. He has inspired GECI’s staff new nesting records, with colonies He has built solid collaborations with to dream big and work hard towards being formed on several islands. Some international partners from New significant conservation outcomes. relevant examples are: (1) the return of Zealand, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Alfonso’s trajectory has not only made the Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus Belize, Dominican Republic, Cuba, a difference for the biodiversity on aleuticus) to all its historic breeding sites Ecuador, Brazil, Canada, United States, Mexico’s islands to thrive, he has also within Mexico; and (2) the exponential Germany, and France. touched the lives of the people on island population increase of the Laysan Alfonso’s publications include communities, as well as of those who Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) interdisciplinary approaches on natural had the opportunity to collaborate with on Guadalupe Island as a result of the resources and conservation. He has him. feral cat control and the installation of written and coauthored over 60 research By awarding Alfonso PSG’s Special an exclusion fence to protect the colony papers, books, book chapters and Achievement Award, we are recognizing

Alfonso receiving the award at the PSG award dinner in La Paz surrounded by friends and colleagues.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 13 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Alfonso Aguirre-Muñoz the successes of a dedicated conservationist and of a remarkable human being, whose example and leadership has strengthened the conservation and restoration of seabird islands worldwide. We also recognize the young professionals he fostered and inspired in this field who will continue building his legacy for the future of the seabirds and the islands they depend upon. Alfonso positively affects lives of all kinds, including animal and plant life. We have no doubt that if cypresses, pines, albatrosses, petrels and all other island life forms could talk, they would say “Thank you. Thank you for saving us!”

Alfonso’s words during that memorable dinner award in La Paz surrounded by friends and colleagues: “I do believe that we all have to thank the marine birds for taking us to beautiful, remote and pristine regions, territories of freedom, so scarce nowadays; for introducing us to valuable working colleagues, that become partners, that become friends, that become best and lasting friends; for bringing distant and close nations, and diverse peoples together, beyond walls and artificial frontiers and barriers; for giving us motive and chances to collaborate; for allowing us to have an outstanding job to raise our families while they raise their chicks; and for giving us hope.”

Left to right: Mark Rauzon, Annie Little, Jennifer Boyce, Alfonso (with award in hand), and Federico Méndez-Sánchez at the Award Cermony in La Paz. Photo credit: Kyra Mills

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 14 STUDENT PRESENTATION AWARDS Student presentation awards are given out at each year at the Annual Meeting. Oral and poster presentations are judged separately according to guidelines that include originality, presentation style, graphics, format and research data. The award guidelines and judging forms can be found in the PSG Handbook.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Best Student Paper Award - Doctorate: Miriam Lerma (University of Kiel) Foraging Behavior of Masked Boobies in the World’s Largest Oceanic Desert

Honorable Mention - Doctorate: Morgan Gilmour (University of California, Santa Cruz) Contaminants, Foraging Ecology, and Breeding Hormones in Two Sympatrically Breeding Southern Ocean Seabirds

Honorable Mention - Doctorate.: Miho Sakao (Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute) Are Streaked Shearwaters Faithful to Their Partners?

Best Student Paper Award - Masters: Julia Gulka (University of Manitoba) Impacts of Prey Availability on the Foraging Behavior and Diet of Two Alcids in Northeastern Newfoundland

Honorable Mention - Masters: Edward Jenkins (University of Manitoba) Varying Prey Availability Influences the Dietary Niche Dynamics of the Seabird Assemblage on the Northeastern Newfoundland Coast

Best Student Paper Award - Undergraduate: Gabriela De La Cruz-Pino (Universidad Veracruzana) Diversity of Seabirds in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

Honorable Mention - Undergraduate: Javier Alcalá-Santoyo (CONACYT-UABCS) Population Estimate of Black-Vented Shearwater (Puffinus opisthomelas) on Natividad Island, Mexico: 2016 & 2017 Breeding Seasons

Student Travel Award winners at the closing banquet in La Paz. Photo credit: Jane Dolliver

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 15 STUDENT PRESENTATION AWARDS • POSTER PRESENTATIONS

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Best Student Paper Award - Doctorate.: Caitlin Kroeger (University of California, Santa Cruz) Corticosterone as a Behavioral Driver and Nutrient Response in Two Sympatric Albatrosses

Honorable Mention - Doctorate: Morgan Gilmour (University of California, Santa Cruz) First Observations of Magnificent Frigatebird Chick-Rearing Movements in Mexico

Best Student Paper Award - Masters: Vivian Pattison (University of Victoria) Estimating Population Abundance of Ancient Murrelets on East Limestone Island, BC, Using N-Mixture Models

Honorable Mention - Masters: Olivia Townsend (San Jose University) Foraging Movements and Oceanic Habitat Use of Red-Tailed Tropicbirds Breeding on Oahu, Hawaii

Best Student Paper Award - Undergraduate: Ana Paula Medina Roman (Oregon State University) Prey Size and Delivery Rate of Common Murres (Uria aalge) in Central Oregon

Honorable Mention - Undergraduate: Tyler Sym (University of Massachusetts-Amherst) Evaluating the Relationships Between Weather and Nanotagged Terns Using R-Shiny

Poster reception at Centro Cultural La Paz. Photo credit: Jane Dolliver

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 16 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

CHAIR’S REPORT FOR 2017 Kyra Mills

The year 2017 has gone by in a flash! election with multiple candidates on La Paz meeting will be by students. As I write this, the Local Committee, the ballot and high voter participation Despite all the growth during the along with PSG’s Executive Council, (59%). We elected 6 new members of past year, there is always room for are in the final preparations for the 45th EXCO. improvement and challenges to be met Annual Meeting in La Paz, Mexico. As A total of 11 conservation letters head-on, including: we prepare for this meeting, it is a good were written and submitted on critical 1. Creative ways to increase PSG time to reflect at the year gone by and conservation issues. The Craig Harrison membership. There has been a decline in what we have accomplished, and look Conservation Fund awarded two grants members over the last several years and ahead to 2018 with a sense of what steps in 2017 to support seabird research. the time is ripe for a re-envisioning of need to be taken to further support and The 5 species-specific PSG Technical our efforts for maintaining our current grow the Pacific Seabird Group. Committees were all active and our members and recruiting new ones. I As current Chair, it has been an delegates to various organizations have high hopes that in 2018 the new honor to serve in this capacity and to represented Pacific Seabird Group very Membership Committee will be able to work alongside such an inspiring and well. tackle this challenge. dedicated group of capable people. As Two big accomplishments in 2017 2. Recruitment of more I compile the reports for 2017, I am were to finalize the listserv terms and volunteers. There are many ways to amazed at the tremendous efforts of conditions (which is now on the PSG contribute to PSG, and much work to be the various members of the Executive website), and to draft the Code of done to lead this organization into the Council (EXCO), the different Conduct, that is now shared with the rest future. However, most of the work falls technical committees, and the PSG of the PSG members for comment. Two on a few people, so increasing the share representatives. We live in an uncertain additional 2017 accomplishments were of the work load will be important in political climate, so the invaluable work the finalization of the PSG membership moving forward effectively. that PSG members do on a daily basis to policy and a PSG diversity statement It is exciting that the location of the protect seabirds and their environment (now on the website). 2019 annual meeting has already been is all the more critical. PSG continues to be active on various decided! The next meeting is going to be As Chair, my primary role this past social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, in Kaua’i, Hawai’i. year has been to keep track of and assist Instagram), with related increases in It has been an honor to serve as Chair in the ongoing decisions and action exposure in 2017. The PSG listserv and I look forward to a productive items in between EXCO calls and to currently has 774 subscribers, a 10% meeting in La Paz. serve as facilitator for discussions increase from 2016. PSG’s publications and voting on motions during those are active and up to date, with a bi- calls. I have served on the awards yearly publication schedule for Pacific committees for both the Lifetime and Seabirds (summer and fall/winter), and Special Achievement awards and the Marine Ornithology. travel awards for students and non-U.S. The vibrant participation of PSG’s and Canadian scientists. I was able to student members and Early Career participate in several letters for seabird Scientists (ECSs) is a testament to the conservation. Along with the rest of health of PSG and the importance that the EXCO and the local committee, I PSG, as an organization, places on helped to ensure a successful meeting supporting students and early career in La Paz, including writing a proposal scientists. In addition to focused efforts to the Packard Foundation, which for student mentorship and involvement resulted in a sizable donation for the in the annual meeting, the silent meeting. I worked with Yuri Albores auction continues to raise funds that are (Local Committee chair) to identify important for supporting student travel interpretation services at the upcoming to the meeting. With a new proposal on meeting, in an effort to increase PSG’s the table for research grants exclusively Latin American reach (which also for students, PSG continues to foster the included a reduced registration rate). next generation of seabird biologists. This year we had a very successful 35% of all the presentations at the 2018

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 17 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

CHAIR-ELECT’S REPORT FOR 2017 Adrian Gall

Chair Elect Duties for 2018 Scientific warning; and the session scheduling 4. Dr. Enriqueta Velarde Program (21-24 Feb. 2018, La Paz, Baja function didn’t work during the time (Universidad Veracruzana) California Sur, Mexico): that we needed to schedule the sessions 5. Dr. Stephen Votier (University of • Created theme of the meeting: (Dec-Jan). We defaulted to using a Exeter) Seabirds without borders/Aves GoogleSheet to schedule the sessions, Special Paper Sessions Marinas sin fronteras which allowed for a collaborative 1. Seabird Restoration, convened • Call for Special Paper sessions, approach with version records. I am by Yuliana Bedoya (Grupo de symposia, and workshops sent out still working with Cvent to address the Ecología y Conservación de Islas, via the list serve, Facebook, and issues, but we will need to see plenty A. C.): 8 talks, 2 posters Twitter 11 June 2017; second call of evidence from them that these issues 2. Impact of Purse-Seine Fisheries 1 August 2017. have been resolved before going down on Seabird Bycatch: In Search of • Transitioned registration and this road for the next meeting. Cvent Mitigation Measures and Industry abstract submission process from refunded the annual fee for the tool in Involvement, convened by RegOnline to Cvent in August full. Enriqueta Velarde (Universidad 2017 Cvent registration and event Veracruzana), Cristian Suazo • Transitioned membership website worked seamlessly. The (BirdLife International), and Dan database and management from Communications Committee was Anderson (UC Davis): 10 talks RegOnline to Cvent in August critical in setting up the event website, 3. Harry Carter’s Legacy, convened 2017 but it has been a challenge to keep by Trudy Chatwin (Ministry • Worked with Communications information consistent and up-to-date of Forests, Lands and Natural Committee to design the new between the Cvent event website and the Resource Operations), Nina conference website hosted by PSG website. I recommend phasing out Karnovsky (Pomona College) Cvent and linked to registration use of the PSG website for delivering and Kuniko Otsuki (Marine Bird • Call for abstracts open 21 August information to the membership about the Restoration Group): 8 talks, 1 – 15 Dec 2017 meeting and simply placing a link for the poster • Abstracts accepted 17 December Cvent website. Symposia 2017, with a couple more trickling Registration and the program 1. Conservation and Research of in after the deadline for a total of were especially challenged this year the Sternula Terns in the Pacific, 213 abstracts submitted, before because many travel requests from US convened by Thomas Ryan (Ryan withdrawals government employees were denied by Ecological Consulting): 14 talks, • Invited plenary speakers on 22 their agencies. Fortunately, the generous 2 posters August 2017; 5 plenary speakers $50,000 grant from the Packard 2. Conservation Needs in confirmed Foundation allowed us to compensate Northwestern Mexico, convened • Participated in Lifetime and for some loss in US participation by by Yuri Albores (UABCS) and Special Achievement award facilitating travel and participation by Gustavo Danemann (Pronatura decisions in late August researchers from Latin America and Noroeste): 8 talks • Participated in Travel Awards Asia. We were also able to offer more Workshops decisions in mid-December assistance to students coming from 1. Using Drones or UAVs to Study • Organized Session Chairs worldwide. and Conserve Seabirds and Other • Organized the Scientific Program Birds, offered by David Bird and of 3 concurrent sessions with Scientific Program Émile Brisson-Curadeau (McGill assistance from Juliet Lamb 156 oral presentations and 42 posters University) Five Plenary speakers: 2. Passive Acoustic Monitoring Lessons learned 1. Dr. Michael Brooke (University Workshop, offered by Ali Cvent’s Abstract Management tool was of Cambridge) Donargo and Nicole Wright not ready for prime time. It re-ordered 2. Dr. Juan Esteban Martinez Gomez (Wildlife Acoustics) co-authors; reviewers had difficulty (Inecol) 3. Hot Topics Round Table, offered accessing the abstracts that they were 3. Dr. Robert Pitman (NOAA by Jen Zamon (National Oceanic assigned for review; it allowed deletion Fisheries-Southwest Science and Atmospheric Administration), of all the travel awards essays with no Center) moderated by Adrian Gall

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 18 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

PAST-CHAIR’S REPORT FOR 2017 Nina Karnovsky

Summary of Past Chair Tasks for PSG listserv. The committee submitted record numbers of students this year. 2017-2018: their selections to the EXCO for a vote Assist Chair Elect and Local Based on the PSG Handbook of at the September 2017 EXCO meeting, Committee Chair in preparation for the primary responsibilities for the Past with all approved. I have submitted annual meeting: Whenever possible Chair, I report the following: text for the trophies and am working on I have tried to be of assistance to the Assist the Chair with PSG operations: planning the awards dinner. remarkable Chair Elect, Adrian Gall Kyra Mills-Parker, PSG Chair, has been As Travel Awards Chair: In 2018 we and the very capable Local Chair, Yuri a pleasure to work with. I have tried to were able to offer travel awards to 10 Albores. be of assistance when needed. Towards times the number of people than last Begin the selection and confirmation this task I’ve participated in EXCO year. This was largely due to a generous of future meeting sites: After the 2017 meetings, provided input on monthly grant from the Packard Foundation, a meeting I solicited applications for new decisions and on letters drafted by the challenge grant, and donations from local committees and the 2019 meeting Conservation Chair, and held follow- EXCO and other members. A new will be in Kauai. The EXCO approved up teleconferences on various issues as category of grant specifically for Early this location during the December 2017 needed. Career Scientists was established. We meeting. The local committee chair is As Awards Committee Chair: The offered 7 of these grants. The number Jessica Hallman Behnke and she has Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) of travel grants to non-US/Canadian put together a capable and enthusiastic went to two recipients this year. One scientists went up from 4 to 18. All but local committee that also includes award was given early in April, 2017 to one has been able to accept the grant. Andre Raine who is currently an EXCO Harry Carter. He was able to receive this Travel grants to students went up from 8 member. honor before he passed away in April, in 2017 to 36 in 2018. Currently all but Recommendations for the future: I am 2017. Dr. Enriqueta Velarde will be one student has accepted the award gratified by the increase in participation awarded a LAA in La Paz. The Special Organize student paper judging: of students in PSG. I think that the new Achievement Award (SAA) will go to After the 2017 meeting I sent all of the initiatives for Early Career Scientists are Dr. Alfonso Aguirre-Muñoz. Assisting students the comments they received on wonderful and think it is these types of in the selection of LAA and SAA were their presentations and posters. In the activities that increase mentoring and the Chair Elect and Chair. I solicited weeks leading up to the 2018 meeting build community amongst members will nominations during the 2017 PSG I will be coordinating the judging of keep Pacific Seabird Group strong in annual meeting and via postings on the student papers and posters. We have these challenging times.

VICE-CHAIR FOR CONSERVATION’S REPORT FOR 2017 Mark Rauzon

We’ve had a pretty good year for the of NAFTA to bring three eradication and look where we are now – hearing Conservation Committee, given the practitioners from New Zealand and 30 about the tremendous conservation political climate. The Conservation participants from Mexico to meet just successes in Mexico. PSG was the group Committee doesn’t really exist; it’s across the U.S. border in Ensenada. that brought these people together to whoever feels the need to raise an issue The meeting produced one giant make it happen. and bring it to our attention. So far, we’ve spreadsheet of all the islands in Mexico We’ve been advocating for seabird been reactive in responding to issues. where eradications could occur. From conservation through the Vice Chair I’d like us to remember that in 1995, this spreadsheet, Island Conservation, for Conservation for at least 23 years. PSG received a grant under the auspices GIESE and CICESE took ownership, There are now several legislative acts

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 19 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS under assault in the U.S.: the Migratory this year. Make your voice heard with PSG is working on, before the annual Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species your time and your pocketbook. These meeting? Answer: via the PSG website, Act, etc. PSG has strategically weighed contributions help PSG respond. Facebook, Twitter and the listserve, in on local, regional and national I want to close by saying as a long- with a message about where people can issues, including being part of over 300 time PSG member, over the last 7 years find the best information on the subject. environmental organizations who signed I’ve witnessed some extraordinary These issues should be posted to the on to the National Audubon Society’s female leaders take this organization to listserve, otherwise they are not reaching letter to protest gutting the Migratory the next level. PSG is reflecting larger most of the membership. It is not on Bird Treaty Act. societal changes, including fostering and PSG communications committee or promoting scientists of all backgrounds the Conservation Committee to update Here are our 2017 letters (11 total): and nationalities to the highest levels of the membership about all conservation 1. To the US Dept. of Interior, re: the organization. PSG is a leader in this issues. It is the membership’s evaluation of Marine National capacity – just look at some of the many responsibility to post these things for Monuments in the Pacific long-term female members in this room. one another. Some people find it hard to 2. To USFWS, removal of “no net send out things to the listserve because conservation gain” in mitigation OPEN FORUM FOR MEMBERS: of unfiltered responses received. The planning under ESA moment you hit send the message arrives 3. To USFWS, re: the proposal to Mexico Fisheries: At this meeting, the in 744 inboxes. rescind the Kodiak Road Closure unsustainability of purse seine fisheries PSG does not need to track large- to Hunting regulation in Mexico, for instance, and limiting scale policy issues – American Bird 4. To BirdLife International – to take is a key issue we can respond to. Conservancy (ABC) and Audubon upgrade the listing status of the Most of the fish the purse seine fishery already do that. The regional Aleutian Tern in Mexico is catching is being converted representatives should sign up for the 5. To WA House Committee to fish meal – a waste of fish protein, Audubon and ABC listserves and put sponsoring HB2300, re: marbled especially when the world is starving. relevant issues on the listserve. PSG is murrelets The next conservation steps for PSG committed to focused campaigns, which 6. To ODFW, to review the status of should come from the meeting. is why PSG doesn’t sign on to Change. the marbled murrelet Communication Processes: PSG org, for instance. This, of course, doesn’t 7. To USFWS, to review the status should do more to put out press releases. stop individual members from signing on of the marbled murrelet The local media is incredibly hungry to these campaigns, as a way to become 8. To ODFW, to uplist the marbled for stories. Indeed, the local press in more involved. murrelet from OR Threatened to La Paz just interviewed Yuri Albores, Each time PSG sends out a letter, OR Endangered the conference coordinator. If there the Vice Chair for Conservation should 9. To USWS, to disallow harvest was a press release person in PSG, then put that on the listserve. The volume of within marbled murrelet habitat there would be a way to integrate and letters received when something is up for after 2 years of surveys summarize the key information at the public comment is really important. PSG 10. To WADNR, to amend the draft meetings. PSG needs to promote ideas could submit a letter, but also request environmental impact statement worth spreading – a big picture idea – letters from each of us. Individual on marbled murrelet global warming, ocean acidification, members can get their facts from PSG’s 11. To UNESCO, supporting over-fishing, plastics. Fossil fuel use is policy letter. Letters written by small the creation of the Japanese going to take us into the 6th extinction conservation organizations don’t always Kaminoseki World Heritage Site -that seabird populations have fallen fail. Small organizations in Alaska have 70% in the last 50 years. There is good convinced the EPA to retain toxic waste There are a few conservation losses reason for PSG to promote the collective, dumping regulations from mines. this year: Izembek Lagoon/Izembek “this is what seabird biologists think.” Trap-neuter-release (TNR): Speaking National Wildlife Refuge land swap in We need to be more in the public eye. of communications, it’s recommended Cold Bay – the access road was approved. Internal communications are also that PSG take a stance on TNR, to inform There are several lawsuits pending. important, for example, alerting the public of our position. For example, We’ll have to see what happens to the graduate students, especially if this the New York mayor has specifically MBTA. The environment and many is their first meeting – what are the come out to support the TNR effort. On social norms are all under assault during recurring themes? One is plastic and Lanai there is a giant TNR colony, and the Trump Administration. I encourage we’re planning to have plastics as the people come to see the cats. What is all of you to put your energy/anger theme for PSG 2019 in Hawaii. How do even more troubling is that people love into the PSG Conservation Committee members hear about conservation issues cats more than the love native wildlife.

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They would rather see that than native There is a bill being introduced in the – the Aquaculture Resource Depredation wildlife. US House (Alan Lowenthal) to get the Order - ARDO (1998) and Public The TNR issue is more than a state, US to be a signatory on ACAP. Audubon Resource Depredation Order – PRDO or national problem: it’s a worldwide and ABC are trying to get the public (2003), which does away with the problem, an issue at so many levels. The behind this bill to get it introduced NEPA process – the U.S. Government USFWS ought to have a policy on TNR, again this year. Either individually, or has ruled to reinstate those two orders but it doesn’t, and won’t have one in the as a group, PSG should support this and resume lethal control of Double- near future. There is a bill (Hawaii HB bill. The ABC has written a letter - Lisa crested Cormorants. The ARDO was set 2593) making its way through the Hawaii Murkowski is involved with this bill. up to protect catfish farms in the deep legislature to ban cat colonies, and the ABC shared this draft letter with PSG. south. The PRDO comes up for renewal Governor (David Ige) promised to sign It would be good for PSG to come up every 5 years. That was taken to court it when it if it reaches his desk. There with a strong statement to agencies or by Public Employees for Environmental is specific language banning people government representatives for joining Responsibility (PEER). The judge from abandoning or feeding animals ACAP. It should be not U.S. centric, abolished the two orders two years on state property. If we had written a instead ocean-wide. The U.S., Mexico, ago. Now they have been reinstated letter about this effort in Hawaii, it could and Canada are all “range states” – non summarily, with no judicial review. The have helped. It was something members members of ACAP who send delegates Depredation permit issued by USFWS should have brought to PSG. as observers. allows for up to 11,000 cormorants to Thus PSG is forming a working group ACAP really embraced Mexico be killed at the mouth of the Columbia on TNR and cats but it needs a policy to attending the meeting. They really want River, by Wildlife Services (WS). WS deal with the resulting public outcry from Mexico to join. We have sent a letter killed 5,0000 cormorants in 2017 before pro-cat supporters. How will the Vice to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the colony abandoned. In 2018, there Chair for Conservation respond? Once Mexico about this. Within Foreign may be no more killing because the the PSG position statement was available Affairs in Mexico, there is a Commission colony is gone. We’ll have to wait to see it would help other organizations to with a program on birds. Talks are if the corms re-establish on East Sand apply for funds to assist with control ongoing in Mexico, but it appears to be Island. The result of this disturbance is programs. It would be something others moving forward. People from Foreign probably a net increase of birds eating (individuals, organizations) could cite in Affairs in Mexico will come to the next salmon. proposals. ACAP meeting in South Africa. Agreement on the Conservation of Cormorants: A lot of us may have Albatross and Petrels (ACAP): missed the word from Washington D.C.

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR 2017 Jane Dolliver

Motions passed by the 2017-2018 PSG May 2017 Representatives to contact lapsed Executive Council 1. Approve the PSG 2018 Annual members Meeting budget March 2017 2. Approve the fiscal year 2017 August 2017 1. Approve PSG Diversity Statement budget 1. Approve Luana Events Client 2. Create PSG Coloring Book with Agreement Advance Wildlife Education July 2017 2. Create Local Committee bank 1. Approve Cvent registration, account in Mexico, US $5,000 April 2017 membership and abstract 1. Approve the nomination of Harry management 5-year contract September 2017 Carter for the PSG Lifetime 2. Establish EXCO permanent 1. Approve PSG 2018 Registration Achievement Award contributions to PSG travel rates awards fund - $50/EXCO member 2. Approve PSG listserve terms and 3. Require PSG Regional conditions document

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3. Approve PSG 2018 disabilities Policies and Procedures Committee, the PSG core values and sustainability statement Secretary played a vital role in: document: mission, vision, and at 1. Finding two website coordinator a minimum a: October 2017 replacements • fundraising plan with 1. Approve transfer of $10,000 to 2. Building the Cvent event website fundraising goals Mexico for PSG 2018 and updating content via a • membership plan with 2. Approve the PSG Lifetime and multitude of sources membership goals Special Achievement award 3. Organizing the first, Ad-hoc 2. (leftover from 2017) Finish edits recommendations Strategic Planning Committee and publish the 2018 version of 3. Sponsor WSTC#4 conference meeting the PSG Handbook. 4. Getting candidates to run, 3. Assist the Elections Committee November 2017 organizing the PSG 2017 in nominating two candidates to 1. Print nametags in different colors Elections via SurveyMonkey, run for the Secretary position, of cardstock to identify members and sending ballot reminders to 2019-2021. This will be my last 2. Approve a new, Early Career members. year as Secretary (first term 2015- Scientist Travel Award 5. Creating reports and getting 2017, re-elected 2017-2019). I 3. Review the Children’s Book, “The ExCo approval on four successful agree to mentor my replacement Blue Footies” motions 1) PSG coloring book, during their first year, 2019-2020, 2) PSG disability statement, 3) as recommended by the PSG December 2017 Early-career scientist award, 4) Handbook. 1. Approve PSG 2019 meeting PSG membership policy 4. Create a tracking sheet for location all PSG volunteers, including 2. Approve PSG membership policy Projects and needs in 2018-2019 ExCo Committees, Technical In the following year, the PSG Committees, Local Committee, Secretary Milestones in 2017-2018 Secretary has a big lift – to finish an MS etc. Make this a monthly report In addition to serving on the PSG thesis and: for ExCo meetings. Communications Committee, Elections Committee, and Ad-hoc Strategic Planning Committee and Ad-hoc 1. (leftover from 2017): Create a

Sunset in La Paz. Photo credit: Kyra Mills.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 22 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 PSG’s committees support research, work on conservation, maintain communications, and support members throughout the Pacific. Their reports contain information on field work, current issues, and committee participation. Contact information for committee coordinators (i.e. chairs) can be found near the back of this issue.

NORTHEAST ASIA Crested Tern (T. bergii). This breeding on physiological carry-over effects using SEABIRD behavior had been observed at all known RHAU. CONSERVATION breeding colonies until this unique COMMITTEE discovery in Korea. Breeding of Chinese INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIA Crested Tern was confirmed again at On 18-19 March 2017, the 2017 Daisuke Ochi and Gregg Howald, the same site in Korea in 2017, when Japanese Murrelet (Synthliboramphus Coordinators The NE Asia Seabird Conservation six birds visited the same island and wumizusume) symposium was held in Committee meets annually, typically at two breeding pairs formed. One chick Kadogawa-cho Miyazaki Prefecture, the PSG meetings in North America. successfully fledged. The NIE Korea is Japan. The Marine Bird Restoration The group is encouraging information considering deploying social attraction Group (MBRG) assisted as supervisors. sharing and creating opportunity devices to the island in 2018. PSG members Kuniko Otsuki (MBRG), for relationship building between Yutaka Watanuki (Hokkaido John Piatt (U.S. Geological Surveys), conservationists on both sides of the University, Japan) and his colleagues Darrell Whitworth (California Pacific. continued seabird monitoring work at Institute Environmental Studies), Nina Below, we summarize NEASCC Teuri Island, Hokkaido Japan. In 2017, Karnovsky (Pomona University), and (changed from JSCC) activities in 2017 a few fledgling Rhinoceros Auklets Kim Nelson (Oregon State University) as shared by committee members: (Cerorhinca monocerata; RHAU) were invited and gave talks. Harry Carter were found, slightly better than the last (Carter Biological Consulting) was in two years when shortages of Japanese Japan on 14-26 March to participate in MEETINGS We met at the 2017 PSG meeting Anchovy (Engraulis japonicas) and the symposium, but he decided to stay in Tacoma, WA to discuss recent and Pacific Sand Lance (Ammodytes in Fukuoka Prefecture due to health future research in Korea, China and hexapterus) occurred, presumably reasons. The symposium was very Japan. We had 22 participants to discuss affecting reproduction. Other monitoring successful. For the scientific session conservation of Japanese Murrelet, activities that took place over the season (18 March), there were a total of 154 Chinese Crested Tern and Ancient included Black-tailed Gull (Larus participants and speakers representing Murrelet. crassirostris) and Japanese Cormorant four countries: Japan, United States, (Phalacrocorax capillatus) surveys. Canada, and South Korea. The general Black-tailed Gulls established a new public session (on the 19th) had 116 SURVEYS AND RESEARCH breeding area, while breeding locations participants. In the public session people Simba Chan (BirdLife International (BLI) Asia Division) reports that the of cormorants remained unchanged. The learned what the Japanese Murrelet is, National Institute of Ecology (NIE) Ministry of the Environment has been where they go after the breeding season, of Korea has been conducting surveys protecting seabird breeding area at Teuri the threats that they face, why we need to of seabirds in southwestern islands of Island and cats are being controlled monitor them, and how to monitor. the country since 2014. On 26 April through removals. Akiko Shoji has been In the technical meeting, part of 2016 our surveyors first discovered one continuing a study of biotransport by the symposium, scientists discussed breeding pair of Chinese Crested Terns RHAU and Kentaro Kazama has been development of a standardized protocol (Thalasseus bernsteini) incubating eggs developing protocols for evaluating for one monitoring method, the spotlight in a colony of Black-tailed Gulls (Larus windmill effects on Black-tailed survey. Unfortunately, we were unable crassirostris). At the end of the season, Gulls at Rishiri Island and Esashi- to settle on a single basic method for the two pairs of Chinese Crested Terns were cho, Hokkaido. Bungo Nishizawa has spotlight survey. However, we at least found but only one pair had breeding completed boat surveys of seabirds in agreed on the necessity of establishing success (a single chick). This discovery the Arctic Ocean-Bering Sea. Akinori a common survey protocol that can be was significant because Chinese Crested Takahashi (National Institute of Polar used by all Japanese Murrelet research Terns were highly social breeders but it Research), collaborating with Yasuaki groups, which would allow us to compare was previously assumed they could only Niizuma (Meijo University, Japan) and population estimates at different colonies nest within colonies of their own species Sasha Kitaysky (University of Alaska, from the results of spotlight surveys. We or very closely related species, the Great Fairbanks), has been continuing a project thank the Kadogawa government for

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 23 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 supporting the symposium. of the KIMU; (2) identify, encourage, In 2012, the American Ornithologists’ Kuniko Otsuki and Harry Carter and facilitate research; (3) address Union split Xantus’s Murrelet into were co-coordinators of the booklet conservation problems related to the Scripps’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus project sponsored by Lush Japan Charity KIMU; and (4) act as a liaison between scrippsi) and Guadalupe Murrelet Bank. The booklet titled “Status and research and management. (S. hypoleucus), based on genetic Monitoring of Rare and Threatened separation. Both species are being Japanese Crested Murrelet” is published ACCOMPLISHMENTS, ISSUES, considered for listing by the U.S. Fish on 4 October 2017. This booklet provides UPDATES and Wildlife Service (see below). The a summary of the conclusions reached at (1) The KMTC last met on 22 mandate of the Scripps’s Murrelet the 2017 Japanese Murrelet symposium, February 2017 in conjunction with and Guadalupe Murrelet Technical including the status of the Japanese the Pacific Seabird Group meeting in Committee (SMGMTC; formerly the Murrelet, and our plans for future Tacoma, Washington. Eight members Xantus’s Murrelet Technical Committee) tasks. We include only one observation participated. is to “monitor the federal listing petition, from the Kaminoseki area (Yamaguchi (2) Meeting highlights: Jonathan state status, research, and conservation Prefecture), where the murrelets are Felis gave an overview of a paper he was issues; provide information to interested facing a nuclear power plant issue. lead author on which described a KIMU parties; and coordinate research and The booklet will be useful for both nest database and nest habitat mapping, conservation in the U.S., Mexico, and scientists and the public who are seeking Katie Stoner described KIMU nesting Canada.” The Scripps’s Murrelet occurs more information about the Japanese ecology and satellite tagging work on at sea along western Baja California, Murrelet. We dedicate this booklet to Kodiak Island, Leah Kenney provided California, Oregon, Washington, and the late Harry Carter (17 January 1956 updates on KIMU nest searching south-central British Columbia; it – 30 April 2017), who loved Japanese on Adak Island, and Kelly Nesvacil breeds on islands off southern California Murrelets and Japan very much. His 23- summarized survey work in Yakutat and northwestern Baja California. year old dream “to hold a meeting for and Icy bays. The Guadalupe Murrelet also occurs the conservation of Japanese Murrelets” (3) Issues: This committee has not at sea along western Baja California, finally came true. Furthermore, we will been very active in recent years. With a California, Oregon, Washington, and continue to work for many years on lack of designated funding for KIMU south-central British Columbia; but it important tasks for protecting this rare research, and the “not warranted” listing breeds mainly at Guadalupe Island, species. Harry’s legacy will continue decision of the USFWS, it has been with smaller numbers at the San Benito to be handed down from now into the difficult to prioritize KMTC work. Islands and a few at some other islands future. as far north as Santa Barbara Island. At the next KMTC meeting in La Paz, Below, we summarize SMGMTC KITTLITZ’S MURRELET Mexico, we will meet to (1) identify and activities in 2017: summarize KIMU research projects TECHNICAL currently underway, (2) discuss the MEETINGS COMMITTEE future role of the KMTC, and (3) consider The SMGMTC met at the February Sara Schoen and John Piatt, writing a letter to the USFWS on KIMU, 2017 PSG Annual Meeting in Tacoma, Coordinators discussing: renewed threats with WA. Committee members provided The Kittlitz’s Murrelet Technical extreme warming events, and raising updates on ongoing monitoring, Committee (KMTC) was formed in 2008 the level of “special concern” from a 2 research, restoration, and conservation out of growing public and government to a 1. We appreciate the opportunity to activities, and discussed the status of the concerns related to the status and coordinate this committee on behalf of management and restoration plan. conservation of this rare seabird. the Pacific Seabird Group. In 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife MANAGEMENT AND Service (USFWS) included the Kittlitz’s RESTORATION PLAN Murrelet (KIMU) as a new candidate SCRIPPS’S MURRELET In 2015, the SMGMTC updated species for listing under the Endangered AND GUADALUPE part of the Murrelet Management Species Act. The KIMU remained on MURRELET and Restoration Plan that will help the candidate list until 2013, when the guide government and private efforts USFWS announced a 12-month finding TECHNICAL to protect and restore Scripps’s and that listing the KIMU was not warranted COMMITTEE Guadalupe murrelets at breeding islands at that time. The purpose of the KMTC Yuliana Bedolla and David in southern California and northwestern is to: (1) act as a technical authority on Mazurkiewicz, Baja California. The draft plan was the status, distribution, and life history Coordinators completed in 2011. While partly revised,

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 24 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 a completely revised draft is still not (MSTC). Scripps’s Murrelets nested in in 2017 due to continued access issues done. No progress occurred in 2017 restoration plots in both artificial and at Santa Barbara Island with loss of the due to time needed for conservation natural nest sites, and active nest sites dock. Black rats (Rattus rattus) were efforts for other seabirds (especially have been increasing in these locations eradicated at Anacapa in 2002 and the the Ashy Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma since 2014. murrelet population doubled in size homochroa). Our goal is to finish the San Clemente Island: The California by 2014 (CIES: Whitworth & Carter). revised draft in 2018 and circulate to all Institute of Environmental Studies Murrelets do not currently nest on committee members and management (CIES; Carter, Parker, and Whitworth) the top of East Anacapa (where plant agencies for comments. produced a long-term population restoration is occurring) but occur monitoring plan for Synthliboramphus in close proximity in cliff area near LISTING STATUS murrelets at San Clemente Island, restoration sites. Nesting has been The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California, and conducted limited nest documented in sea caves, steep slopes declined to list Scripps’s Murrelet and monitoring in their 6th year of ongoing and cliffs since 1994. This work is Guadalupe Murrelet under the U.S. studies at the island. funded by MSTC. A small grant was Endangered Species Act in a decision Santa Catalina Island: CIES submitted and received by CIES from issued on 21 September 2016. Certain (Whitworth) collaborated with the the Sonoran Joint Venture for increased members of the committee assisted Catalina Island Conservancy (Dvorak SCMU monitoring at Anacapa in 2018 the Service in 2014– 2016 with needed and King) to conduct the 6th year of to help inform restoration efforts. information. The Service’s finding Scripps’s Murrelet spotlight surveys Guadalupe, Coronado, Todos stated, “we find that the stressors and nest monitoring at Santa Catalina Santos, San Martín, San Jerónimo impacting the species have either been Island, California. and San Benito Islands: In 2017, eliminated or reduced to the point where Prince Island – Scorpion Rocks, GECI continued restoration activities they are not of sufficient imminence, Santa Barbara Island and San Clemente through implementing social attraction intensity, or magnitude, either singularly Island: Acoustic data on Scripps’s techniques for murrelets using artificial or cumulatively, to indicate that the and Guadalupe murrelets were burrows and acoustic playbacks, and Guadalupe [and Scripps’s] murrelet is gathered with songmeters by the U.S. through environmental education currently in danger of extinction (an Geological Survey (Adams), CINP and outreach, with funding from the endangered species), or likely to become and Conservation Metrics (McKown). Luckenbach Trustee Council, MSTC, endangered within the foreseeable They are investigating whether or not and NFWF. future (a threatened species) throughout acoustic monitoring can be used for all or a significant portion of its range.” monitoring murrelets and storm-petrels, CONSERVATION ISSUES The State of California officially listed with funding from the National Fish and Introduced Mammals: GECI initiated the Xantus’s Murrelet as Threatened in Wildlife Foundation. feral cat eradication (4-year project) on December 2004. However, there is still Guadalupe, Coronado, Todos Santos, Guadalupe Island in the last spring with no recovery plan or implementation San Martín, San Jerónimo and San funding from NFWF, and continues schedule. Xantus’s Murrelets are listed Benito Islands: Grupo de Ecología y working with local fishing communities as Endangered in Mexico; the species Conservación de Islas, A.C. (GECI) to enforce measures to prevent re- is not listed in Canada. None of these continued monitoring activities for introduction of non-native species on designations have been changed since Scripps’s and/or Guadalupe murrelets, nesting islands in Baja California. CINP Xantus’s Murrelet was officially split including nest censuses, spotlight and the USN are discussing biosecurity into Scripps’s Murrelet and Guadalupe surveys, evaluation of reproductive efforts that could be taken to prevent Murrelet. performance, banding, and collecting movements of introduced black rats biological samples (feathers and blood) from San Miguel Island (SMI) to Prince NEST MONITORING AND with funding from the Luckenbach Island. A proposal was submitted to SURVEYS Trustee Council, MSTC, and NFWF. NFWF in 2017 to look at feasibility of Santa Barbara Island: Nest monitoring rat eradication at SMI. At San Clemente of Scripps’s Murrelets to measure RESTORATION Island, the Institute for Wildlife Studies hatching success, timing of breeding, Santa Barbara and Anacapa Islands: has been protecting murrelet breeding and changes in population size was Active plant restoration efforts by CINP areas from black rats using poison, continued by the California Institute and CIES on Santa Barbara Island were and cats are being controlled through of Environmental Studies (CIES) and reduced to maintenance of existing removals, with funding from the USN. Channel Islands National Park (CINP: restoration sites in 2017. Active habitat Mazurkiewicz), with funding from the restoration is currently underway on Montrose Settlements Trustee Council East Anacapa Island for a second year

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MARBLED MURRELET survey season. It is extremely likely that Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the statistical analysis of the probability Alaska Department of Fish and Game, TECHNICAL of detecting murrelet occupancy as a and National Park Service), universities, COMMITTEE function of the survey effort will take an and national and international non- Kim Nelson and Peter Harrison, additional year of review and analysis government organizations (including Coordinators and will not be available until 2019. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Marbled Murrelet Technical The Marine Subcommittee, led by Bird Life International), as well as Committee (MMTC) was created Matt Reed (Hamer Environmental L.P.) independent researchers. Objectives in 1986. It has been a longstanding is continuing their work on technical of this group include; 1) expansion of committee of the Pacific Seabird Group. reports for the first four Marbled the committee to include additional Its roles are to: (1) act as a technical Murrelet marine priorities: (1) bycatch in resource management agencies authority about the status, distribution, fisheries; (2) identification of important including those with marine and coastal and life history of the Marbled Murrelet marine areas; (3) prey resources; and jurisdiction, federal research agencies, (Brachyramphus marmoratus); (2) (4) oil mortality. Additional Groups and additional non-government encourage, facilitate, and identify 5-8 have been identified but not organizations and international research needs; (3) address conservation started. They include: (5) chemical partners, 2) international networking problems related to the Marbled contaminants, (6) wind/wave farms, with resource professionals, academic Murrelet; and (4) act as a liaison between (7) marine aquaculture and (8) marine researchers, and local ornithological research and management. construction. groups in other countries within the Due to the work schedules of many species range, and 3) production of MMTC ACTIVITIES AND of the subcommittee members, the a peer reviewed publication or white ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2017 subcommittee was unable to meet in paper summarizing current available The MMTC met at the 2017 Annual 2017 (other than meeting at PSG 2017). information on ALTE. Pacific Seabird Group Meeting in We are hoping that 2018 will be more The approximately 30-member Tacoma, Washington on 22 February productive for the subcommittee. committee fosters state, provincial, 2017. Kim Nelson, Oregon State We welcomed 5 new subcommittee national, and international collaboration University (OSU) and Peter Harrison, members in 2017. They include to study the Aleutian Tern, and meets Washington Department of Natural Jenna Cragg from B.C. Provincial in conjunction with the PSG annual Resources are co-chairs of this Government, Patrick O’Hara with the meeting as well as formally and committee. The MMTC Inland Survey Canadian Wildlife Service, Jim Rivers informally throughout the year. Several Protocol Subcommittee (ISP) made of OSU, Stephanie James of Turnstone new technical committee members were little progress on revisions to the 2003 Environmental, and Jonathan Felis of added in 2017, primarily as a result of survey protocol this year. Challenges U.S. Geological Service (USGS). If networking through PSG and the Alaska preventing the ISP subcommittee anyone else is interested in joining the Bird Conference, as well as referrals from moving forward with protocol subcommittee, contact Matt Reed of from existing committee members. revisions included the lack of a complete Hamer Environmental. This annual report summarizes charter and a detailed decision-making accomplishments of the technical process. The PSG Executive Council committee, including highlights of has been briefed on the issues and has ALEUTIAN TERN individual member’s contributions, graciously provided funding for the ISP TECHNICAL during the 2017 fiscal year. subcommittee to hire a professional COMMITTEE facilitator. The facilitator will help the Susan Oehlers and Mike Goldstein, MEETINGS ISP subcommittee develop a charter that Coordinators A subset of members met in Juneau in describes the committee’s purpose, roles During the 2016 PSG Annual meeting, January 2017, to focus on the collaborative for members, a structured decision- the Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion process in developing proposals and making process, and clear expectations aleuticus, ALTE) Working Group implementing research and monitoring. for ongoing communication and was formalized as a PSG Technical The technical committee formally met deliverables. Once the charter and Committee, with co-coordinators Susan twice (February 22 and 24) during the decision-making process is completed, Oehlers (U.S. Forest Service, Tongass annual PSG conference in Tacoma, the ISP subcommittee will use these National Forest, Yakutat Ranger District) Washington. Several additional side tools to address a myriad of unresolved and Mike Goldstein (U.S. Forest Service, meetings between members took place technical issues. The desired goal for Alaska Region). This group includes during the conference, and collaboration 2018 is to publish a revised protocol in members from multiple government was ongoing throughout the year. time for implementation into the 2018 organizations (including U.S. Forest

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS system (i.e. UAS or “drone”) to survey University of Alaska Southeast Several steps towards elevating the a mixed Arctic and Aleutian tern colony. professor Sanjay Pyare submitted a international status of ALTE were Committee members provided proposal for a 2018-2019 Fulbright accomplished: technical review of the Aleutian Tern Scholar award titled “Aleutian-tern (1) Technical committee members section of Audubon’s Ecological Atlas migration research as a flagship provided input (a formal letter from of the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort for Indonesian-U.S. collaboration, PSG to BirdLife International) to the Seas. Several committee members conservation and education.” The ongoing IUCN assessment of range- submitted comments to the North proposal would support five months of wide Aleutian Tern status. The status Pacific Research Board, to include Aleutian tern international research and has since been elevated from “least Aleutian Terns as a research priority for outreach/networking with Indonesian concern” to “vulnerable.” the next annual funding cycle. Alaska researchers, government agencies, and (2) Aleutian Terns were discussed Maritime National Wildlife Refuge students. The Fulbright Foundation’s during the January meeting of the East wildlife biologists are working with the Council for International Exchange of Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership new USFWS “Pacific Seabird Program” Scholars (CIES) has completed its review Seabird Working Group, attended by data manager to update online records of the proposal, has recommended it for technical committee members Robb of ALTE colonies. a Fulbright award in Indonesia, and its Kaler (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, award is pending budgetary approval. Migratory Birds Management) and GRANTS Several additional grants were Simba Chan (BirdLife Asia). A subset of committee members applied for through committee member (3) The possibility of adding was approved for a National Fish and collaborations and either were not Aleutian Terns to the list of species Wildlife Foundation grant for continued accepted or are pending approval. receiving official Russian – U.S. tagging and monitoring work in several bilateral cooperation is also currently regions (Yakutat, Dillingham/Platinum, under investigation. and Kodiak) as well as conservation SEABIRD MONITORING A subset of committee members planning (i.e. a workshop/meeting to COMMITTEE collaborated on a pilot study deploying further refine and be consistent in our Heather Renner and Robb Kaler PTT transmitter tags in 2 regions; colony monitoring methods) during The Seabird Monitoring Committee Yakutat and Dillingham. Fifteen PTT 2018. was formed in 1992 to promote: (i) tags were deployed, and multiple colony Alaska Maritime National Wildlife a better coordinated program for surveys were conducted throughout Refuge wildlife biologist Heather monitoring Pacific seabirds; (ii) greater the season. Additionally, a pilot nest Renner, in collaboration with Don standardization of field methods; (iii) monitoring study utilizing remote Lyons and Dan Roby from Oregon State timely availability of results; and (iv) cameras was implemented on Yakutat University and U.S. Geological Survey, effective use of seabirds as indicators area colonies. Project results will be applied for and successfully secured of local and large-scale change in the presented at the 2018 Alaska Marine funding through the Department of Pacific marine environment. During the Science Symposium, Aleutian Tern Interior’s Science Support Program/ 2017 annual PSG meeting in Tacoma, Conservation Planning Meeting, and Quick Response Program to begin Washington, the Seabird Monitoring the 2018 Pacific Seabird Group Annual collaboration with Russian ALTE Committee met and discussed 2016 Conference. experts. Initial networking has been population trends and worked to In addition to the Yakutat and initiated, with the intent for a field identify conservation concerns Dillingham area surveys, monitoring expedition to Sakhalin Island (site of a meriting elevation to the PSG Executive was conducted by committee members number of historically large breeding Committee and the PSG Conservation on the Kenai Peninsula (Kenai National colonies) in 2018. Committee. Additionally, the Seabird Wildlife Refuge and Homer area), With support and collaboration from Monitoring Committee discussed the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge the technical committee, Kenai National recently created U.S. Fish and Wildlife (including nest camera monitoring and Wildlife Refuge Landscape Ecologist Service (FWS) Pacific Seabird Program, collection of nest-site habitat data), the Dawn Magness submitted a proposal which grew from a meeting held at the Alaska National Maritime Wildlife to the NASA DEVELOP program to 2015 annual PSG meeting held in San Refuge, and from Naknek to Port utilize NASA imagery to map potential Jose, California. Moller on the Bering Sea coast (Alaska Aleutian Tern nesting habitat, including, The FWS Pacific Seabird Program Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife if feasible, a time series of potential is funded by the FWS’ Inventory & Refuge). Additionally, Kenai National habitat to understand if habitat is Monitoring Program from the Pacific Wildlife Refuge staff conducted pilot shifting. This proposal was chosen for regions (Alaska, California, Hawaii, work utilizing an unmanned aerial further development. Oregon, and Washington) and aims to

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 27 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 create a robust, Pacific-wide program Seabird Colony Register. Gulf of Alaska - Holly Goyert, U. fostered by national and international Lastly, the FWS Pacific Seabird of Idaho partnerships where FWS seabird Program created a Steering Committee • Range-wide meta-analysis, Scott monitoring is integrated with other comprised of nine FWS biologists and Pearson, WDFW survey efforts to gain a comprehensive three partner federal or state agency Conservation, Research, & Monitoring understanding of the health of marine biologists. The Seabird Monitoring Priorities: and coastal ecosystems in the Pacific. Committee co-chairs (Robb Kaler and • Threats identified in the In close coordination with the PSG Heather Renner, both of whom are Washington State Status Review Seabird Monitoring Committee, federal, agency biologists with the FWS) joined - Thor Hanson, SeaDoc Society state, and non-governmental partners, the FWS Pacific Seabird Program’s • Review Peter and Scott’s initial the FWS Pacific Seabird Program will Steering Committee. While funding thought process – Peter Hodum, provide: support for this effort is provided by the University of Puget Sound • Detailed protocols (field data USFWS, seabird monitoring and data As a result of the technical committee collection, data management, data management in the Pacific includes both meeting, committee members analysis, and reporting) for surveys. state, federal, and non-governmental committed to providing samples for a • Regionally based seabird survey partners, and participation and range-wide population genetics study manuals/protocol frameworks, updated engagement by PSG membership is led by Mark Hipfner (Environment and based on new technologies and refined integral to the success of these effort. Climate Change Canada) and Theresa objectives. Much of the progress reported here by Burg (University of Lethbridge). • Web-based applications (e.g., the PSG Seabird Monitoring Committee Sample collection and centralization Pacific Seabird Monitoring Database, is due to the determined efforts of many commenced in 2017 and will continue North Pacific Seabird Colony Register) individuals. We especially thank Roberta in 2018. for rapid sharing of information to Swift, Bill Bridgeland, and Kevin Scott Pearson (Washington seabird researchers and managers on Killbride (FWS) for their leadership and Department of Fish and Wildlife) seabird status and trends, and other determination to promote the effective and Peter Hodum (University of demographic attributes (productivity, use of seabirds as indicators of local and Puget Sound) are members of an ad diets, and survival). large-scale change in the Pacific marine hoc committee tasked with writing The FWS Pacific Seabird Program environment. the Tufted Puffin Recovery Plan for and its partners have made excellent Washington state. This committee met progress in 2017. Following a November TUFTED PUFFIN in 2017 to begin work on the plan and 2016 workshop attended by 50 seabird currently has a draft version of the plan. scientists and managers representing TECHNICAL The second in-person meeting of the federal, state, non-governmental COMMITTEE technical committee is scheduled for the partners, a 12-month demonstration Peter Hodum and Mark Hipfner, upcoming 2018 PSG Annual Meeting in project titled “National Protocol Coordinators La Paz, Baja California, México. Given Framework for Monitoring Common The first in-person meeting of the that many committee members will Murres (Uria aalge) and Brandt’s technical committee took place at the be unable to attend, we are planning Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) 2017 PSG Annual Meeting in Tacoma, a follow-up conference call in March Breeding Colonies in the California WA. Following are the agenda items 2018. Current System” was launched. A from the meeting: draft of the Protocol Framework Organizational Structure: should be release in 2018. Additional • Overview of organizational accomplishments of the FWS Pacific structure Seabird Program included hiring Steve Updates & Ongoing Research: Holzman as the program’s Seabird Data • Status of federal listing – Deanna Manager, based in Newport, Oregon, Lynch, U.S. Fish & Wildlife at the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Service Refuge Complex. With assistance from • Genetic study – Mark Hipfner, Scott Hatch (USGS, retired; PSG Seabird Environment and Climate Monitoring Committee Chair, 1992- Change Canada 2013), Steve quickly began searching • Tufted Puffin and climate change for opportunities to refresh the Pacific - Chris Hart, University of Seabird Monitoring Database, as well Washington as options to update the North Pacific • PVA of the Tufted Puffin in the

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CRAIG S. HARRISON CONSERVATION FUND COMMITTEE Verena Gill, Chair

This report covers January 2017 to January 2018. The members of the Committee are; Verena Gill (Chair), Craig Harrison, Bill Henry, Dave Duffy, Doug Forsell, Louise Blight, Mark Rauzon, Melanie Steinkamp, and Shannon Fitzgerald. Since 2007 PSG has funded 21 projects for a total of $43,768. Countries covered by the funding include Fiji, Chile, Indonesia, Guatemala, Malaysia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, French Polynesia, and China. As of 22 January 2018, the Fund total is unknown as I did not receive an update from the Treasurer, Martin Renner, as requested (17 and 18 of January) due to his busy schedule. In 2017, we received seven inquiries for funding. Three projects were rejected based on not meeting funding criteria, two are still in the process of being reviewed, and two were funded. The two projects funded were; 1) Diversity and Breeding status of Seabirds in Pulau Perak, Malaysia (PI is Abdulmaula Hamza, $2000), and 2) Building Capacity for Conservation of Ringed Storm-Petrels Affected by Light Attraction in Peru (PI is Yovana Murillo, $2000). See table below. Delinquent reports: There are 5 final reports outstanding from funded projects. To date all PIs that are delinquent have been contacted multiple times. Efforts will continue to track down these reports including contacting PI references.

Table 1. Accepted proposals and their current status as of January 2018

PERSON COUNTRY REQUEST AMOUNT STATUS COVERED FUNDED BY PROPOSAL Abdulmaula Malaysia Diversity and breeding status of seabirds in Pulau $2,000 Project Ongoing Hamza Perak, Malaysia Yovana Murillo Peru Building capacity for conservation of Ringed $2,000 Project Ongoing Storm-petrels affected by light attraction in Peru

ELECTION COMMITTEE REPORT 2018 ELECTION Katie O’Reilly, Coordinator

The election committee members are: decided to run and to those members the election from December 16, 2017 to Katie O’Reilly (Coordinator), Stephanie who considered running but determined January 16, 2018. Using a key feature Avery-Gomm, Alan Burger, Jane this wasn’t the best time for them to run. of Survey Monkey, reminders were sent Dolliver (PSG Secretary), Peter Kappes, As always, please contact a member of to just those members who had not yet Ken Morgan, and Kim Nelson. the EXCO or the Elections Committee voted. Reminders were sent on January Alan Burger and Jane Dolliver were if you are interested in running for a 1, 9, 15, and 16. An announcement extremely helpful in this transitional year position next year. on the listserve was also sent at the from Alan Burger to Katie O’Reilly as beginning of election. A sampling of coordinator. Using a file listing previous 2018 Election Results typical comments submitted on Survey nominees and suggestions, election Survey Monkey was successfully Monkey by voters were positive: Such a committee members contacted members used again as the election platform. great selection of candidates, Thank you to gauge their interest in running for Alan Burger set up the ballots for each for making this an online process, This is EXCO positions. Two announcements region once the candidate biographies a great ballot system, and Great work by were posted on the listserve asking were secured by Katie O’Reilly. Jane the Elections Committee in finding great for nominations. Two nominees Dolliver, with some assistance from candidates! Kudos! were secured for each position. The Stephanie Avery-Gomm and Jennifer The overall voter turnout was 58.5% committee is grateful to everyone who Lang (Membership Coordinator), ran or 228 of 390 members.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 29 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Table 1. Pacific Seabird Group elections - January 2018

REGION TOTAL MEMBERS VOTED %VOTED Alaska/Russia 46 31 67.4 Canada 35 21 60.0 Washington/Oregon 72 51 70.8 Northern California 65 35 53.8 S. California/Hawaii/Latin America 79 42 53.2 Non-Pacific U.S. 46 20 43.5 Europe/Africa 15 8 53.3 Asia/Oceania 32 20 62.5 ALL REGIONS 390 228 58.5

The following is the outcome of the 2018 election, showing all the candidates and those elected: POSITION CANDIDATES (*elected) Chair-elect Adrian Gall* Yuri Albores Treasurer Kirsten Bixler* Liz Labunski Student Representative Corey Clatterbuck* Kerry Lukies Alaska/Russia Marc Romano* Melanie Smith Northern California Kirsten Lindquist* Mike Johns Asia/Oceania Luke Einoder* Motohiro Ito Europe/Africa Ross Wanless* (re-elected) Taryn Morris

Note: There were no write-in votes. Many thanks to all these members who were willing to stand for election.

Closing banquet at Galeria Galeria Jardin, La Paz. Photo credit: Jane Dolliver. Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 30 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Joanna Smith, Coordinator

The Communications Committee Webmaster; Publications Challenges and Recommendations is comprised of eight PSG members Stephanie Avery-Gomm – Twitter 1. The PSG website was rebuilt that volunteer to keep communications Kirsten Bixler – website, Cvent and redesigned in 2016 and a large effort and publications running for the PSG Louise Blight – Marine Ornithology was focused on the annual meeting or that PSG supports (i.e., Marine Managing Editor pages so that they would not need to Ornithology). These volunteers donated Laura Bliss – Instagram be built every year thus saving a huge many hundreds of hours to PSG in 2017. Jane Dolliver – Facebook; website; amount of time for the volunteers. In The Communications Committee started Cvent 2017, a decision was taken by EXCO in 2015 and it provides coordination and Verena Gill – Listserv to stop using RegOnline (because it direction for communications and related Jennifer Lang – Pacific Seabirds was being phased out) and to host the topics and issues. The Coordinator also Editor; Publications annual meeting pages on Cvent, the serves to assist bringing issues that need company that bought RegOnline. It was EXCO attention. Highlights 2017 a challenge to get this new site ready and For the second year in a row, all of • All social media accounts have determine the best use of the existing PSG’s accounts and publications are seen huge increases in exposure pages on the PSG website to inform active and up to date. The listserv is in 2017: members about the meeting and drive functioning very well on the BlueHost o Facebook ‘likes’ increased them to this new site. If an external server, where the website is hosted, by 48% and 53% more website or application is going to be the and can hold a maximum of 3,000 followers (now 1,711) norm for annual meetings going forward, subscribers so there is still lots of room o Twitter followers increased and each year the local committee or for new subscribers. The PSG website from 701 to 1,051 scientific program chair is going to contains all the latest information for the o Instagram followers develop and maintain it, then the PSG PSG society business including annual increased from 50 to 705 website will just contain a single landing meeting, publications, conservation • The Listserv now has 774 page for the Annual Meeting and direct grants and committees. The WordPress subscribers, an increase of 10% all traffic to that URL. However, there template for the website is working from 2016 is a lot of information that is archived on out very well for volunteers to update • Facebook posts can reach more the PSG website related to the meeting and maintain, and seabird photographs than 3.6K subscribers via shares including the scientific program and generously donated by the members and likes awards (LAA and SAA). The request are still the highlight of the site. PSG’s • Annual Meeting and World is that the EXCO and annual meeting social media accounts are performing Seabird Conference were peak committee think this through with the really well, and all have seen an increase times for PSG Twitter activity communications committee so that (a) in followers or visitors, especially • Pacific Seabirds published on volunteers are not building new annual the Instagram account. Marine time for Volume 44: Issue 1 meeting pages every year from scratch Ornithology’s new Managing Editor has • Marine Ornithology redesigned and (b) information pertaining to the made a lot of progress since taking over their website and other annual meetings are properly archived, the journal from Tony Gaston, and MO improvements in journal protected and stored independent from a continues to be an excellent publication management. commercial vendor that may or may not for seabird research and conservation. • Two more members volunteered be around in the future. Pacific Seabirds is being published twice to assist with website and Cvent 2. PSG members are in more in 2017 and volume 1 was a fantastic • Twitter hashtag #PSG2017 used than 16 countries, PSG is a non-partisan effort from the Editor and the team of during meeting in Tacoma WA organization, and volunteers on the volunteers and was published on time. • Website visitation decreased yet communications committee need to be annual meeting still the most sensitive that the politics of one country Communications Committee members: visited pages. can affect members in other countries. Joanna Smith – Coordinator; This can make it challenging for PSG’s

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COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE social media coordinators to respond and what resources are most helpful for • Looking for another volunteer to to the topic of the day (see below, their career development. support the Twitter account posting (see Facebook report) and be relevant during 6. Marine Ornithology is well report below). conversations or discussions involving positioned to embrace the rapidly • The PSG website has a wonderful seabirds. Also, in taking a non-partisan changing world of science publishing photo library of seabird images and a approach, some members may find because it is already using an Open volunteer is needed to help organise the that PSG is not responding to issues of Access model. However, three photos in taxonomic order. importance to them or taking a strong important issues must be addressed this enough stand. Communication from year (see MO report below): replacing Acknowledgements the PSG Chair to members on an annual the Copy Editor, applying for an Impact PSG is very lucky to have an energetic basis may be beneficial to manage Factor, and financial management. The group of volunteers that keep PSG’s expectations about this, and serve MO Managing Editor provides clear social media presence active and alive, to remind all about the international recommendations in the report below, ensures that PSG has an active listserv membership. and all of them will require an increase for member discussions and information 3. The social media coordinators in resources to the journal. sharing, provides the Pacific Seabirds work hard to locate seabird news relevant publication to members twice yearly for to PSG members to post on Facebook, Other Recommendations their reading enjoyment, and manages Twitter and Instagram. It would be • Remind PSG 2018 attendees about Marine Ornithology on behalf of the great to have more diversity of posts on the PSG Facebook and PSG Chat Room consortium that supports that journal. the listserv and website also, including pages. Include a “Connect With Us!” Thanks specifically to: Jane Dolliver, more content from the 16+ countries section in the PSG 2018 program. Stephanie Avery-Gomm, Laura Bliss, where PSG members live and work. • Remind members to send jobs, Kirsten Bixler, Verena Gill, Jennifer Recommend that the Regional Reps grants, research-in-the-news, and other Lang and Louise Blight for all of provide news items for the website and updates to the PSG listserv –this content their hard work in 2017. Also, to the social media at least once per month in is re-posted to PSG’s social media pages EXCO for their advice and support for 2018 and leading up to the 2019 Annual and the website. communications throughout the year in Meeting. • As per the handbook, the PSG needs particular PSG Chair Kyra Mills, Chair- 4. All the members on this to form an annual meeting committee so Elect Adrian Gall and Secretary Jane committee struggle with the amount of that there is a high level of consistency Dolliver. Thanks! time it takes to contribute to the PSG from year to year for the planning of the and maintain or manage the accounts annual meeting and so that each year a WEBSITE REPORT or publications. It would be good for new group is not learning from scratch Jo Smith, Webmaster EXCO to be aware of the deep effort how to run the meeting. In 2016, the PSG website was by members on this committee and the • Budget up to $1,500 for website completely rebuilt and content updated. volunteer hours should be tracked as services in 2018 for Anne Francis Content was maintained throughout are the EXCO hours. This will help to Web Design to assist with training, 2017 and security updates, and new inform the EXCO regarding the time customisations, security plug ins and content added, for example, the monthly these members donate to PSG, and the emergency fixes. A small amount of time seabird publication list from Verena Gill percent contribution to running the is still required from Anne Francis for is now archived on the PSG website. organization. issues that the volunteers cannot solve. There were almost 16,000 visitors to the 5. Engaging with students and PSG website in 2017, down significantly early career scientists is important for Request for Volunteers from 2013 -2014 when PSG did not have PSG’s future. The PSG website has • This is my last year as the social media or unique event websites some information for this demographic Communications Committee for the annual meeting (Table 1). The yet it is a challenge to keep it fresh and Coordinator. A new coordinator will number of pages that visitors viewed updated. Similarly, the listserv format be identified in 2018 and a period of has also declined but unique pageviews may not appeal to this demographic transition and mentoring will ensure a increased. Website visits originated and/or may not be meeting their needs smooth transition for 2019. from 131 countries and an estimated in terms of professional development. • Marine Ornithology is looking for a 1,930 cities. The USA was the top A survey to the student and early career volunteer to assist with operations and country of origin (60%), followed by scientists would be helpful to better potentially to form a sub-committee to Canada (9.6%), Japan (5.1%), Mexico understand what they are interested in, help run the journal (see report below) (4.5%) and the United Kingdom (2.2%).

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COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Most visitors are using Chrome (54%), of approximately 243 hours, annually This week, the top day was Wednesday, Safari (18%), Firefox (13%) or Internet (approximately 40 minutes, daily), to the top time was 1pm (PST). Explorer (8%). Windows is the most create and share content on this platform. common operating system (58%) Challenges followed by Macintosh (21%). Mobile Promotional posts The largest challenge to maintaining operating systems are iOS (60%) then The Facebook Coordinator donated the PSG’s positive trend on Facebook Android (38). Of the 45,011 pageviews, $42 to see if paid/promoted posts is the amount of volunteer time (see home page was 18% (8,452 views), would be worthwhile (see goals from above). “Scheduling” posts (i.e., pre- annual meeting page 17% (7,851 views), 2017). The results of this small-scale composing content, setting a date/time program and schedule 8.7% (3,931 experiment are below: for post to go live) has greatly helped views), job opportunities 4% (1,800 1) Promotion of the PSG 2018 – 783 PSG increase engagement and decrease views). More than 41% of the pages had people reached, 20 engagements, volunteer time. 1-738 visitors. Peak periods for website $32 The second challenge for Facebook updates were: (1) after the annual 2) Promotion of ECS travel awards – (and all social media accounts) is how to meeting, (2) in late summer/early fall 429 people reached, 4 clicks, $10 respond to an increasingly political and to prep for abstracts and registration Based on these results, the best way to polarized social media landscape. PSG opening; (3) late fall when abstracts promote Facebook items is by other or is a-political (non-partisan), driven by close and more information is available individual groups sharing PSG’s posts a mission to a) increase the quality and for the scientific program; and (4) the (no cost, reach of up to 1,000). quantity of seabird research b) identify four weeks leading up to the annual and assess the importance of threats meeting. Top posts, days, times to seabird populations. The Facebook Facebook compiles stats on a Coordinator has taken a conservative FACEBOOK REPORT relatively short timeline. Here are the approach; however, this leaves PSG out Jane Dolliver, top-reaching posts in early January of the conversation du jour on many Facebook Coordinator 2018, to get a flavor: days. For instance, should PSG “like” Vital Stats • 9 Jan 18: Laysan Albatross posts by individuals or groups that 1,692 likes (48% increase over last egg relocation to Oahu. 3.6K highlight regulatory/political changes year) reach (i.e., viewers – sent to threatening seabirds in the United 1,711 follows (53% increase over last their feed), 214 post clicks, 83 States? Can PSG share opinion/editorial year) reactions (i.e., likes, shares). pieces? Science education advocacy 43-minute response time • 14 Jan 18: Tristan Albatross. and diversity pieces? A future meeting 4,419 typical weekly reach 1.5K reach, 171 post clicks, 78 of the communications committee may 1,049 post engagements (i.e., clicks) reactions discuss these issues, and potentially weekly • 11 Jan 18: Male gannet who revise the PSG Social Media Policy 194 members in the PSG chatroom loves his decoy. 1.2K reach, (2017) to reflect the changing social 79 post clicks, 54 reactions media landscape, Volunteer time As this shows, PSG Facebook The vital stats increases are a result commonly reaches 1K with a single post. Kudos Kudos are due to Yuri Albores- Barajas, who has been exceptionally Table 1. Number of website visitors and page views, 2013-2017 communicative and helpful in providing (source: google analytics) social media content (photos, short text, translations) for the upcoming PSG YEAR NUMBER OF VISITORS UNIQUE TOTAL annual meeting. (SESSIONS) PAGEVIEWS PAGEVIEWS 2013 38,268 22,748 107,753 TWITTER REPORT Stephanie Avery-Gomm, 2104 48,890 25,648 103,297 Twitter Coordinator 2015 N/A N/A N/A The @PacificSeabirds twitter account 2016 N/A N/A N/A was revived in Feb 2016. The number of account followers has increased from 2017 15,921 36,209 45,011 101 before revival to 701 in January

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 33 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

2017, to 1051 in January 2018. On In my opinion, the primary benefit and reports submitted to the Executive average, 13 tweets are sent each month, of the Instagram posts is scientific Council for the 2017 annual conference which generate 9,800 impressions and communication and outreach to the held in Tacoma, WA. This issue was 421 profile visits per month. The annual general public, as well as the birding/ another collaborative effort with the meeting (Feb) and the World Seabird bird photography community. help of Jo Smith, Nina Karnovsky, Twitter Conferences (typically April/ Kyra Mills, Adrian Gall, Yuri Albores- May) generate the most activity. Instagram recommendations for Barajas, Laura Bliss, Jane Dolliver, Marc During the 2017 annual meeting in 2018: Romano, Leslie Slater, and Laura Todd Tacoma WA, the hashtag #PSG2017 was • Identify PSG members that are on assisting in contributions and edits, the attached to tweets to advertise events Instagram to connect members work was completed in a timely manner and talks. Several organizers of the • Continue weekly posts. to publish in late summer. I would like World Seabird Twitter Conferences held • Instagram is best for photographic to thank these wonderful and dedicated an informal session to answer questions images; we should continue to individuals in assisting me, as well during a coffee break. focus on bird photography, photos as thank members of the EXCO for of PSG members in the field, and supplying their reports. Recommendations for 2018: other candid photos of scientists. As of 25 January 2018, Pacific Seabirds • Identify PSG members that are Volume 44 Number 2 is in its last stages on Twitter. Members could LISTSERV REPORT of editing, pending the submission and self-identify during conference Verena Gill, addition of the Treasurer’s report. This registration. Or, there could be a Listserv Coordinator issue will include entirely regional signup sheet at registration. This As of 22 Jan 2018, the new listserv reports from current members and the recommendation was also made has 774 subscribers up from 704 year-end budget for the organization. in 2017 but was not acted on. subscribers a year ago. The old ACTION: The Twitter account USFWS-based listserv at a final count Challenges manager must remind the ExCo had 902 subscribers however many of For both volumes, my main goal was of this suggestion prior to the next these addresses were out of date and to maintain the format and general meeting registration opening. redundant. The new PSG listserv has a content required to be published in • Twitter usage statistics are available 3,000+ subscriber capacity. Pacific Seabirds, and to publish two for 8 months, and then disappear I drafted ‘Terms and Conditions’ for issues generally in the summer of so need to remember to login and the listserv that are being reviewed and 2017 and winter 2017/2018. Retrieving record data before it disappears. edited by ExCo and the Communications content for the summer issue was Committee (on Nov 13, 2017 I reviewed relatively simple, as many of the reports INSTAGRAM REPORT and commented on a version sent to submitted to EXCO were already Laura Bliss, me by Jo Smith). They are for listserv compiled electronically. The challenge Instagram Coordinator etiquette which has not always been was obtaining written materials from The @Pacific_Seabird_Group the best at times. Most professional members to honor lifetime and special Instagram was created in May 2016. The listservices have terms and conditions. award recipients. Since I requested account changed management at the Once final they should be posted on nominators to write their pieces soon 2017 PSG annual meeting. The number the PSG web site and sent out on the after the conference, I was able to receive of account followers has increased Listserv. them after several weeks of reminders from 60 in February 2017 to 505 as of to complete and send them to me. Currently, the last vital piece necessary January 12th, 2018. On average, five PACIFIC SEABIRDS posts are made each month for a total of for publication is the Treasurer’s report, 70 posts since February 2017. Seabird REPORT which is dependent on the pending photography and field photo posts Jennifer Lang, Editor close-out of the 2017 budget. generate the most activity, the average Pacific Seabirds Volume 44 Number number of “likes” on each post is about 1 was published on the PSG website 80. Our highest performing post was a on 11 July 2017. This issue contained Spectacled Guillemot photo from David a commemorative article for the late Pereksta and our post with the most Harry Carter, an article outlining the comments (discussion) was a “Seabirds history of the PSG logo and introduction matter because…” post from PSG 2017. of the new logo, and details recounting,

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 34 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

MARINE ORNITHOLOGY MO has in the largely volunteer system and Editor-in-Chief (EIC). REPORT that produces MO: finding a new CE is replacing other important tasks required Financial scrutiny and management: Louise Blight, Editor to run the journal. A new CE will also MO’s bank account exists in Canada This report updates the Marine bring increased production costs as under the name of Marine Ornithology Ornithology (MO) report provided to Carolyn has been working below market Society, and with PSG switching to a PSG EXCO for the annual meeting rate and sometimes provides us pro different payment process in January in February 2017. As Managing bono consulting services on science 2016, MO set up a PayPal account Editor (ME) I reported then on some publishing. Managing for emerging using that bank account and a Canadian emerging challenges that are facing the issues such as this one has proven to address. (I understand that prior to Tony journal. Progress has been made over be an important part of the ME’s role, Gaston stepping down as Managing the past six months but it has become including during busy times when Editor a portion of MO’s funds, e.g., apparent that these require more time journal issues are in production. This online subscriptions, passed through than one volunteer ME can provide. reactive approach should be replaced PSG, with the remainder going to Tony’s Here I am bringing forward a set of by something more sustainable (e.g., account as cheques or wire transfers.) recommendations on how EXCO can Avian Conservation and Ecology has a That MO is published by PSG is stated work toether with MO to ensure the 6-person Management Committee). on both websites, but our finances are long-term stability of the journal. not explicitly run through PSG. Gone The three most important issues Applying for an Impact Factor: are the days when a small organization currently facing MO are: (1) The In mid-2017 Marine Ornithology could fly under the radar with a local imminent departure of our long-time applied to be indexed in Clarivate bank account, and I am concerned that Copy Editor (CE), Carolyn Brown, Analytic’s (formerly Thompson our current financial arrangements could and the changes that will result from Reuters’) Science Citation Index mean we are liable for taxes in Canada, replacing her; (2) MO recently applying Expanded, the index through which or that PSG is not reporting its finances for an impact factor and the increased science journals acquire an impact correctly in California. This issue was workload that obtaining one will bring; factor. Should our application be one of the drivers for developing this and (3) The growing level of financial successful, based on the experience of report, and in fact as I was drafting it I scrutiny imposed on organizations other newly-indexed journals we can received an email from PayPal notifying doing business in our changing world expect to receive a flood of manuscripts Canadian business account holders that and implications of this for how MO in reponse (C Brown, pers. comm.). Our they have recently handed over account should operate financially. current workflow (and volunteer editors) information to the Canada Revenue It is worth noting that these changes simply cannot handle this. We will not Agency as a result of a federal court are taking place in the context of the sea know if we are successful until late 2018 order. As I understand it MO is a long- change in scholarly publishing brought at the earliest, but there is a reasonable standing project of PSG and thus subject on by the internet, an upheaval that chance that we will be and now is the to its tax-exempt status, but we may generates its own workload. Although time to begin preparing for that change. require changes to our money-handling distinct, these three issues are united In addition, while there are several practices to underpin this assertion. by the fact that they are emerging at options for how to change (Carolyn the same time and each one will require Brown has provided us with a short Recommendations effort to address appropriately. Together, options report describing alternative All of these issues require some they require an unsustainable amount of production models that MO can changes to how the journal is run, and volunteer work by the ME, and possibly adopt), whatever option we choose has quite likely an increase in resources to the Online Editor. Thus, some decisions implications for the future of the journal support them. Increased page charges need to be made by EXCO about the and should be considered carefully. For and subscription fees can provide the future management of the journal. example, the original vision for MO latter, particularly if we obtain an impact was that it include the sort of important factor. We are still financially supported Replacing MO’s Copy Editor: but lower-impact papers unlikely to be by the other seabird societies with the At present our publication model published in higher-impact journals. exception of The Seabird Group. For is working smoothly, but there will A higher submission rate could be EXCO’s consideration I provide two be a bump in the road as our CE of addressed in part by rejecting these recommendations for resolving the several years (and only paid member lower-impact papers, or, alternatively, issues described above: of the editorial team) plans to leave retaining them while supporting the MO for more lucrative work. We have editors with additional staff, money, 1. The way MO routes its finances replacement candidates in mind but this and/or technological solutions. This is should be reviewed immediately in change has highlighted how little leeway arguably not just a decision for the ME collaboration with EXCO, with a goal of

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 35 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 consolidating MO’s tax exempt status as best approaches for future operation The world of science publishing is a project of PSG. of MO, assuming an impact factor is facing a time of disruptive change. MO is attained and manuscript submission rate well-placed to embrace this as it already 2. Begin sharing MO’s strategic increases. An options report to support uses an open access model. Proactively decision-making and workload with this work is already prepared. addressing the issues identified above PSG’s Communications Committee will allow the ME and EIC to focus on — or convening a new committee Accepting these recommendations the day-to-day issues (e.g., finding peer that includes MO Associate Editors would mean that EXCO assumes tax reviewers, reinvigorating the Editorial and other qualified candidates (final documentation and account management Board, sourcing and implementing committee composition to be decided in of MO finances. The journal would electronic manuscript submission, collaboration with Managing Editor)— continue its current model of the ME training understudies for the ME based on the model of other society-run and EIC being in charge of day-to- and Online Editor roles) involved in journals. Support the ME in working day aspects of journal publication, producing what could be a very good with this committee to investigate production andmanagement. science journal.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT Chris Tyson

Students comprise a substantial part of have repeatedly identified this source of few explicit membership benefits. In an the Pacific Seabird Group community. funding as vital to their attendance at the effort to attract more student members, We currently have 47 active student annual meetings. the PSG Executive Council is exploring members, with 23 student members The student–mentor night at the annual the possibility of creating a research either lapsed or graduated. At the 45th meeting also continues to be a successful grant that is exclusively available to annual meeting in La Paz, there are 67 and important event where students have current PSG students. Such a grant scheduled student presentations, which a chance to meet and to network with would provide incentive for student is approximately 35% of the total number a range of more experienced Pacific membership, thereby increasing student of presentations. This gives an indication Seabird Group members. At the 44th participation in PSG and would support of the high level of student involvement annual meeting in Tacoma, we explored important research objectives. within the society. Student members a ‘quick-rotation’ format, in which Aside from supporting students that range across many different education groups of students alternated between are members of PSG, it is imperative levels including doctoral, master and tables of mentors seated based on their that PSG support students that are part undergraduate. Student members are professional affiliation. This format of the broader scientific community. also active in other aspects of the society gave students an opportunity to interact One way of doing so is by expressing with multiple students serving on the with a variety of mentors and was well- support for paid internship positions. Executive Council or in other coordinator received by both students and mentors. Unfortunately, volunteer positions are positions within the society. Students are The same format will be employed at the quickly becoming the norm for those also taking initiative within the society upcoming meeting in La Paz. Ongoing without prior experience, which excludes in other ways by enhancing the online involvement by mentors is critical to the large numbers of students that require presence of the society through social success of this important event and as paid work. The paucity of paid positions media. such those who might serve as a mentor is particularly problematic as this clearly The silent auction held at the annual are strongly encouraged to attend. disproportionately affects particular meeting continues to be a successful Gaining and retaining student members socioeconomic groups. One way to event. Last year at the Tacoma meeting is a perennial challenge for the Pacific realize the values of PSG’s Diversity we had a large number of donations, and Seabird Group. To encourage students to Statement is by expressing support the auction raised a total of $3,142.50. join, it is vital for students to see the value for organizations to only offer paid This was a 75% increase from the in being a member of the Pacific Seabird positions. While clearly a challenging previous year. These funds, along with Group in years when they do not attend goal, advocating for this type of change individual donations, support student the annual meeting. Currently, reduced is an area in which PSG has the potential travel to the annual meetings. Students meeting registration fees are one of the to have a significant and positive impact.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 36 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

MEMBERSHIP REPORT Jennifer Lang, Coordinator

In September 2017, Adrian Gall renew after September can pay $10 for Hester in 2014, to guide future and I worked together to transfer all the remainder of the current year and also coordinators in their tasks and using members from the RegOnline system remain current for the following year the membership management system to a new membership website host: (total of $50). As the year progressed, (Cvent). In June 2018, I will be handing Cvent. Cvent now operates as the the prorated cost decreased. the membership coordinator position off portal for creating new memberships, Due to the mass transfer of members, to Emma Kelsey, who will be well suited renewing memberships, and managing some records were transferred with to continue to encourage the membership membership profiles and statuses. incorrect statuses that needed to be base to grow in number and diversity. We believe this system will be more individually assessed (i.e., some To support efforts toward improving intuitive and will function with fewer individuals were recorded as current membership, Emma and I have mishaps than what we encountered with although they hadn’t paid dues in established a Membership Committee, RegOnline, especially with recognizing 2 years). This may mean that past comprised of members of diffferent valid renewals. Membership rates will membership numbers were inflated. career stages and backgrounds. The remain unchanged for each membership By 9 March 2018, I had sucessfully committee was created to crowdsource type, though now, automatic renewals reconciled the membership list to include potential ways to increase recruitment will not be possible because Cvent missing life members, and confirm that and retention, and to provide skills and requires cardholder authorization for all paid members were current members resources to achieve goals set by the all transactions. From discussions at the for 2018 (see table below for current committee. The first meeting of the 2017 PSG Conference in Tacoma, we are membership numbers). membership committee will take place exploring the possibility of providing a With the Cvent membership at the PSG conference in La Paz. 2-year membership option at a slightly download, we can also create the below I am honored to have been the PSG reduced price to encourage members to table totalling the number of lapsed Membership Coordinator for the past retain their current status. individuals from previous years. This four years. I am excited to still be Cvent was launched in late September may allow us to further create targeted able to contribute by being part of prior to the influx of membership email campaigns to remind individuals the Membership Committee and look initiations and renewals due to to renew soon after they lapse. forward to seeing how a more reliable individuals wanting to take advantage This will be my last year as website host can benefit our members of reduced conference registration. membership coordinator. I have built and membership base. With Cvent, we offered a prorated upon the Membership Coordinator membership option where members who Handbook, initially created by Michelle

Table 1. Total number of membership Table 2. Totals of members who have types since 9 March 2018 lapsed since 2013

MEMBERSHIP TYPE TOTAL LAPSE DATE TOTAL Honorary 1 1/1/2013 8 Life 83 1/1/2014 100 Individual 228 1/1/2015 57 Student 57 1/1/2016 76 Grand total 369 1/1/2017 101 Lapsed (453) 1/1/2018 111

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 37 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

CORRESPONDING MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Kyle Elliot, Stephanie Avery-Gomm, and Thomas Van Pelt, Coordinators

The Corresponding Membership Committee provides PSG membership to researchers and conservationists in developing countries. To retain “Corresponding Membership”, recipients are asked to provide a brief report on research or conservation in their area at least once every three years for Pacific Seabirds. Corresponding members facilitate other communications, such as the Indian Ocean Seabird Group Newsletter that has been periodically posted to the PSG Listserv.

There is a total of 16 Corresponding Memberships granted by the PSG. We can make those names available upon request.

Changes over the past year: There have been no changes over the past year.

The goals of the Committee in 2018 are to gain two new members. We will be asking for reports from all Committee Members this year. Please contact one of the three co-Chairs if you have suggestions for other members.

Contact: Stephanie Avery-Gomm stephanie dot averygomm [at] gmail dot com, Kyle Elliott kyle dot elliott [at] mcgill dot ca and Thomas Van Pelt tvanpelt [at] transboundary dot net

WORLD SEABIRD UNION REPORT Kathy Kuletz and Ken Morgan, PSG Representatives to the WSU

The Pacific Seabird Group is a During 2017 the WSU evaluated and Current standing committees include founding member of the World Seabird selected a host site for the Third World those for financial planning, review Union (WSU), which was incorporated Seabird Conference (WSC3). The WSU of conservation proposals, conference in January 2012. The WSU is made up of Executive Council selected Hobart, planning, fundraising, communications, 25 marine ornithological organizations Tasmania, Australia as the location, early career scientists, awards, and with members representing 52 countries. with the conference to occur in October elections. In 2017 a proposal was The PSG delegates to the WSU, Kathy 2020. Funds derived from the 2015 submitted for discussion for a WSU Kuletz and Ken Morgan, attend the WSC2 will be put towards logistics of ‘Specialist Committee on Seabirds & (approximately) bi-monthly meetings the WSC3, and towards continuance Plastic Pollution’. The WSU welcomed via teleconference. Our terms extend of WSU legacy initiatives. WSU Chair a new Chair for Communications, from one World Seabird Conference and the local host (Australasian Seabird Sjúrður Hammer, who is taking over for (WSC) through the next (approximately Group) are negotiating venue contracts Grant Humphries. five years). PSG does not vote on and arrangements. The activities and The Conservation Sub-committee decisions before the WSU Executive business of the WSU can be accessed via supports member organizations in their Council, although both representatives the Seabirds.net web site. Also through efforts to protect seabirds and their can attend conference calls and engage Seabirds.net, the WSU hosted its third habitat. The committee is convened in discussions. Between February 2017 World Seabird Twitter Conference when a member group raises an issue and January 2018 the WSU held six (WSTC3) in April 2017; as with the of concern for their country and seeks meetings via teleconference. A synopsis previous two, it was a great success, support (such as a letter) from the of each meeting is posted at Seabirds.net thanks to organizational work by Grant WSU. Nicholas Carlile is the WSU and official meeting minutes are posted Humphries, Sjúrður Hammer, and Conservation Sub-committee contact after final acceptance by the Council. Stephanie Avery-Gomm. person. Currently, detailed meeting notes are During 2017, the WSU continued to available through July 2015, and annual define and establish standing committees reports through 2012. that remain active between conferences.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 38 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL REPORT Ellen Paul, OC Executive Director; Pat Baird and Doug Forsell, PSG Representatives to OC

The Pacific Seabird Group was PROPOSAL TO THE PSG EXCO TO documents to the Animal Welfare Act one of the founding organizations of INCREASE THE DONATION TO THE and the Animal Welfare Act regulations the Ornithological Council (OC) in ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL with regard to methods of euthanasia. 1992. The OC is a separate 501c3 We, the PSG representatives to the These changes came about as a result nonprofit organization incorporated in Ornithological Council, propose that of written requests and in-person Washington DC with a board comprised in addition to the annual cost of living discussions in 2016 and 2017 between of two representatives from each of its (COL) increase (a mere $78), that PSG the Ornithological Council and the 10 member ornithological societies. increase the annual contribution by $810. Animal Care deputy administrator, PSG contributes approximately 3% This amount is a very small percent of APHIS general counsel, and other of the OC operating budget. Most our annual budget, and is well worth it. APHIS authorities. Those documents of our budget goes to salary and The Director of the OC constantly incorporated the AVMA euthanasia expenses of our Executive Director, communicates with State and Federal guidelines as the only acceptable Ellen Paul. She is ready and very government agencies about their policies, methods of euthanasia. The documents willing to help ornithologists navigate regulations, & rules, and with groups now read, “Appropriate methods may permitting processes, and is especially that would be affected negatively by include, but are not limited to, those knowledgeable in the areas of import/ some of the decisions by these agencies. described in the “AVMA Guidelines export of specimens, banding, US Likewise, without the OC’s constant for Euthanasia of Animals” and return migratory bird and endangered species vigilance regarding any legislation and the authority for approval of protocols, permits, and animal welfare issues regulations that might impact research including methods of euthanasia, to the related to ornithological research. or management of birds, issues before IACUC, consistent with the AWA. Please contact your society Congress that would affect the bird representatives or Executive Director community negatively or which would 2. As reported in the Aug-Sept OC Ellen Paul [e-mail: ellen dot paul [at] hamper or complicate the research or newsBRIEF, OC reached an agreement verizon dot net; phone 301/986-8568] permit process would not be known until with APHIS Animal Care to suggest for more information on any matter once they had passed, or after the time to language for a guidance document on of interest to you. We welcome your comment was over. Furthermore, instant the term “field study.” The agency had input at any time and are particularly help with permit issues are quickly refused to seek stakeholder input or interested in hearing about issues or resolved by the Council’s intervention, expertise until the OC asked the APHIS problems of concern to you that we may when it acts as a liaison between the directorate to intervene. The OC has not be addressing. researcher seeking the permit and the now assembled a discussion group that permitting agency, cutting through red includes veterinarians from each of three The Ornithological Council seeks to: tape and clarifying the intent of the federal agencies and we have asked a • Ensure that the best ornithological researcher for the agencies. colleague from the National Institutes science is incorporated into legislative, An increase of just $810 per annum of Health Office of Laboratory Animal regulatory, and management decisions plus COL is a very small cost for what Welfare to facilitate the discussion. that affect birds; all PSG members get from the OC. For The draft that we hope to present to • Enhance the ability of ornithologists example: In just one month, between Animal Care would then be subject to to pursue professional activities; and December 2017 and January 2018, the stakeholder input. • Promote the influence of ornithology Ornithological Council has done the in public affairs. following: 3. OC Executive Director Ellen Paul met with Customs and Border The work of the Ornithological 1. Received word that the U.S. Protection (CBP) officials to continue Council focuses on permits, animal Department of Agriculture Animal a discussion about resolving import welfare issues, research funding, and and Plant Health Inspection Service problems resulting from the new CBP other policies that affect ornithologists (USDA APHIS) Animal Care program import declaration system known as the and ornithological societies. Activities had revised two policy documents - its Automated Commercial Environment representative of OC’s work over the Animal Care Policy Manual and its (ACE). A number of actions were past year follow. Inspection Guide - to conform those identified and will be pursued, including

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 39 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017 ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL REPORT a webinar about the import requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 8. Submitted a request to the Office of 11. Assisted the following individuals the Animal and Plant Health Inspection the Solicitor of the U.S. Department of with permit questions/problems: Service for ornithological specimens the Interior requesting a determination -Sarah Hird (APHIS) and samples and a companion reference that the Airborne Hunting Act does not - Kevin Omland (USFWS and APHIS) document. For CBP’s part, the agency prohibit the use of small unmanned - Jean Woods (APHIS) is exploring the development of an app aircraft (SUA) in ornithological - Susan Elbin (ESA) that will give importers direct, easy research and monitoring. The request - Brian O’Shea (APHIS) access to the declaration system and was supported by a peer-reviewed - Don Lyons, Dan Roby, and Heather has reached out to the OC to discuss critical literature review summarizing Renner the development of unique identifiers the impacts of SUA on birds, a detailed - Jackie Augustine (drones) and other information about the import legislative history, and a summary of the - Ben Winger (APHIS) process. The CBP will also facilitate laws of all 50 states pertaining to drones. a meeting between the OC and airline A formal petition for rulemaking was also 12. Assisted the following individuals cargo representatives to develop a submitted, asking that permits, if needed, with animal welfare requirements: standard process for ornithologists to be issued by the USFWS. Currently, the - Amber Rice assure that their imports appear on the USFWS actually has a regulation that - John Smallwood cargo manifests, which will satisfy the prohibits the agency from issuing those mandatory advance notice requirement. permits. OC has also reached out to The At OC’s request CBP is also considering Wildlife Society and the Association of appointing a liaison/trouble-shooter. State Wildlife Agencies, seeking their support. 4. OC Executive Director Ellen Paul spoke at the initial “21st Century Cures 9. Continued to urge the USGS Act” stakeholder meeting organized by leadership to reconsider its decision to the National Institutes of Health Office terminate its Biological Survey Unit, of Laboratory Animal Welfare and the which curates and manages the USGS APHIS Animal Care program. This collection at the National Museum of legislation, enacted in 2016, mandates Natural History. That decision was federal, interagency efforts to reduce premised upon a very large funding administrative burden for researchers and cut in the proposed FY17-18 budget. institutions. Specifically, the mandate However, the funding cut pending directs the agencies to complete a review Omnibus appropriations act would be of applicable regulations and policies only 1/3 the size of the proposed cut, for the care and use of laboratory [sic] giving USGS an opportunity to re- animals. OC intends to participate in visit this decision. The OC also shared the ongoing process as fully as possible the underlying information with the to assure that these agencies do not collections community and encouraged continue to develop policy that is ill- others to voice their concerns to the suited to wildlife research. USGS.

5. Neared completion of a new 10. Reached out to the Association website, including state permits update. of State Wildlife Agencies, seeking their support for changes in state 6. Continued a major revision of regulations to exempt wildlife research import/export permit guide. from the “Veterinarian-Client-Patient- Relationship” requirement, which rarely 7. Responded to an inquiry from exists in the context of wildlife research the Forest Service IACUC (Institute and that, if routinely obeyed, would of Animal Care and Use Committee) significantly hinder wildlife research regarding methods for study of conducted in the field, particularly with waterbirds; OC provided names of regard to access to pharmaceuticals expertise and relevant literature. needed for anesthesia and euthanasia.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 40 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

AGREEMENT ON THE CONSERVATION OF ALBATROSSES AND PETRELS (ACAP) REPORT Ken Morgan, PSG Delegate

ACAP is a multilateral agreement • In April, France announced the working-group/population-and- that strives to conserve albatrosses and creation of a 1.66 million km² Marine conservation-status-wg-meeting-4 petrels by coordinating international Protected Area (MPA) around its • Between the PaCSWG4 and AC10, actions. There are 13 ACAP Parties: sub-Antarctic islands. The MPA will ACAP hosted a one-day workshop on Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, contribute to protecting albatrosses and gadfly petrels, chaired by Mark Tasker Ecuador, France, New Zealand, petrels that forage within it, especially (TWG Convenor), with John Cooper Norway, Peru, South Africa, Spain, the those breeding on Crozet, Kerguelen, (as rapporteur). The workshop objective United Kingdom and Uruguay. ACAP Saint Paul and Amsterdam islands. was to identify best approaches for is supported by a small Secretariat in • During March, May and July, ACAP’s international cooperation to conserve the Hobart, Australia; consisting of an Executive Secretary, SBWG Convenor species, and to develop recommendations Executive Secretary (Marco Favero), a (Anton Wolfaardt) or SBWG Vice- for consideration at MoP6 (to be held in Science Officer (Wiesława Misiak), and Convenor (Igor Debski) participated Kruger National Park, South Africa, in an honorary Information Officer (John in meetings of working groups or May 2018). The workshop opened with Cooper). ACAP’s work is aided by Non- scientific advisories of four Regional a presentation on the “Status, trends Party Range States (Canada, Japan, Fishery Management Organisations and conservation management needs Namibia, United States); and by several (the Commission for the Conservation of the Pterodroma and Pseudobulweria Non-Governmental Organisations; of Southern Bluefin Tuna, the Inter- Petrels”. It was noted that of 39 species, notably American Bird Conservancy, American Tropical Tuna Commission, approximately 67% are globally BirdLife International, Humane Society the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and threatened. The workshop attendees International, Island Conservation, the International Commission for the were supportive of ACAP increasing its Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge and Conservation of Atlantic Tunas). ACAP role in conservation actions for gadfly Projeto Albatroz. contributed to discussions related to petrels (Pterodroma sp,). The workshop During the first session of the albatross and petrel population trends, report is available at: https://www.acap. Meeting of the Parties (MoP1) in bycatch mitigation practice advice, aq/en/advisory-committee/ac10/ac10- 2004, an Advisory Committee (AC) methods to improve bycatch data meeting-documents. was established; its role is to guide reporting, etc. • Following the gadfly petrel the implementation of the Agreement. • During the first half of September, workshop, AC10 began with 38 The AC is supported by three working the eighth meeting of the SBWG, the attendees (10 Parties, three Range groups: i) Population and Conservation fourth meeting of the PaCSWG and States and four NGOs). Twenty-five Status (PaCSWG); ii) Seabird Bycatch the tenth meeting of the AC occurred Documents, 15 Information Papers and (SBWG); and iii) Taxonomy (TWG). in Wellington, New Zealand. Twenty- the AC10 meeting report are available MoP sessions occur every three years; two Documents and 31 Information at: https://www.acap.aq/en/advisory- whereas, the AC and working groups Papers were considered by 47 SBWG8 committee/ac10 meet in each of the two intervening attendees. Papers (in some cases A few highlights of AC10 are: years. abstracts only) and the SBWG meeting • Namibia announced it expects to Throughout the year, the Information report are available at: https://www.acap. become the 14th ACAP Party in the near Officer posts to ACAP Latest News aq/en/working-groups/seabird-bycatch- future; available at: www.acap.aq. The posts working-group/seabird-bycatch-wg- • The UK will attempt to eradicate provide information on ACAP activities, meeting-8 introduced house mice from Gough emerging threats, conservation actions, • Following SBWG8, the PaCSWG4 Island in 2019; and, South Africa will publications, book reviews, etc., relevant commenced; 10 Documents and 31 attempt to eradicate mice from Marion to procellariform seabirds. All Latest Information Papers were considered Island in 2020. News articles are also posted to ACAP’s by 42 attendees. Papers (in some cases • In October, Chile announced the Facebook page: https://www.facebook. abstracts only) and the PaCSWG4 establishment of two large MPAs (closed com/AlbatrossesandPetrels/ meeting report are available at: https:// to fishing and other extractive activities). The following are summaries of a few www.acap.aq/en/working-groups/ One MPA protects >117,000 km² around of the 2017 ACAP posts. population-and-conservation-status- the Diego Ramírez Islands; and the

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 41 REPORTS TO PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR 2017

ACAP REPORT second, at ~ 484,000 km², is situated • In November, Mexico’s President around the Juan Fernández Islands. The signed a decree creating a large marine MPAs will respectively help protect reserve (~150,000 km2) around the breeding populations of Black-browed Revillagigedo Islands. The reserve will (Thalassarche melanophris) and Grey- be closed to fishing and other extractive headed Albatrosses (T. chrysostoma); activities. Two islands (Clarion and and Pink-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus San Benedicto) support small breeding creatopus). populations of Laysan Albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis).

Laysan Albatross. Photo credit: David Pereksta

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 42 PSG NEWS Read about changes to Pacific Seabirds and other transitions in 2017.

EDITOR’S NOTE My goal as editor is to provide readers with up-to-date information about Pacific Seabird Group news. To do so, this bulletin will be published online twice a year: one in the summer reporting proceedings from that year’s annual meeting, and the other in the winter reporting regional member updates and end of year budgets. Thank you to Executive Council members for their support and timely submission of reports, Jane Dolliver for providing content, and Jo Smith, Kyra Mills and Adrian Gall for their valuable insight and guidance in the production of these documents. I am grateful for all of the individuals who have contributed their time and effort to continue publishingPacific Seabirds. Pacific Seabirds is now searchable and available in the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Explore this wonderful resource on your own at www.biodiversitylibrary.org. As always, we welcome new ideas and people. If you are interested in contributing to Pacific Seabirds or would like to join the editing team, please contact me at editor [at] pacificseabirdgroup dot org. - Jennifer Lang

TRANSITIONS AND THANK YOU’S One of the unique qualities of the Pacific Seabird Group is its strong membership-based operations. The PSG relies on the active engagement of its members to complete the business of PSG, including running the Executive Council, serving as an interface between PSG and regional members, conservation initiatives, and planning and execution of our annual meetings. Those who step forward contribute their expertise and time, ranging from hours to years of work. There is, of course, turnover, which is good for PSG growth and it allows others to benefit from this valuable experience. We would like to thank and honor those who handed over the baton in 2018. We would like to thank Robb Kaler (Alaska and Russia representative), Kuniko Otsuki (Asia and Oceania representative), and Anna Weinstein (Northern California representative) for the years they served as representatives for their region’s members. Welcome, Marc Romano, Luke Einoder, and Kirsten Lindquist, to the Executive Council as the new representives of Alaska and Russia, Asia and Oceania, and Northern California, respectively. Kirsten Bixler is now the new PSG Treasurer following Martin Renner, and Corey Clatterbuck is the new Student Representative following Chris Tyson. Thank you, Martin and Chris for serving in these positions. David Craig has also been elected into the Executive Council as the new Chair-Elect. Lastly, Jennifer Lang will be handing the membership coordinator position over to Emma Kelsey in June 2018. I have had the pleasure to interact with members directly and look forward to continue to do so as a part of the newly established Membership Committee.

Members at the Lifetime and Special Awards dinner at the Hotel Marina. Photo credit: Kyra Mills

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 43 MEETING NEWS PSG’S 45TH ANNUAL MEETING, FEBRUARY 2018 Adrian Gall

PSG members flocked to lovely Hotel seven countries on three continents to how anthropogenic disturbance, on local Araiza in La Paz, Baja California Sur, compare notes on ocean conditions and and global scales, is challenging the Mexico for the 45th annual meeting observations of seabirds at sea and on existence of Clipperton Island and its organized around the theme “Seabirds colonies. On Saturday, a Special Session colonies of Masked and Brown boobies. without borders – Aves marinas sin on the Impacts of Purse-seining on PSG’s highest honors, the Special and fronteras”. The theme highlighted Seabirds was convened by organizers Lifetime Achievement awards, were that seabird ecology and conservation from Mexico (Enriqueta Velarde), Chile presented during a dinner at the Hotel require international collaboration to (Cristán Suazo), and the USA (Dan Marina. Colleagues of Dr. Alfonso be successful. Our Scientific Program Anderson). This session brought together Aguirre-Muñoz shared his contributions was packed with evidence (156 oral stakeholders from fishing industry, to island restoration and his mentorship presentations and 42 posters) that PSG government agencies, and community of a generation of ecologists that are members and meeting participants reach organizations. The Conservation continuing the work of the Grupo across borders, and even oceans, to work Committee meeting open to all attendees de Ecología y Conservación de Islas together. on Saturday led to the ad hoc formation (GECI), work that earned him the Special The Local Committee did an excellent of a Feral Cat Policy group, among other Achievement Award. Dr. Enriqueta job showcasing downtown La Paz with spirited discussions. Velarde was presented with a Lifetime events hosted in several venues within Two additional Special Sessions Achievement Award and celebrated for walking distance of the waterfront and held on Friday continued the theme her research on Isla Rasa and her efforts provided motor coach service as needed. of the meeting. The first, organized to engage stakeholders in science- The events kicked off on Wednesday by Kim Nelson, Kuniko Otsuki, and driven fisheries management. Friends with technical and the Executive Trudy Chatwin, honored the late Harry and colleagues remembered Harry committee meetings at the Hotel Perla Carter’s tremendous contributions Carter’s dedication to seabird research and the Centro Cultural. In the evening, to international seabird conservation and conservation, and other seabird Lifetime Achievement Award recipient throughout the Pacific. The second, researchers, presenting the Lifetime Dr. Enriqueta Velarde gave a public organized by Tom Ryan, brought Achievement Award posthumously to presentation in the historical Teatro together students and researchers from his wife, Emma Carter. Juárez; the capacity crowd included local throughout the Americas to share The closing fiesta was held at the officials, students, and city residents. experiences in community-based Galería Galería Garden, a soaring Following Dr. Velarde’s presentation, research and conservation of Sternula open-air amphitheater that provided meeting attendees were treated to a terns. the perfect backdrop for recognizing welcome reception at the Museo de In addition to these focused sessions the travel and student presentation la Ballena, mingling and enjoying and our contributed paper sessions, five awards. Mark Rauzon realized his secret refreshments among the impressive fantastic plenary speakers gave us the dream of being an auctioneer, hosting collections and displays of local marine long view of seabird ecology from around a live auction of spectacular photos to ecology. The poster session was held on the globe. On Thursday, Dr. Juan Esteban benefit the Student Travel Awards fund. Thursday in the main patio of the Centro Martínez Gomez opened the meeting PSG lived up to its well-earned party Cultural with catering that featured by sharing the story of Townsend’s reputation by dancing out the evening to marine and terrestrial invertebrate Shearwaters that breed 600 km south of the tunes of La Orden Sagrada. delicacies. La Paz. Dr. Michael Brooke concluded This fabulous meeting would not have A primary objective of the meeting the day with tales of petrel conservation been possible without the tireless work was to foster the conversations that on the Pitcairn Islands. On Friday, Dr. of Local Committee Chair Yuri Albores make conservation possible. Several Stephen Votier started the day by sharing and his team of co-chairs: Cecilia of the Special Sessions and Symposia what he has learned about the behavior of Soldatini, Christian Salvadeo, Horacio included time for discussion in addition Northern Gannets in the North Atlantic. de la Cueva, Laura Treviño, Roberto to formal presentations, starting On Saturday morning, Dr. Enriqueta Carmona and Sergio Flores. with Thursday’s Symposium on the Velarde offered her synthetic view of Chair Kyra Mills guided the PSG Conservation Needs in NW Mexico the ecology and pressing conservation ship and helped organize the crucial organized by Local Committee Chair issues in the Gulf of California, also simultaneous translation service, a first Yuri Albores and Gustavo Danemann. known as the Vermillion Sea. Dr. Bob for a PSG meeting. Past Chair Nina On Friday, the Round Table Discussion Pitman closed out the meeting by taking Karnovsky organized the many awards, on Hot Topics drew participants from us 1,600 km south of La Paz to consider including a record 56 foreign and student

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 44 MEETING NEWS travel awards funded in large part thanks to a generous grant from the Packard Foundation. A huge shout-out goes to detail-wrangling, cat-herding, bilingual Secretary Jane Dolliver. Finally, I extend a special gracias to Juliet Lamb for helping build the scientific program from the many excellent submissions. ¡Hasta pronto, México! Hope to see you all in Kaua’i for the next great PSG meeting!

Mingling at the opening reception at the Museo de la Ballena. Photo credit: Jane Dolliver

Poster session at the Centro Cultural La Paz. Emma Carter (second from right) accepting the Lifetime Achievement reward for her late Photo credit: Jane Dolliver husband, Harry Carter. From left: Nina Karnovsky, Bill McIver, Kim Nelson, Kuniko Otsuki, Percy Hebert, Spencer Sealy, Emma Carter, Mike Parker. Photo credit: Kyra Mills

Selfie by Ava Anderson of some dodgy characters at La Paz! Lunch break outside at the Hotel Araiza Palmira. Photo credit: Photo credit: Ava Anderson/Sandy Bartle Jane Dolliver Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 45 MEETING NEWS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES

The Pacific Seabird Group’s board of directors, the Executive Council (EXCO), meets at each Annual Meeting and several times a year via conference call. Minutes are available on the PSG website after they are approved at the subsequent meeting. A summary of the Annual Meeting minutes is provided in Pacific Seabirds. All PSG members are welcome to attend EXCO meetings and contact PSG council members if they have questions, suggestions, or concerns.

SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 21 February 2018 45th Annual Meeting, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico Hotel Perla

Summary of actions by EXCO scientists, and 5 early career scientists. to respond or react was brought by February 2017-February 2018: Kaua’i, Hawai’i has been selected PSG committee members, EXCO • Organized and held the 45th Annual and confirmed to be the site of the members and Marbled Murrelet action PSG Meeting in La Paz, Baja California 2019 annual PSG meeting with Jessica groups. Five letters concerned Marbled Sur, Mexico in February 2018, with 224 Hallman Behnke as the local committee Murrelets, two letters for regulation registrants and 24 guests, including 156 chair. We all look forward to hearing of rollbacks, two letters for Aleutian Terns, oral presentations and 42 posters future plans in Hawaii for next year. and two letters for Japanese Murrelets. • Sent 11 Conservation Letters to advocate for seabird conservation Chair’s Report: ANNUAL MEETING UPDATES • Maintained a membership of 369 In 2017, the Chair oversaw the work of The 2019 Annual Meeting will be members representing 16 countries all committees and led conference calls hosted in Kaua’i, Hawai’i with Jessica • Maintained a listserv with 774 active to facilitate EXCO projects throughout Hallman Behnke as the local committee members the year. Two big accomplishments in chair. • Social media successes include: 2017 were to finalize the listserv terms 1,711 followers on Facebook, 505 and conditions (and is now on the PSG OTHER BUSINESS followers on Instagram, and 1051 website), and to finalize the Code of Membership: followers on Twitter. Conduct, which is on the agenda for our PSG has 369 current (paid) members, • Finalized the listserv terms and next EXCO meeting, after which it will including 57 student members and conditions, the Code of Conduct, PSG be shared to the rest of the PSG members. 84 lifetime members, representing 16 membership policy, and PSG diversity Two additional 2017 accomplishments countries. statement were the finalization of the PSG membership policy and a PSG diversity MOTIONS statement (now on the website). The new 2018-2019 EXCO members: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORTS EXCO approved new membership- Past Chair’s Report: Chair-Elect’s Report: elected chandidates for the 2018- Dr. Enriqueta Velarde and Harry The Chair-Elect took the lead in 2019 EXCO. They include: David Carter received Lifetime Achievement organization of the 2018 PSG Annual Craig (Chair-Elect), Kirsten Bixler Awards, and Dr. Alfonso Aguirre-Muñoz Meeting, including selecting a theme, (Treasurer), Corey Clatterbuck (Student received a Special Achievement Award organizing special paper sessions and Representative), Marc Romano at the 45th PSG conference in 2018. symposia, planning concurrent sessions, (Alaska and Russia Representative), In 2018 we were able to offer travel securing five plenary speakers and Kirsten Lindquist (Northern California awards to 10 times the number of producing the 2018 program and abstract Representative), Luke Einoder (Asia people than last year. This was largely book. Creation and management of and Oceania Representative), and Ross due to a generous grant from the registrations, were all done using Cvent. Wanless (re-elected, Europe and Africa Packard Foundation, a challenge grant Representative). and donations from EXCO and other Vice Chair for Conservation’s Report: members.Travel grants were offered Eleven Conservation letters were sent to 36 students, 18 non-US/Canadian in the past year. The sources of instigation

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 46 SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

March 2017 2. Establish EXCO permanent October 2017 1. Approve PSG Diversity Statement contributions to PSG travel 1. Approve transfer of $10,000 2. Create PSG Coloring Book with awards fund - $50/EXCO member (instead of 5K) to Mexico for PSG Advance Wildlife Education 3. Require PSG Regional 2018 Representatives to contact lapsed 2. Approve the PSG Lifetime and April 2017 members Special Achievement award 1. Approve the nomination of Harry recommendations Carter for the PSG Lifetime August 2017 3. Sponsor WSTC#4 conference Achievement Award 1. Approve Luana Events Client Agreement November 2017 2. Create Local Committee bank 1. Print nametags in different colors May 2017 account in Mexico, US $5,000 of cardstock to identify members 1. Approve the PSG 2018 Annual 2. Approve a new, Early Career Meeting budget September 2017 Scientist Travel Award 2. Approve the fiscal year 2017 1. Approve PSG 2018 Registration 3. Review the Children’s Book, “The budget rates Blue Footies” 2. Approve PSG listserve terms and July 2017 conditions document December 2017 1. Approve Cvent registration, 3. Approve PSG 2018 disabilities 1. Approve PSG 2019 meeting membership and abstract statement location management 5-year contract 2. Approve PSG membership policy

Mingling at the student-mentor mixer at the Hotel Araiza Palmira. Photo credit: Jane Dolliver

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 47 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP The Pacific Seabird Group publishes symposia and other works. PSG Symposia are occasionally held at Annual Meetings; those which have been published are listed below. Technical Reports prepared by PSG working groups are also listed. To order one of these PSG publications, please see instructions after each item. Abstracts of papers and posters given at PSG meetings are published annually. Abstracts for meetings of 1974 through 1993 appeared in the PSG Bulletin (Volumes 2-20); for meetings of 1994 through 2003, in Pacific Seabirds (Volumes 21-30); and for meetings of 1997 and later, at www. pacificseabirdgroup.org. PSG publishes the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Current and past issues of both journals are available online.

SYMPOSIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 48 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 49 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

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

PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP COMMITTEE COORDINATORS FOR 2018-2019

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

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

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Joanna Smith, email: communications[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Mark Rauzon, email: conservation[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 50 PSG COMMITTEE COORDINATORS FOR 2018-2019

MARBLED MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Kim Nelson, email: kim dot nelson[at]oregonstate dot edu and Peter Harrison, email: peter dot harrison[at]dnr dot wa dot gov

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

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

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

SEABIRD MONITORING COMMITTEE Heather Renner, email: heather_renner[at]fws dot gov and Robb Kaler, email: robbkaler[at]gmail dot com

TUFTED PUFFIN TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Peter Hodum, email: WA dot OR_Rep[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org and Scott Pearson, email: scott dot pearson[at]dfw dot wa dot gov

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

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

WEBSITE COORDINATOR Joanna Smith, email: communications[at]pacificseabirdgroup dot org

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

PSG DELEGATES OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL Pat Baird, email: pab7[at]sfu dot ca and Doug Forsell, email: DJForsell[at]aol dot com

PSG DELEGATE TO THE AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY Melanie Steinkamp, email: Melanie_Steinkamp[at]fws dot gov

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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 51 PSG LIFE MEMBERS 2017

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

John Cooper

RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 52 RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Members receive the following benefits: announcements of meetings, reduced rates on conferences and some publications, subscription to the PSG listserv, and most importantly, the knowledge of contributing to the study and conservation of Pacific seabirds wherever they occur. Annual membership is for one calendar year and expires each year on 31 December. Lifetime memberships are also available. All Life member contributions are dedicated to PSG’s Endowment Fund, a fund to support the publications of the PSG, principally Marine Ornithology.

MEMBERSHIP RATES Individual membership: $40 Student membership: $30 Life membership: $1,200 (can be divided into 5 annual payments of $240)

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

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

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

MEMBER RESOURCES

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

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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 45, Number 1 • 2018 • Page 53 PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2018

OFFICERS

Chair Adrian Gall, email: [email protected]

Past Chair Kyra Mills, email: [email protected]

Chair-Elect David Craig, email: [email protected]

Vice-Chair for Conservation Mark Rauzon, email: [email protected]

Treasurer Kirsten Bixler, email: [email protected]

Secretary Jane Dolliver, email: [email protected]

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

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

Canada Trudy Chatwin, email: [email protected]

Washington and Oregon Peter Hodum, email: [email protected]

Northern California Kirsten Lindquist, email: [email protected]

Latin America, Hawai’i Andre Raine, email: [email protected]

Non-Pacific United States Samantha Richman, email: [email protected]

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

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

Student Representative Corey Clatterbuck, email: [email protected]

COORDINATORS (non-voting)

Communications Joanna Smith, email: [email protected]

Listserv Coordinator Verena Gill, email: [email protected]

Membership Coordinator Emma Kelsey, email: [email protected]

Website Coordinator Joanna Smith, email: [email protected]

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