PACIFIC SEABIRDS

A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group

Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 2014 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment

The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) was formed in 1972 due to the need for better communication among Pacific seabird re- searchers. PSG provides a forum for the research activities of its members, promotes the conservation of seabirds, and informs members and the public of issues relating to Pacific Ocean seabirds and their environment. PSG members include research scientists, conservation professionals, and members of the public from all parts of the Pacific Ocean. The group also welcomes seabird professionals and enthusiasts in other parts of the world. PSG holds annual meetings at which scientific papers and symposia are presented; abstracts for meetings are published on our web site. The group is active in promoting conservation of seabirds, including seabird/fisheries interactions, monitoring of seabird populations, seabird restoration following oil spills, establishment of seabird sanctuaries, and endangered species. Policy statements are issued on conservation issues of critical im- portance. PSG’s journals are Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin) and Marine Ornithology. Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ornithological Council, and the American Bird Conservancy. Annual dues for membership are $30 (individual and family); $24 (student, undergraduate and graduate); and $900 (Life Membership, payable in five $180 installments). Dues are payable to the Treasurer; see the PSG web site, or the Membership Information at the back of this issue.

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Pacific Seabirds This journal has published short peer-reviewed articles, reports of ongoing work, conservation news, and other items of impor- tance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The journal is published twice a year in spring and fall. Materials should be submitted to the Editor. Information for contributors to Pacific Seabirds is published in each Fall issue and is on PSG’s web site. Editorial policies accord with those of PSG’s Executive Council; in other matters the journal aims for an unbiased point of view. Back issues of the PSG Bulletin and Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s web site or may be ordered from the treasurer (see Membership/Order Form next to inside back cover for details). Submission deadlines are 20 March for the spring issue and 1 October for the fall issue; manuscripts may be submitted at any time.

Pacific Seabirds Interim Editor (for this issue only) Holly Freifeld, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 911 NE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97232

Associate Editors for This Issue Heather Major, Marc Romano, Leslie Slater, Julia Sommerfeld, W. Breck Tyler; layout: Patrick Stark

Marine Ornithology Marine Ornithology presents peer-reviewed contributions concerning international seabird science and conservation. The jour- nal is published two times a year. It is available on its web site (www.marineornithology.org) or by subscription. The journal is supported by a partnership of global seabird societies, including the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG), African Seabird Group, Australasian Seabird Group, the Seabird Group (UK), Dutch Seabird Group, and Japan Seabird Group. For further information see www.marineornithology.org

Change of Address Send changes of address to the PSG Membership Coordinator, Jennifer Ma, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, Univer- sity of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195; email: [email protected] PACIFIC SEABIRDS A Publication of the Pacific Seabirds Group Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment

Volume 41 2014 Numbers 1 and 2

Article...... 1 Seabird bycatch in Chile: A synthesis of its impacts, and a review of strategies to contribute to the reduction of a global phenomenon Translation...... 13 The Birds at Nishi Island Lighthouse in Hwanghae Do, Korea. By Nagamichi Kuroda; translated from Japanese by Charles A. Pell Lifetime Achievement Award...... 18 Dr. Anthony J. Gaston, by Jo Smith, et al. Special Achievement Award...... 21 Vivian Mendenhall, by Pat Baird Forum...... 24 Seabirds and Fisheries, by W.R.P. Bourne Conservation Report...... 24 Regional Reports for 2013 Alaska...... 27 Washington and Oregon...... 29 Northern California...... 34 Southern California...... 38 Hawaiʻi...... 38 Non-Pacific United States...... 40 Canada...... 42 Latin America...... 45 Asia and Oceania...... 45 Europe and Africa...... 48 Reports of PSG Officers for 2013 Chair’s Report...... 49 Secretary’s Report...... 50 Treasurer’s Report...... 51 Reports of PSG’s Committees for 2013 Japanese Seabird Conservation Committee...... 55 Kittlitz’s Murelet Technical Committee...... 57 Scripps’s Murrelet and Guadalupe Murrelet Technical Committe...... 57 Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee...... 61 Seabird Monitoring Committee...... 61 Elections Committee...... 62 PSG Listserv...... 63 Corresponding Membership Committee...... 63 Other Reports to the Executive Council for 2013 Pacific Seabirds...... 64 Marine Ornithology...... 65 World Seabird Union...... 68 PSG News...... 71 Meeting News...... 73 Summary of Executive Council Meeting Minutes...... 75 Interim Editor’s Note...... 77 General Information Information on the Pacific Seabird Group...... Inside Front Cover Publications of the Pacific Seabird Group...... 77 PSG Committee Coordinators...... 79 PSG Life Members and Recipients of Awards...... 81 Membership Information...... 82 PSG Executive Council for 2014...... Inside Back Cover Note from the interim editor: The following article represents Vivian Mendenhall’s final editorial contribution to Pacific Seabirds. All credit for the appearance of this paper in this issue is due to Vivian, her close collaboration with the lead author, and her meticulous attention to detail.

SEABIRD BYCATCH IN CHILE: A SYNTHESIS OF ITS IMPACTS, AND A REVIEW OF STRATEGIES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE REDUCTION OF A GLOBAL PHENOMENON

By Cristián G. Suazo1, 2,*, Luis A. Cabezas2, 3, Carlos A. Moreno4, Javier A. Arata5, Guillermo Luna-Jorquera6, Alejan- dro Simeone7, Luis Adasme8, Jorge Azócar8, Marcelo García9, Oliver Yates10, and Graham Robertson11

1 Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 38, 35392 Giessen, Germany. 2 Albatross Task Force, BirdLife International, Chile. 3 Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Valparaíso, Casilla 5080, Reñaca, Viña del Mar, Chile. 4 Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile. 5 Instituto Antártico Chileno, Plaza Benjamín Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile. 6 Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile. 7 Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 470, Santiago, Chile. 8 Departamento de Evaluación de Pesquerías, División de Investigación Pesquera, Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Blanco 839, Valparaíso, Chile. 9 Unidad Biodiversidad y Patrimonio Acuático, Departamento de Pesquerías, Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura, Gobierno de Chile, Bellavista 168, Valparaíso, Chile. 10 BirdLife International Marine Programme, Casilla 145, La Serena, Chile. 11 Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia.

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract Chile holds globally important colonies of endangered and endemic seabird species, and globally vulnerable nonbreeding species visit its waters. One of the major threats for seabirds in Chilean waters is the impact of fishing activities, both industrial and artisanal, which overlap with seabird breeding and foraging areas. Bycatch in fisheries threatens 27 identified species and two groups of unidentified albatrosses and penguins, with the Black-browed AlbatrossThalassarche melanophrys as the species most related to bycatch events. Responding to the international call for the voluntary adoption of a plan to reduce the impacts of fisheries on seabirds, Chile generated a National Plan of Action (PAN-AM/Chile) to monitor seabird bycatch, and to mitigate threats to seabirds with emphasis on industrial longline fisheries. Following the successful reduction of seabird bycatch in the demersal longline fishery for Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides, with zero individuals caught during 2006, Chile is extending the PAN-AM/Chile to include other fisheries that use gear known to cause incidental mortality, such as trawl, purse seine, and gillnets. This initiative is supported by actions associated with the creation of a national scientific committee for biodiversity, and new collaborative research platforms under the auspices of the Chilean Undersecretariat for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Keywords: Albatross, conservation, fisheries, gillnet, Humboldt Current System, longline, mortality, Oceanic Islands, purse seine, Subantarctic, trawl

Resumen Chile cuenta con importantes colonias a nivel global de especies de aves marinas endémicas y en peligro, así como especies no reproductivas globalmente vulnerables que visitan sus aguas. Una de las mayores amenazas para las aves marinas en aguas chilenas es el impacto de las actividades pesqueras, tanto industriales y artesanales, las cuales se sobreponen con áreas de reproducción y alimentación de aves marinas. Estas amenazan 27 especies identificadas y dos grupos de albatross y pingüinos no identificados, con el Albatros de ceja negra Thalassarche melanophrys como la especie más relacionada a eventos de captura incidental. Respondiendo al llamado internacional para la adopción voluntaria de un plan para reducir los impactos de las pesquerías en aves marinas, Chile generó un Plan de Acción Nacional (PAN-AM/Chile) para monitorear la captura incidental de aves marinas y mitigar amenazas con énfasis en pesquerías industriales de palangre. Seguido a la exitosa reducción de la captura incidental en la pesquería demersal de palangre para Bacalao de profundidad Dissostichus eleginoides, con cero individuos capturados durante 2006, Chile está ampliando el PAN-AM/Chile para incluir otras pesquerías que usan artes de pesca con conocida mortalidad incidental, tales como arrastre, cerco y redes agalleras. Esta iniciativa es apoyada por acciones asociadas con la creación de un comité científico de biodiversidad y nuevas plataformas de investigación colaborativa, bajo los auspicios de la Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura de Chile.

Palabras clave: Albatros, arrastre, cerco, conservación, Islas Oceánicas, mortalidad, palangre, pesquerías, red agallera, Sistema de Corriente de Humboldt, Subantártico

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 1 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile

INTRODUCTION species prone to negative interactions effort is distributed between industrial with fishing gear such as the hooks of and artisanal (i.e. small-scale) fishing. Bycatch is recognized as the major longliners, collisions with cables in Industrial fishing vessels are >18 m in threat to the conservation of seabird trawlers, and entanglement in net gear length. Artisanal activities are related species worldwide. The high rate of such gillnet and purse seine. mainly to manual operations in small mortality in these long-lived species is The important role of Chile for boats or semi-industrial vessels <18 m; conducive to population declines, and is seabird conservation is highlighted espe- these small-scale activities have a legal due to interaction with different fishing cially because the nation’s waters include exclusive fishing area of 5 miles from gears (Croxall et al. 2012) with its nega- globally important breeding grounds for the coastline. tive effects on demographic status. some albatrosses (e.g. Black-browed The present work includes a review The high biological productivity as- Thalassarche melanophrys), colonies of Chile’s actions related to seabird by- sociated with Chile’s coast supports ma- with endemic species (e.g. Pink-footed catch in different seabird endemism area jor fisheries that operate both in coastal Shearwater Puffinus creatopus), and in Chilean waters. Our paper includes and pelagic waters in these regions, and non-breeding visiting species such as both published information and new data. that deploy a variety of fishing gear, such albatrosses (Diomedidae) from New We also include future steps relating to as demersal and mid-water longline, Zealand (BirdLife International 2004). different stakeholders’ collaboration, trawl, gillnet and purse seine. In addi- All these species are overlapping with government actions, and further research tion, these activities frequently overlap some of the scattered fishing activi- to assess Chile’s part in the global impact with breeding and non-breeding seabird ties in Chilean waters, whose fishing of fisheries on seabird populations.

FIGURE 1. Chilean seabird endemism areas: (HCS) Humboldt Current System; (OI) Oceanic Islands, and (SA) Sub-Antarctic islands and fjords (Schlatter and Simeone 1999). Dashed line along the Chilean coast and around the Oceanic Islands represent Chile’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 2 ATF–Chile (2013) ATF–Chile Unpubl. data, Moreno et al. (2003), Moreno Arata (2004); cited and by Robertson et al. (2014) Moreno et al. (2003) Moreno et al. (2006) Azócar et al. (2010) Céspedes et al. (2012) Moreno et al. (2006) Trained observer- Trained instructors (instructing scientific fisheries observers on seabird study) Trained Trained Trained (seabird Trained identification and mortality assessment) (seabird Trained identification and mortality assessment) (seabird Trained identification and mortality assessment) August 2012 October- November 2003; March 2004 Period covered2001 (explor- Observers on boardatory); 2002– Source 2003 (study) 2002February Trained 2007–October 2009 2012 1999 Trained Observation effort (% of total fishing) (21%) (total fishing effort unknown) 2,312,258 hooks (62%); >28m: 864 sets, Vessels 1,353,418 hooks (97%) (78.3%). Seabird ende- mism area a 168–2,250 SA 222 sets, 1,310,585 hooks Fishing depth (m)

a of

34°–39°S 150–800 HCS 198 trawls (66.7%) June 2011– 45°–57°S 200–600 SA 96 sets General latitude range South of 47°S 41°–47°S 1,000–2,000 SA, HCS 82 sets, 88,280 hooks 29°–32°S 4–1043°–53°S HCS, OI <28m: 1,856 sets, Vessels 200–500 SA 76 trawls (14.3%) 2nd half of 41°–45°S 100–500 SA 388 sets, 330,632 hooks fishery

Merluccius Genypterus Merluccius Micromesistius Micromesistius Xiphias gladius Fisheries, target resources, and observer coverage during different studies focused on seabird bycatch in Chilean waters. Seabird endemism areas: SA = Seabird endemism areas: SA studies focused on seabird bycatch in Chilean waters. resources, and observer coverage during different Fisheries, target 1. able Robertson et al. (2014) gayi australis and ling blacodes Fishery Industrial demersal longline for Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides Industrial demersal longline for austral hake Artisanal demersal longline for austral hake and ling Artisanal demersal longline for Patagonian toothfish Industrial pelagic longline for swordfish Industrial demersal trawl for austral hake, southern blue whiting australis and hoki magellanicus Macruronus Industrial demersal trawl for south Pacific hake Subantarctic islands and fjords; HCS = Humboldt Current System; OI Oceanic Islands (see text for details) T (a)

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 3 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile

Fisheries [IFOP]); and (iii) the Albatross Ainley 2008). On the other hand, the SA Task Force–Chile (ATF-Chile). region is a complex geographic area with IFOP and ATF-Chile cooperate thousands of islands, fjords and channels. in providing bycatch observers. IFOP In this part of Chile there are important provides scientific observers; they are breeding sites for albatrosses, shearwa- trained in seabird identification and by- ters and penguins. For albatrosses the catch monitoring during workshops by two most important islands are Diego ATF-Chile instructors (Figure 2). The Ramírez and Ildefonso in the southern observers are later assigned by local section of this region (between 55°48’ authorities during government fisheries and 56°31’ south; Figure 1), which programs, or are authorized to deploy as together hold over 20% of the global FIGURE 2. Training workshop on seabird identification and bycatch monitoring. ATF- independent monitors on focal fisheries. populations of Black-browed and Gray- Chile instructors are training IFOP’s scientific In addition, local researchers are headed Thalassarche chrysostoma Alba- observers. Photo by L.A. Cabezas. taking the first steps in the field to iden- trosses (Robertson et al. 2007; Moreno tify and quantify seasonal interactions and Robertson 2008). METHODS between seabirds and unassessed fisher- In a global assessment of seabird ies, including the industrial and artisanal conservation status, threats and priority endemism areas of seabirds in Chilean purse seine fisheries, and the artisanal actions, Chile was listed in the top three waTers gillnet fishery at various latitudes along most important countries in terms of Chile’s linear coastline extends the Chilean coast. Information from dif- the number of breeding seabird species approximately 4000 km, from Latitude ferent initiatives is currently available in and the total number of visitor species 18°21’ south to 60° south (Figure 1). the form of unpublished results, which recorded within waters of national Ex- Chilean seas can be subdivided into are especially associated with small-scale clusive Economic Zones (EEZ) (Croxall three main seabird endemism areas (artisanal) fisheries. et al. 2012). These authors attribute (Schlatter and Simeone 1999). These commercial fisheries as one of the prin- are (i) the Subantarctic islands and fjords RESULTS AND DISCUSSION cipal threats to seabirds. (SA), from Chiloé to south of the Diego Ramírez archipelago (41˚47’ south to biologiCal diversiTy: seabirds in fisheries inTeraCTions: baCkground 60° south); (ii) the Humboldt Current Chilean waTers on seabird byCaTCh in Chilean waTers System (HCS), from the northern limit Several breeding colonies of The attraction of seabirds to fishing (18°21’ south) to Chiloé Island (41˚47’ seabirds are found in this mosaic of vessels is due to the presence of discards south); and (iii) the Oceanic Islands (OI), different endemism areas, including and/or offal at the sea surface. This is comprising Easter Island, Salas y Gómez petrels and shearwaters (Procellariidae), particularly true for trawl vessels with Island, Desventuradas Islands, and the gulls (Laridae), pelicans (Pelecanidae), onboard processing facilities (ATF-Chile Juan Fernández Archipelago. penguins (Sphenisciformes), and 2013). In longline fisheries an additional albatrosses (Diomedidae). These areas attraction is the use of fish and/or squid seabird byCaTCh in Chilean waTers are also frequented by a range of non- as bait (Moreno et al. 2007). In purse We review the history and state of breeding species, including those seine fisheries seabirds often forage on knowledge of seabird bycatch in Chilean coming from southern and tropical the same species targeted by the fishery waters, and also current information and regions. They include albatrosses such (Schlatter et al. 2009). Negative interac- actions on these topics. The main sources as the Salvin’s Thalassarche salvini, tions between seabirds and fisheries oc- of new information are key contributions Chatham T. eremita, Royal Diomedea cur when seabirds: (i) collide with cables from unpublished field records and local epomophora and D. sanfordi, that support trawl nets (trawl warp cable) literature searches. From this, we pres- Wandering D. exulans, Antipodean D. or are used to communicate with net sen- ent a summary of fisheries covered by antipodensis, and Waved Phoebastria sors (third wire); (ii) become entangled scientific observers (Table 1). Table 1 irrorata, all of which are considered in nets or lines; or (iii) are hooked. While is presented in relationship to three main globally threatened species (IUCN all these interactions can cause injury sources of seabird bycatch information 2013). through trauma, the main cause of mor- for Chilean waters: (i) the National As examples, the HCS in particular tality is drowning. At least 27 identified Plan of Action for Reducing Bycatch of is considered one of the most productive seabird species and unidentified penguins Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (PAN- marine systems in the world (Belkin and albatrosses (Table 2) were identified AM/Chile); (ii) Instituto de Fomento 2009) and holds a large number and among the seabird bycatch for Chilean Pesquero (Institute for the Promotion of abundance of seabird species (Spear and waters.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 4 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile

Table 2. Seabird species for which mortality records in Chilean fisheries exist (years 1999-2014). Gear: G = Gillnet, PS = Purse seine, T = trawl, DL = Demersal longline, PL = Pelagic longline; Size category of fishery: (A) = Artisanal, (I) = Industrial. Endemism area: SA = Subantarctic islands and fjords, HCS = Humboldt Current system, OI = Oceanic islands. IUCN status: LC = Least concern, NT = Near threatened, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered (IUCN 2013). See text for details. IUCN status Endemism (population Species Fishery Source area trend) Wandering Albatross PL(I) OI VU (decreasing) ATF (2007), González et al. (2012) Diomedea exulans Southern Royal Albatross PL(I) OI VU (stable) González et al. (2012) D. epomophora Black-browed Albatross DL(I), DL(A), SA, HCS, NT (decreasing) Moreno et al. (2003), ATF (2007), Cés- Thalassarche melanoprys T(I), PL(I) OI pedes et al. (2012), ATF–Chile (2013), Suazo et al. (2013) Gray-headed Albatross DL(I), PL(I) SA, OI EN (decreasing) Moreno et al. (2003), González et al. T. chrysostoma (2012) Salvin’s Albatross T(I), L(I) HCS, OI VU (unknown) ATF (2007), ATF-Chile (2013) T. salvini Buller’s Albatross T. bul- PL(I) OI NT (stable) ATF (2007), González et al. (2012) leri Shy Albatross T. cauta PL(I) OI NT (unknown) Moreno et al. (2007)

Albatross (unidentified) PL(I) OI — ATF (2007) Diomededae

Southern Giant Petrel T(I), PL(I) SA, OI LC (increasing) ATF (2007), Céspedes et al. (2012) Macronectes giganteus Northern Giant Petrel M. PL(I) OI LC (increasing) González et al. (2012) halli

Southern Fulmar DL(I), PL(I), SA, HCS LC (stable) Moreno et al. (2003), González et al. Fulmarus glacialoides T(I) (2012), IFOP (unpubl. data) Cape Petrel Daption DL(I), T(I), SA, HCS, LC (stable) Moreno et al. (2003, Céspedes et al. capense PL(I) OI (2012), González et al. (2012), ATF- Chile (2013) White-chinned Petrel DL(I,A), T(I), SA, HCS, VU (decreasing) Moreno et al. (2003, 2006), ATF (2007), Procellaria aequinoctialis PL(I) OI Céspedes et al. (2012), ATF-Chile (2013) Westland Petrel DL(I) SA VU (stable) Cabezas (unpubl. data) Procellaria westlandica Gray Petrel Procellaria PL(I) OI NT (decreasing) Moreno et al. (2007) cinerea Common Diving Petrel DL(I) SA LC (decreasing) Moreno et al. (2003) Pelecanoides urinatrix

Pink-footed Shearwater PS(I,A), T(I) HCS VU (unknown) Cabezas and Suazo (2011), ATF–Chile Puffinus creatopus (2013), Suazo (unpubl. data) Sooty Shearwater P. gri- DL(I), PS(A,I) SA, HCS NT (decreasing) Brito (2002), Moreno et al. (2003), seus Suazo and Steffen (unpubl. data) Peruvian Pelican PS(I,A), T(I) HCS VU (stable) Brito (2002, ATF-Chile 2013), ATF- Pelecanus thagus Chile (unpubl. data)

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 5 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile

Table 2, continued

IUCN status Endemism (population Species Fishery area trend) Source Peruvian Booby Sula PS(A) HCS LC (stable) ATF-Chile (unpubl. data) variegata

Guanay Cormorant G(A), PS(I,A) HCS NT (decreasing) Simeone et al. (1999), Brito (2002) Phalacrocorax bougain- villii Red legged Cormorant P. G(A) HCS NT (decreasing) Simeone et al. (1999), Suazo and gaimadi Steffen (unpubl. data)

Neotropical Cormorant PS(A) HCS LC (increasing) IFOP (unpubl. data) P. brasilianus

White-tailed Tropicbird PL(I) OI LC (decreasing) González et al. (2012) Phaethon lepturus

Kelp Gull Larus domini- DL(A), T(I) SA, HCS LC (increasing) Moreno et al. (2006), ATF–Chile (2013) canus

Gray Gull Larus modes- PS(A) HCS LC (decreasing) ATF–Chile (unpubl. data) tus

Humboldt Penguin Sphe- G(A), PS(I,A) HCS VU (decreasing) Simeone et al. (1999), Brito (2002) niscus humboldti

Magellanic Penguin S. DL(A), G(A), SA, HCS NT (decreasing) Simeone et al. (1999), Ojeda et al. magellanicus PS(A) (2011), Pütz et al. (2011), Suazo et al. (2013), Suazo and Steffen (unpubl. data) Penguin (unidentified) DL(A), G(A) SA, HCS — Simeone et al. (1999), Moreno et al. Spheniscus sp. (2006)

Interactions in the Subantarctic the faster sink rates of demersal fishing the austral summer. (SA)—The SA region is a complex lines, due to a weight (0.3–1 kg) attached geographic area and an important fish- near the end of each secondary line with a Interactions in the Humboldt ing ground for demersal species such as series of hooks, which reduces the access Current System (HCS)—Seabird the austral hake Merluccius australis, of seabirds to baited hooks (for details bycatch evidence in the HCS indicates ling Genypterus blacodes, and Patago- see Moreno et al. 2006). that pursuit-diving seabirds such as nian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides, Four species were recorded in by- penguins and shearwaters are killed which are targeted by trawlers and by catch events for the industrial demersal incidentally during their winter migra- both artisanal and industrial longlin- trawl in the SA area during spring–sum- tion towards lower latitudes. Magellanic ers. Observation of industrial demersal mer (Céspedes et al. 2012). The estimated Spheniscus magellanicus and Humboldt longline fishing operations in the Pata- mortality rate was 1.77 birds/trawl (Table S. humboldti Penguins are vulnerable gonian toothfish fishery indicated that 3), with the Black-browed Albatross as to drowning in industrial and artisanal 1588 seabirds were killed during 2002 the main bycatch (92.5%), along with purse seines and gillnets (Simeone et (Moreno and Arata 2006; Moreno et al. three petrel species. In contrast, studies al. 1999; Schlatter et al. 2009, Pütz et 2008). The Black-browed Albatross was in other regions showed lower mortality al. 2011, ATF-Chile unpubl. data); 1380 the most-affected species, with 97.9% rates, with a mean 0.26 birds/trawl for individuals were recorded in a single of the overall mortality. Observation of the squid fishery around the Snares and mass-mortality event in purse seine gear artisanal demersal longline operations Auckland Islands, New Zealand (Bartle (Schlatter et al. 2009). These fisheries in the fjords and channels of Patagonia 1991), and maximum rate of 0.11 birds/ target small pelagic species, principally recorded minimal numbers of seabird trawl during demersal fish catches around the anchovy Engraulis ringens and com- bycatch (Moreno et al. 2006, Suazo et the Kerguelen Islands, Indian Ocean mon sardine Strangomera bentincki. al. 2013). This was mainly attributed to (Weimerskirch et al. 2000), both during Pelicans, boobies (Sulidae), shearwaters,

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 6 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile and cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) trosses, pelicans, petrels, shearwaters and grounds for Black-browed Albatrosses. are also killed or injured in these types gulls are affected (Table 2). A monitor- However, during winter the trawl mor- of fisheries (see Table 2). Gillnets are ing effort of 198 trawls over 15 months tality rates for the HCS reached 0.152 deployed in artisanal fisheries along during 2011 and 2012 indicated a higher birds/hour. The latter figure includes the Chilean coast (mainly between 18˚ the estimated mortality during summer non-breeding subantarctic breeders such and 42° south) for pelagic species such than winter, reaching 890 seabirds (0.098 as Black-browed Albatrosses, in addition as the palm ruff Seriorella violacea and birds/trawl) through collisions with to endemic species from the SA such corvina drum Cilus gilberti. While no cables (ATF-Chile 2013; Table 3). The a Peruvian Pelican Pelecanus thagus. official seabird mortality estimates exist near-threatened Black-browed Albatross Thus, this review shows the importance for these fisheries (Žydelis et al. 2013), was the most-affected species, represent- of assessing bycatch as a function of unpublished data suggest that artisanal ing 35% of the total mortality. contrasting seasonal blocks, an approach gillnets may kill >5000 birds per year During this same study on trawl in that is adjusted to seasonal abundance in southern Chile alone (Luna-Jorquera the HCS, hourly mortality rates for sum- and distribution patterns of seabirds. unpubl. results). mer (0.031 birds/hour for spring–sum- Our observations in this trawl fish- Another fishery that impacts sea- mer) were lower than estimations for the ery have detected seabird mortality due birds in the HCS is the industrial trawl Falklands trawl fishery during the austral to net entanglements that occur while the fishery for south Pacific hakeMerluccius spring (0.082 birds/hour; Sullivan et al. gear is floating at the sea surface, when gayi gayi. Seven species among alba- 2006) and around important breeding birds forage on fish remains or whole fish

Table 3. Seabird bycatch rates in longline and trawl fisheries for different seabird endemism areas in Chilean waters. Seabird endemism areas: SA = Subantarctic islands and fjords, HCS = Humboldt Current system, OI = Oceanic islands (see text for details). All bird species are combined for each fishery and study.

Seabird endemism Fishery area Bycatch rate Source Industrial demersal longline for SA 1.285 birds/1000 hooks Moreno et al. (2003) Patagonian toothfishDissostichus eleginoides Industrial demersal longline for austral SA 0.018 birds/1000 hooks for Unpubl. data, Moreno et al. (2003), hake Merluccius australis and ling Black-browed Albatross Moreno and Arata (2004); cited by Genypterus blacodes Robertson et al. (2014) Artisanal demersal longline for austral SA 0.030 birds/1000 hooks Moreno et al. (2006) hake and ling Genypterus blacodes

Artisanal demersal longline for SA, HCS 0.047 birds/1000 hooks Moreno et al. (2006) Patagonian toothfish

Industrial pelagic longline for sword- OI 0.032-0.104 birds/1,000 Azócar et al. (2010) fish Xiphias gladius hook Industrial demersal trawl for SA 1.776 birds/trawl Céspedes et al. (2012) austral hake, southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis, and hoki Macruronus magellanicus Industrial demersal trawl for south HCS 0.393 birds/trawl (winter), ATF - Chile (2013) Pacific hakeMerluccius gayi gayi 0.098 birds/trawl (summer); 0.152 birds/trawling hour (winter), 0.031 birds/ trawling hour (summer)

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 7 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile that are stuck in the folds and mesh of individuals per year during the next two measures for three longline fisheries. In the trawl. Although no counter-measures monitored periods (Azócar et al. 2010). the Patagonian toothfish longline fishery, were trialled in our study period, the use This pelagic longline fishery potentially these measures included the use of bird- of net binding has prevented similar net impacts other migratory species from scaring streamer lines during all sets and entanglements in other fisheries (Roe New Zealand, Australia and the Chilean the use of 8.5-kg weights placed every 2005). Before each setting, the net is 40 meters on the main line (Moreno and oceanic islands. These include the Black bound at intervals with breakable strings, Arata 2005). These two measures deter which prevents the mesh from opening petrel Procellaria parkinsoni (Cabezas et seabirds from attacking baited hooks on the surface and improves its rate of al. 2012), and the Juan Fernández Ptero- and reduce the amount of time baited sinking. However, a simpler method to droma externa and Masatierra P. defilip- hooks are available at the sea surface, prevent this source of seabird interaction piana Petrels (Cabezas unpubl. data). respectively. In the austral hake and ling is the habitual cleaning of nets before longline fishery, night setting was recom- the next trawl is deployed. This involves seabird byCaTCh miTigaTion in Chile mended as the main mitigation measure, shaking fish remains out the mesh while A national commitment: Govern- complemented with the use of streamer preparing the gear on deck. ment initiatives and researchers’ par- lines during all sets and the use of 8-kg Entanglement of scavenging birds ticipation—Since the earliest records weights (no distance specified) on the should not be underestimated for Chile, main line. For the swordfish pelagic of Procellariiform mortality in fisheries where mortalities associated with net longline fishery, prescribed mitigation (Brothers 1991), longline fishing has measures included night setting, the use entanglement at the surface reached up increasingly been recognized as one of of streamer lines, and the addition of 60- 37% of all dead birds (ATF–Chile 2013). the main threats to albatross and petrel to 75-g lead weights to branch lines to Thus, overall estimations of bycatch for populations globally (Anderson et al. increase the sink rate (Moreno and Arata trawl fisheries should be considered as 2011). The United Nations Food and conservative, since cryptic sources of 2005). The weights are on lead swivels Agriculture Organization’s International that are attached to the monofilament line mortality may exist. These can include Plan of Action (FAO 1999) called for net entanglements on the surface and with crimps, and placed ca. 3.5 m from member states to respond to this issue the hook. strikes with trawl gear cables, even when by developing a national plan of ac- no seabird bycatch has been recorded in Following the development of the tion to reduce the bycatch of seabirds PAN-AM/Chile, the next stage was to the gear when it is retrieved on board. in their EEZs. In 2001, Chile started a monitor implementation and effective- process of expert consultation through ness. A more comprehensive monitoring Interactions in the Oceanic Islands the Fisheries Research Fund (Fondo de program onboard the pelagic longline (OI)—The waters around the OI support Investigación Pesquera [FIP]; www.fip. fleet revealed a higher mortality than pre- a pelagic longline fishery for swordfish cl), which generated participation in the viously identified (Moreno et al. 2007), Xiphias gladius, sharks, and tunas (e.g. diagnosis of seabird mortality levels and including a greater number of visitor spe- blue shark Prionace glauca and bigeye the development of PAN-AM/Chile. cies in Chilean waters (Table 2). During tuna Thunnus obesus). A total of 12 spe- The strategy to reach the objec- this second stage of the PAN-AM/Chile cies of seabird have been reported taken tives of this plan involved the following for the swordfish fishery (supported by incidentally in this fishery (González et steps: (i) estimate the magnitude of the FIP), observations revealed low compli- al. 2012). The main species killed are problem in the Chilean EEZ; (ii) develop Black-browed Albatrosses, Wandering an action plan, if needed; (iii) imple- ance in the use of streamer lines during day and night settings (Moreno et al. Albatrosses, and White-chinned Petrels ment mitigation measures in fisheries 2007), although the use of 60- to 75-g Procellaria aequinoctialis (Table 2), where negative interactions occur with line weights was adopted throughout with a higher occurrence of these events seabirds; (iv) research, and (v) training the fishery. during winter (Azócar et al. 2010, Barría of fishermen on the issue of bycatch and In the longline fishery for Patago- et al. 2012, González et al. 2012). The mitigation measures (Moreno and Arata nian toothfish, compliance with recom- greatest bycatch record for this fishery 2005). This process was focused on the mendations in the PAN-AM/Chile led to was in 2007, with 128 individuals (73.9% Chilean longline fleet, and particularly zero seabird mortality in 2006 (Moreno of all mortality) from 11 species, among the fisheries for Patagonian toothfish and swordfish. et al. 2007). This great achievement was them albatrosses, petrels, and shear- PAN-AM/Chile was established attributed to a change in fishing technol- waters (Azócar et al. 2010; Table 3). through Supreme Decree No. 136 of 2007, ogy, from the Spanish longline system to Subsequently, when larger vessels (>28 issued by Chilean fisheries authorities and a “Chilean” longline or trotline system. m) left the fishery after 2007, seabird supported with the signature of Chile’s As described in Robertson et al. (2008, mortality dropped to a level of around 20 president. The plan specified mandatory 2014), the Spanish system uses two lines

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 8 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile set in parallel—a hauling line (retenida), On the other hand, a direct assess- the implementation of the PAN-AM/ and a hook line (linea madre) with nu- ment of seabird bycatch and compliance Chile to include other fisheries. merous secondary lines or branch lines with the mitigation measures proposed in (barandillos) that connect the two main the PAN-AM/Chile are still pending for New government initiatives for lines. In contrast, the Chilean longline the industrial longline fishery for austral science-based seabird conservation— system uses a single main line, equivalent hake in SA waters, as well as for other In 2011 the Chilean Undersecretariat to the Spanish retenida. Hooks are now Chilean fisheries farther north. for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subsec- attached to short snoods in clusters near In 2008 an expert consultation was retaría de Pesca y Acuicultura) created a the ends of each branch line, where a held on technical guidelines for the ap- National Scientific Committee for Bio- weight is also attached. plication of best practices in the Inter- diversity–Seabirds (Comité Científico Nacional de Biodiversidad–Aves Marinas; This fishing gear adaptation repre- national Plan of Action/National Plan CCNB-AM) to support current and future sented a technology transfer from the of Action for Seabirds (IPOA/NPOA– conservation actions. artisanal longline fishery for toothfish Seabirds; FAO 2008). This publication (boats <18 m long). Industrial fishermen The CCNB-AM is a working group recommended the inclusion of trawl and of scientists and conservation profession- configured the gear to include a 10-m gillnet fisheries in all National Plans for secondary line placed every 20 m along als with the objective to formulate sci- Action–Seabirds. Recognising this, the entifically supported recommendations the main line. Each secondary line carries Albatross Task Force in central-southern on the population status, conservation, 6 to 10 hooks, with a weight 4-8 kg at Chile (latitude 33 to 42° south) assessed and fisheries interactions of seabirds. its terminal end; this makes the second- seabird interactions in the trawl fishery The goal is to ary line sink fast and prevents seabird for south Pacific hake between June 2011 apply practical bycatch (Moreno et al. 2008). A further and August 2012. Of the 34 seabird spe- knowledge to improvement of the method made by cies observed in this fishery, seven spe- the conservation fishermen included a “net sleeve” that cies were found to be vulnerable to mor- of seabirds in covers the catch and prevents damage by tality through collisions with trawl warp Chilean waters. sperm Physeter macrocephalus and killer cables and the third wire (netsonde), plus This in- whales Orcinus orca during hauling. entanglements in the net while foraging cludes a propos- Adoption of the Chilean system for offal and discards (Table 2). During al for improve- was also supported by full compliance this study, the experimental deployment ments to the with measures proposed in the PAN- of bird-scaring lines on 54.5% of the existing PAN- AM/Chile for the Patagonian toothfish 198 monitored AM/Chile, and longline fishery: (i) the disposal of pro- trawls resulted cessing discards on the opposite side of in zero bird mor- the vessel from the hauling bay, which talities through avoids incidental capture of scavenging cable strikes, es- seabirds during hauling of the gear; (ii) pecially during setting lines with minimal deck lights; the winter period and (iii) the use of bird-scaring lines when mortality (Moreno et al. 2007). The transition events are almost from Spanish to Chilean gear configura- six times higher tion started during 2006-2007 and was than during sum- completed in 2008. The measures are mer (ATF-Chile recognized among the most innovative 2013). This re- initiatives in Chilean fisheries (Castilla view, in addition et al. 2013). The changes are associated with the current with an increase of 23% in breeding pairs work carried of Black-browed Albatrosses from 2002 out by scientific through 2012 at their two main colonies observers from in SA Chile (Robertson et al. 2014). In IFOP in industri- this way, low-cost modifications to fish- al trawl for aus- FIGURE 3. New efforts to understand seabird bycatch are concentrating ing gear can improve catches of target tral hake in Sub- on artisanal gill net and purse seine fisheries distributed in Chilean waters. species and save seabirds from bycatch. antarctic waters, Top: Gillnets in south-central Chile overlap with seasonal migration and These changes can easily be transferred has reinforced juvenile dispersal of penguins, such as this juvenile Magellanic Penguin. and adopted by longline fleets around the sense of ur- Bottom: Purse seines operate in breeding and feeding areas of endemic subantarctic waters. gency to upgrade species such as Pink-footed Shearwater. Photos by C.G. Suazo.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 9 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile research to mitigate seabird mortality in New efforts: other fisheries— in litt.) This fishery operated strongly in all domestic fisheries through the adop- Currently, local researchers are taking central Chile until the end of the 1990s. tion of best practices. A recent update of the first steps in the field to identify and New efforts: collective involve- the General Law on Fisheries and Aqua- quantify seasonal interactions between ment in land-based conservation— culture (Law No. 20,657 of February 6, seabirds and unassessed fisheries. 2013) established mandatory technical They are focusing on the industrial Other ongoing efforts include the pro- support for decision-making (recommen- and artisanal purse seine fisheries and motion of citizen engagement to sys- dations from experts). In order to imple- the artisanal gillnet fishery at various tematically monitor events of beached ment this change, the Undersecretariat latitudes along the Chilean coast, which seabirds along the Chilean coast. The for Fisheries and Aquaculture has es- strongly affect diving species such as standardized collection of this informa- tablished eight new Technical Scientific shearwaters, cormorants, and penguins tion will contribute towards the genera- Committees, including one dedicated to through entanglement in fishing gear tion of Internet open-access databases, biodiversity and environmental issues. (ATF-Chile unpubl. data; Suazo and a good example of which is the seabird This development means that the former Steffen unpubl. data; Figure 3). One strandings network (Red de Varamientos CCNB-AM has now been expanded to example comes from artisanal purse de Aves Marinas; REVAM). This initia- include the conservation of highly migra- seine fishery in south-central Chile tive, born during 2013 in northern Chile, tory species and sharks (Chondrichthyes) (approximately 39°S). Here, preliminary currently has simultaneous monitoring within a wider context for conservation data suggest mortality of pursuit-diving covering the coast between north-central of biodiversity. species such as the Pink-footed and Sooty (29°S) and south-central Chile (39°S), Notwithstanding this change in with voluntary support of regional rep- committee structure, it is expected that Puffinus griseusShearwaters, among 13 resentatives (Miranda-Urbina in litt.). the CCNB-AM will continue to improve other species associated with this fishery. Thus, this network compiles informa- PAN-AM/Chile, contribute new assess- In this study, 55.6% of 9 exploratory ments and proposals for mitigation mea- sets during the austral spring resulted tion from throughout Chile pertinent to sures, and identify best fishing practices. in a mean combined bycatch of 11.4 seabird mortality events, likely related to Finally, estimation of bycatch levels individuals per set. This was comprised fisheries but also to other causes such as in any fishery is made more difficult of 81% Pink-footed and 19% Sooty contamination and disease. by activities that are illegal, unregu- Shearwaters (ATF-Chile unpubl. results). Some of these early instances are lated, and unreported. These are still Of course, these first results from ATF- already materializing as joint projects on a widespread issue among countries Chile’s study must not be considered topics of seabirds and their interactions (Trouwborst 2008). In some cases, these a final, absolute estimate, since the with fisheries. These initiatives are of activities are supported by organized studies are part of ongoing systematic current interest to the national fisheries groups (Österblom et al. 2011) with an monitoring. Our monitoring will work authority, and also where the collabora- international working structure to avoid towards future bycatch mitigation in the tion of citizen action along coasts and regulatory actions by countries. On the purse seine fishery. We plan to expand islands of Chile is expected. Citizens, in Chilean scene, there are intrusions by turn, are already demonstrating a grow- artisanal vessels into other artisanal or our work to additional latitudes along the ing commitment to working with admin- industrial administrative fishing areas HCS, add the winter period, and include istrators of public protected areas, and (Oyarzún et al. 2003). Industrial opera- other species with feeding methods such tions also overlap onto artisanal fishing as plunge diving (e.g. Peruvian booby they are focused on long-term efforts, grounds. Sula variegata; Table 2). such as protection of breeding colonies Under a wider view that includes However, there is a long way to of the endemic Pink-footed Shearwater. international waters, the Chilean go before we understand the level of government is currently focused on negative interactions with seabirds and CONCLUDING REMARKS acquiring international commitments other taxa in unstudied fisheries. These Today, the commitment from Chile to improve regulatory systems, through include trawling for crustaceans in is progressing towards a better under- actions by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs coastal waters and the drift net fishery for standing of the level of seabird bycatch, (e.g. Our Ocean Conference). In addition, swordfish in pelagic waters. For the latter and the generation of strategies to imple- local actions through the fisheries fishery there are past records of marine authorities are on the current agenda, in ment effective protection of threatened turtle bycatch since the second part of order to address the problem of intrusions seabirds. Thus, Chilean participation is with measures such as remote tracking the 1980s (Frazier and Brito 1990), but active in different international forums, of vessels and monitoring of onboard there was also unreported mortality of such as the Agreement on the Conserva- practices. fish, birds, dolphins and whales (Brito tion of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP),

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 10 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile with the promotion of new species for Azócar, J.R., J.C. Saavedra, P. Barría, Z. Castilla, J.C., C.A Moreno, and H. Baci- listing, such as the Pink-footed Shearwa- Young, R. Vega, C. Moreno, A. García, galupo. 2013. Innovaciones en manejo ter; the Commission for the Conservation and M. González. 2010. Fondo de Inves- pesquero y conservación en Chile. In: tigación Pesquera. Proyecto FIP 2008-55: Santelices, B., F. Lund, T. Cooper, and of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Seguimiento del Plan de Acción de Aves J.A. Asenjo (editors). Innovación basada (CCAMLR); and the South Pacific Re- Marinas 2008 (Final Report). Instituto de en conocimiento científico. Academia gional Fisheries Management Organisa- Fomento Pesquero (IFOP) - Subsecretaría Chilena de Ciencias de Chile y Ministerio tion (SPRFMO). These organizations de Pesca y Acuicultura (SUBPESCA). de Educación, Santiago, Chile. facilitate actions by Chile towards the Valparaíso, Chile (www.ifop.cl; accessed Céspedes, R., V. Ojeda, L. Chong, L. Adasme, L. Muñoz, K. Hunt, L. Cid, M. Miranda, assessment and mitigation of the nega- 16 June 2014) Barría, P., J. Azócar, C. Bernal, A. González, and A. Villalón. 2012. Convenio asesoría tive effects of bycatch. And, in turn, our S. Mora, F. Cerna, and H. Miranda. integral para la toma de decisiones en local initiatives can also be externalized 2012. Asesoría integral para la toma de pesca y acuicultura 2012. Actividad 2: to different contexts in international col- decisiones en Pesca y Acuicultura, 2011. Peces Demersales: Pesquerías de Re- laboration. Actividad 1: Recursos Pelágicos. Inves- cursos Demersales y Aguas Profundas tigación situación de pesquerías de recur- 2013. Sección IV: Demersales sur Aus- tral–industrial (Final Report). Instituto de ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS sos altamente migratorios, 2011. Final Report. Instituto de Fomento Pesquero Fomento Pesquero (IFOP)–Subsecretaría Our gratitude goes to all the observ- (IFOP)—Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acui- de Pesca y Acuicultura (SUBPESCA). ers working in Chilean waters for their cultura (SUBPESCA). Valparaíso, Chile Valparaíso, Chile. (Contact: L. Adasme, important efforts at sea. Thanks to all (www.ifop.cl; accessed 16 June 2014) [email protected]) Croxall, J.P., S.H.M. Butchart, B. Lascelles, artisanal fishermen and crews from fish- Bartle, J.A. 1991. Incidental capture of sea- birds in the New Zealand subantarctic A.J. Stattersfield, B. Sullivan, A. Symes, ing companies who openly allowed our and P. Taylor. 2012. Seabird conserva- squid trawl fishery, 1990. Bird Conserva- work onboard. To Patricio Ortiz Soazo, tion status, threats and priority actions: tion International 1: 351–359. Jaime Ojeda, Mauricio Steffen, Juan C. a global assessment. Bird Conservation Belkin, I.M. 2009. Rapid warming of large González-But, Diego Miranda-Urbina, International 22: 1–34. marine ecosystems. Progress in Ocean- FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture José L. Brito, Subsecretaría de Pesca y ography 81: 207–213. Organization). 1999. International Plan Acuicultura (SUBPESCA), and Instituto BirdLife International. 2004. Tracking ocean of Action for reducing incidental catch of de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP) for all their wanderers: The global distribution of seabirds in longline fisheries. Rome, Italy. support. We thank Vivian Mendenhall albatrosses and petrels. Results from the (www.fao.org; accessed 16 June 2014) for her invitation, support, and sug- Global Procellariiform Tracking Work- FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture gestions during the preparation of this shop, 1–5 September 2003, Gordon’s Organization). 2008. Report of the expert contribution. Finally, we thank the time Bay, South Africa. BirdLife International, consultation on best practice technical and support of editorial assistance by Cambridge, UK. guidelines for IPOA/NPOA–Seabirds). Sarah Allen and suggestions from two Brito, J.L. 2002. Muertes de Puffinus griseus Bergen Norway, 2-5 September 2008. anonymous referees, which improved en redes de pesca de cerco industrial y FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report. artesanal en la costa de San Antonio, this contribution. No. 880. Rome, Italy. (www.fao.org; ac- región de Valparaíso, Chile. Boletín cessed 16 June 2014) Chileno de Ornitología 9: 33–34. Frazier, J.G., and J.L. Brito. 1990. Incidental LITERATURE CITED Brothers, N. 1991. Albatross mortality and capture of marine turtles by the swordfish associated bait loss in the Japanese fish- fishery at San Antonio, Chile. Marine Anderson, O.R.J., C.J. Small, J.P. Croxall, ery in the Southern Ocean. Biological Turtle Newsletter 49: 8–13. E. K. Dunn, B.J. Sullivan, O. Yates, and Conservation 55: 255–268. González, A., R. Vega, M.A. Barbieri, and E. A. Black. 2011. Global seabird bycatch Cabezas, L.A., J. Ruiz, O. Yates, and M. Yáñez. 2012. Determinación de los fac- in longline fisheries. Endangered Species Bernal. 2012. The black petrel (Procel- tores que inciden en la captura incidental Research 14: 91–106. laria parkinsoni) in pelagic waters off de aves marinas en la flota palangrera ATF (Albatross Task Force). 2007. Albatross northern Chile: a southern extension to pelágica chilena. Latin American Journal Task Force Annual Report 2007. BirdLife the known distribution and interactions of Aquatic Research 40: 786–799. International and Royal Society for the with the pelagic longline fishery. New IUCN (International Union for the Conser- Protection of Birds, Sandy, United King- Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwa- vation of Nature). 2013. IUCN Red List dom (Contact: C.G. Suazo, biosuazo@ ter Research 46: 537–544. of Threatened Species. Version 2014.1. gmail.com) Cabezas, L.A., and C.G. Suazo. 2011. Chile— (www.iucnredlist.org; accessed 16 June ATF-Chile (Albatross Task Force-Chile). Albatross Task Force Team Highlights 2014). 2013. Demersal Trawl Report (2011– 2011. Albatross Task Force, BirdLife Moreno, C.A., and J. Arata. 2005. Diseño 2012). Albatross Task Force-Chile, International and Royal Society for del plan de acción para mitigar efectos BirdLife International, Santiago, Chile the Protection of Birds, Sandy, United de la pesca de palangre sobre aves mari- (Contact: C.G. Suazo, biosuazo@gmail. Kingdom. (www.rspb.org.uk; accessed nas. Final Report. Project FIP 2003-21, com) 16 June 2014) Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 11 ARTICLE • Bycatch and mitigation in Chile

(SUBPESCA). Valdivia, Chile. (www. Österblom, H., A. Constable, and S. Fukumi. C. Hernández, and A. Simeone. 2009. fip.cl; accessed 16 June 2014 2011. Illegal fishing and the organized Mortandad de pingüino de Magallanes Moreno, C.A., and J. Arata. 2006. Efectos crime analogy. Trends in Ecology and (Spheniscus magellanicus) en Queule, de las pesquerías industriales de palan- Evolution 26: 261–262. región de la Araucanía, Chile. Boletín gre sobre aves marinas y el camino a su Oyarzún, C., S. Gacitúa, M. Araya, L. Cubil- Chileno de Ornitología 15: 78–86. mitigación en Chile. In: Saball, P., M.K. los, R. Galleguillos, C. Pino, G. Aedo, M. Schlatter, R.P., and A. Simeone. 1999. Estado Arroyo, J.C. Castilla, C. Estades, J.M. Salamanca, M. Pedraza, and J. Lamilla. del conocimiento y conservación de las Ladrón de Guevara, S. Larraín, C.A. 2003. Monitoreo de la pesquería artesanal aves marinas en mares Chilenos. Estudios Moreno, F. Rivas, J. Rovira, A. Sánchez, de bacalao de profundidad entre la VIII Oceanológicos 18: 25–33. and L. Sierralta (editors). Biodiversidad y XI Regiones. Final Report. Project Simeone, A., M. Bernal, and J. Meza. 1999. de Chile: Patrimonio y desafíos. Comis- FIP 2001-16, Subsecretaría de Pesca y Incidental mortality of Humboldt Pen- ión Nacional del Medio Ambiente –Chile Acuicultura (SUBPESCA). Concepción, guins Spheniscus humboldti in gill nets, (CONAMA–Chile), Santiago, Chile. Chile. (www.fip.cl; accessed 16 June central Chile. Marine Ornithology 27: (www.mma.gob.cl; accessed 16 June 2014) 157–161. 2014) Pütz, K., L. Hiriart-Bertrand, A. Simeone, V. Spear, L.B., and D.G. Ainley. 2008. The Moreno, C.A., R. Hucke-Gaete, and J. Arata. Riquelme, R. Reyes-Arriagada, and B. seabird community of the Peru Current, 2003. Interacción de la pesquería del Lüthi. 2011. Entanglement and drown- 1980-1995, with comparisons to other bacalao de profundidad con mamíferos ing of a Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus eastern boundary currents. Marine Orni- y aves marinas. Final Report. Project FIP magellanicus) in a gill net recorded by thology 36: 125–144. 2001–31, Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acui- a time-depth recorder in South-Central Suazo, C.G., R.P. Schlatter, A.M. Arriagada, cultura (SUBPESCA). Valdivia, Chile. Chile. Waterbirds 34: 121–125. L.A. Cabezas, and J. Ojeda. 2013. Fisher- (www.fip.cl; accessed 16 June 2014) Robertson, G., C.A. Moreno, J.A. Arata, men’s perceptions of interactions between Moreno, C.A., J.A. Arata, P. Rubilar, R. S.G. Candy, K. Lawton, J. Valencia, seabirds and artisanal fisheries in the Hucke-Gaete, and G. Robertson. 2006. B. Wienecke, R. Kirkwood, P. Taylor, Chonos archipelago, Chilean Patagonia. Artisanal longline fisheries in Southern and C.G. Suazo. 2014. Black-browed Oryx 47: 184–189. Chile: lessons to be learned to avoid albatross numbers in Chile increase in Sullivan, B.J., P. Brickle, T.A. Reid, D.G. incidental seabird mortality. Biological response to reduced mortality in fisheries. Bone, and D.A.J. Middleton. 2006. Conservation 127: 27–36. Biological Conservation 169: 319–333. Mitigation of seabird mortality on fac- Moreno, C.A., R. Castro, L.J. Mújica, and Robertson, G., C.A. Moreno, E. Gutiérrez, tory trawlers: trials of three devices to P. Reyes. 2008. Significant conservation S.G. Candy, E.F. Melvin, and J.P. Seco reduce warp cable strikes. Polar Biology benefits obtained from the use of a new Pon. 2008. Line weights of constant mass fishing gear in the Chilean Industrial (and sink rates) for the Spanish-system 29: 745–753. Patagonian Toothfish Fishery. CCAMLR Patagonian toothfish longline vessels. Trouwborst, A. 2008. Seabird bycatch— Science 15: 79–91. CCAMLR Science 15: 93-106. deathbed conservation or a precaution- Moreno, C.A., and G. Robertson. 2008. Robertson, G., C.A. Moreno, K. Lawton, ary and holistic approach? Journal of ¿Cuántos albatros de ceja negra, Thal- J. Arata, J. Valencia, and R. Kirkwood. International Wildlife Law & Policy 11: assarche melanophrys (Temminck, 2007. An estimate of the population 293–333. 1828) anidan en Chile? Anales Instituto sizes of Black-browed (Thalassarche Weimerskirch, H., D. Capdeville, and G. Du- melanophrys T. Patagonia 36: 89–92. ) and Grey-headed ( hamel. 2000. Factors affecting the number Moreno, C.A., R. Vega, G. Robertson, and chrysostoma) Albatrosses breeding in the and mortality of seabirds attending trawl- G. Luna. 2007. Seguimiento del plan de Diego Ramírez Archipelago, Chile. Emu acción de aves marinas. Final Report. 107: 239–244. ers and long-liners in the Kerguelen area. Project FIP 2006-30, Subsecretaría de Roe, J.O. 2005. Mitigation trials and recom- Polar Biology 23: 236–249. Pesca y Acuicultura (SUBPESCA). mendations to reduce seabird mortality Žydelis, R., C. Small, and G. French. 2013. Valdivia, Chile. (www.fip.cl; accessed in the pelagic icefish (Champsocephalus The incidental catch of seabirds in gillnet 16 June 2014) gunnari) fishery (Sub-area 48.3). WG- fisheries: A global review. Biological Ojeda, J., C.G. Suazo, and J.R. Rau. 2011. FSA-05/59, SC-CAMLR XXIV. Com- Conservation 162: 76–88. Ensamble estacional de aves marinas en mission for the Conservation of Antarctic la pesquería del palangre artesanal de la Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), This is a peer-reviewed paper. merluza austral Merluccius australis, en Hobart, Australia. (www.ccamlr.org; ac- canales subantárticos de Chile. Revista cessed 16 June 2014) Submitted 7 April 2013, accepted 8 de Biología Marina y Oceanografía 46: Schlatter, R.P., E. Paredes, J. Ulloa, J. Har- July 2014; updated through 18 October 443–451. ris, A. Romero, J. Vásquez, A. Lizama, 2014.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 12 TRANSLATION BIRDS OF SEODO ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE NORTH KOREA Nagamichi Kuroda Originally published as The Birds at Nishi Island Lighthouse in Hwanghae Do, Korea in Tori 3(15): 309-314, 1923. Translated from the Japanese by Charles H. Pell

Editor’s Note: The PSG Japanese Seabird Conservation Committee asked Charles A. Pell to translate this Japanese article into English to make it more widely available. The article provides some of the earliest information about the breeding of the Ancient Murrelet, Black-tailed Gull, and Streaked Shearwater at Seodo and Suundo islands in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Chilbaldo Island in the Republic of Korea (ROK), and Eboshi Island in Japan. The reader should be aware that some aspects of biology of these species reported herein have been later interpreted differently with greater subsequent data. – Harry Carter

Translator’s Note: The author provides Japanese names, in use at the time for the geopolitical divisions in which Nishijima, now Seodo Island (also known as Sodo, 西島) lies. These names are no longer used and would not aid the reader in locating the activities described. Hence, they are not included and I have used current Korean place names with latitude and longitude as needed. – Charles H. Pell

My deep gratitude to Mr. Shinsei 1. Fork-tailed [Pacific] Swift 2. Ancient Murrelet Hagiwara of the Seodo lighthouse for Apus pacificus pacificus (Latham) Synthliboramphus antiquus (Gmelin) providing specimens and interesting Migration arrival time: From late Migration arrival and breeding articles that introduced me to the March throughout April. habits: Arriving every year in early physical features and habits of the birds Egg production: Deposition late March, they copulate among the lush of the Seodo Island Lighthouse, Chodo-ri, May to late June. Likelihood of a grass and rock crevices toward the Nampo City, Hwangnam Province three-egg clutch is uncertain, but a middle of the month and begin to (黃海南道 南浦特別市 椒島里), two-egg clutch is verified from two lay eggs by the end of March or in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea eggs and two chicks that we received early April. At this time they place (DPRK; North Korea). preserved in alcohol. some dry grass into an unmodified The lighthouse is located at 124º46’E depression to form what passes for a Nest: Nests are small in size and longitude, 38º30’N latitude and is 0.9 km nest and begin to lay eggs. Clutch size similar to those of other swallows. northwest of Chodo Island [near the is usually two eggs but three occur They are made of mud, small dust, center of the west coast of DPRK, SW of on rare occasions. Every day, adults dry grass inserted into crevices in Pyongyang, in the northeastern Yellow arrive at the island around dusk rocky walls that is stuck together Sea. The exact location is 38º33’N, and leave the nest early dawn, but with sticky mucous that hardens to 124º46’E and about 1.4 km from Chodo once the eggs are laid, they stay on form a cup. Nest size is 106 x 85 mm, Island] It is a small island, circumference the nest day and night to keep them 32 mm in depth. 763-872 m, that has only one house for warm. Incubation time can vary, but the lighthouse staff. The island crest is Collected items: Figures 50-52 seems to take over three weeks. The 84.9 meters above sea level and is a reef show photos of Fork-tailed Swift birds leave the island between mid formation remaining from a higher specimens received. They include and late May. Two or three days after mountainous formation. Halfway up the two adults, one nest, two eggs and hatching the chicks leave the island slope weeds begin to grow and there are chicks described above, collected with the parents, and then swim off a few small trees such as cherries. on May 15 and on June 21, 1922. to mature on their own. A chick Four bird species regularly breed on The two white eggs measured 26 x swimming alone was observed. Our the island, Fork-tailed [Pacific] Swift 18 mm and 27 x 17 mm, and each specimens included two adults and that was commonly called “Rock weighed 4.13 grams. two eggs collected March 27, 1922. Swallow,” Ancient Murrelet (“Sea Habits: This abundant species arrives Figure 53 shows a photo of two eggs Sparrow”), Black-tailed Gull (“White earlier than the usual swallows and which are basically earth colored with Gull”), and Streaked Shearwater leaves in the fall. It emits a “PYUU” dark and light variants. The size of egg (“Spotted Gull,” “Blackish spotted hum as it cuts through the wind, is relatively large when compared to Gull,” or “Black Gull”). giving the impression of flying faster the size of the female bird. The 62.5 than other swallows. x 38.5 mm and 64 x 39 mm. One of them weighed 49.5 grams.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 13 TRANSLATION • Birds of Seodo Island Lighthouse North Korea

Note: To Mr. Hagiwara’s knowledge, them that it is difficult to determine 4. Streaked Shearwater the greatest numbers of this species when viewing them which male goes Puffinus leucomelas (Temminck) occur in the vicinity of Chilbaldo with which female. Migration Arrival Time, etc: Lighthouse, 125º47’E longitude, Nesting: In a little dead grass placed Migrating birds begin to arrive during 34º47’N latitude [off the SW corner of in a depression in the rocks or on the last part of March and either dig a ROK, W of Mokpo, in the southeastern the grassy surface without actually horizontal burrow in a bank or enter Yellow Sea], where the numbers forming a nest, they deposit a clutch an existing opening between rocks. are almost uncountable. In a single that can number three eggs but Egg deposition occurs between late day hundreds of eggs can easily be more likely two. Time between the June and early July. Copulation may collected. He once made a comforter laying of the first and next egg can take place in the burrows or away from the feathers of several thousand be greater than five or six days, even from the breeding site, but details parent birds. Bird counts at Seodo up to ten days. Hatching of the eggs are uncertain. Females simply Island are much lower, numbering in does not take place as a one-time deposit the eggs in the burrow or the hundreds, as is the case in Eboshi event, as is the case with some birds, rock crevice without building a nest Island off Fukuoka in Japan [latitude resulting in size difference between structure. It was not like the so- 33º41’N, longitude 129º59’E, off the early and late hatched siblings in the called nest. The clutch is limited to NW coast of Kyushu, in Tsushima same nest. Three out of six donated a single smooth white egg. The egg Strait], a reef island that also has a eggs measured 65.5 to 68.5 x 44 to yolk is light yellow in color and the lighthouse, where Hagiwara saw 45.5 mm. Two eggs weighed 65.6 white is colorless and transparent. only 10s of birds coming ashore grams and the other 69.4 grams. Chicks: After hatching, parents provide to nest. Both islands are small with Chicks: Grown chicks fledge small clupeid fish or small squid as circumferences of less than 763-872 between the beginning of June and food for the chicks. Similar to the [Seodo] and 2,000 m [Eboshi]. late August. Until that time the approach used by cormorants, the [Only Japanese Murrelets (S. parents bring food to them. The food parents carry food back in their wumizusume) subsequently have includes small clupeid fish and small gullets and regurgitate it when they been found breeding at Eboshi Island squid. return to the nest. During the heat (Nagata and Onagamitsu 1991). K. (around August) chicks crawl out from Otsuki and M. Takeishi suggested Sexual dimorphism: Male weight the nest entrance but retreat back to that Hagiwara likely misidentified and body length are just slightly safety at the sound of a footstep or the species of murrelet that bred at greater, hardly noticeable to the eye. sight of a human figure. They fledge Eboshi Island.] Collected Items: Figure 55 shows a about the middle of October and by photo of specimens of three chicks the end of the month have matured 3. Black-tailed Gull at different stages of development. and departed from the nest area. Larus crassirostris (Vieillot) Other specimens not shown in the Habits: Around sunset the shearwaters Arrival time and breeding habits: photo included two pairs, three gather on the sea surface, playfully Gathering on the sea surface in a chicks, and six eggs. These were interacting near shore, taking off noisy flock every day at dawn from collected May 15 and June 21, 1922. and landing on the island or noisily the beginning of April, they move Notes: Hemp line foot snares were visiting the burrows. Just 20-30 ashore when beginning to copulate. set up on the sharp rocks ahead of minutes before dawn they take off and After the mid April copulation time and pulled from a distance. fly away, with not one bird remaining period they lay eggs from the Because of many thousands of birds, after daylight. During incubation beginning of May to early June. it was relatively easy to catch Black- the parents remain together on the After mating takes place at the edge tailed Gulls. Black-tailed Gulls island day and night. This makes of the rocks they stay together day (commonly called “White Gull”) the females easy to catch, but the and night. The gulls appear to cast come out and lay eggs in the daylight males are more difficult. People club a white mantle over the whole island and sleep at night, but can be heard the birds to death at night. These from mating time until the chicks calling on moonlit nights. Streaked birds skillfully glide through the fledge, but only a few can be seen in Shearwaters also have the common air performing loop maneuvers like the water near shore at other times of name “Spotted Gull,” and come out those of swallows. When they try year, namely between September and only at night, keeping to their burrows to take off from land, however, they March when they move elsewhere. in the daytime when they are not must fly parallel to the surface like an Males stand guard while the females visible. Hence the Black-tailed Gulls airplane for some distance before they are brooding eggs. This likely shows are locally called “day gulls” and the can gain altitude. On the lighthouse monogamy, but there are so many of Streaked Shearwaters “night gulls.”

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 14 TRANSLATION • Birds of Seodo Island Lighthouse North Korea grounds a one and a half meter high do), which is located near the Yalu 水運島 Suundo (平安北道鴨緑江沖合) concrete wall encloses an area that River Estuary between the People’s “The light house at Suundo (水運島) is easy for birds to enter during the Republic of China (China) and Island, Cheolsan-gun, Pyeongbuk night. Lacking a sufficiently long DPRK [latitude 39º41’N, longitude Province (Pyeonganbuk-do), which is horizontal runway (12.7-14.5 m) 124º25’E; Suundo is in DPRK in located near the Yalu River Estuary they cannot get out, however, being Korea Bay at the northeast end of between China and DPRK.” unable to fly up diagonally. The birds the Yellow Sea]. These three species This area belonged to Ihyun-ri or will bite anyone who sticks a hand of course have their own criteria Sosa-ri, Punghae-myeon, Songhwa-gun, into the burrow to try to take an for choosing places to inhabit, but Hwanghae Province (黃海道 松禾郡 egg away from under an incubating here we have one place to the south 豊海面 泥峴里/蘇沙里) before 1950s, bird. To counter this, people use a [Chilbaldo – at south end of the and to Chodo-ri, Gwail-gun, Hwangnam looped-string with a diameter of 9 Yellow Sea] that attracts Streaked Province (黃海南道 과일郡 椒島 cm attached to a bamboo stick, or Shearwater (“Black Gull”), one place 里) until 1996. alternatively use a bear paw shaped in the middle [Seodo – between rake to scrape the egg out of the hole. Chilbaldo and Suundo but much SUGGESTED CITATION [M. Takeishi suggested that the closer to Suundo] is used by all three Kuroda, N. 2014. [Birds of Seodo original paper must have had a species with Black-tailed Gulls being Island lighthouse North Korea.] Pacific typographical error where 玉綱 more numerous at one and less at the Seabirds 41: 13-17 (English translation (ball rope or looped string) should other, and then there is a place further by Charles A. Pell of a 1923 article have been 玉網 (dip-net) and this north [Suundo – at north end of the published in Japanese). sentence should read as: To counter Yellow Sea] where the so-called “Rat this, people use a net with a diameter Gulls” land. Mr. Hagiwara questions of 9 cm attached to a bamboo stick… whether climate is a factor in these H. Carter suggested that the net or distributions. rake apparently was used to roll or drag the whole egg out of the burrow.] ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Quick hand work is required to get K. Otsuki, M. Takeishi, C-Y. Choi, the egg before the bird breaks the H-Y. Nam, H. Hasegawa and H. Carter egg after becoming very angry. The assisted aspects of this translation. clutch is limited to a single egg. After the egg is laid, incubation starts. It is LITERATURE CITED very rare to find the egg unattended Nagata, H., and J. Onagamitsu. 1991. in the nest because a parent is almost Rediscovery of a breeding population of always tending to incubation duty. the Japanese Murrelet Synthliboramphus Specimens received were one adult wumizusume on Eboshi-jima Island in the Sea of Genkai, Kyushu. Strix 10: 259-262. and two eggs collected June 21, 1922. The two eggs measured 68.5 x 45 APPENDIX mm and 72.5 x 45.5 mm and one of The following information was them weighed 73.88 g (Fig. 54). provided by Chang-Yong Choi and Notes: Many Streaked Shearwaters Hyun-Young Nam: come to nest at Chilbaldo, but no 西島 Seodo (朝鮮黄海道) Black-tailed Gulls. At Seodo, there There has been a light house here since are many more Black-tailed Gulls 1 9 0 8 . T h e I s l a n d m u s t b e “S E O D O than Streaked Shearwaters, and (西島)” which belongs to Chodo-ri, rarely “ahodori” that are known Nampo City, Hwangnam Province (黃海 locally as “Rat Gulls,” also come. 南道 南浦特別市 椒島里). [H. Hasegawa and C-Y. Choi The old spelling code for Korean- suggested that “ahodori” appears to Roman translation, SODO would be be a local name for a species which accepted as well before the 1990s (and cannot be identified.] is commonly used at present in DPRK). There is information that there are Although the current code spells it abundant “Rat Gulls” at another ‘Seodo’, DPRK may use a different (old) lighthouse at Suundo, Cheolsan-gun, rule for Romanization. Pyeongbuk Province (Pyeonganbuk-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 15 TRANSLATION • Birds of Seodo Island Lighthouse North Korea

Figure 51. Fork-tailed Swift eggs – slight reduction from actual size.

Figure 50. Fork-tailed Swift nest – half actual size [Sizes mentioned in figure captions refer to the original article.]

Figure 52. Fork-tailed Swift chick – actual size.

Figure 53. Ancient Murrelet eggs – about actual size. Light color variant on left, dark on right.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 16 TRANSLATION • Birds of Seodo Island Lighthouse North Korea

Figure 54. Streaked Shearwater egg on Left, Black-tailed Gull egg on right.

Figure 55. Black-tailed Gull chicks – less than actual size. From Right: 1. About 3 or 4 day old chick; 2. About 1 week old chick; 3. About 3 week old chick.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 17 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 an individual whose outstanding work for seabirds has influenced the course of research, conservation, and/or education throughout the Pacific or the world. At the 41st Annual Meeting in Juneau, Alaska, in February 2014, PSG presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Anthony J. Gaston. Tony could not attend in person, but he received his award via video link. The award was presented in Juneau by Julia Parrish; the tribute to Tony published here was written by Jo Smith and others.

DR. ANTHONY J. GASTON Joanna Smith, with assistance from Mark Rauzon and other PSG former Chairs and contributions from Tony’s friends and colleagues: Alan Burger, Christine Eberl, Kyle Elliott, Mark Hipfner, Andrea Lawrence, Jean-Louis Martin, and Keith Moore

The Pacific Seabird Group honored Afterwards, he established Dr. Anthony J. Gaston with a Lifetime and directed the Himachal Achievement Award in 2014. For nearly Wildlife Project (1979) and thirty years, Tony has been a leader and undertook wildlife surveys participant in the Pacific Seabird Group, in Himachal Pradesh, India. presenting his research on the ecology Tony’s involvement with of seabirds for Environment Canada and Environment Canada began inspiring members young and old in the with short-term contract work conservation and study of seabirds. A (1975-1977) that evolved into bird-bander since the age of 11, Tony is full-time employment from interested in all facets of ornithology. He 1980 until his retirement in has made significant contributions to our April 2014. Tony’s career understanding of seabird demography and includes not one, not two, but how bird populations are affected by large- three impressive long-term scale oceanographic and climatic trends. studies in three geographic His research program includes analysis of regions of the world: the population dynamics of marine birds in Eastern Canadian Arctic, The Pacific Seabird Group honored Dr. Anthony J. Gaston the Eastern Canadian Arctic and Haida Northeast Pacific Ocean, (pictured here on Coats Island) with a Lifetime Achievement Gwaii, as well as the impact of introduced and Northwest Himalayas. Award in 2014. Photo: Leah de Forest mammals on ecosystem components. Tony These studies have allowed Tony to examine “More than anyone, you, Tony have specializes in studying birds in locations that demographic questions, climate change championed the effort to establish an other ornithologists seldom access. Tony effects, Himalayan ecology, and the impacts international standard of excellence was born in Croydon, England, a town just of introduced mammals at temporal and in the study of murres....Your life’s south of London. Few PSG members know spatial scales seldom matched by others. effort and legacy is reflective of an that Tony’s career began in anthropology, Tony’s career in the Eastern Canadian Arctic uncommon path well-travelled. Yours searching for fossil hominids in India. After began in 1975. His research on Thick-billed is an experiential, process-oriented his B.A. in Physical Anthropology at Clare Murres (Uria lomvia) and others seabirds trek that has opened avenues and vistas College, University of Cambridge, UK, has taken place every year and on no for so many others both directly and he participated in several anthropological fewer than nine colonies: Prince Leopold indirectly.” Bill Montevecchi, 2014. expeditions in India, Iran, and Pakistan Island, Coburg Island, Hantzsch Island, In 1984, he initiated what would from 1969-1975. Tony completed his The Minarets, Cumberland Peninsula, become a multi-decadal research Ph.D. in Zoology at Oriel College at the Baillarge Bay, Coats Island, Digges Island, program on the Ancient Murrelet University of Oxford UK from 1970-1976, and Akpatok Island. In 1981, Tony co-wrote (Synthliboramphus antiquus) on Reef supporting himself on contracts including a book with David N. Nettleship titled The Island, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. as a stage manager of a traveling dance Thick-billed Murres of Prince Leopold With his students and others, Tony has company with his wife Anne-Marie. His Island (Canadian Wildlife Service). Tony’s conducted detailed studies of banded Ph.D. program began with David Lack research on arctic seabirds is extraordinary; individuals and nest sites to provide the (who died), and was completed with it is dangerous work, on steep cliffs, and it essential ecological and demographic Chris Perrins, both renowned ecologists. has yielded enormous insights. data for understanding and managing

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 18 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Anthony J. Gaston

thick fog. After what seemed ecosystem and engaging with members like the longest run ever back to of the scientific and local community Reef Island, we found ourselves to explore the controversial topic of only a few 10s of metres from deer management on the archipelago our point (on Reef Island). Tony and develop solutions. RGIS research and Jean-Louis Martin were resulted in deer culls on two islands: there to greet us. ...Tony, as Reef Island and the UNESCO World always, with binoculars around Heritage Site at SGang Gwaay. his neck, was probably far more Tony regularly attends the PSG annual interested in what he could spot meetings and is an important advisor to in terms of seabirds in this the Executive Council. He has inspired, thick fog but was nevertheless impressed, and amused members impressed we had made it back with his numerous presentations and in one piece.” Jo Smith (for contributions. Who can forget the PSG Lifetime Award Presentation in meeting when Tony, the auctioneer, Giving a lecture in the field, Reef Island, Haidi Gwaii. Juneau, February 2014) literally sold the shirt off his back (a Photo: Jean-Louis Martin In 1997, Tony expanded the desirable t-shirt)? Some highlights this species. His research on Ancient research on Haida Gwaii to include the include a plenary presentation in 1997 Murrelets was truly groundbreaking impact of introduced Sitka black-tailed titled “Age and Experience as Factors in and remains the role model for studies deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) Seabird Breeding Success: Lessons from of burrowing alcids. Tony established on the island ecosystems and the the Thick-billed Murre,” a Special Paper nest boxes for the murrelets on Reef phylogenetic affiliation of the endemic Session in 1995 on “Coloniality and and Limestone Islands, creating a races of landbirds in the archipelago. Seabird Population Dynamics,” and the unique set-up to study this notoriously Serendipity brought Tony and Dr. Jean- only member to write a rap song for his skittish species. His 1992 book, The Louis Martin (CNRS, Montpellier, presentation! In 2007, Tony convened a Ancient Murrelet: a Natural History France) together, a collaboration that led special meeting of PSG in Taiwan. From in the Queen Charlotte Islands (T & to the Research Group on Introduced 1999-2012, Tony was the Editor-in-Chief A.D. Poyser) is a wonderful example of Species (RGIS), a non-profit that for Marine Ornithology. Along with the clearly explained science and is a must- specialized in the impacts of introduced late Steve Speich, he shepherded the read for aspiring alcid biologists. Tony mammals on Haida Gwaii ecosystems. journal’s transition to PSG management is the Research Director of the Laskeek Tony and Jean-Louis were pioneers on in 1999. Under Tony’s editorial guidance Bay Conservation Society (LBCS), a Haida Gwaii, quantifying the ecological the journal began attracting a fully non-profit society that was founded in effects of deer on the terrestrial international authorship and readership. 1990 to provide research and education opportunities for local people and visitors as volunteers in long-term monitoring of Ancient Murrelets in Laskeek Bay. For the last 24 years, Tony has been a major force on Haida Gwaii, and as a result Ancient Murrelets are part of the community profile now. Tony inspired many field biologists that worked with LBCS to a career in ornithology or marine sciences, including the current PSG Chair, Jo Smith. “One summer, I was working on Limestone Island to study the Ancient Murrelets with Tony, and was asked to assist Steve Stockton, a student of Tony’s, with his plant research, by taking him among the islands using our zodiac. One day, on a return trip from Taking in the view in Akpait National Wildlife Area, Baffin Island. Photo: Garry Donaldson Kingsway Rock, we found ourselves in

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 19 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Dr. Anthony J. Gaston

Tony remains as the Managing Editor Huestis Spiers Award for outstanding Himalayan National Park, now a for the journal, overseeing production contributions to Canadian ornithology UNESCO World Heritage Site. and subscriptions. in 2006, and the Jamie Smith Memorial Tony is truly a multi-dimensional Mentoring Award for outstanding performer; he is a published poet and, contributions in mentoring in 2013. as narrator for dance performances, “He does not have dozens of students he regularly collaborated with his wife in his lab, but rather one or two at a Anne-Marie (well known as Anjali, the time, and has ample time and energy classical Indian dancer). In 2013, he co- available to mentor each student...his authored with Anne-Marie the chapter enthusiasm is contagious. Tony has had on Dance for the Oxford Handbook of a strong influence on many students... Religion and the Arts, Oxford University [he] has never been formally involved in Press. my graduate career – yet he has been a In closing, it is with pride that the better mentor than any of my graduate Pacific Seabird Group honors Dr. supervisors.” Kyle Elliott (nomination Anthony J. Gaston with the 2014 Lifetime letter for the Jamie Smith Mentoring Achievement Award. In February of this Award) year, we had the pleasure of presenting Tony has an impressive publication the award via video-conferencing from The editor of Marine Ornithology, scholar, and poet, safely behind his desk. record, with 196 peer-reviewed papers the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska to Photo: Jean-Louis Martin (130 of these on marine birds) and his home in Ottawa, Ontario. Following four books on marine birds including Dr. Julia Parrish’s enthusiastic and Tony’s passion for seabirds and natural three scientific monographs (the two amusing presentation, the audience history is infectious and many students mentioned above and Bird Families of gave Tony a standing ovation as he was are deeply grateful for Tony’s mentorship the World - The Auks: Alcidae with Ian presented the award virtually. Tony and guidance. Tony has supervised or L. Jones; Oxford University Press 1998) responded in true Tony fashion - by co-supervised 11 M.Sc. students and and a popular account of seabird biology sharing a wonderful poem that he had six Ph.D. students in Canada, plus three Seabirds: A Natural History (Yale, written, providing several humorous students overseas. He is an Adjunct 2004). Bob Furness had this to say in his comments and anecdotes, correcting Professor in the Department of Biology at review of this book: Julia’s mistakes, and humbly accepting Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario “Tony indicates the book is aimed this honor bestowed upon him by his and has contributed to graduate student primarily at the interested novice... peers and colleagues at the Pacific committees at Carleton University, but I would enthusiastically encourage Seabird Group. Memorial University of Newfoundland, you to read it... many of the points and University of Manitoba. The Pacific raised are ones that I certainly had Seabird Group has seen few members not been thinking about... So now I’m that have had the same long-lasting and wondering whether I’m just narrow- positive impact; at every meeting, scores minded, or whether Tony Gaston has of students seek out Tony for advice and an exceptionally fertile mind.” Bob comments on their research projects. Furness, 2004, on Seabirds: A Natural “I can honestly say that I owe my History. career to Tony...he took a chance on a Throughout his ornithological career, serially underemployed 30-year-old Tony has maintained his connections to with no math skills, no computer skills, India with research that has especially and a mediocre academic track. He focused on the temperate and alpine taught me an awful lot, without ever regions of the northwestern Himalayas, having to say very much at all. To this an area he has visited for 35 years. He day, I consider Tony to be the finest has been a Senior Consultant on forestry field biologist and natural historian I and wildlife for the World Bank (1991- have worked with.” Mark Hipfner (for 92) as well as held two international Lifetime Award Presentation in Juneau, consultancies on high altitude wildlife February 2014) and ecosystem monitoring with the Tony was recently recognized by the Wildlife Institute of India (World Bank In his element on Prince Leopold Island. Society of Canadian Ornithologists for 1994 and UN FAO 1997). Tony was (Photographer unknown; used by his contributions, receiving the Doris involved in the creation of the Greater permission of A.J. Gaston)

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 20 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Pacific Seabird Group occasionally honors outstanding contributors to seabird science and conservation with a Special Achievement Award. At the 41st Annual Meeting in Juneau, Alaska, in February 2014, PSG presented the Special Achievement Award to Vivian Mendenhall. The transcript of Pat Baird’s tribute to Vivian in Juneau appears, in slightly edited form, below.

VIVIAN MENDENHALL Pat Baird

Vivian has been a member of PSG THUS IT WAS 1925 since 1986, was PSG secretary for four I am being driven forward years, and served as editor of Pacific Into an unknown land. Seabirds for 14 years. She continued the The pass grows steeper, work started by her predecessor, Steve The air colder and sharper. Speich, to raise the publication from A wind from my unknown goal a newsletter and summary of summer Stirs the strings research into a refereed journal that Of expectation. was carried by about 30 libraries at Still the question: the height of the hard-copy journal era. Shall I ever get there? Vivian has been an ex-officio member of There where life resounds, PSG’s Board, the Executive Council, or A clear pure note EXCO, for 14 years, contributing much In the silence. via rewrites of the bylaws, archiving various documents, and of course, Who is Vivian Mendenhall? being our Parliamentarian. She has also I think of her as the mild- conducted research on seabirds since mannered Clark Kent who the 1970s through the present, often dressed in conservative clothes volunteering on projects worldwide. and who was always diligently She was Marine Birds Coordinator working in the background as for the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s the “mild-mannered reporter,” Alaska Region. She was manager of the but who also was the complete USFWS Seabird Colony Database from opposite and who did amazing 1986 to 1998, during which time she things. You all may think of actively sought updated colony data and Vivian as Clark Kent too— initiated new surveys. She also was on diligently editing all the draft a planning team for the North Pacific reports and manuscripts that Fisheries Management Council, and came her way as editor of Vivian Mendenhall checking Ancient Murrelet burrows conducted cooperative research with Pacific Seabirds: stuck behind on Talan Island, Russia, in 1994. colleagues in Russia. Although she a computer with her red has not been presenting her research markers, cutting and pasting. However, the thankless job of editor of Pacific on seabirds since her retirement from there is a different side. I have had the Seabirds. However, in her other life she USFWS in 1998, in previous years she pleasure, as Associate Editor of Pacific is a Beryl Markham, a Vita Sackville- was a regular contributor to the papers Seabirds in 2012 and 2013, to get to West, a Liz Robbins, or a Claire O’Hara, sessions of PSG’s annual meeting. I know Vivian. Within our usual editorial perennially pushing the limits, testing would like to begin this presentation by back and forth emails or phone calls, herself, living life to the fullest. A first reading a poem by Dag Hammarskjöld. would occasionally pop up a throw-away child, born in Birmingham Alabama, This poem was the first poem he wrote, comment from her such as “when I was she moved to Pasadena California and was found after his death, along with white-water kayaking,” or “when I was before she was two years old. Vivian many others. These were later published rock climbing,” or “when I was flying was no ordinary stay-at-home-with- posthumously under the title Markings. airplanes…” dolls girl, and her joy in nature began Dag, for those of you who are younger, Yes, that is our Vivian: tirelessly at an early age. She was lucky to have was the second Secretary General of the working in a bland government cubicle, parents who were climbers and back- United Nations and held this position data crunching, or as most of you country skiers. This was unusual in the from 1953- 1961. know her, cryptically slogging away at 1940s, and as Vivian said, “they were

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 21 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Vivian Mendenhall

rejected because her brain had flat- lined as she incorrectly answered the yes/no questions on the Standard Form 171 (“Are you a US citizen,” “Are you a member of the Communist party,” and “Have you ever been convicted of a crime”). She remedied that and was put to work in the contaminant section and later in the Brown Pelican project where she monitored their success in South Carolina and Florida. She also conducted experiments on Barn Owls using DDT, dieldrin, and rodenticides. Happily, Vivian found that the east coast also had an outdoors, and she continued climbing and skiing, although she returned to the west to continue mountaineering. After a brief stint in Four-wheelin’! St. Paul Island, Alaska, 1995. Australia, in 1980 she landed a job with the USFWS Refuge System in Alaska where she was on a planning team for the probably considered exotic and crazy.” things to the max, and so she went on a Alaska Maritime Refuges, and where she Vivian adopted climbing at six years week’s ski expedition in the Brooks was thrown together again with seabirds. of age – without a harness. She also Range during this time. She also had her From there she moved on to a new skied at an early age, and often fished first experience in the bush between Nome position of Marine Bird Coordinator, and contemplated nature. She climbed and Point Hope during this time. In her unfortunately mostly desk work and trees or played Huck Finn when she spare time, Vivian kayaked down the Alsek editing. Always restless to return to the found an abandoned raft (her first at-sea River from Haines Junction, Yukon field, she convinced her bosses that she experience). She climbed in the Sierras territory, to the Alaska coast (140 miles). needed to help in monitoring studies so with her sister, or backpacked in the The Alsek is rated as one of the most she would know what the biologists were Sierras and the Cascades with her family celebrated whitewater rivers in the world, talking about. So she went to St. George in the years before light internal frame and is part of the legendary Triple Crown of and St. Paul Island, where she worked packs. Vivian had an early interest in birds North American Whitewater class V+ big- on shearwaters and kittiwakes. Vivian and science. She started birding at age water runs. On this trip, Vivian portaged 10 eventually took over Art Sowl’s Seabird 11. She also was an early adopter of good miles across a glacier. This is the Vivian Colony Database. During this time, she editing skills. Her mother was a journalism that most PSG members do not know: served on a planning team for the North major, had her kids diagram sentences, and adventurer, climber, mountaineer, kayaker. Pacific Fisheries Management Council often corrected their English. Vivian decided to go on for her Ph.D., and taught classes for fisheries observers Vivian went on to college at UCLA and this time she chose the University on identifying seabirds. Some of those where she produced an honours thesis on of Aberdeen in Scotland, where she students went on to study seabirds. An spermatogenesis in the House Finch worked at the Culterty Field Station especially rewarding part of her job while she continued to hike, climb, and and studied the fledging success of was cooperating with colleagues in the occasionally cave. After her junior year Common Eiders on the River Eyethen Russian Far East in Magadan in 1989 she went to Austria where she discovered estuary. Her dissertation was titled and on Talan Island in 1994. kayaking. It was at the University of “Growth and mortality factors of Eider In 1998, the USFWS offered early California, Berkeley where her ties with ducklings in north-east Scotland.” Even retirement, and Vivian took it. This gave marine birds started, and her thesis was in Scotland Vivian still found time to her time to accept (in 2000) the volunteer on the Feeding Ecology and Behavior of hike during the summer and winter. job of editor of Pacific Seabirds and to the Willet. Vivian moved to Alaska in Since her life was not filled enough, bring that publication up to her mom’s 1969, keeping in line with her spirit of she learned Gaelic and Scottish history journalism standards. She has loved adventure, and worked at the University during her time there. Then the job the job because she has been able to of Alaska, Fairbanks where she lived in search started, and she finally found a interact with seabirders from all over the a 12-foot square cabin and got into cross position at Patuxent Wildlife Research planet. She learned desk-top publishing, country skiing. Vivian always does Center—after her application was first graphic arts, copy-editing and executive

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 22 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • Vivian Mendenhall editing while editor, all of which skills have greatly improved our society. I years isn’t bad. Sincere and heartfelt helped to launch the journal into another am encouraging her to become our first thanks to her for her service to PSG, league. Besides that job, she served as appointed Archivist. Vivian has been contributions to seabird biology, and her Secretary on PSG’s ExCo for four years. active in the natural world from the time friendship. Vivian found volunteering for PSG very she was a toddler, and we are lucky to rewarding. Vivian has been instrumental have had someone with so much in helping to write new bylaws for PSG, knowledge and experience be and has been the much-needed PSG a part of our group all of these Parliamentarian (really: who else can years. remember all those Roberts Rules of I started with the first Order?). She has also been a life-saver poem ever written by Dag for the archival memory of PSG. Hammarskjöld, and I will close In retirement, Vivian has kept busy with his final poem, written volunteering for other organizations in August 24th, 1961 (his plane addition to PSG. She is on the board of was shot down over Africa on 18 Anchorage Audubon as well as other September 1961). NGOs, has commented on draft EISs, and has testified on habitat conservation [UNTITLED] before municipal governments. Always Is this a new land, eager to get back out into the field, Vivian in a different reality has volunteered on a number of seabird from today’s? surveys. Vivian was the staff seabird Or have I lived there expert on the “Harriman Revisited before this day? Expedition” in 2001 from Homer along Woke up, the Alaskan peninsula, into the Bering an ordinary day with grey light Sea, and over to Far East Russia. Never reflected from the street, one to rest on her laurels, she started woke up – a local research project in Anchorage from a sombre blue night In the Anchorage Opera Chorus for the performance of recently on incubation behavior in above the tree line Eugene Onegin, 2010. Sandhill Cranes and their responses to moonlight on the moor disturbance in the Coastal Wildlife State the mountain ridge in shadow. Refuge. Remembered Vivian still hikes and does eco-tours different dreams, with her husband in places like China remembered and Tanzania, Galapagos, the Amazon, the same mountain landscape: Antarctica, and the Falkland Islands. Her twice did I climb the ridges, most rewarding bird experiences have I lived by the inmost lake been not just with seabirds like penguins and followed the river but also finding the Black Woodpecker towards its source. in France and Snow’s Guillemot in the The seasons have passed Kurile Islands. In recent years, Vivian and the light also has indulged her love of music and and the weather joined the Anchorage Opera. But that and the hour. was not enough. She has always liked But it is the same land. folk dancing, and so now she leads a And I am beginning to know the map Scottish Country Dancing group. She and the points of the compass. and her husband Jim still visit their It’s been a good run for Vivian—28 salmon set net site in southwestern Alaska (Nushagak Bay) but they no longer fish there. Vivian has always believed in volunteering, whether for PSG or for other groups, and her many contributions to PSG over the years

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 23 FORUM Pacific Seabirds encourages submission of opinion columns on seabird science and conservation and related topics. Forum authors are expressing their opinions, not those of PSG or the editors. Alternate viewpoints are welcome, and may be published in subsequent issues.

Seabirds and Fisheries W.R.P. Bourne

People interested in seabirds tend to are beginning to be better-managed seabirds. Meanwhile, improvements in attach a high ecological importance to (Fernandez and Cook 2013) it is hardly the management of fisheries to return to them. For example, in a commentary surprising that some seabirds are doing a more natural state in the sea may be on a Scottish National Heritage Trend less well. bad for seabirds. Note on “Biodiversity: Seabirds in Certain events become explicable in – Ardgath, Station Road, Dufftown, Scotland” describing recent local the light of this. In the middle of the last Keith, Scotland; wrpbourne82@yahoo. seabird declines, Miles (2013) states century there were a number of British co.uk “Seabird monitoring gives a rare insight seabird disasters, both when aquatic- into the state of ocean habitats and dependent species were in molt in the REFERENCES marine ecological communities, because late summer, and during the winter, Bourne, W.R.P. l976. Seabirds and in terms of marine food chains seabirds attributed at the time to pollution, though pollution. Pages 403-502 in sit right at the top of the card house....” these disasters were usually precipitated Johnston, R.(Ed.) Marine Pollution, The trouble with this popular belief is by bad weather (Bourne 1976). Nobody London, Academic Press. Bourne, W.R.P. l982. Concentrations that seabirds are by no means at the top questioned seabird productivity at of Scottish seabirds vulnerable to oil of the marine ecological web, which is that time, and in retrospect it may be pollution. Marine Pollution Bulletin 13: occupied by fish and mammals; seabirds wondered if the decline in numbers was 270-273. occur only on the periphery. This helps a consequence of over-population. Now Bourne, W.R.P. 2012. Seabirds’ diet. The explain their present fortunes in many we hear of fewer and smaller disasters, Times 30th August 2012. parts of the world. For example, in the but there is more concern about breeding Fernandez, P.G. and R.M. Cook 2013. British Isles in the nineteenth century, success. The weather again appears to Reversal of fish stock decline in the both marine birds and mammals be an important factor, but there also northeast Atlantic. Current Biology 23: were heavily exploited, but there were appears to be a failure of food supplies. DOI. Miles, W.T.S. 2013. Long-term declines in apparently plenty of fish. Since then the Can it be that these are now being Scottish seabird populations. Scottish birds and mammals have been protected, consumed by larger fish again (Bourne Birds 33: 145-152. and it is the fish that have been over- 2012, Smout and Stewart 2013)? This Smout, T.C. and M. Stewart 2013. The exploited. The removal of large fish problem should have been dealt with by Firth of Forth: an environmental results in a proliferation of the small the late Roger Bailey, an ornithologist in history. Edinburgh, Birlinn. fish which they, and birds, eat (Bourne, charge of ICES NW European fishery 1982), so in the 20th century British statistics, but sadly he was unable to seabirds had a ball. Now that fisheries complete his book on the ecology of

CONSERVATION REPORT Compiled by Stan Senner

REDUCING AVIAN PREDATION Columbia River system, including at more recently has also included Double- ON SALMON East Sand Island in the Columbia River crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax Lethal Control of Double-crested estuary. Concern about avian predation auritus). The world’s largest colony of Cormorants: For nearly 15 years now on juvenile salmon and steelhead—some Caspian Terns and the largest colony the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from stocks listed under the Endangered in the Western US of Double-crested (USACE) has been concerned about Species Act—focused initially on Cormorants are found on East Sand avian predation on salmon smolts in the Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), but Island, where the seabirds are attracted

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 24 CONSERVATION REPORT by nesting habitat on an island enhanced comment period ended in mid-August. The as a result of disturbance by Bald Eagles by the previous disposal of dredge spoils USACE is now evaluating the comments it (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and predation by the USACE and by the presence of received and will presumably issue a final by gulls (mostly Larus delawarensis), hundreds of millions of wild and hatchery- environmental impact statement, followed productivity has not always been high. reared out-migrating smolts. by a formal record of decision, in a few The USACE now proposes to further In June 2014, the USACE and several months. Whatever the USACE decides, reduce suitable nesting habitat on East cooperating agencies, including the U.S. implementation is slated for 2015. Sand Island to a single acre, while also Fish and Wildlife Service, released a PSG’s letter of public comment can be dissuading Caspian Terns from nesting Draft Environmental Impact Statement found on the Conservation page of the at two important inland sites in eastern (DEIS) containing management options website (http://pacificseabirdgroup.org/ ) Washington. At the same time, the to reduce avian predation on Columbia Manipulating Caspian Terns: As USACE proposes to enhance alternative River salmonids. Alternative C, the noted above, the USACE has long been habitat in the Don Edwards National preferred alternative in the DEIS, concerned about predation by Caspian Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern San proposed killing 16,000 Double-crested Terns on salmon and steelhead smolts in Francisco Bay and attract more terns there. Cormorants over a two- to four-year the Columbia River system. Based largely Only limited information is available period. Almost 30,000 Double-crested on research and experimental work led by about this latest move to manipulate the Cormorants nested on East Sand Island Dr. Daniel Roby and others from Oregon geography of nesting Caspian Terns. in 2013, so the USACE has proposed to State University, the USACE began a However, starting early in 2015, several shoot (with rifles) more than half of the social attraction project to shift the terns islands created earlier as part of the South cormorants nesting there. The proposed nesting on Rice Island in the Columbia Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project will lethal control at East Sand Island River to East Sand Island. East Sand is be modified to enhance their suitability amounts to more than 25 percent of the closer to the Pacific Ocean, and it was for nesting Caspian Terns, and social population in western North America. believed that predation on the salmon attraction techniques will be implemented. In a letter of public comment submitted and steelhead smolts would be reduced in Although endangered salmonids from in August, PSG opposed the USACE’s that environment because of the presence the Sacramento River are present in Preferred Alternative C because (1) the of alternative marine prey (e.g., anchovy, northern San Francisco Bay, the USACE science documenting the need to reduce herring). The effort was highly successful, believes that Caspian Terns nesting in the avian predation and the resulting benefits and eventually the terns were dissuaded south bay will not travel that distance to to salmon smolt survival (and returning from nesting on Rice Island but thrived forage. In September, the USACE issued adults) is weak, (2) non-lethal control has on East Sand Island, where the number of a Finding of No Significant Impact on not been fully tested and evaluated prior nesting terns reached nearly 13,000 birds its Inland Avian Predation Management to the proposed lethal control, and (3) the in 2012 (6,400 pairs). In 2002, the USACE Plan, thus clearing the way for the work impact of the preferred alternative on the settled a lawsuit brought by the American at the Don Edwards NWR to proceed. If western North American population of Bird Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, successful, this will be the only alternative Double-crested Cormorants is a serious National Audubon Society, and Seattle coastal habitat provided by the USACE. concern. For its part, the USACE is Audubon Society. The resulting “Caspian No such alternatives have been provided interested in reducing any source of Tern Plan” called for redistribution of in Washington or Oregon, even while mortality to out-migrating smolts and about 60 percent of the East Sand Island numbers of Caspian Terns nesting within believes that non-lethal controls either colony by a combination of reducing the the Columbia River system will have been won’t work or will simply disperse the acreage of suitable nesting habitat on drastically reduced. cormorants to other locations where East Sand and by providing alternative there will be similar problems. nesting habitat—at a 2:1 ratio—elsewhere RESTORING CHINESE CRESTED Not surprisingly, there has been a large in Oregon, Washington, and California. TERNS IN THE JUISHAN ISLANDS out p ou r i ng of opp osit ion f rom conser vat ion Since 2008, the USACE has constructed organizations (e.g., National Audubon 8.3 acres of new habitat (in the form of Since 2011, BirdLife International Society, American Bird Conservancy, islands) at locations away from the coast, and the Hong Kong Bird Watching Audubon Society of Portland) and tens of mostly in Oregon, while reducing the Society (BirdLife in Hong Kong) have thousands of bird enthusiasts, but there is availability of suitable nesting habitat on been working with Zhejiang Museum significant support for the proposed lethal East Sand Island by allowing vegetation of Natural History, Zhejiang Wild Bird control from recreational fishing interests, to grow. Caspian Terns are nesting at Society, Ocean and Fishery Bureau of fisheries managers (e.g., at the National some of the alternative sites, but the Xiangshan County, and a team from Marine Fisheries Service), Columbia numbers are generally low. Meanwhile, Oregon State University (led by Dr. River tribes, the Bonneville Power the terns on East Sand Island have nested Daniel Roby) on a restoration project Administration, and others. The public at increasingly high densities, although for Chinese Crested Terns (Thalasseus

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 25 CONSERVATION REPORT bernsteini) in the Jiushan Islands. Mexico. The results of the government- species known to be impacted include: Restoration efforts were initiated in and industry-sponsored Natural Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus 2013 and resumed in 2014, aided by a Resources Damage Assessment are lherminieri), Great Shearwater (Puffinus monitoring station built on a 2 ha island, mostly still held confidential, although gravis), and Masked Booby (Sula Tiedun Dao manned by Simba Chan of data on bird and other wildlife carcasses dactylatra). BirdLife International’s Asia Division picked up during the prolonged spill from 8 May to 8 August 2014. event are provided by the US Fish and LITERATURE CITED At least 43 Chinese Crested Terns arrived Wildlife Service at http://www.fws.gov/ Haney, J.C., H.J. Geiger, J.W. Short 2014a. and stayed on the island of Tiedun Dao in home/dhoilspill/collectionreports.html. Bird mortality from the Deepwater the 2104 breeding season, and at least 20 It has long been established that Horizon oil spill. I. Exposure probability breeding pairs formed. Notwithstanding carcasses of oiled birds picked up on in the offshore Gulf of Mexico. Mar. Ecol. predation by Peregrine Falcons (Falco shorelines or on the water represent only Prog. Series. doi: 10.3354/meps10991 peregrinus), human poachers, and three some of the avian oil-spill mortalities due Haney, J.C., H.J. Geiger, J.W. Short 2014b. typhoons passing through the area, at least to various combinations of wind, ocean Bird mortality from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. II. Carcass sampling and 13 young Chinese Crested Terns fledged. currents, elapsed time, temperature, exposure probability in the coastal Gulf For a species with a current estimated scavengers, and other factors that of Mexico. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Series. doi: global population of not more than 50 influence the fates and detections of 10.3354/meps10839 individuals, this is a remarkable result. oiled birds. In the case of the Deepwater In addition to the handful of Chinese Horizon, assessing impacts to birds was Crested Terns and a large number of further complicated by the fact that the Greater Crested Terns (Thalasseus bergii) blowout occurred 40 km offshore and breeding on the Jiushan Islands in 2014, the any carcasses reaching coastal marshes first breeding record for China of Lesser would be extremely hard to locate. In Crested Terns (Thalasseus bengalensis) two new papers soon to be published was recorded at Tiedun Dao. One pair laid in the Marine Ecology Progress Series, and incubated a fertile egg, but the embryo however, J. Christopher Haney, Harold died before hatching. J. Geiger, and Jeffrey W. Short (2014a The use of audio-visual social and b) present estimates of Deepwater attraction methods of decoys and Horizon mortality in pelagic and coastal playback of tern calls developed by Dr. birds based on analyses and models Steve Kress from the National Audubon using publicly available data. Society has been so successful at Tiedun Haney et al. use an exposure Dao that as much as 90 percent of the probability model to estimate that world population of Chinese Crested between 36,000 and 670,000 pelagic Terns may now be attracted there during birds died in the offshore Gulf of the breeding season. Concentration of Mexico (> 40 km offshore) as a result so much of this small population at one of exposure to oil from the Deepwater location may be a liability (e.g., due to Horizon, with the most likely number the potential devastation of typhoons), near 200,000. For coastal birds (< 40 km so there are now suggestions to consider out), the same authors used two separate enhancing nesting habitats and using approaches, a carcass sampling model social attraction at other locations, such and an exposure probability model, to as at the Wuzhishan Islands and the estimate bird mortalities of 600,000 Mazu Islands, where Chinese Crested and 800,000, respectively, from the Terns previously have been active. Deepwater Horizon event. Monte Carlo simulation of parameter uncertainty led to respective 95 percent uncertainty DEEPWATER HORIZON IMPACTS intervals of 320,000-1,200,000 and TO SEABIRDS 160,000-1,900,000. Heavily impacted Only limited information is presently coastal species include: Laughing Gull available on impacts to marine birds (Leucophaeus atricilla), Royal Tern resulting from the blowout of British (Thalasseus maximus), Northern Gannet Petroleum’s 2010 Deepwater Horizon (Morus bassanus), and Brown Pelican MC 252 drilling platform in the Gulf of (Pelecanus occidentalis). Pelagic

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 26 REGIONAL REPORTS FOR 2014 Edited by Julia Sommerfeld

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

ALASKA & RUSSIA and recording podcasts available on (Aethia cristatella), Whiskered (Aethia iTunes starting in October 2014. This pygmaea), and Parakeet Auklets (Aethia Compiled by Robb Kaler year’s field effort is funded jointly by psittacula); Common Murres and Thick- ConocoPhillips and Shell E & P. billed Murres; along with Fork-tailed BEAUFORT AND CHUKCHI SEAS a n d L e a c h’s s t o r m - p e t r e l s (Oceanodroma Don Dragoo and Tom Balland (U.S. BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN furcata and O. leucorhoa). Amanda Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS], ISLANDS Boyd and Stacie Evans (AMNWR) on Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Marc Romano (AMNWR) coordinated Aiktak (21st continuous year of data Refuge [AMNWR]) collected data on with the City of St. George on a rapid collection) monitored Horned and Tufted populations of Black-legged Kittiwakes response to a recent house mouse (Mus Puffins Fratercula( cirrhata), Glaucous- (Rissa tridactyla), Common Murres musculus) invasion in the Pribilof winged Gull (Larus glaucescens), (Uria aalge) and Thick-billed Murres Islands. Steve Ebbert and Greg Common and Thick-billed Murres, and (U. lomvia) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Thomson (AMNWR) successfully Ancient Murrelets (Synthliboramphus Don Dragoo and Leslie Slater eradicated mice found inside a shipping antiquus). (AMNWR) collected data on populations container used for storage of straw, grass Robb Kaler (USFWS) and Leah of Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common seed and fertilizer on St. George Island. Kenney (Alaska Natural Heritage Murres, Thick-billed Murres, and The effort for early detection of invasion Program) got married at Adak Island Horned Puffins Fratercula( corniculata) by old-world rodents on these Bering and celebrated their union by continuing in the Chamisso Island group, Alaska. Sea Islands renowned for their seabirds the third year of nest searching and Adrian Gall and Bob Day (ABR, and seals is ongoing. monitoring of Kittlitz’s Murrelets Inc.) conducted the seventh field season Annual seabird monitoring at St. (Brachyramphus brevirostris) with of boat-based seabird surveys in the George and St. Paul islands was led by support from Lisa Spitler (AMNWR) northeastern Chukchi Sea. The survey Marc Romano with summer-long field and Jeff Williams. crew included: Adrian Gall, Tricia crews consisting of Greg Thomson and Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski Blake, Ashley Hovis and John Rose. Ryan de Regnier (AMNWR) on St. (USFWS) completed the fifth year of The team surfed through rough weather Paul and McKenzie Mudge, Kevin pelagic seabird surveys in the Bering towards the end of August that persisted Pietrzak, and Ryan Mong (AMNWR) and Chukchi seas, as part of the ‘Seabird through the September survey period. on St. George. Both crews collected data Distribution in the Offshore These surveys are part of the Chukchi on a variety of species including Red- Environment’ project, funded by the Sea Environmental Studies Program legged Kittiwakes (Rissa brevirostris), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (CSESP), an interdisciplinary Black-legged Kittiwakes, Least Auklets (BOEM). In 2014, they placed observers oceanographic study that collects data (Aethia pusilla) Common Murres and on five Bering or Chukchi research concurrently on physical and biological Thick-billed Murres. In addition, cruises from July to mid-October. The oceanography, benthic ecology, fisheries, population counts (conducted every 2014 seabird observers were Raymond contaminants, marine mammals, and three years in the Pribilofs) were VanBuskirk, Terry Doyle, Kathy seabirds. The focus of surveys shifted completed by Greg Thomson and Ryan Kuletz, Liz Labunski, Martin Reedy, this year from intensive sampling of de Regnier on St. Paul Island, and Matt Declan Troy, and Tamara Zeller (all grids offshore to six long synoptic lines Klostermann and Joel Vos (AMNWR) USFWS employees or USFWS that include waters from the village of on St. George Island. Annual seabird volunteers). Natalie Bool (PhD student, Wainwright to 100 NM offshore. monitoring at Buldir and Aiktak islands Institute for Marine and Antarctic Because of the increased attention to was led by Jeff Williams (AMNWR) Studies, University of Tasmania, inshore waters, the survey team had a with summer-long field crews consisting Australia) also joined a Bering Sea greater opportunity to observe eiders of Emily Pollom, John Gorey, and Sara survey, to survey Short-tailed (Somateria sp.) in Ledyard Bay Naval (AMNWR) on Buldir (27th Shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris) in compared to previous years. In addition continuous year of data collection). They their northern ‘summer home’. Natalie to sampling, ABR is ramping up their collected productivity, diet and will be comparing the Alaska at-sea education and outreach efforts by population data on a variety of species survey data to her results from birds introducing new material on the CSESP including Red-legged and Black-legged tagged and fit with data loggers at their website (http://www.chukchiscience.org) Kittiwakes; Least Auklets, Crested breeding sites in Tasmania. Data from

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 27 REGIONAL REPORTS all of the at-sea surveys will be archived Annual seabird monitoring at Round islands were surveyed in the Sanak Is- in the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Island in the Walrus Islands State Game lands group and Sandman Reefs. Ad- Database (NPPSD). To access the Sanctuary was managed by Ed Weiss ditional survey crew members included NPPSD, please visit: (Alaska Department of Fish & Game Dean Kildaw and Barry Sampson. http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/ [ADF&G]). Ryan Morrill (ADF&G) Other parts of the APU (Semidi Islands nppsd/index.php. and Ben Histand (ADF&G) monitored and Ugaiushak Island) were visited on Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski Black-legged Kittiwake, Common the same cruise in collaboration with continue to collaborate with other Murre, and Pelagic Cormorant U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Puf- investigators as part of the Arctic (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) populations, fin Diet Project, led by John Piatt and Ecosystem Integrated Survey (Arctic nesting phenology, and productivity, Sarah Schoen (USGS). EIS; a multi-agency funded from 12 May to 1 August 2014. Black- Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski, collaboration). Efforts have begun to legged Kittiwake productivity was 0.34 with funding support from BOEM led synthesize oceanographic, plankton, chicks/nest within the monitoring plots pelagic seabird surveys in association fish, and seabird data from two years with 34% of the 50 nests monitored with research cruises in the Lower Cook (2012 & 2013) of fieldwork in the being successful. Pelagic Cormorant Inlet (three cruises) and northern Gulf northern Bering and Chukchi seas. The productivity was 2.32 chicks/nest with of Alaska (two cruises). NPRB recently seabird observer for these cruises, 89% of the 84 nests monitored being awarded a grant to Russ Hopcroft (Uni- Athina Catherine Pham has joined successful. Seventy Common Murre versity of Alaska Fairbanks [UAF]) to Arctic EIS as a Master’s student, now at nests were monitored, but complete continue with the long-term Seward Line Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU), productivity and phenology calculations monitoring program, which will now of- working with Dr. David Hyrenbach were unattainable due to a truncated ficially include the seabird surveys led (HPU) and Kathy Kuletz. field season. by Kathy Kuletz. Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski are Seabird research on Middleton Island completing manuscripts related to the GULF OF ALASKA was curtailed in 2014 when anticipated ‘Synthesis of Arctic Research’ (SOAR) During July-September, field crew funding failed to materialize. Scott Project led by Sue Moore (National Naomi Bargmann and Stephanie Win- Hatch and Martha Hatch (Institute Oceanic and Atmospheric nard (AMNWR) monitored Fork-tailed for Seabird Research and Conservation) Administration [NOAA]). Other SOAR Storm-Petrels and Tufted Puffins at East spent many weeks at the station between team members working on seabird Amatuli Island. Data were collected on April and September, gathering seabird ecology include Brendan Hurley, population trends, productivity, chick data wherever possible to prevent gaps in Adrian Gall, Tawna Morgan, and Bob growth, and chick diet. Arthur Kettle, long-running time series, and also work- Day (ABR, Inc.). Starting in 2014, Kathy Heather Renner, and Leslie Slater ing on construction and renovation of Kuletz began collaborating with G.L. (AMNWR) helped start the fieldwork buildings and other infrastructure at the Hunt, Jr., Martin Renner (Tern Again and deployed time-lapse cameras for site. Andy Ramey (USGS) and Jessie Consulting), Carol Ladd (School of monitoring productivity of Black-legged Klejka (USGS and Alaska Native Sci- Aquatic and Fishery Sciences [SAFS], Kittiwakes and Common Murres. ence and Engineering Program) accom- University of Washington [UW]), and Nora Rojek (AMNWR) coordinated panied Brianna Williams (Master’s stu- Jarrod Santora (Farallon Institute) on long-term seabird demography at Chow- dent, University of Georgia [UG]) at the their North Pacific Research Board iet Island, Semidi Islands group, off the station for 10 days in June, while Brian- (NPRB) funded project to examine coast of the Alaska Peninsula. The sum- na stayed through mid-August, collect- seabird distribution in the Bering Sea mer field crew, Matthew Henschen and ing observational and experimental data under changing ecological conditions. Brette Soucie (AMNWR), worked with on seabird parasites for her Master’s re- Steve Ebbert, refuge staff, and others several species including Northern Ful- search, assisted throughout by Morgan have drafted an Environmental Impact mar (Fulmarus glacialis), Black-legged Walker (UG). Finally, Luke Decicco, Statements about feral abandoned cattle Kittiwake, Glaucous-winged Gull, Com- Nick Hajdukovich (USFWS) and a re- on two refuge islands. Steve is also mon and Thick-billed Murres, Parakeet volving cast of assistants spent a fourth preparing an Environmental Assessment and Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca consecutive season at the Middleton sta- for the control of invading introduced monocerata), and Tufted and Horned tion (mid-August to mid-October), mist- caribou (Rangifer tarandus) on another Puffins. netting, banding, and keeping detailed refuge island. Both projects have the Nora Rojek also conducted seabird records of fall migration in seabirds and potential to benefit seabirds and other coastline surveys in August, primar- other avifauna. native species by eliminating or reducing ily in the AMNWR’s Alaska Peninsula the impacts of non-native invasive Unit (APU), based off the AMNWR’s PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND ungulates on the refuge. research vessel the M/V Tiglax. Many In July 2014, USFWS biologists con-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 28 REGIONAL REPORTS ducted surveys of marine bird and mam- is densely populated with murres (both WASHINGTON & mal abundance in Prince William Sound Common and Thick-billed), numerous (PWS). The field effort was carried out other seabirds, and Steller’s Sea Lions OREGON in nine surveys conducted from three (Eumetopias jubatus). The surprise was Compiled by Peter Hodum survey vessels. Dan Cushing (M.Sc. the Whiskered Auklet. This species oc- student, Oregon State University [OSU]) cupies the Aleutian and Kurile archipel- OREGON completed his thesis on long-term pat- agos, where it forages in upwellings and Elizabeth Phillips (Ph.D. student, terns of change in the marine bird com- in the passes between islands; but Iona is SAFS, UW) is examining the influence munity of PWS. 1,000 km from any other island group. of river plumes on predator-prey interac- Alexander Andreev (Institute of Bio- tions, with a focus on Sooty Shearwaters SOUTHEAST ALASKA logical Problems of the North, Magadan) (Puffinus griseus) and Common Murres. Steve Lewis (ADF&G) visited artifi- has suggested that the auklet’s presence She is working in collaboration with Jen cial nest boxes installed at Lowrie Island on Iona is due to upwellings that result Zamon (NOAA-Fisheries) and Josh six times in 2014 to evaluate productiv- from nearby ridges and seamounts. Adams (USGS Western Ecological Re- ity and time-lapse cameras were set up search Center [WERC]). to monitor Common Murre productiv- DATA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Turnstone Environmental Consultants, ity at Barwell Island between mid-May Melanie Smith and Nathan Walker Inc. (Turnstone) conducted work related and mid-September. John Maniscalco (Audubon Alaska) continued work to to seabirds for several projects in 2014, (Alaska SeaLife Center) has been instru- identify Important Bird Areas (IBAs) summarized below. The Oregon De- mental in continuing this effort that was throughout the state. Their work to iden- partment of Forestry (ODF) contracted initiated by AMNWR staff. tify marine IBAs using at-sea survey Turnstone to conduct Marbled Murrelet Stuart Fety, Cynthia Mom, Nicole data was published this year (Smith, surveys on state lands in the Coast Range Deatherage, and Leslie Slater (AMNWR) M. A., N. J. Walker, C. M. Free, M.J. of Oregon in five ODF districts (Astoria, completed the 20th consecutive year of Kirchhoff, G.S. Drew, N. Warnock, and Tillamook, Western Lane, Coos Bay, seabird monitoring at St. Lazaria Is- I.J. Stenhouse 2014. Identifying marine and West Oregon); Tom Williamson is land. Data collection focused on popu- Important Bird Areas using at-sea sur- the Turnstone project manager and Matt lation trends, annual productivity, chick vey data. Biological Conservation 172: Gostin is the ODF contract adminis- growth rates, and diet sampling. Species 180–189). This year they identified addi- trator and primary contact. Visiting a monitored were Fork-tailed and Leach’s tional IBAs for waterbirds in nearshore mixture of first, second, and multi-year Storm-petrels, Pelagic Cormorant, and interior areas, which are currently survey sites, surveyors conducted 896 Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guille- being nominated for global recognition surveys at 131 unique sites and 522 mot (Cepphus columba), Common and through BirdLife International. Melanie unique stations. Murrelets were detected Thick-billed Murres, Tufted Puffin, and is also working with the Aleutian-Ber- during 39 surveys at 23 sites in five dif- Rhinoceros Auklet. Alexis Will (PhD ing Sea Islands Landscape Conservation ferent districts, and significant behavior student, UAF) briefly visited St. Lazaria Cooperative and biologists at the US- was observed during six of these sur- to retrieve data logging units that were FWS to assess climate vulnerability of veys. The Bureau of Land Management deployed on Rhinoceros Auklet adults in IBAs in the Bering Sea. The latest map (BLM) Salem District contracted Turn- previous years. Data from these units are of IBAs can be found at: stone to conduct Marbled Murrelet sur- intended to shed light on foraging behav- http://ak.audubon.org/sites/de- veys in the Mary’s Peak Resource Area, ior, habitat, and ocean conditions. fault/files/documents/alaska_ibas_ Oregon; Jeff Reams is the Turnstone ecoregions_20aug2014.pdf. project manager and Scott Hopkins is RUSSIAN FAR EAST Martin Renner and Kathy Kuletz the BLM contract administrator and Vivian Mendenhall (Anchorage) con- are near completion of the second phase primary contact. Turnstone biologists tinues working on conservation issues of a USFWS risk assessment for seabirds conducted 60 surveys at ten unique sites in Alaska and researching the nesting in the Aleutian Islands due to shipping and 32 unique stations. Murrelets were behavior of Sandhill Cranes (Grus ca- traffic. In Phase I, Martin modeled sea- detected during 13 surveys at five sites, nadensis). In August 2014, she visited sonal patterns of seabird distribution and and significant behavior was observed the Okhotsk Sea on an eco-cruise by the shipping traffic patterns in the Aleutian during three of these surveys. Turnstone Zegrahm company (as tourist, not staff). Islands to evaluate areas of high and low conducted Marbled Murrelet surveys in She visited Talan Island near Magadan, risk. In Phase II, they are working with western Oregon as a subcontractor for a 20 years after working there. But the Axiom Consulting and Design, Inc. to linear energy project; Tom Williamson high point was Iona Island, a small group make these results accessible via a web- is the Turnstone project manager for this of rocks in the middle of the sea (56˚ 24’ based presentation and management tool, project. Biologists conducted ten sur- N latitude, 143˚ 22’ E longitude). Iona which will also be linked to Seabirds.net. veys at two unique sites and ten unique

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 29 REGIONAL REPORTS stations. No murrelets were detected scape, but there are many limitations to defended her Master’s thesis, which in- at these surveys. Turnstone biologists their use (e.g., the amplifier is not as sen- vestigated top-down influences of re- also conducted approximately 46 ad- sitive as human ear). Additional AV and cently recovered native, avian predators ditional Marbled Murrelet surveys over song-meter surveys will be conducted on breeding Common Murres in Oregon. six unique sites and 34 unique stations in 2015. Research assistants and field She found regional changes in the distri- for private landowners in the coast range crew in 2014 included Mandy Wilson, bution and abundance of murres associ- of Oregon; Jeff Reams is the Turnstone Cathleen Rose, Stephen Rossiter, Jen ated with increases in Bald Eagle nest project manager for this project. The Rothe, Abigail DeYoung, and Hannah density over two decades (1988–2006). project was conducted as part of the Plumpton. Bald Eagles were most often the main pre-management process in advance of Rob Suryan, Jess Porquez, Ian predators throughout the breeding sea- timber management plans. Murrelets Throckmorton, and Amanda Gladics son, and disturbance rate was negatively were detected during two surveys at one (OSU), Alessandra Jimenez (intern, associated with murre reproductive suc- site, and no significant behavior was ob- National Science Foundation Research cess. Synergistic effects also were im- served during these surveys. Experience for Undergraduates), and portant, with greater reproductive loss Kim Nelson (Oregon Cooperative Lucila Fernandez (intern, Environment attributable to secondary nest predators Fish and Wildlife Research Unit [OCF- for the Americas) conducted studies of facilitated by colony disruption. Yaquina WRU], OSU) started a new project to Common Murres at the Yaquina Head Head had the most diverse assemblage look at the presence and occupancy of colony in Newport, OR. This is the eighth of predators and scavengers compared to Marbled Murrelets on lands purchased consecutive year of collaborative studies colonies studied to the north and south. in Lincoln County, Oregon as mitiga- at this site involving OSU, BLM, and Cheryl has fledged from the Seabird tion for the New Carissa oil spill. This USFWS. Reproductive success (fledg- Oceanography Lab, but is still at OSU, project is funded by USGS and USFWS; lings per eggs laid) for murres was low working on avian predation studies with the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz is again in 2014 (15%), as in 2013 (24%). Dan Roby (OSU, USGS) and crew in the a co-operator. The primary objective of Reproductive success for the last three USGS OCFWRU. this project is experimental: produce a years (2012–2014; 15–27%) has been Rob Suryan, Alessandra Jimenez, robust estimate of the number of murre- greatly reduced compared to the previ- and Amanda Gladics initiated a new lets nesting on the Reed Creek property. ous years (2008–2011; 54–77%). Hatch- collaboration with researchers at SFU, This will be accomplished by (1) deploy- ing phenology in 2014 (median hatch UW, USFWS, and Point Blue Conser- ing multiple acoustic sensors to monitor date was 4 July) was later than 2013, but vation Science (Point Blue) to compile murrelet activity for a longer period of not as late as 2010–2011. Smelts have Common Murre diet data from breeding time and over a larger area than in pre- dominated murre chick diets in recent sites in the central and northern Califor- vious surveys, (2) conducting simultane- years, with little variation in reduced nia Current. Using these data, Alessan- ous acoustic and dawn audio-visual (AV) contributions of clupeids (primarily her- dra Jimenez led an analysis of spatial surveys on some days at each survey site ring or sardine) and Pacific Sand Lance and temporal variation in murre diets to compare the relative sensitivity of the (Ammodytes hexapterus) compared to throughout the California Current. two techniques, (3) analyzing the data to previous years. While murres may have Rob Suryan, Jess Porquez, Ian produce a best estimate of the number experienced suboptimal foraging condi- Throckmorton and Amanda Gladics of murrelets nesting on the Reed Creek tions at times during 2014, the greatest continued vessel based at-sea surveys property, and (4) identifying nest trees reproductive loss this year can be attrib- of seabird distribution off the central for possible future monitoring of nesting uted to increased disturbance by Bald Oregon coast. The research areas in- success. An attempt is underway to de- Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and clude the Newport Hydrographic Line, velop a correction factor between auto- subsequent egg predation by gull species an oceanographic cross-shelf sampling mated acoustic and PSG survey methods (Larus spp.). Disturbance by eagles in line extending west from Newport, OR, that could be applied to historic murrelet 2014 was particularly heavy during incu- and two Pacific Marine Energy Center data to produce a more accurate estimate bation. However, through the chick-rear- (PMEC) potential wave energy sites. of historic murrelet use of the property. ing period eagle disturbances decreased The lab has conducted 30 surveys in Murrelets were present throughout the and concentrated on previously unaf- the three areas since May 2013, with 18 property, though in apparently lower fected areas of the colony, contributing cruises in 2014. Data from the PMEC numbers than expected compared to the to the total failure of many plots. Unlike sites will contribute to a baseline study oil spill damage assessment. One po- 2012, when Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus preceding the installation and testing tential murrelet nest was located; tree occidentalis) caused 39% of all distur- of wave energy devices. With the use of climbing this fall should verify use. Song bances, pelicans were not an important in situ environmental data (i.e., sea sur- meters were successful in recording cause of disturbances in 2014. face temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, murrelet presence throughout the land- Cheryl Horton (M.Sc. student, OSU) bathymetry), this work aims to explain

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 30 REGIONAL REPORTS spatial and temporal patterns in seabird er software. Thousands of digital images and Sea Lion Caves, where informa- distribution. were organized and archived for future tion was provided to the public about Amanda Gladics conducted seabird reference. Colony attendance by murres Oregon’s marine reserves, seabird ecol- surveys for ten days from Eureka, CA to was slightly depressed in comparison ogy, and conservation. Six plots (65 cor- Astoria, OR during the West Coast rock- to previous years. However, murres re- morant nests: Brandt’s=45, Pelagic=9, fish pre-recruitment survey on board the turned to nest at several historical colony Double-crested=11) on six separate cor- R/V Ocean Starr. These observational sites (particularly the Three Arch Rocks morant colonies were monitored twice data contribute to a long-term collab- area) that had not been attended the last a week during the breeding period and orative study between the Southwest ten years. Rhinoceros Auklet and Pigeon Guil- and Northwest Fisheries Science Cen- Tim Halloran (USFWS volunteer) lemot counts were conducted in the ters (SWFSC and NWFSC, NOAA) and and Shawn W. Stephensen conducted Sea Lion Cave. Brandt’s Cormorants OSU. Rob Suryan and Jess Porquez a population status assessment of Tuft- had the lowest breeding productivity have consulted with resource agencies ed Puffin at Haystack Rock, Cannon (0.49±0.12 [M±SE] fledglings per nest), and industry about seabird monitoring Beach, which is within the OCNWRC. in part due to the failure of two Brandt’s at the future WindFloat offshore wind The project also included a pilot study to Cormorant colonies that were observed demonstration site near Coos Bay, OR evaluate the feasibility of monitoring ad- to be frequented by predators. Pelagic and have assisted with preliminary sur- ditional reproductive parameters at the and Double-crested Cormorants had veys of the site. island, such as breeding phenology and relatively higher breeding productivity Rob Suryan and collaborators at OSU data collection success from shore-based (1.89±0.35 and 1.45±0.51 fledglings per and UW continued a project to design vantage points. The number of Tufted nest, respectively). Sea Lion Cave counts and test an integrated multi-sensor array Puffins present at Haystack Rock was yielded a low estimate of breeding pairs to continuously monitor for interactions documented during 2010, 2011, 2012, using the cave: 163 individual Pigeon (including impacts) of avian and bat spe- 2013 and 2014 by conducting instanta- Guillemot adults and 25 individual Rhi- cies with offshore wind turbines. The neous counts of birds on the land, water, noceros Auklet adults were the maxi- synchronized array of sensors includes and in the air at 15-minute intervals. The mum counts. Chicks were rarely sighted, accelerometers, contact microphones, daily mean counts were 42, 33, 13, and but one Rhinoceros Auklet and four visual and infrared spectrum cameras, 35 birds during 2010, 2011, 2012, and different Pigeon Guillemot chicks were and bioacoustics. The team has tested 2013 respectively. Burrow occupancy counted. Summer 2014 represents the various components in lab and field dur- was determined and the annual breed- first year of this project and monitoring ing the past two years. They completed ing population estimate was calculated will continue in 2015. the first of two experimental impact tests based on the number of viable occupied Dan Roby, Rob Suryan, and Aman- on a research turbine at the North Amer- burrows. The Tufted Puffin breeding da Gladics, and Roberta Swift, Roy ican Wind Research and Training Center population (individual birds) at Haystack Lowe, Shawn Stephensen, Bill Bridge- at Mesalands Community College, New Rock was estimated to be 127 in 2010, land, and Amelia O’Connor (USFWS) Mexico. The fully integrated sensor test 97 in 2011, 74 in 2012, and 143 in 2013. initiated a project to develop and test with experimental impacts will be in the The 2014 data analysis is not completed non-invasive population monitoring fall of 2014 at the National Renewable yet, however, initial data review indicate techniques for burrow-nesting seabirds Energy Lab, Colorado. 30 to 40 puffins appeared to have nested. at a Leach’s Storm-Petrel colony. The ap- Shawn W. Stephensen and Bill Many negative interactions with gulls proach combines simultaneous data col- Bridgeland (Oregon Coast National and disturbances by eagles were docu- lection using remote cameras and acous- Wildlife Refuge Complex [OCNWRC]) mented, as well as interesting social be- tic recorders that can be deployed for conducted an aerial seabird colony sur- haviors between puffins. long periods of time, as long as an entire vey on 03 and 04 June 2014 that included Joe Liebezeit and Paul Engel- breeding season. During 2014, the group the entire Oregon coast. The aircraft meyer (Audubon Society), and Ame- deployed nine remote cameras and three used was a Bell Jet Ranger III helicopter lia O’Connor and Shawn Stephensen acoustic recorders on Goat Island, near operated by Mike Nehring of Northwest (USFWS) conducted a citizen science Brookings, Oregon and conducted five Helicopters (Olympia, WA). Total flight seabird monitoring project within the field visits to install, troubleshoot, and time was approximately 10 hours. All Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. With maintain the equipment. They expect to Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorant the help of 19 volunteers, breeding pro- deploy the equipment again during 2015. (P. penicillatus), Pelagic Cormorant, and ductivity for three species of cormorants Double-crested Cormorant (P. auritus) and abundance of Rhinoceros Auklets WASHINGTON colonies were photographed using digi- and Pigeon Guillemots was determined. During summer 2014, Brian Coo- tal cameras and birds were counted on Monitoring sites were in high-use tour- per (ABR, Inc.) and Martin Raphael the digital images utilizing GIS comput- ist/visitor areas, including Heceta Head (U.S. Forest Service [USFS]) conducted

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 31 REGIONAL REPORTS follow-up radar surveys for Marbled need for an additional comprehensive not feasible because of limitations in the Murrelet at eight of Olympic Peninsula survey throughout the Salish Sea. Sue navigation software and delays required drainages that they surveyed during and Lorenz also conducted a second year to downlink each photograph. However, 1996–2004 (Raphael, M.G., D. Evans of burrow counts on Protection Island as the navigation software associated with Mack, B.A. Cooper 2002. Landscape- well. Approximately 123 burrows were the rotary-blade drone, Quadracopter, scale relationships between abundance counted in 2014, island-wide, compared has this capacity. NOAA is working on of marbled murrelets and distribution of to 149 in 2012 with roughly equivalent approving launch and recovery protocols nesting habitat. Condor 104: 331–342; observer hours. Bluff burrows appeared at sea for the Quadracopter, a necessary Cooper, B.A., Raphael, M.G., Perry, to be favored over driftwood or grassy step for surveys of these refuge islands. Z.M. 2006. Trends in radar-based counts burrows again in 2014. The goal of this Sue also recently completed a pilot proj- of marbled murrelets on the Olympic survey was to assess distribution and ect testing the use of remote trail cam- Peninsula, Washington, 1996–2004. abundance of active nests island-wide eras in a diet study of Pigeon Guillemot Condor 108: 936–947). These data begin to inform refuge management. Sue and chicks on Protection Island NWR. The to provide information on recent trends Lorenz participated in the Pacific Fly- objectives of this study were to assess in numbers of murrelets flying into way Double-crested Cormorant survey the use of remote cameras in identify- breeding areas on the Olympic Penin- in July with follow-up surveys in August. ing and quantifying species of prey and sula and may lead to insights into recent Sue Thomas, Lorenz Sollmann, and feeding frequencies. Photos have not yet population trends determined by at-sea Brian Root (USFWS Inventory and been fully analyzed, but it appears that monitoring. These studies also provide Monitoring Program) coordinated with use of these cameras can significantly preliminary information on changes in Scott Pearson (Washington Department increasing the observation period with- murrelet densities in particular drain- of Fish and Wildlife [WDFW]) and Pe- out disturbing chicks or other species ages of interest. ter Hodum (University of Puget Sound nesting nearby. Resulting data, compiled Sue Thomas and Lorenz Sollmann [UPS], and Oikonos) to conduct one of with other guillemot diet studies within (USFWS Washington Maritime Na- three boat-based surveys of Tufted Puf- the Salish Sea, may prove sufficient data tional Wildlife Refuge Complex [WM- fins in Washington. Both point and line for use as a dashboard indicator of the NWRC]) conducted two aerial surveys transect surveys were conducted with Puget Sound Partnership’s restoration of surface-nesting seabird on 24 islands puffins noted as either on land, in the efforts. within Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Nee- water, or in flight. Other species noted Scott Pearson, Tom Good (NOAA, dles, and Copalis NWRs on June 17 and include Brandt’s, Pelagic and Double- NWFSC), and Peter Hodum continued 30. Species surveyed included Common crested Cormorants; Common Murres; their long-term study of reproductive Murre; Double-crested, Brandt’s, and Pe- Western, Glaucous-winged, and hybrid success patterns of Rhinoceros Auklets lagic Cormorants; and Glaucous-winged, gulls; Pigeon Guillemots; and Black Oys- on Protection (ninth year) and Destruc- Western (Larus occidentalis) and hybrid tercatchers (Haematopus bachmani). tion (seventh year) islands, Washington. gulls, as well as Tufted Puffins, opportu- Data are currently being compiled and Dietary studies were not conducted nistically. This survey is part of a larger analysed; puffins were observed on 12 of during the 2014 season on any of the is- effort to assess abundance and distribu- 13 islands surveyed. lands. Preliminary analyses of burrow tion of species in seabird colonies along Sue Thomas continued to work with occupancy and fledging success suggest the Pacific Coast. Common Murres were NOAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems that both parameters were comparable observed on Erin and Erin’s Bride; Hun- (UAS) program to test and further re- to previous years on both Protection and tington, Cakesosta, Table Rock, and an fine field techniques for monitoring Destruction islands. Scott and Peter also unnamed island within the Quillayute seabird colonies within Flattery Rocks, conducted boat-based surveys of Tufted Needles Archipelago; and on Jagged, Quillayute Needles, and Copalis NWRs Puffin colonies on the Outer Coast of Carroll Island and Pillar, White Rock, along the outer coast of WA. Objectives Washington to compare with results of and West Bodelteh. Bird counts are cur- included targeting sequential, overlap- surveys conducted during the 2006– rently performed using digital photos in ping still-frame shots of the colonies 2007 breeding seasons. Results suggest a geospatial database. and evaluating the resolution of photo- that all colonies occupied during the ini- In May, Sue Thomas and Lorenz Soll- graphs from NOAA’s, fixed-wing UAS tial surveys remained occupied in 2014. mann conducted surveys to determine (Puma). Sequential shots are necessary Undergraduate research students in abundance and distribution of Pigeon for counting dense clusters of nesting Peter Hodum’s lab at UPS, in collabo- Guillemots on Protection Island NWR seabirds in these colonies. Testing was ration with Oikonos, conducted seabird- and select islands within the San Juan limited to three field days this year due related research on four focal projects Island NWR. This effort was intended to to interest from other Refuges in evaluat- during the summer of 2014: (1) a second reassess abundance of guillemots asso- ing the systems. Sequential shots taken year of a population monitoring program ciated with refuge islands and gauge the with the camera on board the Puma were for Pigeon Guillemots in the Tacoma

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 32 REGIONAL REPORTS area, mapping breeding colonies, com- and Barbara Seekins (National Marine methods and collecting observations on paring population sizes to results from Fisheries Service [NMFS]). This work is seabird interactions with fishing gear. surveys conducted between 1999–2003, funded by NOAA, and is expected to be The group continues to work closely determining reproductive success, and completed in 2015. with the NOAA West Coast Groundfish evaluating diet composition; (2) as part Emily Runnells (M.Sc. student, Observer Program to characterize the di- of a larger program focused on docu- SAFS, UW) has completed her study of versity of vessels and gear types in this menting plastic ingestion patterns in Pa- seabird foraging ecology in the San Juan fleet, and have provided a subset of fish- cific seabirds, quantifying the frequency Islands under the guidance of George ery observers with equipment to mea- of occurrence and the types of marine Hunt. Her research documented signifi- sure the sink rates of longlines on vessels plastic debris present in the stomachs of cant decreases in seabird foraging activ- selected for observer coverage. forage fish species caught by Rhinoceros ity between 1994–1997 and 2010–2011, Troy Guy and Ed Melvin (WSG) Auklets; (3) a pilot study of neurophysi- as well as a decrease in area-integrated continued to collaborate with the marine ological impacts of plastic ingestion in backscatter (a measure of fish abun- supplier LFS Inc. to ensure that streamer Northern Fulmars; and (4) impacts of dance), and in calanoid copepod abun- lines are commercially available to the shoreline armoring on habitat use pat- dance, while the abundance of Noctiluca Alaska longline fleet and are provided at terns of marine birds in Puget Sound. dynoflagellates increased. The results no charge for tribal and non-tribal long- In December 2011, a Geographic In- suggest that a shift in plankton composi- line vessels on the West Coast. NMFS formation Systems (GIS) mapping proj- tion and abundance has had a negative and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries ect was initiated to examine whether impact on higher trophic-level species in Commission funded the distribution of there was correlation between the declin- the Salish Sea ecosystem. 145 streamer lines to West coast long- ing Marbled Murrelet population trends Charles Menza, Brian Kinlan, and line vessels in 2013–2014. Troy Guy left and increasing gillnet fishery landings Arliss Winship (NOAA National Cen- WSG in August 2014 for adventures in within the Washington State boundaries ters for Coastal Ocean Science) are de- plumbing and business management at of the Salish Sea. The first component of veloping statistical models and maps Guy Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in Men- the GIS mapping project overlaid Mar- of marine bird species off the coast of lo Park, CA. His energy, expertise and bled Murrelet population densities with Washington, from nearshore to the U.S. many contributions to seabird research non-tribal fisheries catch effort for the Exclusive Economic Zone. The models and conservation will be sorely missed. All-Citizen’s fisheries to examine sea- will support offshore renewable energy Wildlife biologists Shawn W. Ste- sonal variations in foraging and fishing planning and other ecosystem-based phensen and Daniel Elbert (USFWS) trends by marine catch areas. The sec- management needs. They are using mul- conducted a coastal aerial survey of Cal- ond component was to identify areas of tiple at-sea transect surveys spanning ifornia Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occi- concern where increased fisheries and several decades compiled from differ- dentalis californicus) on 10–11 Septem- high murrelet densities coincide from ent federal, state, NGO, and academic ber 2014. The 2014 survey area was from 2001–2010. Results demonstrated that, organizations, and a database of oceano- Smith River, Del Norte County, northern overall, in areas of high Marbled Mur- graphic and environmental predictors. California to Willoughby Rock, Grays relet densities, lower non-tribal fishing Machine-learning models are being used Harbor County, central Washington. effort occurred; in areas of low Marbled to produce seasonal, high-resolution All bays, rocks, reefs, islands, coastal Murrelet densities, higher non-tribal fish- (2–4 km) maps of estimated long-term beaches, and waters up to 0.5 mile off- ing effort occurred. In 2013, treaty-tribal average relative occurrence and abun- shore were included in the survey. The fishing effort was overlaid with Marbled dance for eight marine bird species off aircraft used was a fixed-wing Cessna Murrelet densities to confirm whether Washington. The project is funded by 185, FAA registration number N732K, tribal fishing effort was demonstrating the Washington State’s Department of operated by USFWS pilot Charles the same trends. Results of the GIS map- Natural Resources. The final report and (Corky) W. Roberts from the Office of ping project also demonstrated that the a data package will be available in mid- Law Enforcement, Burbank, Washing- tribal fishery trends remained the same to late 2015 at: ton. Survey flight altitude ranged from as the non-tribal fishery trends, even http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ 60 to 245 meters above ground level and though tribal fisheries had a higher rate aircraft speed ranged from 145 to 210 of gillnet fishing overall. Cooperators in- OREGON AND WASHINGTON km/h. A GPS recorded the flight track of clude Gary Falxa and Martin Raphael During 2013–2014, Amanda Glad- the aircraft throughout the entire survey. (USFS), Deanna Lynch and Nancy ics, Troy Guy (Washington Sea Grant A total of 3,416 individual pelicans were Brennan-Dubbs (USFWS), William [WSG]), and Joe Tyburczy (California counted in 2014, in comparison to counts Beattie (Northwest Indian Fisheries Sea Grant [CSG]) spent more than 30 during 2001–2013 that resulted in a Commission), Kyle Adicks and Kendall days at sea on five different longline range of 3,416 to 18,769. Technicians un- Henry (WDFW) and Amilee Wilson vessels investigating seabird avoidance der the direction of Dan Roby counted

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 33 REGIONAL REPORTS

9,960 pelicans on East Sand Island in the Bering. This work will examine along-shelf NORTHERN evening of 11 September 2014, whereas structure in the seabird community, across- USFWS counted 890 earlier in the day. shelf changes since 1975, hotspots, and the CALIFORNIA The counts were conducted from a boat timing of seasonal movements. Compiled by Anna Weinstein 50–75 m offshore, in the evening (when Peter Kappes is working on a Ph.D. birds return from foraging to roost). East with Katie Dugger at OSU, investigat- Julie Thayer and Heather Robin- Sand Island continues to be the site of ing the reproductive ecology and popu- son (Farallon Institute) along with Tori the largest congregation of pelicans dur- lation dynamics of Adélie Penguins Seher (National Park Service) moni- ing the summer on the Oregon coast. (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding on Ross tored seabirds on Alcatraz Island in Ed Melvin, Troy Guy, Rob Suryan, Island, Antarctica. central San Francisco Bay. This is one Amanda Gladics and Joe Tyburczy Michelle Kappes is an instructor and of very few estuarine colonies of pelagic continue to promote seabird conserva- researcher in the Department of Fisher- or coastal seabirds such as Brandt’s Cor- tion through research and outreach in ies and Wildlife at OSU, where she has morant. Seabird populations on Alcatraz CA, OR and WA groundfish fisheries been teaching classes online and on experience substantial disturbance from with funding from NOAA NWFSC and campus, and is continuing research on different human sources, and a study of Northwest Region, National Fish and albatrosses in collaboration with Robert fireworks effects has been completed. Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the Suryan and Gabrielle Nevitt at the Uni- A relational database and analyses of Packard Foundation. In 2013–2014, they versity of California Davis (UCD). other types of disturbance are underway. expanded outreach to include distribu- Rob Suryan has continued satellite Results suggest that cumulative effects tion of seabird identification and life tracking efforts on Short-tailed Alba- of disturbance may cause increased be- history information, and bycatch mitiga- tross (Phoebastria albatrus), now in the havioral sensitivity in Brandt’s Cormo- tion outreach materials in major fishing twelfth year, with collaborators at the rants, which may be compounded by ports from Northern California to Wash- Yamashina Institute for Ornithology, unfavorable environmental conditions ington, promoted seabird avoidance at Ministry of Environment Japan, and US- (Robinson et al., manuscript submitted). several industry and public events, pro- FWS. There were no new deployments Reproductive success of Brandt’s Cor- duced a direct mailing that was sent to in 2014, but he and his collaborators Ki- morants and Western Gulls on Alcatraz all limited entry sablefish permit hold- yoaki Ozaki, Fumio Sato, and Tomohi- in 2014 was near or above the long-term ers, developed a website (seabirdbycatch. ro Deguchi (Yamashina Institute for Or- means of 16- and 20-year time series, re- washington.edu) and conducted infor- nithology) are still tracking birds from spectively, coincident with increases in mational meetings with fishermen at tagging efforts in previous years. The important pelagic schooling prey (e.g., eight West coast ports (Neah Bay, West- current focus is assisting with monitor- juvenile rockfish Sebastes spp.) and de- port, Astoria, Newport, Charleston, Port ing the attendance of hand-reared birds mersal prey (e.g., sanddab Citharichthys Orford, Eureka, and Fort Bragg). and their breeding attempts at the new spp.). Both seabirds appear to have re- colony, as well as data analysis and man- covered from severe declines in popula- OTHER REGIONS uscript preparation on satellite-tracking tion and productivity in 2009–2010. George Hunt is currently involved with data collected from these birds after Josh Adams is coordinating sev- three projects: (1) a comparison and con- fledging. Michele Kappes, Rob Sury- eral seabird studies within the northern trast of the role of advection in the polar and an, and collaborators at the Yamashina California Current and Hawai’i. Emma sub-polar regions of the Arctic and Antarc- Institute for Ornithology are continuing Kelsey (USGS WERC), in collaboration tic with a number of co-authors that derives to analyze the wealth of Short-tailed Al- with BOEM, is assembling a multivari- from an Ecosystem Studies of Sub-Arctic batross tracking data. ate database to quantify vulnerability Seas workshop in Korea two years ago; (2) Amanda Gladics and Rob Suryan, of seabirds to offshore wind farms in an examination of top-down and bottom-up along with Laura Todd and Ellen Lance the California Current System. Emma controls of euphausiids in the Bering Sea (USFWS) conducted a review of new re- completed her thesis at San Jose State as part of the Bering Sea synthesis effort to search and information on the biology of University in July, where she was work- pull together the findings from the Bering short-tailed albatross for a 5-year review ing with Scott Shaffer (San Jose State Sea Ecosystem Study and Bering Sea In- of the Short-tailed Albatross Endan- University [SJSU]) to study the incuba- tegrated Ecosystem Research programs in gered Species Recovery Plan. The final tion behavior of Cassin’s Auklets on the Bering (2007–2010); and (3) a joint ef- document should be publicly available in Southeast Farallon Island, CA. The proj- fort with Jarrod Santora (SWFSC), Mar- the coming months. ect was done in collaboration with Pete tin Renner, Kathy Kuletz, Lisa Eisner Warzybok, Russell Bradley and Jamie (NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center), Jancke (all Point Blue). and others to look at the pelagic seabird Jonathan Felis (USGS WERC) is data that has accumulated since 1975 in the working to complete data analyses as-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 34 REGIONAL REPORTS sociated with offshore aerial seabird ic Research in New Zealand). Caitie is species are also recorded. Washington surveys conducted during the USGS studying the foraging ecology and ener- surveys were led by Scott Pearson and Pacific Continental Shelf Environmen- getics of two albatross species at Camp- Monique Lance (WDFW) in the Puget tal Assessment program (supported by bell Island in New Zealand. She recently Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and outer BOEM). Jonathan is also coordinating completed a crowd sourcing campaign to coast. Surveys in northern and central multi-taxa seabird tracking studies on fund the analysis of samples using dou- Oregon were led by Craig Strong (Cres- Lehua Island off Ni’ihau Island, Hawai’i. bly labeled water. Corey Clatterbuck cent Coastal Research). Population mon- Bill Henry (USGS WERC) is compil- and Emma Kelsey recently completed itoring did not occur in southern Oregon ing a cooperative USGS WERC at-sea their Master’s theses at SJSU. Both used and northern California in 2014 due to seabird telemetry database and atlas, novel egg loggers to investigate the egg budget constraints; these areas will be and assisting with data compilation and attendance behavior of different seabirds surveyed in 2015. The program’s habi- analyses related to the ranging behaviors (auklets, gulls, and albatrosses). These tat monitoring team is currently com- of seabirds at sea in the California Cur- projects were conducted in collabora- pleting a modeling analysis of murrelet rent and Hawai’i. tion with Lindsay Young and Eric nesting habitat distribution and trends Phil Capitolo (University of Califor- VanderWerf (Pacific Rim Conserva- through the first 20 years of the NWF nia, Santa Cruz [UCSC]), Allison Full- tion [PRC]) and Russell Bradley, Pete Plan (1993–2012). Marty Raphael leads er (Humboldt State University [HSU]), Warzybok, and Jamie Jahncke. Anne this analysis, with a team that includes Wayne Burnett (California Department Cassell (M.Sc. student, SJSU) is writing Kim Nelson, Andrew Shirk (UW), of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW]), and oth- her Master’s thesis with Scott Shaffer. Deanna Lynch and Rich Young (US- ers conducted 2014 aerial photographic Anne has been examining chick growth FWS), and Scott Pearson. The program surveys of breeding colonies of Com- and diets of Western Gulls at Año Nuevo also continued work to evaluate the rela- mon Murres, Brandt’s Cormorants, and Island and the Farallon Islands in col- tive influence of terrestrial factors (e.g., Double-crested Cormorants throughout laboration with Russell Bradley, Pete nesting habitat limitations) and marine coastal California. Principal Investiga- Warzybok, and Jamie Jahncke. Final- conditions (e.g., primary productiv- tors were Gerry McChesney (USFWS), ly, Scott Shaffer is collaborating with ity, bathymetry) on murrelet distribution Rick Golightly (HSU), and Breck Tyler Leigh Torres, Rob Suryan, Hillary and trends at sea; Marty Raphael leads (UCSC). Funding and assistance were Young, Josh Adams, Russell Bradley, this effort as well. A publication on this provided by CDFW (Carie Battistone), Pete Warzybok, and Jamie Jahncke to work is available from Raphael or can be California Sea Grant, and USFWS Mi- study the foraging ecology of Western downloaded at: gratory Birds. This was the 22nd consec- Gulls using GPS loggers at various colo- http://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/ utive year in which surveys have been nies along California and Oregon. S0924796314001614 conducted. Several projects determin- The north coast Marine Life Protected Other program contributors include ing breeding population estimates and Areas Baseline Seabird studies are be- Jim Baldwin and Linda Long (USFS- trends are ongoing, and long-term trends ing conducted by Rick Golightly (HSU) Pacific Southwest Research Station), plus of Brandt’s Cormorants in the Gulf of and Daniel Barton (HSU) in collabora- the many seasonal technicians who make the Farallones were recently published tion with Dan Robinette (Point Blue), the population surveys possible. Gary in Marine Ornithology. Phil Capitolo and Breck Tyler (UCSC). Falxa coordinates the Northwest Forest Scott Shaffer (SJSU) and Hillary Included in this effort was an 8th year of Plan murrelet monitoring program. Re- Young (UC Santa Barbara) are studying reproductive assessments of Common ports with results of the habitat and popu- the foraging ecology of tropical boobies Murres at Castle Rock conducted with lation monitoring are available at: at Palmyra. The project is funded by the Stephanie Schneider and Ashely Don- http://www.reo.gov/monitoring/mm- National Geographic Society. Rachael nell (HSU), and with Ken Griggs and overview.shtml Orben (Ph.D. student, UCSC) has near- Eric Nelson (USFWS Humboldt Bay). Humboldt Redwood Company, LLC ly finished her doctoral thesis with Scott. The Marbled Murrelet Effectiveness (HRC) continued the conservation ac- Her thesis work is part of a large proj- Monitoring Program aims to assess the tivities for the Marbled Murrelet under ect funded by NPRB spear-headed by status and trends of Marbled Murrelet the company’s Habitat Conservation Dave Irons (USFWS) and Dan Roby. populations and nesting habitat, from the Plan (HCP). Project leaders were Sal Rachael’s work focuses on the winter Canada–Washington (WA) border to San Chinnici and Mark Freitas (HRC). distribution and ecology of Black-legged Francisco Bay, California, and to evalu- The HCP requires tracking of murrelet and Red-legged Kittiwakes and Thick- ate the effectiveness of the Northwest occupancy and numbers over time using billed Murres. Caitie Kroeger (UCSC) Forest Plan in conserving murrelets. The both radar and audio-visual (AV) survey and Scott Shaffer are collaborating with program has used boat-based transects techniques. Surveys were continued in David Thompson and Paul Sagar (Na- in the coastal waters of this area since 2014 at the Headwaters Forest Reserve tional Institute of Water and Atmospher- 2000 to monitor murrelets; other seabird and Humboldt Redwoods State Park (the

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 35 REGIONAL REPORTS

Reserves), and also at the Marbled Mur- and Ryan Carle (Oikonos). Invasive ice OSPR Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care relet Conservation Areas (MMCAs) on plant in this area can limit seabird nest- and Research Center in Santa Cruz HRC forestlands, with the collaboration ing habitat by overgrowing crevices of (MWVCRC). The project aims to pro- of Sean McAllister (O’Brien Biological Pigeon Guillemots and flat coastal ter- vide a quantitative demographic assess- Consulting), and Adam Brown (HRC). races used by Brandt’s Cormorants. The ment of disease, chronic oiling, plastics, Since the inception of HCP monitoring project removed ice plant from four plots and other mortality factors affecting sea- in 1999, behaviors indicating occupancy on this popular stretch of coast and re- birds in California, using birds collected have been observed in the MMCAs and stored the native coastal plant commu- during beach surveys, from fishery by- Reserve stands using AV surveys. Final nity. 2014 was the fourth year that citi- catch, and from rehabilitation centers. analyses of the 2014 data have not yet zen scientist Alayne Meeks monitored This study provides a regional informa- been conducted. The 2013 data indicated population and productivity of Brandt’s tion center for federal, state, and local that after 11 years of monitoring (since Cormorants nesting adjacent to restora- resource managers, and is supported in the 2002 baseline) there has been an in- tion plots. part by CDFW-OSPR, MLML, UC Da- crease in radar counts in the MMCAs The Coastal Ocean Mammal and vis Wildlife Health Center (UCD), Oiko- but not in the Reserves. Bird Education and Research Surveys nos Ecosystem Knowledge, NOAA and Michelle Hester, Ryan Carle, Jessie (BeachCOMBERS) is coordinated and USFWS. Since 2005, the program’s staff Beck, and David Calleri (Oikonos Eco- managed by Hannah Nevins and head- have performed necropsies on more than system Knowledge [Oikonos]) continued ed by Principal Investigator Jim Harvey 3,600 specimens, representing 76 spe- to monitor population and productivity (both Moss Landing Marine Laborato- cies. In 2014, the Marine Seabird Health of all breeding seabird species and diet ries [MLML]). The program continues Study at MWVCRC, in collaboration of Rhinoceros Auklets at Año Nuevo to systematically survey beaches in the with Michelle Hester and supported Island. Productivity was above average Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis by NFWF and NOAA, continued in- for Rhinoceros Auklets, Cassin’s Auk- Obispo County to determine human vestigating the demographics of seabird lets, (Ptchoramphus aleuticus) Western and natural impacts to marine birds and bycatch and the incidence of plastic in- Gulls, and Brandt’s Cormorants, prob- mammals within our coastal ecosystem. gestion by Northern Fulmars and other ably driven by an abundance of quality Project leaders completed a volunteer species collected by NOAA Observer prey. Juvenile rockfish Sebastes ( spp.) training session at MLML this past Sep- Programs (Hawaii and Alaska). dominated Rhinoceros Auklet chick diet tember. The Southern Chapter, imple- Craig Strong continued monitoring in June and early July, whereas chicks mented in 2013, is headed by Principal Pelagic Cormorants in Del Norte Coun- were provisioned almost exclusively with Investigator, Robert McMorran (US- ty, California. Pelagic Cormorants had Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) FWS). the best year ever out of the past nine during late July. The Rhinoceros Auklet Oikonos’ Biological Indicators of years, both in terms of number of suc- population remained stable, while the Ocean Plastic Pollution Program in San- cessful nests and in average brood size. Cassin’s Auklet population continued to ta Cruz is managed by Hannah Nevins This corresponds with exceptionally grow. Pelagic Cormorant productivity and Jessie Beck. They continue to track cool coastal waters and strong upwell- was above average for the island, but was trends in plastic ingestion of Procellari- ing indices seen south of Cape Blanco, very poor on the mainland for the second ids (Albatrosses, Northern Fulmars and Oregon, in the past two years. While consecutive year due to Common Raven Shearwaters). Specimens originate as these data are for only one small colony (Corvus corax) depredation of eggs. commercial fishery bycatch (Alaska and (Tolowa Rock), a second site was moni- Video monitoring of the Pelagic Cormo- Hawai’i) and carcasses collected from tored for the first time in 2014 (Hunter rant colony was initiated to understand beach surveys (BeachCOMBERS) in the Island). We hope to coordinate with oth- the population and productivity impacts Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctu- er pelagic monitoring efforts in the CA of nest depredation by Common Ravens. ary. Data from this long-term monitor- current to make full use of this indicator Restoration of native plants to stabilize ing program will be used in a Plastic species in characterizing nearshore pro- soil for burrow-nesting Rhinoceros and Ingestion Review Paper for scientific ductivity for seabirds. Cassin’s Auklets continued to be suc- publication. In 2014, the Common Murre Resto- cessful with high numbers of both spe- The Marine Seabird Health Study is ration Project (USFWS Fremont, CA; cies breeding in natural burrows in the entering its ninth year coordinated by HSU, Arcata, CA, and others) concluded restoration area. Hannah Nevins (UCD), with Dr. Me- its 19th season of seabird colony restora- Restoration and monitoring of seabird lissa Miller (UCD and California Dept. tion and monitoring in central Califor- habitat at West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Pre- nia, with funds from the Luckenbach Oil CA, continued in 2014 under the man- vention and Response [CDFW-OSPR]), Spill Trustee Council. Co-Principal In- agement of Bill Henry (USGS, Oiko- Laird Henkel (CDFW-OSPR), and vestigators are Gerry McChesney and nos), Josh Adams, Helen Christianson Jessie Beck (Oikonos) at the CDFW- Rick Golightly. Allison Fuller (HSU)

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 36 REGIONAL REPORTS coordinated field activities. Field biolo- co-Oakland Bay Bridge. The colony will monitoring boats in the special closures gists in 2014 included Johanna Ander- be displaced by the bridge demolition, around Stormy Stack, Point Resistance, son, Ryan Berger, Jared Zimmerman, ending 25 years of colony surveys. Mark and the Point Reyes Headlands. Justin Windsor, Bryan White, and was also fortunate to see the Salvin’s Al- Sage Tezak, Manager of the Gulf of Ryan Potter. Monitoring was conducted batross (Thelassarche salvini) off Half- the Farallones National Marine Sanctu- at Point Reyes Headlands, Drake’s Bay Moon Bay in July. Invited to represent ary’s Seabird Protection Network, works Colony Complex, Devil’s Slide Rock and PSG, he attended the International Orni- to minimize levels of human distur- Mainland, and Castle-Hurricane Colony thological Congress in Japan and partici- bance (i.e., airplanes, boats) to breeding Complex. The Common Murre colony pated in the round table discussion about and roosting seabird colonies along the at Devil’s Slide Rock, recolonized using seabird predator eradication for Japan California coast. This year, the Network social attraction in 1996–2005, is now and Korea. Along with John Gilardi, has encouraged communication among recovered to near historical numbers. Rauzon visited Wake Island for two pilots and boaters about the importance Aerial photographic surveys of northern weeks in September to survey seabirds. of giving seabirds space. An online and central California Double-crested His book about island conservation in wildlife disturbance reporting form is Cormorant, Brandt’s Cormorant, and the tropical Pacific will be released in available. Reporting disturbances helps Common Murre colonies were conduct- 2016 by University of Hawai’i Press. resource managers conduct targeted out- ed in collaboration with Phil Capitolo Dave Press (Point Reyes National Sea- reach, track repeat offenders and is use- (UCSC) and Carie Battistone (Califor- shore [PRNS]) continues to monitor and ful to enforce wildlife regulations. nia Deptartment of Fish and Wildlife). In protect Western Snowy Plovers (Char- Anna Weinstein collaborated with late 2013, they finalized a report summa- adrius nivosus). In 2014, the last chicks Rob Doster (USFWS) and Ron LeVal- rizing baseline seabird colony monitor- fledged on September 12th, bringing the ley (Mad River Biologists) to publish the ing in California’s North Central Coast total number of fledged chicks to 15 for first-ever study of the distribution and Region of MPAs, in collaboration with the season. Unfortunately, this was only abundance of Black Oystercatcher in Dan Robinette, Harry Carter (Carter a third of the chicks hatched this season; California, in Marine Ornithology. The Biological Consulting) and others. This a lower rate of fledging success than the study was conducted by over 150 citizen report includes updated breeding popu- park has seen the last couple of years. volunteers and agency biologists. 2014 lation estimates for seabirds between Pt. On the positive side, the 2011 restora- marks the third year of oystercatcher Arena and Pigeon Pt. tion area where European Beach Grass productivity monitoring conducted by Emily Whitmer of the Oiled Wild- (Ammophila arenaria) was removed saw citizen volunteers and agency biolo- life Care Network (School of Veteri- increased plover activity, with 14 nests gists from Mendocino through San Luis nary Medicine, UCD) and colleagues laid in 2014. This was the first year nests Obispo counties including baseline mon- have completed a study investigating the successfully hatched and chicks fledged itoring at a subset of Marine Reserves. physical effects of exposure to chemical from the restored area. Audubon worked with commercial fish- dispersants and chemically dispersed Ben Becker and Dave Press (PRNS) ermen and Geoff Shester (Oceana) to crude oil on the feather structure, water- continue to collaborate with Gerry initiate the first phase of a fishery man- proofing, thermoregulation, and behav- McChesney to monitor seabirds at Point agement plan in California for Pacific ior of Common Murres. Reyes. PRNS is also collaborating with Herring (Clupea pallasii), an essential Jeff Davis, Phil Capitolo, Dave Lew- Anna Weinstein (Audubon Califor- prey item for seabirds. Audubon worked is, Bill Henry, Peter Gaede and Glenn nia), Harry Carter, Mike Parker, and with staff at USFWS Region 8 to in- Ford (all UCSC; Breck Tyler, Principal Phil Henderson (California Institute crease management attention to Pacific Investigator) continued to conduct aerial of Environmental Studies) for the third Brown Pelicans in the wake of multiyear surveys of marine birds and mammals in consecutive year (2012–2014) of Ashy breeding failure at the Channel Islands, California continental shelf waters un- Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma homoch- and more recently in Mexico. der contract with CDFW-OSPR (Holly roa) monitoring at Bird Rock, Stormy Shaye Wolf (Center for Biological Di- Gellerman). The surveys are designed Stack, and the Point Reyes Headlands. versity [CBD]) and allies gained needed to collect baseline distribution and abun- The second year of Pigeon Guillemot protections for the highly endangered dance data and to maintain rapid-re- nest-box camera sampling at PRNS was Marbled Murrelet population in the Santa sponse capabilities for oil spills. During also completed. Additionally, PRNS, Cruz Mountains. CBD reached a settle- the past year, the team conducted surveys The California Academy of Sciences, ment agreement with California Depart- from San Mateo to San Diego counties. and the Environmental Action Commit- ment of Parks and Recreation in March Mark Rauzon (Laney College), along tee of West Marin have begun an “MPA 2014 that requires mandatory measures with Meredith Elliott (Point Blue), con- Watch” program to document human ac- to protect Marbled Murrelets in Big Ba- ducted the last survey of the Double- tivities in Marine Protected Areas along sin Redwoods, Portola, and Butano state crested Cormorants on the San Francis- the PRNS coastline. This will include parks. This includes comprehensive trash

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 37 REGIONAL REPORTS management, extensive public outreach, R. Cotton Rockwood (Ph.D. student, seen a doubling in seabird productivity annual monitoring of Marbled Murrelet SIO), in collaboration with Lisa T. Bal- as a result, as well as colonization by a status and predator numbers, and also a lance, is synthesizing a wide range of new species in the first three years since comprehensive assessment every three datasets in order to compile a composite the fence was completed. With part- years requiring further action, if murrelet product that represents comprehensive ners at USGS, Oikonos and the state of status does not improve. CBD is evaluat- at-sea threats to seabirds of the Pacific Hawai’i, Lindsay is also participating in ing the USFWS 2013 determinations that in a spatially explicit way. They are fo- a multi-species tracking project includ- Endangered Species Act protection is not cusing on the North Pacific, and the ing Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria im- warranted for the Kittlitz’s Murrelet and maps include measures of 12 categories mutabilis), Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Ashy Storm-petrel, and identifying op- of threats: organic pollution, inorganic (Puffinus pacificus), Red-tailed Tropic- tions to increase conservation action for pollution, shipping, marine debris, large birds (Phaethon rubricauda) and Red- these species. oil spills, bycatch, fisheries competition, footed Booby (Sula sula) to determine fisheries ecosystem disturbance, sea pelagic habitat use of these species to surface temperature change, and wind inform wind energy permit applications. SOUTHERN speed change. By identifying the inten- Along with Eric VanderWerf, Lindsay CALIFORNIA sity and the number of threats co-occur- continues monitoring of Laysan Alba- Compiled by Annette Henry ring across space, the maps will identify trosses and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters regions of high and low concern with at Kaena Point, as well monitoring and PELAGIC RESEARCH regard to anthropogenic impacts. Ad- threat control for Red-tailed Tropicbirds Since 2011, the Southwest Fisheries ditional comparisons will be made for on Oahu. Science Center (SWFSC) of NOAA has important ecological regions such as the Rae Okawa, Development Coordi- had no ship time for continuing the time California Current, Bering Sea, and the nator with the Hawai’i Wildlife Cen- series of cetacean and ecosystem as- North Pacific Transition Zone, as well as ter (HWC), reports that the center is sessment surveys in the Pacific (though among established, pending, and recom- celebrating its three-year anniversary we are hopeful for 2014). These surveys mended Important Bird Areas. in November 2014. Seabirds that were have been the platforms on which seabird Annette Henry (NOAA) continues brought to HWC in 2014 include two data historically have been collected. to look at the distribution of select sea- Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster), one Seabird research for Lisa T. Ballance bird species within the eastern tropical White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lep- and Robert Pitman (both SWFSC) has, Pacific and California Current using turus), two Leach’s Storm-Petrels, one therefore, been focused on mining exist- data collected by the SWFSC as part of Red-footed Booby, one Sooty Shearwa- ing data, largely through collaborations their cetacean and ecosystem assessment ter, three Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and with graduate students. Lisa and Bob are surveys. She also studies Eared Grebes one Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii). pursuing a multinational effort with col- (Podiceps nigricollis) with Joseph Jehl Birds were brought to HWC from Kaua’i, leagues from Central American coun- (Smithsonian Institution), with a focus Maui, and Hawai’i Island. Patients came tries to investigate the role of the Costa on migration energetics and physiology. in for a variety of reasons, including Rica Dome in the greater eastern tropi- impact injuries, contaminant spills, de- cal Pacific (including its importance to bilitation, and displacement. The HWC seabirds). HAWAI‘I received one mystery spill oiled bird in Trevor Joyce, a doctoral candidate Compiled by Annette Henry 2014, a Sooty Shearwater found off of working with Lisa Ballance at Scripps Hawai’i Island. HWC President and Cen- Institution of Oceanography (SIO) and Lindsay Young just completed a sec- ter Director Linda Elliott, who has 20 NOAA SWFSC, continued research on ond predator-proof fence in Hawai’i, at years of experience with oiled wildlife, the oceanic abundance distributions, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge determined that the bird was completely feeding ecology, and response to El Niño on Kaua’i, in collaboration with Jes- covered with diesel oil. The White-tailed Southern Oscillation climatic variability sica Behnke (PRC) the American Bird Tropicbird came in from Maui, as a chick in both threatened and common seabird Conservancy, USFWS, and the Kaua’i displaced from its cliffside nest, and was species employing SWFSC’s extensive Endangered Seabird Recovery Project. cared for until it was able to fledge. Two time series of seabird transects surveys Preparations have begun in anticipation of the three Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in the Central and Eastern Pacific. In of translocating Newell’s Shearwaters were also brought to HWC from Maui austral summer 2013-2014, Trevor also (Puffinus newelli) to the site once it is se- as chicks displaced by human activity. took part in seabird monitoring fieldwork cure from predators. This fence has built All three boobies were from Kaua’i and with NOAA’s Antarctic Marine Living on the success of Hawai’i’s first preda- had impact injuries. With the assistance Resources Division at Cape Shirreff in tor proof fence at Kaena Point Natural of Cascadia Research Collective, Kaua’i the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Area Reserve on Oahu, an area that has Save our Shearwaters program, and the

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 38 REGIONAL REPORTS

Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, been identified. Part of the management been focusing on the diets and foraging seabirds were rescued and transported in these areas involved considering dif- ecology of Laysan and Black-footed Al- to the HWC wildlife hospital for treat- ferent arrays of Good Nature automatic batrosses (Phoebastria nigripes). She ment. The HWC retail store celebrated rat traps and assessing how they af- is on track to complete her dissertation its grand opening in January 2014. Pro- fected rat predation and visitation rates in May 2015. Scott Shaffer and Corey ceeds from the retail store go directly at known seabird burrows. Monitoring Clatterbuck (M.Sc. student, SJSU) are back into funding the wildlife hospital at these sites continued to focus on both continuing to study the foraging ecology and HWC’s conservation programs. song meters and active burrow moni- of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses HWC also completed the master plan toring. Remote cameras at a subset of at Midway Atoll (in collaboration with for its public exhibits with fundraising monitored burrows continued to provide John Klavitter [USFWS] and Maura for fabrication and installation to begin information on predator interactions, Naughton [USFWS ret.]). Scott is also in 2015. seabird behavior, and fledging activity. co-advising Sarah Gutowsky (Ph.D. André F Raine updates the current KESRP has also been looking into student, DAL, Halifax, NS). Sarah is work of The Kaua’i Endangered Sea- the impact of powerline collisions and comparing the foraging ecology of al- bird Recovery Project (KESRP), which light attraction on these seabird species. batrosses from multiple colonies in the is a project of the Division of Forestry The use of song meters continues to be Northwest Hawaiian Islands. and Wildlife (DOFAW), administered a promising technique for recording the Morgan Gilmour (Ph.D. student, through the Pacific Studies Cooperative sound of birds hitting power lines, and UCSC) has begun sampling Great Frig- Unit of the University of Hawai’i. Formed validation of this technique is progress- atebirds (Fregata minor), Masked Boo- in 2006, the project focuses primarily on ing. Validation focused on outside ob- bies (Sula dactylatra), and Brown Boo- the three imperiled seabirds found on servers using near-IR lights as well as bies (S. leucogaster) for contaminants in the island of Kauaʻi – Newell’s Shearwa- radar and ground searches in conjunc- the Pacific Islands. Her dissertation re- ter, Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sand- tion with song meters. Song meters were search focuses on foraging ecology and wichensis) and Band-rumped Storm-Pe- also deployed in lowland areas for the contaminant loads of these species, and trel (Oceanodroma castro). The majority first time, with modifications made to she has deployed GPS tracking devices of work conducted by KESRP in 2014 microphones to account for traffic noise. as one tool to study foraging ecology. was funded through either a State Wild- As well as monitoring powerline strikes, She completed field work at Palmyra life Grant or the KIUC (Kauaʻi Island KESRP worked with KIUC on a pilot Atoll in the summer of 2014 and plans Utility Cooperative) Short-term Habi- project to assess new techniques to pre- to obtain samples from the Northwestern tat Conservation Plan. Auditory survey vent strikes, with work initiated on the Hawaiian Islands later this year in order work continued in previously un-sur- use of experimental lasers and lights to to make population-level comparisons veyed areas, and new seabird colonies of make lines more visible to flying birds. of contaminants and foraging ecology all three species were discovered. These This will continue in 2015. Lastly the throughout the Pacific. Morgan was re- included a large colony of Hawaiian Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project cently awarded an EPA-STAR fellow- Petrels and Newell’s Shearwater in the at the Kilauea Point NWR entered a new ship to focus on contaminants in tropical middle of Hono o Na Pali Natural Area phase in 2014 with the completion of a seabirds. Reserve (NAR) and an area on Lehua predator proof fence in an area within Bryan Costa, Brian Kinlan and Arl- Islet where Band-rumped Storm Petrels which a colony of Newell’s Shearwa- iss Winship of the National Centers for were exhibiting behavior consistent with ters will be created using social attrac- Coastal Ocean Science (NOAA NC- a breeding colony. KESRP also contin- tion and artificial nest burrows. This is COS) Biogeography Branch are devel- ued to monitor two seabird colonies in a collaborative effort among the Refuge, oping statistical models and predictive conjunction with introduced predator American Bird Conservancy, Pacific maps of marine bird species around the control and habitat management work. Rim Conservation, the National Fish Main Hawaiian Islands from near shore The first site is the Upper Limahuli Pre- and Wildlife Foundation, and KESRP. to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. serve, in collaboration with the National For more information on KESRP, see The models and predictions will sup- Tropical Botanical Gardens (NTBG), the website at: port offshore renewable energy planning where a total of 23 Hawaiian Petrel and http://Kaua’iseabirdproject.org/ and other ecosystem-based management 57 Newell’s Shearwater burrows have or the Kaua’i Endangered Seabird Re- needs in the region. Multiple at-sea tran- been identified to date. The second site covery Project Facebook page. sect surveys are being compiled from involves three management areas (Pi- Melinda Conners (Ph.D. student, many different federal and academic hea, Pohakea, and North Bog) within the UCSC, and Nancy Foster fellow) has organizations, and will be integrated NAR, in collaboration with NAR staff. completed fieldwork for her dissertation with multiple physical and biological Here a total of 134 Hawaiian Petrel and at Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals, environmental predictors. Deterministic 19 Newell’s Shearwater burrows have Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. She has models will be used to produce seasonal,

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 39 REGIONAL REPORTS high-resolution maps of estimated long- MODELING EXERCISES COLONY-BASED STUDIES term average relative occurrence and Building on their past work in the Steve Kress and Paula Shannon abundance for several marine bird spe- New York Bight and Mid-Atlantic, Bri- (National Audubon Society’s Seabird cies around the Main Hawaiian Islands. an Kinlan and Arliss Winship (NOAA Restoration Program [NAS-SRP]) con- The final report and data products will NCCOS) are developing statistical mod- tinued long-term monitoring of breed- be available in summer 2016. This proj- els and maps of marine bird species ing seabird populations in the Gulf of ect is funded by BOEM, Pacific Region. in the U.S. Atlantic from the Straits of Maine, focusing on diet studies, produc- (Also see description of related efforts Florida to Maine, from near shore to the tivity, growth, and populations of terns, in the U.S. Atlantic under “Non-Pacific U.S. EEZ, to support offshore renewable Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills (Alca torda), United States,” below) energy planning and other ecosystem- and Black Guillemots (Cepphus grylle). based management needs. They are us- To track winter movements of Atlantic ing 75 at-sea transect surveys spanning Puffins, 15 geolocators were deployed NON-PACIFIC 1978–2014 from the USGS/USFWS At- on breeding adults. A collaborative pro- UNITED STATES lantic Seabird Compendium Database gram with NOAA began, using GPS Compiled by Iain Stenhouse and a large database of oceanographic tags to learn about summer foraging and environmental predictors. Machine- of Atlantic Puffins. In partnership with PELAGIC SURVEYS learning models are being used to pro- ‘explore.org,’ the NAS-SRP deployed Funded by the Department of Energy duce seasonal, high-resolution (2km) five HD cameras streaming live video (DOE), the Biodiversity Research In- maps of estimated long-term average of nesting puffins, terns, guillemots, and stitute (BRI) completed its second year relative occurrence and abundance for Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) to the inter- of broad-scale baseline surveys for sea- approximately 50 marine bird species. net. Audubon’s internship training pro- birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles This project is funded by BOEM. Re- gram continued, with interns from the in the mid-Atlantic region, using a com- sults from Phase I of this modeling ef- United States, Mexico and Aruba. bination of aerial surveys (employing fort will be available in mid-2015, and Iain Stenhouse (BRI) led a study high-definition videography) and boat- the final report and data package will be of mercury exposure in four focal spe- based surveys. High-definition video available in 2016 at http://coastalscience. cies breeding at colonies in the Gulf of has proved to be an effective method, noaa.gov/. Kinlan and Winship are also Maine, including the Common Eider, capturing distribution and abundance continuing BOEM-funded work on sta- Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Double-crested information on a broad range of marine tistical guidelines for surveys and moni- Cormorant and Black Guillemot. They taxa in a single survey platform. Among toring to detect marine bird “hotspots” compared contaminant levels found in others, Iain Stenhouse (BRI), Rich- and “coldspots,” to be completed in 2016. 2013 with previous results from 1998– ard Veit (City University of New York Brian Kinlan, Arliss Winship, Pat 2006, and found significant increases [CUNY]), and Beth Gardner (North Halpin (Duke University), Mike Fog- in mercury in all species, except the Carolina State University [NCSU]) are arty (NOAA NMFS), and Earvin Bal- Leach’s Storm-Petrel, which was high co-PIs on the broader project. derama (Loyola University) are lead- to begin with and remained stable. This Richard Veit and colleagues Tim ing a Marine Life Data Analysis Team study was funded by the Maine Outdoor White, Lisa Manne, Simon Perkins, (MDAT) to provide scientific informa- Heritage Fund, and supported by Maine Tom Brown and Danielle Fibikar tion on the distribution of marine birds, Department of Inland Fisheries and (CUNY) have completed or are complet- marine mammals, and fish to the North- Wildlife and NAS-SRP. ing boat surveys for seabirds off south- east Regional Planning Body (RPB). Ernst Rupp and Esteban Garrido eastern Massachusetts (Massschusetts The RPB is conducting the first formal (Grupo Jaragua) led fieldwork to locate Clean Energy Center, BOEM) and off regional marine spatial planning process and monitor 47 active Black-capped Pe- Delaware-Virginia (DOE; see project in the U.S. The MDAT is working with trel (Pterodroma hasitata) nests during above), to gauge possible impacts of off- the Northeast Regional Ocean Council to the 2014 breeding season in the area shore wind energy projects. They are provide models, maps, and spatial analy- of Loma del Toro, Dominican Repub- pursuing continuing funding to support ses to support marine spatial planning in lic and Morne Vincent, Haiti. Fledging shipboard surveys of the U.S. continen- the Northeast region. More information success was approximately 75 % at both tal shelf aboard NOAA research vessels can be found at http://neoceanplanning. locations. Causes of nest failure included for a project begun in 2007, and are also org/. Kinlan is chairing the Avian Work- animal and human predation, egg aban- continuing research on variation in win- ing Group and all interested marine bird donment. In Haiti, people searching for ter abundance of alcids off the U.S. East experts are welcome to join (brian.kin- wild yams in the nesting area find nests coast and its relation to oceanic climate. [email protected]). accidentally. Grupo Jaragua followed up

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 40 REGIONAL REPORTS on a petrel nesting areas on the northern tal shelf area and their migratory move- tive in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Domini- escarpments of the Massif de la Selle, ments in relation to the federally-desig- can Republic, Mexico, British Virgin Haiti, identified by radar surveys in 2013. nated Wind Energy Areas off the eastern Islands, St. Eustatius, and Trinidad & Of the 18 accessible nests, 11 (61%) had seaboard. The project team is preparing Tobago. Details can be found at www. chicks. This area is highly threatened by for a fourth year of capture and tagging atlanticseabirds.org. Along with efforts conversion to grazing. Without immedi- and trials of experimental harness at- to track Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus ate intervention, this important petrel tachments, in early 2015. lherminieri), White-tailed Tropicbird nesting area may soon be destroyed. Under the guidance of Patrick Jodice and Masked Booby, they are now also (USGS Cooperative Research Units and tracking Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaeth- TRACKING STUDIES Clemson University [CU]), research on aethereus), Magnificent Frigate- Linda Welch (USFWS) and col- continued on seabird colonies and shore- bird (Fregata magnificens), and Black- leagues at Maine Coastal Islands Na- birds in South Carolina, the Gulf of capped Petrel. tional Wildlife Refuge continue their Mexico, and the Caribbean. George Wallace of the American efforts to document colony attendance Juliet Lamb (Ph.D. student, CU) re- Bird Conservancy (ABC) reports that, rates and foraging behavior in Com- cently completed the second season of in April 2014, satellite transmitters mon and Arctic Terns. They are using fieldwork in a project examining the spa- were deployed on three breeding adult nanotags (coded radio tags) and auto- tial ecology of Brown Pelicans breed- Black-capped Petrels trapped in Sierra mated receiving stations on colonies and ing in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The de Bahoruco National Park, Domini- nearby islands to try and document the project, funded by BOEM, is examining can Republic. The project is a collabo- location of foraging habitat. The Refuge differences in diet, energetics, contami- ration of ABC, Grupo Jaragua, USGS, works with a network of partners to de- nant loads, reproductive success, and CU, and Instituto Tecnologico de Santo ploy “homemade” receiving stations that habitat use between pelicans breeding Domingo. These are first Black-capped cost about 15% of the commercial re- in regions with varying levels of oil in- Petrels ever tracked using any technol- ceivers. The receiving stations collected frastructure and onshore development. ogy. Two tags provided position data data 24 hours a day, and collected over In addition to deploying an additional for approximately 4.5 months and the 3.5 million records. The data allow them 25 satellite tags on adult pelicans, bring- third is still transmitting. The birds for- to examine foraging flight direction, the ing the total to 85 adults equipped with aged almost exclusively in the southern number and duration of foraging trips, transmitters, Lamb and research as- Caribbean Sea during the chick provi- compare foraging effort between incuba- sistant Yvan Satgé (Research Associ- sioning period, entering Panamanian, tion and chick rearing, and then monitor ate, CU) fitted 300 nestlings at colonies Colombian, and Venezuelan waters. The the birds’ departure from the colonies at along the Texas coast with green field- tracking data apparently provide the first the end of the season. Several hundred readable bands. To improve the chance known records of the species for Panama receiving stations deployed from Atlan- of re-sighting dispersing juveniles, the and Venezuela. Post-breeding, the birds tic Canada to the mid-Atlantic region team has created a website (http://pro- moved into Gulf Stream waters and ad- will also help track the terns and hun- jectpelican.weebly.com/) where birders jacent North Atlantic waters east of the dreds of other tagged passerines, shore- can report sightings of color-banded in- Delmarva Peninsula. Single day flights birds, raptors, and bats during their mi- dividuals. Please keep your eyes open for have varied widely in distance, but a grations. green-banded pelicans, and make sure to few have exceeded 450 miles. To view Iain Stenhouse, Lucas Savoy, Car- report any sightings using the web form! an interactive track map, see http://www. rie Gray (BRI), Bill Montevecchi (Me- Caroline Poli (M.Sc. student, CU) atlanticseabirds.org/bcpe-new. morial University [MUN]), and Alicia continued research on GPS tracking and Building on previous surveys in 2012 Berlin (USGS) continue to collaborate foraging patterns of Masked Boobies in and 2013, Environmental Protection in on a satellite telemetry study of div- Mexico and is analyzing movement data the Caribbean, Grupo Jaragua, and So- ing bird species wintering in the mid- from 40 satellite-tagged Brown Peli- ciété Audubon Haiti also used marine Atlantic region. Funded by BOEM, and cans that were captured near Charles- radar to determine Black-capped Petrel coordinated by USFWS (Scott Johnson ton, SC in December 2010. The focus flight corridors and nest activity centers and Caleb Spiegel), this study has been of the research is to examine individual in various areas in Hispaniola during highly successful in tracking the move- site fidelity and timing of migration and February and March 2014. Radar data ments of three focal marine bird species: investigate the extent to which pelicans was collected at 12 stations, almost en- Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus), use regional parks and protected areas. tirely in areas not previously surveyed Red-throated Loons (Gavia stellata), The CU lab also has expanded track- for petrels. A highlight was locating new and Surf Scoters. Birds are caught at sea ing efforts on seabirds in the Atlantic. petrel activity centers in Sierra de Nei- in winter to specifically examine their The Tracking Atlantic and Caribbean ba and the north slope of the Sierra de winter use of the mid-Atlantic continen- Seabirds (TRACS) program is now ac- Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. These

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 41 REGIONAL REPORTS data have already aided greatly in priori- with EC) to capture and attach solar- bird records, and alcid vagrancy. Lastly, tizing locations for future field visits and powered satellite transmitters (PTTs) to Harry reported the following papers nest searching. breeding Marbled Murrelets. Six birds were published: (i) Carter, H.R., Lam- were captured and fitted with PTTs in bert and Donnecke 2014. Breeding of OTHER STUDIES/NEWS April 2014 near Hartley Bay, at the en- Brandt’s Cormorant at Mandarte Island Conservation Metrics, Grupo Jaragua, trance to Douglas Channel (BC). Signals in 2013. Victoria Nat. 70: 6–7; (ii) Sealy, and Société Audubon Haiti collaborated were obtained from five marked birds; S.G., Carter, H.R., Thomson, R.E., and on acoustic monitoring of Black-capped unfortunately, four signals ended after Morgan, K.H. 2013. Movements of An- Petrels on Hispaniola. Three calibra- two weeks, perhaps because the deploy- cient Murrelet family groups to northern tion and several exploratory sites were ment was too early and moult had not yet Vancouver Island, British Columbia. NW surveyed for one-month periods. A new been completed. One PTT continued to Nat. 94: 209–226; and (iii) Sealy, S.G., “high” density area was discovered at provide reliable signals throughout the Carter, H.R., Thomson, R.E., and Pear- the exploratory site along the cliffs of spring and summer; and the data are son, S.F. 2013. Far-south Ancient Mur- Seguin, Haiti. During the 2014–2015 consistent with breeding in the Giltoyees relet family groups: long-distance move- breeding season, Grupo Jaragua planned Inlet area. In late July, the bird moved ments or limited local breeding? NW to re-deploy seven acoustic sensors at out of the study area and headed to Alas- Nat. 94:227-239. calibration and exploratory survey sites ka in August; by late September the bird Trudy Chatwin (BC MFLNRO) starting in September 2014. was west of Kodiak Island, AK. Doug reported that she, along with Monica Jeff Spendelow (USGS) continues also worked with Jason Duffe (WRD, Mather, Darryn McConkey, Connie to coordinate a long-term cooperative EC, Ottawa, ON) to film and photograph Miller-Retzer, and Linda Sinclair (all research project on the metapopulation shorelines of three federal migratory BC MFLNRO), has been working to es- dynamics and ecology of the endangered bird sanctuaries on southern Vancouver tablish Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs) northwest Atlantic breeding population Island, to categorize current shoreline for Marbled Murrelets in old growth of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii). status. forests on Vancouver Island and the BC The project includes working with col- Alan Burger (University of Victoria central coast. According to Trudy, there laborators to examine the temporal and [UVic]) is trying hard to be retired, but are 53 proposed WHAs on the central geographic variation in staging site use continues some work on the Marbled coast and southern Vancouver Island in SE Massachusetts by hatch-year birds. Murrelet including reviews, conserva- awaiting decision, and 135 additional Sarah Courchesne and Julie Ellis tion and publishing. proposals in various states of consulta- (SEANET) report that the Field Guide Harry Carter (Carter Biological tion on the coast. In addition, Trudy and to Beached Birds of the Southeastern Consulting) conducted seabird projects Louise Waterhouse (BC MFLNRO) are United States is finished and has gone mainly in California in 2014. Work in members of the Canadian Marbled Mur- to press! They would like to thank John BC included a complete colony survey of relet Recovery Team and participated in Stanton of the USFWS Southeast Re- the Strait of Georgia for Double-crested developing Canada’s “Recovery Strategy gion Migratory Bird Program for mak- Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, and for the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyram- ing this possible. Please watch the SE- Brandt’s Cormorant in June-July, led by phus marmoratus),” June 2014. ANET blog for instructions for ordering Trudy Chatwin (BC Ministry of For- Luke Halpin (Halpin Wildlife Re- your very own copy (http://seanetters. ests, Lands and Natural Resource Op- search) has been working on bioacous- wordpress.com). The SEANET blog is erations [MFLNRO]), and with Mark tic techniques to monitor island-nesting generally good reading, too! Drever (CWS, EC), Erica McClaren seabird populations, with a current focus (BC Parks, Ministry of Environment), toward restoration of populations heav- and others. Harry noted that a complete ily affected by invasive predators on CANADA cormorant survey of this region had not Pacific islands. His research focuses on Compiled by Ken Morgan been conducted since 2000, and major bioacoustic monitoring of nocturnal sea- changes in population size and distribu- birds and its utility to measure seabird PACIFIC CANADA tion have occurred. Harry also conduct- colony attendance and population recov- Doug Bertram (Wildlife Research ed (with Erica McClaren) surveys of Pe- ery following removal of invasive preda- Division [WRD], Delta, British Colum- lagic Cormorant colonies in outer Queen tors on islands. Luke has been working bia [BC]) worked with Michael Janssen Charlotte Strait (the region has not been with Ancient Murrelets, Japanese Mur- (Canadian Wildlife Service [CWS], Ot- surveyed since the 1980s, and the popu- relets (Synthliboramphus wumizusume), tawa, Ontario [ON]), Jenna Cragg (EC lation size appears to have declined), and Cassin’s Auklets, Fork-tailed Storm-Pe- contractor, Nanaimo, BC), Sean Boyd worked with Spencer Sealy (University trels, Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrels (Oceano- (WRD, EC, Delta, BC), and veterinar- of Manitoba [UM]) and others on An- droma monorhis), and Leach’s Storm- ian Malcolm McAdie (under contract cient Murrelet records, historical sea- Petrels. Additionally, Luke has been

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 42 REGIONAL REPORTS conducting at-sea seabird surveys off the Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisher- and vessel-based line transects in the west coast of Canada to assist Ken Mor- ies Centre, UBC) and Mark are leading Douglas Channel region of BC. Three gan (CWS, EC) with identifying impor- a project to assess baseline health pa- Northern Mainland Coast long-term ra- tant marine habitats for pelagic seabirds. rameters in Rhinoceros Auklets, ahead dar monitoring stations were visited by Mark Hipfner (WRD, EC) reported of projected regional increases in indus- sailboat to provide additional abundance that summer 2014 marked the 21st year trial development. Mark, Strahan, and measures for population trend analysis of operation of the Centre for Wildlife Marc Trudel (DFO), and other DFO and 470 km of transects were conducted Ecology’s (CWE, Simon Fraser Univer- collaborators, completed the third year between radar sampling locations. In sity [SFU]) seabird research and moni- of a joint EC-DFO project investigating addition, Bernard conducted Marbled toring program on Triangle Island, BC. the consumption of salmon (Oncorhyn- Murrelet horizontal and vertical radar In addition to Mark, the 2014 field crew chus spp.) by seabirds in BC waters. surveys for post-construction monitoring consisted of Michael Arbeider (BSc And finally, Mark andMoira Galbraith at the Cape Scott wind farm (as a sub- student, SFU), Catherine Jardine (Bird (DFO) completed the sixth year of a contractor to Cooper-Beauchesne and Studies Canada [BSC]), Claire Mus- project investigating spatio-temporal Associates and Hemmera), investigating sells (WRD, EC), Katharine Stud- variation in the diets of forage fish of im- commuting behavior and flight heights holme (Ph.D. student, Dalhousie Uni- portance to seabirds in BC. in relation to wind turbines. He also con- versity [DAL]), and Sarah Thomsen Ken Morgan (CWS, EC) continued to ducted pre-construction murrelet hori- (Ph.D. student, SFU). As in past years, chair the Canadian Albatross and Shear- zontal and vertical radar surveys around the Triangle Island crew monitored water Recovery Team, which includes Aristazabal Island (BC) by sailboat for breeding chronology and success, and Louise Blight (Procellaria Research & a proposed wind power project (for Sea related ecological parameters, in Cas- Consulting), Peter Hodum, Jo Smith Breeze Power Corporation, Vancouver, sin’s Auklet, Rhinoceros Auklet, Black (Birdsmith Ecological Research), and BC). Modelled Marbled Murrelet habitat Oystercatcher (Haemotopius bach- others. As well, Ken continued plac- areas were also ground-truthed on shore mani), and Glaucous-winged Gull. The ing contract at-sea seabird observers on and from the water. Bernard conducted main focus of the research effort in 2014 ships-of-opportunity off Canada’s west murrelet inland forest surveys along ar- was Katharine Studholme’s Ph.D. proj- coast, and continued to chair the Pacific eas of potential nesting habitat intersect- ect, co-supervised by Mark and Glenn Region - Seabird Bycatch Working group ing a proposed gas pipeline looping proj- Crossin and Sarah Iverson (DAL). (with Yuriko Hashimoto (CWS, EC) ect between Kitimat and Terrace (BC) Katherine’s project involves deploying and Laurie Wilson, Mark Hipfner, as for Brent Matsuda (Aecom Environ- geolocator (GLS) and global position- well as several DFO employees). In ad- mental). And last but not least, Bernard ing system (GPS) tags on Cassin’s and dition, Ken participated in meetings of continued as a member of the Canadian Rhinoceros Auklets on colonies widely the Seabird Bycatch Working Group and Marbled Murrelet Recovery Team. dispersed along the BC coast. The Trian- the Population and Conservation Status Jo Smith reported that she is continu- gle Island crew, plus Glen Crossin, Nate Working Group at the 8th meeting of the ing her work on marine spatial planning Clark (M.Sc. student, Queen’s Univer- Advisory Committee of ACAP (Agree- in the Pacific Ocean and globally. In sity [Queen’s]), David Green (SFU), ment on the Conservation of Albatrosses January 2014, she began working with Joshua Green (BSc student, University and Petrels) in Punta del Este, Uruguay TNC Canada (an affiliate of The Na- of British Columbia [UBC]), Glen Ked- in September 2014. ture Conservancy, USA) to manage the die (CWS contractor), Elizabeth Krebs In fall of 2013, Bernard Schro- global marine spatial planning program. (WRD, EC), Christie Macdonald (Brit- eder (Bernard K Schroeder Consult- The Nature Conservancy was asked to ish Columbia Conservation Foundation ing [BKSC]) and Jenna Cragg (sub- facilitate and lead a marine spatial plan- [BCCF]), and Strahan Tucker (Depart- contracting with BKSC) completed a ning program in the Seychelles, and ment of Fisheries and Oceans [DFO]) density analysis of select seabird spe- Jo is the lead scientist for this project. deployed tags on Triangle, Pine, and cies: Western Grebe (Aechmophorus Seabirds and ecological processes that Lucy islands, and on S’Gang Gwaay. occidentalis), Surf Scoter (Melanitta support these populations are impor- Collaborators John Elliott and Sandi perspicillata), California Gull (Larus tant components of marine plans in the Lee (both Wildlife Toxicology Division, californicus), Common Murre, Marbled Seychelles and elsewhere, including for EC), and Laurie Wilson (CWS, EC) led Murrelet and Rhinoceros Auklet from marine protected area network designs. field crews that deployed tags on Cleland vessel-based line transects conducted Jo is developing a community of practice Island and Frederick Island, respectively. (in 2012 and 2013) in the Prince Rupert for marine spatial planning, and study- In addition, Mark reported that several region of BC, for Aecom Environmen- ing the opportunities and challenges other research projects were carried out tal (Camarillo, CA). In 2014, Bernard that marine protected areas present for concurrently with the GLS deployments was contracted by Ian Parnell (CWS, multiple objective planning. Jo also is in 2014. Katie Haman (Ph.D. student, EC) to conduct Marbled Murrelet radar involved in marine planning in Indone-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 43 REGIONAL REPORTS sia, the Gulf of California, and the Ca- Canada. Once again EC ran the long postdoctoral fellow with Mark Mallory ribbean. In June, Jo completed her work term monitoring program at East Bay (Acadia), examining the marine distri- with the “Marine Planning Partnership Island, northern Hudson Bay (Nuna- bution and abundance of seabirds in the for the North Pacific Coast,” and the ma- vut [NU]). Although Common Eiders North American Arctic and the factors rine plans should be completed by Oc- (Somateria molissima) are the primary driving their distribution. Collaborators tober 2014. Jo continues as a member of species studied, other birds researched include Carina Gjerdrum (CWS), Ken the Canadian Albatross and Shearwater included King Eiders (Somateria spec- Morgan, Svein Vagle, and Bill Wil- recovery team (along with Ken Morgan, tabilis) and Herring Gulls (Larus smith- liams (both DFO). Sarah and colleagues Louise Blight, Peter Hodum, and oth- sonianus). The team included Grant published a paper identifying marine ers), and with the SeaDoc Society. Gilchrist (WRD, EC), Frankie Jean- areas of high seabird density across Laurie Wilson coordinated the CWS Gagnon (M.Sc. student, Université de the entire North American Arctic dur- seabird colony monitoring program in Rimouski), Nike Clyde (M.Sc. student, ing summer (July and August) cruises, 2014, revisiting permanent plots at the CU), Donald Hay-Pirie (EC contrac- 2007–2012 (Wong, S.N.P., Gjerdrum, C., Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin’s Auklet, tor), Kevin Kelley (M.Sc. student, Uni- Morgan, K.H., and Mallory, M.L. 2014. and Tufted Puffin colonies on Triangle versity of New Brunswick [UNB]), Ro- Hotspots in cold seas: The composition, Island. Field crew consisted of Laurie, landa Steenweg (Ph.D. student, DAL), distribution, and abundance of marine Rhonda Millikin (CWS, EC), Michael Pierre Legagneux (postdoctoral fellow, birds in the North America Arctic. J. Rodway (CWS contractor), and Joshua Université de Rimouski), and Jenna Geophys. Res. 119: 1691–1705). Green. Some transects were resurveyed Cragg (EC contractor). Banding of King on Susk Gwaii (Frederick Island, Haida and Common Eiders was undertaken ATLANTIC CANADA Gwaii, BC), and occupancy rates for during the spring as the birds arrive on Stephanie Avery-Gomm (EC) has Cassin’s Auklets and Ancient Murre- the island. Disease monitoring for avian been working with Greg Robertson, lets were determined. The field crew in- cholera, stress physiology, and parasite Dave Fifield (both EC) and Carina cluded Laurie, Glen Keddie, and Moira and contaminants research were also Gjerdrum managing two large proj- Lemon, Dan Shervill, and Yuriko undertaken. A new initiative using GPS ects related to understanding the risk Hashimoto (all CWS, EC). Laurie also tags to track early season movements of and impact of the offshore oil and gas completed the second of a three-year the Common Eiders was also undertak- industry on seabirds, work funded by the study to better understand the timing en this year to assess what local areas are Environmental Studies Research Fund and movement of Ancient Murrelets that used by the birds as they prepare for the (ESRF). The objective of the first project breed in BC. Four GLS tags deployed breeding season. A small team worked is to establish a baseline of seabird den- in 2013 on breeding Ancient Murrelets on the Thick-billed Murre colony on sities and distributions on the Labrador on George Island and Susk Gwaii were Digges Island (NU) in 2014. Plot moni- Shelf using ship-based surveys. Aerial recovered. Additional GLS tags were toring and the deployment of GPS units pelagic seabird surveys carried out in deployed on 150 breeding Ancient Mur- to track local movements of birds were collaboration with Jack Lawson (DFO) relets at four colonies (George Island [75 the main research objectives. The team have also been conducted. The second tags], Susk Gwaii [75], Reef Island, [25], working on the murre cliffs included ESRF project is an experiment to assess Hippa Island [25]). Field crew included Kerry Woo (CWS, EC), Michael Jans- the accuracy of aerial and ship-based ob- Laurie, Glen Keddie, Moira Lemon, sen (WRD, EC), Travis White (Ph.D. servations of dead seabirds at sea, as it Dan Shervill, Yuriko Hashimoto, David student, CU) and Mike Mariash (EC pertains to oil spill response and quanti- Cunnington (CWS, EC), Jake Pattison contractor). Common Eiders were also fying associated seabird mortality. Con- (Laskeek Bay Conservation Society), surveyed in the area (by Grant Gilchrist tributors to these projects include Laura and Tony Gaston (EC). Finally, Laurie and Nike Clyde) for a new study inves- McFarlane Tranquilla, Steven Duffy, continued with her assessment of seabird tigating how eiders shape the terrestrial Amy-Lee Kouwenberg, Sheena Roul, bycatch in commercial salmon gillnet environment of the islands through their and Paul Regular (all EC). fisheries. Reports of bird entanglements presence during the breeding season. Dave Fifield (EC) recently analyzed from DFO test fisheries with observer The Thick-billed Murre colony at Cape 10 (of 22) GLS tags retrieved from At- programs and bycatch events reported Graham Moore (NU) was visited again lantic Puffins Fratercula ( arctica) at by fishers were tallied; these data will be in 2014 by Christie Macdonald (EC), Gull Island (NL) in 2014 to produce the used to derive seabird bycatch estimates. along with the crew of the S/V Arctic first overwinter tracking of this species Tern. GPS units were deployed on the from eastern North American colonies. ARCTIC CANADA murres to determine their use of the sur- Preliminary analysis shows birds win- Jennifer Provencher (Ph.D. student, roundings waterways. tering either far offshore on the Grand Carleton University [CU]) provided the Sarah Wong (Acadia University [Aca- Bank or moving south along the east- following update of work in northern dia]) continues as a W. Garfield Weston ern seaboard of the U.S., as far south

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 44 REGIONAL REPORTS as New Jersey or Delaware. Likewise, and includes the following EC collabo- LATIN AMERICA preliminary analysis of 2 (of 4) retriev- rators: Greg Robertson, Neil Burgess, Compiled by Annette Henry als of Black-legged Kittiwake GLS tags Sabina Wilhelm, and Pierre Ryan (all showed birds wintering far offshore on EC). Laura also reported that in January CHILE the Grand Bank. This work was initiated 2014, she accepted a position as the At- As a corresponding member of the and managed by Greg Robertson, and lantic Programme Manager with BSC in Pacific Seabird Group since 2012, Cris- enjoyed contributions from Michelle Sackville, NB. tián G. Suazo (Justus Liebig University) Fitzsimmons and April Hedd (MUN), continues to work at sea with artisanal and Amy-Lee Kouwenberg, Laura OUTSIDE OF CANADA and industrial fisheries in the produc- McFarlane Tranquilla, and Stephanie Pat Baird (CWE, SFU) reported tive Humboldt Current system. His work Avery-Gomm (all EC). that she is continuing to work on the with seabird conservation in Chile in- Rob Ronconi (Acadia), working with population status of various tern spe- cludes participation in the Albatross Phil Taylor (Acadia), Zoe Crysler cies (Sternula) in Hawai’i (HI), with Task Force-Chile (ATF-Chile) Project. (M.Sc. student, Acadia), Jess Stephens other colleagues (Scott Waddington, Cristián continues his involvement with (M.Sc. student, Acadia), and Ingrid Pol- Kona Wildlife; Patty Szczys, Eastern education by supporting and collaborat- let (Ph.D. student, DAL), wrapped up a Connecticut State University [ECSU]; ing with Master’s students from Chilean three-year study investigating seabird and Tim Burr, Poway, California [CA]). universities such as the Universidad de and landbird interactions with offshore Pat is continuing her work at California Los Lagos (Chile). Cristián’s latest pub- oil and gas platforms in NS. This work State University (Long Beach, CA) on lication can be found in this issue of Pa- included telemetry studies of Leach’s developing dyes suitable for seabirds, cific Seabirds. Storm-petrels, Great Black-backed Gull and she is also working with Ron Yden- (Larus marinus), Herring Gull, Com- berg (CWE, SFU) on data collected on mon Tern (Sterna hirundo), and Arctic Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) mi- ASIA & OCEANIA Tern (S. paradisaea). This group, along gration from Panama to Alaska. Pat con- Compiled by Kuniko Otsuki with partners Rolanda Steenweg (Ph.D. tinues to advise Sarah Thomsen (Ph.D. student, DAL) and Mark Mallory, also student CWE, SFU) who is completing HOKKAIDO, JAPAN completed a colony census and dietary her thesis on depredation of Scripps’s Yutaka Watanuki (Hokkaido Univer- analysis for gulls and terns breeding on Murrelet (Synthliboramphus scrippsi) sity), his colleagues, and students contin- Sable Island, NS. on Santa Barbara Island, CA. As the ued monitoring at Teuri Island (west side In 2014, Rob Ronconi and Sarah PSG’s Secretary for the last year, Pat has of Hokkaido), which had a very poor Wong continued their long-term band- been posting on social media informa- breeding season in 2014. No Black-tailed ing and sampling of Great Shearwaters tion pertaining to PSG, conservation is- Gulls (Larus crassirostris) laid eggs, (Puffinus gravis) around Grand Manan sues, job openings, and links to relevant the numbers of active nests of Japanese Island, NB. In July 2014, Rob began scientific publications. Pat gave a paper Cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus) temporary work with Greg Robertson on conservation of Least Terns (Sternula and Slaty-backed Gulls (L. schistisagus) analyzing tracking data. antillarum) at the Wildlife Society con- were smaller than in other recent years. Laura McFarlane Tranquilla suc- ference (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, No Rhinoceros Auklets chicks fledged, cessfully defended her Ph.D. thesis, October, 2014) and presented a poster on mainly because of starvation; anchovies “Ecological segregation of murres (Uria the HI team’s tern work at the Waterbird (their major prey) did not appear to be lomvia, U. aalge) during the nonbreed- Society meeting (La Paz, Mexico, No- available within foraging range of Teuri ing season in the northwest Atlantic vember, 2014). Pat also noted that she is Island. They also visited Daikoku Island Ocean. The thesis focused on murres now on the Board of the Waterbird So- on the east side of Hokkaido to collect from Prince Leopold Island (NU), Coats ciety. Last but not least, Pat will be step- diet samples of Rhinoceros Auklets and Island (NU), Digges Island (NU) and ping down as the PSG’s Secretary at the deploy geolocators. At each island, a pair the Minarets (NU), and from the Gan- end of the 2015 annual meeting. of White-tailed Sea-eagles (Haliaeetus net Islands, and Funk and Gull Islands Heather Major (UNB) continued albicilla) have fed on seabird fledglings (NL). Laura also participated in popu- work on prospecting Crested Auklets at for a decade or more, presumably af- lation monitoring and GLS tracking Gareloi Island, AK. Heather is current- fecting seabird breeding activities, and research on Leach’s Storm-Petrels, led ly supervising M.Sc. student Christy partly contributing to the decrease in the by April Hedd and Bill Montevecchi Wails (UNB), who successfully com- number of seabird nests on these islands. on Baccalieu Island, NL. This work ties pleted her first field season at Gareloi -Is into a regional effort in NL to under- land in 2014, researching the behaviour KYUSHU, JAPAN stand population trends and year-round and movement of Crested Auklet pros- In April 2014, Masayoshi Takeishi marine distribution of storm-petrels, pectors at Gareloi Island. (Kitakyushu Museum of Natural and

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 45 REGIONAL REPORTS

Human History) and Hiroto Okabe (Ky- and study the restoration of a Chinese pairs of seabirds of 23 species breed on ushu Environmental Evaluation Associa- Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini) the Chatham Islands, including three al- tion) led an expedition to further evaluate breeding site. It was highly success- batross species (all effectively endemic) the feasibility of restoring the habitat of ful: high numbers of adults (at least 43), plus three endemic petrels and two en- the Japanese Murrelet and the Swinhoe’s breeding pairs (at least 20), and fledg- demic cormorants. Bartle’s information Storm-Petrel on Okinoshima and nearby lings (at least 13) were recorded. This will be used in a hearing in October 2014 Koyashima by eradicating Norway Rats is a joint project with the Marine and by the New Zealand Environmental Pro- (Rattus norvegicus) and Black Rats (R. Fishery Bureau of Xiangshan County tection Authority (EPA) of an application rattus). Much assistance with obtaining (Zhejiang, China), Zhejiang Museum of for a Marine Consent by Chatham Rock funding and trip planning was provided by Natural History, the Hong Kong Bird Phosphate Ltd. to undertake undersea Kuniko Otsuki (Japanese Seabird Group). Watching Society and OSU. They plan mining on the Chatham Rise. This proj- They are focusing on determining: (1) sea- to band the terns in 2015. Chan will ect will use new (largely untested) tech- sonal changes in rat numbers; (2) current write several papers from the data col- nology, and will be a precursor for other breeding status of the Japanese Murrelet lected this summer. similar large marine mining projects in and Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrel at Koyas- the Southern Ocean (e.g., off Namibia). hima; (3) finding evidence of breeding by NEW ZEALAND The mining company has applied to the Japanese Murrelets at Okinoshima; and In fall 2013, Rachel Buxton (Univer- EPA for permission to mine 1.5 million (4) collecting data for non-target species sity of Otago) completed studies of the tons of phosphate nodules annually for which would be affected by rat eradication, attraction of Grey-faced Petrel (Ptero- 35 years. The depth of the sea floor to be such as the Okinoshima-endemic subspe- droma macroptera gouldi), Fluttering mined is 250–450 m. A drag-head and cies of the Japanese White-toothed Shrew Shearwater (Puffinus gavia) and Flesh- pump unit weighing around 350 tonnes (Crocidura dsinezumi). In September, rats footed Shearwater (Puffinus carneipes) will dredge the sea floor to a depth of were widely distributed at Okinoshima. At to social cues (call-playback). She also 0.5 m and all excavated material includ- Koyashima, spotlight surveys in nearshore examined how remnant burrow-nesting ing benthic organisms pumped up to the waters at night in April confirmed contin- petrel colonies recover after predator dredge. During this mining operation, ued colony attendance by small numbers of eradication and recently completed her about 300 million tons of unwanted fine murrelets. Nine Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrels Ph.D. thesis “Ecological drivers of sea- silt and clay sediments will be excavated were caught in mist nets, suggesting that bird recovery after the eradication of in- from the sea floor and sieved on board some birds survived rat predation and may troduced predators.” this vessel before being returned down now breed at this island. At Okinoshima, Retired seabird biologist Sandy Bar- a pipe to (nominally) 10 m above the sea small numbers of murrelets and one fam- tle created a database of his long-term floor. The vessel will be slowly moving ily group were observed during April spot- (1970–1997) mark-recapture data for ahead at about 0.7 km/hr. A large-scale light surveys, further suggesting breeding Westland Petrels (Procellaria west- sediment plume likely will be created, at this island. Shrew traps (n = 100) were landica) from their sole breeding site which may be dispersed over a consider- set at Okinoshima, but no shrews were at Punakaiki, on the west coast of the able area and through the water column caught. Extirpation of shrews may have South Island. These data were used in a by vertical turbulence. For more infor- occurred since last observation in July survivorship model developed by Chris- mation, see: 1962. More surveys will be conducted in tophe Barbraud (Centre National de la http://www.epa.govt.nz/eez/ January and February 2015. Rat eradica- Recherché Scientifique, France). Sandy EEZ000006/EEZ000006_CRP_Non- tion at Okinoshima (95 ha) is feasible, Bartle has also summarized available tech_Summary_May_2014.pdf. but the steep cliffs (max elevation 254 m) information (especially his unpublished Unfortunately, no field surveys of ma- necessitate the use of an aerial broadcast 1976 surveys) on the pelagic ecology rine mammals or seabirds of the Cha- eradication technique. The sacred nature of seabirds and whales of the Chatham tham Rise were commissioned by the of the island, many native and endemic Rise. The Chatham Rise is a large, rela- mining company, and there are no pub- plant and animal species, a large colony of tively shallow area extending 1,200 km lished studies. Additional threats to sea- Streaked Shearwaters (Calonectris leuco- east of New Zealand to the Chatham Is- birds will arise through attraction to the melas), and heavy use by the fishing com- lands that coincides with the Subtropical lights of this vessel, which will operate munity, all require careful consideration. Frontal Zone, exhibiting considerable on a 24/7 basis. At present, the mining complexity and turbulence. It is a pro- company plans to deal with this threat by TAIWAN ductive zone that seasonally supports “adaptive management,” but research is Simba Chan (BirdLife International an estimated five million individuals of necessary to test the effectiveness of var- [BLI] Asia Division) spent May to Au- 52 seabird species, including four which ious solutions proposed from elsewhere, gust on Tiedun Dao, Jiushan Islands, are critically threatened and breed on such as the use of green lights. Zhejiang Province of China to monitor the Chatham Islands. Over one million

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 46 REGIONAL REPORTS

NEW CALEDONIA (i.e., rats, cats, feral goats, mongoose, ity at two very small colonies (Qarani Ludovick Reneudet (Société Calé- and wild dogs), resulting in decline over and Nawaikama). With the Fiji Petrel donienne d’Ornithologie), reported the decades. Not yet sufficient for IUCN breeding season suspected to begin in implementation of a program for con- Vulnerable status, the Tropical Shearwa- August, the focus is now on dog search trolling the spread of invasive species to ter is still evaluated as IUCN Least Con- patterns and audio detection to help the breeding colonies of the Gould’s Pe- cern. These species also face many other identify breeding locations. trel (Pterodroma leucoptera), an IUCN threats such as deforestation and habitat Vulnerable species. At present, there destruction through bush fires, human COOK ISLANDS is only one known breeding colony in encroachment, and agricultural diversifi- Kelvin Passfield (Te Ipukarea So- New Caledonia on the central mountain cation. These factors have contributed to ciety) reported successful biosecurity chain in the town of Paita. Other areas the extirpation of these seabird species training at Rarotonga by the Pacific are only suspected to have Gould’s Petrel from many breeding sites in Fiji and in Invasive Initiative and supported by colonies, but reproduction of petrels has the Pacific. Every Pacific Island country BLI Pacific Secretariat. The one-week never been confirmed for these areas. is working relentlessly to reduce such workshop provided basic training to This petrel is heavily affected by intro- impacts. the Suwarrow field rangers about bios- duced rats, feral cats, and pigs, as well Tuverea Tuamoto (NatureFiji- ecurity risks, prevention and the aim of as by habitat destruction (bush fires and MareqetiViti) reported that three years developing a formal biosecurity plan for opencast mining). Light-induced mor- after the BirdLife International Fiji Pro- Suwarrow. The field rangers will spend tality is also of concern locally. A total gramme, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti and six months on the island as caretakers, of 28 boxes for rodent baits have been the National Trust of Fiji eradicated rats responsible for managing wildlife and installed near petrel burrows with high and goats from Monuriki and Kadomo making sure no one takes animals or reproductive activity. Breeding success (Mamanuca Group). These islands have plants ashore or removes local wildlife. is monitored in 150 burrows, using a now officially been confirmed rat- and They will also collect any litter washed burrow scope. goat-free. The islands in the Mamanucas up or left behind by visitors. Suwar- are popular amongst tourists for their row is a popular landfall for sailboats FIJI pristine beaches and crystal clear wa- because of its natural beauty and isola- Sia lisi Rasalato (BLI Pacific Secre- ters. Monuriki and Kadomo are listed as tion. It is home to thousands of seabirds tariat) reported that, in July 2014, field Fiji’s priority islands providing habitat and is recognized as an Important Bird biologists conducting surveys on Yaqaga for largest Fijian population of Wedge- Area because of its large populations Island (Bua Province, Vanua Levu) came tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) of Sooty Terns (Onychoprion fusca- across a specimen of the rare Tropical and the endemic Fijian Crested Iguana tus), Red-tailed Tropicbirds, and Lesser Shearwater (Puffinus bailloni dichrous) (Brachylophus vitiensis). Initial signs Frigatebirds (Fregata ariel). The atoll is that was thought to breed there four of ecosystem recovery include rapid re- uninhabited but has rats and cats. A rat decades ago. The specimen was found covery of the dry vegetation, significant eradication program was carried out last hanging from a tree by a local villager, numbers of land birds, and an increase year in a collaboration between National Akuila Wara, who mentioned that he in seabird burrows. Among the positive Environment Services of the Cook Is- did not know this species (i.e., it was dif- changes recorded since 2009, a Banded lands and Birdlife International. ferent from other seabirds he sees while Rail (Hypotaenidia philippensis) was fishing out at sea). Tropical Shearwaters observed on Monuriki, which had not FRENCH POLYNESIA have been observed at sea in Fiji, the been previously observed. Sia Rasalato (BLI) reported that a South Pacific, and Indian Ocean, but are Poasa Qalo (NatureFiji-MareqetiViti) survey in April 2014 confirmed the uni- rarely seen on land. Even though a colo- reported progress with controlling rats versal presence of Pacific Rats Rattus ( ny has not been confirmed in Fiji since and cats at the most well documented exulans) on Temoe Atoll in the Gambier 1980, a colony of Audubon Shearwaters colony of Collared Petrel (Navukailagi – Islands. The atoll was inhabited four de- (later divided into Tropical Shearwater 65 known burrows) on Gau Island. The cades ago and cats (number unknown) and four other species) was found in 1978 Field Officers have placed rat stations were introduced to control the increas- by locals on Yanuca Island (off Beqa, and cat traps around the colony, visited ing rat population. These did not de- Viti Levu). A specimen has not been col- weekly for monitoring and re-baiting. ter rats from spreading to all the other lected in Fiji until 2014. Like those of Fewer burrows were active in the 2014 smaller islands within the atoll. At least the Fiji Petrel (Pseudobulweria macgil- breeding season (March-August), but 16 nine species of seabirds breed on Temoe livrayi) and the Collared Petrel (Ptero- young fledged. Predators remain a prob- atoll, including regionally significant droma brevipes), Tropical Shearwater lem and, despite control efforts, dead Murphy’s Petrel (Pterodroma ultima) nesting and breeding sites in Fiji have adults were found that were suspected (the largest colony in French Polyne- been under risk by invasive alien species cat predation. There was no petrel activ- sia), Red-tailed Tropicbird, Red-footed

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 47 REGIONAL REPORTS

Booby, Masked Booby, and White Tern SOUTH ATLANTIC Guinea), Peter Ryan (Percy Fitzpatrick (Gygis alba). A landowner and stake- The Ascension Island Government, Institute for Ornithology, South Africa), holder consultation was organized by in collaboration with the Universities of and Maria Dias (BLI) to collate 10 La Société D’ornithologie De Polynésie Exeter (UK), Julia Sommerfeld (Re- years of tracking data for eight species of to gain support from the landowners of search and Technology Centre, Büsum globally threatened seabirds to identify Makaroa, Kamaka, Manui and Temoe. Germany) and RSPB (Steffen Oppel potential marine protected areas around The consultation resulted in an agree- and Mark Bolton) tracked 30 Ascension the Tristan archipelago in the South At- ment formally approving and pledging Frigatebirds (Fregata aquila) with PTTs lantic. their support for eradication of rats from from March through August to examine Alex Bond and Peter Ryan headed these four islands. A local conservation within-individual foraging site fidelity out to Tristan da Cunha and Gough Is- group may be established for this and and compare these data to GPS track- land in September 2014 to conduct a other purposes in the Gambier Islands. ing data from 2013. These data, together census of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Al- with tracking data of other birds and sea- batross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) TROPICAL SOUTH PACIFIC (pro- turtles, are used to advocate for a 200 population. Although the species is glob- vided by Stefan Garthe) nm radius no-take zone ocean sanctuary ally endangered, and Tristan da Cunha Alex Bond, Steffen Oppel (Royal around Ascension. harbors >50% of the global breeding Society for the Protection of Birds Annalea Beard and the Marine Section population, no census had been per- [RSPB]), and Mike Brooke (University of the Environmental Management Direc- formed on Tristan da Cunha since 1974. of Cambridge) are preparing a 6-month torate (St Helena Government), supported expedition to Henderson Island (Pitcairn by Steffen Oppel and Mark Bolton Islands) to conduct research on bait ac- (RSPB) tracked Masked Boobies and Red- ceptance and uptake rates of invasive billed Tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus) rats on Henderson. In 2011, a rat eradi- with GPS loggers from breeding colonies cation on Henderson failed, presumably on St. Helena to identify offshore foraging because not all rats consumed the poi- areas. The data show markedly different son bait. More research is now needed foraging strategies than Masked Boobies to investigate whether the abundance of on neighbouring Ascension, despite simi- coconut and pandanus fruits on the is- lar tropical waters. land (which provide abundant food for The Ascension and St. Helena Gov- rats) poses an insurmountable problem ernments, in collaboration with Stef- for further eradication attempts. Eradi- fen Oppel, Mark Bolton, Will Miles cating rats is necessary to safeguard the (all RSPB), Rebecca Taylor, and Vicki endemic Henderson Petrel (Pterodro- Friesen (Queen’s) initiated field work to ma atrata) from extinction. clarify the taxonomy of Band-rumped Storm-Petrels nesting on Ascension and St. Helena. A mark-recapture study was EUROPE & AFRICA initiated on Egg Island (St. Helena) to es- Compiled by Stefan Garthe timate adult survival and population sizes during the hot and cold breeding season. NORTH ATLANTIC AND Storm petrels were captured in June and MEDITERRANEAN July 2014 to take blood and feather sam- Benjamin Metzger (BirdLife Malta) ples for genetic analysis. Passive acoustic Steffen Oppel and used mistnets on recorders were deployed along the coast- the small island of Filfla (6 ha, Malta) line of Ascension and St. Helena to docu- to band European Storm-Petrels (Hy- ment the occurrence of storm-petrels at drobates pelagicus) during the summer mainland cliffs throughout the year, and of 2013 and 2014. Using various mark- to develop an acoustic index for long-term recapture approaches, they estimated population monitoring. the size of the population at >25,000 in- Alex Bond recently joined RSPB, and dividuals, which is more than twice as now works with Steffen Oppel, Rich- large as previously assumed. ard Cuthbert (now WCS, Papua New

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 48 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS CHAIR’S REPORT FOR 2013 Doug Forsell

My tenure as Chair in 2013 was both ing the Marbled Murrelet Technical ning Task Force’s recommendations at challenging and quite interesting. As I Committee to offer a course to train and the June 2013 EXCO meeting. The Of- suppose happens with most chairs, I had certify tree climbers to locate Marbled ficers and Local Committee worked to a long list of things I wanted to accom- Murrelet nests. If the course for tree implement some of the suggestions at the plish. Some were completed; others fell climbers is held, we will purchase li- Juneau meeting and are working to in- by the wayside as other issues arose. The ability insurance for PSG on a reimburs- corporate them in the San Jose meeting. EXCO held two teleconferences, one in able basis from the participants. Within We discussed the recommendations at June and the other in November. While I this process I also reviewed our current both the EXCO at the Members Meeting aimed for two-hour calls, they ended up insurance coverage. While we have ad- (formally called the Business Meeting) closer to three hours, and we still did not equate liability coverage for actions of in Juneau, where we sought input from get everything accomplished. the EXCO and for our annual meetings, the membership. Financial issues have dominated a I recommended and the EXCO approved In dealing with the membership’s lot of my time and even more time of the acquisition of a surety bond for up opinions on activities of the EXCO, I Lindsay Young, our Treasurer through to $50,000 coverage for those handling have become a real fan of online polls 2013, who worked diligently to pull our PSG funds. This will be initiated after following the response we got from 159 records together and bring us into com- the new officers have taken office. members to a poll about future meet- pliance on several tax issues. A non-PSG A big item in the spring was a request ings. Pat Baird conducted online voting member began looking into our tax fil- from the World Seabird Union to fund on Bylaws changes, and that was quite ings and other paperwork required for the deposit for the venue for the sec- successful as well. We have purchased a nonprofit organizations, and pointed out ond World Seabird Conference, which one-year license to allow us to send polls several deficiencies over the past seven will be held in South Africa in 2015. to specific lists such as for elections, and years. Lindsay and our accountant have PSG still had $23,000 in funds from to large groups of members and inter- now resolved these issues, and they the first World Seabird Conference that ested individuals such as we did for the should remain settled because Lindsay we received as refund of the GST taxes. meeting survey. has incorporated these required annual EXCO voted to use up to $23,000 for the Another accomplishment of the Of- filings in the description of duties and deposit on the WSC II venue. Our agree- ficers was to place designated funds for procedures of the Treasurer. ment with WSU included several stipula- student travel and the Craig Harrison Since our fiscal year now begins in tions; these are detailed in Dave Irons’ Conservation Fund in separate bank ac- October, it seemed logical to spend the and Robb Kaler’s WSU report in this is- counts, increasing our fiscal transpar- majority of the fall teleconference pass- sue of Pacific Seabirds. The stipulations ency. We also added electronic abstract ing the budget, which was traditionally were met, and we transferred the deposit submissions to our online annual meet- done during the EXCO meeting prior to to the World Seabird Union. Addition- ing registration which saves time and the annual meeting. I recommend that ally, the outstanding funds from the first will improve consistency in the future. budget passage in the fall be continued; World Seabird Conference were paid to One project that I did not accomplish the budget should be approved at the the World Seabird Union for the compi- was pursuing the return of our deposit beginning of the fiscal year. I also rec- lation of the World Seabird Colony Da- from the Makaha Resort (which went out ommend we initiate use of internet con- tabase; again, details may be found in of business prior to our 2012 meeting in ference software that would allow us to Dave and Robb’s report. Hawai’i) and money still owed to PSG by view the Treasurer’s spreadsheet during I’ve spent a large amount of time re- a contractor at the Long Beach meeting. the discussion. viewing California nonprofit law, as has It appears that we have little chance of Early in my tenure, after asking for Vivian Mendenhall, and we realized that recovering those funds. volunteers to review what was then some of our procedures such as proxy called the Marbled Murrelet Tree Climb- voting of the EXCO were not in compli- TRANSITIONS ing Protocol and only receiving a couple ance with the law. Some changes need PSG could not operate without the of suggestions that we contract out the to be made to our Bylaws, and a com- contributions of its members and I would review, I decided to review it myself, mittee of Pat Baird, Vivian Mendenhall, like to acknowledge three of our mem- with a final review by Stan Senner. After Stan Senner, and myself will undertake bers in particular: many edits and a bit of education from a comprehensive rewrite of the Bylaws • Lindsay Young served as Treasurer a very patient Kim Nelson, we came up reviewed by an attorney and ready for for three years and did a stellar job with a document and procedures that I approval by the San Jose meeting. of implementing recommendations think limit PSG liabilities while allow- We received the PSG Strategic Plan- from our audit and documenting

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 49 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

step-by-step procedures for meeting years, I can attest to the amount of consistently produced a very pro- responsibilities and timelines that behind-the-scenes work that goes fessional, high-quality publication. will make the Treasurer’s job much into trying to find qualified candi- As an Ex-officio member of the easier in the future. She also initi- dates to run for office, and the panic EXCO, she has also been our expert ated the RegOnline system for han- that sets in when it’s time to send out on Bylaws and the operations of the dling online membership renewals, ballots and you still need an a candi- EXCO, and provided institutional meeting registrations, and abstract date. Thanks, Pat, for keeping PSG memory so important to the func- submissions –all improvements that running all those years. tioning of an effective board. are much appreciated by those orga- • Vivian Mendenhall stepped down as nizing meetings. editor of Pacific Seabirds after 14 I appreciated the opportunity to serve • Pat Baird served as Elections Chair years. She has almost single-hand- as Chair, and I hope I’ve been able to for over 20 years. Having been edly taken it from a newsletter into contribute to the Pacific Seabird Group. Elections Chair for a number of the age of electronic publishing and

SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR 2013 Pat Baird

This year has seen PSG’s presence on tion topics. If we get enough “likes” on ing was a challenge, and I corresponded the Internet explode. I created an official Facebook, we can boost the postings and with the people in the Waterbird Soci- public Facebook page and Twitter ac- get PSG a larger internet presence. ety to try to set up a joint meeting with count at the beginning of the year. As of 2 I have streamlined the minutes and them in La Paz, Mexico (where they met November 2014, we have 99 followers on highlighted in different colors the mo- in November, 2014). Unfortunately, there Facebook and 101 followers on Twitter, tions and the action plans so that peo- was not enough support from EXCO and I am sure we will have more by the ple can see these immediately. I have to do this mainly because three of the end of the calendar year. The week of 27- brought the website up to date with post- last four annual meetings have been in 31 October, our Facebook page reached ings of minutes and Bylaws, and you can places that are difficult and expensive to 283 people. I also created a chat room read them now online. Note that the get to, and the feeling was to bring the where PSG members and the general website will soon be completely updated 2015 meeting closer to PSG’s core—the public can post news of their research as with a new look and pages that are easier west coast corridor of the contiguous well as find ride-shares or room-shares to navigate. United States. With this mandate, I then for the annual meeting. This chat room As Secretary, I am on the Elections helped the search committee to find, and now has 105 members. The Secretary Committee and have been helping get obtain quotes from, two venues for the has the discretion to remove people who the Elections Coordinator up to speed on 2015 meeting, including the University abuse the system on any social media site. how to get out the ballot in the most ef- of San Francisco’s Mission Bay Conven- The PSG Facebook page is the official ficient way using Survey Monkey. PSG tion Center in downtown San Francisco face of PSG and does not permit public purchased the more robust professional and the South San Francisco Conference posting. This page is mainly a means to version, which returns statistics imme- Center, five minutes from the San Fran- highlight: (1) information about PSG; (2) diately and sorted any way one wants. cisco airport and 15 minutes from San information about the annual meeting Stephanie Avery-Gomm on the commit- Francisco. and other related meetings that might tee has been taking the lead on this. Although the decision for the 2015 interest people in the marine biology I set up Turbobridge for PSG so that venue is the San Jose Airport Garden field; (3) information from the EXCO on all conference calls and annual meetings Hotel near the San Jose airport, with relevant topics that have been discussed; of the EXCO are recorded and archived Scott Shaffer at San Jose State as local (4) conservation topics covering broad in case anyone has any questions about committee chair, I recommend the other fields of oceanography and marine bi- the minutes or what the EXCO decided two sites be considered for the next an- ology; and (5) job and graduate school/ at any conference call or meeting. In ad- nual meeting in California. They both internship information. The Twitter feed dition, this service is a low-cost alterna- are relatively inexpensive, easy to get mimics the information on the Facebook tive to the officers using their agency or to, and have plenty of conference-type page. I have also posted podcasts of ra- business conferencing capabilities, as rooms. Likewise, the San Francisco dio programs where PSG members have had been common practice. Mission Bay site is not linked to having a been interviewed on various conserva- Finding a venue for the 2015 meet- block of rooms in high-end hotels, which

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 50 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS is one way that PSG can lose money. I We have as a template the excellent Stra- two boxes of PSG archival material that found a variety of inexpensive but good tegic Plan of the Waterbird Society, so we were sent me by former PSG secretaries hotels (TripAdvisor rated) near the ven- will not have to reinvent the wheel. Beth Flint and Lora Leschner, and these ue, so cost for students would not be a The need to create a PSG archive cen- should be organized and archived some- factor. ter managed by an Archivist has become where. Before my tenure at PSG is over, The Waterbird Society is still interest- clear. Discussion in the EXCO recently I hope we will have created an Archivist ed in meeting with PSG at some point, so between older and newer members of position and found a place where we can the EXCO is exploring various options PSG on various critical topics made it store not only the hard copy archival ma- for future joint meetings as well as joint apparent that many of the newer mem- terial but also old copies of Pacific Sea- meetings with the AOU, the IOC, and bers were unaware of some policies, birds and the raw minutes and record- other societies that focus on marine biol- planning, or discussions that developed ings of all EXCO conference calls and ogy or oceanography. prior to their joining PSG. Sometimes annual meetings. The Chair, the Vice-Chair for Conser- ideas are proposed today that have been It has been good moving PSG into the vation, and I have talked about develop- discussed previously at great length and 21st century, and I hope that all of the ing a Strategic Plan, and we will work on in much detail among the EXCO mem- new ideas and things that I have created ideas for that as much as time allows. The bers, and we have no formal “institu- will help members in the future. objective is to go forward in 2015 with a tional memory” of those ideas, discus- plan of growth and development for PSG. sions, and outcomes. Likewise, I have

PSG FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 Lindsay Young (outgoing) and Christine Ogura (incoming) Treasurers

SUMMARY There were also several expenditures value of $100,000 is $126,000. Therefore, The closing of FY14 ended with a that were approved at the Juneau Execu- by subtracting this amount from the cur- gross income of $101,020.76 and ex- tive Council meeting that were not iden- rent value of the endowment (which was penses of $115,358.48, reflecting a deficit tified in the initial approved FY14 bud- $206,824 at the end of the fiscal year), the of $14,337.12. The approved 2014 bud- get. Overall, financial reporting of this total amount available for publications is get anticipated this deficit as there were budget reflects a transition in accounting $80,824 (notwithstanding the 6% with- unexpended carryover funds from FY13 methods to better clarify the core oper- drawal rule). (i.e., expenses budgeted for the 2013 ating costs for PSG. Therefore, most of Thank you to Lindsay Young for step- budget that were expended during 2014). the deficit is on paper only and a result ping into the Treasurer position at a criti- These funds were not reflected in the of this change in accounting procedures. cal time and helping to restructure PSG’s income section of the FY14 budget (but Consequently, some discrepancies exist financial foundation to ensure continued were adjusted for in the final account- between the previously approved budget improvement in the management of the ing). Despite ending the year in a deficit, categories and the actual income/ex- society’s financial assets. the financial health of the organization penses categories. overall is solid. Current assets are suffi- No funds from the endowment were see pages 52-54 for financial tables cient to cover the deficit and still provide used this fiscal year for publications; in- for five years of core operating expenses stead, these costs were taken out of excess (see general fund account). general funds. This allows funds in the Minor accounting procedural items endowment account to continue to accrue associated with the annual meeting were interest. In 2009, the Executive Council changed in order to better reflect the true developed a formula for identifying how cost of running the meeting; in the past much of the endowment was available for these items have been identified as gen- publication use. A principal of $100,000 eral PSG operating expenses and not as was identified as a minimum amount to a separate annual meeting budget. These maintain (adjusted for current dollar value) included re-labeling the annual meeting and up to 6% of the endowment could be expenses in the accounting software. withdrawn annually. The current dollar

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 51 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS General funds (which include operating costs) are kept in a checking account. September 30, 2011 $102,079.24 September 30, 2012 $88,173.87 September 30, 2013 $79,506.16 September 30, 2014 $50,663.75

Our Endowment funds (Life Memberships and other specially designated monies), which are restricted for PSG publications, are kept in a mutual fund managed by Neuberger and Berman. September 30, 2011 $119,879.53 September 30, 2012 $146,197.30 September 30, 2013 $180,320.39 September 30, 2014 $206,824.23

A PayPal account is used to accept membership payments, contributions, and other monies received by credit card. September 30, 2011 $15,100.28 September 30, 2012 $5,882.93 September 30, 2013 $7,132.73 September 30, 2014 $2,555.26

Student travel awards savings account (restricted funds). September 30, 2013 $5,216.24 September 30, 2014 $2,784.99

Craig Harrison conservation fund savings account (restricted funds). September 30, 2013 $12,346.95 September 30, 2014 $3,342.88

Vivian Mendenhall maintained an account to facilitate the printing and mailing of Pacific Seabirds. However, with her retire- ment, this account has been closed and will revert back to the endowment fund. September 30, 2011 $5,640.00 September 30, 2012 $1,090.15 September 30, 2013 $790.29 September 30, 2014 $738.04

Total Assets as of September 30, 2011 (includes restricted and non-restricted): $242,699.05 Total Assets as of September 30, 2012 (includes restricted and non-restricted): $241,344.25 Total Assets as of September 30, 2013 (includes restricted and non-restricted): $285,312.76 Total Assets as of September 30, 2014 (includes restricted and non-restricted): $266,909.15

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 52 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

FY14 ACTUAL INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES A. INCOME

Budget FY14 Actual FY14 Surplus/ (9/14/14) (Loss) Unrestricted: Membership1: Annual Membership Dues 13,500.00 5,259.75 (8,240.25) Life Membership Dues 900.00 250.00 (650.00) General Fund Donations 300.00 60.00 (240.00) Annual Meeting2 : Juneau 2014 65,108.00 61,523.37 (3,584.63) Student Travel (Restricted) 2,400.00 2,437.64 37.64 Travel Awards 0.00 0.00 - Restricted: Endowment Fund (non-principal) - supports PSG 100.00 0.00 (100.00) publications Publications: Marine Ornithology 400.00 100.00 (300.00) Pacific Seabirds 1,500.00 390.00 (1,110.00) World Seabird Conference 2 Donation (carryover from 23,000.00 23,000.00 - FY13) World Seabird Conference Database (carryover from FY13) 8,000.00 8,000.00 - A. TOTAL INCOME: $115,208.00 $101,020.76 $(14,187.24) B. EXPENSES: Administrative Operations Budget FY14 Actual FY14 Overspent/ (9/14/14) (Underspent) Accountant Fee3 2,000.00 1,759.53 (240.47) Bank Charge (bank service charges) 2,250.00 281.04 (1,968.96) Bookkeeper Fee 287.20 287.20 Chairs Discretionary Fund 2,000.00 0.00 (2,000.00) Executive Council Meetings: Elections (e.g., postage, supplies, copying) 30.67 30.67 Telephone 200.00 387.75 187.75 Survey Monkey Government Registration Fees 150.00 185.00 35.00 Insurance premium 1,700.00 1,400.00 (300.00) Legal Fees 0.00 273.16 273.16 Office Supplies Online Services: Website/Email (hosting)4 234.65 234.65 L-Soft (list-serve)5 2,600.00 2,600.00 PayPal Fee6 674.61 674.61 RegOnline Fee (membership and annual meeting)7 1,020.68 1,020.68 Postage for Mailings 100.00 92.00 (8.00) PO Box Rental (annual) 96.00 96.00 B. TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS EXPENSES8: $8,400.00 $9,322.29 $922.29

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 53 REPORTS OF PSG OFFICERS

C. EXPENSES: Society Services (meetings, publications, support))) Budget FY14 Actual FY14 Overspent/ (9/14/14) (Underspent) Annual Meeting2 Juneau 2014 60,615.00 62,196.40 1,581.40 Student Travel 5,300.00 6,160.00 860.00 Travel Awards 2,000.00 1,998.00 (2.00) Dues and Subscriptions: 2,000.00 IUCN 490.76 490.76 Ornithological council 2,000.00 2,000.00 Publications: Marine Ornithology (layout, printing, mailings) 10,000.00 103.98 (9,896.02) Pacific Seabirds (layout, printing, mailings) 6,000.00 2,089.05 (3,910.95) World Seabird Union: Databases 8,000.00 7,998.00 (2.00) World Seabird Conference 2 Donation 23,000.00 23,000.00 - C. TOTAL SOCIETY SERVICES EXPENSES: $116,915.00 $106,036.19 $(10,878.81) D. PSG BUDGET SUMMARY Budget FY14 Actual FY14 (9/14/14) TOTAL INCOME (A) $115,208.00 $101,020.76 TOTAL EXPENSES (B + C) $125,315.00 $115,358.48 CONCLUSION: SURPLUS/(LOSS) $(10,107.00) $(14,337.72)

1Membership income reported for FY14 is below what it should be owing to a glitch in the membership renewal software. This problem also affects the deficit reflected in this year’s budget. An updated figure will be reported in a later issue. 2Approved annual meeting budget is available Local Committee Chair. 3(A) Monthly online fee is $19.95. (B) If our combined accounts fall below $50k, we are charged a monthly service fee of $25. (C) Bank charge could also include wire transfer fees, credit card administrative fees, etc. 4Paid every two years; next payment is in 2016. 5Paid for the next 5 years; next payment is 2019. 6Monthly billing fee is $30 plus 3% of every transaction. Therefore PSG nets $38.54 not the $40 membership fee. 7$3.65 fee per registrant (so fee varies with usage). 8This is the amount for PSG’s operating expenses.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 54 REPORTS OF PSG’S COMMITTEES

C. EXPENSES: Society Services (meetings, publications, support) FOR 2013-2014 Budget FY14 Actual FY14 Overspent/ PSG’s committees support research, work on conservation, keep us in touch, and support members throughout the Pacific. Their (9/14/14) (Underspent) reports contain information on field work, current issues, and committee participation. Contact information for committee Annual Meeting2 coordinators (i.e., chairs) can be found near the back of this issue. Juneau 2014 60,615.00 62,196.40 1,581.40 Student Travel 5,300.00 6,160.00 860.00 JAPANESE AND KOREAN SEABIRD CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Travel Awards 2,000.00 1,998.00 (2.00) Kim Nelson and Kuniko Otsuki, Coordinators Dues and Subscriptions: 2,000.00 IUCN 490.76 490.76 Committee members voted to change along the lower staircase (n = 6), and in were detected but more work is needed. Ornithological council 2,000.00 2,000.00 the name of the Japanese Seabird Con- shoreline caves (n = 7) (Whitworth et Okinoshima and Koyahsima, Ky- Publications: servation Committee (JSCC) to the Jap- al. 2014). Only 51% (18 out of 35 nests ushu: See Asia and Oceania Regional anese and Korean Seabird Conservation checked) were used in 2014 and two new Report in this volume. Marine Ornithology (layout, printing, mailings) 10,000.00 103.98 (9,896.02) Committee (JKSCC) at our meeting in nests were found. Hatching success was Chilbal-do, Republic of Korea: Pacific Seabirds (layout, printing, mailings) 6,000.00 2,089.05 (3,910.95) Juneau, Alaska in February 2014. Our much lower in 2014 (55%) than in 2013 Chang-uk Park (National Park Research World Seabird Union: mandate stays the same: “to summarize (79%) and higher egg predation and Institute Migratory Birds Center) report- Databases 8,000.00 7,998.00 (2.00) and follow progress of seabird conser- similar adult predation occurred. Simi- ed that the breeding status of Ancient World Seabird Conference 2 Donation 23,000.00 23,000.00 - vation issues in Japan and Korea, en- lar lower hatching success (55%) was Murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus) courage international collaboration be- found in 1993 when high predation also was examined at Chilbal-do Islet (in C. TOTAL SOCIETY SERVICES EXPENSES: $116,915.00 $106,036.19 $(10,878.81) tween scientists on certain projects, and was recorded (Ono and Nakamura 1993; southwestern Korea and 50 km from the D. PSG BUDGET SUMMARY provide information to Pacific Seabird Ono et al. 1994, 1995). Jungle Crows mainland) in March-May 2014. Chilbal- Corvus macrorhynchos Budget FY14 Actual FY14 Group (PSG) and other parties.” The ( ) appeared to be do is the largest known colony in Korea. (9/14/14) JKSCC will also serve as a repository of responsible for most predation, although Thirty-four active nests were observed, TOTAL INCOME (A) $115,208.00 $101,020.76 technical advice. Below, we summarize owls may have killed some adults. In and timing of breeding has been con- TOTAL EXPENSES (B + C) $125,315.00 $115,358.48 JKSCC activities in 2014 that have been 2011-2013, crow predation was thought firmed from middle of February to end provided by committee members. to have been reduced to low levels but it of April. Hatching success was 80% (n CONCLUSION: SURPLUS/(LOSS) $(10,107.00) $(14,337.72) now seems that predation varies highly = 65 eggs). No suitable boat was avail- MEETINGS among years. More work is needed to ex- able for spotlight surveys, so murrelets At the 2014 PSG meeting in Juneau amine hatching success and predation to were counted from the islet, covering up we discussed recent research, bycatch is- evaluate if Kadogawa fisherman educa- to 1 km from shore and in all cardinal sues, and rat and cat eradication efforts tion efforts are effective for reducing at- directions. Counts were conducted every in Korea and Japan. We also announced traction of crows to leftover fishing bait 30 minutes from 2 hours before sunset updated information on the International at Birojima (Otsuki and Kubota 2012). until sunrise. The maximum count at 2 Ornithological Congress (IOC) Round- Historically, extensive egg and adult har- hours before sunset was about 500 mur- table that PSG, JKSCC, and the Japan vesting were the greatest threat to mur- relets, and just before sunrise was about Seabird Group (JSG) sponsored in To- relets at Birojima (Otsuki 2014) but in 40,000 murrelets. This count was a min- kyo in August 2014. recent decades, crow predation has been imum because more murrelets are likely the most serious problem. gathering after sunset, they might con- SURVEYS & RESEARCH As part of long-term monitoring for gregate up to 3 km away from colonies Update on Hokkaido: See Asia and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), (e.g., Sealy 1976), and not all murrelets Oceania Regional Report in this volume. Naoki Tomita (Yamashina Institute for Or- are present in congregations at one time. Birojima, Kyushu: In April-July nithology) conducted a single nest search Breeding population size had been esti- 2014, Yutaka Nakamura and Kuniko on the island top on 17 April. A total of mated to be at least 3,000 pairs but ap- Otsuki (Marine Bird Restoration Group 37 nests with incubating adults or eggs pears to be much higher. [MBRG]) conducted nest monitoring of was found in or near MBRG plots where Japanese Murrelet and Rats Japanese Murrelets (Synthliboramphus we had previously found only 14 nests. (Okinoshima and Koyahsima): See the wumizusume) to measure hatching suc- Some murrelets may move nest locations Asia and Oceania Report. cess and predation at the largest known to avoid predators or because they had new colony on Birojima. Four members of mates if one mate was killed. However, INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIA the Ministry of Kyushu joined monitor- the MOE plot partially overlapped MBRG AND WORKSHOPS ing on 16 May. In 2013, 40 nest crevices plots, making it difficult to identify the to- International Ornithological Con- were tagged in plots under the forest tal number of nests on top of the island. In gress (IOC), Japan (2014): Kim Nel- canopy at the top of the island (n = 27), July, Nakamura set up 10 rat traps; no rats son and Kuniko Otsuki attended the

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IOC meeting in Tokyo, Japan, in August PSG members Kim Nelson and Dar- LITERATURE CITED 2014. They held a Roundtable discussion rell Whitworth were invited as speak- Ono, K. and Y. Nakamura. 1993. The biol- (RTD) on “Restoring Seabird Breeding ers and Paul Kelly was invited as a ogy of the nesting Japanese Murrelets on Colonies Invaded by Rats and Other In- commentator for those events. Shinichi Biroto Island (Kadogawa-cho, Miyazaki troduced Mammals in Japan and Korea” Watanabe, who studies the Streaked Prefecture). In: K. Ono (ed.). The Japa- nese Murrelet: its status and conservation. Calonectris leucomelas sponsored by PSG and JSG. The Round- Shearwater ( ) at Proceedings of the 1993 meeting of the Ja- table included discussion of (1) the gen- Uwashima (the only known colony in pan Ornithological Society. Toho Univer- eral patterns of island invasions to help the Seto Inland Sea) was also invited as sity, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. prevent future invasions; (2) the most a speaker. A total of roughly 630 people Ono, K., J.N. Fries and Y. Nakamura. 1994b. effective eradication techniques; and (3) participated in those meetings (250 peo- Crow predation of Japanese Murrelets. Ur- baseline and post-eradication monitor- ple at the Yamaguchi symposium, about ban Birds 11: 63-68. ing programs for seabirds. Presentations 200 people at the Kyoto symposium, 150 Ono, K., J. Fries, and Y. Nakamura. 1995. included: a keynote presentation on rat people at the Tokyo symposium, and 30 Crow predation on Japanese Murrelets on eradication in New Zealand by Dr. Keith people at the RTD). A positive sign with Biro Island, Japan. Pacific Seabirds 22: 39-40 (abstract). Broome of the Island Eradication Advi- respect to KNCA events over the past 15 Otsuki, K. 2013. Historical colony harvest- sory Group, New Zealand Department years was the participation of members ing, at-sea hunting, and local fishing by- of Conservation; a talk on rat eradica- of the Ministry of the Environment as catch of the Japanese Murrelet at Biroji- tion in Japan by Dr. Takuma Hashimoto a guest at the Tokyo symposium. One ma, Miyazaki-ken, Japan. Pacific Seabirds of the Japan Wildlife Research Center; representative of the MOE spoke of his 40: 59-69. talks on rat surveys on Okinoshima and awareness of the importance of the Ka- Otsuki, K. and R. Kubota. 2012. Conserva- Koyashima by Dr. Masayoshi Takeishi of minoseki ecosystem during his opening tion and education efforts for Japanese the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural His- remarks. Murrelets at Birojima and Kadogawa-cho, tory and Human History and Mr. Gregg These symposia demonstrated the Miyazaki-ken, Japan. In: Y.S. Kwon, H.Y. Nam, C.Y. Choi and G.C. Bing (eds.). Sta- Howald of Island Conservation; a talk unique ecology of the Kaminoseki area tus and conservation efforts on murrelets. on rat issues in Korea by Dr. Young-soo compared to other regions in Japan and Proceedings of the 6th International Sym- Kwon of the Korea National Park Re- other areas along the Seto Inland Sea. posium on Migratory Birds. National Park search Institute Migratory Birds Center; For example, shearwaters can survive Migratory Bird Center, Shinan, Korea. pp. talks on the issue of cats on islands by on smaller foraging areas because of 71-88. Dr. Mark Rauzon of Laney College, De- the high availability of prey. In addition, Sealy, S.G. 1976. Biology of nesting Ancient partment of Geography and Dr. Nariko Japanese Murrelets have been detected Murrelets. Condor 78: 294–306. Oka of the Yamashina Institute for Or- throughout the year within the Seto In- Whitworth, D., H. Carter, Y. Nakamura, K. nithology; and talks on post-eradication land Sea. Updated data logger informa- Otsuki, and M. Takeishi. 2014. Hatching success, timing of breeding, and predation monitoring by Mr. Darrell Whitworth of tion indicated wide movements of Japa- of Japanese Murrelets (Synthliboramphus the California Institute of Environmen- nese Murrelets after departing nest sites wumizusume) at Birojima, Miyazaki-ken, tal Studies and Mr. Paul Kelly previously (Yamaguchi et al. 2014) with Japanese Japan, in 2013. Unpubl. Report. Japan Sea- of the California Department of Fish and Murrelets in other areas likely moving bird Group, Hokkaido University, Hako- Wildlife and American Trader Trustee to the North Pacific Ocean, but murrelets date, Hokkaido, Japan. 51 p. Council. A report on next steps for ad- in the Kaminoseki area appear to use Yamaguchi, N., Nakamura, Y., Fukushima, dressing this issue in Japan and Korea is the Seto Inland Sea year-round which H., Okuda, Y., Konaka, T., Nakamura, N., forthcoming. emphasizes its importance to this sensi- Okabe, H., Ogami, K., Yamamoto, T., and Japanese Murrelet (Kaminoseki, Ya- tive species. More intensive studies for H. Higuchi. 2014. The path of the move- ment of the Japanese Murrelet revealed by magushi Prefecture, Japan): In August searching for colonies and understand- GeoLocater. Japan Ornithological Soci- 2014, the Kaminoseki Nature Conserva- ing murrelet ecology during the non- ety, 2014 annual meeting program, Rik- tion Association (KNCA; Midori Takashi- breeding season are planned for 2015. kyo University, Tokyo. p.58. [abstract; in ma) held three international symposia (in Japanese] Yamaguchi, Kyoto, and Tokyo) entitled, “Biodiversity and the Rare Japanese Mur- relet at Kaminoseki- Preserve,” “‘The Sea of Miracles’ for the Children in the Future and Kaminoseki” and one RTD at the IOC entitled, “Biodiversity and the Rare Japa- nese Murrelet at Kaminoseki: ‘The Sea of Miracles’ and Kaminoseki nuclear power plant planning” (in Tokyo).

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KITTLITZ’S MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE John Piatt and Sarah Schoen, Coordinators

The Kittlitz’s Murrelet Technical Com- bird Group meeting in Juneau, Alaska. USFWS, soliciting and incorporating mittee (KMTC) was formed in 2008 to Twenty-six members participated (six via edits from technical committee mem- address concerns related to the status telephone). Sarah Schoen facilitated the bers, and passing the letter on to PSG’s and conservation of this rare seabird. In KTMC meeting and a summary is available Vice-chair for Conservation, Stan 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service upon request. John Piatt was absent. Senner. Per Stan’s suggestion, Arctic (USFWS) included the Kittlitz’s Murrelet Meeting highlights: Michelle Kissling Terns (Sterna paradisaea, ARTE) were (Brachyramphus brevirostris; KIMU) as discussed the process the USFWS went wrapped into an umbrella letter of con- a new candidate species for listing under through in reaching their decision that cern (with KIMU), and Stan edited and the Endangered Species Act. The KIMU listing was not warranted (2013), and the improved the letter before forwarding it remained on the candidate list until 2013, technical committee came to a consen- to the USFWS, with copies to the U.S. when the USFWS announced a 12-month sus that the KIMU technical commit- Forest Service, National Park Service, finding that listing the KIMU was not tee’s role remained valuable and should Alaska Department of Fish and Game, warranted at that time. The purpose of the continue following the USFWS decision. and the U.S. Geological Survey. KMTC is to: (1) act as a technical author- Three action items came out of our At the next KMTC meeting in San ity on the status, distribution, and life his- meeting: (a) write a letter to the USFWS Jose, we will meet to: (1) identify KIMU tory of the KIMU; (2) identify, encourage, and affiliated agencies underscoring our research projects currently underway; (2) and facilitate research; (3) address con- continued concern for the conservation consider following up with the USFWS servation problems related to the KIMU; of KIMU, the need for continued moni- about our letter of concern for KIMU and and (4) act as a liaison between research toring, and the importance of filling data ARTE, (3) identify leads for, and work on and management. gaps; (b) identify data gaps/recommen- action items (b) and (c), above; (if these dations for future KIMU work; and (c) are not done before the meeting); and (4) KMTC ACCOMPLISHMENTS, identify threats or potential reasons for consider what role the KMTC should play ISSUES, AND UPDATES KIMU decline. in the “post listing-decision environment” The KMTC last met on 19 February Matt Kirchhoff led the first action in the coming year. 2014 in conjunction with the Pacific Sea- item, drafting a letter of concern to the

SCRIPPS’S MURRELET AND GUADALUPE MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Harry Carter and Shaye Wolf, Coordinators

INTRODUCTION ested parties; and coordinate research MEETINGS In 2012, the American Ornitholo- and conservation in the U.S., Mexico, The SMGMTC did not meet at PSG’s gists’ Union split Xantus’s Murrelet into and Canada.” The Scripps’s Murrelet Annual Meeting in Juneau in February Scripps’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus occurs at sea along western Baja Cali- 2014. We will meet at the February 2015 scrippsi) and Guadalupe Murrelet (S. fornia, California, Oregon, Washington, PSG meeting in San Jose and expect to hypoleucus), based on genetic separation and south-central British Columbia; it host a relatively large meeting there. (Birt et al. 2012). Both species will be breeds on islands off southern Califor- considered for listing by the U.S. Fish nia and northwestern Baja California. MANAGEMENT AND and Wildlife Service (USFWS; see be- The Guadalupe Murrelet also occurs at RESTORATION PLAN low). The mandate of the Scripps’s Mur- sea in the same areas as Scripps’s Mur- The SMGMTC has actively partici- relet and Guadalupe Murrelet Technical relet; but it breeds mainly at Guadalupe pated in preparing the Murrelet Man- Committee (SMGMTC; formerly the Island, with smaller numbers at the San agement and Restoration Plan that will Xantus’s Murrelet Technical Committee) Benito Islands and at some other islands guide state and federal efforts to protect is to “monitor the federal listing petition, as far north as Santa Barbara Island. and restore Scripps’s and Guadalupe state status, research, and conservation Below, we summarize SMGMTC ac- murrelets at breeding islands in southern issues; provide information to inter- tivities in 2014. California and northwestern Baja Cali-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 57 REPORTS OF PSG’S COMMITTEES FOR 2013-2014 fornia. This plan will be the first such ef- proceeding was prepared in Marine ed in Baja California since 2007 due to: fort for these species. Humboldt State Uni- Ornithology (Volume 33, No. 2). How- (1) completion of CIES monitoring fund- versity (HSU), funded by the California ever, several papers were not prepared in ed by Chevron at the Coronado Islands in Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), time for inclusion and additional studies 2007 (related to the withdrawn liquefied led plan preparation. Several SMGMTC have been conducted since 2005. At the natural gas [LNG] terminal plan); and members are primary authors and several SMGMTC meeting in February 2013 (2) insufficient funds by Mexican groups organizations, universities, and agencies in in Portland, Oregon, we discussed the and researchers at San Benito Islands. A the U.S. and Mexico are involved. SMG- preparation of another volume of papers long-term monitoring program is needed MTC has spearheaded this collabora- on Scripps’s and Guadalupe murrelets in northwestern Baja California. tive effort. The draft plan was completed for publication in the Proceedings of the in 2011 (Carter et al. 2011), and the final Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zool- SPOTLIGHT SURVEYS AND AT- plan will be completed in 2015. The docu- ogy. Several manuscripts are expected to SEA CAPTURES ment will be published as a CDFW report be prepared and submitted for review in Spotlight surveys are increasingly be- in both English and Spanish, and will be 2015-2016. Papers in this volume would ing used for colony detection and for es- posted on CDFW and PSG websites. greatly assist listing, management, and timating and monitoring population size conservation decisions in the near future. at Synthliboramphus murrelet breeding LISTING STATUS colonies (Whitworth and Carter 2012, in In the USFWS Candidate Notice of NEST MONITORING press; Whitworth et al., in press). At-sea Review published in November 2013, In 2014, nest monitoring of Scripps’s captures have been used to assess breed- Xantus’s Murrelet (as referred to in the Murrelets to measure hatching suc- ing status and to band birds. In 2014, original listing petition) retained a list- cess, timing of breeding, and changes spotlight surveys and at-sea captures of ing priority number of 5. USFWS will in population size was conducted at four Scripps’s and Guadalupe Murrelets were conduct a status review of both new spe- locations in California: (1) Santa Bar- conducted at: (1) Anacapa (CIES: Whit- cies and, by 30 September 2016, submit bara Island, by the California Institute worth and Carter) with funding from the to the Federal Register a proposed rule of Environmental Studies (CIES) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; for listing as threatened or endangered Channel Islands National Park (CINP: (2) San Clemente Island (CIES: Whit- or a finding that listing is not warranted. Mazurkiewicz), with funding from the worth and Carter) with funding from the The SMGMTC is aiding the status re- Montrose Settlements Trustee Council USN (see Whitworth et al. 2014 for 2013 view process by: (1) continuing to pro- (MSTC); (2) Anacapa Island, by CIES surveys); and (3) Santa Catalina Island vide updated information to better assess (Whitworth), with funding from the (CIES and CIC: Whitworth and Dvorak) current status, threats, and conservation American Trader Trustee Council; (3) with funding from CIC (see Whitworth of the Scripps’s and Guadalupe murrelet San Clemente Island, by CIES (Whit- et al. [in press] for 2012-2013 surveys). in the U.S. and Mexico; (2) completing worth and Carter) with funding from the Harvey et al. (2014) reported findings the Management and Restoration Plan U.S. Navy (USN); and (4) Santa Cata- from 2011-2012 spotlights surveys and described above; and (3) encouraging fur- lina Island, by CIES (Whitworth) and at-sea captures at Santa Barbara Island. ther publication of research on Scripps’s the Catalina Island Conservancy (CIC; and Guadalupe murrelets (see below). Dvorak), with CIC funding. Harvey et RESTORATION The State of California officially list- al. (2012, 2013a, 2014) reported find- Anacapa Island: Black rat (Rat- ed the Xantus’s Murrelet as Threatened ings from 2008-2012 nest monitoring at tus rattus) eradication was conducted in December 2004. However, there is Santa Barbara Island. Guadalupe Murre- in 2001-02 (Island Conservation and still no recovery plan or implementation lets are regularly present and also may CINP), funded by the American Trader schedule. Xantus’s Murrelets are listed nest at San Clemente Island but no nests Trustee Council (Howald et al. 2005). as Endangered in Mexico; the species is have been found to date. Whitworth et Annual nest monitoring by HSU and not listed in Canada. These designations al. (2013a) reported findings from 2000- CIES from 2000-10 showed that num- have not yet been changed since Xantus’s 2010 nest monitoring at Anacapa Island. bers of nests found in monitored areas Murrelet was officially split into Scripps’s Harvey et al. (2013b) reported findings grew substantially and high hatching Murrelet and Guadalupe Murrelet. from 2011-2012 nest monitoring at Ana- success occurred. However, most upper capa Island. Whitworth et al. (2013b, island areas have not yet been reused for WESTERN FOUNDATION OF 2014) reported findings from 2012-2013 nesting (Whitworth et al. 2013a; Harvey VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY nest monitoring at San Clemente Island. et al. 2013b). PUBLICATION Whitworth et al. (in press) reported find- Santa Barbara Island: Native plant In 2005, PSG and CWS hosted a ings from 2012-2013 nest monitoring at restoration by CIES/CINP began in 2007 symposium on Xantus’s Murrelets at Santa Catalina Island. (funded by MSTC). This work has since the Portland meeting. A symposium Nest monitoring has not been conduct- expanded greatly, and will continue for

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 58 REPORTS OF PSG’S COMMITTEES FOR 2013-2014 many years,. Annual nest monitoring oc- that “light attraction events as measured LITERATURE CITED curred in 2007-2012 (Harvey and Barnes by radar were low over the three seasons Birt, T.P., H.R. Carter, D.L. Whitworth, A. 2009, Harvey et al. 2012, 2013a, 2014). on the majority of the 56 nights where MacDonald, S.H. Newman, F. Gress, E. successful sampling occurred. However, Palacios, J.S. Koepke, and V.L. Friesen. CONSERVATION ISSUES 40 of the 60 nights (66.7%) of the study 2012. Rangewide population genetic structure of the Xantus’s Murrelet (Synth- Introduced Mammals: At most is- were spent on Platform Grace, which liboramphus hypoleucus). Auk 129:44-55. lands where Scripps’s and Guadalupe had very low light emittance levels and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management murrelets breed, introduced mammals thus may have affected study results. In (BOEM). 2014. BOEM 2014-013 Techni- have been eradicated over the past 30 addition, Peregrine Falcons (Falco per- cal Summary. Using nocturnal surveys to years. Efforts continue to control cats at egrinus) were found to use the oil plat- monitor the presence of Ashy Storm-Petrels the south end of Guadalupe Island and forms to hunt from and appeared to be & Xantus’s Murrelets at offshore platforms, at San Clemente Island. Several propos- killing significant numbers of Scripps’s Southern California. als to fund cat eradication at Guadalupe Murrelets in the spring” (BOEM 2014). http://www.data.boem.gov/PI/PDFIm- Island have been prepared but not yet Seabird restoration plans for seven is- ages/ESPIS/5/5408.pdf Carter, H.R., D.L. Whitworth, S. Wolf, T. funded. In 2014, the Institute for Wildlife lands off the Pacific coast of Baja Cali- Birt, A.L. Harvey, M. Félix Arránga, Studies (Garcelon et al.), with funding fornia funded by MSTC and Lucken- R.T. Golightly, F. Gress and E.B. Burkett. from the USN, conducted local control bach Trustee Council also identified the 2011. Management and restoration plan (trapping) for Black Rats around murre- reduction of artificial light pollution as a for Synthliboramphus murrelets at breed- let nesting areas at San Clemente Island. restoration priority. ing areas in California and northwestern In November and December 2013, Gru- LNG Proposals: The SMGMTC Baja California. Unpubl. report, Humboldt po de Ecología y Conservación de Islas has been following proposals for the State University, Arcata, California. (GECI) conducted an eradication effort construction of LNG terminals near Harvey, A.L., C.E. Hand, and S.A. Auer. 2012. on West San Benito Island for the Ce- Scripps’s Murrelet colonies in CINP. Scripps’s Murrelet reproductive performance on Santa Barbara Island, California in 2008- Peromyscus eremic- dros Cactus Mouse ( Most of these projects have been termi- 2009. Unpubl. report, California Institute of us cedrosensis), which was accidentally nated with the exception of Esperanza Environmental Studies, Davis, California. 20 p. introduced in 2007. GECI also is work- Energy’s Port Esperanza located approx- Harvey, A.L., S.A. Auer, K.W. Barnes, D.M. ing with the local fishing community to imately 15 miles seaward of the Port of Mazurkiewicz, C.A. Carter, M.E. Jacques, enforce measures to prevent re-introduc- Long Beach; it is currently on hold. and A.A. Yamagiwa. 2013a. Scripps’s tion of non-native species. No efforts to Offshore Alternative Energy De- Murrelet, Cassin’s Auklet, and Ashy control or remove introduced rats or cats velopments: A large suite of renewable Storm-Petrel colony monitoring and resto- are underway at Cedros Island or Santa offshore ocean energy projects are being ration activities on Santa Barbara Island, Catalina Island, although most murrelets considered for the West Coast, includ- California in 2010-2011. Unpubl. report, California Institute of Environmental likely breed in areas that are not current- ing offshore wind energy, wave energy, Studies, Davis, California. 81 p. ly accessible to introduced mammals. ocean current energy, offshore solar Harvey, A.L., D.M. Mazurkiewicz, M. McK- Artificial Lights at Night: Few ef- energy, and hydrogen generation, all of own, K.W. Barnes, M.W. Parker, and S.J. forts have addressed potential impacts which have the potential to negatively Kim. 2013b. Ashy Storm-Petrel, Scripps’s from bright lights near breeding colonies impact the Scripps’s Murrelet and other Murrelet, and Cassin’s Auklet reproductive (i.e., squid fishing lights, aquaculture fa- seabirds. The SMGMTC has been moni- status assessments and restoration recom- cilities, anchored vessels, etc.). In 2014, toring opportunities to provide public mendations in 2011-2012. In: Reproduc- the Bureau of Ocean Energy Manage- comments on offshore renewable energy tive status assessments and restoration ment (BOEM) released a Hamer Envi- project proposals. In 2007, BOEM is- recommendations for Ashy Storm-Petrels, Scripps’s Murrelets, and Cassin’s Auklets Programmatic Environmental ronmental report on audio-visual and sued its “ breeding on Anacapa Island, Channel Is- radar surveys for Scripps’s Murrelets Impact Statement for Alternative En- lands National Park. Unpublished report, in spring, summer, and fall of 2013 at ergy Development and Production and California Institute of Environmental Stud- Platform Hermosa (near Point Concep- Alternate Use of Facilities on the Outer ies, Davis, California; and Conservation tion) and Platform Grace (west of Ven- Continental Shelf.” In 2014, the U.S. De- Metrics, Santa Cruz, California. pp. 3-55. tura). The goals of this BOEM-funded partment of Energy awarded a $47 mil- Harvey, A.L., J.A. Howard, D.M. Mazurkie- study were to: (1) evaluate the extent to lion grant to the Wind Float Pacific Proj- wicz, M.E. Jacques, S.A. Auer, C.A. Carter, which Scripps’s Murrelets interact with ect, which is 30-megawatt offshore wind K.W. Barnes, A.A. Yamagiwa and S.J. Kim. bright lights of offshore oil platforms pilot demonstration project 15 miles off 2014. Scripps’s Murrelet, Cassin’s Auklet, and Ashy Storm-Petrel reproductive moni- off the coast of southern California; and Coos Bay, Oregon. BOEM will be con- toring and restoration activities on Santa (2) determine if important rafting and ducting an Environmental Assessment Barbara Island, California in 2012. Unpubl. foraging areas exist near offshore plat- of the project; the SMGMTC plans to report, California Institute of Environmental forms (BOEM 2014). The study found submit comments. Studies, Davis, California. 38 p.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 59 REPORTS OF PSG’S COMMITTEES FOR 2013-2014

Howald, G.R., K.R. Faulkner, B. Tershy, B. Keitt, Whitworth, D.L., and H.R. Carter. In press. Whitworth, D.L., H.R. Carter and F. Gress. H. Gellerman, E.M. Creel, M. Grinnell, S.T. Nocturnal spotlight surveys for survey- 2014. Status of Scripps’s Murrelet, Gua- Ortega and D.A. Croll. 2005. Eradication of ing and monitoring Scripps’s murrelets in dalupe Murrelet and Ashy Storm-Petrel at Black Rats from Anacapa Island: biological at-sea congregations at Anacapa Island, San Clemente Island, California in 2013. and social considerations. In: D.K. Garcelon California, 2001-2006. Monographs of the Unpubl. report, California Institute of Envi- and C.A. Schwemm (eds.). Proceedings of the Western North American Naturalist 7. ronmental Studies, Davis, California. 52 p. sixth California Islands symposium. National Whitworth, D.L., H.R. Carter, and F. Gress. Whitworth, D.L., H.R. Carter, T.M. Dvorak, Park Service Technical Publication CHIS- 2013a. Recovery of a threatened seabird L.S. Farley, and J.L. King. In press. Status, 05-01, Institute for Wildlife Studies, Arcata, after eradication of an introduced preda- distribution, and conservation of Scripps’s California. pp. 299-312. tor: eight years of progress for the Scripps’s Murrelet at Santa Catalina Island, Cali- Whitworth D.L. and H.R. Carter. 2012. Spot- Murrelet at Anacapa Island, California. fornia. Monographs of the Western North light surveys for assessing Synthliboram- Biological Conservation 162: 52-59. American Naturalist 7. phus murrelets attending nocturnal at-sea Whitworth, D.L., H.R. Carter and F. Gress. congregations. In: Y.S. Kwon, H.Y. Nam, 2013b. Status of Scripps’s Murrelet and C.Y. Choi and G.C. Bing (eds.). Status and Guadalupe Murrelet at San Clemente Is- conservation efforts on murrelets. Proceed- land, California, April-May 2012. Unpubl. ings of the 6th International Symposium on report, California Institute of Environ- Migratory Birds. National Park Migratory mental Studies, Davis, California. 50 p. Bird Center, Shinan, Korea. pp. 119-138.

MARBLED MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Peter Harrison and Kim Nelson, Coordinators

The Marbled Murrelet Technical of the existing protocol is underway of prey species; (d) oil mortality in- Committee (MMTC) has been a long- to identify subjects needing revision. cluding risks and effects of shipping standing committee of the Pacific Sea- The ISP Subcommittee will be very ac- traffic and MAMU response han- bird Group. Its roles are to: (1) act as a tive over the next year. A revised proto- dling protocol; (e) chemical contam- technical authority about the status, dis- col is expected in fall 2015 for imple- inants; (f) marine wave/wind farms; tribution, and life history of the Marbled mentation in the 2016 survey season. (g) marine aquaculture; and (h) un- Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus); (3) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service derwater construction and sound pol- (2) encourage, facilitate, and identify re- provided funding to Kim Nelson at lution. The subcommittee will divide search needs; (3) address conservation Oregon State University to coordinate into separate work groups to address problems related to the Marbled Murre- the reanalysis of the probability of oc- these priorities. let; and (4) act as a liaison between re- currence for the survey protocol. Dar- search and management. ryl MacKenzie with Proteus Wildlife IMPORTANT UPDATES Research Consultants in New Zealand (1) Expect a revised Marbled Murrelet MMTC ACTIVITIES AND will conduct the analysis. Inland Survey Protocol in the fall of ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2013-2014 (4) We reinstated the MMTC Marine 2015 for implementation in the 2016 (1) The MMTC met at the Annual Pacif- Subcommittee, which has been inac- survey season. ic Seabird Group Meeting in Juneau, tive for many years. Amilee Wilson, (2) See the Regional Reports for Washington Alaska, on 19 February 2014. National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Oregon to find the latest information (2) The MMTC Inland Survey Protocol Administration (Fisheries), and Matt on Marbled Murrelet populations and Subcommittee (ISP) is continuing Reed, Hamer Environmental, agreed trends in the Pacific Northwest. work on revisions to the 2003 survey to be Coordinators. The subcommit- protocol. Peter Harrison, Washington tee identified a set of issues to- ad Department of Natural Resources, is dress murrelet conservation in the coordinator of this subcommittee. To marine environment including (in meet the requests of many MMTC order of priority): (a) MAMU by- members and various users of the catch in fisheries; (b) identification survey protocol, a well-represented of important marine areas; (c) prey group of stakeholders is participat- resources including changes in prey ing in the process. A thorough review distribution/spawning and removal

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 60 REPORTS OF PSG’S COMMITTEES FOR 2013-2014

SEABIRD MONITORING COMMITTEE Heather Renner and Robb Kaler, Coordinators

Seabird monitoring is the accumula- Renner (USFWS – Alaska Maritime Na- from the 2014 field season and identi- tion of time-series data on any aspect of tional Wildlife Refuge) and Robb Kaler fies any immediate concerns for Pacific seabird distribution, abundance, demog- (USFWS – Division of Migratory Bird seabirds. Additionally, we ask commit- raphy, or behavior. The Pacific Seabird Management). tee members to help identify hurdles to Group (PSG) Seabird Monitoring Com- Since the PSMD is now established, overcome and provide input on how we mittee was formed in 1992 and has four Heather and Robb felt it was important can be more effective at sharing infor- main themes: (1) coordinate sharing of to re-visit the original goal of the com- mation and directing our conservation monitoring results in a timely manner; mittee, i.e., to establish better commu- efforts. Are research results available (2) evaluate current-year results to help nication among people engaged in sea- in a timely enough manner to be useful inform other PSG committees; (3) de- bird monitoring throughout the Pacific for their intended purpose? Are methods velop standardized protocols and data region. This goal requires a coordinated consistent enough for broader synthesis? management practices; and (4) promote effort over a wide geographic area and Do we have the data needed to answer the effective use of seabirds as indicators can only be attainable through good key questions? Our ultimate objective of local and large-scale change in the Pa- communication and partnerships. Re- is to rebrand the Seabird Monitoring cific marine environment. The Seabird turning to this founding principle, we are Committee as a tool to inform the other Monitoring Committee, led by Dr. Scott most concerned with improving contacts PSG committees (Executive Commit- Hatch (Institute for Seabird Research and cooperation within the community tee, Conservation Committee, Technical and Conservation) since its inception in of Pacific seabird researchers and wild- Committees, etc.). 1992, has largely focused on the hercu- life managers. As we move forward, we thank Scott lean task of developing the Pacific Sea- To that end (or renewed beginning), in Hatch for his vision and dedication to the bird Monitoring Database (PSMD) for 2014 the Seabird Monitoring Committee Seabird Monitoring Committee and the archiving and sharing seabird monitor- aimed to redefine its purpose and chose PSMD. Scott is a stalwart supporter for ing results from throughout the North to focus less on database development coordination, dissemination, and promo- Pacific. After serving as the Committee and more on networking and address- tion of seabird monitoring results, and Coordinator for 22 years and spearhead- ing “real time” concerns for the state has been a pioneer in fostering broad ap- ing the development and construction of Pacific seabirds. For the 2015 Sea- proaches using seabirds as large-scale in- of the PSMD, Dr. Hatch retired from bird Monitoring Committee meeting, dicators of change in the Pacific marine the U.S. Geological Survey and passed we ask that regional representatives, or environment. We are grateful and look the baton to two new coordinators at the their designees, provide a brief report to forward to Scott’s continued involvement 2014 PSG meeting in Juneau: Heather the committee that highlights headlines in the Seabird Monitoring Committee.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Melaine Steinkamp, John Piatt, and Jessica Hardesty, Coordinators

The Corresponding Membership cilitate other communications, such as mittee in 2014 are to gain two new mem- Committee provides PSG membership the Indian Ocean Seabird Group News- bers and to encourage reports from all to researchers and conservationists in de- letter that has been periodically posted current members. The Committee will veloping countries. Committee members to the PSG Listserv. There are a total of also be surveying existing members to presently include Melanie Steinkamp, 16 Corresponding Memberships allotted determine how to best meet the needs John Piatt, and Jessica Hardesty. To re- by the PSG. We can make those names of Corresponding Members and PSG. tain “Corresponding Membership,” re- available upon request. Please contact Melanie Steinkamp if cipients are asked to provide a brief re- We presently have eight Correspond- you have suggestions for other members. port on research or conservation in their ing Members representing Chile, China, Contact: Melanie Steinkamp: Melanie_ area for Pacific Seabirds at least every Colombia (2), Fiji, Ecuador, The Indian [email protected] three years. Corresponding members fa- Ocean, and Peru. The goals of the Com-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 61 REPORTS OF PSG’S COMMITTEES FOR 2013-2014

ELECTIONS COMMITTEE Alan E. Burger, Coordinator

GENERAL ed on the PSG listserv Pat Baird stepped down after many reminding members The following is the final tally for the 2014 election: years of serving as coordinator of the to vote and to contact Elections Committee. Many thanks Pat! me if they had not re- POSITION CANDIDATES She continues as a member of this com- ceived a ballot. One (*elected in bold) mittee in her role as PSG Secretary. I member responded Chair-elect Kathy Kuletz* took over as coordinator in mid-2013. and was sent a bal- Treasurer Christin Ogura* All of the members in her committee lot to a new e-mail also stepped down, and re-building the address. A dedicated Student Representative Abraham Borker* committee has been my priority in 2014. gmail address was set Jennifer Ma Ken Morgan has agreed to serve (and up to receive returned Andrew Titmus* helped a lot with the 2014 election) and ballots (psgelections@ several other PSG members have been gmail.com). This sys- Europe/Africa Stefan Garthe* approached to join the committee. tem seemed to work Steffen Opel well, except that the Asia/Oceania Rachel Buxton 2014 ELECTION returned ballots had to Perhaps due to my inexperience as co- be opened separately Kuniko Otsuki* ordinator and rusty powers of persuasion, to read the ticked Alaska/Russia Robb Kaler* it proved very difficult to find candidates votes. A more stream- Martin Renner to run for Chair-elect in 2014. No fewer lined voting system than 21 prominent and experienced PSG (perhaps with Survey Northern California Allison Fuller members were approached and all de- Monkey) will be in- Anna Weinstein* clined except for Kathy Kuletz, who is vestigated. now chair-elect. It is disheartening that At the end of the 30- people who regularly attend PSG meet- day vote period (7 February 2014), a to- er and Andrew Titmus while Jennifer Ma ings for many years are sometimes not tal of 114 ballots had been returned (23% received fewer votes. Consequently I did prepared to serve on EXCO. of the 497 ballots sent out), no write-in a complete re-count, re-examining all the Fortunately, candidates were more votes were received. A surprising num- ballots sent in by eligible student mem- forthcoming for regional representative ber of members tried to vote for candi- bers. One student member did not vote for and student representative posts, and we dates outside the region in which they any student candidate. Because there was had two candidates for each region and lived and each ballot was cross-checked a tie for Student Representative, the by- three for the student position. The will- with the member’s region to leave out laws call for a vote by the EXCO to break ingness of student members to serve on ineligible votes. The spreadsheet used to the tie. Therefore, at the EXCO meeting PSG EXCO is encouraging. tally the votes and check off members’ in Juneau, Andrew Titumus was voted in Ballots were sent out on 7 January ballots received is available for inspec- as the new Student Representative. 2014 by email to 475 members and by tion. regular post to 12 members. Three emails The vote for the student representative bounced back. A separate note was post- was a dead heat between Abraham Bork-

PSG LISTSERV Verena Gill

The listser needs to be moved from buying a perpetual license will cost more run. Verena recommends buying the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s up front but will be cheaper in the long required software rather than leasing it. server to a private one. In terms of cost,

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 62 OTHER REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 2014 These reports are from the editors of our two journals, and from organizations of which PSG is a member.

PACIFIC SEABIRDS Vivian Mendenhall, Editor (ret. February 2014)

ISSUES OF PACIFIC SEABIRDS nity on the Listserv. To my surprise and save the costs of printing and mail- FOR 2013: delight, seven individuals volunteered; ing; EXCO can determine whether • Spring 2013, Volume 40, number 1 some even supplied a full CV. I selected this would be a significant portion (published June 2013). Two-hun- three people to help: Sarah Allen and of our budget. dred and fifty copies were printed, Laura Macfarlane-Tranquilla for editorial • Blog-style or newsletter formats for $2,149.24; 188 copies were review of articles, and Leslie Slater to edit on the Web: These ideas have been mailed – 131 to US addresses for the Regional Reports. I have kept a file of suggested as a less labor-intensive $277.72, and 57 to non-US address- the other names, and all may be willing to means of sharing news and ideas. es for $305.25. assist again in the future. I can see the attraction of this ver- • Fall 2013, Volume 40, number 2 is sion. However, it would no longer still in progress. Anticipated publi- THE FUTURE OF PACIFIC SEABIRDS be a professional-level publication. cation date is late March 2014. Pacific Seabirds has contributed for 40 As a periodical, Pacific Seabirds Note from Interim Editor: Volume 40, years to the respect that PSG enjoys among attracts occasional manuscripts number 2 was published in August the community of seabird researchers and for short peer-reviewed articles on 2014. One hundred and ninety copies conservationists. I personally hope that it seabird conservation in the Pacific. were printed and mailed for $2,089.05; will continue to do so. EXCO wishes to The journal fills a useful niche, be- 141 copies were mailed to US address- consider several options for the future of cause larger journals may not be es and 49 to non-U.S. addresses.) Pacific Seabirds. The decision is up to the interested in this type of writing. next EXCO, of course. However, I’d like to Peer-reviewed articles (even short MY RESIGNATION comment on a few options. ones) require rigorous editing, as As I announced at the EXCO meeting • Status quo: Over half our members well as arranging for reviewers and last November (and to the Chair in July), are receiving the journal electroni- extensive correspondence with au- I am resigning as Editor, effective at mid- cally (only); this is the “default op- thors. A blog or newsletter does not night on 22 February 2014. My service as tion.” The remaining members have provide this type of forum. Editor has been extremely rewarding, and specified that they wish to receive a I will miss many aspects of the job—not “hard copy” in the mail, and they Onward with a new editor: When least being a member of EXCO. currently pay US$10 for the privi- EXCO decides on the future format of lege (except for Life Members). We Pacific Seabirds (at least provisionally), ASSISTANT EDITORS also send hard copies to about a the search can begin for a new editor. I I’ve had valuable and (almost) regular dozen libraries, for which we charge will be glad to help with this (as a mem- editorial assistance from a compiler of US$30 annually. This may have ber of a search committee, not its chair). the Conservation Report and a number changed and should be investigated. I will also be available to answer ques- of Regional Representatives, and for a • Electronic-only publication: The tions and provide suggestions. I’ll also year and a half recently, from Pat Baird. journal presumably would remain post my layout template (an InDesign No one stepped up to help with the Fall similar to the present version, ex- copy of the journal) and other format 2013 issue (although normally a Regional cept that no printed copies would be information on the EXCO site. Representative assists by editing that sec- mailed. The same editing and lay- tion). Therefore I advertised the opportu- out would be required. PSG would

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 63 OTHER REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 2014

MARINE ORNITHOLOGY Tony Gaston, Managing Editor; David Ainley, Editor-in-Chief

SUMMARY year, the rest will appear in the first issue several thousand dollars to be recovered. • Marine Ornithology (MO) appeared for 2014. All other papers published in It does require a special person, though: as two regular issues in 2013, along 2013 were left over from 2012. As of June someone who appreciates the purposes with one “Special Issue.” 2013, we began to publish papers “online of the PSG and Marine Ornithology. • We began to publish papers “online early” as soon as the proofs were ac- early,” although this system has not cepted. For a variety of reasons, not all of SUBSCRIPTIONS kept up with the backlog to date. which could have been avoided, we were The number of subscribers to the print • Averaged over recent years, MO cur- unable to keep up doing this in a timely edition continues a slow decline. As of rently requires about US$3,000 an- fashion and some papers have waited as 2013 we had 35 institutional subscribers nual support from PSG. long as four months from acceptance be- and 22 individuals, as well as 23 compli- • Subscriptions are declining and may fore appearing online. However, in the mentary copies sent to deposit libraries, be approaching the point where a future it should be possible to deal with abstracting services, contributing societies, print edition is no longer useful. them faster than this, and we hope to be and various particularly helpful individu- • As support relies more and more on caught up by the end of March, when we als. Subscriptions contributed $4,490 to page charges, we need to upgrade shall begin to compile Issue 1 for 2014. income, less than one third. The subscrip- the journal to attract the sort of au- Last year, I (Tony) proposed that I tion for Institutions was raised from $90 to thors who will pay. would continue as Managing Editor for $100 for 2013, but we lost four subscrip- • The hiring of a Business Manager the immediate future. Unfortunately, an tions, so the increase was revenue-neutral. is proposed, with a view to increas- abrupt deterioration in my wife’s health In my opinion, the print edition is now re- ing the volume of sponsorship (cur- soon after I wrote last year’s report has dundant. Electronic media have become so rently only one firm). left me with less spare time than I ex- ubiquitous that maintaining a print edition • A more active involvement by PSG pected and I now feel that I should step no longer has any value, provided that we in charting the future direction to be aside from some of my duties over the are satisfied that our web material is safe taken is solicited. next year. Instead, I suggest finding/ap- in perpetuity. At the same time, our elec- pointing an additional staff member, tronic edition, appearing only as .pdf files, ORGANIZATION possibly termed “Business Manager.” is definitely not taking advantage of cur- David Ainley began his tenure as Editor- That individual would handle the financ- rent state of the art in electronic journals. in-Chief on 1 January 2013 and has dealt es, dealing with subscriptions and page We need to explore ways to upgrade it— with all papers arriving at the editorial of- charges, and raising additional funding that should probably be pursued by some fice after that. Forty-two papers were re- through sponsorship and advertising. young, tech-savvy individuals. ceived by the journal in 2013. Tony Gaston They could also work on several projects continued to deal with papers left over from that have not been pursued because of FINANCES earlier years and most of these were either lack of time over the past few years, such The table below shows income and accepted or rejected in 2013, although a as getting inclusion in the Thompson/ISI expenditure for the past nine years. The few might re-appear at some point. Thirty- web of science, and getting papers post- numbers for 2013 represent only money four papers, comprising 204 pages, were ed to the SORA web site. I propose that I in and out—the invoice for editing and published in the two regular issues in 2013, should continue to deal with papers post- layout of the last issue is still pending. while a Special Issue (42 pages), devoted acceptance, working with the Technical The costs for the Special Issue were en- to the Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma Editor, Carolyn Brown, and the layout tirely covered by the authors. In addi- hasitata), was also published (in April). team, Reber Creative, and would contin- tion, Dan Anderson, who contributed a The authorship included first authors from ue to be the point of contact for our web- major paper on Brown Pelican to Issue 11 countries on 5 continents. Eco-regional master, Ben Saenz. The contact e-mail 2, made a generous overpayment on page breakdown was as follows: polar 2, subpo- address for the journal has been changed charges. PSG contributed US$6,000.00, lar 9, temperate 8, subtropical 6, tropical 9. to: [email protected] UK Seabird Group CN$1,513.60, Dutch Species groups: multi-group 6, penguins The job of Business Manager will, I Seabird Group CN$1,027.40 and Aus- 3, auks 7, cormorants 4, petrels 6, gull 2, think, require some financial induce- tralasian Seabird Group CN$418.90. The terns 2, frigatebirds, boobies, tropicbirds, ment. However, I think it possible that a other groups pay on a per-member basis: and pelicans 1 each. keen person could raise sufficient spon- 1 Euro from the Dutch, 1 sterling from Twenty-eight papers were accepted in sorships and retrieve sufficient page the UK group and USDS from the Aus- 2013, of which 20 were published this charges to allow for an honorarium of tralians. All these groups are fully sub-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 64 OTHER REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 2014 scribed up to 2013. A cheque for $500 course, moving to three, or even four is- upgrading need to go hand in hand. from LOTEK Instruments for 2013 is sues annually becomes simple. However, I would really appreciate it if members expected soon. This level of support is editing and layout costs are still on a of the EXCO would take some time to look encouraging, but I am sure more spon- per-word or per-time basis, and therefore at recent issues on the web and provide me sorships could be availed of if we had escalate in proportion to the number of with any feedback you have on style, for- someone working on it. words. Currently, with a few exceptions, mat, content, etc. Your thoughts on the is- My statement in last year’s report, that only North American authors pay page sue of funding would be welcome. Should the size of requests to PSG may increase charges—mainly those authors with we be dropping the print edition? Should over the next few years if we receive in- University or Government Agency posi- we raise page charges, or look for sponsor- creasing numbers of publishable papers, tions. Expanding the journal will only ships to plug the revenue gap? Are we will- remains true. If we go to three issues be viable if we continue to get plenty of ing to risk hiring a Business Manager? annually, publishing 250 pages/year, we contributions from those willing to pay. Also, as last year, I invite everyone would probably require an additional That likelihood should improve if we to provide us with Forum pieces, which $2-3,000. If we drop the print edition, of improve our journal, so expanding and seem to have petered out recently.

TABLE 1. Income and expenditures for Marine Ornithology, 2005-2013, including financial support by PSG.

Balance on $7,731.26 1 Jan 2005 Volume Year Income Expenses PSG financial PSG contribution of contribution papers 2005 $9,042.53 $12,867.35 $4,200.00 PSG symposium 2006 $16,979.87 $9,663.29 $4,065.00 2007 $6,157.59 $15,304.08 2008 $17,296.25 $11,990.19 $6,000.00 2009 $10,569.07 $13,103.64 PSG symposium 2010 $7,256.40 $8,564.51 2011 $14,223.15 $9,823.53 PSG symposium 2012 $15,426.22 $20,618.33 $7,850.00 2013 $16,827.00 $12,925.00 $6,365.00 Totals $121,509.34 $114,859.92 $28,470.00 Current Balance $6,706.42 Mean PSG annual contribution $3,164.33 Mean annual cost $12,762.11 PSG’s contribution as % of total income 25%

TABLE 2. An approximate budget for the journal (two issues) as of 2013 is given below, projecting a shortfall of about $2,700 to be covered by PSG – that is close to the mean annual contribution since 2005 ($3,164, see above table).

Expenditures Income Layout and printing $7,300 Subscriptions $4,490 (150,000 words) Editing $2,400 Sponsorship $500 (CN$16 per 1000 words) Bank charges $264 Page charges ∼$3,700 ($30/page, $100 colour, 50% recovery) Postage $2,000 Seabird group contributions ∼$600 Totals $11,964 ∼ $9,290

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 65 OTHER REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 2014

WORLD SEABIRD UNION Robb Kaler and David Irons

Global Seabird Colony Register Development and Seed Money for the Next World Seabird Conference

SUMMARY distribution, and reproductive success, but did not qualify as IBAs. These col- The purpose of this report is to pro- which all serve as proxies to the overall ony data have been sent to our database vide information to complete the trans- health of marine ecosystems. Research- development team for inclusion in the actions between PSG and the World ers have a place to archive data and make Global Seabird Colony Register. Seabird Untion (WSU) involving money it available to other scientists, which also 1.2 Caribbean, Bermuda, and that remained after the first World Sea- helps identify areas needing additional West Indies: Dr. Will Mackin, Co- bird Conference (WSC). There is still study, or help restoration planning efforts Chair of the Seabird Working Group of money for databases and for seed money or endangered species recovery. Manag- BirdsCaribbean (formerly the Society for WSC II. ers are provided an important tool for for the Conservation and Study of Carib- • WSU has completed the work on the developing land protection plans, con- bean Birds, or SCSCB), has contributed Global Seabird Colony Register as ducting environmental assessments, and the seabird colony database compiled for proposed in the fall of 2012. The planning response to oil spills and ship the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the West original proposal was for $17,000. groundings. Coordinating the collabora- Indies. Dr. Mackin continues to work PSG has transferred $9,000. We re- tion and communication among groups with our database development team spectfully request the other $8,000 involved in seabird issues, research, and during the importation process of the be transferred at this time. management activities across the global Caribbean colony data. • We ask PSG to pay $23,000 to the oceans is a primary goal of the World 1.3 Southern Africa: The South Cape Town International Conven- Seabird Union. A fully integrated sea- African Ministry of the Environment tion Centre for a down payment on bird data portal will improve conserva- maintains a database relating to seabird the venue for the 2nd World Seabird tion and management plans by making colonies in South Africa and Namibia. Conference, as agreed in June 2013. seabird data available to regional, na- Dr. Ross Wanless (African Seabird tional, and international databases used Group) and Dr. Rob Crawford (Ministry GLOBAL SEABIRD COLONY in guiding policy and management ini- of Environment), have overseen Andrea REGISTER PROPOSAL tiatives for multiple seabird species. Angel, who has led the process of refor- INFORMATION Summary of Work Completed matting the southern Africa seabird col- Aim: To develop an interconnected, Objective 1. Linking existing databases ony data for the Global Seabird Colony interoperable network of databases of 1.1 BirdLife International Ma- Data Entry Excel Template. Those data seabird breeding sites worldwide. rine IBA Database: Various national have been compiled and will be sent to Function: To serve as a basic resource and regional seabird colony databases our database development team for in- for seabird research and conservation and inventories have been developed in clusion in the Global Seabird Colony initiatives at local, regional, and global a wide variety of formats and with vary- Register. scales, particularly in terms of assessing ing degrees of permanence. Recently the Objective 2. Remote data entry by vulnerabilities of breeding sites to threats Important Bird Areas (IBAs) initiative seabird organisations (or holders of (coastal development, energy generation, of BirdLife International has achieved seabird site data), who may also be mineral extraction, oil pollution, invasive almost worldwide appraisal of the more compiling national/regional databases alien species, climate change, etc.). An ad- important seabird breeding sites (and simultaneously ditional function is to help build capacity has reviewed many additional candidate 2.1 Australia, starting with Victo- especially in developing and transitional sites in the process). We have worked ria, via Australasian Seabird Group countries with very limited resources for closely with Ben Lascelles (Marine IBA (Dr. Peter Dann) marine conservation. Programme Officer, BirdLife Interna- 2.2 Western Indian Ocean, via Background: The Seabird Informa- tional) who has led work to populate the Indian Ocean Seabird Group (Prof. tion Network (SIN): Global Seabird Data Global Seabird Colony Data Entry Excel Matthieu Le Corre) Portal provides an easy way for seabird Template with seabird colony data using 2.3 New Zealand, via NZ Forest & researchers to share information. The BirdLife’s Marine IBA database (com- Bird (Dr. Chris Gaskin) portal provides researchers and manag- prising some 2,000 sites worldwide). 2.4 South Pacific, via BirdLife Pa- ers with up-to-date tools to store data Colony data were also included for an cific regional team (Mr. Jez Bird, Mr. and visualize population trends, seabird additional 1,500 sites that were reviewed Steve Cranwell)

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 66 OTHER REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 2014

With the exception of item 2.1 (Austra- the Global Seabird Colony Register. The sources for these data are prin- lia seabird colony data via the Australasian Objective 3. Remote data entry from cipally two publications (Croxall et al. Seabird Group), we were able to obtain published literature for countries/ar- 1984, Croxall 1991), supplemented by colony data for the Western Indian Ocean, eas lacking any seabird organisation any more recent published data. BirdLife New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Col- 3.1 Iran/Arabia (over 100 sites International provided the data entry/ ony data were reformatted from existing and 2000 species/site entries) evaluation and compiled these published databases or inventories into the Global 3.2 Indonesia (about 50 sites and seabird colony data into the Global Sea- Seabird Colony Data Entry Excel Template. 500 species/site entries) bird Colony Data Entry Excel Template. Additionally, we were able to add colony 3.3 China (about 50 sites and 600 Data will be sent to our database devel- data for Argentina with the assistance of species/site entries) opment team for inclusion in the Global Dr. Pablo Yorio and his colleagues in South 3.4 Malaysia (about 30 sites and Seabird Colony Database. America. These data have been sent to our 500 species/site entries) database development team for inclusion in

PROJECT FUNDS FOR GLOBAL SEABIRD COLONY REGISTER DEVELOPMENT

Global Seabird Colony Register Project Funds 1.1 BirdLife Marine IBA database Mr.Ben Lascelles, Mr. Phil Taylor, Dr. Ian May 1,666 1.2 Caribbean, Bermuda and West Indies Dr. Will Mackin 1,666 1.3 Southern Africa Dr. Ross Wanless, Dr. Rob Crawford 3,666 Sub-total $6,998 2.1 Australia, starting with Victoria, via Australasian Seabird Group Dr. Peter Dann 0 2.2 Western Indian Ocean, via Indian Ocean Seabird Group Prof. Matthieu Le Corre 4,000 2.3 New Zealand, via NZ Forest & Bird Dr. Chris Gaskin 2,000 2.4 South Pacific, via BirdLife Pacific regional team Mr. Jez Bird, Mr. Steve Cranwell 0 Sub-total $6,000 3.1 Iran/Arabia (over 100 sites and 2000 species/site entries) 3.2 Indonesia (about 50 sites and 500 species/site entries) 3.3 China (about 50 sites and 600 species/site entries) 3.4 Malaysia (about 30 sites and 500 species/site entries) Sub-total $4,000 Total $16,998

STATUS OF INVOICES FOR Awaiting Invoice cover about $160,000, leaving the WSU SEABIRD COLONY DATA • BirdLife International Marine Im- to raise $140,000. A contribution from COORDINATION portant Bird Areas and Seabird PSG would provide a down payment Invoice Received Colony Data Coordination for the conference facility. We have two • Western Indian Ocean Seabird Colo- bids and the down payment could be as ny Data Coordination GRANT FOR WORLD SEABIRD much as $32,000, however we are still • New Zealand Seabird Colony Data CONFERENCE II negotiating with two venues. We request Coordination and Marine Important Proposal Information: In June 2013 that PSG consider a contribution of up to Bird Areas WSU submitted a proposal request to the $23,000 towards the deposit to the con- • Southern Africa Seabird Colony PSG EXCO. ference facility for the WSC II. If the de- Data Coordination Proposal Request: We estimate that posit is less than $23,000, the remainder • Caribbean Seabird Colony Data Co- the total budget for WSC II will be about will be returned to PSG. Funds currently ordination USD$300,000. Registration fees will held by WSU are committed to ongoing

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 67 OTHER REPORTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 2014 projects, and the WSU essentially has no being returned if the venue falls 7. If the meeting is successful and funds to apply towards the necessary de- through, we will make the payment there is money that is raised for the posit for the conference facility. We are to the venue with our credit card. meeting and not spent, the ExCo applying for other grants, and the funds 3. The meeting will be held at a major ho- encourages the WSU to save a large from PSG also will provide us with a tel chain or a public conference center, portion of the funds to be used as match for other grants. reducing the chance of losing the de- seed money for a third conference. In a letter dated 26 July 2013, PSG posit if the venue goes out of business. chair Doug Forsell confirmed that PSG 4. I will serve as a PSG representative WSU has decided on a venue that would provide up to $23,000 as a deposit on the selection committee as an ad- should meet these stipulations (Cape towards a venue for the WSC II with the visor in selecting the venue and in Town International Convention Centre, following seven stipulations (replicated reviewing the contract. which is the premier location for con- verbatim here): 5. We will work with WSC to help ventions in Cape Town and hosts many 1. The grant is for up to $23,000 for the avoid some of the pitfalls we experi- international meetings) and respectfully deposit on the venue. If the required enced, such as if the meeting is held requests that PSG pay $23,000 as a down deposit is less than $23,000 then the at a venue with expensive rooms payment to the Cape Town International grant will be for the lesser amount. and there is less expensive lodging Convention Centre. The maximum total is $23,000 in- nearby, that the contract is realistic cluding currency exchange fees, bank as to the number attendees staying transfer fees, or credit card charges. at the venue’s lodging. 2. If determined by the treasurer to be 6. If for whatever reason, the WSC II is advantageous to PSG and/or there is not held, the funds will be returned some extra assurance of the money to the PSG general fund.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 68 PSG NEWS Read about letters sent by the PSG Conservation Committee regarding a variety of seabird conservation issues, appointment of new PSG Coordinators, the upcoming 42nd Annual PSG Meeting, the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award and other news.

PSG Conservation Actions: Letters as a 30% decrease in Marbled Murrelet management of Oregon and California Over the past year, and in addition to habitats and populations over 30 years. railroad lands to ensure long-term con- the comment letter on the Army Corps In February 2014, PSG commented to servation of Marbled Murrelets and to of Engineers’ DEIS for Double-crested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dis- maintain large continuous blocks of hab- Cormorant management described ear- trict Office on the “Draft Environmental itat across this landscape. In addition, lier in this issue in the Conservation Re- Assessment – Caspian Tern Nesting Hab- PSG requested the crafting of legislation port, the Conservation Committee com- itat Reduction, East Sand Island, Clatsop that provides effective, long-term habi- piled several letters on behalf of PSG County, Oregon.” The PSG favored the tat protection for the murrelet and the addressing concerns and responses to a “no action” alternative until the Corps means for the species’ recovery. variety of seabird conservation issues. and cooperators have completed an inte- A brief summary of letters is provided grated, multispecies, regional-scale plan, below. Complete letters can be found on- and identified and made available one line on the Conservation page of PSG’s or more quality coastal nesting sites for New PSG Coordinators appointed website. Caspian Terns. In May 2014, a letter was sent to the Also in February 2014, PSG supported Three new Coordinators were ap- Regional Director of the Alaska Region the grant application by the California pointed at the EXCO in 2014. Robb Kaler of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Parks Department for preparation (USFWS and PSG Regional Representa- (USFWS) regarding the monitoring of of a Marbled Murrelet Management Plan tive for Alaska and Russia) and Heather Kittlitz’s Murrelets (Brachyramphus in Zone 6 with a letter sent to the Wild- Renner (USFWS) were appointed as the brevirostris) and Aleutian Terns (Ony- life Branch of the California Department new co-coordinators of the Seabird Moni- choprion aleuticus) in Alaska. The letter of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, Cali- toring Committee. Robb and Heather are describes priorities for implementation fornia. taking over from Scott Hatch (U.S. Geo- of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation In a December 2013 letter to US- logical Survey), who recently retired from Act, which requires the USFWS to mon- FWS, PSG supported the eradication of this position. With this new appointment, itor and assess the status and trends of the invasive House Mouse (Mus mus- the Pacific Seabird Monitoring Database all bird species, subspecies, and popula- culus) from South Farallon Island by (PSMD), formerly hosted on a USGS serv- tions. aerial broadcast of rodent bait contain- er, must be moved to another server. How- In March 2014, a letter was sent to the ing Brodifacoum-25D. The Farallon ever, a motion was amended by EXCO to Pacific Fishery Management Council, National Wildlife Refuge comprises the get it back online, identify data sets that Portland, Oregon, regarding the Fisher- largest seabird breeding colonies in the need updating, and develop a five-year ies Ecosystems Plan and Initiative 1 for contiguous United States. This second- plan for managing the PSMD. Jennifer Ma the protection of currently unmanaged generation anticoagulant brodifacoum (University of Washington) was appointed and unfished forage species. In this let- has been used successfully to eradicate as the new Membership Coordinator. Jen- ter, PSG underlines the importance of alien rodents from islands for more than nifer has taken over the Membership Co- maintaining long-term abundance and 20 years. Nonetheless, PSG also recog- ordinator from Michele Hester (Oikonos wide distribution of forage fishes within nized that there are risks in the applica- Ecosystem Knowledge). As Membership the California Current Ecosystem for the tion of brodifacoum or other poisons in Coordinator, Jennifer will work closely health of seabird populations along the terms of short-term, non-target mortality with the PSG Treasurer Christine Ogura entire Pacific coast. and other unintended consequences, but and oversee the web-based system for Also in March 2014, PSG and its long-term benefits are promising. paying duties—a major task—and provide Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee A letter was sent to President Barack mailing lists for EXCO members. Hannah were invited to comment on the “Pro- Obama in October 2013 regarding the Nevins (American Bird Conservancy) was posed Recovery Strategy for the Mar- increased protection needed for the appointed as Communications Coordina- bled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmo- threatened Marbled Murrelet due to tor, a new EXCO position. PSG welcomes ratus) in British Columbia,” issued by conflicts with current logging propos- the new Coordinators and warmly thank Environment Canada. Serious concerns als. In this letter, PSG respectfully re- previous Coordinators for their hard work about the proposed Recovery Strategy quested that the Departments of Interior on behalf of PSG. were raised, as it could result in as much and Agriculture review and modify their

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 69 PSG NEWS

couraged to contact Stan Senner, Vice- Chair for Conservation (Conservation@ please visit www.worldseabirdconfer- 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award for PacificSeabirdGroup.org), regarding ence.com. David G. Ainley conservation issues within their regions. PSG is proudly honoring David G. It was further established at the EXCO Ainley with the 2015 Lifetime Achieve- meeting that PSG members should pro- ment Award for his outstanding effort vide expertise to draft PSG’s comment Chinese Crested Tern Committee dis- to establish the Ross Sea as a Marine letters when doing so does not present banded Protected Area and for his groundbreak- conflicts of interest. PSG’s Chinese Crested Tern Com- ing work on Adélie Penguins (Pygos- mittee was disbanded during the EXCO celis adeliae) in Antarctica (he even meeting in Juneau as requested by the got a prominent peak named in his Coordinators and Members of the Com- honor—check out Ainley Peak!). With mittee. The rare and endangered Chi- PSG supporting World Seabird Con- this Award, PSG also honors David’s nese Crested Tern (Sterna bernsteini) ference II long-term research on the distribution occurs only on the islands of Matzu (ad- PSG will provide $23,000 in support of birds and mammals at sea on the US ministered by Taipei), Jiushan, and Wu- for the 2nd World Seabird Conference at West Coast and in the Eastern Tropical zhishan (the latter two in Zhejian Prov- the Conference Centre in Cape Town, Pacific, and his current work as Editor- ince, People’s Republic of China). Major South Africa. The conference is set to in-Chief of Marine Ornithology, a peer- threats to this species include egg poach- take place 26–30 October 2015 and reviewed journal published by PSG. ing, disturbance by human visitors, and is hosted by the World Seabird Union competition from Greater Crested Terns (WSU) and The African Seabird Group. (Thalasseus bergii) for high-quality PSG is one of the largest member orga- nest sites. The Committee was formed nizations of WSU, which was formed with the aims of fostering study of this PSG Conservation Committee during the 1st World Seabird Confer- critically endangered seabird and dialog To increase PSG’s conservation capac- ence held in 2010 in Victoria, Canada. about its conservation and initiating de- ity, the creation of a permanent Conser- The mission of WSU is to place seabird velopment of an action plan. Those aims vation Committee was proposed at the research, management, and conserva- have been achieved, and our Chinese EXCO meeting in Juneau in February tion into a worldwide perspective. For and Taiwanese colleagues have taken the 2014. Regional Representatives are en- more information about the Conference, lead on work on this species. For more information about conservation of the Chinese Crested Tern, see the Conserva- tion Report in this issue.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 70 MEETING NEWS

PSG’s 41st ANNUAL Three days of scientific presentations was able to attend via video conference were scheduled. Each day began with a on the big screen during his scheduled MEETING, FEBRUARY 2014 plenary lecture followed by two concur- plenary time. Technology can be a very Sadie Wright and Yumi Arimitsu rent sessions: a Special Paper Session good thing.

st and other contributed papers. Scientific Kim Rivera chaired the Awards Com- The Pacific Seabird Group’s 41 An- Program Chair Jo Smith and PSG meet- mittee. PSG presents awards each year nual Meeting was held at the Centen- ing organizers demonstrated their adapt- for the best student paper and poster. The nial Hall Convention Center in Juneau, ability by acting quickly to modify the best student poster award was given to Alaska, on February 19-22, 2014, and schedule when two plenary presenters Ai Yamashita. Paul Regular was award- had more than 175 attendees. The meet- canceled at the last minute. Nariko Oka’s ed best presentation by a Ph.D. student, ing kicked off with a day of committee plenary was replaced with a screening and Nobuhiko Sato was awarded best meetings, including the PSG Executive of the film “Pretty Slick” about oil spill presentation by a M.Sc. student. PSG Committee, the Marbled Murrelet and response following the Deepwater Hori- also provides modest travel awards to Kittlitz’s Murrelet Technical Commit- zon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. Julia help people attend the meeting. Thirteen tees, and the Seabird Monitoring Com- Parrish gave the Lifetime Achievement students (eight from the U.S. or Cana- mittee. Award presentation to Tony Gaston, who da, and five from other countries) were

Post-PSG birding field trip to the Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK.Trip leader: Gus van Vliet. Back, standing: Chuck Pell, Reggie David, Chang-uk Park, Seul-Gi Seo, Caroline Poli, Kim Nelson, ??, Doug Forsell, Catherine Horswill, Peter Dann, John Croxall, Harry Carter. Front: Hyun-young Nam, Chang-yong Choi, Kuniko Otsuki, Vivian Mendenhall, Kim Rivera, Gus van Vliet, Simba Chan. Not pictured: David Pereksta, Katie O’Reilly. Photo: Bev Agler.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 71 MEETING NEWS awarded $440 each, and six scientists various perspectives. They also paid night of the meeting. from outside the U.S. and Canada were tribute to longtime member and PSG co- Yumi Arimitsu and Sadie Wright awarded $333 each. founder, Jim King, who lives in Juneau co-chaired a Local Committee of hard Special Paper Sessions included Arc- and attended the meeting. working volunteers—what would PSG tic Seabirds, Hawaiian Seabirds, Fish- Networking social events at the meet- do without volunteers?!—to pull off this eries Bycatch, Japan and Korean Sea- ing included an ice breaker, a poster successful meeting. As a side note, the birds, and Oiled Seabird Rescue. Other session, and a student mentoring ses- meeting exceeded budgeting expecta- contributed talks were grouped into the sion hosted at different Juneau venues tions and earned PSG a profit for the following sessions: Population Biology, replete with hors d’oeuvres and plenty general fund. Thanks to everyone who Breeding Biology, Tracking and Distri- of liquids. The traditional banquet was contributed!! bution, Foraging Ecology, and Contami- held the final evening, followed by the nants/Restoration/ Management. There Awards Ceremony, and a popular Juneau were 89 presentations and 24 posters rock band that kept things hopping until featured at the meeting. late. The PSG headbands came in handy. Alexis Will was 2015 ANNUAL MEETING responsible for co- ordinating vendors WILL BE IN SAN JOSE to produce the tote bags, headbands, We are pleased to announce that the and t-shirts for the 42nd Annual Meeting of PSG will take meeting using art- place in San Jose, California from 18- work donated by lo- 21 Feb 2015. Scott Schaffer (San Jose cal artist Jim Fowl- State University) is chairing the Local er. Local catering Committee. The theme of the meeting company Abby’s will be “A Future for Seabirds.” Along Kitchen provided with the usual contributed sessions, sev- excellent meals, eral exciting Special Paper Sessions are snacks, and coffee planned. throughout the con- The conference will be held at the San Local Committee Co-Chairs Sadie Wright and Yumi Arimitsu sport ference. Jose Airport Garden Hotel, located in stylish PSG bling on banquet night in Juneau. Photo: Adrian Gall. Attendees arriv- the heart of San Jose. This is a location ing early or staying convenient to restaurants, coffee shops, In addition to the committee meetings in Juneau after the meeting enjoyed the light rail, and the San Jose International held on the first day, additional meetings sunny, brisk weather while participating Airport. Lodging will be available at were scheduled throughout the confer- in a variety of field trips. A bus field trip the conference venue and at a variety of ence, including meetings of the Japan explored some of the local land-based other hotels in the immediate vicinity. Seabird Conservation Committee, the birding hotspots and sightseeing areas The San Francisco Bay area has a di- Aleutian Tern Working Group, and the around Juneau, including a hike across versity of habitats for seabirds including North Pacific Albatross Working Group. frozen Mendenhall Lake to approach estuarine, coastal, open ocean, and the On the first day of scientific presen- icebergs in front of the Mendenhall Gla- bay itself. Five fantastic field trips have tations, meeting participants enjoyed a cier. Some attendees opted to explore the been organized for meeting participants, buffet lunch across the parking lot from Inside Passage aboard Alaska Marine some on 15 February (before the meet- Centennial Hall in the Juneau Arts and Highway System ferry trips to the far ing) and some on 23 February (after the Culture Center while attending the PSG flung communities of Pelican, Gustavus, meeting). Member’s Meeting led by PSG Chair Haines, and Skagway. Some attendees Like last year, PSG will use an on- Doug Forsell. Participants enjoyed a box even arrived or departed the meeting on line system for everything! Details can lunch the following day, and many at- the ferry to/from Bellingham, Washing- be found on the PSG website and/or tended the Conservation Meeting led by ton. Alcids abounded, along with obser- on RegOnLine (www.regonline.com/ Stan Senner. vations of cormorants, gulls, mergansers, psg2015). There you will find informa- For the first time ever, the PSG meet- a host of sea ducks, and marine mam- tion about abstract submission (now ing included a closing plenary lecture, mals, including Steller sea lions, har- closed!), travel awards, registration, field with George Divoky, David Ainley, Alan bor seals, Dall’s and harbor porpoises, trips, merchandise, accommodation, and Springer, and Stan Senner joining forces humpback whales, and orcas. Northern travel options to San Jose. to summarize the meeting from their lights made an appearance nearly every

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 72 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES The Pacific Seabird Group’s board of directors, the Executive Council (EXCO), meets at each Annual Meeting and once or twice a year via conference call. Minutes are available after they are approved at the subsequent meeting. A summary in Pacific Seabirds, and the full text is available on PSG’s website. All PSG members are welcome to attend EXCO meetings.

SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 19 February 2014 Annual Meeting Juneau, Alaska

Highlights of these Minutes: toring plan; (5) letter to President Obama “representative-elect” (not yet a member • Secretary Pat Baird established Tur- asking Departments of Interior and Agri- of ExCo). This would be a Bylaws change. boBridge for conference calls. culture to play more effective role in man- • Treasurer Lindsay Young automated agement of murrelet habitats on California Pacific Seabirds Editor’s Report online membership registration and and Oregon railway lands; and (6) letter to A committee will decide on the jour- hired a bookkeeper and accountant. support USFWS’s draft environmental im- nal’s future. A periodical journal/bulletin • Treasurer also automated online pact statement for use of second generation is a valuable record of PSG’s history and abstract submission for meetings anti-coagulants for mouse eradication on is needed for archival purposes. Some (RegOnline). South Farallon NWR. sections of PS could be posted online • Secretary established Survey Mon- Items that PSG may have to address in throughout the year if they were timely. key for polls and Bylaws changes 2014: (1) Wind farm proposal off Coos Bay ballots sent to membership, and also Oregon-first on west coast; (2) Cormorant ANNUAL MEETING UPDATES for annual elections of the ExCo. management plan for Columbia river estu- 2015 Annual Meeting: Scott Schaffer • Chair Doug Forsell finalized “Proto- ary (largest cormorant colony in western has been proposing San Jose for the 2015 col to certify tree-climbers for stud- U.S.); (3) petition by National Resources meeting since 2012; it has good public ies on Marbled Murrelet.” Defense Council to list the Tufted Puffin in transportation and many hotels. At the • PSG addressed many conservation California, Oregon, and Washington. Like- end of the meeting, Scott sent a proposal issues in 2013 and has a number of wise, PSG will start addressing conserva- for a meeting in San Jose. new conservation issues ahead in tion issues in member countries (e.g., pipe- Future Meetings survey: A poll was ad- 2014 (see report). Annual Meeting line and wind farms proposed in Canada). ministered on the listserv. Questions: (1) venue for 2015 decided: San Jose. Suggested creation of a permanent “Who is going to attend the 2015 meet- • Chinese Crested Tern Committee is Conservation Committee and have a list ing of PSG?” Of 159 respondents (from now disbanded. EXCO vote is need- of experts in various fields to help draft listserv), 32% said they were planning ed to formalize. PSG’s comment letters. on attending, and 24% said they might attend. Thirty percent said that if they EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORTS Chair-elect’s Report attended the WSC II in 2015, they would Treasurer’s Report Summarized makeup of 2014 meeting at- not attend PSG’s 2016 meeting, and 70% PSG paid for seabirds.net ($7,998). We tendees: 30% academic, 27% state and pro- said they would. (2) “Should PSG meet have a new surety bond for 2014-2015 vincial, almost 25% early-career and student. with the WSC II in South Africa in Oc- for: Chair, Past Chair, Treasurer, and tober 2015,” 30% said yes, 34% said Editor of Pacific Seabirds. RegOnline is Past Chair’s Report no, 4% had no opinion. (3) Timing for working well for membership renewals- The Past Chair’s duty is to provide future meetings: January/February. (4) good data collection for members. Mem- information on the location of the next Preference for joint meetings with other bership is 481 paid members. Annual Meeting (San Jose, in 2015), the groups: 54% yes 45% no. (5) Asking for proposed site of the meeting to be held volunteers to host future meetings: four Vice-chair for Conservation’s Report in two or years, and a choice of two or people were willing to host a meeting. Issues that PSG addressed this past year: three sites for the meeting to be held in (5) “Places where members would like to (1) letter to Pacific Fisheries Management three years. Past Chair has not come up meet” (in order of preference): Califor- Council re: Fisheries Ecosystem Plan; (2) with alternative venues or possible Local nia; Hawai‘i; Mexico; Portland, Oregon; statement to Army Corps Engineers’ as- Committee chairs for 2015 or 2016. Seattle, Washington. Most comments re- sessment of managing birds at mouth of Co- garding meeting venues were about the lumbia River in relation to endangered sal- Student Representative’s Report need for funds to get there. monids; (3) letter to California State Parks Proposed two Student Representa- Future meetings discussion: EXCO re their Plan for Management of Big Basin tives and that either they overlap with has to determine whether members State Park; (4) letter to encourage USFWS staggered terms (i.e., one elected each want a joint meeting with World Seabird to finalize Brown Pelican integrated moni- year for a one-year term), or one serve as Union (WSU) or with the Waterbird So-

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 73 ciety (WBS). Joint meeting with WSU or Bylaws amendments—future amend- back online; (2) identify datasets that the Waterbird Society proposed for 2016 ments: PSG Bylaws need to be brought need updating, and enter updates where (both held in Fall 2015). Poll showed into conformity with California law re- feasible; and (3) develop a five-year plan. little support for a joint meeting with garding Ex-Officio and Proxy EXCO PSG 2015 will be held in San Jose: WSU: 60% members were either op- members. A suggestion was made that Life EXCO approved San Jose as the location posed or uncertain. Concern expressed Member fees go into the General Fund. for the 2015 meeting, on a date in Janu- that attendance at PSG 2016, in the wake Marine Ornithology: The editor, Tony ary or February to be determined; Scott of WSC II in South Africa, will be low. Gaston, wants a discussion about evolution Schaffer will be Local Committee Co- PSG members attending WSC II won’t and future of Marine Ornithology and the chair. Doug Forsell will be Local Com- have time or resources to attend PSG 2016. need for a Communications Coordinator. mittee Co-chair if someone else doesn’t Hannah Nevins volunteered to fill this role. volunteer. OTHER BUSINESS Elections Committee: The vote for Stu- PSG annual meeting poster: EXCO Website: PSG will start to provide some dent Representative ended in a tie between approved spending up to $800 for de- introductory pages on seabirds for the Abraham Borker and Andrew Titmus. By- livery, within one year, of a stand-alone public—what they are, their role in eco- laws state that EXCO discuss both candi- poster to be used at meetings. systems, etc. dates and appoint one of them. Both candi- Code of Conduct: EXCO approved cre- Listserv: The listserv will be moved dates were highly qualified and motivated. ation of a committee to draft a Code of from the Federal Government server to Conduct and decide how it should be ap- Blue Host (where website resides). MOTIONS proved. Vivian Mendenhall volunteered to Conflict of Interest Statement: Neces- Retain an attorney: EXCO approved be on the committee (but not to chair it). sary under California law. Need to modi- retention of an attorney on a need-only Migration of PSG listserv off of US- fy the draft Conflict of Interest Statement hourly basis to (1) determine what PSG’s FWS server: EXCO approved purchas- to include definitions as well as all poten- legal obligations are to respond to ques- ing a perpetual license for the listserv tial conflicts of interest clearly laid out. tions that PSG receives regarding the or- with a one-time expenditure and to pay Tabled until these definitions are added. ganization; and (2) to have that attorney all associated annual maintenance and Code of Conduct (CoC): Should include respond on PSG’s behalf if a response is service fees, including upgrades; not to guidance and recourse, in case one PSG required. Note: This was recommended exceed $3,000. member is unable to handle a difficult by PSG’s accountant. Furthermore, if Communications Coordinator: EXCO interaction with another. It should also the cost exceeds $2,000, an EXCO vote approved the appointment of Hannah cover conflicts of interest. Discussion would be required for approval. Nevins as Communications Coordinator. if Life Members might be concerned Funding for the Pacific Seabird Moni- Chinese Crested Tern Committee: in having a CoC since they finalized toring Database: EXCO approved allo- EXCO approved disbanding this committee. their memberships before a CoC existed. cating up to $2,400 for two years; bench- Student Representative: EXCO ap- Also, who would approve the CoC? marks to include (1) put the database proved selection of Andrew Titmus as Student Representative.

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 74 INTERIM EDITOR’S NOTE Vivian Mendenhall left large shoes to fill for a one-issue interim editor, and I have shuffled forth as best I could. Fortunately, a fine group of assistant editors responded to my request for help. I offer sincere thanks toHeather Major, Marc Romano, Leslie Slater, Julia Sommerfeld, and Breck Tyler for their hard work to help obtain, compile, and edit the content for Pacific Seabirds 41(1-2). They have expeditiously elicited, drafted, and/or reviewed content for this issue. Working long-distance with this group has been a pleasure and has made creating this issue a truly collaborative effort. All credit for the fine layout in this issue goes to Patrick Stark and his considerable graphic design skills. This has been a temporary collaboration, however. Thanks also to Jo Smith, Pat Baird, Jennifer Ma, and Christine Ogura for responding to my various content and PSG-process questions and requests along the way. At this time, PSG is looking for a new editor for Pacific Seabirds. If you are interested, or if you have questions about this publication, please contact the PSG Chair at: [email protected]. – Holly Freifeld

PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

The Pacific Seabird Group publishes symposia and other works. PSG Symposia are occasionally held at Annual Meetings; those which have been published are listed below. Technical Reports prepared by PSG working groups also are listed. To order one of these PSG publications, please see instructions after each item. Abstracts of papers and posters given at PSG meetings are published annually. Abstracts for meetings of 1974 through 1993 appeared in the PSG Bulletin (Volumes 2–20); for meetings of 1994 through 2003, in Pacific Seabirds (Volumes 21–30); and for meetings of 1997 and later, at www.pacificseabirdgroup.org PSG publishes the journals Pacific Seabirds (www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) andMarine Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Current and past issues of both journals are available online or by subscription. Back issues may be obtained 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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 75 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

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.

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 [email protected].

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 Ecosystem: 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

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 76 PUBLICATIONS OF THE PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP

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.

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 2015

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

AWARDS COMMITTEE Doug Forsell, email: [email protected]; Jo Smith, email: [email protected]; and Kathy Kuletz, email: [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Hannah Nevins, email: [email protected]

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Stan Senner, email: [email protected]

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS COMMITTEE Melanie Steinkamp, email: [email protected]

CRAIG S. HARRISON CONSERVATION SMALL GRANTS COMMITTEE Verena Gill, email: [email protected]

ELECTION COMMITTEE Alan Burger, email: [email protected]

ENDOWMENT FUND TRUSTEES COMMITTEE Kenneth T. Briggs, email: [email protected]; Jim Kushlan, email: [email protected]; and Christine Ogura, email: [email protected]

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 77 PSG COMMITTEE COORDINATORS FOR 2015

JAPANESE AND KOREAN SEABIRD CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Kuniko Otsuki, email: [email protected] and Kim Nelson, email: [email protected]

KITTLITZ’S MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE John Piatt, email: [email protected]

MARBLED MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Kim Nelson, email: [email protected] and Peter Harrison, email: [email protected]

SEABIRD MONITORING COMMITTEE Heather Renner, email: [email protected] and Robb Kaler, email: [email protected]

SCRIPPS’S MURRELET AND GUADALUPE MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE Shaye Wolf, email: [email protected] and Harry R. Carter, email: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Jennifer Ma, email: [email protected]

LISTSERVE COORDINATOR Verena Gill, email: [email protected]

WEBMASTER Lisa Ballance, email: [email protected]

WEBSITE COORDINATOR Annette Henry, email: [email protected]

PSG BOARD MEMBERS OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL Pat Baird, email: [email protected] and Doug Forsell, email: [email protected]

PSG DELEGATE TO THE AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY Melanie Steinkamp, email: [email protected]

PSG DELEGATE TO THE WORLD SEABIRD UNION Patrick Jodice, email: [email protected]

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 78 PSG LIFE MEMBER 2014-2015 David Ainley Adrian Gall Steffen Oppel Sarah G. Allen Lisa Haggblom Katie O’Reilly Daniel W. Anderson Judith Latta Hand Julia K. Parrish Edgar P. Bailey Craig S. Harrison Robert Pitman Pat Herron Baird Scott A. Hatch Jennifer Provencher Lisa Ballance Monica Herzig Zürcher C. John Ralph Mrs. Don Bishop Nancy Hillstrand Martin Renner Kenneth T. Briggs Joel D. Hubbard William P. Ritchie Joanna Burger David B. Irons Chad Roberts Douglas Causey Sarah Keller Daniel D. Roby Ellen W. Chu Ronald Javitch Jan Roletto Roger B. Clapp James G. King Gerald A. Sanger Cheryl Conel Joohn Konecny Palmer C. Sekora Kathy Cousins Kathy Kuletz Nanette Seto Theodore L. Cross James Kushlan Kouzi Shiomi Jeff Davis Lora Leschner Joanna Smith Robert H. Day David B. Lewis William E. Southern Tony DeGange Peter Major Jeffrey A. Spendelow Jan Dierks Eugene Y. Makishima Craig Strong George Divoky Vivian Mendenhall Takaki Terasawa Kyle Elliott Pat Mock W. Breck Tyler Stewart Fefer Ken Morgan Enriqueta Velarde Gonzalez Lloyd C. Fitzpatrick Edward C. Murphy Kees Vermeer Elizabeth Flint S. Kim Nelson John S. Warriner Douglas J. Forsell Yasuaki Niizuma Yutaka Watanuki Michael Fry Harou Ogi Jennifer Wheeler Koji Ono Jeff Williams

HONORARY MEMBER

John Cooper

RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Daniel W. Anderson Malcolm Coulter* Karl W. Kenyon* Philip and Myrtle Ashmole John Croxall James G. King James C. Bartonek Anthony Gaston Haruo Ogi W.R.P. Bourne Charles Guiguet* Spencer G. Sealy Richard G.B. Brown Michael P. Harris Robert E. Ricklefs G. Vernon Byrd Thomas R. Howell* Miklos D.F. Udvardy* John Cooper George L. Hunt, Jr. John Warham*

*deceased

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 79 RECIPIENTS OF PSG’S SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Malcolm Coulter* Lora Leschner Arthur L. Sowls Franklin Gress Edward Melvin Steven M. Speich* George J. Divoky Vivian Mendenhall Mark J. Rauzon Craig S. Harrison S. Kim Nelson Yutaka Watanuki Hiroshi Hasegawa

*deceased

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Annual Membership Members receive Pacific Seabirds, announcements of meetings, reduced rates on conferences and some publications, subscrip- tion 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 December 31.

Membership Rates Individual membership: $40 Student membership: $30 Life membership: $1,200 (can be divided into five annual payments of $240)

All Life member contributions are dedicated to PSG’s Endowment Fund, a fund to support the publications of the PSG, as are direct contributions to the Endowment Fund.

To Join To join the Pacific Group or renew your membership, please go to: https://www.regonline.com/psgmembership

Credit cards and checks are accepted on this site. 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 (please note that this may be different from your listserv email address).

If you have any questions, please notify our Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator is responsible for main- taining the membership database, assisting members with updating their information, sending renewal reminders to members, sending new member information to the list serve coordinator, and dealing with the day-to-day membership inquires.

Member Resources Sign up for a PSG membership, or renew a PSG membership at: https://www.regonline.com/psgmembership

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

For access to the Pacific Seabird Group listserv, please contact the coordinator at: [email protected]

Pacific Seabirds • Volume 41, Numbers 1 and 2 • 2014 • Page 80 PSG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 2014-2015

Officers

Chair Joanna Smith, email: [email protected]

Past Chair Doug Forsell, email: [email protected]

Chair-Elect Kathy Kuletz, email: [email protected]

Vice-Chair for Conservation Stan Senner, email: [email protected]

Treasurer Christine Ogura, email: [email protected]

Secretary Patricia Baird, email: [email protected]

Regional Representatives

Alaska and Russia Robb Kaler, email: [email protected]

Canada Ken Morgan, email: [email protected]

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

Northern California Anna Weinstein, email: [email protected]

S California, Latin America, Annette Henry, email: [email protected] Hawai’i

Non-Pacific United States Iain Stenhouse, email: [email protected]

Europe/Africa Stefan Garthe, email: [email protected]

Asia and Oceania Kuniko Otsuki, email: [email protected]

Student Representative Andrew Titmus, email: [email protected]

Ex officio (non-voting)

Communications Coordinator Hannah Nevins, email: [email protected]

Listserve Coordinator Verena Gill, email: [email protected]

Membership Coordinator Jennifer Ma, email: [email protected]

Webmaster Lisa Ballance, email: [email protected]

Website Coordinator Annette Henry, email: [email protected]