PACIFIC SEABIRDS A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group Volume 42, Numbers 1 and 2 2015 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) was formed in 1972 due to the need for better communication among Pacific seabird researchers. PSG provides a forum for the research activities of its members, promotes the conservation of seabirds, and informs members and the public of issues relating to Pacific Ocean seabirds and their environment. PSG members include research scientists, conservation professionals, and members of the public from all parts of the Pacific Ocean. The group also welcomes seabird professionals and enthusiasts in other parts of the world. PSG holds annual meetings at which scientific papers and symposia are presented; abstracts for meetings are published on our web site. The group is active in promoting conservation of seabirds, 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 importance. PSG publishes the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin; www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the 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 $1200 (Life Membership, payable in five $240 installments). Dues are payable to the Treasurer; see the PSG web site or the Membership Information at the back of this issue. World Wide Web http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org Donations The Pacific Seabird Group is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of California. Contributions to the Pacific Seabird Group are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law (IRS Section 501[c][3]). Pacific Seabirds This on-line bulletin reports on the work and committee activities of the Pacific Seabird Group, conservation news, and other items of importance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The bulletin is in transition from a twice-yearly publication to an on-line news bulletin and archive of PSG activities. This issue was compiled by an interim editor and summarizes a year of PSG activities for 2015-2016, and will be available on-line as a pdf. Back issues of the PSG Bulletin and Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s web site (see Membership next to inside back cover for details). Pacific Seabirds Interim Editor (for this issue only) Kathy Kuletz, [email protected] Associate Editors for This Issue Laura Bliss, Jane Dolliver, Vivian Mendenhall, Martin Renner, Leslie Slater; layout: Mesha Wood Marine Ornithology Marine Ornithology presents peer-reviewed contributions concerning international seabird science and conservation. The journal is published two times a year. It is available on its web site (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. Change of Address Send changes of address to the PSG Membership Coordinator, Jennifer Lang, [email protected] PACIFIC SEABIRDS A Publication of the Pacific Seabirds Group Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment Volume 42 2015 Numbers 1 and 2 Lifetime Achievement Award ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 Dr. David Ainley, by Craig Strong and Gregory Spencer Regional Reports for 2014 Alaska and Russia ......................................................................................................................................................................................6 Washington and Oregon ...........................................................................................................................................................................8 Northern California.................................................................................................................................................................................12 Southern California .................................................................................................................................................................................14 Hawaiʻi ......................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Non-Pacific United States ........................................................................................................................................................................15 Latin America ..........................................................................................................................................................................................17 Canada ......................................................................................................................................................................................................17 Asia and Oceania .................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Reports of PSG Officers for 2014 Chair’s Report ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Chair-elect Report .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Vice-Chair for Conservation Report .................................................................................................................................................... 26 Treasurer’s Report ..................................................................................................................................................................................27 Reports to PSG Executive Council for 2014-2015 Japanese Seabird Conservation Committee .........................................................................................................................................31 Kittlitz’s Murelet Technical Committee ................................................................................................................................................31 Scripps’s Murrelet and Guadalupe Murrelet Technical Committee .................................................................................................31 Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee ..............................................................................................................................................31 Seabird Monitoring Committee .............................................................................................................................................................32 Craig S. Harrison Conservation Fund Committee ..............................................................................................................................33 Elections Committee Report .................................................................................................................................................................. 34 PSG Electronic Mailing List...................................................................................................................................................................35 Membership Report ................................................................................................................................................................................ 36 Corresponding Membership Committee ..............................................................................................................................................37 Marine Ornithology ................................................................................................................................................................................37 Student Representative ........................................................................................................................................................................... 40 Ornithological Council ............................................................................................................................................................................41 PSG News............................................................................................................................................................................ 44 Meeting News ...........................................................................................................................................................................