Seabird breeding island surveys

Seabird Island Re-surveys

 

Some years ago, reports on surveys of seabird breeding sites were published as a series in the journal Corella. Compiled between the late 1960s to early 1980s, these are often the only information available on many of Australia’s offshore islands. With impacts such as invasion of the adjacent coastal areas by weed species in the last few decades and the gradual impact of climate change, it is timely for many islands to be revisited.  In 2008, the ASG with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, began re-surveying the offshore islands in NSW. In 2013 and 2014 ASG supported Queensland Parks to commence regular surveys of islands within the Great Barrier Reef.

 

By 2022 the bird journal Corella has published the results of 21 surveys carried out by the ASG including the December 2013 edition, which was given completely over to ASG survey results of Lord Howe’s offshore islands.  Two reports have also been produced by the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, Queensland Government on the surveys in the Capricornia Cays National Park acknowledging our efforts.

 

Yet to be published are seabird surveys of Parks Australia’s Bowen Island (ACT- in east Coast Aust. Jervis Bay) completed in January 2024 and Eurobodalla Council (NSW) managed Jimmies Island, where initial surveys of this previously unlisted seabird island, commenced in September 2024.

 

ASG members that have the relevant experience are given first preference on any trip, however surveys are open to all BirdLife Australia members. Experience in biodiversity surveys, in-hand seabird identification and a good fitness level are preferred. All surveys seeking membership involvement are advertised in the e-bulletin.