Today is World Seabird Day!

July 3rd is dedicated to raising awareness for seabird conservation worldwide and marks the last recorded sighting of the now-extinct Great Auk in 1844 (Pinguinis impennis).

Every year, around 3.5 million seabirds call Macquarie Island home. This includes at least 24 species that breed on the island, along with many non-breeding visitors that are regularly recorded. Macquarie Island is home to two endemic seabird species: the royal penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli) and the Macquarie Island imperial shag (Leucocarbo atriceps purpurascens). Many species on the island are of conservation concern, like the endangered southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus) and grey headed albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma) . Currently, 15 Macquarie Island seabird species (63%) are listed as threatened under State, Federal or International conservation criteria. Globally seabirds face numerous threats, including habitat loss, predation by invasive species, pollution, fisheries interactions, climate related changes, and avian influenza.

Albatrosses are among the most threatened seabirds. There are four albatross species that breed on Macquarie Island during summer, with the wandering albatross breeding throughout winter. Many albatross populations are declining in the Southern Ocean due primarily to interactions with fisheries. Their delayed maturity and low chick productivity, combined with increased mortality, highlight the need for close monitoring and conservation efforts.

Join us in our mission to protect these incredible birds!