The SCSCB Seabird Working Group uses the regional perspective to guide its work, however, it is also focusing its efforts on some particular geographic areas in order to identify discrete tasks with measurable outcomes. Success at these tasks would give the group momentum, the ability to broaden its work, and ultimately to attract new funding. Additionally, “focal area” successes can have broad impact; conservation activities on behalf of one species will benefit other birds that share habitats or have a similar annual cycle; moreover, many of the stressors acting on an island’s seabird population apply across their entire ranges, thus practices that benefit one island can be exported and applied elsewhere.
Focal areas are selected based on threat (endemism, state of colonies, decline over 20 years, vulnerability, and threats to habitat) AND the presence of local support and involvement. The working group emphasizes that the list of focal areas is open to addition and that ongoing monitoring is necessary across the region to fill gaps and identify emerging needs.
Jamaica: Pedro Cays
The Pedro Cays are home to Masked Booby, Brown Booby, Sooty Tern -- species under regional threat -- and the colonies there are critical to sustaining regional populations. The data are currently weak, but it appears breeding has ceased in some species with previously large populations.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) initiated the Pedro Bank Management Project in 2005. Efforts are underway to develop a site management plan, because in the Pedro Cays there are many issues to address, including official protection for this unofficial sanctuary. Brandon Hay has been hired to undertake a 14 month seabird monitoring programme to further develop longterm conservation strategies for seabird protection.
The project needs more people to assist in the field and transportation.
Venezuela: Los Monjes Archipelago
These islands host probably the largest colony of Masked Booby in the region (there are only three in the Caribbean). However, data are very old. Diana Esclasans is part of a corps of trained biologists interested in these islands, undertaking action and with numerous creative ideas (ask her about flying a camera on a kite!). The team is working on a a GIS for seabirds on Venezuelan oceanic islands, compiling existing information, acquiring additional field data, and making findings widely available, with a goal of providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making regarding use of island and marine resources, while simultaneously providing opportunities for conservation-related training and education.
The project requires financial support to continue.
Anguilla: Cays, including Dog, Sombrero, Scrub and others
Involved species (Masked and Brown Booby, variety of terns) are under regional threat. Regular monitoring has been conducted for terns, and there are promising developments regarding predator removal (with funding by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
Sarah Sanders, on behalf of Anguillan partners, explained how RSPB is helping Anguilla to monitor seabird populations. She explained that the cays need to be assessed and managed collectively as seabirds move from site to site depending on the conditions. They are also working on site protection (IBAs) and rat eradication.
Hispaniola (Haiti and DR): Highlands
The Black-capped Petrel, which is hopefully still breeding in remote, high altitude areas of Hispaniola, is in danger of extinction. Samson Compère from Haiti explained the challenging topography of the Macaya mountain range and the need to survey petrels there. He explained that the area is of interest to a number of institutions in and out of Haiti. He stressed that research and monitoring is only one part of the conservation equation: education and habitat conservation to benefit people are just as crucial, if not more so. Thus, workshops for students and others are part of activities in Haiti. Eladio Fernández (Sociedad Ornitológica de la Hispaniola – petrels are expected in Loma del Toro in Dominican Republic, adjacent to Haiti’s Macaya) echoed Samson: assistance is needed on how to locate and census birds. Jeremy Madeiros, who has long experience with Bermuda Petrels, described how lessons learned in Bermuda should be of use to conservation of the Black-capped Petrel.
Codrington Lagoon, Barbuda:
An analysis of threats to this Magnificent Frigatebird colony is urgently needed.
St. Vincent and Grenadines:
Data on the status of these colonies is incomplete. Surveys are urgently needed.