Wildlife Conservation Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Project #14296

Protect Seabirds in the Caribbean

by Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

Project Report | Jul 17, 2020
Feeling Grateful

By Natalia Collier | Program Director

Grenadine Citizen Scientists. Photo: J. Coffey

Perhaps you’ve heard some of the encouraging environmental stories resulting from coronavirus restrictions, such as cleaner air and water, and wildlife reappearing in areas where human activity had overwhelmingly dominated. We held similar hopes for a resurgence of seabird colonies in the Grenadines since travel was limited between islands, including the uninhabited islands where seabirds nest in astonishing colonies of tens of thousands of birds. However, while travel restrictions eased at the beginning of the egg-laying period, we quickly began to receive reports of egg and chick harvesting from our local citizen scientists.

For a region that relies heavily on tourism, the complete halt of international flights and inter-island travel meant serious economic loss for many people already struggling financially. Restrictions further prevented enforcement and monitoring presence at these remote islands that are already difficult and costly to access. It is understandable that reliance on seabirds as a food source could increase at such a time, especially when consequences would not be expected.

Thanks to our volunteer citizen scientists, funded by donors like you, we continue to collect vital information on this threat and are using this data to engage with enforcement agencies and policy makers to advocate for changes to ensure the long-term health of seabird populations and support for struggling citizens.

In spite of current restrictions, we are developing alternative strategies to raise awareness. While our citizen scientists continue their crucial monitoring of seabird colonies and threats, we have released a Public Service Announcement shared on radio, TV and social media, and conducted virtual interviews. We are currently preparing an environmental school curriculum to target the next generation for when schools resume activities, and actively engaging with local departments and agencies. While reports of seabird harvesting have increased, so has our network of advocates for seabirds in the Grenadines.

During the July 15^th Bonus Day, we raised $9,100! Those who contributed join the 240 donors who have so generously supported this important work over the years. Conservation usually requires long-term commitment, especially when it involves changing human behavior. We are seeing that change, slowly but surely, and increasing local awareness and concern for native wildlife. We hope you will continue on this journey with us and our vision for a safe and sustainable future. We are so grateful for our community of support in this time of need.

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Mar 23, 2020
New Short Film on the Lives of Grenadines Seabirds

By Natalia Collier | Program Manager

Team members installed signs on Wildlife Reserves.

Spring is in the air and, despite the upheaval humanity is experiencing at this difficult time, birds are busy doing what they've always done this time of year - migrating, reuniting with mates, and building nests where they'll raise another generation of chicks.

Escape with us to the Grenadines Islands in this short film that shows the dramatic beautify of these remote and uninhabited islands and the seabirds who master all its elements.

Grenadines Seabirds: Uniting Land, Air, and Sea

Our staff has been busy over the last several months. We are thrilled to report that we partnered with the local Department of Forestry to design and install informational signs on Wildlife Reserves where thousands of birds nest. The signs let visitors know that the area is protected and activities like harvesting seabirds or their eggs and setting fires are illegal.

After a year of consultations with over 100 stakeholders, we have also completed the first ever Community-based Grenadines Seabird Conservation Plan. I know some people may not be excited by plans but this one is really important for making sure the community supports the actions needed to protect the remaining seabird colonies. The next step will be the first meeting of the committee of local stakeholders who will guide the process and prioritize which actions to take first.

And of course our Grenadines Volunteer Patrol members will begin their surveys soon to monitor nesting seabirds. We look forward to sharing with you what they find. Climate change has had a big effect on seabirds making the nesting season less predictable and adding further importance to these surveys.

Your support makes this work possible. Today is the start of the Little by Little Matching Campaign, which means your donation of $50 or less will be matched at 50%. If you pledge to donate monthly (up to $200 for at least 4 months) they will match your donation at 100%. The matching is only for this week so please donate today!

Communities provide input on a conservation plan.

Links:

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Dec 23, 2019
We've Got a Plan!

By Natalia Collier | Program Manager

Discussing seabird conservation with fisherfolk.

If you want to save seabirds from extinction, you need a plan! However, your plan is only as good as the community support it has. For this reason, our team has been meeting with fisherfolk communities, NGOs, and government agencies to get their feedback on the draft Community-based Conservation Management Plan for Grenadines Seabirds.

During community meetings, fisherfolk proved to be highly knowledgeable about seabirds and shared the importance of seabirds for finding fish, navigating and interpreting weather patterns. One fisherman simply stated “All seabirds are very important to us.” For example, Magnificent Frigatebirds are useful for indicating changes in weather, while Royal Terns are useful for finding baitfish, and Red-billed Tropicbirds can lead the way to larger commercial species at sea, such as tuna.

Participants were asked if they learned anything during the presentation and discussions. All present were shocked to learn that some seabirds regularly dive more than 50 meters and that some can live to be up to seventy years old. Some were not aware that seabirds often mate for life.

There were also discussions about the gradual decline in seabirds due to a variety of local threats. Harvesting of seabirds, their chicks and eggs has been a primary topic, including the laws making this practice illegal. One participant indicated that in the past seabirds were traditionally served for Sunday dinners. While illegal harvest of seabirds, their chicks and eggs still occurs, participants recognized that harvesting would eventually lead to population declines.

When asked about how we can recover seabird populations, general consensus was that protection needs to focus on their breeding islands, which in the Grenadines are threatened with development, invasive species and pollution arriving by sea. Some participants called for a halt to harvesting activities, particularly of seabird eggs, and to clean up the plastic pollution arriving on the shores of remote seabird breeding islands. In addition, they suggested the public be notified by radio and other means prior to each seabird season that taking of seabird eggs and chicks is prohibited.

Feedback from participants is now being integrated into the final Conservation Plan. In 2020, a group of stakeholders will lead the implementation of the plan for on-the-ground conservation action to protect seabirds and their breeding grounds.

Your donation will make this and other crucial work possible in the New Year. We thank you for your support and wish you all the best for the holiday season!

Red-billed Tropicbird with chick

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