Protect Seabirds in the Caribbean

“I knew that our people harvest the eggs, but I never realized it was having such a negative impact,” reported a teacher from the Grenadines islands. The eggs the teacher refers to are from seabirds nesting on nearby islets, where chicks and adults are also harvested. Gulls and terns are nesting right now, making this a crucial time to remind the public about the need to protect threatened seabirds.

We have reached nearly 700 individuals this year and aim to more than double our reach by the end of the year. The team is speaking with schools, community groups, and fishers about a variety of issues which threaten seabirds, including poaching and invasive predators, and the need to protect them. Studies show worldwide seabird populations have declined 70% in the last sixty years.

One educational topic is the importance of seabirds to the environment. Recent research has shown that coral reefs next to seabird breeding sites are healthier because of the nutrients from seabird guano. Those nutrients also feed plants on land, plants which support a variety of animals. In addition to their ecological importance, seabirds are crucial for fishers as well. One participant noted, “As a fisherman, I depend on seabirds - 90% of the times when I am going out to sea - on finding the fish.”

Audiences are intrigued by the remarkable lives of seabirds, which link the worlds of land and sea. Yet seabirds face the dual threats of both of these worlds as well. It is our goal to continue raising awareness and changing behaviors so that seabirds can thrive wherever they roam for generations to come. 

In addition to educating the general public, we will also continue training and working with Volunteer Patrol members to monitor seabird breeding sites and the threats they face. Simultaneously, we are consulting local communities on strategies to protect seabirds as part of a Community-based Conservation Management Plan. 

Thank you for helping to make this work possible. Your continued support will allow us to expand our impact, making land and sea safer for seabirds.  

Links:

• Website of Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)

Today is the launch of the Little by Little Matching Campaign, which shows the power of small donations to make a difference for little birds like this Brown Booby chick!

Our project is helping to stop the practice of harvesting seabird eggs, chicks, and adults through monitoring by the Grenadines Volunteer Patrol and an extensive educational program. A survey of residents five years ago showed that about half the respondents reported eating seabirds and almost 70% reported eating seabird eggs. Later this year we will conduct a follow-up survey to assess how the practice of eating seabird products has changed since our project started and look forward to sharing the results with you.

Your support will allow us to continue to make an impact and protect the lives of vulnerable birds in some of the last remaining nesting areas. 

From April 8-12, your donation of up to $50 will be matched at 50% until matching funds are gone (so donate early!). This is a great day to make a big difference with a little help from friends like you.

From all the big and little birds, thank you for your support!

Photo: Juliana Coffey

Links:

• Environmental Protection in the Caribbean website