Protect Seabirds in the Caribbean

It's Spring! This is the time of year when seabirds like Boobies, Frigatebirds, and Terns return to their nesting colonies, often on a remote island, to raise their young. It's a time of excitement and hope for the promise of a new generation that will continue to fly the Caribbean skies.

Unfortunately, that hope is tempered with the reality that seabirds face many dangers, such as harvesting of eggs, chicks, and adults and habitat destruction. Fortunately, our team of Volunteer Patrol members are keeping an eye on seabird colonies, which can be difficult to reach with little or no government presence to enforce conservation laws. They serve as advocates, sharing their knowledge and concern, and report observations of harmful activity.

As we mentioned in our last report, these volunteers have the opportunity to attend a bird guide training workshop. They will gain valuable skills for working with tourists, such as how to create engaging stories, avoid disturbing wildlife, and build business plans. Some Patrol members are fishermen who can supplement their income by providing tours of the amazing rookeries found on offshore islands. Other members are tour guides who can expand their scope to include bird-based tourism during their boat tours.

It's a win-win for the birds and the people when there are economic alternatives to harvesting seabirds, one where they are more valuable alive than dead.

Your donation to this campaign can be matched at 50% today until Friday April 13th and recurring donations are matched at 100% as part of the Little By Little Matching Campaign!

Please lend a little hand to baby seabirds by sponsoring Volunteer Patrol members to attend this training, we deeply appreciate your support.

In Gratitude,

Natalia Collier

Executive Director

Links:

• Website of Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)

Living in the Caribbean definitely has its benefits but there are also difficulties. Living on a beautiful, remote island surrounded by sparkling blue seas can also mean limited job opportunities and economic harship for many. This financial struggle is what led to the harvest of seabirds for food and commerce decades ago. While this practice is in decline thanks to the work of Volunteer Patrol members, our goal is to make it financially beneficial to protect seabird nesting areas.

Therefore, we will be partnering this year with a local organization to sponsor Patrol members to attend a bird guide training workshop. They will gain valuable skills for working with tourists, such as how to create engaging stories, avoid disturbing wildlife, and build business plans. Some Patrol members are fishermen who can supplement their income by providing tours of the amazing rookeries found on offshore islands. Other members are tour guides who can expand their scope to include bird-based tourism during their boat tours.

Regardless of the situation, seabird nesting colonies are an attraction that can generate income and conservation actions at the same time. Because our ultimate goal is to help people, wildlife, and wild places to thrive. Thank you for supporting this work and for being part of the solution!

In Gratitude,

Natalia

Links:

• Website for Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)