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)