Protect Seabirds in the Caribbean

Philman has lived all his life in the beautiful islands of the Grenadines. In his many years as a fisherman, he has gained an intimate knowledge of the sea and wildlife, including seabirds. Philman recently shared that knowledge during a seabird survey of an isolated island called Petit Canouan. There are, amazingly, just a few seabird population counts for this island, which harbors tens of thousands of breeding birds. The nests are offered some protection from outsiders by rough seas and distance from civilization. However, during one survey, the island was on fire, burned to keep brush down and make it easier to collect seabird eggs.

"I have been observing the tremendous decline in wildlife both on land and sea. It is evident in the fishing industry and in the case of the seabirds it is the same" said Philman. He is motivated to protect "life's natural order" but also wants to build alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism, so that he can have a better life for his family and their community.

As one of the graduates of our seabird training workshop, he has learned methods for monitoring populations and how to report his findings so that conservationists and land managers can gain valuable information to protect these rarely visited wildlife refuges.

Joining him during his most recent survey were tourists who were thrilled to get an authentic Caribbean experience. Travelling in a handmade wooden fishing boat, they had the chance to see wild and remote places reached by few visitors, except for the thousands of birds which nest there. Taking advantage of the calm weather, Philman also gave lessons on how to use a traditional handline to fish.

As the seabird breeding season gets started this year, our goal is to support concerned citizens like Philman, who are part of our Grenadines Seabird Team, to take action in protecting local wildlife. He recently wrote the Seabird Team with the message that "whatever assistance can be provided to help us be more effective will be deeply appreciated."

With your support we can continue to assist the Team with training, resources like binoculars and cameras, and coordinate the reporting of their observations. Under the watchful eye of our volunteer stewards, there is great promise for the conservation of the many islands like Petit Canouan and the thousands of birds which depend upon them.