:: Black-browed Albatross Surveying in the Falkland Islands

It has been widely reported by various conservation organisations, scientists and media interests that albatross populations are declining worldwide (BirdLife International). The Falkland Islands’ populations of Black-browed albatross has been included in this general view, with local conservation organisations such as Falkland Conservation reporting “rapid” declines of 25% over the last twenty years.

In the 1985/86 season the Falkland population of Rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) saw a sudden and massive decline. The reasons for this sudden decline are not known, although theories range from oceanic changes to competition with the fishery. Rockhopper penguin breeding colonies in the Falklands are commonly associated with Black-browed albatross, the penguins nesting both on the fringes and mixed with the albatross.
The decline of this penguin species could possibly have brought about the largest error factor in the ground surveying of Black-browed albatross in the Falklands. Aerial photographs taken before and after the decline of these penguins clearly illustrate how large areas once occupied by Rockhopper penguins have been grown over by Tussac grass. One of the main claims in supporting the argument that the Black-browed albatross has declined, in particular on the large Steeple Jason Island colony, is based on the encroachment of this Tussac grass, especially on the fringes of the colony. Thus, it is incorrectly used as a basis for the argument that the Black-browed albatross colony areas have decreased in size and therefore the breeding population of albatross has declined.

Another species commonly nesting with Black-browed albatross is the King Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps albiventer). These birds build nests, which are often similar to those of the Black-browed albatross. Unlike albatross, which return and use the same nest year after year, cormorants often move nesting sites, leaving large numbers of old nests in place. Experience has shown that persons who are not familiar with the nests can confuse the two species. This question of empty nests, either of King Cormorants or those of Black-browed albatross is one which, if not looked at carefully enough, can lead to considerable errors in surveys.

The issue of decreasing or increasing albatross stocks in the Islands is further complicated by the absence of long term data from third parties. The surveys on which recent declines are largely based, rely almost entirely on a ground survey of Steeple Jason Island made by K. Thompson in December 1987, and a ground survey of Beauchêne Island by P.A. Prince in December 1980. Both these surveys used mathematical methodology using quadrants with aerial photographs to estimate areas. In the case of the Steeple Jason Island survey these were high altitude photographs taken at 13,700 feet. From experience and from photographs taken of all twelve Black-browed albatross breeding sites in the Falklands, it can be shown that the density of nesting birds can vary greatly from area to area within a specific colony.

The only long term data set for albatross populations in the Falkland Islands is for New Island, where Ian Strange has carried out surveys since 1977. Figures clearly show that between 1977 and 2007, the Black-browed albatross population has increased by 100.5% at a main breeding site known as the Settlement Rookery. Although the New Island population represents only some 5% of the total Falkland Island population, the results do show that New Island, along with some other relatively small colonies (in total representing 10% of the Falkland population), is a valid indicator of this upward trend. A survey of New Island in the 2009 breeding season gave a total of 13,343 pairs for the reserve, and 14,487 pairs in 2010. The all-island survey in 2010 revealed upward trends throughout the Falklands with a 21% increase in the total population since 2005. Only Beauchêne Island showed a small decrease of 2% over that same 5 year period.

Ian Strange has been using aerial photographic surveying in the Falklands since 1964, when the first such survey was made of Beauchêne Island's albatross colony. With the same basic methodology continuing through to 2010 of many sites in the Islands, Ian now has extensive experience in this method. Aerial photographs and their use for such surveying present visual evidence that cannot be disputed and in Ian's view is by far the most accurate methodology for the survey of Black-browed albatross in the Falkland Islands. The findings from the surveys reported on in Ian Strange's papers (see links, above right) question the results of other surveys. Contrary to the reports of a declining population of Black-browed albatross in the Falkland Islands, these survey results show a very substantial increase of 43% for the eight breeding sites, recorded in the first paper, between 1986 and 2007.

In the light of the huge amount of publicity directed at the issue of albatross stocks world wide, with much of the emphasis on declines in albatross species, the results here may be viewed as very controversial and not assisting in calls for better protection of the species. These results should be broadcast as a good indicator for the population of the Falkland Islands, and that the Islands’ commercial fishery may be the reason for this species' increase due to the large amount of fishery waste which it is known the birds take. Thompson & Riddy estimated that 8,000 tonnes of discard was available to Black-browed albatross in Falkland waters in 1990-91. However, we should also be mindful that such increases cannot continue indefinitely and there has to be, at some point in the future, a natural levelling of the population. The commercial fishery in the Falklands should welcome the news that the population appears to be steadily increasing, as it surely indicates its value to the Black-browed albatross, and the need for fisheries and authorities to measure that industry. This is not on its by-catch of albatross, but on the future continuation of that fishery, for should the industry collapse then the Islands may well see a huge and sudden decrease in its numbers of Black-browed albatross.