Houtman Abrolhos Islands visitors urged to take caution during seabird breeding season after recent survey

Latest seabird monitoring has revealed populations at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands are faring well despite big declines in other parts of the world. According to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, thousands of seabirds flock to the islands during breeding season and fill the sky with colour. Despite losing about 50-60 per cent of breeding seabird populations globally in the last 70 years, marine ecologist Chris Surman and DBCA Parks and Wildlife staff recently returned from a seabird monitoring trip at the islands with positive news. “We’ve had bumper year — this year has been very good. I think as far as breeding goes, for most species, not all, but for most species, it’s been a pretty happy event this year and the numbers look reasonably healthy,” Dr Surman said. Seabird monitoring is undertaken every five years at the islands, with DBCA representatives and experts collecting data on each species and their breeding habitats. Dr Surman said some seabirds found at the islands included migratory waders, marine raptors like ospreys and white-breasted sea eagles, and at this time of the year, young birds were gaining their confidence before making their way to sea. “I’ve been coming out here for over 30 years doing research on seabirds and you do see changes. Some species aren’t doing that well from one year to the next,” he said. “You do see clouds of birds wheeling around and the noise is a constant chatter of activity.” Abrolhos Islands National Park senior ranger Carl Aston said the area was a beautiful place and hoped the programs would ensure sea and birdlife remained in check for future generations to enjoy. “During the creation of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park, migratory seabirds, shorebirds and other residential birds were all identified as highly significant values out here, so we’ve been developing monitoring programs,” he said. DBCA asks visitors to be cautious of their surroundings during breeding season and follow relevant guidelines. People can help protect seabird populations by avoiding walking beyond signed areas, keeping drones and kites away from breeding sites, staying on marked trails or on hard coral edges, observing birds from a respectful distance and minimising vessel lighting at night.