BULLETIN Winter 1981 Volume 8 Number 2 PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) was formed in 1972 out of a need for better communication among Pacific seabird researchers. The Group acts to coordi- nate and stimulate the field activities of its members and to inform its mem- bership and the general public of conservation issues relating to Pacific seabirds and the marine environment. Current activities include involvement in seabird sanctuaries, human disturbances, coastal surveys, seabird/ fisheries interactions, and legislation. Policy statements are issued on conservation issues of critical importance. While the PSG's primary area of interest is the west coast of North America and adjacent areas of the Pacific, it is hoped that seabird enthusiasts in other parts of the world will join and participate in the PSG. Annual dues for membership in the PSG are $10.00 and are payable to the Treasurer (address on back cover). Members receive the PSG Bulletin. PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP BULLETIN The Pacific Seabird Group Bulletin is issued in the spring or summer and fall or winter of each year. It contains news of interest to PSG members. Regional reports include a listing of current research and information on seabird conservation. The PSG Bulletin does not act as an outlet for the results of scientific research, but welcomes articles on seabird conserva- tion, seabird research activities or other topics that relate to the objec- tives of the PSG. Articles and all other materials should be submitted to the Editor. Back issues of the PSG Bulletin (starting with Spring 1974) are available from the Treasurer for $2.50 each. PERMANENT ADDRESS Pacific Seabird Group, c/o Point Reyes Bird Observatory, 4990 Shoreline High- way, Stinson Beach, CA 94970. Note: This address is only for use of people who lose track of the current officers. Routine correspondence should be sent to the appropriate council member as listed on the back cover. Informal poll on David Nettleship's Proposal I support the proposal to expand the geographic area of interest of the PSG and to change the name of the group to reflect this. No, I do not support this proposal. I have no opinion on this proposal. If PSG changes its name, I suggest Comments on PSG's geographical focus Suggestions on possible changes in system of Regional Representatives My ideas on the role of conservation in PSG My other concerns Please sign if you would like to be contacted for further recommendations. Signed This form is to inform the Executive Council of the membership's opinion on these issues and to help it develop formal proposals. (Please fold, stamp, and mail to the Chairman of the Pacific Seabird Group as addressed on the back) 1st Class Stamp Dr. Harry M. Ohlendorf, Chairman Pacific Seabird Group c/o Division of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology University of California Davis, CA 95616 U.S.A. As a member in good standing, I wish to nominate representatives: Regional Representative (one each from) a Alaska Washington __ Northern California Hawaii Mexico I also suggest the following nominations for officers: Chairman-Elect Secretary Treasurer Signed (Please fold, stamp, and mail to the Coordinator of the Election Committee as addressed on the back) 1st Class Stamp Dr. P. Dee Boersma Coordinator, P$G Election Committee Institute of Environmental Studies 217 Engineering Annex FM-12 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195 U.S.A. PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP BULLETIN Volume 8 WINTER 1981 NUMBER 2 The Edi tor 1 s Page . . The Chairman’s Page Pacific Seabird Group News * Eighth Annual Meeting *** The Program Chairman’s Comments * *" Abstracts Scientific Translations Committee Letters to the Editor ** Book Review * * ’ * International Fishery Threatens Seabirds Aldabra Appeal Bulletin Board New Members ' * " * ’ Corrections and Changes in the 1981 Membership Directory .. 67 . . 69 . . 71 .. 84 .. 84 .. 85 . 108 109 .. 110 .. 113 .. 114 .. 115 .. 116 .. 119 THE C: NeTtTeship's modest proposal (in this issue) from seabird biolo- a1 sts in northeastern North America has raised broad quest! ons on the na ure the Pacific Seabird Group. These center on whether PSG is or s ould Remain focused on the Pacific and whether PSG is primary a scientific snrietv or a conservation group. The studies and interests of our members extend to all marine areas. David points out the high percentage of papers given at our annual mee^ngs on work done outside the Pacific. The results of work done throughout the world are relevant to understanding Pacific seabird biology. Some fear that a name change will indicate that the concerns and inter- ests of the group have somehow become restricted. On the contrary, thi. is an opportunity to announce that our outlook has already widened and we are interested in expanding it. If we are interested in the world's seabir s why not say so? The suggestion that we call ourselves the arine Society „ in this spirit. Such . «... .Ill b.«ar ref, act «» !»«"•*• «/ ,h. membership end sti.ol.te growth of the orpeniz.ti.o H « -p. ...r pobli.h . journal , .ill need .boot 10 tlmns the cement membership. I, pH goes international, changes in the bylaw, -ill be necessary. One issue which heed, careful consideration is the regional representative HOW can it be changed best to reflect a broader regional outlook^ Enlarging the Council is one possibility, but carrying out business might thpn be more difficult. The relative importance of science and conservation in the group needs to be explored. When the group was formed, most hoped it would be active in conservation; many still feel this way. Recently the group has functioned almost exclusively as a scientific society. If we expand our geograpb focus it will be even easier to be less involved with conservation. This s a good time to reevaluate the philosophy and goals of PSG. We must decide if ITr, a scientific nr, ani ration, a cdnsary.ti.n organisation or so., bl.n " tb, two. If c=n,.rv,ti.n „ td b, an important activity the group, - need to revitalize our commitment. These issues will be addressed and important decisions made at the next annual meeting. It is important that all members present their views an the Council define alternative solutions. Please send your ideas on a 67 new name, an expanded geographical focus, a new system of regional represen- tatives, what we should do about conservation, and any other concern to any member of the Council soon. A form for gathering an informal consensus is enclosed. Letters for the next Bulletin are encouraged. Harry Ohlendorf will summarize the response received in the next Bulletin and will indicate what issues the Council will resolve and mechanisms for member participation. Members will probably be asked to vote on several of them. 60 r 56 ' 52 170 t — i — rrr r 165 ° 150 145 ° ;SlMr . 4 .r : -t* 165 ° 160 ° 155 COMMON MURRE Colony Size . 1-100 birds * 101-1,000 birds • 1001-10,000 birds 9 10,001-100,000 birds ^100,001-1,000,000 birds Unknown _J I 1 1 1 i 150 ° 145 ° 140 ° 135 ° 130 “ ■QC VJ 0 IO C 200 30Ckir. 58 56 " 68 THE CHAIRMAN'S PAGE As outgoing chairman of PSG, I would like to thank members for their support and interest in PSG affairs during my year in office. Our editor ex- pressed concern that PSG may pave its road to hell, and one past chairman (1976) worried about the effects of a decline of financial funding for sea- bird programs on the membership. I have attended each PSG meeting since 1975 and have observed our organization grow strong during that period even though U.S. funding for seabird programs is at an all-time low. Our last annual meeting in Seattle was a success and indicated that PSG is stronger than ever. We are now at a crossroads in planning for PSG's future. This Bulletin contains a proposal to have PSG drastically change its course from a Pacific to a primarily North American organization. Even its familiar name, which has become dear to me and perhaps to other members over the years, will be dropped if members accept the changeover. Will the cost be worth it? Some of our Hawaiian members already have expressed concern on how the proposed change will affect them. As all the advantages of the changeover will be un- doubtedly emphasized in the proposal, it is only fair that some of the inher- ent disadvantages are expressed in order to maintain a balanced view. My personal concern is the eventual dilution of Pacific seabird matters both in scope and in depth if we change from one to two ecosystems. Future planned closer contacts with seabird biologists in countries on the Pacific rim may also suffer if we shift emphasis from Pacific to North American issues. It was hinted at the PSG Council meeting that if the suggested change is not accepted, 50 PSG members in the Atlantic region might leave our organiza- tion. If Atlantic members feel that strongly, would it not be better for them to establish an Atlantic Seabird Group with which PSG could maintain close ties and have joint meetings as deemed necessary by both organizations? Before PSG members rush into a new organization with serious conse- quences, I would like to remind them of some relevant advice offered with considerable foresight by one of our past chairmen (Anderson, 1978): The PSG meetings are still the best, in my opinion, that I attend each year. The PSG is still a close-knit group of friends and colleagues; and information exchanges freely at these That too might be challenged by extensive and rigid consolidations with other seabird or ornithological groups. Thus, it seems tant that PSG expand its contacts and activities in working with 69 s^ssstsssssesir. accomplishing this. when you read this page, this conservative and sentimental fool will probably be in Chile. When I meet some interested Chilean marine biologists I plan to ask them to join PSG, as we have Pacific issues in co-on Would they still be interested in joining us if I further inform them that near future we may dwell principally on North American issues? I would like to bring up one other important issue. The term Chairman allows for optimal innovation and flexibility of PSG management^ Continuity however, is maintained with the appointment of a Chairman-Elect “ lo'nger terms for Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor. I hope that PSG bylaws will never be changed to extend the one-year term for PSG Chairman. Hal organizations have the same chairman or editor for five years or more which limits maximal managerial participation by members. Such chairmen editors are difficult to replace when they have gained much expertise- or when they are incompetent, they are not easy to dislodge before their term expires PSG's present structure allows for participatory democracy at its Zt as evidenced by members selecting such an odd fellow as the undersigned t0 ^Som^^rt^l 'improvements can be made to maintain fair representation. About one-third of our members are women. In the eight years of PSG- s tence no woman served as Vice-chairman (now Chairman-Elect) or Chairman. 2 we haiie many capable women in PSG, I strongly urge members to consider _ the nosition of Chairman- Elect in the next election, nominating women for the position See you in Honolulu. Aloha. Kees Vermeer 9 January, 1982 Sidney, British Columbia PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP NEWS A Proposal • j t vpars’i there has been much discus* For a considerable period now (1 2 years), tn *«- - “7 change informa ion 1981 whl * c h resulted in the decision This discussion reached a pea in Bed f or d Institute of Oceanography t0 hold a ...ting on 8 Decher 1981 ‘ the he. England —err:::: : b - -- - — - - questions: . f „„ . coabird qroup for the region? And, if (1) Is there a true need for a seaDira g so, (2) what form should it take? The out „., of tn. “ :::::: z canvas the views of P™ c ^> f that the formation of a seabird group meeting) was unammous nor thwest Atlantic was highly desir- encompassing the geograp “ op1n1on that instead of forming yet ah ip Furthermore, the group was p . . ab,e * . Kfl hottpr to carefully review existing op tioT T r b r\liroTth^Zcedure was the decision to approach the Pacific Seabird Group to determine whether its membership would consider ing the needs of Atlantic 1 VOlU - irrr/l'tal^thTproposal with me to the Eighth Annual Meeting and present H to both the PSG Executive Council and the general membership. There is considerable merit in this proposal, not only to those of us in . . t P <- G itself For some time now PSG has been func t n. th , ZZt Z ...Plcde ever . .ueh Pfe.der «. 71 ... ,, c potto. indicator of thl. oxloto than th. ro.llt.ti.n tn.t a ‘aot proportion (25-30*) of tho pr.s.nt PSP — r.MP ^ «*«« ™* « -*-* "*: tn -. k ": ;n that about 22% of the 53 papers given at our 8th Annual Meeting in Seatt t year^was from researchers based in eastern North Africa, as was also t e case at our 7th Annual Meeting, when roughly 35% of the «"trib«tion. . A11 thiq is telling us something. In short, it originated fro. ^ /lo Llf.o SooPIrd droop 1. not reveals two important facts, first, interes ts of our mem- truly representative of our membership; and th mt of the bership include not only the marine avifauna of the Pacific Arctic and Atlantic oceans as well. +h=t thp PSG undergoes a name change (e.g. , Marine T therefore propose that the ksu unueiguc . * • a ... m better reflect the overall interests of its B1r b rT'^fpermita wider scope of interest concerning the biology and con- serwatl on^ of ..rino Plrdo and tdoir th. ovolution/dir.cti.n of PSG o».r tho loot docodo to It. pro.on scientific maturity. David N. Nettleship *Note- new name to be decided upon by Executive Council (above only one Not . . ' bcr dur ing the business meeting in Seattle), possibility proposed by a member during cn Ninth Annual Meeting j u... 4-kp Australasian Seabird Th« 1982 PSG meeting will be cosponsored y The 1982 PSG g ^ ^3 December at the Hawaiian Regent Group. The meeting reserV ed there at $40/night. This Hotel, Waikiki- A block o too ^ ^ ^ eHher side of the meeting days, room rate will also app y trayel agent early to arrange group air- Members are urged to con a couver) and World Air (San Francisco fares of discount rates. Ward Air and Los Angeles) have the lowest reguUr fares^ ^ and Symposium topics wi e pdat ion on seabirds. The symposia (2) human disturbance and effects o pr In addition, we will w11 l be one-half day each, and we hope to publish 72 have several general paper sessions, which will not be published. Members are urged to preregister for this meeting. A field trip to Midway Island, 1,200 miles northwest of Honolulu, is planned for 4-7 December. Laysan and Black- footed Albatrosses, Bonin Petrels, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds , American Golden Plovers, Bristle-thighed Curlews, White Terns, and Black Noddies are found there in December. There is a good possibility of viewing Short- tailed Albatross, Masked Booby, and Red-tailed Tropicbird. The airfare will be about $400 roundtrip on a military air command flight. A security clearance from the U.S. Navy is required, and interested members should write immediately to Craig Harrison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. 0. Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96850, for forms. A full deposit for airfare must be received by October 1. The Chairman has appointed Stewart Fefer (see list of new members) to be coordinator of the Local Committee for the Hawaii meeting. He will be assisted by other Fish and Wildlife Service employees in Honolulu. Ralph Schreiber has been appointed editor of the symposium proceedings. Craig Harrison, Program Chairman Stewart Fefer, Local Chairman Travel Information for the Hawaii PSG Meeting December 1-3 1982 The least expensive excursion fares from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Fran- cisco, and Sacramento to Honolulu are $420 roundtrip during the week and $440 on weekends. World Airways roundtrip is $350 from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Some tour packages are available: A roundtrip airfare and seven nights in a hotel at Waikiki for $470 including: (1) lei greeting, airport transfers, tour of the city and Punchbowl Crater, tour of Hawaiian garment factory, or (2) a compact economy car for seven days for $22/person, triple occu- pancy, or $32/person, double occupancy. 73 A two-island tour (Honolulu and Maui or Kauai) is $685/person, triple occu- pancy, and $729/person, double occupancy, and includes airfare and hotel accommodations. These fares are from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento; from Portland or Seattle subtract $20, from Phoenix add $23, from Denver add $75. The disadvantage of these package fares is that they cannot be booked for groups and each hotel will sell only five rooms at the package price. These hotels are near the hotel where the PSG meeting will be held. Group fares are no cheaper than the least expensive excursion fare mentioned first. To charter a plane would be much more expensive. If you are interested in one of the tour packages, I can send you a brochure on them. I will also be happy to make plane reservations for you which can be paid for by check or credit card. December is a busy time in Hawaii and, obviously, the sooner you make your reservation, the more likely you are to be able to get one of the lower fares, which sell out quickly. Betty Anne Schreiber, Treasurer 900 Exposition Blvd. , Los Angeles, CA 90007 Call for Nominations for 1982 Following are the regional seats on the Executive Council for which nominations are now open: Alaska, Washington, Northern California, Hawaii, and Mexico. Regional Representatives serve two-year terms on the Executive Council and may continue for successive terms. The nominees must reside in the ^egion for which they are nominated. Regional representatives are expected r ° (1) contact seabird researchers in their region at least once a year and abrllst** 11 CUrrent research in the regional report for the Bulletin; (2) keep one of the conservation issues in their region and report on at least tant conservatT S ^ re£n ° nal report; send newspaper clippings on impor- a ion issues to the Chairman; (3) establish and maintain contact 74 with local conservation groups so that PSG is aware of their activities and they are aware of PSG's; (4) keep copies of all correspondence with seabird researchers and conservation groups. Although candidates for Chairman-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer are nominated by the Executive Council, the Council will be glad to receive suggestions for nominations for these offices from the membership. Send in your nominations right now, before you file your Bulletin and the subject slips your mind! Send nominations (on the enclosed form) by June 1 to: Dr. P. Dee Boersma Institute of Environmental Studies 217 Engineering Annex FM-12 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195 160 ° 155° 135 ° 130 ° 52 ° _ ; * ' — r—r ti ! V ; 1 A : ' •' . '• ; : y. v\> y \ 0: iw 50 0 1— IW «30 ?0C 300*m 60° \ ■'00 VC 0 100 iiiiti m , ,.f % p W * * * * • ▼ \ 58° - • • • ’ , • ’ > \ : : • -s'. ^ : 56° ■ ‘ •? * THICK-BILLED MURRE 54° Colony Size . 1-100 birds • 101-1,000 birds • 1001-10,000 birds - 52° _ W 10,001-100,000 birds ^100,001-1,000,000 birds / JL ■ t ' J L___J 1 1 1 L ’ff Unknown 1 t...... .i \ ! 1 1 1 1 | 1 1 t . 1 1 1 \ \ * i. \ ! 165° 160° 155° 150° 145° 140° 135° 75 Proposed Minutes of the Pacific Seabird Group Executive Council Business Meeting, 6 January 1982 . 1. The annual business meeting of the Executive Council of the Pacific Sea- bird Group was held on Wednesday, 6 January 1982, at the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, Washington. Chairman Vermeer called the meeting to order at 1015 hours. 2. Chairman Vermeer verified that 3. Election Committee Coordinator S. election: Chairman: Chairman-Elect: Secretary: Treasurer: Reps, at Large B.C. : Oregon: S. Calif: a quorum required for voting was present. Sealy reported the results of the last H. Ohlendorf C. Harrison J. Hand B. A. Schreiber J. Bedard E. Dunn D. Nettles hip K. Vermeer D. Varoujean J. Froke (Editor's Note. The Chairman has appointed Maura Naughton to fill the seat vacated by Craig Harrison.) 4. A MOTION to waive the reading of the minutes of the 1980 EC meetina was PASSED. 5. Treasurer B. A. Schreiber was absent. Secretary J. Hand presented the treasurer's report. The present balance as of 6 January is $5,025.00. 6. Chairman Vermeer led a discussion of the possible merits of raising mem- bership dues from $5.00 to $10.00 in the face of rising costs for publi- cation and mailing of the Bulletin and our plans to provide partial funding for the symposium in Hawaii in 1982. After discussion, B. Boekelheide MOVED that the dues be increased from $5.00 to $10 00* The MOTION was PASSED. 7. C. Harrison commented on two points: (a) Many members in some regions often receive Bulletins and other mailings long after various deadlines have passed. All mailings to foreign countries go first class and we cannot, therefore, improve on their services. To date, however, all mail that has a zip code number (such as U.S. Protectorates) has been sent bulk mail. In- coming Chairman Ohlendorf agreed to find out which of these proba- bly ought to be treated as first class mail. (b) Many new members send in money but may not hear further from PSG for many months. At a subsequent meeting of the EC, the suggestion wa$ made that all new members be sent a postcard welcoming them to PSG, informing them of the approximate date of mailing of the next 76 Bulletin, and giving the location and date of the next annual meeting. nnuai 8. Possible topics for the 1982 meeting in Hawaii were discussed. Chairman Vermeer reviewed previous suggestions. In the 1980 EC meeting it had been suggested that since the meeting is to be in Hawaii, an appropriate subject would be the Ecology of Tropical Seabirds. Program Chairman C. Harrison reported that he has made tentative contacts with possible speakers, and several have expressed the desire to participate in such a symposium. A substantial contingent of investigators from the Australia/New Zealand region has also been contacted and would like to attend, and they have expressed a strong desire to have a symposium on Human and Other Animal Impacts on Seabirds. A show of hands of all attending the EC meeting indicated a general consensus that, if pos- sible, the program committee make efforts to accommodate both topics in the symposium. D. Boersma MOVED that we accept the two topics as sym- posium topics, to be modified by the Program Chairman as needed. The MOTION was PASSED . 9. H. Ohlendorf reviewed several suggestions for the location of the 1983 PSG meeting, including Alaska, California (especially Asilomar), Mexico, and a combined meeting with the Colonial Waterbird Group and possibly even the British and South African Seabird Groups in Florida. A show of hands favored the Asilomar location as first choice and another location somewhere in California as the second, backup choice. At a subsequent, brief meeting of the EC, J. Hand MOVED that the 1983 meeting of the PSG be held at Asilomar, California, in the first week of January 1984 if possible, and that another site in California be selected as an alterna- tive, if necessary. The MOTION was PASSED . 10. Chairman Vermeer led a discussion of the present activities of the various PSG standing committees. The lack of any visible activity by some of the committees was discussed at the 1980 EC meeting in Tucson and was also addressed by J. Strauch on the Editor's Page in the Summer 1981 Bulletin. A number of suggestions were made to the EC, among them the following: (a) that written (brief) annual reports to the EC be required from each Committee Chairman at the EC meeting each year, to be published in the Bulletin; (b) that the Chairman must more aggressively encourage action by the committees; and (c) that the EC, under leadership of the Chairman, should regularly review the status of the committees to see whether they have ful- filled their function and should be terminated or should be assigned new members or a new Chairman when appropriate. Incoming EC Chairman Ohlendorf agreed to contact the Chairmen of all standing committees during the next year, asking them to review the status of their committee and make recommendations to the EC for action. 77 11. The meeting was adjourned at 1230. It was reconvened by Chairman Ver- meer at 1745 hours. 12. Bulletin Editor Strauch has received requests from two other bird societies to exchange publications. The problems of where to house such journals and how to make them available to PSG members were discussed. D. Nettleship suggested that we assign individuals to screen relevant publications for articles likely to be of interest to our membership, and that these articles be listed in the Bulletin. No action was taken on this suggestion. It was suggested that the best arrangement to make them available would be to house them in a major library that already has a working interlibrary loan system. D. Boersma agreed to see if the University of Washington Library would be willing to provide this service 13. The PSG received a request for a donation of about $100.00 to the Aldabra Appeal of the Seychelles Islands Foundation. To date, PSG has not had a policy of donating money to other organizations, and the pros and cons of establishing such a policy were debated. Our funds are already limited; furthermore, such requests would have to be carefully screened; we might soon find ourselves ''besieged 1 ' by similar requests, and ultimately would be in the position of refusing many worthwhile requests. The general consensus of those in attendance was that we should use other forms of support, one of which can be publishing fund- ing appeals from such societies in the Bulletin. D. Boersma also MOVED that the Chairman of the Sanctuary Committee, P. Sekora, draft a letter of support from the PSG for the Seychelles Islands Foundation's Aldabra Project. The MOTION was PASSED . 14. C. Harrison, Program Chairman for the 1983 Hawaii meeting, suggested that PSG might want to make arrangements for group flights from the Pacific Coast to the meeting. When further information is available about travel arrangements , it will be published in the Bulletin. Mem- bers may wish to contact their regional representative about setting up group flights. 15. D. Nettleship reported the results of an 8 December 1981 meeting of a number of seabird researchers working primarily in the northeastern region of North America. The consensus at their meeting was that these individuals - many of whom are already members of PSG - feel a need to form an organized unit specifically embracing northwest Atlantic research. Rather than form yet another seabird group, they asked Nettleship to propose to the PSG the possibility that PSG consider changing its name - which presently suggests a limited interest in Pacific seabirds - to a name that would embrace members of the Atlantic contingent, and to consider making changes in the Bylaws that might be needed to reflect this enlarged perspective. The following were men- tioned or discussed: (a) In 1973 and 1974, when PSG was formed, there were only four north- east members. Now, 25% of PSG members work outside the eastern Pacific region, and a large percentage of papers presented at meet- ings also come from areas other than the Pacific. 78 (b) Name - we might select a very general name and have as many regional chapters as the membership desires (e.g. Eastern Pacific Australasian, Northwest Atlantic Chapters, etc.). This would allow for unlimited future growth. (c) Annual Meetings - they would continue to be held in regions havina the most members. y (d) We may have grown sufficiently large that the term "society " rather than "group," would be a more appropriate designation if’a name change is made. After discussion, H. Ohlendorf MOVED that we explore the possibility of another name for the Pacific Seabird Group that would recognize the ex- panding contribution from the northeastern part of North America, and that a description of the proposal, with a ballot to poll the general membership, be included in the next Bulletin. The MOTION was PASSED . 16. The following three RESOLUTIONS were PASSED , the first two introduced by B. Boekelheide and the last by G. Divoky: RESOLUTION 1. MONO LAKE WHEREAS, Mono Lake, California, supports large breeding populations of California Gulls and migratory populations of Eared Grebes and Wilson's Phalaropes, and WHEREAS, diversions of Mono Lake's tributary streams by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are causing a de- cline in the lake's water level which has resulted in an increase in salinity, and WHEREAS, said decline in the lake's water level has caused the abandonment of the major California Gull nesting site, and WHEREAS, recent precipitous declines in the nesting success of California Gulls and their food supply raises the serious possibility that the lake is beginning to experience irre- versible ecological degradation, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pacific Seabird Group recognizes the great importance of Mono Lake for these bird popula- tions in the Western United States and supports the efforts of the National Audubon Society, the Los Angeles Audubon Society, the Friends of the Earth, and the Mono Lake Committee to reduce diversions of Mono Lake's tributaries. RESOLUTION 2. POINT REYES-FARALLON ISLAND MARINE SANCTUARY WHEREAS, the Point Reyes-Faral Ion Island Marine Sanctuary includes the Farallon Islands, the Gulf of the Farallones and waters surrounding the Point Reyes Peninsula, and 79 WHEREAS, the Farallon Islands, California, support the largest sea- bird breeding colonies in the contiguous United States and significant populations of breeding and migratory pinniped species, and WHEREAS, the Gulf of the Farallones is an important migration route and feeding area for numerous migratory species of marine birds and mammals, including the Brown Pelican and the California Gray Whale, and WHEREAS, oil exploration and development within the Marine Sanc- tuary boundaries is incompatible with these breeding and migratory species, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pacific Seabird Group supports the current suspension of all oil exploration and develop- ment within the Point Reyes-Faral Ion Island Marine Sanctuary and desires that decisions concerning oil devel- opment within the Sanctuary remain under the jurisdiction of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. RESOLUTION 3. MEETING ARRANGEMENTS WHEREAS, the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group has been deemed a great success by the attendants, and WHEREAS, this success is due in great part to the efforts and hos- pitality of Lora Leschner and other members of the local committee in cooperation with Gary Ballew and the staff of the Seattle Aquarium, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pacific Seabird Group expresses its extreme gratitude to the Washington Department of Game and the Seattle Aquarium for the assistance of Lora Leschner, Gary Ballew, and other staff. 17. D. Siegel-Causey has received correspondence from Russian investigators asking if they might present papers at PSG meetings, to be delivered by proxy since they cannot attend. Two papers at this 1981 meeting were given by proxy and the general consensus of those attending the EC meet- ing was that this probably would be an acceptable procedure, but no fur- ther action was taken on the subject. 18. The EC approved a free membership to Dr. Hsu Wei-shu, Chairman, Depart- ment of Zoology, Peking Natural History Museum. 19. The meeting was adjourned at 1920. 20. Addenda: at a subsequent, brief meeting of the Executive Council (a) D. Boersma was appointed by incoming Chairman Ohlendorf as Election Committee Coordinator for 1982; and 80 (b) the Council authorized that up to $4,000.00 from PS6 funds can be used to help fund publication of the Hawaii symposium, and that additional funding be sought from other sources to increase the number of papers to be included in the publication. In particular, it was agreed that funds should be sought from the Australian and New Zealand societies to help fund publication of papers on Human and Other Animal Disturbances of Seabirds. Respectfully submitted, Judith Latta Hand, Secretary Treasurer's Report: 1981 Beginning Balance - checking and savings account $5,502.34 Income Dues and sale of back issues $1,988.10 Interest income on savings 264.92 Total Income 2,253.02 Outgo Expenses for Arizona Meeting, registration services $ 373.69 Expenses for Washington Meeting, mailing 192.08 Funds for Dr. R. Furness to attend Washington Meeting 400.00 Office Expenses: postage, xeroxing, typing, mailing, 399.99 labels, phone calls Debit Memos: two bad checks, converting Canadian 16.60 currency to U.S. currency Bulletin Costs: printing and mailing two bulletins 1,041.81 Total Outgo 16.60 2,424.17 $5,331.19 Ending Balance Decrease in Balance during 1981 ($ 171.15) Betty Anne Schreiber, Treasurer 81 Resolutions Some members have expressed the desire for PSG to issue more policy statements and resolutions. Two resolutions concerning conservation matters were adopted at the Seattle meeting, but they were discussed only briefly. Regional representatives are responsible for keeping abreast of marine con- servation issues in their regions. The Chairman would like those representa- tives who feel that an issue in their region warrants a resolution or policy statement by PSG to write a draft and send it to Bob Boekelheide (Point Reyes Bird Observatory, 4990 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, CA 94970) well in advance of the Hawaii meeting. Bob will act as Resolutions Committee Chair- man for that meeting and will coordinate the presentation of resolutions at the Executive Council meeting. Resolutions that are approved by the Execu- tive Council will be presented at the business meeting for approval of the members who are present. Slide Exchange or Sale Many beautiful and informative photographs of seabirds are shown each year at the annual meeting, never to be seen again. Many members and others would find copies of these photographs useful for their teaching and research. George Divoky (College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME 04609) would like to correspond with anyone with ideas for establishing a slide ex- change among members. Another possibility is that PSG could sell slide sets copied from members' contributions. Research Techniques The Editor would like to establish a regular feature in the Bulletin in which members could share research techniques. These should be short notes on a particular technique rather than long reviews of methods. Thus, if you have a trick for trapping it, identifying it, marking it, finding it, or us- ing it, in the field or in the lab, send it along. Please supply your own illustrations. 82 Rpsults of International Seabird Journ al Questionnaire The Editor received 50 returns, or about one-sixth of the membership responded. Results are: A If the membership dues to PSG were raised include such a journal, how much would you pay? r If your membership dues were not affected by a journal subscription but entitled you to subscribe at a reduced rate, how much would you pay? Several people added remarks: "Not enough good pape to warrant another journal." "Don't do it! I shall be leaving the Colonial Waterbird Group for exactly this reason." "So many new journals are being issued, and prices of existing journals are becoming so high, that many of my colleagues and I cannot afford any new subscriptions." "My answers . . only apply if the coverage of the 'seabird' journal included related birds, such as shorebirds, using coastal areas." "This journal would be very welcome' Go for it!!" Dave Nettleship and another member noted that some persons belong to more than one seabird group and wouldn't want to pay double for such a journal. $10.00 6 20.00 27 30.00 16 40.00 1 $20.00 33 30.00 10 40.00 3 50.00 1 going unpublished 83 THE PROGRAM CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS EIGHTH ANNUAL MEETING Seattle, Washington 6-9 January 1982 Harry M. Ohlendorf The Eighth Annual PSG Meeting was a great success. Symposium session chairmen organized informative presentations covering their respective topics. Members contributed several papers for the general session that were related to the symposium topics and to a wide variety of other aspects of seabird biology. Including the symposium sessions, 53 papers were presented at the meeting, and 5 others were included in the poster session. Papers presented in the symposium sessions will be published as a proceedings volume by the Canadian Wildlife Service. We are grateful for this support and appreciate David Nettleship's having made the necessary arrangements. Lora Leschner and Gary Ballew did a fine job in making local arrange- ments for the meeting. We appreciate the support of the Washington Depart- ment of Game and the Seattle Aquarium, which cosponsored the meeting. The Seattle Aquarium was especially helpful by providing logistical support, space, and free access to their exhibits. In preparing the Program and Abstracts, I freely used drawings that had previously been used in the PSG Bulletin as well as one or two "originals." I appreciate the artists' work in providing these attractive breaks that appear among the abstracts. As Program Chairman, my greatest problem was in scheduling speakers so papers were arranged in what I considered the best sequence. A surprising number of abstracts arrived late, and I received some requests for withdrawal or correction of others. Overall, though, the experience was a good one and helped me understand the problems of trying to put together a program. 84 ABSTRACTS WINTER FOODS OF BARROW'S GOLDENEYE IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA Koehl , Philip S., Thomas C. Rothe, and Dirk V. Derksen, U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service, Anchorage, AK 99503 ^outheastern A^ka ‘ n^Fetruary 19*80 aS’llS? ’ L^ag^^ g^'zz^rrcon- southeastern Alaska jn^ examin y ed sepa rately to determine major prey species. Their diets consisted a1 “ s ^“2rt 1 ^J u ^l!j S foun? /nnd^ftems^were 9 ^ti 1 us "Mrfi” 10.2: saarsasil*. 10-ii Esasrs| as 11 P 3) for Mytilus, 2.2 to 22.2 mm for Musculus, and up to 12.4 iran f Baianus ; Pagurus were taken in shells up to 23.3 mm in length. SUMMER FEEDING ECOLOGY OF HARLEQUIN DUCKS IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, ALASKA Dzinbal , Kenneth A., and Robert L. Jarvis D ®P*^ ment ° f Fisheries and Wild_ life, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Feeding habitat and tiiae allocated to feeding changed fr 2 m depth), where other research indicated that densities of Oldsquaw prey were greatest. It was shown that Oldsquaws selectively preyed on mysids and amphipods that were significantly larger than the mean size of those same species found in the epibenthos where the birds were feeding when collected. There was a positive and statistically significant relationship showing that Oldsquaws preyed most effectively (more prey found in their stomachs) in areas where prey were most dense; however, predation rates were not investigated. THE WINTER FEEDING ECOLOGY OF OLDSQUAWS AND WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS IN KACHEMAK BAY, ALASKA Sanger, Gerald A. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Bird Section, 1011 E. Tudor Rd. , Anchorage, AK 99503 The feeding ecology of Oldsquaws and White-winged Scoters was studied on Kachemak Bay from November 1977 through April 1978. These species form the bulk of a large wintering waterfowl population. Oldsquaws were extreme generalists, eating at least 60 prey species; Pacific sand lance and the bi- valves Spisula polynyma and Mytilus edul is were most important. Scoters were generalists on molluscs, mostly bivalves. They ate at least 22 prey species; the most important were the bivalves Protothaca staminea and Mytilus , and the small Margarites pupillus . There was little overlap in kinds of prey between the two ducks; when it occurred, prey sizes were significantly different. Both sea ducks generally foraged in water less than 20 m deep, the Oldsquaws over substrates of sand and mud, and the scoters over bottoms of shell debris and cobbles. The base of the food web depends on the production and availa- bility of organic detritus, which may originate largely from winter die-off of extensive kelp beds. However, little is known about ecological processes between kelp production, and production and availability of the birds 1 filter- and-depos it- feeding prey. THE WHITE-WINGED SCOTER DIET IN BRITISH COLUMBIA WATERS: RESOURCE- PARTITIONING WITH OTHER SCOTERS Vermeer, Kees, and Neil Bourne. Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC V4K 3Y3, Canada; Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K6, Canada White-winged Scoters are opportunistic and forage in various intertidal and subtidal zones over different substrates. Twenty bivalve and 20 snail species were encountered as prey, which varied between regions. Of the bi- valves, six clam species predominated, but mussels were important at one location. Of the snails, only Batillaria zonal is contributed significantly to the scoter's food biomass. Barnacles were by far the most important crus- tacean food. The distribution and food of White-winged Scoters were compared with those of Black and Surf Scoters. All, three species were found over sand/mud and cobble substrates, while Surf Scoters far outnumbered other scoters in fjords. White-winged Scoters fed on more clams and snails than the other two species, whose diets were composed mainly of mussels. Where scoters fed over or near clam beds, the Surf Scoter partially switched from mussels to Manila 86 clams ( Tapes phi 1 ippinarum ) while the Black Scoter continued to feed pri- marily on mussels. FEEDING ECOLOGY OF SEA DUCKS WINTERING IN THE INLAND MARINE WATERS OF WASHINGTON Hirsch, Katherine V. Nongame Program, Department of Natural Resources, Box 7, ’centennial Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 The feeding ecology and habitat use of seaducks wintering in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington, were studied during the winters of 1978-79 and 1979-80. Ducks were censused, and measurements were made of water depth and distance to shore in the areas ducks used for feeding. Ducks were collected, and food contents of the esophagi and gizzards were analyzed. Partitioning of resources occurred through distinct patterns of habitat use. Species used distinctive water depths and distances from shore. Partitioning of resources also occurred through prey selection. Prey types and prey size varied among species studied. Yet there was considerable overlap in diets of Bufflehead- Common Goldeneye, Common Goldeneye-Oldsquaw, Surf Scoter-White-winged Scoter, Buffi ehead-Oldsquaw, and Surf Scoter-Common Goldeneye. ^ Data indicate that both resource partitioning and resource overlap (competition) occur in this community of seaducks. FEEDING ECOLOGY OF BLACK BRANT ON THE NORTH SLOPE OF ALASKA Kiera, Eileen F. W. U.S. Forest Service, Skykomish, WA 98288 The feeding ecology of Black Brant in their summer habitat was studied on the North Slope of Alaska from May through September 1978. The birds began arriving on the North Slope in late May. Breeding adults set up nesting territories on islands in coastal lakes and rivers. During nesting they fed primarily on mosses, Dupont i a f i scheri and Carex aquati 1 is , and spent 22% of the time feeding. Nonbreeders spent the early summer in Arctic salt marshes, where they fed on Carex subspathacea and Puccinellia phryganodes , but before molting they moved inland to lakes where they fed on tundra vegetation. Migrating Brant returned to salt marshes in mid-August just after salt-marsh vegetation reached peak production. Food intake during this time was esti- mated at 283 g dry weight of vegetation/day. Seventy- seven percent of the daylight hours was spent feeding at an average rate of 83 pecks/minute. In contrast, two human- impri nted geese during feeding trials consumed an average of 340/g/day and spent 65% of the time feeding, pecking at a rate of 90 pecks/minute. Chemical analysis of graminoid samples showed no relation between goose preference and the nutritional characteristics of the vegeta- tion they selected. Grazing pressure on Arctic salt marshes was calculated at 373 goose-days/ha. This is demonstrated to be near the carrying capacity of the marshes without resulting in overgrazing. 87 WINTER FEEDING ECOLOGY OF MALLARDS AND AMERICAN WIGEON ALONG THE EAST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC. Earner, Joan. Institute of Animal Resource Ecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1W5, Canada Observations of activity and location of dabbling ducks in three estuaries and one shallow bay on eastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, were made from February to April in 1980 and from October to April in 1980-81. The two major species, Mallard and American Wigeon, fed more intensively at low tide than at high tide, with a high proportion of feeding occurring in shallow water along the marine foreshore and deltas. Estuarine channel edges formed important feeding locations at high tides. Esophageal analyses of ducks shot while feeding at low tide indicated that important food items for wintering and migrating American Wigeon and Mallards include marine green algae and marine invertebrates. Food items important at high-tide levels include seeds and roots of marsh plants, filamentous green algae, and a variety of invertebrates. SPRING MIGRATION OF BRANT IN NORTHERN ALASKA Lehnhausen, Bud, and Sue Quinlan. Box 82115, College, AK 99708; Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK 99701 Most of the migratory movements of Brant in the Pacific are along the coasts or over water. From 20 May to 14 June we studied migration at Icy Cape on the Chukchi Sea coast. Brant were first seen in numbers on 27 May. We esti- mated a net northward migration of 39,501., However, only 7% of these birds passed prior to 16 June. Most Brant that migrated after this date were probably nonbreeders going to the Teshekpuk Lake area to molt. Since we saw few early migrants, birds that breed in more eastern areas may not follow the coast. In contrast, along the northeast Alaskan and Yukon coasts more than 24 000 Brant have been recorded in early June. Current evidence does not indicate that birds follow open leads in the pack ice. There is information in the literature that Brant move overland through parts of interior Alaska, but relatively small numbers have been reported. OLFACTORY BEHAVIOR IN PR0CELLARIIF0RM BIRDS Hutchinson, Larry V. , Bernice M. Wenzel, and Kenneth E. Stager. Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Our earlier work showed that certain procellariiform species are selectively attracted to certain odors at sea from downwind. One of these is cod liver oil. Recent work explores the attractiveness of fractions of cod liver oil extracted by several different solvents. Both heptane- and pentane-soluble fractions were more effective than whole oil in that birds arrived sooner and approached odor sources more closely. The oil fraction in ethanol was Tar less attractive than either of the fractions or the whole oil. All birds in the study area were identified precisely to species. These data, collected throughout a range of climatic and weather conditions using carefully con- trolled procedures and systematic protocol of experimental and control stimuli, support the idea that certain procellariiform species respond to olfactory stimulation by odors related to their natural prey. The study is concerned with the credibility of this phenomenon and does not address the question of how such cues might operate in nature. 88 SOOTY SHEARWATERS IN THE CALIFORNIA CURRENT: DIET AND ENERGY ACCUMULATION Chu, Ellen W. Center for Coastal Marine Studies, University of California. Santa Cruz, CA 95064 This study assesses the trophic impact and energy budget of Sooty Shearwaters off California by quantifying their foods in Monterey Bay and southern Cali- fornia, and by measuring molt, weight, and fat accumulation in birds collected in Monterey Bay from May through September 1979. Important foods in shearwater ventriculi were juvenile rockfishes, northern anchovy, market squid, and euphausiids. Gizzards contained many beaks of the squids Onychoteuthi s boreal i japonicus and Gonatus spp. and the octopod Octopus rubescens~ the diet varied monthly, with rockfish most common in May- June and anchovies and market squid most common in August-September. Mean body weights of shearwaters increased from 798 g in May to 1,024 g in September. Weights varied directly with changes in extracted fat, which increased from 0.3 g/g lean dry weight in May to 2.3 g/g in September. Water and other body components remained stable. Birds molted completely between May and August; peak feather growth occurred in July. Fattening occurred soon after molt. By the time Sooty Shearwaters leave California waters, they have fat stores similar to those of passerines about to migrate long distances over water. PELAGIC FEEDING ECOLOGY OF THE SOOTY SHEARWATER IN THE NORTHWESTERN NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN Ogi, Haruo. Research Institute of North Pacific Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041, Japan The overall diet composition by weight of 174 Sooty Shearwaters from the northwestern North Pacific Ocean was as follows: fish, 82.8%; squid, 7.3%; barnacles, 2.9%; jellyfish, 1.2%; and, amphipods and shrimp, 0.04%. The birds showed a marked preference for fish regardless of time and locality. Fish prey included Pacific saury ( Cololabis saira ), chub mackerel ( Scomber iaponicus), threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ) and rockfish (Sebastes spp.). The squid Berryteuthis anonychus and the siphonophore Velella lata were also taken by the birds. Pacific saury accounted for 70% by weight of all prey; other prey species were of relatively minor impor- tance. Based on the occurrence of saury in the bird stomachs, this fish's northern range limit appears to advance seasonally, going from the northern subtropics in April, into the Transitional Domain in May, the Subarctic Cur- rent in June-July, and into the Alaskan Stream just south of the Aleutian Is- lands in August. From August through October, the reverse occurs. Seasonal movements of Sooty Shearwaters and Pacific saury may be related in the western North Pacific Ocean. PHALAR0PE FEEDING IN RELATION TO AUTUMN UPWELLING FEATURES OFF CALIFORNIA Briggs, Kenneth T. , Kathleen F. Dettman, David B. Lewis, and W. Breck Tyler. Center for Coastal Marine Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 A joint ship-aircraft-satellite study was undertaken to examine phalarope feeding in relation to the physical processes and biology of upwelling features off central and northern California. Phalarope distribution and 89 abundance were assessed via aerial survey while the hydrographic characteris- tics of a large central California upwelling system were measured from ship- board. Phalarope diet was determined from 58 specimens collected at the same time as zooplankton abundance and chlorophyll concentrations were examined. Phalaropes were most numerous in strong surface thermal and chlorophyll gra- dients bordering upwelling masses. They fed primarily on euphausiids and copepods, taking whichever taxon was more abundant. Other crustacean^ were of lesser importance; plastic particles were commonly ingested. The surface net plankton was dominated by salps and ctenophores, though phalarope prey predominated at stations near the shelf break off Monterey Bay and at a weak convergence near Guide Seamount. FORAGING PATTERNS OF GULLS IN TWO OCEANS Pierotti, Raymond. Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, Moss Landing, CA 95039 I studied the foraging behavior and ecology of the Western Gull in Central and Southern California during 1973-75 and again during 1980-81. Similar data were collected on the Herring and Great Black-backed Gull in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland during 1976-79. These time periods included both normal and subnormal years of food availability. All three species fed primarily on pelagic fish and invertebrates during the breeding season. All three species also showed an increase in brepdth of diet and in length of foraging bouts during years of low food. In Western Gulls, there was considerable differ- ence between the diets of males and females, but there was almost complete overlap between the diets of males and females of the other species. Obser- vations suggest that gulls forage most efficiently at sea as part of a mixed species foraging assemblage. Gulls also appear to act as scouts or locators of foraging assemblages for other species of seabirds and for marine mammals. No support was found for the idea that interspecific competition acts to structure the foraging patterns of marine birds. A COMPARISON OF SEABIRD TROPHIC DYNAMICS AT THE ICE EDGE IN THE BEAUFORT, CHUKCHI, AND BERING SEAS Divoky, George J. College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 During its annual formation and decomposition, the western Arctic pack ice occupies three kinds of seas; high arctic (Beaufort), low arctic (Chukchi), and subarctic (Bering). Birds were censused and their stomach contents examined at the Beaufort Sea in summer, Chukchi Sea in summer and fall, and Bering Sea in late winter. Major differences in the species composition, densities, and biomass of the bird community of the three seas were corre- lated with primary and secondary productivity. Densities in the Beaufort and Chukchi were low (10 birds/km 2 ), and diving species were absent from the Beaufort and regular but uncommon in the Chukchi. Major prey items in both areas were epontic (under- ice) fish and zooplankton. Bering Sea densities were high (over 400 birds/km 2 ), and murres predominated. Fish and zoo- plankton associated with productivity at the shelf break and ice edge were the major prey. Relationships of birds and their prey species to physical and biological environmental parameters are discussed. 90 A COMPARISON OF SEABIRD DIETS AND FORAGING DISTRIBUTION AROUND THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS Schneider, David C. , and George L. Hunt, Jr.. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717 The link between seabird numbers, seabird productivity, prey populations, and the oceanic environment is likely to be especially strong around breeding colonies. We compared foraging distribution, dietary composition, and prey size at the two Pribilof Islands, which differ in cliff area available to nesting birds, proximity to the shelf break, and the distribution of water masses around each island. We report significant differences in foraging distribution related to water masses. We also report dietary composition and prey size for each island and then relate these findings to recently devel- oped knowledge of the functioning of the Bering shelf ecosystem, through an interagency, interdisciplinary research program (PROBES, Processes and Resources of the Bering Sea Ecosystem). FISH CHANGES IN THE DIET OF NESTLING RHINOCEROS AUKLETS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS Vermeer, Kees, and Jergen Westrheim. Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC V4K 3Y3 , Canada; Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K6, Canada. The diet of nestling Rhinoceros Auklets was investigated on three islands in British Columbia waters. Prey varied between years as well as within each summer. Major annual variations were the early appearance and predominance of Pacific sauries ( Cololabis saira ) in 1976; the annual fluctuation in abun- dance of age groups of sandeel ( Ammodytes hexapterus ) and herring ( Clupea harengus ); a drastic annual change in rockfish species; and the appearance of’ bathypelagic bluethroat argentines ( Nansenia ) in 1978. Variations over the summer were the predominance of sandeel s and rockfishes in July and herring and Pacific sauries in August. Diet changes in composition, age and size of sandeel s, rockfishes, Pacific sauries, and bluethroat argentines at Triangle and Pine Islands were synchronized over the years, indicating that the birds fed upon prevailing fish populations in northern Vancouver Island waters that were of the same age group and species each year but differed between years. NESTLING DIET AND FEEDING RATES OF RHINOCEROS AUKLETS IN ALASKA Hatch, Scott A. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchor- age, AK 99503 Food brought to nestling Rhinoceros Auklets was sampled by applying tape or cloth muzzles to the chicks and collecting uningested food from the burrow daily. Chicks received an average of 34.1 g of food per night at Middleton Island in 1978 and 32.8 g per night at the Semidi Islands in 1979. Together with published mean weights of bill loads in this species, these values indi- cate that, on average, chicks were visited by only one adult per night. Pacific sand lance comprised the bulk of the diet at both locations. Indi- vidual sand lance fell into distinct age-size classes, of which large, age 1 fish predominated in the diet of auklets. In contrast. Horned and Tufted Puffins took small age 0 fish almost exclusively during the same seasons. In Rhinoceros Auklets, the quantity of food delivered per night varied with the 91 age of the chick; wind speed may be an important environmental factor affect- ing feeding rates. The relative availability of small and large size classes of sand lance showed variability on several time scales. Implications for birds of such variability in prey population structure are discussed. RESOURCE PARTITIONING BETWEEN SEVEN HAWAIIAN PROCELLARIFORMS Harrison, Craig S. , Thomas S. Hida, and Michael P. Seki. U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service, P. 0. Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96850; Southwest Fisheries Center Honolulu Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, Honolulu, HI 96812 (Hida and Seki) One thousand food samples from Black- footed Albatross, Laysan Albatross, Bonin Petrels, Bulwer's Petrels, Sooty Storm-Petrels, Wedge-tailed Shear- waters, and Christmas Shearwaters were collected in the Hawaiian Islands and analyzed by standard laboratory techniques. Samples of this group were fur- ther digested than those of terns or boobies, resulting in a large proportion of unidentifiable fish and unidentifiable remains. Ommastrephid squids ( Symplectoteuthis sp.) were important for all species. In addition, Black- footed Albatross fed on flying fish (Exocoetidae) ova, shearwaters fed on goatfish (Mullidae), jacks ( Decapterus sp.), and flying fish. The Bulwer's and Bonin Petrels ate substantial amounts of the midwater lantern fish (Myctophidae) and hatchet fish (Sternoptychidae) , which may indicate nocturnal feeding. Variation in diet composition by season and location were different for many species. DISTRIBUTION AND FEEDING ECOLOGY OF PARKINSON'S PETREL ( Procellaria parkinsoni ) IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC Pitman, R. L. , and P. Unitt. Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, Charleston, OR 97420 During the 3000 hours of seabird observations covering most of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) the authors made 68 sightings of Parkinson's Petrel. The species is distributed in relatively nearshore waters from at least Guatemala to Peru and extends westward along the equator out to approximately 110°W. Somewhat limited observation during the time when the species is most abundant in the ETP (northern summer) found areas of concentration (1) just off Punta Mala, Panama; (2) an area 150 nm southwest of Galapagos, and (3) near 85°W from 2°N to 2°S. Parkinson's Petrels were usually seen as single individuals; they did not flock with other species of marine birds. Along coastal areas, Parkinson's Petrels were most often seen following boats and feeding on offal. Offshore, they were consistently seen foraging in association with odontocete cetaceans: 26% of the total sightings (from all areas) were associated with a minimum of seven species of whales and por- poise. One collected individual had been feeding on squid driven to the sur- face by bottle-nosed dolphin ( Tursiops sp.). 92 A COLLAPSE IN CALIFORNIA GULL FOOD SUPPLY AND CHICK PRODUCTION AT MONO LAKE IN 1981 Winkler, David W. Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 In recent times, Mono Lake has supported 30-50,000 nesting California Gulls (Larus cal ifornicus). The gulls there feed their young a diet of approxi- mately 85-95% brine shrimp ( Artemi a monica ). In the spring of 1981 shrimp populations were only approximately 10% of normal densities. This reduction in available food, coupled with unseasonably early and hot summer weather, caused pre-fl edging chick mortality to exceed 90%. The effect of the reduced food supply on the quality of parental care and the social behavior of the breeding adults will be discussed. While high temperatures probably exacer- bated the chick mortality, the decline in food supply is considered to be the ecological factor ultimately responsible for the decline in chick production. THE BREEDING ECOLOGY OF CASPIAN AND FORSTER'S TERNS IN THE ELKH0RN SLOUGH SALTP0NDS, CALIFORNIA Harvey, Thomas E. San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 The reproductive success and food habits of Caspian and Forster's Terns (Sterna caspia and S. forsteri ) were studied during the 1978 breeding season in the Elkhorn Slough saltponds, Monterey Co., California. A total of 75 pairs of Forster's Terns and 79 pairs of Caspian Terns nested on eroded levees. A dramatic decrease in pond water level evidently caused temporary abandonment of one Forster's Tern breeding site. Although Forster's Terns initiated egg-laying on 28 May, about one month later than Caspian Terns, both species had fledged all young by the end of July. Caspian Terns had greater hatching and fledging success, but both species produced about 0.85 young/nest. Analysis of rejected prey and regurgitated pellets revealed that Caspian Terns utilized fishes occurring in Elkhorn Slough, inshore coastal areas, and nearby rivers. Forster's Terns foraged primarily in Elkhorn Slough and nearby brackish estuaries. Most of the fishes taken by the Forster's Tern also occurred in Caspian Tern samples. However, the diet of the smaller tern was evidently dominated by juveniles of fewer fish species. The two terns were found to exploit peaks of several fish species which utilize Elkhorn Slough as a spawning or nursery area. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE BREEDING SUCCESS OF THE TUFTED PUFFINS ON TRIANGLE ISLAND, British Columbia Vallee, J. Anne. Department of Animal Science, University of British Colum- bia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A2, Canada During the summer 1980, we studied the Tufted Puffins nesting in high density among different concentrations of nesting gulls. In 1981, we also compared productivity of high- and low-density nesting areas of puffins. The availability of food varies both between and within years. Phenology was earlier and hatching success was greater in 1981 than 1980 in the high- density area, but chick growth and survival were greater in 1980. The 93 critical period of losses was during incubation and hatching. We suggest that a decrease in food availability at this time can influence parental attendance and increase risks of chilling or predation by mice or gulls. Hatching success was lower in the low-density areas (in 1981) but we do not know if this is caused by a difference in "bird quality" or in density of predators. . BREEDING BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF THE ENDANGERED DARK-RUMPED PETREL Simons, Theodore R. Wildlife Science Group, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 The Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel ( Pterodroma phaeopygia sandwichensis ) or 1 Ua* u is an endangered gadfly petrel that nests in the Hawaiian Islands and ranges throughout the central Pacific. The species was once common in Hawaii with large colonies located on all of the main islands, but it has recently been reduced to several small remnant populations. Over 85% of the breeding birds known today nest in and around Haleakala National Park on the Island of Maui, the site of a three-year study begun in 1979. Initial findings indi- cated a serious predation problem, with over 80% of the breeding failures in 1979 resulting from predation by feral cats and mongooses. Reproductive success improved in 1980 and 1981 with the initiation of a predator control program. The biology of the species will be outlined, emphasizing the adaptations of breeding birds to nesting at an elevation of 3000 meters and the conservation needs of the remaining populations. TIME SHARING OF INCUBATION AND CHICK BROODING IN COMMON MURRE PAIRS Verspoor, Eric, Tim R. Birkhead, and David N. Nettleship. Canadian Wildlife Service, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada The pattern of time-sharing of incubation and chick brooding in the Common Murre Uria aalge was studied on the Gannet Clusters, Labrador, using pairs in which one bird was bridled and one was not. The principal findings were that the frequency of changeovers at the breeding site differed significantly be- tween the incubation and chick- rearing periods, and that in both periods the frequency of changeovers was greatest in the first hours before sunset. This daily pattern, however, was sensitive to inclement weather, which changed both the frequency of changeovers as well as the timing of the peak change- over periods. The mean number of changeovers per pair per day was about 1.4 during incubation and 3.6 during the chick-rearing period. The frequency of changeovers tended to decrease as incubation proceeded and then to increase throughout the chick- rearing period. The lengths of the incubation shifts showed a bimodal distribution, with shifts tending to be either 6-12 hours or 20-28 hours, reflecting the bimodal pattern of daily changeovers. During the chick- rearing period the average shift at the breeding site was 6-7 hours, with no apparent bimodal distribution in times. AGE-RELATED AGGREGATION BEHAVIOR IN SOOTY TERN CHICKS Flint, Elizabeth N. Department of Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Sooty Tern chicks ( Sterna fuscata ) on Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals, exhibit three different patterns of spatial distribution from one week after 94 From one to four weeks of age, the chick* * cover if it is available. Chicks of four to^six Chicks near fledging form loosV’aqareoI- rMfi ri,,rinn +h “ day- The size of hatching to fledging, close-knit creche, under weeks stand at their own nest site. tions on beach crests or other windswept areas during the chicks in creches corresponds well with size of chicks vulnerable to G Frigatebi rd ( Fregata minor ) predation as determined by observation and pell 3 ! analysis. Daily onset and cessation of creching behavior was recorded ^ conjunction with light level, substrate temperature, and wind speed. QrolP formation is correlated with observed temporal patterns of Great Frigatebi rd predation. Aggregation of older chicks appears to have thermoregulatory and social functions. Operative environmental temperatures of Juvenal plumaged birds were measured in sunny, shady, windy, and sheltered areas. Selection for reproductive synchrony is strong, with most birds that laid early or late in the season losing their eggs to Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) or their chicks to Great Frigatebi rds. PREDATION OF larus occidental is 1 i yens ON Larus heermanni CHICKS AND ITS RE- LATION TO THE HEERMANN'S GULL'S NESTING DENSITY AND SYNCHRONY Velarde, Enriqueta. Instituto de Biologfa, Departamento de Zoologfa, Apartado Postal 70-153, 04510 Mexico, D.F. During the breeding season of the Heermann's Gull in Is! a Rasa, observations were made on the predation of the chicks of this species by the Western Gull. Only four pairs of Western Gulls were nesting on the island; however, the number of Western Gulls present was related to the proportion of Heermann's Gulls 1 nests with chicks. It was also found that the rate of predation attempts, predation successes, time invested in prey search, and predation efficiency were all related to the proportion of nests with chicks. These rates reached a maximum at about the time most chicks had hatched, after which time, they decreased slowly as the chicks increased in size, and Western Gulls, which capture them while flying down on the colony, could no longer lift them in flight. Substrate type, which influences nesting density, plays a major role in predation efficiency, the latter being highest at lower nesting densities. ECOLOGICAL VARIATION IN THE THIRD CHICK PHENOMENON IN GULLS Pierotti, Raymond, and Cheryl A. Bell rose. Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, Moss Landing, CA 95039 It is generally accepted that in gulls, the third-laid egg is significantly smaller and lighter than the first- and second-laid eggs. As a result, third chicks hatch at a lighter weight, grow more slowly, and have a higher mor- tality than their siblings. This result is generally assumed to be an evolu- tionary response of the female gull to minimize expenditure on a chick whose chance of survival would be low in a poor food year. Data collected on the Western Gull on Southeast Farallon Island and on the Herring Gull in New- foundland supported this idea. However, data collected in a small colony of Western Gulls at Moss Landing, California, showed that third- laid eggs in this colony were as large and heavy as their earlier- laid counterparts. Hatching weights and growth rates of these chicks were also very high. We suggest that this result is due to the locally abundant food supply available to this population. We propose a hypothesis for the evolution of prehatching parental investment based on environmental variability. 95 SEXING OF FARALLON WESTERN GULLS BY SIZE, AND THEIR AGE/SEX- RELATED PATTERNS OF MOVEMENT DURING 1979-81 Spear, Larry. Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 Male Farallon Western Gulls (FWG's) are significantly larger than females. The degree of confidence to be expected when sexing FWG's by observing differences in body size was tested. During 1978-81, 309 banded adults were sexed by behavior while they occupied territories; the band number of each gull was also read with a spotting scope. During 1978-81, 204 of these adults were seen away from their territories and their bands were reread. One hundred seventy (83%) were sexed by observing their size. Their sex, as determined by size, was compared to their sex as previously determined from behavior. It was found that gulls could be reliably sexed with only minor error (< 5%). Error < 5% was also observed for FWG's sexed by size as sub- adults. These birds were later sexed by behavior as territorial adults. Banded FWG's of less than h year of age were not sexed, but their bands were read often. Many were seen later when size-determined sexing was possible. Thus, a study of FWG age/sex- related movements was conducted during monthly coastal censuses along the California and Oregon coasts from 1979 to 1981. Results represent 7,603 band readings of 2,836 known-age, sexed FWG's of 10 hatching years. Females moved farthest, particularly during northern summer movements of their first three years. Males became relatively seden- tary in their third year. Other trends in FWG movements will be presented. 'NORTH-SOUTH DIALOGUE' AND GREAT LAKES HERRING GULLS Mineau, Pierre, and Chip Weseloh. Canadian Wildlife Service, P. 0. Box 5050 Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada An average chick condition index is routinely calculated for a number of Great Lakes Herring Gull colonies. A pattern of 'rich' versus 'poor' colonies emerges, and, interestingly, this pattern is fixed from year to year. An attempt is made to model this pattern with the help of a few pre- dictors, such as proximity to sewage outfalls, refuse tips, and population centers, as well as the local limnological productivity, as measured by a modified morphoedaphic index. DDT EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF GULL EMBRYOS: TOXICITY AND FEMINIZATION Fry, D. Michael, and C. Kuehler Toone. Department of Avian Sciences, Univer- sity of California, Davis, CA 95616 Gulls in southern California and the Great Lakes have historically been ex- posed to high concentrations of organochlorine pollutants (0CP). Breeding colonies in both areas have exhibited decreases in breeding populations, adult sex ratios skewed toward female, and female- female pairing with inci- dences of super-clutches ranging from 5-14% of nests. Since population de- creases of gulls occurred about five years after breeding failure of Brown Pelicans and cormorants, we hypothesize that the unusual breeding biology could result from developmental abnormalities caused by exposure of embryos to pollutants. Two hundred ninety-two eggs of California and Western Gulls were injected with compounds; 108 survived to hatching. Twenty-eight eggs were damaged or became infected, 119 had early dead embryos or were 96 infertile, and 36 died during mid- incubation. The mortality was not random. Fifty or 100 ppm DDT, DDE, or methoxychlor caused significantly higher mor- tality than controls. One hundred ppm estradiol (E 2 ) killed all embryos. E 2 was 50-100 times as potent a feminizing agent as any OCP. Feminization resulted from o,p'-DDT 2 at doses as low as 2 ppm. The possible metabolites responsible will be discussed. ATTENDANCE PATTERNS OF NORTHERN FULMARS AT PRINCE LEOPOLD ISLAND, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA Greene, Anne, and David N. Nettleship. Canadian Wildlife Service, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, P. 0. Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada Colony attendance of Northern Fulmars Fulmarus glacial i s was examined at Prince Leopold Island (74 o 02'N, 90 o 00'W), Northwest Territories, during three consecutive breeding seasons, 1975-1977. The attendance pattern of all fulmars at the colony is described, as well as the contributions to the over- all pattern of birds of known status (breeders, failed breeders, and non- breeding site- holders). Both breeders and nonbreeders arrived at the colony between mid- April and the beginning of May, but departed on a two-week exodus immediately prior to egg laying. During incubation and hatching, major oscillations in attendance took place due largely to the synchronized move- ments of nonbreeders and failed breeders. The numbers of breeders at the colony during this time remained relatively constant. Numbers of all birds began to decline in early August and continued to do so until the final departure in late September. MODELLING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FISHERIES, SEABIRDS, AND MARINE MAMMALS Furness, Robert W. Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, U.K. Calls for culls of seals or seabirds to increase fishery yields have been based on projection of captive studies of food intake to field populations. Such estimates make a number of unsupported assumptions and lack statistical confidence limits. More precise computations can be made, based on generalized bioenergetics equations. Modelling indicates that seabirds in several ecosystems consume 20-30% of annual pelagic fish productions, so are potentially in competition with commercial fisheries. Such estimates require sound knowledge of population size and flux, activity budgets, foraging ranges and diets, as well as data on fish production. Partitioning fish con- sumption between competing interests does not in itself allow predictions of detailed changes that will result from human manipulation. For example, sea- birds in the southern Benguela system are important fish predators. They currently take 20% of the VPA estimate of pelagic fish biomass each year. Overfishing has reduced these pelagic fish stocks and led to declining sea- bird numbers. While Cape Gannets, with large potential foraging ranges, have been little affected, Jackass Penguins, which can only swim short distances to feed, have seriously declined. 97 SEABIRO RESPONSE TO NORTHERN ANCHOVY IN SOUTHERH CALIFORNIA: ARE UTILITY ANO CONSERVATION COMPATIBLE? n • ! u and Franklin Cress. Division of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology!' University 'of California, Davis, CA 95616 When considering potential on^eTbfrd's 'and" their issues: (1) negative competitive intera cti °"s ^ ^ , ndicators of general implications for seab \y d .” nse 7frdra S ( indicator species of some utility in environmental "health, (3) sea . monitors for some specific predic- resource management or as ef ™ interactions by seabirds on man, and, tion, and (4) negative c«j»tvt,*« ’ nt |^ thern California Bight, where a again, conservation implicatio • other areas) exists, breeding limited prey base ( \ nc °^^ is known to respond mostly to success of Brown Pelicans and Wester b H 0 f course, random or changes in northern anchovy * du £ d cata ; traphic Mature. Changes in repro- unnatural environmental even a resourc e such as anchovies, but sea- ductive success of ten Predict or bv c hanqes caused by extensive commercial birds would also likely e a oredicted in most marine upwelling systems fishing activities. As would be pr b1 - rd eco -| og y (conservation of studied to date, the two Vargely ncompatible. Seabird birds and utility to fisheries) seem therefore ^ ^ indicator conservation cannot, therefore, be ju 1 ^ d I by ts of the1r ecology ° f C ° aStal eC0SVStemS and man's impact. SEABIRDS AND FISHERIES IN THE EASTERN P.E.F.C BOUNDARY CURRENTS: CALIFORNIA AND PERU 7SSL Si -.WmWSS. a s - -■ c/ ° “ — r « - — — ward, indicating underlying environmental differences. Seabirds of California and Peru show dlff d ^^ysial ly abundant, allowing patterns of food availability. P®™’ - s s0 scarce (during El Nino) as to maximal reproduction, but occas onany t shortage often limits reproduc- reduce adult survival. In Cal forma, colonies tend to be located tion but seldom iimits a^lt survi • B b y ffered (also good areas for where food is abundant and f ^ c ^ a ^°"* sharp iy below a threshold forage fishing). Reproductive success decreas " p ^ . g diff1cult to predict availability. The effect of p* he ™f ° tory mechanisms are poorly known, quantitatively. Density- dependent c0 ^ e "?® 1 y f1sh abundance by a precisely Fishery management should avoid J^l?ns anchovy-sardine diversity. Peruvian controlled harvest; this also maln ^ ins t • t y buffer against the effects of guano deposits may have been a nat “ r . of a minimum guano base may be El Nifio on ocean productivity. Maintenanc indicated. 98 POPULATION DYNAMICS AND FOOD RESOURCE UTILIZATION OF SEABIRDS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND NAMIBIA Burger, Alan E. , and John Cooper. Grenfell College, Memorial University, Corner Brook, NF A2H 6P9, Canada; Fitzpatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa Pelagic schooling fish (mainly pilchards, anchovies, and horse mackerel) are the principal prey of Jackass Penguins, Cape Cormorants, Cape Gannets, and the local fishery industry. Intensive fishing by man began in the 1940's, reached a peak harvest in the late 1960's, and caused significant declines in the stocks and mean age composition of the fish. Seabird populations fluctu- ated over the past 80 years, but showed significant declines since the late 1960's, correlated with reduced fish stocks. We discuss possible limiting factors of seabird populations prior to intensive fishing by man and since its onset. Recent changes in the diets of seabirds from certain areas are assessed. Seabird feeding ecology in southern Africa is still poorly known but considerable research is in progress. SEABIRD-FISHERIES RELATIONSHIPS IN THE NORTHEAST ATLANTIC AND THE NORTH SEA Furness, Robert W. Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, U.K. Bioenergetics modelling indicated that seabirds consume 29% of pelagic fish production with a 45- km radius of one Shetland colony. Assuming this is typical, it implies that seabirds, predatory fish, and industrial fisheries are in direct competition. Overfishing of whitefish stocks in the North Sea began in the 1880 's and, coupled with more recent reductions of herring and mackerel stocks, led to an increase in populations of small food fish, parti- cularly sandeels. Most seabird species have increased in numbers in Scotland since 1900, probably largely in response to the increased availability of food resulting from these ecosystem changes. Rates of increase have been higher in areas where sandeels have become most abundant. Seabirds breeding in Shetland feed mainly on sandeels and have increased many times faster than the populations of the same species on St. Kilda, an area where fishing pressures have been much lower and seabird diets are more varied. Large scavenging species in Shetland, particularly Herring Gulls, Great Skuas, and fulmars, are dependent on refuse from whitefish boats. Current trends to reduce volumes of whitefish discarding and increase industrial fishing for sandeels are likely to reduce food availability to seabirds. Monitoring will be necessary to determine which aspects of life history are affected by this. CAPELIN AND SEABIRDS IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC Brown, R. G. B. , and David N. Nettleship, Canadian Wildlife Service, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, P. 0. Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada Capelin are central to the food webs of fish, marine mammals, and seabirds in low arctic waters in the northwest Atlantic. A major international commer- cial fishery for this species developed there in the 1970' s, and by the end of the decade it was clear that the populations on the Grand Banks, where the fishery takes adult fish before they can spawn, had collapsed. This has had significant effects on capelin-dependent species. For example, Atlantic oo Puffins in southeastern Newfoundland, where more than 70% of the North Ameri- can population reproduces, failed to breed successfully in 1981, apparently because capelin availability was low and the nutrient content of the only alternative prey, small gadoids, was inadequate for chick growth. This situ- ation is compared with that of a colony at R^lst, northern Norway, where simi- lar breeding failure followed overfishing of the immature herring popula- tions, and on St. Kilda, Scotland, where the birds were apparently able to .find alternative prey of suitable quality and thus buffered the effects of fluctuations of prey availability. Other capelin feeders such as the two murre species and Razorbill were probably similarly affected by the collapse of capelin spawning both inshore and offshore. In general , it appears that the seabirds most vulnerable to pressure from overfishing are the specialized pursuit divers, as opposed to birds which feed on the surface or by plunging in from the air. CAPELIN IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE Carscadden, J. E. Research and Resource Services, Fisheries and Oceans, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, P. 0. Box 5667, St. John's NF A1C 5X1, Canada CaDelin (Mallotus villosus) is considered to be one of the most important fish species in the northwest Atlantic because of its commercial importance and its position as a forage species. Aspects of capelin biology including distribution, spawning, migration patterns, stock discrimination, population biology, and its position in the trophic structure of the northwest Atlantic are reviewed. The offshore commercial capelin fishery began in 1972, peaked in 1976, and has declined since then. The pattern of the commercial fishery and its management are reviewed. The status of capelin stocks has been determined by surplus production models, acoustic techniques, and analytical models, and the results of these techniques, their advantages and disadvan- tages, and problems in capelin stock assessment are presented. Future research requirements relating to capelin management and species interactions are discussed. MARBLED MURRELET MORTALITY AND A GILL-NET FISHERY IN BARKLEY SOUND, BRITISH COLUMBIA Carter, H. R. , and S. G. Sealy. Department of Zoology, University of Mani- toba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada Alcid mortality due to inshore commercial fishing seldom has been examined, and little is known of how it occurs and its effect on local populations. Durinq studies of a breeding population of Marbled Murrelets in Barkley Sound! British Columbia, in 1979-80, we obtained information on alcid mor- tality due to a local sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka) fishery. The Marbled Murrelet was netted most frequently and was the most abundant alcid present The fishing season coincided with the murrelet's nestling period, and the distributions of fishing boats and feeding murrelets were concentric. The resultant mortalities occurred mainly at night in South Trevor Channel . Mortality is significant, at least over the short term, although it is diffi- cult to monitor. Other effects of the fishing and logging industries in this area may increase or decrease mortality over the long term. 100 A MODEL OF COLONIAL SEABIRD POPULATION DYNAMICS AND ENERGETICS Rice, Jake, and Scott Akenhead. Center for Environmental ct a- State University, Tempe, A2 85287; Research and Resouree h 1 "™ and Oceans, P. 0. Box 5667, St. John's, NF A1C 5X1, Canada ' Flshenes A joint study team of seabird ecologists, fisheries biologists anri i • cal modelers has developed a simulation model of the population dvnamt° l091 a breeding season energetics of a aeneral ireri c„h,VH u,at10n d yi aamios and th, „„,,„* n a 0 T;? bu t"„ ’;„d rb U s„c, c r“r. t, ..°: <« ■*«* growth Hill’, « =>; »S JZ ished and unpublished sources on murres and their dominant prey species. We describe the general structure of the model and aspects of its ont™™, t„ emphasize the successful interactions among university, governmental ^anri P r at L re5earCherS - We also Present results of tes y t simuU?ions If th t model addressing the question of optimal fledging time for murre chicks to illustrate the usefulness of the model to ecological investigations. MORTALITY OF ALCIDS BY DROWNING IN FISH NETS IN NEWFOUNDLAND S;.i J ^;™r"ny hl '•»*";nn“ d nf Jin' "SI 1, ”; ,p 'd D ?r. l r nt of Err.v“ c ”? raass as ", sz. “ s,r* n s,'n d ,“^i factors. jle major Uy "iflet-mlrLlTty ’ i nc^de'nts Occurs "during "theTns^ 9 depths, prey size, feeding flock sizes and associations, etc.) 9 MURRE NET-MORTALITY AT WEST GREENLAND ';“Lu j u o :d n ,. F nd, t ,M °”- ^ ru ' Mcu^il" ™ir 5 l“h, S , ,‘Jl" w e * Hy 1970 '‘- * M " h "«-m»rt.Hty »f scbirds, p,r- i^d fishery", pe^Yng <£?,'. f.K'tS decrease ,n murre net-mortality. However, the’ Green, a ld 1c 101 changed considerably since 1972, when seabird bycatch was later examined in detail. Fishing vessels now use monofilament nylon nets; fishing effort has redistributed closer to murre colonies; and intensive driftnetting occurs offshore. These factors, combined with a change in 1981 to a later fishing season, have probably resulted in a renewal of significant murre net- mortality at West Greenland. DISTRIBUTION OF WESTERN GREBES IN WASHINGTON'S INLAND WATERS WITH REFERENCE TO COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS Wahl, Terence R. 3041 Eldridge, Bellingham WA 98225 The Western Grebe is one of the most abundant diving birds wintering in Wash- ington's inland waters, which apparently represent one of the most important parts of the species nonbreeding range. It is one of the species suffering mortality due to oiling and entanglement in fishing nets. Western Grebe flocks tend to concentrate in deeper embayments and protected channels and to be consistent in location from year to year. Recent changes in fishing tech- niques may reduce mortal ity of some other diving birds while increasing that of Western Grebes. THE ANNUAL CYCLE OF SHOREBIRDS AT GRAYS HARBOR, WASHINGTON Paulson, Dennis. Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 Censuses of shorebirds were taken on the north side of Grays Harbor, Washing- ton, at intervals over a period of nine years. From these censuses an over- all* picture of seasonality can be painted for 25 of the 37 species recorded. Spring migration occurs as a narrow pulse of about a month's duration, with very large daily counts for Western Sandpipers, Dunlins, and Short-billed Dowitchers. Up to 500,000 birds use the area at one time in late April, the largest concentration of shorebirds on the Pacific coast south of the Copper River Delta in Alaska. Fall migration occurs over a much longer period, tak- ing about four months for all species to move through the area. Because of this many species appear to be more abundant in spring than in fall, their entire populations appearing almost simultaneously. Other species have higher daily counts in fall, most of them species in which only juveniles regularly migrate through the area. A surprising early and substantial fall movement of Western Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers, and Whimbrels must be composed of birds that bred unsuccessfully and/or deserted their mates at hatching, and moved south extremely rapidly. SEASONAL ABUNDANCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND ORIGIN OF COMMON MURRES IN WASHINGTON Manuwal , David A. Wildlife Science Group, College of Forest Resources, Uni- versity of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 Censuses and other observations of Common Murres were made at various sites along the coastal and inland marine waters of Washington. The present breed- ing population, all on the outer coast, is 21,000 pairs. Peak numbers of murres observed in September may reach 240,000 individuals in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Murres are observed moving northward along the Washington coast during post-breeding dispersal, which suggests that the large numbers in Washington originate from Oregon or as far south as the Farallon Islands. Seasonal changes in numbers and habitat preferences are also presented. 102 BREEDING DISTRIBUTION AND NOCTURNAL HABITS OF WHISKERED AUKLETS IN THE EASTERN ALEUTIAN ISLANDS Forsel 1 , Douglas J. , and David R. Nysewander, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor, Anchorage, AK 99503 Whiskered Auklets were found breeding on 33 of 68 islands surveyed in 1980-81 in the eastern Aleutian Islands. At least 13 other islands were thought to have breeding Whiskered Auklets. Prior to this survey, only 10 breeding sites were known for all of the Aleutian Islands. Whiskered Auklets are nocturnal nesters, frequenting rock crevices of cliffs in a low-density pattern similar to that of Horned Puffins. Whiskered Auk- lets give a loud, characteristic call when at the nest site. We suggest that these calls may be an adaptation to low-density nesting by aiding in locating the nest of mate, especially on foggy nights. Flocks of hundreds and occa- sionally thousands of auklets are regularly found during the day in south- eastern Avatanak Strait and Akutan Pass. The highly clumped distribution makes this rare auklet vulnerable to oil spills or other local disturbance. ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF BREEDING SEABIRDS IN THE EASTERN ALEUTIAN IS- LANDS, 1980-1981 Nysewander, David R. , and Douglas J. Forsell. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor, Anchorage, AK 99503 Sixty-eight islands in the eastern Aleutian Islands located between Unimak and Samalga passes were surveyed for breeding seabirds during the summers of 1980 and 1981. These surveys revealed that at least 2,000,000 seabirds nest in this region instead of the 600,000 estimated by past surveys of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. This difference is due to a combination of more intensive surveys and the disappearance of introduced foxes from most of the smaller islands. The numerically dominant species include 1,195,000 Tufted Puffins, 344,000 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, 234,000 Leach's Storm-Petrels, 42,000 Glaucous- winged Gulls, 33,000 Ancient Murrelets, 18,000 Cassin's Auklets, and a mini- mum of 402 breeding Whiskered Auklets. At least 46 of the islands have three or more species of nesting nocturnal seabirds, and many islands have five. CHRONOLOGY OF THE OFFSHORE MIGRATION OF SOOTY SHEARWATERS IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC Guzman, J. , and M. T. Myres. Department of Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada The population of the Sooty Shearwater in the Pacific Ocean is drawn from two different breeding areas: Australasia and the Cape Horn archipelago. We shall discuss the migratory pattern of the Cape Horn population. Upon depar- ture from the breeding grounds, shearwaters move northward along the Humboldt Current. The equatorial crossing remains poorly understood but involves widespread movement over open ocean away from the coastlines of northern South America, Central America, and Mexico. The eastern fringe of this migratory movement is seen on feeding grounds off the California coast. 103 Arrival in California waters occurs in migratory waves which are probably re- lated to age groups. Most birds, after arriving in California, move north- ward, crossing the Gulf of Alaska to their wintering grounds. Pre-breeding migration southward occurs over one short period rather than in successive waves. DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF BREEDING SEABIRDS ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ALASKA PENINSULA BETWEEN JUTE AND KAMISHAK BAYS Bailey, Edgar P. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. 0. Box 3069, Homer, AK 99603 A reconnaissance of islands and cliffs along the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Katmai National Park, situated on the northeastern end of the Alaska Peninsula, was conducted in July 1981. Excluding Kittlitz's and Marbled Murrelets, approximately 50,000 pairs of seabirds representing 17 species were estimated on the approximate 500- km survey of about 50 islands and mainland cliffs. Almost 90% of the region's seabirds nest on cliffs in the Puale Bay area and on Ninagiak Island. Common Murres accounted for 74% of the colonial nesting species. Glaucous-winged Gulls nested at 31 sites and totalled over 4,400 pairs. Tufted Puffins nested on 11 islands and outnumbered Horned Puffins roughly 3 to 1. Although Red- faced Cormorants were the most common of the three nesting species. Pelagic Cormorants were more widely distributed. Black- legged Kittiwakes bred at seven locations, and only one Parakeet Auklet colony was found. No nocturnal species breed in this region. Kittlitz's and Marbled Murrelets were common in certain bays. Brown bears frequent nearly all the islands and are believed responsible for the absence or paucity of seabirds on most islands. Probably because of the abundance of bears, no islands in this area were reportedly used for fox farms. BREEDING SEABIRDS OF THE FAR NORTHERN GULF OF CALIFORNIA Douglas Siegel-Causey, Department of Ecology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 The major seabird colonies of the northernmost Gulf of California are on Roca Consag (31°10'N 114°30'W) and Islas San Jorge (31°01'N 113°10'W). Islas San Jorge, the more accessible colony, was censused four times during April - August 1981. Approx. 6-7000 breeding pairs of the Gulf Brown Booby ( Sula leucogaster brewsteri ) were counted in mid-April; most of the juveniles had fledged by the end of May. By late June, adults had started courtship and nest building. A few eggs were noticed by early August. Heermann's Gulls nested in much lesser numbers (approx. 300 breeding pairs) and were still in- cubating eggs by late May. Two pair of tropicbirds built nests in a shallow overhang on the southernmost island. Roca Consag did not appear to have any breeding birds on it in late August, but remnants of nests and egg fragments suggest that there were some attempts. Both locations support large numbers of transient Brown Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Western Gulls, and others. Evidence from field observations and oceanographic studies suggests that this region supports at least two breeding shifts of Brown Boobies each year. 104 DIETARY COMPOSITION OF BROWN PELICANS BREEDING IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGHT Kelly, P. R. , Franklin Gress, and D. W. Anderson. California Department of Fish and Game, P. 0. Box 47, Yountville, CA 94559; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 (Gress and Anderson) Dietary composition as determined from regurgitations of prefledged Cali- fornia Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidental is cal ifornicus ) collected in 1972-80 from three colonies in the Southern California Bight (SCB) indicated dependence on northern anchovy ( Engraul is mordax ). That fish species com- prised 89% of 4396 fish identified and 80% of the estimated prey biomass. Northern anchovy represents the dominant available surface-occurring, school- ing fish in the SCB. We conclude that this single species is the only food source which currently meets the requirements of breeding pelicans in the SCB. Between 1979 and 1980, however, there was an increase in Pacific mackerel ( Scomber japonicus ) incidence in pelican food samples (n = 11 indi- viduals in 1979 and 30 in 1980), possibly associated with a recent increase in abundance of that species. More data are needed, however, to confirm such a trend if it exists and if our studies continue. INFLUENCES OF SEA OTTER PREDATION ON FORAGING STRATEGIES OF GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS ON ATTU ISLAND, ALASKA Irons, David B. Oregon Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330 Diets and foraging strategies of Glaucous-winged Gulls were studied in areas with and without sea otters. Sea otters affected foraging strategies and diets of gulls by reducing the size and density of intertidal prey, and therefore, net rate of energy gain (En) to gulls. In the presence of high densities of sea otters, gulls shifted their diets from a predictable prey resource (intertidal invertebrates) to an unpredictable prey resource (fish), and the diversity of their diets was reduced. These changes in diets of gulls indicated that competition for food may occur between sea otters and gulls. Gulls selected to forage in particular intertidal zones for specific prey species and prey sizes. Selective foraging increased En of gulls 139% and 66% in areas with and without sea otters, respectively. Prey preference experiments demonstrated that preference of gulls for prey was significantly correlated to En, but assimilation rate, experience, and search images also influenced prey preference. Foraging behavior of gulls indicated that gulls hunted by En expectation and left prey patches when a threshold En was reached. Foraging of gulls in the rocky intertidal supported optimal forag- ing theory for optimal diets, patch choice, time allocation to patches. 105 POSTER SESSION A REVISED MODEL OF THE MIGRATION OF SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS Myres, M. T. , and J. Guzman, Department of Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada The presentation will include maps, tables, and text to explain the proposed model of broad- front migration of Short- tailed Shearwaters. CRECHE-LIKE BEHAVIOR IN FLEDGING HEERMANN 1 S GULL CHICKS Velarde, Enriqueta. Instituto de Biologfa, Departamento de Zoologfa, Apartado Postal 70-153, 04510 Mexico, D.F. Behavioral observations have been carried out on the Heermann's Gulls nesting in Isla Rasa, Baja California. It was observed that around the time of fledging, chicks, which up to that time had stayed in their own territories, start to aggregate in groups of different sizes. The frequency and size of the groups vary with time of the day, being highest in the early morning. Also, relatively high synchrony of activities is observed within groups. With the maturation and growth of the chicks there is a relaxation of the territorial behavior and nest attendance from the parents. This, in conjunc- tion with adult aggression, seems to stimulate the aggregation of several to * many chicks, the largest groups containing nearly 300 chicks. These aggrega- tions may serve as an anti -predator device, and they also seem to provide an adequate socialization environment for the chicks. WINTER FEEDING ECOLOGY OF TRUMPETER SWANS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND McKelvey, Richard W. Canadian Wildlife Service, Box 340, Delta, BC V4K 3Y3, Canada The winter feeding ecology of Trumpeter Swans ( Cygnus cygnus bucci nator ) was studied between 1977 and 1980 at the Somass River estuary. Port Alberni, and Comox Harbour, British Columbia. In general, estuarine foods were low in protein and high in fiber. The predominant food items were rhizomes of Scirpus americ anus at Comox Harbour and Carex sp. rhizomes at Port Alberni. Microscopic analysis of scats at Comox revealed fronds of Zostera marina to be the most important food item. Feeding was the dominant activity in day- light periods (37,7% of the time), while sleeping predominated during the night (41.5%) and over the total 24 h period (36.0%). All types of behavior were found to be reducible to two basic types: feeding and resting. On average, 57.6% of a given daylight period and 47.2% of a night period was spent feeding on the estuary. Feeding on the estuary was regulated by tidal conditions which in turn caused both diurnal and nocturnal feeding. Approxi- mately 10% of the available standing stock of emergent vegetation was removed annually from Comox Harbour. Based on estimates of regeneration time of emergent vegetation on the Fraser River estuary, the Comox Harbour habitat is thought to be capable of sustaining slightly higher levels of use. 106 FORMATION OF THE EGGS OF WHITE-FLIPPERED PENGUINS Grau, C. R. Department of Avian Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 Female Whi te-f 1 ippered Penguins ( Eudyptula minor albosignata ) breeding on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, were fed capsules containing 75 mg Sudan black B dye and their eggs were collected 7-11 days later. After freezing the eggs, and fixing and staining the yolks, the day of yolk completion was determined from the position of the dye ring in relation to the daily deposi- tion of yolk in rings. The total time of yolk formation was found to be 14 days (range 13-15), after which 4 days (range 3-5) elapsed before laying. Eggs (n = 10) weighed 60.5 g, contained 10.0% shell, 23.4% yolk, and 66.6% albumen. (The hospitality of the Department of Zoology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, and the assistance of C. N. Challies and Lois S. Grau are gratefully acknowledged). THE PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF THE ALCIDAE Strauch, Joseph G. , Jr. University Museum (Zoology), Campus Box 218, Univ- ersity of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309 The cladistic relationships of 20 living and 1 extinct taxa of alcids were examined by compatibility analyses of 28 mostly skeletal characters. A largest clique of 17 primary characters was found in the first analysis. Two subsequent analyses of monophyletic groups defined by the first analysis yielded four secondary characters. The puffins ( Cerorhinca , Lunda , and Fratercula ) were found to be a sister group to all other alcids. The rela- tionships found generally agree with those previously suggested by Storer. An additional analysis using undirected character state trees examined the evolution of life history characteristics of the zoogeography of the family. SCIENTIFIC TRANSLATIONS COMMITTEE A 1981 update to the translation bibliography is being prepared and will appear in the Summer 1982 Bulletin. Nine new translations of seabird research have been sent to the van Tyne Library. We have arranged with the JvT library for PSG members to receive copies of such translations for just the cost of copying and postage. This is infinitely cheaper than any of the other repositories. Full details will appear in the Bulletin. Negotiations with the international translating services still drag on. What we (the PSG, AOU, Wilson Society, and BOU) are most concerned with is the ownership of copyright. That is, if we send translations to the Crerar library for international distribution and access, can we still make copies for member use? Since this competes with their service, what started as a goodwill gesture has assumed the proportions of a legal debate with strong financial overtones. A number of foreign monographs have been abstracted and sent to the AOU committee for consideration for translation (as in the case of Shuntov and Belopol 1 skii). Some notable examples are: Belopol'skii & Shuntov 1980, "Oceanic and sea birds," and Nechaev 1969, "Birds of the southern Urile Islands." In collaboration with Prof. IVyichev in Moscow, we are preparing a directory of seabird workers in the USSR. It may be done by summer. I would very much like to be in contact with any PSG members who are attending the IOC meetings in Moscow next summer. We have some things that might work to our mutual advantage. Douglas Siegel-Causey 108 B«*og>c*J Beached Marine Birds and Mammals of the North American West Coast * "WAS, FH TBB ensB A» IBtrnPKATWA LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sir: 23 August 1981 In response to your latest editorial in the PSG Bulletin I would like to make the following comments. Annually PSG holds a gathering of seabird enthusiasts at which the level of energy and information exchange far exceeds that at other scientific meet- ings. This is largely due to PSG's structure, or more properly, non- structure. Missing from PSG meetings (but not missed) are the endless closed deliberations of elective members, fellows or council members, so character- istic of the meetings of other groups, which effectively remove an important segment of attendees from the intellectual part of the exercise. At PSG meetings everyone listens to papers, a great diversity of people give papers (instead of principally recent graduate students), and discussion is open, learned and nonstop. If PSG does nothing else but continue to bring us together in this way I rank it as a great success. ***** Your use of the words "fizzled out" in reference to PSG committees is not clear, especially when used to describe the committee on beached bird sur- veys. Please direct your attention to a publication, "Beached Marine Birds and Mammals of the North American West Coast" (FWS/0BS-80/03) which was described on p. 32 of Bulletin 7(1). This publication, as it states on p. 188, was the final report of that committee and since its appearance has been in great demand world wide. Would you kindly clarify your definition of "fizzled out." Respectfully yours, David G. Ainley Pt. Reyes Bird Observatory BOOK REVIEW The Eastern Bering Sea Shelf: Oceanography and Resources, 1981 . Edited by 0. W. Hood and J. A. Calder. 2 Volumes. 1339 pp. Available from the Uni- versity of Washington Press, Seattle, WA 98105. $65. 00/volume. Volume 1 contains chapters on Physical Oceanography, Ice Distribution and Dynamics, Geology and Geophysics, Chemical Oceanography, and Fisheries Oceanography. They provide an interesting and valuable introduction to the Bering Sea for the section on Marine Birds which opens Volume 2, which also contains chapters on Interaction of Ice and Biota, Mammals, Microbiology, Plankton Ecology, Fisheries Biology, Benthic Biology, Interaction of Sedi- mentary and Water-column Regimes, and Summary and Perspectives. The following chapters concern birds: Hunt, G. L. , Jr., B. Burgeson, and G. A. Sanger. Feeding ecology of seabirds, pp. 629-647. Hunt, G. L. , Jr., Z. Eppley, and W. H. Drury. Breeding distribution and reproductive biology of marine birds, pp. 649-687. Hunt, G. L. , Jr., P. J. Gould, U. J. Forsell , and H. Peterson, Jr. Pelagic distribution of marine birds, pp. 689-718. Gill, R. E. , Jr., and C. M. Handel. Shorebirds, pp. 719-738. King, J. G. , and C. P. Dau. Waterfowl and their habitats, pp. 739-753. Divoky, G. J. Birds and the ice-edge ecosystem, pp. 799-811. The data combined in these papers make the eastern Bering Sea the best understood oceanographic system in the world; yet we really have just scratched the surface of comprehension. I had hoped for the 11 last word on the Bering Sea from these volumes but the frequent reference to manuscripts in preparation and in press means we must await further attempts to summarize the avian data in relation to the total ecosystem. It is obvious from these reports that the variability in biological systems makes their comprehension difficult. This may be due in part to the fact that a large number of people were collecting and trying to coordinate data over a relatively short period of time (3-5 years). Only considerable funds, such as were provided for these studies, but over a longer period of time will provide worthwhile, definitive data. I continue to be discouraged about studies that last a short time and cover small areas. Their relevance 110 to the real biological world and the validity of the data obtained remain questionable to me. If only these studies of the Bering Sea could continue. . . The major conclusion I reach from these reports is that comparisons (be- tween species, regions, islands, etc.) are going to provide the most useful and interesting data. I appreciate the authors' caution implicit in frequent use of such terms as "may have" and "probably," and wonder if the final syn- thesis, which I presume the authors are preparing, will provide more solid conclusions. The three papers by George Hunt and co-authors on feeding ecology, breeding and reproduction, and pelagic distribution, are all clear exposi- tions, based correctly on individual species, with concise summaries and dis- cussion. The opportunistic nature of seabirds becomes obvious. The problems of monthly, yearly, and geographic variability are addressed and presented as major problems for further study. I am bothered by the lack of useful data on reproductive success (i.e.. Table 39-1, and discussion). The difficulties of working on these cold, windy, inaces sible islands, with many people collecting data, perhaps make the lack of refinement explainable. Certainly the locations of colonies are now well known, and at least a reasonable guess of population sizes is available. I continue to question the interpretation * of "fatal sibling aggression" and active brood reduction as a means of maxi- mizing productivity (p. 679). To me, the data clearly indicate a simple response to food availability, with the oldest young passively out-competing its smaller sibling for a limited resource. I still have not seen data to support "siblicide" as a strategy. The huge volume of fish the seabirds consume clearly warrants further studies. I fear their diet will eventually cause the demise of the birds as commercial fishing by humans increases. As marine ornithologists, we must develop and encourage concern among the politicians for the stability of the marine system and interest in the welfare of animals with which we share the earth. I look forward to the Hunt-Drury-Sanger-Gould summary of all the colony, feeding, and distribution data in one succinct review article. The shorebird paper by Gill and Handel summarizes and updates the studies reported in the PSG publication edited by Frank Pitelka in Studies in Avian Biology. King and Dau ably summarize the waterfowl of the region and 111 emphasize what a negative impact "development" will have on those species. I found the short but concise discussion of the birds of the ice edge by George Divoky the most satisfying of these chapters as regards a habitat about which little is known. This project was an enormous undertaking. We can only hope that the agencies involved will not drop the subject now that such a good start has been made. With continuing study we might reach a relatively complete under- standing of this highly productive part of the world. These volumes are well produced, the graphics excellent, and there are few typographical or other errors. They are expensive but are a must for anyone interested in marine ecosystems. — Ralph W. Schreiber. 112 INTERNATIONAL FISHERY THREATENS SEABIRDS [The following is reprinted from the July/August 1981 Environmental Defense Fund Letter.] EDF's efforts to secure greater protection for Dali porpoise inciden- tally caught in the Japanese high seas salmon fishery off Alaska were reported in the May/June EDF Letter. Now a new EOF effort has begun, focused on the incidental loss of large numbers of seabirds caused by that same fishery. Albatrosses, murres, auklets, shearwaters, puffins, and other seabirds become entangled in the nine-mile long nets deployed by the Japanese fishing vessels. Current rough estimates of seabird mortality in the nets run as high as three-fourths of a million birds annually. It is thought that this high mortality may be adversely affecting breeding populations in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. EDF has persuaded the National Marine Fishery Service, which has placed several marine mammal observers aboard Japanese fishing vessels this summer, to collect data on seabird mortality. The Service has also agreed to develop a more comprehensive research program to determine the magnitude and signifi- cance of the seabird mortality caused by the fishery. EDF 1 s efforts, led by Wildlife Program Chairman Michael J. Bean, should lead to better under- standing of the magnitude of this problem and the means to ameliorate it. ALDABRA APPEAL The Appeal Committee of the Seychelles Islands Foundation reports in the second number of the Aldabra Appeal Newsletter that they have raised slightly over half their goal of $1 million for an endowment fund for the perpetual conservation of Aldabra. Additional income must be raised to assure the future of Aldabra beyond 1985. Donations may be sent to: Aldabra Appeal c/o The Royal Society 6 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y SAG England. An international shallow marine program is planned for the Aldabra lagoon, beginning in 1983 and to extend for at least two years. Current research is focused on tortoises, turtles, vegetation, and cocci ds. The Seychelles Island Foundation, to aid in its appeal for the conserva- tion of Aldabra, has for sale T-shirts and beach hats with "I'm helping Aldabra" logo and postcards of Aldabra fauna and views. The T-shirts come in white, pastel blue, and navy, in sizes XS (child's), S (small), M (medium), and L (large). Prices are $10.00 for T-shirts, $5.00 for beach hats, and $1.50 for a set of six postcards — all prices plus postage and handling. If you are interested in purchasing any of these, please write to: Smithsonian Institution, Office of Biological Conservation, NHB W501 MRC166, Washington, D.C. 20560, for an order blank. 114 BULLETIN BOARD C olonial Waterbirri Annual Meeting The Sixth Annual Meeting of the Colonial Waterbird Group will be held 4-7 November 198 2 in Washington, D.C. A symposium on the feeding biology of waterbirds ,s planned. Papers given at the meeting are eligible, after referee.ng, for publication in MoniaM^^ Anyone tQ con _ r,bute to either the symposium (deadline 1 Sept.) or general session (dead- me 15 Sept.) should contact Dr. Michael Erwin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD 20708. Information concerning registration can also be obtained from Dr. Erwin V NEW MEMBERS Balazs, George H. Marine biologist Hawaii Inst. Marine Biology Interests: Hawaii Audubon Society P. 0. Box 1346 Kaneohe, HI 96744 Bishop, Marcella M. Shoreline Rt. Poison, MT 59860 Research photographer Studies: Double-crested Cormorant in Montana Interests: Relationships of marine and in- land nesting cormorants Fefer, Stewart I. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser. P. 0. Box 50167 Honolulu, HI 96850 Wildlife biologist Studies: Interaction of seabirds with fishery and other human activities. Tech- niques for monitoring seabird populations Gilmartin, William G. Wildlife biologist National Marine Fisheries Ser. Studies: Ecology of monk seals and turtles P. 0. Box 3830 Interests: Seabird feeding ecology and Honolulu, HI 96812 effects on island resources Goldfarb, Shari Dept, of Avian Sciences Univ. California Davis, CA 95616 Graduate student Studies: Effects of oil toxicity on seabird reproduction Interests: Seabird reproductive biology, evolution of colonial nesting Hayden, Robert L. 23810 Ridgeline Rd. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Supermarket president Interests: Waterfowl management, especially Pacific Brant Hogg, Lori M. 3500 Salsbury Way Victoria, BC V8P 3K8 Canada Student Studies: British Columbia seabird nesting records Interests: Ecology and breeding strategies 116 Kenyon, Karl W. Wildlife biologist 11990 Lakeside PI. N.E. Studies: Seabirds and marine mammals Seattle, WA 98125 Interests: Abundance and distribution Lloyd, Denby S. Graduate student Inst. Marine Science Studies: Relation of seabird population University of Alaska dynamics to oceanographic conditions Fairbanks, AK 99701 Interests: Seabirds as indicators of oceanographic processes, population dynamics, and trophic relationships Mahoney, Sheila A. Dept. Biological Science Florida Atlantic Univ. Zoologist Studies: Frigatebirds, cormorants, anhingas, California Gulls Boca Raton, FL 33431 Interests: Energetics, heat balance, salt and water balance Maragos, James E. Environmental biologist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Studies: Environmental studies. Pacific Pacific Ocean Div. , Bldg. 230 Ft. Shatter, HI 96858 Islands Interests: Nesting of seabirds, seabird photography McIntosh, Lome D. Graduate student 1879 Forrester St. Studies: Alcid distribution and Victoria, BC V8R 3G7 oceanographic conditions Canada Interests: Distributional patterns of alcids, effects of marine development and fishing on alcids Mock, Patrick J. Graduate student Dept. Biology Studies: Breeding biology and energetics of Univ. California Black and Least Storm-Petrels, Baja Los Angeles, CA 90024 California 117 Newman, Audrey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser. Ecologist Studies: Breeding biology of Hawaiian sea- P. 0. Box 50167 birds, female-female pairing in Western Gulls Honolulu, HI 96850 Interests: Monitoring of seabird populations, effects of human activity on seabirds Paton, Peter Biologist 681 B Manono St. Studies: Hawaiian Hawk Hilo, HI 96720 Interests: Conservation, distribution, and identification of Hawaiian seabirds Richardson, Susan A. Teacher/biologist P. 0. Box 732 Studies: Marine biology Whittier, AK 99693 Interests: Local Black- legged Kittiwake colony Tanaka, Yutaka Second officer, R. V. Hakuho Maru R. V. Hakuho Maru Studies: Distribution and habitats of Ocean Research Inst. Procel 1 i formes Univ. Tokyo Interests: Seabird photography 1-15-1 Minamidai Nakano-ku Tokyo (164), Japan Tedford, Bruce L. Research technician 427 Porter St. , Apt. 2 Studies: Olfaction of Procel! arii formes, Glendale, CA 91205 atlas of Northern Fulmar brain Interests: Feeding behavior and range during nonbreeding season, sleep in pelagic birds Thompson, Steve Wildlife biologist P. 0. Box 909 Interests: Birds Hines, OR 97738 118 Weisberg, Saul Biology Dept. Western Washington Univ. Bellingham, WA 98225 Graduate student Studies: Winter ecology and behavior of Black Turnstone, Surfbird, and Rock Sandpiper Interests: Behavior, ecology, and distribu- tion of shorebirds and alcids Zeillemaker, C. Fred Box 5251, NAVSTA FPO Seattle, WA 98791 Refuge manager Studies: Status and distribution of Hawaiian seabirds Interests: Breeding biology, distribution, identification, photography, and habitat protection CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES TO 1981 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Affolter, Quince Mary 1110 W. 5th Olympia, WA 98502 Glass, Francis A. 636 Seward Juneau, AK 99801 Bailey, Edgar P. Box 3969 Homer, AK 99603 Boekelheide, Bob Point Reyes Bird Observatory 4990 Shoreline Highway Stinson Beach, CA 94970 Burcham, Dirk 6681 Mofningside Dr. Kelseyville, CA 95451 Divoky, George J. College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Haley, Del phi ne 2822 Boyers East Seattle, WA 98102 Huber, Harriet P. 0. Box 321 Bolinas, CA 94924 Hubbard, Joel D. 3411 W. 31st Avenue Anchorage, AK 99503 o (907) 276-2955 119 Leschner, Lora Washington Dept. Game 509 Fairview Ave. North Seattle, WA 98109 Lovvorn, James R. School of Natural Resources The Univ. of Michigan Ann Harbor, MI 48109 Mattocks, Philip W. Rt. 2, Box 200 Vashon, WA 98070 Mindell, David 85 De Pew Buffalo, NY 14214 Ogden, John C. 87 North Chestnut Street Ventura, CA 93001 Patterson, Carol 4255 Tamarus Street #123 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Petersen, Margaret 3721 Patricia Lane Anchorage, AK 99504 Pettit, Ted N. 1015 Aalapapa Dr. Kailua, HI 96734 Pitman, R. L. Oregon Inst. Marine Biology Charleston, OR 97420 Porter, Julie Dept, of Zoology Univ. of Durham Science Laboratories South Road Durham, England DH1 3LE Quinlan, Sue (and Wm. Lenhausen) 1300 College Road c/o ADFG Fairbanks, AK 99701 Sanger, Gerald A. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1011 E. Tutor Road Anchorage, AK 99503 Strauch, Joseph G., Jr. 7892 Greenbriar Circle Boulder, CO 80301 Tedford, Bruce Rt. 1, Box 190 Bauxite, AR 72011 Kees Vermeer P. 0. Box 6000 Sydney, B.C. V8L 4B2 Canada Wehle, Duff Rd. #3 Willow Creek Rd. Trumansburg, NY 14886 120 DEDICATED TO THE STUDY AND CONSERVATION OF PACIFIC SEABIRDS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 1982 officers Chairman Harry M. Ohiendorf, c/o Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 Chairman-Elect Craig Harrison, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96850 Secretary Judith L. Hand, 1647 Michael Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Treasurer Betty Anne Schreiber, Los Angeles County Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd. , Los Angeles, CA 90007 Editor Joseph G. Strauch, Jr., 7892 Greenbriar Circle, Boulder, CO 80301 Regional Representatives Alaska Margaret Petersen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1011 E. Tudor Rd. , Anchorage, AK 99503 * British Columbia Kees Vermeer, Canadian Wildlife Service, P. 0. Box 6000, Sydney, B.C. V8L 4B2 Canada Hawaii Maura Naughton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Box 50167, Honolulu, HI 96850 ’ Mexico Monica Herzig-Zurcher, Bell Museum of Natural Historv^ 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 Northern California Robert Boekelheide, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, 4990 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 Oregon Daniel Varoujean, Oregon Institute of Marine Bioloav Charleston, OR 97420 Southern California Jeff B. Froke, National Audubon Society, Box 157, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Washington Dee Boersma, Institute for Environmental Studies University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 Non-regional Representatives Jean H. Bedard, Department de Biologie, Universite Laval, Quebec, PQ G1R 7P4, Canada Erica H. Dunn, Long Point Bird Observatory, P. 0. Box 160, Port Rowan, ON NOE 1M0, Canada David N. Nettleship, Canadian Wildlife Service, Bedford Institute, P. 0. Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada