Pelagic citizen science data reveal declines of seabirds off south-eastern Australia

Gorta, Simon B. Z.; Smith, James A.; Everett, Jason D.; Cornwell, William K.; Suthers, Iain M.; Epstein, Hal; McGovern, Roger; McLachlan, Greg; Roderick, Mick; Smith, Lindsay; Williams, Dan F.; Callaghan, Corey T.

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2019.05.007

Cited by 15 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 76 publications

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“…Albatrosses (Diomedeidae) were recorded in the lowest abundances and showed little variation throughout the year with peak abundances occurring in autumn–winter, but were encountered on more than half (57%) of all fishing trips observed. This is consistent with results of previous studies in south‐eastern Australia with albatrosses showing the strongest long‐term abundance signals (Gorta et al, 2019), but recorded in consistently lowest numbers throughout the year (Dann et al, 2003). Following dispersal from breeding areas at higher latitudes during autumn, a peak in abundance of several albatross species in south‐eastern Australian coastal waters has been shown to occur during the winter months (Reid et al, 2002; DSEWPC, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Factors affecting seabird abundance and interaction with the nearshore ‘for hire’ recreational charter fishery in New South Wales, Australia

Hughes

Johnson

Collins

et al. 2022

Aquatic Conservation

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Bycatch in fishing gear is a threat to the conservation of seabird populations globally. Factors affecting interactions with commercial fisheries are well documented; however, little comparable information exists for recreational fisheries. High participation rates in many recreational fisheries globally mean that interactions with seabirds may have population‐level impacts. This study specifically assessed factors affecting seabird interactions with a recreational hook‐and‐line fishery in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Observers on ‘for hire’ nearshore charter vessels collected data on seabird abundance, interactions and various fishing and environmental variables which could affect the numbers of seabirds in attendance at vessels. In 2017/18, observers were present on 135 fishing trips spanning ~33–36°S off coastal NSW recording 3,183 seabirds, including 10 species from seven families. The majority consisted of shearwaters (Procellariidae; 76%), albatrosses (Diomedeidae; 8%) and gulls/terns (Laridae; 10%), including several species of conservation concern. Significant seasonal variation in the abundances of the three main seabird families were recorded; however, none of the fishing or environmental variables influenced abundances of seabirds (except for the positive effect of inclement weather on shearwaters). Eleven direct interactions and a single incidence of (shearwater) bycatch were recorded in over 630 h of observed fishing (1.74 and 0.16 per 100 h fishing, respectively); these rates were likely due to the active fishing methods used which allows fisher behaviour to minimize interactions. Despite this, these rates indicate that the nearshore charter fishery does have the potential to present a threat to the conservation of seabird populations in this region. Furthermore, globally, for regions with high recreational fishing participation rates, increased and ongoing monitoring of seabird interactions with recreational fisheries is required. This study also highlights that such interactions are likely to be rare events and future monitoring may require utilization of existing broadscale recreational fisheries monitoring programmes, as well as the development of new or enhanced programmes.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Factors affecting seabird abundance and interaction with the nearshore ‘for hire’ recreational charter fishery in New South Wales, Australia

Hughes

Johnson

Collins

et al. 2022

Aquatic Conservation

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“…Flesh‐footed shearwaters are categorized as “near‐threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, whereas wedge‐tailed shearwater are listed as species of “least concern” (BirdLife International 2018, 2019). Similar to many seabird species globally, both flesh‐footed shearwater and wedge‐tailed shearwater have decreasing population trends (Croxall et al 2012; Dias et al 2019; Gorta et al 2019), despite localized areas of variation (Bancroft et al 2004). Seabirds face many anthropogenic threats such as bycatch, habitat loss, competition for resources, and solid waste pollution (plastic debris; Dias et al 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlations between Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Morphometrics in Fledgling Shearwaters Impacted by Plastic Consumption from a Remote Pacific Island

Szabo

Lavers

Shimeta

et al. 2020

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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We investigated the concentrations of 45 per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in fledgling flesh‐footed shearwater (Ardenna carneipes; n = 33) and wedge‐tailed shearwater (A. pacifica; n = 9) livers via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and their relationship to body morphometrics and ingested plastic mass recorded in 2019 on Lord Howe Island (NSW, Australia). Sixteen PFASs were detected, of which perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant compound, detected in 100% of birds (1.34–13.4 ng/g wet wt). Long‐chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, including perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; <0.04–0.79 ng/g wet wt) and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA; <0.05–1.6 ng/g wet wt) were detected in >50% of birds. There was a positive correlation between PFDA and PFTrDA concentrations and wing chord length (Rs = 0.36, p = 0.0204; Rs = 0.44, p = 0.0037, respectively), and between PFDA concentrations and total body mass (Rs = 0.33, p = 0.032), suggesting that these compounds may impact shearwater fledgling morphometrics. Plastic was present in the intestinal tract of 79% of individuals (<7.6 g), although there was no correlation between PFAS concentrations and plastic mass, indicating that ingested plastic is not the likely primary exposure source. The widespread occurrence of PFASs in fledgling marine birds from a relatively pristine location in the Southern Hemisphere suggests that further studies in adult shearwaters and other marine birds are warranted to investigate whether there are any long‐term physiological effects on bird species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:799–810. © 2020 SETAC

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“…Many citizen science projects focus on data collection of plants and animals for biodiversity and conservation purposes ( 30 – 34 ). These studies have led to important ecological milestones such as gaining baseline population information ( 35 ), finding pockets of habitat ( 36 ), and showing distribution changes ( 37 ) or declines in species numbers ( 31 ), ultimately leading to tangible conservation outcomes ( 38 ).…”

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confidence: 99%

EchidnaCSI: Engaging the public in research and conservation of the short-beaked echidna

Perry

Stenhouse

Wilson

et al. 2022

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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The short-beaked echidna is an iconic Australian animal and the most-widespread native mammal, inhabiting diverse environments. The cryptic nature of echidnas has limited research into their ecology in most areas; however, from the well-researched and endangered Kangaroo Island echidna population, we understand that the threats include habitat loss, roads, and invasive species. To obtain more information about echidnas Australia-wide, we established the Echidna Conservation Science Initiative (EchidnaCSI) citizen science project. EchidnaCSI calls on members of the public to submit photographs of wild echidnas and learn to identify and collect echidna scats for molecular analysis. To facilitate participation, we developed a smartphone application as well as ongoing social and traditional media activities and community events. In 3 y, more than 9,000 members of the public have downloaded the EchidnaCSI app, collecting 400 scats and submitting over 8,000 sightings of echidnas from across Australia. A subset of submitted scat samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR, which validated the approach of using citizen science for scat collection and viability for molecular analysis. To assess the impact of the project through public participation, we surveyed our participants (n = 944) to understand their demographics and motivations for engagement. Survey results also revealed that EchidnaCSI served as a gateway into citizen science more generally for many participants. EchidnaCSI demonstrates the potential for using citizen science approaches to collect high-quality data and material from a cryptic species over a very large geographic area and the considerable engagement value of citizen science research.

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Pelagic citizen science data reveal declines of seabirds off south-eastern Australia

Cited by 15 publications

References 76 publications

Factors affecting seabird abundance and interaction with the nearshore ‘for hire’ recreational charter fishery in New South Wales, Australia

Factors affecting seabird abundance and interaction with the nearshore ‘for hire’ recreational charter fishery in New South Wales, Australia

Correlations between Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Morphometrics in Fledgling Shearwaters Impacted by Plastic Consumption from a Remote Pacific Island

EchidnaCSI: Engaging the public in research and conservation of the short-beaked echidna

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