World seabird capital

Summer having finally kicked in has me thinking back to early October last year when I was walking along the beach at Orewa north of Auckland city. Apart from cheerful clumps of yellow flowers (Bidens Rockstars) spring was struggling to become a reality. A small number of brave people were testing the water temperature. Others were beach-walking or enjoying a coolish picnic.

As always, above an ocean beach were the raucous squawks from seagulls. Some, to the amazement of the children, swooped down for some easy pickings from their picnic lunch.

 

I was reminded of that brilliant story Jonathan Livingston Seagull written by American author, Richard Bach. Bach had spent hours hiding amongst rocks studding their flying ability. His story is about one special seagull intent on perfecting his flying skills. Bach used his vast experience as an aviator to tell his story.

The seagulls I spotted at Orewa were the red-billed gull also known as the mackered gull, scientific name Choicocephalus scopulinus.

Our entire world claims 9000 bird species. Of those, 360 species are seabirds –birds that obtain much of their food from the sea. 86 of these species breed in New Zealand. 38 species, or 10 per cent, of the world seabird population, breed only in New Zealand. A further nine species are migratory. They breed elsewhere but visit New Zealand annually.

Such statistics confirm New Zealand the ``world seabird capital.’’

Amongst our seabirds are penguins, albatrosses, petrels, shags, gannets, turns, skuas and several species of seagull.  
New Zealand is blessed with an abundant marine environment stretching from sub-tropical Kermadec Islands to the sub-Antarctic Campbell Plateau. An associated topography of submarine landforms offer an abundance of nutrients for marine life.

Seabirds are observed in many locations.

Gannets are found near Auckland’s western beaches. Otago Peninsula is famous for the royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguin.

Oamaru in north Otago offers the best penguin viewing points. And don’t miss an opportunity for seabird viewing if travelling on Cook Strait ferries.

During a recent trip to Western Australia I spotted notices advising not to feed seagulls. Seems an easy meal discourages them from foraging for their natural food. Also greasy food will be detrimental to their health and breeding. But be warned, seagulls will take every opportunity to grab a free meal.

As it is, seabirds are not immune from threats to their existence.

A recent, disturbing, newspaper report claimed 90 per cent of New Zealand seabirds were at risk of extinction.

The story was prompted by Statistics New Zealand and the Ministry for the Environment releasing the Our Environment 2016 report. 

New Zealand has the highest number of threatened seabird species in the world. Marine mammals are also at risk.

The report blamed a degraded habitat resulting from global warming and polluted coastlines.

Rising temperatures contribute to increased acidification of the oceans, effecting shell species and plankton essential to the ongoing food chain.

Dairying expansion along with urban areas close to the coastline were cited as contributors to pollution.

Birds were also compromised by fishing practices. Vulnerable species were being entangled in fishing nets.

Some species of seabirds have been in decline since 2008. 

In response to the report, Environment Minister Dr. Nick Smith says new laws introduced to Parliament next year will bring New Zealand marine legislation into the 21^st century.

New Zealand’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gases will also be vital to preserving our seabirds. Let’s hope a troubling trend is being reversed.