MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Census Reveals Severe Decline in Falklands Black-browed Albatross

There is a dramatic decrease in numbers of Black Browed Albatross breeding in the islands, Falklands Conservation revealed today. This is important as the islands hold the majority of the world's population. Breeding pairs have dropped 76,000 from 485,000 in 1995 to 382,000. This decrease is likely to assess their global status as a ?vulnerable species'. Becky Ingham from Falkland's Conservation tells us how serious this is. They say that the most staggering decline is at Steeple Jason Island, where the largest colony is - the loss is said to be 41 thousand 200. This follows media interest in the plight of the albatross from long-line fishing. Dr Nic Huin, an albatross scientist working for Falklands Conservation has said that the decline may well reflect the number of birds dying each year in Patagonian Shelf longline fisheries. Recent satellite tracking studies by Falkland's Conservation show that they are exposed to threats from longline fisheries in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The census is part of a 20 month investigation but although the RSPB and the government have supported this project, £10,000 is still urgently needed to ensure the completion of this research.

South Jason Fire Update

Falkland's Conservation have also released today their report on the South Jason Island fire following a visit to the area on the 12th of February. They have confirmed reports that populations of Rockhopper penguins and Black-Browed Albatross were largely unaffected by the fire. Becky Ingham said "some nests were scorched around the edge of the colony but the majority of birds appeared to have had a very lucky escape". The report states that there are still peat banks in the centre of the south coast smouldering and they may do for some time. Finally, Becky Ingham reports that the positive outcome of the fire has been the strengthening of military and conservation liaison. Commander Colin Martin, who led the operation to contain the original fire was also in the report, saying that it was important for all concerned to draw a line under the incident but that to ensure they learn lessons from it.

Falkland Island Community School Sports Day Results

The Falkland Islands Communi