Assessing the status of Caribbean Seabird Populations: Data handling and identification of high priority sites for conservation
- NOTE: Unfortunately, we have had to cancel this workshop as we have not received notification about the funding in time. We hope to offer this workshop at a future date.
Understanding the size, distribution, health and behavior of seabird populations is essential for their protection. However, major gaps in knowledge remain for many species across the Caribbean. The Caribbean Seabird Census (CSC23/24) is a regional initiative that launched in 2023 to gather data on the current sizes of breeding seabird populations in the region. This workshop will enhance technical capacities of participants by conducting a collective analysis of the CSC23/24 data, identifying high priority sites for management, and facilitating wider discussions about potential threats and appropriate associated conservation.
Facilitated by Yvan Satgé, Clemson University; Ann Sutton, BirdsCaribbean; Rhiannon Austin, University of Liverpool; Louise Soannes, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; Natalia Collier, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean; and Jennifer Wheeler, BirdsCaribbean. Emails: ysatge@clemson.edu, asutton@cwjamaica.com, r.e.austin@liverpool.ac.uk, caribbeanseabirdsurveys@gmail.com, ncollier@epicislands.org, jennifer.wheeler@birdscaribbean.org
Purpose: Understanding the size, distribution, health, and behavior of seabird populations is essential for their protection. However, major gaps in knowledge remain for many species across the Caribbean. The Caribbean Seabird Census (CSC23/24) is a regional initiative that launched in 2023 to gather data on the current sizes of breeding seabird populations in the region. This workshop will enhance technical capacities of participants by conducting a collective analysis of the CSC23/24 data, identifying high priority sites for management, and facilitating wider discussions about potential threats and appropriate associated conservation.
Overview: Seabirds are one of the most widespread avian groups in the Caribbean, inhabiting a diverse range of environments from mountains to mangroves and sandy cays. The Seabird Working Group is conducting a concerted region-wide census of breeding populations to help identify, monitor, and address threats affecting this important group. This workshop will deliver the technical training needed to collectively analyze census data, map current seabird nesting locations, establish baseline conditions, and provide information to inform management and policy processes.
Objectives:
Provide a collective analysis of CSC23/24 data
Identify high priority sites for management
Discuss threats and potential conservation actions
Interpret and prepare the CSC23/24 data for recommendations to IBA and KBA programs
Session Structure: Pending funding support.