Conservation Action
The PSG Vice-Chair for Conservation is responsible for all letters that are submitted on behalf of PSG, which are posted below.
Contact PSG Vice-Chair for Conservation: Lindsay Adrean
PSG Statement on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (July 2024)
The Pacific Seabird Group has just released a statement regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This statement is the result of a symposium held at the 2024 Annual Meeting of PSG. The symposium brought together experts to discuss the latest findings and developments in the emergence and spread of HPAI in seabirds. The focus was on the epidemiology, ecology, and evolution of avian influenza in wild bird populations, assessments of mortality and population-level impacts, and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control. Attendees shared and gained insights into the challenges and opportunities for understanding and managing this important global wildlife health issue. Please consider acting on the included recommendations in your own work, and distribute this statement to other relevant parties.
PSG comments on the proposal to expand a sardine fishery in the Marine Biosphere Reserve located in the Bahía de Los Angeles, Gulf of California) (June 2024)
PSG would like to express our deep concerns regarding the proposal to expand a sardine fishery in the Marine Biosphere Reserve located in the Bahía de Los Angeles, Gulf of California, namely Reserva de la Biosfera Zona Marina Bahía de los Ángeles y Canales de Ballenas y Salsipuedes.
Letter to the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
PSG comments on the spatial suitability analysis, as it pertains to seabirds, that was used to draft Oregon’s Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) (October 2023)
PSG recommends that BOEM: include existing tracking data and observations of Short-tailed Albatross; conduct additional at-sea observations and individual tracking of Leach’s Storm-Petrel; conduct additional breeding-seasons and annual-cycle tracking studies of both Tufted Puffins and Marbled Murrelets; fill data gaps causing high levels of uncertainty in the suitability analysis; and plan for standardized before-after control impact or before-after gradient studies to detect changes in seabird distribution and abundance.
Letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
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PSG urges the Oregon Board of Forestry to proceed with approving a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the western Oregon State Forests (October 2020)
PSG shares concerns about the HCP and its ability to protect the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), along with other sensitive and threatened species including, but not limited to, the Northern Spotted Owl, multiple salmon species, Pacific Marten, and Fisher.
Letter to the Oregon Board of Forestry
PSG supports USFS acquisition of a key 40-acre parcel to support federally threatened Marbled Murrelets, Northern Spotted Owls, and Coho Salmon (September 2020)
PSG strongly urges the U.S. Forest Service to purchase a key 40-acre parcel along the Yachats River on the central Oregon coast, inland from the town of Yachats and adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest.
Letter to the U.S. Forest Service
PSG provides comments on the the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (PFMC) recent decision to change the management status of Shortbelly Rockfish (Sebastes jordani) (August 2020)
PSG is concerned by the decision that conservation and management of the Shortbelly Rockfish are no longer warranted and provide suggestions to continue monitoring and reporting incidental bycatch.
Letter to the Pacific Fishery Management Council
PSG provides comments on proposed changes to the definition of “acceptable take” of the “Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds” (July 2020)
PSG opposes the preferred alternative advanced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in regards to the proposed definition of “acceptable take” because of probable negative impacts on birds, as well as other biological resources, cultural resources and ecosystem services.
Letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG provides comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) regarding management of conflicts associated with Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) (July 2020)
PSG considers the DEIS to be inadequate as written and the analyses on which the Potential Take Level (PTL) is based to be badly flawed; PSG opposes the proposed rule as described in the DEIS until more appropriate analyses can be undertaken.
Letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG supports the Portland Audubon Society in the acquisition or facilitation of acquisitions of private lands in the lower Tenmile Creek Basin to aid populations of Silverspot Butterfly, Coho Salmon, and, in the future, Marbled Murrelets (April 2020)
PSG supports the acquisition and preservation of additional lands along the Tenmile Creek Basin, which will significantly contribute to the
conservation of murrelets in the region.
Letter to the Portland Audubon Society
PSG Inland Survey Protocol (ISP) should provide a rigorous scientific and statistical method for accurately assessing the status of an area and allowing for a high probability of detecting the presence of Marbled Murrelets (March 2020)
PSG provides a letter explaining what the Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee (MMTC) Inland Survey Protocol (ISP) means to PSG and what the purpose of the protocol should be.
Letter to the Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee ISP Committee
PSG opposes further Pacific Fishery Management Council scoping or consideration of an amendment to authorize a shallow-set longline fishery outside the West Coast EEZ (November 2019)
PSG and four partner organizations raise concerns based on bycatch of Black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) in the shallow-set fishery in Hawaii and serious potential harm to federally endangered short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) outside the EEZ.
Letter to the Chair of the Pacific Fishery Management Council
PSG supports the NMFS Proposed Rule for Seabird Bycatch Avoidance Efforts with two modifications (October 2019)
PSG a co-signee among Audubon California, Center for Biological Diversity, Audubon Society of Portland and American Bird Conservancy urge the the Final Rule for Seabird Bycatch Avoidance Efforts include the word “enforceable” to relevant sections regarding floated longlines, and to include tasks and timelines for reviewing the status of short-tailed albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) 36 degree north.
Letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service
PSG provides comments on proposed changes to the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations (July 2019)
Three revisions are provided, including: 1) the definition of an “unoccupied nest” 2) the resident species that should be added to Schedule One 3) four species that do not build nests that should be added to Schedule One.
Letter to Canadian Wildlife Service
PSG supports the South Farallon Islands Invasive Mouse Eradication Effort (July 2019)
PSG is confident that the USFWS will follow best practices derived from the more than 60 successful mouse eradication projects around the world and will take the precautionary measures outlined in the EIS to minimize potential short-term negative impacts due to the eradication.
Letter to the California Coastal Commission
PSG emphasizes renewed concern over the status and viability of the Kittlitz’s murrelet (May 2019)
PSG suggests the timely development and implementation of a proactive conservation plan and urges the USFWS draft a Species Status Assessment.
Letter to the Alaska Regional Director of the USFWS
PSG addresses seabird mortality and ecosystem impacts associated with fishing effort in the Gulf of California (March 2019)
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the Gulf of California purse seine fishery does not include delayed mortality from fish oil in the evaluation of seabird impacts, nor does it include an ecosystem-based sustainable harvest approach to balance the needs of seabirds, marine mammals and commercial fisheries.
Letter to the Marine Stewardship Council’s Assessment Team
PSG expresses its opposition to oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife (March 2019)
Joining with over 300 scientists and resource managers, PSG believes such development is ecologically unsound and cannot be accomplished while also honoring the original purposes for which the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established and is still managed today.
Letter to the Bureau of Land Management
PSG comments on three Call Areas part of the Commercial Leasing for Wind Power Development on the Outer Continental Shelf Offshore California (January 2019)
PSG expresses concern over the depth and breadth of peer-reviewed data part of BOEM’s Databasin, and the lack of detailed location information on the three proposed sites.
Letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Renewable Energy Taskforce
PSG comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project (November 2018)
PSG is concerned that the level of proposed take of marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) – 2.496 per year for 30 years during the operational phase of the project – may accelerate the extirpation of the species in Southwest Washington.
Letter to the Lewis County Community Development Department
PSG supports establishing a floating nesting island for Heermann’s Gulls on Roberts Lake, Seaside, California (November 2018)
PSG urges the Council to approve Coastal Administrative Permit CAP-18-01 to create nesting habitat for the only known nesting population of Heermann’s Gulls (Larus heermanni) in the USA.
Letter to the Seaside City Council
Result: Seaside City Council voted to unanimously approve the Coastal Administration Permit for the floating island on Roberts Lake.
PSG comments on the Washington Department of Natural Resources Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (November 2018)
PSG believes the Preferred Alternative (Alternative H) does not do enough to support murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) recovery because it permits the harvest of significant amounts of mature and old forests over the next 50 years, a timeframe that will prove essential to the recovery or extirpation of the species.
Letter to the Washington Department of Natural Resources
PSG expresses concern over the placement of the Goto-shi offshore wind power generation project (September 2018)
PSG urges the suspension of the Goto-shi project given the newly discovered colony of brown booby (Sula leucogaster) within 5-10km of the proposed site and that several other species, including the iconic Japanese murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume), frequent the waters around the Goto-shi project.
Letter to the Japanese Minister of the Environment
PSG requests the Pacific Fishery Management Council to add “Endangered Species Act Mitigation Measures for Seabirds” to the November Agenda (August 2018)
At the November 2018 Council meeting, PSG requests Council support for new or amended regulations for longline fisheries, provide an update on the terms and conditions for reasonable and prudent measures, and include seabird Endangered Species Act activities on the 2019 Council agendas.
Letter to the Pacific Fishery Management Council
Result: The Council adopts a set of preliminary alternatives for putting in place new regulations for vessels 26-55 feet in length. The Council is scheduled to choose an alternative for NMFS rule-making at the April 2019 meeting.
PSG supports the call for Australia-wide ban on balloon releases (July 2018)
PSG submits 17 letters to Australia officials calling on all States and Territories to change their littering act to specify releasing balloons as an offense, and to ban the use of helium to inflate balloons. Balloons and balloon fragments, often mistaken for prey, pose a great risk to seabirds and a host of other wildlife species.
Letter to members of the Australian House of Representatives
Responses from the Australian House of Representatives
PSG urges Governor’s Office and ODFW Commission to follow sound science and reinstitute the Marbled Murrelet as Endangered in Oregon (July 2018)
PSG recommends that the ODFW Commission immediately reverse the decision made at the June 2018 meeting and maintain their original decision to uplist the Marbled Murrelet from threatened to endangered under Oregon’s Endangered Species Act.
Letter to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
PSG recommends changes to the proposed Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project (May 2018)
PSG provides scoping comments on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project proposed in southwest Washington.
Letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG endorses the Environmental Assessment of the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Seabird Protection Plan (April 2018)
PSG advocates for the removal of house mice (Mus musculus) that have attacked and killed adult albatross since 2015, and other smaller seabirds since 1943.
Letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG encourages rejection of Hawai’i Senate Concurrent Resolution 36, “…reduction of free-roaming cat populations using the trap-neuter-return-manage strategy” (March 2018)
PSG requests the Hawai’i Senate reject trap-neuter-return-manage strategy as an effective long-term strategy to reduce and eliminate feral cat colonies. Photographic evidence and post-mortem analyses have shown feral cats result in the death of hundreds of endangered Hawai’i waterbirds annually.
Testimony to the Hawai’i Senate
Result: Hawai’i Senate Concurrent Resolution 36 dies in the senate (5 April 2018)
PSG urges U.S. support of the Albatross and Petrel Act (March 2018)
PSG supports the United States becoming an official party of the 13-member Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). By joining ACAP, the U.S. can enlist the cooperation of other signatory nations in conserving trust species in international waters.
Letter to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Alaska
PSG supports a full investigation of the February 2018 Jiangsu Province bycatch event (March 2018)
PSG responds to a report of over 100 birds, among them confirmed ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus Antiquus) and Arctic loons (Gavia arctica). One key concern is whether globally vulnerable Japanese murrelets (Synthliboramphus wurmizusume) were part of this event. PSG offers expert assistance in the identification of the birds seized.
Letter to the State Forestry and Steppe Administration, China
PSG requests the adoption of two administrative rules to limit feral cat colonies on public lands in Hawai’i (March 2018)
PSG submits a letter in support of two proposed administrative rules presented by the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, which limit feeding, animal abandonment, and feral colony creation at small boat harbors on Hawaii. The letter encourages Hawai’I Governor David Y. Ige to elevate the State of Hawai’i as a strong proponent of native species.
Letter to the Governor, State of Hawai’i
PSG comments on the use of “net conservation gain” in mitigation planning goals under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) (January 2018)
PSG strongly supports net conservation gains as one of the main goals in mitigation planning under the ESA, which helps safeguard successful mitigation outcomes.
PSG responds to the Status Review of the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in Oregon (November 2017)
PSG advocates to reclassify the Marbled Murrelet from “Threatened” to “Endangered” under the Oregon Endangered Species Act.
Letter to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Result: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission lists the murrelet as an endangered species in Oregon, 9 Feb 2018. The decision is reversed by the Commission, 8 June 2018.
PSG comments on the current status of the Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) (July 2017)
PSG believes that current data on the population status of the Aleutian Tern are sufficient to justify elevation of the IUCN status of the Aleutian Tern (“Least Concern”).
Letter to BirdLife International
PSG urges the Japanese Ministry of the Environment to conduct a complete survey of islands in the Kaminoseki region prior to construction of two nuclear power plants (June 2017)
PSG supports the development of a conservation plan for the Kaminoseki region, which provides essential habitat for the Japanese murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume), prior to serious impacts to marine flora and fauna from power plant construction.
Letter to the Minister of the Environment, Japan
PSG supports the proposal for the Kaminoseki region of the Seto Sea to be become a future UNESCO World Heritage Site (June 2017)
PSG expresses strong support for the Kaminoseki region, as essential habitat for a range of species, including the globally vulnerable Japanese murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume) and finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis). PSG feels protection from industrialization is warranted and critical to the ecological health of the region, which is in the early stages of scientific research and monitoring.
Letter to the UNESCO Association of Japan
Result: Site not chosen. Okinoshima Island chosen, 9 July 2017.
PSG amends comments to Washington Department of Natural Resources regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Marbled Murrelets (June 2017)
PSG amends comments sent in February 2017 (see below) to suggest a more conservative alternative because the Draft EIS alternatives are biologically inadequate to support the Marbled Murrelet , and to recommend a longer timeline for the process. PSG recommends that DNR fully reviews and considers all alternatives, including new ones that are different from the Draft EIS.
Letter to Washington Department of Natural Resources
PSG recommends retaining boundaries for Hawaii and Central Pacific National Marine Monuments (May 2017)
PSG submits a response during the public comment period for the evaluation of Marine National Monuments (MNM). PSG recommends retaining the current boundaries for the MNM in Hawaii and three in the Central Pacific Ocean because of importance to seabirds, addressing management concerns, and also in light of increasing ocean threats.
Submission comments to Department of Interior
PSG writes to the USFWS Alaska Regional Director over concerns for Aleutian Tern colonies (April 2017)
PSG supports and respects traditional uses of seabirds in Alaska, and is concerned about the potential negative consequences of the proposal to open a road system and additional areas to harvesting, including driving the Aleutian Tern population to local extirpation.
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG recommends upgrading the status of Marbled Murrelet from “Threatened” to “Endangered” in Oregon (March 2017)
PSG feels that additional protections afforded by an Oregon “Endangered” species listing is the best means of slowing or reversing the decline in the Marbled Murrelet population in Oregon.
Letter to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
PSG comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Long-term Conservation Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet (February 2017)
PSG urges the Washington State Departmental of Natural Resources to adopt Alternative F, with some recommended modifications, to restore severely declining populations of Marbled Murrelets in Washington State.
PSG writes to support the concept of St. George Island National Marine Sanctuary in Alaska (November 2016).
PSG writes to support the concept of a National Marine Sanctuary around St. George Island. The national and international importance of St. George Island cannot be overstated and PSG greatly appreciates that the residents of St. George Island are working … to define for themselves a path forward to sustain their way of life and the environment and natural resources on which they depend.
Letter to NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
PSG reviews the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) draft Oregon Forage Fish Management Plan (July 2016).
PSG writes to endorse the draft plan and provide scientific support to ODFW’s intent to extend forage fish protections from federal to state waters.
Letter to the ODFW Marine Resources Program
PSG writes to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) in Mexico to congratulate about moving forward in creating a new Biosphere Reserve in Baja California (March 2016).
PSG writes to congratulate the Secretariá del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales in Mexico on the advances in the process to create a new protected area in Mexico: “Reserva de la Biosfera Islas del Pacífico de la Península de Baja California”. PSG enourages and looks forward to the publication of this Biosphere Reserve Decree by Mexico’s President in the near future.
Letter to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (English)
Letter to the Secretariá del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Español)
PSG writes to Ministry of Environment in Japan to express appreciation of efforts in Japan to conserve seabirds and offers its support and assistance (November 2015)
PSG writes to the Minister of Environment in Japan to express appreciation for the efforts of Japan to conserve its seabirds and to offer its support and assistance for continued investment and improvement in restoring critical seabird breeding habitats within Japan’s waters. The letter was hand delivered to Minister Marukawa by Ms. Kuniko Otsuki, Asia and Oceania Regional Representative on the Executive Council.
Letter to the Minister of Environment, Japan
PSG comments on US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed ruling for Marbled Murrelet Critical Habitat (October 2015)
PSG writes to the US Fish and Wildlife Service in response to its proposed rule regarding critical habitat designations for Marbled Murrelets in the Pacific Northwest. The Service had proposed maintaining the existing designations (i.e., no roll back). PSG supports that and suggests that they designate additional critical areas on federal and state lands as well as in the marine environment.
Letter to the US Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG comments on Bureau of Land Management draft Western Oregon Resource Management Plan (August 2015)
PSG writes to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management regarding its draft Western Oregon Resource Management Plan and expresses opposition to the preferred alternative, which would eliminate late-successional forest reserves and increase logging and fragmentation of older-aged forests, which are essential to the long-term recovery of Marbled Murrelets. Minimizing fragmentation adjacent to suitable and occupied habitat is critical to the recovery of murrelets, which are federally listed as a threatened species in northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
Letter to the Bureau of Land Management
PSG responds to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service request for “scoping” comments on proposed incidental take permit system under Migratory Bird Treaty Act (July 2015)
The Ornithological Council, acting on behalf of its member organizations, including PSG, provides scoping comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in regard to a possible permit program for the incidental take of migratory birds, primarily by industries, such as wind power and electrical utilities. The Ornithological Council letter discusses the need for enhanced monitoring and research in order to effectively manage an incidental take permit program and raised questions about the Service’s ability to administer an incidental take permit program without impacting on-going activities, such as permits for scientific purposes.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG asks the Secretary of Agriculture to end clearcut logging of old-growth forests in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska (January 2015)
PSG joins six other scientific societies, including the American Ornithologists’ Union, in asking the Secretary of Agriculture to accelerate the transition away from logging old-growth forest in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. The Tongass has high densities of nesting Marbled Murrelets, Northern Goshawks and other birds and wildlife, and is the only national forest in the United States in which clearcut logging is still allowed.
PSG comments on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to cull 16,000 Double-crested Cormorants at East Sand Island, Oregon (August 2014)
PSG writes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding its Draft Environmental Impact Statement on a proposal to cull 16,000 adult Double-crested Cormorants at East Sand Island in the Columbia River estuary. PSG opposes the action because the science underlying the culling proposal is weak, the agencies failed to first use nonlethal means of dissuading cormorants nesting at East Sand Island, and impacts on the western North America cormorant population are too great.
Letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District, Portland
PSG Addresses Concerns about Monitoring Kittlitz’s Murrelets and Aleutian Terns (May 2014)
PSG writes the US Fish and Wildlife, Alaska regarding priorities for implementation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor and assess the status and trends of all bird species, subspecies and populations. While PSG recognizes and understands that lack of funds makes compliance with this requirement difficult, the PSG wants to highlight the need to and importance of monitoring and understanding the status and viability of the Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) and Aleutian Tern (Onychoprion aleuticus) in Alaska.
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife, Alaska
PSG Responds to Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem Workgroup’s March 2014 Report (March 2014)
PSG urges the Council, in response to the Ecosystem Workgroup’s March 2014 report, “Ecosystem Initiative 1: Protecting Unfished and Unmanaged Forage Fish Species,” to 1) approve and release for public comment a range of alternatives to protect currently unmanaged forage fish and 2) to select alternative 2.2.1, Ecosystem Trophic Role Pathway, as the preliminary preferred alternative. Alternative 2.2.1 incorporates currently unmanaged forage fish as “ecosystem component” species within each of the Council’s existing Fishery Management Plans, where basic conservation measures can be put in place to prevent the development of new, directed commercial fisheries in the absence of a strong scientific and management framework.
Letter to Pacific Fishery Management Council
PSG Comments on the Proposed Recovery Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet in Canada (March 2014)
PSG and its Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee (MMTC) comment on the Proposed Recovery Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in British Columbia. PSG and the MMTC have grave concerns about the Recovery Strategy because, as proposed, it could allow decreases in Marbled Murrelet habitats and populations of up to 30 percent over 30 years; they strongly encourage Canada to strengthen the Recovery Strategy by considering and adopting measures to focused on increasing Marbled Murrelet habitat and populations.
Letter to Recovery Planning, Environment Canada
PSG Comments on draft Environmental Assessment Regarding Caspian Tern Nesting Habitat Reduction, East Sand Island, Clatsop County, Oregon (February 2014)
PSG provided comments regarding the draft Environmental Assessment – Caspian Tern Nesting Habitat Reduction, East Sand Island, Clatsop County, Oregon. PSG recommends the “no action” alternative until such time as the Corps and its cooperators have completed an integrated, multispecies, regional-scale plan, and identified and made available one or more quality coastal nesting sites for Caspian Terns.
Letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District, Portland
PSG Supports Funding Request to Develop Murrelet Landscape Management Plan (February 2014)
PSG writes in support of the funding request by California State Parks to develop a Murrelet Landscape Management Plan and implement allied monitoring and management activities for Conservation Zone 6. There is a joint effort by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service and California State Parks to develop a murrelet conservation plan for Zone 6 would fulfill a long-term goal of the Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee of PSG to see such a plan prepared.
PSG comments on USFWS DEIS for eradication of house mice from S. Farallon Islands (December 2013)
PSG writes the US Fish & Wildlife Service regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the eradication of house mice from the South Farallon Islands supporting Option B: Eradicate invasive house mice from the South Farallon Islands by aerial broadcast of rodent bait containing Brodifacoum–25D Conservation as the primary method of bait delivery.
Letter to USFWS, Public Comments Processing
PSG writes US President Obama to make aware of the plight of the Marbled Murrelet (October 2013)
PSG writes President Obama about the plight of the Marbled Murrelet, a small unique seabird along the North Pacific west coast that is listed as endangered. PSG is highly concerned about current proposals to increase logging in western forests.
Letter to President Obama, United States
PSG requests coordinated monitoring of California Brown Pelican as required when species was delisted four years ago (September 2013)
The PSG is concerned about the lack of coordinated post-delisting monitoring of the California Brown Pelican. Four years after delisting, there is still no coordinated monitoring plan finalized or in place which are needed to complete a five-year post-delisting status review in 2014.
Letter to Gary Frazer, Assistant Director for Endangered Species, US FWS
PSG comments on General Plan and Draft EIR for Big Basin Redwoods State Park (May 2013)
PSG requests that California State Park and Recreation Commission direct California State Parks to revise its General Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report for Big Basin Redwoods State Park because we are concerned that the current version of the General Plan does not provide sufficient protection for to Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus), a declining species and listed in California as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Letter to California State Park and Recreation Commission
PSG supports adoption of the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Fishery Ecosystem Plan and urges adoption at the April 2013 meeting (April 2013)
PSG strongly supports adoption of the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Fishery Ecosystem Plan and urges adoption of the plan at the April 2013 meeting as well as implementation of ecosystem-based initiative #1 – the protection of unmanaged forage species. These steps will help maintain the diversity and abundance of seabirds and in U. S. portion of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem.
PSG and the Japan Seabird Group jointly recommend re-evaluation of the EA of the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant at Kaminoseki in the Seto-Inland Sea and long-term funding for seabird research and conservation in the area (March 2011)
PSG and the Japan Seabird Group jointly recommend re-evaluation of the environmental assessment of the construction and operation of a nuclear power plant at Kaminoseki in the Seto-Inland sea and long-term funding for seabird research and conservation in the area. Specifically, they support additional surveys to determine all seabird breeding colonies and feeding areas in the Seto-nai Sea; re-evaluation of the potentially great impact of the construction and operation of these nuclear power plants on marine environment, marine organisms, and seabirds; and use of the proposed site for other purposes but not other heavy industry which could also hard seabirds, marine organisms, and the marine environment.
Letter to Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan
PSG offers comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Rat Eradication Project (March 2011)
PSG strongly supports the proposed plan to eradicate ship rats at Palmyra to aid in the conservation of seabirds and their habitat. PSG believes that the goals of this project must be complete eradication. We want to avoid situations that require perpetual control, perpetual funding and perpetual vigilance. In our considerable experience, we have learned that half-measures are inefficient and are simply a waste of funds. PSG supports of the aerial broadcast of brodificoum with proactive mitigation of risk for vulnerable Bristle-thighed Curlews.
Letter to FWS, Pacific Reefs NWR Complex
PSG expresses their concern about the status of Kittlitz’s Murrelet (February 2011)
On 20 March 2009, PSG wrote to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game supporting the listing of Kittlitz’s Murrelet under the State of Alaska Endangered Species Act. PSG supports the evaluation for listing of the Kittlitz’s Murrelet under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and urges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to move forward with a proposed rule for this species and to base its decision on the very best scientific information that is available. In February 2010, PSG sponsored a symposium to summarize the status and trends of Kittlitz’s Murrelet in Alaska and Russia. Peer-reviewed proceedings from this symposium will be available within the next few months which can be used to assist in reaching a decision based on the best available science.
PSG supports the conservation measures in the Draft Habitat Conservation Plan for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (November 2010)
PSG supports the conservation measures in the Draft Habitat Conservation Plan for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative; while imperfect, they are progress over the status quo. In this letter, PSG focuses on we focus on Newell’s shearwaters because that species seems to have the gravest conservation issues at this time.PSG recommends burying or moving transmission lines inland and dimming lights should be prioritized and addressed, but believes that other challenges to understanding the population and threats to these seabirds need to be fully explored before threats can be successfully mitigated.
Letter to US FWS, Honolulu, HI
PSG Comments on the Designation of Marine Reserves and Marine Protected Areas in Oregon (October 2010)
PSG strongly supports Oregon’s use of Marine Reserves and Marine Protected Areas as tools to help protect, sustain, and restore nearshore ecosystems. There are over 66 seabird colonies within the three ecological area that are currently which need to be considered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife during its deliberations.
Letter to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
PSG Comments Upon the Designation of Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean (August 2010)
The Pacific Seabird Group comments upon the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean by the Commission of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). PSG generally supports the concept of designating MPAs in the Southern Ocean, and the use of sound science in making such decisions. PSG wishes to support specifically the consideration of the Ross Sea, including its shelf and slope, as part of an MPA network.
Letter to Ambassador McKay, CCAMLR Chair
PSG Provides Comments on USFWS Notice of Intent to Prepare EIS Scoping for Radar Ridge Wind Energy Project for Incidental Take Permit (June 2010)
The Pacific Seabird Group comments on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding an application from Radar Ridge LLC for an incidental take permit for the threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). Radar Ridge LLC is proposing to construct and operate 32 wind turbines near Naselle, Washington, which is located within the Nemah Marbled Murrelet Management Area (MMMA). PSG is concerned that this project could significantly impact Marbled Murrelets and request that their concerns are taken into consideration in your public scoping process pursuant to the Federal Register notice dated May 28, 2010.
Letter to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG Expresses Concern about Management of White Pelicans (May 2010)
The Pacific Seabird Group expresses their concern about the management of White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), especially in the State of Idaho. PSG strongly believes that white pelicans in Idaho should be managed in a regional or flyway context.
Letter to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG Supports Findings in Evaluation Report on the 5-Year Status Review for MAMU (March 2010)
PSG expressed their concern to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection that the cumulative impacts of multiple timber harvests in both occupied and unoccupied habitat could significantly impact conservation efforts for the Marbled Murrelet, which is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Letter to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
PSG Supports Eradication of Exotics from Three Aleutian Islands (February 2010)
PSG gives it full support to the eradication of exotic European rabbits from Tangik and Poa Islands in the eastern Aleutian Islands and the removal of introduced marmots from Sud Island of the Barren Islands in the Gulf of Alaska. These projects will continue the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge’s longtime conservation work of restoring islands through invasive species removal.
PSG Requests Senate and House Support for the US to Accede to ACAP (August 2009)
PSG requests support from Senator Boxer and Representative Rahall for, and leadership toward, the United States acceding to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) and the enactment of implementing legislation. ACAP is an international treaty whose fundamental goal is to maintain healthy populations of albatrosses and petrels through research, monitoring and conservation measures such as reduction of incidental mortality in fisheries and maintenance of habitats.
PSG Supports Fencing at Kaena Point (August 2009)
PSG writes the Department of Planning and Permitting in support of the proposal to erect a predator-free fence at Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve on Oahu. PSG believes that if implemented (and that the fence is monitored to keep its integrity), this project will be a great success for native seabirds and plants.
Letter to the city Department of Planning and Permitting
PSG Comments on Proposal to Locate a Wind Energy Facility at Radar Ridge (June 2009)
PSG comments on a proposal to locate a wind energy facility on state land at Radar Ridge in Pacific County, Washington, which is located within the Nemah Marbled Murrelet Management Area. PSG is concerned that this project could significantly impact the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), which is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Letter to the Commissioner of Public Lands, Washington Department of Natural Resources
PSG Comments on Harbor Development in Western Mexico (April 2009)
Pacific Seabird Group comments on recent plans to develop harbor facilities in the vicinity of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, that involve potential degradation to a natural coastal lagoon system in the vicinity, Laguna Cuyutlan which, in turn, has great potential to harm habitat for seabirds and other creatures.
Letter to Commission for Environmental Cooperation (Canada)
PSG Requests Alaska Department of Fish and Game to List Kittlitz’s Murrelet (March 2009)
PSG believes that it is appropriate to list the Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) under the State of Alaska Endangered Species Act. PSG is greatly concerned about the long-term survival of the Kittlitz’s Murrelet, a rare seabird endemic to coastal Alaska and eastern Russia. Although variable, declines of up to 18% per year for the last few decades have been well-documented in core population areas in Alaska, where the majority of the world population breeds.
Letter to Alaska Department of Fish and Game
PSG Acknowledges Letter from His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales (March 2009)
The Pacific Seabird Group sends a letter to His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales to thank him for wishing PSG a successful meeting in Japan. A copy of the letter from Prince Charles follows the letter from PSG.
Comments on the 90-Day Finding on a Petition to Remove the California, Oregon, and Washington Population of the Marbled Murrelet from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (December 2008)
The Pacific Seabird Group expresses extreme concern about the proposal from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to delist the Washington, Oregon, and California (tri-state) population of Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus). PSG’s professional opinion is that the tri-state Marbled Murrelet population does indeed constitute a Discrete Population Segment under the 1996 policy, contrary to the findings of the USFWS 5-year Review.
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife
PSG Final Comments regarding USFWS Petition to Delist Marbled Murrelet (December 2008)
PSG Comments on the 90-Day Finding on a Petition to Remove the California, Oregon, and Washington Population of the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and express extreme concern about the USFWS proposal to delist the Washington, Oregon, and California (tri-state) population of Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus), which is currently listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife Service
PSG Support of Oregon Marine Reserves and Marine Protected Area (November 2008)
The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) sends a letter of their support for Oregon’s Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) to consider the needs of marine birds as they undertake marine conservation planning and evaluation in Oregon’s Territorial Sea. PSG recommends that eight of the 20 areas under consideration be designated as Marine Reserves/Marine Protected Areas (MR/MPA) for their ecological importance to seabirds.
Letter to Oregon’s Ocean Policy Advisory Council
PSG Support of Marine Conservation Managements Areas (October 2008)
The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) strongly supports the initiative of the administration to protect a variety of resources in Marine Conservation Management Areas adjacent to several U.S. possessions in the Central Pacific, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and American Samoa.
Letter to US Council on Environmental Quality
Comments on the Elliot State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) (November 2008)
PSG comments on the proposed Oregon Department of Forestry’s Elliott State Forest HCP with respect to the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), expressing concern over the proposal to eliminate known occupied sites and unsurveyed, suitable habitat of this species, and further fragment remaining potential habitat
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife Service
Comments on the San Nicolas Island Seabird Restoration Project Feral Cat Removal (June 2008)
PSG writes the US Fish and Wildlife Department to reiterate its strong support of the proposal to eradicate feral cats on San Nicolas Island. Seabird islands throughout the world have been devastated by introduced predators and have not evolved responses for dealing with cats.
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife Service
Comments on Proposed Delisting of Brown Pelican From List of Endangered Species (April 2008)
PSG finds that documents presented by USFWS, together with the original petition to delist submitted by the Endangered Species Recovery Council and the additional information in the Federal Register delisting proposal, provide compelling reasons to delist the brown pelican.
Letter to US Fish and Wildlife Service
Letter of Congratulations to Alaska Governor Palin regarding her plan to Keep Rats out of Alaska (March 2008)
This letter congratulates Governor Sarah Palin, State of Alaska, for her leadership in addressing the very serious threat of introduced rats to human health, the state’s economy, and to native ecosystems in Alaska. Her forward-looking plan, “Wildlife and People at Risk: A Plan to Keep Rats out of Alaska” is a model for others to emulate.
Letter to Alaska Governor Palin
Letter to Puget Sound Partnership Expressing PSG’s Interest in the Partnership’s Activities (February 2008)
PSG writes the Puget Sound Partnership expressing their interest in the Partnership’s activities, invites Partnership representatives to attend PSG’s 35th Annual Meeting and provides some preliminary observations on Puget Sound marine bird research needs based on information presented in the 2007 Puget Sound Update and the 2007 State of the Sound produced by the Puget Sound Action Team.
Letter to Puget Sound Partnership
Comments on Environmental Assessment for Kaena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project (January 2008)
PSG strongly supports the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s proposal to erect a predator-free fence at Kaena Point to eliminate the harm that dogs, cats, mongoose and rats cause to seabird colonies at the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve.
Letter to Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife
International Team to be Organized to Outline Plan of Action for Chinese Crested Tern (January 2008)
PSG writes the Chinese Secretary of the Party Committee of Fu-jien Province that the so-called “Mythological Bird,” the Chinese Crested Tern was rediscovered in the year 2000 off Fuzhou on the east coast of Mainland China and that they have decided to organize an international team of experts to come together and help outline a plan of action for this rare species. PSG extends an invitation to attend our international meeting in February 2007.
Letter to Secretary of the Party Committee
Comments on the Environmental Assessment for Restoring Wildlife Habitat on Rat Island (January 2008)
PSG strongly supports the proposal by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge to eliminate Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Rat Island and to restore the island to its natural state, and to allow wildlife such as seabirds to flourish there.
Comments on the Disturbance to Seabirds by Fireworks Displays (December 2007)
PSG offers their views on the disturbance of seabirds on Gualala Point Island by a fireworks display on July 6, 2007. The event engendered a fair amount of local attention as a result of perceived disturbance to nesting Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants during a similar event in 2006.
Letter to California Coastal Commission
Comments on the Importance of Seabirds in Designating Marine Reserves (April 2007)
PSG encourages the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) to consider the needs of marine birds as they undertake their planning for ocean activities in Oregon especially with respect to designation of marine reserves and the location of wave energy facilities.
Comments on the Proposed Revision of Critical Habitat for the Threatened Marbled Murrelet (November 2006)
PSG expresses extreme concern about a proposal from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to revise critical habitat protection for the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), which is currently listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. The proposal would reduce Marbled Murrelet critical habitat by 94% compared to the current designation made in 1996. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Program for the Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2007-2012 (November 2006)
PSG submits comments to the Minerals Management Service on the potential impacts on seabirds in Alaska.
Letter to Minerals Management Service
Comments on Draft Plan “Charting The Course For Ocean Science In the United States: Research Priorities For The Next Decade” (October 2006)
The Draft Research Priorities constitutes a needs assessment and outlines a strategic action plan aimed at outlining national ocean research priorities in the U.S. over the coming decade. The document will be a foundation for the Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy, which is to be released in December 2006. PSG offers comments.
Letter to NSTC Joint Subcommittee
Enclosure
Comments on Petition to Delist the California Brown Pelican (October 2006)
PSG endorses the petition to delist the California Brown Pelican that was filed by the Endangered Species Recovery Council.
Letter to California Dept of Fish & Game
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of Fish and Game Memorandum
Comments on the Remediation of Lead Paint at Midway Island (September 2006)
PSG makes a request to the U.S. Department of the Interior to set a high priority for the remediation of lead-based paint associated with U.S. Navy structures and other facilities on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and to allocate sufficient funding to complete the effort in a timely manner. Midway Atoll supports the world’s largest breeding population of Laysan Albatross, a bird of “high conservation concern.” Laysan Albatross chicks are poisoned by the tens of thousands due to this exposure to lead. This results in the death of thousands of chicks on an annual basis.
Letter to U.S. Department of the Interior
Comments on Draft of “Wildlife and Humans at Risk: A Plan for Returning Alaska to its Rat-Free State” (August 2006)
PSG offers comments on the Draft of “Wildlife and Humans at Risk: A Plan for Returning Alaska to its Rat-Free State” (“Rat Plan”) that was issued in July 2006. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
Concerns over Plans to Begin Dispersal of any of the Caspian Tern Colony Breeding on East Sand Island in the Columbia River Estuary (April 2006)
PSG is concerned that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s management efforts to scarify at least 6 acres at East Sand has not taken into account substantial issues concerning the tern colony. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Comments on Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment for S.S. Jacob Luckenbach and Associated Mystery Oil Spills (April 2006)
PSG offers comments on the Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment for S.S. Jacob Luckenbach and Associated Mystery Oil Spills (“Restoration Plan”) that was issued in February 2006. For more information click on the link below.
Conservation Plan for Howard, Baker and Jarvis National Wildlife Refuges (Oct 2005)
PSG takes an interest in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s comprehensive conservation plan for Howland Island, Baker Island, and Jarvis Island national wildlife refuges. PSG’s primary interests with respect to these refuges is that they remain predator-free to facilitate the protection of the unique and important seabird colonies there.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Creating a Biosphere Reserve incorporating the Pacific Islands of Baja California (July 2005)
PSG supports the proposal to create a Biosphere Reserve that incorporates the Pacific islands of Baja California.
Letter to Secretario de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
Comments on Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Washington Islands Refuges (Jun 2005)
PSG offers comments on the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Washington Islands Refuges (“Conservation Plan”) that was issued in May 2005.
Letter to Washington Maritime NWR Complex
Comments on Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for Montrose Settlements (May 2005)
PSG offers comments on the Draft Restoration Plan/Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (“Restoration Plan”) that was issued in April 2005. PSG supports all of the seabird restoration projects in the Restoration Plan; however, question fund allocation. Of the $140 million settlement, only $38 million is available for restoration projects of any kind. Of the amount available for restoration projects, only $13 million is available to restore birds and half of that seems to be devoted to restoring a single avian species.
Letter to Montrose Settlements Restoration Program
Opening the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge to Public Access (Feb 2005)
PSG opposes H.R. 298, which would open the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge to the public. PSG opposes this bill on several grounds: enormous wildlife populations concentrated in a small area, potential disturbance of wildlife by inexperienced visitors, habitat damage done by inexperienced visitors, introduction of exotic plants and animals, public safety, and loss of management control by refuge managers who know the most about protecting the resources under their stewardship.
Letter to House Resource Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans
Status of Marbled Murrelets in North America (Nov 2004)
PSG is concerned about the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) recent decision to reanalyze whether the California, Oregon, and Washington population of Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is a distinct population segment suitable for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The Headquarters office of the USFWS concluded that the California, Oregon, and Washington population is not discrete, as required under USFWS’ 1996 “Discrete Population Segment” policy, whereas the Pacific Regional Office concluded that the listed population is discrete.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Market Squid Fishery Management Plan and Seabird Protection Measures (Oct 2004)
PSG is concerned that the California Fish and Game Commission’s recent actions on the Market Squid Fishery Management Plan have removed critical measures to protect seabirds in the Channel Islands. Bright lights near island nesting colonies negatively impact nocturnal seabirds, and seasonal closures to protect the nesting habitats are threatened. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to California Fish and Game Commission
Scoping for NEPA Review of Habitat Conservation Plan on Kauai (Oct 2004)
PSG offers input to the National Environmental Policy Act’s review of a proposal by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (the “Electric Company”) to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan on Kauai. This plan may include an incidental permit for three species of seabirds that are or may soon be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act: Newell’s Shearwaters, Hawaiian Petrels and Band-rumped (Harcourt’s) Storm-Petrels.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Caspian Tern Management (Sep 2004)
PSG offers comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on Caspian Tern Management to Reduce Predation of Juvenile Salmonids in the Columbia River Estuary.
Letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Comments on Draft Pacific Region Seabird Conservation Plan (Aug 2004)
PSG offers comments on the Draft Pacific Region Seabird Conservation Plan. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Support Passage of S.2547 (July 2004)
PSG urges support for S. 2547 to amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to return to its interpretation before a federal court decision in December 2001. PSG strongly supports excluding all introduced, non-native birds from the protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. PSG has for many years worked to remove non-native creatures, including rats and birds, from seabird colonies throughout the world where they can cause great destruction to native seabirds. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to Senator Barbara Boxer
Proposal to Eradicate Small Mammal from Lehua Island, Hawaii (July 2004)
PSG offers comments on the scoping notice for the eradication of introduced small mammals on Lehua Island, Hawaii. PSG strongly supports the proposed Lehua small-mammal eradication efforts to aid in the conservation of seabirds and their habitat. Rats are notorious for their depredations on bird chicks and eggs as well as adults of the smaller species, and rabbits consume the plants that provide structure to the soil. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Concerned: ChevronTexaco for Construction of a LNG Plant at Islas Los Coronados (April 2004)
PSG expresses deep concern regarding the proposal by ChevronTexaco Corporation to build a liquid natural gas (LNG) facility 600 meters off Islas Los Coronados, Baja California. Islas Los Coronados support at least 4,600 breeding birds of 10 species of seabirds (Table 1). Of these species, the three storm-petrels and the Cassin’s Auklet are considered threatened and the murrelet is listed as endangered in Mexico. The pelican is listed as endangered in the United States and the murrelet was recently listed as threatened in the State of California. Los Coronados is an important nesting site for these rare species. For more information, click on the link below.
Letter to Secretario de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
Petition to List Xantus’s Murrelet (Feb 2004)
PSG reaffirms its request to the California Department of Fish and Game to list the Xantus’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) as threatened in California.Without the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act, PSG considers that the Xantus’s Murrelet likely will not be provided adequate protection or support for long-term restoration actions to allow population recovery from current depleted levels. For more information, click on the link below.
Xantus’s Murrelet Endangered Species Listing (USA) (Apr 2002)
The Xantus’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus) is a small diving seabird that is endemic to the southwest coast of North America. Within the United States, this bird is now restricted to a few small sea-caves amongst the Channel Islands in southern California. The population is declining, mostly due to a loss of nesting habitat. PSG’s petitions to the federal governemnt and state government of California to list this native bird as an endangered species under the federal and California State Endangered Species Acts can be found below.
Xantus’s Murrelet Federal Petition | Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Xantus’s Murrelet CA State Petition | Letter to California Fish and Game Commission
