Albatross and Prion Islands Conservation Programme
Conducted by Sally Poncet, South Georgia Surveys

Albatross and Prion Islands in South Georgia are the only places on the planet where tourists are able to see wandering albatross in their nesting grounds. With the birds – as a species – under threat of extinction, it is critically important to monitor populations and the impact of various factors, such as the increased numbers of fur seals and of tourists.

As a responsible tourism operator, Peregrine has provided funding for three years for Sally Poncet’s on-going work in which she carries out annual monitoring of wandering albatross, giant petrels, vegetation, visitors and promotes awareness of management, quarantine and site sensitivity issues.

Prion and Albatross Islands contain approximately 13% of South Georgia’s wanderer population and the data from eight breeding seasons (1999-2006) show that their breeding population decreased by over 25%, similar to the trend reported at nearby Bird Island (where no visitors are allowed).Over the same period of time, the number of visitors to Albatross and Prion has more than doubled. The impact of visitors was deemed sufficient to warrant the closure of Albatross Island in the 2004-05 season, which has put additional pressure on Prion Island where the number of visitors doubled in 2005-06.

Impact on Prion Island is also being assessed. The installation of a boardwalk now appears likely in an effort to minimise disturbance to wildlife and vegetation trampling, however Peregrine is among locals, scientists and other concerned stakeholders in opposing the installation of this man-made structure. We believe that if the impact of tourism is unsustainable, Prion Island, too, should be closed to visitors. While this will be disappointing to some, the birds’ survival is clearly more important than a close-up photo opportunity. We believe that the majesty of the birds can be perfectly appreciated from a distance (such as from a Zodiac) that will not affect the birds.