3.11 Pelagic Seabirds
of nonnative species at breeding sites, reduction of disturbance and habitat loss, and reduction of pollution (Species assessments 2015) . Tirteen countries (known as Parties to the Agreement) have joined the ACAP. Te United States is not currently a party to the agree- ment. While none of the species listed in Table 3.32 are covered by this agreement, recom- mendations on bycatch mitigation, conservation guidelines, management plans, and data resources may provide information that can be applied to species of regional concern. 3.11.7 Recommendations Measures that protect a large and diverse pool of seabird populations are the best ways to ensure that species are able to survive future stresses and adapt to changing climate conditions. Surveys. General surveys are needed to complete primary distributional status for all pri- ority species (see Table 3.32). Conduct pelagic bird surveys in areas outside of the Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Inlet region, both in the cold water zone north of Oregon Inlet and the warm waters (including the Gulf Stream) south of Hatteras Inlet. Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to waters of the state. Studies include identifcation of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from conservation or development activities. Tese eforts will inform species and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites need to be identifed and monitoring protocols developed for all priority species. Monitoring plans should be coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible. • Initiate species-specifc monitoring for White-tailed Tropicbird, Audubon’s Shearwater, and Roseate Tern.
• Monitor mortality and morbidity of seabirds wherever it occurs.
• Identify and monitor important foraging, migrating, and wintering seabird areas.
• Increase monitoring of seabird bycatch (also see above, related policy needs).
• Obtain seasonal population estimates, distribution, and abundance information for seabirds in the southeastern US Continental Shelf.
• Increase monitoring and reporting of stranded seabirds.
Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics,
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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