Description
Summary:This indicator is no longer maintained, and is considered OBSOLETE. INDICATOR DEFINITION All known observations of seabird strikes are recorded upon observation at Australian Antarctic Stations and on ships travelling in the Southern Ocean. TYPE OF INDICATOR There are three types of indicators used in this report: 1.Describes the CONDITION of important elements of a system; 2.Show the extent of the major PRESSURES exerted on a system; 3.Determine RESPONSES to either condition or changes in the condition of a system. This indicator is one of: PRESSURE RATIONALE FOR INDICATOR SELECTION Human presence in the Antarctic has led to the creation of many stations located around the continent. In many cases, these stations are sited close to seabird colonies. Birds have struck station buildings, radio masts, etc. Further, seabird strikes are reported from resupply and research vessels. In recent decades, there have been observations made of bird strikes, particularly colliding with station infrastructure, remote installations and supporting infrastructure and ship-based transport to the continent. Whilst the data are not considered to be comprehensive or highly rigorous, it is envisaged that recording of bird strikes may facilitate useful analysis in the future. DESIGN AND STRATEGY FOR INDICATOR MONITORING PROGRAM Spatial scale: Southern Ocean: 40S to the Antarctic continent, Mawson, Davis, Casey, Macquarie Island, Heard Island, field camps, and summer expeditions. Frequency: Annual. Measurement technique: Observation of bird strikes at Australian Antarctic Stations and at sea. RESEARCH ISSUES The accuracy of the data are likely to be limited as it depends upon the detection of bird strikes by actual observation of the strike as it occurs, or the discovery of bird carcasses near the structure with which it collided. LINKS TO OTHER INDICATORS SOE Indicator 29 - Breeding population of the Southern Giant Petrel at Heard Island, the McDonald Islands and within the AAT SOE Indicator 37 - Species and numbers of species killed, taken or interfered with or disturbed in the Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic for the purpose of scientific research SOE Indicator 46 - Annual tourist ship visits and tourist numbers SOE Indicator 48 - Station and ship person days SOE Indicator 76 - Monthly fuel usage of ships travelling to Australian Antarctic Stations