Distribution and status of coastal colonies of seabirds in Victoria

Abstract

Most of the known seabird colonies around the Victorian coast were surveyed between October and December 1978; others were examined in 1979 and early 1980. Data collected included colony area, nest-site density, associated vegetation and soil depth. There were some 1.45 million burrows of Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris in Victorian colonies and about 20,000 nest sites of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor , the two most abundant species encountered. Earlier estimates of colony numbers or size are reviewed together with survey estimates and the individual species' status is considered and compared with other Australian data. Most Victorian seabird colonies are currently secure although some breeding sites are being reduced by land development. Man's increasing use of the coast, and the associated increased predation by dogs, may be locally severe. Oil spills and other pollutants present potential threats and possible competition between seabirds and the local fishing industry requires investigation