Amongst seabirds the albatroses are the most threatened, with many species falling victim to longlines (Rolland et al., 2010, Global Change Biology, 167, 1910–1922), introduced species (Croxall et al., 2012, Bird Conservation International, 221, 1–34), competition with fisheries (Furness & Tasker, 2000, Marine Ecology Progress Series, 202, 253–264) and climate change (Wanless, 2006, Journal of Ornithology, 147, 5). The populations of several albatross species have declined dramatically as a result of introduced mice (Wanless et al., 2007, Biology Letters, 33, 241–244) and hunting.
Many threats are, however, being addressed. Recruitment and survival have increased for several species and the number of vagrant individuals has also increased. In the northern hemisphere there are now new colonies as a result of translocations, in Hawaii (Young & VanderWerf, 2016, Elepaio, 761, 1–4) and Japan (Deguchi et al., 2014, Oryx, 482, 195–203), or through natural expansion, such as that of the Laysan albatross Phoebastria immutabilis to Guadalupe Island, Mexico (Pitman et al., 2004, Marine Ornithology, 32, 159–165).
During an expedition in April 2019 to Natividad Island, Mexico (27°86'25.59” N, 115°17'14.18” W), to study the black-vented shearwater Puffinus opisthomelas, we observed upon arrival two individuals of the Laysan albatross flying above the southern tip of the island and later, on land, observed one with both a metal and a plastic (darvic) ring. It was individual O497. We reported our observation to Pacific Rim Conservation and learnt that it is a male, who was banded as a chick at Kaena Point on Oahu, Hawaii, in 2010 and had not been seen since. It is a mature individual and may be looking for a suitable place for reproduction.
The following day we were surprised by the bill clapping of the albatross, close by. During our 2 weeks on the island we saw this albatross almost every day. Whilst on land it slept most of the time, as in established colonies, and from time to time it vocalized. People living on the island reported that the pair departed in early May, after almost 2 months on the island.
The Near Threatened Laysan albatross has a stable global population, and is the most numerous of the three North Pacific albatrosses, with an estimated 1,600,000 individuals in 2018. Neverthless, the species faces threats both at sea and on land, including from longlines, introduced predators and competition with fisheries.
Natividad Island is home to 95% of the breeding population of the black-vented shearwater (Albores-Barajas et al., 2018, PLOS ONE, 139, e202094) and is protected as the core area of El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. Could this Laysan albatross pair start a colony on the island? It is a suitable site as there are no introduced predators. There is a small human settlement, but activities are concentrated on the sea. A Laysan albatross colony would benefit from the protection already in place and would increase the conservation value of the island.
