Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts: Albatross Adoptions to the Rescue

Lei Heart - © Wayne Sentman

Did you know that Albatross pairs mate for life, and that in order to raise a chick to fledging that both parents must be work together to care for their chick. That Albatross can live over 60-years, and that the oldest known aged seabird is a Laysan Albatross named Wisdom, still having chicks and living on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge since 1956.

Laysan Albatross "dancer" - Midway Atoll NWR © Wayne Sentman

What better way to say I LOVE YOU and demonstrate your never-ending devotion, than by adopting an albatross chick for your Valentine.  Your adoption will be for one of this years newly hatched chicks. Your Valentine will receive an adoption certificate, and from now until the end of summer, periodic updates from field researchers living on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge about how this year’s nesting population of Laysan and Black-footed Albatross are doing.

Mated pair of Laysan Albatross tending egg - © W. Holthuijzen

Proceeds from your adoption will go to help support the long-term seabird habitat restoration efforts our partners at Friends of Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll Conservancy are working to accomplish. The rest of the adoption funds will be used to assist Oceanic Society with its efforts to promote the reduction of plastic pollution through our education outreach projects and Blue Habits initiatives.

Laysan Albatross pair Midway Atoll NWR - © W. Holthuijzen

If you want to put that sparkle in your lover’s eyes, and show him or her that you have found your life-mate – then I can think of no better symbol for that than presenting your Valentine with a newly adopted albatross. Adopt one here now!

Wisdom - The 65 year old Wonder on Midway Atoll

Wisdom feeds her chick in March of 2011 © W.Sentman

Wisdom the albatross is 15 years my senior. And we have been friends since at least 2002. That is the year I moved off of Midway Atoll after having lived there for four years. Right before I left Midway I had the opportunity to meet Chandler Robbins, and watch him at 84 y/o, down on all fours banding adult Laysan Albatross solo. I was impressed at his technique and his determination to make sure that any albatross walking around with an older band was rebanded. It was during Chan's visit in 2002 that he re-encountered a female Laysan Albatross that he had banded 46 years earlier as a 40 y/o man in 1956. That bird would later be named Wisdom and I would find myself following her over the next 14 years as she gained more and more notoriety around the globe as the oldest known seabird.



Today Wisdom is at least 65 years old (she was banded as an unknown age adult). She is currently with her mate on Sand Island, at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge incubating an egg! Yes that is correct Wisdom is still producing chicks at 65 years old.

If all goes well Wisdom and her mate's egg should be hatching as I post this. Stay tune for updates from the USFWS that should be announcing when the chick does hatch. Also, there is a contest to name Wisdom's mate with the winning name to be made public soon. Watch @Hawaiireef on Twitter.

You can also help Wisdom and her many progeny by adopting an Albatross chick from Midway Atoll through the Oceanic Society. Funds from your adoption go to support seabird habitat conservation on Midway, and marine plastic pollution awareness. This program is conducted in partnership with the Friends of Midway Atoll and the Kure Atoll Conservancy. In addition to Wisdom and her family, over 70% of the world's Laysan Albatross population call Midway home. There are few better ways to support the conservation of albatross than by making that the world's largest albatross colony has the proper habitat available on their breeding sites.

Outplanting native bunch grass at Midway 2015

Albatross Adoption - To Benefit North Paciific Albatross

Laysan Albatross chick ready to fledge - Midway Atoll © W. Sentman

Oceanic Society has been bringing visiting to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (MANWR) since 1997.  Over that time, our travelers have become acutely aware of the impacts on wildlife of plastic pollution accumulating in our oceans. 

Oceanic Society visitor group Eastern Island Midway Atoll NWR

In spite of its remote location in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, Midway Atoll serves as the “poster child” for plastic pollution and the oceanic gyres that is concentrates in. As the atoll’s primary residents, and with feeding areas alongside these gyres, the Laysan and Black-footed albatross are seemingly the most impacted.  These seabirds are known to ingest some of the highest amounts of plastic of any seabird species. Adult albatross consume the plastic trash when foraging out at sea, and unknowingly pass it on to their own developing chicks. 

Plastic pollution found inside dead albatross © W. Sentman

The chicks are not able to regurgitate objects until later in their lifecycle, so many of them basically become repositories of plastic waste, and a “test tube” for the impact our increasing dependence on single use – “disposable plastic” may be having on wildlife and ultimately us. The breeding albatross at the far northwest of the Hawaiian Island chain (Kure and Midway Atolls) consume some of the highest amounts of plastic relative to the other breeding sites.

To date we do not have a full understanding of what impacts this plastic may be having on the overall albatross populations in the North Pacific. However, most agree that on seeing, either through graphic photos of dead chicks with chest cavities full of plastic, or with firsthand experience through visits to their breeding grounds, any amount of plastic pollution ending up in these majestic birds and their vulnerable chicks is something we as a community, should take responsibility for, regardless of impacts. Just as 100% of the albatross chicks on Midway & Kure Atoll have plastic in them, 100% of visitors who depart these grand wildlife sanctuaries, leave wanting to do more to help remedy this terrible problem.  

It is with great excitement that Oceanic Society launches their Albatross Adoption Program in 2015

·      To address these concerns more effectively

·      To develop a program that will engage people to become more aware of their role in the problem 

·      To generate greater attention on the global issue of plastic pollution in our oceans, alongside a fact-based awareness of the possible impacts on seabirds. 

The public has already begun to adopt Laysan and Black-footed Albatross chicks   on the Oceanic Society website , and enthusiasm for the Albatross Adoption Program is building. 

Volunteers outplanting native species on albatross breeding grounds

Each adoption directly aids albatross population resiliency by supporting both habitat restoration programs as well as monitoring efforts on their key breeding colonies in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. The work on the ground is being done by our partners, the Friends of Midway Atoll and the Kure Atoll Conservancy. With a generous initial pledge from Spiritual Revolution Yoga (who are producing a PVC-free “Soaring Albatross” yoga mat that directly supports our AlbatrossAdoption campaign) we are ready to start creating an army of Albatross Ambassadors. 

By adopting an albatross you will help to make a difference: 

• By supporting the efforts to counteract the potential impacts of plastic pollution
• You will receive monthly updates over the course of the breeding season (Nov. - July)
• In May of each adoption year plastic from the breeding colonies in the North Pacific will be sent to you so you can help educate others about the problem. 
• Your will help be part of a global movement to advocate for cleaner oceans.

  

  Laysan Albatross in flight Midway Atoll NWR © W. Sentman

  
  

Whale Research – A Key to Protecting Raja Ampat and the Coral Triangle

The islands of (the not so) Secret Bay of Raja Ampat

This past February Oceanic Society fielded its inaugural group on the famed Raja Ampat liveaboard the Pindito. The Pindito pioneered underwater exploration in the region and has been one of its longest active leaders in working to promote marine conservation.  We were a group of 13 avid snorkelers excited to be spending 12 days exploring the most biodiverse tropical reef ecosystem on the planet, the Bird’s HeadSeascape. Accompanying our group was cetacean researcher Benjamin Kahn. Benjamin is based in Bali and has been studying the whales of the coral triangle for over a decade. One of Benjamin's main research interest are the Indo-Pacific migratory corridors of east Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands; and the importance of these narrow yet deep passages for large migratory marine life such as Blue and Sperm whales. 

Snorkeler in Raja Ampat above lush Soft Corals

Our group charter was going to provide him with valuable research time in the Raja Ampat waters, where we would spend the mornings and afternoons snorkeling and then the mid-day surveying for cetaceans. Benjamin has been doing these surveys alongside divers for the last 4 years, but we were his first group of snorkelers. Over the years Benjamin has observed more than 12 species (of the 30 present in the Coral Triangle) of cetaceans in Raja Ampat, and on a few occasions the groups have even managed to get in the water with the whales. These opportunities to have long days out on the water provide valuable data points for Benjamin about where whales are found in these areas and more importantly, how they are using them. Through the use of directional hydrophones and dedicated deck top observation time we were able to spot multiple groups of whales over the days we were there. The clang of the ship bell and the yell of “blow” punctuated many of our afternoons. 

 

Something that makes the Coral Triangle a unique area in addition to the marine biodiversity found there (over 450 species of coral, 1750 species of fish) is the fact that it has so much deep water habitat adjacent to shallow water habitat. In fact, almost 85% of the Coral Triangle waters are over 200m in depth, therefore you find exceptional marine diversity with high overlap of near shore and deep sea habitats. Benjamin is using these sighting efforts to identify whale hotspots in the area and look to see how these hotspots overlap with development plans. In order to properly conserve and regulate the marine protected areas within the Coral Triangle it is vital to understand how things like shipping lanes and potential extractive industries development may overlap with whale migration corridors.

 

Our days on the Pindito were full of exciting snorkeling opportunities along multiple islands, and many afternoons having intimate encounters with Bryde’s and Sperm whales as well as many species of dolphin. 

Map of our groups journey over the 12-day voyage

The additional benefit of dedicating some of our afternoons to whale surveys was that we also had saw many other animals that we might have missed had we just been motoring through. During these times we saw sailfish and manta rays jumping, marine turtles, and large bait balls that were attracting multiple seabird species.  

Manta seen jumping during whale survey efforts

Our group had truly wonderful experiences and at the same time was able to substantially contribute to the conservation research of the region.

 
 

Bumphead Parrotfish schooling

Photographic Highlights of 2014

2014 was a very busy and exciting year for me. In my first full year as Director of International Ecotravel for the Oceanic Society - having led educational ecotourism and research programs for Oceanic since 1998, to be in charge of the long term development of our travel programs was both exciting and challenging. Along the way in 2014, nature once again provided the inspirational backdrop required to stay grounded and astounded by what I was able to share with our groups -

Incredible Raja Ampat

Aljui Bay in Raja Ampat

Lioness in Masai Mara

Cheetah cub in Mara

Komodo Island

Penemu, Raja Ampat

Nudibranch - Komodo Island

Bison - Yellowstone NP

Flatworms and Nudibranchs - Snorkeling Raja Ampat

Glorious Flatworm

This past November in Raja Ampat our Oceanic Society snorkeling group was again treated to many macro sightings. Locating these wonderous creatures, flatworms and nudibranchs, was often very challenging. Many are less than 2 inches long, and while vibrantly colored are usually perfectly camouflaged among the sponges, sea squirts, and corals they may be found feeding upon. Much like last years sightings the diversity of what we encountered in this years expedition was often spectacular. The dramatic patterns and colors that these animals utilize is truly fantastic. I am sure that there were countless individuals that we missed, but fortunately we managed to spot quite a few. It was a great help to again have our local guide and expert, Dalton Ambat, searching along with us.

Psychedelic Slug feeding

It was the walls that we snorkeled while spending 2 nights at Alyui Bay in Waigeo Island that presented us with some of the most slug sightings per day. These walls are rich in soft corals and tunicates, both things that the nudibranchs and flatworms like to feed on.  At Alyui Bay there is also a large pearl farm. There are literally thousands of oysters being grown in this bay, perhaps the extra structures and the fact that there is good "flushing" of water through this bay also helps to account for the diversity we see there. The walls that we snorkel along in this area have been a highlight of our trip for the last two seasons. In fact, it is at the pier of the pearl farm where we have our night snorkel. This pier is one of the places in Raja Ampat recognized as an exceptional location to see a wide variety of unusual critters.  To follow is just a small sample of the variety of sea slugs and flatworms that our group saw during this most recent snorkel expedition to Raja Ampat.

Elysia ornata

Brown Margin Glossodoris

Glossodoris sibogae

Linda's Flatworm

Pseudocerous sp.

Bicolor Flabellina

Fabellina rubrolineata

Nembrotha kubaryana

Risbecia tryoni

Pseudoceros goslineri

Red-striped Flatworm - Maritigrella virgulata

Thuridilla lineolata - seen in Sulawesi

To learn about traveling to Raja Ampat for your own snorkel adventure visit Oceanic Society, a non-profit marine conservation organization located outside of San Francisco, specializing in educational marine expeditions throughout the worlds tropical oceans.

A few websites that are great resources for identification help are:

Marine Life Photography - Also their great new iPhone and Ipad app for Hawaii reef life ID
The Sea Slug Forum
Nudi Pixel

Return to Raja Ampat - 2012

Vibrant reefs to explore

Well this past November Oceanic Society returned to Raja Ampat for our second snorkeling expedition. This year we were joined by 16 avid snorkelers. Many had already visited a dynamic array of snorkeling destinations including Tonga, Micronesia, Palau, and Fiji. Our trip has now switched to a new vessel, the SeaSafari 8, much larger and outfitted (for our group) for limited diving. Our itinerary had us departing from Sorong and heading towards Misool for our first evening, after that we would head back up North and visit a variety of locations that had been highlights from last years trip.

Our vessel - SeaSafari 8

As we left Sorong we were excited and eager to finally get in the water. Even though all of us have been around the globe snorkeling, there is really nothing like Raja Ampat. This bastion of marine biodiversity does not disappoint. For shear numbers of species and visible variety of macrolife it is unparalleled. Each time you enter the water you can be assured that you will almost certainly see something you have never seen before, no matter your level of experiences. Add to this the physical beauty of the islands, the warm water, and the fact that you rarely share any of the sites with another person and you have set yourself up for a true escape into nature. One where you can spend as much time as you want exploring and observing the kaleidoscope of diversity that is on display. As you float through these vibrant coral reefs you see an ecological landscape that is as dynamic as the Serengeti. Animals are competing for resources and access to mates, some creatures are preforming services for others in exchange for something that benefits them, a mutualistic relationship. It is easy to forget as you float over all these strange animal lifeforms that they are indeed just that, a resilient and interlinked ecosystem of species, each with their own unique strategy for survival. To follow are just a few of the amazing sightings we had in 2012.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Ghost Pipefish

Blue-Girdled Angelfish

Our local guide Dalton photographing a Lionfish

Tasselled Wobbegong Shark

Glorious Flatworm

Map Puffer

Social Tunicates

Juvenile Regal Angelfish

These photos show just a small sample of the amazing critters we saw on our adventure. With one of the world's richest coral reef fish fauna, over 1300 species, and harboring over 75% of the world's coral species, every moment in the water was special. During out trip we also were able to have a few land based activities. The primary one being a return visit to the village of Sawinggrai on Gam Island. Here we had the opportunity to view the Red Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea rubra) at a lek site. Just like the previous year, after about 20 minutes of waiting we were rewarded with great views of the males preforming mating displays. As we turned to leave we had another surprise, an arboreal mammal had been watching us as we admired the birds. A few branches away was the Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus), a truly strange looking creature, seemingly a bit of a cross between a possum and a lemur! On our way back from the bird hike we saw many different species of orchids which the villagers had placed along the trail. We also saw a few more bird species including parrots and fruit doves.

Red Bird-of-Paradise

Spotted Cuscus

Parrot species

What another incredible snorkeling expedition to Raja Ampat. Many of our group went on for 5 more days of snorkeling in Sulawesi and I will post some photos from that extension soon. Inspired by all that we saw this season we are already beginning to plan our 2013 return, these trips fill up quickly so please visit Oceanic Society's trip webpage for more information about how you can participate.