Status of the spotted shag (Stictocarbo punctatus) in the Hauraki Gulf

Abstract

This project studied aspects of the population of spotted shag (Stictocarbo punctatus) that is considered to be in decline in the Hauraki Gulf. The aim of the project was to initiate an update of population data, a necessary precursor to future ecological research intended to inform management of this species and Gulf seabirds in general. Population data was gathered through field surveys of islands of the inner Hauraki Gulf. The project has updated aspects of population data for the species, with the general conclusion that the population is stable, although with fewer breeding colonies than when last surveyed in 1970. The need for further field surveys was also identified. The project findings are to be disseminated as “preliminary results” at the 2012 Ornithological Society of NZ conference.