Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Diomedea exulans (Linneaus, 1758), Wandering Albatross as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of that Act. Any submissions received following advertisement of the Preliminary Determination have been considered by the Scientific Committee. Listing of Endangered Species is allowed for by Section 10 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Diomedea exulans chionoptera breeds on sub Antarctic Islands, but visits waters extending from Fremantle (WA) across the southern waters of Australia to the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. It has been recorded along the length of the NSW coast.

2. Diomedea exulans is currently listed as Vulnerable on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act (NSW).

3. Diomedea exulans is listed as Endangered on Schedule 1 of the Endangered Species Protection Act (Commonwealth).

4. All populations of Diomedea exulans which have been monitored have declined over the last 20 years. The continued decline indicates that it is likely to become extinct unless threats are abated.

5. World wide an estimated 9500 individuals per year are killed by longline fishing.

6. In view of 3 and 4 (above), a transfer from Schedule 2 to Part 1 of Schedule 1 is warranted.

Dr C Dickman
Chairperson
Scientific Committee

Gazetted: 15/11/96