Since 1996, PRBO Conservation Science has been studying seabirds on Alcatraz Island in order to assist managment in developing appropriate and effective policies to protect waterbird populations on the island.
Alcatraz is a 22-acre island in the center of the San Francisco Bay. It was originally inhabited by seabirds, but human settlement deterred nesting for over a century. It is now protected as a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. Birds have since reclaimed the island and it is now home to several waterbird species.
Seabirds are excellent indicators of marine ecosystem status and change. By monitoring these populations, we obtain greater understanding of the birds and their responses to future climate, sea-level, and oceanographic changes.
Contact: Sara Acosta
PROJECT GOALS
PRBO in conjunction with GGNRA has conducted wildlife studies with the following major goals:
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To assess the distribution, abundance, and breeding success of seabirds.
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To examine the extent and effects of human disturbance on nesting seabirds.
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To assist in developing effective management policies to protect seabirds.
FOCAL SPECIES
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Brandt's Cormorant
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Western Gull
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Pelagic Cormorant
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California Gull
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Pigeon Guillemot
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Black Oystercatcher
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PRODUCTS
Recent Findings:
Using seabird long-term data for monitoring the state of the San Francisco Bay Estuary
Marine bird breeding population trends in California: Ups and downs over four decades
Latest Report:
Ecological Studies and Interpretation of Seabirds on Alcatraz Island, 2009: Executive Summary
Publications:
Evidence of double-clutching by Brandt's Cormorants on Alcatraz Island, California
An urban success story: breeding seabirds on Alcatraz Island, 1990-2002
IN THE NEWS
"A Turbulent Year for California's Cormorants"
The WIP Internet News article (12/21/09)
"No Normal for Coastal Waters"
Bay Nature magazine article featuring PRBO marine ecologists Sara Acosta and Russ Bradley. (Oct-Dec 2009)
ABC News Feature: Alcatraz Wildlife Affected by Oil Spill (6/30/08)
"Unexpected Wildlife"
National Wildlife Federation magazine article (6/1/08)
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OUTREACH
Alcatraz Seabird ID card
Alcatraz Wildlife Protection Flyer
(please feel free to post in local marinas, shops, or marine user group clubs)
Alcatraz Seabird Colony Handout
Species Profiles:
Brandt's Cormorant
Pelagic Cormornat
Western Gull
California Gull
Pigeon Guillemot
Black Oystercatcher
SEA Alcatraz School Program:
Seabird Education Awareness for 4th and 5th graders in San Francisco
PARTNERS
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (National Park Service)
Alcatraz Island National Park Service Page
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
