By studying the various populations of breeding birds, we will be able 

 to determine habitat preferences of various species, and possibly the physical 

 conditions conducive to preventing egg and chick losses. Subsequent to gaining 

 such knowledge, we could manage and manipulate areas to produce, hopefully, 

 a substantial increase in numbers of young birds. 



There are also numerous uninhabited islands in the world that support 

 many exotic species of plants and animals, which were introduced into the 

 area by man. These foreign plants and animals--the latter sometimes including 

 predators such as feral dogs, feral cats, rats, and foxes--are suppressing 

 or eliminating any existing seabird populations. Efforts must be made to 

 clean up these areas, remove the exotics, and restore the natural habitat. 

 When this is accomplished, native populations could possibly be reintroduced 

 or transplanted from other breeding colonies. 



There is a need to establish more sanctuaries and preserves designed 

 to protect remaining breeding areas and to provide for additional habitats. 

 Several islands and important coastal areas are in need of additional pro- 

 tection. A concerted effort must be made by the industry and private organ- 

 izations to cooperate with international, Federal, and State wildlife agencies 

 in lobbying for the necessary funds to establish such areas. Conservation 

 must definitely become a responsibility of those who plan to manipulate the 

 environment for their own profit. Those individuals must then accept the 

 expense of repairing any damages resulting from their activities. 



After these sanctuaries and preserves are established, caretakers could 

 be employed to protect the colonies by managing populations and restricting 

 unwarranted human disturbance. Properly managed seabird colonies can tolerate 

 the presence of humans during nesting seasons without being adversely affected. 

 Additional recreational areas would then be provided, allowing people the 

 opportunity to understand the needs of wildlife and to develop a closer rela- 

 tionship with other living parts of the environment. 



Programs such as the ones outlined above should be implemented now in 

 order that losses to populations resulting from oil spills be less than cata- 

 strophic. 



The time has come for the public to realize that cleaning, rehabilitating, 

 and returning oil-covered birds to the wild is often not the wisest investment 

 of their tax dollar. This idea can be conveyed only through education and 

 implementation of new programs. We must insist on more cooperation among 

 the oil industry and Federal, State, and private wildlife agencies. Biol- 

 ogists in both Federal and State agencies will then have to play a more 

 active role in decisions concerning the treatment of various species of oil - 

 soaked birds. More research and information on nongame species will be 

 required by these agencies. The resulting data will then be used to develop 

 contingency plans to deal with oil spills and affected wildlife species. 

 These agencies may also be called upon to make recommendations on management 

 techniques and policies necessary to repair damage to individual populations. 



Not only must government agencies implement these programs but the public 

 must also support wise decisions for the betterment of the environment and 

 mankind. 



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