In the course of an experimental killing program in the area 
within 750 feet of the centerline of the west end of runway 6-24 on 
Sand Island, 30,041 adult albatrosses (almost all Laysans) were killed, 
At least 19,133 of these were unemployed birds; the rest were nesting 
birds, most of which were eliminated, 
The killing program did not result in a discernible decrease 
in the number of birds soaring in the area, or in a reduction in the 
frequency of strikes. It was concluded that killing albatrosses as a 
control measure would require a number of years of constant effort before 
any practical degree of reduction in aircraft hazard could be achieved. 
Observations made during the 1957-58 season confirm the 
conclusions reached the previous season that the most practical means 
of bringing about an immediate reduction in the number of albatrosses 
soaring over the runways is to eliminate updrafts by leveling the areas 
bordering the runway. This reduction might be as much as 80 percent. 
Sooty Terns 
The sooty tern (Sterna fuscata) population at Midway Atoll 
is about 150,000 birds on each island. Well over a million breed in 
the western half of the Leeward Chain, from Laysan to Midway. The 
species is abundant and widespread in all tropical oceanic areas. 
Although sooty terns are frequently struck by aircraft, no 
damage was reported during the last two seasons (1957 and 1958). 
During 1958, an attempt was made by the Navy to exterminate 
the sooty terns on Sand Island by shooting and clubbing them after 
they had laid their eggs. Only 21,600 were killed, but it did harass 
the birds sufficiently to drive them from the island for the remainder 
of the season. 
If elimination of sooty terns should become necessary, it 
is recommended that the killing and harassment be continued on an 
annual basis for as many years as necessary. 
