Embarking on the Shearwater Search off the coast of Long Island, researchers are driven by a singular purpose: to track seabirds and contribute valuable data for conservation efforts. This endeavor, however, begins with the formidable task of capturing these elusive birds.
As our vessel emerges from a dense fog, we’re greeted by a mesmerizing scene—a symphony of marine life. Dolphins playfully swim in our wake, while humpback whales exhale plumes of mist into the air. Wilson’s storm petrels, those tiny seabirds, flutter all around us, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. But we’re not here just to admire nature’s beauty; we’re on a mission.
Carl LoBue, The Nature Conservancy’s oceans and fisheries director in New York, halts the boat and starts giving quiet but clear instructions. His wife, Kimberly Williams, a marine sciences teacher, busily gathers the necessary gear, while researcher Juliet Lamb stands poised with a net. I’m nearby, dicing up menhaden—a particularly oily fish that will serve as our bait, or chum.
At first glance, it may seem like we’re on a typical tuna-fishing expedition, but our quarry isn’t fish. We’re targeting seabirds—specifically, shearwaters. Our goal is to capture and tag both great and Cory’s shearwaters, which are pelagic birds that nest in the South Atlantic but frequent the Atlantic Coast during the summer.
While much of their life history is known, there are significant gaps in our understanding, particularly about their movements, which this project aims to fill. The data gathered could prove crucial in shaping future decisions on fisheries management and offshore wind development.
As our boat drifts, a small flock of great shearwaters floats nearby. I toss chunks of oily fish into the water, while LoBue casts out a hookless fishing lure designed to attract their attention. The plan is for the shearwaters to be drawn to the lure and then to the bait. Once they’re engrossed in feeding, Juliet will deftly drop a net over the nearest bird. At least, that’s the plan.
The lure hits the water with a splash, but the shearwaters immediately take flight, well out of netting range. LoBue sighs, “Well, that plan didn’t work.”
This setback is just one of many in the unpredictable world of seabird research, where improvisation is often required. Shearwater Search is no exception, with trial and error being a recurring theme.
Shearwater Search: The Insights Seabirds Provide
Juliet Lamb, who has dedicated her career to seabird research, understands the challenges and rewards of this work. In her 2.5 years with The Nature Conservancy, she has tagged a variety of birds, each posing its unique difficulties.
“Seabirds are excellent indicators of the marine environment’s health,” Lamb explains. Their behavior and patterns can inform critical conservation decisions, including those related to fisheries management and the burgeoning offshore wind industry.
The rapid development of offshore wind resources in the eastern United States is essential for generating clean energy. However, the potential impact on seabirds remains a concern. The Nature Conservancy is addressing this by attaching solar-powered satellite tags to several bird species, allowing their movements to be tracked year-round.
While wind energy development is a key focus, Lamb emphasizes that climate change poses the most significant threat to seabirds.
The Unpredictable Nature of Seabird Research
The unpredictability of seabird research often leads to innovative solutions and unique experiences. For instance, on Great Gull Island, researchers used simple traps to capture gulls and terns—reminiscent of something out of a cartoon. To protect themselves from the aggressive birds, they donned silver Tyvek suits and eventually opted for sparkly cowboy hats, adding a touch of humor to their otherwise serious work.
Working with brown pelicans also presented its challenges. These large birds, when captured, often regurgitate their food, necessitating careful handling and an extra layer of research as the team recorded the birds’ diets.
A Day in the Life of a Seabird Researcher
The day of our shearwater-tagging adventure begins early, at 4 a.m., with the team meticulously checking equipment and weather conditions. The forecast is not favorable for the rest of the week, adding urgency to our mission.
As we set off, the fog is thick, obscuring our view and heightening my anxiety. For someone relatively inexperienced in offshore research, the pressure to stay out of the way and avoid mishaps is real.
Despite the fog, we eventually emerge into a scene teeming with life—sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, seabirds, and whales surround us. But the shearwaters remain elusive, and the day is marked by near misses and frustration.
Finally, as the day wanes, we spot a small group of shearwaters calmly floating on the water. Lamb readies the net as LoBue carefully maneuvers the boat into position. But just as success seems within reach, the birds take flight, leaving us empty-handed once again.
As we head back to shore, there’s a sense of optimism despite the day’s challenges. “We got close,” LoBue reflects. “We’ll get this figured out. We just need the weather to cooperate.”
Persistence Pays Off
A week later, the team returns to Montauk, where reports of shearwaters close to shore promise better results. This time, everything goes according to plan. The team successfully captures and tags several shearwaters, collecting valuable data that will contribute to our understanding of these birds and the broader marine ecosystem.
The work is demanding, often frustrating, and certainly not a hobby. But for Lamb and her colleagues, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Each successful tagging brings us one step closer to ensuring a resilient future for seabirds in the face of climate change and other environmental threats.
Shearwater Search is not just about the thrill of the chase; it’s about making a meaningful impact on conservation and understanding the intricate dynamics of the natural world.
