SEABIRDS
New Zealand's coastal waters are a paradise for seabirds such as the Royal and Buller's Albatross, Fairy Terns and Australasian Gannets. With a wingspan of 3.2 meters, the Royal Albatross is one of the world's largest flying birds. These ocean wanderers cover distances of up to 190,000 km at sea each year. They are widespread throughout the Southern Ocean but spend the winter in the coastal waters of New Zealand. Unfortunately, these magnificent birds become entangled in fishing gear, primarily on baited longline hooks. Northern Royal Albatross do not start to breed until they are at least nine years old and often live well into their 40s. An animal known as "Granny" raised her last chick at the age of 62!
Sadly, Buller’s albatross, too one the more common bycatch species in New Zealand's longline tuna and other fisheries in waters. Juveniles and non-breeding adults can disperse all the way across the south Pacific to the west coast of South America
With a population of just 35 to 40 individuals, the New Zealand Fairy is New Zealand's rarest indigenous breeding bird and critically endangered.
Sadly, Buller’s albatross, too one the more common bycatch species in New Zealand's longline tuna and other fisheries in waters. Juveniles and non-breeding adults can disperse all the way across the south Pacific to the west coast of South America
With a population of just 35 to 40 individuals, the New Zealand Fairy is New Zealand's rarest indigenous breeding bird and critically endangered.
