Falklands-Malvinas Forum

Conservation

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Introduction

The waters surrounding the Falkland Islands show few signs of conservation or pollution problems. The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) is intent on ensuring that this remains the case.

For a number of years the Islands have been welcoming wildlife tourists. The main attractions, include a large number of seabirds, seals and sea lions.

Some of the seabird populations, such as the Black Browed Albatross and Rockhopper Penguins, are of global importance. Click here. For more information about Falkland penguins, click here.

The quality of the waters is also of commercial significance, since fishing is the most important Falklands industry. The Falklands current flows from the south, bringing cold nutrient-rich water in which squid and fish stocks f lourish.

Falklands Conservation

The late Sir Peter Scott founded this UK charity in 1979 to monitor and protect the unique natural heritage of the Falkland Islands. The charity owns a number of island nature reserves, undertakes surveys and provides information and educational materials on Falklands wildlife. In addition, it advises the Falkland Islands Government on matters of conservation.

URGENT NEED FOR PROTECTION

The continuing increase in economic and human activity threatens this unique and important wildlife haven.

* Within the next decade a major oil industry is likely to develop in waters around the Falklands, with potentially serious impact on sea life. Seismic surveys are already underway.

* Commercial offshore fisheries compete with whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds for fish and squid.

* Tourists now come in their thousands on cruise ships to view the nesting colonies of seals and penguins. More roads permit access to previously remote areas. There is a large military garrison, doubling the local population. Visitors need to be educated and may need to be restricted to prevent disturbance to sensitive areas.

The native trout and minnow are endangered by the introduction of brown trout for anglers.

Overstocking of sheep and the burning of grazing land destroy wildlife habitats, especially tussac grass.

PRESERVING WILDLIFE SITES

80% of tussac grass has already been lost. The offshore islands where this vital habitat still remains are crucial to wildlife survival. Falklands Conservation already owns 13 offshore island nature reserves. Buying more is essential.

WILDLIFE SURVEYS

Effective conservation measures can only be founded on precise and detailed research; surprisingly little is known about the basic ecology of Falkland wildlife. Current work includes a sea lion project, a seabird monitoring programme and a breeding bird survey. A major Environmental Impact Assessment programme is urgently needed in advance of the development of oil exploration and exploitation facilities.

A SOURCE OF ADVICE

Falklands Conservation provides advice and information to the Falklands Island Government to enable it to develop and maintain an effective body of conservation legislation. Through its international network of contacts Falklands Conservation acts as a source of professional expertise on wildlife of the South Atlantic.

INFORMATION & EDUCATION

Without spreading the word on wildlife, the battle to save it will not be won. Packs for local schools, a series of booklets, a country code video for military personnel and a manual for tourist guides have all been produced.

This topic now needs to be tackled on a larger scale to meet the growing threats from development.

Link to UK office:

Hon. Secretary
Falklands Conservation
1 Princes Avenue
Finchley
London N3 2DA
Tel: (44) 181 343 0831

Registered Charity No: 279347

EXTRA READINGS IN CONSERVATION ISSUES

Croxall, J. P. & others (1984). "The status and conservation of seabirds at the Falkland Islands," in: Status and conservation of the world's seabirds. Croxall, J. P., Evans, P. G. H. & Schreiber, R. W. (eds.). (Cambridge, England: International Council for Bird Preservation).
Hoppé, Gerry (1992). Time to act: A replanting strategy for Tussac Grass. Warrah, 2, p.4-5.
Lyster, Simon (1986). Conservation problems in the Falkland Islands and the role of the Falkland Islands Foundation. Sea swallow, 35, p. 21-23.
Nutthall, Nick (1994). Welcome to the Falklands. The Times Weekend, 13 December, 14.
Strange, Ian J., Parry, M. C. & Woods, Robin (1988). Tussac Grass in the Falklands: An assessment of the potential for competition between the seabirds and fisheries in the Falkland Islands. (Falkland Islands Foundation Project in collaboration with the Falkland Islands Government).
Strange, Ian J. (1976). Ravaged Falkland Islands. Geographical Magazine, 48 (5), p. 297- 304.
Strange, Ian J. (1973). The silent ordeal of South Atlantic archipelago. Natural History, 82 (2), p. 30-39.
Strange, Ian J. (1972). Wildlife in the Falklands. Oryx, 11 (4), p. 240-257.
Strange, Ian J. (1969). The wise men of West Point. Animals, 11 (60), p. 458-462.
Strange, Ian J. (1967). The conservation of wild life in the Falkland Islands. Falkland Islands Journal, 1, 21-28.
Thompson, Kate (1992). Wetlands conservation in the Falklands. Warrah, 3, 4.
Wilson, Peter, Clark, Richard, McAdam, James H. & Cooper, Elizabeth A. (1993). Soil erosion in the Falkland Islands: An assessment. Applied Geography, 13 (4), 329- 352.