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SCAR Bulletin 150, July 2003

Management Plan for
Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 117
Avian Island, Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula

ASPA 107 ASPA 108 ASPA 117 ASPA 121 ASPA 123 ASPA 124 ASPA 126

1. Description of values to be protected
Avian Island (Latitude 67°46' S, Longitude 68°54' W, 0.49 km2), is situated in northwestern Marguerite Bay, 400 m south of Adelaide Island on the western side of the central Antarctic Peninsula. It was originally designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) No. 30 under Recommendation XV-6 in 1989 after a proposal by the United Kingdom. Included was the island together with its littoral zone, but excluded was a small area near a refuge on the northwestern coast of the island. Values protected under the original designation were described as the abundance and diversity of breeding seabirds present on the island, that the southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus) colony is one of the most southerly known breeding population of this species, and that the blue-eyed cormorants (Phalacrocorax atriceps) are breeding close to the southern limit of their range. The Area was therefore considered of outstanding ornithological importance, meriting protection from unnecessary human disturbance.
Designation as an SSSI was terminated with redesignation of Avian Island as a Specially Protected Area (SPA) through Recommendation XVI-4 (1990, SPA No. 21) after a proposal by the United Kingdom. The boundaries were similar to the original SSSI, but included the entire island and the littoral zone without the exclusion zone near the refuge on the northwestern coast. The values protected were the same as for the SSSI, but with attention drawn to the additional important values of:

• “35,600 pairs of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), which is the largest Adélie colony on the Antarctic Peninsula, containing a third of the total breeding population of the region”;
• “670 pairs of blue-eyed cormorants, which are close to the southern limit of their breeding range, and one of the largest known breeding colonies in the Antarctic, representing approximately 85% of the total population breeding south of the Antarctic Circle”.

While the size of the Avian Island Adélie penguin colony on the Antarctic Peninsula is not substantiated by recent data, this colony and those of several other resident species are nonetheless some of the largest in the region, and the values noted in the original SSSI and subsequent SPA designations are generally reaffirmed in the present management plan. Further values evident from scientific descriptions of Avian Island are also considered important as reasons for special protection of the Area. These values are:

• the outstanding and unique attribute of being the only seabird species are breeding in such close proximity to each other within the confined space of a single, small island, with unusually high population densities and virtually the whole island occupied by breeding birds throughout the summer;
• Representation of seven of the seabird species breeding along the Antarctic Peninsula;
• the southern giant petrel colony is one of the two largest on the Antarctic Peninsula, comprising about one-fifth of the population south of the South Shetland Islands, and these birds are extremely vulnerable to disturbance;
• the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) colony is also large and is breeding near the southern extent of its range;
• the southernmost record of breeding brown skuas (Catharacta loennbergi) in the Antarctic Peninsula region was noted on Avian Island in 1978-79;
• the moss Warnstorfia laculosa (=Calliergidium austro-stramineum) on Avian Island is at the southern limit of its known range.

The boundaries of the Area designated under Recommendation XVI-4 have been changed in this management plan to include offshore islets and rocks previously excluded.

2. Aims and objectives
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Management at Avian Island aims to:

• avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the values of the Area by preventing unnecessary human disturbance to the Area;
• allow scientific research on the ecosystem and physical environment, particularly on the avifauna, provided it is for compelling reasons which cannot be served elsewhere;
• minimise the risk of introduction of pathogens which may cause disease in bird or mammal populations within the Area;
• minimise the possibility of introduction of alien plants, animals and microbes to the Area;
• gather data on the population status of the seabirds on the island on a regular basis, preferably for all resident breeding species at least once every five years;
• allow visits for management purposes in support of the aims of the management plan.

3. Management activities
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The following management activities shall be undertaken to protect the values of the Area:

• A map showing the location of the Area (stating the special restrictions that apply) shall be displayed prominently at the stations Teniente Luis Carvajal (Chile), Rothera (UK) and General San Martín (Argentina), where copies of this management plan shall also be made available.
• Signs showing the location and boundaries of the Area with clear statements of entry restrictions shall be placed in prominent positions on the northwestern and eastern coasts of the island (Map 2), to help avoid inadvertent entry.
• Markers, signs or other structures erected within the Area for scientific or management purposes shall be secured and maintained in good condition or removed.
• Visits shall be made as necessary (no less than once every five years) to assess whether the Area continues to serve the purposes for which it was designated, and in particular to conduct bird censuses, and to ensure management and maintenance measures are adequate.

4. Period of designation
Designated for an indefinite period.

5. Maps and photographs
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Map 1: Avian Island, ASPA No. 117, in relation to Marguerite Bay, showing the locations of the stations Teniente Luis Carvajal (Chile), Rothera (UK) and General San Martín (Argentina). The location of other protected areas within Marguerite Bay (ASPA No. 107 at Emperor Island (Dion Islands), ASPA No. 115 at Lagotellerie Island, and ASPA No. 129 at Rothera Point) are also shown. Inset: the location of Avian Island on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Map 2: Avian Island, ASPA No. 117, topographic map.
Map specifications –
Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic;
Standard parallels: 1st 67° 30'00" S; 2nd 68° 00' 00"S;
Central Meridian: 68° 55' 00" W;
Latitude of Origin: 68° 00' 00" S;
Spheroid: WGS84;
Datum: Mean sea level; Vertical contour interval 5 m; Horizontal accuracy: ± 5 m; vertical accuracy ±1.5 m.

Map 3: Avian Island, ASPA No. 117, distribution of breeding wildlife. Map derived from ground survey and digital orthophotography (ground pixel resolution 25 cm; source aerial photography taken 15 December 1998 by the British Antarctic Survey). Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) and elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) distributions are digitised from the orthophotograph. Nests of other species are derived from a sketch map and ground survey conducted in 1978 (Poncet 1982), with positions approximate. Note: data on distributions for other breeding species are unavailable. Map specifications are the same as for Map 2.

6. Description of the Area
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6(i) Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Avian Island (Latitude 67°46' S, Longitude 68°54' W, 0.49 km2), is situated in the northwest of Marguerite Bay, 400 m south of the southwestern extremity of Adelaide Island (Map 1). The island is 1.45 km long by 0.8 km at its widest, and is of roughly triangular shape. It is rocky with a low relief of generally less than 10 m in the north, rising to about 30 m at the centre, and 40 m in the south where several rock and ice slopes of up to 30 m drop steeply to the sea. The coastline is irregular and rocky with numerous offshore islets, although there are several accessible beaches on the northern and eastern coasts. The island is usually ice-free in summer. It contains habitat particularly suitable for a variety of breeding birds: well-drained north-facing slopes suitable for blue-eyed cormorants (Phalacrocorax atriceps); broken rock and boulders with crevices suitable for small nesting birds such as Wilson’s storm petrels (Oceanites oceanicus); elevated rocky heights suitable for southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus); extensive expanses of snow-free ground for Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). The presence of the latter attracts skuas (Catharacta maccormicki and C. loennbergi) and kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). For a detailed description of the geology and biology of the Area see Annex 1.

BOUNDARIES
The designated Area comprises the whole of Avian Island and the littoral zone, offshore islets and rocks, and a buffer zone of the surrounding marine environment (including sea ice when present) within 100 m of the shoreline of the main island (Map 2). Boundary markers have not been installed because the coast forms a visually obvious reference for the marine boundary.


6(ii) Restricted and managed zones within the Area
None.

6(iii) Structures within and near the Area
Two small abandoned refuges and two beacon structures are present within the Area. A refuge erected by Chile in 1962 is located on the northwestern coast of the island at latitude 67°46’16" S, longitude 68°54’00" W. A refuge constructed by Argentina in 1957 is 650 m SE of this position, on the eastern coast at latitude 67°46’39" S, longitude 68°53’35" W. Both refuges were in a poor state of repair in February 2001. Further deterioration of the huts has potential to impact on nesting birds.
An old iron frame structure, believed to have been erected by the UK during the operation of Adelaide Base and used as a navigational aid, is located at approximately 38 m near the highest point of the island. The structure remains standing, although is rusting.
A new beacon was constructed by Chile in February 1998 on an adjacent site at a similar elevation. This structure is a solid cylindrical painted iron tower of approximately 2 m diameter and 2.5 m in height, set in a concrete pad of approximately 2.5 x 2.5 m. A lit beacon, protective rails and solar panels are affixed to the top of the structure. No other structures are known to exist on the island.
Four survey control markers were installed on the island on 31 January 1999 (Map 2). The southernmost marker is located adjacent to the navigation beacon and consists of a survey nail in bedrock covered by a cairn. A similar marker is installed on the high point of the low ridge on the northeastern coast of the island, also covered by a cairn. The remaining two markers are survey nails affixed to the roof of each of the refuges. Two signs marking the Area shall be installed in prominent positions on the northwestern and eastern coasts of the island.
The nearest scientific research station is 1.2 km northwest at Teniente Luis Carvajal (Chile), on southern Adelaide Island (latitude 67°46' S, longitude 68°55' W). Since 1982 this has been operated as a summer-only facility, open from October until March. Over this period the station has generally accommodated up to 10 personnel. Formerly, this facility was established and operated continuously by the UK from 1961 until 1977.


6(iv) Location of other protected areas within close proximity of the Area
The nearest protected areas to Avian Island are the Dion Islands (ASPA No. 107) about 12.5 km SSE, Rothera Point (ASPA No. 129) 40 km to the NE, and Lagotellerie Island (ASPA No. 115) 65 km east (Map 1).

7. Permit conditions
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Entry into the Area is prohibited except in accordance with a Permit issued by an appropriate national authority. Conditions for issuing a Permit to enter the Area are that:

• it is issued only for compelling scientific reasons that cannot be served elsewhere, in particular for scientific study of the avifauna and ecosystem of the Area, or for essential management purposes consistent with plan objectives such as inspection, maintenance or review;
• the actions permitted will not jeopardise the values of the Area;
• any management activities are in support of the objectives of the management plan;
• the actions permitted are in accordance with the management plan;
• the Permit, or an authorised copy, shall be carried within the Area;
• a visit report shall be supplied to the authority named in the Permit;
• permits shall be issued for a stated period;
• the appropriate authority should be notified of any activities/measures undertaken that were not included in the authorised Permit.


7(i) Access to and movement within the Area

• Vehicles are prohibited on land within the Area. All movement on land within the Area shall be on foot. Movement within the Area on foot shall be by routes that minimise any disturbance to breeding birds, and to achieve this it may be necessary to take a longer route to the destination than would otherwise be the case. A preferred walking route, which avoids the most sensitive bird breeding sites, should be used when traversing across the central part of the island where movement in this area is necessary (Map 2). The designated route extends from the central eastern coast up the eastern slopes of the hill (Map 2). Visitors should bear in mind that specific nest sites may vary from year to year, and some variations on the recommended route may be preferable: the route is intended as a guide, and visitors are expected to exercise good judgement to minimise the effects of their presence. In other areas, and where practical and safe, it is usually preferable to adopt a route that follows the coastline of the Area.
• Access into areas where southern giant petrels are nesting (Map 3) shall only be undertaken for purposes specified in the Permit. When access to the beacon is necessary (eg. for maintenance), visitors shall follow the designated access route as closely as possible, trying to avoid nesting birds. Much of the area leading up to and surrounding the beacon is occupied by breeding petrels, so great care must be exercised.
• Movements should be slow, noise kept to a minimum, and the maximum distance practicable should be maintained from nesting birds.
• Visitors shall watch carefully for signs of agitation and preferably retreat from approach if significant disturbance is observed.
• Small boat landings should be made at the designated locations on the central northwestern coast or on the central eastern coast of the island (Map 2). If sea or ice conditions render this impractical, small boat landings may be made elsewhere along the coast as conditions allow.
• Access by vehicle to the coast when sea ice is present should also use these access points, and vehicles shall be parked at the shore.
• Travel by small boat or vehicle within the marine part of the Area is not confined to specific routes, but shall be by the shortest route consistent with the objectives and requirements of the permitted activities. Vehicle or boat crew, or other people on vehicles or boats, are prohibited from moving on foot beyond the immediate vicinity of the landing site unless specifically authorised by Permit.
• Aircraft should avoid landing within the Area throughout the year. Restrictions on overflight also apply (see Table 2 below). A Permit may be granted for helicopter use when this is considered necessary for essential purposes and where there is no practical alternative, such as for the installation, maintenance or removal of structures. In such instances the need for helicopter access, including alternatives, and the potential disturbance to breeding birds shall be adequately assessed before a Permit may be granted. Such a Permit shall clearly define the conditions for helicopter access based on the findings of the assessment.

Table 2: Aircraft overflight restrictions applying year-round at Avian Island.

Aircraft type Number
of engines		 Minimum
approach distance
Vertical
(above ground)		 Horizontal
Feet Mtrs Feet Mtrs
Helicopter 1 2460 750 2460 750
Helicopter 2 3300 1000 3300 1000
Fixed-wing 1 or 2 1480 450 1480 450
Fixed-wing 4 3300 1000 3300 1000

7(ii) Activities that are or may be conducted in the Area, including restrictions on time or place

• Scientific research that will not jeopardise the avifauna or ecosystem of the Area, and which is for compelling reasons that cannot be served elsewhere;
•
Essential management activities, including monitoring;

Restrictions on times at which activities may be conducted apply within the Area, and are specified in the relevant sections of this management plan.


7(iii) Installation, modification or removal of structures
Structures shall not be erected within the Area except as specified in a Permit. Any new or additional permanent structures are prohibited. Existing abandoned or dilapidated structures should be removed or renovated. Small temporary hides, blinds or screens may be constructed for the purpose of scientific study of the avifauna. Before a Permit may be granted for the installation, modification or removal of structures, an adequate environmental impact assessment shall be undertaken. Installation, modification, maintenance or removal of structures shall be undertaken in a manner that minimises disturbance to breeding birds. Such activities shall be undertaken between 1 February and 30 September inclusive to avoid the main breeding season. All structures, scientific equipment, hides or markers installed within the Area must be approved by Permit for a specified period, clearly identified by country, name of the principal investigator and year of installation. All such items should be made of materials that pose minimal risk of harm to bird populations or of contamination of the Area. Removal of specific equipment, hides or markers for which the period specified in the Permit has expired shall be a condition of the Permit.


7(iv) Location of field camps
Camping should be avoided within the Area. However, when necessary for purposes specified in the Permit, temporary camping is allowed at two designated campsites: one on the central eastern coast of the island, the other on the central northwestern coast of the Area (Map 2).


7(v) Restrictions on materials and organisms that can be brought into the Area
No living animals, plant material or microorganisms shall be deliberately introduced into the Area and the precautions listed in 7(ix) below shall be taken to prevent accidental introductions. In view of the presence of significant breeding bird colonies on the island, poultry products, including products containing uncooked dried eggs, are prohibited within the Area. No herbicides or pesticides shall be brought into the Area. Any other chemicals, including radio-nuclides or stable isotopes, which may be introduced for scientific or management purposes specified in the Permit, shall be removed from the Area at or before the conclusion of the activity for which the Permit was granted. Fuel is not to be stored in the Area, unless specifically authorised by Permit for specific scientific or management purposes. Refuelling of aircraft or vehicles is prohibited on land within the Area. Anything introduced shall be for a stated period only, shall be removed at or before the conclusion of that stated period, and shall be stored and handled so that risk of any introduction into the environment is minimised. If release occurs which is likely to compromise the values of the Area, removal is encouraged only where the impact of removal is not likely to be greater than that of leaving the material in situ. The appropriate authority should be notified of anything released and not removed that was not included in the authorised Permit.

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7(vi) Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna
Taking or harmful interference with native flora or fauna is prohibited, except by Permit issued in accordance with Annex II to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Where taking or harmful interference with animals is involved, the SCAR Code of Conduct for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica should be used as a minimum standard.


7(vii) Collection or removal of anything not brought into the Area by the Permit holder
Material may be collected or removed from the Area only in accordance with a Permit and should be limited to the minimum necessary to meet scientific or management needs. Permits shall not be granted if there is a reasonable concern that the sampling proposed would take, remove or damage such quantities of soil, native flora or fauna that their distribution or abundance on Avian Island would be significantly affected. Samples of flora or fauna found dead within the Area may be removed for analysis or audit without prior authorisation by Permit. Material of recent human origin likely to compromise the values of the Area, which was not brought into the Area by the Permit Holder, or is not otherwise authorised, shall be removed unless the impact of removal is likely to be greater than leaving the material in situ: if this is the case the appropriate authority should be notified.


7(viii) Disposal of waste
All wastes, except human wastes, shall be removed from the Area. Human wastes shall be removed from the Area or disposed of into the sea.

7(ix) Measures that are necessary to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Management Plan can continue to be met

1. Permits may be granted to enter the Area to carry out monitoring and site inspection activities, which may involve the small-scale collection of samples for analysis or review, or for protective measures.
2. Any specific long-term monitoring sites shall be appropriately marked.
3. To help maintain the ecological and scientific values found at Avian Island visitors shall take special precautions against introductions. Of concern are pathogenic, microbial or plant introductions sourced from other Antarctic sites, including stations, or from regions outside Antarctica. Visitors shall ensure that sampling equipment or markers brought into the Area are cleaned or sterilised. To the maximum extent practicable, footwear and other equipment used or brought into the Area (including backpacks, carry-bags and tents) shall be thoroughly cleaned before entering the Area.
4. Poultry products and other introduced avian products, which may be a vector of avian diseases, are prohibited within the Area.


7(x) Requirements for reports
Parties should ensure that the principal holder for each Permit issued submits to the appropriate authority a report describing the activities undertaken. Such reports should include, as appropriate, the information identified in the Visit Report form suggested by SCAR. Parties should maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual Exchange of Information, should provide summary descriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to their jurisdiction, which should be in sufficient detail to allow evaluation of the effectiveness of the management plan. Parties should, wherever possible, deposit originals or copies of such original reports in a publicly accessible archive to maintain a record of usage, to be used both in any review of the management plan and in organising the scientific use of the Area.

ANNEX 1