Black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act has made a Final Determination to list the Black-Browed Albatross, Diomedea melanophris, Temminck 1828 as a VULNERABLE SPECIES on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Listing of Vulnerable Species is provided for by Section 14 of the Act.

This species is now known as Thalassarche melanophris (Temminck, 1828)
[NSW Government Gazette No. 35, 17 March 2006, Page 1392 and NSW Government Gazette No. 113, 25 November 2011, Page 6727]

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Diomedea melanophris is an albatross which does not breed in New South Wales but which is recorded as a visitor to New South Wales waters.

2. There is evidence of a decline in the population of D. melanophris globally, although the status of the Falkland Islands colonies (which represent the majority of the world population) is uncertain.

3. D. melanophris has been reported to be the most commonly occurring albatross species being killed as bycatch in long-line fishing operations in Australian waters.

4. In view of the evidence of population decline and the threat from long-line fishing the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate and that therefore the species qualifies for inclusion on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act as a VULNERABLE SPECIES.

Associate Professor Paul Adam
Deputy Chairperson
Scientific Committee

Gazetted: 31/1/97