Purpose of the Session

This workshop will formalize a subgroup of the BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group focused on the Sargasso Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri). Participants will use the Road to Recovery (R2R) Species Recovery Wheel framework to assess conservation needs, identify priorities, and develop coordinated regional strategies for the recovery of this once-common Caribbean seabird.

Background and Rationale

The recently split Sargasso Shearwater (formerly Audubon’s Shearwater) is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Historically widespread across the Caribbean, the species is now largely restricted to smaller offshore islands and has experienced declines at many breeding sites. Available evidence suggests the species may warrant a higher threat category, but insufficient data currently limit assessment of population trends and conservation status.

Sargasso Shearwaters face numerous threats both on land and at sea, including introduced predators, hyper-predation by owls, oil spills, plastic pollution, climate change, and sea level rise. At the same time, there is an urgent need for improved regional coordination, targeted monitoring, and long-term recovery planning.

This workshop will use the Road to Recovery Species Recovery Wheel framework to help build a coordinated conservation constituency, assess current recovery capacity, and identify practical next steps for implementing a regional conservation and recovery strategy for the species.

Session Objectives

• Review current knowledge of the status, distribution, and biology of the Sargasso Shearwater
• Identify threats affecting survival and reproductive success at breeding colonies and at sea
• Discuss survey and monitoring priorities needed to clarify conservation status and trends
• Apply the Road to Recovery Species Recovery Wheel framework to assess recovery capacity and needs
• Develop local and regional conservation strategies, partnerships, and funding priorities

Session Structure and Format

The workshop will begin with presentations summarizing the status of key populations, major knowledge gaps, and current threats affecting the species. Topics will include introduced predators, hyper-predation by owls, oil spills, plastic pollution, climate change, and sea level rise.

Participants will then be introduced to the Road to Recovery Species Recovery Wheel framework and guided through an assessment of current conservation capacity and recovery needs for the species. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to review the Recovery Wheel materials in advance.

The workshop will continue with facilitated small-group discussions focused on different components of the recovery framework, including monitoring, stewardship, partnerships, funding, and conservation action planning. The final session will synthesize recommendations and establish action items, priorities, and a proposed meeting schedule for the next two years.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, outreach professionals, students, early-career professionals, ecotourism and bird guides, members of the general public, and anyone interested in seabird conservation.

Expected Outcomes

• Completion of a Road to Recovery Species Recovery Wheel self-assessment for the Sargasso Shearwater
• Identification of conservation strengths, gaps, and priority recovery actions
• Formation of a dedicated Sargasso Shearwater subgroup within the BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group
• Identification of key stakeholders and local stewards for important breeding populations
• Development of collaborative strategies and partnerships to support long-term species recovery