Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP)

L photo by Mark Jobling, R photo copyright John Weller

Albatrosses and petrels are majestic, beautiful birds that are struggling to survive worldwide because of human-induced threats - pollution, fishing methods, and invasive species.  ASOC is greatly concerned about these amazing species and seeks to support the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels to better protect them.

The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) is a multilateral agreement which seeks to protect albatrosses and petrels by coordinating international activity to mitigate threats to albatross and petrel populations. ACAP has been developed under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

The first Meeting of the Parties (MOP1) was held in Hobart, Australia in November 2004.  A key outcome of MOP1 was the establishment of an Advisory Committee to guide the implementation of the Agreement.  The second Meeting of the Parties (MOP2) was held in Christchurch, New Zealand in November 2006. The Advisory Committee first met in Hobart, Australia in July, 2005, its second meeting was held in Brazil in June, 2006, and the third was held in Valdivia, Chile from June 11th-15th, 2007.

Albatross and petrel populations continue to decline, as indicated in a recent assessment that indicates the black-browed albatross, once one of the world's most abundant albatrosses, has declined by more than 40% in the last 30 years!

Former ASOC Board Member Marco Favero is the Chair of the Advisory Committee.

ASOC's report on the 2009 Meeting of Parties 3 can be read by clicking here.

ASOC's report on the 2008 meeting of the Advisory Committee can be read by clicking here.

ASOC's report on the 2007 meeting of the Advisory Committee can be read by clicking here.

Additional information:

Seabird Conservation Newsletter   This newsletter provides updates on measures to protect seabirds from environmental problems and hazards related to commercial fishing equipment and methods. 

A pair of albatrosses and their chick on South Georgia Island.  Courtesy SG Island government.