Blinded by the light: Seabird collision events in South Georgia

Abstract Light-induced bird strikes on vessels occur frequently in association with areas of high seabird density, often resulting mortalities. These incidents are poorly understood and likely under-reported by vessels. Here we present the details four separate strike events (899, 206, 50 47 birds), which took place whilst (two fishing trawlers one tourist expedition ship) were navigating along south coast South Georgia, discuss possible contributing factors. All species encountered these burrowing petrel family Procellariidae, diving-petrel ( Pelecanoides spp.) being most commonly reported. during night similar meteorological conditions, poor visibility due to fog, light precipitation low wind speeds. We identify waters off coast, between King Haakon Bay Drygalski Fjord, have remained rat free exceptional importance breeding seabirds, as risk for collisions propose other high-risk areas. The different mortality rates recorded attributed varying actions taken ship crew persons board. that will help reduce occurrence mitigate impact strikes, including avoidance certain night-time conditions. give recommendations what do when birds land board stress reporting events. Given expected increase both activity Georgia waters, there is an increasing need understand this threat seabirds.