Subject: [SEABIRD] Second International Albatross Conference (fwd) - long
Date: Nov 4 14:54:01 1999
From: Jon. Anderson and Marty Chaney - festuca at olywa.net


Hi folks,

Thought that perhaps some on the list might be interested in the
up-coming conference on Albatrosses and petrels. You'd have to
go to Hawaii at the end of winter, though...... :-)

There are some pretty interesting-looking field trips as well.

Please respond to the conference organizers, not to me, thanks.

Jon. Anderson
Olympia, Washington
festuca at olywa.net



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 16:19:47 SAST-2
From: John Cooper <jcooper at botzoo.uct.ac.za>
To: seabird at uct.ac.za
Subject: [SEABIRD] Second International Albatross Conference

SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE BIOLOGY AND
CONSERVATION OF ALBATROSSES AND OTHER PETRELS
The Ilikai Hotel, Waikiki, Hawaii
8-12 May, 2000

We are pleased to invite you to attend the Second International
Conference on the Biology and Conservation of Albatrosses and Other
Petrels. In 1995 the First International Conference on the Biology
and Conservation of Albatrosses was convened in Hobart, Tasmania,
Australia. A group of 120 participants came together to exchange
scientific information on the biology and conservation of albatrosses.
Ninety of those biologists, fisheries managers, and representatives of
the fishing industry and non-governmental conservation organizations
then participated in a workshop focused on the serious problem of
albatross mortality in the world's longline fisheries. The first
meeting and workshop resulted in a publication that summarized the
state of the art of research on the ecology of albatrosses and
current knowledge about the scope and effect of the longline problem
in addition to technical information about the methods available to
reduce bird mortality in longline fisheries.

Participants in the first conference agreed to convene again in the
year 2000, and Hawaii has been chosen as the site of this Second
International Conference. The first conference and workshop succeeded
in bringing together scholars representing a variety of research areas
including systematics, population ecology, foraging ecology,
physiology, and behavior. This forum also resulted in an assessment
of the nature and extent of the fishery interaction problem,
recommendations for mitigating measures that could be enacted by
fisheries immediately, and identifying areas in need of further
research and development. In the intervening years progress by the
world community has been made on several fronts including
international policy in the form of an IUCN Resolution concerning
mortality of seabirds in longline fisheries passed in October of 1996
and an FAO Technical Consultation on the Incidental Catch of Seabirds
in Longline Fisheries. The latter resulted in an International Plan
of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline
Fisheries that was approved in June 1999. It is now an appropriate
time for people to report on a number of their local initiatives such
as research into efficacy of various mitigation techniques in the
fisheries, progress in regulations and regulatory management of the
problem, and studies on the population effects of fisheries on
Procellariform birds.

This year the format of the conference will be expanded beyond just
albatrosses to include other species in the Order Procellariiformes.
Participants will present their work on breeding biology, foraging
ecology, energetics, and population dynamics of albatrosses and all
other petrels. Many members of this group, in addition to
albatrosses, face pressing conservation problems due to introduced
mammalian predators in their breeding colonies, global contaminants,
as well as fisheries interactions. This gathering will provide a
platform for presentations about advances in understanding the biology
of all petrel species, allow participants to share technologies, and
encourage them to plan for the best use of conservation resources to
avert future petrel extirpations and extinctions. The agenda includes
3 days for presentation of scientific papers and 2 days for workshops
on specific topics such as fishery interactions and island restoration
techniques. These workshop sessions will allow smaller groups of
people to work in a more flexible format. More information about the
agenda will be posted on a conference website as it is finalized.

Organizing Committee

Beth Flint, David Duffy, Katie Swift, Pat Tummons

CALL FOR PAPERS

We invite you to submit an abstract for an oral or poster presentation
on Procellariform breeding biology, foraging ecology, energetics,
physiology, population biology, systematics, genetics, conservation
biology, fishery interactions, restoration ecology or any other topic
you wish. Abstracts should be approximately 250 words (about half of
a page) and in the format given below. A copy of the registration
form, one printed copy, and (if possible) one electronic copy in
Microsoft Word or WordPerfect either on disk (label with your name and word processing program used) or by email (preferred) must be received by us no later than January 30, 2000. On your submission please note whether you prefer to do an oral or poster presentation and which audiovisual equipment you will need such as a 35 mm projector, slide carousel, overhead projector, digital projector (for Powerpoint or
Corel Presentations). You will be notified of your placement on the
program by 28 February, 2000.

ABSTRACT FORMAT

TITLE OF PRESENTATION

Elizabeth N. Flint*1, and David Duffy2; 1U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850, USA,
beth_flint at fws.gov; 2Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, Department of
Botany, University of Hawaii at Manoa, St. John 410, 3190 Maile Way,
Honolulu, HI 96822-2270, USA.

Put the title in capitals. Return twice. Put the authors' names in
italics. Indicate the speaker with an asterisk. Use superscripts
for authors with different addresses. Include the email address of
the senior author. Do not put a period after the email address.
Return twice. Indent three spaces. Single space the body of the
abstract. Place only one space after periods. Avoid abbreviations.
Include scientific names of species (italics in parentheses). A
word processor count of the body of the abstract should not exceed
approximately 250 words. Speakers will be notified later regarding
length of oral presentation and scheduling.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Schedule:

Monday, 8 May 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Registration and Scientific
Presentations 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Welcome reception at the Waikiki
Aquarium Tuesday, 9 May 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Scientific Presentations
Wednesday, 10 May 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Scientific Presentations 6:30 PM
- 10:00 PM Cocktails and Banquet Thursday, 11 May 8:00 am - 5:00
PM Workshops Friday, 12 May 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Workshops
Transportation from Honolulu International Airport:
The Ilikai Hotel is a 30 minute drive from the airport. City buses
into Waikiki (The Bus) leave regularly from bus stops on the traffic
islands on the upstairs level of the terminal. Fare is $1. Warning:
Bus drivers will not let on visitors with luggage larger than can
comfortably fit on your lap! Red and blue shuttle buses labeled
Airport Waikiki Express, without constraints on luggage, also run
frequently between the airport and Waikiki. Fares are approximately
$9.00 one way and $13.00 round-trip (phone: 808-566-7000). Taxis are
also available for a fare of ~$25.00. We suggest you save your money
on rental cars during the conference since you will be centrally
located. However, for traveling around the island of Oahu before or
after the conference, you can choose from a number of large car rental
companies (Avis, Alamo, Budget, etc.) that have offices both at the
airport and in Waikiki.

Accommodations:
The conference will be held at The Ilikai, a large hotel in Waikiki
within walking distance of the beach, many restaurants, Ala Moana
Shopping Center, and Ala Moana Beach Park. Rooms are available for
the conference rate of $110 per night which includes a continental
breakfast and all taxes (see enclosed form and brochure).
Reservations should be made using the enclosed form directly with the
hotel before 7 April 2000 to be sure to get the conference rate.

The Ilikai
1777 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815-1606
USA

Ph: 800-245-4524
Fax: (808) 947-4523
Web: www.ilikaihotel.com
Email: sales at ilikaihotel.com

A limited number of less expensive accommodations at the local YMCA
may be available. Please contact us for more information.

Weather:
Honolulu temperature varies between about 72 -82 F. Evenings can be
chilly, especially with rain and the trade winds blowing, and
conference facilities are air-conditioned, so bring a light sweater or
jacket. Be prepared for frequent rains. For those venturing onto
other islands, the upper elevations can be bone-chillingly wet and
cold. We're not kidding. Bring appropriate cold and wet weather
clothing if you plan to bird on Maui, the Big Island or the Alakai
Swamp on Kauai.

Welcome Reception (Monday, May 8, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.):
Transportation will be provided by trolley to and from the Waikiki
Aquarium, where pupus (Hawaiian hors d'oeuvres) will be served.
Sodas, juice, wine and beer will be available at a no-host bar.
Socializing, sunset-watching, and viewing the Aquarium's collection
will be the main activities. Family and friends are invited to join
us free of charge.

Banquet (Wednesday, May 10, 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.):
A buffet dinner of Pacific/Asian cuisine will be served at The Ilikai.
Family and friends are welcome to attend. Cost is the same as that
for conference participants.

Birding Tour Information

All field trip prices are per person and all except for Midway only
include the cost of the guided birding, not inter-island transport or
accommodation. We will notify you of your placement on chosen tours
by 10 April, 2000.

OAHU:
Oahu
Birding...............................................................
...................................................$10 Field trips to
one or more of the wetland refuges on Oahu to see endemic Hawaiian
stilts, coots, and moorhens; and to coastal viewing sites will be
offered before and after the conference. An easy 2 mile hike to Kaena
Point to see nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and a few Laysan
Albatross will be an option for some of these trips. Participants
need to bring their own water, lunch, sun protection, binoculars, and
comfortable shoes.

MAUI
All Maui tours include a box lunch, snacks, bottled water, binoculars,
day packs, and rain gear.

Hawaiian Forest Birds (half day)
.......................................................................
........... $75
(full day)
.....................................................................
............ $95
An easy hike in introduced and native Hawaiian subalpine forest on the
West slopes of Haleakala Crater at 6000 feet in Poli Poli State Park.
Views of Maui, Lanai, and Kaho'olawe Islands. Possibility of four
species of native Hawaiian honeycreepers, native short-eared owl
(Pueo), and a variety of introduced species.

Haleakala National Park (full day)
.......................................................................
....... ..$100 A rigorous nine-mile hike at high elevations (6500 -
8000 ft.) into spectacular
Haleakala Crater to see silverswords and Nene (Hawaii geese).
Includes a
stop in the Hosmer Grove area, a mixed alien tree grove and subalpine
shrubland, which is habitat for four species of native Hawaiian
honeycreepers, the native short-eared owl (Pueo), and a variety of
introduced species.

For more information contact:
Renate Gassmann-Duvall
Phone: (808) 573-0094
Fax: (808) 572-1584
email: corvusco at maui.net
website: http://www.maui.net/~corvusco/
P.O. Box 667
Makawao, HI 96768-0667

A self-guided visit to Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary and Kealia
Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui should yield good views of most
of Hawaii's endemic and endangered waterfowl, including the stilt,
coot, and moorhen.

For those wanting to piece together accommodations, car rental and
airfare separately on Maui, Renate can be contacted to help arrange
accommodations. Prices range between $40 plus tax per night/ two
people for a studio in the Upcountry area (1500 ft. or higher on the
slopes of Haleakala Crater) to $525 for a suite at the Four Seasons
Resort on the coast at Wailea. Simpler options are the Banana
Bungalow or Northshore Inn in Wailuku for about $15 per night per
person. A church camp near Lahaina charges $5 per night per tent
(bring your own).

The Big Island (HAWAII):
Rainforest and Dry Forest Birding (full
day)..............................................................
$130 Visit the two types of native habitat on Mauna Kea, a dormant
volcano, with good possibilities of seeing rare and endangered endemic
birds, including the Palila, Akiapola'au, Hawaii Creeper, and native
thrush, flycatcher, owl and hawk. Tour includes pickup from selected
locations in Kona, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages, day packs,
water bottles, binoculars, walking sticks, warm wear, and rain gear.

For more information contact Sylvia Texeira of Hawaii Forest & Trail:
Phone: (808) 331-8505 Fax: (808) 331-8704 email: hitrail at aloha.net
website: www.hawaii-forest.com 74-5035B Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

A self-guided visit to Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park near
the Kailua-Kona small boat harbor should yield good views of most of
Hawaii's endemic and endangered waterfowl, including the stilt, coot,
and moorhen. A visit to the Big Island would not be complete without
allowing a day to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for views of an
active volcano and all the associated geological and ecological
features of that area.

Accommodations: A range of hotels exist on the Kona side, where the
tour will depart from, ranging from ultra-luxury resorts to bargains
(for Hawaii). Three inexpensive or moderately priced hotels are the
King Kamehameha (808-329-2111); the Kona By the Sea (808-327-2300);
Kona Seaside (1-800-560-5558); and the Aston Keahou Beach
(808-322-3441).

KAUAI:
Alakai Swamp (7:00 a.m- 2:00 p.m)
.......................................................................
...... $45 Among the most stunning places in the entire State of
Hawaii, featuring spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast, lush native
vegetation and good opportunities to see four species of birds endemic
to Kauai, plus a more common native honeycreeper. Bring your own rain
gear, binoculars and lunch, etc. No transportation, participants must
make their own way to the trailheads in Kokee State Park and bring
their own binoculars, lunch, water, comfortable hiking shoes, and rain
gear.

Kilauea Point and Hanalei Valley (8:00 a.m.- 2:00
PM)................................................$15 A tour of
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge offers the best viewing of
seabirds in the main Hawaiian islands. Species that will be seen
include breeding Laysan Albatross, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters,
Red-footed Boobies, Red-tailed and White-tailed Tropicbirds, and Great
Frigatebirds. A side trip down to the wetlands of the National
Wildlife Refuge will allow viewing of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds
and taro farming practices.
For all outer islands tours except Midway: Individual arrangements
for inter-island flight, car rental, and accommodations can be made
after November through Regal Travel (Dana) at (808) 733-6111 (ph),
(808) 733-6119 (fax). Package arrangements (air, car, hotel) are
available. In 1999 these packages were priced starting at $173 for
one person and $258 for two people for round-trip inter-island
airfare, 24-hour car rental, and one night hotel. Two- and three-day
packages are options. Packages are also available through the
following hotels: Kauai Sands (1-800-560-5553), Maui Seaside
(1-800-560-5552); and on the Big Island: Hilo Seaside
(1-800-560-5557) and Kona Seaside (1-800-560-5558).

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (May 13-17):
We offer an unusual opportunity to visit the world's largest colony of
Laysan Albatross (almost 400,000 breeding pairs at last count!!),
second largest colony of Black-footed Albatross (21,000 breeding
pairs) and an amazing number of Bonin Petrels, all during the
chick-rearing season. Midway combines comfortable accommodations with
high-density wildlife and gorgeous tropical scenery. Most of the 17
species of seabirds can be seen at such close range, you won't even
need your binoculars. Midway is an uplifting experience due to recent
habitat improvements. Rats were finally eradicated in 1996, leading
to an explosion in the Bonin Petrel population. Christmas Shearwaters
are increasing, and Tristram's Storm Petrels and Bulwer's Petrels are
reappearing for the first time since rats were introduced in 1943.
Removal of abandoned military buildings, fuel storage tanks, and
invasive weeds has resulted in more available habitat. The closing of
beaches to humans has resulted in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal
pupping on Sand Island for the first time ever recorded, while trails
still provide excellent viewing of seals from a distance. Snorkeling
and diving are a must. Midway's lagoon contains a wide assortment of
colorful tropical fish and corals, threatened Hawaiian green sea
turtles, spinner dolphins, giant manta rays and spotted eagle rays.
Information about travel to Midway Atoll can be found on the web at
http://www.midwayisland.com.

Cost...........$1295 per person, including round trip airfare from
Honolulu, four nights' accommodation (double occupancy), and all
meals. (If at least 80 people sign up, the cost will drop to $1050
per person.) Kids under 12 can stay in parents' room for free
(rollaway bed for $20/night) and get 50% off on food plan.

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME (last, first, title):

ORGANIZATION:

ADDRESS:


COUNTRY: STATE:
POSTAL CODE:

TELEPHONE: W ( ) H ( )
FAX: ( )

e-mail:

Preferred name for badge:

Note: We are applying for grant money to cover conference expenses
for participants who may not be able to come otherwise. Please
contact us for further information.

1) REGISTRATION FEE:

Registration for conference and workshops: $150 ($185 if received
after March 30) $

2) BANQUET:

Banquet (Wed. evening, 10 May): Persons at $35 per
person = $

3) FIELD TRIPS:

Every effort will be made to accommodate people's preferences.
However, field trip dates may be canceled or changed based upon
demand. We will notify you of any changes as soon as possible. All
prices given are per person, and do not include airfare or
accommodations.

Oahu: (Wetlands/seabirds) (full day $10) Persons $
Indicate day: May 6 ; May 13 , Prefer trip with or w/o
2 mile hike.

The Big Island of Hawaii: (full day $130)
Persons $ Indicate day: May 7 ; May 13 ; May 14 ;
May 15

Maui:
a) Hawaiian Forest Birds (half-day $75, full day $95) Persons
$ Indicate day: May 7 ; May 14

b) Haleakala National Park (full day $100)
Persons $
Indicate day: May 6 ; May 13

Kauai:
Alakai Swamp Forest Birds (full day $45) Persons $
Indicate day: May 5 ; May 15

Kilauea Point NWR ($15) Persons $
Indicate day: May 6 ; May 13

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (May 13-17):
$1295 per person, including airfare from Honolulu,
meals and accommodation. (If at least 80 people go,
chartering a plane will lower the cost to $1050 and we
will refund excess.
Persons $

Total Payment
Enclosed .............................................................
..........$ Check made out to Environment Hawaii
(U.S. funds)
Credit Card VISA # Master
Card #
Diner's Club #

Expiration date
Signature

Hotel reservations should be sent directly to the Ilikai Hotel.

This form and your payment should be sent by mail or FAX as early as
possible to assure places on field trips and to avoid the higher
registration fee charged after 30 March 2000.

Please send to:
Beth Flint
Pacific/Remote Islands Refuge Complex
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 50167
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
USA
beth_flint at fws.gov
Ph: (808) 541-1699 x170
Fax: (808) 541-1216


The Ilikai Hotel Nikko Waikiki
ROOM RESERVATION REQUEST FORM
2ND International Albatross Meeting, May 7 - 13

NAME:______________________________________ DATE:____________________
____________

TITLE:______________________________________ FAX:_____________________
_____________

FIRM
NAME:________________________________ PHONE:__________________________
_____

ADDRESS:______________________________________________________________
___________________

CITY:_______________________STATE:___________ZIP:____________COUNTRY__
__________________

ARRIVAL DAY/TIME________________________ DEPARTURE
DAY/TIME_______________

CREDIT CARD #__________________________________EXP.
DATE____________________________ VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS,
CARTE BLANCHE, DINERS, DISCOVER

SIGNATURE:_____________________________________

SPECIAL CONFERENCE RATE * Requested Room Type__*

__________ $110.00 Run-of-House, single/double ______ (1) King or
_____ (2) Beds
U.S. Gov't Rate, includes tax ______ Smoking or
______ Non-Smoking
______Adults ______ Children

Comments______________________________________________________________
______________________

~ The extra person (in excess of 2) charge is $30.00 per person per
day. ~ No charge for children 17 years old and under using existing
bedding. ~ Self parking is $10.00 per day or $14.00 per day for valet
in and out privileges.

GUARANTEED CHECK IN: 3:00 P.M. CHECK OUT TIME: 12 Noon

DEPOSIT: All reservations must be received by April 7, 2000 and be
accompanied by a one (1) night's deposit for each room booked.
Deposit may be in the form of a check or credit card. If Reservation
Request form received later than the April 7, 2000 deadline,
confirmation of the room will be based on availability.

CANCELLATION: Cancellations from 72 hours up to arrival date including
no-shows will be assessed a cancellation penalty equal to a one (1)
night stay.

SPECIAL RATES AVAILABLE ONLY BY MAIL OR FAX RESERVATION FORM:
Please mail or fax this form by April 7, 2000 to the address below:

The Ilikai Hotel Nikko Waikiki OFFICE USE ONLY
Group Reservations RES. ID#CBN0502
1777 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815 Confirmation #__________
Phone: (800)245-4524
FAX: (808) 947-0892 Resv.Agt:_______________