The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is an international professional ornithological society based in the US, dedicated to the study and conservation of Pacific seabirds and their environment. The objectives of the Pacific Seabird Group are exclusively scientific, educational, conservational, and nonprofit. In furtherance of these objectives, PSG's principal activities are (1) to increase the amount and quality of scientific research on Pacific seabirds, (2) to educate PSG's members and the general public of the ecology and importance of Pacific seabirds and their environment, (3) to disseminate publications and other information to accomplish this end, and (4) to advocate for the conservation of Pacific seabirds wherever they occur.focusing on the behavior, ecology, and conservation of seabirds.
History It was founded in 1972, by William R.P. Bourne, Ph.D., James G. King, James C. Bartonek, as an association of professional seabird researchers and managers. It aims to increase the quality and quantity of seabird research by facilitating information exchange, to assess threats to seabird populations, and to provide government agencies and others with expert advice on managing them.
Organization The Pacific Seabird Group is governed by an Executive Council, which includes a student representative, and representatives from Alaska/Russia, Washington/Oregon, Northern California, Southern California/Latin America/Hawaii, non-Pacific US states, Canada, Asia/Oceania, and Europe/Africa. Membership on the Executive Council is decided by an annual election by the membership. Membership is open to "all persons interested in Pacific seabirds and/or their environment." There are Individual Members, Life Members, Honorary Members, Student Members, Corresponding Members, and Sponsored Members. Dues are paid annually.>
The PSG is a member of the Ornithological Council, the World Seabird Union, and the American Bird Conservancy.
Publications Pacific Seabirds is a biannual (spring and fall) publication with news and events of interest to the membership. It continues the Pacific Seabird Group Bulletin.
Since 2000, the PSG has published the open-access, peer-reviewed journal Marine Ornithology on behalf of a consortium of seabird groups from across the world. Marine Ornithology is published 2–3 times a year, and is the continuation of the African Seabird Group's journal Cormorant.
Annual meeting Since its inception, the PSG has hosted an annual meeting of members. In 2008, the first annual meeting outside North America was held in Hakodate, Japan. The most recent meeting was held in La Jolla, California, US, in February 2023. Dates, venues, and some abstracts of prior meetings can be found on the PSG website.
Awards At each annual meeting, awards are presented for the best student oral and poster presentations. A Lifetime Achievement Award and Special Achievement Award may also be presented.
Year Meeting Location Lifetime Achievement Award Special Achievement Award2024Seattle, Washington 2023La Jolla, CaliforniaHsiao-Wei Yuan, Shui-Hua Chen, and Simba Chan2022virtual2021virtual2020Portland, Oregon2019Lihue, Hawaii2018La Paz, Mexico2017Tacoma, WashingtonP. Dee Boersma, Sarah WanlessMartin Raphael2016Oahu, HawaiiLarry B. SpearLindsay Young; Gus Van Vliet 2015 San Jose, California David Ainley 2014 Juneau, Alaska Anthony Gaston Vivian Mendenhall 2013 Portland, Oregon Malcolm Coulter None 2012 Oahu, Hawaii John Cooper None 2010 Long Beach, California Daniel W. Anderson Frank Gress 2009 Hakodate, Japan Haruo Ogi Yutaka Watanuki 2008 Blaine, Washington John Croxall Lora Leschner, and S. Kim Nelson 2007 Pacific Grove, California Michael P. Harris Edward F. Melvin 2006 Girdwood, Alaska G. Vernon Byrd Mark Rauzon 2005 Portland, Oregon Spencer G. Sealy None 2004 La Paz, Mexico None 2003 Parksville, British Columbia None 2002 Santa Barbara, California Philip & Myrtle Ashmole None 2001 Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii None Hiroshi Hasegawa 2000 Napa, California Richard G. B. Brown Malcolm Coulter & Steven M. Speich 1999 Blaine, Washington John Warnham 1998 Monterey, California George J. Divoky & Craig S. Harrison 1997 Portland, Oregon William R.P. Bourne, James G. King, James C. Bartonek (co-founders PSG) 1996 Charles J. Guiget None 1995 Miklos D. Udvardy None 1994 Thomas R. Howell None 1993 Sacramento, California First Award ever given by PSG: Karl W. Kenyon Arthur L. Sowls
Advocacy The PSG often comments on government proposals or legal actions concerning seabird conservation issues. In the past, it has written regarding Marine Protected Areas in the western United States, American white pelican management plans, the eradication of introduced mammals from islands, and decisions on the listing of species in endangered species legislation.
References
External links
Official website