Pacific Seabird Group
 |
This article relies on references to primary sources. (June 2009) |
The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is a United States based ornithological society, focusing on the behavior, ecology, and conservation of seabirds.
History
It was founded in 1972 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 U.S. 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, Sponsored Members, and Family Members. Dues are paid annually.[1]
The PSG is a member of the Ornithological Council 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.[2]
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.[3]
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. Meetings were suspended in 2011 for the 1st World Seabird Conference in September 2010. The 38th annual meeting will take place in February 2012 in Hawaii.
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 Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Oahu, Hawaii | John Cooper | |
| 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 | |
| 2004 | La Paz, Mexico | ||
| 2000 | Napa, California | ||
| 1999 | Semiahmoo, Washington | ||
| 1998 | Monterey, California | ||
| 1997 | Portland, Oregon |
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.
