Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Thalassarche bulleri
Profile last updated:
20 Mar 2024
Description
One of the smallest albatross with a wingspan of 205 to 213 cm. The Buller's Albatross is similar to other grey-headed albatross, but has a striking black and yellow bill, a white forecap, black patch before the eye, a thin white crescent to the rear of and below the eye, and a mostly white underwing with a moderately broad sharply defined leading edge. Immature individuals are separated from the immature Grey-headed Albatross by the underwing pattern and lighter bill with a contrasting dark sub-terminal spot.
Distribution
This albatross only nests on islands off New Zealand. The northern subspecies (platei) nests on islands off Chatham Island with an estimated population of around 18,200 breeding pairs. The southern subspecies (bulleri) breeds on the Snares and Solander islands with a total population of around 13,600 breeding pairs. After breeding both subspecies migrate to the seas off Peru and Chile. In NSW waters it is a relatively common visitor between March and October, with few sightings outside this period.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in both inshore and offshore waters, including the continental shelf break and pelagic waters.
- Feeds mainly on squid, fish, tunicates, octopus and crustacea.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- The most pervasive threat to albatross species including this one is accidental mortality and injury arising from interactions with human fishing activities, especially longline and trawl fisheries. These interactions have been implicated in the dramatic population declines witnessed around the globe and are the focus of conservation efforts. Longline fisheries are known to be responsible for the deaths of foraging Buller's Albatross, both inside and outside the Australian Fishing Zone.
- It is likely that occasional individual mortality results from becoming entangled, being affected by oil or other chemical pollutants, or ingestion of plastics or other marine pollutants.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
0 priority actions
to help recover the Buller's Albatross in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Continue to develop and disseminate information on strategies and techniques which reduce the incidence of albatross capture in longline and trawl fisheries. Mitigation measures in longline fisheries include: undertake fishing operations at night, use demersal longline streamers, deploy demersal longline underwater setting chutes, use weighted lines to ensure that they sink quickly, and use blue-dyed bait. Mitigation measures in trawl fisheries include: deploy streamer lines, use bird bafflers, avoid the discharging of offal prior to and during net shooting, net binding, net weighting, removing caught birds without causing injury and placing waterlogged birds in dry boxes to allow feathers to be dried and reconditioned before release.
- Continue to educate fishers, ship operators and recreational craft users to not throw rubbish overboard which may result in entanglement or the ingestion of pollutants. Support programs which clean up rubbish along coastlines and coastal waterways, including estuaries.
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