Researchers from the EU LIFE+ Malta Seabird Project have this month successfully released four young shearwaters after they were found on land, disorientated by coastal light pollution.

The Malta Seabird Project team filmed the release earlier this month of two of the Yelkouans (Garnija in Maltese) at Rdum tal-Madonna. These two Yelkouans were handed over to BirdLife Malta by the government veterinary service, while two others were found by members of the public close to two coastal hotels.

Nicholas Barbara, Malta Seabird Project Manager said “at this time of the year, Yelkouan Shearwaters are setting out from their nests to fly for the first time, which makes them particularly susceptible to the urban problem of light pollution.”

These seabirds, very similarly to marine turtles wait for darkness to leave their nests, and are guided offshore by the brightest glare, being the horizon in natural circumstances. So during these first flying attempts, young birds can easily get distracted by lights from nearby urban areas, ending up stranded on land, vulnerable to injury by traffic or stray animals.

Unless guided back to sea, Yelkouan Shearwaters, may not be able to find their way to the shore.

“The prime solution to this problem is reducing coastal light pollution, and we appeal to all authorities as well as developers to take regard of this phenomenon,” continued Nicholas Barbara.

BirdLife Malta has over the past years, with the assistance of the Light Pollution Awareness Group, issued a report documenting seabird strandings and providing guidance on better lighting schemes. BirdLife Malta have issued an updated report on their website, highlighting problematic areas and the need for action.

Tackling coastal light pollution is an ongoing measure, with conditions already being imposed by MEPA over lighting schemes of major developments. Wider awareness and initiative by establishments however is key to reducing the problem.

BirdLife Malta appealed to members of the public to report any stranded shearwaters. Yelkouan Shearwaters are very dark on the tops of their body and wings with a contrasting white underside and a dark slender bill.

The larger Scopoli’s Shearwaters (Ciefa in Maltese) leave their nests in late September and October and they can be recognised by their brown upper side and a large yellow bill with a black tip.

Stranding reports can be made to BirdLife Malta on 2134 7644.

Video below shows two young Yelkouans being released on the 8th of July 2014, by a team from the EU Life+ Malta Seabird Project. Footage recorded by Paulo Lago Barreiro, edit by Ella Beeson.

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