During 1978, 4,350 kilometres of coast were patrolled by 195 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their friends. 15,605 dead seabirds were found. There was a major wreck of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) in November and December. In late August and September there was a wreck of Antarctic fulmars (Fulmarus glacialoides) and Antarctic petrels (Thalassoica antarctica). Localised wrecks caused high annual totals of Fairy prions (Pachyptila turtur), Fleshfooted shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes), Buller’s shearwaters (P. bulleri), Fluttering shearwaters (P. gavia) and Diving petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix). This is the third year that specimens of Soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis) and Wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) have been found; the second year for Black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) and Little Tern (Sterna albifrons). A new record on the New Zealand mainland for Rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes crestatus = chrysocome) and Leach’s Fork-tailed storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) is a new record for beach patrolling.