Beach Patrol Scheme
Surrounded by sub-tropical seas to the north and sub-Antarctic seas to the south, New Zealand is the breeding centre for many seabird species and lies in the path of birds moving eastward across the Pacific Ocean from the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the non-breeding season. Although seabirds can be studied from ships, they are often difficult or impossible to accurately identify at sea, so analysis of records of dead birds, and in some cases examinations of the birds themselves, that are washed up on coastlines is an important way of studying seabird movements throughout the year. Located in the South Pacific and exposed to westerly and north-easterly winds New Zealand is geographically very well placed to contribute to such studies.
Submit a new Beach Patrol observation – CLICK HERE
The following pages explain why beach patrolling is so important, how it is done and how to submit records.
