Seabird Mass Mortalities: What’s Happening & How You Can Help

Did you know that seabirds like the short-tailed shearwater died in mass numbers along Australia's coastlines last year and may do so again in coming months? This is on a scale beyond "business as usual" and it’s not caused by storms or exhaustion. The real cause? Starvation due to marine heatwaves that deny the birds their food source.

We need your help to track these events and get important data to the experts! Here’s how YOU can assist:

Take a close-up photo of any dead/dying seabirds you find on the beach, if possible including the

beak and feet for ID. A stick may be used to expose buried limbs. A photo of the general area also helps.

• 📏 Record the distance you walked along the beach.

• 👥 Note how many people were with you.

• 🔢 Count the birds you see.

Where to report?

Submit your photos and data at the web portal of Living Ocean's partner, Adrift Lab:

Let’s work together to understand what’s happening and prevent these events from becoming normal. The seabirds are our “canaries in the coal mine” - they’re telling us something’s wrong with our oceans, and it’s time we listen.

Please DO NOT touch the birds, even live ones! The best way to help is report them on the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

Learn more about why this is happening and how to protect wildlife at Dr. Michelle Wille’s Avian Flu Resources.