Five questions with Dr Rachael Alderman
Dr Alderman clearly loves what she does – managing the Shy albatross monitoring and research program and raising awareness of Tasmania’s own magnificent bird of the seas.
We loved her passionate responses to our questions. Find her full responses and how you can help the Shy albatross here.
PLUS for a lovely gift for that special someone AND the Albatross, check out the sale on albatross prints here.
1. Why the Shy albatross?
It's an amazing bird, endemic to Tasmania. It really is our own special albatross but most people don't know about it or its vulnerability. It is long-lived, monogamous and truly spectacular to watch in the air.
2. Why are they threatened?
The first main threat emerged as accidental drowning associated with fishing. The biggest threat now is climate change. Already there are changes in the She albatross' foraging environment. Other threats include marine pollution and the fact that we are increasingly taking their food supply.
3. What's the most important aspect of your work?
There are actually three equally critical parts of our Shy albatross program:
1. Keeping the long term monitoring program and research happening.
2. Coming up with effective ways to remove threats.
3. To keep 1 and 2 going - raising awareness of the bird and its status.
4. When will you know if the new artificial nests have worked?
We can't change climate change overnight so we're working on ways to increase the resilience of the Shy albatross. One of those is artificial nests.
After successful testing with a few nests last year we put more in this season and are heading out there now to check the hatching rate. We'll get final results when we return in April as the chicks fledge.
5. While you're getting up close and personal with the Shy albatross, can the rest of us help?Don't feel like any of these issues are too big for an individual to make a difference. There are things we can each do that can bring about change if enough of us help out.
• Think about the seafood you eat – has it been sustainably caught?
• Think about the plastics in your life and where they end up.
• Get involved in climate action, whether just in your daily life or as part of a bigger plan.
• Find out more about Tasmanian Albatross Fund
▪ Please note that access to Albatross Island is strictly restricted by Parks & Wildlife and a permit is required.
▪ | Please note that access to Albatross Island is strictly restricted by Parks & Wildlife and a permit is required. |
Read our full interview with Dr Alderman here and further information in this Tas Weekend article.