Alcatraz seabird monitoring

Farallon Institute monitors population size, breeding phenology, and productivity of seabirds (Brandt's cormorant and western gull) on Alcatraz Island from approximately March-September.  Nests are monitored twice a week.  Additionally, we also monitor disturbances to the breeding areas since Alcatraz Island is heavily visited by people, including a separate monitoring study during the 4th of July fireworks event.  

Alcatraz Island is an important breeding colony for these seabirds.  It is one of only two estuarine colonies for Brandt's cormorants, and it is the the largest colony of western gulls in San Francisco Bay.  Though it is an important natural resource in the bay habitat, Alcatraz also is one of the most significant historical places in San Francisco; more than 1 million visitors tour the island annually.  The island is delicately managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and National Park Service to balance use and conservation.

Farallon Institute produces reports each year to describe and summarize monitoring results.  These reports are freely available-- please email Julie Thayer.