Distribution of seabirds at sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of seabirds was documented at sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria in December 1990 and November 1991. Of the 17 species recorded, only the crested tern, least frigatebird, brown booby and streaked shearwater were widespread. The first three species were seen mainly in coastal waters; streaked shearwaters were seen only in the central north-western gulf. The common tern, roseate tern, little tern, sooty tern, black-naped tern, common noddy and greater frigatebird were either sparsely distributed or uncommon. The list includes five terrestrial species. The distribution of the seabirds is discussed in relation to proximity to breeding and roosting sites, food availability, the effects of discards from prawn trawling, and water currents.