The Distribution and Abundance of Seabirds South-east of Tasmania and Over the Soela Seamount During April 1985

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of seabirds over and around the 'Soela Seamount' (43°50′S, 150°25′E) and on a transect (120 nautical miles [nm]) from S.E. Tasmania to the seamount are documented and compared. During the study, the surface temperature/salinity front marking the eastern edge of the extension of the East Australian Current was located 70 nm east of Tasmania and cool water extended northwards over the seamount. Twelve species occurred only on the warm side of the front and over the seamount, seven solely on the cold side of the front or over the sea- mount, while only five occurred both sides of the front. Although the frontal zone appeared to have marked effects on distribution patterns, there were significant differences between the abundances of four species over and adjacent to the seamount. The significance of the presence of species such as Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta, over the warm side of the front close to Tasmania and over the seamount, is discussed.