An expedition by the National Geographic Pristine Seas will visit the waters off Gau Island to try and locate Fiji Petrels at sea.
This will be done in partnership with BirdLife International, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, Fiji Ministry of the Environment and iTaukei affairs.
The aim of the expedition will be to determine the location for their nesting grounds and finding the elusive birds’ nesting locations.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to solve one of the greatest mysteries in seabird conservation: finding the nest of the Fiji Petrel, a bird that has remained hidden for over a century and holds deep cultural significance, appearing on Fiji’s $20 note and in traditional lullabies,” said Lindsay Young, Vice President of Research at Pristine Seas and leader of the expedition to track Fiji Petrels.
“Teetering on the edge of extinction, this magnificent species embodies both scientific hope and the pride of the people of Gau, who have cherished it for generations.”
“We’re hopeful that the insights from this journey will help drive efforts to safeguard one of Fiji’s most important birds.”
In order to locate the Fiji petrel, the team will study the waters off Gau Island to try and locate the birds at sea and put a location tracker on them.
“The Kacau ni Gau or Fiji Petrel embodies nature’s resilience — enduring threats from predators, habitat loss, and more,” said Stephanie Borrelle, Pacific Marine Coordinator of BirdLife International.
“It stands as a beacon of hope, as the custodians of its believed breeding grounds reconnect with the bird, reviving the stories once carried through lullabies.,”
“As the people of Gau, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, and BirdLife come together to protect the Fiji Petrel, they are not only restoring a vital connection with their heritage, but also strengthening the resilience of the island’s land, sea, and life itself.”
