South Sandwich Islands Marine North (47227)
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, Antarctica
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, A1d, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2020
National site name: South Sandwich Islands Marine North
Central coordinates: Latitude: -57.0241, Longitude: -26.9552
System: marine
Area of KBA (km2): 32441.01477
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: 3 species trigger marine IBA criteria at this site: Chinstrap Penguin (LC), 41.67% of global population; Adélie Penguin (LC), 1.41% global pop; Macaroni Penguin (VU), 1.52% global pop (best available data as of 2018). The site is a key foraging area for these species during their breeding period (austral summer), where they likely feed on Antarctic Krill. The islands also hold important populations of Gentoo Penguin (LC), Cape Petrel (LC), Southern Giant Petrel (LC), Snow Petrel (LC), Southern Fulmar (LC), and Brown Skua (LC), which are likely to be using this site.Brief description of the site (Key colonies, geography, main habitats). The site is comprised of inter-connected coastal buffers which extend outward from each of the islands, and covers the near-shore marine environment. These islands from north to south include: Zavodovski, Visokoi, Candlemas, Vindication, and Saunders Islands. The site sits within the EEZ of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and FAO region 48 (Atlantic, Antarctic). It is managed as part of the territorial waters of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Government. The site is well managed and adequate conservation measures are in place for the species considered. Detailed management information and ongoing recommendations are available via http://www.gov.gs/. A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (Islas Georgias del Sur y Islas Sandwich del Sur) and the surrounding maritime areas.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: 3 species trigger marine IBA criteria at this site: Chinstrap Penguin (LC), 41.67% of global population; Adélie Penguin (LC), 1.41% global pop; Macaroni Penguin (VU), 1.52% global pop (best available data as of 2018).
Additional biodiversity: The islands also hold important populations of Gentoo Penguin (LC), Cape Petrel (LC), Southern Giant Petrel (LC), Snow Petrel (LC), Southern Fulmar (LC), and Brown Skua (LC), which are likely to be using this site.
Delineation rationale: This site was identified using the 'foraging radius to marine IBA' approach for Chinstrap Penguin from Zavodovski, Visokoi, Candlemas, Vindication, and Saunders Islands (South Sandwich Islands). This method involves extending a buffer around the colony based on known distribution of the species from other colonies. This methodology is only applied to short ranging species as it would be inappropriate for species which use vast areas of ocean (For example, Wandering Albatrosses)
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Unknown |