South Georgia Outer Marine (47229)
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, Antarctica
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1b, A1c, A1d, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2020
National site name: South Georgia Outer Marine
Central coordinates: Latitude: -52.2505, Longitude: -38.6782
System: marine
Area of KBA (km2): 170768.4548
Protected area coverage (%): 98.99
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: 6 species trigger KBA criteria at this site: Grey-headed Albatross (EN), 1.2-2.0% global pop; Wandering Albatross (VU), 4.6-6.1% global pop; Northern Giant Petrel (LC), 1.2% global pop; White-chinned Petrel (VU), 0.16-0.36% global pop; King Penguin (LC), 1.1-1.4% global pop; Macaroni Penguin (VU), 0.09-0.41% global pop (best available data as of 2018). The site is comprised of several component layers, derived from species which breed throughout the South Georgia Archipelago. Primarily though, the breeding sites from which component layers were derived are situated in the north-west and along the northern coastline of South Georgia. The component layers comprise core pelagic areas used by the species. 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: 6 species trigger KBA criteria at this site: Grey-headed Albatross (EN), 1.2-2.0% global pop; Wandering Albatross (VU), 4.6-6.1% global pop; Northern Giant Petrel (LC), 1.2% global pop; White-chinned Petrel (VU), 0.16-0.36% global pop; King Penguin (LC), 1.1-1.4% global pop; Macaroni Penguin (VU), 0.09-0.41% global pop (best available data as of 2018).
Delineation rationale: This site was identified using 1) the 'tracking data to marine IBA' approach for Grey-headed Albatross, Wandering Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, King Penguin, Macaroni Penguin from South Georgia (This method involves determining the distribution of species by tracking their movement via satellite tags. The animal tracks which are obtained are then assessed for whether or not they represent the sampled population. Finally, a core area which can be assessed against the KBA criteria is identified.).
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Unknown |