FULL PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS

Read the following before developing your full proposal

All proposals submitted to the fund must have as their main purpose the conservation and/or management of marine and coastal biodiversity and/or ecosystem based adaptation to climate change in the Seychelles.

Refer to the Call for Proposals to see the priorities for funding in the current round of SeyCCAT grants. Do not submit a proposal that falls outside of these identified priorities.

Do not include activities or costs that are defined as ineligible by SeyCCAT.

Proposals must be compliant with Environmental and Social Safeguards applied by SeyCCAT. Please pay particular attention to the Exclusions List.

Refer to the SeyCCAT website for information on the above: www.seyccat.org

In the event of specific questions, contact the SeyCCAT Secretariat.

In preparing your full proposal

Be clear and concise; stick to the page limit (10 pages maximum).

The budget must be based on real costs (except for subsistence costs and indirect costs). It is, therefore, in the applicant’s interest to provide a realistic and cost-effective budget.

The full proposal should be provided in Font Times New Roman size 11 characters, single spacing.

SeyCCATSEYCHELLES’ CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION TRUSTOceangate House, Room 109, Flamboyant Avenue, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles. www.seyccat.org // info@seyccat.org // +248 432 5806

SeyCCAT Project Full Proposal

PART 1. NARRATIVE (Maximum 10 pages)

A. COVER PAGE

Title Ref: BGF2/L/N11 “Abundance, habitat selection and movements at sea of the Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) as informative tools for conservation management within the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan”.

SeyCCAT Strategic Objective – as listed in the Request for Proposals

Strategic Objective 1: Support new and existing marine and coastal protected areas and sustainable use zones.

How can Seychelles deliver on its commitment to secure existing and new marine protected areas (MPAs)? SeyCCAT’s investments are committed to deliver on this key challenge. For this objective, we intend to support projects that relate to MPAs that are - or could be - classified as High Biodiversity or Medium Biodiversity Zones.

Name, contact details and status of lead applicant organisation / individual

Organization: Island Conservation Society (ICS). Contact details:Name: Pierre-André AdamAddress: Pointe Larue, PO Box 775, Mahé, SeychellesTel. number: +248 4375354Email: science@ics.scDate of formation: ICS is a Seychelles NGO registered on the 10th April 2001 under the Seychelles Association Act.

Partner organizations (include country if not based in Seychelles)

Farquhar FoundationIsland Biodiversity & Conservation Centre - University of Seychelles (IBC-UniSey)Islands Development Company (IDC)Alphonse Island Lodge (AIL)Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change (MEECC)

Project location Seychelles Outer Islands: Farquhar Atoll and Alphonse Group (St Francois)

Duration – start and end dates

24 months – From the 1st February 2019 to the 31st January 2021.

Total budget requested

SCR 1,000,000

Indicative co-financing

Island Biodiversity & Conservation Centre (IBC), University of Seychelles – SCR131,500 (in-kind)Islands Development Company (IDC) – SCR203,000 (in-kind)Alphonse Island Lodge (AIL) – SCR86,000 (in-kind)Island Conservation Society (ICS) – SCR303,200 (in-kind)

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B. SUMMARY (max 1 page)One of the main actions within the Seychelles Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) decision-making process is the identification of marine protected areas (MPAs). Such areas must be of proven importance for marine wildlife therefore research on different taxonomic groups need to be undertaken in order to inform decisions. To tackle this problem, researchers should also focus on marine predators. Top predators are indeed good indicators of ecosystem health (Butchart et al. 2004, BirdLife 2015) and making actions to preserve their populations will have a positive impact on the whole ecosystem. Seabirds are top predators of the marine ecosystem and increasing evidence acknowledges that threats at sea could lead to major declines (Furness 2002, Croxall et al. 2012). Therefore, identifying seabird foraging areas and habitat preferences at sea, as well as abundance and trends in the colonies, has become a main focus for research and conservation (Lewison et al. 2012) and is fundamental evidence to inform the MPAs identification process within the MSP (Le Corre et al. 2012).

Such studies on seabirds should be carried out on islands hosting important colonies (or roosts) that have already been identified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs, Rocamora & Skerrett 2001). Such colonies can also provide the perfect location for foraging and at-sea habitat selection studies, using telemetry methods. The Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is vast and in its most remote locations there is little data on marine wildlife and no data on seabird population foraging ecology. Therefore, for this study, a remote IBA has been identified for the data collection: Farquhar Atoll. This study will also benefit from data from a separate ongoing project at St. François Atoll (Alphonse Group). The presence of ICS and IDC on such locations is fundamental to have scientific and logistical support. The Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) was chosen as the study species as it breeds/roosts in large numbers at the two main study sites, and tracking studies have already been started on this species at St François, that holds its largest known roost in the western Indian Ocean (Noguès & Rocamora, 2017). It can easily be fitted with telemetry devices. Moreover, recent population estimations are lacking in Seychelles and there is no information about its movements and habitat selection at sea.

The main objectives of this project are to provide population size estimates, geographical distribution and trends for two of the main (and fast growing) concentrations (breeding colonies or roosts) of the Red-footed Booby (RFB) in Seychelles, and to identify the foraging areas exploited by this species and its habitat selection at sea around Farquhar. Both achievements will be essential information for the identification and management of MPAs within the MSP. The conservation status of the RFB (and of other seabird species with the same environmental requirements) will be assessed and considerably improved.

The main activities include: (i) RFB census on Farquhar Atoll using standard census techniques; (ii) tracking RFB using GPS devices during the breeding season on Farquhar; (iii) non-breeding RFB counts on St. François Atoll and (iv) capacity building and dissemination of results. The main outputs will be: (i) RFB population estimates and trends on Farquhar and St Francois; (ii) reports and spatial data on most important foraging areas for RFB around Farquhar; (iii) training of ICS staff working on the two sites; (iv) international and local dissemination of results. The overall outcomes of the project are to build capacity locally, improve the knowledge on the RFB and identify Important Bird Areas at sea that can inform the identification of MPAs. The project objectives are in line with the Seychelles National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Nevill et al. 2014).

Marine ecosystem conservation will benefit from this project together with local NGOs and possibly UniSey students. Moreover, this project will be an important part of the international efforts to identify MPAs and IBAs in the Western Indian Ocean (Le Corre et al. 2012) and it will build on local ongoing projects such as the GoS-UNDP-GEF Outer Islands Project. The project will commence in February 2019 and conclude in January 2021. The first year will focus mainly on the fieldwork and staff training while the second year on data analysis and writing up of scientific and communication material. A symposium

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at UniSey will be organized at the end of the project for stakeholders and the public in order to disseminate results. During the course of 2020 the data will be made available to the MSP team and will be invaluable to the new Ocean’s Authority that will be setup with the mandate to oversee/coordinate actions related to the implementation of the MSP in due course.

C. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND AND CAPACITY

The Island Conservation Society (ICS) is a Seychelles established in April 2001. Its goal is to ‘promote the conservation and restoration of island ecosystems, sustainable development of islands, and awareness of their vulnerability and vital importance to the planet’s biodiversity’. ICS’s board is composed of 10 members of which 5 compose the Council. Council positions include Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and two Conservation Scientists. ICS employs 25 staff across head office and Conservation Centers on 5 islands. ICS assesses conservation achievements against agreed targets on annual basis, which are outlined in annual work programs and associated budgets. ICS also seeks project funding from external sources for projects agreed by all parties. ICS works in close collaboration with different partners, such as Islands Development Company (IDC), Alphonse Island Lodge (AIL), Desroches Island Development Limited (DIDL), Desroches Island Four Seasons Resort, WiseOceans, FlyCastaway, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) and Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (MEECC). ICS is member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and contributor to the NBSAP. ICS objectives are in line with the Island Foundations managing the conservation programs involved in this project namely Farquhar and Alphonse Foundations. Both Foundations have endorsed this project, as it will complement their conservation objectives.

ICS partners taking part to this project are described as follows:Island Biodiversity & Conservation Centre (IBC): ICS will be working in partnership with IBC of the

University of Seychelles (IBC-UniSey) for this project. It is part of the Research Unit of UniSey, it was declared as an NGO associated to the University of Seychelles on 15 th December 2014. Its goal is ‘to promote scientific studies, ecological research and conservation programmes on island biodiversity, the publication and dissemination of results, and the development of university curricula and local capacity in Seychelles and beyond’. The UniSey IBC centre has a dozen members affiliated to both UniSey and foreign research institutions, three of which form its Management Committee. It has several employees and benefits from administrative, financial and logistic support from the University of Seychelles. It has contributed to 15 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and produced a technical book published by Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle. This include publications on seabirds and tracking studies, and the description of several new plant species to science. It organises regularly scientific symposiums at UniSey and participates to scientific international conferences. It brings to this project key technical knowledge and expertise on seabird biology and research in Seychelles, project design and management, and a link to UniSey students from the BSc on Environmental Sciences to which it actively takes part.

Farquhar Foundation (FF ): a registered society created on the 5th September 2008. The FF aims to promote the conservation, rehabilitation and enhancement of Farquhar atoll (including all islands, the lagoons and the surrounding reefs) to be the finest restored tropical atoll ecosystems in the world in harmony with sustainable low impact human development and eco-tourism. The Farquhar Board of Trustees is formed by 6 Trustees nominated as follows: 2 by ICS, 1 by the tourism investor (currently vacant), 1 by IDC and 1 by the MEECC. Positions include the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

Islands Development Company (IDC): a parastatal company registered in April 1980, has been entrusted with the management and development of the outer islands owned by the Government of Seychelles. IDC is committed to ensure that development activities are done in a sustainable manner and to continuously support environmental conservation and protection of species and ecosystems of the outer islands of the Seychelles. IDC employs over 1000 employees between head office and the

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islands. It is the company that manages both Farquhar Atoll and Alphone Island in collaboration with ICS, its environmental advisor.

Alphonse Island Lodge (AIL): is a private limited corporation that operates the one tourist resort in the Alphonse Group and fly-fishing tourism in the Cosmoledo Atoll. Since 2013 on Alphonse and 2016 on Cosmoledo, AIL is responsible for ecotourism and recreational fly-fishing activities, and has increased guest numbers while working to minimize the environmental impact of any changes in line with government policy. AIL contributes funds to the Alphonse Foundation to support the Conservation Programs implemented and managed by ICS. AIL employs a total of 101 staff including the fly-fishing guides.

Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change (MEECC): is charged with ensuring the constitutional right of every person to live in and enjoy a clean, healthy and ecologically balanced environment, the provision of a reliable, affordable and safe water and energy supply and build resilience against climate change and disasters. The MEEC is committed to: i) take measures to promote the protection, preservation and improvement of the environment, and ii) contribute towards the sustainable socio-economic development of Seychelles through a judicious use and management of its resources. MEECC is involved in this project being an important member of the Island Foundations.

See details of past and current projects relevant to the proposal in Attachment 3.1.

D. PROJECT OUTCOME, OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

Background and Rationale of the projectSeychelles was recently called to secure existing and declare new marine protected areas (MPAs) within the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) decision-making process started in 2014 and ending in 2020. The MSP is in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which addresses Seychelles’ obligations under Article 6a of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and aims to re-aligns its content to the CBD’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets (Nevill et al. 2014). In particular, Seychelles has committed to protect up to 30% of marine habitat in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, about 400,000 Km2, of which 15% is to be a strict no take zone). Within this area, High or Medium Biodiversity Zones have to be identified at sea in order to be potential candidates to become Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and thus be properly protected under the law. At the beginning of this process, only 1% of the EEZ was protected and Project 1 within the NBSAP clearly acknowledges the gaps in knowledge regarding the Seychelles marine biodiversity, its occurrence and distribution (Nevill et al. 2014).

The MSP is an integrated, multi-sector approach and it receives input from all major sectors including biodiversity conservation; it has, among others, the objectives to address these gaps. Therefore, research, spatial data, economic information and local knowledge are being used to propose zones for biodiversity protection and multiple uses. The marine ecosystem is extremely diversified, and in order to achieve the identification of High or Medium Biodiversity Zones, spatial data and marine habitat use of many marine taxonomic groups should be gathered to help bridge this knowledge gap.

In many studies, seabirds have been identified as an important component of the marine ecosystem and, being top predators, they have been often used to identify important high biodiversity zones at sea and as indicators of the marine ecosystem health (Butchart et al. 2004, Le Corre et al. 2012). Therefore, data on seabirds’ breeding distribution/numbers and spatial data on their habitat selection/distribution at sea should be considered to identify High or Medium Biodiversity Zones within the MSP.

Problem StatementThe Seychelles EEZ is vast, and scientific research is particularly lacking in its remote locations, making off shore MPAs difficult to identify. This lack of data was partially addressed by the GoS-UNDP-GEF Outer Island Project (OIP). However, information has been gathered mainly on seabird colonies for 4

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sites, thus they remain not updated for most of the Seychelles outer islands. Furthermore, spatial data on habitat selection and distribution at sea for seabirds breeding in Seychelles islands and how they exploit the surrounding ocean for food are extremely lacking as very few telemetry studies have been carried out in the country. Therefore, there is the need of identifying the areas exploited by seabirds, their characteristic and their change in time in order to inform the MSP on the best areas to be declared MPAs. Such data should be collected in locations where large numbers of breeding/roosting seabirds exist.

Rationale on locations and species selection and interest of developing a partnership with others organizationsThis project will allow the collection of data on seabirds breeding in remote locations where data on abundance, distribution and habitat selection/distribution at sea are still lacking. Locations with such characteristics were identified at Farquhar and St. François (Alphonse Group) Atolls. These locations were also selected because they already host an ICS Conservation Centre. The presence of permanent ICS staff is particularly important as it will aid in collecting the sufficient amount of data for this project and to continue long term monitoring of seabirds on these islands.

The RFB has been selected mainly for its wide breeding range across the Seychelles outer islands and for its presence as breeder on Farquhar and as non-breeder on one St Francois respectively. In addition, being a species quite tolerant to disturbance and handling, and, having a high body-mass compared with other species breeding in the same locations, telemetry studies on the RFB result to be less impactful on the individuals wearing the devices. From lessons learnt from this project it will be easier to replicate similar studies on other islands hosting populations of boobies and terns, such as Cosmoledo.

IDC manages almost all the outer islands, including the study sites, it organizes transportation, accommodation and food supply for the islands. This makes IDC an indispensable partner for the accomplishment of this project. The presence of ICS Conservation Centres is also extremely valuable as it provides conservation staff already present on the study sites. This allows the project to minimize costs and risks as the assistance required on site will be provided in-kind by these organisations. If there are no ICS staff on site the telemetry and census work might be compromised; therefore, this is an essential component to project success. The ICS staff on the islands will receive a special field training on seabirds’ census, GPS deployment, and first steps of data visualization on site. The partnership with the IBC-UniSey will enhance the scientific value of the project and will allow dissemination of results both locally and internationally. Students from UniSey will be lectured on seabird telemetry during a symposium that will also be opened to other stakeholders, NGOs and environmental/research partners (SFA, IRD, MEECC, private islands etc.). All reports and scientific papers produced will feature authors from both , ICS & UniSey-IBC affiliations.

ObjectivesThe overall objective of this project is to collect data on abundance, distribution and habitat selection at sea of the RFB breeding on Farquhar Atoll and non-breeding RFB at St Francois. These objectives are in line with the NBSAP objectives 1.3, 3.1 and 5.3 (Nevill et al. 2014). These data will provide important information for the identification of MPAs and marine IBAs to be incorporated into the Seychelles MSP. In particular, over the duration of 2 years, the objectives of this project are:

1. Produce accurate population estimates and geographical distribution in the number of breeding pairs of RFB on Farquhar Atoll and the number of non-breeding birds (roosts) at St François and assess their trends.

2. Identify the areas at sea important for the RFB around Farquhar Atoll by deploying GPS devices on birds nesting on this island and tracking their movements.

3. Estimate the number of non-breeding birds on St. François Atoll (Alphonse Group) to assess annual peaks and ratios between adults, sub-adults and juveniles.

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4. Build capacity via field and theoretical training for ICS staff or UniSey students on seabird census, GPS device deployment and data analysis.

5. Raise public and scientific awareness by disseminating the results nationally and internationally through a symposium and at an international conference respectively.

6. Collect and share robust and scientifically sound data in order to influence decision making through the MSP process.

Specific ActivitiesThe objectives of the project will be achieved by carrying out censuses of RFB on Farquhar Atoll and non-breeding RFB counts on St. François. Telemetry devices such as GPS loggers, will be deployed on RFB birds breeding on Farquhar in order to identify foraging areas at sea. During both activities ICS staff will be trained (see below for details).

Expected ResultsThe GPS loggers deployed on breeding RFB on Farquhar will give important insights on where the birds forage during the breeding season and which marine habitat features are selected by the species. The censuses of the breeding populations of RFB on Farquhar and non-breeding populations on St Francois will be compared to previous estimates to detect population trends. The training provided to ICS staff will contribute to build capacity within the Seychelles and make the work replicable in the future by ICS and UniSey.

Outcomes and Specific OutputsThe results obtained will be essential information for the identification and management of MPAs within the Seychelles MSP and to address specific objectives of the NBSAP. As a consequence, the conservation status of the RFB and of other seabird species with the same environmental requirements nesting in the area) will be improved. The specific outputs of this project are the following:

1. One scientific report on the abundance, distribution, trends of the RFB on Farquhar Atoll and St Francois and movements/habitat selection at sea around Farquhar. This will include spatial data (shape files and maps) to be used to identify MPAs within the Seychelles MSP.

2. One scientific paper submitted to a peer reviewed international journal3. A local seabird symposium organised at UniSey and presentation of results to at an international

seabird conference to disseminate the results both nationally and internationally.4. Quarterly technical reports produced by the seabird biologist in order to keep track of project

progress.5. Media and local newspapers articles produced in collaboration with the ICS Communication

Officer & IBC-UniSey. At least two articles per year and one media update posted quarterly via social media/ ICS & UniSey websites/ newspapers.

The main outcomes of the project include:

1. Knowledge on the ecology and biology of RFB in Seychelles increased.2. Capacity of local staff/students built: a minimum of 5 ICS staff members involved in protected

area management will be trained on the field on seabird tracking techniques, colony census and roost count.

3. More information available to identify marine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the Seychelles EEZ and the Western Indian Ocean.

E. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITIES AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

In order to assess the number of breeding pairs of RFB on one of the main outer island colonies (objective 1) a census will be carried out during their breeding season on Farquhar (Red-Footed Booby census). On

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St. François Atoll, at least two annual counts of non-breeding RFB in the roosting site will achieve objective 3 (Non-breeding Red-Footed Booby count). In order to assess foraging areas and habitat selection of RFB at sea (objective 2), GPS devices will be deployed on breeding birds in the main colony of Farquhar (Telemetry on Red-Footed Booby). The deployment of Argos satellite devices on non-breeding sub-adults and adults RFB is currently on going on St. François Atoll and the results will compliment objective 2. To achieve objective 5 ICS local staff will be trained in the field and UniSey students at the University. To obtain maximum dissemination of our results a symposium will be organized at UniSey for stakeholders. Media and newspaper articles will be produced and the seabird biologist will attend an international seabird conference (Capacity Building and Communication). A seabird biologist identified by ICS upon project acceptance will carry out these activities. A Technical Advisor from IBC-UniSey will also contribute to some of the fieldwork and to the scientific outcomes. Logistically, these activities will be made possible by IDC on Farquhar and by AIL on Alphonse (St. François). IDC and AIL will provide transportation and facilities for the seabird biologist on the respective main islands and ICS will provide field support with two ICS staff assisting the seabird biologist and transportation to the islands where the colonies are located (South Island at Farquhar Atoll and St. François at Alphonse).

METHODOLOGYRed-Footed Booby census The RFB census will be carried out on Farquhar using circular plots and/or direct count depending on the density and on the different habitat used by the breeding birds. These parameters will be assessed in situ by the seabird biologist in order to obtain an accurate and precise number of breeding pairs. The census protocol written during the GoS-UNDP-GEF Outer Islands Project by Bristol et al. (2017) will be used as baseline method and it will be implemented following Burger & Lawrence (2000), Bibby et. al. (2012) or other literature if necessary. Knowing the RFB trend and population size in Seychelles, and where the main colonies are located, will serve to confirm the proposed or add new protected areas within the MSP.

Non-breeding Red-Footed Booby countThe number of non-breeding birds roosting on St. François Atoll will be assessed following the protocol by Nogués and Rocamora (2017). Density counts will be conducted using 60-70 randomly selected circular plots (e.g. radius of 5.64 m for an area of 100m2) within the boundaries of the roosting site (previously mapped). The age composition (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) will also be determined within each plot. The plots will be surveyed at night when most of the birds are roosting. Knowing the amount of RFB in one of the largest roosting sites in Seychelles will serve to confirm the proposed or add new proposed MPAs within the MSP.

Telemetry on Red-Footed BoobyDevice SelectionDuring the first month of the project (February 2019), the GPS devices will be selected and purchased. The GPS devices will have the following requirements: (i) weight inferior of 20g for RFB considering an additional weight of TESA tape and ring of c.5g for RFB (25g corresponding to about 3% average RFB body mass) to avoid negative impact on birds; (ii) good compromise between battery life and position recording frequency (one device should record at least two days of activity) and (iii) value for money (a minimum of 30 devices should be purchased with the amount budgeted). The GPS model considered in the budget is the NanoFix GPS from Path Track. A base station will also be purchased to be installed in the colony for data to be automatically downloaded in case of adverse transportation or weather conditions preventing us to access the islands when required. However, the telemetry market is evolving and at purchasing time different suppliers will be investigated and the best selected. Devices DeploymentThe GPS will be deployed on a minimum of 30 RFB using TESA Tape on the three central tail feathers (Mendez et. al. 2016). This type of attachment has been proved to have no impact on the birds’ behaviour

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(Weimerskirch et al. 2006). The individuals will be tagged during the chick-rearing phase during the first season to minimize nest abandonment and consequently device loss. The bird will be captured after feeding its chick for device deployment and recaptured when back to the nest after completing at least one foraging trip. From literature, the average GPS logger recovery rate on Red-Footed, Brown and Masked boobies is about 95% (Lewis et al. 2005, Kappes et al. 2011), therefore we expect to retrieve most of the devices after the first season. These may be used again during the incubation phase during the second year. Devices retrieved after the second season will become part of ICS equipment with the possibility of being used over an extended period of time after the project ends.

Data analysis and outcomesThe GPS data of the foraging trips will be analyzed with spatial tools in order to obtain the areas exploited for food by the birds (Density Kernels levels at 50 an 90%, González-Solís 2000). Remote sensing data on environmental variables (such as bathymetry, chlorophyll concentration, sea surface temperature etc.) will be obtained, from specific websites (e.g. https://coastwatch.pfeg.noaa.gov/erddap/index.html and https://neo.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/), for the exploited areas and for the entire study area (Seychelles EEZ) in order to assess the habitat preferences of the RFB in terms of marine habitat. This will be tested using a statistical tool such as spatial Generalized Linear Models and/or Ecological Niche Factorial Analysis (Basille et al. 2008, Blangiardo et al. 2013). This analysis will provide spatial data on the foraging area and habitat selection of the RFB at sea. Such data will be available at the beginning of 2020 and will contribute to identifying marine IBAs and MPAs within the MSP. They will also be used for long-term telemetry studies. A data sharing agreement was signed in 2014 between ICS and MEECC to facilitate data sharing under the MSP umbrella (see Attachment 3.2), to which data derived from this project shall equally be shared for the same purposes. Additionally, a data sharing agreement will be signed between ICS and UniSey-IBC. Collaborations may also be established with other research teams (e.g. Booby tracking research programme of University College of London in the Chagos).

Capacity Building and CommunicationDuring the above-described fieldwork, the seabird biologist will be assisted by at least two ICS staff members based on the respective locations. The Technical Advisor from IBC-UniSey may also participate in some of the fieldwork when logistically feasible. The ICS staff will be trained in seabird counts and census, GPS deployment and data visualization and descriptive analysis. A total of 5 ICS staff will be fully trained by the end of the project making them able to replicate the surveys during the following years. The obtained results will be shared with the local scientific and non-scientific community through a symposium held at the University of Seychelles. The seabird biologist will lead the production of a minimum of one scientific paper with the help of the technical advisor and any other collaborator that may be co-opted by the team: he/she will also attend an international seabird conference in order to inform the scientific community about the results. Newspaper and media articles will be published in local newspapers in order to inform the local and international community of the findings. A minimum of two articles per year will be produced.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Transportation from North to South Island (Farquhar) and from Alphonse to St. François will be done by boat. In order to minimize the risk of accidents, all the IDC health and safety protocols will be followed (see Attachment 3.3a). In case of an accident the IDC emergency rescue procedures will be followed. The ICS staff participating in the fieldwork will already be insured as per their contract (Attachment 3.3b). The seabird biologist and the technical advisor will be insured while visiting the islands. The activities being undertaken are considered to be low risk according to ICS risk assessment report ( see Attachment 3.3c).

TIME SPENT PER EACH ISLAND

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The total working days (seabird biologist + two assistants + technical advisor) of fieldwork required per each site are as following: 190 for Farquhar and 71 for St. François (Alphonse). The details of the allocated time per island/year for each fieldworker, seabird biologist and technical advisor are indicated in the Attachment 3.4. The number of days allocated for the two sites differ because of the different logistics involved and activities to be carried out at different locations. Farquhar requires a significant amount of days in order to carry out the census and deploy the GPS devices. Moreover, at this site transportation by boat is required to reach the booby colony (not possible during bad weather condition). For the fieldwork on St. François (Alphonse) a limited amount of days has been allocated as only the roost counts will need to be carried out on a quarterly basis.PERSONNEL SELECTION If funding is secured, the seabird biologist will be selected following ICS’s formal recruitment procedures i.e. job advertisement and selection of applicants. The Terms-of-Reference (ToR) for the position and technical advisor are described in Attachment 3.5. The technical advisor will be selected internally at IBC-UniSey.

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Project title: Abundance, habitat selection and movements at sea of the Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) as informative tools for conservation management within the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan.

Project start and end dates:Start - February 2019End - January 2021

Project Outcome: Assess the RFB abundance and trends in two of the Seychelles main colonies and roosting sites and locate important foraging areas for the species. Such data will be used to identify MPAs within the Seychelles MSP.Specific Objective No. 1 : Produce accurate population estimates and geographical distribution in the number of breeding pairs of RFB on Farquhar Atoll and the number of non-breeding birds (roosts) at St François and assess their trends.

Activity Responsibility for implementation

Timeline of activityYear 1 Year 2 NotesQ1 Q2 Q3 Q4

1.1 RFB census on Farquhar ICS/IDC  x x1.2 Data Analysis and integrating in the MSP

ICS/IBC x x x

List indicators for each activity: 1.1: Identification and successful recruitment of skilled seabird biologist by ICS, able to carry out the RFB census and present in Seychelles at the beginning of March 2019; Adequate coordination amongst parties in order to bring the seabird biologist on study sites; First year census results available by Q4 technical report. 1.2. Adequate skills for effective management, planning and data analysis; Appropriate expertise and adequate oversight mechanisms set in place; Institutions are effectively led and results from the census activities are properly included in the MSP.Specific Objective No 2 : Identify the areas at sea important for the RFB around Farquhar Atoll by deploying GPS devices on birds nesting on this island and tracking their movements.

2.1 GPS devices selection and purchase

ICS/IBC x

2.2 Devices deployment on RFB -Farquhar

ICS/IDC x

2.3 Data Analysis and integrating in the MSP

ICS/IBC  x  x  x

List indicators for each activity: 2.1: A minimum of 30 devices purchased by mid-February 2019 and available in Seychelles by mid-March 2019. 2.2 Adequate coordination amongst parties in order to bring the seabird biologist on study site; devices deployed on a minimum of 25 individuals (including multiple deployments) by May 2019 and data successfully obtained. First year telemetry results available by Q4 technical report. 2.3 see indicators for Activity 1.2.

Specific Objective No 3 : Estimate the number of non-breeding birds on St. François Atoll (Alphonse Group) to assess annual peaks and ratios between adults, sub-adults and juveniles.

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3.1 Non-breeding RFB count on St. François and data analysis

ICS/AIL x x x x x

List indicators for each activity: 3.1: Identification and successful recruitment of skilled seabird biologist by ICS able to carry out the roosting RFB counts; Adequate coordination amongst parties in order to bring the seabird biologist on study site; Counts included in the quarterly technical reports. Adequate skills for effective management, planning and data analysis; Appropriate expertise and adequate oversight mechanisms set in place; Institutions are effectively led and results from the counts activity are properly included in the MSP.Specific Objective No 4 : Build capacity for ICS staff or UniSey students via field and theoretical training for staff on seabird census, GPS device deployment and data analysis.

4.1 ICS staff training at field sites ICS/IBC x x4.2. Basic seabird tracking workshop available for BSc/MSc students

IBC-UniSey x

List indicators for each activity: 4.1: Five ICS staff successfully trained in seabird census/count techniques, of which two additionally trained in GPS deployment. Pictures and description of the training included in the Q3 technical report.Specific Objective No 5 : Raise public and scientific awareness by disseminating results nationally and internationally.

5.1 Results shared with local scientific and non-scientific community through a symposium organised at UniSey

ICS/IBC x

5.2 Attend and present results at one international conference and produce one scientific paper

ICS/IBC x

5.3 Produce two articles per year and one media update per month (via social media / ICS website / newspapers).

ICS/IBC x x x x x

5.4 Quarterly Technical Progress Report

Seabird Biologist

x x x x x

5.5 Project bi-annual progress report ICS/IBC x x xList indicators for each activity: 5.1 Results successfully shared locally through a symposium organised at the end of year 2; 5.2 One scientific paper successfully submitted to a peer-reviewed journal by the end of the project and one international conference attended by the seabird biologist and results presented; 5.3: Two newspaper articles per year and one media update per month successfully produced through ICS; 5.4. Technical Progress report submitted quarterly; 5.5 Project progress report submitted bi-annually.Specific Objective No 6 : Collect and share robust and scientifically sound data in order to influence decision making through the MSP process.

6.1 Revision of provisory MPAs sites within the MSP based on the project

ICS/IBC/MSP Steering

x

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results through stakeholder meetings Committee and TWGs

List indicators for each activity: 6.1: Results are successfully shared with MSP CommitteesNote: Expand the table rows as appropriate for your project.

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F. RISKS TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Risk/Factors Risk categoryPotential level of impact

Risk mitigation measures

Study sites are impacted by cyclone(s)

Environmental Medium Both Alphonse and Farquhar have been impacted by cyclones in 2006 (Bondo) and 2016 (Fantala) respectively causing ecological and economic damage. The likelihood of a cyclone occurring on Farquhar is greater than Alphonse since lies just outside ‘cyclonic belt’. Since, the 2016 event IDC has re-built cyclone proof facilities on Farquhar. Therefore, project activity implementation in the field may be impacted for a few weeks (at most) during the time of the cyclone but operations may pick up swiftly thereafter.

Some tagged RFBs may abandon the nest or die, and GPS devices are lost.

Environmental Low This is very unlikely to happen given previous telemetry studies on RFB and other booby species where 95% of the devices were recovered (see above). However, if some individuals lose the tag or disappear (about 5% in other studies) the foraging areas will be identified with the data from the rest of the tagged birds.

ICS staff not present on the study sites

Economic Low If ICS staff are absent from the study sites, long term monitoring will not be possible. Farquhar and Alphonse have secured funding therefore the fieldwork can be carried out in these two sites. Annual work plans for the island teams will ensure that there are staff present when the project activities need to be completed.

GPS tags fail to work due to manufacturing fault

Technological Low While selecting the GPS devices, the different models available on the market will be scrutinized to ensure the most reliable logger is purchased.In any case, the agreement of replacing faulty GPS devices will be signed with the supplier. Following this, the supplier will have to send GPS logger replacements that can be deployed at the end of year 1/ beginning of year 2 (the fieldwork schedule will be adapted accordingly).

G. EVALUATION AND INDICATORS

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The seabird biologist will produce quarterly summary progress reports and technical annexes. These progress reports will include progress on GPS logger deployment, amount of GPS data collected, census updates (if any), and any preliminary summary of data obtained. These reports will be reviewed by the ICS Head of Science and Projects, IBC-UniSey Technical Advisor and ICS Science Committee and then circulated to project partners for questions and comments. Following these reports, project updates will be uploaded on the ICS and UniSey websites. Tracking progress at this frequency will allow for adaptation in effort and ensure there is no drift from the desired outcomes. Additionally, bi-annual project progress reports will be produced and submitted to SeyCCAT secretariat.

H. SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICATION

This project has high potential for sustainability and replication. Each study site has an up-to-date management plan, however, not for all species management exists. Data obtained from the project will help update the existing management plans for Farquhar and Alphonse in order to address specific management actions towards the conservation of seabirds. The ICS staff working on the study sites will be trained in seabird census and telemetry techniques, building ICS capacity. Moreover, we expect to recover most of the purchased GPS devices, which will be used for a long-term telemetry study on the islands where ICS is present. The platform already created under the GoS-UNDP-GEF Outer Islands Project and the work conducted under this project forms the basis for the implementation of the larger scale ICS and IBC-UniSey seabird program entitled “Seabird monitoring, research and conservation management program in the outer islands of Seychelles and surrounding marine areas” (Rocamora, 2017) that will be submitted to major funding organizations in 2019. The data collected during this SeyCCAT project can also be shared with other Indian Ocean countries in order to build a common database and locate marine IBAs for the whole Indian Ocean. Results will be shared with local stakeholders, NGOs, associations and UniSey students during a symposium organized at the University of Seychelles.

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