Representatives of Audubon California today expressed great disappointment at the decision by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service not to place the Ashy Storm-Petrel under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. 

“Given the rapid decline of the Ashy Storm-Petrel, this decision might have been our last chance to save this seabird from extinction,” said Gary Langham, director of bird conservation for Audubon California. “I truly hope that we don’t back on this moment several years from now and regret our inaction.” (photo by Glen Tepke)

The decision not to list the Ashy Storm-Petrel comes after the Center for Biological Diversity took legal action to compel the Service to make a decision on its petition to list the bird. A decision had been expected by Aug. 12.

The Ashy Storm-Petrel, a smoky gray seabird that spends most of its life out over the ocean, can only be found on the islands off California and in the adjacent waters. It has been placed on the Audubon Watchlist because of severe population declines as well as numerous threats to breeding and foraging habitat.

The number of Ashy Storm-Petrels in the world may be as low as 7,000, which is particularly alarming given that this population is concentrated in such a small geographical area.

“We might be one oil spill away from seeing the end of the Ashy Storm-Petrel,” said Langham. “It is truly one of California’s most interesting birds and we have a special responsibility to protect it.”