This Laysan Albatross chick is showing signs of droopwing. Photo: Dr Myra Finkelstein

The poison source is a decaying military base on Midway Atoll in the north-western Hawaiian Islands, which contains lead-based paints. Toxic lead-paint chips are eaten by albatross chicks, causing nerve damage. This lead contamination also poses a threat to other Midway wildlife, including the highly endangered Laysan Duck and 17 other species of seabirds.

A new study published in the journal Animal Conservation found that lead poisoning is killing up to 10,000 chicks per year on Midway, affecting the long-term survival of the Laysan Albatross. As many as 130,000 Laysan Albatross chicks may have died since jurisdiction of Midway was transferred from the Navy to the Department of the Interior (DOI) in 1996.

Many poisoned chicks develop nervous system damage called ‘droopwing’ that leaves them unable to lift their wings, which drag on the ground and become susceptible to open sores and fractures, leading to slow and painful death.

“For too long the Fish and Wildlife Service has stood by while thousands of albatross chicks die needlessly every year,” said Shaye Wolf, a Center biologist. “If they don’t take action to stop this problem, we will.

Leading US bird conservation group, American Bird Conservancy, and two Hawaiian groups – the Conservation Council for Hawai'i and Hawai'i Audubon Society, have renewed calls to Congress to provide funding to clean up the contaminated buildings.

“Curious Albatross chicks are ingesting the lead-based paint chips, which causes a variety of painful ailments and ultimately, a slow death,” said Dr. Jessica Hardesty Norris, Seabird Program Director for ABC.

Dr Myra Finkelstein of the University of California-Santa Cruz and co-authors, including scientists and managers from the US Geological Survey and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, concluded that by 2060, there may be as many as 190,000 fewer albatrosses due to lead poisoning, while by contrast, removing lead-based paint now could increase the population by up to 360,000 by 2060.

The DOI estimates that $5.6 million is needed to clean up the toxic lead paint on Midway Atoll. Despite this seemingly high price tag, it equates to just $56 for every bird saved over the next ten years.
 

Albatross with 'droopwing'. Video: Dr Myra Finkelstein