Penguin Breeding: GENTOO PENGUIN: Monitoring of Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) breeding sites by the Environmental Research Unit indicates that the breeding pairs are up by 18% since 1996/97. The estimated Falkland Islands population is now around 80,700 breeding pairs. Breeding success so far looks good (November 1997)

ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN: Monitoring of Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes c. chrysocome) breeding sites by the Environmental Research Unit indicates that breeding pairs are up by 11% since 1996/97. The estimated Falkland Islands population is now around 330,000 breeding pairs. Breeding success so far looks good. (November 1997).

MAGELLANIC PENGUIN: Monitoring of Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) breeding sites by the Environmental Research Unit indicates that breeding pairs are up by 7% since 1996/97. Breeding success so far looks good (November 1997).

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS: Apart from slightly wetter weather conditions than might otherwise be expected, the Falkland Islands do not seem to be suffering any ill-effects from the ENSO 97-98 so far. Seabird populations are healthy, and rearing healthy chicks. So far it looks like being a highly successful year for most seabirds around the Falkland Islands. The Environmental Research Unit begins recording chick-survival rates shortly, and these will be posted on the board in due course (January 1998).-- Mike Bingham <mbingham@horizon.co.fk>