A multi-year seabird habitat restoration project was launched by EPIC in St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), focusing on protecting and restoring critical nesting sites on Battowia and the Pillories islands. These islands are vital breeding grounds for several seabird species, some of which have seen population declines due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change.

This initiative is part of EPIC’s long-standing efforts to safeguard Caribbean biodiversity. With 16 years of research and conservation work in the Grenadines archipelago, EPIC has played a key role in advancing seabird conservation through projects like the Grenadines Seabird Conservation Management Plan, the Seabird Breeding Atlas, and the establishment of the Grenadines Seabird Guardians—a dedicated network of community members trained to monitor and protect nesting sites. Building on this foundation, the current project aims to restore degraded seabird nesting areas, strengthen local stewardship, and support both seabird populations and the communities that rely on healthy marine ecosystems for their livelihoods.

Seabirds play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems. As top predators and scavengers, they help regulate fish populations, while their nutrient-rich guano supports coral reefs and coastal vegetation. Their movements also connect marine and terrestrial environments, distributing essential nutrients that sustain biodiversity. As key indicators of ecosystem health, seabirds provide valuable insights into changes in ocean conditions, pollution levels, and the overall stability of marine habitats. However, habitat loss, invasive species, and human disturbances have led to significant population declines. Protecting and restoring seabird colonies is crucial not only for their survival but also for the resilience of the broader marine ecosystem.

A dedicated team of conservationists is leading efforts to:

• Restore nesting habitats by removing invasive species, and ensuring safer breeding areas for seabirds.
• Monitor seabird populations through regular surveys, tracking changes in colony size, breeding success, and potential threats.
• Engage local communities through education and outreach, fostering local stewardship and encouraging conservation practices that protect seabirds and their habitats.

The project is a collaborative effort, with EPIC working alongside the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Forestry Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and local conservation groups.

This project is funded by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration funds, administered by the United States Department of the Interior. These funds support environmental restoration efforts directly related to species impacted by the oil spill and are not sourced from local government or aid agencies.

Conservation efforts are already underway, with the hiring of three new team members and the opening of a new EPIC Grenadines office in Kingstown, St. Vincent. For more information or to get involved email EPICGrenadines@epicislands.org. 

Follow EPIC’s work and support Caribbean conservation by visiting www.epicislands.org

Thank you for your continued support in protecting the Caribbean’s wildlife and natural resources!