Notes on the distribution of the Spectacled Petrel Procellaria conspicillata in the South Atlantic Ocean

At least 30 Spectacled Petrels Procellaria conspicillata were observed during systematic seabird surveys between Walvisbaai (Namibia) and Cape Town (South Africa) in February 2000. Because the pelagic distribution of this rare seabird species is only poorly understood, a description is provided of all sightings. Contrary to most Spectacled Petrels seen away from the breeding grounds elsewhere in the South Atlantic, there were no indications that these (non-breeding) birds heavily relied on commercial fisheries, but these birds are potentially at risk for substantial tuna longline fisheries in this area.