This December not only marks the 112th Christmas Bird Count (CBC)—the longest-running wildlife census contributing to the health of bird populations—but the launch of Diana Doyle’s Seabird Count (SeaBC). In an effort to garner information on pelagic birds (those that spend their lives at sea), Doyle is reaching out to the cruising community and asking boaters to share their offshore sightings.

Doyle, who writes the Managing the Waterway cruising guide and charting series with her husband Mark, recognizes the challenges of counting and tracking seabirds and is convinced reports from boaters will shed light on numbers, distribution and ocean migration routes of pelagic birds. “The cruising community is tuned into the environment, interested in the marine world and explores less-traveled areas,” says Doyle.

Even the most inexperienced bird-watchers can contribute by visiting the organization’s Facebook page and printing out an official SeaBC Information and Tally Sheet. Participants can also access field guides and mobile apps and share sightings, photos and birding hot-spots. In addition to contributions from individual boaters, three long-distance rallies (ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, Baja Ha-Ha and Caribbean 1500) have signed on to participate in SeaBC, involving participants from 520 boats.

According to Doyle, “There's been extraordinary interest in the SeaBC because there are so many ways to participate. From day sails to winter charters, or even from a cruise ship, the event is available all year for sailors to report their sightings.”

For more information on SeaBC, click here.