“If they disappear from here, they disappear from everywhere.”

The king shag is a rare and iconic seabird found only in the outer Marlborough Sounds. With such a restricted range and small population, this species is particularly vulnerable—just one major disturbance could have lasting consequences for their survival.

Often mistaken for common shags, king shags are larger and far more reserved. Unlike their more social cousins, they steer clear of humans with fishing lines and don’t scavenge from boats.

Breeding takes place during winter, with nests built from sticks and seaweed cemented with guano on steep rocky outcrops. Colonies are located at places like Sentinel Rock, Trio Islands, Duffers Reef, and White Rocks—sites that, though popular with fishers, must be approached with care.

To protect this endangered taonga species, the Marlborough Environment Plan enforces a 100-metre exclusion zone around king shag breeding colonies. “King shags are famously skittish,” says DOC Ranger Dan Palmer. “Loud or close boats can cause them to abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators like gulls.”

“The king shag is the deepest diving bird in our region, capable of reaching depths up to 60 metres,” says Marlborough District Council Principal Coastal Scientist Oliver Wade. “They are incredibly unique, and protecting them means protecting specific breeding and roosting sites.”

La Niña conditions in 2022–23 have taken their toll, with the population dropping 25% since 2021 to just 614 individuals. However, a strong breeding season has offered a glimmer of hope. “We can give king shags a fighting chance just by respectfully sharing the space,” says Palmer. “If they disappear from here, they disappear from everywhere.”

Source:  Department of Conservation and Marlborough District Council