The intra-site and inter-annual consistency in preferred foraging locations observed in Stewart Island penguins reveal that implementation of marine protection may be effective in eliminating fisheries-related mortality and reduce the risk of local extinction. Results here show that foraging locations at one site cannot be used to assess habitat use by penguins at other sites. Penguins from each site showed significant differences in their preferred habitat use and were consistent between trips and years. We use GPS-TDR loggers attached to adult breeding penguins from three sites across Stewart Island to track their at-sea activity, diving behaviour, and investigate the degree of foraging plasticity displayed across this range. Penguins breeding on Stewart Island have no protection, leaving them vulnerable to capture and drowning in gillnets. Mortality mitigation measures exist for penguins breeding on South Island, with a four nautical mile gillnet exclusion zone in place. Fisheries-related bycatch, particularly in gillnets, has been identified as a significant contributor to the species’ decline. Population monitoring suggests yellow-eyed penguins are tracking below even the most pessimistic scenario modelled, indicating stressors may not be accurately quantified or underestimated. 72% since 2008/09 within its mainland range. The yellow-eyed penguin ( Megadyptes antipodes) is endemic to New Zealand and has declined c.
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