Marine Wildlife

Seabird Bycatch in Longline Fisheries: A Solvable Crisis

Longline fishing kills an estimated 300,000 seabirds annually including albatrosses and petrels, making it one of the primary drivers of seabird population decline globally.

Key Facts

Over 300,000 seabirds are killed annually in longline fisheries globally
18 of 22 albatross species are threatened, largely due to longline bycatch
Night setting, thawed rather than frozen bait, and bird-scaring lines reduce bycatch by over 90%
Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels coordinates international mitigation efforts
Consumer demand for certified sustainable tuna and toothfish is driving adoption of bird-safe practices

Welfare Considerations

Seabirds hooked on longlines typically drown after being dragged underwater by sinking gear. The distress and suffering of drowning, combined with the often-prolonged time from hooking to death, represents a significant welfare harm for highly intelligent, long-lived birds with complex social lives. The good news is that effective mitigation measures exist and are being increasingly adopted.

What You Can Do

Choose tuna and toothfish certified by Bird-Smart or Marine Stewardship Council standards
Support ACAP and BirdLife International seabird bycatch reduction campaigns
Advocate for mandatory seabird mitigation in all longline fishery licensing
Donate to organizations working on seabird conservation and bycatch reduction
Engage with seafood retailers about their sourcing policies for longline-caught species