Wild Seabirds and Fishing Longlines

Longline fishing kills over 300,000 seabirds annually as birds diving for bait are hooked and drowned — one of the most significant human-caused mortality sources for seabird populations.

Key Facts

An estimated 300,000-400,000 seabirds are killed by longlines each year
Albatrosses and petrels are most heavily affected — many species are critically endangered
Simple mitigation measures like bird-scaring lines reduce bycatch by over 90%
The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels coordinates international response
Many fishing nations still lack mandatory bird-scaring requirements on longlining vessels

Welfare Considerations

Seabirds hooked on longlines and pulled underwater die by drowning — a slow death over minutes as they struggle to reach the surface while anchored to weighted lines descending to fishing depth. This is a particularly distressing form of mortality for diving seabirds that have evolved powerful survival instincts around remaining at the surface to breathe. The tragedy is compounded by the availability of cheap, effective mitigation measures that many fishing fleets simply choose not to implement.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood from vessels verified to use seabird-safe fishing methods
Support the BirdLife International Save the Albatross campaign
Advocate for mandatory seabird bycatch mitigation measures on all longline vessels
Donate to organizations monitoring seabird bycatch and advocating for fishing reform
Contact fisheries management authorities about strengthening seabird bycatch regulations