Marine Animals

Wild Seabird Plastic Entanglement

Seabirds become entangled in fishing line, plastic rings, and marine debris, causing injury and drowning mortality.

Key Facts

Entanglement in lost fishing gear is a major seabird mortality cause
Plastic ring carriers and packing bands entangle gannets and cormorants
Ghost gear accounts for a significant proportion of seabird bycatch
Cut fishing line and pack out all plastic from coastal environments

Welfare Considerations

Entangled seabirds suffer restriction of movement, gradual strangulation as the entanglement tightens over time, and eventual drowning or starvation. The distress of entanglement is prolonged and the mechanism of death often slow.

What You Can Do

Cut and pack out all fishing line from coastal environments
Choose fishing tackle that minimizes the risk of line becoming lost gear
Support ghost gear removal programs in seabird colonies
Advocate for mandatory fishing gear reporting to track ghost gear