Wildlife

Seabird Bycatch in Gillnet Fisheries

Gillnet fisheries cause significant seabird and diving bird bycatch. Illuminated net technology and time-area closures reduce mortality while maintaining fishing productivity.

Key Facts

Gillnets are responsible for an estimated 400,000 seabird deaths annually across North Atlantic and Pacific fisheries
Common murres, loons, and grebes are among the most vulnerable species to gillnet entanglement
Illuminating nets with green LED lights reduces seabird bycatch by over 85% in tested fisheries
Time-area closures during peak diving bird aggregation reduce bycatch without requiring gear modification

Welfare Considerations

Gillnet seabird bycatch causes individual welfare harm through drowning in submerged nets and represents a significant mortality source for diving bird populations. Illuminated net technology represents one of the most promising recent advances in bycatch reduction because it reduces mortality dramatically without significantly affecting target fish catch rates. The welfare and conservation case for LED net illumination is strong and the technology cost is modest.

What You Can Do

Support certification schemes that require bycatch reduction measures for gillnet fisheries
Advocate for LED net illumination requirements in gillnet fisheries operating in high diving bird areas
Choose seafood from gillnet fisheries with certified bycatch monitoring and reduction programs
Donate to organizations promoting bycatch reduction technology adoption in gillnet fishing communities