Commercial Fishing Bycatch Suffering and Reduction

Bycatch — the unintended capture of non-target species in commercial fishing — kills billions of animals annually including dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and juvenile fish, causing immense suffering.

Key Facts

Global bycatch is estimated at 38 million tonnes annually, approximately 40% of global marine catch
Sea turtle bycatch in longlines and trawls is a major cause of sea turtle population decline
Dolphin bycatch in tuna fisheries kills an estimated 300,000 cetaceans annually worldwide
Seabird bycatch on longlines kills approximately 300,000 birds annually including albatrosses
Bycatch reduction devices, modified gear, and real-time monitoring can reduce bycatch by 50-90%

Welfare Considerations

Bycatch represents one of the largest sources of preventable animal suffering in the world. Billions of non-target animals are caught, injured, and killed each year in fishing gear designed for other species. Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and seabirds experience drowning, physical trauma, and suffocation. Many are discarded dead or dying. The welfare scale is staggering. Bycatch reduction technology exists and is effective — the primary barriers are economic incentives, regulatory requirements, and monitoring. Consumer pressure and certification programs can accelerate adoption.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood certified by programs with strong bycatch monitoring and reduction requirements
Advocate for bycatch reduction device requirements in commercial fishing regulations
Support organizations working on bycatch reduction technology development
Reduce consumption of high-bycatch fishery products including some shrimp and tuna