Marine Animals

Seabird Bycatch and Longline Fishing

Longline fishing causes the deaths of hundreds of thousands of seabirds annually when birds dive for baited hooks, with welfare impacts for species including albatrosses and petrels.

Key Facts

An estimated 100,000+ seabirds die annually as bycatch on longlines
Albatrosses are among the most affected species, many of which are critically endangered
Bird-scaring lines, blue-dyed bait, and night setting are effective mitigation measures
ACAP (Agreement on Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels) coordinates global response
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing magnifies the bycatch toll

Welfare Considerations

Seabirds that strike longlines drown slowly in their attempts to retrieve bait, suffering a prolonged death. The scale of this welfare and conservation impact requires urgent adoption of available mitigation technologies. Consumer choices and certification can drive adoption of seabird-safe practices.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood certified as seabird-safe by the Marine Stewardship Council
Support ACAP and organisations working on seabird bycatch reduction
Advocate for mandatory seabird mitigation measures on all longline vessels
Donate to seabird conservation organisations
Learn which seafood types are associated with seabird bycatch risk