Marine & Aquatic

Marine: Seabird Bycatch in Longline Fisheries

Seabirds are attracted to longline fishing gear and become hooked and drowned, with albatrosses and petrels particularly vulnerable globally.

Key Facts

An estimated 300,000 seabirds die as bycatch in longline fisheries annually
Albatrosses are most affected - 15 of 22 species are globally threatened
Birds dive for bait as lines are set and are pulled underwater and drowned
Night setting, weighted lines and bird scarers significantly reduce bycatch
Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels coordinates global action

Welfare Considerations

Drowning is a severe welfare harm - seabirds hooked and pulled under water during line setting experience panic, struggling and ultimately asphyxiation. Mitigation measures are known and effective but not universally adopted. Consumer pressure and fisheries certification can drive adoption.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood from certified fisheries using seabird bycatch mitigation
Support RSPB campaign for seabird-safe fishing to be required in fisheries agreements
Donate to BirdLife International seabird bycatch reduction programmes
Advocate for adoption of international best practice bycatch mitigation globally