Marine Wildlife

Marine Wildlife: Seabird Entanglement in Fishing Gear

Seabird entanglement in longlines, gill nets, and other fishing gear causes significant mortality and welfare harm across multiple species globally.

Key Facts

An estimated 160,000-320,000 seabirds die in fishing gear annually worldwide
Albatrosses and petrels are most vulnerable to longline fishing as they attack baited hooks
Gannets and auks are vulnerable to entanglement in gill nets set at depth
Seabird bycatch mitigation including bird-scaring lines and night setting have reduced some longline bycatch
UK fishing fleets are required to use bycatch mitigation measures in seabird-sensitive areas

Welfare Considerations

Seabird entanglement causes drowning or impalement through hooks that are prolonged and distressing. The scale of global seabird bycatch represents mass welfare harm that is partially preventable through proven mitigation measures. Adoption of bird-scaring lines, weighted longlines that sink quickly, and night setting in high-risk areas reduces bycatch while maintaining fishing efficiency.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory seabird bycatch mitigation requirements in all longline and gill net fisheries
Choose seafood from fisheries certified as seabird-safe
Advocate for enforcement of bycatch mitigation requirements
Support RSPB campaigns for seabird bycatch reduction
Learn which seafood products carry the highest seabird bycatch risk